Friday Nasiha

Al-Baqarah \r\n (The Cattle)
\r\n Chapter 2: Verses 1-5

Guidance \r\n for Muttakin
\r\n "Alif, Lam, Meem. This is the Book; there is no doubt about it, a \r\n guidance for the God-Fearing. Those who believe in what lies beyond the \r\n reach of human perception, observe Prayer and give of what We bestow upon \r\n them. Those who believe in what has been revealed to you and what was \r\n revealed before you, and are certain of the Hereafter. Those follow their \r\n Lord's guidance, and they shall surely prosper."

The starting verses in Surah Baqarah describe the people \r\n who benefit from the Divine Guidance and those who do not. The surah begins \r\n by declaring its own divine origin and authority: 'Alif Lam Meem. This \r\n is the Book (of Allah), there is no doubt about it' (v 1-2). And the placement \r\n of this proclamation at the very beginning sets the tone for the reader. \r\n Once the reader is able to comprehend the \r\n magnificence of this book, he can now move forward with full reverence, \r\n awe, yearning, and a willingness to understand and to submit. \r\n

To what purpose has this book been revealed? To provide \r\n guidance. Guidance for whom & guidance towards what? To guide the \r\n Muttaqin, those who have Taqwa (i.e. possess the quality of piety, God-consciousness, \r\n righteous living). It is also meant to \r\n guide the seekers who strive to become Muttaqin. It would \r\n be prudent to remind oneself at this point that the the scope of developing \r\n Taqwa is endless. 'Those who are willing to be guided, He advances them \r\n in guidance, and in their Taqwa (Muhammad 47:17).'

The characteristics of the Muttaqin are laid out, next. \r\n

"Those who believe in what lies beyond the reach \r\n of human perception"(v 3). The concept of the imperceptible is a \r\n decisive factor in distinguishing man from animals. Materialistic thinking, \r\n ancient as well as modern, has tended to drag man back to an irrational \r\n existence, with no room for the spiritual (the unseen), where everything \r\n is determined by sensory means alone. What \r\n is peddled as 'progressive thought' is no more than dismal regression. \r\n Sadly enough like the 'materialistic' Muslim, there also exists the 'progressive' \r\n ones who often share the commonality of \r\n denying what they can't perceive, whether it be the wisdom \r\n behind a ruling in the Shariah or be it the miracles from the life of \r\n the Prophet.

Those who "observe prayer" (v 3), revere and \r\n worship none but God Almighty. They never debase themselves by worshipping \r\n anyone or anything else. They turn to the real and ultimate power in this \r\n world, humbling their hearts and souls to Him alone. Their ties with God \r\n give them power over other creatures and feed their consciousness with \r\n moral strength and fear of God. Prayer is \r\n an essential element in the building of a believer's character and shaping \r\n his concepts, feelings and behaviours and in linking them directly with \r\n God.

"And give of what we bestow upon them" (v 3). \r\n This implies a recognition on the part of the believer, that what they \r\n own and possess is a gift and favour from God. It is not of their own \r\n making. Such a belief brings mercy and benevolence \r\n towards the weak and the poor, and mutual fellowship and a true spirit \r\n of brotherhood and human community among all. The outcome \r\n is to eliminate greed and fill people's heart with compassion and humanity.

"Who believe in what has been revealed to you and \r\n what was revealed before you." (v 4). This a characteristic of the \r\n Muslim community, the rightful heir to, and custodian of, God's message \r\n and legacy of all Prophets since the dawn of human life. It allows us \r\n to feel proud of being the recipient of \r\n God's pure and universal guidance, which remains a bright \r\n shining star that is never extinguished, even in the darkest days of human \r\n history.

"And are certain of the Hereafter" (v 4). This \r\n characteristic of the God-fearing links the present life with the life \r\n to come; the beginning with the end; deed with reward. \r\n It provokes in man, the feeling that there exists a purpose to his existence. \r\n And it reassures him by affirming that full justice is certain to come, \r\n and thus inspires man to seek to do good, with total confidence in God's \r\n justice and mercy.

The passage aptly concludes with the comment: "Those \r\n who follow their Lord's guidance, and they shall surely prosper." \r\n (v 5). The believers in Makkah and Medina, adhered to God's guidance and \r\n they were successful. For those who wish to follow their footsteps, the \r\n route remains clearly marked.

May Allah enable us to be of the Muttaqin.

Source:
\r\n “Key \r\n to al Baqarah” – Khurram Murad pp. 13-14
\r\n “In \r\n the Shade of the Qur’an” – Syed Qutb vol. 1, pp. \r\n 34-37

Do \r\n Not Criticize Food

Some of you may not like the recipe given in the next \r\n section, hence we start of by reminding you of the prohibition of criticizing \r\n food :-)

Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: \r\n Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) never \r\n found fault with food. If he had inclination to eating it, he would eat; \r\n if he disliked it, he would leave it. [Al Bukhari and \r\n Muslim]

Oops! Forgot to say Bismillah

Most of us know what to say, before we start eating. Now \r\n what if you forgot; what do we say now. Aisha (May Allah be pleased with \r\n her) , said, “When any of you wants \r\n to eat, he should mention the Name of Allah in the beginning (i.e. say \r\n Bismillah). If he forgets to do it in the beginning he should say Bismillah \r\n awwalahu wa akhirahu (I begin with the Name of Allah at the beginning \r\n and at the end).” [Abu Dawud & At Tirmidhi – \r\n Hasan Sahih]

Source:
\r\n "Collection from Riyad-us-Saliheen" – Imam Nawawi pp 405, \r\n 406