Oppressive Behavior
Cont’d from page 1
We have examples in the Quran of the behavior of people like Pharaoh
(7:127), Qaroon (28:76), the disbelievers who threw Abraham into
the fire (21:68), those who watched the burning of the believers
(85:5-7), and even those who killed their own baby girls (16:57-59).
Killing a stranger by some corrupted ideology is terrible enough,
but one’s own innocent child who has committed no wrong? And
if it can get any worse—it is thinking that such evil acts
are the right thing to do!
This also reminds me of some other verses in the Quran.
We created man in the best design. Then turned him
into the lowliest of the lowly. [95:4-5]
By the afternoon. The human being is utterly lost.
Except those who believe and lead a righteous life, and exhort one
another to uphold the truth, and exhort one another to be steadfast.
[103:1-3]
He (satan) said, "My Lord, since You have willed
that I go astray, I will surely entice them on earth; I will send
them all astray. Except those among Your worshipers who are devoted
absolutely to You alone."
To me these verses tell us that unless we are steadfast in our
belief, we risk forgetting the honorable principles given to us
in the Quran by God and turning into the lowliest of the lowly.
It is not enough to say, “I believe,” for that only
makes Satan more active in targeting us. Instead we have to continuously
strive to stay on God’s path and grow closer to Him.
The good news is that if we do hold fast to God, He protects and
guides us (4:174-175). God gives
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us various means to stay on His path
and avoid evil. These include seeking refuge in God from the devil
and from evil (7:200-201, 23:97-98, 41:36, 113:1-6, 114:1-6), being
steadfast, observing the Contact Prayers (2:45, 2:153, 29:45) and
praying for God’s help in the face of adversity (2:250, 7:126-128).
Additionally, being around those who exhort us to be steadfast and
help us in righteousness, i.e. our brethren in faith, is always
beneficial (18:28, 103:1-3).
When the devil whispers to you any whisper, seek
refuge in GOD; He is Hearer, Omniscient. Those who are righteous,
whenever the devil approaches them with an idea, they remember,
whereupon they become seers. [7:200-201]
You shall seek help through steadfastness and the
Contact Prayers (Salat). This is difficult indeed, but not so for
the reverent, who believe that they will meet their Lord; that to
Him they ultimately return. [2:45-46]
O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness
and the Contact Prayers (Salat). GOD is with those who steadfastly
persevere. [2:153]
Verses like 2:153 are very reassuring because we know that if God
is with us, no one (including Satan and his army) can defeat us
(3:150, 160). I believe this refers to both spiritual and physical
defeat. If we are with God, He supports us and strengthens our foothold
(47:7). He also appoints angels as guards to protect us (13:11).
Once again, I believe this protection is from both physical and
spiritual harm. To be worthy of this it is important to turn totally
to God (2:238, 4:146, 22:15, 26:89). This is the natural instinct
(30:30) placed into the people by God’s mercy. |
If GOD supports you, none
can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you?
In GOD the believers shall trust. [3:160]
Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each
one of you - they are in front of you and behind you. They stay
with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands. Thus,
GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves
make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people,
no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and
Master. [13:11]
Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion
of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the
people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the
perfect religion, but most people do not know. [30:30]
You shall consistently observe the Contact Prayers,
especially the middle prayer, and devote yourselves totally to GOD.
[2:238]
Only those who come to GOD with their whole heart
(will be saved). [26:89]
Another great gift and help to us is the Quran—containing
guidance and wisdom (2:185, 10:57, 36:2, 44:4). The Quran is God’s
word. It tells us what the right thing to do is, and cautions us
away from evil deeds. Those who are aware of and uphold God’s
commands know that He has made life sacred (6:151, 17:33), that
aggression is not permitted (2:190), that oppression is worse than
murder (2:217) and that we have to be absolutely equitable even
when our conflicts with people tempt us to act in anger (5:8).
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