YOU EXALT AND DEGRADE WHOEVER YOU WISH
A verse from Sura Aal-Imran is
traditionally translated thus:
“Say you, ‘O Allah!, O
Master of the Realm, You give territory to whoever You wish and take away
territory from whoever You wish; and you exalt or degrade whoever you want;
in Your hand lies all good; Verily, You have control over all things’” .
(3/25)
(Maulana Mahmood al Hasan)
The common man is not usually concerned with
reign and empire. Social status, however, is important to most people. In
most societies of today’s world, material wealth has come to be the
yardstick for one’s social standing. Examples of ‘rags to riches’
(regardless of the means), and vice versa, are increasingly seen as marks of
high and low social status, respectively, and as evidence of Allah’s
direct control over an individual’s fortune.
Before attempting to interpret this
particular verse, and others like it, in the
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Meanings of Ezza and
Zilla
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Quranic spirit, let me
make a few introductory
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points. Primarily, ezza in Arabic means
power, intensity & dominance while zilla is subjugation, weakness &
breaking down. (The meaning in which these two words are used in Urdu
are represented in the Quran by takreem & tawheen,
respectively). Secondarily, the material concept of life hold sway over the
world today according to which possession of material wealth, and not
personal character, guarantees one a high social standing. Also, the
traditional interpretation of this verse (that Allah exalts or
degrades one at His own sweet will and whim is refuted by the verse itself
through (بيدك
الخير). (In Your hand lies all good),
i.e., degradation, does not stem from Allah.
Let us now discuss the topic proper.
Independence, sovereignty etc. have already been discussed in detail in
chapter (6) (Destiny of Nations). Here, we
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Conditions for achieving sovereign status
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laid down by the Quran for achieving
sovereign status. These conditions (rules) are called ‘Will of Allah’.
Sura Anbiaa says: “And We had written in the Zaboor (and, for
that matter, in every divine book) – after having given the necessary
instructions – that ( as fundamental law) the Earth shall be inherited by
Our capable people. This fundamental law embodies a universal message (and
truth) for all people who follow Our laws”. (21/105-106).
Thus, the law of inheritance of the Earth very
clearly states that only the ‘saleheen’ (the capable) shall rule the
Earth. It is a pity, that the term ‘saleheen’ --- and subsequently,
terms like ‘saleh’ deeds --- have been misinterpreted by traditional
religionists to mean something very close to the English terms pious, piety,
etc. But, in the Quranic sense, ‘saleheen’ are people who have
the ability and capability to perform a particular task; ‘saleh’
deeds are acts which develop one’s capabilities. Therefore, ‘saleheen’
inheriting the control of the Earth refers to people who have the
double-edged ability of establishing a sovereign state, and maintaining it
to establish the Quranic paradisal society (a heaven on earth) for
mankind. When a group of people have the physical qualities required, they
can establish sovereign states --- but minus the Quran, they can be
only ruthless despotic anagrams like those of the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt,
Gengis Khan of the Mongols, or even the present-day materialistic
empires of the world.
