Islam and the Environment

Islam and the Environment

“It is God, who made for you the earth a place of settlement and the sky, a ceiling and formed you,

And perfected your forms and provided you with good things. That is God, your Lord, then Blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.”[i]

Assalaamu’Alaykum Warahmatullah. I greet you in the Universal greeting of peace.

My introduction above, introduces us to a verse from the chapter entitled, “The Believer” from a book, which was revealed more than 1400 years ago i.e. the Quran.

In this verse, we are reminded of the beautiful abode upon which God has placed us, for a period of probation. It defines the placid and vast surroundings upon which we tread, giving us a chance to reflect upon the Magnificence of the One who created it all.

At the same time, it triggers an awakening to characteristics we are taught to echo through our daily actions as Muslims, .i.e. to be gentle and kind, and respect everything around us including nature.

Islam and the environment – the title alone brings a sense of comfort to the human heart, knowing, that everything Islam embraces has laws which protect and honor, producing a flow of harmony encompassing creation.

Let’s take a look at what Islam encourages when it comes to our treatment toward the environment.

Islam encourages us not to waste natural resources

In chapter 6, verse 141 of the Quran, entitled “The Cattle”, we are encouraged to use resources sparingly.

 “But waste not by excess: for God loveth not the wasters” [ii]

As Muslims, we are told not to waste and instead practice moderation and display gratitude. We pray five times a day, utilizing water for ablution, and the above verse therefore, encourages us to use water abstentiously. As humanity, we are asked not to waste water even if we are at a stream as these are divine provision from the Almighty and are not to be abused.

Charity through planting

In Islam, the planting of trees is highly encouraged. We are made aware, through the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon his soul) that any form of life which derives benefit from the planting of a tree will be regarded as charity to the one who planted it.  Islam goes as far as to say that even if the hour of Resurrection approaches and one were to have a shoot ready to be planted, to go ahead with it. Such, is the sanctity of planting trees.

[iii]

But planting trees and conserving water, is not all that is mentioned in Islam. When we take a closer look at the environment we are exposed to all types of living creatures including animals, as they form part of the environment and eco system.

Treatment toward animals

In Islam, the ill treatment of animals is highly discouraged and we acknowledge this through the behavior and actions of the gentlest of human beings, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Upon seeing a bird distressed, he immediately ordered her chicks to be returned to her, made certain that a she camel had her rights to be milked only, near a place of water, and treated all other animals with love and respect.

Love and Respect: The basis for the treatment of the environment in Islam, as you may have taken heed to by now, and this is further clarified in chapter 6 of the Holy Qur’an, whereby God says,”

 "And  there is no creature on (or within) the earth or a bird that flies with its wings except that they are  nations (communities) like you”[iv]

Just as other creatures upon earth, do not have the mental capabilities of human beings, we are held responsible for respecting them.

We are repeatedly encouraged to display harmony toward nature, but we are also told to avoid abusing it.

In Chapter two, entitled, “The Cow” verse 60, God compels us not to abuse the environment and resources he has provided us with.

"Eat and drink from the provision of Allah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption."

This verse motivates us to restrain ourselves from abusing these provisions, and show gratitude for all that he has given us.

So the question that now remains is, how do we solve the ongoing deforestation, global warming and pollution that form our current environmental crisis?

In order for humanity to have a reversal of our global crisis, it requires the assistant of us, the inhabitants of this earth. What better guide has the Creator of this earth, given us, than the Quran, in order to wake our senses, as He tells us in verse 41 of the chapter entitled, “The Roman Empire”,

“Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].”[v]

The answer is simple. In order for our motives to be purified to toward being gentle with the eco system, we need to educate ourselves, and others, so that our own free will, will not be detrimental to society. As Muslims, we are taught to do this, under the guidance of the Quran and the practices of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), which displays answers to every problem we come across in our daily lives.

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[i] Quran, 40: 64

[ii] Quran, 6: 141

[iii] Shahih Al Bukhari –The book of agriculture

[iv] Quran, 6: 38

[v] Quran, 30: 41

A glimpse into the life of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Since a little girl, writing had become my way of expressing what I felt. I’ve re-written many stories, but this time I am writing about someone who is very close to my heart, because as Muslims, we are taught to live the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

The Qur’an and the Sunnah -These two excellent aspects, which personify the essence of the character of the last and final Messenger of God, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

Upon embarking on this large task, I had come to realize that if I were to conceal every aspect of the Greatest man to walk this earth, my pen would dry up and I’d need dozens more, SubhanAllah.

