Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Section 5: The Ingratitude of Men to Allah’s Bounties

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verses 28 - 29

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَي الَّذِينَ بَدَّلُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ كُفْراً وَأَحَلُّوا قَوْمَهُمْ دَارَ الْبَوَارِ

جَهَنَّمَ يَصْلَوْنَهَا وَبِئْسَ الْقَرَارُ

28. “Have you not seen those who changed Allah’s favour for ingratitude, and caused their people to alight into the abode of perdition?”

29. “Hell! They shall enter into it; and (what) a bad place it is!”

It is the Prophet (S) who is being addressed in this verse and, in fact, it is a depiction of one of the aspects of ‘evil tree’ pointed out here.

At first, the Qur’an implies whether you did not see those who converted Allah’s blessings and gratitude into ingratitude and sent themselves ultimately to the land of annihilation. Such people are the roots of the ‘evil tree’ and are the pioneers of paganism and deviation.

The verse says:

“Have you not seen those who changed Allah’s favour for ingratitude, and caused their people to alight into the abode of perdition?”

Commentators have sometimes commented this blessing as the existence of the Prophet (S) and, at other times, they have considered it to be Ahl-ul-Bayt (as) and the ungrateful ones of this blessing to Umayyads, or to Bani Muqayrah and, at times, they have introduced all the unbelievers who were contemporaries of the Prophet (S).

Yet, definitely, the meaning of the verse is extensive and covers a wide range, thus one cannot confine it to a certain group. It embraces all of those who have been ungrateful with respect to one of the blessings of Allah and have misused it.

The pagans and the unbelievers converted the great blessings of Allah into a matter of ingratitude.

A- They took the option of paganism instead of the blessing of monotheism.

B- They abandoned the blessing of the clean and pure inherent nature and imitated their seduced ancestors.

C- They preferred superstitions to the Divine revelation.

D- They expressed their lack of gratitude in face of the blessing of the Divine leaders and followed the despots.

Many quotations indicate that the Imams (as) of Shi‘ites have remarked:

“By Allah, we are the blessing of Allah that He bestowed upon His servants.”1

In other words, it means: Swearing to Allah: the blessings which were converted were our existence. The folks abandoned us and went in search of other leaders. Thus, they changed the blessing of Allah.

The Qur’an, later, comments on the Qur’anic phrase: /d ar-ul-baw ar/ (a bad place) as: It is Hell in the flames of which they will immerse, and it is the worst of all places for someone to settle, for its ultimate end is annihilation.

In other word, they invite their people to oppose against the Prophet (S), throwing them into the Hell Fire, and what an evil abode is Hell.

The verse says:

“Hell! They shall enter into it; and (what) a bad place it is!”

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verse 30

وَجَعَلُوا لِلَّهِ أَندَاداً لّـِيُضِلُّوا عَن سَبِيلِهِ قُلْ تَمَتَّعُوا فَإِنَّ مَصِيرَكُمْ إِلَي النَّارِ

30. “And they set up (idols as) equals to Allah that they might mislead (the people) from His path. Say: ‘Enjoy yourselves, for verily your journey’s end will be the Fire’.”

Some consider equal partners for Allah in the course of the creation of the world. Others consider equal partners for Allah in connection with His blessings. Such people consider enjoying good health, knowledge, power, splendour, and property as of the outcome of their own ability, and or as the result of different powers. Nonetheless, they soon find out that they have gone astray.

Therefore, the Qur’an alludes to one of the worst cases of ingratitude in this verse, and says:

“And they set up (idols as) equals to Allah that they might mislead (the people) from His path…”

They do all these things so as to make the people deviate from thinking about the true path and, as a result, they enjoy their material life, and presiding over and governing the people also for a few days.

Then the verse, addressing the Prophet (S), implies that he should tell them to enjoy themselves out of this worldly life which is worthless. However, they must know that the ultimate objective of their job will direct them towards the hell-fire.

