Financial Guidance in Surah al-Baqarah

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The Quran begins with the prayer for guidance (Surah al-Fateha). Believers recite it daily in every contact prayer (الصَّلَاةَ). Immediately after Surah al-Fateha is Surah al-Baqarah, which begins with the statement that it is a guidance for the mutaqqin ( لِلْمُتَّقِينَ). The mutaqqin are those who ward off /protect themselves from something harmful, i.e. they are conscious of their duty to Allah, and therefore they strive to keep their duty to Allah, so that He saves them from The Fire of Hell. Among the salient characteristics of the mutaqqin is that they spend (يُنْفِقُونَ) from what they have been given. 

Surah al-Baqarah is the longest surah in The Quran consisting of 40 ruku, which contain a total of 286 ayaat. It begins with the idea of spending, mentions spending in context across the surah, and then towards the end dedicates five ruku on financial matters: three on infaq, one on riba, and one on how to contract debts.   

To learn the financial guidance in Surah al-Baqarah, the following is a study of the key words (أَنْفِقُوا (Spend) ; الْمَالَ (Wealth) ; الزَّكَاةَ (Zakat  (tax));  الرِّبَا (Riba (usury / interest)); دَيْنٍ (Debt) ) across the surah.

 

أَنْفِقُوا (Spend)  

Search result for trilateral root nūn fā qāf (ن ف ق) : https://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=nfq#(2:3:8). Notice that spending and hypocrisy share the same root words, and are opposed to each other. The Believer spends, while the hypocrite withholds. Some key learnings with ayat number:  

Q2:3 the mutaqqin spend from what We have provided them 

Q2:195 spend in the cause of Allah (context fighting to establish Deen)  

Q2:215 they ask what they should spend: say that which you spend of good (مَا أَنْفَقْتُمْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ) should go to: parents, near kindred / those close to you, orphans, needy, and the wayfarer. 

Q2:219 they ask what they should spend: say, whatever is superfluous / left after meeting your needs 

Q2:254 O ye who believe! spend of that wherewith We have provided you ere a day come when there will be no trafficking, nor friendship, nor intercession. The disbelievers, they are the wrong-doers (This ayat precedes the famous Ayat-ul-Kursi) 

The three ruku on spending (35-37) begin from ayat 261 through 273 of Surah al-Baqarah (translation: Pickthall: 

2:261  The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah's way is as the likeness of a grain which groweth seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah giveth increase manifold to whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing

2:262  Those who spend their wealth for the cause of Allah and afterward make not reproach and injury to follow that which they have spent; their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them, neither shall they grieve

2:263  A kind word with forgiveness is better than almsgiving followed by injury. Allah is Absolute, Clement

2:264  O ye who believe! Render not vain your almsgiving by reproach and injury, like him who spendeth his wealth only to be seen of men and believeth not in Allah and the Last Day. His likeness is as the likeness of a rock whereon is dust of earth; a rainstorm smiteth it, leaving it smooth and bare. They have no control of aught of that which they have gained. Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk

2:265  And the likeness of those who spend their wealth in search of Allah's pleasure, and for the strengthening of their souls, is as the likeness of a garden on a height. The rainstorm smiteth it and it bringeth forth its fruit twofold. And if the rainstorm smite it not, then the shower. Allah is Seer of what ye do

2:266  Would any of you like to have a garden of palm-trees and vines, with rivers flowing underneath it, with all kinds of fruit for him therein; and old age hath stricken him and he hath feeble offspring; and a fiery whirlwind striketh it and it is (all) consumed by fire. Thus Allah maketh plain His revelations unto you, in order that ye may give thought

2:267  O ye who believe! Spend of the good things which ye have earned, and of that which We bring forth from the earth for you, and seek not the bad (with intent) to spend thereof (in charity) when ye would not take it for yourselves save with disdain; and know that Allah is Absolute, Owner of Praise

2:268  The devil promiseth you destitution and enjoineth on you lewdness. But Allah promiseth you forgiveness from Himself with bounty. Allah is All-Embracing, All-knowing

2:269  He giveth wisdom unto whom He will, and he unto whom wisdom is given, he truly hath received abundant good. But none remember except men of understanding

2:270  Whatever alms ye spend or vow ye vow, lo! Allah knoweth it. Wrong-doers have no helpers

2:271  If ye publish your almsgiving, it is well, but if ye hide it and give it to the poor, it will be better for you, and will atone for some of your ill-deeds. Allah is Informed of what ye do

2:272  The guiding of them is not thy duty (O Muhammad), but Allah guideth whom He will. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, it is for yourselves, when ye spend not save in search of Allah's Countenance; and whatsoever good thing ye spend, it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged

2:273  (Alms are) for the poor who are straitened for the cause of Allah, who cannot travel in the land (for trade). The unthinking man accounteth them wealthy because of their restraint. Thou shalt know them by their mark: They do not beg of men with importunity. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, lo! Allah knoweth it

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الْمَالَ (Wealth)  

Search result for trilateral root nūn mīm wāw lām (م و ل) : https://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=mwl#(2:177:20) Some key learning with ayat number: 

Q2:155 we will definitely be tested in our wealth, among other things 

Q2:177 attaining birr (state of pristine purity) involves spending wealth, in spite of love for it, on 'those the near relatives, and the orphans, and the needy, and (of) the wayfarer, and those who ask, and in freeing the necks (slaves)' ... 'pay zakat', ...  

