Quran Garden

In today's tafsir, we respond to critics of the Quran who claim that Muslims cannot agree on the meaning of its verses.  We examine the meanings behind the word "curse" and explore how God's blessings are often hidden behind life's difficulties. 

Session 630

Chapter 4

Verse 47

a continuation

O people of the Book, believe in what We have revealed, which confirms what is already with you before We obliterate faces, turning them inside out, or We curse you as We cursed the Companions of the Sabbath.  God's command is always carried out.  (Chapter 4: Verse 47)

In the previous sessions, we explained that the word "Face" has two meanings: one physical, as in the mouth, nose, and eyes, and one related to intention, as in choosing and working toward a destination.  Some critics of Islam try to cast doubt on the meanings of Quranic verses by saying, "Even scholars cannot settle on the clear meaning of a single word.  Does it mean this or that?" We answer: You do not have the innate mastery of the language.  Even if you are an Arabic speaker, your understanding is often superficial.  True language mastery is an intuitive sense of how each word is placed so that its intended meanings shine clearly.  If you want a simplistic book in which everyone agrees on the meaning of every word, then read a children's book.

Let's examine the word "curse." One of its meanings is expulsion.  Expulsion involves three elements: the one who expels, the one expelled, and that from which the person or thing is expelled.  When you break it down this way, there is no objection to the multiplicity of meanings.  Suppose you are sitting down to eat, and your cat circles around the table.  What do you do?  You shoo it away; that is a form of expulsion.  When your daughter runs around while you entertain guests, you say to her, "Go to your mother"; that too is a form of expulsion.  If your teenage son rebels and disrespects you, you may throw him out of the house; that is also expulsion.  And if he, God forbid, commits a crime, he may be imprisoned, which is a more severe form of expulsion from society.  Some people lose their lives for committing crimes, which is the ultimate expulsion from this world.

The same applies to God's curse in the verse under study.  If we understand it as humiliation and disgrace, then the curse was fulfilled for the disbelievers.  If we understand it as destruction, that too befell the Jewish tribes in Medina, as many of them were defeated in battle, disgraced, and their women and children were taken captive.  They were expelled from their homes and scattered to distant lands.  Thus, multiple meanings of expulsion are realized.  The concept encompasses everything that happened to them, though it differs according to the one who expels, the one expelled, and that from which he is expelled.

God specified, "or We curse you as We cursed the Companions of the Sabbath." When Allah wishes to test some of His creation to reveal the state of their faith and submission, He may temporarily prohibit an act that is otherwise generally permitted.  In this case, the Almighty prohibited fishing on one day of the week.  This was the "Sabbath," a day of rest and devotion away from worldly affairs.  The "Companions of the Sabbath" were the people who believed they could outsmart their Creator.

Some Muslims assume that every prohibition from God is because the act or food is harmful.  We say to you: No, it may be a prohibition for testing faith and putting people through trials.  Listen to the following Aya,

For the wrongdoings done by the Jews, We forbade them certain good things that had been permitted to them before: and because of their obstructing many people from God's path. (5:160)

Take note that Allah forbade them "Good things," which are usually lawful.  Why?  Because they had previously overstepped the bounds and taken what was not lawful, allowing themselves to enjoy it.  Thus, God made unlawful for them what was previously lawful.  A fair exchange!  When you reject God's rules and dare the forbidden, the Almighty may take from you something that is lawful.  For example, a person may indulge freely in youth, only to develop health conditions later in life that prevent him or her from eating certain foods.  Allah may forbid you something to test your obedience and strengthen your faith.  He wants your faith to have firm, unshakable foundations.  He says:

There are also some who worship God right on the edge: if something good comes their way, they are satisfied, but if they are tested, they revert to their old ways, losing both this world and the next- that is the clearest loss.  (22:11)

God wants faith to be anchored in your heart, not teetering on the edge.  You should have no anxiety when it comes to Islam.  Why?  Because faith is meant to bring peace and tranquility to life.  Be a brave soldier!  When a coward stands on the front line, he is filled with fear and anxiety.  If he hears news of victory, he relaxes and begins dreaming of the spoils of war, but if he hears bad news, he runs from the battlefield.  A brave soldier, however, stands firm because he believes in the mission.

Consider this example.  Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "Three things I swear by, so remember them well: Charity does not decrease a servant's wealth; no servant who is wronged and remains patient except that Allah increases him in honor; and whoever starts asking others for money unnecessarily, Allah will lead them into poverty." Some people say, "I will give zakat so that God will increase my wealth." We say to them: Remove from your mind the idea of gaining more wealth.  Give zakat because Allah commanded it.  If your wealth increases afterward, that is a minor bonus.  Sometimes Allah may delay increasing your wealth to test your faith: Are you giving because He commanded it, or because you hope for extra profit?  Allah wants you to turn to Him out of love and obedience, not out of greed.

God tested the Israelites living by the sea with a difficult temptation.  On the very day when fishing was forbidden, the fish became plentiful and easy to catch.  This tested their faith and self-control.  If they had truly trusted God, they would have obeyed His command.  But their greed for worldly gain got the best of them.  Had they simply listened to God, they would have been blessed instead of punished.  Sometimes God hides His gifts within prohibitions, but few people can see it.  He says,

When they ignored the warning they were given, We saved those who forbade evil, and punished the wrongdoers severely because of their disobedience. (7:165)

If you are passing through a difficult time in life, we pray: May Allah surround you with peace as you walk through, grant you patience when answers seem delayed, wisdom in every decision, and strength for each new day.  Amen.  Please subscribe and join the QuranGarden community for spiritual growth and invaluable Quranic lessons.  Thank you.