Chapter 4, An-Nisa (The Women)

 

Introduction

This chapter is named for the many references throughout the chapter to women.  It is 176 verses long and was revealed in Medina.  When the Muslims migrated to Medina they were no longer a persecuted minority.  Medina became an established Muslim community with Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, as its leader.   Laws were being introduced to the fledgling community with regard to women, marriage, commerce, finance, international relations, property and inheritance.  There were also tensions between the Muslim community and some of the People of the Book and all these themes and subjects are covered. 

Verses 1 – 10 Instructions

Fear God who created all of humankind from one soul (Adam).   Fear God, in whose name you request favours and demand rights.  Beware of severing ties with those to whom you are related.  Give the orphans in your care their rights.  Do not marry the orphan girls to take their property and possessions.  God has allowed you to marry up to four women that are legally available to you.  However if you feel you cannot treat all your wives justly then marry only one.  When you marry make sure to give the bridal gift agreed upon, however if your wife consents to give up some of what is owed to her you may accept that with a clear conscience.  Do not trust your property to those not equipped to look after it.  If you are in charge of someone else’s property, return it to them when they come of age.  Be fair when you return the property because God will ask you to account for every little thing.  For men and for women is an obligatory share of what their parents and close relatives leave.  Be kind and provide something to other relatives, orphans and the needy if they are present when the inheritance is distributed.  The executors and guardians must be just.  Those who take property unjustly will be burned in the Hellfire.

Verses 11- 14 Inheritance

God’s instructions concerning the inheritance of your children are that the males share will be equal to that of two females.  If there are two daughters their share is two thirds of the estate.  If there is only one daughter her share is half.  If there are children then the parents get one sixth of the estate each; if there are no children and the parents are the only heirs then one third goes to the mother.  Debts take precedence over a bequest and bequests may not be given to those who inherit by law.  A man inherit half of his wife’s estate if they have no children but if they have a child he inherits a fourth.  Wives will inherit a fourth of their husband’s estate if they have no children but if they do they will inherit an eighth.  If there are no parents or children a single sibling inherits a sixth of the estate but if there is more than one sibling they share a third.  These are the rules set by God and those who obey Him and Prophet Muhammad will be admitted to gardens under which rivers flow, but those who disobey will abide in the Fire.

Verses 15 – 33 About women

If women are guilty of unlawful sexual intercourse there must be four witnesses against them.  Their punishment is to be confined to their houses for life.  This was until further directives were to be revealed.  Punish men and women who are guilty of this offense but when they repent leave them alone.  Accepted repentance is only for those who sin in ignorance or carelessness and then repent; repentance is accepted until the soul reaches the throat at the time of death.  There is no repentance for those who persist in their sins and repent only when faced with certain death or for those who die as disbelievers.  They will have a painful punishment.

For those who believe, a deceased man’s relatives have no rights of marriage or otherwise over his widow.  Treat your wives fairly and do not try to take back the bridal gift you gave them.  Treat them kindly even if you dislike something about them. If you want to replace one wife with another do not take back anything you have given them even if it was a large amount.  Do not marry women who have been married to your fathers.

These are the women prohibited to you in marriage; your mothers, daughters, and sisters, your father's sisters, your mother's sisters, your brother's and sister’s daughters, the women who nursed you and your sisters through nursing plus your wives' mothers, and your step-daughters.   Also prohibited to you are the wives of your sons and marrying two sisters simultaneously.  All married women are prohibited to you (except slaves) but all other women are lawful for you to marry.  If you do not have the means to marry free believing women, you are allowed to marry slaves who are believers.  Give them their bridal gift and treat them justly and fairly.  If the slave you marry commits adultery, her punishment should be half that of a free unmarried woman.  God makes it easy for you to see the difference between what is lawful and what is unlawful.   He wants to lighten your burden and turn to you in mercy. 

Do not consume one another’s wealth under false pretences and do not kill each other.  Avoid the great sins and the minor misdeeds will be wiped out.  Do not covet what God has given to others but instead ask God for some of His bounty.  Men and women will be rewarded according to their deeds.  Follow the inheritance laws correctly.

Verses 34 – 42 Serve God

Men are in charge of women and righteous women are obedient to their husband.  If a wife is disobedient she must be admonished, left to sleep alone and as a final resort you are permitted to strike her without leaving marks or causing injury.   If they obey you have no right to punish them.   If there is fear that a marriage might break down then get help with arbitration from both families.  If the couple wish to remain together then God will find a way for that to happen. 

