178- YOU WHO BELIEVE, RETRIBUTION HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED FOR YOU IN THE CASES OF KILLING.  A FREE PERSON FOR A FREE PERSON, A SLAVE FOR A SLAVE, AND A FEMALE FOR A FEMALE, BUT WHOEVER IS PARDONED BY HIS BROTHER, THEN SHOULD GRANT THE COMPENSATION IN AN AMICABLE WAY AND PAY IT IN APPRECIATION.  THIS IS A RELIEF AND MERCY FROM YOUR LORD, BUT WHOEVER TRANSGRESSES AFTER THAT SHALL HAVE PAINFUL PUNISHMENT.

179- YOU SHALL HAVE LIFE IN RETRIBUTION, YOU OF SOUND MINDS, SO THAT YOU MAY BE PIOUS.

These Ayahs were sent down to abolish some practices used before Islam.  However, its rules were later superseded by others.  The Arabs used to have a different ransom for a free person, from that of a woman from that of a slave.  However, if someone important was killed, or a person from a powerful or a rich family, they will ask for a much higher ransom, like ask for the ransom of 10 men for just one man. 

Allah the Highest forbad this practice, but in the mean time establishes the principle of paying ransom for the person killed by mistake or if the next the kin agrees if the person is killed intentionally. 

This saves people’s blood and prevents feuds between families and people which prevents further blood shed which used to go on for generations. 

The rules regarding compensations did not change, however Allah the Highest abolished the different values for free men, females, etc. making them all equal saying: “AND WE DECREED THEREIN FOR THEM THAT, A SOUL IS FOR A SOUL, AND EYE FOR AN EYE, A NOSE IS FOR A NOSE, A TOOTH IS FOR A TOOTH, AND THERE IS RETRIBUTION IN WOUNDS”.  (S: 5 A: 45)

This means that all souls are equal, men, women, children, etc.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him also said: “He who kills his slave, we will kill him, he who cut an organ of his slave, we will cut the same organ of him, and he who castrates his slave, and we shall castrate him”.  (D:Dyat;7 & T:Dyat;17 & N:Qesamah;10,16 & Ma:Dyat;23 & Da:Dyat;7 & A:5;10)

It is however generally agreed that if any number of people who together kill one person, they will all be treated as if each one of them killed, and they may all be executed for it.  Omar Ibn El-Khatab when he was Khalifa, may Allah be pleased with him executed 7 men who killed one boy and he said: “By Allah, if all the people of Sanaa (capital of Yemen) gathered to kill him, I would have killed them”.

When a person is murdered, not accidentally killed, his next of kin will have three choices to choose from in dealing with the murderer:

1-    Execution.

2-    Paying of Ransom.  The amount of which is a stated amount for any one of any social status.  The going rate is the value of 100 Camels.

3-    To Pardon.  To let the murderer go free without paying ransom.

Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “Whoever is afflicted by killing or injury, he will have to choose between one of three: Retribution, Pardoning, or taking compensation.  If he wants the fourth (another option), restrain his hand, and he who transgresses after this shall be in the fire of Gahanna, abiding there for eternity”.  (T: Dyat; 13 & Ma: Dyat; 3 & Da: Dyat; 1 & A: 4; 31)

If a person accepts and takes compensation for a victim, then kills the murderer, he will be a murderer himself.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “I do not pardon a man who kills after taking compensation”.  (D: Dyat; 5)

Retribution is a deterrent, establishes social order and justice in the society and also may provide some ground for pardoning and forgiveness in the society.  It prevents feuds and reprisal killings.

B: Bukhari  M: Muslim    Mal: Malek   A: Ahmed   D: Abu Dawood     

 Da: Daremy       Ma: Ibn Magah            N: Nesae          T: Termezi  

177- RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT JUST TO DIRECT YOUR FACE TOWARDS THE EAST OR WEST, BUT RIGHTEOUSNESS IS TO BELIEVE IN ALLAH, LAST DAY, THE ANGELS, THE BOOK, THE PROPHETS AND TO GIVE FROM YOUR WEALTH, LIVING IT, THE KINSFOLK, THE ORPHANS, THE POOR, THE WAYFARER, TO FREE SLAVES, TO STEADFAST IN SALAH, GIVE ZAKAH, THOSE WHO FULFILL THEIR COVENANT WHEN THEY MAKE COVENANTS, THOSE WHO ARE PATIENT AND PERSEVERE IN AFFLICTION, ADVERSITY, AND IN BATTLE.  THOSE ARE SINCERE AND THOSE ARE THE PIOUS.

