Allah says that the believers are the ones who say
“Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes…”) means those who ask Allah to bring forth from their loins offspring who will obey Him and worship Him and not associate anything in worship with Him.
Ibn `Abbas Radi Allahu anhu said, “This means (offspring) who will strive to obey Allah and bring them joy in this world and the Hereafter.”Imam Ahmad recorded that Jubayr bin Nufayr said: “We sat with Al-Miqdad bin Al-Aswad one day, and a man passed by and said, “How blessed are these two eyes which saw the Messenger of Allah ! Would that we had seen what you saw and witnessed what you witnessed.”
Al-Miqdad got angry, and I was surprised, because the man had not said anything but good. Then he turned to him and said, “What makes a man wish to be present when Allah had caused him to be absent, and he does not know how he would have behaved if he had been there. By Allah, there are people who saw the Messenger of Allah , and Allah will throw them on their faces in Hell because they did not accept him or believe in him. Are you not grateful that Allah brought you forth from your mothers’ wombs believing in your Lord and in what your Prophet brought, and that the test went to others and not to you. Allah sent His Prophet during the most difficult time that any Prophet was ever sent, after a long period of ignorance, when the people could see no better religion than the worship of idols, and he brought the Criterion which distinguishes truth from falsehood and which would separate a father from his son. A man would realize that his father, son or brother was a disbeliever, and since Allah had opened his heart to Faith, he knew that if his relative died he would go to Hell, so he could not rest knowing that his loved one was in the Fire.
This is what Allah referred to in this Ayah.
Its chain of narrators is Sahih, although they did not report it.
(and make us leaders of those who have Taqwa.) Ibn `Abbas, Al-Hasan, As-Suddi, Qatadah and Rabi` bin Anas said: “Leaders who would be taken as examples in good.” Others said: “Guides who would call others to goodness.” They wanted their worship to be connected to the worship of their children and offspring, and their guidance to go beyond themselves and benefit others. This would be more rewarding and a better end, as it was recorded in Sahih Muslim from Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah said:
(When a son of Adam dies, his deeds cease, apart from three: a righteous child who will pray for him, knowledge from which others may benefit after him and an ongoing charity.)
Allah says in the Holy Quran:-
(75. Those will be rewarded with the highest place because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect.) (76. Abiding therein — excellent it is as an abode, and as a place to rest in.)
When Musa Alaihissalaam reached Madyan and went to drink from its water, for it had a well where shepherds used to water their flocks,he found there a group of men watering, and besides them he found two women who were keeping back. They were stopping their sheep from drinking with the sheep of those shepherds, lest some harm come to them.
When Musa Alaihissalaam , peace be upon him, saw them, he felt sorry for them and took pity on them.
(He said: “What is the matter with you”) meaning, `why do you not water your flocks with these people’
They said: “We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). meaning, `we cannot water our flocks until they finish.’
(And our father is a very old man.) means, `this is what has driven us to what you see.’
(24. So he watered (their flocks) for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: “My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!”)
Ibn `Abbas, Ibn Mas`ud and As-Suddi said: “He sat beneath a tree.” `
Ata’ bin As-Sa’ib said: When Musa Alaihissalaam said this dua,the women heard him.
(25. Then there came to him one of them, walking shyly. She said: “Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.” So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: “Fear you not. You have escaped from the people who are wrongdoers.”) (26. And said one of them (the two women): “O my father! Hire him! Verily, the best of men for you to hire is the strong, the trustworthy.”)
One of the two daughters of the man said this, and it was said that she was the one who had walked behind Musa Alaihissalaam , peace be upon him.
Her father said to her, `What do you know about that’ She said to him, `He lifted a rock which could only be lifted by ten men, and when I came back with him, I walked ahead of him, but he said to me, walk behind me, and if I get confused about the route, throw a pebble so that I will know which way to go.”’ `Abdullah (Ibn Mas`ud) said, “The people who had the most discernment were three: Abu Bakr’s intuition about `Umar; the companion of Yusuf Alaihissalaam when he said, `Make his stay comfortable’; and the companion of Musa Alaihissalaam , when she said:
(O my father! Hire him! Verily, the best of men for you to hire is the strong, the trustworthy.).”
