Islam Made Simple
Dr Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Awqaf (Charitable Endowments)
To the esteemed readers in Egypt, Arab and Muslim nations:Welcome to a new journey with the Ever-Glorious Qur’an as we explore its tenthpart. We are going to uncover its pearls and treasures of wisdom, engage with its illuminating guidance and enduring values, and seek the divine direction that Allah has embedded within it.
The tenth partof the Ever-Glorious Qur’an contains great values, light, wisdom, and guidance that address people and societies, directing nations throughout all times and ages. It is for this reason that our scholars have said that the Qur’an is ‘unrestricted’, meaning that it is not confined to a specific time, environment, or set of circumstances. Rather, it is Allah’s discourse that transcends time and place, while simultaneously addressing time and place, providing comprehensive guidance for every aspect of life —in peace and war, marriage and divorce, buying and selling, and in moments of grief, hardship, ease, and safety.
The first value highlighted in this partis the statement of Allah Almighty:“O you who have believed, when you meet a community, (i.e., an enemy community) then stand firm and remember Allah much, that possibly you would prosper.”[Qur’an 8:45]
Let us contemplate the meaning of the Almighty’s words“when you meet a community, (i.e., an enemy community) then stand firm.”This phrase refers to encountering an enemy, facing a threat or act of aggression, or even the anticipation of a potential attack by a nation, state, or group against our homeland. In this context, the Ever-Glorious Qur’an instructs us how to navigate such circumstances, emphasizing the importance of confronting threats with courage and steadfastness.
Therefore, Allah Almighty commands us in this contextto take six measures to confront threats, fear, and aggression. Let us quicklyreview them together.
The first measure is steadfastness. Allah Almighty commands: ‘stand firm’, meaning be resolute, strong, and firmly rooted within your heart and conscience. Do not allow fear and panic to overpower you, for alarm leads to rumors and mass hysteria, which destroys communities.
The second measure is the abundant remembrance of Allah: “and remember Allah much, that possibly you would prosper.”[Qur’an 8: 45]. This instructs us to seek support and reassurance through the remembrance of Allah, which brings tranquility to the heart and strengthens certainty. As the Ever-Glorious Qur’an also affirms: “Verily in the Remembrance of Allah the hearts are composed.”[Qur’an 13: 28].
The third measure is obedience to Allah and His Messenger: “And obey Allah and His Messenger.” [Qur’an 8:46]. Sins and disobedience weaken a nation in times of adversity. Therefore, we must rectify our relationship with Allah to gain His support, recognize the significance of legitimate authority, respect it, and return to it.
The fourth measure is avoiding dispute and division. Allah Almighty says: “And do not contend together, (and) so you would be disheartened and your vigor goes away.”[Qur’an 8:46]. This emphasizes refraining from accusations or mutual distrust during crises. Rather, stand united as one hand, lest your strength depart and you become weak in the eyes of your enemy.
The fifth measure is patience. Allah Almighty says: “and (endure) patiently; surely Allah is with the patient.” [Qur’an 8:46]. This teaches us to cultivate patience, for true victory is achieved only through perseverance. Consider the profound meaning of divine companionship. Is there any state better than beingwith Allah and in Hiscompanionship? Whoever adopts these measures, masters patience over himself, and perseveres, steadfastly, Allah Almighty will be with him.Whoever has Allah with him—who can overpower him?
The sixth measure is refraining from being influenced by the mistaken practices of others. Allah Almighty commands: “And do not be as the ones who went out of their residences boastfully (ungrateful) and showing off to the multitude and barring from the way of Allah; and Allah is Supremely Encompassing whatever they do.”[Qur’an 8: 47]. This instructs us not to imitate the methods of our adversaries in confrontation. Rather, we must uphold our principles and maintain moral integrity.
We now turn to the second value highlighted in this partof the Ever-Glorious Qur’an, found in the words of Allah Almighty:“That is for that Allah is not changing (His) favor that He conferred (Literally: favored) on a people until they have changed what is within themselves; and that Allah is Ever-Hearing, Ever-Knowing.”[Qur’an 8: 53].This verse conveys a fundamental Qur’anicprinciple: Allah will not reform the condition of a society unless its members first reforms what lies within themselves.
Accordingly, when witnessing crisis or corruption in one’s society, it is insufficient to merely lament. Reformation must begin with the individual—by reforming one’s own character—and extend outward toward improving the surrounding community
The third value is reflected in the statement of Allah Almighty:“And in case any of the associators (Those who associate others with Allah) seeks of you neighborly (protection), then grant him neighborly (protection) till he hears the Words of Allah; thereafter convey him to his secure place. That (is) for that they are a people who do not know.”[Qur’an 9:6].This verse presents us with the highest meanings of religious tolerance; the Muslim is commanded to protect and honor the non-Muslim if he seeks safety, so it is not permissible to transgress against him or wrong him.
The fourth value is derived from the story of the Prophetic migration. Allah Almighty says regarding our Master the Prophet PBUH and his companion Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (may Allah be pleased with him): “as he said to his companion, ‘Grieve not; surely Allah is with us.’”[Qur’an 9:40].These are words of light: “Grieve not; surely Allah is with us.”This phrase is the key to reassurance and happiness, removing sorrow and granting the person strength and hope.
In conclusion, the Ever-Glorious Qur’an is a profound source of wisdom and values that provide guidance for everyday life. It teaches us steadfastness, certainty, good handling of crises, working for self and societal change, adorning oneself with tolerance, and seeking Allah’s help in all circumstances. We pray to Allah Almighty to grant us abundant remembrance, security, and the growth of the human ability, enabling us to overcome sorrow and attain true inner tranquility.
Until we meet again, stay noble; stay safe.
