In the name of God, the Merciful, the Beneficent
Truly, successful shall be the believers,
Who humble themselves in their prayer,
Who turn away from all that is frivolous,
Who are active in deeds of charity,
Who refrain from sex except with those joined to them in marriage, or those whom they rightfully possess – for then, they are free of all blame,
Whereas those who seek to go beyond that (limit) are indeed transgressors,
Who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges,
And who are diligent in their prayers.
These shall be the heirs
That will inherit the paradise; therein shall they abide.
(The Believers, Al-Muminoon: 23: 1-11)
The surah spreads an air of explanation and factual statements, mixed with calm argument, pure logic and inspiring touches. Its subject matter is faith, and faith gives it its special ambience. At the beginning we see the believers “who humble themselves in their prayer,” and in the middle they are described in the following terms: “They give whatever they may give with their hearts trembling at the thought that to their Lord they must return.” (Verse 60) And for an example of the inspiring touches we may take: “It is He who has endowed you with hearing, and sight, and minds: yet how seldom are you grateful.” (Verse 78). Indeed the entire surah reflects a gentle air of faith.
“Truly, successful shall be the believers.” It is a true promise; nay, it is a firm decision ensuring success for the believers. If we take it as a promise, God never fails to honor His promises; and if we say that it is His decision, then no one can ever foil a decision by God. What is promised is success in the life of this world and in the life to come; success for the individual believer and for the community of believers. A believer will feel this success in his heart and will see it coming true in his practical life. The success God promises includes all that human beings associate with success and what God keeps in store for His faithful servants.
So, who are those faithful servants, the believers who receive this document written by God, containing this promise and a clear declaration of success? Who are the believers promised all goodness, victory, happiness, success and goodly provisions in this life on earth; and promised further to be successful in the hereafter, when they receive God’s reward and enjoy His pleasure? They will also have much more that is known only to God, and this will be given in their two lives. Who are these believers who will inherit paradise where they will abide?
Verses 2-9 give us a detailed list of their characteristics. They are the ones “Who humble themselves in their prayer; who turn away from all that is frivolous; who are active in deeds of charity; who refrain from sex, except with those joined to them in marriage, or those whom they rightfully possess – for then, they are free of all blame, whereas those who seek to go beyond that (limit) are indeed transgressors – who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges; and who are diligent in their prayers.” So, what do we make up of these characteristics?
Together they draw for us the character of a Muslim in its highest level. That is the level of Muhammad (peace be upon him), God’s Messenger and the most perfect human being ever to walk on the face of the earth. He was educated and given a refined character by God, and God certifies his noble character and way of life: “Truly, yours is a sublime nature.” (68: 4) Aishah, the Prophet’s wife, was asked about his character. Her answer was: “His character was the Qur’an in practice.” She then recited verses 1-9 of the present surah, and commented, “Such was God’s Messenger.” (Related by Al-Nassa’i)
But we ask again: what value do these characteristics give to the life of the individual, the community and to human life in general?
“Who humble themselves in their prayer.” They feel the reverence associated with prayer, as they stand up to address God, and their hearts is thus filled with awe, which is, in turn, reflected in their features and movements. Their spirits feel God’s majesty as they realize that they stand in His presence. Thus, all their preoccupations and distractions disappear. Their thoughts and feelings are all concentrated on their discourse with Him. In His sublime presence, they are heedless of all their surroundings. They see and feel nothing but His majesty. Their minds and hearts are purged of even the slightest alien thought or feeling. In such a situation, a stray atom is reunited with its source, a wandering spirit finds its way, and a heart that has been long in isolation finds its company. Thus, all values, concerns and considerations diminish, except for the ones that are related to God in some way.
“Who turn away from all that is frivolous.” This includes all frivolity, in words, actions, or concerns. A believer’s heart has its own preoccupations which keep it away from frivolity. It is full with the remembrance of God and with reflecting on His majesty and His signs that we see everywhere in the universe and within ourselves. Indeed, every scene in the universe fills our minds with wonder and gives a clear message to our hearts. Moreover, the duties required by faith keep a believer preoccupied with maintaining the purity of his or her heart, soul and conscience. Believers’ duties include those of behavior which aim at maintaining the very high behavior standards required by faith. Moreover, the task of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong aims at preventing any deviation in the life of the Muslim community. Jihad is also a duty that aims to repel aggression, protect the Muslim community and maintain its position and sovereignty. These duties are always there, and believers do not shirk their responsibilities. These are either individual or collective duties, sufficient to preoccupy people throughout their lives. Man’s energy is limited, and it may either be spent in what serves and improves human life, or in frivolity and idle pursuits. By his faith, a believer is required to spend all his energy in what promotes life and sets it on the course of success and prosperity.
This does not preclude relaxation and seeking comfort when it is needed. But this is totally different from indulging in frivolous and idle pursuits.
We will continue our discussion of the qualities of true believers next week, God willing.
Arab News Islam 24 January 2003
