What are the causes of the decline? | 25th August 2023

Title: Nahoosat ke asal asbaab kya hain?

English Title: What are the causes of the decline?

Topic In Urdu: نحوست كے اصل اسباب كيا هيں؟

Date: 25th August 2023
Safar 7, 1445 Al-Jum`ah

Duration: 45:24

Podcast Link: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/J8Jz877NBCb

Download the Lecture Here:

Nahoosat ke asal asbaab kya hain – 25th August 2023

Nahoosat ke asal asbaab kya hain – 25th August 2023

YouTube Video

YouTube Video – What are the causes of the decline? – Dr. Maulana Sarfraz Ahmad Awan

English Translation

Introduction

Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen. Salat was salamu ala sayyidil anbiya wa khatamil mursaleen, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi, wa man tabi’ahum bi ihsanin ila yawmid deen. Amma ba’du, fa’auzu billahi minash shaitanil lajeem. Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. Qala ta’ala: wa ma asabakum min musibatin fa mima kasabat aydikum, wa ya’fu an munkathir. Sadaqallahu al azeem. Muhabbat se dursri parlaziya sabzara wa ta’ala. Allahu salli wa sallim wa barika ala sayyidina Muhammadin wa alaihi wa sallim.

Understanding the Notion of Auspiciousness and Inauspiciousness

Respected elders and dear brothers, it is not the time to give a preface. Without any preface, I would like to say that when we, in the light of the blessed instruction of the Holy Prophet (saw) that there is no month in our religion, especially the month of travel, or any day or moment, is not inauspicious. Then, in the minds of some of our beloveds, this question arises that in the Holy Quran, the word ‘Nahis’ has been used, meaning ‘to be afflicted’. Similarly, the word ‘Saad’ has also been used.

Saad in Quran

1 – Saad in Quran

Decoding the Concepts of ‘Munshuguni’ and ‘Nahis’

And along with this, the mention of ‘Munshuguni’ has also been stated in the Holy Quran. So, how will we understand these verses? Today’s discussion demands utmost attention, and I am confident that you will give it due consideration.

The word ‘Nahis’ emphasizes ‘Saad’. ‘Saad’ signifies blessedness, while ‘Nahis’ implies the opposite—being not blessed. This term is cited in the Quran, in Surah Qamar, verse number 19, in relation to the people of ‘Aad’. The instruction of the Almighty is:

Surah Qamar - Ayat 18-19

2 – Surah Qamar – Ayat 18-19

The people of ‘Aad’ rejected the words of the Prophet of the time how they were punished and how our warnings came to them. We sent a very stormy wind on them on the day of constant destruction where the word ‘Nahis’ came. That strong stormy wind was throwing people away as if they were the trunk of a date tree.

Here the word ‘Nahis’ has come. ‘Nahis’ is the plural form of ‘Nahis’. This word has also been mentioned in the Quran in reference to the people of ‘Aad’. In Surah Hameen Sajdah, verses 15 and 16, Allah Almighty speaks about the people of ‘Aad’:

Ha Mim Ayat 15

3 – Ha Mim Ayat 15

Ha Mim Ayat 16

4 – Ha Mim Ayat 16

Understanding the Consequences of Arrogance – Lessons from the People of ‘Aad’

In the account of the people of ‘Aad’, Allah Almighty reveals a profound lesson. These people displayed a sense of arrogance without any justifiable basis. Their false pride and arrogance led them astray. They began to boast and assert their superiority, claiming, “Who can be mightier than us?”

However, they failed to realize that the One who had created them, Allah, was infinitely more powerful. Despite this, they stubbornly denied the signs of Allah.

Their journey of pride and denial eventually took a fateful turn. As a consequence of their misdeeds and refusal to heed God’s teachings, Allah sent upon them a severe, stormy wind. This wind blew for several days, illustrating the usage of the term ‘nahis’ in describing these adverse days.

The purpose behind this divine punishment was twofold: to make them experience a taste of humiliation in the worldly life and, more importantly, to warn them about the far graver punishment awaiting them in the Hereafter.

This narrative underscores that ‘nahis’ signifies not only challenging days but also serves as a reminder of the inevitable consequences of arrogance and denial of the truth. The people of ‘Aad’ paid a heavy price for their arrogance, a lesson that holds relevance for all times.

Understanding the Concept of ‘Nahs’ and ‘Nahisat’ Through Quranic Narratives

Allah has mentioned the days of ‘nahisat’ in Surah Al-Haqqah (ayat 6, 7, 8).

Surah Al Haqqah - Ayat 6

5 – Surah Al Haqqah Ayat 6

Surah Al Haqqah - Ayat 7-8

6 – Surah Al Haqqah Ayat 7-8

In this context, the nation of ‘Aad’ is also referenced. They were destroyed by a relentless, powerful stormy wind that raged for seven nights and eight days, leaving them laid low, likened to a bunch of fallen dates.

In the Quranic verses, ‘Nahs’ is interpreted as ‘unfortunate’ or ‘difficult’. However, the concept of ‘Nahs’ and ‘Saad’ as inauspicious or unlucky days is not supported by the Quran. This understanding draws parallels with Hindu beliefs, as well as ancient Arab notions during the Age of Ignorance.

