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)
