19 October 2014
Musa (part 14) Exodus and Death (part 1)
Musa and Pharaoh: Exodus from Egypt and the Drowning Of Pharaoh in the Sea
Pharaoh and his inner elite circle resisted the message for years and deserved punishment. They rebelled against Allah, accusing the messenger of insanity as well as of being a liar. Because of their denial, Allah prepared for them a humiliating end. Before this affliction began, Allah commanded the Prophet Musa* to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt:
We revealed to Moses: "Travel with Our servants by night. You will certainly be pursued." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 52)
Musa* and his people secretly left Egypt in the night with the promise that they will be chased. And the spies quickly reported back to Pharaoh that perhaps up to a million subjects were leaving Egypt. The flight of Bani Israel was entirely unacceptable to Pharaoh. He saw himself as the sole master of all Bani Israel. In addition, it would mean a loss of manpower that would ultimately diminishment his authority. Therefore, he mobilized his soldiers and set out after them:
Pharaoh sent marshals into the cities: "These people are a small group and they are agitating against us and we constitute a vigilant majority."
We expelled them (Pharaoh and his people) from gardens and springs, from treasures and a splendid situation. So it was! And We bequeathed them to the tribe of Israel. So they (Pharaoh and his troops) pursued them towards the east. (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 53-60)
Like today the Western Leaders claim the Muslims are a small group of extremists yet they are so scared of the Muslims that it always dominates their political agenda.
By the time the Children of Israel had reached a shore, Pharaoh and his soldiers had caught up with them. Panic and despair engulfed some of the people of the Prophet Musa* when they saw Pharaoh and his soldiers approaching. Pharaoh and his soldiers were within just a short distance. There was no room to escape. These people thought they were trapped:
And when the two hosts came into sight of one another Moses' companions said, "We will surely be overtaken!" (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 61)
At that very moment, Musa* tried to reassure the people:
He said, "Never! My Lord is with me and He will guide me." Then, he followed the revelation he received from Allah, "Strike the sea with your staff". And it parted, and each separate part (of that sea water) became like the huge mountain. Then We brought near the others (Pharaoh) to that place. And We saved Musa and all those with him. Then We drowned the others. Verily! In this is indeed a sign (or a proof), yet most of them are not believers. (TMQ 26: 62-66)
Miraculously, Allah divided the waters of the sea leaving a dry path in the middle, which the Children of Israel immediately followed. Pharaoh and his soldiers went so audacious as to chase the Children of Israel into the sea. Here was an apparent miracle; without question, Allah's help and support was with the Prophet Musa* and his followers. Nevertheless, this miracle did not suffice to convince Pharaoh. Together with his soldiers blindly entered the path that divided the sea. However, after the Children of Israel had safely crossed to the other side, the waters suddenly began to close in on Pharaoh and his soldiers and they all drowned. Though, at the last moment, Pharaoh tried to repent, his repentance was not accepted:
We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea and Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the point of drowning, he (Pharaoh) said, "I believe that there is no god but Him in Whom the tribe of Israel believe. I am one of the Muslims." What, now! When previously you rebelled and were one of the corrupters? Today We will preserve your body so you can be a Sign for people who come after you. Surely many people are heedless of Our Signs. (Surah Ta-Ha: 90-92)
There is a very important lesson to draw from Pharaoh's repentance at the very last moment of his life and its rejection by Allah. At the moment of death, a person can clearly sense the reality and proximity of the Hereafter, and bears witness to this truth when he confronts the angels of death. This should act as an especially important warning to all those who believed in "living it up," and postponed their performance of religious responsibilities to their later years in life. The fulfilment of religious obligations, however, should in no way be postponed. Allah informs us about this fact as follows:
Allah only accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and then quickly repent after doing it. Allah will pardon them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. There is no repentance for people who persist in doing evil until death comes to them and who then say, "Now I repent," nor for people who die unbeliever. We have prepared for them a painful punishment. (Surat an-Nisa': 17-18)
The Fire, morning and night, to which they are exposed; and on the Day the Hour takes place: "Admit Pharaoh's people to the harshest punishment!" When they are squabbling with one another in the Fire, the weak will say to those deemed great, "We were your followers, so why do you not relieve us of a portion of the Fire?" Those deemed great will say, "All of us are in it. Allah has clearly judged between His servants." (Surah Ghafir: 46-48)
Muslims still commemorate this great event (saving of the people of Musa*) by fasting on the day of Ashura. The body of Pharaoh has been preserved by Allah as a sign for us – not as a reason to take selfies!
