01.03.2017 Views

ism

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

266<br />

1817 Allah is not intent on punishment. He created man virtuous and pure; he gave him intelligence and knowledge; he<br />

surrounded him with all sorts of instruments of His grace and mercy. If, in spite of all this, man distorts his own will and<br />

goes against Allah's Will, yet is Allah's forgiveness open to him if he will take it. It is only when he has made his own<br />

sight blind and changed his own nature or soul away from the beautiful mould in which Allah formed it, that Allah's<br />

Wrath will descend on him and the favourable position in which Allah placed him will be changed. When once the<br />

punishment comes, there is no turning it back. None of the things which he relied upon- other than Allah-can possibly<br />

protect him. (13.11)<br />

4:47 - O ye people of the Book! believe in what We have (now) revealed confirming what was<br />

(already) with you before We change the face and fame of some (of you) beyond all<br />

recognition and turn them hindwards or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers: for<br />

the decision of Allah must be carried out. 567568<br />

567 Literally, "before We obliterate some features (or faces) and turn them front to back (or back to front)": an Arabic<br />

idiom, which must be translated freely to yield its proper meaning in English. The face is the chief expression of a<br />

man's own real essence; it is also the index of his fame and estimation. The People of the Book had been specially<br />

favoured by Allah with revelations. If they proved themselves unworthy, they lost their "face". Their eminence would,<br />

owing to their own conduct, be turned into degradation. Others would take their place. The first shall be last and the<br />

last shall be first: Matt. xix. 30. (4.47)<br />

5:52 - Those in whose heart is a disease thou seest how eagerly they run about amongst them<br />

saying: "We do fear lest a change of fortune bring us disaster." Ah! perhaps Allah will give<br />

(thee) victory or a decision according to His Will. Then will they repent of the thoughts which<br />

they secretly harbored in their hearts. 765<br />

25:70 - Unless he repents believes and works righteous deeds for Allah will change the evil of such<br />

persons into good and Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful 3130<br />

3130 But even in the case of great crimes, if there is true repentance as tested by a changed fife in conduct, Allah's Mercy<br />

is available, and it will transform the repentant's nature from evil to good. (25.70)<br />

33:62 - (Such was) the practice (approved) of Allah among those who lived aforetime: no change<br />

wilt thou find in the practice (approved) of Allah. 3770<br />

3770 The Jewish law was much more severe: see notes 3703 and 3704 to xxxiii. 26. That severity is mitigated in Islam. But<br />

it is a universal principle that any element which deliberately refuses to obey law and aggressively tries to subvert all<br />

order in society, secretly and openly, must be effectively suppressed, for the preservation of the life and health of the<br />

general community. (33.62)<br />

Maududi Sura Introductions<br />

Surah 71. Nuh<br />

See Section<br />

Theme and Subject<br />

In this surah the story of the Prophet Noah has not been related only for the sake of storytelling, but its object is to warn the<br />

disbelievers of Makkah, so as to say: "You, O people of Makkah, are adopting towards Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's<br />

peace and blessings) the same attitude as the people of the Prophet Noah had adopted towards him; if you do not change<br />

this attitude, you too would meet with the same end." This had not been said in so many words anywhere in the Surah, but in<br />

the background of the conditions under which this story was narrated to the people of Makkah, this subject itself became<br />

obvious.<br />

CHARITY:<br />

2:43 - And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those<br />

who bow down (in worship). 60<br />

2:83 - be steadfast in prayer; and practice regular charity.<br />

2:110 - And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity:<br />

2:177 - to spend of your substance out of love for Him for your kin for orphans for the needy for the wayfarer<br />

for those who ask and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer and practice regular charity;<br />

178 Faith is not merely a matter of words. We must realise the presence and goodness of God. When we do so, the<br />

scales fall from our eyes: all the falsities and fleeting nature of the Present cease to enslave us, for we see the Last<br />

Day as if it were today. We also see God's working in His world and in us; His Powers (angels), His Messengers and<br />

His Message are no longer remote from us, but come within our experience. (2.177)<br />

Go to UP<br />

266

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!