Serve God; do not associate anything with Him.  Be good to your parents and relatives, the needy, and the neighbours both near and far, your companions, travellers in need and slaves.  God does not love those who are arrogant, boastful, and stingy or who encourage others to be stingy.  God also does not like those who spend their money to show off, or those who do not believe in the Last Day and those who choose Satan as their companion.  Believing in God and the Last Day, and spending in charity would not have harmed them.  God does not harm anyone.  Good deeds are increased.  Witnesses will come and those who disbelieved and disobeyed will wish they had not because nothing is hidden from God. 

Verses 43 – 57 Prayer and those cursed

Oh you who believe do not prayer while you are intoxicated; wait until you know what you are saying (this injunction was later followed with the complete prohibition of alcohol). Likewise, do not pray when you are in a state of impurity until you have taken a complete bath. If you cannot find water to perform ablution before prayer then find clean earth and wipe your faces and hands with it. Those who were given some of the Scripture used it for misguidance and they want you to do the same. God knows your enemies well. Some Jews take the words out of context. God cursed them.

The People of the Book (Jews and Christians) should believe in this Quran, it confirms their books. God does not forgive those who associate others with Him; it is a huge sin. Inventing lies about God is a sin. Those who were given part of the Scripture now believe in idols. God cursed them for that and they will never find a helper. They are not more rightly guided than the believers; God has rejected them. If they were given a share of the kingdom they would not share it. The Jews envy Prophet Muhammad, many the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and his followers for what God has given them but they should remember that they are also from the family of Abraham whom God favoured with the Book, wisdom and a great kingdom (i.e. there is no reason to feel jealous since both the Israelites and Ishmaelites are the offsprings of Abraham). Hell is enough to burn those who turned away. Those who disbelieve in the verses will be herded into the Fire; those who believe will be led into gardens under which rivers flow. They will find there purified spouses and cool refreshing shade.

Verses 58 – 70 Obey God and His messenger

God’s excellent instructions include returning the things entrusted to you and judging fairly, if you are called upon to do so. Obey God, His messenger and those in authority. If there is a dispute refer it to God and His messenger because that is better and will give the best result. Some people claim to believe yet still want to turn to unjust tyrants for judgment. They are hypocrites that turn away. They will return trying to bring about reconciliation but God knows what is really in their hearts. However you must speak to them, instruct them and try to penetrate their hearts.

Messengers were meant to be obeyed. When they wronged themselves, they should have come to you (Prophet Muhammad) and they would have found God’s forgiveness. But no, they will not truly believe until they make you the judge over their disputes. They should have done what they were instructed to do and they would have got a great reward. Whoever obeys God and His messenger will be with the ones on whom God has bestowed His favour. That is a bounty from God.

Verses 71 – 87 Take care

Be careful, believers. When you go to battle go in small groups or all together. There are people among you who will lag behind to avoid battle but if you are successful they will pretend regret. Those who are killed or victorious in God’s cause will get a great reward. Fight in God’s cause. Rescue those who cry out for God’s help. Those who believe fight for God and those who disbelieve become the allies of Satan. Have you seen those who fear men as they fear God? The life of this world is brief and the Hereafter is eternal. Death will find you no matter where you are.  When good comes they acknowledge God but when they suffer evil or loss they blame Prophet Muhammad. What is the matter with them? All things are from God. If you obey Prophet Muhammad you obey God. God has not sent you to be their keeper; they obey you when in your presence but when your back is turned they plot against you. God knows, so trust Him and that is sufficient.

Why don’t they think about the Quran? It answers their questions just as Prophet Muhammad could have answered them. If it was not for God’s bounty and mercy everyone would serve Satan. So Prophet Muhammad, fight in God’s cause because you are only responsible for yourself. Urge the believers to fight because God might allow you all to overcome the disbelievers. Whoever speaks for a good cause will share in the reward and whoever speaks for a bad cause will share its burden. Respond to greetings with its equivalent or with something better. God keeps account of everything; there is no God but Him. You will surely be called to account on the Day of Resurrection.

