29 Haziran 2010 Salı

QUESTION 1 - What Does Modesty Signify In Believers?

Modesty is mentioned in the Qur'an as an important attribute of believers. Allah, in His verses, commands believers to be modest. It is also related in Qur'anic verses that Allah does not love those who are haughty and boastful.

Believers are those who are aware of the fact that Allah is the Creator and the only Lord of everything, and that it is He Who bestows His blessings on mankind. A believer is cognisant of his weakness before Allah, and therefore never displays an unjust arrogance. No matter how beautiful, how rich, how intelligent or how esteemed he may be, he does not boast of these things, because he knows that it is Allah Who grants them to him. For that reason his behaviour towards other believers is also modest. He does not try to emphasise his own abilities or good features; he expects the recompense for all he does only from Allah.
Contrary to the arrogance of unbelievers, believers behave with a humility, which is also reflected in their appearance. The modesty of their manner is described in the following verse:

The servants of the All-Merciful are those who walk lightly on the earth [i.e., with dignity but without arrogance] and, who, when the ignorant speak to them, say, "Peace". (Surat al-Furqan: 63)

As a result of this attitude, Allah gives believers the glad tidings of Paradise:
… Your God is One God so submit to Him. Give good news to the humble-hearted. (Surat al-Hajj: 34)

QUESTION 2 - How Can One Turn Away From Worthless And Useless Things? What Is The Meaning Of Worthless And Useless"?

One can turn away from worthless and useless things if one acts in order to gain the good pleasure of Allah alone. Believers know that they need to use the time granted to them in this world in the most efficient way because what they do in the world determines their permanent abode. Therefore, in every deed they perform, they aim to gain a good deed for the Hereafter. Naturally they talk, have fun, eat, laugh, think and work just as everyone else does; but in doing these things they always have good intentions which are likely to be of benefit to other people and to the religion.

Apart from these things, all believers' acts serve a purpose. They always turn towards good deeds that will gain them Allah's approval the most. For example, anyone can talk about automobiles. Yet a believer would not spend hours in such conversation while there are other urgent things to do. Likewise, a believer would not chat for a long time about which team will be the winner in a football match when talking to someone to whom he can communicate the religion of Allah. That is because the crucial thing at that moment would be to enlighten that person about the existence and the greatness of Allah, and about what he has to do in order to deserve Paradise and to avoid Hell.

In brief, believers neither plunge into long discussions on topics that are not relevant to the benefit of the religion and of Muslims, nor spend more than a sufficient and reasonable time on these subjects. They use their time efficiently by properly distinguishing between all worldly matters. They do this by use of their conscience and reason. They decide what is "worthless" and what is useful, and do not compromise this. The attitude adopted by believers when they hear "worthless talk" is related in the Qur'an in these words:

When they hear worthless talk they turn away from it and say, "We have our actions and you have your actions. Peace be upon you. We do not desire the company of the ignorant." (Surat al-Qasas: 55)

QUESTION 3 - What Is The Concept Of Cleanliness In The Qur'an?

Believers are people who are physically very clean. The cleanliness and tidiness of their bodies, of the food they eat, of the clothes they wear, and of the environments they live in always attract the attention of others. They try to make the places they are in similar to the elegant environment of Paradise described in the Qur’an. Allah has stressed in a number of verses what a believer’s idea of cleanliness should be:

Purify your clothes. Shun all filth. (Surat al-Muddaththir: 4-5)

You who believe! Eat of the good things we have provided for you... (Surat al-Baqara: 172)

Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who circle it, and those who stand and bow and prostrate. (Surat al-Hajj: 26)

QUESTION 4 - What Does Moral Cleanliness Mean?

In the Qur'an Allah states that people should be morally clean too. It is stated that he who avoids the evil of his soul (nafs) and purifies it will succeed. Allah states in Surat ash-Shams:

By the soul and the One Who proportioned and inspired it with knowledge of depravity and with its sense of duty, he who purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it up has failed. (Surat ash-Shams: 7-10)

Moral purity is attainable, as we are informed in the verse, when one avoids the evil that one's soul commands one to commit. Someone who is morally pure has a sincere faith and a peaceful spirit. All his thoughts and all his deeds are righteous. In every event he encounters, he behaves in a manner that shows that he is well pleased with Allah. He is sincere and genuine. He well knows that there is definitely goodness in everything Allah creates.

Such people are purified from the corruption in their soul. Allah heralds the good end that these people will meet:

... You can only warn those who fear their Lord in the Unseen and establish prayer. Whoever is purified, is purified for himself alone. Allah is your final destination. (Surah Fatir: 18)

He who has purified himself will have success. (Surat al-A’la: 14)

QUESTION 5 - How Is Jealousy Mentioned In The Qur'an?

Envy is condemned in the Qur'an. Allah has revealed that He created the soul of mankind prone to selfishness, but that believers should be wary of it:

... But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do good and guard against evil, Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat an-Nisa': 128)

Some people answer “yes” or ”a bit” when they are asked if they are jealous. Yet they do not think much about the meaning hidden behind this answer. Jealousy comes as a result of not accepting that somebody else is superior to oneself in a particular aspect. This, indeed, is an extremely wrong attitude which may lead a person even to haughtiness against Allah, because it is Allah Who grants people everything they possess; He gives as He wills and no one can ever prevent this.
The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also warns believers against envy:

Beware of envy because envy consumes (destroys) the virtues just as the fire consumes the firewood. (Abu Dawud)
Apart from this, it is also related in the Qur'an that satan rebelled against Allah by not prostrating himself before Adam. We are informed that he regards himself superior to Adam. So we face an important fact at this point: jealousy is, in fact, an attribute of satan, and anyone who fears Allah should strictly avoid it.