Having said that, I will try my best, to encapsulate the persona of the final Messenger (PBUH) into a cocoon of inspiration that will hopefully sway our actions and thoughts to levels of higher spiritual development.

“And you (stand) on an exalted standard of character”[1]

I have decided to begin, with these words from the Qur’an, because they symbolize the height of perfection of the character of the last and final Messenger of Allah; Muhammad (PBUH)

A man whose religion now claims, 2.04[2] billion followers around the world. The most diverse and fastest growing religion, so why, do you ask?

Let’s take a peek into why this Great man, continues to capture the lives of millions and will always be the greatest man to walk this earth.

The birth of a beacon of Light

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born to a society in the year of 570 in the city of Makkah. At the time, wherein people were killing one another, violence being rife, women having no rights, a time when it was honorable to put baby girls to death.

Having lost his parents at a young age, he was taken into care by his relative, and being an orphan, he would contemplate his life and surroundings. As he grew up, the city served as a commercial trade centre and the commerce generated by the pilgrims allowed him to act as an agent for wealthy merchants taking their goods on caravans throughout Arabia.

Description of Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

He was not tall and lanky, neither, short and heavy, he was the most mild tempered, most generous hearted, most truthful in speech, and no one has ever come across someone like him before his arrival, neither after his departure.

His face has been described as not narrow, nor fully rounded. When he looked at someone, he would turn his face fully toward them,  whoever saw him unexpectedly was in awe of him, and whoever associated with him, loved him.”[3]

The life of a sincere man (PBUH)

Muhammad (PBUH) led a serene life, but the state of the Makkans, disturbed him, and he would often go to the mountains outside Makkah to reflect upon the situation. It was during one of his retreats to the cave of Hira, that his life changed forever.

The Angel Jibraa’il (AS) enveloped him, in a tight embrace, asking him to read! To which he responded, that he could not. “Recite in the name of your Lord who created”[4] and he, Muhammad (PBUH) had received the Divine word, and Islam had come into being.

The divine message he brought, carried with it a warning to the people, that unless they created a more just society, there would be chaos. Explaining how they would be accountable for their good and bad deeds.

This revelation did not come in one go. As events unfolded, it came down, in stages.

A soul echoing piety

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always insisted, that he was not a divine figure, such was his modesty. He was not rich, and portrayed the essence of simplicity. His character displayed the quintessential core of honesty, which is why he was also known as Al Amin - the trustworthy, the man of absolute honesty.

Muhammad (PBUH) had such an honest reputation, that when he gathered the tribes, to warn them against a war that may strike, and asked them to believe him, as Allah tells us in the Qur’an, their response to him was, “We have never heard you lie”[5]

He had the most sincere love, that anyone could ever harbor. His love, was so free from pretense, that years after his first wife Khadijah (RA) had passed away, he would still send food over to her friends, and always held a special place in his heart for her. So true was his affection, that Zaid bin Harith, a child, who had no family association to our Beloved Prophet (PBUH) pleaded to stay with him, because his heart could not endure the separation of this  fatherly bond which had been created between them, despite him having a father of his own.

A temperament tranquil and serene

The final Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had such a calm temper, SubhanAllah that once, a wife of his brought a dish for him to eat, even though it was not her turn. And when it arrived at the house of the wife, whose turn it was to have meals with, in rage she threw it to the ground and when the Prophet (PBUH) witnessed this, he was so patient that he slowly began picking up the pieces, and did not say anything to her, neither did he chide at her.

A brick, thrown at him, by an enemy of Islam, Abu Jahl, that it made his head bleed with pain, but even this, did not anger our Beloved Rasul (SAW).

 
A liberator of rights

He lived in a society that downgraded women, yet he gave them rights for marriage and divorce, protecting them, and brought equality amongst nations.

He taught us to stand up for the oppressed, and wherever possible never to let an injustice go by, without asking for change.He was a leader, yet he never compromised his integrity, he would not sleep, if he owed anyone anything.

An affection of sincerity

Muhammad (PBUH) displayed immense love to his wives, to children and to humanity. He would hug and kiss his grandsons, would smile with kids in the street and even sewed his own clothes, to assist with domestic chores.

