Expedition Think: bridging the gap between īmān and acts of reform
وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ لِيُهْلِكَ الْقُرَىٰ بِظُلْمٍ وَأَهْلُهَا مُصْلِحُونَ
And your Lord would not have destroyed the cities unjustly while their people were reformers.
[Al-Quran 11:117, Translation: Sahih International]
˹Some among˺ the Jews said, “Allah is tight-fisted.”[1] May their fists be tied and they be condemned for what they said. Rather, He is open-handed, giving freely as He pleases. That which has been revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ from your Lord will only cause many of them to increase in wickedness and disbelief. We have stirred among them hostility and hatred until the Day of Judgment. Whenever they kindle the fire of war, Allah puts it out. And they strive to spread corruption in the land. And Allah does not like corruptors.
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran
اور یہودنے کہا کہ اللہ کا ہاتھ بند ہوگیا اور ان پر لعنت ہے اس کے سبب جو انہوں نے کہا بلکہ اللہ کے دونوں ہاتھ تو کھلے ہوئے ہیں وہ جیسے چاہے خرچ کرتا ہے اور یقینا اضافہ کرے گا ان میں سے اکثر کی سر کشی اور کفر میں جو کچھ (اے نبی ﷺ نازل کیا گیا ہے آپ ﷺ پر آپ ﷺ کے رب کی طرف سے اور ہم نے ان کے مابین قیامت تک کے لیے دشمنی اور بغض ڈال دیا ہےجب کبھی یہ آگ بھڑکاتے ہیں جنگ کے لیے اللہ اس کو بجھا دیتا ہے اور (پھر بھی) یہ زمین میں فساد مچانے کے لیے بھاگ دوڑ کرتے رہتے ہیں اور اللہ ایسے ُ مفسدوں کو پسند نہیں کرتا
The nation of Israel was carved out of the land of Palestine in 1948.
Over the years, the tiny State of Israel has continuously expanded its borders and taken over Palestine.
The zionists claim the land that was given by God to the Jewish Patriarchs.
As the Zionist nation of Israel dreams of a Greater Israel, it keeps offending its neighbours, and tries to expand the war beyond its borders. It believes that it can win the wars and takeover the surrounding nations, to fulfil its dream.
There are prophecies of Bani Israel being collected in the region towards end time.
The Quran informs that when the promise of end-time comes, they will be collected together: (Q17:104).
From Hadith sources, scholars narrate specific end-time events of a Great War, and the killing of the Jews by the Muslims [https://sunnah.com/bukhari:2926].
If we are in the end-times, then the rise of the anti-Christ, the eventual war between Jews and Muslims will eventually take place.
If we are not yet in the end-times, then historically, Jews were, and should still be, removed from the land they are causing corruption in. The internet is replete with the expulsions of the Jews from so many countries in the world. Till the Jews remain in Palestine, they will continue to colonise and exterminate the locals, and their neighbours. The 'two-state solution' of Israel and Palestine will not last long. It is in the interest of peace that the 'fitna' of zionist Israel is removed from the region. But where should they be expelled to? Almost all countries are against them. Where will they go to? USA? Antarctica? Some uninhabited island? The zionist state of Israel must be abolished. The zionists cannot be allowed to continue to terrorise the region. As Muslims, our role should be to act in the interests of peace. We must save the life of the Bani Adam being murdered by their brothers. We must come to the help of the oppressed. Saving one life is like saving all mankind. Saving Palestine is the need of the time. The Muslim world must act now.
Yes, the risk is great.
It is a 'fight-or-flight' situation for the State of Israel. They will resist, and employ all means to avert such a fate.
Should the military might of the Zionists deter Muslim nations from taking collective or unilateral action against this 'fitna'?
What is more important?
Jews exiled by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Jews were exiled by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions in the seventh century. Surah alHashr narrates the event thus:
It is He who expelled the ones who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture[1] from their homes at the first gathering.[2] You did not think they would leave, and they thought that their fortresses would protect them from Allāh; but [the decree of] Allāh came upon them from where they had not expected, and He cast terror into their hearts [so] they destroyed their houses by their [own] hands and the hands of the believers. So take warning, O people of vision.
— Saheeh International
[1]Referring to the Jews of Banun-Naḍeer, who broke their pact with the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ).
[2]This was the first tme they had ever been gathered and expelled.
