النص المفهرس

Qur'aan Sayyid Sulaymaan Nadwi al das, has determined that Hadhrat Luqmaan t
was a descendant of the Mu'mineen from the nation of Aad. After the
Mu'mineen survived the punishment that destroyed the rest of the nation, they
left with Hadhrat Hood v and settled in Yemen. Hadhrat Luqmaan t was then
born amongst the royal family and became king. The Arabs had a booklet they
called the Book of Luqmaan, which was a compilation of the wise sayings of
Hadhrat Luqmaan t.
It is reported in historical accounts that when a man by the name of Suwayd bin
Saamit arrived in Makkah three years before the Hijrah, he heard the preaching
of Rasulullaah p. He then exclaimed, "I have something with me that resemble
what you speak." When Rasulullaah p asked him what it was, he produced the
Book of Luqmaan. Rasulullaah p then requested him to read from it and he did.
He then admitted that what Rasulullaah p had to say was certainly better than
what was contained in the book.
Suwayd was known by the title of Kaamil (perfect) in Madinah because of his
accomplishments, bravery and poetic skills. However, he was killed in the
Bu'aath feudal battled before Rasulullaah p arrived in Madinah. His tribesmen
believe that he had become a Muslim after meeting Rasulullaah p.314
Hadhrat Wahab bin Munabbih ail dan, has also stated that Hadhrat Luqmaan t was
the son of Hadhrat Ayyoob v's brother, while Hadhrat Muqaatil il wany states that
he was his sister's son. Tafssser Baydawi states that he lived long enough to even
see the time of Hadhrat Dawood v.
314 Seerah of Ibn Hishaam (Vol.2 Pg.67), Usudul Ghaabah (Vol.2 Pg.378).
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Hadhrat Qataadah alta, narrates that someone once asked Hadhrat Luqmaan t
why he chose wisdom over Nubuwwah when he was given a choice between
the two. Hadhrat Luqmaan t replied, "Nubuwwah is a very greater
responsibility. Had it been given to me without me having to choose, Allaah
would have made it possible for me to fulfil the duty. However, if I choose it by
my will, I will have to fulfil it by myself."315
The Qur'aan confirms that Hadhrat Luqmaan t was indeed blessed with
tremendous Hukmah (wisdom). The Arabic word Hikmah refers to wisdom,
knowledge, intelligence, tolerance, Nubuwwah and the ability to pass sound
judgement. Hadhrat Abu Hayyaan Andalusi aldo, has stated that Hikmah refers to
speech that contains profound lessons, which affect the heart and which people
remember in order to pass it on to others.
Hadbrat Lugmaan t in the Qur'aan
There is a Surah in the Qur'aan named after Hadhrat Luqmaan t. The Qur'aan
does not concern itself with the lineage and identity of Hadhrat Luqmaan t since
this does not affect the words of wisdom that he imparted. What is evident from
his words is that he was not the average person, but someone of high esteem.
The narration that the historian Ibn Is'haaq has narrated from Hadhrat Abdullaah
bin Abbaas t contains some of the statements of Hadhrat Luqmaan t, but also
does not provide details about whether he was a Nabi or not. It is for this reason
that most Mufassireen are of the opinion that he was not a Nabi, but a pious
Wali of Allaah. The Qur'aan praises him and quotes the advices he gave to his
son, who was the most beloved of creation to him.
