Lessons From Surah al-Fatir – (Part-I)
Allah: The Originator, The Initiator.
We Need Him In Our Lives
But He's Above All Needs!
(M. Javed Naseem)
The Supreme Creator, Allah the Almighty, wants us, humans, to live on this planet Earth like righteous, just, pious and God-conscious people. He sent many Prophets or Messengers with many Scriptures throught the history of mankind, to guide us. The Quran is the last of those Scriptures. Most of the chapters (Surahs) of the Holy Quran are not confined to one particular subject. They are rather multi-subject narrations. This way, if a non-Muslim (stranger to the Quran) gets hold of a chapter, he can benefit from the narrations that cover a range of subjects.
Surah al-Fatir is the 35th chapter among the 114 chapters of the Quran. The Arabic word ‘Fatir’ means the Originator, the Initiator. And that refers to the Supreme Creator – Allah!
He Is The One. Acknowledge Him!
Allah created everything – everything meaning the things we have seen and the things we have not seen or even cannot see. As His creation, it is only logical that we glorify His name as everything in the universe does it.
“Praise be to Allah,
Who created (out of nothing)
the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels,
messengers with wings - two, or three, or four
(pairs). He adds to Creation as He pleases,
for Allah has power over all things.”
(al-Quran 35:1)
He is not only the Supreme Creator, He is also the Supreme Commander of the universe. He gives life and death and He creates all circumstances. He reminds us that there is no power besides Him who can run the affairs of this universe and sustain all creation.
“It is Allah Who
sustains the heavens and
the earth, lest they cease (to function); and
if they should fail, there is none - not one –
who can sustain them thereafter. Verily
He is Most Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving.”
(al-Quran 35:41)
Be Grateful For His Blessings!
If we realistically look at ourselves, we would immediately know that we survive with His mercy and blessings only. He is our sole-Provider. He created air, water, all kinds of fruits, all kinds of vegetables and all kinds of foods for us ; even different kinds of fishes, birds and animals that we can use for our comfort. Therefore, He merits all praise and glory. We are His humble servants.
“O mankind! Call to
mind the grace of Allah
unto you! Is there a creator, other than Allah,
to give you sustenance from heaven or earth?
There is no god but He. How then are you
deluded away from the Truth?”
(al-Quran 35:3)
His Promise Is True!
We better believe Him when He tells that our life on this world is like an illusion, a play, an amusement, a temporary comfort. We are commanded to work on our Hereafter during our temporary tenure in this material world. The real life is in the Hereafter and we should be striving for that. The only person that hinders our path is the Satan (Devil). The Almighty has warned us:
“O mankind! Certainly the promise of Allah
is true. Let not then this present life deceive
you, nor let the Chief Deceiver deceive you
about Allah.”
(al-Quran 35:5)
Satan Is Our Enemy!
Satan (the Devil) became the enemy of mankind since the day God created Adam. For his disobedience, God destined Satan to Hell but was given respite till the Day of Judgment. Until then, he is trying his best to prove his point that it is not only him who disobeyed God but man is also disobedient to God. And we all know how far he is right!
“Verily Satan is an
enemy to you, so treat him
as an enemy! He only invites his adherents,
that they may become Companions of
the Blazing Fire.”
(al-Quran 35:6)
Don’t Deny Him!
Allah, the Almighty; He is the Creator, the Cherisher, the Sustainer, the Provider, the Beneficent and the Most Merciful. So, pay Him His due! If you reject or deny Him, you will be rejected and denied too, especially when you need Him the most!
“For those who
reject Allah, there is a terrible
penalty but for those who believe and work
righteous deeds, is forgiveness, and a
magnificent Reward.”
(al-Quran 35:7)
Don’t Plot Evil For Others!
He is the Most Merciful and He loves that His Creation (Humans) are merciful to each other too. He likes piety and righteousness and He rewards for that generously. But if one tries to hurt fellow human beings, he will be punished.
“Whoever seeks glory
and power (should know)
that to Allah belongs all glory and power. To Him
mount up (all) good words. It is He Who exalts
each deed of righteousness. Those who lay plots
of Evil, for them is a penalty terrible; and the
plotting of such will be void (of result).”
(al-Quran 35:10)
You Are Dust, So Be Humble!
Always remember what you are and who you are! You were created from dust and to dust will you go back. Be humble and treat others nicely!
“And Allah did
create you from dust; then from
a sperm-drop; then He made you in pairs. And
no female conceives, or lays down (her load),
but with His knowledge. Nor is a man long-lived
granted length of days, nor is a part cut off from
his life, but is in a Decree (ordained).
All this is easy to Allah.”
(al-Quran 35:11)
###############