الأربعاء، 27 يونيو 2007
الجمعة، 22 يونيو 2007
Riyad-us-Saliheen - 51: Hope in Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's Mercy
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B i s m i l l a a h i r R a h m a a n i r R a h e e mRiyad-us-SaliheenGardens of the Righteous
The Book of MiscellanyChapter 51
Hope in Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's Mercy
By Imaam Aboo Zakariya Yahyaa Ibn Sharaf An-Nawawi
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Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, the Exalted, says:
"Say: O 'Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah: verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful". (39:53)
"And never do We requit in such a way except those who are ungrateful (disbelievers)". (34:17)
'(Say:) 'Truly, it has been revealed to us that the torment will be for him who denies (believes not in the Oneness of Allaah, and in His Messengers), and turns away (from the truth and obedience of Allaah)". (20:48)
"And My Mercy embraces all things". (7:156)
412. 'Ubadah bin As-Samit radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "He who bears witness that there is no true god except Allaah, alone having no partner with Him, that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger, that 'Isa (Jesus) is His slave and Messenger and he (Jesus) is His Word which He communicated to Maryam (Mary) and His spirit which He sent to her, that Jannah is true and Hell is true; Allaah will make him enter Jannah accepting whatever deeds he accomplished". [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Another narration in Muslim is: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Whosoever testifies that there is no true god except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala) saves him from the Fire (of Hell)".
Commentary: This Hadeeth confirms that all Prophets of Allaah were men and thus refutes those who attribute divinity to them and exclude them from the category of men or regard them a part of Allaah, as Christians believes Prophet 'Isa (Jesus to be Christ) by regarding him Allaah or His son, or the Jews do Prophet 'Uzair by venerating him as son of Allaah. The misconception has also taken hold of a sect of the Muslims. They have invented the belief that Prophet Muhammad Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam is "Light from the Light of Allaah". Thus further considering to be of him with Divine qualities. They exclude him from the category of men. This Hadeeth tells us that the belief that Prophets were men constitutes part of Faith and denial of it is the denial of a part of Faith and amounts to evasion from Tawheed - Oneness of Allaah.
Prophet 'Isa (Jesus)`alayhissalaam has been referred in the Qur'aan as "Kalimatullah" (the Word of Allaah) (4:171). What these words really mean is that he was born in an unusual manner, without being fathered by anyone, only on the express fiat of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.
This Hadeeth shows that a major sin does not cast a Muslim out of the fold of Islam, as is believed by certain deviant sects who have gone astray. Such a person does remain a Muslim and his eligibility for admission into Jannah also remains intact but his admission entirely depends on the pleasure of Allaah. He may forgive a sinful Muslim and send him to Jannah even in the initial stage or keep him in Hell for sometime and then send him to Jannah. Thus, when it is said that Muslims are protected against Hell, it means that they will not abide in Hell for ever. It will be a temporary phase varying with his sins. When that punishment comes to an end, or even before it, when Almighty, Allaah, wills, he will be removed from Hell to Jannah.
413. Aboo Dharr radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah, the Almighty, says: 'Whosoever does a good deed, will have (reward) ten times like it and I add more; and whosoever does an evil, will have the punishment like it or I will forgive (him); and whosoever approaches Me by one span, I will approach him by one cubit; and whosoever approaches Me by one cubit, I approach him by one fathom, and whosoever comes to Me walking, I go to him running; and whosoever meets Me with an earth-load of sins without associating anything with Me, I meet him with forgiveness like that". [Muslim]
Commentary: This Hadeeth mentions the infinite Compassion and Mercy of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala to His obedient slaves and a special expression of which will be made by Him on the Day of Resurrection. On that Day, He will give at least ten times reward for each good deed. In some cases it may be far more than that, seven hundred times or more, as He would like. Such benevolence on His part warrants that a Muslim should never lose hope of His forgiveness.
414. Jabir radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: A bedouin came to the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and asked him, "O Messenger of Allaah, what are the two imperatives which lead to Jannah or Hell". He Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied, "He who dies without associating anything with Allaah will enter Jannah, and he who dies associating partners with Allaah will enter the Fire". [Muslim]
Commentary: This Hadeeth also holds promise for a Muslim that being a Muslim and Muwahhid (believer in the Oneness of Allaah) he will be at last sent to Jannah. Whether he goes straight to Jannah or after suffering the punishment of his sins in Hell, is a separate issue, but he will not remain in Hell for ever. Eternal punishment in Hell is reserved only for pagans, polytheists, and infidels.
