{"id":447,"date":"2021-10-17T23:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-17T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iqralaan.wordpress.com\/?p=447"},"modified":"2022-12-30T09:27:32","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T05:27:32","slug":"welcome-friends-day-76-quran-6151-165-pages-149-150","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iqraprinciple.com\/ar\/welcome-friends-day-76-quran-6151-165-pages-149-150\/","title":{"rendered":"HQ 6:151-165; pages 149-150"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome Friends:  Ahlan wa sahlan<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Readers who started with us from Day One would have noticed that we did not get into detailed explanation of the all-important first Chapter of the Qur\u2019an, the Faatiha, or Opener.  The Faatiha holds too many concepts to grasp all at once, which is why we plan to discuss each concept as it comes along during our study, God-willing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A VERY important concept comes along today:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The description of the \u2018Straightened Path\u2019 The Siraat Al Mustaqeem- \u0627\u0644\u0635\u0631\u0627\u0637 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0633\u062a\u0642\u064a\u0645 – which we ask God to gift-guide us to, at least 17 times every day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But before we start, it is important to know that, although this is a Meccan Chapter, Verses 151-152-153 were revealed in Medina.  That is one of the amazing characteristics of the Qur\u2019an!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COMMENTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.  Verse 151 starts with a command to the Messenger Muhammad (peace upon him), to invite his people to RISE to a higher standard of responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some might ask, \u201cBut the invitation is to \u2018Come,\u2019 not to \u2018Rise!\u201d All interpretations will agree\u2026 BUT\u2026 let\u2019s stop for a second and think:  \u2018Ta\u2019aala\u2019 \u062a\u0639\u0627\u0644\u064e  in Arabic may be an invitation to \u2018come,\u2019 but, as anyone who knows Arabic will tell you, the root verb is \u2018alaa \u2013 \u0639\u0644\u0627- \u064a\u0639\u0644\u0648\u2019 (and we already know that when we say that God is \u2018Ta\u2019aala\u2019  \u062a\u0639\u0627\u0644\u0649 we mean that He is Exalted). Furthermore (see footnote) how the lexicon asserts that the original connotation is of persons on a higher elevation <\/em>(whether literal or in seniority) calling persons on a lower elevation<\/em> TO JOIN THEM![1]<\/sup><\/a>  Isn\u2019t that something?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We should adjust our explanation of HQ3:61; 64; 167; 4:61; 5:104- because we have just grasped what every \u2018ta\u2019aala-u\u2019  \u062a\u0639\u0627\u0644\u0648\u0627  in the Qur\u2019an indicated: an invitation to people to elevate themselves to a higher level!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Readers will also notice certain differences compared to common explanations, such as \u2018inviolable\u2019 instead of \u2018forbidden.\u2019 Although they might have similar meaning, the word \u2018forbidden\u2019 causes problems to commentators\/translators, especially with regard to the second command, as in: \u2018How would kindness\/benevolence to parents be forbidden<\/em>?\u2019  You\u2019ve seen us use the word \u2018straightened\u2019 instead of \u2018straight\u2019 to bring it closer to the meaning of \u2018mustaqeem [2]<\/sup><\/a> (as seen in HQ9:7; 41:6- in the command to \u2018straighten oneself\u2019).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, let\u2019s proceed, and count the underlined commands\/commandments (link on verse numbers takes to original Arabic):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[6:151]<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Say: \u201d Rise\/Come, I\u2019ll recite what God has made Inviolable upon you (pl):
That you do not Shirk\/Associate anything with Him<\/u>, and in both parents Benevolence<\/u>, and do not kill your (birth) children due to poverty<\/u> [3]<\/sup><\/strong><\/sup><\/a>\u2013 We sustain you and them- and do not approach the Pervasive Atrocity (sex out of wedlock),<\/u> [4]<\/sup><\/strong><\/sup><\/a> what is overt of such, and what is covert, and do not kill the (Human) Self<\/u> which God has made inviolable \u2013 unless in justice (legal retribution): this has He instructed you (from one generation to the next) <\/a>so that you might secure knowledge.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[6:152]<\/strong><\/a>
And do not approach the wealth of an orphan<\/u> \u2013 unless by that which is best (investment)\u2013 until he comes of age, and  render (what is owed) of measure and weight<\/u> in full (with QisT) – We do not charge a (Human) Self beyond its capacity\/except with what it can encompass – and when you make any statement (about people), be fair between them (<\/u>have \u2018Adl) even if the person is close to you (in kinship or friendship).[5]<\/sup><\/strong><\/sup><\/a>  And of God\u2019s Covenant be fulfilling<\/u>: this He has instructed you (from one generation to the next), so that you might recollect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[6:153]<\/strong><\/a>
And indeed, THIS IS MY PATH, STRAIGHTENED, so pursue it, and do not pursue the byways which diverge you from His Way<\/u>, this He has instructed you (from one generation to the next) so that you might be Aware.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.  Verse 154 tells us that Prophet Moses, peace upon him, received the Compilation, with a beautiful description of what he had received\u2026but why mention Moses now?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Compilation has always been one, sent to His Messengers throughout the ages.  Looking back also provides us a chance to learn from other people\u2019s experiences and note their mistakes so we do not fall into them ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that above, in the \u2018Straightened Path\u2019 -\u2018Al Siraat Al Mustaqeem\u2019- the last of our Commandments is to pursue THIS path, forsaking all others<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forsaking all others.  That is the crux. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we should realize the value of what we have. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we should hold it \u2013in our minds- above contamination. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we should hold fast onto it by making it a part of our lives. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, serving ourselves and PRESERVING IT by PRACTICING IT.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How many people today realize that the \u2018Al Siraat Al Mustaqeem\u2019 is right here, in the Qur\u2019an?<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you count the underlined injunctions as you went along those three verses?  TEN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How similar are they to what the Old Testament contains of Moses\u2019 Commandments?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Were People of earlier Compilation commanded to do all the above and stay on God\u2019s Path, neither turning right nor left?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did they, in fact, do that, walking straight in the way of God, their Lord?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no need to answer these questions; they are not intended to show us any shortcoming but OUR OWN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For research\u2019s sake however, The Old Testament, Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 5, shows us similar Commandments, [6]<\/sup><\/a> ending with the last of its verses saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYe shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left<\/em>. (V. 32). Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you.. ..\u201d (V. 33)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, Moses\u2019 Compilation, when it was revealed<\/em>, guided people to a \u2018Straight Path,\u2019 and traces of that guidance are still found in the \u2018static\u2019 books of today (we will notice some resemblance to the Qur\u2019an although a translation might say \u2018level\u2019 rather than \u2018straight,\u2019 or \u2018way\u2019 rather than \u2018path\u2019.  In the Arabic version of the Bible, it will be much closer of course).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

World English Bible
27:11 \u201cTeach me your way, Yahweh. Lead me in a straight path<\/em>\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Arabic translation says \u2018sabeel\u2019 for \u2018path,\u2019 and \u2018mustaqeem\u2019 for \u2018straight:\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u0633\u0641\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0632\u0627\u0645\u064a\u0631 27:11 “\u0639\u064e\u0644\u0650\u0651\u0645\u0652\u0646\u0650\u064a \u064a\u064e\u0627 \u0631\u064e\u0628\u064f\u0651 \u0637\u064e\u0631\u0650\u064a\u0642\u064e\u0643\u064e\u060c \u0648\u064e\u0627\u0647\u0652\u062f\u0650\u0646\u0650\u064a \u0641\u0650\u064a \u0633\u064e\u0628\u0650\u064a\u0644 \u0645\u064f\u0633\u0652\u062a\u064e\u0642\u0650\u064a\u0645\u064d \u2026..”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.  Now back to the Qur\u2019an<\/strong> which, as we remember from previous Postings is different from all that still exists of earlier Revelation, in that it is NOT a compilation of \u2018static sheets\u2019 \u0643\u062a\u0627\u0628\u0627\u064b \u0641\u064a \u0642\u0631\u0637\u0627\u0633 \/kitab fi qirtaas, but rather: A COMPILATION OF ABIDING BENEFIT, as shown in Verse 6:155<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This<\/strong> Compilation<\/strong> is of Abiding Benefit (mubaarak), and that we should pursue it if we truly seek Mercy.  Remember HQ6:92: \u201cAnd THIS is a Compilation we bestowed, of Abiding Benefit (Blessings Blessed)\u2026\u201d<\/strong>(See Blog Post Day 70<\/a> for definition of Mubaarak definition of \u2018baraka\u2019 in March 26 Posting).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0As this Meccan chapter is brought to a conclusion, Verses 156-158 present us with the responses to TWO arguments which the Qureish tribe were making (to absolve themselves of responsibility):\u00a0\u00a0The first is that they would say that the Compilation (singular!) was sent to two groups before their time (Jews and Christians), and that they were unaware of the teachings of other peoples.\u00a0\u00a0The second is the argument that, had THEY received the Compilation, they would have been better guided than the Jews or Christians.\u00a0\u00a0The RESPONSE is that, now, after the CLEAR EVIDENCE has come to them from their Lord-Sustainer, with Gifted-Guidance, AND Mercy\u2026 they had no excuse!\u00a0\u00a0Verse 157 ends with dire warning to those who turn away from God\u2019s Signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 158 asks them, what are they waiting for? For the arrival of Custodian-Angels, or for their Lord-Sustainer,<\/strong> or some of their Lord-Sustainer\u2019s Signs\u2026?  It tells them that when the signs they seek DO finally come upon them, it would be too late for any Human Self that had not had faith and trust beforehand, or had already earned Goodness in its faith. The verses tell Prophet Muhammad to tell them (if they prefer to wait for the final hour): Say, \u201cYou all wait.  We<\/em> are awaiting!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a timeless argument:  Time will tell!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.  Verse 159 tells us of those who disassemble <\/em>their Standard of Accountability, their \u2018Deen,\u2019 and become sects.  By breaking its unity, making certain parts of \u2018Deen\u2019 more important or relevant than others- what may start out as a difference in priorities, becomes an ideological break, and ends up quite physical:  They would no longer be united.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Messenger is told that he is not responsible for such people (Zamakhshari), and that their affairs rest with God Who, in time, will tell them of every single deed they had been doing (notice \u2018yaf\u2019al\u2019 not \u2018ya\u2019mal\u2019 \u064a\u0641\u0639\u0644 # \u064a\u0639\u0645\u0644 see Blog Post Day 34<\/a> and Blost Post Day 61<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read Muhammad Asad\u2019s note<\/a>, where he ends it by quoting Tabar\u012b who wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, when asked about the implications of this verse, the Prophet\u2019s Companion Ab\u016b Hurayrah is reported to have answered, \u201cIt has been revealed with reference to this [our] community.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 The persons referred to in these verses may have been thought to be People of previous Compilations, and many of us today understand this to refer to others, meaning \u2018any sect other than MINE\u2019 \u2026 but it is even more serious than that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is ALL of us \u2013 ANY of us \u2013 who have dissected and redefined our original Standard of Accountability!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad is absolved of our misdeeds, as indeed he should be, in a likeness to Jesus, who was absolved of the misdeeds of his followers, peace upon them both.  In Jesus\u2019 case, the gravest misdeed of his followers was calling him \u2018son of God,\u2019 while our gravest misdeed is our separation from our beautiful Standard and from each other<\/em>.  Let us all think of that.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.  Verse 160 gives us a clear-cut view of how God assesses our Deeds and Rewards:  He gives us ten-fold recompense for one good deed, and a single recompense for a bad deed.  How wonderful is that?  After knowing this, how could we ever doubt His Infinite Mercy and Love?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.  Verses 161-164 contain a most beautiful supplication given to the Messenger to say (and to us, and indeed WE DO recite these two verses after Abraham\u2019s \u2018Du\u2019aa el Tawajjuh,\u2019 HQ6:79, the supplication we give as we initiate prayer, directing ourselves towards God).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice how these verses start with mention of the Straightened Path AND of Abraham, peace upon him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSay, \u2018My Lord-Sustainer has indeed gift-guided me to a Straightened Path, a Standard of Accountability Upright\/Straight, the creed of Abraham, Haneef\/Self Correcting, and he was not of Those who Shirked (God).\u201d<\/strong> 6:161<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLEASE REFER TO Blog Post Day 11<\/a> for a reminder on \u2018HANEEF.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These beautiful verses end with a question each of us should ask ourselves:
Would we seek a Lord-Sustainer other than God, after all that we now KNOW about Him?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the center of verse 164 is what Muhammad Asad calls a \u201ccategorical rejection of the Christian doctrines of \u2018\u2018original sin\u2019 and \u2018vicarious atonement..\u201d\u2026see his note<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This concept of pure self-accountability (each of us carrying the burden of our own deeds) appears 5 times in the Qur\u2019an.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.  Verse 165 takes us back to the beginning of creation, when we were created as Beings that <\/a>are \u2018Khulafaa of the Earth<\/a>\u2019\/ or \u2018Khala\u2019if of the Earth\u2019<\/a> (both plural nouns from the root-verb \u2018khalafa,\u2019), each of us a \u2018 khaleefah,\u2019  taking over from, or succeeding someone (see singular \u2018khaleefah;<\/a>\u2019 plural \u2018khulafaa\u2019<\/a> and \u2018khalaa\u2019if\u2019<\/a>(.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this verse the Qur\u2019an specifies us as \u2018Successors of the Earth\u2019 \u2018Khalaa\u2019if Al Ard\u2019 \u2013 \u062e\u0644\u0627\u0626\u0641 \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0631\u0636\u2019 which indicates our succeeding the Earth, which may be related to our  \u2018inheriting\u2019 this earth<\/a>, or perhaps that humans will not become extinct, remaining on earth until the very end, also being resurrected upon it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we stop to reflect on what the Qur\u2019an says, we note that it is the \u2018SaaliHoon\/ Goodly\/Virtuous\u2019 worshippers of God who shall \u2018inherit\u2019 the Earth, a reality mentioned in HQ21:105<\/a>– which we understand was also revealed unto Prophet David, peace upon him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of us have heard the expression that the Cognizant Human, as represented by Adam, is \u2018God\u2019s Vicegerent\/ Khaleefat Allah\u2019 on earth.  In all probability this term is mentioned figuratively by most to highlight our responsibility, not to indicate us being a \u2018representative of\u2019 or a \u2018successor to\u2019 God in any way.  And we certainly are responsible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although ecologists often say that humanity has a devastating effect upon this planet,  that is not how the Qur\u2019an speaks of us.  The Qur\u2019an calls our species \u2018Bashar\u2019 which literally means creatures of \u2018bishaarah,\u2019 glad tidings to come, capable of working in accordance with God\u2019s sunnah of Creation, promoting with their own \u2018shukr\u2019 everything around them, so that whatever is \u2018little\u2019 becomes \u2018abundant.\u2019  We have heard of this in native and aborigine communities and know of this from Muslim history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those of us who attended classes about this specific topic know that it was Prophet Muhammad, peace upon him, who first designated land as a \u2018Nature Reserve\/Himaa\/\u062d\u0650\u0645\u0649\u2019.[7]<\/sup><\/a>  In Andalusia (Muslim Spain and Portugal) as we were told, records showed that the \u2018filaaHa\u2019 tradition was at its peak, the entire peninsula described as \u2018gardens\u2019 with produce that sustained a huge population of 30 million people in prosperity, versus the approximately 10 million inhabitants of Britain, Germany, and France combined who -in that same era- were living in the dark ages of scarcity and poverty.   When ‘enlightenment\u2019 came to these lands, they made use of what Islam presented them with, while eliminating at the same time anything related to God, whether in their theories and practices, or their relationships with others, or their interaction with this earth.  It is this elimination which, in most part, has led to a moral and ethical vacuum which came to be occupied by the power-obsessed paradigms of today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that is where we stand as Cognizant Humans, it is our obligation as Muslims to counter this by at least attempting to revive the wonderful \u2018Sunan\/Ways\u2019 of the early Faithful, led by our Prophet peace upon him, who \u201cabolished private reserves for the exclusive use of powerful individuals, and established public reserves in the way of God for the common good, as did the Rightly Guided Caliphs after him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In so doing we would be the best of \u2018Khulafaa\u2019 al ArDh\/ \u062e\u0644\u0641\u0627\u0621 \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0631\u0636\u2019 Successors of the Earth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that we are not -and cannot be- the \u2018Khaleefah\u2019 of God is supported by the Qur\u2019an, by the Arabi language, by common Arabic usage, and by historical practice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n