Article appeared Friday, November 11th, 2011 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (203)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Most of us say we believe in the Creator. Is it possible then for a proclaimed believer to demonstrate disbelief? If yes how? To understand, let us analyze the story of Satan also called Iblis as given in the most recent Revelation, the Quran. The Verses below demonstrate the response of Iblis to a command given by the Creator. It is We who created you (all) and gave you shape; then We bade the angels bow down to Adam and they bowed down; not so Iblis; he refused to be of those who bow down. [7.11] Not only did Iblis disobey a direct command, he followed up with a logical justification while demonstrating arrogance. (Allah then) asked: "what prevented you from bowing down when I commanded you?" He said: "I am better than he: you did create me from fire and him from clay." [7.12] To whom did Iblis offer this logic? To the one who had created him in the first place! By giving a justification, the implication is that Iblis proposed to have logic better than the one who had created him! How did our Creator respond to this implication? (Allah) said: "Get down from this (high location): it is not for you to be arrogant here: get out for you are of the meanest (of creatures)." [7.13] So although Iblis was honored with direct contact with the Creator, he became a disbeliever by demonstrating his arrogance [2.34]. In contrast, when Adam and Eve collectively broke the command of their Lord, having followed the advice of Iblis [7.20 7.22], they were repentant and sought His Forgiveness. They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: if You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your Mercy we shall certainly be lost." [7.23] On earth, as the progeny of Adam and Eve, when and if we happen to break the commandments of our Creator, our job is to be repentant and ask for forgiveness. We said: "Get you down all from here; and if as is sure there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows My Guidance (Revelation) on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. [2.38] However, Iblis helps us find logic even to avoid the study of Revelation. Our Creator, being Most Merciful informs us of ways in which Iblis continues to trick us into not studying Revelation. Undoubtedly Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal: verily He loves not the arrogant. When it is said to them "What is it that your Lord has revealed?" They say "Tales of the ancients! [16.23 16.24] Allah tells us that many of us feel that the Revelation was for those who have passed away we are now much more civilized! However, what will be the fate of those who do not study Revelation and find logic to disobey the commands of our Creator following the example of Iblis? (Allah) said: "Get out from this disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow you hell will I fill with you all. [7.18] Incidentally, those who follow the example of Iblis need not be distant. They may be very near and dear to us, as Allah provides examples in the Quran:

Allah sets forth for an example to the Unbelievers the wife of Noah and the wife of Lut: they were (respectively) under two of Our righteous servants but they were false to their (husbands) and they profited nothing before Allah on their account but were told: "Enter you the fire along with (others) that enter!" [66.10] Unfortunately, the wives of both Noah and Lut did not follow their husbands attitude towards the Creator! So where does this leave us all? What is the way out? Our Creator gives the solution. Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious:... [16.125] And recite (teach yourself and others) what has been Revealed to you of the Book of your Lord: none can change His Words and none will you find as a refuge other than Him. [18.27] It is important to understand that teachings and preaching must be done in the language that is most easily understood by the person being spoken to. We sent an apostle except (to teach) in the language of his (own) people in order to make (things) clear to them... [14.4] To teach, one may have to leave his home on a daily basis. If one finds serious enmity and hostility, one may have to leave his home permanently. Allah guides such people:

4.100 He who forsakes his home in the cause of Allah finds in the earth many a refuge wide and spacious: should he die as a refugee from home for Allah and his Apostle his reward becomes due and sure with Allah: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful. 4.101 When you travel through the earth there is no blame on you if you shorten your prayers for fear the unbelievers may attack you: for the unbelievers are your open enemies.
If there is a possibility of physical attack, Allah allows precautions to be exercised and recommends taking turns during congregational prayers.

4.102 When you (O Apostle) are with them and stand to lead them in prayer let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with you taking their arms: when they finish their prostrations let them take their positions in the rear and let the other party come up which has not yet prayed and let them pray with you taking all precautions and bearing arms: the unbelievers wish if you were negligent of your arms and your baggage to assault you in a single rush but there is no blame on you if you put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or because you are ill; but take (every) precaution for yourselves. For the unbelievers Allah has prepared a humiliating punishment. 4.103 When you pass (congregational) prayers celebrate Allah's praises standing, sitting down or lying down on your sides; but when you are free from danger set up regular prayers: for such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.
If you fear (an enemy) pray on foot or riding (as may be most convenient) but when you are in security celebrate Allah's praises in the manner He has taught you which you knew not (before). [2.239]