Verses 88 –100 About fighting and emigration

What is wrong with you? Why are you divided about what to do about the hypocrites? You cannot guide those God has left to stray. They want you to reject faith and be like them so do not take friends from among them until they have immigrated to Medina for the sake of God. If they turn on you aggressively then kill them. A believer must not kill another believer except by mistake. And if someone makes this mistake they must free a slave and offer compensation. The compensation can be waived as a charitable act. If the victim was at war with you, but a believer, then the compensation is to free a slave. If the victim was part of a group with whom you have a treaty then a slave must be freed and compensation paid and if you are unable to do this then fast for two consecutive months. The punishment for killing a believer intentionally is Hell. Be careful! Do not kill someone who offers you a greeting of peace; do not call him a non-believer.

Those believers who stay behind (except those who are unable to fight) are not equal to those who strive in God’s cause. Those who strive are offered a higher rank though there is a good position for all.  When the angels take the souls of those who have wronged themselves there are some that say they were oppressed. The angels will ask if the earth was not big enough for them to find refuge in.  There only refuge is Hell, except for those who were prevented by circumstances beyond their control. God might pardon them. He is All-forgiving. If someone who emigrates for God’s sake dies, he is assured of a great reward.

Verses 101 – 104 The prayer

When you travel you are permitted to shorten the prayer. When in battle, pray in ranks one at a time, one group guarding the other. You can lay aside your arms during heavy rain or illness but be careful. After prayer remember God, standing, sitting or lying on your sides.  When you are secure you must re-establish the regular prayers. Do not weaken, if you are suffering so too is the enemy but you can expect help from God but they cannot.

Verses 105- 126 Wrongdoers only harm themselves

The Quran was revealed to you Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, so that you may judge between people according to God’s will.  God is forgiving and merciful but do not argue for those who deceive themselves.  God does not love the treacherous or sinful.  They can conceal their true selves from the people but not from God.  Those who argue for them in this life will find that no one will argue for them on the Day of Resurrection.  Anyone who disobeys God can ask for forgiveness and they will find that God is merciful.  Those who sin only harm themselves, but those who sin and try to blame others add the sin of slander to their burdens.

When a group of people tried to lead Prophet Muhammad astray God saved him.   They did nothing but lead themselves astray.   They are unable to harm the Prophet.  God revealed the Book and wisdom to Prophet Muhammad; it taught him things he did not previously know.  They talk in secret but nothing good comes from their secret talks unless it is about charity, kindness or reconciliation.  If any oppose Prophet Muhammad after they have understood and chosen to follow the guidance, then they will be driven into Hell.  God will not forgive anyone who associates anything with Him but He will forgive any lessor sin. 

There are some people who call on female deities; that is nothing but following the cursed Satan.  For these people there is no escape from Hell.  Those who believe and do good deeds will find their eternal reward in gardens under which rivers flow.  It is a truthful promise.  The final abode will not be according to your desires nor will it be according to the desires of the People of the Book.  The believers who are righteous will be rewarded.  There is no one better than the person who submits to God and follows the religion of Abraham.  God was a friend to Abraham.  Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to God.

Verses 127 – 140 Fear God

When they ask you (Prophet Muhammad) about women, tell them that God’s rulings concerning their rights are in the Book (Quran).  If a women fears cruelty or alienation from her husband they should seek a peaceful compromise.  Be fair in your dealings; God watches you.  You can never be completely fair between wives but you should try to be.  Do not ignore one wife so that the other feels as if she is neither married nor divorced.  If you do divorce God will provide for both parties.

Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to God and the believers are instructed to fear God.  The People of the Scripture were also instructed to fear God.  If God wanted to He could destroy all of humankind and replace them with others.  The rewards in this world and the next are God’s to distribute as He sees fit.  Believers; stand firmly for justice and be true witnesses even if it is against yourselves or your relatives.  Do not follow your personal desires.

Oh you who believe, confirm your faith in God, His Messenger, His Book and all the previously revealed books.  If you do not believe in God, His angels, His scriptures, His messengers and the Last Day then you have gone completely off course.  And if you believe and then disbelieve over and over God will not forgive you or guide you back to the straight path.  Tell the hypocrites that there is a painful punishment awaiting them.  Do they ally themselves with the disbelievers to seek power? All the power is with God.  If you hear people denying or ridiculing God’s revelations then you must leave their company until the conversation changes.  Hell is where the hypocrites and disbelievers will be gathered; you do not want to be amongst them.