315 Ibn Katheer.
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In the Words of the Qur' aan
Verses 12-19 of Surah Luqmaan state:
وَلَقَدْ أَتَّيْنَا لُقْمُنَ الْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلّهِ * وَمَنْ يَّشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِمِ نَّ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ غَنِىٌّ حَمِيْدٌ (١٢)
وَ إِذْ قَالَ لُقْمُنُ لِابْنِمٍ وَبُوَ يَعِظُمْ يُبْنَىَّ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِاللهِ * إِنَّ الشَّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ (١٣) وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ
بِوَالِدَيْهِ وَ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهَ وَبْنًا عَلَى وَبْنٍ وَّ فِصِلُمَّ فِيْ عَامَيْنِ آَنِ اشْكُرْلِىْ وَ لِوَ الِدَيْكَ ن﴿ إِلَىَّ الْمَصِيْرُ (١٢) وَ
إِنْ جَابَدَكَ عَلَى أَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِئْ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِه عِلْمٌ ﴿ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِى الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوْفًا وْ وَاتَّبَعْ سَبِيْلَ
مَنْ أَذَابَ إِلَىَّ ◌َّ ثُمَّ إِلَىَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُوْنَ (١٥) يُبْنَىَّ إِنَّهَا إِنْ تَكُ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ
فَتَكُنْ فِىْ صَخْرَةٍ أَوْ فِى السَّمُوتِ أَوْ فِى الْأَرْضِ يَأْتِ بِهَا اللهُ ﴿ إِنَّ اللّهَ لَطِيْفٌ خَبِيرٌ (١٢) يُبْنَىَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلَوةَ
وَأمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلَى مَا أَصَابَكَ * إِنَّ ذَلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُوْرِ (١٧٩) وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ
خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِى الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ن * إِنَّ اللهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُوْرٍ (١٨٩) وَاقْصِدْ فِىْ مَشْبِكَ
وَاغْضُضْ مِنْ صَوْتِكَ ن﴿ إِنَّ انْكَرَ الْأَصْوَاتِ لَصَوْتُ الْحَمِيْرِ (١٩)
TRANSLATION: We certainly granted (great) wisdom to Luqmaan (inspiring him) to express
gratitude to Allaah (for the knowledge and wisdom Allaah gave him). Whoever is grateful to
Allaah, expresses gratitude for his own benefit (because his gratitude benefits only himself
when Allaah rewards him and increases His favours to him). As for him who is ungrateful, Allaah
is certainly Independent (not in need of his gratitude), Most Worthy of praise (Allaah deserves
praise regardless of whether man praises Him or not). (The time deserves mention) When Luqmaan
advised his son saying, "O my beloved son! Do not ascribe partners to Allaah. Without
doubt, Shirk is the worst injustice (because it equates unworthy beings with Allaah).
We have given man (emphatic) instructions concerning his parents (to treat them
kindly and to make every effort to please them). His mother (most deserves his
respect and service because she) carried him (in her womb) in (a condition that
she suffered) weakness upon weakness and (after his birth she still had to suckle
him because) his weaning is in two years. (The emphatic instruction to man
concerning his parents was) "Express gratitude to Me (first) and to your parents
(next). (Do not neglect this instruction because) Your return will be to Me (in the
Aakhirah when you will be taken to task for your disobedience)."
(While you should always obey your parents, you may not obey them when they command you to do
anything that violates the Shari'ah. Therefore,) If they (your parents) force you to ascribe such
partners to Me, about which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them but (this is no
excuse to ill-treat them or to sever relations with them because you should still) cordially associate
with them in this world. Follow the path of him who turns to Me. Thereafter, (after you
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have lived your life in this world,) your return will be to Me (after death) and I will inform you
of what you used to do (when I shall reward the good and punish the evil).
(Luqmaan also advised his son saying,)"O my beloved son! If there has to be an action
equivalent to the weight of a mustard seed (hidden) within a rock or (scattered somewhere)
in the heavens or (somewhere) in the earth, Allaah would (locate it and) bring it (for reward or
punishment in the Aakhirah). Without doubt, Allaah is (the Knower of) the subtle (has knowledge
of the most intricate and subtle details), Informed (nothing is hidden from Him)."
"O my beloved son! Establish salaah, instruct (others to do) good, forbid (them from) evil and
patiently endure whatever (difficulty) afflicts you. Verily, this (ability to bear difficulties with
patience) is from among the most resolute of matters (demanding the most courage and
determination). Do not (out of pride) turn your face away from people (refusing to listen to
them) and do not walk arrogantly on earth. Verily Allaah detests every arrogant boaster.
Moderate your walk (be calm, composed and modest) and lower your voice (speak gently to
people). Indeed, the most hateful sound is the braying of a donkey (which ends in a high pitch
that grates one's ears. People should therefore avoid speaking in this manner)."
Summary of his Teachings
The most important of the wise advices that Hadhrat Luqmaan t gave to his son
was to avoid Shirk because this is an incredibly serious act of injustice, which
distinguishes a Mu'min from a Mushrik. It is an act of great injustice because it
equates other beings with Allaah, our Creator and Sustainer when they play no
part in creation or sustaining. How can due be given to anyone else for what
Allaah is solely responsible for? This is regarded to be the worst form of injustice
and is therefore unpardonable.
