Quran Garden

Session 274

Chapter 2

Verse 253

a continuation

Those are the messengers - We preferred some above others. God spoke to some; others He raised many degrees in rank; We gave Jesus, son of Mary, Our clear signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If God had so willed, their successors would not have fought each other after they had been brought clear signs. But they disagreed: some believed, and some disbelieved. If God had so willed, they would not have fought each other, but God does what He will. (Chapter 2: Verse 253)

God sent us prophets and scriptures so we can act as His successors on earth.  His teachings of "do" and "do not do" guide us towards an upright life.  However, with time, negligence of God teachings increases.  People drift away from their Lord, and corruption creeps in.   When dishonesty becomes prevalent, God sends a new messenger to remind people of the Divine teachings.  Sadly, when a prophet comes, those who benefit from corruption rush to fight the believers.  They see faith as a threat to their status, money, and power.  As disagreements grow, wars often break out.  If God wanted the world to have no battles between right and wrong, He would have subjugated all of us to the truth.  He says: “If God had so willed, their successors would not have fought each other after they had been brought clear signs. But they disagreed: some believed, and some disbelieved.”

Allah gave us freedom of choice; those who want to believe can do so, and those who want to disbelieve can do so.  Do not fall under the false impression that the existence of the disbelievers and the corrupt is proof that they are out of God’s will and control.  Remember that Allah is the One who granted them this freedom of choice.

Here you may ask: isn’t it possible that people could disagree with each other, but they would do not quarrel or fight? We answer that if that happened, it would mean a compromise to accept some corruption.  God does not want you to tolerate corruption around you.  Even if good was not strong enough to rule human affairs, it should at least make its presence known so people can follow it, or until a strong leader emerges to make it thrive. God says:

Do not be deceived by the fact that those who disbelieve move freely about the earth. This is only a brief enjoyment, after which Hell will be their home- a miserable resting place! (3:196, 197)

Allah does not allow good to be completely erased from the land, even when falsehood and evil become rampant.  Rather, He always leaves good people and good deeds around so others would see the alternative and seek it when their lives are disrupted by evil.  Good people today are the basis of the next generation of strong believers who raise the banner of the truth.  Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "If it were not for the elderly bowing in worship, for suckling babies, and for pasturing animals, God would have brought down such a harsh punishment for your corruption that it would utterly destroy you."  The Prophet warns us not to look at the weak as a burden, dismiss the poor as dependants, or disregard worship as unproductive.  Those righteous among us are the guardians who bring God’s protection to all.  The weak and the poor are usually the most sincere in worship.  They are often the ones who stand for the truth and are ready to sacrifice to defend it. 

You can also do your part: Be generous with your wealth, generous with your time and effort to support the truth regardless of the consequences.  In the olden days, true warriors would not only have to go to battle risking their lives, but each would take out of his or her wealth to prepare everything required: a horse, spear, sword, shield, and so on.  He or she would be ready to sacrifice money and life if required.  God says:

Do you think that you will be left untested without God identifying which of you will strive for His cause and take no supporters apart from God, His Messenger, and other believers? God is fully aware of all your actions. (9:16)