Article appeared Friday, October 7th, 2011 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (198)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Why do differences or disparities exist in the world? For example, while one is rich, why are there people below the poverty level? While one is well educated, why are there countless illiterate people? While one has freedom, why are there oppressed people who live in fear? Do differences constitute a test for those who are better off? Do differences provide an opportunity to demonstrate goodness or righteousness? For example, if everyone was equally rich, would there be a need for charity? The most recent Revelation, the Quran tells us that differences are a trial and that we should follow the examples of our prophets to be successful. In the following Verse, our Creator addresses Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): And the apostles whom We sent before you were all (men) who ate food and walked through the streets: We have made some of you as a trial for others... [25.20] All previous prophets were therefore human beings just like us. They lived their life eating food and walking the streets just like us. They however took their trials as: 1. opportunities to prove their belief or faith in the Creator and as 2. opportunities to do good to please the Creator! How did Prophet Muhammad and other prophets like David, Moses and Jesus conduct themselves? The Quran provides a common denominator that can be followed: Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good and follows the way of Abraham the true in faith?... [4.125] The above Verse from the Quran confirms and further explains commandments given in the Bible. For example, in Genesis 12:3 (Revelation given to Moses), our Creator addresses Abraham and says: I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." [NLT, Genesis 12:3] {1} So, if Abrahams faith was true, what should we learn from the example of Abraham? Did he spend his life trying to please our Creator? Was the approach of all other prophets similar? What, then, is the extent of our own personal responsibility? That was a People who have passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did and you of what you do! Of their merits there is no question in your case! [2.134] To aid our understanding, to clear up confusion, our Creator further guides us: They say: "Become Jews or Christians if you would be guided (to salvation)." Say: "Nay! (I would rather follow) the religion of Abraham the true as he joined not gods with Allah." [2.135] Just as each individual has been uniquely put together, each of us is responsible and answerable for our own personal deeds. Our Creator asks: Nay, is he not acquainted with what is in the books of Moses? And of Abraham who fulfilled his engagements? Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another; that man can have nothing but what he strives for; that (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight; then will he be rewarded with a reward complete; that to your Lord is the final Goal; [53.36 53.42] Our Creator has given each of us an individual personality with resources and skills to match with opportunities to demonstrate our faith and desire to please Him.

To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) toward all that is good... [2.148] For those who are worried about sins committed, our Creator provides a way: Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord and for a garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth prepared for the righteous. [3.133] In addition, He recommends how believers should get together and plan their strategies. He recommends planning and supporting of work or fighting against oppression as needed.

4.71 O, you who believe! Take your precautions and either go forth in parties or go forth all together.
Allah warns of those who demonstrate hypocrisy in their belief and in their willingness to please Him. Allah furnishes an example of what such people say:

4.72 There are certainly among you men who would remain behind: if a misfortune befalls you, they say: "Allah did favor us in that we were not present among them."
Allah guides us as to what pleases Him most: Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons...but those who strive and fight has He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward. [4.95] Allah recommends how to demonstrate firm belief: Who say when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah we belong and to Him is our return." They are those on whom (descend) blessings from Allah and Mercy and they are the ones that receive guidance. [2.156 2.157] As each and every calamity is also a test. No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: that is truly easy for Allah: [57.22]

4.73 But if good fortune comes to you from Allah they would be sure to say as if there had never been ties of affection between you and them "Oh! I wish I had been with them; a fine thing should I then have made of it!"
Hypocrisy is demonstrated by showing concern for worldly benefit without concern for pleasing our Creator. It is only the pleasure of our Creator that will earn us salvation.

4.74 Let those fight in the cause of Allah sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. To him who fights in the cause of Allah whether he is slain or gets victory soon shall We give him a reward of great (value). 4.75 And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who being weak are ill-treated (and oppressed)? Men, women and children who cry out: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors; and raise for us one who will protect; and raise for us one who will help!" 4.76 Believers fight in the cause of Allah and those who reject faith fight in the cause of evil: so fight against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.
---{Notes}: {1} http://bible.cc/genesis/12-3.htm