Quran Garden

Session 351

Chapter 3

Verse 19

a continuation

Indeed, the true religion in the sight of God is Islam. Those who were given the Book did not differ except after true knowledge had come to them, out of envious rivalry among themselves. Whoever disbelieves in the revelations of God should know that God is swift to take account. (Chapter 3, Verse 19)

Religious rulings in the Quran and Sunnah -the narrations and actions of Prophet Muhammad- are generally of two types, The first type are clear and concise rulings that do not leave any room for opinions and interpretations. The second type are rulings that are subject to understanding and further diligence.  Allah did not make all rulings of one type or the other, because He wants to give our intellect a chance to research matters in depth and weigh the alternatives.  If we do not use our intellect, the mind becomes lazy.

When you see any disagreement between the clergy or between religions, you should know that the reason behind it is not lack of knowledge; rather, it is “out of envious rivalry among themselves.”  Some clergy take advantage of religious rulings that require research and interpretations by following their whims instead of their knowledge.  They abuse their position to claim that they are better than others and try to put down those with a more profound understanding.  More importantly, they issue interpretations that gain favors with presidents or kings. 

The umbrella of “out of envious rivalry among themselves,” covers all types of deviations from God’s teachings.  Would you like to know how to immunize yourself against “envious rivalry”? Just like a doctor can protect you from terrible diseases through immunization, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, shows you how to recognize when your heart deviates towards sin.  He says, "Righteousness is good character, while sin is what wavers in your heart, and you would hate for people to find out about it." And in another narration, he said, "Righteousness reassures your soul and your heart, while sin wavers in your soul and puts tension in your chest, even if all people tell you that it is fine."

A religious opinion, or fatwa, should only come from a knowledgeable righteous person after intensive study and research.  Our beloved Muhammad warns us of a time when upright clergy will be few and far between.  It will be easy for you to find a corrupt imam to issue whatever ruling -fatwa- that justifies your behavior.  Sadly, in our modern times, such clergy are often given their own television shows and media outlets.  On the other hand, the righteous are few, and those who listen to them are even fewer.  

But do not despair if you find yourself in such an environment.  You should work hard to find someone knowledgeable and trustworthy, but if you cannot, Prophet Muhammad advises you to look into your heart.   Stay away from matters that waver in your soul and put tension in your chest, even if a hundred fatwas are telling you to go ahead.

But why are God and His Messenger warning us against the religious disagreements that stem from “envious rivalry”?  Because Allah equated abusing religious authority with disbelief!  Listen to God’s words, “Those who were given the Book did not differ except after true knowledge had come to them, out of envious rivalry among themselves. Whoever disbelieves in the Revelations of God should know that God is swift at reckoning.”

Allah further warns that He is “swift at reckoning.”If a clergy thinks that he or she can abuse their authority for a short time to gain status, wealth, access to power, and then repent, they should think twice.  Any benefit will be short-lived.  They will not be able to protect themselves from God in this world or the next.  Even those who seem to get away with their abuse cannot delay their death. 

The word “account” should reassure the believer and disbeliever alike.  Why, you may ask? We answer that Allah maintains justice and does not abandon the exploited and abused,even if he or she is a disbeliever.  God says,

We shall set-up the scales of justice on the Day of Resurrection, so that none will be wronged in the least. Even if it were equal to a mustard seed in weight, We shall take it into account. We suffice as reckoners. (21, 47)

And in another chapter,

When the earth is shaken violently in its last quake; when the earth disgorges its burdens; when man cries, “What is wrong with it?”; On that Day it will relate its chronicles, for your Lord will have commanded it.  On that Day, people will come forward in separate groups to be shown their deeds, whoever has done an atom” s-weight of good will see it, and whoever has done an atom” s-weight of evil will see it. (chapter 99)