In the Qur'an, Allah tells believers to take refuge in Him to protect themselves from the evil of the envious:
[Say: "I seek refuge with the Lord of Daybreak] from the evil of an envier when he envies." (Surat al-Falaq: 5)

QUESTION 6 - What Does The Qur'an Say About "Mockery"?

Mockery is an example of poor morality which Allah certainly does not approve of. There are many manifestations of mockery in societies in which the values of ignorance are predominant, including mocking the imperfections or defects of others, and calling one another by unpleasant nicknames. In the Quran, Allah warns people against this evil act as follows:

Woe to every scorner and mocker. (Surat al-Humaza: 1)

Another type of mockery referred to by Allah in the Qur'an is that of believers by unbelievers. It is revealed in the Qur'an that because they were unable to grasp that the believers were on the true path, those who believed themselves to be superior to the believers used to mock them, displaying the greatest unreason. Some of the verses on this subject read:
Those who did evil used to laugh at those who believed. When they passed by them, they would wink at one another. (Surat al-Mutaffifin: 29-30)

Yet, Allah reveals that these people are greatly mistaken and heralds the tragic end they will come to as follows:
So today those who believe are laughing at the disbelievers, on couches, gazing in wonder. Have the disbelievers been rewarded for what they did? (Surat al-Mutaffifin: 34-36)

Furthermore, Allah describes in the Qur'an those who ignorantly hold Islam and His revelations up to mockery, and reveals that these people reject every warning from Allah and His messengers. They are the people who do not measure the power of Allah to its full extent and ignore the fact that they will be judged in His presence. Yet, these people will be bewildered in the Hereafter and will be repaid for the mockery they used to engage in. This fact is clearly mentioned in the Qur'an:

Those are the people who reject their Lord's Signs and the meeting with Him. Their actions will come to nothing and, on the Day of Rising, we will not assign them any weight. That is their repayment—Hell—because they disbelieved and made a mockery of My Signs and of My Messengers. (Surat al-Kahf: 105-106)
Follow the best that has been sent down to you from your Lord before the punishment comes upon you suddenly when you are not expecting it;lest anyone should say, "Alas for me for neglecting what Allah was due, and being one of the scoffers!" (Surat az-Zumar: 55-56)

QUESTION 7 - Where Does Calling Others By Offensive Nicknames Stand In The Qur'an?

People who do not live by the moral values of the Qur’an deride other people by calling them by offensive nicknames in an attempt to dishonour them and thus exalt themselves. Believers, on the other hand, never behave in such a poor manner. Allah strictly prohibits believers from doing so, stating that those who do not obey this injunction are wrongdoers:

You who believe! People should not ridicule others who may be better than themselves; nor should any women ridicule other women who may be better than themselves. And do not find fault with one another or insult each other with derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a name for evil conduct after coming to faith! Those people who do not turn from it are wrongdoers. (Surat al-Hujurat: 11)

Those who conform to the morals of the Qur'an never behave in this indecent way, which is disapproved of by Allah. They address each other in the most pleasing way and deeply respect each other as sincere servants of Allah.

QUESTION 8 - What Is The Place Of Gossip In The Qur'an?

In the Qur'an, Allah forbids believers backbiting, and refers to it as an indecency:

... and do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat his brother's dead flesh? No, you would hate it. Heed Allah. Allah is Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (Surat al-Hujurat: 12)

As commanded by this verse, people who live by Islamic morals and are like brothers and sisters to each other strictly avoid this behaviour. On the contrary, believers remember only each other's good intentions and always try to highlight their good attributes. They do not try to find defects or faults in believers—people who are submissive to the will of Allah. Gossip, which indeed causes great distress to people in societies remote from Islamic morals, is a corruption that never exists among believers who maintain the limits set by Allah. When believers notice an imperfection or other defect in another, they do not backbite, but instead advise the person directly so that he will amend his unacceptable behaviour.

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also said to the believers:
If he/she is as you've said (and you've spoken about it behind his/her back), then you have committed the gross sin of backbiting, and if what you have said is not found in him, then you have slandered him/her. (Muslim)

QUESTION 9 - Why Is Despair Not An Approved State?

Despair is unthinkable for a person who is aware of the fact that Allah is the creator of every being and every event, and who measures the power of Allah by its true measure. Because Allah is the One Who removes difficulties for His servants, is most forgiving, is full of mercy and has complete power and knowledge. Every incident that people may regard as a reason for despair, including all impediments, unexpected obstacles, diseases, accidents or mistakes, in fact occurs under the complete control of Allah. Allah is All-Knowing and nothing is absent from His knowledge. Being aware that one's destiny is designated by His endless knowledge is the greatest comfort one can ever have. Knowing this fact, one can never give way to despair.

Besides this, believers, knowing that it is possible that their mistakes may be remitted in this world, do not lose hope. Indeed, people are commanded in the Qur'an not to despair of the mercy of Allah:

Do not despair of solace from Allah. No one despairs of solace from Allah except for those who disbelieve. (Surah Yusuf: 87)

Say: "My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all wrong actions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful." (Surat az-Zumar: 53)

QUESTION 10 - Is Being Sentimental Approved Of In The Qur'an?