Main Topic: The Series on Death, the Grave, the Day of Resurrection and the Afterlife
Introduction to the Circles on Death, the Grave, the Day of Resurrection and the Afterlife
Why do we study this?
Death is the only thing for sure we know that is going to happen in life – hence we should know about it! We will be asked a really important series of questions upon death:
1. Man Rabbuka (Who is your Lord) ?
2. Ma Deenuka (What is your religion) ?
3. Ma kunta taqoolu fa haazar rujul (What do you have to say about this person = Muhammed*) ? (Or what is your religion)
5 Pillars of Islam:
1. Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith.
2. Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day.
3. Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy.
4. Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan.
5. Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca.
6 Articles of Belief:
1. Belief in God (Unitary)
2. Belief in His Angels
3. Belief in His Books (and Qur’an is the Word of Allah)
4. Belief in His Prophets and Messengers (and Muhammed* is the seal of Prophets)
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (and Heaven and Hell)
6. Belief in God’s Divine Decree (Al Qadhaa Wal Qadr – the good and bad from Allah)
This is all linked to the Belief Pathway we have talked about in the Study Circle:
3 Fundamental Questions in Life:
1. Why am I here?
2. Where did I come from?
3. Where am I going?
- As Muslims life is about pleasing Allah and getting to Paradise.
- We have, in the Study Circle, covered all these topics in detail except ‘Belief in the Day of Judgment (and Heaven and Hell)’. Hence we will cover this now.
- This is also linked to the concept of Halal and Haraam – which is linked to reward / punishment linked to Heaven / Hell.
This society is built upon escapism / distractions and not addressing the fundamental questions of life. Muslims are encouraged to think often about the ‘Destroyer of Desires’.
We, the human race living on this earth, are under the perception that we belong here and that this is our residence. But we do not belong here. Our home should be Heaven and the ratio of this life to the Afterlife is important. We don’t belong here. We are traveling. That is why the Prophet* said “Be in this world as if you are a traveller.” And he said that the example or the analogy of me in this dunya is as if somebody is traveling in the desert and he saw a tree and he took some shade under this tree and then took some rest. And then he continued traveling. That is dunya: we spend a few moments under this tree, and then we keep on travelling. Hence we need to prepare for death.
Aisha talks about this: “If the first thing revealed in Qur’an was ‘do not drink’, the people would have said ‘we are never going to stop drinking.’ And if the first thing that was revealed in the Qur’an was telling the people to not commit fornication and adultery the people would have said ‘we’re never going to stop committing fornication and adultery!’ The first things that were revealed in the Qur’an were the Surah Al-Mufassal that talked about and mentioned hell fire and paradise. Until the hearts were attached to Allah, THEN the orders for halal and haram came down.” Hence when the verses abolishing alcohol were eventually revealed the Muslims instantly followed – and compare this to ‘The Prohibition’ in 1930s America.
What causes death?
Responses from the audience were: smoking, heart attack, drugs, age, diseases, marriage, obesity, suicide, accidents, war, gunshots, cancer...
These do not CAUSE death !!
The truth is that death is the same and its cause (sabab) is also the same, which is the end of ajal (life-term), and nothing else. As regards to these matters, which take place and due to them death occurs, they are cases in which death occurs and are not causes of death. As regards the incidents of killing and the situations from which death results, they are cases (haalaat) in which death occurs, but are not causes (asbaab). So, they are not the cause (sabab) of death; rather the cause of death is the end of life term (intihaa’ ul-ajal).
Death is something Allah alone causes / controls. This is because the cause (sabab) produces the effect (musabbab) definitely; and that the effect (musabbab) can’t result save from its cause (sabab) alone. This is different to the case (halah), it is a specific circumstance within certain surrounding conditions in which death usually takes place.
“No soul can ever die except by Allah’s leave and at a term appointed.” [TMQ Al-Imran:145]
“My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death.” [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 258]
The Soul (Ruh) upon death
The Prophet* says: “If the believing soul is leaving this world and moving into al-Akhirah [in the interface] angels will descend from the heavens. White, bright faces like the sun. They have with them a coffin from paradise and incense from paradise. So he can see them. And then the angel of death will descend. And then he will sit next to his face/head. He will say, ‘Oh you pure soul, come out to the forgiveness of Allah and His Pleasure.’ This soul will come out so smoothly, like a drop of water rolling out of a jug. For the kaafir, if he is leaving the dunya and approaching akhirah, then dark angels will come down. They are carrying coffins made of harsh materials. The angel of death will come down, sit beside him and say, ‘O you evil soul! Come out to the anger of Allah and His Wrath!’ When the angel of death will make that announcement, this soul will run around in the body. The angel of death will grab the soul and pull it out, as if you are pulling out wet wool from thorny branches.”
