Volume 8 Surah 9 - Enjoy Islam

distinctions that resulted from action taken for Islam...That there were these different grades on the basis of strength of faith was nobarrier to bridging the gap between them in the Madinah society before theconquest of Makkah. In fact, most of the apparent weaknesses within theranks of the Muslim community were remedied, and their symptomsdisappeared. Hence the whole of Madinah society could be considered asforming a solid Islamic basis.However, when Makkah fell to Islam in year 8, followed by the surrender ofthe Hawāzin and the Thaqīf tribes, which were the last two large tribes to putup resistance to Islam, this ushered in a great influx of new Muslims.Needless to say, these were of different levels with regard to their outlook.Some among them were hypocrites, while others simply adopted Islam, thenew overpowering force. Others still needed to be won over to Islam. Mostly,however, these were people who had not yet understood the fundamentals ofIslam and their souls had not yet interacted with its values and principles.This account clearly shows the position of the Muhājirīn and the Anşār and thosewho followed them with regard to their strength of faith and readiness to sacrificetheir all for God’s cause. Theirs is a highly significant role in the building of thestructure of the Muslim community and giving the message of Islam a practicalmanifestation. Their role will continue to influence every group of people who wantto live their lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam.“God is well pleased with them and well pleased are they with Him.” (Verse 100) ThatGod is pleased with them means that He will be rewarding them generously. IndeedHis pleasure with them is the highest reward to which they may aspire. That they arepleased with Him means that they are reassured by being on His side, confident thatwhatever He determines for them is right and good. They are grateful when theyreceive His bounty and they remain steadfast when they endure hardship. However,usage of the term “well pleased” in both conditions imparts an air of total happiness,which is mutual between God and this elite group of His servants. It elevates thisgroup to a high position in which they reciprocate God’s feelings towards themwhen He is their supreme Lord and they are His servants whom He created.Language cannot adequately describe such a situation; it is merely felt as we read theQur’ānic expression and reflect on it with an open mind and a spirit that aspires tothe sublime.That is their situation with their Lord. It is a permanent situation: “God is wellpleased with them and well pleased are they with Him.” The signs of this mutual pleasureawait them: “He has prepared for them gardens through which running waters flow, wherethey shall abide for ever. That is the supreme triumph.” (Verse 100) What triumph can be194