Verses 141 – 162 Repent to avoid a painful punishment

The hypocrites change sides, always trying to appear to be looking after the believers.  They even try to deceive God but He will be the Judge.  At prayer time they are either lazy or showing off.   They spend very little time remembering God.  Do not take them as your friends and allies.  They will be in the lowest part of the Hellfire.  However, if they repent, they will be believers and will be granted the mighty reward due to the believers.  God does not punish the grateful.

Do not publicly speak evil words unless you are truly wronged.  Do not taunt people for what they did in the past.  God is able to extract retribution but He is also the Pardoner.  You cannot take some of the guidance but reject other parts.  It will result in a humiliating punishment.   A reward is due to those who believe in God and His messengers and do not make a distinction between any of the messengers.

The People of the Scripture (Jews) ask you (Prophet Muhammad) to bring a book from heaven for them.  They were even harder on Musa.   They wanted to see God and were struck by a thunderbolt for their wickedness.  Even after they worshipped the calf God forgave them.   God took a covenant from them but they broke their commitments.  God sealed their hearts.   They slander Maryam, the mother of Jesus, and brag about killing Jesus.  They most certainly did not kill him, God raised him up.  Because of their continual wrongdoing certain things were made unlawful for them.  Those among them who reject faith will have a painful punishment.  Those who believe and do righteous works will have a great reward.

Verses 163 – 176 Jesus was a Messenger

Revelation was sent to Muhammad and all the prophets, David received the Psalms, and Musa spoke directly to God.  Some messengers you know about, others you do not, but they all brought good news and a warning.  You may choose to believe or not, but those who hinder others from belief have certainly strayed far away.  Believe in the truth for your own benefit.  People of the Scripture, tell the truth about God.  Jesus was a messenger; abandon the Trinitarian doctrine because God is Only One.  He does not need a son.  Jesus and the angels never scorn worshipping God.  Those who disdain His worship or are arrogant will have an agonising torment with no one other than God to protect them.  Convincing truth in the form of the Quran has come to you; hold fast to God and He will show you the way.

They ask you for a ruling on the inheritance of a person with neither descendants nor ascendants.  In such cases, a sister inherits half her brother’s estate; a brother inherits all his sisters’ estate.  If there are two sisters or more, they inherit two-thirds of the estate.  And if there are both brothers and sisters, the male inherits twice the share of the female.  This is made clear so that you do not make mistakes.  Remember that God knows everything.

- islamreligion.com

How Do Muslims Treat the Elderly?

 

In the Islamic world, one rarely finds “old people’s homes.”  The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and a blessing and an opportunity for great spiritual growth.  In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to themselves.  Mothers are particularly honored.  When Muslim parents reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with kindness and selflessness.

In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second to prayer, and it is their right to expect it.  It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.

God has said:

“Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents.  If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them.  And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small.’” (Quran 17:23-24)

- islamreligion.com

The Spirit of Worship in Islam : The Prayer and Fasting

 

What makes a Muslim say their Prayers at places where there is no one to ask them to offer them or even to see them offering them?  Isn’t it so because of their belief that God is ever looking at you?  What makes them leave their important business and other occupations and rush towards the mosque for Prayers?  What makes them terminate your sweet sleep in the early hours of the morning, to go to the mosque in the heat of the noon, and to leave their evening entertainments for the sake of Prayers?  Is it anything other than sense of duty—their realization that they must fulfill your responsibility to the Lord, come what may?  And why are they afraid of any mistake in Prayer?  Because their heart is filled with the fear of God and they know that they have to appear before Him on the Day of Judgment and give an account of their entire life.

Now look!  Can there be a better course of moral and spiritual training than Prayer?  It is this training which makes a man a perfect Muslim.  It reminds him of his covenant with God, refreshes his faith in Him, and keeps the belief in the Day of Judgment alive and ever present before his mind’s eye.  It makes him follow the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and trains him in the observance of his duties.

This is indeed a strict training for conforming one’s practice to one’s ideals.  Obviously if a man’s consciousness of his duties towards his Creator is so acute that he prizes it above all worldly gains and keeps refreshing it through Prayers, he would certainly not be inviting the displeasure of God hat he all along has striven to avoid.  He will abide by the law of God in the entire gamut of life in the same way as he follows it in the five Prayers every day.  This man can be relied upon in other fields of activity as well, for if the shadows of sin or deceit approach him, he will try to avoid them for fear of the Lord that would be ever present in his heart.  And if even after such a vital training a man misbehaves himself in other fields of life and disobeys the law of God, it can only be because of some intrinsic depravity of his self.

