the islamic character
Many Quranic verses and hadiths of Prophet state that a Muslim’s prayer fasting hajj and other essential rituals and acts are not valid and not completed unless some other essential features are obeyed and completed by the Muslim, so understand that Islam is a complete whole which doesn't work on selective adherence. Some of these essential universal features of Islamic worship, divine religion and Muslim characteristics are honesty, humility, truthfulness, justice, sincerity, helpfulness, discernment and manners. However, trend among Muslims is they are suffering from one of the worst character crisis in the world. They are racists, xenophobic, fraud, corrupt, cheat, ill mannered, suspicious of each other, taking benefits of their position and abusing their duties and responsibilities, exploiting in every opportunity helplessness and weakness of people and even Muslims, lacking civility, basic decency and common sense. All these have been a result of colonialism which has now become self-inflicted and showing no desire to heal. Quran gives a character protocol which will uplift Muslims to the highest human moral achievement possible.
Quran 24:51
The only statement of the [true] believers when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say, "We hear and we obey." And those are the successful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 24:51
A Muslim will never reject Shariah law and governance by it in his or her personal and collective existence. A Muslim is always on the state of "hear and obey" to God and His prophet. The Muslim citizens thus must be devoutly loyal to Islamic governance and the jurisdiction and are the first respondents to it's creation and evolution.
Quran 49:15
The believers are only the ones who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah . It is those who are the truthful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 49:15
Even though this command is applicable to all Muslims except those with valid legal excuses but the best entity to implement this verse persistently and efficiently effectively is Islamic government, Islamic military and big Muslim businesses. God has given us the general principle in this verse, but it is up to us to implement this principle in all possibilities and contexts of jihad. We must be wise enough to understand the domain of jihad, its triggers and its means and end but know the eternal principle that injustice begets resistance. The liberal excuse that Islam is tolerance must be rejected because for far too long these self-humiliating people has used this excuse to impede real binding Quranic commands thereby weakening Muslims and prolonging Muslim diaspora.
Quran 17:37
And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height. (NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 17:37
Any form of walk that is an expression and cause of arrogance and pride is prohibited and not befitting for a Muslim. There is no doubt about the fact that catwalk is also prohibited because of its arrogant and sexualized expression of the feminine beauty and body. The walks that are done by foreign heads of states in front of military honor are also a form of arrogant walk. These are all un-Islamic and against Quran. Quran prohibited arrogant walk because so that Muslims do not allow any seed of arrogance to flourish in their hearts and as walking is the representation of one’s whole and is the most common daily activity of human being then any arrogance in walking will also result in the individual Muslim doing injustice to people as a continued pride will hover around in his self. An arrogant walk will be a continuous reminder of one’s pride and arrogance making him act unjust.
Quran 13:28
Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured tranquility. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 13:28
Essential characteristic of a Muslim is remembrance of God. In this world people's lives mostly revolve around their family and/or God, and their psychology and emotional wellbeing are also determined by the strength of the relationship. Know that God will never cause your emotional collapse even though family may abandon you, mistreat you or even harm you. God is thus the greatest stabilizer of human psychology and emotion. God is a pillar to lean by, a shield to defend with, a foundation to strengthen on and a light to be guided by.
Quran 3:159
…And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 3:159
A Muslim is not a fatalist either in his personal or functional capacity be this functional capacity be a politician, ruler, leader, manager etc. Because putting faith/trust (tawakkul) on God doesn't mean sitting idle. Effort, either individual or collective, is part of that trust as putting trust and faith in God only means God will be your guide, protector and aid. God can help you in your effort which is in your ability and in also that which is not in your ability. God encompasses everything. One who sits idle only shows arrogance. We need to understand what God’s will is to understand the necessity of hard work and effort (also called Jihad). The will of God can mean His command or His permission. The will of God is thus also a system of natural justice, laws and logical consequences He has created.
Also, Islam being a rational religion makes its adherents think practically rather than sitting in one corner idly and for God to do some miracle. Even Quran always encourages faith with action as this verse also shows. It is because through actions our spiritual metrics will be measured such as determination, sincerity, loyalty, tawakkul, hope, honesty, devotion etc. Without action these things will remain unknown.
Quran 21:90
Then will you not reason? (NFBL)
Commenary of Quran 21:90
Numerous verses ask humanity to reason! God loves a rational believer who works to win God's blessings and judgement. God will act at the end for even an irrational believer who sits in one corner and leaves everything to God. But don't we love that, God fulfills what we desire and want by being rational believer? In fact, various Quranic and hadith texts obligate, encourage and reward a rational believer. An irrational believer only prolongs hardship and suffering by delaying God's blessings and judgements.