A narration of Bukhaari states that the Sahabah w were very concerned when
Allaah revealed the verse, "Those who have Imaan and do not mix their Imaan with
any injustice, only such people will have safety (from punishment and from worries) and only
they are rightly guided".316 The Sahabah w asked, "O Rasulullaah p! There is no one
who has not perpetrated some sort of injustice in their lives." Rasulullaah p
316
Surah An'aam, verse 83.
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replied, "That is not the meaning of the verse. Have you not read the statement
of Luqmaan when he said, 'O my beloved son! Do not ascribe partners to Allaah.
Without doubt, Shirk is the worst injustice"".
This means that the injustice referred to in the verse is Shirk, which will deny a
person safety in the Aakhirah. It is evident that a person wishes the best for his
children. While a person may want to deceive and mislead others, he will never
do so for his own children. Therefore, the emphasis on avoiding Shirk was the
best and sincerest advice Hadhrat Luqmaan t could have given to anyone. This
leads us to understand that Shirk is definitely the worse crime one can ever
commit. This is because Shirk causes all other deeds to be worthless. Allaah says,
"The example of the one who ascribes partners to Allaah (the Mushrik) is like one who has
fallen from the sky, to have his remains snatched up by birds or blown off to a distant
place by the wind" .317
It is sad that despite being saved from the scourge of Shirk, Mu'mineen today do
not save themselves from the effects of Shirk and give no importance to saving
themselves from it.
Surah Hajj, verse 31.
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Lessons and Conclusions
Allaah is the Knower and the Informed One
In his advice to his son, Hadhrat Luqmaan t said, "O my beloved son! If there has to
be an action equivalent to the weight of a mustard seed (hidden) within a rock or (scattered
somewhere) in the heavens or (somewhere) in the earth, Allaah would (locate it and) bring it
(for reward or punishment in the Aakhirah). Without doubt, Allaah is (the Knower of) the subtle
(has knowledge of the most intricate and subtle details), Informed (nothing is hidden from Him)".
Whereas physical things hidden in the darkness of the earth or outer space will
remain hidden to us, none of it escapes the knowledge of Allaah. Man can
therefore never hope to hide anything from Allaah and will be held accountable
for everything he does wrong. Allaah declares that on the Day of Qiyaamah,
people "will find their actions (which they carried out in the world) present (written in their
records, regardless of how insignificant it may have been)" .318
The Fabric of Pride
Hadhrat Luqmaan t said, "Do not (out of pride) turn your face away from people". The
literal meaning of the Arabic word Sa'ir (-) is a condition afflicting the necks
of camels, which causes them to keep their heads turned in one direction all the
time. It is from this that the Arabs used the word to coin the phrase "turning
your head like a camel", which refers to turning one's face away from people out
of pride. This is referred to in this verse. When people are afflicted with the
illness of arrogance, they begin to turn their faces away from others because
they regard others to be inferior to themselves. If left unchecked, factors such
as wealth, beauty, knowledge, fame, leadership, strength and lineage can create
318
Surah Kahaf, verse 49.
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pride within a person. However, a person can became an angel if he bears in
mind that the power, grandeur and control that Allaah is much more superior.
Hadhrat Luqmaan t also advised, "and do not walk arrogantly on earth. Verily Allaah
detests every arrogant boaster. Moderate your walk". A person is considered arrogant
and vain when he regards himself to be something of great worth and expresses
this to others. It is then that he develops a gait of pride when walking so that
people may consider him to be someone great. When this happens, it indicates
that his head is truly swollen.
The Shari'ah encourages moderation in everything, even to extent of one's
manner of walking because this will encourage humility. Walking with pride
makes it evident to others that a person is obsessed with himself and looks down
upon others. Allaah states in another verse, "And do not walk haughtily on earth
(strutting with your heads in the air). You can certainly not tear the earth open (with your
strutting), nor can you reach the height of the mountains (by lifting your heads in the air. This
proud manner of walking is therefore futile because you cannot achieve anything by it)" .319
On the contrary, when one walks moderately, it is a clear indication that he has
humility and dignity within his heart. However, there are occasions when a
proud person walks with his head lowered because his morale has been crushed
by circumstances. Hadhrat Luqmaan t therefore advised that one walks in the
manner that the average person of dignity walks so that pride is not evident, nor
the vanity of being a very humble person. This moderation in walking can be
learnt from the following incidents of the Sahabah y:
319 Surah Bani Israa'eel, verse 37.
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· When Hadhrat Umar t once saw a man walking with his head hanging very
low, he called to him and said, "Lift up your head because Islaam is not ill."