Q2:188 last ayat of the ruku on fasting commands that one should not eat up one's own wealth vainly, nor use it to bribe authorities so as to consume others' wealth sinfully   

Q2:247 when Allah appointed Talut (Saul) as their King, the Bani Israel debated his appointment, as he had less wealth than them. Their Prophet informed them that Allah chooses whom He Wills, and had increased him in knowledge and physique. 

Q2:261 the first ayat of the three ruku on spending describes spending in Allah's way through the example of a grain which grows seven ears of grain, each with one hundred grains, Allah giving manifold increase to whom He Wills (as reward in the Hereafter)  

Q2:262 this manifold reward comes with the pre and post clauses

• they spend for the cause of Allah 
• they do not follow their spending with reminders of their generosity, nor with taunts, insults, harm, injury ( ثُمَّ لَا يُتْبِعُونَ مَا أَنْفَقُوا مَنًّا وَلَا أَذًى ) 

Q2:264 clearly warns against rendering charity spending void by reminders and injury ( لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَاتِكُمْ بِالْمَنِّ وَالْأَذَىٰ ) 

Q2:265 presents the example of those who spend to please Allah, and to strengthen their nafs, is like a garden on a height, which does well whether it is struck by heavy rainstorms, or receives just light showers  

Q2:274 those who spend from their wealth, night and day, secretly and openly, their reward is with their Lord, and they will neither fear nor grieve (on the Day of Recompense) 

Q2:279 warning from Allah and His Messenger of War against those who consume Riba: leave Riba and you can keep your principal amount, neither wronging nor being wronged  

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الزَّكَاةَ (Zakat  (tax))  

Search result for trilateral root zāy kāf wāw (ز ك و) : https://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=zkw#(2:177:35) Though generally translated in terms of purity, it actually means increase or growth, as made clear in Q9:103 

Purity is associated with the body, while growth is associated with the Nafs. A bit on it at the bottom of a prior post: The Same Religion (الدِّينِ). 

Q2:43 after narrating the story of Adam (Q2:30-39), Q2:40 onwards addresses the Bani Israel, ... ; Q2:43 also exhorts them to establish worship, pay zakat, and bow with those who bow.  

Q2:83 the covenant with Bani Israel, which included the payment of zakat 

Q2:110 the believers are being commanded to: establish prayer, pay zakat, and they are being assured that whatever good they send on for their nafs, they will find it with Allah. He beholds everything they do. 

Q2:129 Abraham's prayer that Allah raise a messenger from among them (people of Makkah) who would 'shall recite unto them Thy revelations, and shall instruct them in the Scripture and in wisdom and shall make them grow.'. ... 

Q2:151 the ayat just before ends with '... Fear them not, but fear Me! - and so that I may complete My grace upon you, and that ye may be guided', and then Q2:151 reads: 'Even as We have sent unto you a messenger from among you, who reciteth unto you Our revelations and causeth you to grow, and teacheth you the Scripture and wisdom, and teacheth you that which ye knew not.' 

Q2:174 the ayaat just before instruct to eat from the good things Allah has provided, and to render thanks (by sharing?), and list the only four things that Allah has prohibited from eating; and then Q2:174 reads: 'Lo! those who hide aught of the Scripture which Allah hath revealed and purchase a small gain therewith, they eat into their bellies nothing else than fire. Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He make them grow. Theirs will be a painful doom.'

Q2:177 lists the beliefs and actions that help attain birr (state of pristine purity): among them is spending wealth on 'those the near relatives, and the orphans, and the needy, and (of) the wayfarer, and those who ask, and in freeing the necks (slaves)', establishing prayer, and the payment of zakat 

Q2:232 there is greater purity and growth for couples to choose to remain married when they complete the waiting period of their intention to divorce, and so they should not be prevented if they make this choice  

Q2:277 the ayat just before is about usury not growing with Allah; then Q2:277 gives glad tidings to those who believe, do acts of reform, establish prayer, and pay zakat, that their reward is with their Lord, and on them shall be neither fear nor grief (on the Day of Judgement)  

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 الرِّبَا (Riba (usury / interest)) 