20 July 2014
Musa become Messenger and Lailatul Qadr
Salaam all
Below is a summary of last week’s Study Circle. MashaAllah, a very energised atmosphere and lots of good discussion.
We talked about Musa* becoming a Messenger and asking Allah to make Harun* his helper and a Prophet. Then we talked about getting the most from the last 10 days / nights of Ramadhan.
Some very moving feedback from the children about Gaza and other things.
InshaAllah, see you next week for the last Circle this Ramadhan at the usual time of 5pm.
Stay well and please keep me in your du’as.
Jzk.
Naveed
Musa becomes a Prophet and Messenger
Allah's Conversation With Musa*
When Musa* went up to the fire on the mountain he was looking for light/warmth and guidance to Egypt but he encountered a miracle. He was addressed by Allah from a bush.
"Moses, I am Allah, the Lord of all the worlds." [TMQ 28:30]
"Moses! I am your Lord. Take off your sandals. You are in the holy valley of Tuwa. I have chosen you, so listen well to what is revealed. I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and establish prayer to remember Me." [TMQ 20:11-14]
Allah established 3 things first:
- Importance of Tawhid (Belief in Allah)
- Importance of Praying to remember Allah
- The Hour is close (Judgement Day)
Then a conversation between Musa* and Allah happened where Allah taught Musa* many lessons and where Musa* acknowledged his own shortcomings and asked for help from Allah in many ways. Allah knows what Musa* is holding but wants to show him…Musa* did not argue with Allah and was happy to chat.
"What is that in your right hand, Moses?" He said, "It is my staff. I lean on it and beat down leaves for my sheep with it and have other uses for it." [TMQ 20:17-18]
Throw down your staff." Then when he saw it slithering like a snake he turned and fled and did not turn back again... [TMQ 27:10]
Musa* saw his familiar staff turned into a snake, he was seized with fear.
…"Have no fear, Moses. In My Presence the Messengers have no fear." [TMQ 27:10]
He said, "Take hold of it and have no fear. We will return it to its original form." [TMQ 20:21]
Put your hand inside your shirt front. It will emerge pure white yet quite unharmed… [TMQ 28:32]
…And hug your arms to your sides to still your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord for Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They are a deviant people. [TMQ28:32]
Prophet Musa* Asks Allah for Help – Prophet Harun* and other matters
Allah instructed Musa that his chosen mission (which he has to accept) is to Speak to Pharaoh! The one who Musa* was trying his best to avoid by sneaking into Egypt he must now confront. Prophet Musa* told Allah frankly that he was hesitant and asked for His guidance on the following matters:
- his inability to express himself fluently, fearing not being able to address Pharaoh properly
- the need for courage and assistance from Allah to make this task easy
- he might be killed by an Egyptian seeking vengeance
- making his brother Harun* (Aaron) his helper so they can glorify Allah more
- the need to be part of a group (Jammah) so we are not chased by the wolves
He said, "O Lord, expand my breast for me and make my task easy for me. Loosen the knot in my tongue so that they will understand my words. Assign me a helper from my family." [TMQ 20:25-29]
"My brother Harun. Strengthen my back by him and let him share in my task, so that we can glorify You much and remember You much."[TMQ 20:30-34]
He (Allah] said, "We will reinforce you with your brother and by Our Signs will give you both authority, so that they will not be able to lay a hand on you. You and those who follow you will be the victors." [TMQ 28:35]
He said, "My Lord, I killed one of them and I am afraid they will kill me; and my brother Aaron is more eloquent than me so send him with me to support me and back me up. I am afraid they will call me a liar." [TMQ 28:33-34]
(Moses said,) "For You are watching us." He (Allah) said, "Your request has been granted, Moses." [TMQ 20:35-36]
Main Topic - Night of Power: Lailatul-Qadr
This is an extract from the Tafsir of Ibn Kathir on Surah al-Qadr [97].
* "Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr.
* And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is
* The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.
* Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter.
* There is peace until the appearance of dawn."
The Virtues of the Night of Al-Qadr (the Decree)
Allah informs that He sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Al-Qadr, and it is a blessed night about which Allah says: "We sent it down on a blessed night." [TMQ 44:3]
This is the Night of Al-Qadr and it occurs during the month of Ramadan. This is as Allah says: "The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an." [TMQ 2:185]
Ibn `Abbas and others have said, "Allah sent the Qur'an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-`Izzah), which is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that occurred over a period of twenty-three years."