Being sentimental is not approved of in the Qur'an, although being a man of "wisdom" is essential. Allah bestows intelligence and understanding upon those who heed Him. Believers who possess wisdom consider all events within the framework of absolute truths specified in the Qur'an. They make appropriate decisions acting in the light of their reason and conscience, thereby easily resolving all matters, whereas sentimentality plays a significant role in confounding one's understanding. If one approaches events emotionally instead of using reason, the ability to discriminate between right and wrong becomes impaired. One's decision-making and judgments can no longer be relied upon to be impartial or just. Since one attributes importance to what other people think, one cannot make quick and appropriate decisions. Evaluations made in an emotional state would be based on personal value judgements instead of the criteria of the Qur'an.

QUESTION 11 - What Is The Concept Of Sincerity In The Qur'an?

"Sincerity", literally, has the meaning of being pure and unadulterated. The concept of sincerity mentioned in the Qur'an denotes turning to Allah in devoutness. A sincere believer devotes all his deeds throughout his entire life to seeking the pleasure of Allah and expects his reward only from Him. He does not make devious calculations orientated around the opinions of other people or trying to find favour with them. Therefore all of his actions are sincere and candid, such as would earn the pleasure of Allah.

A sincere person is honest first with Allah and then with people; because he well knows that Allah hears and sees all things, and that he will be judged in His presence and will be held responsible for all of his deeds, words and thoughts. For this reason the sincerity and candour of believers are among the most significant signs of the firmness of their faith. 
Allah has made the sincere attitudes of the messengers, who always sought to earn the good pleasure of Allah, an example for believers:


And remember Our servants Ibrahim, Ishaq and Ya'qub, men of true strength and inner sight. We purified their sincerity through sincere remembrance of the Abode. In Our eyes they are among the best of chosen men. (Surah Sâd: 45-47)

Those who turn to Allah in sincerity are praised in the Qur'an. The Qur'an heralds the good outcome of these people as follows:

Those who shun the worship of false gods and turn towards Allah will have good news. So give good news to My servants. Those who listen well to what is said and follow the best of it, they are the ones whom Allah has guided, they are the people of intelligence. (Surat az-Zumar: 17-18)

The importance of deeds performed solely for Allah's sake is mentioned in the hadith below:
Allah accepts those deeds which were performed purely for His sake and which were meant to seek His pleasure. (Abu Dawud)

QUESTION 12 - Do Believers Grieve Over Events?

Believers do not grieve over events, because they know that Allah will try them with all manner of circumstances. They put their trust in Allah and maintain their steadfastness. They remember that Allah creates everything with wisdom. An example is given in the Qur'an as follows:

If you do not help him, Allah did help him when the disbelievers drove him out and there were two of them in the Cave. He said to his companion, "Do not be despondent, Allah is with us." ... (Surat at-Tawba: 40)

As stated in the verse, our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) advises his companion, even in the very midst of hardship, not to be despondent. Since believers have an excellent model in the messenger, they behave accordingly in difficult situations.

Among the most important reasons why believers never despair is that they know that every incident Allah brings about will ultimately turn out to be good for them. Allah has promised believers a good life in this world. During this good life, believers hope Allah will place them in the eternal Hereafter in an outstandingly splendid abode, which is much more beautiful than this world and where Allah's blessings never diminish. This is certainly the best news one can ever receive and is the greatest source of joy. Therefore believers never become despondent. Allah gives believers the good news as follows:

Indeed, those who have said, "Our Lord is Allah", and then remained on a right course—the angels descend upon them [saying]: "Do not fear and do not grieve but rejoice in the Garden [i.e., Paradise] you have been promised. We are your protectors in the life of this world and the Hereafter. You will have there all that your selves could wish for. You will have there everything you demand. (Surah Fussilat: 30-31)

QUESTION 13 - Do Believers Feel Anger?

Believers, like anyone else, may naturally feel anger at certain events. However one of the most important indications of their virtuous character is their ability to control their anger. They know that no good will come of an uncontrolled, intense fury, and that they will just lose their ability to act reasonably or to be just. They avoid making wrong decisions that may harm both themselves and those around them. They abstain from it most importantly because they know that Allah will not approve of such a reaction and form of behaviour. For that reason believers exhibit steadfastness and forgiveness. Allah praises this feature of believers in the Qur'an in these words:

Those who give in times of both ease and hardship, those who control their rage and pardon other people—Allah loves the good-doers. (Surah Al 'Imran: 134)

Yet, "controlling rage" should not be misunderstood: it does not mean to accept everything as it is or being passive. Believers certainly take the necessary precautions, and try to prevent any wrongdoing or situations that may cause harm to other believers. However, they do not react emotionally; instead they try to find sensible ways to influence people's behaviour, or otherwise limit whatever damage is being caused. 

Our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has this to say on controlling anger:

QUESTION 14 - Do Believers Make Mistakes?

As informed in the Qur'an believers may make mistakes. But, since they fear Allah and are sincere to Him, they do not knowingly persist with their wrongdoing, and immediately try to make amends for it. They seek forgiveness and self-improvement in the areas they were wrong, with the aim of not falling into the same error again. They are well aware of the fact that this world is a place of testing; therefore they draw lessons from their mistakes. Allah praises this commendable attribute of believers in many verses and promises them forgiveness:
Those who, when they act indecently or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their bad actions (and Who can forgive bad actions except Allah?) and do not knowingly persist in what they were doing. (Surah Al 'Imran: 135)

QUESTION 15 - What Is The Concept Of Justice In The Qur'an That Believers Are Commanded To Possess?