. When he saw another man like this, Hadhrat Umar t said to him, "Why are
you portraying a negative impression of our Deen?"
· When Hadhrat Aa'isha wie al genio, once saw a man walking in a manner that he
appeared to be utterly exhausted. When she enquired from others what the
matter was, she was informed that he was one of the Qurraa (those very
learned in the Qur'aan). To this, Hadhrat Aa'isha wal remarked, "Umar t
was the leader of the Qurraa, but his walk was energetic and his speech was
loud and clear."
Describing the pious servants of Allaah, the Qur'aan states, "Ar Rahmaan's
bondsmen are those who walk on earth in humility".320 This describes a manner of
walking that would give a stranger the impression of a dignified and calm person.
When the Sahabah w described the walk of Rasulullaah p, they would state that
he walked with firm steps, like a person who is walking downhill.
A person's walk is the first window to his character and disposition. It betrays
whether the person is a criminal, a boastful person, a dignified man, a wealthy
man, a poor man, a righteous man and any other type of person he may be. It
is therefore seen that people have different manner so walking. May Allaah
grant us all the ability to walk like His pious and righteous servants.
The Wisdom of Hadhrat Lugmaan T
The words of Hadhrat Luqmaan t were commonly quoted and related amongst
the Arabs and are many in number. Amongst the many that have been quoted
by the Sahabah w and Taabi'een are the following:
320
Surah Furqaan, verse 63.
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1. Wisdom and intelligence make a king out of a pauper
2. When attending a gathering, be sure to first greet with Salaam, sit at the end
and do not say anything until you have first heard what is being said. If the
people are engaged in the remembrance of Allaah, then join them. However,
if they are wasting time, then leave them and seek better company
3. When Allaah has granted anyone a responsibility, then it is his bounden duty
to fulfil it
4. Dear son! Fear Allaah, but never express this fear out of show so that people
may respect you because of it. In that case, your heart will be guilty of a sin
5. Dear son! Never befriend an ignorant person because he would think that
you are fond of his ignorant talk. You should also never ignore the
dissatisfaction of an intelligent person, for this may cause him to leave you
6. You should know that the power of Allaah is upon the tongue of the
intelligent ones
7. Dear son! There can be no regrets for remaining silent. If speech is silver,
then silence is golden
8. Dear son! If you remain aloof from evil, it will remain aloof from you because
evil can only arise from evil
9. Dear son! Never lose your temper because this kills the heart of even the
most intelligent people
10. Dear son! Always speak kindly and display good character because this will
cause you to become more beloved in the eyes of the people than those
who are charitable towards them
11. Kind speech is at the root of intellect
12. You shall reap what you sow
13. Always show concern for your own friends as well as the friends of your
father
14. When someone asked him who the most patient person was, he replied,
"The one whose patience is not followed by hurt." When asked who the
most knowledgeable person was, he replied, "The one who supplements his
own knowledge with the knowledge of others." When asked who the best of
people was, he replied, "The wealthy one." When the person then asked if
he was referring to someone with monetary wealth, he clarified, "No. The
wealthy one is he who, when he searches himself, he finds a wealth of good
and is independent of others
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15. When asked who the worst of people was, he replied, "The one who does
not care that people would form a negative opinion of him when they see
the evil he perpetrates
16. Dear son! It is best to entertain only the righteous ones at your table and
seek counsel only from the true Ulema 321
321 Tafseer Ibn Katheer (Vol.3) and Taareekh Ibn Katheer (Vol.2)
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The People of the Sabbath
The People of the Sabbath in the Qur'aan
The People of the Sabbath (As'haabus Sabt) have been mentioned in the
following five Surahs of the Qur'aan:
1. Surah Baqarah, verses 65-66
2. Surah Nisaa, verses 47, 154
3. Surah Maa'idah, verse 60
4. Surah A'raaf, verses 163-166
5. Surah Nahl, verse 124
The Sabbath (Saturday)
It has been discussed previously that the Haneef religion chosen by Allaah had
been propagated from the time of Hadhrat Ibraheem v. The principles of this
Deen were transmitted to the people of the world through the progenies of the
two sons of Hadhrat Ibraheem v, who were Hadhrat Is'haaq v and Hadhrat
Ismaa'eel v. Although various injunctions of the Deen propagated by the various
Ambiyaa pulse of the Bani Israa'eel may have differed according to the times, the
principles of this Deen as well as the hallmarks remained the same.