Search result for trilateral root rā bā wāw (ر ب و) : https://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=rbw#(2:275:3)  Notice that the root also implies increase, swelling up, exceed, ...we can observe it in the use of the root  (ر ب و) twice in Q2:276 (ٱلرِّبَوٰا۟  ||  يُرْبِى):  

Riba is essentially a flow of wealth from the poor to the rich. The last ayat of the third ruku on spending explains that spending is for the poor who don't beg. Then, the ruku on Riba (38) begins from ayat 274 through 281of Surah al-Baqarah: 

2:273  (Alms are) for the poor who are straitened for the cause of Allah, who cannot travel in the land (for trade). The unthinking man accounteth them wealthy because of their restraint. Thou shalt know them by their mark: They do not beg of men with importunity. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, lo! Allah knoweth it

2:274  Those who spend their wealth by night and day, by stealth and openly, verily their reward is with their Lord, and their shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve

2:275  Those who swallow usury cannot rise up save as he ariseth whom the devil hath prostrated by (his) touch. That is because they say: Trade is just like usury; whereas Allah permitteth trading and forbiddeth usury. He unto whom an admonition from his Lord cometh, and (he) refraineth (in obedience thereto), he shall keep (the profits of) that which is past, and his affair (henceforth) is with Allah. As for him who returneth (to usury) - Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein

2:276  Allah hath blighted usury and made almsgiving fruitful. Allah loveth not the impious and guilty

2:277  Lo! those who believe and do good works and establish worship and pay the poor-due, their reward is with their Lord and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve

2:278  O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah, and give up what remaineth (due to you) from usury, if ye are (in truth) believers

2:279  And if ye do not, then be warned of war (against you) from Allah and His messenger. And if ye repent, then ye have your principal (without interest). Wrong not, and ye shall not be wronged

2:280  And if the debtor is in straitened circumstances, then (let there be) postponement to (the time of) ease; and that ye remit the debt as almsgiving would be better for you if ye did but know

2:281  And guard yourselves against a day in which ye will be brought back to Allah. Then every soul will be paid in full that which it hath earned, and they will not be wronged 

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Usury makes the rich richer, and increases poverty in general. Spending on the poor improves their purchasing power, which benefits the economy as a whole. Muslims need to not only spend on the poor, but also give up usury, both on the personal and on the national level. Ideally, the interest-based banking system should be done away with, and replaced with the financial system decreed by Allah. We have to begin somewhere: an alternate solution to avoid interest-based loans in: A Muslim Financial System. 

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دَيْنٍ (Debt) 

Search result for trilateral root dāl yā nūn (د ي ن) : https://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=dyn#(2:282:6). Notice that Deen (دِين) and Dayn (دَيْن) share the same root words. We believe that on the Day of Deen we will be recompensed for all that we spend in this world. After providing guidance for spending and the warnings against usury, ruku 39 instructs us regarding contracting debt. It consists of only two ayaat: 282 and 283 of Surah al-Baqarah. Ayat 282 is the longest ayat in The Quran: 

2:282  O ye who believe! When ye contract a debt for a fixed term, record it in writing. Let a scribe record it in writing between you in (terms of) equity. No scribe should refuse to write as Allah hath taught him, so let him write, and let him who incurreth the debt dictate, and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord, and diminish naught thereof. But if he who oweth the debt is of low understanding, or weak, or unable himself to dictate, then let the guardian of his interests dictate in (terms of) equity. And call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at hand) then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses, so that if the one erreth (through forgetfulness) the other will remember. And the witnesses must not refuse when they are summoned. Be not averse to writing down (the contract) whether it be small or great, with (record of) the term thereof. That is more equitable in the sight of Allah and more sure for testimony, and the best way of avoiding doubt between you; save only in the case when it is actual merchandise which ye transfer among yourselves from hand to hand. In that case it is no sin for you if ye write it not. And have witnesses when ye sell one to another, and let no harm be done to scribe or witness. If ye do (harm to them) lo! it is a sin in you. Observe your duty to Allah. Allah is teaching you. And Allah is knower of all things

2:283  If ye be on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a pledge in hand (shall suffice). And if one of you entrusteth to another let him who is trusted deliver up that which is entrusted to him (according to the pact between them) and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord. Hide not testimony. He who hideth it, verily his heart is sinful. Allah is Aware of what ye do 

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Earlier on in Surah al-Baqarah, we read about when Allah informed the angels that He was going to appoint a Khalifa for the Earth. The ayaat (Q2:230-239) briefly recount Adam's appointment and fall, and that Allah promises to send guidance, and whoever follows the guidance will neither fear nor grieve. 

In The Quran, Surah Ta Ha, we learn that Adam was under a covenant, so even though Iblis seduced both Adam and his wife, yet the blame of Adam's disobedience is placed on him. The Torah delves into the Genesis story in greater detail, and mentions how the serpent managed to make Adam's wife go astray. It seems that females are biologically more vulnerable, more prone to being led astray, and thus the directive to take two female witnesses in debt contracts in lieu of one male witness. For more on it, please read: Female recall. It seems that Allah compensates women's weakness by reducing their responsibility, allowing for two women to share the burden of testimony. Debts are too serious a matter, and it is crucial that justice is done. 