415. Anas bin Malik radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: Mu'adh bin Jabal was riding on the beast with the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, when he Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said to him, "O Mu'adh!" Mu'adh replied, "Here I am responding to you, and at your pleasure, O Messenger of Allaah." He Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam again called out, "O Mu'adh." He (again) replied, "Here I am responding your call, and at your pleasure." He (the Messenger of Allaah) addressed him (again), "O Mu'adh!" He replied, "Here I am responding to you, and at your pleasure, O Messenger of Allaah." Upon this he (the Prophet Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam) said, "If anyone testifies sincerely that there is no true god except Allaah, and Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, truly from his heart, Allaah will safeguard him from Hell." He (Mu'adh) said, "O Messenger of Allaah, shall I not then inform people of it, so that they may have glad tidings." He Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied, "Then they will rely on it alone (and thus give up good works altogether)." Mu'adh radhiallaahu'anhu disclosed this Hadeeth at the time of his death, to avoid sinning for concealing. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Commentary: Imam At-Taibi says that the honesty of heart means firmness of faith and arrangement of actions which will provide evidence of Tawheed and Risalah (Oneness of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and the Prophethood of Muhammad Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). Al-Hafeez Ibn Hajar states that Imam At-Taibi has made this elaboration to remove the ambiguity which arises from the wording of the Hadeeth because it is generally held by Ahadeeth that one who bears witness to Tawheed and Risalah will not go to Hell, while Ahlus-Sunnah hold that it stands proved by concrete arguments that sinful Muslims will be consigned to Hell and then brought out from it by intercession. It shows that for the determination of real meanings of this Hadeeth we shall have to keep in view other related arguments as well. These meanings are riveted with good deeds. In other words, one who bears witness to Tawheed and Risalah and fulfills Islamic injunctions and obligations and requirements of Faith and fear of Allaah, will not be consigned to Hell. Some scholars are of the opinion that this Hadeeth refers to such people who truly repented and renounced Kufr and Shirk and wholeheartedly professed Tawheed and Risalah but died soon after that and thus did not get an opportunity to do good deeds. Such people will certainly go to Jannah.
This Hadeeth leads to the conclusion that ordinary people should not be told things the true meanings of which they find difficult to grasp and accomplish evil deeds relying on such glad tidings.
416. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu 'anhu or may be Aboo Sa'id Al-Khudri radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: On the day of the battle of Tabook, the Muslims were hard pressed by hunger and they asked the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam: "O Messenger of Allaah, grant us permission to slaughter our camels to eat and use their fat". He Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam accorded permission. On this 'Umar radhiallaahu 'anhu came and said: "O Messenger of Allaah, if it is done, we shall suffer from lack of transportation. I suggest you pool together whatever has been left and supplicate Allaah to bless it." Allaah will bestow His Blessing upon it. The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam agreed and called for a leather mat and had it spread out, and asked people to bring the provisions left over. They started doing it. One brought a handful of corn, another brought a handful of dates, a third brought a piece of bread; thus some provisions were collected on the mat. The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam invoked blessings, and then said, "Now take it up in your vessels". Everyone filled his vessel with food, so that there was not left a single empty vessel in the whole camp. All of them ate to their fill and there was still some left over. The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Any slave who meets Allaah, testifying there is no true god except Allaah, and that I am His Messenger, without entertaining any doubt about these (two fundamentals), will not be banished from entering Jannah." [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth mentions a miracle of the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the effect of his prayer by means of which a small quantity of food sufficed the whole army. The exact number of Muslims who took part in the battle of TAbook is not mentioned in any reliable account. Al-Hafeez Ibn Hajar has stated, with reference to some narratives of Fath Al-Bari mentioned in connection with the biography of the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the wars he had fought in the way of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, that they numbered thirty to forty thousand men.
Although these figures are open to question but one can safely infer from these figures that their number was very large. According to Saheeh Al-Bukhaari: "A large number of Muslims participated with the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam in this war. Their number was so large that they could not be described in a register. It was difficult for the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam to discover who was absent except that he was informed about him by Allaah." (Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, Kitaab Al-Maghazi, Bab Ghazwah Tabook, Hadeeth Ka'b bin Malik). This extract goes to prove that although the number of Muslims who took part in this war was very large the provisions weighing a few seers only sufficed for them all.
We also learn from this Hadeeth that one who is blessed with the Grace of Allaah, can offer advice to a person who is superior to him on this account. Similarly, the one who is superior in virtue should listen to the advice of those who are inferior to him because there is every possibility that their advice may offer something better. It does not harm either of them. Neither does it detract from the superiority of the superior nor can it be regarded an affront of a junior.
417. 'Itban bin Malik radhiallaahu'anhu reported, who was with the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam in the battle of Badr: I used to lead my people at Bani Salim in salaat (prayer) and there was a valley between me and those people. Whenever it rained, it became difficult for me to cross it for going to their mosque. So I went to Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and said, "I have weak eyesight and the valley between me and my people flows during the rainy season and it becomes difficult for me to cross it. I wish you to come to my house and offer Salaat at a place so that I could reserve that as a Moosalla (place for prayer)." Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "I will do so". So Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and Aboo Bakr radhiallaahu 'anhu came to my house the (next) morning after the sun had risen high. Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam asked my permission to enter and I admitted him. He did not sit before saying, "Where do you want us to offer Salaat in your house?" I pointed to the place where I wanted him to offer prayers. So the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam stood up for the prayer and started the prayer with Takbeer and we aligned in rows behind him; and he offered two Raak'ah prayer and finished them with Tasleem, and we also performed Taslim with him. I detained him for a meal called Khazirah which I had prepared for him. (Khazirah is a special type of dish prepared from barley flour and meat soup). When the neighbours got the news that Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was in my house, they started coming till a large number of men gathered in my house. One of them said, "What is wrong with Malik, for I do not see him?" One of them replied, "He is a hypocrite and does not love Allaah and His Messenger". On that the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Don't say this. Haven't you seen that he testified that there is no true god except Allaah,' for Allaah's sake only." The man replied, "Allaah and His Messenger know better, but by Allaah, we never saw him but helping and talking with the hypocrites." The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied, "No doubt, whosoever testifies that there is no true god except Allaah, seeking by so professing the pleasure of Allaah only, Allaah will safeguard him against (Hell) Fire." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth highlights the following four points:
1. One can offer Salaat at home if one has a lawful reason for it.
2. In the event one is obliged to offer Salaat at home it is well to reserve a place for it.
3. It is not permissible to suspect a Muslim on the basis of mere doubt.
4. In the end, every Muslim will be sent to Jannah. This point has already been elaborated.
418. 'Umar bin Al-Khattab radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: Some prisoners were brought to Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam amongst whom there was a woman who was running (searching for her child). When she saw a child among the captives, she took hold of it, pressed it against her belly and gave it a suck. Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Do you think this woman would ever throw her child in fire?" We said, "By Allaah, she would never throw the child in fire." Thereupon Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah is more kind to his slave than this woman is to her child". [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Commentary: Al-Hafeez Ibn Hajar states that the Musnad Ismai' li has the following additional words in the narrative: "After continuous search, she finally found her baby. She took the baby and hugged him".