He helped immigrants, fed the needy, and treated the captive with utmost care. He was always gentle towards nature, so much so, that a tree wept in despair, once Muhammad (PBUH) no longer needed it for his Friday sermon. He would never allow people to overload their camels, neither would he allow the ill treatment of any living creature.

A devotion so steadfast

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led a life of deep rooted devotion to Allah. Whenever he was alone, he would never waste time, but instead he would be constantly praying for forgiveness, at times, weeping through the night in prayer, not just for himself but for the entire Ummah.

A rock of perseverance

On reaching the city of Taa’if, the Chiefs of the clans refused to accept the message of Allah, and when Muhammad (PBUH) realized that they were stubborn in their rude ways toward him in speech and action, he decided to leave.

But they did not make his departure easy, and instead they set their street hooligans after him. Mocking and stoning him, till blood oozed out of his feet and body. Drenched in pain, and discomfort, he lifted his hands and said to his Creator,

 “ Oh my Allah .. To Thee I complain of the feebleness of my strength, of my lack of resources and my being unimportant in the eyes of people. O, Most Merciful of all those capable of showing Mercy! Thou are the Lord of the weak, and Thou are my own Lord. To whom art Thou to entrust me; to an unsympathetic foe who would sullenly frown at me, or to an alien to whom thou hast given control over my affairs? Not in the least, do I care for anything except that I may have Thy protection for myself. I seek shelter in Your Light – the Light which illuminates the Heavens, and Dispels all sorts of Darkness, and which controls all affairs in this world as well as in the Hereafter. May it never be that I should incur Thy Wrath, or that Thou should be Displeased with me. I must remove the cause of Thy displeasure till Thou art pleased. There is no strength nor power, but through Thee.”

When Muhammad (PBUH) beseeched Allah with the above prayer, the Heavens were so moved, SubhanAllah, that the Angel Jibraa’il (AS) ushered an Angel to the service of our Beloved Prophet (PBUH). He, the Angel ensured Muhammad (PBUH), that in the blink of an eye, Allah could cause, the mountains on either side of the city of Taa’if to collide and crush the people therein.

So Merciful was his heart, being beaten and bruised, barely able to walk, that he told the Angel, that even if they do not accept Islam, perhaps one day, believers in the message of Allah would surface.

SubhanAllah, even after so much persecution and hurt they had inflicted upon him, neither did He (PBUH) curse, nor did he even want them to be hurt in return. We, are his Ummah, yet, we get irritated by any action which we find annoying in others and resort to revenge at our beck and call. Surely, we need to reflect deeply upon our behavior and try harder to be merciful to others, no matter what harm is brought upon us.

We are living in a time, when so called “advanced society” depict morals toward women and children which are quite deplorable. Millions of men and women are aimlessly roaming the street lost, without a purpose, and if this is to be reversed to save civilization we need to turn to the best example left to us.

We ought to learn to inculcate the values of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his conduct, into our own lives. He is a clear example for us, on how to behave, how to seek the truth, how to treat humanity, to seek knowledge. Values expressed most clearly through the study and analyses of his persona.

He was a trader, a husband, a father, a statesman, a warrior, but most importantly, a man whose legacy will continue to shape our lives forever.

May Allah Guide us toward emulating the qualities of this Great man, so that we will be reunited with him in Paradise.

Sincerely, Aa’isha

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[1] Qur’an, 68:4

[2] Muslimpopulation.com

[3] Ali (R.A.)

[4] Qur’an, 96:1

[5] Qur’an, Al Masad

Mus’ab ibn Umair

“Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah. Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death]”

I am going to tell you the heart wrenching story of the first and youngest ambassador in Islam. His name was Mus’ab bin Umair bin Abdul Manaf. Son of, Umair and Khunaas Bint Maalik. Born to one of the most affluent family’s from the Quraish tribes, residing in Makkah, he is also referred to in Islamic history, as the first envoy in Islam.

His youth

Mus’ab was an extremely popular young man amongst the people of Makkah. He was handsome and charming, wore only the best of clothes, and when he walked pass the people in the street, it is said, that his perfume would be so unique and fragrant that women would stand in line trying to get his attention.

He came from a home which fed him with a silver spoon, spoilt him with anything he wanted and showered him with affection. Basically, Mus’ab Ibn Umair, was like a superstar or a Prince amongst the Makkans and won the hearts of all that knew him. Mus’ab ibn Umair, possessed everything a man could want, or dream of, but deep down, there was a longing for something greater,  a purpose, and a love that his soul yearned for.