Then again, a Muslim should say their Prayers in congregation and especially so the Friday Prayer.  This creates among the Muslims a bond of love and mutual understanding.  This arouses in them the sense of their collective unity and fosters among them national fraternity.  All of them say their Prayers in one congregation and this inculcates in them a deep feeling of brotherhood.  Prayers are also a symbol of equality, for the poor and the rich, the low and the high, the rulers and the ruled, the educated and the unlettered, the black and the white all stand in one row and prostrate before their Lord.  Prayers also inculcate in Muslims a strong sense of discipline and obedience to the elected leader.  In short, Prayers train them in all those virtues that make possible the development of a rich individual and collective life.

These are a few of the myriad of benefits Muslims derive from the daily Prayers.  If we refuse to avail ourselves of them we, and only we, are the losers.  If you see that some Muslims shirk the prayers, this can only mean one of two things: Either they do not recognize Prayers as our duty or they recognize them.  In the first case, their claim to faith shall be a shameless lie, for if they refuse to take orders from Allah they no longer acknowledge His authority.  In the second case, if they recognize Allah's authority and still flout His commands, then they are the most unreliable of creatures that ever trod the earth.  For if they can do this to the highest authority in the universe, what guarantee is there that they shall not do the same in their dealings with other human beings?  And if duplicity overwhelms a society, what a hell of discord it is bound to become!

Fasting

What the prayers seek to serve five times a day, fasting in the month of Ramadan (ninth month of the lunar year) does once a year.  During this period from dawn to dusk, Muslims eat not a grain of food nor drink a drop of water, no matter how delicious the dish or how hungry or thirsty they feel.  What is it that makes them voluntarily undergo such rigors?  It is nothing but faith in God and the fear of Him and of the Day of Judgment.  Each and every moment during the fast, Muslims suppress their passions and desires, and proclaim by their doing so the supremacy of the Law of God.  This consciousness of duty and the spirit of patience that incessant fasting for full one month inculcates in Muslims help them to strengthen their faith.  Rigor and discipline during this month bring us face to face with the realities of life, and help them make their life during the rest of the year a life of true subservience to His will.

From yet another point of view, fasting has an immense impact on society, for all Muslims, irrespective of their status, must observe fasting during the same month.  This brings to prominence the essential equality of men, and thus goes a long way towards creating in them sentiments of love and brotherhood.  During Ramadan evil conceals itself while good comes to the fore, and the whole atmosphere is filled with piety and purity.  This discipline has been imposed on Muslims to their own advantage.  Those who do not fulfill this cannot be relied upon in the discharge of their duties.  But the worst are those who, during this holy month, do not hesitate to eat or drink in public.  They are the people who by their conduct show that they care not a trifle for the commands of Allah, in Whom they profess their belief as their Creator and Sustainer.  Not only this, they also show that they are not loyal members of the Muslim community; rather, they have nothing to do with it.  It is evident that in so far as obedience to law and regard for a trust reposed in them goes, only the worst could be expected of such hypocrites. - islamreligion.com

Why Did God Create Mankind? : The Need to Remember God

 

Masjid Hussin, Seremban 2. Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Remembrance of God

All of the various acts of worship contained in the divine laws are designed to help humans remember God.  It is natural for human beings to sometimes forget even the most important things.  Humans often become so engrossed in fulfilling their material needs that they totally forget their spiritual needs.  Regular prayer is ordained to organize the day of the true believer around the remembrance of God.  It interweaves spiritual needs with material needs on a daily basis.  The regular daily need to eat, work and sleep is linked to the daily need to renew man’s connection with God.  With regard to regular prayer, God states in the final revelation,

“Verily, I am God, there is no god beside Me, so worship Me and establish regular prayer for My remembrance.” (Quran 20:14)

Regarding fasting, God stated in the Quran,

“O you who believe!  Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become God-conscious.” (Quran 2:183)

The believers are encouraged to remember God as much as possible.  Although, moderation in all spheres of life, whether material or spiritual, is generally encouraged in divine law, an exception is made regarding the remembrance of God.  It is virtually impossible to remember God too much.  Consequently, in the final revelation, God encourages the believers to remember Him as often as possible:

“O believers!  Remember God often.” (Quran 33:41)

Remembrance of God is stressed because sin is generally committed when God is forgotten.  The forces of evil operate most freely when consciousness of God is lost.  Consequently, the satanic forces seek to occupy people’s minds with irrelevant thoughts and desires to make them forget God.  Once God is forgotten, people willingly join the corrupt elements.  The final revelation, addresses this phenomenon in as follows:

“Satan got the better of them and caused them to forget God.  Those are the party of Satan.  Truly the party of Satan are the real losers.” (Quran 58:19)

God, through Divine law, has prohibited intoxicants and gambling primarily because they cause human beings to forget God.  The human mind and body easily become addicted to drugs and games of chance.  Once addicted, mankind’s desire to continually be stimulated by them leads them into all forms of corruption and violence among themselves.  God says in the Quran:

“Satan’s plan is to incite enmity and hatred among you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of God and regular prayer.  Will you not then abstain?” (Quran 5:91)

Consequently, humankind need to remember God for their own salvation and growth.  All humans have times of weakness in which they commit sins.  If they have no means of remembering God, they sink deeper and deeper into corruption with every sin.  However, those who follow the divine laws will be constantly reminded of God, which will give them a chance to repent and correct themselves.  The final revelation accurately describes this process:

“Those who, having done something shameful or having wronged their own souls, remember God and immediately ask forgiveness for their sins...” (Quran 3:135)

The Religion of Islam

The most complete system of worship available to human beings today is the system found in the religion of Islam.  The very name ‘Islam’ means ‘submission to the will of God.’  Although it is commonly referred to as ‘the third of the three monotheistic faiths,’ it is not a new religion at all.  It is the religion brought by all of the prophets of God for mankind.  Islam was the religion of Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.  God addresses this issue in the Quran with regard to Prophet Abraham, saying:

“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was an upright Muslim who did not worship others besides God.” (Quran 3:67)

Since there is only One God, and humankind are one species, the religion which God has ordained for human beings is one.  He did not prescribe one religion for the Jews, another for Indians, yet another for Europeans, etc.  Human spiritual and social needs are uniform, and human nature has not changed since the first man and woman were created.  Consequently, no other religion is acceptable to God besides Islam, as He clearly states in the final revelation:

“Surely God’s religion is Islam…” (Quran 3:19)

“And whoever desires a religion besides Islam will not have it accepted, and he will be among the losers in the hereafter.” (Quran 3:85)

- islamreligion.com

The Quran on the Cerebrum

 God has said in the Quran about one of the evil unbelievers who forbade the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, from praying at the Kaaba:

“No!  If he does not stop, We will take him by the naseyah (front of the head), a lying, sinful naseyah (front of the head)!” (Quran 96:15-16)

Why did the Quran describe the front of the head as being lying and sinful?  Why didn’t the Quran say that the person was lying and sinful?  What is the relationship between the front of the head and lying and sinfulness?

If we look into the skull at the front of the head, we will find the prefrontal area of the cerebrum (see figure 1).  What does physiology tell us about the function of this area?  A book entitled Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology says about this area, “The motivation and the foresight to plan and initiate movements occur in the anterior portion of the frontal lobes, the prefrontal area. This is a region of association cortex...”[1]  Also the book says, “In relation to its involvement in motivation, the prefrontal area is also thought to be the functional center for aggression....”[2]

Figure 1: Functional regions of the left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex.  The prefrontal area is located at the front of the cerebral cortex. (Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology, Seeley and others, p. 210.)

So, this area of the cerebrum is responsible for planning, motivating, and initiating good and sinful behavior and is responsible for the telling of lies and the speaking of truth.  Thus, it is proper to describe the front of the head as lying and sinful when someone lies or commits a sin, as the Quran has said, “...A lying, sinful naseyah (front of the head)!”

Scientists have only discovered these functions of the prefrontal area in the last sixty years, according to Professor Keith L. Moore.[3]

- islamreligion.com

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Footnotes:

[1]Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology, Seeley and others, p. 211. Also see The Human Nervous System, Noback and others, pp. 410-411.

[2]Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology, Seeley and others, p. 211.

[3]Al-E’jaz al-Elmy fee al-Naseyah (The Scientific Miracles in the Front of the Head), Moore and others, p. 41.

