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Al-Bayan, Discourses on the Qur'an[br]Javed Ahmad Ghamidi

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Surah Aal i Imran[br]Aayaat 100 to 104.

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Gratitude is only for God,[br]the Lord of the World,

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and may His peace and mercy[br]be on Muhammad, the trustworthy.

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I seek refuge with God[br]from the accursed Devil.

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In the Name of God, the Most Gracious,[br]the Ever Merciful.

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Ladies and Gentlemen, We are beginning

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the study of Surah Aal I Imran from [br]verse 100 in the Quran.

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Earlier, the first section of the chapter[br]concluded on verse 99

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This chapter is based on two sections,[br]one introduction and one conclusion.

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This is the structure of its subject [br]matter.

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There is an introduction.

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Then begins a section on the completion of[br]proof on the People of the Book

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and it reaches a conclusion on verse 99.

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Now begins the second section which [br]would finally lead

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to the conclusion of the chapter.

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This verse onwards the address is [br]directed towards the Muslims.

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The direction of the address has changed.

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In these verses of the Quran, this [br]method is generally adopted.

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Either the address is [br]directed towards the Muslims,

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as in Surah Nisa and then the [br]People of the Book are discussed.

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After the introduction of the chapter,[br]the chapter will either begin

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by addressing the People of the Book[br]and then the Muslims.

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If you look here, the proof has been[br]completed upon the People of the Book.

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All proofs were given and as we [br]say in the last lecture,

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at the end of that topic, the Quran [br]provided answers to the

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three main objections raised by[br]the people of the book.

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After providing answers to their [br]objections

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they were sternly reprimanded and[br]then they were also invited to Islam

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and they were asked to not reject [br]the Quranic verses

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and not to stop people from Allah's[br]path

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and not to malign those things that[br]they have been made witness to

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because this is not the correct attitude.

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Now the address is directed [br]towards the Muslims,

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Muslims are first warned of the [br]deviant schemes of the People of the Book

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which they would employ to turn away [br]the Muslims from the path of the truth

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But they should stay steadfast [br]on the path of Allah.

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After this, the subject of purification [br]and cleanliness of the Muslims will begin

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In other words, Muslims should [br]reform themselves,

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they should fulfil their obligation [br]towards islam,

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they should hold on to the rope [br]of Allah steadfastly,

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they should follow the way of Allah[br]and the Prophet (pbuh) in difficult times.

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So, these things which are important [br]for their purification, eduction

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the purification of their wisdom and[br]character will be discussed.

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So, this is the structure of this[br]chapter.

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Yaaa ayyuhal lazeena aamanoo [br]in tutee'oo fareeqam

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minal lazeena ootul Kitaaba

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Believers! If you yield to a group from [br]among these People of the Book,

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It is obvious that from all the things[br]that have been said,

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one of these includes telling the [br]people of the book

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about things they have been [br]doing wrong.

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On the other hand, since they are[br]religious people

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and they are at the forefront of religious[br]issues,

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people look up to them with respect to[br]these issues,

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in a way, they have the status [br]of religious leaders,

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the common people of Arabia,[br]those from the tribes of Aws and Khajraj

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and people from other tribes think that[br]these people have the best understanding

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of issues relating to Prophethood for[br]they have a whole history of Prophets.

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We can make a mistake but

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these people cannot make any [br]mistakes in this regard.

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So, these people would be influenced [br]by them to an extent as well.

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That is why this issue was introduced by[br]stating that:

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Believers! If you yield to a group [br]from among these People of the Book,

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By 'a group', Quran refers to those[br]people who are stubborn

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and these people usually include their[br]religious leaders,

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something which the Quran tells us.

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They are the leaders and hence trusted[br]by the common populace.

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It is mostly those people.

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By 'a group', Quran refers to those[br]people only.

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And By 'a group', Quran also refers to [br]those people

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who are not part of this group.

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It Is not as thought every one from [br]among the people of the Book

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has become an ingrate.

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A group from among them which also [br]plays the leadership role

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indulges in such activities.

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If you yield to this group from [br]among the People of the Book,

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then what will these people do?

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yaruddookum ba'da eemaanikum kaafireen

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Yaaa ayyuhal lazeena aamanoo in [br]tutee'oo fareeqam

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minal lazeena ootul Kitaaba

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Believers! If you yield to a group from [br]among these People of the Book,

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they will turn you back from belief to [br]disbelief.