(27. He said: “I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten years, it will be (a favor) from you. But I intend not to place you under a difficulty. If Allah wills, you will find me one of the righteous.”) (28. He (Musa Alaihissalaam ) said: “That (is settled) between me and you: whichever of the two terms I fulfill, there will be no injustice to me, and Allah is Surety over what we say.”)
Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that `Ali bin Rabah Al-Lakhmi said, “I heard `Utbah bin An-Nadar As-Sulami, the Companion of the Messenger of Allah narrating that the Messenger of Allah said:
(Musa Alaihissalaam , peace be upon him, hired himself out for the purpose of keeping chaste and to feed himself.)
(128. Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger from among yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is eager for you; for the believers ﴿he is﴾ full of pity, kind, and merciful.) (129. But if they turn away, say: “Allah is sufficient for me. There is no God but He, in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”)
Allah the Exalted commanded His Messenger in this honorable Ayah that if they turn away, from the glorious, pure, perfect and encompassing Law that you — O Muhammad — brought them,
(then say: “Allah is sufficient for me. There is no God but He,)
Similarly, Allah said,
((He alone is) the Lord of the east and the west; there is no God but He. So take Him alone as a guardian.) ﴿73:9
(and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne) ﴿9:129﴾. He is the King and Creator of all things, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne (`Arsh), which is above all creation; all that is in and between the heavens and earths is under the Throne (`Arsh) and subservient to Allah’s power. His knowledge encompasses all things, and His decision will certainly come to pass over all matters. He is the guardian of all things. Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn `Abbas said that Ubayy bin Ka`b said, “The last Ayah revealed from the Qur’an was this Ayah.
“Those who answered (the Call of) Allah and the Messenger after being wounded; for those of them who did good deeds and feared Allah, there is a great reward. Those to whom the people said, “Verily, the people have gathered against you, therefore, fear them.” But it (only) increased them in faith, and they said: “Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs.”. So they returned with grace and bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of great bounty. It is only Shaytan that suggests to you the fear of his friends; so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are indeed believers.” (3:172-175)
The Battle of Hamra’ Al-Asad
Allah said,
“Those who answered (the Call of) Allah and the Messenger after being wounded” (3:172)
This occurred on the day of Hamra’ Al-Asad. After the idolators defeated the Muslims (at Uhud), they started on their way back home, but soon they were concerned because they did not finish off the Muslims in Al-Madinah, so they set out to make that battle the final one. When the Messenger of Allah Sallal laahoo alaihi wassallam got news of this, he commanded the Muslims to march to meet the disbelievers, to bring fear to their hearts and to demonstrate that the Muslims still had the strength to fight. The Prophet Sallal laahoo alaihi wassallam only allowed those who were present during Uhud to accompany him, except for Jabir bin `Abdullah Al-Ansar.
The Muslims mobilized, even though they were still suffering from their injuries, in obedience to Allah and His Messenger Sallal laahoo alaihi wassallam .
Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that `Ikrimah said, “When the idolators returned (towards Makkah) after Uhud, they said, `You neither killed Muhammad Peace be upon him) nor collected female captives. Woe to you for what you did. Let us go back.’ When the Messenger of Allah Sallal laahoo alaihi wassallam heard this news, he mobilized the Muslim forces, and they marched until they reached Hamra Al-Asad. The idolators said, `Rather, we will meet next year’, and the Messenger of Allah Sallal laahoo alaihi wassallam went back (to Al-Madinah), and this was considered a Ghazwah (battle).
Allah sent down,
Those who answered (the Call of) Allah and the Messenger said: “Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs.”
