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8 – Make it up

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فَأَتْبَعَهُمْ فِرْعَوْنُ بِجُنُودِهِۦ فَغَشِيَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْيَمِّ مَا غَشِيَهُمْ ٧٨

Then Pharaoh pursued them with his soldiers—but how overwhelming were the waters that submerged them!

[20:78]

When telling the story of Ashura, our attention is often drawn to the main characters within the narrative, be it Prophet Musa (as) and Pharaoh, or Imam Hussein (ra) and Yazid. But little is ever said about what the NPCs in the story - the Non-Playable Characters. Across various mediums, whether it's a film, a story, or a game, NPCs serve as the underlying foundation upon which the narrative unfolds. Think of the enemies encountered on the way to confronting the ultimate boss in a game, or the soldiers in the background of a great battle in a movie; they play an essential role in crafting the narrative landscape, but individually fade into obscurity within the overarching plot of the story.

Much like this analogy, the NPCs of this story play a critical role within the narrative. What is Pharoah without his armies and minions who propped him up and worked to fulfil his orders? How would the story differ if Musa (as) did not have to lead the Children of Israel? How would Yazid have committed the heinous murder of the Prophet’s grandson without the soldiers obeying his command?

In the verse above, Allah ﷻ does not state Pharoah (و) “and” his soldiers. He uses the letter (ب), here translated to mean “with” his soldiers. Qurtubi explains how in Arabic, this transforms the word “soldiers” into a حال, a word which signifies the state or manner in which Pharoah pursued Prophet Musa (as), akin to the phrase “a man pursued him with his knife”. His army was not simply a companion on the journey; they were the tool which enabled Pharoah to pursue Prophet Musa and his people.

The story of Ashura is as much about these NPCs as it is about the main heroes and villains in the story. Their role enables the story to unfold, giving power and purpose to the characters and narrative. However, there is a subtle difference between the role they play for the heroes and villains. The villains in the story are wholly dependent on these NPCs for their very existence; their authority and position hinge on the support they receive from those who elevate them. On the contrary, figures like Prophet Musa (as) and Imam Hussein (ra) possess inherent greatness. Their significance is not derived from the NPCs; rather, the NPCs themselves find honour in their admiration and allegiance to these exceptional individuals. This dynamic emphasizes that it is the people who are uplifted through their connection with these heroes, not the other way around. This theme is found across the Qur’anic narrative; Allah ﷻ is not in need of us, but our obedience to Him is what ennobles us.

The story of Ashura is a reminder of the role we must play in our own story we see unfolding. Many assume they must play the main characters within a story, but our greater responsibility is to ensure we are simply part of the right side of the narrative. The collective is far more influential than any individual in a story, and each of us bares a responsibility in shaping the narrative of that group.

#FridayReminders 58: A Spider's Web (29:41)

#QuranReflections by Talha Ghannam

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مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْلِيَآءَ كَمَثَلِ ٱلْعَنكَبُوتِ ٱتَّخَذَتْ بَيْتًۭا ۖ وَإِنَّ أَوْهَنَ ٱلْبُيُوتِ لَبَيْتُ ٱلْعَنكَبُوتِ ۖ لَوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ ٤١

The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of a spider spinning a shelter. And the flimsiest of all shelters is certainly that of a spider, if only they knew.

[29:41]

The parable is a fascinating one. Like the spiders web it describes, there are has many facets to explore to the analogy, giving interesting insights to the nature of disbelief. Here are just some of the comparisons for you to ponder:

1) The Illusion of Strength

Pound for pound, a spider's web is stronger than steel. In their world, a disbeliever believes they have constructed an indestructible sanctuary shielded from any imminent danger. They take pride in possessing the epitome of technological advancement, often deluded or corrupted by its power, leading them to believe they are independent of God. Yet, the truth remains that a web remains susceptible to numerous lurking threats despite its strength. A single swipe of a hand can shatter it entirely! Similarly, those who doubt their complete reliance on Allah ﷻ for protection find themselves as secure as a spider in its web. They may possess the most formidable structures created by humans, clinging to a false sense of security within their homes, beliefs and system s, but this only deludes them to the delicate balance they live in, failing to recognize that death or impending calamity looms just moments away.