The Muslims and the Jews had a great deal of argument about the different Qibla after it has been changed.  Allah the Highest settles this argument and gives us a brief but precise account of the real meaning of righteousness.  They are:

1-    Believing in Allah, His Angels, Books and Prophets.  This is the first article of faith.  No deeds are of any value or consequence or shall have any reward with Allah the Highest if there is not belief.  Allah  the Highest said: “THOSE WHO DISBELIEVE, THEIR DEEDS ARE LIKE MIRAGE IN A DESERT”  (S:24 A:39)

Following having Faith, the rest of the features of Righteousness and Piety are shown in behavior and manners of the Muslims.  They are:

2-    Giving charity out of our money, loving what we give and loving to give. Allah the Highest said: “YOU SHALL NOT ACHIEVE RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTIL YOU SPEND OUT OF WHAT YOU LOVE”.  (S:3 A:92)

Giving frees the soul from slavery to earthly things.  Also it brings the society together cementing social and family ties.

Some people might give charity while they are poor themselves.  Allah the Highest said about them: “AND THEY GIVE OTHERS IN PREFERRENCE TO THEMSELVES, EVEN IF THEY SUFFER POVERTY” (S: 59 A: 9)

Others give charity while they are rich. Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “The best charity is that given while wealthy, yet careful with money, desiring to be rich and fearing poverty” (M: Zakah; 92, 93 & N: Wasaya; 1 & A: 2; 231,415)

Allah the Highest then states who to give charity to:

a-     The Kinsfolk i.e.  The blood relations.  They come first in their priority for any good deed, charity or help.  It is also rewarded more.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “The charity from a man to another is a charity, but to his blood relations are a charity and a being good to blood relation”.  (T:Sunah,26 & N:Zakah; 82 & Da:Zakah;38 & A:3;492)

b-    The Orphans: They are children under the age of puberty who lost their father, or both their parents.  These days, education takes longer and children are dependant on their parents before they can be independent for much longer than before.

Charity to orphans and looking after them is not only greatly rewarded, but also greatly esteemed by Allah the Highest.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “Whoever strokes the head of an orphan, doing this only for the sake of Allah, he shall have a reward for every hair his hand passes on.  And whoever is charitable to an orphan, male or female, he and I shall be like these in the Paradise (and he showed his index and middle finger together)”  (A:5;250)

c-     The Poor: This is the person who does not have enough for his basic needs and necessities.  A person might have enough to eat and drink but not to by cloth or medicines etc.  They are not the street beggars, for Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “The poor is not the person who goes around to be given a date or two, but the poor is the person who does not have enough for his needs, yet is unrecognized by people to give him charity”.  (B:Zakah;53 & M:Zakah;101,102)

d-    The Wayfarer: This is a traveler who ran out of money for food, drink, transport, place to stay etc.  He might be a rich person in his home country or two, but has no means to get to his money.  He might be rich, yet disparately in need.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “Three kinds of people Allah does not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, neither look at them, nor purify them, and they shall have a painful punishment; a man in the desert having more than his needs of water, but he withholds it from a wayfarer, a man who bought goods from another after Asr for agreed price, but intends to pay him less, and a man who gave his allegiance to an Imam (leader) only for earthly gain, if the Imam rewards him he fulfils his covenant, but if he does not the man does not”  (B:Ahkam;48 & M:Eman;171,174 & D:Byou;6 & N:Byou;5,6)

In fact the Wayfarer is one of the 8 categories of people entitled for help from the Zakah money even when the Zakah was collected and distributed by the state.

e-     Those asking for help:  They might be people who fell on hard times.  They should be helped if genuine, otherwise just a kind word.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “He who asks for help has a right, even if he comes on the back of a horse”.  (D:Zakah; 33 & A: 1; 201)

f-      Freeing Slaves: There are many instances in Islam when it is required to free slaves besides being one of the desirable charities.  Ransoming an oath, in case of not fasting in Ramadan without a lawful reason, in case of accidental killing.  The Muslims were encouraged to free slaves whenever they can.