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Their real intention is that you [br]yield to these people

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so that they will also lead the [br]Muslims into disbelief like themselves.

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I have already mentioned that the people[br]of justice from among them,

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those people that the Quran will praise [br]later on,

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the Quran always mentions them by setting [br]them apart from these people.

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The Quran tells us that there are such [br]people who talk of justice,

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and don't act stubbornly at all.

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Although it can be the case that

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their minds may still lack [br]clarity,

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but they ask questions and they [br]engage and then again

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there are people who have a[br]clarity in their thoughts

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but their still persists a dissonance[br]in their actions.

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In other words, he pauses regularly[br]wondering

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if his decision was right of not.

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Even those people that have such [br]ambiguities are different.

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But these people are the ones who are[br]in such a place

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because of their stubbornness that if you [br]listen to them,

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then you should know their objective.

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It is that they will also lead you into[br]disbelief

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just as they disbelieve out of[br]their sheer stubbornness.

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And you think that since they are [br]believers

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and hence they cannot lead you into[br]disbelief...

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It is obvious that if religious leaders [br]and believers are like that

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then people feel that the leaders[br]have no reason to lead them away.

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The Quran stated that their religion [br]is merely ritualistic

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and they are the primary enemies of [br]religion.

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They not only themselves are [br]its disbelievers they will also

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lead the Muslims into disbelief if the [br]Muslims are led away by them.

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The Quran stated that their actions [br]would lead to such consequences.

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Wa kaifa takfuroona wa antum [br]tutlaa 'alaikum Aayaatul laahi

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O Muslims [Be forewarned of this].[br]In other words, [Be forewarned of them]

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Be forewarned of what you have been told.

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[just reflect] how can you disbelieve [br]when God’s verses are being recited to you

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It is understandable that they want [br]to lead you away

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but how can you disbelieve [br]when God’s Book has been revealed to you

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and His own Messenger is among you,[br]when God’s verses are being recited to you

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when the truth is being manifested [br]before you

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Wa kaifa takfuroona wa antum tutlaa [br]'alaikum Aayaatul laahi

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when God’s verses are being [br]recited to you

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wa feekum Rasooluh;[br]and His own Messenger is among you.

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If in spite of this they disregard [br]the truth

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then there is no bigger [br]deprivation and misfortune than that.

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They will now have no excuse to present [br]before the Almighty

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which in other words would mean [br]that they have slipped in broad daylight.

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The result would be that even though[br]everything was visible even then

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they surrendered themselves to the dark.

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wa feekum Rasooluh; wa mai ya'tasim

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billaahi faqad hudiya ilaa Siraatim [br]Mustaqeem

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[So hold fast to God]

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To hold fast to God” means that

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in good and bad circumstances [br]a person adheres to the truth

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and does not swerve in any way from [br]the directives of God

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and the teachings of His Book.

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[So hold fast to God] and [remember that] [br]he who holds fast to God

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[then know that] he shall be guided [br]to the straight path.

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So, he who holds fast to God [br]shall never be misguided

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If you hold fast to your own ego [br]then you will face the same misfourtune

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that these people have faced.

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Yaaa ayyuhal lazeena aamanut [br]taqul laaha haqqa tuqaatihee

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Believers! Fear God as you rightly should

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This is an explanation of what holding [br]fast to God actually means:

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When it was instructed to[br]hold fast to God

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and when it was said that

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he shall be guided [br]to the straight path

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who holds fast to God and[br]shall never be misguided.

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So, what does holding fast to [br]God actually mean?

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The Quran makes clear its meaning in the[br]next verse:

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to fear God the way a person rightly [br]should.

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The word 'fear' that is usually used...

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Here, the Quran uses the word [br]righteousness

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In other words, they should be vary of[br]the limitations.

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They should be wakeful with respect [br]to Allah.

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So, generally people feel that it is a [br]way of intimidation.

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Fear is both rational as well as[br]delusional.

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The fear of ghosts, for example, is a fear[br]that stems from delusions

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You come across such a situation when[br]you, for instance,

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visit some house.

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It is a fear that stems from delusions.

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Fear is also rational.

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It is a rational fear when you know[br]that the bridge in front of you

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is broken and there are chances that[br]you will fall off the bridge.

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To be cautious about it...

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In other words, a child is quite[br]courageous.

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He can catch hold of a snake.

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But why?