Quran 9:55
So let not their wealth or their children impress you. Allah only intends to punish them through them in worldly life and that their souls should depart [at death] while they are disbelievers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:55
When the colonialists descended on the natives, the natives were astonished and impressed by them, so they flung open their lands and hospitalities which the colonialists exploited and then colonized. Same pattern has been repeated and is repeating. The Muslim governments and many Muslims in their ignorance have been astonished and impressed by western nations and culture so much so that they have actively sought westernization even though they failed to see the consequences of western system of politics, life and society. By this foolish pursuit they have impeded greatly Islamic development both of the Muslim self and the Muslim countries. Muslims have thus become backwards and unproductive, and most persecuted, specially the religious Muslims. This is all because of how some important Muslims have been deceivingly impressed by west. My question is why are Muslims countries not been able to become like west in economy and technology? This is because Muslims have sought westernization blindly, without guidance of Islam. Muslims have copied the bad culture of west leaving the good ones while west was copying the good culture of Muslim that is Islamic sciences, while leaving out Islamic religion. This Muslim misguidance and misjudgment is due to the colonial legacy. Muslims must stop being impressed like fools and develop some self-dignity and honor in Islam. God has thus commanded His prophet not to be impressed by the wealth of the disbelievers and their elitist children. Being impressed and astonished is meekness, gullibility and the doorway to dependence and servitude and a total shutdown of independent critical thought.
Quran 24:37
[Are] men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of zakah. They fear a Day in which the hearts and eyes will [fearfully] turn about – (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 24:37
A person who worships money is a curse to himself, society and even the earth. These today are called corporate capitalists whose only purpose is profit at any cost and this has made them forget God and due to forgetting God they have crossed all limits of ethics and morals. They are architect of human misery. We have these also among Muslims, specially tyrannical Muslim royals and corrupt politicians. Prophet has termed them worshipers of dirham and dinar. God in this verse is ordaining a standard and protocols which will keep humanity away from being such destructive evil force and that is piety, godliness, charity of wealth and fearing a great reckoning, the day of divine accounting. These are instruments which shackle the evil parts of human soul.
Quran 6:54
And when those come to you who believe in Our verses, say, "Peace be upon you. Your Lord has decreed upon Himself mercy: that any of you who does wrong out of ignorance and then repents after that and corrects himself - indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 6:54
An Islamic Muslim relationship must be based on piety, reason and sympathy but devil wants it to be based on politics of envy, hate and exploitation. Thus, human by being political in this way in every aspect of their lives have brought global misery at all levels of human existence. However, Muslims must be on their guard and awake against such people of corrupt politics.
Quran 8:2
The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely – (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:2
These features of the heart are a necessary result of true faith and not an artificial formality of the will. Those who have been on the path of piety will automatically get a response like this from within.
Quran 49:11
O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers. (NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 49:11
We must be careful to differentiate between insult and criticism. Insult is directed at a person’s relationship, looks and human dignity whereas criticism is directed at a person’s beliefs and actions. Also, these negative aspects of cultural interaction are hallmarks of racism, xenophobia, tribalism, elitism and bullying. In this verse God prohibits collective judgement, collective punishment and underestimation of other people. Islamic cross-cultural interaction must be based on mutual respect and understanding whether the other culture and people are a minority under Islamic jurisdiction or a group outside Islamic jurisdiction. Muslims thus must represent Islam and Muslims, as a noble ideology and a well-mannered welcoming people within limits of Shariah law that is such hospitality must not erode Islamic identity or weaken Islamic jurisdiction
Quran 2:195
And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:195
God has commanded the believers both individual and collective to spend in His way. Such spending needs to be balanced and must not bring harm to the Muslims, or the spenders. Islamic financial ventures must thus be empowering first to the Muslim diaspora and not destructive to people, environment, human rights and animals.
Quran 4:135
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So, follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 4:135
Under Islamic jurisdiction and Shariah law whether citizens or migrants, documented or undocumented, Muslim or non-Muslim all deserve equal and equitable protections under the law, the right to due process, freedom from unlawful search and seizure, and the right to fair criminal proceedings, among many other things. There is no place for racism, nationalism, tribalism and inhumanity because some people happen to be different than you. It is because Shariah law is unique and appeals to noble values:
know that even if 1000 self-gratifying people oppressed humiliated tortured 1 person, God would bring down his wrath on those 1000. Its not blind, brute, irrational majoritarianism with God but justice and righteousness and when justice and righteousness exist in the majoritarianism then that majoritarianism is a blessing.
A Muslim life must be a composition of hierarchical importance where justice is of the highest priority. A Muslim in this way is the champion of humanity and human rights because when justice becomes the highest priority no disease of racism, nationalism, aristocracy, capitalism, tribalism and social Darwinism can derail your humanity and existence. Muslim thus represents God a-priori and not any of these diseases of an ideology that mankind created for rivalry and oppression. It is only the Quranic community that can truly establish justice on this earth.
Quran 25:63
And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 25:63
The Muslim must have humility and simplicity in his or her walk, a walk which is not seeking attention nor realizing a sense of pride and arrogance. A walk can be arrogantly done in yourself or through a display of pomp and attention. Also, this verse prohibits trolling by speech and presumption, rather promotes engagement by reason and rationale.
