Sunday 22 November 2009

:: Quarrelling causes loss of strength ::

Assalam Alaikum,

Something I read about online~ Very very enlightening!

One of the important secrets God reveals to believers is not to quarrel. Or else their strength will depart and they will be weak in heart. The relevant verse is as follows:
Qur'anic morality is marked by humility. Those adhering to the moral values of the Qur'an settle quarrels, find solutions to problems, make things easy for people and do not display greed.

In the absence of Qur'anic morality, disputes and conflicts are unavoidable. It is perfectly natural that everybody holds different opinions. For instance, 20 people can propose 20 different solutions to a problem. Each solution may be right or consistent within itself. If each one insists on being right, it is obvious that there will be disorder and conflict. In such a case, rather than unity by consensus of 20 people, there will be quarrels and personal ambitions that will impede good deeds engaged in for the cause of God.

Consequently, the whole strength of these 20 people will dissipate, the union and brotherhood among them will be dissolved.

Believers should feel a profound love for one another,make sacrifices and establish a strong solidarity and cooperation among themselves. Especially at times of hardship, they should keep themselves occupied with the remembrance of God, and be much more patient and supportive towards one another. Quarrelling reduces strength, whereas co-operation increases the strength among the believers. In another verse, God has revealed the secret that if believers are not friends and protectors of one another, there will be confusion and great corruption in the land:

"Those who disbelieve are the friends and protectors of one another. If you do not act in this way (protect each other) there will be turmoil in the land and great corruption." (Surat al-Anfal: 73)


Each one of these is a secret God has revealed and charged Muslims with responsibilities. No Muslim should consider a quarrel with another Muslim trivial, by saying,"So what if we quarrelled?" Because, as God informs us, every dispute among Muslims, means the diminishing of the strength of believers for which Muslims will give an account to God. That is why our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Fear God. Make peace among you. Certainly, God makes peace among the Muslims."

Muslims should not look for one another's mistakes or failings, but rather cover faults of other Muslims with compassion. The strength believers derive from this unity,means devoting all energy to spread God's religion and the morals of the Qur'an. With unity they can concentrate on communicating the signs of the existence of God through scientific works and render praiseworthy services to humanity. One must remember, however, that everyone renders his services essentially to earn an eternal life in the hereafter and to be safeguarded from God's punishment.

Taken from Some Secrets of the Qur'an Page 69-71
"Obey God and His Messenger and do not quarrel amongst yourselves lest you lose heart and your momentum disappear. And be steadfast. God is with the steadfast."
(Surat al-Anfal: 46)

Friday 20 November 2009

:: The Effect of Good Actions and Good Words ::


People are in a relentless search for peaceful environments where they can live in safety, have joy and cherish friendship. Despite this longing, however, they never put forth an effort to foster these values, but rather they become themselves the causes of conflicts and misery.

Often people expect others to provide peace and safety and be friendly. This applies to family relations, relations among employees of a company, to social peace as well as to international affairs.

Yet, maintenance of friendship, peace and safety demand altruism. Conflict and restlessness cannot be avoided when people insist on having the last word, when they consider only their own comfort and are unwilling to make any compromises or sacrifices.

However, believers who fear God act differently. They are unselfish, forgiving and forbearing. Even when they are wronged, they renounce their own rights, regard the peace and safety of the society and happiness of others over their own self-interest, and display courteous behaviour. This is a noble attribute that God commands believers to have:


A good action and a bad action are not the same. Repel the bad with something better and, if there is enmity between you and someone else, he will be like a bosom friend. None will obtain it but those who are truly steadfast. None will obtain it but those who have great good fortune. (Surah Fussilat: 34-35)

Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition, and argue with them in the kindest way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided from His way. And He knows best who are guided. (Surat an-Nahl: 125)

As stated in the verse, in return for this good act of believers, God changes their enemies into "bosom friends". This is one of God's secrets. After all, all hearts are in God's hand. He changes the heart and thought of whomever He wills. In another verse, God draws our attention to the effect of good and gentle word. God commands the Prophet Moses and Aaron, peace be upon them, to go to Pharaoh and to speak to him gently. Despite Pharaoh's unfairness, insolence and mercilessness, God has commanded His messengers to speak to him with gentle words. God has explained the reason in the Qur'an:


Go to Pharaoh; he has overstepped the bounds. But speak to him with gentle words so that hopefully he will pay heed or show some fear.'(Surah Ta Ha: 43-44)


These verses inform believers about the type of attitude they should assume towards disbelievers, their enemies and insolent people. This surely encourages patience, will, modesty and wisdom. God has revealed as a secret that He will render the acts of believers effective and will change their enemies into friends when they obey His commands and act in compliance with good morals.





Taken from Some Secrets of The Qur'an (Page 60-62) by HARUN YAHYA