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Because, rationally speaking, he does [br]not understand the concept of a snakebite.

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By 'fear of God', it does not mean that[br]you are frightened by a ghost.

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It entails that you should be conscious of[br]the fact that one day

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you will stand before Allah.

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He is your almighty.[br]You have to face him.

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If you go before him as a dishonest,[br]fraudulent person,

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if you are guided by stubborness[br]and envy

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do you know the consequence of such [br]an action?

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Every reasonable person should [br]be apprehensive of it.

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Our discourses are based on the [br]same principle in this world as well.

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This is what the Quran is [br]trying to explain.

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So, this is being stated.

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The word 'righteousness' that has [br]been used,

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it is obvious that the Quran has said:

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aamanut taqul laaha haqqa tuqaatihee

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Believers! Fear God as you rightly should.

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But Fearing God is required to the extent [br]that a person is capable of.

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The Qur’ān itself has explained this in[br]Surah Tagaful.

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Fataqul la masta ttaatu

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You should fear god as much as you [br]are capable of.

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In other words, such an attitude[br]is not detrimental for the individual.

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It he is fearful and apprehensive, [br]if he is conscious of the transgressions

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and if he bound by the limits set [br]by God,

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he will do it to the extent that [br]a person is capable of.

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God doesn't ask you shoulder [br]more responsibility

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than you are capable of shouldering.

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But he will fear god by accepting [br]the truth of fearing god.

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In other words, he will fear god[br]with the consciousness that

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he is dealing with God himself.

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Firstly, the obligations a person owes to [br]God

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are ones which he owes to no other person.

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Secondly, the limits and bounds set [br]by God

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and the punishments for violating them

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have been prescribed for the worldly [br]and next-worldly benefit of people;

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God does not stand to gain from obeying [br]these limits; it is they who stand to gain

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Even when we apply the system of[br]recompense and Punishment

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we do it for the reformation of the[br]community and the people,

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we do it for their benefits.

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In other words, the system of[br]recompense and Punishment

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and the judicial system does not [br]stand to benefit from it.

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It is meant for human beings[br]only.

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And if they transgress the set limits [br]then everyone feels

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that they should be criticised.

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So, the judicial system of[br]recompense and Punishment

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that has been legislated by Allah

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is meant for the benefit of human beings[br]only.

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Thirdly, God is watching over [br]everything; so much so,

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He even knows what is in the [br]hearts of people.

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Fourthly, no one can save a person [br]from God’s punishment

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and the Almighty can punish a person [br]both in this world

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and in the Hereafter and this [br]punishment can be eternal.

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So, these the things which when an[br]individual takes into consideration

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while fearing god, it is only then that[br]he fears god as he rightly should.

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Unless a person keeps an eye on all these [br]aspects of fearing God,

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he cannot grasp the real meaning of [br]fearing God.

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??

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it is the fear of god, his virtue [br]that is stated here.

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itaqul laaha haqqa tuqaatihee

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Believers! Fear God as [br]you rightly should.

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wa laa tamootunna illaa wa [br]antum muslimoon

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and when you leave this world [br]leave it as followers of Islam whatsoever

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In other words, when the time comes[br]to leave this world

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then you should be a follower[br]of Islam until that time.

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Wa'tasimoo bi Hablil laahi jamee'anw

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and together cling to the rope of God.

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wa laa tafarraqoo[br]and let nothing divide you

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These are the things that have[br]been stated.

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and we should take note of each[br]of the aforementioned aspects.

0:13:40.037,0:13:42.827
wa laa tamootunna illaa wa [br]antum muslimoon

0:13:42.827,0:13:46.827
It means that the instruction to fear[br]Allah

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or when you are instructed to be[br]obedient towards Allah,

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it is a commitment for a lifetime.

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There is no scope for to leave it.

0:13:54.050,0:13:56.260
Once you have become mature,

0:13:56.260,0:14:00.986
once god consciousness has become a[br]part of your thought process,

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once it has become part of your intellect,

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then this struggle will go on until your[br]last breath.

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Therefore, you should be mindful.

0:14:12.825,0:14:15.724
If you leave this struggle before your[br]death,

0:14:15.724,0:14:17.364
then your hardwork will go to waste.

