When man is a wrong­doer

The use of the word 'wrong­doer' in the Holy Qur'an is highly significant. 'Wrong­doing' consists in withholding someone's rights and the wrong­doer is one who withholds those rights from their legitimate claimants. Anyone who disobeys God withholds three major rights. The first is what is due to God, for He has the right to be obeyed.

Second, there are the rights of all those things which a man employs in disobeying God. The parts of his body, his mental energy, his fellow­beings, those angels who, under Divine dispensation, have been appointed to enable him to achieve his aims, both righteous and unrighteous, the material objects which he employs in his acts of disobedience - all these have a rightful claim upon him to be used in ways that please God. But when he uses them in ways which displeases God he commits wrong against them all.

Third, he wrongs his own self which has the right to be saved from perdition. By inviting punishment from God because of his disobedience he wrongs his own self as well. It is for these reasons that the word 'wrong' is often used in the Qur'an for sin, and the word 'wrong­doer' for sinner. (Tafheemul Qur'an - vol 1)

In the Sura Al Isra Allah says:

"We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of our creation."

The distinction and honour conferred by God on man are recounted in order to enforce the corresponding duties and responsibilities of man. He is raised to a position of honour above the brute creation; he has been granted talents by which he can transport himself from place to place by land, sea, and now by air; all the means for the sustenance and growth of every part of his nature are provided by God; and his spiritual faculties (the greatest gift of God) raise him above the greater part of God's Creation. Should he not then realise his noble destiny and prepare for his real life in the Hereafter?

In the Sura Al Insan (Man) Allah explains:

"Has there not been over man a long period of time, when he was nothing (not even) mentioned? Verily We created man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: so We gave him (the gifts). Of Hearing and Sight. We showed him the Way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will)."

Besides the gift of the faculties, Man has been shown the Way by means of Revelation, through men of the highest spiritual standing. If he is grateful, he will accept Guidance, be of the Righteous, and join the company of the Blessed. If not, he rejects his destiny, puts chains round himself, thus losing his freedom yokes round himself, thus burdening himself with sin, and gets into the Blazing Fire of Punishment, which scorches his inmost being. His choice rests on his will.

Islam gives man a very dignified position by the virtue of him being the Khalifa of Allah on earth. When we turn to the world around us we can see that there are two types of laws. The first one is Natural law which he is bound to obey without any discretion. The second one God has granted him with certain amount of freedom of will and action. In this freedom lies man's real trial; his knowledge, his wisdom, his power of discrimination, and his freedom of will and action are being tried and tested. In this trial and test man has not been obliged to adopt any particular course, for by compulsion the very object of the trial would have been defeated. God has given him freedom of will and action so that he may remain free to choose whatever attitude in life he likes and considers proper for himself.

The life of the one who selects the right way will always be filled with godliness, piety, righteousness and truthfulness. He will live in the world with the belief that God alone is the Master of all, that whatever he and other men possess has been given by God, that the powers he wields are only a trust from God, that the freedom he has been endowed with is not to be used indiscriminately, and that it is in his own interest to use it in accordance with God's Will. He will constantly keep in view that one day he will have to return to the Lord and submit an account of his entire life. The sense of accountability will always remain firmly implanted in his mind and he will never behave in a carefree and irresponsible way.

He will be the most honoured and the most respected one. No one can excel him in this respect. How can humiliation ever visit a person who is not prepared to bow his head or even spread his hand for any favour before anyone except God the Almighty, the Sovereign of the universe?

He will be the most wealthy and rich. No one in the world can be richer or more independent than he - for he will live a life of austerity, satiety, and contentment. He will be neither sensualist, nor indulgent, nor greedy. He will be contented with whatever he earns fairly and honestly and even if heaps of ill­gotten wealth are put before him he will not even like to look at them, to say the least of availing them. He will have the peace and contentment of heart - and what can be a greater wealth than this?

He will do justice to all and sundry, discharge his duties honestly, and work for the good of others sincerely. People's hearts would be naturally drawn towards him and they would like him, love him, and revere him.

He will be the most trusted and honoured one. No one can be more trustworthy than he - for he will not betray his trust, nor will he go astray from righteousness: he will be true to his word, and straightforward and honest in his dealings. He will be fair and just in all his affairs, for he is sure that God is ever­present. Can there be anyone who will not trust him? Such is the life and character of a Muslim.

If you understand the true character of a Muslim, you will be convinced that he cannot live in humiliation, abasement, or subjugation. He is bound to prevail and no power on earth can overwhelm him or subdue him. For Islam inculcates in him the qualities which cannot be overshadowed by any charm or illusion.

And after living a respectable and honourable life on this earth, he will return to his Creator Who will shower upon him the choicest of His blessings - for he discharged his duty ably, fulfilled his mission successfully, and emerged from the trial triumphantly. He is successful in life in this world and in the hereafter will live in eternal peace, joy and bliss.

This is Islam, the natural religion of man, the religion which is not associated with any person, people, period, or place. It is the way of nature, the religion of man. In every age, in every country, and among every people, all God­knowing and truth­loving men have believed and lived this very religion. (Towards Understanding Islam - Pp 13, 14).

It is in this regard that the Qur'an says "You are the most high (people) if you believe" and the Qur'an's remark about those who deviate and stay stubborn on astray that "they are like animals, no, they are more astray."

To be continued Insha' Allah