The verse says:

“…Say: ‘Enjoy yourselves, for verily your journey’s end will be the Fire’.”

Notwithstanding such a life is not a true life; it is rather a misery, and such a presidency and governorship is of no value, but, in its real sense, it is deceit, disaster, and affliction.

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verse 31

قُل لّـِعِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا يُقِيمُوا الصَّلاةَ وَيُنفِقُوا مِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ سِرّاً وَعَلاَنِيَةً مِن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ لاَّ بَيْعٌ فِيهِ وَلا خِلالٌ

31. “O’ Prophet! Say to My servants who have believed, to perform the prayers and to spend (in charity) out of what We have provided them, secretly and openly, before the coming of a Day in which there shall be neither bartering nor befriending.”

Openly spending out of the wealth may encourage the present generation, and cause the encouragement of others, and self-acquittal from all accusations, while secretly spending out of the wealth is the cause of development and sincerity.

Some commentators, of course, have claimed that overt spend relates to the obligatory giving away of the wealth, like Khoms (one fifth) and alms, while secretly giving away of it relates to the recommended cases, such as: charity.

Although each of the open and in secret giving away of the wealth exerts some impacts on others, nonetheless, one can perhaps say that to give away part of the wealth in secret is better, for the Qur’anic term /sirran/ (secretly) precedes the word /‘al anyatan/ (openly) in this verse.

Explanations

1- In order to command others, respect their personalities first. Serving as subservient to Allah provides the believers with a medal of honour.

The verse says:

“O’ Prophet! Say to My servants…”

2- Having mere faith in the bottom of one’s heart is not sufficient. Prayers, giving away of one’s wealth, and good deeds are also necessary.

The verse says:

“…who have believed, to perform the prayers and to spend (in charity) out of what We have provided them…”

3- Islam is a comprehensive religion. One’s relationship with Allah (s.w.t.), along with one’s assistance to the deprived, are coupled with each other and are required for the acceptance of both.

“…to perform the prayers and to spend (in charity) out of what We have provided them…”

4- Spending out is not only confined to wealth alone. One must often share whatever he has with others, whether they are knowledge and wealth, or prestige and power.

5- Giving away of the wealth must be out of one’s allowed earnings and wealth, and not out of whatever wealth we have.

Allah said:

“We have provided them”

and He did not say: “with you”

6- The act of spending out of the wealth must sometimes be done in secret and sometimes openly.

It says:

“…secretly and openly…”

7- One must take the opportunity.

The Qur’an remarks:

“…before the coming of a Day…”

8- If you wish to have good trade, try to barter and have transactions with Allah, for there will be no transactions carried out in the Day of Resurrection.

It continues saying:

“…in which there shall be neither bartering…”

9- One cannot get away from the punishment with bribing and his special relationships on in the Day of Resurrection.

The verse remarks:

“…there shall be neither bartering nor befriending.”

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verse 32

اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضَ وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَاَخْرَجَ بِهِ مِنَ الثَّـمَرَاتِ رِزْقاً لَّكُمْ وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الْفُلْكَ لِتَجْرِيَ فِي الْبَحْرِ بِأَمْرِهِ وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الاَنْهَارَ

32. “Allah is He Who created the heavens and the earth, and sent down water from the sky; then brought forth fruits with it to be sustenance for you; and He has made the ships subservient to you that they might run through the sea by His command; and He has made the rivers subservient to you.”

The issue of ‘water’ is being discussed in this noble verse from three dimensions:

1- Rain-water by which irrigation of the plants, source of their life, and purification of the weather are provided.

2- Sea-water which provides the water required for the life of the sea animals, and which also provides water ways for the passage of ships, and is the source of clouds and rain.

3- Canal waters which provide an irrigation system for regions lacking water.

In the previous verse, the Qur’an made allusions to prayers and sharing of one’s wealth with others. In this verse, it asserts: Why are you so neglectful in connection with spend despite the fact that Allah has provided you with everything?

