Allah (SWT) has created human beings the way that we are all associated with one another. We live in a society where none of us can live isolated lives and each one of us depends on the other for love, compassion, caring and even fulfilling our materialistic needs. Every day of our lives, we strive to each other’s needs and requirements. Apart from our intertwined social structure, at times, one of our family members, friends or colleagues needs money for their house rent or treatment of a disease, or requires a recommendation to attain someone’s assistance or just requires our emotional support to tide them through difficult times. These difficulties are not just a test for those suffering it, but also for those around them. We are tested with our response to fulfilling one’s needs. What were our efforts in alleviating a person’s need? Could we have helped him? How much did we help them? Sometimes, what a person needs is just a warm hug and a shoulder to cry on, did we become one for the needy person?
The recommendations and rewards related to fulfilling the needs of the people have been emphasized in such great measure that one is left amazed that despite this great path available to attaining success in the hereafter, how very few of us make the best of it.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) says: “Anyone who wants Allah to enter him into His mercy and make him dwell in His paradise, he must beautify his conduct, be fair with people in his relationships, be merciful to the orphans, help the weak, and humble himself before Allah, his Creator.” [1]
The Holy Quran says about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP): We did not send you but as a mercy to all the nations. (21:107)
The Holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) was not just sent as a mercy to Muslims but to all of humanity and similarly the goodness and benevolence that are recommended for Muslims are not just limited to themselves but for every human being. Imam Ali (AS), the first rightful successor to the Holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) - when became the Caliph of the Muslim Ummah- he wrote in his letter to Malik Al-Ashtar, when the latter was appointed as the governor of Egypt: “Habituate your heart to mercy for the subjects and affection and kindness for people. Do not govern them like they are just greedy beasts and just in need of devouring, since they are of two kinds, either your brother in religion or one like you in creation.”
In the same letter he further advised Malik Al-Ashtar with the following words: “(Fear) Allah and keep Allah in view; in respect of the lowest class consisting of those who have few means: the poor, the destitute, the penniless and the disabled; because in this class are both the self- contained needy? And those who beg. Take care for the sake of Allah of His obligations towards them for which He has made you responsible. Fix for them a share from the public funds and a share from the crops of lands taken over as booty for Islam in every region, because in it the remote ones have the same shares as the near ones do. All these people are those whose rights have been placed in your charge. Therefore, a luxurious life should not keep you away from them. You cannot be excused for ignoring small matters because you were making decision for bigger problems. Consequently, do not be unmindful of them, nor turn your face from them out of vanity.” [2]
As the Caliph of the Muslim Ummah, one day Imam Ali (AS) saw an old blind man who was extremely troubled by his condition, begging for alms. Imam (AS) enquired about the man’s family and on investigating, found that he was a Christian by faith, and had earned his living through hard labour until he had lost his eyesight because of age. He was on his own and had no one to care for him. He had also not saved any money because of meagre earnings. When confirmed that he had never begged while he could earn, Imam Ali AS) said, ‘It is wondrous how you people use a human being for as long as he can serve you and discard him after he cannot. You all testify that he served society as long as he could see. It is, therefore, the duty of society and government to ensure him a decent life, now that he cannot fend for himself. I hereby institute a regular allowance to be paid to him from the State Treasury for as long as he lives.’ [3] Similarly, Imam Sadiq (AS), the sixth Shi’ite Imam was once travelling with his helper, Musadaff between Mecca and Medina. On the way, they saw a man lying under a tree. Imam (AS) said: “Let’s go and see if he requires any help, it’s possible he has fainted due to dehydration.” When they went near him, they realised he was thirsty, so they immediately gave him some water and helped him sit up. After they had helped the man and made him feel better, they left the place. On the way, Musaddaf asked Imam (AS), “O, dear Imam, from his appearance, it was clear that the man is a Christian. Could we help Christians and give them alms?’ Imam Sadiq (AS) replied: ‘Yes, especially when they are in need, just as it was right now. [4]
Islam is a universal religion which has been presented to guide and serve humanity. Thus, we see that Muslims almost all over the world strive to serve fellow human beings, irrespective of their faiths. The Corona pandemic was a tragedy that called for human cooperation, empathy and brotherhood and Muslims throughout the world played a significant role in treating the sick, helping their family members cope with the tragedy and also made financial arrangements for the needy. Throughout Europe, Muslims made noteworthy philanthropic contributions to their respective communities and countries amid public health crisis. From Germany to the United Kingdom, European Muslims have coordinated relief efforts for their compatriots as a whole and not just for their coreligionists. Despite constant propaganda against Muslims and Islam, in particular, being a violent and hate-filled religion, such acts of charity and brotherhood seek to spread the true teachings of Islam through their deeds.
