The Sunday Mail
Umari Stambuli
Holy Qur’aan Speaks
Continued from last week
INDEED, the sin of Satan was his arrogant refusal to humble himself to the will of The Almighty. He believed himself to be of elevated status – better than any other creation – and he continues to whisper to us, encouraging our pride, arrogance, love of wealth, power and status.
We must always remember that we are nothing – we have nothing – except what Allah Almighty blesses us with. We can do nothing of our own power without the will and power of The Almighty.
Whilst, in the Holy Qur’aan, there is mention of various cases of arrogant behaviour from the past and the consequences thereto, a striking case is that of the man who spoke to his companion arrogantly.
“And he had property (or fruit) and he said to his companion, in the course of mutual talk, “I am more than you in wealth and more respectable than you in respect of men (social standing).” (Ch 18:34)
He was indeed boasting about his material wealth and his tribe and lineage.
So, in response, his companion reminded him to remember The One who bestows all wealth and to remain humble because The Almighty may very easily turn the tables, for He alone has the overall control and Supreme Power.
Allah Almighty calls out to humanity, in the Holy Qur’aan, “Has the time not arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah Almighty and of the Truth which has been revealed to them… (Ch 57:16)
In English, the word “humility” comes from the Latin root word “humus” which means “ground”.
Humility, or being humble, means that one is modest, submissive and respectful; not proud and arrogant. You lower yourself to the ground, not elevate yourself above others.
In prayer, Muslims prostrate themselves to the ground, acknowledging the human beings’ lowliness and humility before the Supreme Sovereign, the Lord of the Worlds.
Allah Almighty calls on the Believers “Call on your Lord, The Almighty, with humility and in private, for The Almighty loves not those who transgress beyond bounds.
And do not spread mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing in your hearts, for the Mercy of The Almighty is always near to those who do good.” (Ch 7:55-56)
To achieve this humility we should abandon all selfishness and pride in our human power, and stand humbled, meek, and submissive as true servants of The Almighty above all else.
Classical example
We find in the Holy Qur’aan, in the Chapter entitled “Joseph”, when the family of Jacob (peace be upon him) was re-united in the “house” of Joseph (PBUH), all the family members (father, mother and brothers) fell prostrate before him, in recognition of his supreme rank in Egypt.
On such a wonderful occasion, in total humility, Joseph (PBUH) proclaims to his father, Jacob (PBUH), “O my father this is the interpretation of my earlier dream! It is my Lord (Creator) who made it a reality!” He then goes on to express gratitude to The Almighty, “And definitely He has been good to me…”
Then he enlists the gracious favours and bestowments of The Almighty upon him and does not dwell on any negative aspect from the past. The first things he mentions are that by Divine Providence he was brought out of prison and publicly proclaimed to be honest and virtuous.
His dear father was restored to him as well as his brothers who had persecuted him.
However, he does not say anything against them personally and in his habit of having a positive outlook and interpreting things in a charitable light, he looks upon them as having been misled by “Satan” the power of Evil.
Now that all is rectified by the Grace and Bounty of The Almighty, he renders due praise to Him beseeching Him to keep him steadfast on the path of faith for the rest of his life!
In the Holy Qur’aan when Allah Almighty makes mention of nations and individuals of the past, it is always for some important reasons. Those accounts are not meant for mere narration and simply for us to marvel at in one way or another.
Allah Almighty expects us to derive lessons, therefrom, for our own situations and circumstances which arise in our lives today.
Conclusion
Truly speaking, arrogance can only lead a person to injustice and oppression which then affects the very essence of mutual co-operation and peaceful co-existence. It also prevents one from accepting the reality and truth and makes him despise others, belittle or scorn them.
As a result, not only does the one practicing it suffer by incurring the wrath of The Almighty, but the peace and harmony of society at large is then at stake.
The Almighty has warned us about this satanic quality and its dangers.
We must understand that if we would like to achieve happiness of this world as well as the Hereafter we need to humble ourselves and get rid of any elements of pride and arrogance within us.
Due regard must be given to one and all. Our conduct must conform to the command of The Almighty at all times.
We are taught that the best person is the one who, despite being bestowed more than others, remains humble at all times and makes every effort to treat one and all with due regard and respect.
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact: Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars. Publications Department PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare. Tel: 04-614078/614004, Fax: 04-614003.e-mail: [email protected]