However, the progeny of Hadhrat Israa'eel v (Hadhrat Ya'qoob v), who were
known as the Bani Israa'eel were unnecessarily dogmatic in their practices and
attracted harsh regulations to be placed upon them through this behaviour. An
example of this is when they opposed the command of having Fridays specified
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as a day of Ibaadah, as it had been from the time of Hadhrat Ibraheem v. They
insisted that Hadhrat Moosa u get it changed to a Saturday. Although Hadhrat
Moosa v tried his best to convince them that they were being bigots and should
adhere to the Deen of Hadhrat Ibraheem v. He told them that they should not
seek to alter something that distinguished them from others and which was
chosen by Allaah.
However, when their persistence exceeded all bounds, Allaah revealed to
Hadhrat Moosa v that the Bani Israa'eel will henceforth be deprived of the
blessings and good fortune of Friday and that Saturdays would be allocated to
them. However, they were cautioned to show due regard for the sanctity of the
Saturday by engaging only in worship and not in any trade, farming, hunting or
fishing. The Bani Israa'eel managed to abide by this restriction for a while, but
their baser selves soon got the better of them and they started to exercise
negligence in the matter until they became divided amongst themselves on the
issue.
In the Words of the Qur'an
With reference to the division between them on this matter, verse 124 of Surah
Nahl states:
إِنَّمَا جُعِلَ السَّبْتُ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ اخْتَلْفُوْا فِيْهِ * وَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَيَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيْمَةِ فِيْمَا كَانُوْا فِيْمِ يَخْتَلِفُوْنَ (١٢٣)
TRANSLATION: Reverence of the Sabbath (Saturdays) was ordained only for those (Jews)
who differed about it (when some of them held the day sacred while others did not).
Undoubtedly your Rabb will decide between them on the Day of Qiyaamah concerning the
matters about which they differed.
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Verse 154 of Surah Nisaa states:
قُلْنَا لَهُمْ لَا تَعْدُوْا فِى السَّبْتِ وَآَخَذْنَا مِنْهُمْ مَّيْنَاقًا غَلِيْظًا (١٥٣)
TRANSLATION: We also told them, "Do not overstep the limits of the Sabbath (by doing
what We have forbidden you from doing) !" and We took from them a firm pledge (which they
failed to fulfil).
The Jews (Bani Israa'eel) opposed this injunction during the time of the Nabi
Yarmiya v (Jeremiah) between the years 628 and 586 B.C. when outside tribes
used to arrive in Jerusalem on Saturday with their trading goods. Despite the
warnings of their Nabi, the Jews failed to heed and continued to violate the
sanctity of the Sabbath by trading. During the years 595 and 536 B.C. they again
violated the Sabbath during the time of Hadhrat Hizqeel v, despite his advices.
Rasulullaah p said, "We (Muslims) are the last (to come) but (will be) the
foremost on the Day of Resurrection though the former nations were given the
Holy Scriptures before us. This (Friday) was their day the celebration which was
made compulsory for them, but they differed about it. So Allaah gave us the
guidance for it (Friday) and all the other people are behind us in this respect; the
Jews' (holy day is) tomorrow (i.e. Saturday) and the Christians' (day is) the day
after tomorrow (i.e. Sunday)."
Details of the Story
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It was for a long period of time that the Bani Israa'eel managed to honour the
sanctity of the Sabbath and abide by the restrictions imposed upon them.
However, as time progressed, some individuals started to secretly violate the
codes, after which more and more people joined in. Eventually, there were many
people doing it publicly and even boasting about the schemes they devised to
circumvent the restrictions. They were eventually punished for these crimes and
humiliated in this very world. This is the broad picture.