He it is Who hath caused those of the People of the Scripture who disbelieved to go forth from their homes unto the first exile. Ye deemed not that they would go forth, while they deemed that their strongholds would protect them from Allah. But Allah reached them from a place whereof they recked not, and cast terror in their hearts so that they ruined their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers. So learn a lesson, O ye who have eyes!
— M. Pickthall
وہی تو ہے جس نے کفار اہل کتاب کو حشر اول کے وقت ان کے گھروں سے نکال دیا۔ تمہارے خیال میں بھی نہ تھا کہ وہ نکل جائیں گے اور وہ لوگ یہ سمجھے ہوئے تھے کہ ان کے قلعے ان کو خدا (کے عذاب) سے بچا لیں گے۔ مگر خدا نے ان کو وہاں سے آ لیا جہاں سے ان کو گمان بھی نہ تھا۔ اور ان کے دلوں میں دہشت ڈال دی کہ اپنے گھروں کو خود اپنے ہاتھوں اور مومنوں کے ہاتھوں سے اُجاڑنے لگے تو اے (بصیرت کی) آنکھیں رکھنے والو عبرت پکڑو
And if not that Allāh had decreed for them evacuation, He would have punished them in [this] world, and for them in the Hereafter is the punishment of the Fire.
— Saheeh International
And if Allah had not decreed migration for them, He verily would have punished them in the world, and theirs in the Hereafter is the punishment of the Fire.
— M. Pickthall
اور اگر خدا نے ان کے بارے میں جلاوطن کرنا نہ لکھ رکھا ہوتا تو ان کو دنیا میں بھی عذاب دے دیتا۔ اور آخرت میں تو ان کے لئے آگ کا عذاب (تیار) ہے
Whatever you have cut down of [their] palm trees or left standing on their trunks - it was by permission of Allāh and so He would disgrace the defiantly disobedient.
— Saheeh International
Whatsoever palm-trees ye cut down or left standing on their roots, it was by Allah's leave, in order that He might confound the evil-livers.
— M. Pickthall
(مومنو) کھجور کے جو درخت تم نے کاٹ ڈالے یا ان کو اپنی جڑوں پر کھڑا رہنے دیا سو خدا کے حکم سے تھا اور مقصود یہ تھا کہ وہ نافرمانوں کو رسوا کرے
Allah ﷻ had decreed expulsion for them. This expulsion was announced to them well in advance, as mentioned in Surah alIsra (Bani Israel) [Q17:4-8]. The reason cited is their corruption upon Earth when they rise to power.
The example of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad ﷺ, sets the guideline for dealing with a people who conspire against Allah and His Messenger ﷺ .
The Jews had conspired also against Messenger Jesus (Isa عليه السلام).
Allah ﷻ always prevails. So, Surah alHashr concludes thus:
He is Allāh, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign,[1] the Pure,[2] the Perfection,[3] the Grantor of Security,[4] the Overseer,[5] the Exalted in Might,[6] the Compeller,[7] the Superior.[8] Exalted is Allāh above whatever they associate with Him.
— Saheeh International
[1]And owner of everything in existence.
[2]i.e., transcendent above any aspect belonging to His creation. Also, the possessor and grantor of blessings.
[3]Literally, 'Free' from any imperfection. Also, 'Peace' or 'Soundness.'
[4]And safety, i.e., reassurance that His promise is always fulfilled. Also, He who bestows faith.
[5]i.e., who observes, guards and protects. Also, 'he Criterion.'
[6]Refer to footnote in 2:129.
[7]Whose irresistible force is without limitation; the one above all things who compels the creation to be as He wills it. Also, 'the Amender' or 'the Rectifier' who repairs, restores, completes or sets something right once again, out of His mercy.
[8]Supreme, complete and perfect in His essence, attributes and actions.
He is Allah, than Whom there is no other Allah, the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One, Peace, the Keeper of Faith, the Guardian, the Majestic, the Compeller, the Superb. Glorified be Allah from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him).
— M. Pickthall
وہی خدا ہے جس کے سوا کوئی عبادت کے لائق نہیں۔ بادشاہ (حقیقی) پاک ذات (ہر عیب سے) سلامتی امن دینے والا نگہبان غالب زبردست بڑائی والا۔ خدا ان لوگوں کے شریک مقرر کرنے سے پاک ہے
He is Allāh, the Creator,[1] the Producer,[2] the Fashioner;[3] to Him belong the best names.[4] Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.[5]
— Saheeh International
[1]i.e., He who destined existence for His creation.