We have an appointment with Allah. The Day is called يَوْمِ الدِّينِ (Q1:4). We know from other ayaat of The Quran that everything we say and do is being recorded by honourable writers (Q82:11). Allah is teaching us how to maintain a proper record of whatever is owed to anyone, as well as what to do in exceptional situations when writing down the debt contract is not possible. 

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References & Links   

Screenshots of Quran ayaat from Quran.com 

English translation by: Pickthall  

Compare 50+ English translations at islamawakened.com 

Arabic text & root words search from corpus.quran.com  

A Muslim Financial System

The final instructions in Surah al-Baqarah include the warning against Riba (thirty-eighth ruku (ayaat 274-281)). The following are excerpts from that ruku: 

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Allah & His Messenger have declared a war against those who consume Riba. Those who believe therefore rightly worry about the financial system in their countries, where the modern banking system is well-entrenched in their economy, and thus, directly or indirectly, everyone is affected by the interest-based transactions. The lack of earnestness on part of the leadership to govern according to Divine Decrees makes matters worse. For example, Pakistan was created with the slogan: 

Pakistan became a sovereign state on Ramadan 27, 1366, (August 14, 1947). Its been over 77 lunar years, and almost 75 years according to the solar calendar. Pakistan declared itself an Islamic Republic in 1956. The Constitution of Pakistan requires all laws to be Shariah compliant. The Council of Islamic Ideology of Pakistan has submitted its report on riba-free economy. In spite of all this, the country continues to operate in the interest-based environment, internally and externally. On the external front, it is heavily indebted to lending organisations, and a large part of its budget goes into debt servicing. On the internal front, along with interest-based banks, another parallel islamic banking system has emerged, which has become widely popular. However, critics of the islamic banking say that its just a different method of book-keeping, while essentially they are also working the same way as interest-based banks. For the ordinary muslim, with little to no knowledge of technical matters, all this is very confusing, and discouraging, to say the least. How do they compete in the economic field without capital to invest? 

Alternate Solution 

To comply with Allah's prohibition on Riba, and to overcome the changing value of fiat currency, why not  peg the value of the loan to the rate of gold? Suppose someone borrows PKR 10 million. The lender would just have to check the the rate of gold on the day the loan is being taken, and book it simultaneously in terms of its value in gold and in the local currency. Since the transaction will be payable and recoverable in the national currency, thus there would be no need to worry about gold reserves. However, in such a transaction, the principal of the lender will be secured, unaffected by the time-value of money, and the borrower will not be overloaded with interest payments. Experts in the subject could work out how it would be feasible to apply this over short vs long term loans, etc. 

Such a system should naturally encourage people to borrow from such institutions, instead of interest-based banks. As the business of interest-based banks declines, they may choose to adopt this method, or take their business elsewhere. 

We either choose to willingly adopt a riba-free system, or we suffer and learn the hard way. Eventually, Allah's Deen, will be established, and replace all false systems with divinely-ordained systems:   

Notice of War by Allah and His Messenger 

Allah grants sustenance, and determines who is granted how much. The Quran exhorts believers to spend from what they have been given. 

Allah has decreed the system of Zakat, which essentially ensures a flow of wealth from the rich to the poor. 

Riba is a system which essentially ensures the flow of wealth from the poor to the rich. It leads to many financial and economic problems in society, eventually culminating in slavery. 

The prohibition on Riba is upon all believers of the Abrahamic faith. 

A week before his alleged crucification, Jesus عليه السلام took violent measures against the money changers and merchants. This event is famously known as the Cleansing of the Temple. To quote from Wikipedia [dated July 16, 2022]: 

A common interpretation is that Jesus was reacting to the practice of money changers routinely cheating the people, but Marvin L. Krier Mich observes that a good deal of money was stored at the temple, where it could be loaned by the wealthy to the poor who were in danger of losing their land to debt. The Temple establishment therefore co-operated with the aristocracy in the exploitation of the poor. One of the first acts of the First Jewish-Roman War was the burning of the debt records in the archives.    

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Surah al-Kahf begins with a warning of great violence from near Allah. Muslims and Christians believe that Jesus عليه السلام, the Messenger of Allah, will return during end times for the final Great War. It is believed that he will annihilate the Dajjal (the false messiah). When the false messiah and his systems are destroyed, then the Deen of Allah will prevail over all other deens. 

Debt-ridden economies, and other existential crises, are increasingly challenging humanity's will to trust Allah. Surah al-Hajj combines the false promises of technology and wealth in one example: 

Allah’s creations and the systems Allah has created are far superior to anything humans can come up with. It’s in our best interest to adopt an interest-free financial system. 