On the other hand, a capable group (having the
physical qualities as well the guidance of permanent divine values) shall
take control of society to carry out divine responsibilities on behalf of
Allah --- “It is Our promise (firm law) that those of you who become
convinced of Allah’s laws, and do ‘saleh’ deeds, shall inherit
the control of the Earth …. “ (24/55). Such a state shall establish Allah’s
law on earth and it shall be free of fear of depression. It shall be ruled
by Allah NOT by Man (24/55). Such people are reminded by
the Quran of the
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Importance of Physical Qualities
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abilities and qualities (8/60). The Quran
has illustrated this natural law with an elaborate account of ‘Beni
Israel’ ( Children of Israel ). Having narrated
Sura Qasas: “and We decided it was time
for us to bestow leadership on a nation which had been weakened by being
shackled in slavery --- “ (28/ 5,6). The expression used for ‘We decided’ (نريد)
has two aspects. One is in the realm of ‘amr’ (36/2) where
manifestation of His intention follows instantaneously. The other is in the
realm of khalq where it undergoes a series of stages and is done by
Man. That is why, to manifest this divine program in case of Israelites,
Moses was given a comprehensive plan based upon educating and training the
enslaved children of Israel. Despite hard work, Moses could not get them to
shed their inconsistent and mercurial temperament. Repeatedly, he told them:
“Surely, Allah has promised you inheritance of the Earth. But, it
doesn’t come easy. It happens according to His law which requires you to
develop the required qualities by being steadfast in this mission and being
convinced that you shall triumph eventually” – (7/128). The Israelites,
however, did not conform, which resulted in: “the promised land was banned
for them for forty years …. “ (5/26). Moses was instructed to let them
wander in the desert of Sinai while he concentrated on raising the next
generation in the right way. Ultimately, when the slavery-minded older
generation had been replaced by the new young one, they rapidly took control
of the land and thus: “Your Allah’s good word to the Children of
Israel came true --- because of their steadfastness!” (7/137). “That is how
We gave Beni Israel the inheritance of it” (26/59).
The meaning of –من
يشاء - (whoever He wants / whoever
wants) is so brilliantly illustrated in the story of Saul (Taloot
in Arabic). The Israelites told their
commander was appointed. Their Messenger
informed them that Allah had appointed Saul. The Israelites objected
to it on grounds of Saul’s low economic status. The Messenger said: “Allah
has chosen him over all of you because he has superior qualities of mind and
body. Surely, Allah grants realm to whoever He wants; and Allah’s
knowledge is vast” (2/247). Saul then set out with his army to confront
Goliath (Jaloot in Arabic) verbalising his desire thus: “O our
Preserver! Abound us with steadfastness!” (2/250). It was in this encounter
that David slew Goliath and thus: “Allah granted him realm …”
(2/251). Next, the Quran explains why such armed excursions become
necessary: “If Allah does not make men defend other men, oppression
will be rife on Earth; but Allah (doesn’t want oppression of His
creatures because He) is kind with His bounty to all” (2/251).
It is quite clear that the oppressed are
defended by men – not by Allah Himself.
the atrocities of fellow men, bear both the
physical and human qualities needed for such a task. This is explained in
Sura Hajj (22/39-41) where the Convinced are permitted to take up arms.
After they had acquired political sovereignty, they were clearly told that
Allah will be keeping an eye on their performance (10/14). If they
resorted to oppressing tactics, or lost their material prowess, they would
be replaced by other better people (“and they will not be like you!”
47/38).
Let us now examine the second half of the verse
in question (3/25). The
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Laws for Exaltation & Degradation
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(عزة)
is power, dominance, superiority, etc., and that of ‘zilla’ (ذلة)
is weakness, subjugation, inferiority, etc. Sura Faatir contains a
basic rule in this regard: “Whoever wished to achieve ‘ezza’ (should
know that) only Allah has (the laws for real) ‘ezza’. It is
the correct and good concept of life which can rise high by apt deeds.
Contrarily, people who indulge in bad activities (going against the
value-system given by Allah) have a severe punishment in store for
them when all their ill-directed efforts are wasted” (35/10).
Sura Younis talks about such people who
help Allah in carrying out His program for human society (the
Quran terms them ‘awlia Allah’ – Allah’s
colleagues) and thus are free of all fear and depression. They act upon the
divine system after having been convinced of it. They are set to enjoy the
niceties of both worlds. This divine law is unchangeable. Since this is an
exalted achievement, they would not be depressed by the discouraging
attitude of the opposition because (real) ezza is only with Allah
(s’ Laws)” --- 10/62-65). Sura Nisaa mentions the Hypocrites who liaise with
the opposition of the divine program and asks: “Are they looking for
‘ezza’ ? (Real) Ezza is only with Allah!” (4/139).