The holy verse says:

“Allah is He Who created the heavens and the earth, and sent down water from the sky; then brought forth fruits with it to be sustenance for you; and He has made the ships subservient to you that they might run through the sea by His command; and He has made the rivers subservient to you.”

The Arabic term /tasxir/ denotes both utilization of all interests, such as the making subservient of the sun and the moon, and in the sense of man’s full domination, such as making the ships and canals subservient to him.

In the end, cognition of Allah’s blessings is the best method for theology which is coupled with general understanding and the public love, motives and worship. Among entire blessings of Allah, water is one of the most important of them.

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verse 33

وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ دَآئِبَيْنِ وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ

33. “And He has made the constantly moving sun and the moon subservient to you, and He has made the night and the day subservient to you.”

The Qur’anic term /d a’ibin/ is derived from the word /da’b/ which means a ‘continuous habit’. Maraghi has mentioned in his commentary that /d a’ibin/ means ‘those continues in moving’.

Certainly, the sun is a great power house which functions constantly, as contrary to the man-made power plants which require repair every now and then and close down at times. Once the sun disappears for sometime, what will then happen?

How will man’s life and the life of the plants and animals terminate or come to an end? In face of the existence of numerous microbes and lack of heat and steam, what kind of catastrophe would await the world?

Allah not only conquered and made the existing beings subservient to you but He also made the constantly moving sun and moon subservient to you.

The verse says:

“And He has made the constantly moving sun and the moon subservient to you…”

Allah not only made the existing beings of this world subservient to you but He also made their accidental states as submissive to you in the same way He did with the day and night.

From the Qur’an’s point of view, man is so splendid that all these beings are made submissive to him by the command of Allah. That is, either they are directly at the service of man’s interest, or they are running by man’s control.

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verse 34

وءَاتَاكُم مِن كُلّ‌ِ مَا سَاَلْتُـمُوهُ وَإِن تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ لاَ تُحْصُوهَآ إِنَّ الإِنسَانَ لَظَلُومٌ كَفَّارٌ

34. “And He has given you whatever you have asked Him; and if you count Allah’s blessings, you are unable to number them. Verily, man is very unjust, very ungrateful.”

We read in verse 18 from Surah An-Nahl

“And if you count Allah’s blessings, you are unable to number them. Verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”

In the previous verses, we read that the corrupt leaders direct and lead people towards persons or objects other than Allah:

“And they set up (idols as) equals to Allah…”2

This verse proclaims: despite the fact that the ones other than Allah are unable to do anything, and whatever one possesses belongs to Allah alone, but man is usually heedless in these respects and is ungrateful in these connections.

In the meantime, the Arabic term /‘add/ signifies counting, and the term /’ihs a’/ means ‘to count accurately in such a way that nothing is left over in the process’. Anyway, if one decides to count Allah’s blessings, he can never do that, for the material and spiritual blessings provided by Allah are so widespread throughout our lives, and our environment which can never be counted.

The verse says:

“And He has given you whatever you have asked Him; and if you count Allah’s blessings, you are unable to number them. Verily, man is very unjust, very ungrateful.”

Nonetheless, despite all those favours and Divine grace, mankind is still oppressive and ungrateful for Allah’s blessings. The blessings which if utilized properly can turn the entire world into a paradise-like garden.

In fact the Qur’an implies: O’ man! Everything is at your disposal in sufficient quantities but on condition that you are not ungrateful and oppressive, while you should try to remain content with your lot and with your own rights and do not violate the rights of other people.

Notes

1. Majma‘-ul-Bayan

2. The current Surah, verse 30

Section 6: Abraham’s Prayer

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verse 35

وإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبّ‌ِ اجْعَلْ هَذَا الْبَلَدَ ءَامِناً وَاجْنُبْنِي وَبَنِيَّ أَن نَّعْبُدَ الاَصْنَامَ

35. “And (remember) when Abraham said: ‘My Lord, make this city secure and distance me and my children from worshipping the idols’.”