It is permissible to illustrate by example what one cannot make others understand by means of reason and senses, the way the Prophet Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam did it in the present case. Since it was not possible to describe the immensity of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's Mercy, he cited the example of that woman to illustrate his point.
419. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: I heard the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam saying, "When Allaah created the creatures, He wrote in the Book, which is with Him over His Throne: 'Verily, My Mercy prevailed over My Wrath" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Another narration is: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "(Allaah wrote) 'My Mercy dominated My Wrath".
Still another narration is: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam said, "(Allaah wrote) 'My Mercy surpasses My Wrath".
Commentary: Imaam Al-Khattabi states that here the word "Kitaab" (translated here as 'Book') means the decision of Almighty Allaah which He has already made, an instance of which is the following Verse of the Noble Qur'aan:
"Allaah has decreed: 'Verily, it is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious". (58:21).
In this Aayah the Arabic word "Kataba" is used in the sense of "Qada' (decided);" or the word "Kataba" signifies "Lauh Mahfooz" on which He has recorded everything. Almighty Allaah is on the 'Arsh' (the Throne of Allaah) and this Book is with Him. (Fath Al-Bari, Kitaab At-Tawheed, Bab: Wa kana Arshuhu 'alal-Ma'.)
420. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah has divided mercy into one hundred parts; and He retained with Him ninety-nine parts, and sent down to earth one part. Through this one part creatures deal with one another with compassion, so much so that an animal lifts its hoof over its young lest it should hurt it". [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Another narration is: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah has one hundred mercies, out of which He has sent down only one for jinn, mankind, animals and insects, through which they love one another and have compassion for one another; and through it, wild animals care for their young. Allaah has retained ninety-nine mercies to deal kindly with His slaves on the Day of Resurrection." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Another narration in Muslim is reported: by Salman Al-Farisi: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah has hundred mercies, out of which one mercy is used by his creation for mutual love and affection. Ninety-nine mercies are kept for the Day of Resurrection."
Another narration is: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah created one hundred units of mercy on the Day He created the heavens and the earth. Each one of them can contain all that is between the heaven and the earth. Of them, he put one on earth, through which a mother has compassion for her children and animals and birds have compassion for one another. On the Day of Resurrection, He will perfect and complete His Mercy". (That is He will use all the hundred units of mercy for his slaves on that Day).
Commentary:
1. We learn from this Hadeeth that kind and compassionate treatment is liked by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and is in fact His Blessing and Benevolence. This is the reason He has given a part of it to His creatures, and a person who is so hard-hearted, that he is not even aware of it has a defect which is extremely displeasing to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. Moreover, it is a sign that such a person is deprived of Divine blessing and mercy.2. On the Day of Resurrection, Almighty Allaah will bestow upon the believers hundred mercies. This news has great hopes and joy for His slaves.
421. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah, the Exalted, and Glorious said: 'A slave committed a sin and he said: O Allaah, forgive my sin,' and Allaah said: 'My slave committed a sin and then he realized that he has a Rabb Who forgives the sins and punishes for the sin.' He then again committed a sin and said: 'My Rabb, forgive my sin,' and Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala) said: 'My slave committed a sin and then realized that he has a Rabb Who forgives his sin and punishes for the sin.' He again committed a sin and said: 'My Rabb, forgive my sin,' and Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala) said: 'My slave has committed a sin and then realized that he has a Rabb Who forgives the sin or takes (him) to account for sin. I have granted forgiveness to my slave. Let him do whatever he likes". [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
The last sentence "let him do..". means, as long he keeps asking for forgiveness after the commission of sins, and repents, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala will forgive him because repentance eliminates previous sins". (Editor's Note)
Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us that so long as the heart of a Muslim remains free from willful disobedience of Divine injunctions and he does not deliberately neglect his religious duties, that is to say he goes on committing sins and each time wholeheartedly begs pardon for them, Almighty, Allaah will forgive him. The reason being that he is penitent for his wrongs and does not insist upon them for fear of accountability. This condition of his shows that his heart is full of awe and Majesty of Allaah and he does not feel any disgrace in showing his utter humbleness before Him. Now this is a merit of the sinful which is pleasing to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. Thus, He says that so long as his slave continues submission and prostration He will go on forgiving him.
On the contrary, there is a person who goes on committing sins but he neither repents for them nor seeks pardon for his wrongs; nor has any fear of accountability. Obviously, he is altogether different from the kind of Muslims mentioned before, and he will be therefore treated differently by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. The conduct of the former is of a Muslim who, in spite of his sins, is liked by Allaah while the second is of that of a rebel for whom He has kept severe punishment ready. May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala rank us among the former category of people.
422. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam said, "By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, were you not to commit sins, Allaah would replace you with a people who would commit sins and then seek forgiveness from Allaah; and Allaah would forgive them". [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth also tells us that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has a profound liking for such people who are penitent and seek pardon for their sins from Him. So much so that if such people cease to exist who neither commit sins nor seek pardon from Him, He will create people who will do so. It does not, however, mean that He likes sins or the sinful persons. What it really means is that He likes penitence and the penitents. This is the true purport of this Hadeeth.
It also means that it is natural for man to commit sins, and that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala loves whenever a slave commits a sin to rush and beg for His forgiveness. (Editor's Note).
423. Aboo Ayyub Khaleed bin Zaid radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam said, "Were you not to commit sins, Allaah would create people who would commit sins and ask for forgiveness and He would forgive them". [Muslim].
424. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: We were sitting with the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Aboo Bakr and 'Umar radhiallaahu 'anhum were also there among the audience. In the meanwhile the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam got up and left us. We waited long for his return: When we were worried about his safety, and got scared, we got up. I, therefore, went out to look for the Messenger of Allaah and came to a garden which belonged to the Ansar. He Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said to me "Go and give glad tidings of Jannah to anyone who testifies 'Laa ilaaha illAllaah (There is no true god except Allaah),' being whole-heartedly certain of it" [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth also tells us that ultimately a Muslim will be awarded Jannah. Whether he will go there in the first stage or after suffering the punishment in Hell, is a matter that depends entirely on the Will of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.
425. 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'as radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam recited the Words of Allaah, the Exalted, and the Glorious, about Ibraheem `alayhissalaam who said: "O my Rabb! They have led astray many among mankind. But whosoever follows me, he verily, is of me". (14:36) and those of 'Isa (Jesus) `alayhissalaam who said: "If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily, You, only You, are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise". (5:118). Then he Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam raised up his hands and said, "O Allaah! My Ummah, my Ummah," and wept; Allaah, the Exalted, said: "O Jibreel (Gabriel)! Go to Muhammad and ask him: 'What makes you weep?" So Jibreel came to him and asked him (the reason of his weeping) and the Messenger of Allaah informed him what he had said (though Allaah knew it well). Upon this Allaah said: "Jibreel, go to Muhammad and say: 'Verily, We will please you with regard to your Ummah and will never displease you". [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth makes two points clear:
Firstly, the kindness and mercy which the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam had for his Ummah, a full manifestation of which will be seen on the Day of Resurrection.
Secondly, the love that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has for His Prophet, Muhammad Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Both these benefits will then go to the advantage of the faithful Muslims as they will be then blessed with Mercy and forgiveness of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. May Allaah include us among them.
426. Mu'adh bin Jabal radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: I was riding a pillion with the Prophet Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam on a donkey. He Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam said, "O Mu'adh, do you know what is the right of Allaah upon His slaves, and what is the Right of His slaves upon Allaah?" I said: "Allaah and His Messenger know better". Upon this the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah's Right upon His slaves is that they should worship Him Alone and associate nothing with Him; and His slaves' right upon Him is that He should not punish who does not associate a thing with Him." He (Mu'adh) added: I said to the Messenger of Allaah: "Shall I give the glad tidings to people?" He Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Do not tell them this good news for they will depend on it alone". [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us that ordinary people, who are generally unable to understand the meanings of things in their context, will think that mere verbal profession of Tawheed and Risalah is sufficient to attain forgiveness, and it is not necessary to do what this profession entails. With this notion, they become unmindful of the obligations. Verbal profession does give them the security that they would not abide in Hell forever for ultimately they will go to Jannah. Our people are generally under the impression that all sinful Muslims, like the perfect Muslims, will go to Jannah in the very first instance. According to proofs furnished by other injunctions of Sharee'ah, this is not so. This point has been already discussed at length earlier. In any case, the point made here is that no Muslim will go to Hell means that no Muslim will abide in Hell for ever. It does not at all mean that however sinful a Muslim may be, he will not be sent to Hell or suffer its torments.
427. Bara' bin 'Azib radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "When a believer is questioned in the grave, he testifies that, 'there is no true god except Allaah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah.' About him the Words of Allaah, the Exalted, are: 'Allaah will keep firm those who believe, with the firm statement (The Testimony of Faith) in this world and the Hereafter)". (14:27) [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth mentions both the parts of the Shahadah together, that is to say "Laa ilaaha illAllaah, Muhammad-ur-Rasulullah" (There is no true god except Allaah, and Muhammad Sall Allaahu'alayhi wa sallam is the Messenger of Allaah).
The questioning in the grave is beyond question and is a part of Muslim Belief. Every Muslim will, by the Grace of Allaah, give their correct answers in respect of Tawheed and Risalah.
428. Anas radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "When an infidel accomplishes any good deed, he is rewarded for it in this world; and in the case of a Muslim, Allaah stores up his good acts for him in the Hereafter and provides him with subsistence in this life due to his obedience."
Another narration is: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah does not wrong a believer a good deed because he is given blessings for it in this world and will be rewarded for it in the Hereafter. But the infidel is given in the world the reward for good deeds, he has performed for the sake of Allaah and when he comes to the Hereafter, there is no good deed for which he can be rewarded". [Muslim].