If we discuss the situation in more detail, we need to mention that it was a while
after the demise of Hadhrat Moosa u that some of the Bani Israa'eel settled on
the shores of the Bahr Qulzum. Historians believe that this may have been in the
town of Ayla or Aylaat, which has now been converted into a port by the Jewish
state of Israel and is close to the Jordanian port of Aqabah. Because they lived by
the seaside, the people loved fishing, were fishermen by trade and caught and
sold fish for their livelihood. They therefore engaged in their occupation of
fishing for six days of the week and then devoted the Saturday to the Ibaadah of
Allaah.
It was then that the test came. While the fish swam beneath the surface of the
water throughout the week, they made themselves apparent during Saturdays,
when they swam at the surface. When a group of people incline towards the
disobedience of Allaah, Allaah creates opportunities for them to engage in
disobedience so that it is made apparent from beneath the surface. It is then
that they are taken to task when they fail to exercise restraint.
In this case, the fish became plentiful and very easy to catch during Saturdays,
proving to be a tremendous temptation for the Jews. When some of them were
unable to fight the temptation, they devised plans to catch the fish, while still
appearing to abide by the restrictions of the Sabbath. Consequently, some of
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them dug canals from the shore, which led to dams. They opened up the canals
on Fridays so that the water flowing into them from the sea would carry the fish
with it and deposit them into the dams. Unable to escape back upstream, the
fish would be trapped in the dams and easily picked out on Sundays. Some
others would cast their nets into the sea on Fridays and leave them in the water
all of Saturday. By the time they hauled them in on Sunday, the nets would be
full of fish.
The people boasted about these schemes of theirs and would not desist despite
many warnings from their scholars. They argued that they were not engaging in
fishing on the day of the Sabbath, but only on the day after. In this manner, they
deceived themselves as well as many others. Eventually, they managed to
persuade a large number of people into doing the same until the Sabbath was
reduced to a day like any other.
Despite this decay in their society, there still remained a large group which did
their best to dissuade the violators from their evil. When the people refused to
heed the advice, the group of good doers fragmented into two factions. One
faction declared that it was futile to continue advising the sinners since they
refused to heed. They therefore stopped advising them and decided to await
until the punishment from Allaah strikes them.
However, the other faction continued their efforts to reform the sinners, stating
that they did so in order to be able to tell Allaah on the Day of Qiyaamah that
they did their best in Amr bil Ma'roof wan Nahy anil Munkar. They refused to
lose hope and fulfilled their duty. Mufassireen write that when this faction
realised that the sinners would not heed, they severed all ties with them by
disassociating and even stopping business dealings. In fact, some narrations
state that they even divided the town in two so that they could remain physically
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separated from the sinful ones. One day, they noticed that the section of the
town occupied by the sinners was unusually silent. Upon investigation, they
discovered that it was occupied only by apes and swine. Hadhrat Qataadah dil das ,
writes that Allaah transfigured the youth of those people into apes and the
elders into swine. As they looked at them, they could recognise their relatives
and acquaintances beneath the transfigured forms, but could do nothing for
them. The transfigured people wept bitterly over their fate, but it was too late.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
Verses 163-166 of Surah A'raaf state:
وَسْتَلْهُمْ عَنِ الْقَرْيَةِ الَّتِيْ كَانَتْ حَاضِرَةَ الْبَحْرِ إِذْ يَعْدُوْنَ فِى السَّبْتِ إِذْ تَأْتِهِمْ حِيْتَانُهُمْ يَوْمَ سَبْتِمْ شُرَّعًا وَّيَوْمَ
لَا يَسْبِتُوْنَ " لَا تَأْتِيْهِمْ ◌ْ كَذَلِكَ ◌ّنْ نَبْلُوْبُمْ بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْسُقُوْنَ (١٣) وَ إِذَ قَالَتْ أُمَّةٌّ مِّنْهُمْ لِمَ تَعِظُوْنَ قَوْمًّا" اللهُ