Imam Ahmad recorded from Abu Hurayrah: "When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say: ‘Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.'"
"Whoever stands (in prayer) during the Night of Al-Qadr with faith and expecting reward (from Allah), he will be forgiven for his previous sins."
The Descent of the Angels and the Decree for Every Good during the Night of Al-Qadr
Allah says: "Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter."
This means the angels descend in abundance during the Night of Al-Qadr due to its abundant blessings. The angels descend with the descending of blessings and mercy, just as they descend when the Qur'an is recited, they surround the circles of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and they lower their wings with true respect for the student of knowledge.
In reference to Ar-Ruh, it is said that here it means the angel Jibril. Therefore, the wording of the Ayah is a method of adding the name of the distinct object (in this case Jibril) separate from the general group (in this case the angels).
The angels giving the greetings of peace during the Night of Al-Qadr to the people in the Masjids until the coming of Fajr (dawn)."
Specifying the Night of Decree and its Signs
This is supported by what Imam Ahmad recorded from `Ubadah bin As-Samit that the Messenger of Allah* said: "The Night of Al-Qadr occurs during the last ten (nights). Whoever stands for them (in prayer) seeking their reward, then indeed Allah will forgive his previous sins and his latter sins. It is an odd night: the ninth, or the seventh, or the fifth, or the third or the last night (of Ramadan)."
It has been reported that Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri said, "The Messenger of Allah* performed I`tikaf during the first ten nights of Ramadan and we performed I`tikaf with him. Then Jibril came to him and said, ‘That which you are seeking is in front of you.' So the Prophet* performed I`tikaf during the middle ten days of Ramadan and we also performed I`tikaf with him. Then Jibril came to him and said; ‘That which you are seeking is ahead of you.' So the Prophet* stood up and gave a sermon on the morning of the twentieth of Ramadan and he said: "Whoever performed I`tikaf with me, let him come back (for I`tikaf again), for verily I saw the Night of Al-Qadr, and I was caused to forget it, and indeed it is during the last ten (nights). It is during an odd night and I saw myself as if I were prostrating in mud and water." The roof of the Masjid was made of dried palm-tree leaves and we did not see anything (i.e., clouds) in the sky. But then a patch of wind-driven clouds came and it rained. So the Prophet* lead us in prayer until we saw the traces of mud and water on the forehead of the Messenger of Allah*, which confirmed his dream."
There are numerous hadith about which exact day it is but no consensus – some scholars saying that it may actually rotate year on year through the last odd nights in Ramadhan.
Allah concealed that night from His Servants out of mercy so that they would increase their acts of worship and gain the great reward by performing Qiyam during these blessed nights, thinking that each night is Laylat-ul-Qadr.
Supplication during the Night of Decree
It is recommended to supplicate often during all times, especially during the month of Ramadan, in the last ten nights, and during the odd nights of it even more so. Imam Ahmad recorded from `A'ishah, that she said, "O Messenger of Allah! If I find the Night of Al-Qadr what should I say?" He replied: "Say: ‘O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.'" [ Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee ]
The Maths
Lailatul-Qadr (better than) = 1000 months x 29.5 Islamic days = 29,500
In Islamic years = 29,500 / (12 x 29.5) = 83 and 4 months
If you worship Allah on this night every year for 60 years after attaining your puberty, then you would have 5000 years to your credit (60,000 months).Qur
It is likened to as if you had lived for over 5,000 years, and achieved the rewards of a person who had lived that long and much more.
Getting the most from the last ten days of Ramadhan
1. Read the Qur'an:
Not just reciting, and listening to but also contemplating upon the verses of Qur’an. Many sahabae preferred to understand the verses and what’s behind the revelation to get closer to the Qur’an.
2. Increase in Nawafil Prayers:
"Fall prostrate and draw near to Allah!" [TMQ Al-Alaq 96:19]
The Prophet* said: "The closest that a person is to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so say a great deal of du'a then." He* is commanding us to make a lot of du'a while in sujud. We need to do more. For he* said to: "...make lots of du'a." Remember, the Prophet* loved us and he knew that we have a lot of needs from Allah. This is why he taught us the way to get those needs fulfilled. Therefore, if you have needs, then you cannot leave sujud. Any sajdah without khushu' and without du'a is a big khasara . When the Prophet* instructed us to do a lot of sujud, it means to perform a lot of salah . "With each sajdah for Allah, He will raise you a level with it. And cancel a sin with it." So, the more you increase in your sujud, the closer you are to being a winner.