0:14:17.364,0:14:21.364
So, when the Quran stated that:[br]wa laa tamootunna illaa wa antum muslimoon

0:14:21.364,0:14:24.844
it entails that this matter is not meant [br]for a day or two,

0:14:24.844,0:14:27.944
instead the duration that Allah has[br]decided for this test,

0:14:27.944,0:14:33.154
the entire duration must be spent in[br]piety, by fearing Allah.

0:14:33.314,0:14:37.644
It also makes clear that it is an[br]uneven path,

0:14:37.644,0:14:41.644
we will face ups and downs,[br]we will face difficulties,

0:14:41.644,0:14:45.644
we will face discord, we will face[br]satan who will ambush us at night

0:14:45.644,0:14:48.414
and come across many hitches [br]and obstacles from enemies.

0:14:48.414,0:14:53.734
At times, greed will try to lure people [br]and, at others,

0:14:53.734,0:14:57.174
fear will try to intimidate them.

0:14:57.174,0:15:01.174
Those who passed through all these [br]phases while protecting their faith

0:15:01.174,0:15:05.174
and reached their destination that [br]Allah has ordained for the believers.

0:15:05.174,0:15:06.504
And what is the nature of that [br]destination?

0:15:06.504,0:15:10.504
??

0:15:10.504,0:15:12.994
??

0:15:12.994,0:15:16.994
?

0:15:16.994,0:15:20.994
?

0:15:20.994,0:15:24.994
?

0:15:24.994,0:15:28.994
?

0:15:28.994,0:15:32.994
?

0:15:32.994,0:15:35.794
?

0:15:35.794,0:15:38.824
cling to the rope of God steadfastly, [br]mentioned the Quran and

0:15:38.824,0:15:40.724
then elaborated it at length.

0:15:40.724,0:15:42.324
What is the rope of Allah?

0:15:42.324,0:15:47.224
It is the Quran. This refers to the Qur’ān[br]because this is the rope which is

0:15:47.224,0:15:51.224
stretched from the heavens to the earth [br]between God and His servants

0:15:51.224,0:15:55.224
It is this rope which is the means to [br]reach God

0:15:55.224,0:15:57.434
and it is also our covenant with Him.

0:15:57.434,0:16:01.434
Consequently, holding firmly [br]the rope of God means nothing but

0:16:01.434,0:16:05.434
to firmly grasp the Book of God and [br]in no situation leave it.

0:16:05.577,0:16:09.577
Holding steadfast is qualified by the word[br]la tafariqu

0:16:09.577,0:16:11.217
and then the Quran has used the words[br]verse

0:16:11.217,0:16:13.197
the Quran has instructed us against[br]any sort of dissension.

0:16:13.197,0:16:14.257
What does it mean?

0:16:14.257,0:16:18.257
This means that this requirement is from [br]Muslims in their collective and

0:16:18.257,0:16:23.750
individual capacity to cling firmly to [br]the rope of Allah.

0:16:24.157,0:16:26.717
They should not become divided [br]by forsaking it.

0:16:26.717,0:16:28.767
While being united they should [br]adhere to the Qur’ān,

0:16:28.767,0:16:30.647
read it and reflect on its verses.

0:16:30.647,0:16:34.647
They should gather counsel from it, [br]turn to it in all their affairs

0:16:34.647,0:16:38.647
considering it to be a [br]barometer of justice

0:16:38.647,0:16:44.587
and before its verdicts give no [br]importance to any other thing whatsoever.

0:16:44.587,0:16:48.587
This is what verse would signify.

0:16:48.799,0:16:52.329
You should firmly grasp this rope [br]of Allah as the Quran said:

0:16:52.329,0:16:54.759
Wa'tasimoo bi Hablil laahi jamee'anw

0:16:54.759,0:16:58.759
Take it that as it was said earlier that[br]you should hold on to Allah firmly,

0:16:58.759,0:17:02.759
and a person holds on to Allah by fearing [br]him and by fully obeying God

0:17:02.759,0:17:04.439
and once you have the fear of God,

0:17:04.439,0:17:06.489
then you are inclined towards [br]the book of Allah

0:17:06.489,0:17:09.569
so that I do not transgress[br]the limits set by Allah.

0:17:09.569,0:17:13.569
?

0:17:13.569,0:17:17.569
?

0:17:17.569,0:17:21.569
?

0:17:21.569,0:17:24.919
?

0:17:24.919,0:17:26.629
?