[2]i.e., He who brings His creation into existence.
[3]i.e., He who gives every creation its particular form.
[4]Refer to the final paragraphs of the 'Introduction' for a brief discussion of these attributes.
[5]Refer to footnote in 6:18.
He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper out of naught, the Fashioner. His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifieth Him, and He is the Mighty, the Wise.
— M. Pickthall
وہی خدا (تمام مخلوقات کا) خالق۔ ایجاد واختراع کرنے والا صورتیں بنانے والا اس کے سب اچھے سے اچھے نام ہیں۔ جتنی چیزیں آسمانوں اور زمین میں ہیں سب اس کی تسبیح کرتی ہیں اور وہ غالب حکمت والا ہے
The Jews were expelled from the land they claim, and from many other countries, several times in their history. There are many lists. Regardless of who has compiled the list of the expulsions, there are just too many expulsions throughout their history, till the present era, to ignore.
Visigothic king Sisebut mandated that every Jew who would refuse for over a year to have himself or his children and servants baptized would be banished from the country and deprived of his possessions.[35]
France. The practice of expelling the Jews accompanied by confiscation of their property, followed by temporary readmissions for ransom, was used to enrich the crown: expulsions from Paris by Philip Augustus in 1182, from France by Louis IX in 1254, by Philip IV in 1306, by Charles IV in 1322, by Charles V in 1359, by Charles VI in 1394.
13th century
The influential philosopher and logicianRamon Llull (1232–1315) called for expulsion of all Jews who would refuse conversion to Christianity. Some scholars regard Llull's as the first comprehensive articulation, in the Christian West, of an expulsionist policy regarding Jews.
On June 24 (4th of Tamuz), the Jews of Berne, Switzerland were expelled.[47] "Several Jews were put to death there in consequence of a blood libel", but a deal involving the Jews paying money reverted the expulsion.
Jews expelled from Bern, Switzerland. Although between 1408 and 1427 Jews were again residing in the city, the only Jews to appear in Bern subsequently were transients, chiefly physicians and cattle dealers.
Do not spread corruption in the land after it has been set in order. And call upon Him with hope and fear. Indeed, Allah’s mercy is always close to the good-doers.
[Al-Quran 7:56, Translation: Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran]
They said: O Dhu'l-Qarneyn! Lo! Gog and Magog are spoiling the land. So may we pay thee tribute on condition that thou set a barrier between us and them?
He said: That wherein my Lord hath established me is better (than your tribute). Do but help me with strength (of men), I will set between you and them a bank.
Give me pieces of iron - till, when he had levelled up (the gap) between the cliffs, he said: Blow! - till, when he had made it a fire, he said: Bring me molten copper to pour thereon.
The Earth-corrupting Gog and Magog (يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ) were contained behind a barrier as a Mercy from Allah عزوجل. According to a Hadithattributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he informed his companions that the Gog and Magog (يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ) are trying to dig a hole in the barrier built by Dhu al Qarnayn. Every day they try, and it repairs itself. Then, one day it will so happen that they will say,
' Go back, and we will dig it tomorrow if Allah wills.' So they will say: "If Allah wills." '
, and they will succeed the very next day. So, these corrupt people, they also take the name of Allah. Then, what about the so many people in our world who also take the name of Allah, and Allah allows their efforts to bear fruit? There are many criminals in our world causing a lot of corruption and other troubles for everyone on Earth. As it states in Surah al-Baqarah about a type of pilgrim:
There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life May dazzle thee, and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies.
When it is said to him, "Fear Allah", He is led by arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell;-An evil bed indeed (To lie on)!
[Al-Quran 2:204-206, Translation: A. Yusuf Ali, edited in italics]
So, these criminals are so-called believers, whose speech is pleasing to the ears, but their actions are those which cause corruption.
The wisdom behind releasing Gog and Magog (يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ) may be to generate the evidence that whenever the criminals are given a chance, they revert to their criminal behaviour, corrupting the Earth. The Earth was amended before (Q7:56), the Gog Magog were contained behind a metallic barrier (Q18:92-99). When they break that barrier, they will again corrupt the Earth (Q21:95-96). The land will be corrupted.