Allah has commanded believers to evaluate all events with justice and within the boundaries stated in the Qur'an. He has instructed them to be absolutely just while judging between people and always to be on the side of justice.

When believers bear witness, they are the most honest and just in their witnessing. A decision one makes or evidence one gives may sometimes be to one's own disadvantage, or may affect the interests of a friend or relative. However, this is of no importance for one who fears Allah because the measure for the deeds of believers is the good pleasure of Allah. In the moment, the most convenient thing to do may appear to be to bear witness or to make a judgement in a way that Allah does not approve. A worldly expediency, however, never affords believers serenity or happiness, on the contrary becomes a source of compunction, as long as Allah is not pleased with it.

For that reason believers render justice even if it is against themselves or their relatives. Allah forbids believers the contrary as follows:

You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for Allah alone, even against yourselves or your parents and relatives. Whether they are rich or poor, Allah is well able to look after them. Do not follow your own desires and deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat an-Nisa': 135)

Another risk that is likely to prevent people from being just in their judgements is the anger they may feel towards other people. If one bears anger or malice towards someone else, then he would be unlikely grant that person the benefit of the doubt or to act in his favour. Believers, however, consider the pleasure of Allah to be of paramount importance and do not cease acting with justice no matter who the other party may be, because Allah has commanded believers:

... Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not being just. Be just. That is closer to heedfulness... (Surat al-Ma'ida: 8)

QUESTION 16 - How Should The Remembrance Of Allah Be?

Believers are aware of the fact that Allah sees and hears them at every instant, and that Allah has created every event they encounter. For that reason they always bear Allah in mind. At every instant of their lives they internally reflect on Allah, and in their dialogues with other believers they remember our Lord's might, His exaltedness, and the perfection of His handiwork in the creation. It is related in the Qur'an that believers always remember Allah as follows:

Those who remember Allah, standing, sitting and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying]: "Our Lord, You have not created this for nothing. Glory be to You! So safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire." (Surah Al 'Imran: 191)

One remembers Allah by being aware of the fact that every occurrence is created by Him, reflecting on the meaning of those occurrences in one's own life, trying to see and understand the wisdom in the creation of Allah, trying to grasp His exaltedness at every instant and transmitting all these to other people. A person can steadfastly put his trust in Allah when he is facing an apparently difficult situation only if he remembers Allah at that very moment. Therefore, one who is constantly mindful of Allah, is constantly aware of Him and His power, and hence behaves properly. 

QUESTION 17 - How Is The Day Of Judgement Described In The Qur'an?

As stated in the Qur'an, "the Hour is coming..."(Surah Ta Ha: 15). On that day all living things, along with the stars, planets and galaxies, in short, everything in the heavens and the earth will vanish. Some of the occurrences that are due to take place are depicted in the Qur'an as follows:

Heaven will be split apart, for that Day it will be very frail. (Surat al-Haqqa: 16)

The stars will fall in rapid succession. (Surat at-Takwir: 2)

The sun and moon will be fused together. (Surat al-Qiyama: 9)

The oceans will surge into each other. (Surat at-Takwir: 6)

The mountains will become like shifting dunes. (Surat al-Muzzammil: 14)

The mountains will be like tufts of coloured wool. (Surat al-Qari'a: 5)

The earth will be crushed and ground to dust. (Surat al-Fajr: 21)

The earth will disgorge its charges. (Surat az- Zilzal: 2)

These are only a few of the terrifying happenings that will occur on the Day of Judgement. On that day, essentially everything that man values will vanish, and everyone will understand that nothing, other than the right actions done for the pleasure of Allah, is of any value. 

QUESTION 18 - How Will The Unbelievers Be On The Day Of Judgement?

The Day of Judgement is the most dreadful and terrifying day one can ever imagine living through. On that day unbelievers will meet a manifest truth which they never thought about even though they were promised it, and it will be impossible to be sent back again to compensate for what they did in the world. On that day, unbelievers will understand in terror that death is not a destruction, but on the contrary, the beginning of a painful punishment which will last forever. Allah has stated in the Qur'an that people will be like drunkards on that day, on account of the intensity of the terror they feel:
... and you will think people drunk when they are not drunk; it is just that the punishment of Allah is so severe. (Surat al-Hajj: 2)

On that day, all value judgements of unbelievers will change at once because of the terror of the occurrence. Wealth and sons they used to consider the most valuable won't be of any importance any more. Allah heralds in the Qur'an that on that day people will seek only for their own rescue and will flee from each other:

The Day a man will flee from his brother and his mother and his father, and his wife and his children: on that Day every man among them will have concerns enough of his own. (Surah 'Abasa: 34-37)

Some of the details related in verses about how people will be on that day are as follows:

the eyes of those who disbelieved will be transfixed… (Surat al-Anbiya': 97)

... Every nursing woman will be oblivious of the baby at her breast, and every pregnant woman will abort the contents of her womb... (Surat al-Hajj: 2)

How will you safeguard yourselves, if you disbelieve, against a Day which will turn children grey... (Surat al-Muzzammil: 17)

QUESTION 19 - Are Believers In Great Numbers?