Some people threatened the Muslims, saying that the disbelievers had amassed against them, in order to instill fear in them, but this did not worry the Muslims, rather, they trusted in Allah and sought His help,
Al-Bukhari recorded that Ibn `Abbas Radi Allahu anhu said,
“Allah Alone is Sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer of affairs for us.”
Ibrahim Alaihissalaam said it when he was thrown in fire.
Muhammad Sallal laahoo alahi wassallam said it when the people said, `Verily, the people have gathered against you, therefore, fear them.’ But it only increased them in faith, and they said this.
So they returned with grace and bounty from Allah. No harm touched them, for when they relied on Allah, Allah took care of their worries. He confounded the plots of their enemies, and the Muslims returned to their land, with grace and bounty from Allah, safe from the wicked plots of their enemies.
Allah then said,
“It is only Shaytan that suggests to you the fear of his friends” )3:175(
This means, Shaytan threatens you with his friends and tries to pretend they are powerful and fearsome.
Allah said next,
“So fear them not, but fear Me, if you are indeed believers.” meaning, if Shaytan brings these thoughts to you, then depend on Me and seek refuge with Me. Indeed, I shall suffice you and make you prevail over them.
Similarly, Allah said,
“Is not Allah Sufficient for His servant, yet they try to frighten you with those besides Him” (39: 36) until [Say: “Sufficient for me is Allah; in Him those who trust must put their trust.” (39:38)
” (9. Do you think that the people of Al-Kahf and Ar-Raqim were a wonder among Our signs) (10. When the young men fled for refuge to Al-Kahf. They said: “Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way!”) (11. Therefore, We covered up their hearing in Al-Kahf for a number of years.) (12. Then We raised them up, that We might test which of the two parties was best at calculating the time period they tarried.)
Al-Kahf refers to a cave in a mountain, which is where the young men sought refuge. With regard to the word Ar-Raqim, Al-`Awfi reported from Ibn `Abbas that it is a valley near Aylah.
Ad-Dahhak said: “As for Al-Kahf, it is a cave in the valley, and Ar-Raqim is the name of the valley.”
Here Allah tells us about those young men who fled from their people for the sake of their religion, fearing persecution. So they fled taking refuge in the cave of a mountain, where they hid from their people.
Allah states that they were boys or young men, and that they were more accepting of the truth and more guided than the elders who had become stubbornly set in their ways and clung to the religion of falsehood. For the same reason, most of those who responded to Allah and His Messenger were young people. As for the elders of Quraysh, most of them kept to their religion and only a few of them became Muslims. So Allah tells us that the people of the cave were young men.
It has been mentioned that they were followers of the religion of Al-Masih `Isa, `Isa bin Maryam, but Allah knows best. It seems that they lived before the time of Christianity altogether, because if they had been Christians, the Jewish rabbis would not have cared about perserving because of their differences. We have mentioned above the report from Ibn `Abbas that the Quraysh sent a message to the Jewish rabbis in Al-Madinah to ask them for things with which they could test the Messenger of Allah , and they told them to ask him about these young men, and about Dhul-Qarnayn (the man who traveled much) and about the Ruh. This indicates that this story was something recorded in the books of the People of the Book, and that it came before Christianity. And Allah knows best.
Allah says: `We gave them the patience to go against their people and their city, and to leave behind the life of luxury and ease that they had been living.’ Several of the earlier and later Tafsir scholars have mentioned that they were sons of the kings and leaders of Byzantium, and that they went out one day to one of the festivals of their people. They used to gather once a year outside the city, and they would worship idols and offer sacrifices to them. They had an arrogant, tyrannical king who was called Decianus, who commanded and encouraged the people to do that. When the people went out to attend this gathering, these young men went out with their fathers and their people, and when they saw their people’s actions with clear insight, they realized that the prostrations and sacrifices the people were offering to their idols should only be dedicated to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth. Each of them started to withdraw from his people and keep aloof from them. The first one of them to move away on his own went and sat in the shade of a tree, then another came and sat with him, then another came and sat with them, then four more followed suit one by one. None of them knew the others, but they were brought together by the One Who instilled faith in their hearts.