Commentary: The infidels also do in this world many works which are for public welfare, or which come under the category of good deeds. Almighty Allaah gives them reward for such good deeds in this world in the form of wealth, sound health, or saving them from some trouble, because Belief is precondition for reward in the Hereafter. Since an infidel is deprived of it, he will also be deprived of their reward in the Hereafter. Thus, we learn that Belief constitutes the basis of every action and is a precondition for the acceptance of any good deed by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.
429. Jabir radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "The five daily salaat (prayers) are like a great river running by your door in which you take a bath five times a day." [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth mentions the merits of performing the five-times prescribed Salaat (prayer) punctually. A person who takes bath five times daily, cannot have any dirt on his body; similarly, one who performs salaat regularly is washed of all the minor sins. If he repents and makes penitence, his major sins are also pardoned. One who is meticulous about Salaat and other obligations, generally does not commit any major sin but if at all he commits it, he does not stick to it. He is sorry for it and abandons it. His minor sins are washed away by his salaat.
430. Ibn 'Abbas radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Any Muslim dies and forty men who do not associate anything with Allaah (in worship), perform his funeral prayer, Allaah makes them intercede for him". [Muslim]
Commentary:
1. The acceptance of intercession here means that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala grants the prayer which they (intercessors) make for the deceased and forgives him, provided he is worthy of it.2. A large number of Muwahhidun (believers in the Oneness of Allaah) in a funeral holds greater promise of the pardon of the deceased.
431 . 'Abdullah bin Mas'ood radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: There were, about forty of us with the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam in a camp when he said, "Aren't you pleased that you will constitute one-fourth of the inhabitants of Jannah?" We said, "Yes". He again said, "Aren't you pleased that you will constitute one-third of the inhabitants of Jannah?". We said: "Yes." Upon this he Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "By Him in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, I hope that you will constitute one-half of the inhabitants of Jannah; and the reason is that only Muslims will be admitted into Jannah; and you are no more compared to the polytheists than as a white hair on the skin of a black ox, or a black hair on the skin of a white ox." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth reveals the following two points:
1. As compared with the believers and the faithful, there will be a large number of infidels in Hell.
2. As compared with the followers of other Prophets, there will be a larger number of Muslims in Jannah, to the extent that half of its occupants will be Muslims. This Hadeeth has glad tidings for the Muslim Ummah and bestows great respect and honour on them. (May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala include us among them.)
432. Aboo Moosa Al-Ash'ari radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Allaah will deliver to every Muslim, a Jew or a Christian and say: 'This is your ransom from Hell-fire.""
Another narration is: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "There would come people amongst the Muslims on the Day of Resurrection with sins as heavy as a mountain, and Allaah would forgive them". [Muslim].
Commentary: "This is your ransom" is interpreted by the Hadeeth of Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu 'anhu:
"There is a place for everyone in both Jannah and Hell. When the believer occupies his place in Jannah, an infidel will take his place in Hell on account of his infidelity. This also means: "You believers were exposed to Fire, but this infidel is your ransom. Because Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has prepared a number of His creature for Hell, so when the infidels occupy it on account of their sins and infidelity, they are considered as ransoms for the believers. Allaah knows best." (Editor's Note)
Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us about the auspicious end of the believers and a bad one of disbelievers.
433. Ibn 'Umar radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: I heard the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam saying, "A believer will be brought close to his Rabb on the Day of Resurrection and enveloping him in His Mercy, He (Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala) will make him confess his sins by saying: 'Do you remember (doing) this sin and this sin?' He will reply: 'My Rabb, I remember.' Then He (Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala) will say: 'I covered it up for you in the life of world, and I forgive it for you today.' Then the record of his good deeds will be handed to him". [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us about the believers who will be treated with special favour by Allaah. (May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala include us among them.) It also shows that the admittance of the sins leads to having them forgiven by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. The Hadeeth also encourages us to cover the sins of the believers as best we can.
434. 'Abdullah bin Mas'ood radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: A man kissed a woman and he came to the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and made a mention of that to him. It was (on this occasion) that this Aayah was revealed:
"And perform As-Salaat (Iqamat-As-Salaat), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e., the five compulsory Salaat (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e., small sins)". (11:114)
That person said, "O Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, does it concern me only?". He (the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "It concerns the whole of my Ummah".[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth brings out the following three points:
1. Minor sins are forgiven by virtue of salaat.
2. One must not expose one's sins.
435. Anas bin Malik radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: A man came to the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and said, "O Messenger of Allaah, I have committed a sin liable of ordained punishment. So execute punishment on me". Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam did not ask him about it, and then came the (time for) salaat (prayers). So he performed salaat with Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. When Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam finished salaat, the man stood up and said: "O Messenger of Allaah! I have committed a sin. So execute the Ordinance of Allaah upon me". He Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam asked, "Have you performed salaat with us?" "Yes", he replied. Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Verily, Allaah has forgiven you". [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].
Commentary: The person who had committed the sin came to the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam to seek punishment for his wrongdoing is said to have been Abool-Yusr Ka'b bin 'Amr whose story was also mentioned in the previous Hadeeth. The sin he had committed was not a major one that is why by salaat it was wiped out.
436. Anas bin Malik radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah is pleased with His slave who eats a meal and praises Him for it; and takes a drink and praises Him for it". [Muslim].
Commentary: One should always say "Al-hamdu lillah" (all the praise and thanks be to Allaah) after food and drink.
This Hadeeth has been mentioned in the present chapter for the reason that it holds fear as well as hope. If one remembers Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala in the meals, he can hope for the Pleasure of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. One should also bear in mind that it is He who gives everything. If He likes, He can forefeit all those things or in spite of providing all the riches, deprive one of hunger and thirst, as it does happen in certain diseases. May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala protect us from such deprivations.