Allah states in many verses that real believers will be very small in number. For that reason the numbers of believers have always been small throughout history and unbelievers have always been the majority. This is also an indication of the pre-eminence, value and superiority of believers. The following verse affirms that most people will not be believers:

But most people, for all your eagerness, are not believers. (Surah Yusuf: 103)

For that reason it would be a big loss for one to take the majority as one's role model, and to believe the way the majority believes. These people, no matter how great they are in number, will not find a way of escape from Hell in the Hereafter, unless they change their attitude and bad manners in this world.

QUESTION 20 - How Will Believers Be Welcomed In The Hereafter?

Believers, unlike unbelievers, will be cordially welcomed to their lives in the Hereafter. As stated in the verse "those the angels take in a virtuous state...."(Surat an-Nahl: 32), they are taken in death in a good state. They are safe from every kind of fear. They are given an easy reckoning thanks to Allah's favour and mercy to them. They are given by the angels the glad tidings of Paradise that Allah promised them, and are eventually escorted there:

And those who heed Lord will be driven to Paradise in companies and when they arrive there, finding its gates open, its custodians will say to them, "Peace be upon you! You have done well so enter it timelessly, for ever." They will say, "Praise be to Allah Who has fulfilled His promise to us and made us the inheritors of this land, letting us settle in Paradise wherever we want. How excellent is the wage of those who work!" (Surat az-Zumar: 73-74)

28 Haziran 2010 Pazartesi

QUESTION 21 - How Will The Unbelievers Be Recognised On The Day Of Judgement?

The evildoers will be recognised by their marks and seized by their forelocks and their feet. (Surat ar-Rahman: 41)

In the above verse Allah states that unbelievers will be recognised on the Day of Judgement by their marks. A person might have a beautiful or an innocent face in this world. Nevertheless, these people's faces after being raised up on the Day of Reckoning are described in the Quran as "downcast", "dust-covered" and "overcast with gloom". It is related in the verses that unbelievers will be gathered blind. Apart from blindness, their eyes will be horrible in appearance and, as related in the Qur'an, evildoers will be "blue-eyed" with terror. Every unbeliever will be raised up on the Day of Judgement in such a horrible state.

QUESTION 22 - How Do Believers React To Diseases Or Hardships?

Believers know that Allah tries men with hardships or diseases. For that reason they are always steadfast. They put their trust in Allah even at the time of a severe disease or a hardship, and never give way to despair. Being aware of the fact that it is Allah Who gives the disease or the hardship and that only He will cause it to cease, they turn towards Him. They hope for the reward for their good behaviour both in this world and in the Hereafter only from Allah. Allah informs us of the virtuous manner of believers faced with hardships as follows:

We will test you with a certain amount of fear and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits. But give good news to the steadfast: Those who, when disaster strikes them, say, "We belong to Allah and to Him we will return." Those are the people who will have blessings and mercy from their Lord; they are the ones who are guided. (Surat al-Baqara: 155-157)

QUESTION 23 - What Are The Advantages Of Consultation Among Believers?

Allah relates in the Qur'an that believers "respond to their Lord and establish prayer, and manage their affairs by mutual consultation..." (Surat ash-Shura: 38). Such consultation has both physical and spiritual benefits. Before all else, consulting another person and asking for his or her opinion is a sign of that person's modesty, which Allah approves. Besides this, a number of people working in unison are more likely to arrive at wise decisions than one acting alone. One party may consider a point that another might not have, eliminating any gaps, so that a much more productive and effective result ensues. The consequent success attained in the affair belongs to a number of people, and not only to a single person. This protects the soul from boasting of the success or claiming it as his own.

QUESTION 24 - What Is The Reason For The Narration Of Stories Mentioned In The Qur'an?

There is instruction in their stories for people of intelligence. This is not a narration which has been invented but confirmation of all that came before, a clarification of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for people who believe. (Surah Yusuf: 111)

Allah states that there is instruction in the stories related in the Qur'an. Events narrated in these stories provide an example for believers in many respects. These stories assume great importance for believers, in terms of enabling them to recognise and not to repeat the mistakes of those who have passed away; to discern how past messengers and believers behaved in particular cases, and to take them as role models; to discern and adopt their virtuous characters; and to evaluate current events by considering past events and their outcomes. 

QUESTION 25 - How Were Past Nations Destroyed?

Allah sent messengers to nations who have passed away and warned them of the presence of the Hereafter and the Day of Reckoning. Yet most of these nations did not pay heed to these warnings, they opposed Allah and His messengers and forgot their Islamic morals, upon which Allah struck them with disasters as a reminder, and destroyed those who did not take heed of the warning. The punishments that befell these nations were varied in nature. However, what is common is that it came to them from where they did not expect, and at an unexpected time, usually while they were asleep.
These punishments sometimes destroyed a whole city or an entire nation, they did not leave any trace of the city, and were painful and fearful. Allah refers to such perished nations in many verses in the Qur'an as a reminder to people:

Do they not see how many generations before them We have destroyed and that they will not return to them? (Surah Ya Sin: 31)

Of the punishments mentioned in the Qur'an some are listed as follows:

- Drowning, (Surat al-Isra': 103)

- Plague sent down from heaven, (Surat al-Baqara: 59)

- Earthquake, (Surat al-A'raf: 78)

- Gushing springs, (Surat al-Qamar: 12)

- A great blast, (Surah Hud: 67)

- Raining down stones of hard baked clay, (Surah Hud: 82)

- Howling wind, (Surat al-Qamar: 19)

- Thunderbolt, (Surat adh-Dhariyat: 44)

- Overturning, turning upside down... (Surat an-Najm: 53)

QUESTION 26 - Who Should Be Reminded?

