IMPLICATIONS OF QUR’ANIC REVELATIONS

A Brief Look at the Implications of the Revelations of the Qur’an

Ramadan Lecture by Dato Dr Siddiq Fadzil

22 June 2016

In the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful.

1             We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the night of Power

2             And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is?

3             The Night of Power is better than a thousand Months. 

4             Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission on every errand 

5             Peace!... This until the rise of Morn!

(Surah 97: Al Qadr)

The Qur'an was revealed on the night of Laylatul Qadr, whose virtue is equivalent to 'a thousand months'. According to deliberation by Muslim scholars, the term 'a thousand months' means  ‘it is countless’, an abundance beyond measure not just in the 'thousands'. This follows the method of interpretation, ‘the stated number is not limited but indicates much more’.

The Qur'an brings a transformative message (a miraculous transformation) which is amazing. It transformed a pagan, idolatrous and faithless  society into the best community - Khayra Ummah – the best of peoples . The exemplary model of this khayra ummah society is such as shown by the example of the  Sahabah of  Rasulullah ﷺ, his Companions.  The scholar Sayyid Qutb in his book ma'lim fi al toriq (Milestones) describes them as al jil ul quraniy il fariid (The Unique Quranic Generation).

The eminence of that generation of Companions was so wonderful, and some scholars saying that other than the Qur’an, the existence of the Companions itself is a 'miracle' affirming the truth of  the Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ.

Maqasid of the Quran – Higher Objectives

Maqasid of the Qur'an is the basis of Maqasid al Shari'ah.  It has been stated by many scholars including Al-Ghazali (Jawaher Al-Quran), Rashid Redha (Al-Wahyu Muhammadi), Tahir Ibn 'Ashur (Tafsir At-Tahreer wat Tanweer), and Yusuf al Qaradhawi.

Scholars conclude that the Maqasid or higher objectives of the Qur'an signify: "The goals to actualize the goodness and wellbeing of mankind and human virtue" or "Islahul Insan". Humans need to be reformed and perfected as they are the administrators of the world. The Qur'an is revealed to develop and transform mankind so that man can administer and manage the world and nature to the best of his abilities.

Faithful and reformed people will serve and do good to  the whole of humankind regardless of race, religion or skin colour. The person who has been enlightened and transformed is a person who serves the whole of mankind while being always in submission and devotion to Allah. The purpose or maqasid of human creation is to worship Allah and to be of service to mankind.

The Mission of a Muslim: Serving Allah, being good and of service to Allah’s creatures.

Surah Ali-Imran verse 110 states clearly that Muslims are the best people to serve all of mankind. The term 'Khayra Ummah' as ​​interpreted by scholars, means "the best of mankind". This is in line with Islamic message and theme of Rahmah - "Blessings for Mankind".

This means that people need to feel safe and secure being with the Muslim community. This is the character of the Muslim developed and reformed by the Qur'an.

The mission of khayra ummah is universal and humanitarian. Our message is a universal mission transcending nations and religions.

Al marhum Sheikh Taha Jabir Ulwani (rh) says: The Khayra Ummah are those who go forth, "liberating mankind from evil, error and darkness to come to the light."

Here are just some of the themes on the mission of Islah in the Qur'an:

Aqidah (Creed or belief system):

This is the fundamental and most important principle as it will shape the concept of tawheed – belief in in only One God and it is liberating. The most essential phrase, dhikr is - la ilaha illallah (there is no god but Allah) - has great implications, in human liberation, in worshipping, in submission to Allah only, and serving nothing but Allah.

Islah Akhlaq- Nurturing virtue, morality and good manners and character

Islam has the unique capacity to transform its various theological tenets and values into practical and moral principles. The Islamic Shariah was specifically established  to instil gracious behaviour and lofty morals among its adherents and to refine their characters, all of which contributes to general well being among people and throughout the land. These goals are aimed at guaranteeing a safe and peaceful existence for each person and protecting all aspects of the lives of individuals, whether in the arena of beliefs, wealth, honour, or peace of mind.

History

The purpose of historical narration is to chronicle the mission of the Messengers of Allah – reminiscing  the days of Allah, glorifying His Greatness. History is a medium for genuine transformation, Islah. In order to change, people need to learn from history. The Quran presents various stories and events to learn and discover from. Events are expressed to highlight human endeavours in transforming people if only people would learn from history.

Among them:

The story of Dzulqarnayn in empowering a weak community to build a wall, an engineering solution to thwart the threat of great terror. This powerful king Dzulqarnayn called for the help of the people themselves by saying, "Help me with your strength", alluding to the community’s self confidence meaning "You are not weak, you are strong".

The story of Musa a.s. who brought political reform and liberated the Children of Israel, empowering them to determine their future. The momentous saga of Musa and the Children of Israel – in freeing the captivated minds and souls of the Children of Israel and escaping from tyranny and oppression in Egypt.

The story of Prophet Sulaiman a.s. and Queen Balqis:

Sulaiman a.s. listened attentively to the view of a little bird, the Hud-Hud, the hoopoe even though he was a mighty king and the greatest leader of his time. The tiny Hud-Hud gave an opinion, though he was just a quivering bird. Small and meek people should not be underestimated and big powerful people do not know everything.

Queen Balqis, although a woman, was able to lead well and adopted mutual consultation with her advisers listening to counsel, showing wisdom in the administration of her land. Therefore, do not minimize the ability of a woman to lead wisely as told by the story of Queen Balqis.

If we fail to comprehend and understand history, then we cannot afford to go forward. Like the saying, "How can you know where you are going, if you do not know where you have been".