0:17:26.629,0:17:28.769
wazkuroo ni'matal laahi alaikum

0:17:28.769,0:17:30.089
And the Quran said:

0:17:30.089,0:17:33.279
and remember the favour [br]God has bestowed upon you:

0:17:33.279,0:17:34.269
What favours?

0:17:34.269,0:17:35.629
iz kuntum a'daaa'an

0:17:35.629,0:17:39.629
Here, the companions are the addressee,[br]that when you were enemies of one another

0:17:39.629,0:17:43.629
fa allafa baina quloobikum[br]so He united your hearts

0:17:44.000,0:17:46.962
fa asbah tum bini'matiheee ikhwaananw

0:17:46.962,0:17:52.788
and with His grace you became brothers.

0:17:52.788,0:17:54.748
And remember, the Quran said:

0:17:54.748,0:17:58.748
wa kuntum 'alaa shafaa [br]hufratim minan Naari

0:17:59.149,0:18:03.149
and [remember] when you stood [br]at the very brink of an abyss of fire;

0:18:03.149,0:18:07.149
fa anqazakum minhaa;[br]then He saved you from it

0:18:08.697,0:18:13.927
The companions, who were party to[br]the Prophet (pbuh) are told

0:18:13.927,0:18:18.267
about the grace that Allah has bestowed[br]upon them.

0:18:19.203,0:18:23.203
Anyone who is aware of the history [br]of Pre-islamic Arabia knows that

0:18:23.505,0:18:27.505
Before the revelation of this Book, [br]every tribe was an enemy of the other

0:18:28.256,0:18:31.836
and they would be engaged in [br]fighting and warfare.

0:18:31.836,0:18:33.256
The stories of their warfare

0:18:33.256,0:18:35.726
are spread across their literature[br]and poetry.

0:18:36.250,0:18:40.250
Their was no unifying thread [br]between them on basis of religion also.

0:18:40.733,0:18:43.451
They were, each one of the them, [br]the progeny of Abraham,

0:18:43.451,0:18:44.446
but only in name.

0:18:44.446,0:18:46.438
Each tribe had its own deities.

0:18:47.071,0:18:50.111
Their interests clashed with one [br]another

0:18:50.111,0:18:52.511
in the fields of politics and [br]economics as well.

0:18:52.511,0:18:54.061
With the introduction of the Quran,

0:18:54.061,0:18:58.061
it knitted them together and [br]weaved them into a locket of pearls

0:18:58.061,0:19:04.141
and foes became friends and well-wishers.

0:19:04.391,0:19:09.451
Here, they are reminded [br]of the blessings bestow upon the arrival

0:19:09.451,0:19:12.507
of the Prophet (pbuh) and the Quran.

0:19:12.507,0:19:13.747
They were told that:

0:19:13.747,0:19:18.547
they stood at the very [br]brink of an abyss of fire;

0:19:18.547,0:19:22.547
Warfare, hatred for each other, disbelief[br]and internal grudges

0:19:22.547,0:19:26.547
which were founded on disbelief,[br]and colliding with each others profits

0:19:26.547,0:19:30.547
had dragged you to a place [br]where you stood at the very

0:19:30.547,0:19:32.997
brink of that abyss of fire.

0:19:33.684,0:19:36.194
And the nature of that fire is such [br]that

0:19:36.194,0:19:40.194
it is quite extraordinary for nations[br]in this world as well as in the next world

0:19:40.194,0:19:42.784
where it won't spare anyone indulging in[br]idolatry,

0:19:42.784,0:19:46.734
injustice and transgressions against [br]others.

0:19:47.114,0:19:48.754
So, the Quran said:

0:19:48.754,0:19:52.754
then the Prophet (pbuh) and the Quran[br]saved you from it.

0:19:52.894,0:19:56.524
kazaalika yubaiyinul laahu lakum [br]aayaatihee

0:19:56.524,0:19:58.964
Thus God explains to you [br]His revelations

0:19:59.636,0:20:02.856
la'allakum tahtadoon[br]so that you may be guided.

0:20:02.856,0:20:05.936
Through these verses we come to know[br]that

0:20:05.936,0:20:09.936
one really important blessing from [br]among God's blessings

0:20:09.936,0:20:12.366
bestowed upon a nation or a group is[br]that

0:20:12.366,0:20:17.246
a bond of love comes into [br]being between them

0:20:17.246,0:20:19.896
The truth is that it doesn't happen[br]easily.

