Friday Nasiha - Issue # 444

Ramadan 9, 1428, A.H. - September 21, 2007, C.E. {full article here}

Living the Quran

Surah Al-Maun (Small Kindness) Chapter 107: Verses 1-7 Small Kindness "Have you seen him who denies Our religion? It is he who harshly repels the orphan and does not urge others to feed the needy. Woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayers; who put on a show of piety but refuse to give even the smallest help to others." This surah brings forth the fundamental truth intrinsic in the nature of the Islamic faith, the enormous benefit it offers to all humanity and the abundant blessings with which Allah favoured mankind when He sent them His last Message. "Have you seen him who denies Our religion? It is he who harshly repels the orphan and does not urge others to feed the needy." The surah starts with a question addressed to all who can "see", generating suspense and holding their attention in order to make them discover the target and subject of the surah. Ah! Who is this creature identified by the Qur'an as the one who denies the religion of Islam? Hence, the answer: "It is he who harshly repels the orphan and does not urge others to feed the needy." This definition of the disbelievers may sound surprising when compared with the traditional definition of faith but this is the core of the whole matter. Indeed the one who denies the faith is he who wickedly repels the orphan, humiliating him and hurting his feelings! And who does not care for the needy or their welfare. For if the truth of Islam has in any degree touched his heart, he would commit no such acts. True belief in Islam is not a spoken word but an overall change of the individual's heart, motivating him to benevolence and goodwill for all his fellow beings that are in need of his care and protection. Allah does not want mere words from His servants but demands deeds to support the spoken words. {full article here}