References:
1. al islam
2. al islam
3. al islam
4. american muslim
Mary is one of the outstanding personalities and a distinguished woman in the Abrahamic religions. In Islam, Mary is considered as one of the four celestial women of Paradise, an exemplary role model and a leader of the women of the universe
In the Quran, no woman has been mentioned by her proper name except Mary, and interestingly, her name occurs 34 times in the Quran [i]. Also, a chapter of the Quran was named after her.
Mary was a daughter of Imran and Hannah. Imran, a progeny of Solomon son of David, was one of the leading religious scholars of his time. According to the reports, following a prayer request of Hannah for a child, they were blessed at old age with a baby girl named Mary. However, Imran died before the birth of Mary.
Meanwhile, according to a narration [1], it was said that Imran had informed his wife of a son who by Allah’s permission could heal the blind and raise the dead to life. Thus, Hannah has vowed to devote the child to the service of the Lord in the Sanctuary.
The Quran says:
“When the wife of Imran said, ‘My Lord, I dedicate to You in consecration what is in my belly. Accept it from me; indeed You are the All-hearing, the All-knowing” (3: 35)
Meanwhile, since the conceived child was a girl, who could not be allowed to serve in the sanctuary due to her weakness and menses, Hannah was amazed, and she exclaimed bashfully:
“When she bore her, she said, ‘My Lord, I have borne a female [child]’—and Allah knew better what she had borne, and the male [child she expected] was no match for the female [child she had borne] —‘and I have named her Mary…” (3: 36)
However, contrary to her expectation, Allah graciously accepted her vow by permitting her daughter; Mary to serve the Lord in the Sanctuary:
“Thereupon her Lord accepted her with a gracious acceptance, and made her grow up in a worthy fashion…” (3: 37)
After that, Hannah took her baby to the Sanctuary, and she handed her over to the custodians of the House of God while she returned home.
There were disputes among the custodians of the Sanctuary about taking charge of the guardianship of Mary. Every one of them wished to take the responsibility, but Zakariyya told them he was more worthy of her since her aunt was his wife.
They later agreed on casting a lot by throwing their pens with which they wrote the Torah in water to decide the guardianship of Mary. In line with a divine will, only the Zakariyya’s pen surfaced over the water while the remaining ones submerged. Thus, Zakariyyah finally took charge of the guardianship of Mary.
“…and He charged Zechariah with her care…” (3: 37)
When Mary attained puberty, a separate room was built for her in the temple so that she may have a maximum concentration on her devotions. Thus, none was allowed to see her or talk with her except Zakariyya, who made provisions for her needs. According to the Quranic report, every time Zakariyya entered her sanctuary to see her, he found some food in her room.
“…Whenever Zechariah visited her in the sanctuary, he would find provisions with her. He said, ‘O Mary, from where does this come for you?’ She said, ‘It comes from Allah. Allah provides whomever He wishes without any reckoning.” (3: 37)
One day, the Gabriel in the guise of a handsome man [ii] appeared to Mary but she was frightened, and she sought refuge from Allah against him. But he responded that he was a messenger of her Lord to give her a glad tiding of a pure boy.