Examples for increasing nawafil salah:
- Salat Dhuha: 2, 4, 6 or 8 rak'at, prayed after the sun has risen and before the time for Dhuhr.
- 4 rak'at before and 4 after Dhuhr
- 4 rak'at before ‘Asr
- Tahhiyatul masjid: Greet the masjid with two rak'at
- Salat at-Tawbah: Make wudhu' and offer two sincere rak'at of repentance.
- Praying Taraweeh in Jamaah at the masjid
- Qiyam al-Layl: Pray at least 2 rak'at
- Performing Tahajjud in the last third of the night
3. Makes lots of Dhikr:
Do a lot of dhikr. The Prophet* commanded us to oft recite Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillah") and Takbeer ("Allahu Akbar") during this time.
4. Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar):
"But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful." [28:67]
The Prophet* is reported to have said that when a person seeks forgiveness for all believers, Allah will write for him a hasanat for every one of those believers.
5. Charity:
Spending for the sake of Allah! Spend from what you love and Allah will love you.
6. Preserve the Ties of Kinship:
Preserve the ties of kinship for: "No one who severs the ties of kinship will enter Paradise." [Muslim]
7. Making a personal Sacrifice
Sacrificing something close to us for the sake of Allah.
“And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers” [51:55]
8. Performing Itikaf
Observe `Itikaf during the last ten days and exerting efforts in worship. Being secluded from people and engaging oneself in obeying Allah, mentioning Him, forgetting anything that might distract him, and focusing on pleasing Allah by worship.
9. Making du’a
Think of all that you need to ask Allah for and ask Him now. If you haven’t before, this is the time to connect with Him and feel closer to Him. And when you do during these last ten nights and days of this Ramadan, you would want to do this again and again – even after the month is over.
And finally, when you are in a state of prayers and worship, please open your heart for others as well and please do remember your brothers and sisters in your prayers. Remember what the Prophet said:
Please keep the Ummah in your du'aas, may Allah unite us in strength to be victorious. Please keep the oppressed in your du'aas, those who have become a victim to tyranny and war, may Allah break the shackles of tyranny and spread peace and tranquility over all the lands, which have been occupied and invaded.
“The supplication that gets the quickest answer is the one made by one Muslim for another in his absence.”
May Allah Subhana wa ta'ala look over all of you, surround you in His immense Rahma and envelope you in His protection always. May He increase you all in health, wealth and Imaan and grant you the best of the duniya wa fil akhirah - ameen.
May we all make the most of the last ten nights and days of Ramadan.
Useful website:
Qur'an Explorer: http://www.quranexplorer.com/
A big thanks to all those that regularly attend the Circles.
Thanks you for your patience in reading and sharing these summaries.
Jzk
Naveed
24 February 2012
Adam gets Soul and Iblis refuses
Summary
Lives of the Prophets:
Creation of Adam from Turaab (dirt / soil) - Teen (clay) - Teen al-laazib (sticky clay) - Hama`im masnoon (black, smooth mud) - Salsaal (sounding clay)
Allah creates Adam from dirt from different places
Adam reamined as a sounding clay for many years
The secret of the Soul (Ruh) is only with Allah
Allah puts the Soul (Ruh) in to Adam and he sneezes
The angels are astonished and say Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah)
Adam says Alhamdulillah and Allah replies Yarhamukullah (the mercy of Allah be upon you)
Allah asks the angels and Iblis to bow before Adam - Iblis refuses
Iblis thinks he is better than Adam because he is made from fire, not dirt
Iblis let his pride and; arrogance cast him out of Paradise - such a great sin
Adam said to the angels: As salaamu ‘alaykum. They replied: wa ‘alakas salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu (May the peace of Allah be upon you, and His Mercy be upon you, and His blessings be upon you)
Adam taught the names (uses) of things and given Speech
The angels realise the superiority of Adam as a creation
Recap on Evolution
• Scientific thought has limits and not always proven fact - just observations
• The Qur'an is fact
• How did 'Life' create itself (except by Allah)
• The first DNA and cell survival?
