December 19, 2010
COPING WITH FEAR AND GRIEF: An Islamic Approach [Part Two]
Section: WRITINGS | 246 reads
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A Note on the Expression “Verses”
Roughly speaking, Soorah is equivalent of chapter in the Qur’an.
An Aayah is what people call a verse. I prefer to call them Aayats rather than verses.
In fact, I have serious objection to using the expression “verses” for passages of the Qur’an.
No matter how common its usage may have become in the world and among Muslims, and regardless of how the original Biblical translators may have intended to use it, the expression “verses” to me smacks too much of poetry.
Allah’s words in the Qur’an, on the other hand, ring out loud and clear in denunciation of that association:
It is not poetry!
It is not the musings of a poet!
Wa Maa Huwa Bi-Qawli Shaa-‘ir (69:41).
Wa Maa Allamnaa-Hush-Shi’ra wa Maa
Yanbaghi Lah (Soorah Yaseen)
We did not teach him poetry. Nor does
it behoove him (36:69).
Where is the room for error, speculation or misunderstanding in this? Aren’t Allah’s words clear enough?
That means Muslims will have to find a new expression in the English language – a word or a phrase – that fits their purposes and meets the unique needs of their culture.
An expression that renders in English truly what the word Aayat means in Arabic – the language of the Qur’an.
This is the new responsibility that we have as Muslims in the West; as English-speaking Muslims; as Muslims whose mother tongue is English; as part of the Western Wing of the Muslim Ummah.
To me, the Qur’anic expression Aayaat is more aptly translated as “signs” or indicators or markers than as verses.
And that is what it is supposed to mean: Every Aayah or part or passage of the Qur’an is a sign and an indication that the Qur’an is a divine revelation – and not a human creation.
Therefore, to call an Aayah a verse is not only blasphemy, it is utter distortion of the true meaning and function of the word as well as of the Qur’an itself.
Aayah is singular in Arabic. Plural is Aayaat.
Aayat (with one a before t) is how non-Arabic cultures such as Indo-Pak-Bangla, Turkish, Malay and others say the singular Aayah.
Below then is a paraphrase of some relevant Aayaat from Surah Yoonus, part of which was cited earlier.
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Soorah Yoonus (10: 61-65)
Given below are passages from Soorah Yoonus, 10: 61-65. I have tried to make the translation as faithful to the Arabic text as possible, while at the same time trying also to make it readable and understandable for English speakers.
I believe it is quite clear and simple and conveys the meaning quite effectively.
However, for comparison purposes I ask that you use your own translations and notes – from any copy that you may have such as Yusuf Ali, Maududi, Pickthal or Asad – for a better and clearer understanding of the following Aayaat.
In whatever state, condition or situation you may be, and whatever part of the Qur’an you may be reciting, and in whatever activity you may be engaged, we are there with you watching and witnessing, even as you engage in it (61).
Not an atom’s size or weight, in earth or in the sky, is hidden from your master. Neither is anything smaller or bigger than that, except that it already exists in a clear and open book (61).
Bear in mind, Allah’s friends, they shall have neither fear nor grief (62).
They are the ones who believed and were constantly fearful and mindful – of God (63).
For them is good news in this world and in the next world; there is no changing the words of Allah; that is the great success (64).
Let not what they say grieve you; surely, all honor belongs to Allah; he is the hearer and the knower (65)
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Allah’s Watchful Eye: A Terrifying Prospect
After you have carefully read the above translation, here are some comments for you to consider:
Allah is with you.
Full stop!
He is with you, no matter in what state or activity you are.
He is with you even as you are engaged in it … right in the middle of it.
Allahu Akbar!
How frightening and comforting at the same time this thought is!
The thought that he is constantly with us, no matter where we are; no matter in what state or condition we are; no matter in what company we are; and no matter in what activity we are!
That means, on the one hand, nothing escapes Allah’s notice and knowledge.
That means we are never alone, never by ourselves, never unobserved by him, never out of his sight. That means whatever terrible things we do, we do them right before his eyes – in his very immediate presence.
What could be more sobering or terrifying than that?
This can lead to only one conclusion: We should at all times and in all situations be mindful of Allah’s presence and his watchful eye. And we should, therefore, at all times and in all situations and circumstances, conduct ourselves accordingly.
What this means is that we must clearly, fully and firmly know and believe and understand that Allah is with us all the time – and that we are never out of his sight or presence.
In practical terms it means, every time we contemplate doing anything contrary to his wishes, we must tremble at the very thought of it. Whether it is violating one of his commands in which he asks us to worship him a certain way; whether it is doing something that he clearly tells us not to do; or whether it is hurting or harming any of his creation without cause, purpose or justification.
It is not our place to wonder or worry or inquire about the nature, form or shape of his presence. This is one area where all that is required or acceptable is simple belief.
Allah says in the Qur’an “He is,” so all we need to know and believe is that he is.
The thought of Allah’s watchful eye, should calm our fears and ease our grief, pains and anxieties by choking them right at their source – disobedience of Allah.
Next Article: Four Words that Changed the World! All It Takes Is You!
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