Related Posts 

Jesus (عليه السلام) – Ascension & Return 

Detailed Guidance in Surah alKahf  

Purchase with Your Leaf 

The Prophesy 

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Hired for Khilafat

[Al-Quran 33:35, Translation: Dr. Mustafa Khattab]: 

People ask why The Quran speaks to men, and why does it only describe the rewards they will get in the Hereafter. They also object that it doesn't detail the reward that women can expect in the Gardens of Eternity. Why are the details of the rewards for women not been spelled out? 

In business communication meetings, the employer invites the relevant employees to communicate whatever they need to be informed about, so that they are able to perform their jobs well. Generally, their families are not invited to the business communication meetings. 

The Bible, Genesis 1 26-28, informs us that Allah created humans (men and women) in His Image to rule over all living creatures. Genesis 2 7 informs us about the creation of the man who came to be known as Adam. It also mentions the creation of his wife especially for him (Genesis 2 20-23), as his help meet. Genesis 3 narrates the Fall of Adam, and the Divine Decree that Adam will rule over his wife (Genesis 3 16). 

The Quran also describes two creation stories: the general one, and the Adam one. It informs us that Adam was specifically created for the Khilafat of the Earth (Q2:30). It speaks of the covenant taken from Adam (Q20:115) and all the prophets (Q33:7). It holds Adam responsible for his Fall, as the covenant had been taken from Adam (Q20:121). The Quran contains an entire surah titled An-Nisa` (Women), containing some detailed instructions regarding women, requiring humans to keep their duty regarding Allah, and the womb. Men are made in charge of women (Q4:34). It also mentions the danger they are in from Satan (Q4:119). 

The Quran addresses the men because they have been hired to rule according to the khilafat of the earth role that Adam was created for. They have roles and responsibilities that they must fulfil. Their renumeration package is also spelled out in detail.  

They have been blessed with a family in this world, and in the Hereafter also they are promised reunification with the righteous among their families: 

Related Posts 

The Devils among The Angels, & The Khilafat of Adam  

The Covenant & Its Ratification 

Humans: Extinct & Extant 

Guarding the Womb 

The Creation & Emergence of Species 

Permission to Fight against Unjust Regimes

وَمَا لَكُمْ لَا تُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاءِ وَالْوِلْدَانِ الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ هَٰذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ الظَّالِمِ أَهْلُهَا وَاجْعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّا وَاجْعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ نَصِيرًا

And why should you not fight in the way of God and for the ones taken advantage of due to weakness among the men and the women and the children, those who say: Our Lord! Bring us out from this town whose people are the ones who are unjust and assign for us a protector from Thy Presence and assign for us a helper from Thy Presence?
[Al-Quran 4:75, Translation: Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar] 

The Quran questions the reluctance of the Believers to defend the weak. Important to note in this ayat are:

1. the purpose of the battle is to fight in the cause of Allah 
2. the purpose of fighting unjust regimes is to protect the weak who cannot defend themselves 
3. the objective is to evacuate the weak who are suffering injustice to somewhere safe  
4. the objective is NOT to conquer the land of the oppressors  
5. the weak are praying for a single protector/helper implying a Head-of-State  

Reading the above ayat in context, (tenth ruku of the fourth surah: anNisa`):  

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا خُذُوا حِذْرَكُمْ فَانفِرُوا ثُبَاتٍ أَوِ انفِرُوا جَمِيعًا

وَإِنَّ مِنكُمْ لَمَن لَّيُبَطِّئَنَّ فَإِنْ أَصَابَتْكُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالَ قَدْ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيَّ إِذْ لَمْ أَكُن مَّعَهُمْ شَهِيدًا

وَلَئِنْ أَصَابَكُمْ فَضْلٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ لَيَقُولَنَّ كَأَن لَّمْ تَكُن بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُ مَوَدَّةٌ يَا لَيْتَنِي كُنتُ مَعَهُمْ فَأَفُوزَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا

فَلْيُقَاتِلْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يَشْرُونَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا بِالْآخِرَةِ وَمَن يُقَاتِلْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَيُقْتَلْ أَوْ يَغْلِبْ فَسَوْفَ نُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

وَمَا لَكُمْ لَا تُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاءِ وَالْوِلْدَانِ الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ هَٰذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ الظَّالِمِ أَهْلُهَا وَاجْعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّا وَاجْعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ نَصِيرًا

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ الطَّاغُوتِ فَقَاتِلُوا أَوْلِيَاءَ الشَّيْطَانِ إِنَّ كَيْدَ الشَّيْطَانِ كَانَ ضَعِيفًا