As it says in the Hadith recorded by Al-Bukhari with an incomplete chain of narrators from `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Messenger of Allah Sallal laahoo alaihi wassallam said:
(Souls are like recruited soldiers. Those that recognize one another will come together, and those that do not recognize one another will turn away from each another). Muslim also recorded this in his Sahih from the Hadith of Suhayl from his father from Abu Hurayrah from the Messenger of Allah Sallal laahoo alaihi wassallam . People say that similar qualities or characteristics are what bring people together. So each of the young men was trying to conceal what he really believed from the others, out of fear of them, not knowing that they were like him. Then one of them said, “O people, you know by Allah that only one thing is making you leave your people and isolate yourselves from them, so let each one of you say what it is in his case.” Another said, “As for me, by Allah I saw what my people are doing and I realized that it was false, and that the only One Who deserves to be worshipped Alone with out partner or associate is Allah Who created everything, the heavens, the earth and everything in between.” Another said, “By Allah, the same thing happened to me.” The others said the same, and they all agreed and became brothers in faith. They adopted a particular location as a place of worship and began worshipping Allah there, but their people found out about them and told their king about them. The king ordered them to appear before him, and asked them about their beliefs. They told him the truth and called him to Allah
It was said that when they called their king to believe in Allah, he refused, and warned and threatened them. He commanded them to be stripped of their clothing bearing the adornments of their people, then he gave them some time to think about the situation, hoping that they would return to their former religion. This was a way that Allah showed kindness for them, because during that time they managed to escape from him and flee from persecution for the sake of their religion. This is what is prescribed in the Shari`ah during times of trial and persecution — a person who fears for his religion should flee from his persecutors
These young men were determined to flee from their people, and Allah decreed that for them.
So they left and fled to the cave where they sought refuge. Then their people noticed they were missing, and the king looked for them, and it was said when he could not find them that Allah concealed them from him so that he could not find any trace of them or any information about them, as Allah concealed His Prophet Muhammad and his Companion ﴿Abu Bakr﴾ As-Siddiq, when they sought refuge in the cave of Thawr.
When they entered the cave, they asked Allah to show mercy and kindness towards them,
(Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself,) meaning, `give us Your mercy and conceal us from our people.’
(and facilitate for us our affair in the right way.) means, direct our matter well, i.e., grant us a good end.
As was reported in the Hadith:
(Whatever You have decreed for us, make its consequences good).
Allah says in the Holy Quran:-
(Therefore, We covered up their hearing in the cave for a number of years.) meaning, `We caused them to sleep when they entered the cave, and they slept for many years.’
That is from the Ayat of Allah. He whom Allah guides, he is the rightly-guided; but he whom He sends astray, for him you will find no guardian to lead him.)
Ibn Hibban in his Sahih (no. 2427), and Ibn As- Sunni (no. 351). Al-Hafidh (Ibn Hajar) said that this Hadith is authentic. It was also declared authentic.
“ Our Lord, and Make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our offspring a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our ways of worship (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage – Hajj and ‘Umrah, etc.)and turn to us (in Mercy); Indeed, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.”
To make yourself and your offspring submit to Allah
Forgiveness of your sins
Acceptance of your repentance
Word-by-word Meanings:
Transliteration
Arabic
Translation
Rabbanaa
رَبَّنَا
Our Lord,
waj’alnaa
وَاجْعَلْنَا
and Make us
muslimayni
مُسْلِمَيْنِ
both Muslims [in submission]
laka
لَكَ
to You
wamin
وَمِن
and from
thurriyyatinaa
ذُرِّيَّتِنَا
our offspring
ummatan
أُمَّةً
a nation
muslimatan
مُّسْلِمَةً
Muslim (SUBMISSIVE)
laka
لَّكَ
to You
wa-arinaa
وَأَرِنَا
And show us
manaasikanaa
مَنَاسِكَنَا
our ways of worship
watub
وَتُبْ
and turn
‘alaynaa
عَلَيْنَا ۖ
to us (in Mercy)
innaka
إِنَّكَ
Indeed, You
anta
أَنتَ
(You) are
At-tawwaabu
التَّوَّابُ
the One Who accepts repentance,
Ar-raheem
الرَّحِيمُ
the Most Merciful
Allah said that Ibrahim Alaihissalaam and Isma`il Alaihissalaam supplicated to Him,
“Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik, and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.”
