MuslimMatters.org Discourses in the Intellectual Traditions, Political Situation, and Social Ethics of Muslim Life
“I would like to introduce Br. Nihal Khan who is a fairly new writer for MuslimMatters. He is a friend whom I have known for a very long time and is a brother who has an amazing future ahead, inshā'Allāh. He memorized the Qur'an in New York and is currently in the DREAM Arabic intensive program with Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan and is also pursuing his degree in Business. He is a fellow member of Young Muslims (YM) and has worked as a youth director in New Jersey. Enough of the biographical data on this brother, he is a very honest, friendly, good role model. He is dedicated to this deen and working to improve our communities. We look forward to reading his insights on MuslimMatters. Welcome Nihal!” - Amir (MR)
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Have We Attained Success According to the Qur'an?
Allāh tells us in Surah Yusuf, “
إنه لا يفلح الظالمون.
”
This was what Yusuf (AS) told the wife of the 'Aziz after she tried to seduce Him (AS). The word selection in the verse was very eye opening to me.
The word “
افلح/يفلح/إفلاح
” means “attaining success after putting in much hard work and strain.” Allāh uses the same word in the first verse of Surah Mu'minoon when he refers to attaining khushoo' in the prayer, ie. it entails that you need to work extra hard to attain concentration.
Another point to note is that the word
ظلم/يظلم
is usually translated as “oppression.” Though this is correct, the context of this word can be many. It can refer to an unjust ruler (ظالم), someone who is giving another a hard time, etc. But one meaning which we all forget is when we commit sins against ourselves.
If we take this whole section of the āyah into consideration we can derive a perspective from it. It may not matter how active we may be in our Muslim community or how much Qur'an we have memorized IF we still do not treat our parents well, behave well towards others, and/or commit sins in private. All of that hard work which we may have done (إفلاح) will be in vain if we continue to commit sins (ظلم) and not live according to how Allāh wants us to live and seek ways to better ourselves.
May Allāh guide us all to the straight path.
Unique, interesting perspective. Barak Allahu feek.
JAzak allahu khairan for breaking down the meaning of the words for us.
Our sisters group have been watching and enjoying Br. Noman Ali Khan’s Arabic class online.
It so true that we have to keep accounting ourselves for our behavior that only Allah sees. How we talk to our kids and closest family members shows our manners. May Allah help us to do hisab on ourselves before it is done on us.
How do you attend the classes online sister?
assalamu alaikum sister
They are recorded from his Arabic classes
http://bayyinah.com/elearning/
We use with Br. Asif’s lectures at lqtoronto.com
JazaakAllah khayr, Br Nihal! This short post carries more meaning in it than many long ones I’ve read. And I didn’t know you were part of the awesome Dream program, Masha’Allah!
Mash’Allah bro, looking forward to reading your work.
I love how the pic is titled “weemee.jpg” – lol!
Jazakallahu khair bro!
;)
Masha’Allah, it’s great to hear from the Dream students! insha’Allah we will all be able to attend it soon!! Until I’m old enough… <3 dua'a for the current students till then!
Jazakallahu khairun brother Nihal and welcome! :>
“All of that hard work which we may have done (Ø¥ÙلاØ) will be in vain if we continue to commit sins (ظلم)”
Just to add to it – we must continue to do good because we can’t possibly stop sinning. There are numerous references where we’ve been given hope of expiation of our sins given that we keep up with the good deeds, and seek forgiveness. Insha’Allah.
Jazakillahu khair!
I agree, thanks for the addition!
JazakAllah khair for the reminder and explanation- May Allah (SWT) put barakah in your studies.
barak Allah feek Nihal, nice perspective.
Edit: please be respectful in your comments. thanks.
Salaam alaykum Nihal,
Welcome to MM, may your time and efforts prove beneficial.
Jazakillahu khair!
welcome Nihal… seems u have been part of mm for a long time :)
;)
I think the same conclusion you reached through the Arabic could’ve been reached by reading the English translation.
Chicago for the win ;)