Although slavery is not an issue now, however this should answer these who wrongfully accuse Islam of encouraged slavery. 

3-    Steadfast in Salah:  Which is to pray Salah properly and at the right times, 5 times/day.  It is the direct daily contact between a slave and his God.

4-    To Give Zakah.  Zakah is the prescribed charity, it is a duty upon those who can afford it, and a right for those who need it.

Zakah means to purity, and Zakah purifies one’s money, which is what it does.  It can be spent of defense and general welfare of the Muslims.

5-    Fulfilling the Covenants; is a mark of decency and honesty, it is a character of Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him and should be a character of all the Muslims.  Allah the Highest said: “FULFIL YOUR COVENANT, FOR YOU SHALL BE ASKED ABOUT YOUR COVENANTS”.  (S:17 A:34) 

We should also remember that not fulfilling our covenants (agreements and promises) is a mark of hypocrisy as stated by Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him who said: “Four characters, he who has them all is a complete hypocrite, while he who has one of them, he has a character of hypocrisy until he leaves it; he lies when he speaks, does not fulfill his promises, betrays his covenants, and is very wicked and unjust in disputes”.  (B: Eman; 24 & M: Eman; 106 & D: Sunah; 15)

6-    Patience and Perseverance in the face of Poverty, Illness, and War.  For it is all parts of Allah’s tests and trials for us, for Allah the Highest said: “WE WILL TEST AND TRY YOU WITH SOME FEAR, HUMBER, SHORTAGE OF MONEY, SOULS, AND CROPS, BUT GIVE GLADE TIDINGS TO THOSE WHO ARE PATIENT AND PERSEVERE”.  (S:2 A:155)

We will notice in the characteristics of the Pious described in this Ayah that it consists of two parts: 

-         Faith and Believe.

-         The deeds and practices resulting from this faith. 

They are acts or worship like Salah, and acts with people, like charity, keeping promises, patience, etc. 

It is clear then that Piety is not just the result of faith and worship, but it is largely actions of the believer in life and with people which mark him or her as pious in Allah’s estimate.

B: Bukhari  M: Muslim    Mal: Malek   A: Ahmed   D: Abu Dawood     

 Da: Daremy       Ma: Ibn Magah            N: Nesae          T: Termezi  

174- THOSE CONCEALING WHAT ALLAH SENT DOWN OF THE BOOK AND SELL IT FOR A MISERELY PRICE.  WHAT THEY EAT INTO THEIR BELLIES IS BUT THE FIRE.  ALLAH DOES NOT SPEAK AT THEM ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION, DOES NOT PURIFY THEM, AND THEY SHALL HAVE PAINFUL PUNISHMENT.

175- THEY ARE THOSE WHO EXCHANGED GUIDANCE FOR MISGUIDANCE AND FORGIVENESS FOR PUNISHMENT.  VERY PATIENT THEY WILL HAVE TO BE WHEN SUFFERING THE FIRE.

176- BECAUSE ALLAH SENT THE BOOK DOWN WITH THE TRUTH, WHILE THOSE DISPUTING CONCERNING IT ARE EXTREMELY APART FROM THE TRUTH.

The Jews of the Medina knew about the coming of a prophet from Allah whom they expected to be one of them, and they used to tell the Arabs about it.  When the prophet came from the Arabs, they denied it.

Whenever Allah the Highest gives someone and people knowledge, it is a trust which has to be passed on to others.  Hiding this knowledge is a serious form of lying. 

This concealment usually happens for some form of gain.  It might be wealth, status or power, or favour to someone in power.  Regardless, what they gain, will lead them to the Hell-Fire.  Allah the Highest is giving a Parable here, simulating what they gain with swallowing fire into their bellies.  Indeed, this is likely to happen to them in reality in the Hell-Fire.  A similar image was drawn of people who devour others money illegally, having their money heated in the fire to burn them with.  Allah the Highest said: “THE DAY WHEN IT WILL BE HEATED IN THE FIRE OF GAHANAM, AND THEIR FACES, SIDES, AND BACKS SHALL BE BURNED WITH IT.  THIS IS WHAT YOU TREASURE FOR YOURSELVES, SO TASTE WHAT YOU TREASURED”.  (S: 9 A: 35)

Allah not speaking to and turning away from people shows His anger with them.  Purifying people on the Day of Resurrection is forgiving people their sins in order to grant them the Paradise.  On the Day of Resurrection, they are rejected and despised.

