Resisting Temptation, Seeking Forgiveness, New Education Strategy
Issue 227 » June 19, 2003 - Rabi-al-Thani 20, 1424
General
| Living the Quran |
Al-Qasas
(The Narration) Korah, a contemporary of Moses, peace be upon him, was an extremely wealthy man. Wealth in itself is neither good nor bad. It is simply a means to an end and can be beneficially used or abused. But, as we see in this surah, Korah decided that he had earned his wealth by sheer genius and personal hard work alone, and that he was therefore justified in doing with it as he pleased. When those whose desires and inclinations were for the world saw his adornments and splendour, they wished that they could have the same as he had been given. This verse is the response of the people of beneficial knowledge. "Allah's reward", in this verse, means that clean and bounteous provision which comes to a man both in this world and in the Next as a reward for his efforts. As for the word "patience", it means a whole range of things. It means:
The statement that "but none except those who are patient shall attain to this" signifies God's reward. It also signifies that purity of thought by dint of which an upright person is able to remain honest, and is even willing to suffer hunger and starvation rather than become a dishonest and corrupt multi-millionaire. This kind of character, this way of thinking, and this reward from God are only for those who steadfastly resist the temptation to use unlawful means to earn their livelihood, regardless of whether they obtain a pittance or make millions. Source: |
| Understanding the Prophet's Life |
Seeking Forgiveness The Prophet (peace be upon him) was reciting the Names of Allah and remembering Him all the time. But sometimes due to being too busy in the affairs of the public or due to human needs, there was a pause in this eternal remembrance. Although such a pause was only momentary, this momentary pause was very much disliked by him; and considering it slackness on his part, he prayed for forgiveness from Allah. In this there is an important lesson for us. In spite of our many sins and negligence on our part, we do not turn to Allah and seek forgiveness; while, although our Prophet had all his past and future sins forgiven by Allah, he sought forgiveness very often. Al-Agharr Al-Muzani (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah said: "Sometimes I perceive a veil over my heart, and I supplicate Allah for forgiveness a hundred times in a day.'' [Muslim] Source: |
| Towards A New Education Strategy |
Long-range Strategy Home Home, even in the present society, plays a crucial role in personality development. By the age of five, when a child is drafted into public school, the family has already done a lot: the child has learnt most of what he has to learn; much of the culture has been transmitted. Even later, he spends 86 per cent of his time in home and neighbourhood. When surrounded by an alien, secular and tyrannical culture, home should form the pivot and centre of the strategy to generate and sustain Islamic life. This is indicated when Allah tells the Israelites, through Moses: "Turn your homes into Qiblah." (Yunus 10:87) Young Muslim Groups Start organizing groups of young Muslims, on the sole basis of doing something practical for the Muslim community and Islam. Educating themselves in Islam should also be their aims, but secondarily. What should they do?
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