When Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis
salaam) was told to submit to Allah Ta’ala, he responded that
he had submitted himself to the Rabb (Sustainer) of the Worlds.
…Some Mufassireen (Commentators) say that there are approximately
18 000 worlds.
Allah Ta’ala mentions this incident as follows: “
And remember when his Rabb said to him : ‘ Submit (thy
will to Me).’
“He said : ‘ I submit (my will) to the Lord
and Cherisher of the Universe.” [ Surah Al - Baqarah : 131
]
After Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam) made this declaration of
submission, there followed many trials and tests.
As a young man, he was faced with opposition from his father, who
was an idol-worshipper. When he invited his father to the worship
of Allah Ta’ala, his father opposed and threatened him :
He (the father) said : ‘Do you reject
my gods, O Ibraheem? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone
you. So get away from me safely before I punish you.’ [Surah
Maryam 19 :46]
Due to Hazrat Ibraheem’s (alayhis salaam)
rejection of idol-worship, and his preaching the message of Allah
Ta’ala, he was thrown into the fire by Namrud and his people:
“They said, ‘Build him a furnace
and throw him into the blazing fire.’ [Surah Saffaat : 97]
They said, “burn him and protect your
gods if you do (anything at all)!” [Surah Ambiyaa 21 : 68
]
It is stated that for an entire month, the people
of Namrud collected firewood, which they thereafter lit, fanning
it until it became an intense, blazing fire.
Using a catapult, they threw Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis
salaam) into the raging fire. However, The One who created fire
and gave it the attribute to burn, now commanded the fire to become
cool, as well as offer safety to Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam).
“We said, ‘O Fire ! Be you cool,
and (a means of) safety for Ibraheem.” [Surah Ambiyaa
21 : 68 / 69]
After being delivered from this test, saddened with
his people, he left his country (Iraq) and made Hijrah to a place
where he could worship Allah Ta’ala in peace, Syria.
Having no children, Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam)
thus made dua for a child:
“ O My Lord, grant me a righteous
son.” [Surah Saffaat 37 : 100]
In his old age, at the age of 86, Hazrat Ibraheem
(alayhis salaam) was blessed with a son.
“So We gave him the good news of a
boy ready to suffer and forbear.” [Surah Saffaat 37 : 101]
When the child became of age, Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis
salaam) was commanded to slaughter his son. What a great test!
“Then, when (the son) reached (the
age of) work with him, He said: ‘O my son! I see in a vision
that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what is your view?...”
[Surah Saffaat 37 : 102]
What must have gone through his heart? And likewise
the heart of Hazrat Ismaeel (alayhis salaam)?
But when Hazrat Ismaeel (alayhis salaam) was informed,
he told his father to do whatever he had been commanded to do.
“(The son) said : ‘O my father!
Do as you are commanded: You will find me, if Allah so wills, practising
patience and constancy.” [Surah Saffaat 37 : 102]
Their entire lives were lives of Obedience
and Submission. They were prepared to accept death but not prepared
to abandon or reject the Hukm (Order) of Allah Ta’ala.
Allah Ta’ala mentions the reply of Hazrat
Ismaeel (alayhis salaam). He said : “…Insha-Allah,
you will find me of the patient ones.”
Look at his humility. He did not say: “I
will be patient”; rather: “Insha-Allah ... if
Allah wills.”
His words clearly indicate the beautiful
qualities of humility, etiquette, trust in Allah Ta’ala, patience
and endurance. There was no claim whatsoever of pride, or boastfulness
or superiority or conceit.
Despite having to face so many trials and
tribulations, none of the Ambiya (alayhis salaam) made a claim of
being perfect. They did not rely on their own ability and capacity;
rather they focused on Allah Ta’ala. They made the effort
and trusted in Allah Ta’ala.
“So when they had both submitted
their wills (To Allah)…” [Surah Saffaat 37 :
103]
The word “ Aslamaa ”
alludes to the brave submission of father and son, without question.
The claim of Divine Love was made manifest in this immediate surrender
and compliance to Allah Ta’ala’s Command. …And
as is known, despite the repeated efforts made, the knife would
not cut the throat of Hazrat Ismaeel (alayhis salaam)…This
being by the Will of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala then
ransomed Hazrat Ismaeel (alayhis salaam) with a ram from heaven.
Allah Ta’ala states : “Thus
indeed do We reward those who do right” [Surah Saffaat 37
: 110]
Allah Ta’ala’s rewards encompass bounties
of this world and bounties of the next for that person who surrenders
himself to the commands of Allah Ta’ala and sacrifices his
desires solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.
We learn the lessons of SUBMISSION, OBEDIENCE, SACRIFICE
– attributes which are sorely lacking in our own lives.
We are commanded to submit ourselves to the Hukm
(Command) of Allah Ta’ala; whichever one is directed to us.
There are different Ahkaam: sometimes it is the
order of Salaah, sometimes it is the order not to perform Salaah;
but at EVERY given moment the Command of Taqwa is directed
to us, and that is we restrain ourselves from that which is Haraam.
Where is the truthfulness of our claim of Love and
Imaan, if we cannot comply to obedience?
We have not been commanded to sacrifice our sons.
We are only called to give up sins. Just don’t do
the sin. Don’t cast lustful gazes, don’t commit zina,
don’t gamble, don’t backbite, don’t do sins. …Don’t
do and get rewards. Don’t do (sins) and become the Friend
of Allah Ta’ala.
Nisbat (connection) with Allah Ta’ala is secured
only on Taqwa and obedience to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Once we have established friendship with Allah Ta’ala,
then no difficulty, no hardship, no adversity or suffering becomes
insurmountable, as is seen in the life of Khalilullah (Friend of
Allah), Hazrat Ibraheem (alayhis salaam).
We also learn that when we say we believe, then
we will be tested on our claim.
Allah Ta’ala states : “Do men
think that they will be left alone on saying, ‘We Believe’
and that they will not be tested?”
“We did test those before them, and
Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are
false.” [Surah Ankaboot 29 : 2]
“Or do you think that you shall enter
the Garden (of bliss) without such (Trials) as came to those who
passed away before you…” [Surah Baqarah 2 : 214]
These tests in life are to see who still remains sincere and faithful
to Allah Ta’ala – and who gives up and turns away from
Allah Ta’ala. Of course, we should not be asking for tests
and trials. We are weak. However, this world is a world of test.
From our side, we should always seek safety and aa’fiyat
(well-being), as has been taught by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi
wasallam).
An Aalim has beautifully described the understanding and approach
of a Believer in dealing with the tests of this worldly life :
“In whichever condition He keeps me,
It is the best condition for me;
Through whichever route He takes me,
It is the easiest route for me.”
In this journey of life, we are to establish and maintain our relationship
with Allah Ta’ala, no matter what the circumstance and conditions
we face…
For those who persevere and work hard to pass the examination of
this worldly life, there will be innumerable rewards :
‘ …Those who patiently
persevere will truly receive a reward without measure!” [Surah
Zumar 39 : 10]
And we ask Allah Ta’ala to make us ever-submissive to Him,
and that He grant us ease in the matter of life and death, grant
us well-being and the ability to maintain steadfastness in all conditions
of life. |