Contrary to such notions, Islam emphasizes that no month, day, hour, individual, dwelling, vehicle, animal, or bird is inherently inauspicious. This stance is rooted in Islamic teachings and is firmly upheld in both the Quran and Sunnah.

Unfortunately, misinterpretations of ‘Nahusat’ have persisted. For instance, the belief that a sitting ‘Ullu’ on a rooftop is a cause of ‘Nahusat’ is unfounded. Similarly, ideas about inauspiciousness surrounding a child’s protruding teeth are baseless.

Islam’s stance on this matter is consistent: no particular month, such as the month of travel, holds inauspiciousness. Notably, even Sayyidina Ali and Sayyidat Fatima Zahra’s marriage took place during the month of travel. Such incidents dispel the notion of inauspiciousness associated with this month.

The lesson here is that Islam rejects the imposition of inauspiciousness upon certain days, months, or events. Such beliefs often stem from cultural or superstitious influences rather than authentic religious teachings. The Quran and Sunnah guide us towards a balanced perspective that transcends notions of inauspiciousness.

Dispelling Superstitions and Misconceptions: A Quranic Perspective

In society, several baseless beliefs surround events and occurrences. For instance, some claim that the flesh of ‘Aqeeqah’ cannot be consumed by a grandparent’s teeth. However, ‘Aqeeqah’ is a gift from Allah, akin to the flesh of sacrifice.

فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَاتِحْمُ الْقَانِ عَوَى الْمُعْتَرِ

Its purpose is to be shared among the rich and the poor, as Allah Himself instructs.

Similarly, the idea that taking a dead body home is cursed, or that collisions between empty utensils predict fights at home, stems from misconceptions. Cultural superstitions, like considering a woman cursed if her husband dies prematurely, hold no religious basis.

Beliefs about animals like cats or dogs crying signifying bad omens, or an eclipse affecting pregnancy, lack Islamic grounding. These notions find their roots in non-religious traditions. Even marriage-related superstitions, like stars’ alignment, have no foundation in Islam.

Islam emphasizes individual accountability. Bad omens aren’t due to a specific day, but one’s actions. National outcomes change when collective actions do. Allah’s guidance and not baseless beliefs should steer our lives.

In Surah Bani Israel, verse 16, Allah elucidates how nations’ actions invite divine consequences. When elites, meant to uphold order, embrace corruption, chaos follows. This mirrors today’s political and moral turmoil. Quranic teachings apply across time, reminding us that our actions shape our destiny.

Learning from the Examples of Settlements in the Quran

In Surah Nahl, verse 112, Allah presents an illustrative example of a settlement, much like that of Makkah but akin to contemporary Pakistan. This settlement enjoyed peace and prosperity; however, they neglected Allah’s blessings, triggering His retribution.

Surah Al Nahl - Ayat 112

7 – Al Nahl – Ayat 112

History records a similar narrative. When wheat prices were low, people remained ungrateful. The Quranic example mirrors the people of Pharaoh and Moses, who once flourished. Despite great blessings, they embraced injustice, mistreating the weak.

As their arrogance grew, Allah’s response came in the form of decreased harvests and testing times. Yet, they failed to learn, as they only recognized the significance of hardship. The Quran emphasizes that prosperity or adversity isn’t about specific figures like Moses, rather individual and collective actions.

The example continues with the rainfall, a trial symbolizing their transgressions. Eight days of incessant rain led to chaos, illustrating Allah’s response to their arrogance. They eventually turned to Moses, not out of faith but desperation.

In their plea, they acknowledge Moses’ prophethood and make conditional promises. Upon Moses’ prayer, Allah alleviates their hardship. The lesson is clear: adversity is linked to one’s actions and attitudes.

This story resonates today. We must remember, when undertaking spiritual journeys like Umrah, to continually pray for one another. Through united prayers, angels echo our supplications with “Amen.” Our faith, actions, and unity determine our fate, echoing the timeless lessons of the Quranic examples.

Understanding Divine Response to Human Actions

Allah’s words in the Quran illustrate that if the people had adhered to the message of Moses and followed their promises, their troubles could have been averted. The verses highlight various misfortunes that befell them.

The people were granted the river’s water, then crops from the land, yet they persisted in arrogance. When drought struck, and they turned to Moses for aid, their misfortunes were eased. However, their behavior reverted, demonstrating how human actions often lead to unfavorable outcomes.

This notion is echoed in Surah Yasin (verses 13-19), clarifying that hardships are the result of one’s actions.

Surah Yasin - Ayat 13-14

8 – Surah Yasin – Ayat 13-14

Surah Yasin - Ayat 15-16

9 – Surah Yasin – Ayat 15-16

Surah Yasin - Ayat 17-18

10 – Surah Yasin – Ayat 17-18

Surah Yasin - Ayat 19

11 – Surah Yasin – Ayat 19

In the face of difficulties, the polytheists blamed the Prophet, ascribing the hardships to his presence. Allah dispels this by explaining the cycle of human actions and consequences.

Prophet Muhammad also advised against visiting plague-stricken areas or departing from such zones. This advice underscores that taking precautions and avoiding harm’s path aligns with the Quranic teachings of understanding the relationship between actions and outcomes. This wisdom continues to guide us today, as understanding our actions’ repercussions remains a crucial aspect of a well-rounded faith.

Urdu Translation

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