0:20:19.896,0:20:22.696
Hence, look at the words that the[br]Quran uses:

0:20:22.696,0:20:26.696
iz kuntum a'daaa'an fa allafa [br]baina quloobikum

0:20:27.098,0:20:31.930
Allah put love between you people[br]when you were foes.

0:20:32.559,0:20:34.939
This is a great blessing by Allah.

0:20:35.162,0:20:42.312
Otherwise, minor issues result in[br]the disintegration of nations.

0:20:43.344,0:20:47.344
The ego of human beings is such [br]and it breeds suspicions so easily

0:20:47.344,0:20:51.344
and they are so prone to profits

0:20:51.344,0:20:55.344
that it is even difficult for 4 [br]people to walk together.

0:20:56.170,0:21:00.170
At every step we are anxious that[br]they might fall in a ditch.

0:21:00.834,0:21:04.834
And internal conflicts, the sort that[br]we see amongst Muslims...

0:21:05.001,0:21:07.041
People are slaves to profits.

0:21:07.041,0:21:11.041
If two people work together, then we [br]do not expect them

0:21:11.041,0:21:15.551
to live their lives together and [br]put faith in each other.

0:21:16.238,0:21:20.238
Mistrust is in the family and outside,[br]it is in the society,

0:21:20.238,0:21:23.318
in the cultural and the political world.

0:21:23.630,0:21:26.220
In other words, they have engulfed the[br]entire community.

0:21:26.220,0:21:29.226
If you look at the environment in [br]your social milieu,

0:21:29.226,0:21:33.549
you will find out that moral[br]degradation is exemplified

0:21:33.549,0:21:36.109
in communal discordance.

0:21:36.703,0:21:40.703
The entire community will become[br]discordant and perturbed

0:21:40.703,0:21:42.963
because from a moral point of view,

0:21:42.963,0:21:45.673
people are not able to trust each other.

0:21:45.673,0:21:50.833
This environment of mistrust creates a[br]crisis of trust.

0:21:50.833,0:21:53.283
And then it is very difficult to come out [br]of it.

0:21:53.283,0:21:57.063
Hence, Allah has especially brought it to[br]the attention of the Companions that:

0:21:57.063,0:22:03.223
my greatest blessing towards you was to [br]turn your enmity into love

0:22:03.223,0:22:07.223
You became brothers because of my[br]blessings.

0:22:07.223,0:22:11.223
And the situation of your nation was such[br]that

0:22:11.223,0:22:15.223
it would have resulted in a pit of fire[br]in this world as well as the next

0:22:15.223,0:22:17.503
and Allah pulled you out of it.

0:22:17.503,0:22:20.683
Then the Quran stated that:[br]this is the manner in which

0:22:20.683,0:22:22.393
Allah explains his verses.

0:22:22.393,0:22:24.913
And this is how Allah explains to[br]you that

0:22:24.913,0:22:28.913
a slight mistake in this matter [br]can result in grave trials.

0:22:28.913,0:22:32.913
if they want to sustain love [br]and unity among them

0:22:32.913,0:22:36.363
In other words, Allah has united you[br]and if you want to sustain it

0:22:36.363,0:22:39.753
they must hold fast to this Book [br]otherwise

0:22:39.753,0:22:44.773
they will revert to the age [br]of ignorance they used to be in.

0:22:44.773,0:22:48.773
It was undeniable that they were [br]standing at the brink of an abyss of fire

0:22:48.773,0:22:51.643
If you read their history, it becomes[br]absolutely clear.

0:22:51.643,0:22:55.643
the Almighty caught them [br]by their hands and saved them from it.

0:22:55.643,0:22:58.023
So now if they forsake this Book,

0:22:58.023,0:23:01.293
there is a strong chance that they [br]will fall in this abyss

0:23:01.293,0:23:03.183
and then will not be able to [br]save themselves from its flames.

0:23:03.183,0:23:08.123
This directive that was applicable to the [br]muslim collectivity at that point of time

0:23:08.123,0:23:12.123
it is applicable in the same manner even[br]today.

0:23:12.123,0:23:16.123
The discord and disagreement, [br]the ugliness

0:23:16.123,0:23:20.123
which has become part of our [br]culture, politics, economics,

0:23:20.123,0:23:21.993
one of the major reasons behind that[br]is that

0:23:21.993,0:23:23.980
Muslims have abandoned the book[br]of Allah.