“…We sent to her Our Spirit, and he became incarnate for her as a well-proportioned human. She said, ‘I seek the protection of the All-beneficent from you, should you be Godwary! He said, ‘I am only a messenger of your Lord that I may give you a pure son.” (19: 17-19)
However, Mary enquired on the possibility of having a child while not being touched by any man. The Gabriel told her that creating a child out of a virgin and without a father is not difficult for God [iii]. After that, Mary by the decree of Allah became pregnant of Jesus, who shall be a sign for the humankind and a mercy to the world. In order to avoid people’s accusations, Mary retreated to a remote place where no one could see her.
However, at the time of childbirth, apart from loneliness, she went through severe pains to such an extent that she aspired for death [iv]. Then, a voice called unto her to console her not to grieve, and she was commanded by Allah to eat from the fresh dates, drink from the spring water and to refresh her eyes by the newly born baby [v].
In addition, Mary was henceforth commanded by Allah to refrain from talking to people for a particular time, but her child would be allowed to speak on her behalf and defend her chastity. Finally, Mary brought her miraculous baby to her people while carrying him in her arms. Some of them accused her of adultery [vi], but in line with divine command, she remained silent while pointing to her new baby.
Thus, Jesus while in his cradle testified to the divinity of Allah, his servitude to Him and finally attested to the chastity of her mother [vii].
In Islam, Mary is held in high esteem, and she acquired an elevated status among the women of the world. She was considered a perfect personality for emulation by the women of the world.
However, Islam in a very strong term repudiates the belief in the divinity of Mary or her being considered a mother of God. She is indeed a chosen and purified servant of God, and she was chosen above the women of the world.
Notes:
[i] https://www.al-islam.org
[ii] (19: 17)
[iii] (19: 20-21)
[iv] (19: 23)
[v] (19: 24-26)
[vi] (19: 27-28)
[vii] (19: 30-33)
Reference:
- Majlisi, Muhammad-Baqir, “Bihar-ul-'Anwar” (Beirut Edition), Vol. 14, P. 203, Hadith 15.
The Cambridge dictionary defines wisdom as using knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgments. (1) The most similar equivalent for this word in Arabic is the word “حکمة” (“Hikmah”) which denotes justice, knowledge and tolerance. (2)
This word has been used so many times in the holy Quran and has a special meaning in Islamic literature. The holy Quran says:
Allah grants wisdom to whomever He wishes, and he, who is given wisdom, is certainly given an abundant good, and none takes admonition except those who possess intellect. (2:269)
About this verse of the Quran, Imam Sadiq (AS) says:
(In this verse) Allah The Almighty has portrayed the intellectuals in the best way. (3)
Allah The Almighty has rapidly pointed out this fact that He has sent the prophets with “Hikmah” and they should teach people how to be wise. The holy Quran says:
Allah certainly favored the faithful when He raised up among them an apostle from among themselves to recite to them His signs (the verses of Quran) and to purify them and teach them the Book and wisdom, and earlier they had indeed been in manifest error. (3:164)
And:
There have already come to them, reports (via the Prophets) containing admonishment, [and representing] far-reaching wisdom; but warnings are of no avail! (4:54)
Also:
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice and dispute with them in a manner which is the best manner.. (16:125)
And:
When Jesus brought those manifest proofs, he said, ‘I have certainly brought you wisdom, and [I have come] to make clear to you some of the things that you differ about, so be wary of Allah and obey me. (43:63)
Allah almighty even says that the holy Quran is a book full of wisdom:
These are among [precepts] that your Lord has revealed to you of wisdom. (17:39)
These are the signs of the wise Book (31:2)
The original meaning of the word “Hikmah” is wisdom, knowledge and tolerance and the ability to use your knowledge in the best way; but Allah The Almighty prefers some special kinds of wisdom. The verses of the Quran and the hadiths, try to clarify the true meaning of wisdom from Islamic sight.