They are trading the guidance given to them for the misguidance they speak and follow, which misguides others too.  They are trading the Reward of the Paradise they shall have if they follow this guidance for the Punishment they shall suffer for following the misguidance.

As they knowingly persevered with their misguidance and with their ways, they shall have to be patient in tolerating the Punishment.  The difference is that in this life they have a choice while in the Hereafter, they do not.  Their punishment will not be lightened, nor will they be reprieved.

Then, closing statement that the truth is in our Book, the Quran, and Teaching of Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him.  To go astray of the Right. 

This warning applies to Muslims as much as to others.  We have Allah’s teachings, Allah’s guidance.  To hide it or parts of it for any reason or gain, or even to save ourselves suffering, is something we shall have to answer for to the Almighty.  Our responsibility is greater not less.

172- YOU WHO BELIEVE, EAT OUT OF THE GOOD AND PURE THINGSALLAH PROVIDED FOR YOU, AND THANK ALLAH IF YOU TRULY WORSHIP HIM.

173- HE HAS FORBIDDEN YOU THE DEAD, BLOOD, THE FLESH OF THE PIG, AND WHAT OTHER THAN THE NAME OF ALLAH HAS BEEN INVOKED ON.  BUT WHOEVER IS COMPELLED WITHOUT BEING WILLFULY DISOBELIENT OR TRANSGRESSOR, HE INCURS NO GUILT, FOR ALLAH IS MOST FORGIVING, MOST MERCIFUL.

Another statement in the Quran where Allah the Highest is clearly telling us that All Things provided for us are Good and Pure for us to Eat i.e. Halal.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: ‘Allah the Most Exalted said: “All the goods I give my slaves are halal and I created my slaves pure, then Satan goes and forbids them what I permitted them”.  (Muslim)

In the next Ayah Allah the Highest tells us the exceptions.

Allah the Highest reminds us that for such bounties, we should be thankful always.  In fact Allah the Highest commands us to be thankful. 

Allah does not need our thanks, for He is above the need, but Allah the Highest commands us for our own good.  This is because thanking Allah the Highest is rewarded twice:

1-    In this life, for Allah the Highest said: “AND YOUR LORD DECREED, IF YOU GIVE THANKS, I SHALL GIVE YOU MORE”.  (S:14 A:7)

2-    In the Hereafter.  Allah the Highest said: “HE WHO DESIRES THE REWARD OF THIS LIFE, WE SHALL GIVE HIM FROM IT AND HE WHO DESIRES THE REWARD OF THE HEREAFTER, WE SHALL GIVE HIM FROM IT, AND WE SHALL REWARD THE THANKFUL”.  (S:3 A:145)

Then the exceptions; that are what are forbidden (Haram).  We have to note that what is forbidden here is eating, not other uses.  Four Items are mentioned here:

1-    The dead: That is the animal which died by any cause other than being slaughtered.  It might have fallen from a height, hit by a car or another animal, was sick, strangled or even died of old age. 

2-    Blood:  This means running blood, which Allah the Highest stated in another Ayah: “RUNNING BLOOD”  (S:6 A:145)

We should not drink running blood or cook it (like black pudding).  Other uses of blood like in blood transfusion are not forbidden.

3-    The Flesh of the Pig: the Scholars agree that the whole of the pig is forbidden to eat, that is flesh and bone and fat. 

4-    What has other than Allah’s name invoked on:  like offerings to Idles and other gods. 

It is important to note that what is forbidden here is eating, not other uses of the animal like using its skin for example.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him passed by a dead sheep, it was given to a freed slave of Maymona from the Zakah.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “Would you use its skin”, they said: “It is dead”.  He said: “Only eating it is forbidden”.  (B:Zakah:61 & M:Haed;101 & D:Lebas;38 & Mal:Syd;16 & N:Faraa;4)

The reasons for the prohibitions are best known to Allah the Highest. One can think of at least two reasons:

1-    Prohibited things are harmful.  Even if we can detect some of the harm now and take precautions, we should remember that we did not know about many until recently.  Therefore, it is very possible that there are others not known to us yet or that there are others to come yet.  Our knowledge is always very deficient compared to Allah’s knowledge.