Quran 33:35
“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 33:35
These are the essential traits of every Muslim in all his or her capacity whether private or public, personal or collective: faith in God, submission to Shariah law, patience-based effort, humility without meekness, charity without self-destruction, fasting without self-harm, chastity and piety. These are the essential characteristics of the Islamic civil servants, politicians, rulers, businessmen and employees. These are the necessities of a successful society, economy, politics and family.
Quran 18:28
And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 18:28
God has commanded Prophet to be with pious righteous men who desire God. These people of God are those who by their quality of godliness seeks betterment of creation and vanquishing of injustice. These real godly men are not merely habitual ritualists but real believers for whom rituals are only one aspect of Islam. In accordance with our Prophet we must too be friends and companions with pious righteous men and women. This is mostly essential for the political establishment of Islamic rule who must be based on piety and righteousness. The Muslims in their capacity as a worshipper, worker, politician, activist etc. should shun company of those who lost their selves in the misguidance and prohibited things of this world. Muslims must not misguide their selves by being persistently and whimsically with these unethical, immoral people. The social quality depends on morality and ethics based on piety.
Quran 2:177
“It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces to the East and the West; but righteous is he who believeth in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Scripture and the prophets; and giveth wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free; and observeth proper worship and payeth the poor-due. And those who keep their treaty when they make one, and the patient in tribulation and adversity and time of stress. Such are they who are sincere. Such are the Allah-fearing.” (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:177
These are another set of essential Muslim characteristics: attachment with the identity of God and hereafter, the unseen, charity with love, disdain for slavery and bondage of all forms, paying the religious tax, fulfilling promises and patient lasting struggle against hardship and persecution. These qualities of faith, welfare, standing against persecution and slavery, being truthful and determined struggle towards good is what the world needs right now.
Quran 2:156
“Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return":-” (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:156
This is a psychological motivation based in the reality of faith so that Muslims do not lose hope, do not abandon their Islamic struggle and struggle for just causes because they are returning to God who will reward their patient efforts. This is reminding Muslims not to lose faith and derail from determination and from their religion, in face of hardship and suffering. This is what is needed for Islamic revival and prosperity by it.
Quran 11:113
And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire, and you would not have other than Allah any protectors; then you would not be helped. (NFBL/FBL)
Commentary of Quran 11:113
Muslims are commanded not to even incline towards sin and wrongdoing even if this be small. It is not the issue of small sin but the issue of how the heart and mind develops and responds to the external world. When the heart and the mind make a habit of doing small sins it will gradually embrace the big ones. So God is guiding us here to not take any sin lightly because of habit forming, because of sin becoming unimportant to the Muslim mind. Islamic governance must ensure laws, frameworks, regulations and praxis so that people and Muslims find it easy to pick up good habits and difficult to pick up bad ones.
Quran 9:112
[Such believers are] the repentant, the worshippers, the praisers [of Allah ], the travelers [for His cause], those who bow and prostrate [in prayer], those who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and those who observe the limits [set by] Allah . And give good tidings to the believers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:112
God is defining here a psychology and mindset of the godly, the faithful. Each of this quality is a positive aspect of happiness and tranquility within, an evident symbol of a higher purposeful and causal life. These features are the encompassing aspects of a believer’s life.
Quran 8:27
O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence]. (Quran 8:27) (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:27
A believer never betrays God, Prophet and their trusts. Now Quran is a trust from God and secularists are great betrayers of this trust. A believer thus must always live by Quran in all aspects of his or her existence and Islamic government must be established to make it easy for believers to adhere to Quran and for people in general to maintain and achieve honesty and civility.
Quran 7:170
But those who hold fast to the Book and establish prayer - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of the reformers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 7:170
This verse repeats same semantics in many other verses which is a believer’s life must be rooted in Quran and Prophet. Islam does not believe in ritualistic formalities for it’s adherents which is the case now for almost all religions in the world today. You do not choose and select Islam but follow it or leave it sincerely and entirely.
Quran 6:70
And leave those who take their religion as amusement and diversion and whom the worldly life has deluded. But remind with the Qur'an, lest a soul be given up to destruction for what it earned; it will have other than Allah no protector and no intercessor... (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 6:70
A believer is a person of focus, determination and seriousness. Mockery, ridicule and indecent jokes are not traits of him. This is because a believer takes his religion Islam seriously and with care whether personally or politically (collectively). There is no room for a believer to abandon his or her religion. A believer interacts with the world:
To learn something beneficial in line with Quranic principles for Islamic and self empowerment and helping the oppressed and the unfortunate
To observe and understand for cause of good and justice
To adopt in mind or body in line with Quranic principles
Quran 6:120
And leave what is apparent of sin and what is concealed thereof. Indeed, those who earn [blame for] sin will be recompensed for that which they used to commit. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 6:120
A believer must shun private and public sins. This is why Islamic political system only allows righteous to rule that is righteous faithful and hence a Muslim. It is supremacy of good and righteousness rather than supremacy of race, tribe, class or nationality.