مُبْلِكُهُمْ أَوْ مُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيْدًا ﴾ قَالُوا مَعْذِرَةً إِلَى رَبِّكُمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُوْنَ (١٣) فَلَمَّا نَسُوْا مَا ذُكِّرُوْا بِمَ اَنْحَيْنَا
الَّذِيْنَ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ السُّوْءِ وَآَخَذْنَا الَّذِيْنَ ظَلَمُوْا بِعَذَابٍ بَئِيْسٍ بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْسُقُوْنَ (١٥) فَلَمَّا عَتَوْا عَنْ مَّا نُهُوْا
عَنْمُ قُلْنَا لَهُمْ كُوْنُوْا قِرَدَةً خُسِنِيْنَ (١۶۶)
TRANSLATION: Ask them about the village that was at the seaside; (ask them about the
time) when they (the Jewish people of the village) failed to honour the Sabbath (they were
prohibited from fishing on Saturdays, but failed to abide by the prohibition, as mentioned ahead). (Ask
them about the time) When their fish would be (so abundant that they were actually) visible
from the surface (of the water) on Saturdays, but would not come (in such large numbers) on
other days. In this manner did We test them because of their disobedience (the temptation
of fishing on Saturdays tested their will-power to abide by Allaah's command). (As a result, the
community divided into three groups. One group violated the prohibition, a second refrained from
fishing and also tried to stop the first group, whereas a third group refrained from fishing and also
refrained from stopping the first group.) When a party of them (the third group) said (to the
second group), "Why do you advise people (the first group) whom Allaah shall destroy or
afflict with a severe punishment?" They (the second group) replied, "(We are trying to stop
them) To be absolved (excused) of guilt before your Rabb (so that Allaah does not ask us why
we did not make an effort to stop them from sin) and so that they may abstain (from fishing and
be saved from punishment)." When they (the first group) forgot (ignored) the advice given to
them (by the second group), We saved those who used to forbid evil (the second group) and
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We seized those who did wrong (the first group) with a terrible punishment because of their
disobedience. (Because they disliked violating Allaah's command, the third group were also saved
from punishment.) When they transgressed (overstepped the limits of) that which they were
prohibited from (doing), We told them, "Become humiliated monkeys!" (They were then
transformed into monkeys and lived like monkeys for three days before dying.)
Verses 65-66 of Surah Baqarah state:
وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ الَّذِيْنَ اعْتَدَوْا مِنْكُمْ فِى السَّبْتِ فَقُلْنَا لَهُمْ كُوْنُوْا قِرَدَةً خُسِنِّيْنَ (٥٣) فَجَعَلْنُهَا نَكَالًا لَّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهَا وَمَا
خَلْفَهَا وَمَوْعِظَةَّ لَلْمُتَّقِيْنَ (۶۶)
TRANSLATION: You (the people of the Bani Israa'eel) are certainly well aware of those from
you who failed to honour the Sabbath (by fishing on Saturdays when they were prohibited from
doing so). So We told them, "Become hated and cursed monkeys!" (They were turned into
monkeys and died after three days) We made it (their punishment) an example (an admonition)
for those who were present before them as well as for those after them, and a lesson (a
warning) for those who fear Allaah (because it is only such people who will heed the lesson).
Verse 60 of Surah Maa'idah states:
قُلْ بَلْ أُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِشَرٍّ مِّنْ ذُلِكَ مَثُّوْبَةً عِنْدَ اللهِ * مَنْ لَّعَنَهُ اللهُ وَغَضِبَ عَلَيْهِ وَجَعَلَ مِنْهُمُ الْقِرَدَةَ وَالْخَنَازِيْرَ وَعَبَدَ
الطَّاغُوْتَ * أُولَئِكَ شَرٌّ مَّكَانًا وَ أَضَلُّ عَنْ سَوَاءِ السَّبِيْلِ (٢٠)
TRANSLATION: Say, "(If you dislike us,) Shall I inform you of someone deserving worse
punishment from Allaah? (They are) The ones whom Allaah has cursed, is angry with, some
of whom He has transformed into monkeys and pigs and (those) who worship the
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Shaytaan (by doing whatever he directs). These people are in the worst of positions (heading
towards Jahannam) and have strayed the most from the right (straight) path." (The people
being referred to here are the Jews.)