2-    Obedience to Allah’s commands is a very important reason in itself.  Remember that Allah the Highest has forbidden Adam and Eave to eat from one tree in the Garden without telling them or us why.  It is a mark of submission to obey, and to put out trust in Allah.

We have a license however to eat any forbidden food or drink in case of compulsion or absolute necessity.  For Example:

1-    If we have not other food or drink, and are not going to have any so that our life will be put at risk.

2-    The Halal food available is contaminated or not fit for human consumption.

3-    If not eating certain food or drinking certain drinks will uncover out identity and put our safety at risk.

In these instances and other compelling instances, there is no sin committed by the Muslim, provided that his real intention is not to disobey.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “But your deeds depend on your intentions and every one will be recompensed according to his intention”.  (B: Eman; 41 & M: Eman; 155)

As for those who are compelled or disobey, Allah the Highest reminds us that if we repent and ask for forgiveness, we shall find Allah the Highest to be most forgiving.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said that Allah the Most Exalted and Majestic said: “Son of Adam, if you commit as much as the Earth full of sin, but do not believe in any thing besides me, I shall give you as much forgiveness”.  (A: 5; 147,148,153 & M: Zekr; 22 & T: Dawat; 98 & Da: Reqaq; 72)

With Allah’s forgiveness comes Allah’s Mercy. 

This is one form of Halal Food, food that is not forbidden or meat that is slaughtered the Islamic way.  However, the other very important aspect of food being Halal is to have it and earn the money to buy it with in a Halal way.  The food that is bought with Haram money is Haram.

There is a great reward for always having Halal to eat, drink and wear, that is to live in Halal.  Allah the Highest always answers your Dawaa. 

As for having Haram to live on, there are two severe penalties:

1-    Allah the Highest does not accept the Muslims worship or good deeds for 40 days.

2-    The destination is the Hell-Fire

Allah’s messenger companion and uncle Saad Ibn Abi Waqas asked him to pray to Allah for him so that Allah will always answer his Dawaa.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “O Saad, make sure that what you eat is good and pure, your Dawaa will be always answered.  By He who has my soul in His hand, whenever a man throws a piece of Haram inside him, Allah will not accept any thing from him for 40 days.  Any slave who’s flesh grow out of ill-gotten and usury, he shall be more worthy of the Fire”.  (T: Jomah; 79)

We should always try to eat and drink what is Halal, in kind and in the way we get and earn the money to get it.

We should remember that the rule is that every thing is permitted, except what Allah the Highest forbids, clearly and categorically.

B: Bukhari  M: Muslim    Mal: Malek   A: Ahmed   D: Abu Dawood     

 Da: Daremy       Ma: Ibn Magah            N: Nesae          T: Termezi  

170- AND WHAT IT IS SAID TO THEM: “FOLLOW WHAT ALLAH SENT DOWN”, THEY SAY: “BUT WE FOLLOW WHAT WE FOUND OUR FOREFATHERS DO”, EVEN IF THEIR FOREFATHERS DID NOT UNDERSTAND AND WERE NOT GUIDED?

171- THE LIKENESS OF THOSE WHO DISBELIEVE IS THAT OF THOSE WHO SHOUT CALLS AND CREIES THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND LIKE ANIMALS, DEAF, DUMB AND BLIND, THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND.

It has been reported that some of the Jews went to see Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him.  When he called them to Islam, their answer was: “We will follow what we found our forefathers do”.  This was Allah’s reply to anyone giving such answer, and also giving us a parable to clarify the issue.

Allah the Highest says that they are like animals which do not have a clear and comprehensible language, but just shouting, calls and cries.  As if their argument and reasoning is as intelligent as the animals shouts and cries.  Allah the Highest however endowed human beings with a mind capable of understanding, thinking and reflecting.  It is the duty of every person to use their mind to consider the most important issues of Faith.  One should not forget that Allah the Highest made us his viceroys on Earth.

Allah the Highest describes the disbelievers as being, deaf, dumb, and blind and have no understanding. 

Deaf as they do not listen to Allah’s word, which is the truth.

Dumb, for what they say is not true and is devoid of good reasoning or wisdom.

Blind, for not seeing the clear signs and evidence, indeed they may not wish to see it.

They have no understanding, not because Allah the Highest deprived them of understanding, for this is given to every one, but because they do not want to understand.

