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2361 It is unprofitable to enter such immaterial controversies and many others that have been waged about Religion by
shallow men from time immemorial. Yet, if there is a matter of clear knowledge from experience that matters, we must
openly proclaim it, that the world may be brought to listen to Allah's Truth. (18.22)
2362 Vulgar story-mongers as such know little of the true significance of stories and parables. We have a clear exposition in
the Qur-an. What need is there to go into details of the number of men in the Cave, or of the time they remained
there? (18.22)
CONSULTATION:
42:38 - Those who hearken to their Lord and establish regular prayer; who (conduct) their affairs
by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance; 45784579
4578 Continuing the enumeration of the characteristics described in n. 4576 above, we have the following further qualities
in those who wish to serve Allah. (5) They are ready at all times to hearken to Allah's Signs, or to listen to the
admonitions of prophets of Allah, and to follow the true Path, as they understand it; (6) they keep personal contact
with Allah, by habits of Prayer and Praise; (7) their conduct in life is open and determined by mutual Consultation
between those who are entitled to voice, e.g., in private domestic affairs, as between husband and wife, or other
responsible members of the household; in affairs of business, as between partners or parties interested; and in State
affairs, as between rulers and ruled, or as between different departments of administration, to preserve the unity of
administration; (8) they do not forget Charity, or the help due to their weaker brethren, out of the wealth or gifts or
talents or opportunities, which Allah has provided for themselves; and (9) when other people use them despitefully,
they are not cowed down or terrorised into submission and acceptance of evil, but stand up for their rights within the
limits mentioned in verse 40. (42.38)
4579 "Consultation." This is the key-word of the Sura, and suggests the ideal way in which a good man should conduct his
affairs, so that, on the one hand, he may not become too egotistical, and, on the other, he may not lightly abandon the
responsibilities which devolve on him as a Personality whose development counts in the sight of Allah. See the points
in head (7) under n. 4578 above. This principle was applied to its fullest extent by the holy Prophet in his private and
public life, and was fully acted upon by the early rulers of Islam. Modern representative government is an attempt-by
no means perfect-to apply this principle in State affairs. See my Religious Polity of Islam. (42.38)
58:12 - O ye who believe! W hen ye consult the Apostle in private spend something in charity
before your private consultation. That will be best for you and most conducive to purity (of
conduct). But if ye find not (the wherewithal) Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful. 53505351
5350 In the Kingdom of Allah all instruction or consultation is open and free. But human nature is weak. And people want
special instruction or private consultation with the Prophet from one of several motives: (1) they may have, or think
they have, a special case, which they are not willing to disclose to their brethren in general; (2) they may have some
sense of delicacy or dignity, which can only be satisfied by a private interview; (3) they may even be selfish enough to
want to monopolise the Prophet's time. These motives are, in an ascending order, worth discouraging; and yet,
considering the weakness of human nature, they cannot be reprobated to the extent of shutting out their victims from
chances of improvement. It is therefore recommended that they spend something in charity for the good of their
poorer brethren before they indulge in such weaknesses. (58.12)
5351 The charity is a sort of expiation for their pardonable weakness. Having made some monetary sacrifice for their poorer
brethren they could face them with less shame, and the charity woulddirect their attention to the need for purifying
their motives and conduct. At the same time, this special charity is not made obligatory, lest such persons should be
shut out altogether from chances of the higher teaching on account of their pardonable foibles. (58.12)
58:13 - Is it that ye are afraid of spending sums in charity before your private consultation (with
him)? If then ye do not so and Allah forgives you then (at least) establish regular prayer;
practice regular charity; and obey Allah and His Apostle: and Allah is well-acquainted will all
that ye do. 53525353
5352 Note the plural here, Sadaqat, instead of the singular, Sadaqat in verse 12 above. While people with the foibles
described in n. 5350 may be willing to spend "something" (small) in charity for a special consultation occasionally,
they may be frightened of spending large sums when their needs for consultation may be numerous. What is to be
done then? Are they to be shut out altogether? No. They are asked to be punctilious in the discharge of their normal
duties of at least normal regular prayers and regular charity, "if Allah forgives you", i.e., if Allah's Messenger relieves
them of further special contributions such as those noted in verse 12. This condition, "if Allah forgives you", provides
the safeguard against the abuse of the privilege. The messenger would know in each case what is best for the
individual and for the community. (58.13)
5353 Zakat, was instituted about A.H. 2. (58.13)
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