O those who believed! Take your precautions. Then, move forward in companies of men or move forward altogether.
And, truly, among you is he who lingers behind. Then, if affliction lit on you, he would say: Surely, God was gracious to me that I not be a witness to them.
And if the grace of God lit on you, certainly, he would say, as if there be not any affection between you and between him: Would that I had been with them so that I would have won a triumph, winning a sublime triumph!
Then, let fight in the way of God those who sell this present life for the world to come. And whoever fights in the way of God, then, is slain or is vanquished, We will give him a sublime compensation.
And why should you not fight in the way of God and for the ones taken advantage of due to weakness among the men and the women and the children, those who say: Our Lord! Bring us out from this town whose people are the ones who are unjust and assign for us a protector from Thy Presence and assign for us a helper from Thy Presence?
Those who believed fight in the way of God. And those who were ungrateful fight in the way of the false deity. So fight the protectors of Satan. Truly the cunning of Satan had been weak.
[Al-Quran 4:71-76, Translation: Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar] 

Examples from The Quran 

Liberating the Weak from an Unjust Regime
Historically, Moses was sent to demand the release of the Bani Israel from the Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. The Quran relates the story of the Bani Israel in great detail. Moses was to lead the Bani Israel out of Egypt, not battle with the Pharaonic forces. Eventually, the Bani Israel were evacuated, and their oppressors destroyed by an act of God. 

Fighting in the Cause of Allah 

1. Talut (Saul) led the Bani Israel into war against Jalut (Goliath) and his forces. Daud (David) killed Goliath. Through sending believers into battles, Allah contains corruption. 
2. When Daud (David) became Khalifa, iron was made pliable for him. He was taught to make coats of mail, and calculate the links precisely. He was commanded to do acts of reform. 
3. The Quran, Surah anNaml, relates the story of the Prophet-King Sulaiman (Solomon) who used his authority to turn away the Sun-worshipping Queen of Saba from her false-worship and convinced her into submitting to Allah. In Allah's name, Solomon invited her to visit him; he refused to accept any gifts in lieu of submission, and instead threatened to wage war. She visited him in compliance to his request, and upon witnessing his wondrous kingdom, she was convinced about the truth of Solomon's beliefs, and submitted willingly to the worship of Allah alone.   

Last updated on: May 17, 2022 

As in the Days of Lot (Russia’s Holy War)

The Bible, Luke 17 

22 Then he said to the disciples, “The time will come when you will wish you could see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. 23 There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, over there!’ or, ‘Look, over here!’ But don't go out looking for it. 24 As the lightning flashes across the sky and lights it up from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer much and be rejected by the people of this day. 26 As it was in the time of Noah so shall it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 Everybody kept on eating and drinking, and men and women married, up to the very day Noah went into the boat and the flood came and killed them all. 28 It will be as it was in the time of Lot. Everybody kept on eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. 29 On the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and killed them all. 30 That is how it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.

[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+17&version=GNT]

The Bible, Luke 17, foretells end times will be like the Days of Noah [Luke 17 27], and the Days of Lot [Luke 17 28].  Comparing the two examples, notice that in the Days of Noah: men and women married; while in the Days of Lot there is no mention of marriage. 

Our world today is a mixture of heterosexual and homosexual relationships: 

Heterosexual relationships 

World religions traditionally encourage and endorse marriage of a man with a woman, and this union has been recognised globally, across the millennia. 

In the recent history, heterosexual relationships without the bond of marriage have become popular and commonly accepted in many a secular countries. In fact, it’s even a recognised category in some countries, such as the term ‘common-law’ partner indicates. 

Homosexual relationships 

The Torah, The Bible, and The Quran warn against homosexual relationships, citing the example of the people of Lot who were destroyed through Divine Punishment for their crime. 

In today’s world, persons who prefer such sexual orientations, represented by LGBTQ+, and similar acronyms, are increasingly finding acceptance among the secular-minded people. It’s being promoted as a ‘human right’ and has been granted ‘constitutional rights’ in secular democracies. This change during this past half-century or so, has encouraged these people to not only live together more openly, but Gay Pride parades are held annually, in major cities, around the world, to commemorate it. [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_parade] 

Russia is an exception. After a few annual demonstrations, it has not only refused to allow the holding of Pride Parades, but has also placed a hundred-year ban. 

[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Pride] 

Recently, Russia has invaded Ukraine. The Russian Orthodox Church leader is reported to have said: 

But Patriarch Kirill said the war is about “which side of God humanity will be on” in the divide between supporters of gay pride events — or the Western governments that allow them — and their opponents in Russian-backed eastern Ukraine. 

[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/07/russian-church-leader-appears-to-blame-gay-pride-parades-for-ukraine-war-a76803] 

In Pakistan, homosexuality is a punishable crime. 

However, on June 26, 2011, the US Embassy hosted the first Pride Celebration in the country. When the masses learnt about this ‘private’ event, there were demonstrations opposing it. The PPP was in power then. 

The year 2018 brought in many changes in favour of the ‘transgender’ community, and culminated in the Trans Pride Parade in Lahore in December 29, 2018. The government changed hands during the year 2018, from PML-N to PTI. 

Transgender  bill 2018 https://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1526547582_234.pdf 

Related posts: 

World History & Future Implications 

Maroof & Munkar 

Last updated on: June 18, 2022 

Feminism

Throughout history, many women have been oppressed and have suffered injustices. Religion, culture, norms, have been used as excuses, throughout history, and almost all over the world. As a consequence, now that opportunity presents itself, again, they demand their rights. 

Is it correct? Or is it an inevitable evil consequence of the oppression perpetrated by society in general, and by men in particular. 

Will the feminist movement secure due rights for women, or will it liberate them from their privileged place that Allah has decreed for them in the family unit? 

Perhaps, we need to revisit history, to identify the original enemy, and then explore ways forward. 

In the first paragraph, I write ‘now that opportunity presents itself, again, they demand their rights’. The Quran, Surah an-Naml, informs us of the Queen of Saba, the ruler of a mighty nation, who had been given from everything. She had a mighty throne, and they worshipped the Sun! … when she finally sees the mighty kingdom of Allah’s servant Solomon, she realises that she had been wronging herself, and submits to the one and only deity, Allah. 

Surah an-Naml (The Ant) also mentions the Valley of Ants, and its Queen Ant, who is afraid of Solomon’s forces, and is warning her workers to take shelter while Solomon’s troops are passing through her valley, lest they are trampled upon by the marching army. 

Ant colonies are fascinating examples of meticulous organisation and the buildings they construct. They are ruled by a female ant. 

The nation of Saba is an example of high technology in the ancient world. The dam of Saba is a mighty engineering feat that finds its mention in The Quran ( Surah Saba), and its ruins testify to it. They were ruled by their Queen. 

Women have ruled in the past and do so in the present, and have been quite successful at it. Women have participated in many sciences and arts, and have held many diverse posts in many a organisations, and have proved to be no less than their male counterparts. 

The scriptures inform us that Allah created Adam especially for the Khilafat of this world, due to a special need. Through Adam, He revealed to the angels that He knows what they were hiding, and also exposed Iblis’ arrogance and enmity to Adam and his family. 

Iblis is the sworn enemy of mankind. He wants to destroy each and every one, old and young, male and female, all of us. The best way to do it is by destroying the family unit. 

Allah has placed the responsibility of the covenant, the khilafat, the establishment of justice, the containment of corruption, the financial, economic, and moral responsibility of the family unit, and the society, upon men, making them heads of their families. They work, earn the bread, rule, each one according to what Allah has bestowed upon him, and made him responsible for. Their bodies are biologically suited to consistently perform throughout their adult lives. 

Women have been given the responsibility of guarding their wombs. They are committed helpmates of their husbands. They should be loved and cherished. 

Through the wombs of women, Allah increases the progeny of Adam. Their specialised role in the family unit also makes the women vulnerable to internal and external threats. They are in danger. They need to be protected and guarded. 

Iblis is the sworn enemy of Adam and his progeny. He, and his troops (humans and jinns), exploit the weaknesses, desires, ambitions, of humans to make them harm the human family. 

Feminist movement is one such tool. Playing upon the sense of injustice and perceived inequality, he convinces many a people to change the basic roles and responsibilities, and grant women their ‘rights, and public role in society’. Women playing a more active public role requires abandoning or reducing many traditional roles, such as the number of pregnancies, and the children they raise. This directly harms the family of Adam, by limiting the number of descendants of Adam. Allah has promised to provide for each and every creation. According to estimates, there is enough in this world to feed current and projected population for the next fifty years. There is no need to depopulate humans. We must grant each potential person a right to be realised, and to live its life. Life is sacrosanct! 

Moreover, though there do exist few examples of women who have successfully lived their private and public roles, there are many examples of women finding themselves adversely affected by the ‘liberties’ granted to them. Some have to earn the bread, and take care of the home; some have to choose between family and career; some have to compromise moral principles; and some are simply exposed and unprotected from all the dangers. 

Humans can put in place all the laws to protect women, all the organisations to uphold their rights, yet they remain vulnerable to the dangers they are exposed to in the public  domain. 

On the contrary, many women who remain in the private domain of their homes find themselves deprived of their rights by their own family members. Some suffer financially, others emotionally. 

Which is better: suffering the injustices at home, or exposing yourself to the dangers pervading society? 

Our Deen ( Laws of Recompense in the hereafter) requires no change in the creation of Allah (Q30:30). The family unit is a creation of Allah. He has appointed roles and responsibilities for men and women. He has informed us that some of us are our enemies, and has promised great rewards for those who endure with patience. 

Do we choose living in the shelter of our families, with our wings clipped; or do we choose ‘liberty’ and fly away? 

Is the success of this temporary world our objective, or the eternal success of the hereafter? 

Do we choose to please Allah, or do we choose to please our nafs? 

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Addressing some of the Feedback received 

MY wrote on April 14, 2022: If all women were meant to stay at home and give birth, infertility wouldn't exist. 

This just sounds like hiding behind religion to excuse laziness.

Reply on April 17, 2022: I’m trying to address the macro view of the Feminist movement and it’s evil consequences for the human family. It’s about the danger we are in, and what’s measures need to be taken to protect the human family, lest we suffer. 

It’s not simply about increasing the population. Many ancient non-Muslim nations were very numerous, yet not one of them exists today. In the present world, India and China are examples of densely populated predominantly non-Muslim nations. On the contrary, the Western countries who pursued secular ideals, are facing the irreversible crisis of an ageing population, and very few young people. They expect to become minorities in their own countries in the near future. 

Abraham was childless till old age. Yet, Allah not only granted him Ishmael and Isaac, but made their progeny flourish. The Middle East is densely populated by many people who can trace their ancestry to Abraham. 

————

SY wrote on April 14, 2022: i think the argument is too dichotomous. Its either go out and work or stay at home and build family/take care of home. In the real world there is a lot of grey area, especially if you look at the diaspora of women affected by broken homes, abandonment etc. We have examples among our own relatives of women who are widowed or divorced who have to live on charity because they were never given the basic right of being able to earn an income of their own and be able to help themselves. Its great to say that the men of a family are supposed to protect, cherish and take care of their women, but realistically, how many men actually do that? 

Reply on April 17, 2022: Good observation. Yes, there are multiple problems being faced by many individuals and families. We need to remember that this world is a place of trial and enmity. The Quran doesn’t say we won’t have problems, but it advises us how to handle the challenges. There is detailed guidance on social issues. 

For example, Surah an-Nisa (The Women) guides men in the matter of becoming guardians of orphans, even allowing marriages with their widowed mothers, if necessary (read Q4:3 & Q4:127 together). 

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UY wrote on April 14, 2022: There’s no supporting evidence in the Quran, or in the article, that women shouldn’t work or should stay at home. It only says that they aren’t liable to pay the bills and can use their funds at their discretion 

Reply on April 17, 2022: 

1) owning wealth, and working to earn are two different things 

2) working to earn becomes a necessity for some; that’s different from the Feminist movement which rebels to break all shackles, and intends to redefine the roles and responsibilities 

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YS wrote on April 14, 2022: Hazrat Khadija was a successful business woman 

Reply on April 17, 2022: She lived in polytheistic Makkah, and she was the first woman to embrace Islam. Later on, in the Muslim State of Medina, we read in Q33:28 onwards the guidance for the Prophet’s wives. Q33:33-34 tells them to: 

33 وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ ۖ وَأَقِمْنَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتِينَ الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِعْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۚ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance. And establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah intends only to remove from you the impurity [of sin], O people of the [Prophet's] household, and to purify you with [extensive] purification.

34 وَاذْكُرْنَ مَا يُتْلَىٰ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَالْحِكْمَةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ لَطِيفًا خَبِيرًا And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom. Indeed, Allah is ever Subtle and Acquainted [with all things]

https://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=33&translator=29&show_arabic=1

 

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MY wrote on April 14, 2022: Your blog is proof that some women aren't fulfilled as just homemakers, they want to be doing something else too :p

Reply on April 17, 2022: Alhamdolillah, passively sharing online the insights Allah has blessed me with. 

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Last updated on: April 17, 2022 

Masks & Veils

People have a right to wear masks to protect themselves from germs. People have a right that others wear masks to reduce the chance of contracting infectious diseases. 

Medical professionals have a right to wear masks and scrubs to protect themselves while attending to patients. Patients have a right that medical professionals are appropriately dressed to minimise the chance of patients contracting germs. 

Humans needs protection against viruses, bacteria, and other harmful organisms. Since 2020, the Covid-19 global pandemic, the entire world declared a medical emergency, and chose to dress accordingly, while taking many other precautionary measures to minimise the risk of contracting the disease. 

Viruses, bacteria, and other microscopic germs are invisible to the naked eye. We trust the relevant officials and medical professionals when they warn us about them. 

We have been warned of the enmity of Satan. We have also been warned about desires and lusts. We have been warned about sins. We know that Satan incites humans to sin. 

Crimes against women are a global problem. 

The scriptures guide women to take precautions by covering themselves appropriately. Religious leaders and family elders guide their women to take precautions by covering themselves. Some go to the extent of covering even the face with veils. 

Veils are a precautionary measure, just like masks are a precautionary measure. Everyone has the right to take precautions to prevent themselves and others from harm.