Their sin is willfully and arrogantly committed.

168- O MANKIND, EAT OUT OF WHAT IS ON EARTH, HALAL (LAWFUL) AND PURE, AND DO NOT FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF SATAN, FOR HE IS A CLEAR ENEMY TO YOU.

169- HE COMMANDS YOU TO DO WHAT IS EVIL AND SHAMEFUL, AND TO SAY ABOUT ALLAH WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW.

These two Ayahs are introduction for the Ayahs to follow.  It gives us a very important principle, which is that all food is lawful.  Only Allah the Highest forbids what is forbidden very clearly.  Prohibition is not done by indirect means, by reference; it is done by clear statement.

The occasion when Allah the Highest stated what is allowed, was when stating that the food of the people of the book is permitted for us.  Allah the Highest said: “THIS DAY, ALL THAT IS GOOD AND PURE IS MADE LAWFUL FOR YOU AND THE FOOD OF THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK IS LAWFUL FOR YOU”.  (S: 5 A: 5)

Allah the Highest detailed the prohibitions; therefore, there is no room for further prohibition or speculation in this matter.  Allah the Highest said: “AND WHY DO YOU NOT EAT OUT OR WHAT ALLAH’S NAME HAS BEEN MENTIONED ON, WHEN ALLAH HAS DETAILED FOR YOU WHAT HE HAS FORBIDDEN EXCEPT WHAT YOU ARE COMPELLED TO (EAT OR DRINK)”.  (S: 6 A: 119)

Details of the prohibitions will come at the discussion of the relevant Ayah.

To forbid what Allah the Highest permitted is to go astray and follow the footsteps of Satan.  Only Allah the Highest prohibits the things created by Him.  Allah the Highest said: “HAVE LOST THOSE WHO SLAYED THEIR CHILDREN OUT OF FOLLY AND WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE AND FORBAD WHAT ALLAH HAS PROVIDED FOR THEM , INVENTING LIES ABOUT ALLAH, THEY HAVE GONE ASTRAY AND THEY ARE NOT GUIDED”.  (S: 6 A: 140)

Forbidding what Allah the Highest permitted is a transgression against Allah and Allah’s Authority. Allah the Highest said: “YOU, WHO BELIEVE, DO NOT FORBID THE GOOD THINGS ALLAH PERMITTED YOU AND DO NOT TRANSGRESS, FOR ALLAH DOES NOT LOVE THE TRANSGRESSORS”.  (S: 5 A: 89)

Obviously Allah the Highest considers forbidding what He permits to be a serious sin, for one is putting himself in the position of he who knows better, and gives himself authority like that of the creator.  We Muslims should never say about any thing forbidden, except if there is a very clear Ayah or Hadith to this effect.  Prohibitions are not made by gestures, reference or any indirect means.

165- AND OF MEN THOSE WHO TAKE EQUALS BESIDES ALLAH, THEY LOVE THEM AS THEY SHOULD LOVE ALLAH, THOSE WHO BELIEVE LOVE ALLAH MORE.  AND IF THE EVIL DOERS SEE AS THEY SEE THE PUNISHMENT THAT ALL POWER BELONGS TO ALLAH, AND THAT ALLAH IS SEVERE IN PUNISHMENT.

166- THEN THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED SHALL DISSOCIATE THEMSELVES FROM THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THEM, AS THEY WILL SEE THE PUNISHMENT, AND THEY WILL BE CUT OFF FROM ALL.

167- AND THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THEM SHALL SAY: “IF WE HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO DISSOCIATE OURSELVES FROM THEM AS THEY DISSOCIATED THEMSELVES FROM US”.  THUS DOES ALLAH SHOW THEM THEIR DEEDS AS REGRETS FOR THEM, FOR THEY WILL NEVER EXIT FROM FIRE.

Allah the Highest tells us about three groups of people:

1-    Those who take equals besides Allah.  Those equals are not necessarily idles, but could be any thing the person loves to the point of putting them first and higher in their esteem.   One might live an Idle, or a person to idealize, or principle, or money, business, man or woman.  One will love them as or more than they love Allah. 

2-    Those followed by the first group.