0:23:23.980,0:23:28.360
The instructions and guidance that[br]was there in the Quran,

0:23:28.360,0:23:33.370
the manner in which our moral being[br]was made the real objective of our lives,

0:23:34.041,0:23:38.741
this is the most foundational and[br]axial point of the Quran

0:23:38.741,0:23:42.741
that you have to purify your[br]moral being,

0:23:42.741,0:23:47.971
you have to be of service to others,[br]your wealth is not your own,

0:23:47.971,0:23:50.261
others have a right to it as well.

0:23:50.261,0:23:54.261
You have to spend in the way of your lord[br]and it is obvious that when

0:23:54.261,0:23:56.764
someone is willing to spend their wealth

0:23:56.764,0:24:00.044
then how is it possible that he commits[br]injustice and transgressions

0:24:00.044,0:24:01.764
and how is it possible for him[br]to steal from others.

0:24:01.764,0:24:05.764
This is something which purifies human[br]beings from a moral point of view.

0:24:05.764,0:24:07.914
This was the real message of the Quran.

0:24:07.914,0:24:09.744
Even today if you read the Quran,

0:24:09.744,0:24:12.634
you will find that the Quran does not[br]consist of things like

0:24:12.634,0:24:14.034
which are very common in our[br]culture such as:

0:24:14.034,0:24:16.134
stories and ?

0:24:16.134,0:24:20.134
He invites human beings to the simple[br]message that

0:24:20.134,0:24:24.134
they should try to verify the true [br]essence of virtue.

0:24:24.134,0:24:25.714
That is the real faith in god.

0:24:25.714,0:24:28.128
It is a feeling of being present [br]before him.

0:24:28.128,0:24:32.128
You should live with the sentiment[br]that you will be accountable to god.

0:24:32.128,0:24:35.152
and the basis for this accountability[br]is the purification of your moral being.

0:24:35.152,0:24:37.062
Moral being should be as pure as possible.

0:24:37.062,0:24:39.542
The Quran calls it verse[br]amale saaleh

0:24:39.542,0:24:42.012
You should act in such a way that

0:24:42.012,0:24:49.172
it guides you, your culture, your [br]environment to the straight path,

0:24:49.172,0:24:56.162
When things become part of a jargon[br]then people stop focusing on its meaning.

0:24:56.162,0:24:58.282
It is a very beautiful interpretation.

0:24:58.282,0:25:01.312
In other words, there are certain[br]actions which when commited

0:25:01.312,0:25:05.312
result in internal friction within [br]yourself.

0:25:05.312,0:25:09.312
These actions stem discord at your home,[br]in your community,

0:25:09.882,0:25:16.224
And then there is a sort of action which[br]leads to goodness and success everywhere.

0:25:16.224,0:25:18.074
What is that action.

0:25:18.074,0:25:22.074
It is obvious that it is the same action[br]where an individual has a cognition

0:25:22.074,0:25:24.384
of his moral being and confirms it.

0:25:24.384,0:25:27.764
He should recognise himself and [br]the essence of his dignity.

0:25:27.764,0:25:33.234
I am a moral being and I will take[br]moral purification to that level

0:25:33.234,0:25:38.034
where it is supposed to be and[br]then I will achieve eminence.

0:25:38.034,0:25:42.034
If I fail to do that then there is no[br]difference between myself and an animal.

0:25:42.034,0:25:43.514
So, this is the teaching of the Quran.

0:25:43.514,0:25:46.244
If you hold steadfast to the [br]directives of the Qur’ān

0:25:46.244,0:25:49.084
and if you make it the center and[br]axis of all things

0:25:49.084,0:25:51.444
which I always translate as the[br]following:

0:25:51.444,0:25:55.444
The main reason for the decline of[br]the Muslim community is that

0:25:55.444,0:25:59.444
it neither made Quran the center and[br]axis of its knowledge

0:25:59.444,0:26:02.014
nor did it make the Quran the center and[br]axis of its actions.

0:26:02.014,0:26:05.254
In terms of knowledge, if you visit[br]the religious schools,

0:26:05.254,0:26:09.254
if you look at religious edition, [br]philosophy or debates in jurisprudence

0:26:09.254,0:26:13.254
making Quran the axis of your religion[br]and then trying to comprehend the Quran

0:26:13.254,0:26:16.656
as the Quran wants us to do has escaped[br]our knowledge.