437. Aboo Moosa radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah, the Exalted, stretches His Hand during the night so that those who commit sins by day may repent, and He stretches His Hand in the day so that those who commit sins by night may repent. He keeps doing so until the sun rises from the West". [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth has been mentioned before.
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's stretching of His Hands is one of His Attributes, and as Muslims we have to believe in this without reasoning, as is the case with His other Attributes. This has been the stand of our pious predecessors (As-Salaf-us-Salih). The process of acceptance of penitence by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala will continue until the Day of Resurrection when the sun will rise from the West and repenting or accepting Islam will not avail. Therefore, one should not make any delay in penitence.
We must add here that, we must not name or qualify Allaah Almighty except with what He or His Messenger Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam has named or qualified Him; without changing them or ignoring them completely or twisting the meanings or giving resemblance to any created things:
"The Most Gracious (Allaah) rose over the (Mighty) Throne" (20:5) above the seventh heaven; and He only descends to the first (nearest) heaven during the day of 'Arafah (Hajj, i.e., the 9th Dhul-Hijjah) and also during the last third part of every night, as mentioned by the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, but He is with us by His Knowledge only, not in His essence (Bi Dhatihi): "There is nothing like Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer". (42:11)
438. Aboo Najih 'Amr bin 'Abasah radhiallaahu 'anhu reported: In the Pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance, I used to think that people who used to worship idols, were deviated and did not adhere to the true religion. Then I heard of a man in Makkah who was preaching a message. So I mounted my camel and went to him. I found that (this man who was) the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam remained hidden because of the persecution by his people. I had entered Makkah stealthily and when I met him I asked him, "Who are you?" He Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "I am a Prophet." I asked; "What is a Prophet?" He said, "Allaah has sent me (with a message)". I asked, "With what has He sent you?" He said, "He sent me to strengthen the ties of kinship, to destroy idols so that Allaah alone should be worshipped and nothing should be associated with Him". I asked, "Who has followed you in this?" He said, "A freeman and a slave". (At that time only Aboo Bakr and Bilal radhiallaahu 'anhu were with him). I said, "I shall follow you". He said, "You can not do that now. Do you not see my situation and that of the people? Go to your people, and when you hear that my cause has prevailed, come to me". So I went back to my people, and while I was with my people, Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam emigrated to Al-Madeenah. I continued to ask people about him till some of my people visited Al-Madeenah. On their return, I asked them, "How is that man who has arrived in Al-Madeenah faring?" They said, "People are hastening to him. His own people had planned to kill him but did not succeed." Then I went to Al-Madeenah and came to him and said, "O Messenger of Allaah, do you recognize me?" He Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Yes, you are the one who met me in Makkah." I said, "O Messenger of Allaah, tell me of that which Allaah has taught you and of which I am unaware. Tell me about salaat first." He Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied, "Perform the Fajr (morning) salaat, then stop salaat until the sun has risen up to the height of a lance, for when it rises, it rises up between the horns of the devil, and the infidels prostrate themselves before it at that time. Then perform salaat, for salaat is witnessed and angels attend it, until the shadow becomes equal to the length of its object; then stop salaat, for at that time Jahannam (Hell) is heated up. Then pray when the shadow becomes longer, for the prayer is witnessed and angels attend it, until you perform 'Asr prayer; then stop salaat till sun sets, for it sets between the horns of a devil. At that time the infidels prostrate themselves before it." I then asked the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam to tell me about Wudu', and he Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "When a person begins the Wudoo' and washes his mouth and nose, the sins committed by his face, mouth and nostrils are washed out. Then when he washes his face as commanded by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, the sins of his face are washed out with the water from the sides of his beard. Then when he washes his hands up to elbows, the sins of his hands are washed out through his fingers with water. Then he passes his wet hands over his head and the sins of the head are washed out through the ends of his hair with water. Then he washes his feet up to the ankles, the sins of his feet are washed out through his toes with water. Then, if he stands up for Salaat and praises Allaah, glorifies Him, proclaims His Greatness as He deserves and devotes his heart wholly to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, he emerges sin free as the day he was born".
When 'Amr bin 'Abasah radhiallaahu 'anhu narrated this Hadeeth to Aboo Umamah radhiallaahu 'anhu a Companion of the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, the latter said to him, "Watch what you are saying. O 'Amr bin 'Abasah, a man will be getting all of this in one shot?" 'Amr radhiallaahu 'anhu replied, "O Aboo Umamah, I have attained old age, my bones have become dry, my death is approaching and there is no need for me to tell lies concerning Allaah and His Messenger Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Had I not heard this from the Messenger of Allaah only once, twice, thrice (and he counted up to seven) I would never have reported it. Indeed I have heard this frequently". [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth makes the following seven points:
1. The preacher should be concerned about the safety of his followers. It is for this reason, the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam stressed upon 'Amr bin Abasah radhiallaahu 'anhu to stay at home and keep his conversion to Islam secret.
2. No matter how unfavourable are the circumstances and how tough is the opposition, a preacher should always have firm hope of help from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and be confident about his victory over his enemy. That is why, the Prophet Sall Allaahy`alahi wa sallam asked 'Amr radhiallaahu 'anhu to come to him when he received information about his domination.
3. It is a proof of his Prophethood that what eventually happened was exactly according to his prophecy.
4. Angels attend the salaat. One should, therefore, perform salaat not only with peace of mind but also with utmost humility and fear of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, so that it is reported and becomes more meritorious.
