Explanation of the First Verse in Soorah al-Hujuraat
Creator: Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Date: 2006-04-15
Format: text
Identifier: http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=247
Language: en
Subject: quran
Title: Explanation of the First Verse in Soorah al-Hujuraat
Created on: Sat Apr 15 12:51:34 -0400 2006
Updated on: Mon Sep 25 13:29:11 -0400 2006
Version: 3
Abstract: ... `alayhi wa sallam) was the means by which Allaah chose to convey His last message to mankind. This vital point was emphasized and immortalized by Allaah in the following verse, "And, he (the Prophet) does not speak from his desires; verily, what he says is revelation from (God)" [Soorah an-Najm (53):3] We are required to revere the Qur'aan and quietly listen to its message based on Allaah's statement "When the Qur’aan is being recited, listen to it attentively and be quiet." [Soorah al-A'raaf (7):204] We are also required to revere the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) and listen attentively to his pronouncements. Ibn 'Abbaas, the greatest Qur'anic commentator among the Sahaba, added another dimension to the meaning of this verse and similar verses by interpreting it to mean that the Believers should not say anything which goes against the Qur'aan and Sunnah [Quoted by lbn Katheer in Tafseer al-Qur'aan, al-'AdHeem, vol. 4, p. 315]. Figuratively speaking, one is in Allaah’s presence when he or she reads the Qur'aan, and likewise when the Hadeeths which describe the Prophet's Sunnah [the sayings and actions of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) intended as law for all Muslims] are studied, one also enters into the presence of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam). Hence "Allaah and His Prophet's presence" can be said to refer today to the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Forwardness and haste in Allaah’s and His Prophet's presence could then be interpreted to mean the making of snap judgements based on superficial reading or making unauthorized and unfounded interpretations of the Qur'aan and the Sunnah. Giving one’s personal opinions or cultural habits precedence over the divine commands of the Qur'aan and Sunnah also represents another aspect of forwardness in Allaah's and His Prophet's presence. Great care has to be taken when explaining the principles of Islaam in order that no statements contrary to those of Allaah and His Apostle are inadvertently made which may consequently lead people astray. If at any time ideas in opposition to the Qur'aan and the Sunnah are held and clear proofs of their inaccuracy are later presented, a true Believer is required to immediately give up his or her mistaken concepts and submit to the authentic commands of Allaah and His Messenger. If one does otherwise, claiming his ideas and practices were that of his forefathers, he would be, in fact, no better tha... [Full Article...]