Quran 16:42
…So ask the people of the message if you do not
know. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 16:42
This verse establishes the principle of talking with information. The Muslims must never talk ignorantly but after proper research and investigation. The people of remembrance/message are the people of information and knowledge, which in this verse are truthful scholars of Bible. God is commanding Muslims to ask the relevant people of information and knowledge suggesting that the people of knowledge and information must be consulted and listened to. This verse establishes meritocracy also implying that the Islamic government, which is the ultimate authority, which is also the guide must be listened to and also be meritocratic.
Quran 23:2-5,8-9,57-60
Those who offer their Salat (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. And those who turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk, falsehood, and all that Allah has forbidden). And those who pay the Zakat. And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts)… Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat (all the duties which Allah has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility and trusts etc.) and to their covenants; And those who strictly guard their (five compulsory congregational) Salawat (prayers) (at their fixed stated hours)… Verily! Those who live in awe for fear of their Lord; And those who believe in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, And those who join not anyone (in worship) as partners with their Lord; And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities, etc., have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning). (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 23:2-5,8-9,57-60
The essential features of a believer are sincere prayer, abstinence from prohibited ways and everything which makes one forget God and His obedience, who pays religious tax, who keeps chaste, keeps their promises and fulfills their trusts, is always in awe of God, believes in and acts by God's revelation, abstains polytheism that is upholds God's sovereignty by act, belief and intention and who is always charitable without seeking return. These are ingredients of humanity’s success and victory against evil. If these existed in most Muslims Islam would be a successful ideology because Islamic rule would be prosperous and successful.
Quran 25:65
And those who say, "Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is ever adhering; (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 25:65
The believer is continuously afraid of the punishment in the hereafter. This fear is a detriment from evil and sins. This fear is what can make a society free from crimes as people are afraid of a greater punishment after death, they distance from committing crimes which are sins.
Quran 25:67
And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 25:67
A believer does everything in measure and moderation, not extreme nor liberal. A believer thus lives sustainably both personally and collectively. This verse also establishes the principle of sustainable development and rejects consumerism.
Quran 31:18
And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 31:18
A Muslim must not disdain people by ignoring them based on their race, nationality, class or lack of understanding and knowledge. Muslim must be accommodating and empathetic when he or she talks with the general people. A Muslim gives full attention to people when they talk. Generally, a person who talks arrogantly and disdain people in their communications also display arrogance in their general bearing including their walking. So, Islam also prohibited their form of the totality of interaction. These people are generally self admiring, attention-seeking and self-glorifying which God hates.
Quran 31:19
And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys." (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 31:19
God commands His servants to be humble and gentle in walking and talking. When Rumi said "Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder", he was explaining this verse.
Quran 49:17
They consider it a favor to you that they have accepted Islam. Say, "Do not consider your Islam a favor to me. Rather, Allah has conferred favor upon you that He has guided you to the faith, if you should be truthful." (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 49:17
This verse teaches Muslims to be grateful to gifts and blessing. Muslims must remember that by showing devotion to Islam they are not doing a favor to God or His religion rather God has favored them by Islam. If they abandon Islam, then they are not harming God in anyway but only themselves. It is like a patient who rejects prescription and medicine.
Quran 57:16
Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth? And let them not be like those who were given the Scripture before, and a long period passed over them, so their hearts hardened; and many of them are defiantly disobedient. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 57:16
God is asking us to have an unique identity and different from those who have disbelieved. It seems this verse exposes the result of prolonged detachment from God: hardness of heart. Today Muslims have been detached from God for far too long even though colonial tyranny has ended but it's legacy still haunts us. Our misguided rulers and governments have become hard hearted, cruel and apathetic, a consequence of distancing from God and Islam.
Quran 57:21
Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 57:21
The inclination of Muslims must be to hasten in deeds that please God. An Islamic society must be based on this psychology of doing good and being sympathetic. Fascism, xenophobia, racism, greed, cruelty, corruption etc. have no place in this society which hastens to do good whether such be religious rituals, charity, innovation, justice and equity, education and ethics etc. It is definitely not about fake misguided destructive multiculturism and inclusivity which is used as an excuse against Islamic rule but for western secular liberalism.
Quran 59:18
O you who have believed, fear Allah . And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah . Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 59:18
A believer can have ambition, but such must not make him forget the hereafter by godlessness, sins and transgressions. The time for a believer must be spent productively for both hereafter and this world. The Islamic human capital is neither a monk in the monastery nor a hedonist in Las Vegas but a balanced individual whose work in this world is also related to betterment in hereafter. A believer must be more attentive towards his time when globally, Muslims are suffering and persecuted.
Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS) said, ‘The world is of two types: that which causes one to attain [success in the Hereafter] and that which is cursed.’[al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 317, no. 8]
Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Know that the world is a place of trial wherein there is no time a person can afford to be idle, for that time will be a source of regret for him on the Day of Resurrection.’[Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 59]
Quran 61:2
O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? (NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 61:2
A Muslim must be a person of integrity and honesty both in his personal and collective capacity. The Muslim should be an example of these noble traits so that whenever a non-Muslim hears of a Muslim, the first thing that will come to his or her mind is "an honest people of integrity". This status of Muslims is achieved gradually by a long-term effort under Islamisation plan and Islamic rule.
The only statement of the [true] believers when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say, "We hear and we obey." And those are the successful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 24:51
A Muslim will never reject Shariah law and governance by it in his or her personal and collective existence. A Muslim is always on the state of "hear and obey" to God and His prophet. The Muslim citizens thus must be devoutly loyal to Islamic governance and the jurisdiction and are the first respondents to it's creation and evolution.
Quran 49:15
The believers are only the ones who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah . It is those who are the truthful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 49:15
Even though this command is applicable to all Muslims except those with valid legal excuses but the best entity to implement this verse persistently and efficiently effectively is Islamic government, Islamic military and big Muslim businesses. God has given us the general principle in this verse, but it is up to us to implement this principle in all possibilities and contexts of jihad. We must be wise enough to understand the domain of jihad, its triggers and its means and end but know the eternal principle that injustice begets resistance. The liberal excuse that Islam is tolerance must be rejected because for far too long these self-humiliating people has used this excuse to impede real binding Quranic commands thereby weakening Muslims and prolonging Muslim diaspora.
Quran 17:37
And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height. (NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 17:37
Any form of walk that is an expression and cause of arrogance and pride is prohibited and not befitting for a Muslim. There is no doubt about the fact that catwalk is also prohibited because of its arrogant and sexualized expression of the feminine beauty and body. The walks that are done by foreign heads of states in front of military honor are also a form of arrogant walk. These are all un-Islamic and against Quran. Quran prohibited arrogant walk because so that Muslims do not allow any seed of arrogance to flourish in their hearts and as walking is the representation of one’s whole and is the most common daily activity of human being then any arrogance in walking will also result in the individual Muslim doing injustice to people as a continued pride will hover around in his self. An arrogant walk will be a continuous reminder of one’s pride and arrogance making him act unjust.
Quran 13:28
Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured tranquility. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 13:28
Essential characteristic of a Muslim is remembrance of God. In this world people's lives mostly revolve around their family and/or God, and their psychology and emotional wellbeing are also determined by the strength of the relationship. Know that God will never cause your emotional collapse even though family may abandon you, mistreat you or even harm you. God is thus the greatest stabilizer of human psychology and emotion. God is a pillar to lean by, a shield to defend with, a foundation to strengthen on and a light to be guided by.
Quran 3:159
…And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 3:159
A Muslim is not a fatalist either in his personal or functional capacity be this functional capacity be a politician, ruler, leader, manager etc. Because putting faith/trust (tawakkul) on God doesn't mean sitting idle. Effort, either individual or collective, is part of that trust as putting trust and faith in God only means God will be your guide, protector and aid. God can help you in your effort which is in your ability and in also that which is not in your ability. God encompasses everything. One who sits idle only shows arrogance. We need to understand what God’s will is to understand the necessity of hard work and effort (also called Jihad). The will of God can mean His command or His permission. The will of God is thus also a system of natural justice, laws and logical consequences He has created.
Also, Islam being a rational religion makes its adherents think practically rather than sitting in one corner idly and for God to do some miracle. Even Quran always encourages faith with action as this verse also shows. It is because through actions our spiritual metrics will be measured such as determination, sincerity, loyalty, tawakkul, hope, honesty, devotion etc. Without action these things will remain unknown.
Quran 21:90
Then will you not reason? (NFBL)
Commenary of Quran 21:90
Numerous verses ask humanity to reason! God loves a rational believer who works to win God's blessings and judgement. God will act at the end for even an irrational believer who sits in one corner and leaves everything to God. But don't we love that, God fulfills what we desire and want by being rational believer? In fact, various Quranic and hadith texts obligate, encourage and reward a rational believer. An irrational believer only prolongs hardship and suffering by delaying God's blessings and judgements.
Quran 9:55
So let not their wealth or their children impress you. Allah only intends to punish them through them in worldly life and that their souls should depart [at death] while they are disbelievers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:55
When the colonialists descended on the natives, the natives were astonished and impressed by them, so they flung open their lands and hospitalities which the colonialists exploited and then colonized. Same pattern has been repeated and is repeating. The Muslim governments and many Muslims in their ignorance have been astonished and impressed by western nations and culture so much so that they have actively sought westernization even though they failed to see the consequences of western system of politics, life and society. By this foolish pursuit they have impeded greatly Islamic development both of the Muslim self and the Muslim countries. Muslims have thus become backwards and unproductive, and most persecuted, specially the religious Muslims. This is all because of how some important Muslims have been deceivingly impressed by west. My question is why are Muslims countries not been able to become like west in economy and technology? This is because Muslims have sought westernization blindly, without guidance of Islam. Muslims have copied the bad culture of west leaving the good ones while west was copying the good culture of Muslim that is Islamic sciences, while leaving out Islamic religion. This Muslim misguidance and misjudgment is due to the colonial legacy. Muslims must stop being impressed like fools and develop some self-dignity and honor in Islam. God has thus commanded His prophet not to be impressed by the wealth of the disbelievers and their elitist children. Being impressed and astonished is meekness, gullibility and the doorway to dependence and servitude and a total shutdown of independent critical thought.