Ramadan speech by Dato Dr Siddiq Fadzil at Kolej Darul Hikmah in conjunction with Iftar Jamaiyy WADAH, ABIM and PKPIM 2016.

(Translated from an adaption of notes from Dr Ahmad Safwan Mohamad's and Baharin's posts)

The Higher Objectives of Fasting: Wisdom and Purpose of Its Decree

The Higher Objectives of Fasting:  Wisdom and Purpose of Its Decree

By Dr. Siddiq Fadzil

In his book Maqasid al Sawm, Sheikh 'Izz al-Din Ibn' Abd al-Salam al-Sulami al-Shafi'i presents  a part of the great framework of the higher objectives of shari’ah- maqasid al-shari`ah which covers maqasid al-`ammah (general objectives), al-maqasid al-khassah (specific objectives) and al-maqasid al-juz'iyyah (partial particular objectives).

The term al-maqasid al-juz'iiyah refers to the reasoning (`illah), wisdom and purpose behind a law. Indeed every law of shari'ah contains wisdom and purpose, either expressed or implied.

Allah the Almighty the Most Wise, commands and ordains with purpose. That is the case with fasting, which is clearly aimed at achieving various benefits and spiritual accomplishments  formulated in that astounding word, taqwa.

What is required in fasting (and other rituals of worship), is not only the implementation of the requirements and the tenets, but also the achievement of wisdom and purpose.

Al-Shaykh al-`Izz (`Izz al-din) ibn` Abd al-Salam (578 - 660H) was able to envisage and illuminate the fact that holistically, shari'ah is the realization of maslahah (benefit and goodness for mankind).

This is revealed clearly and firmly in his work, Qāh`id al-Ahkam fi Masalih al-Anam. The title of this work alone implies his thinking, in linking the law and public concerns – higher human interest.

In his great work al-`Izz says that the shari'ah as a whole is geared up towards either avoiding evil or bringing about goodness.

Hence, for every divine call in the Qur’an,  "O you who believe, ...", it is certain that the next message certainly about extolling the good to be gained or the evil disadvantages to be avoided.

Thus the verse which obligates fasting (al-Baqarah: 183) also begins with the call, "O believers, ...". The message that follows is the way towards attaining taqwa, the peak of goodness that must be achieved by fasting.

In the discussion of the division (types) of maqasid al-shari`ah there is a category called maqasid ta`abbudiy or the divine goal of worship.

As mentioned in surah al-Dhariyat: 56, the purpose in the  creation of jinn and humans is to submit themselves to worship and devote themselves only to Allah.

Indeed, the mission of human life is total devotion to the Creator and, to administer and care for His creatures (`ibadat al-khaliq wa islah al-makhluq). Serving God means obeying His commandments and obeying His will. For that purpose, mankind must escape the shackles of lust and selfish desires.

This maqasid or objective is emphasized by Shaykh al-Maqasid al-Imam al-Shatibiy in his monumental masterpiece of al-Muwafaqat that states, "The purpose of the shari'ah is to liberate people from the inclination and impulse of selfish desires (... ikhraj al-mukallaf min daa`iyati air) ".

Thus, objectives of shari’ah in worship covers the goal of human liberation from serving his lusts, or be free from making his desires as his god.

Throughout the month of Ramadhan, the believer struggles to achieve this objective of shari'ah, "liberation from the manacles of desires". The fight against the self is mentioned in religious language as mujahadah. The word mujahadah is a form of a word with the same roots as jihad, to strive and fight to the utmost for a noble cause.

But mujahadah means continuous and repeated spiritual struggles. Indeed, though lust can be defeated by mujahadah, however it will rise and rise again despite the many number of times it is defeated.

Therefore, the fight against the self must also be continuous and steadfast. Importantly, fasting gives us the confidence and conviction that we are actually able to defeat lust.

In the life of a believer, the ability to defeat selfish desires is a prerequisite to win in the face of any kind of opponent and in overcoming any adversity.

This philosophy of life can be easily expressed: if one is able to resist lust, then one will be able to defeat all adversaries; On the contrary, if you fail to defeat your selfish desires, you will not be able to withstand all others.

Knowledge of the aims of the fasting (maqasid al-sawm) will certainly help improve the quality of worship. Our fast will be more meaningful and effective, and we will not just be experiencing hunger and thirst.

Fasting is a worship and at the same time it trains and develops the formation of a character of taqwa. The characteristics of the God Conscious (al-muttaqin) are widely expressed in the Qur'an.

The word taqwa itself is defined by some scholars as vigilant consciousness and inner alertness raised by the fear of Allah, hope for His forgiveness and the love for Allah.

The actualization of a personality of taqwa is part of the objectives of Shari’ah, especially to establish good morals as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  said, "Verily I am sent to perfect noble characters".

Worship (including fasting) is generally a matter of morality, in the sense of being devoted  and obedient to God.

Fasting is a deed of worship with the wisdom of moral education and manners. Hence, those who are fasting are bound by a number of moral taboos as discussed in the fasting rituals.

Therefore it is necessary to be governed not only by the legal, permissible and impermissible aspects of the fiqh – the established rules, but also the aspects of morals, manners, the essence and the spirit of fasting.

Hopefully our fast in Ramadhan this time around shall be better than it ever was in the past. Welcome to Ramadhan’s rigorous celebration of intensive worship in order to attain taqwa, God consciousness, achieve the purpose of fasting thereby realizing the objectives and intentions of the Shari'ah.

(Introduction by Dr Siddiq Fadzil to the Malay translation of Sheikh 'Izz al-Din Ibn' Abd al-Salam al-Sulami al-Shafi'i’s book, Maqasid al Sawm by published by Institut Darul Ehsan) (This is an English rendition)