From “Iqra” to “Qul”!

Whether it is in learning, teaching or preaching, the first that comes is IQRA, Read!

You need to read. You need to know. You need to familiarize with the content, the curriculum.

Allah says in Surah al Ahzaab: “In the life of the Last Messenger of Allah – Prophet Muhammad, sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam, you have an Excellent Role Model“

From the study of the history of Qur’anic revelation, we learn that our Role Model was first commanded to Read. So he read. 

We know very well that when angel Jibreel told him to ‘Read’, Muhammad (sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam) replied, “I don’t know to read”.

The angel repeated for the second time: Iqra!  Again same response: I don’t know to read.

The angel commanded him to read for the third time. Again the same response: I don’t know to read!

And then came upon the first revealed verses of the Qur’an, signalling the spread of radiance from Mount Hira:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created.

Created man from a clinging substance.

Read and your Lord is the most Generous.

Who taught by the pen.

Taught man that which he knew not” (Surah al ‘Alaq 96: 1-5) Refer here for Arabic Text

What is the inference?

* Your ignorance cannot be an excuse. You need to learn to read even if you do not know!

So Prophet Muhammad, sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam, started reading.

What a glorious beginning to a super glorious Prophetic career!

Then, came the command ‘Qum!’ ‘Get up and stand in Night Prayer’ (Qumil Layla…) Refer Surah al Muz’zam’mil

* Reading must lead to spiritual development.

Aim of Islamic Education is not just seeking or imparting knowledge but one’s upbringing and reforming the ‘inner person’.    

Any education that de-links man from religion and spirituality  is hopelessly incomplete!

Then, came the command “Qum, fa’anzir” “Arise and warn”. (Refer Surah al Mud’dath-thir)

* Knowledge and spiritual development must result in da’wah.

It is not sufficient that only an individual becomes good or is reformed. The society must also become good. 

People must be warned to ‘Worship the Creator, not the creations!’

Then, slowly but steadily one by one the ayaahs and surahs with the command ‘Qul’ started coming to the Prophet: Say! Declare! Announce! Proclaim! 

* Humanity must to told that the only path chosen, attested, approved and blessed by the Lord Almighty is Islam.  

Man’s salvation is dependent on whether one chooses the Path shown by the Lord Almighty through His Last Prophet, sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam, or not. 

If one wants to be a da’ee, a caller to Islam, then he must undergo the natural process step by step.

Thorough understanding of the Deen al Islam and dedication in Salah and other ibaadaat is the key to the making of a da’ee.

Also, understanding the methodology adopted by the Prophet of Islam in the performance of dawah is essential to deliver the goods.

“And Allah invites to the Abode of Peace and guides whom He wills to a Straight Path” (Surah Yuunus 10: 25)

May Allah guide us all towards the Right Path. May Allah extract from us from the right work in the right way for the right Cause. Aameen.

Jazakallahu Khayra for reading this post.

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NOTE: Inshaa’Allah, the next post in the series Yaaa Ayyuhal Lazeena Aamanu will be posted tomorrow. Sorry to disappoint my regular readers. Vassalam.