Quran 24:37
[Are] men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of zakah. They fear a Day in which the hearts and eyes will [fearfully] turn about – (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 24:37
A person who worships money is a curse to himself, society and even the earth. These today are called corporate capitalists whose only purpose is profit at any cost and this has made them forget God and due to forgetting God they have crossed all limits of ethics and morals. They are architect of human misery. We have these also among Muslims, specially tyrannical Muslim royals and corrupt politicians. Prophet has termed them worshipers of dirham and dinar. God in this verse is ordaining a standard and protocols which will keep humanity away from being such destructive evil force and that is piety, godliness, charity of wealth and fearing a great reckoning, the day of divine accounting. These are instruments which shackle the evil parts of human soul.
Quran 6:54
And when those come to you who believe in Our verses, say, "Peace be upon you. Your Lord has decreed upon Himself mercy: that any of you who does wrong out of ignorance and then repents after that and corrects himself - indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 6:54
An Islamic Muslim relationship must be based on piety, reason and sympathy but devil wants it to be based on politics of envy, hate and exploitation. Thus, human by being political in this way in every aspect of their lives have brought global misery at all levels of human existence. However, Muslims must be on their guard and awake against such people of corrupt politics.
Quran 8:2
The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely – (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:2
These features of the heart are a necessary result of true faith and not an artificial formality of the will. Those who have been on the path of piety will automatically get a response like this from within.
Quran 49:11
O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers. (NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 49:11
We must be careful to differentiate between insult and criticism. Insult is directed at a person’s relationship, looks and human dignity whereas criticism is directed at a person’s beliefs and actions. Also, these negative aspects of cultural interaction are hallmarks of racism, xenophobia, tribalism, elitism and bullying. In this verse God prohibits collective judgement, collective punishment and underestimation of other people. Islamic cross-cultural interaction must be based on mutual respect and understanding whether the other culture and people are a minority under Islamic jurisdiction or a group outside Islamic jurisdiction. Muslims thus must represent Islam and Muslims, as a noble ideology and a well-mannered welcoming people within limits of Shariah law that is such hospitality must not erode Islamic identity or weaken Islamic jurisdiction
Quran 2:195
And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:195
God has commanded the believers both individual and collective to spend in His way. Such spending needs to be balanced and must not bring harm to the Muslims, or the spenders. Islamic financial ventures must thus be empowering first to the Muslim diaspora and not destructive to people, environment, human rights and animals.
Quran 4:135
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So, follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 4:135
Under Islamic jurisdiction and Shariah law whether citizens or migrants, documented or undocumented, Muslim or non-Muslim all deserve equal and equitable protections under the law, the right to due process, freedom from unlawful search and seizure, and the right to fair criminal proceedings, among many other things. There is no place for racism, nationalism, tribalism and inhumanity because some people happen to be different than you. It is because Shariah law is unique and appeals to noble values:
- rational freedom
- resistance against tyranny, persecution and exploitation
- equitable and interest free economic system
- morality and charity
- defense of honor, property and lives
- humility and mercy
- harsh deterring criminal legal system
know that even if 1000 self-gratifying people oppressed humiliated tortured 1 person, God would bring down his wrath on those 1000. Its not blind, brute, irrational majoritarianism with God but justice and righteousness and when justice and righteousness exist in the majoritarianism then that majoritarianism is a blessing.
A Muslim life must be a composition of hierarchical importance where justice is of the highest priority. A Muslim in this way is the champion of humanity and human rights because when justice becomes the highest priority no disease of racism, nationalism, aristocracy, capitalism, tribalism and social Darwinism can derail your humanity and existence. Muslim thus represents God a-priori and not any of these diseases of an ideology that mankind created for rivalry and oppression. It is only the Quranic community that can truly establish justice on this earth.
Quran 25:63
And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 25:63
The Muslim must have humility and simplicity in his or her walk, a walk which is not seeking attention nor realizing a sense of pride and arrogance. A walk can be arrogantly done in yourself or through a display of pomp and attention. Also, this verse prohibits trolling by speech and presumption, rather promotes engagement by reason and rationale.
Quran 33:35
“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 33:35
These are the essential traits of every Muslim in all his or her capacity whether private or public, personal or collective: faith in God, submission to Shariah law, patience-based effort, humility without meekness, charity without self-destruction, fasting without self-harm, chastity and piety. These are the essential characteristics of the Islamic civil servants, politicians, rulers, businessmen and employees. These are the necessities of a successful society, economy, politics and family.