The sapience of Mus’ab

It was during this time, throughout Makkah, that the message of the Oneness of Allah, was being spread, fast, and news soon reached young Mus’ab, about the truthful Messenger of Allah; Muhammad (SAW), the Bearer of Glad Tidings.

Even though Mus’ab was a boy residing in luxury, his mind was awake and his hearing was thirsty, to go forth and listen to the message that RasulAllah (SAW) conveyed.

So thirsty, was his yearning for this wisdom, that he would visit RasulAllah (SAW) in order to attain closeness to him and the Deen of Islam.

Everything changed

One night, Mus’ab decided to venture out to the house of Al-Arqam, the place at which the Prophet (SAW) would meet his companions and recite Qur’an to them. Young Mus’ab had hardly progressed into the class, when his heart, fell inlove with the verses of the Qur’an. It felt as if, it had found the nourishment that his soul had been waiting for, like an instant sweetness had over taken his being and he embraced Islam.

As I read about this, I felt astonished. This was not even a man, not even someone in his twenties, but rather a teenager, SubhanAllah, someone who in today’s times, could be at highschool. An age, where most kids are texting their friends.

When Mus’ab embraced Islam, he kept it a secret for a while because he was terrified of his mother’s reaction, as she was a staunch disbeliever. He donated everything he had to the needy and when she eventually found out, she had him shackled and guarded. Despite this, he managed to escape.

The chosen Dawah caller

Mus’ab ibn Umair was so passionate about the Qur’an that when the Madinites pledged allegiance to the call of Islam, Mus’ab was the one chosen, by Muhammad (SAW) to be the one to go to Madina and be the “Caller to Islam”

Can you imagine what an amazing opportunity, this must have been for a teenager like Mus’ab and at the same time what a huge responsibility on his shoulders. From all the men close to RasullAllah (SAW), as well as older, Mus’ab was the one chosen.

His way of propagating Dawah was excellent and so positive that the people of Madina flocked to Islam. His sincerity was so true, that he even, won the heart of Amr bin Jamuh who broke his Idols and gave in to Islam.

A valliant Matyr at Uhud

When the Quraish, prepared themselves for revenge, from the battle of Badr, the battle of Uhud took place. During the preparations for this battle, the Prophet (SAW) chose courageous Mus’ab to bear the standard (flag) during the battle.

As the battle raged, and it seemed as if the polytheists were withdrawing, the Muslim archers on top of the mountain, lost sight of their goal and failed to follow the instructions of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and withdrew from their positions.  Within moments, confusion arose, and Muslims were being killed, and the disbelievers saw this as an ideal opportunity to finally destroy the beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Mus’ab Ibn Umair, took note of their plan and immediately raised the flag really high, yelling at the top of his lungs, "Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!” He defended our Rasul (SAW) from the left and right, defending him and killing the enemy with every blow. Many scholars, describe these moments of courage, from Mus’ab as him being an entire army rolled into one.

Ibn Qamee’ah approached him and with his sword slashed off  Mus’ab’s right hand. Mus’ab then switched the flag to his left hand, and again he was attacked, this time bidding farewell to both his hands.

SubhanAllah, while writing this, my heart ached, because with this agonizing pain, he picked up the flag with the stumps of both his amputated hands, can you imagine yourself, for a minute, in this situation,  and he kept reciting, “Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]?”[1]

Eventually, the courageous Mus’ab ibn Umair was hit with a spear which thrust through him, and he fell to the ground.

Ibn Sa’d reports, that Abdullah bin Al-Fadl narrated: “When Mus’ab fell, an Angel in the image of Mus’ab took the flag, and raised it high. At the end of the day, Allah’s Messenger (SAW) addressed him, ‘Proceed Oh Mus’ab.’ The Angel drew close to him and said, ‘I am not Mus’ab.’ It was then, that RasulAllah (SAW) recognized that he was an Angel in the form of Mus’ab.”

The love RasulAllah (SAW) had for Mus’ab

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was so fond of Mus’ab, that a smile would emanate on his face at the sight of this young man, and he harbored so much trust and confidence in Mus’ab, which is definitely why he chose him to be his envoy in Madina. This was to be one of the greatest missions of his life.

When Muhammad (SAW) came around during the aftermath of Uhud, ibn Umair lay as a matyr in the dust.

