adminUmari Stambuli : Holy Qur’aan Speaks
| IN the Holy Qur’aan, Allah Almighty describes the believers in the chapter named after them, saying, “Indeed, they who are apprehensive from fear of their Lord, and they who believe in the signs of their Lord, and they who do not associate anything (or anyone) with their Lord, and they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord.” (Ch 23:57-60) |
One may wonder what it is that those believers fear, even though they hasten to do good deeds and seek to outdo others in that respect.
This indicates their continuous longing to increase in acts of worship and their tireless efforts to quit minor sins. This stance of theirs marks their keenness to perfect their servitude to Allah, The Almighty.
What a sublime characteristic for a soul to always long for the loftiest of ranks! Such souls would never be satisfied with attaining a status lower than their abilities.
What is humility?
Being humble is to be aware of one’s sins and feel regret for one’s shortcomings, as Allah Almighty says, “Lest a soul should say, “Oh (how great is) my regret over what I neglected in regard to Allah”. (Ch 39:56)
And this characteristic of humility increases with knowledge, as Allah Almighty says: “Only those fear Allah, from among His servants, who have knowledge”. (Ch 35:28)
To attain humility, one must reproach and endeavour to improve him/herself; indeed, Allah says, “He has succeeded who purifies it (soul).” (Ch 91:9)
Piety and sincerity
It is upon such piety and sincerity that the acceptance of good deeds is dependent, as Allah, Almighty says, “Surely Allah accepts only of the pious.” (Ch 5:28)
Also, the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said, “The (acceptance of) deeds (is) dependent on the intentions, and a person will bear the consequences of what he (or she) intends . . . ”
Without piety and sincerity, the charity of the charitable, the knowledge of the scholars and the good deeds of the Samaritans would be fruitless; moreover, those whose deeds lack devotion (to The Almighty), will be the first to enter Hell because those deeds would not have been for the sake of The Almighty but rather for show.
The Hereafter
And, it is out of humbleness that one will be fearful of that Day when, “He will question the truthful about their truth,” (Ch 33:8), “secrets will be put on trial,” (Ch 86:9) and when every treacherous person would be known by a sign. On that Day, “their excuse will not benefit the wrongdoers and they will have the curse and the worst home,” (Ch 40:52) and, “All that will appear to them from Allah the Exalted which they had not taken into account,” (Ch 39:47).
And Allah Almighty will say to the wrongdoers, “Remain despised therein (Hell) and do not speak to Me.” (Ch 23:108)
This is the true understanding of religion, because “no one feels secure from the plan of Allah Almighty except the people of loss”. (Ch 7:99)
Acknowledging others
Humility also requires of us to ally ourselves with the Believers and be dutiful to them. Allah Almighty says, “And lower your wing to those who follow you of the Believers.” (Ch 26:215). He further says, “And keep yourself patient (by being) with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life.” (Ch 18:28)
Hence, it is a religious obligation upon believers to act cordially with their fellow brothers and sisters in faith, such as by returning their greetings, assisting them in mounting their ride, meeting them in a cheerful manner and so forth.
Allah Almighty describes the believers worthy of Divine recognition as being, “humble towards the (fellow) Believers,” (Ch 5 : v 54) and He also describes them as being, “merciful among themselves”. (Ch 48:39)
Gratitude
Furthermore, humility is to show due respect towards Allah Almighty and thank Him for all that He has granted us. Allah the Almighty praised His Prophet Abraham (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) as he used to feel remorse for his sins and acts of disobedience.
A believer must be sharp and wise; he must recognise that he is but a servant of Allah Almighty; his deeds are recorded by Him, his success is dependent on His decree and his progress is in observing thanks to Him for His guidance.
◆ For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact: Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
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