Quran 18:28
And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 18:28
God has commanded Prophet to be with pious righteous men who desire God. These people of God are those who by their quality of godliness seeks betterment of creation and vanquishing of injustice. These real godly men are not merely habitual ritualists but real believers for whom rituals are only one aspect of Islam. In accordance with our Prophet we must too be friends and companions with pious righteous men and women. This is mostly essential for the political establishment of Islamic rule who must be based on piety and righteousness. The Muslims in their capacity as a worshipper, worker, politician, activist etc. should shun company of those who lost their selves in the misguidance and prohibited things of this world. Muslims must not misguide their selves by being persistently and whimsically with these unethical, immoral people. The social quality depends on morality and ethics based on piety.
Quran 2:177
“It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces to the East and the West; but righteous is he who believeth in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Scripture and the prophets; and giveth wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free; and observeth proper worship and payeth the poor-due. And those who keep their treaty when they make one, and the patient in tribulation and adversity and time of stress. Such are they who are sincere. Such are the Allah-fearing.” (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:177
These are another set of essential Muslim characteristics: attachment with the identity of God and hereafter, the unseen, charity with love, disdain for slavery and bondage of all forms, paying the religious tax, fulfilling promises and patient lasting struggle against hardship and persecution. These qualities of faith, welfare, standing against persecution and slavery, being truthful and determined struggle towards good is what the world needs right now.
Quran 2:156
“Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return":-” (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:156
This is a psychological motivation based in the reality of faith so that Muslims do not lose hope, do not abandon their Islamic struggle and struggle for just causes because they are returning to God who will reward their patient efforts. This is reminding Muslims not to lose faith and derail from determination and from their religion, in face of hardship and suffering. This is what is needed for Islamic revival and prosperity by it.
Quran 11:113
And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire, and you would not have other than Allah any protectors; then you would not be helped. (NFBL/FBL)
Commentary of Quran 11:113
Muslims are commanded not to even incline towards sin and wrongdoing even if this be small. It is not the issue of small sin but the issue of how the heart and mind develops and responds to the external world. When the heart and the mind make a habit of doing small sins it will gradually embrace the big ones. So God is guiding us here to not take any sin lightly because of habit forming, because of sin becoming unimportant to the Muslim mind. Islamic governance must ensure laws, frameworks, regulations and praxis so that people and Muslims find it easy to pick up good habits and difficult to pick up bad ones.
Quran 9:112
[Such believers are] the repentant, the worshippers, the praisers [of Allah ], the travelers [for His cause], those who bow and prostrate [in prayer], those who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and those who observe the limits [set by] Allah . And give good tidings to the believers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:112
God is defining here a psychology and mindset of the godly, the faithful. Each of this quality is a positive aspect of happiness and tranquility within, an evident symbol of a higher purposeful and causal life. These features are the encompassing aspects of a believer’s life.
Quran 8:27
O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence]. (Quran 8:27) (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 8:27
A believer never betrays God, Prophet and their trusts. Now Quran is a trust from God and secularists are great betrayers of this trust. A believer thus must always live by Quran in all aspects of his or her existence and Islamic government must be established to make it easy for believers to adhere to Quran and for people in general to maintain and achieve honesty and civility.
Quran 7:170
But those who hold fast to the Book and establish prayer - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of the reformers. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 7:170
This verse repeats same semantics in many other verses which is a believer’s life must be rooted in Quran and Prophet. Islam does not believe in ritualistic formalities for it’s adherents which is the case now for almost all religions in the world today. You do not choose and select Islam but follow it or leave it sincerely and entirely.
Quran 6:70
And leave those who take their religion as amusement and diversion and whom the worldly life has deluded. But remind with the Qur'an, lest a soul be given up to destruction for what it earned; it will have other than Allah no protector and no intercessor... (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 6:70
A believer is a person of focus, determination and seriousness. Mockery, ridicule and indecent jokes are not traits of him. This is because a believer takes his religion Islam seriously and with care whether personally or politically (collectively). There is no room for a believer to abandon his or her religion. A believer interacts with the world:
To learn something beneficial in line with Quranic principles for Islamic and self empowerment and helping the oppressed and the unfortunate
To observe and understand for cause of good and justice
To adopt in mind or body in line with Quranic principles
Quran 6:120
And leave what is apparent of sin and what is concealed thereof. Indeed, those who earn [blame for] sin will be recompensed for that which they used to commit. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 6:120
A believer must shun private and public sins. This is why Islamic political system only allows righteous to rule that is righteous faithful and hence a Muslim. It is supremacy of good and righteousness rather than supremacy of race, tribe, class or nationality.
Quran 16:42
…So ask the people of the message if you do not
know. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 16:42
This verse establishes the principle of talking with information. The Muslims must never talk ignorantly but after proper research and investigation. The people of remembrance/message are the people of information and knowledge, which in this verse are truthful scholars of Bible. God is commanding Muslims to ask the relevant people of information and knowledge suggesting that the people of knowledge and information must be consulted and listened to. This verse establishes meritocracy also implying that the Islamic government, which is the ultimate authority, which is also the guide must be listened to and also be meritocratic.