2) Fragile Complexity

A web symbolizes intricate complexity, often associated with elaborate conspiracies or structures that are resilient and imperceptible to the unaware. Overcoming this web of technology and strength may seem insurmountable to its prey. The overwhelming influence of disbelief in the modern era, encompassing various aspects of life, can make us feel helpless amidst its intricacies. How do we begin to approach the complex worlds of Artificial Intelligence, geo-politics, finance and other such fields which feel so out of reach? However, we must remember that this intricate web is as fragile as a spider's web. Its power is illusory and can be easily destroyed. Don't let the complexities of the world overwhelm you, as its significance is no greater than that of a mere spider's web.

3) Deception

A web, in its essence, lacks substance; its modus operandi is to stretch across a path, utilizing the allure of what lies behind it to ensnare those who pass through. It cunningly captures its prey by presenting an image of paradise, knowing that it has nothing to offer itself. The trapped prey wriggle and strain, hoping to reach their desired destination, unaware that unless they break free from the web, they not only fail to reach their goal but also fall prey to the captor that traps them. This is precisely why, as believers, we are instructed to maintain Taqwa – a state of God consciousness – in this worldly realm. In Arabic, Taqwa is used to describe a person carefully navigating through a thorn garden, ensuring their garments do not catch on the thorns. As we traverse this world, our Taqwa towards Allah ﷻ keeps us vigilant, enabling us to recognize the webs that lie in our path towards God.

#FridayReminders 56: Tricky Translations (37:93)

#QuranReflections by Talha Ghannam

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فَرَاغَ عَلَيْهِمْ ضَرْبًۢا بِٱلْيَمِينِ ٩٣

Then he swiftly turned on them, striking ˹them˺ with his right hand.

[37:93]

We often hear scholars describe the inability of translating the Quran perfectly. In a recent OnePath Network podcast featuring Dr. Mustafa Khattab, renowned translator of the acclaimed "Clear Quran," he discussed various reasons contributing to this challenge. One of the key difficulties is encapsulating the rich array of meanings found in Arabic into a single word in English. Dr. Khattab provided an illustrative example using the verse mentioned above, specifically focusing on the word (بِٱلْيَمِينِ), translated here as "with his right hand." However, during the podcast, he explained that this phrase actually encompasses multiple meanings, but he could only carry one of them forward in his translation.

I was inspired to research the word, seeing what meanings I could uncover from the Tafsir literature. I came across an enlightening passage from Al-Shawkani's tafsir, which sheds light on the various interpretations offered by commentators for this particular word. Here are 7 meanings I found within the literature:

1) The right hand

Al-Wahidi said, 'Commentators state it means striking them with his right hand.' This is the strongest opinion according to Al-Shawkani.

2) A symbol for strength

As-Suddi said, '[Al-Yameen means] with strength and power, for the right hand is the stronger of the two hands.' Al-Farra' and Tha’lab state, 'Striking with strength, as the right hand signifies strength.'

Qurtubi adds in his tafsir: The emphasis on striking with the right hand is because it is stronger, and striking with it is more severe, as mentioned by Ad-Dahhak and Ar-Rabi' ibn Anas.

3) An oath

[In Arabic, the word Yameen is used to refer to making an oath]. Ad-Dahhak and Ar-Rabi' ibn Anas said, 'What is meant by the Yameen here is the oath that he swore by when he said

وَتَٱللَّهِ لأَكِيدَنَّ أَصْنَـٰمَكُمْ

{By Allah, I will surely plot against your idols.}'

[Quran 21:57]

Here, Prophet Ibrahim is fulfilling his oath by smashing idols as he stated.

4) Justice

It is said that what is meant by the right hand here is justice, as understood in another verse:

{And if He had spoken any word against Us, We would have seized him by the Yameen.}

وَلَوْ تَقَوَّلَ عَلَيْنَا بَعْضَ ٱلأَقَاوِيلِ * لأَخَذْنَا مِنْهُ بِٱلْيَمِينِ

[Quran 69:44-45]

Here, the word Yameen is a metaphor for justice, just as the left is often a metaphor for injustice.

In Qurtubi’s Tafsir, he discusses much of the same meanings, adding a few nuances and other variations:

5) Obedience to God

You will find within the Quran sins are associated with the left, and obedience on the right. Allah ﷻ states in the Quran

إِنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَأْتُونَنَا عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ

'{Indeed, you used to come to Us from the Yameen.}'

[Quran 37:28],

In this context, Yameen means to come to Allah ﷻ from the side of obedience. Prophet Ibrahim’s act was done in obedience to the will of God.