Ibn Jarir said, “They meant by their supplication, `Make us submit to Your command and obedience and not associate anyone with You in obedience or worship.”
Also, `Ikrimah commented on the Ayah,
“Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You”
“Allah said, `I shall do that.”’
“And of our offspring a nation submissive unto You”
Allah said, `I shall do that.’”
This supplication by Ibrahim Alaihissalaam and Isma`il Alaihissalaam is similar to what Allah informed us of about His believing servants,
“And those who say: `Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders of the Muttaqin” (25:74).
This type of supplication is allowed, because loving to have offspring who worship Allah alone without partners is a sign of complete love of Allah. This is why when Allah said to Ibrahim Alaihissalaam ,
“Verily, I am going to make you an Imam (a leader) for mankind (to follow you)”
Ibrahim Alaihissalaam said,
“And of my offspring (to make leaders).”
Allah said, “My covenant (prophethood) includes not the Zalimin (polytheists and wrongdoers)” which is explained by,
“And keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols”
Muslim narrated in his Sahih that Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu said that the Messenger of Allah Sallal laahoo alaihi wassallam said,
“When the son of Adam dies, his deeds end except for three deeds: an ongoing charity, a knowledge that is being benefited from and a righteous son who supplicates (to Allah) for him.”
The Meaning of Manasik
Sa`id bin Mansur said that `Attab bin Bashir informed us from Khasif, from Mujahid who said, “The Prophet Ibrahim Alaihissalaam supplicated,
“and show us our Manasik”
Jibril then came down, took him to the House and said, `Raise its foundations.’
Ibrahim Alaihissalaam raised the House’s foundations and completed the building. Jibril held Ibrahim Alaihissalaam’s hand, led him to As-Safa and said, `This is among the rituals of Allah.’ He then took him to Al-Marwah and said, `And this is among the rituals of Allah.’ He then took him to Mina until when they reached the `Aqabah, they found Iblis standing next to a tree. Jibril said, `Say Takbir (Allah is the Great) and throw (pebbles) at him.’ Ibrahim Alaihissalaam said the Takbir and threw (pebbles at) Iblis.
Iblis moved to the middle Jamrah, and when Jibril and Ibrahim Alaihissalaam passed by him, Jibril said to Ibrahim Alaihissalaam, `Say Takbir and throw at him.’ Ibrahim Alaihissalaam threw at him and said Takbir. The devious Iblis sought to add some evil acts to the rituals of Hajj, but he was unable to succeed. Jibril took Ibrahim Alaihissalaam’s hand and led him to Al-Mash`ar Al-Haram and `Arafat and said to him, `Have you `Arafta (known, learned) what I showed you’ thrice. Ibrahim Alaihissalaam
said, `Yes I did.”’ Similar statements were reported from Abu Mijlaz and Qatadah.
”(4. Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people: “Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allah, we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you, hostility and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone,” — except the saying of Ibrahim to his father: “Verily, I will ask forgiveness for you, but I have no power to do anything for you before Allah.” “Our Lord! In You we put our trust, and to You we turn in repentance, and to You is the final Return.”)
Allah mentions the good example of Ibrahim Alaihissalaam and his followers, when they disowned their disbelieving people.
They said
(Our Lord! In You we put our trust, and to You we turn in repentance, and to You is the final Return.) meaning, `we trust in You for all matters, we surrender all of our affairs to You, and to You is the final Return in the Hereafter,’
