Lesson # 1150 - Exchange of selflessness

Lesson # 1150 from Holy Qur-’aan

Exchange of selflessness

Surah ‘TAWBAH or BARAAA-‘AH (REPENTANCE) – Chapter – 9)

Stage – 2, Verse – 117 of 129, Section – 14 of 16 (Part – 11)

                                                                       

BisMillaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

                                                                                       

117.  Allah hath turned in mercy to the Prophet, and to the Muhaajiriin and the Ansaar who followed him in the hour of hardship, after the hearts of a party of them had almost swerved aside, then turned He unto them in mercy. Lo! He is Full of Pity, Merciful for them-

117.  Laqattaa-bAllaahu  ‘alan-Nabiyyi  wal-Muhaa-jiriina  wal-‘Ansaaril-lazii-nattaba-‘uuhu  fii  saa-‘atil-‘usrati  mim-  ba’-di  maa  kaada  yaziigu  quluubu  farii-qim-minhum  summa  taaba  ‘alay-him.  ‘InnaHuu  bihim  Ra-‘uufur-  Rahiim.

                                                                             

Lesson

Saa-‘atil-‘usrati – (the hour of hardship), the word “Saa-‘ah” is used for a little time i.e. an hour. Here it aims “the time”. ‘Usrah means “difficult, hard, severe”. The aim from Saa-‘atil-‘usrati  is the time of preparation for the Battle of Tabuuk. At that time; there were difficulties, distresses and extreme sufferings all around.

The Army of the Muslims, which got ready at such time, is also called “Jayshil-‘usrah”. The difficulties which were in front, are as under:

·       The people were tired, because they had returned from a Battle recently.

·       The weather was very severe hot.

·       It was season of gathering crops of the dates. At such times, owners of the gardens must be present.

·       The distance of journey was very long.

·       The war was against a very powerful enemy.

·       The Muslim Army was facing deficiency of food and war equipment. One date was provided to two soldiers per day for food. At the end, many soldiers used to suck one date, turn by turn, and then drink water.

·       Riding (conveyance) was not attainable. Ten soldiers used to ride on one camel turn by turn.

In such circumstances, it was not possible for everyone to remain steadfast. Which spirit and steadiness was proved by the Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), Muhaajiriin and Ansaar {those who quitted their native land (Makkah) and their helpers/friends in Madinah}, that is an instance of its own. Any example of such selflessness and faithfulness cannot be found anywhere in the world.

It is commanded in the verse that the Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) and His true faithful Companions (May Allah be pleased with them) remained steady and showed such spirit in such hour of hardship, due to which Mercy of God Almighty took them in Its Bosom.

The entire Muslims moved to suffer from hardships and endure labors along with the Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). Only a few persons remained behind without any excuse, narration about whom will be discussed later on.

Those all people were entitled by Allah Almighty to get His favors and honors. And those people who joined them after evasion, they were also forgiven. Allah Almighty is Merciful and Kind on the Muslims. Those deserve His Mercy; who help in hardship.

Transliterated Holy Qur’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)