• Abu-Basir, one of the brilliant pupils of Imam Sadiq (AS) once asked him about the verse; “He grants wisdom to whomever He wishes (2:269)”. Imam Sadiq (AS) replied, “That (Wisdom) is obeying Allah and knowledge about Islam” (4)
• Imam Baqir (AS) also says that “Hikmah” means: “not to commit the sins that Allah has ordained for it the Hell as a punishment” (5)
• Once Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) asked a group of people who they are.
They said that they are some faithful people.
The Prophet (PBUH & HP) asked: “What are the signs of your faith?”
They said: “We are content about what Allah has planned for us and we are submissive to the order of our God and we trust in him for everything.”
The Prophet said: “You are so knowledgeable and wise the way that your wisdom can almost make you like prophets.” (6)
Imam Sadiq (AS) about the verse “…and he, who is given wisdom, is certainly given an abundant good (2:269)” said ,“The abundant good is knowing Imam Ali (AS) and the other Imams (AS)” (7)
He also said: “(The “Hikmah” mentioned in the verse is) obeying Allah and knowing the Imam (of your time)”
In Arabic, the word “جهل” (Jahl) means “Ignorance”, which can be considered the opposite of “Hikmah”. So anyone who is not “Hakim” (wise) is “Ignorant” in Islamic culture. There is a hadith narrated from the Prophet (PBUH & HP) in which he said:
Anyone who dies while they don’t have an Imam will have died like a person in the ages of ignorance (8)
This hadith has been narrated by all Muslims’ Sunnis and Shiites and the authenticity of this record is undeniable.
About knowing the Imam, Imam Sadiq (AS) also said:
Anyone from among the followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) who understands the status and the rights of their Imam, will find how delightful having faith is.(9)
The last meaning of “Hikmah” mentioned in the Hadiths is “Fiqh” (jurisprudence) which means “Understanding”. In Islamic culture, this word is employed to define a deep understanding of religion and profound knowledge about it . (10)
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
“Hikmah is the knowledge about religion and understanding it (Fiqh). Therefore, anyone who understands the teachings of the religion is a “Hakim” (a wise person). Indeed above all, Satan wishes the ones who deeply understand religion, to be dead.” (11)
The Holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) said:
Allah has given me the Quran and he also gave me Hikmah just like the Quran and every house which therein is no Hikmah is nothing but a ruined place. So learn Fiqh and get to know the religion so that you don’t die like ignorant people. (12)
To wrap up, in the Islamic view, “wisdom” means knowing how to live as a good servant of Allah and living the same way. As you see, all the meanings mentioned in the Quran and the Hadiths are about knowledge of religion and living the way religion indicates. Knowing your Imam (who is the leader Allah has chosen for you) is the best way to understand what you should do and how you should obey the orders of Allah. It is then obvious that all these different meanings and teachings employ a common concept which is obeying the order of Allah after having enough knowledge about it.
It is then obvious that all these different meanings and teachings employ a common concept; obeying the orders of Allah after gaining and enjoying competent knowledge about them.
Resources
- https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/wisdom
- Al-Ain, Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi, vol.3, pg.66
- Al-Kafi, Sheikh Koleini, vol.1, pg.13
- Tafsir noor ath-Thiqhlain, al-Huvaizi, vol.1, pg.287
- Tafsir, Al-Ayyashi, vol.1, pg.151
- At-Tohid, Sheikh Saduq, pg.371
- Tafsir noor ath-Thiqhlain, al-Huvaizi, vol.1, pg.287
- Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, vol.28, pg.88
- Basa’ir ad-Darajat, Muhammad ibn Hassan as-Saffar, pg.412
- Sihah, al-Johari, vol.6, pg.2243
- Tafsir, al-Ayyashi, vol.1, pg.151
- Majma al-Bayan, Sheikh at-Tabarsi, vol.2, pg.194