For the criminals, the doors in the sky will not be opened, and they will not be able to pass through it, at least until the camel cannot pass through the eye of the needle. What does that mean? A very distant future? The devolution of species? Until the skies and earth last? ...
Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى gives everyone a chance to repent and reform. Yet, in His Knowledge and Wisdom, He knows that the criminals will not choose to repent and reform. Every time they are given some power and authority, they cause corruption. Gog and Magog are the most extreme example. When they are released, they will make the Earth hellish. When all matters are brought to an end, the Believers will be able to ascend through the gates in the sky to Gardens of Perfection, which they will inherit, to maintain and enjoy it, always and forever.
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Gog and Magog people dig every day until, when they can almost see the rays of the sun, the one in charge of them says: "Go back and we will dig it tomorrow." Then Allah puts it back, stronger than it was before. (This will continue) until, when their time has come, and Allah wants to send them against the people, they will dig until they can almost see the rays of the sun, then the one who is in charge of them will say: "Go back, and we will dig it tomorrow if Allah wills.' So they will say: "If Allah wills." Then they will come back to it and it will be as they left it. So they will dig and will come out to the people, and they will drink all the water. The people will fortify themselves against them in their fortresses. They will shoot their arrows towards the sky and they will come back with blood on them, and they will say: "We have defeated the people of earth and dominated the people of heaven." Then Allah will send a worm in the napes of their necks and will kill them thereby.'" The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, the beasts of the earth will grow fat on their flesh."
Organ transplants are being hailed as noble deeds! According to my understanding of The Quran, organ harvesting and organ transplant violate the commandments of The Law (الدِّينُ) according to which we will be judged by The True King on The Day of Judgement (مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ). We have been created with materials from the Earth, and we continue to exist after death, even after we perish. Moreover, our dust will be resurrected in the Hereafter, and be judged. We need to exercise great caution and let the scriptures guide us in matters we do not really know anything about, and therefore cannot reach any conclusion by reason alone. After all, we can only see a tiny portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and most things are not even visible to us. We need to repent from our transgressions against The Law (الدِّينُ) if we hope to return to The Garden (الْجَنَّةَ) . Kindly consider the following references from the scriptures, and my questions thereafter:
References from the Scripture
_ Aspects of our Existence
The Quran [67:2] informs us that Allah has created Death and Life to test us, and the purpose of this temporal life is to give us an opportunity to save ourselves from the penalty of The Fire [Q3:191-192; Q32:13; Q38:85; Q40:7-9; Q42:1-5]. The Quran informs us about the moments of death when the person is being questioned [Q6:93; Q7:37; Q8:50; Q16:28; Q47:27-28]. It also informs us that the person will remain in his/her grave in an experience consequent to its beliefs and actions in this temporal life, and then will be raised again for judgement and eternal existence [Q56]. People who have not done well in this life, plead for another chance, but are not allowed to return across the barrier which separates the two realms [Q23:100].
_ Constituents of our Creation
The Bible [Genesis 3:19] and The Quran [30:20; 32:7; 55:14] both state that we humans are created from materials from the Earth. Allah has created bashr from water and assigned families and in-laws [Q25:54]. We also have a nafs which is in pledge [Q7:172-174; Q74:38]. As the water stops flowing through the body upon death, the body starts to perish [Q67:28-30]. The nafs is removed and returned daily to the living, [Q6:60; Q39:42], while it is permanently removed from the dead, to be reunited upon resurrection. The people who are forgiven will be able to retain their nafs, and will be reunited with those of their ancestors, spouses and progeny who have also been forgiven and retained their nafs [Q13:23]. The people who are put in The Fire on The Day of Judgement will lose their nafs and their families, and they, which means their body which is made of dust, will burn in Hell forever [Q6:70; Q11:106-107; Q39:15].
So, it follows that wherever The Quran is speaking about creation (خَلَقَ), it is essentially speaking about our physical self, our body, the materials of the Earth and the water!
_ Corruption of Creation
Allah does not like corruption, and warns us against changing His creation [Q30:30]. Early on in The Quran, attention is drawn to the corrupters who don't even realise that they are doing corruption [Q2:11-12].
_ Universal Laws of Creation
The Quran [30:30] clearly warns against changing the creation of Allah, with the focus on how He has separated humans:
Separation by Allah (upon) which He has separated humans.