The Prophet (SAW) stood at the body of him, with tears in his eyes, and with a tender heart recited a verse from Surah Ahzab, “Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah.  Among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death]”[2]

 Ibn Umair possessed so little belongings, that when they went to his home, to search for his belongings there was nothing besides a piece of white cloth to cover him. And when they tried to cover his head, his feet would show, and when they tried to cover his feet, his head would show.

At this, the Prophet (SAW) remarked, “Oh Mus’ab Ibn Umair, we did not find anything of your wealth, besides this to bury your body in, as you gave it all away to those in need.”

The story of Mus’ab ibn Umair, is one that shows us someone who decided to give all of their everything for the sake of Allah. He was every girl’s desire, had everything he could dream of, but this was not enough to replace the love for Allah which was missing in his heart. He teaches us, that once we establish this love for our Creator, not any wealth in the world could suffice as a substitute.

In our society we aim to attain luxury, wealth and status, deluding ourselves into thinking that this is a way to feel and be loved. We do things, in order to gain popularity, and be accepted, but the moment Mus’ab Ibn Umair, at his tender age of being in his early teens, embraced Islam, he knew that this world, was nothing but a passing phase, deception with all its luxuries.

He remained loyal and sincere, defending our beloved Prophet (SAW) till he fell to the ground.

Giving up every single thing for Islam, was not enough for him, having his limbs torn and having been struck more than 70 times, but still gripping the flag of Islam with his teeth, yet still wanting to do more.

How can we, say, that it is too hard to give up sin, to give up our simple desires for Allah.

May Allah detach our hearts from this world, and replace that love with his Mercy and love for Islam.

May Allah embed courage in our hearts, the type of courage that Mus’ab Ibn Umair harbored, the way he held the flag of Islam till the very end.

Duaa to you always,

Ayesha

(Sieny 2000) (Yusuf July 2000)

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[1] Qur’an, 3: 144

[2] Qur’an, 33: 23

Prophet Yunus (A.S.)

Allah reveals His message to His creation, in certain ways, and the Messengers are the instruments by which Allah carries out his Will.

“And indeed, Yunus was among the Messengers.” [1]

A story about hardship, patience, repentance and sincerity.  One that will continue to capture the hearts of all those who read and extract wisdom from it. This is the story of the beloved Prophet Yunus (A.S.).

Nabi Yunus (A.S.) was born to Amittai in the town of Nineveh located on the banks of the Tigris River, North Western Iraq. He was sent by Allah to guide the people of his generation as they were idolaters who indulged in sin.

For a long time Prophet Yunus (A.S.) tried his best to convince these people to believe in the Oneness of Allah and to abandon idol worship. They mocked him and refused to listen, telling him that idol worship is what they have believed in for generations and that they had no intent to stop.  Yunus (A.S.) warned them that if they persisted with their sin, Allah’s wrath would fall upon them. Instead, they continued with their mockery, even challenging punishment.

Feeling disheartened and frustrated Nabi Yunus (A.S.) left the town without realizing that Allah had not given him the command to do so. After a long distance, he finally reached sea and saw a boat with people in it ready to depart. Nabi Yunus (A.S.) appearing  rather distinguished, was welcomed abroad the boat ready to set sail. All of a sudden, amidst the smooth sailing, a heavy storm diverged causing the boat to reach high proximity followed by steeping plunges down. They realized, that weight had to be reduced onboard in order for the boat not to sink. So they cast lots in order to reach a decision. 

When the lot was drawn Nabi Yunus’s name appeared and so they decided that since he was so dignified they would choose again. The second time round, the name of Yunus (A.S.) was drawn again! They decided to cast lots one more time, but again, the name of Nabi Yunus (A.S.) surfaced and he was forced to be tossed into the sea. This is clear proof to us, that no matter how hard we try to do things according to our plans, Allah is in total control, and His plan will always be above ours.

The Belly of the Whale
 

All along a whale had been trailing the boat that Yunus (A.S.) had boarded. Allah commanded it, to find Nabi Yunus (A.S.) and swallowed him without hurting him or crushing any of his body parts. Nabi Yunus (A.S.) remained in darkness for a long time in the belly of the whale. His remembrance was constantly of Allah and his eyes filled with tears as he wept to Allah for forgiveness. He realized that he should not have left the town neither the idolaters as he had been sent as a Messenger of Allah, to lead them to the straight path.

Allah tells us in the Qur’an

" And [mention] the man of the fish, when he departed in wrath: and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. But he cried out within the depths of darkness, "There is no God except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers."[2]

Allah accepts prayer of those who seek repentance.