Adopting the divine system is
not individual-based. One must join a
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It is a collective effort
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is for Allah. His Messengers and the
Convinced” (63/8). Contrarily, “Those who oppose (fight) Allah and
His Messenger, are degraded because Allah has ordained triumph for
Himself and His messengers; He is mighty and dominant (that is why His shall
be done)” – (58/20, 21).
Sura Younis says: “Those
who do good deeds beget good – and more.
Contrarily, those who do bad deeds beget
badness accordingly and zilla will degrade them (10/26, 27). The
mighty Children of Israel fell to a life of degradation and misery (‘zilla’
and ‘maskana’) because they rejected the divine law!” (2/61; 3/113).
= = = = = = = = = = = = = =
‘Ezza’ meaning social esteem and respect
(as current among Urdu-speakers) is represented In the
Quran by ‘takreem’ while the term for
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‘Ezza’ as Respect
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humiliation and disrespect is ‘tawheen’.
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Basically, the Quranic principle in this
regard is that respect may only be earned by one’s character and behavior
(49/13). “Allah’s sincere men who deserve Paradise because of their
deeds are worthy of respect” (37/42). Sura Yaseen talks about the
convinced one who raised the voice of Truth in the face of strong opposition
saying, “If only my people knew that Allah has blessed me with
bounties and has made me one of the respected” (36/27).
Contrarily, the Quran terms the
consequence of wrong deed as –
عذاب الهون – or
عذاب مهين – the humiliating punishment!
Sura Hajj contains the mechanics of such punishment: “And those who
reject and refute Our laws are the ones who have a humiliating punishment”
(22/57). Elsewhere , people making fun of Allah’s laws are said to
get a humiliating punishment (45/9). In principle, it says in Sura
Ha’Meem that humiliating punishment is brought upon men by their own
deeds (41/17).
The commonly accepted standards
of respect and esteem in human
Misplaced Standard of Respect
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attained through tyrannical and oppressive
means) are totally misplaced. Such respect is destined to end up in
humiliating punishment. This law has been illustrated by the Quran
with a figurative example of a person, brought into Hell, who will be served
extremely humiliating food with a reminder: “Taste (it now, this humiliating
punishment). You considered yourself to be very powerful and respectable!”
(44/49).
Before the Hereafter, such
misplaced respect and power in Here has
عزة الاثـم
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been termed as
عزة الاثم(2/206) – the weakening
power! The
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‘ezza’ in such cases gives an
illusionary sense of respect and power. Really, it leads one to –
اثم – (weakness) and results in a
humiliating punishment (46/20). In a fair (Quranic) society,
‘ezza’ (power) and takreem (respect) are achieved on the basis
of one’s personal attributes, character and good deeds
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Status according to Deeds
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Respected” (11/3); “Every knowledgeable person
attains status accordingly as Allah knows about their deeds (57/11);
“And He, because of their work, becomes their colleague (6/128).
We are hopefully ready now to
ponder over the topic verse in question (3/25) and look at its Quranic
interpretation in the light of all the above:
“Say: ‘O Allah! You possess the (real)
power. You give sovereign power to those who follow Your laws and strip of
it those who go against them; power and degradation come according to Your
rules only. It could not have been haphazard (lawless) because You are the
source of Good alone. You have set standards to everything.
Indeed! You are worthy of being Allah!’”
x
– x – x – x – x – x – x -
Divine Support and Help
We have already seen the verse
(6/128) which says that Allah becomes a colleague of men in their
deeds. He is the senior partner
(1) in
this arrangement. His partnership is known by His support and help (taeed’
and ‘nusra’).
‘Nusra’ in Arabic is used
for irrigation of land through rain and long,
only those farmers who work according to
natural agricultural principles. Therefore, (an individual as well as) a
group of people who resolves to carryout the Divine Program, and works
accordingly, sees plentiful fruit borne by their efforts: “O Convinced! If
you help Allah, He will help you!” (47/7). Man must initiate a
joint-venture by Allah and Man. Consequently, Allah
rewards Man
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Allah helps those who
help Him!
