Ta’leem and Tarbiyat Series # 4
Qur’aan and Tafseer
“This Book (the Qur’aan) is unimpeachable.”
(Surah Baqarah, 2)
In this Aayat the Qur’aan is praised over being a book par excellence and nothing in it being disturbing. Someone may point out to the kuffaar doubting many things in it. One response, which is well known, is that the Qur’aan is not doubtful per se. In so far as the doubts of the sceptics are concerned, that has nothing to do with the content of the Qur’aan. It is the product of their lack of comprehension. If, at day time, a blind man doubts the sun having risen, sunrise does not become doubtful over the blind man’s doubt.
A second response is alluded to in the Aayat: “It is the guide for those who fear Allah”. The gist of this response is that any doubt pertaining to the Qur’aan is restricted to those who do not practise the teachings of the Qur’aan. Practising the teachings of the Qur’aan, in entirety, releases one from all doubts, for the Qur’aan is the guide for the Muttaqeen [the Allah-fearing]. The sceptics should, therefore, commence practising on the teachings of the Qur’aan. Sunrise is proof of the sun. Practising will reveal that the Qur’aan is in fact the epitome of Hidaayat and that it is unimpeachable.
Hadeeth and Sunnah
One who did not look at Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) intently would think him to have a high-bridged nose. His beard was thickset, irises dark black, cheeks tender, mouth well-proportioned and teeth glistening with exquisite spacing between them. (Nashrut Teeb)
Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said:
“This world is a prison for the Mu’min and the Jannat of the kaafir.”
Comment: The Mu’min has shunned delights and faced up to hardships . He is, therefore, like in a prison. The kaafir on the other hand is freely engaged in pleasures and entertainment. This world is, therefore, like Jannat to him. (Mirqaat)
Fiqh and Masaail
1. It is very necessary for there to be harmony and compatibility between a boy and girl . Thus, apart from investigating each other’s background there is no harm in the boy taking a look at the girl for the purpose of nikaah, as a lifetime relation is to be struck up. There is great wisdom in this. The Hadeeth has permitted this. This “look” will be for ascertaining [the other’s physical features], not for pleasure.
2. It is haraam to say: “If I am lying, I lose my Imaan.” (Ashraful Ahkaam)
Tasawwuf and Sulook
The aim of Sulook is the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala. Then, there are two things; knowledge of this path and application. The path is simply and only steadfastness on the Commandments of the Shariah pertaining to external acts and character. Two things assist in this path. One is such Zikr which can be carried out regularly, and the second is the company of the Ahlullah as much as one can. If one does not have the time to adopt frequent company, then its substitute is study of the lives and statements of the Awliya .
And two things are obstructions in this path or goal; sin and indulgence in futilities. Then there is a condition for the benefit of all this, that is commitment to informing one’s mentor of one’s condition. Thereafter it rests with one’s potential. In proportion to one’s potential there is haste or delay in achieving the goal. This is the summary of this Spiritual Path. (Kamaalaat-e-Ashrafiyyah)