5. The times when salaat is unpraiseworthy are as follows:
a. After the salaat of Fajr to the time of sunrise.
b. At the time when the sun begins to decline.
c. After the salaat of 'Asr to the time of sunset.
d. When the sun is rising or setting.
6. Wudu' and salaat expiate for sins. For this reason this Hadeeth has been mentioned in this chapter.
7. Even in the Days of Ignorance (pre-Islamic period), pious and right-minded people were averse to idolatry and thought it a deviation from the Right Path.
439. Aboo Moosa Al-Ash'ari radhiallaahu' anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "When Allaah intends to show mercy to a people, He collects their Prophet before them and makes him a herald to happiness for them in the Hereafter; and when He intends to destroy a people, He punishes them while their Prophet is alive, and destroys them while he is alive and watches them and makes him witness their destruction because they disbelieved in him and disobeyed his commands".[Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us about a Divine law in respect of Prophets`alayhimussalaam, which is meant to deter people from opposing the Prophet Sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and commands us to follow his footsteps, so that we can benefit from his intercession on the Day of Resurrection.
Next: Chapter 52-53
Excellence of Good Hopes and Combining Hope and Fear (of Allaah)
K a r i m a
Note: 'Riyad-us-Saliheen' is a collection of hadeeth with commentary concerning our day-to-day life.
Previous installments of "The Book of Miscellany" are available at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DDN/files/%2ARiyad-us-Saliheen/The%20Book%20of%20Miscellany/
الجمعة، 15 يونيو 2007
JESUS in the QURAN
JESUS in the QURAN
The essence of Islam - willing submission to the will of God - was revealed to Adam, who was passed it on to his children. All following revelations to Noah, Ibrahim, Moses, Jesus, and finally Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Them) were conformity with that message, with some elaboration to define the revelation between man and God, man and man, man and instructions. Thus, any contradictions among revealed religions is viewed by Islam as a man-made element introduced into these religions. The position of Jesus in the three major religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - should not be an exception.
Although the Quran does not present a detailed life-story of Jesus, it highlights the important aspects of his birth, his mission, his ascension to heaven, and passes judgements on the Christian beliefs concerning him. The Quranic account of Jesus starts with the conception of his mother, Mary, whose mother, the wife of Imran, vowed to dedicate her child to the service of God in the temple. When Mary became a woman, the Holy Spirit (the Archangel Gabriel) appeared to her as a man bringing her news of a son. We read the following dialogue in the Quran between Mary and the Angel:
"When the angel said, "Mary, god gives you a good tidings of a Word from Him whose name is messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, -high honoured shall he be in this world and the next, near stationed to God. He shall speak to men in the cradle, and of age, and righteous he shall be, "lord" said Mary "How shall I have a son, seeing no mortal has touched me? "Even so, he said "God creates what He will".
When he decrees a thing He but say to it, "Be", and it is. (Al-Imran 3:45-47)
In a chapter (Surah) entitled "Maryam" (Mary), the Quran tells us how Mary gave birth to her son, and how the Jesus accused her when she brought the child home:
"Then she brought the child to her folk, carrying him, and they said, "Mary, you have surely committed a monstrous thing. Sister of Aaron, your father was not a wicked man, nor your mother a woman unchaste. Mary pointed to the child; but they said, 'Hoe shall we speak to one who still in the cradle, a little child. And he said, 'Lo, I am God's servant, God has given me the Book and made me a Prophet Blessed He has made me ,wherever/may be; and hi has enjoined me to prayer, and to give the alms so long as I live, and likewise to cherish my mother; He has not made me arrogant and wicked. Peace be upon me, the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I am raised up a live. "Maryam 19:29-33)
in the same chapter, following the above quotation, God assures Mohammed (PBUH) and through him the whole world, that what is told above is the TRUTH about Jesus (PBUH), although Christians might not accept it. Jesus is NOT the son of God: He was obviously enough, the son of Mary. The verses continue: "That is Jesus, son of Mary, in word of truth, concerning which they are doubting. It is not for God to take a son unto Him. Glory be to Him, He nut says to it, 'Be, and it is. (Maryam 19:34-35)
After this strong statement about the nature of Jesus, God directed Mohammed (PBUH) to call the Christians to worship the one God: "Surely God is my God, and your God, so surely serve him. This is the straight path". (Maryam 19:36)
The rejection of the very idea of God having a son is restated later in the same chapter with even stronger words: "And they say, The All-merciful has taken unto Himself a son. You have indeed advanced something hideous. As if the skies are about to burst, the earth to split asunder and its mountain to fall down in the utter ruin for that they have attributed to the All-merciful a son; and behaves not the All-merciful to take a son. None there in the heavens and earth but comes to the All-merciful as a servant" (Maryam 19:88-93)
The Quran recognizes the fact that Jesus had no human father, but this does not make him the son of God, or God himself. By this criterion, Adam would have been more entitled more entitled to be the son of God, because he had neither a father nor a mother, so the Quran draws attention to the miraculous creation of both in the following verses; " truly the likeness of Jesus, in God's sight is as Adam's likeness; He created him of dust, then He said upon him, 'Be' and hi was. (Al-Imran 3:59)
The Quran rejects the concept of Trinity God the Father, God the son, God the Holy Spirit - as strongly as it rejects the concept of Jesus as the son of God. This is because GOD IS ONE. Three cannot be one. The Quran addresses Christians in the following verses from the Surrah entitled "An-Nisaa" (The Women)
People of the Book, do not go beyond the bounds in your religion, and say nought as to God but the Truth. The messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only the messenger of God, and his word (Fulfilment of his word (Fulfilment of His command, through the word "Be", for the creation of Jesus) that he committed to Mary, and a spirit originating from Him (was given life by God). So believe in God and His Messengers, and say not 'Three'. Refrain, better is for you. God is only one God. Glory be to him-that He should have a son! To Him belongs all that is in the Heavens and in the Earth; God suffices for a guardian.