Forgiveness vs. Retaliation : To Forgive or not to Forgive; that is the Question

 

Islam is a religion that takes into account the nature of humankind; after all, the One who created us knows us best.  We were not created perfect, we make mistakes, we forget, we sin, we fall prey to our emotions and hormones, and our sense of justice may not be as finely tuned as we might desire or think.  Thus the doctrines of Islam, the two main sources of jurisprudence, the Quran and the Sunnah (sometimes called the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad), set out for us the guidelines under which the law is applied.  Unlike modern secular societies there is no separation between religion and state.  For the Islamic society to function, the laws of God must be applied.

Islam repeats the Torah or Old Testament’s eye for an eye principle and uses both capital and corporal punishment for many crimes.  However what is often overlooked is that the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad call for forgiveness instead of retaliation. Islam and its legal principles support forgiveness and peaceful arrangements between all parties.  The second of three categories of crime in Islamic law is Qisas.  Islamically qisas means the law of retaliation, however it is derived from the root qess meaning to track down the effect or trace of something, it may also be defined as tracking the footsteps of an enemy.

"…punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient." (Quran 16:126)

"And We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution.  But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it shall be for him an expiation. And whosoever does not judge by that which God has revealed, such are the wrongdoers." (Quran 5:45)

Qisas is specifically for murder or serious assault.  Whenever a person causes physical harm or death to another, the injured or a representative of the deceased has the right to retaliation.  In crimes covered under the laws of Qisas the victim or his representative have three options, to insist upon the punishment, accept monetary recompense, or forgive the offender. Forgiveness is even able to avert the death penalty.[1]  Quran urges forgiveness and mercy even in the direst of circumstances.

"And there is (a saving of) life for you in Al-Qisas, O men of understanding, that you may become pious." (Quran 2:179)

As mentioned above the law of retaliation or qisas refers to a particular set of crimes that may be lawfully punished in the same way and to the same degree. In the case of serious assault for example, the victim has the right to choose an eye for an eye, an ear for an ear or a leg for a leg. Qisas also allows for the victim or his representative to choose a different outcome. He may accept compensation also known as blood money or in Arabic, diya. Payment of the diya is calculated on a scale proportionate to the degree of incapacity or injury caused. On the other hand the victim or his representative may also choose to forgive, and despite the legality of all three choices, Quran makes it clear that the better option is to choose to forgive.  In Islam reconciliation is always preferable to retaliation.

"…but whosoever forgives and makes amends, his reward is upon God." (Quran 42: 40)

A renowned psychologist once said that without forgiveness life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.  No matter which of the three outcomes the victim chooses the aim is to put an end to the cycle of retribution and retaliation, and not let the repercussions of the crime persist and damage the Islamic community. In other words, qisas limits the consequences.  The victim’s need for justice is satisfied while preventing unnecessary harm to the perpetrator.

The combination of diya and forgiveness produces a powerful material and spiritual inducement to forgo retribution.  When the victim has the right to choose, in many cases he chooses to forgive because God’s reward is more desirable then any earthly benefit, or the fleeting pleasure of seeing earthly punishment inflicted.

Prophet Muhammad consistently chose forgiveness over retaliation. His behaviour is the best example of forgiveness and compassion.  The crimes against him were often vile and demeaning yet he took God’s words literally and chose kindness over anger.  He had the power and means to retaliate yet the harsher the crime against him the more lenient he became.

"Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant." (Quran 7:199)

In this article we have examined the law of qisas and discovered that forgiveness is the best course of action.  Nevertheless God knows the human need for justice in this world and thus He has provided us with a method of retaliation that is fair and just.  However, throughout the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad we are told that forgiveness is better and in the next article we will discover why.  Do you not wish to be forgiven by God?

"Let them forgive and overlook: do you not wish that God should forgive you? For God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 24:22)

"But if someone is steadfast and forgives, that is the most resolute course to follow." (Quran 42:43)

- islamreligion.com

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Footnotes:

[1]Punishment in Islam: An Eye For An Eye?" Al-Haramain Online Newsletter, Volume 4, Issue 8, July 2000.