• Theory of Evolution involves mutation, migration, genetic drift and natural selection
• Natural Selection has variation in traits, differential reproduction, heredity and Fitness
• Is Evolution a Continual Process - why can't we see it
• Variations within a Species isn't Evolution of a Species
• Holes in fossil records - limited (if any) transitional forms
• Mutations usually kill the cells
• Artificial selection can’t introduce a radically new species
• Evolution can't explain consciousness / mind
• Adaptation doesn't prove Evolution
• Irreducible complexity - mousetrap or Eye
Lives of the Prophets:
Allah puts the Soul (Ruh) in to Adam
There are old traditions about the angels before the creation of Adam. According to Ibn Qatadah, it was said that the angels were informed about the creation of Adam and his progeny by the jinn who lived before Adam. Abdullah Ibn Umar said that the jinn had existed for many years before Adam and then shed blood. Therefore Allah sent on them an army of angels that drove them out to the depths of the seas. Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Ali jafar Al Baqer that the angels were informed that man would cause wickedness and shed blood on earth. It was also said that they knew that no one would be created on earth who would not be wicked and shed blood.
Whether or not these traditions are correct, the angels did understand that Allah would create a vicegerent on earth. Allah the Almighty announced that He was going to create a human being out of clay, that He would mould him and blow His spirit into him and then the angels should prostrate before him.
Another version of the story relates that Allah took a handful of the dust of the earth and mixed into it the colours, white, black, yellow and red. That is the reason why men are born different colours. When Allah mixed the dust with water, it turned into potter's clay that makes a sound. It was fermented and had a smell. Iblis passed by, wondering what was going to be made of that clay. From the clay Allah created Adam. he moulded his form with His own hands and blew His spirit into him. Adam's body quivered as life was imbued into it. Verily His Command, when He intends a thing is only that He says to it, "Be!" and it is! [TMQ 37:82].
So Allah shaped Adam into a human being, but he remained a figure of clay for 40 years. The angels went past him. They were seized with fear by what they saw, and Iblis felt fear most. He used to pass by the figure of Adam, buffeting it, which would make a sound like pottery. Allah told us: "He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of pottery."
We imagine when Allah the Almighty decided to create Adam: He addressed His angels and told them to prostrate before him. He did not mean to ask their opinion or take their advice, for He is above that. Allah the Exalted told them that He was going to create a vicegerent on the earth who would have children and grandchildren who would corrupt the earth and shed each other's blood. That is why the angels said to Allah the Almighty: "Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood!" [TMQ 2:30].
When the time drew near to breathe the spirit into Adam, as Allah decreed, He commanded the angels: "When I breathe My spirit into him prostrate before him." Allah breathed His spirit into Adam and when it reached his head Adam sneezed. The angels said: "Say all praise belongs to Allah." Adam repeated: "All praise belongs to Allah." Allah said to him: "Your Lord has granted you mercy."
Allah blew the soul into Adam (ar-Ruh). Our body without ar-Ruh is part of the earth; it is dirt. When the soul leaves our body, the body decomposes into its origin. Allah says, “From the (earth) did We create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall We bring you out once again.” (TMQ 20:55) We are nothing without the soul. The essence of life is not in this materialistic body. What puts life in us is the soul – and that is the secret of life. And it remains a secret, even with all of the science and technology that we have.
They came to the Prophet* and asked him about the soul. “And they ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning the Ruh (the Spirit); Say: ‘The Ruh (the Spirit): it is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been given only a little.’” (TMQ 17:85) This question was asked to The Prophet* 1400 years ago, and our knowledge hasn’t changed much.
Adam sneezes
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Allah created Adam from dust after He mixed the clay and left him for some time until it became sticky mud, after which Allah shaped him. After that Allah left him till it became like potter's clay. Iblis used to go past him saying 'You have been created for a great purpose.' After that Allah breathed His spirit into him. The first thing into which the spirit passed was his eye and then his nose. He sneezed. Allah said: "May your Lord have mercy upon you, O Adam! Go to those angels and see what they would say.' So Adam went and greeted them. they replied saying: "Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah." Allah said: "O Adam! This is your greeting and that of your offspring." [Sahih al Bukhari]
Adam opened his eyes and saw all the angels prostrating before him except one being who was standing at a distance Adam did not know what kind of creature it was that did not prostrate before him nor did he know its name. Iblis was standing with the angels so as to be included in the command given to them but he was not one of them. He was a jinn, and as such he was supposed to be inferior to the angels. What is clear is that this prostration was to show respect and did not mean that the angels were worshipping Adam. Prostrating in worship is done only for Allah.