Allah has informed us in the Qur'an whom shall take heed and remember, and in the verse,"Remind, then, if the reminder benefits"(Surat al-A'la: 9) He commands believers to remind those who are of such character. Some of the attributes of those who shall benefit from a reminder are as follows:

... This is admonishment for all who believe in Allah and the Last Day... (Surat at-Talaq: 2)
He who has fear will be reminded; (Surat al-A'la: 10)

... It is only people of intelligence who pay heed. (Surat ar-Ra'd: 19)
... But none pay heed save those who repent. (Surah Ghafir: 13)

... So remind, with the Qur'an, whoever fears My Threat. (Surah Qaf: 45)
And remind them, for truly the believers benefit from being reminded. (Surat adh-Dhariyat: 55)

QUESTION 27 - What Is The Best Response To A Reminder?

In the verse, "The reply of the believers when they are summoned to Allah and His Messenger so that he can judge between them, is to say, 'We hear and we obey.' They are the ones who are successful." (Surat an-Nur: 51). Allah points out here how believers should respond to a reminder. Allah promises Paradise to those who hear and unhesitatingly obey the reminder of Allah and His messengers. In another verse Allah states that, "Those who listen well to what is said and follow the best of it, they are the ones whom Allah has guided, they are the people of intelligence", (Surat az-Zumar: 18). On the advice of this verse, believers are open to all reminders from those who have faith in Allah. They remember that believers always command them the right and forbid the wrong, and sincerely put it into practice. 

QUESTION 28 - What Does "Giving In The Way Of Allah" Mean?

Giving away means spending the wealth and opportunities one has in the way of Allah. In recompense for spending in His way as defined in the verse, "Whatever is surplus to your needs" (Surat al-Baqara: 219), Allah promises this person Paradise in the Hereafter and to compensate for what he gives in this world:

Say: "My Lord expands the provision of any of His servants He wills or restricts it. But anything you expend will be replaced by Him. He is the Best of Providers." (Surah Saba': 39)

… [those who] give of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a transaction which will not prove profitless. (Surah Fatir: 29) 

QUESTION 29 - What Is The Best Attitude While Giving Away? How Should One Give?

Allah informs us that one may give away his wealth "secretly and openly" (Surat al-Baqara: 274). Besides this, Allah states that those who give away should not do so to "show off", nor should they demand gratitude or insult others after spending their wealth. Allah reminds us that those who spend their wealth just to show off to other people shall have no reward:

Correct and courteous words accompanied by forgiveness are better than a charitable deed followed by insulting words. Allah is Rich Beyond Need, All-Forbearing. You who believe! Do not nullify your charitable deeds by demands for gratitude or insulting words, like him who spends his wealth, showing off to people and not believing in Allah and the Last Day. His likeness is that of a smooth rock coated with soil, which, when heavy rain falls on it, is left stripped bare. They have no power over anything they have earned. Allah does not guide disbelieving people. The metaphor of those who spend their wealth, desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for themselves, is that of a garden on a hillside. When heavy rain falls on it, it doubles its produce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is dew. Allah sees what you do. (Surat al-Baqara: 263-265)

QUESTION 30 - What Is The Reprisal In The Sight Of Allah For Hoarding Wealth Or Being Tight-Fisted?

Some people hoard up their wealth and money throughout their entire life and do not use it for good causes as defined in the Qur'an. With insatiable greed, they persistently try to possess more and more wealth. As for what they gain, they do not spend it in the way of Allah, or to feed those in need, but just to enjoy themselves. They hoard up much more than they will ever need and do not use it for good deeds apart from some small expenditures which serves as a means to show off. These people will have a terrible reprisal in the Hereafter, which is related in the Surat at-Tawba as follows:

... As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the news of a painful punishment on the Day it is heated up in the fire of Hell and their foreheads, sides and backs are branded with it [when it will be said]: "This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you were hoarding!" (Surat at-Tawba: 34-35)

Those who hoard their wealth and are parsimonious are in fact those who are greedily attached to this world with what they possess and who cannot grasp that Allah has given them wealth and assets to try them in this world. Yet Allah is the One Who is rich beyond need, and is the true owner of all wealth. It is man who needs a reward from Allah by spending in His way. This fact is related in a Qur'anic verse as follows:

Here you are then: people who are called upon to spend in the Way of Allah and then some of you are tight-fisted! But whoever is tight-fisted is only tight-fisted to himself. Allah is Rich and you are poor. If you turn away, He will replace you with a people other than yourselves and they will not be like you. (Surah Muhammad: 38)

QUESTION 31 - Will Wealth Be Of Any Use In The Hereafter?

Neither being rich nor possessing power in this world will be of any use in the Hereafter. No matter how much money or wealth one has in the world, this wealth will not be of any use when one is dead and buried in the earth. If he is a disbeliever, he will be treated in the same way as all other unbelievers and will be flung into the punishment of Hell. These people who used to get special treatment due to their wealth will be humiliated in the Hereafter with an incomparable humiliation. This is because they were too proud because of their worldly wealth and rejected the signs of Allah. In the Hereafter people will be treated based on their faith in Allah, fear and awareness of Him and the intention behind the deeds they performed. The wealth or power which they used to have in the world will not grant them any privilege. The following verse confirms that wealth is of no value in the presence of Allah:

We never sent a warner into any city without the affluent people in it saying, "We reject what you have been sent with." They also said, "We have more wealth and children. We are not going to be punished." Say: "My Lord expands the provision of anyone He wills or restricts it. But the majority of mankind do not know it." It is not your wealth or your children that will bring you near to Us—only in the case of people who believe and act rightly; such people will have a double recompense for what they did. They will be safe from all harm in the high halls of Paradise. (Surah Saba': 34-37)

QUESTION 32 - How Does One Avoid The Dangers Of Self- Exoneration?