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verse goes on to say: “And those who reject
have failure and disappointment coming as their efforts do not bear fruit
and are wasted” (47/7). “That is so because they dislike the (message)
given by Allah and that is why their efforts
(1) The
Messenger of Allah (Mohammed) is reported to have said during his
last moments: ‘But He is the Senior Partner.’ That is to say that Allah
and Man are senior and junior, respectively, partners in this working
arrangement.
remain fruitless” (49/7). The Muslims, who had
emigrated to Medina in the Divine Cause, are referred to thus:
“They help Allah and His messenger and
hence are true (to their cause and) in their
claim of being convinced” (59/8). Elsewhere, such Muslims were referred to
thus: “Certainly, Allah helps those who help Him: (22/40). In another
instance, this point has been elaborated upon in the following manner:
“Allah is the one who sent His messenger
with His guidance, i.e., the really true code of life, so that it triumphs
over all false systems no matter how annoying it is to those who want to
follow and obey more gods than (the) One.
O the Convinced! Let Us tell you a basic
principle. Normally, every person in the world desires to benefit from every
transaction they make. But, it is not always so. Wouldn’t you, therefore,
like to know of a loss-free business? Let Us tell you of such a business
which never fails and thus saves you from severe torture.
It is this: Be convinced of the credibility and
permanence of Allah’s Program being established by His messenger.
Give your utmost to it – using your wealth – even your lives, if you have
to. If you ponder carefully, you will see all the potential profit in this
venture.
This value-system will equip you to avert all
possible disasters. It will bless you with an ever-lasting paradisical life
(allegorically, comfortable abode in ever-green gardens) both Here and in
the Hereafter.
That is really a monumental achievement for
whoever gets it; furthermore, you will get so much else you like.
Allah’s support and your victories are
nigh! O Messenger, give the Convinced these glad tidings!
(61/9-14)
As we have seen earlier, success in an
operation requires 1) a firm conviction and 2) carrying the operation
out with the right tools and in the correct
so eloquently: “We sent our messengers with
clear laws – divine books – so that men can have a fair and just society.
And we sent down iron (and steel to make swords with, symbolizing
law-enforcement power), which is hard and firm and can be very beneficial to
mankind if used under divine guidance. This has been done as that Allah
can see who among you helps Him and His messenger, convinced of the
(hitherto) unseen” (57/25). The Arabic term for ‘unseen’ is (بالغيب
) and here means the expected results, hitherto unrealized and therefore
unseen, of efforts to establish the divine program. This very conviction of
the future has been put down as the fundamental requirement for success
(2/3).
Also, men expect Allah’s help ‘from the
unseen’ while He expects the same from men! Aptly, He asks the Convinced to
become Allah’s helpers (61/14). Christ said the same to his followers
who readily complied.
(1)
The first ever practical example of this mutual
(Allah and Man) operation was the Battle of Bedr which
was fought between the Convinced trying to
their opponents (Fighting for Transgression).
The Quran said, “And Allah thus helps whoever so wishes:
(13/12). (It may also be interpreted as: Allah thus helps according
to His laws). This help comes rationally not accidentally: “It contains
lessons for those who ponder” (3/12). This divine help was to be the source
of happiness for the Convinced (30/5). The help by angels in such
(1)
I have dealt in detail with this particular story in my work
Shola-e-Mastoor
psychological (8/9-10) so that they remain
steadfast (8/12). This steadfastness brings divine support with the
condition that the Convinced display perseverance and obedience of Allah’s
laws (3/ 122 – 125). “Your one hundred shall triumph over two hundred of the
opponents because ‘Allah is with the steadfast (8/66). The way to
ensure divine help is to obey Allah and His messengers, not to
quarrel among yourselves because if you squabble, you will be swept away.
So, be steadfast; Allah is with the steadfast (8/46). Remember,
Allah helps those who remain steadfast; they then become invincible.
But, if He abandons you, who is there to help you? (3/159). If you are
convinced, in the real sense, you will triumph over all!” (3/138).
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