The Creation of an Environmental Conscience : God’s Green Earth

 

“With Him are the keys (to the treasures) of the Unseen that no one knows but He.  He knows whatever there is on the earth and in the sea.  Not a leaf falls but with His knowledge: there is not a grain in the earth’s shadows, not a thing, freshly green or withered, but it is (inscribed) in a clear record.” (Quran 6:59)

The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, once said:

“The world is green and beautiful, and God has appointed you his guardian over it.”(Saheeh Muslim)

Keeping the earth green, productive and of benefit to man and beast is a most noble concern according to Islam.  We learn from the Prophet that:

“There is none amongst the believers who plants a tree, or sows a seed, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it, except that it is regarded as having given a charitable gift (for which he can expect God’s Pleasure and Reward).” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The planting of vegetation is such a virtuous endeavour in the Sight of God that it is encouraged even if it be a person’s final act on Earth.  The Prophet said:

“Even when the Day of Judgement comes (upon you), if any one has a palm-shoot in hand, he should plant it.” (Ahmad)

As for the question of who has rights over herbage and the other resources that are vital to the survival and well-being of humankind, the Prophet explicitly stated:

“The people are partners in three things: water, herbage and (fuel for) fire.” (ibn Maajah)

It is a given in Islam that if the vital resources of the earth are not shared equitably, societies will be polarized between the haves and the have-nots.  Hence, those Muslims who find themselves in control of provisions beyond their means are encouraged to be charitable and compassionate towards the less fortunate one on the one hand, and censured for hoarding and wastefulness on the other.  In any event, the obligatory Islamic institution of zakah (alms-giving to the poor), the prohibition of riba (usury in all its wicked forms), and the ethical economic system of Islam in general, all ensure that the gap between rich and poor does not remain insurmountable or, in any case, is highly porous.

“It is He Who produced gardens with and without trellises; and date-palms and crops with produce of all kinds; and olives and pomegranates of similar and different variety: eat of their fruit in their season but render the dues (i.e. pay the zakah) that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered.  And waste not by excess: for God does not love the wasteful.” (Quran 6:141)

The cause of sustainable development - the ability of current generations to develop without compromising the needs of future generations - is itself in complete harmony with the teachings of Islam.  Today, less than 25 percent of the world’s population are consuming over 75 percent of the world’s resources.  It is this misappropriation, misuse, abuse and overuse of the world’s resources that makes for unsustainable resource consumption.  As for those guilty of such abuse, for them will be a severe comeuppance in the Hereafter, as was alluded to by the Prophet when he said:

“(Among the)... three types of people with whom God, on the Day of Resurrection, will neither exchange words, nor look at ... is the one who possesses an excess of water but withholds it from others.  God will say to him: ‘Today I shall withhold from you my grace as you withheld from others the excess of what you had not yourself created.’” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

“And it is He Who has made you successive (generations) in the earth.  And He has raised you in ranks, some above others, so that He may try you in that which He has bestowed on you.  Surely your Lord is Swift in retribution, and certainly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran 6:165)

In reality, the accelerated loss of biodiversity, the destruction of natural habitats, the pollution of and damage to eco-systems, and the general environmental erosion, damage and degradation, not to speak of the wide scale oppression suffered by many of the world’s inhabitants, are all from the manifest signs of corruption and villainy in the earth.

“If only there had been among the generations before you, persons having wisdom, prohibiting (others) from corruption and villainy in the earth, except a few of those whom We saved from among them.” (Quran 11:116)

If man fails in his duty and responsibility towards the One (God) greater than he, how can he be expected to be dutiful and responsible to that which he deems lesser than himself?  If there is ingratitude to the Creator, how can man show gratitude towards his fellow man – let alone for the dumb beasts of the earth?  If man cares little for the balance of his good deeds before His Lord, why should he be expected to care for the balance of the world around him?

“Truly, he (the wrong-doer, will have) thought that he would never return (to His lord for reckoning)!  By no means!  His Lord has been ever watchful over him!” (Quran 84:14-5)

Therefore let all humanity take heed!  For it is certainly true that we reap what we sew.  Everything we do in life will revisit us after our death; we, the human beings who have had the whole earth and its creatures subdued for a just cause.  That fact alone should make us responsible in our preparation for that one fateful day, the Day of Judgement.

“When the Earth is shaken with a violent shaking, and the Earth throws out her burdens, and man says: ‘What has befallen her?’ - on that Day she shall tell her story!” (Quran 99:1-4)

- islamreligion.com