A Worshipper and a Wrong Doer
By Mufti Md. Shahabuddin
“There were two men among Banu Israel who were striving for the same goal. One of them would commit sin and the other would exert himself in worship. The man who exerted himself in worship continued to see the other in sin. He said, “Refrain from it”. The other said, “leave me alone. Have you been sent to watch me?” He said; “I swear by Allah, Allah will not forgive, nor will He admit you in paradise.” Then their souls were taken back (by Allah) and they met together with the Lord of the worlds. He (Allah asked the man who had striven hard in worship; “Had you knowledge about me or had you power over that which I had in my hand?” He commanded the man who sinned. “Go and enter paradise by my mercy.” He commanded about the other “Take him to Hell.” Abu Hurairah said: By him in whose hand is my soul, he spoke a word by which this world and the next world of his were destroyed.” (Abu Dawood: 2/671-72)
Moral of the Story
This story indicates that we should guard our tongue, specially in the matters which relate to Allah. Hazrat Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (Pbuh) said: “A slave (of Allah) may utter a word which pleases Allah without giving it much importance and because of that Allah will raise him or reward him to a degree beyond one’s imagination. A slave (of Allah) may utter a word (carelessly) which displeases him without thinking of its gravity and because of that he will be thrown into the Hell fire.” (Bukhari: 2/959)
We also learn from this story that to taunt or disdain any Muslim is not allowed. Moreover, cursing others is not forbidden only in cases which concern Muslims, instead of it, we have to avoid cursing anyone whether he may be a Muslim or a non-Muslim, regardless of his colour and race. A great Islamic scholar Allama Nawavi has written throwing light upon the above subject; Ulema agree with the fact that cursing is forbidden. The Arabic word ‘la-ana’ means to keep or drive away some one from the blessings of Allah. Therefore, it is very bad to curse any human being without knowing the realities. Because of this, Ulema say that it is not only prohibited to curse a man in particular, either he may be a believer or an unbeliever, but also cursing animals is forbidden. It is to be kept in mind, however, that cursing those people who have proved execrable by the holy Qur’an and Hadith is allowed, as such; pharaoh, Abu-Lahab, Abu-Jehal etc. It is worthy to be mentioned that cursing others for his vicious acts and habits, without specifying the name, is permitted, as the Prophet (Pbuh) cursed those who take the price of blood and the price of dog, and he (Pbuh) also cursed a usurer, the one who gives usury, the woman who practises tattooing and the woman who gets herself tattooed. (Shar-hu-Muslim)
The story also reveals that if Allah wants to forgive anyone without plenty of good deeds, He could. No one could enter heaven despite virtuous deeds except by the mercy of Allah. The Prophet (Pbuh) said; No one could enter the heavens because of good deeds. The companions asked whether the Prophet (Pbuh) too. The Prophet (Pbuh) answered that he too would not be allowed. But Allah has covered him by his mercy and favour. (Bukhari 2/847)
But this does not mean that a man should give up deeds which please Allah, keeping in view, the above Hadith. Furthermore, Allah made some laws and principles to acquire his mercy, as well as legislated many rules in order to recognise his anger and displeasure. Good deeds are means of asking Allah’s favour, whereas, evil acts cause his rage. Therefore, Allah’s mercy showers upon him who pursues the right path. Qur’an, the holy book, says:
“My mercy extended to all things that (mercy) I shall ordain for those who do right and pay zakat and those who believe in our signs.” (Qur’an: 7/150)
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