This verse and the following verses exhibit a profile and the content of the prayers of ‘Ibrahim (as) which reflect his burning desire for Allah and his greatness in spirit and, perhaps, this is the reason why this Surah has been named Surah ‘Ibrahim.

‘Ibrahim (as) prayed for Mecca on two occasions: The first instance was when he settled Ishmael and Hajar there and asked Allah to make that city secure.1

The verse says:

“And (remember) when Abraham said: ‘My Lord, make this city secure…”

The second occasion that he prayed for Mecca was when a multitude of people came to Mecca to settle down there. ‘Ibrahim (as) prayed saying:

“…‘My Lord, make this a secure City…”2

Question: Are all of the people of the generation of ‘Ibrahim monotheists because of this prayer?

Answer: Prayers present one factor and the will of the children provides another factor. Let us not forget the story of Noah’s son.

Question: How is it that ‘Ibrahim (a. s.) recalled Mecca as a town while he refers to it in the following verses “as a valley without cultivation?’3

Answer: The state of township of Mecca returns to the time when the tribes arrived in that region, in which case the prayer also relates to that time, or we might say that if a region is aRidand without cultivation, this would not make it incompatible with becoming a township. At the present moment, Mecca is also in a region which is arid in general.

Question: Notwithstanding the fact that Abraham (as) was a champion of monotheism, why is it that he prayed to Allah to distance him from paganism? The verse in this regard continues saying:

“…and distance me and my children from worshipping the idols.”

Answer: The Prophet of Islam (S) also was constantly having his steps in the Straight Path and was heading in the straightforward direction. Nonetheless, he used to say in every prayer:

“Guide us (O’ Lord) on the Straight Path.”

That is, if one is even sure that he is heading in the right direction, he must be scared of the dangers of deviation either and must seek Allah’s assistance.

The objective in mind of ‘to make security’ is a law which guarantees the security of Mecca, and not to the matter that Mecca has always been safe and secure throughout its history. For, Mecca has been repeatedly invaded by hostile forces and immense blood has been shed there.

The Prophet of Islam (S) and his companions were also tortured there, and Imam Hussayn (as) abandoned the Hajj rituals because of lack of security of Mecca. Nevertheless, the Divine law has designated it as a safe and secure region.

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verse 36

رَبّ‌ِ إِنَّهُنَّ أَضْلَلْنَ كَثيراً مِنَ النَّاسِ فَمَن تَبِعَنِي فَإِنَّهُ مِنّـِي وَمَنْ عَصَانِي فَإِنَّكَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

36. “My Lord, verily, they (idols) have misled many of the people. Then, whoever follows me, he is definitely of me, and whoever disobeys me; then verily you are Forgiving, Merciful.”

Question: How is it that the idols, which are statues of stone and wood, can mislead man?

Answer: Firstly, the idols are not always inanimate objects. Sometimes, men and those who are despots also become idols. Secondly, sometimes ignorance of a people causes stone and wood to be turned into valuable and precious commodities. Thirdly, the issue of the art involved in the jewelry, which was carried along with the idols, was attractive.

If we interpret this noble verse along with the previous one, we obtain desirable conclusions, for we had it in the previous verse that ‘Ibrahim (as) said:

“My Lord! … distance me and my children from worshipping the idols”.

In this verse he says:

“…whoever follows me, he is definitely of me…”

Therefore, all the monotheists of the world are the scholastic children of ‘Ibrahim by ideology.

The Qur’an says:

“…The faith of your father, ‘Ibrahim…”4

And as the blissful Prophet (S) said:

“Ali and I are the fathers of this Ummah.”