No change (should there be) in the creation (of) Allah.
That (is) the religion the correct,
but most people (do) not know.
[Al-Quran 30:30, Translation edited]
Note: فِطْرَتَ is generally translated as nature but فَطَرَ means to separate, and Allah is فَاطِرِ the One who separated/separates.
Also, الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ is generally translated as the religion the correct, but The Standing Law may be a clearer literal translation. However, I haven't made this correction here.
The Quran is quite clear that the same deen [الدِّينِ] was given to all the messengers and prophets [Q42:13], while each has their own law [شِرْعَةً] [Q5:43 onwards]. The phrase الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ defines the three standing laws in Q9:36, Q12:40 and Q30:30 They seem to be the fundamental and eternal governing principles, the universal laws! Q30:43 urgently exhorts compliance and warns of the consequences; and Q98:5 summarises thus:
And not they were commanded except to worship Allah (being) sincere to Him (in) the religion, upright, and to establish the prayer, and to give the zakah And that (is the) religion the correct.
The Quran emphasises on sincerity in deen [الدِّينِ], and is very clear that Allah has sent the messenger with guidance and the true deen [دِينِ الْحَقِّ] so that His deen shall prevail over all other deens [Q9:33; Q48:28; Q61:9]. The Quran refers to that time in future as the Days of Allah [أَيَّامِ اللَّهِ] [Q14:5; Q45:14] when everyone will be judged by Allah's deen, and recompensed according to what they did. Just as Moses was sent to Pharaoh, similarly we have been sent a Messenger as a witness [Q73:15]. We must move away from all false systems and sincerely submit to the Lord of the Kaaba [Q106:3; Q109:6], seeking help through prayer [Q98:5]. While Satan tries to tempt us to change creation [Q4:119], we are already under a covenant with Allah to not to obey Satan [Q36:60].
_ Saving a Life is like Saving all Mankind
Famously, people quote Q5:32 to justify organ transplant's role in saving life. The ayat begins with 'Because of that... ' Looking up the preceding ayaat, one realises that its about human violence against another, so then Q5:32 should mean that saving one life and saving mankind means saving people from violence. Q5:32 also speaks about corruption, and in my understanding, the organ recipient's body (its dust) does get corrupted by another person's organ (dust). If my understanding is correct, then the people involved in the process become corrupters.
Moreover, Q5:32 states that this had been decreed for the Bani Israel, who being the custodians of The Torah, are under a ratified covenant with God. As custodians of The Quran, Muslims are similarly responsible for implementing the teachings of The Quran. We read about Messenger Shoaib warning his people against depriving people of their things [Q7:85].
_ Some Pertinent Questions
Kindly consider the following questions before passing any law for or against organ transplants:
Is ignorance of law a valid excuse, admissible in court?
Isn't the Allah the King of the Day of Judgement (مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ)?
Doesn't the Quran exhort sincerity in Deen (الدِّينَ)?
Saving a life is a noble act, but violating a universal law ( الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ ) is a crime. Is it okay to commit a crime to save a life?
Haven't humans been created of materials from the Earth (طِينٍ || تُرَابٍ)?
Doesn't fatir (فَاطِرِ) literally mean the Separator?
Is Q30:30 separation of humans as done by Allah being upheld?
Is Q30:30 no change in the creation of Allah being upheld?
Do scientists know what exactly happens at the moment(s) of death?
Do scientists know for sure that there is no form of existence post-death?
Are people not being deprived of their things when their organs are harvested?
If it is not okay to remove organs of a sleeping or unconscious person, then why is it okay to remove a dead person's organs?
Isn't adding a harvested organ corrupting the dust of the recipient?
Is life-extension permissible?
Wasn't Adam attempting immortality when he disobeyed in The Garden (الْجَنَّةَ)?
Wasn't Adam thrown out of The Garden (الْجَنَّةَ) because of his disobedience?
Wasn't Adam under a covenant to obey?
Are bani Adam also not under a pledge?
Science on Death
Though scientists know next to nothing about death and what happens thereafter, preliminary data on the state of the brain during moments of death show recordings of brain activity during and several minutes after death. However, more data is needed before the results can be accepted as evidence. As more scientific research emerges, perhaps doctors' understanding of death will change.
And Allah knows best!
Related Posts
I have shared my learnings in some detail in the following posts:
