Islam Made Simple
Dr Osama Al-Azhari
Minister of Awqaf
(Charitable Endowments)
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the noble people of Egypt, and our Arab and Islamic nation, we are pleased to welcome you to a new and blessed journey with the Book of Allah. Through this journey, we contemplate its verses, partake of its illuminating guidance, and uncover the treasures, wisdom, admonition, and healing that Allah Almighty has embedded within it.
Under the illumination of the twenty-sixth part of the Ever-Glorious Qur’an:
The First Reflection is related to the words of Allah Almighty: “And We have enjoined on man to show fairest (companionship) to his parents. His mother conceived him under compulsion, and she brought him forth under compulsion, and his pregnancy (i.e., the time he is in the womb) and his weaning are thirty months. Until, when he reaches full age, and reaches forty years, he says, “Lord! Dispense (to) me that I may thank (You) for Your favour wherewith You have favoured me and my parents (both), and that I may do righteousness satisfying You, and make me righteous in my offspring. Surely I repent to You, and surely I am one of the Muslims.” (i.e., one who surrenders to Allah).” [Qur’an 46: 15]
This noble verse represents a comprehensive charter that regulates the human being’s relationship with successive generations. It begins with the generation of parents – father and mother, with particular emphasis on the mother – then extends to future offspring and emerging generations. It further addresses the individual’s relationship with himself, and ultimately his relationship with his Lord.
Accordingly, the verse opens with the bond between the human being and the older generation, as Allah Almighty says: “And We have enjoined on man to show fairest (companionship) to his parents.” that is, with his father and mother. Yet this divine injunction is not confined to parents alone; Rather, it encompasses all those who precede them in lineage – grandparents, as well as paternal and maternal uncles and aunts – on both sides of the family. The command to honour one’s parents thus extends to honouring the entire elder generation.
The guidance begins with dutifulness to one’s parents, then broadens to include the generations before them. Thereafter, the believer’s awareness and foresight emerge in his concern for the welfare of generations yet to come. Here appears the concept of enduring responsibility and continuity, whereby a person strives to leave behind righteous deeds and lasting benefit for those who follow him, as expressed in the supplication: “And make me righteous in my offspring .”
That is to say: just as Allah Almighty granted success in honoring parents and ancestors, the servant asks to be blessed with righteous offspring who will show the same devotion in return. Thus, the verse establishes a balanced relationship between past generations and future ones.
Furthermore, in the words: “And that I may do righteousness satisfying You.” Alongside: “That I may thank (You) for Your favour.” The verse turns to the individual’s relationship with himself – his moral discipline, life path, and guiding principles.
Indeed, gratitude for blessings and commitment to righteous action form the foundation of the servant’s bond with Allah Almighty. The verse concludes with a clear declaration of sincere submission and repentance:
“Surely I repent to You, and surely I am one of the Muslims.” (i.e., one who surrenders to Allah),” signifying that the servant has turned fully to Allah Almighty, standing humbly at His door, seeking forgiveness and acceptance.
It is noteworthy that the verse states: Until, when he reaches full age, and reaches forty years. The Ever-Glorious Qur’an thus designates the age of forty as the stage of full maturity, intellectual completion, and sound judgment. For this reason, the prophets were commonly commissioned at this age, as it represents the height of human readiness and perfection.
In another passage, Allah Almighty says: “And We appointed with Musa (Moses) thirty nights and We perfected them with ten, so the fixed time of his Lord was perfect for forty nights.” [Qur’an 7: 142]
It affirms that forty is a number symbolising completion and fulfillment. When one reflects deeply upon this verse and lives by its meanings, it showers the heart with profound and radiant insights.
The Second Reflection is concerning the words of Allah Almighty: “O you who have believed, in case an immoral (person) comes to you with a tiding, then (ascertain) the evidence, for that you may afflict a people in ignorance, (and) then you become remorseful for what you have performed.” [Qur’an 49: 6]
This verse emphasises the necessity of exercising prudence and due diligence in assessing information. Believers are enjoined to verify reports carefully before acting upon them, and not to be hastily influenced by unverified claims. In today’s era of rapid communication via social media and digital platforms, false information and rumors can spread swiftly. A discerning and cautious approach safeguards us from injustice, prevents harm to others, and ensures that we do not act upon ignorance, thus avoiding later regret.
The Third Reflection is about Allah Almighty’s saying: “O you who have believed, let not any people scoff at (another) people who may be more charitable than they; neither let women scoff (other) women who may be more charitable (i.e., better) than they. And do not defame one another, (Literally: do not defame yourselves) nor revile one another by nicknames. Miserable is the name, evident immorality, after belief! And whoever does not repent, then those are they who are the unjust.” [Qur’an 49: 11]
This verse provides a clear admonition against mockery, ridicule, bullying, and derogatory behaviour towards others, whether in jest or in seriousness. Such conduct undermines one’s moral standing and is reprehensible in the sight of Allah Almighty. Hence, our dealings with people should be rooted in respect, dignity, and noble character, in accordance with the exemplary guidance of the Prophet (PBUH).
Following this, Allah Almighty enunciates a profound principle of human equality and social harmony: “O you mankind, surely We created you of a male and a female, and We have made you races and tribes that you may get mutually acquainted. Surely the most honourable among you in the Providence of Allah are the most pious; surely Allah is Ever-Knowing, Ever-Cognizant.” [Qur’an 49: 13]
This verse emphasises that the true measure of superiority among human beings is neither race, lineage, nor social standing, but piety (taqwa) and righteous action. It also establishes the principle of intercultural recognition and mutual respect, in contrast to the notion of inevitable conflict between peoples. Allah Almighty created humanity as diverse nations and tribes so that they may know one another, co-operate, and build mutual understanding, rather than fall into enmity and division.
The Fourth Reflection is about the words of Allah Almighty: “Surely in that there is indeed a Reminding to him who has a heart, or is eager (Literally: cast “his” hearing) on hearing, and is a constantly present witness (to the Truth).” [Qur’an 50: 37] This verse highlights four fundamental elements that form the basis of true guidance:
First: The Ever-Glorious Qur’an itself, as the ultimate source of divine instruction.
Second: The heart, which must be receptive and prepared to be affected by guidance.
Third: The faculty of hearing, as indicated by Allah Almighty: or is eager (Literally: cast “his” hearing) on hearing. This implies attentive and focused listening, not distracted, indifferent, or resistant. The individual must hear attentively, comprehend deeply, reflect, and deliberate.
Fourth: Awareness and presence of mind. The person must be fully engaged, attentive, and responsive, with a heart that is present, hearing that is focused, and a disposition that is participatory, willing, and receptive. True guidance can only be realised when these conditions are fulfilled.
Let us briefly reflect:
• Human beings are enjoined to honour and show dutifulness towards their parents.
• They bear a responsibility towards future generations, striving to leave behind what benefits them.
• One must cultivate gratitude for the blessings of Allah Almighty and associate with the righteous.
• Sincerely turning toward Allah Almighty, honouring parents, caring for posterity, and pursuing righteousness constitute “excellence” (al-ihsan), as Allah Almighty states: “And We have enjoined on man to show fairest (companionship) to his parents.” [Qur’an 46: 15]
• One must guard against being misled by rumours or unverified reports circulating on social media or other communication channels, which may lead to harming others unjustly.
• Mockery, ridicule, bullying, or any action that injures another’s dignity or feelings is strictly forbidden.
• Our relationships with other nations, peoples, and cultures should be founded upon mutual recognition, understanding, and co-operation, rather than conflict or enmity.
Ultimately, a person can only build a life illuminated by prophetic guidance, sound judgment, and spiritual insight by consistently adhering to the Ever-Glorious Qur’an with a receptive and present heart, attentive and reflective hearing, and an active, mindful, and engaged disposition.
We pray to Allah Almighty to adorn us with the noble qualities of the Prophet (PBUH), through which we may attain the highest levels of servitude and gain the pleasure and love of Allah Almighty.
Until we meet again, stay noble; stay safe.