3-    The true believers who love Allah the Highest more than any one else.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “Three things, he who has them will taste the sweet taste of Faith; to love Allah and His messenger more than any one else, to love a person only for the cause of Allah, and to hate to go back to disbelieve he hates to be thrown into the fire”.  (B:Eman;10)

Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him also said: “None of you will truly believe until he loves me more that his father, child and all people”.  (B: Eman; 9)

Following someone or something is following their ways and their rules, doing things for them, and defending them and their stance, in preference to all else, this usually applies to:

1-    Satan: 

Although there are Satanic Worshipers these days, yet most of those who follow Satan and his clan follow their ways and creed.  We do not see Satan to flowed, but know what he wants us to do.  Satan will be unable to help himself or us on the Day of Resurrection.  Allah the Highest said: “AND SATAN SAID WHEN ALL WAS DECIDED (ON DAY OF JUDGMENT): ‘INDEED, ALLAH PROMISED YOU THE TRUE PROMISE WHILE I PROMISED YOU AND FAILED YOU.  I HAD NO POWER OVER YOU EXCEPT TO CALL UPON YOU AND YOU ANSWERED ME, DO NOT BLAME ME BUT BLAME YOURSELVES, I CAN NOT SAVE YOU, AND YOU CAN NOT SAVE ME, I REJECT YOU TAKING ME AS PARTNER WITH GOD”, THE WRONG DOERS SHALL HAVE PAINFUL PUNISHMENT”.  (S: 14 A: 22)

2-    Those claimed to be Allah’s sons or daughters:

Jesus peace upon him and Ozyr peace upon him were claimed to be Allah’s sons.  Allah the Highest said: “AND THEY SAID THAT THE MERCIFUL HAS BEGOTTEN A SON * YOU MADE A TERRIBLE CLAIM * THE HEAVENS ARE ABOUT TO BREAK, THE EARTH CRACK, AND THE MOUNTAINS BREAK DOWN * FOR CLAIMING THAT THE MERCIFUL HAS A SON * FOR IT IS NOT BECOMING OF THE MERCIFUL TO HAVE A SON * FOR ALL THOSE IN THE HEAVENS AND EARTH WILL COME TO THE MERCIFUL AS SLAVES” (S:19 A:88-93)

Others claim that the Angels are God’s daughters.

3-    Some worship the Angels or the Jinn. 

Devil worshippers worship the Jinn for the devils are Jinn.  Allah the Highest said: “ON THE DAY WHEN ALLAH SHALL GATHER THEM ALL AND SAY TO THE ANGELS: ‘ARE THEY THOSE WHO WORSHIPED YOU?’  (S: 34 A: 41)

4-    Others worship inanimate objects like the sun, the fire, idles etc

It is strange that until this day and age, there are still those who worship idles, fire, the sun etc.  Allah the Highest said about them: “WHO IS MORE MISGUIED THAN THOSE WHO DO NOT RESPOND TO THEM, UP TO THE DAY OF RESURRECTION, AND ARE TOTALLY UNAWARE THAT THEY ARE BEING CALLED”  (S:46 A:5)

5-    People, Wealth, Power, Ideas:

Some of us follow those in power, or pursue wealth, or power or even political ideology, even if this involves them in doing wrong, and regardless or what it involves or injustice and suffering to others. 

The Powerful, the leaders, and those people look up have particular responsibility to the society as people in general take them for an example.  They tend to be followed in what they do.  This means that they carry the burden of gaining as much sin as those who followed them if they do wrong, as much as gaining as much reward as those who follow them if they do right.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “He who calls for the right guidance, he shall have as much reward as those who follow him, without decreasing any of their rewards, and he who calls for misguidance, he shall have as much sin as those who follow him, without decreasing any of his sin”.  (M:Elm;16 & D:Sunah; 6 & T:Elm;15)

Taking Equals to worship besides Allah the Highest takes many forms and shapes.  It is however the one sin Allah the Highest never forgives.  “ALLAH DOES NOT FORGET FOR PARTNERS TO BE WORSHIPED BESIDES HIM, BUT FORGETS WHATEVER ELSE TO WHOM HE WILLS, FOR HE WHO WORSHIPS PARTNERS BESIDES ALLAH, HE HAS COMMITED A VERY GREAT SIN”  (S:4 A:48)

B: Bukhari  M: Muslim    Mal: Malek   A: Ahmed   D: Abu Dawood     

 Da: Daremy       Ma: Ibn Magah            N: Nesae          T: Termezi  

163- AND YOUR GOD IS BUT ONE GOD, THERE IS NO GOD OTHER THAN HIM, THE MOST MERCIFUL, MOST COMPASSIONATE.