Verse 47 of Surah Nisaa states:
يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ أُوْتُوا الْكِتْبَ أُمِنُوْا بِمَا نَزَّلْنَا مُصَدِّقًا لَّمَا مَعَكُمْ مِّنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ نَطْمِسَ وُجُوْبًا فَرُدَّبَا عَلَى أَدْبَارِبَا أَوْ
فَلْعَنَهُمْ كَمَا لَعَنَّا أَصْحُبَ السَّبْتِ ﴿ وَكَانَ أَمْرُ اللهِ مَفْعُوْلًا (٣٧)
TRANSLATION: O Ahlul Kitaab! Believe in what We have revealed (to Muhammad ), which
verifies what (revelation) is with you (in the Torah and Injeel concerning Towheed, Risaalah,
Qiyaamah, etc) before We disfigure faces (completely changing their appearance), turning them
around (into animals), or (before) We curse them as We had cursed the people of the
Sabbath (see Surah Nisaa, verse 65 and Surah A'raaf verses 163-166). The decree of Allaah shall
(certainly) come to pass.
The Location of the Accursed Town
Surah A'raaf merely refers to the town as one that was located at the seaside.
However, Mufassireen differ about the name of the town. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin
Abbaas t stated that it was the town of Madyan to which Hadhrat Shu'ayb v was
sent as a messenger. Hadhrat Ibn Zaid aly states that it was called Matnaa and
was located between Madyan and Aynuna. Hadhrat Ikramah il das ), Hadhrat
Mujaahid ail das, as well as Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t in another narration
state that it was a place called Ayla, located on the shore of the Bahr Qulzum.
They state that Hadhrat Sulaymaan u had made the town an important port for
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both naval and trade purposes. Arab scholars suggest that the town was located
on the road from Egypt to Makkah. 322
Neither the religious nor historical books of the Jews speak about this incident at
all. However, the manner in which the Qur'aan discusses it makes it evident that
the Jews knew well about it. This is corroborated by the fact that although they
were bent on finding every error in the Qur'aan, they did not once object to the
reference the Qur'aan made to this incident.
When did this Occur?
The Qur'aan does not specify the period during which this incident occurred, nor
does it name the Nabi u alive at the time since these details are not pertinent to
the lesson that the Qur'aan wishes to draw attention to. However, some
Mufassireen such as Shah Abdul Qaadir al. have deduced from the indications in
the Qur'aan that this occurred during the time of Hadhrat Dawood v. It is the
opinion of the author of Qasasul Qur'aan that it occurred in Ayla between the
times of Hadhrat Moosa v and Hadhrat Dawood u when there was no Nabi in
Ayla to guide the people. The duty of Amr bil Ma'roof wan Nahy anil Munkar
therefore fell to the scholars of the Deen at the time. It is for this reason that the
Qur'aan speaks only of these people and not of any Nabi v. If it had occurred
during the time of any Nabi such as Hadhrat Dawood v, it would have been
impossible for him to ignore the reformation of people who were to suffer the
terribly humiliating punishment of transfiguration. Had he paid attention to their
reformation, it would then be impossible for the Qur'aan to ignore his efforts
and speak only of the efforts of a group of people engaged in Amr bil Ma'roof
wan Nahy anil Munkar. It may therefore be accurately concluded that this
incident did not take place during the time of Hadhrat Moosa v or Hadhrat
Dawood v, but during a time when no Nabi was amongst the people.
322
Fat'hul Baari (Vol.6).
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The above is the opinion of the author of Qasasul Qur'aan, which I am disinclined
to accept because not mentioning a Nabi does not necessarily imply the absence
of a Nabi. In fact, the transfiguration of the nation was the direct result of the
curse of a Nabi, as stated in verses 78 and 79 of Surah Maa'idah, where Allaah
says, "Those of the Bani Israa'eel who committed kufr were cursed on the tongues of
Dawood v and Isa the son of Maryam. That was because they were disobedient and they
overstepped the limits (of their religion). (Among the reasons for which they were cursed was that)
They would never prevent each other from the evil that they used to carry out. Evil indeed
was that which they did (not preventing each other from sinful acts). (Failing to stop evil when
able to do so is a major sin)".
Now if this incident occurred between the periods of Hadhrat Moosa v and
Hadhrat Dawood v as the author of Qasasul Qur'aan states, why would the
people be cursed by Hadhrat Dawood v? It therefore seems obvious that the
incident occurred during his time, as stated by Shah Abdul Qaadir al . And Allaah
knows best.
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