6) Pledge of Allegiance

Qurtubi states: Don't you see that we pledged allegiance to Allah ﷻ with our right hand on the Day of the Covenant? [Here, this is referring to the pledge all souls took before Allah ﷻ upon the creation of Adam]. Any pledge is taken with the right hand. That is why the book will be given to the person with their right hand in the hereafter because they fulfilled their pledge, while the one who breaks the pledge and flees from Allah ﷻ will receive it with their left hand as that is the symbol of injustice. So, His saying, {بِٱلْيَمِينِ} in this verse refers to that pledge on that day.

May Allah ﷻ make us from those who truly understand and live the Quran.

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غُلِبَتِ ٱلرُّومُ ٢

(2) The Romans have been defeated

فِىٓ أَدْنَى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَهُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ غَلَبِهِمْ سَيَغْلِبُونَ ٣

(3) in a nearby land. Yet following their defeat, they will triumph

فِى بِضْعِ سِنِينَ ۗ لِلَّهِ ٱلْأَمْرُ مِن قَبْلُ وَمِنۢ بَعْدُ ۚ وَيَوْمَئِذٍۢ يَفْرَحُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٤

(4) within three to nine years. The ˹whole˺ matter rests with Allah before and after ˹victory˺. And on that day the believers will rejoice

بِنَصْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ يَنصُرُ مَن يَشَآءُ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ ٥

(5) at the victory willed by Allah. He gives victory to whoever He wills. For He is the Almighty, Most Merciful.

وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ لَا يُخْلِفُ ٱللَّهُ وَعْدَهُۥ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ٦

(6) ˹This is˺ the promise of Allah. ˹And˺ Allah never fails in His promise. But most people do not know.

[30:2-6]

By Zakariya Ellahi, 14 years old

Surah Al-Rum (The Romans) was revealed in 615 CE, a time of great power imbalance in the Middle East. Sassanid emperor Khosrow II had launched an invasion into the Eastern Roman Empire to avenge the ousting of his ally Maurice. By this time, Damascus and Antioch had already fallen and Roman emperor Heraclius failed to defend Jerusalem. This was a symbolic defeat for the Christians as the Church of The Holy Sepulchre was raised, and the True Cross and other relics were brought to Khosrow’s palace in Ctesiphon, the Persian Capital.

This verse highlights the Roman defeat but declares that they would return victorious in a few years. When this verse was revealed in Makkah, this claim was not only dismissed but laughed at by the disbelievers. They saw this as a sign that polytheism, represented by the Persians, would defeat monotheism, represented by the Romans. The loss of Jerusalem was considered a sign of divine anger and Heraclius was having trouble raising a new army. The Sassanids besieged Chalcedon which is a city a few kilometres from Constantinople, modern day Istanbul and capital of the Roman Empire. However, the Romans allied with the Western Turkic Khaganate to deal a decisive blow to Sassanid armies defending the Gate of The Taurus Mountains following it up by managing to raid Ganzaka, dispersing the garrison and burning a famous fire temple as revenge for Jerusalem.

This prophecy illustrates the absolute power of Allah ﷻ. It shows however dire your situation is, He can always solve it for you. Miraculously, the verses even specifies precisely the time in which this victory would be achieved. Verse 4 states the believers will rejoice the day of this victory. This prophecy foretelling the Roman victory fell on the same day as the Battle of Badr, a day of great rejoice for the believers, just as described! The defeat of the idol worshippers on the same day in Persia and Arabia could not be a coincidence; it is clear evidence of the divine nature of the Quran, showing how the disbelievers don’t see the truth even when it is right in front of them.

Finally, verse 6 is telling us how Allah ﷻ never breaks His promises, but most of us don’t know. All of Allah’s ﷻ promises are fulfilled, so we should not worry if Allah ﷻ will fulfil His promise to help us as believers. Instead, our worry should be to do what is best for Allah ﷻ, and whether what we desire will truly benefit us. People often break their promises because of either an inability to fulfil them or a lack of intent to keep them in the first place. Neither of these apply to Allah ﷻ. He is the Almighty and there is nothing He can’t do, and when He wishes for something, He says “Be” and it is. Allah’s ﷻ power is immeasurable to the human mind. There is no benefit nor reason for Him to break His promise to us, and to think that He would is a sin.