When the soul entered into the body of Adam, the first thing that happened was that he sneezed. The Prophet* says that when Allah created Adam and Allah blew the soul into him, Adam sneezed. Adam said, Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah). Allah said to him, Yarhamukullah (the mercy of Allah be upon you). The first thing that happened to Adam was the deliverance of mercy onto him from Allah. He had the mercy of Allah from the beginning.
Allah asks the angels and Iblis to bow before Adam - Iblis refuses
And then: The angels prostrated themselves all of them together. Except Iblis, he refused to be among the prostrators. [TMQ 15:31-32].
Almighty Allah recounted the story of Iblis's refusal to prostate before Adam: Remember when your Lord said to the angels, "I am going to create a man (Adam) from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud. So when I have fashioned him completely and breathed into him (Adam) the soul which I created for him then fall you down prostrating yourselves unto him." So the angels prostrated themselves all of them together, except Iblis, he refused to be among the prostrators. Allah said: "O Iblis! What is your reason for not being among the prostrators?" Iblis said: "I am not the one to prostrate myself to a human being, whom You created from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud." Allah said: "Then get out from here for verily you are Rajim (an outcast or cursed one). Verily the curse shall be upon you till Day of Recompense (Day of Resurrection)." [TMQ 15:28-35].
In another surah Almighty Allah recounted it thus: Surely We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being), then We told the angels, "Prostrate to Adam" and they prostrated except Iblis he refused to be of those who prostrate.
Allah said: "What prevented you Iblis that you did not prostrate when I commanded you?" Iblis said: "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire and him You created from clay." Allah said: "Get down from this Paradise, it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." Iblis said: "Allow me respite till the Day of Resurrection)." Allah said: "You are of those allowed respite." [TMQ 7:11-15]
This means that Iblis tried to compare himself to Adam. He believed that he was more honourable than Adam. Therefore he abstained from prostrating even though Allah had commanded him to do so, just as He had commanded the angels. If an analogy is made we see that Iblis is vain. For indeed clay is better than fire because in it can be found the qualities of calmness, clemency, perseverance and growth; whereas in fire can be found heedlessness, insignificance, haste, and incineration.
Iblis tried in vain to justify his refusal: "Shall I prostrate to one whom You created from clay?" Iblis said: "See? those whom You have honoured above me, if You give me respite (keep me alive) to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his offspring (by sending them astray) all but a few!" [TMQ 17:62]
Adam was following what was happening around him and had feelings of love, awe, and astonishment. Deep love of Allah, Who had created and glorified him and Who had made His angels prostrate before him. Awe of the Creator's wrath when He excluded Iblis from His mercy. Adam was surprised by this creature, Iblis who abhorred him without even knowing him and who imagined himself better than Adam without having proved that he was worthier. What a strange creature Iblis was, and how strange was his excuse for not prostrating! From the dialogue Adam realized that Iblis was a creature characterized by cunning and ingratitude. He then knew that Iblis was his eternal enemy. He was greatly astonished at Iblis's audacity and Allah's tolerance.
Allah knew that Iblis was not going to obey Him in prostrating before Adam. Allah could have totally annihilated him or turned him into a handful of dust or stifled the refusal in his mouth. Yet, Allah gives His commissioned creatures absolute free will even to the extent that they can refuse Allah the Almighty's commands. He grants them the freedom of denial, disobedience, and even disagreement with Him.
His kingdom will not diminish if the disbelievers do not believe in Him nor will it be extended if many people believe in Him. On the contrary, the disbelievers will lose, and the believers will gain but Allah is above all of that.
Dangers of pride / arrogance
There were many traditions about Iblis at the time of the Prophet*. Ibn Masud, Ibn Abbas and a group of the companions of the Prophet* said that Iblis had been the head of the angels in the worldly heavens. Ibn Abbas said in one narration that his name had been Azazil and in another narration he said it had been Al Harith. Ibn Abbas also said that Iblis was a jinn and that they had once been the keepers of Paradise, with Iblis the most honourable and the most learned and the most pious of them. Another tradition says that he had been one of the famous four possessors of wings (angels), before Allah transformed him into the accursed Satan.
Allah Almighty recounts Iblis's disobedience in another surah: Remember when your Lord said to the angels: "Truly I am going to create man from clay. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him." So the angels prostrated themselves all of them; except Iblis, he was proud and was one of the disbelievers.
Allah said: "The truth is, and the truth I say, that I will fill Hell with you and those of them (mankind) that follow you together." [TMQ 38:71-85]
After this lesson about free will Adam learned another lesson, one about knowledge. Adam realized that Iblis was the symbol of evil in the universe and that the angels were the symbol of good. However he did not yet know anything about himself. Then Allah made him perceive his true identity and the reason for his creation, and the secret of his glorification.