0:26:16.656,0:26:20.656
Due to this reason we are left with[br]the stories of fazeil, fables

0:26:20.656,0:26:26.966
the debates on ? and those things[br]that have no relevance to our lives

0:26:26.966,0:26:30.966
The most important reality of our life[br]is that which the Quran states as

0:26:30.966,0:26:33.946
the act of leading one's life with the[br]sentiment of accountability before god

0:26:33.946,0:26:35.986
One day I will have to stand in the[br]court of my lord

0:26:35.986,0:26:37.636
and I cannot take any chances.

0:26:37.636,0:26:40.136
I cannot deceive anyone, I cannot [br]do adulteration,

0:26:40.136,0:26:43.726
I cannot be dishonest, I cannot[br]be unjust towards others.

0:26:43.726,0:26:47.216
You will feel this sentiment only when[br]

0:26:47.216,0:26:49.676
you will lead your life with the [br]consciousness that

0:26:49.676,0:26:51.436
you are accountable to your lord.

0:26:51.436,0:26:54.906
And then there is the issue of making [br]aspects of religion such as:

0:26:54.906,0:26:58.906
rituals, the organisation of the society, [br]and reminder of things that are symbolic,

0:26:58.906,0:27:03.704
aspects that are, in fact, supplementary,[br]but replace the real essence of religion.

0:27:03.704,0:27:06.464
The is the aspect that the Quran is [br]explaining here.

0:27:06.464,0:27:10.464
Even today, if Quran becomes [br]a central and axial part of our lives

0:27:10.464,0:27:12.214
then what will the consequences?

0:27:12.214,0:27:16.214
It will result you acquiring such a [br]scale in religious matters

0:27:16.214,0:27:20.214
that you will be able to examine [br]everything.

0:27:20.975,0:27:24.975
If you overcome your grudges then[br]you will be able to decide

0:27:24.975,0:27:28.975
between good and bad in a jiffy.[br]You will find a way out of

0:27:28.975,0:27:32.975
those metaphysical debates that [br]people found very interesting

0:27:32.975,0:27:36.975
in our tradition and such exceptional[br]people surrendered themselves

0:27:36.975,0:27:39.295
to these debates.[br]Then your entire focus...

0:27:39.295,0:27:43.295
It is obvious that when it becomes[br]clear what God is,

0:27:43.295,0:27:47.295
what his love entails, his attributes [br]and the correct method

0:27:47.295,0:27:50.015
to be accountable in the court of Allah.[br]When these issues become clear

0:27:50.015,0:27:52.826
then you abandon the debates of philosophy[br]and Kalam

0:27:52.826,0:27:55.396
and stand on the correct path, then only[br]your entire focus will be on

0:27:55.396,0:27:58.126
natural sciences and development[br]of your own life.

0:27:58.126,0:28:02.126
It will result in you focusing on [br]scientific disciplines

0:28:02.126,0:28:06.126
and you will abandon superstitions.[br]Quran germinates both these things

0:28:06.126,0:28:11.216
within you when you focus on the[br]Quran. Here it is stated that:

0:28:11.216,0:28:15.216
hold steadfast to the rope of Allah,[br]if you hold firmly the rope of Allah,

0:28:15.216,0:28:17.506
then it will have certain consequences[br]and those consequences are the following:

0:28:17.506,0:28:21.506
kazaalika yubaiyinul laahu lakum [br]aayaatihee la'allakum tahtadoon

0:28:22.444,0:28:27.994
Thus God explains to you His [br]revelations so that you may be guided.

0:28:27.994,0:28:30.124
that you may be on the right path.

0:28:30.124,0:28:34.124
Waltakum minkum ummatuny yad'oona [br]ilal khairi wa ya'muroona

0:28:34.124,0:28:38.124
bil ma'roofi wa yanhawna 'anil munkar;

0:28:38.124,0:28:42.867
Now muslims have become a community.[br]A system has been established by them.

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They have established their government [br]in Medina,

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even though it is of a tribal nature.

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The community has become organized.

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There is a stage when people profess[br]faith individually,

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they don't even own a piece of land,[br]they are spread throughout the world.

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So, an organisation is not possible[br]in such a scenario.

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But when a society comes into being,[br]when Muslims become a group

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then the Quran tells them that[br]they are in a position to do so.

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First, the Quran gave an introduction.[br]Fear Allah, Obey Him,

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hold on to the rope of Allah steadfastly,

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Quran becomes[br]a central and axial part of our lives