The self commands man to do evil. This fact is related in Surat ash-Shams as follows:
By the soul and the One Who proportioned and inspired it with knowledge of depravity and with its sense of duty, he who purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it up has failed. (Surat ash-Shams: 7-10)

Another verse pointing out the capacity of the soul to command to do evil is about the Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him), It is told in the verse that when a lie was forged against him though he was innocent, he said:
I do not say my self was free from blame. The self indeed commands to evil acts—except for those my Lord has mercy on. My Lord, He is Forgiving, Merciful. (Surah Yusuf: 53)

As it is told in the verse, the self always commands to evil. For that reason it would not be appropriate to try to defend oneself or to prove one's rightness immediately, for one might have momentarily and unawares followed what the self desired. What should indeed be done in such a case is to stop and reflect first before acting. When a person reflects sincerely and honestly, he may see that he in fact did wrong in many instances in which he assumed himself to be right.
Perceiving things in this way is an enormous gain to the believer, because seeing and admitting one's own mistakes and amending one's wrongdoing is the first step in seeking the forgiveness of Allah. Otherwise, no matter how right a person may appear to be in the eyes of people, however hard he tries to vindicate his soul and avoids attributing any mistakes to himself, Allah knows the truth. And this truth he will meet in the Hereafter.

It is a good action in the sight of Allah to reproach oneself, to admit one's own imperfections and failings and to turn to Allah in order to eliminate them, rather than to defend one's lower self. 

QUESTION 33 - How Can One Avoid Being Swept Away By The Life Of This World?

This world is a particular place created by Allah where man is being tested and is being prepared for the abode of the Hereafter. Part of this test is that it is made to seem fair and attractive to man. Some features of this world that are alluring to people are stated in a Qur'anic verse as follows:

To mankind the love of worldly appetites is painted in glowing colours: women and children, and heaped-up mounds of gold and silver, and horses with fine markings, and livestock and fertile farmland. All that is merely the enjoyment of the life of this world. The best homecoming is in the presence of Allah. (Surah Al 'Imran: 14)

As stated in the verse, invaluable ornaments, wealth, profitable commerce, charming and wealthy mates, healthy children, pleasing houses, cars in any colour or model, assorted food are the values that attach man to this world. Yet man should remember that these are bestowed by Allah as a temporary benefit, all of them are merely the perishable goods of this world and, as announced in the verse above, "the best homecoming" is in the Hereafter. As for these benefits he is given, he should not squander them during his worldly life, but use them in making preparation for the Hereafter. Those who behave in accordance with this absolute truth are not swept away by the life of the world.

QUESTION 34 - What Will Be The End Of Those Who Are Satisfied With The Life Of This World?

Some people are greedily attached to the world, forgetting that it is imperfect and short-lived. Allah characterises these people in the Qur'an as follows:

As for those who do not expect to meet Us and are content with the life of this world and at rest in it, and those who are heedless of Our Signs, their shelter will be the Fire because of what they earned. (Surah Yunus: 7-8)

Those who are blindly attached to this world, forgetting their Creator, should know that in reprisal for what they do, they will suffer the eternal punishment of Hell. These people, on account of preferring a very short life of enjoyment, will lose an endless life of bliss. In the Hereafter they will not, even for a single instant, be able to enjoy those benefits which they are so greedily attached to in this world. 

QUESTION 35 - Can A Person Spend His Entire Life For Allah?

In order to understand how to spend one's entire life for Allah, one first needs to know the real meaning of life. Allah informs us about the real meaning of the life of this world in the Qur'an:
He Who created death and life to test which of you is best in action. He is the Almighty, the Ever-Forgiving. (Surat al-Mulk: 2)

As stated in this verse, everybody is tested in his deeds. Those who do good desire to earn the pleasure of Allah and to enter Paradise. And they know that they therefore need to spend every moment of their lives engaged in such an effort.


Some people, however, are mistaken on this point. They think that only observing some religious practices and avoiding what is forbidden are for the pleasure of Allah, and that the rest of the time is not connected to the religion. In fact man should try to earn the good pleasure of Allah at every single moment, in every word, in every thought and in every deed. Someone who intends to devote every moment of his life to Allah always speaks in a manner that will be pleasing to Him. For example, everyone in the world works and earns money. Yet he who lives for Allah works in order to serve His religion and, setting aside of his earnings for himself only what he needs, spends the rest in deeds that would please Him. This person always talks in the way that would please Allah most. He reminds people of Allah, forbids them what is wrong and commands them to do what is right. He makes friendships with those whom Allah would be pleased with. While making this selection, he does not take into consideration his worldly interests or the criteria of people who do not live by Islamic morals. At every instant, he considers how he can best earn the good pleasure of Allah.


To spend one's entire life for Allah is among the basic demands of the religion. Therefore Allah commands believers to:
Say: "My prayer and my rites, my living and my dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the worlds." (Surat al-An'am: 162)

QUESTION 36 - Why Should Man Not Deem Himself Self-Sufficient?