Yunus (A.S.) constantly supplicated to his Creator and Allah accepted his sincere repentance, as we are told in the next verse of Surah Anbiyaa,  

“So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.”[3]

Meanwhile, back in Nineveh ..

 

Meanwhile, a dark cloud of fury displaying Allah’s wrath had already formed above the town displaying clear signs of the warning of Nabi Yunus (A.S.), when he would constantly warn them about the result of their disobedience.

When the skies began to change into a fiery color, the people of Nineveh remembered the story of their predecessors, the story of Nabi Nooh (A.S.) and they feared that they would gain the same fate. Immediately fear crept into their hearts and they kneeled down into prostration begging Allah for forgiveness. Their cries for repentance and for the return of their Leader Nabi Yunus (A.S.) echoed through the mountains and Allah the Most Merciful accepted their plea.

Allah Says, “When they prayed for Nabi Yunus (A.S.) to return to them and believed, their punishment was removed.” [4]

The return of their Leader ..

Through Allah’s command, the whale was told to eject Nabi Yunus (A.S.) onto the shore. His body was inflamed due to the acid in the stomach of the whale which now covered his body in pain. Allah is so Merciful, that He caused a plant to grow over Yunus (A.S.) thus covering his body from the sun and at the same time healing his burns as well as bearing fruit to sustain him.

Over a period of time Yunus’s (A.S.) flaccid state, gradually improved and He was commanded by Allah to return to guide the people of Nineveh.

When he returned, he was surprised to see that they had abandoned their idol worship and now believed in the Oneness of Allah. Nabi Yunus (A.S.) thereafter continued to prosper and guide the people of Nineveh until, just like every other human being he returned to Allah, the Almighty.

 His Character ..

 

Yunus (A.S.) was known to have such a sublime character, that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) forbid any of the Sahabah to ever say that He, Muhammad (S.A.W.) was in any way better than Yunus (A.S.). Such, was the love that our Prophet (S.A.W.) harbored for Yunus (A.S.).

 As is stated in a Hadith Narrated by`Abdullah:

“The Prophet said, "None of you should say that I am better than Yunus (i.e. Jonah)." Musadded added, "Jonah bin Matta." [5]

 Their eyes opened ..

The people of Nineveh shut their eyes to the message of Islam.  They believed that false Gods would intercede on their behalf, but how can stones intercede on your behalf. 

 As Allah tells us in Surah Yunus that even the false Gods shall leave the idolaters and say,

 “It was not us that you worshipped” [6].

 These false Idols, were a mere figment of the imagination of those who believed in this false worship.

From this sincere story in the Qur’an, we learn that even the greatest of people, A Messenger of Allah, could become frustrated. While in the belly of the whale, Allah tested Yunus (A.S.) by seeing how much patience his heart possessed.  Could you imagine being all alone beneath three layers of darkness, i.e. the darkness of being in the stomach of the whale, enclosed by the darkness of the deep ocean with deep blue sky encapsulating it all.

We must understand, that within this darkness we gain both a physical as well as spiritual moral. The physical darkness, refers to the darkness he could touch and see. The spiritual darkness refers to the dark feeling he felt in his heart, his distress, which he realized he had brought upon himself.

It is for this reason that Allah sent his Messengers as normal people to Mankind, in order that we may understand that everyone makes mistakes but our test is to seek sincere repentance and find our way back to Allah.

The beauty of this story, is that amidst the depths of darkness, Nabi Yunus’s (A.S.) heart filled with repentance and sincerity.  As Allah’s servants, we learn that it is never too late to seek sincere forgiveness, because Allah, is the Most Forgiving, the Most merciful

.

Love always,

Ayesha

                                               

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[1] Quran 37:139

[2] Qur’an 21:87

[3] Qur’an 21:88

[4] Quran 10:98

[5]  Sahih al-Bukhari 3412

In-book reference

 Book 60, Hadith 85

English translation

Vol. 4, Book 55, Hadith 624

[6] (Qur'an 10:28)

References used

Location of Nineveh

http://www.atlastours.net/iraq/nineveh.html

http://archive.cyark.org/nineveh-region-info

For Qur’anic reference: www.quran.com

                                                Various translation of the Qur’anic text, translation and commentary.

For Hadith reference: English translation

        Vol. 4, Book 55, Hadith 624