However, if a pagan is even the son of a prophet, he will also be addressed:

“…O’ Noah! Verily he is not of your family…”5

Hadrat Ali (as) remarks:

“Verily, the friend of Muhammad (S) is he who obeys Allah though he may be distanced by his blood. And verily the foe of Muhammad is he who disobeys Allah though he might be near to him (S) by his blood.”6

Incidentally, there is a scholastic and an ideological relationship between the celestial leaders and the faithful people. It is for this reason that the prophets (as) were even compassionate with their own opponents and they never disappointed them.

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verse 37

رَبَّنَآ إِنّـِي أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرّ‌ِيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُـحَرَّمِ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُوا الصَّلاَةَ فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِي إِلَيْهِمْ وَارْزُقْهُم مِنَ الَّثمَرَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْكُرُونَ

37. “Our Lord! Verily I have settled (a part) of my offspring in a valley without cultivation near Your Sacred House, in order, Our Lord! that they may establish prayer; therefore, make the hearts of some people yearn towards them, and provide them with fruits so that they may be grateful.”

When Allah bestowed Ishmael to Abraham in his old age, He commanded him to settle that child with his mother in Mecca. Abraham obeyed the Divine order and then he prayed for them.

Some Islamic quotations denote that Imam Baqir (as) said:

“We are the Ahl-ul-Bayt of the Messenger of Allah (S) and the remaining descendents of Abraham. That is why the people’s hearts are inclined towards us.”

Then, he recited this verse:

“Our Lord! Verily I have settled (a part) of my offspring in a valley without cultivation…”

The Ka‘bah was located in a desert with no water and vegetation so that the people might be tried by it. As Hadrat-i-Ali (as) declared in the sermon of Ghasiyah:

“If the Ka‘bah were situated in a place with a good climate, the people would not go on a pilgrimage toward it for the sake of Allah.”

The call and prayers of the prophets (as) are accepted.

Abraham in this verse says:

“…and provide them with fruits…”

In another verse Allah says:

“…a safe, sacred territory to which fruits of every kind shall be drawn?…”7

Imam Baqir (as) has stated:

“Whatever fruits are found in the east or in the west of the world can be found in Mecca”.

However, Abraham (as) continued with his prayers and his invocation as follows:

“Our Lord! Verily I have settled (a part) of my offspring in a valley without cultivation near Your Sacred House, in order, Our Lord! that they may establish prayer…”

Afterwards, when Allah bestowed a son on Abraham from his female-slave, Hajar, and called him Isma‘il, his first wife’s jealousy, Sarah, was provoked and, she could not tolerate Hajar and her son. She asked Abraham to take that mother and child to another place, and Abraham submitted to this request which was in accordance with Allah’s command.

Ishmael and his mother, Hajar, were taken by him to the land of Mecca which was then an arid land, lacking everything in those days. He left them there and said Good-bye to them.

Then Abraham continued his prayer to Allah implying that: Now that they have settled down in this extremely hot desert for the respect of Your great house, persuade some people to pay attention to them heartily, and have affection for them.

Let them enjoy all kinds of fruits, whether material or spiritual, perhaps they might be grateful to you.

The verse continues saying:

“…therefore, make the hearts of some people yearn towards them, and provide them with fruits so that they may be grateful.”

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verse 38

رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ تَعْلَمُ مَا نُخْفِي وَمَا نُعْلِنُ وَمَا يَخْفَي عَلَي اللَّهِ مِن شَيْءٍ فِي الأَرْضِ وَلاَ فِي السَّمَآءِ

38. “Our Lord! Verily, You know whatever we hide and whatever we manifest, and nothing in the earth nor anything in the heaven is hidden from Allah.”

Now that everything is obvious for Allah (s.w.t.), and His knowledge encompasses everything and every affair of us, we, therefore, must not commit sin in His presence and not interfere in His creatures except with His satisfaction and His commands. We must remain sure that nothing will be hidden from Allah on the earth and in the skies.