The main purpose of a person who fears Allah is to be pleasing to Him. This person knows that he needs to improve himself and to engage in a continual effort to be better in behaviour; virtues such as sincerity, honesty, diligence, self-sacrifice and modesty have no "upper limits". In other words no one can say, "I have achieved model behaviour, it couldn't be any better than this."

A person's spiritual improvement will be rapid if he sees himself as imperfect and seeks to become better. Such a person purifies himself of his wrongdoings and progresses towards even better behaviour every single day. If someone sees himself as sufficient in any matter, then he will not attempt to seek or make any improvement. As a matter of fact, he is unable to find his faults and imperfections and so cannot amend them, which prevents improvement. Allah states in the Qur'an, that imagining oneself to be self-sufficient is a serious mistake:

No indeed! Truly man is unbridled seeing himself as self-sufficient. (Surat al-'Alaq: 6-7)

For that reason man should not deem himself sufficient, neither in performing good deeds that would please Allah nor in spiritually improving himself. Using the reason and conscience that Allah granted him he should always ask for what is better and the superior, and make a sincere effort to attain it.

QUESTION 37 - Is There Any Compulsion In Religion?

The answer to this question is given clearly in a Qur'anic verse as follows:

There is no compulsion where the religion is concerned. Right guidance has become clearly distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false gods and believes in Allah has grasped the Firmest Handhold, which will never give way. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Baqara: 256)

As stated in the verse, no-one can be compelled to live by Islamic morals. Conveying the existence of Allah and the morals of the Qur'an to other people is a duty that believers are charged with. Believers who desire to perform their duty spread the message of religion in order to guide other people; yet knowing that they cannot do anything unless Allah wills, they leave the rest to Him. Since the existence of Allah and of the Hereafter is evident, it is extremely easy to discriminate between the path that Allah calls to and the indecency that satan calls to. Everyone can easily see which of these is better and beneficial. Therefore, those who fear Allah follow the right path most willingly and with pleasure.

Allah states in many verses that believers' only duty is to convey the truth. This is related in a Qur'anic verse as follows:
If they argue with you, say, "I have submitted myself completely to Allah, and so have all who follow me." Tell both those who have been given the Book as well as the unlettered, "Have you become Muslim?" If they become Muslim, they have been guided. If they turn away, you are only responsible for transmission. Allah sees His servants. (Surah Al 'Imran: 20)

QUESTION 38 - What Does "Competing To Do Good Deeds" Mean?

People are distinguished from each other by their level of faith. There are people who have no faith in Allah, whereas there are those who, due to the strong fear and awareness of Allah they have, always try to do good deeds and serve the religion. These people who aim to attain the contentment of Allah in each instant of their lives are characterised in the Qur'an as follows:

Such people are truly racing to good deeds, and they outstrip [others] therein. (Surat al-Muminun: 61)

These people, at every instant, aim to serve the religion and perform deeds that will be beneficial both to the religion and to believers. In brief, in every step they take, they try to do good which Allah will be pleased with. They, hence, know that they need to reflect, pray, seek and put into practice the behaviour which earns the good pleasure of Allah. For that reason they are profound thinkers who honour Allah's greatness with the reverence that is due to Him to draw nearer to Him. They do not let themselves spend even a minute without thinking of the Hereafter, and are never oblivious to it. Therefore do not engross themselves in the temporal goods of this world. Since they possess pure faith, they spend every instant of their lives for Allah and are not heedless. It strengthens their awareness of Allah to reflect on Him and on His greatness. As Allah commands in the Qur'an, they work on and still toil when they finish a task. These people are the "forerunners", whom Allah promises Paradise:

And the forerunners, the forerunners. Those are the ones brought near in Gardens of Delight. (Surat al-Waqi'a: 10-12)

QUESTION 39 - What Do Believers Show Patience In?

One of the distinguishing attributes of believers is their patience. However, the concept of patience that we learn from the Qur'an does not mean endurance at times of hardship. What is recommended in the Qur'an is to display patience when it comes to choosing the kind of behaviour that will be pleasing to Allah, in all situations and at all times.

Allah tests believers with a variety of situations, such as hunger, fear and loss of goods or prosperity. The believer described in the Qur'an perseveringly seeks the good pleasure of Allah regardless of the circumstances. In prosperity he gives thanks to Allah; in case of difficulty and hardship he puts his trust in Him. For him the benefits of the religion always take precedence over personal benefits. He patiently fulfils every detail of a virtuous character throughout his entire life. He is sincere, honest, generous, diligent and eager; he always speaks with generosity and gentleness, and always tries to serve the religion. In short, he applies everything that Allah points out as being good. As a reward for this, Allah gives His patient servants glad tidings:

We will test you with a certain amount of fear and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits. But give good news to the patient: Those who, when disaster strikes them, say, "We belong to Allah and to Him we will return." Those are the people who will have blessings and mercy from their Lord; they are the ones who are guided. (Surat al-Baqara: 155-157)

QUESTION 40 - What Is The Purpose Of The Wealth Granted To Unbelievers?

The wealth and power that unbelievers possess have always led them to even further insolence. This is a mystery explained in the Quran. Allah informs believers that the wealth of unbelievers is only worldly and commands believers not to be impressed by them in any way. He also promises that He will increase their disbelief with this wealth, and ultimately drive them altogether into Hell.

A Qur'anic verse relating to this significant fact states:
Do not let their wealth and children impress you. Allah merely wants to punish them by them during their life in this world and for them to expire while they are disbelieving. (Surat at-Tawba: 55)