This Ramadan, MuslimMatters reached out to our common (and not-so-regular) crew of writers asking them to share their reflections on varied ayahs/surahs of the Quran, ideally with a deal with a selected juz – people who could have impacted them in some particular manner or have influenced how they method each life and deen. Whereas some contributors are well-versed in no less than a part of the Quranic Sciences, not all essentially are, however replicate on their selections as a manner of illustrating that our Holy E-book is approachable from varied human views.
Introducing, A Ramadan Quran Journal: A MuslimMatters Sequence
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Juz’ 13: Reflections on Bringing Oppressors to Justice
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by Nada Shalash
[I want to first start with a disclaimer that I am not an expert or a scholar, and these are simply my personal reflections on the 13th juz.]
Juz 13 is a particular one. It comprises the rest of Surat Yusuf, the solely surah with a single story as its theme, relayed so as from starting to finish. It’s a surah that teaches us the significance of persistence and trusting in Allah’s plan. It’s amongst “one of the best of tales” [Surah Yusuf: 12;3] and a ravishing instance of how, in the long run, every thing in the end comes collectively completely in response to His Divine Decree, and in this can be a lesson for these with albab (minds) [Surah Yusuf: 12;111]. It comprises what I discover to be some of the comforting ayat when experiencing unhappiness or hardship:
“He stated, ‘I solely complain of my struggling and my grief to Allah, and I do know from Allah that which you have no idea.’” [Surah Yusuf: 12;86].
Allah is the one who hears and understands you when nobody else does.
Surat Al-Ra’d comprises one in all my favourite ayat in your entire Quran, aya 28, which says that certainly,
“Those that have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.“
Surat Ibrahim comprises one other one in all my favorites [14:24-25] demonstrating the fantastic thing about good speech.
Nonetheless, what I wish to deal with is the final 11 ayat of Surat Ibrahim. One of many causes I selected to write down about juz 13 particularly is that I discovered myself regularly pondering of and reflecting on these ayat up to now 5 months within the context of the genocide in Gaza. Every ayah within the Quran deserves pause and reflection, and subhanAllah it’s extremely highly effective that totally different ayat can tackle new which means or be significantly related based mostly on one thing you’re going by way of or one thing taking place on the planet.
“And by no means assume that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He solely delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror].” [Surah Ibrahim: 14;42]
This ayah particularly has taken on a brand new gentle up to now 5 months. Israel has been indiscriminately bombing civilians in Gaza, utilizing deliberate hunger of the inhabitants as a weapon of conflict, blocking humanitarian help, attacking help convoys (the Flour Bloodbath being one in all many horrific examples), and committing a number of different violations of worldwide regulation.
And Allah will not be unaware of what the oppressors do.
Even when they handle to get away with it on this life, they are going to positively be punished within the subsequent. Lots of people watching what’s unfolding in Gaza over the previous few months have questioned how this oppression can proceed with none important penalties to this point moreover the ICJ case introduced forth by South Africa. I take consolation in realizing that Allah will not be unaware of the wrongdoing, and is just delaying oppressors and wrongdoers till the Hereafter.
Notice that this isn’t a justification for being complicit or refusing to take motion now to finish the genocide in Gaza in no matter manner you may. As Muslims, we have now an obligation to advocate for justice and converse up for folks experiencing oppression (I’ll increase on this in a future piece inshaAllah). Nonetheless, I take consolation in realizing that advocacy (and correct journalism) ought to proceed whereas additionally realizing that Allah is All-Listening to and All-Understanding and can certainly deliver oppressors to justice.
“Racing forward, their heads raised up, their look doesn’t come again to them, and their hearts are void.” [Surah Ibrahim: 14;43]
“And, [O Muhammad], warn the folks of a Day when the punishment will come to them and people who did flawed will say, “Our Lord, delay us for a brief time period; we’ll reply Your name and comply with the messengers.” [But it will be said], “Had you not sworn, earlier than, that for you there can be no cessation?” [Surah Ibrahim: 14;44]
“And also you lived among the many dwellings of those that wronged themselves, and it had turn into clear to you ways We handled them. And We introduced for you [many] examples.” [Surah Ibrahim: 14;45]
“They usually had deliberate their plan, however with Allah is [recorded] their plan, even when their plan had been [sufficient] to eliminate the mountains.” [Surah Ibrahim: 14;46]
The following few ayat proceed describing what oppressors/wrongdoers will expertise on the Day of Judgement. Their hearts are empty on account of excessive worry and fright. They’ll ask for respite from the torment they’re experiencing. Those that flawed themselves by disobeying and disbelieving in Allah , or flawed others by oppressing them (or each) will expertise this torment and need it have been potential for them to be delayed of their punishment.
“So by no means assume that Allah will fail in His promise to His messengers. Certainly, Allah is Exalted in Would possibly and Proprietor of Retribution.” [Surah Ibrahim: 14;47]
“[It will be] on the Day the earth will probably be changed by one other earth, and the heavens [as well], and all creatures will come out earlier than Allah , the One, the Prevailing.” [Surah Ibrahim: 14;48]
Allah at all times retains His guarantees and is totally able to punishment. I discover ayah 48 a really highly effective and stark reminder. Particularly, the phrasing of the Day of Judgement as changing/altering the earth and the heavens is a profound description of how momentary this life is. Within the context of bringing oppressors to justice, I additionally consider it as a reminder that final victory and supreme justice are close to as a result of the Day will come when the earth and heavens are changed and everybody will probably be held accountable.
“And you will note the criminals that Day sure collectively in shackles,” [Surah Ibrahim: 14;49]
“Their clothes of liquid pitch and their faces coated by the Fireplace.” [Surah Ibrahim: 14;50]
“In order that Allah will recompense each soul for what it earned. Certainly, Allah is swift in account.”[Surah Ibrahim: 14:51]
Allah holds everybody accountable for his or her actions and in accordance with the deeds they’ve dedicated, and these ayat clarify how wrongdoers will probably be held accountable for theirs.
“This [Qur’an] is notification for the people who they might be warned thereby and that they might know that He’s however one God and that these of understanding will probably be reminded.” [Surah Ibrahim: 14;52]
Similar to in the long run of surat Yusuf as talked about earlier, this can be a lesson for these with minds. These ayat function a reminder for the believers to worry Allah’s punishment, and to internalize that everybody who transgresses on this life won’t get away with it ceaselessly.
Might Allah alleviate the struggling of the oppressed of the Ummah, and grant them His promised justice in opposition to the oppressors.
Associated:
– Oppressors Beware & Oppressed Be Comforted: IOK Ramadan Reflections Sequence #13
– Palestine: Reflecting, Responding, and Transferring Ahead