Huzur gave a discourse on the guardianship of the Holy Qur’an in his Friday Sermon. One of the Divine attributes is Al Muhaimin (the Protector). The word has been translated by various Lexicons as One Who is a Guardian, One Who keeps others away from fear. It is also translated as Trustworthy; a Being that watches over people’s affairs and is their Protector. In the Holy Qur’an the word ‘muhaimin’ is cited to describe the Qur’an, and terms it as ‘muhaiminan alaihe’, i.e. ‘guardian over the earlier scriptures’. Further explaining the word Muhaimin, Huzur said ‘muhaiminiat’ is that station where a person likes nothing save the Being of Allah.
The word Muhaimin is cited in the Holy Qur’an twice, once in Surah Al Maidah and another time in Surah Al Hashr. In Surah Al Maidah it is used for the Qur’an calling it ‘muhaiminan alaihe’ which signifies that the Qur’an will testify the truth of the former scriptures. Huzur said indeed each and every word of the Holy Qur’an is the truth, is from God and verifies the earlier scriptures. Huzur said only those aspects of the earlier scriptures are correct which the Qur’an verifies. In Surah Al Maidah by calling it ‘muhaiminan alaihe’ Allah has assured the safeguard of the Qur’an although at another juncture (15:10) it is clearly stated that Allah Himself will safeguard the Qur’an.
Huzur said whether they acknowledge it or not a large section of people (outside Islam) who are interested in religion admit that their scriptures are not in their original form. This is because their teachings were not put in practice completely. They also acknowledge that the Qur’an is in its original form, though some among them are trying to raise doubts about this but they have not been able to prove anything. This gives the Qur’an distinction over the earlier scriptures. It also signifies that the teachings of the Qur’an are for all times and in accordance to the situation of each time and era it unfolds wonders for those who reflect on it. This is not just on national or communal level but also comes true for individuals who believe in it and strive to benefit from it. Huzur said in order to seek real benefit from the Qur’an one has to abide by its commandments completely, this strengthens one’s faith and enables one to seek the beneficence of the Divine attribute of Al Muhaimin.
Indeed Allah says in the Qur’an ‘vie, then with one another in good works’ (2:149 & 5:49). Huzur said one has to impose these good works on oneself in order to put the teaching in practice or try and put it in practice. The Surah Al Maidah verse infers in the beginning that the earlier people forgot the teaching that was brought to them, as a result there was alternation and tempering in their scriptures and they were deprived of Divine favours. Had this not been the case the Jews and the Christians would have believed in the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Certainly there is no alternation in the Holy Qur’an; firstly it is safe in its textual form, secondly hundreds of thousands of people have it committed to memory. It has also been safeguarded through time by the various mujaddads (reformers) at the top of each century. After the advent of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) Allah further manifested the luminous aspects of this teaching. There is no question of this teaching being distorted, however people do get perverted. This is why it is said that one would be in the protection of the Qur’an if one puts its teaching in practice. As it is a guardian, each decision should be in accordance to it.
Huzur cited verses 58 to 62 of Surah Al Mu’minun (23:58-62). The translation reads:
“Verily, those who, out of fear of their Lord, always stand guard against sins.
And those who believe in the Signs of their Lord,
And those who ascribe not partners to their Lord,
And those who give what they give while their hearts are full of fear because to their Lord will they return –
These it is who hasten to do good works, and these it is who are foremost in them.”
Huzur said in these verses some of the qualities of believers are cited. Most significantly worldliness is not their aspiration, for them the most significant search is the search for Allah. They are in awe of Allah and owing to the Divine connection that they aspire to, they put all the commandments in practice. They are reminded of Allah at all times and before every thing that they do, they strive to develop their faith and they have belief in every prophecy of the Holy Qur’an.
Huzur said in the current age the advent of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) is a Sign among those Signs and prophecies. Majority of Muslims today, despite reading the prayer of guidance for ‘The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings’ (1:7) due to their rejection of one who was commissioned and sent by God seem to be treading the path of those who incurred Divine displeasure and who went astray. Huzur said in the current age – in accordance to the prophecy of the Holy Qur’an - one’s belief is completed only by accepting the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).
Huzur said it is stated in Surah Al Jummah (chapter 62) that in the latter-days there would be a lot of subtle shirk (associating partners with Allah) among Muslims. They would be more interested in and attracted to the affairs of the world and like the Jews and the Christians before them they would have forgotten their teachings. Huzur said today we see majority of the world of Islam on these lines. We too need to self-examine and self-reflect lest we are deceived by our nafs (self). Huzur said there are those who do good works and spend their wealth openly in the way of Allah, yet they are conscious if they come up to the mark. This further enhances their piety and this alone brings one in the refuge of the One God Who is Most Exalted. It is the obligation of each believer to have a perception of Divine attributes.
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) enjoined that if one read the last verses of Surah Al Hashr (59:23-25) and passed away on the day one would go to Heaven. The translation of the last three verses of Surah Hashr referred to here reads:
“He is Allah, there is none worthy of worship except Him, the Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Gracious, the Merciful.
He is Allah, there is none worthy of worship except Him, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Bestower of Security, the Protector, the Mighty, the Subduer, the Exalted. Holy is Allah far above that which they associate with Him.
He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner. His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Mighty, the Wise.”
Huzur said that simply reciting these verses does not bring about salvation. Indeed recitation is good but it should always be remembered that while the objective of man’s creation is worship of God, there is some worship of God which has been cursed because it is done for pretentious purposes or is not from the heart. Therefore merely reciting these verses would not bring about salvation, unless they are reflected on and pondered over. If Allah is glorified with complete sincerity only then does one advance in piety. Huzur said it is Knower of the seen and the unseen God to Whom is our return.
One Who cannot be deceived. Therefore to derive benefit from the blessings inherent in His attributes each act of ours should be to seek His pleasure while having His awe and fear in our hearts. We should reflect on all this and should aspire to attain this station and when one strives for this and reads the verses of Surah Al Hashr with this mindset one will find God’s love. May Allah enable everyone to do so.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that when one attains true belief one find pleasure in doing good works and one is given insight and spiritual cognisance. Then one offers Salat as Salat is worthy of being offered. One is weary of sin and finds a particular fervour in one’s heart to express the greatness and the glory of Allah and His Messenger. Such a belief does not even stop one from being placed on the cross like Jesus (on whom be peace). When one attains such a station of faith, it is then that Allah becomes one’s Protector and Guardian and even brings one down from the cross. Only those who possess complete faith are shown such wonders.
Huzur prayed that may Allah make each one of us perfect in our faith and may we, having an insight and perception of the Divine attributes, always advance in piety, and continue to witness Allah’s succour and help while remaining in His protection.
Huzur announced the sad news of the passing away of two young men of Qadian. Wasim Ahmad, who was 21 years old, a Moosi and a Jamia student was drowned while swimming in a canal. Huzur said he was a very proficient swimmer and was an expert at swimming in the sea. It seems he suffered an injury during swimming and as there was no one around he passed away. The other student Hafiz Ather Ahmad was a 19 year old student of the Jamia. He was travelling with his family when a heavy tree fell on their vehicle and he passed away on the spot. May Allah forgive them both and elevate their status. Huzur said he would lead their funeral Prayer in absentia after Jummah.