Quran 23:2-5,8-9,57-60
Those who offer their Salat (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. And those who turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk, falsehood, and all that Allah has forbidden). And those who pay the Zakat. And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts)… Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat (all the duties which Allah has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility and trusts etc.) and to their covenants; And those who strictly guard their (five compulsory congregational) Salawat (prayers) (at their fixed stated hours)… Verily! Those who live in awe for fear of their Lord; And those who believe in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, And those who join not anyone (in worship) as partners with their Lord; And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities, etc., have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning). (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 23:2-5,8-9,57-60
The essential features of a believer are sincere prayer, abstinence from prohibited ways and everything which makes one forget God and His obedience, who pays religious tax, who keeps chaste, keeps their promises and fulfills their trusts, is always in awe of God, believes in and acts by God's revelation, abstains polytheism that is upholds God's sovereignty by act, belief and intention and who is always charitable without seeking return. These are ingredients of humanity’s success and victory against evil. If these existed in most Muslims Islam would be a successful ideology because Islamic rule would be prosperous and successful.
Quran 25:65
And those who say, "Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is ever adhering; (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 25:65
The believer is continuously afraid of the punishment in the hereafter. This fear is a detriment from evil and sins. This fear is what can make a society free from crimes as people are afraid of a greater punishment after death, they distance from committing crimes which are sins.
Quran 25:67
And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 25:67
A believer does everything in measure and moderation, not extreme nor liberal. A believer thus lives sustainably both personally and collectively. This verse also establishes the principle of sustainable development and rejects consumerism.
Quran 31:18
And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful. (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 31:18
A Muslim must not disdain people by ignoring them based on their race, nationality, class or lack of understanding and knowledge. Muslim must be accommodating and empathetic when he or she talks with the general people. A Muslim gives full attention to people when they talk. Generally, a person who talks arrogantly and disdain people in their communications also display arrogance in their general bearing including their walking. So, Islam also prohibited their form of the totality of interaction. These people are generally self admiring, attention-seeking and self-glorifying which God hates.
Quran 31:19
And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys." (FBL/NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 31:19
God commands His servants to be humble and gentle in walking and talking. When Rumi said "Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder", he was explaining this verse.
Quran 49:17
They consider it a favor to you that they have accepted Islam. Say, "Do not consider your Islam a favor to me. Rather, Allah has conferred favor upon you that He has guided you to the faith, if you should be truthful." (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 49:17
This verse teaches Muslims to be grateful to gifts and blessing. Muslims must remember that by showing devotion to Islam they are not doing a favor to God or His religion rather God has favored them by Islam. If they abandon Islam, then they are not harming God in anyway but only themselves. It is like a patient who rejects prescription and medicine.
Quran 57:16
Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth? And let them not be like those who were given the Scripture before, and a long period passed over them, so their hearts hardened; and many of them are defiantly disobedient. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 57:16
God is asking us to have an unique identity and different from those who have disbelieved. It seems this verse exposes the result of prolonged detachment from God: hardness of heart. Today Muslims have been detached from God for far too long even though colonial tyranny has ended but it's legacy still haunts us. Our misguided rulers and governments have become hard hearted, cruel and apathetic, a consequence of distancing from God and Islam.
Quran 57:21
Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 57:21
The inclination of Muslims must be to hasten in deeds that please God. An Islamic society must be based on this psychology of doing good and being sympathetic. Fascism, xenophobia, racism, greed, cruelty, corruption etc. have no place in this society which hastens to do good whether such be religious rituals, charity, innovation, justice and equity, education and ethics etc. It is definitely not about fake misguided destructive multiculturism and inclusivity which is used as an excuse against Islamic rule but for western secular liberalism.
Quran 59:18
O you who have believed, fear Allah . And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah . Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 59:18
A believer can have ambition, but such must not make him forget the hereafter by godlessness, sins and transgressions. The time for a believer must be spent productively for both hereafter and this world. The Islamic human capital is neither a monk in the monastery nor a hedonist in Las Vegas but a balanced individual whose work in this world is also related to betterment in hereafter. A believer must be more attentive towards his time when globally, Muslims are suffering and persecuted.
Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS) said, ‘The world is of two types: that which causes one to attain [success in the Hereafter] and that which is cursed.’[al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 317, no. 8]
Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Know that the world is a place of trial wherein there is no time a person can afford to be idle, for that time will be a source of regret for him on the Day of Resurrection.’[Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 59]
Quran 61:2
O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? (NFBL)
Commentary of Quran 61:2
A Muslim must be a person of integrity and honesty both in his personal and collective capacity. The Muslim should be an example of these noble traits so that whenever a non-Muslim hears of a Muslim, the first thing that will come to his or her mind is "an honest people of integrity". This status of Muslims is achieved gradually by a long-term effort under Islamisation plan and Islamic rule.
Proudly powered by Weebly