The Messiah will not disdain to be a servant of God, neither the Angels who are close to Him. Whosoever disdains to serve Him and walks proud, He will assuredly muster them to Him, all of them.
As for the believers, who do deeds of righteousness, we will pay them their rewards in full, and He will give them more, of His bounty; as for them who disdain and walks proud, then He will punish with a severe punishment, and they shall not find for them, apart from God, a friend or helper." (An-Nissa 4:171-173)
The denial of Jesus's divinity (and. For the matter, of Mary's divinity) is presented in the Quran in the form of a dialogue, at the Day of Judgement, between the Almighty Jesus. All the Messengers and their nations will gather before God and He will ask the Messengers how they were received by their people and what they said to them. Among those who will be questioned is Jesus:
"And when God said, 'O Jesus, son of Mary, did you say unto men, "Take me and my mother as gods, apart from God"? He said, 'To you be glory! It is not mine to say what I have no right to. If I indeed said it, you would have known it, knowing what is within my heart, though I do not know your knowledge; you know the things unseen. I only said to them what you did commands me: "Serve God, my God and your God." (Al-Maida 5-116)
Given that the Quran denies the Trinity and the son ship of Jesus, what, according to the Quran, was the real mission of Jesus? The answer is that Jesus was a link in a long chain of Prophets and Messengers sent by God to various nations and societies whenever they needed guidance or deviated from his teachings of Moses and other Messengers. As he was miraculously supported by numerous miracles to prove that he was a Messengers from God. However, the majority of the Jews rejected his ministry.
In another verse of the Quran, Jesus confirmed the validity of the Torah which was revealed to Moses, and also conveyed he glad tidings of a final Messenger who follow him: "And when Jesus son of Mary said, 'Children of Israel, I am indeed the Messenger to you, confirming the Torah that is before me, and giving good tiding of a Messenger who shall be the praised one."(As-Saff 61:6)
Note that "praised one" is a translation of "Ahmad" - The Prophet Mohammed's name. Careful study of the New Testament shows that Jesus refers to the same Prophet in John 14:16-17: "And I will give you another Counsellor (ThProphet Mohammed). To be with you for ever, even the Spirit of Truth."
The usual explanation of this Prophecy is that the counsellor referred to is the Holy Spirit, but this explanation is excluded by a previous verse in John: "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counsellor will not come to you."
The characteristics of this counsellor, as can be derived from the prophecy, are that he will stay forever with the believers, he will glorify Jesus; and he will speak that he hears form God. All four characteristics apply to the Prophet Mohammed. He came six centuries after Jesus. He came six centuries after Jesus. He came with a universal and everlasting message, fulfilling the prophecy that the counsellor will stay forever with the faithful. He glorified Jesus as a great Prophet. The Quran attributes to Jesus miracles not mentioned in the Bible's Old and New Testaments, as well as specific verses in the Quran show how the Prophet Mohammad is rejected by Jews and Christians out of prejudice and misunderstanding, rather that carefully study the Bible.
It is a sad fact of history that not many are following the "straight path" to which people were called by Jesus. He was only followed by a few disciples inspired by God to support him. The non-believers plotted - as they would against Mohammed, six centuries later - to kill Jesus. But God had better plan for him and his followers, as the Quran tells us:
"And when Jesus perceived their unbelief, he said 'Who will be my helpers in the cause of God? The apostles said, 'we are Gods helpers. We believe in God; so bear witness of our submission God, we believe in that you have sent down, and we follow the Messenger. Inscribe us therefore with those who bear witness. 'And they devised, and God devised, and God devised, and God is the best of divisors. When God said, 'Jesus, I will take you to Me and will raise you to Me, and I will purify you (of the falsehoods) of those who do not believe. I will make your followers above the unbelievers till the Resurrection Day."(Al-Imran 3:52-55)
As the above verses indicate, Jesus was taken and raised to heaven. He was not crucified. It was certainly the plan of the enemies of Jesus to put him to death on the cross, but God saved him and someone else was crucified:
"And for their unbelief, and their uttering against Mary a grave false charge, and for their saying, 'We killed the messiah, Jesus son of Mary, the Messiah of God"…yet they did not slay him, neither crucified him, only a likeness of that was shown to them. Those who are at variance concerning him are surely in doubt the following of conjecture; and they did not kill him of certainty…no indeed; God raised him up to Him; God is Almighty, Allwise. There is not one of the people of the book but will assuredly believe him before his death, and on the Resurrection Day he will be a witness against them." (An-Nissa 4:156-159)
The Quran does not explain who was the person crucified instead of Jesus, nor elaborate on the Second Coming of Jesus. However, explanators of the Quran have always interpreted the last verse of the above quotation to mean that Jesus will believe in him before he dies. This understanding is supported by authentic sayings (Hadith) of the Prophet Mohammed may the peace and blessings of Allah him and upon all His Messengers .
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