Acting upon the Qur’anic Injunctions (Hukm Wa Iqamat 2/4)

The type of relationship between human conduct and the Qur’an visible in the lives of the Companions (RAA) was to be found in its most consummate and perfect form in the life of the Holy  Prophet  (SAW).  Ummul  Momineen  Ayesha  (RAA)  — wife of the Holy Prophet (SAW), who had the most intimate knowledge of his life and who as such was destined to play the role of a teacher for the Ummah — was once questioned about the Prophet’s (SAW) mode of life. She answered “His character was an embodiment of the teachings of the Qur’an.” This extremely wise and judicious answer brings into relief the deep impact which the Qur’an must have on the life of a true Muslim.

In short, the best way to benefit from the study of the Qur’an is that we should go on mending our ways and modifying our conduct in the light of its teachings as we go on developing a deeper and deeper understanding of its meanings so that the Qur’an   permeates   into   the   composition   of   our   character; otherwise there is a danger that — according to the pronouncement of the Holy Prophet (SAW) that “The Qur’an is a plea either for you or against you” — the knowledge and understanding   of   the   Qur’an   may   become   an   irrefutable argument  against  us  for  our  damnation  and  may  become instrumental  in  bringing  us  a  greater  punishment  from  the Almighty for our negligence and indifference.

Here it is necessary to explain that Amal bil-Qur’an (acting upon the Qur’anic injunctions) has two phases — individual and collective. There are injunctions which pertain to a person’s individual or private life and which he can carry out immediately. These become binding on him as soon as he comes to know of them. There is absolutely no justification on his part for any postponement or delay in the matter of incorporating these   injunctions   into   his   conduct.   The   punishment   for negligence shown in this matter appears in the form of the withdrawal of Divine Grace and his consequent failure to live up to the principles embodied in the Holy Book. This gaping disparity between his word and deed, and between his belief and action, which is so hateful to Almighty Allah (SWT) amounts to hypocrisy.  This  very  fact  has  been  referred  to  by  the  Holy Prophet (SAW) in these words:

Most of the hypocrites among my followers will be the readers of the Qur’an. 

(Narrated by Ahmad)

Therefore, the only safe course for a person would be that he should immediately begin to act upon what he has been able to learn from the Qur’an.

As regards the injunctions which pertain to such affairs of our collective life as are beyond the control of an individual person, it is clear that he will not be bound to act upon them immediately. Nevertheless, it is his duty to try as far as possible to change the existing conditions and help in the establishment of a society based on the Qur’anic principles so that it may become possible to act upon the entire teaching of the Qur’an. Under these circumstances, the efforts made by him in this direction will be “an excuse from him with his Lord”11  and will become a substitute for actual compliance with the injunctions that pertain to collective life. 

Note-11: This refers to an incident narrated by the Qur’an, as follows: When some of them said: “Why do you preach to a people  whom  Allah  will  destroy  or  visit  with  a terrible punishment?” (The preachers) replied: “(We are doing this so) that it may be accepted as an excuse by our Lord, and perchance they may fear Him,”…. (Al-A‘raf 7:164)

However, if he does not make any efforts in this direction and remains content with himself and with his personal devotions, with his personal survival and the well-being of his family, then there is a danger that even his enactment  of  Qur’anic  injunctions  relating  to  personal  and private matters will resemble the reprehensible practice of those whom the Qur’an censures in the following words:

…then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest?….12

(Al-Baqarah 2:85)

Note-12: These words are followed by a warning which should send a shudder through any person with a sensitive heart, but it is a pity that we have adopted the same ways against which we have been warned. The result is that the warning — “What is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be  consigned to  the  most grievous penalty. Allah is not unmindful of what they do.” — is coming true for us. 

So far as disgrace in this life is concerned, it has already fallen to our lot and the Muslims all the world over present a pitiable spectacle of wretchedness and degradation. As regards the chastisement in the Hereafter, we feel that we richly deserve that too; but if Allah (SWT) forgives us out of His Infinite Kindness and Mercy, it would be a different matter. 

“If you punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily, You, only You, are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” (Al-An‘am 6: 118) 

How aptly applies the following tradition of the Holy Prophet (SAW) to our present condition: 
“Verily, some would Allah exalt due to (their following of) this Book, and others He would disgrace (as a result of their abandoning it).” 

Reported by Omar Ibn Khattab (RAA) and narrated by Imam Muslim (RA).

Source: The Obligations Muslims Owe to the Qur’an by Dr Israr Ahmad

To Be Continued....