THE WORD OF GOD
From The Scriptures
THE Quran is the book of God. It has been preserved in its entirety since its revelation to the Prophet of Islam between 610 and 632 A.D. It is a book that brings glad tidings to mankind, along with divine admonition, and stresses the importance of man’s discovery of the Truth on a spiritual and intellectual level.
Translated from Arabic and commentary
by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
But those of you who obey God and His Messenger and do good deeds, shall be doubly rewarded. For them We have made an excellent provision. Wives of the Prophet, you are not like any other women. If you fear God, do not be too soft-spoken in case the ill-intentioned should feel tempted. Speak in an appropriate manner. (33: 31-32)
The consorts of the Prophet had the position of leaders in the society. Such people have to make greater sacrifices than ordinary people. That is why God has promised a double reward for them. They use more will power than others in the performance of a (good) deed and hence receive greater credit for it.
The Prophet’s consorts in view of their qualities came in contact with others often. People came seeking guidance on religious matters. That is why they were instructed to adopt a slightly dry tone while talking to others and not talk to them informally and familiarly, as one is likely to do in the case of near relatives (with whom marriage is not permissible).
Stay in your homes and do not flaunt your charms as in the former times of ignorance. Attend to your prayers, pay the zakat and obey God and His Messenger. Women of the [Prophet’s] Household, God seeks only to remove all impurity from you, and to make you completely pure. Bear in mind all that is recited in your homes of the revelations of God and of wisdom. God is all pervading and all aware. (33: 33-34)
Addressing the Prophet’s consorts on correct behaviour, instruction is indirectly given to Muslim women on how they should conduct themselves. Unlike worldly women, their aim is not to display their charms and finery. 44 Spirit of Islam Issue 38 February 2016 Their entire attention should be directed towards the worship of God. They should spend their wealth for the cause of God and their time in understanding the teachings of Islam.
This style of life makes one pure and righteous and it is only the pure and righteous who are approved of by Almighty God.
Surely, for men and women who have surrendered [to God]— believing men and believing women, obedient men and obedient women, truthful men and truthful women, patient men and patient women, humble men and humble women, charitable men and charitable women, fasting men and fasting women, men and women who guard their chastity, men and women who are ever mindful of God—God is ready with forgiveness and an immense reward. (33: 35)
This verse shows what Almighty God wishes a man or woman to be and the ten virtues He would like them to possess are: Islam (submission to God), Faith in God, obedience, truthfulness, patience, sincerity, charity, fasting, chastity and remembrance of God.
These ten virtues encompass all aspects of Islamic faith and character. Briefly speaking, one who hopes to receive God’s pardon and His rewards should bow to His injunctions, showing his total belief in God. There should be no contradiction between his words and deeds and stand firm, regardless of the circumstances. The realisation of God’s greatness should have made him modest and he should consider the meeting of others’ needs as his own responsibility. He must fast regularly and be chaste and pure. His days and nights are spent in the remembrance of God.
Just as these qualities are required of men, so also are they required of women. Although their manifestation may be different, the qualities are the same for both. A human being, will be considered acceptable to God only when he or she approaches God endowed with these ten qualities.