164- INDEED, THERE ARE IN THE CREATION OF THE HEAVENS AND OF THE EARTH, THE SEQUENCE AND ALTERATION OF THE NIGHT AND DAY, THE SHIPS SAILING IN THE SEA FOR THE BENEFIT OF MANKIND, THE WATER ALLAH SENDS DOWN FROM THE SKY REVIVING THE LAND AFTER ITS DEATH, AND TO PUT FORTH ALL CREATURES IN IT, DIRECTING THE WIND, AND THE CLOUD ORDERED TO SERVE BETWEEN THE SKY AND THE EARTH, ARE ALL SIGNS FOR THOSE OF SOUND MINDS.

Ayah 163 is the statement of Faith, that there is only one God, and there is not another.  Allah the Highest then follows this with the His good names, the Most Merciful, Most Compassionate.  Asserting and assuring us of these characters of His.

The disbelievers asked Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him of the proof that there is a God.  Here is the proof:

1-    THE CREATION OF THE HEAVENS AND OF THE EARTH. We know more than ever before the enormity, complexity, design and beauty of the Heavens and of the Earth.  It should tell us about the Power, Ability and Creativity of the Creator.

Whenever we see something in order, or have a pattern, we feel that it is designed, or at least made by someone.  When we see few stones put together in order, we assume that someone did that.  It is then reasonable to think that this very meticulously ordered and designed universe was made by a Creator, Allah the Highest.

2-    THE SEQUENCE AND ALTERATION OF THE NIGHT AND DAY:

There is a purpose for making day and night which Allah the Highest explained in these Ayahs “AND WE MADE THE NIGHT AS A COVER * AND WE MADE THE DAY FOR YOUR LIVELIHOOD” (S:78  A:10,11) We are active by day and rest by night.  Our bodies are adjusted on this rhythm, and when we change this, we do not feel good and do not function well.

Allah the Highest mentioned the night before the day, and this is often the case in the Quran.  This is because the universe is in darkness generally.  We have day time only for the part of the Earth facing the sun.  Otherwise in space, it is dark. 

3-    THE SHIPS SAILING IN THE SEA FOR THE BENEFIT OF MANKIND:

Allah the Highest made the seas full of water which carries the ships and they move easily on the water.  Even submarines, move easily in the water.  Ships need little power to make it sail in water, contrary to moving one land.  This makes water in oceans, seas and rivers like big roads, linking the corners of the Earth together, allowing transport of people and goods,  Allah the Highest created water with these characteristics, of things floating on top, and sail in it,

There are also currents in seas and rivers, which push the ships,

There is also the wind in seas and rivers, which also push ships.   

All designed for this purpose.

“AND OF HIS SIGNS THE SHIPS SAILING IN THE SEAS LIKE MOUNTAINS * HE STOPS THE WIND IF HE WILLS, THEN THEY WILL STAY UNMOVING ON THE SEA”.  (S:42 A:32,33)

Then, seas and rivers are sources of food, and now they are becoming sources of energy.  Allah the Highest said: “THE TWO SEAS ARE NOT THE SAME, THIS ONE IS FRESH AND PURE TO DRINK, AND THE OTHER IS VERY SALTY, BUT FROM BOTH YOU EAT SOFT FLESH AND EXTRACT JEWELERY TO WEAR, AND YOU SEE THE SHIPS SAILING IN THEM, AND TO SEEK OF HIS (ALLAH) BOUNTY, SO THAT YOU BE THANKFUL”. (S:35 A:12)

Is this not enough evidence that they were made for this purpose, and so designed?

4-    THE WATER ALLAH SENDS DOWN FROM THE SKY REVIVING THE LAND AFTER ITS DEATH, AND TO PUT FORTH ALL CREATURES IN IT,  DIRECTING THE WIND, AND THE CLOUD ORDERED TO SERVE BETWEEN THE SKY AND THE EARTH:

The water evaporates from the oceans and seas to form clouds.  Then rain falls and it waters the land, fills the rivers and the wells.  Water is the source of life, there is no life without water.  Allah the Highest said: “WE MADE FROM WATER EVER