Remember when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourself before Adam" They prostrated except Iblis, he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah)."
Almighty Allah also revealed: And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being), then We told the angels, "Prostrate to Adam", and they prostrated, except Iblis, he refused to be those who prostrate.
Allah said: "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate when I commanded you?" Iblis said: "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire and him You created from clay." Allah said: "O Iblis get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." Iblis said: "Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (Day of Resurrection)." Allah said: "You are of those allowed respite."
Iblis said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (they will not be dutiful to You)."
Allah said: "Get out from Paradise, disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely I will fill Hell with you all."
We should all be very careful about this sin and try our hardest to avoid being proud, arrogant and patronising. It is hard but really important !
The first conversations in Jannah between Adam - Angels – Allah
Allah told Adam, “Go to those angels sitting over there and tell them As salaamu ‘alaykum.” Allah is teaching Adam. Adam went up to the angels and said, As salaamu ‘alaykum. The angels replied, wa ‘alakas salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu (May the peace of Allah be upon you, and His Mercy be upon you, and His blessings be upon you).
So Adam came back to Allah. Allah told him, This is your greeting and this is the greeting of your descendants. So Allah has taught us our greeting from the beginning and it was taught to Adam; it is As salaamu ‘alaykum (peace be upon you).
The Prophet* said, Spread peace among you. After you deliver the peace, and receive the blessing of your brother’s reply, then you are free to use any greeting you want, whether it’s hi or hello or any other greeting in other languages.
Adam taught the names (uses) of things and given Speech
Allah the Exalted said: He taught Adam all the names of everything. [TMQ 2:31]
Allah granted Adam the power to know the natures of all things and to summarize them by names; that is a bird, that is a star, that is a tree, etc Allah implanted in Adam an insatiable need for and love of knowledge and a desire to bequeath knowledge to his children. This was the reason for his creation and the secret of his glorification.
Allah taught Adam all the names of everything, then He showed them to the angels and said: "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful." They (angels) said: "Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise."
He said: "O Adam! Inform them of their names," and when he had informed them of their names, He said: "Did I not tell you that I know the unseen in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been hiding?"
Allah wanted the angels to know that He knew of their astonishment when He had told them about the creation of Adam and that He also knew of their confusion which they had not revealed, as well as what Iblis had concealed of his disobedience and ingratitude.
The angels realized that Adam was the creature who knew what they did not know and that his capacity to learn was his noblest quality. His knowledge included knowledge of the Creator which we call faith or Islam, as well as the knowledge he would need to inhabit and master the earth. All kinds of worldly knowledge which are included in this. Adam knew the names of everything.
Allah says that He taught Adam all of the names. [see 2:31] In tafsir it says – and this is the opinion of Ibn ‘Abbaas – that Allah taught him the names of everything. There is another meaning that is mentioned, also, that Allah has given him the ability to identify objects and designate names for these objects. This is the ability of speaking a language. We find that this is a human ability.
We have different languages in the world. These languages were made by human beings, by giving names to objects and then finding verbs and adjectives to tie these things together. Imagine that we didn’t have this ability. Imagine that we had to tell your friend about a tree; you cannot name or identify the object, so you would have to take him to that tree. If you want to tell him about an apple, you would have to bring the apple to him. Allah created the human and taught him the ability of speech.
This is an ability that Allah didn’t give the angels. They only know specific knowledge that Allah gave them. Angels receive orders from Allah and do what they are commanded. Because Allah created the human being for khilaafa on earth, and to establish this earth and live in it, that ability is necessary for us. We wouldn’t be living if we didn’t have this ability; it is a necessity for us. We are producing every now and then thousands of objects and giving them names – microphones, speakers, etc. We throw thousands of things into the market, and we have names for them. Allah is telling the angels that there is a hikma in creating Adam that they do not know.
This is also a lesson for us: Whenever we see something that we are unable to understand or comprehend, we need to remember that Allah has a wisdom behind it.
There is a hikma behind every action. Many times, human beings fall into the trap of questioning why some events are happening. We question qadr (destiny), suffering and poverty. We don’t know the wisdom behind it, but Allah knows.
Children's Feedback
Dawah - Proof of the miraculous nature of Qur'an
Showing kindness in small packages
Homework:
Adam was cast out of Paradise for disobeying Allah. If you were to talk to him now - what would you ask about this event?
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