The verse says:

“Our Lord! Verily, You know whatever we hide and whatever we manifest, and nothing in the earth nor anything in the heaven is hidden from Allah.”

And Abraham invokes Allah declaring that once I am in distress for being parted from my son and wife, You know that well, and in case a drop of tears is shed from my eyes You notice.

And if at the time of my separation from my wife she tells me: “Whom do you appoint as my guardian?” You are aware of all these things, and the future of this land as well as the future of them, which are interwoven with one another, are all transparent and crystal clear before You and Your knowledge.

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verse 39

الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ الَّذِي وَهَبَ لِي عَلَي الْكِبَرِ إِسْمَاعِيلَ وإِسْحَاقَ إِنَّ رَبّـِي لَسَمِيعُ الدُّعَآءِ

39. “Praise be to Allah, Who has granted me in old age Ishmael and Isaac. Verily my Lord is the Hearer of the petition;”

Ishmael and Isaac are among the specific blessings of Allah, for:

1- They were born because of the prayers of the prophet of Allah, ‘Ibrahim.

2- They were born during the old age of their father.

3- They were both righteous children.

4- They headed their following chain of prophets.

Incidentally, what is important is the issue of having righteous children, whether they are born by a female slave or else. (Ismael was born by a female slave and Ishaq was born by a free woman.)

At any rate, one’s children are gifts from Allah and nothing deters or serves as a hindrance for Allah’s Will and the Divine power; therefore, senility did not obstruct him from having children.

The verse says:

“Praise be to Allah, Who has granted me in old age Ishmael and Isaac. Verily my Lord is the Hearer of the petition;”

Surah ‘Ibrahim - Verses 40 - 41

رَبّ‌ِ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلاَةِ وَمِن ذُرّ‌ِيَّتِي رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ

40. “My Lord! Make me a performer of the prayer, and of my offspring (too): Our Lord! and accept my petition”

41. “Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and the believers on the Day when the reckoning shall come to pass.”

Through the verses which we have discussed so far in this Surah, Abraham (as) has seven wishes from Allah (s.w.t.).

They consist of: the security of Mecca, remaining distant from worshipping idols, winning the heart of the faithful with regard to his children and his school of thought, benefiting of his offspring from the fruits and the dividends, the success in keeping up his prayers, acceptance of his call and his prayers, and finally, forgiveness of himself, his parents and all the faithful.

The Arabic term /w alid/ refers to one’s real father, but the term /’ab/ has a wider sense and refers also to other than father, such as uncle and one’s father-in- law as well. As the parents of Abraham (as) were believers, therefore, Hadrat-i-’Ibrahim (as) prays for them in this verse.

The verse says:

“My Lord! Make me a performer of the prayer, and of my offspring (too): Our Lord! and accept my petition”

Nonetheless, in other verses where the Arabic word /’ab/ is employed the objective in mind is ‘Ibrahim’s uncle. Hadrat-i-’Ibrahim deplored and abhorred him for his paganism.

Messages to Note

1- The repetition of the Qur’anic word /rabb/ at the beginning of the prayers of Abraham (as) is the sign of the impact of the acceptance of prayers, or it may also be regarded as one of the rituals belonging to it.

2- Establishing prayer is the center of Abraham’s calls.

3- Keeping up prayers is a counterpart for leadership. Abraham employed the phrase /wa min ŏuriyyati/ (and of my offspring) on two occasions: One is when there was the issue involved as of the prayers of his generation, and the other one concerned with the leadership of his generation.

Here he (as) says:

“Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and the believers on the Day when the reckoning shall come to pass.”

Notes

1. The verse under discussion

2. Surah Al-Baqarah, No. 2, verse 126

3. The current Surah, verse 37

4. Surah Al-Hajj, No. 22, verse 78

5. Surah Hūd, No. 11, verse 46

6. Bih ar, vol. 67, P. 25

7. Surah Al-Qasas, No. 28, verse 57