Now a couple of days ago, I listened to this chapter, driving up to my village and again, it stirred in me and as such I feel compelled to put to words my thoughts and feelings…
As usual it is the verses which jump out at me that i comment on
Throngs
What first gets me about the assumed title is another chapter in the scripture called Triumph – Nasr, where in the verse reads:
I seek refuge in the Most Gracious…
When triumph comes from God and victory,
You will see all the people embracing Gods religion in THRONGS.
You shall glorify and praise your Lord and implore him for forgiveness. He is the Redeemer.
Whenever I read Zumar, I think immediately of Nasr. I don’t know in some ways it just clicks, I guess it is the word “Throngs” which is the association between the two.
Verse 1-3
I guess this part is very clear in its statement and intent
- Scripture is revealed from God
- We should worship God devoting the religion to God alone
- We should not implore on anyone beside God
In retrospect, I personally can think of us people, who implore on Gods prophet, Mohammed, Jesus etc and to those who implore on other people such as saints and martyrs, in order that God may hear their prayer, or give accordance to their cause etc. All because they see these people/figures as those in higher steed with God.
It is a habit in all of us, where I feel we want something, but we can only do it through a middleman, probably because we can only relate with the middleman, rather than relate with the source of what we want.
Verse 4-6
This verse for me, will relate to those who claim that God has a son. The scripture seeks to clarify on that issue by letting us know and confirming that God does not have a son nor is He in need of one. He is God, the Supreme. He is the Almighty, the Forgiving.
Verse 7
"If you disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. But He dislikes to see His servants make the wrong decision. If you decide to be appreciative, He is pleased for you. No soul bears the sins of any other soul. Ultimately, to your Lord is your return, then He will inform you of everything you had done. He is fully aware of the innermost thoughts"
I find this part amusing and incisive.
From this in can infer, disbelieving/believing is each persons choice to make, it is ultimately our responsibility; hence if we carry the sins of disbelief we do so for ourselves by ourselves. Whatever choice we make, outwardly or inwardly, God is aware thereof.
Verse 8
IT IS TRUE that when we seek blessings from God we implore, attend to our prayers, give charity and alms, and make sacrifice all fastidiously. Once we get what we seek, we let everything run to the wayside. Does this not inspire you and remind you of you?
Verse 9
-Meditation
-Prostrating at night
-Being aware of the hereafter
-Seeking the mercy of God.
These things I have noted are significant aspects of this verse.
Meditation: which I guess is reflecting on God and His attributes, His wonders and mercies towards us.
Prostration: which I guess, is the physical act of prostration to God. This is the ultimate symbol of submission and showing obeisance to the creator.
Being aware of the hereafter: this I guess is what we should all be doing, our every thought and action should be with regards to the hereafter, as this life is no more than an illusion, the true life/true existence is in the hereafter and as such, our actions here dictate where we will end up in the hereafter. God direct us and keep us in the straight path.
Seeking Gods mercy: which I guess is everlasting and what is needed to shield is from the trappings of this life as opposed to seeking bounty, wealth, position, children – all of which are the part of the temporary illusions and material distractions of this life – (don’t get me wrong they are not wholly bad all depends on how you view and use them)
From verse 10 onwards
This I feel is a message to us all, to remind us that the religion of God - whatever we want to call it - is about God alone.
It is about worshipping God alone, devoting the religion- all the practices, norms, behaviors that are and can be attributed to following a particular line of thought – to God alone. It is about God alone, just God…. no prophet/messenger/saint/holy man/scholar/deity/angel/whatever else you have
Being aware of the hereafter and what your position would be – laying foundations that will cement where you want to be- Remember the retribution of God is awesome, you really wouldn’t want that, I know that I don’t want that, God help me and redeem me, for my sins are many and I sincerely seek His forgiveness.
The real losers are those who loose their soul on the DOR
Verse 18 in particular I feel gives direction and guidance for us all: examining all words and following the best. This for me reiterates that we all have a choice as individuals to make; we can either follow what is being given to us by our parents/scholars/whoever else or choose to examine everything that has been given to us and then make a choice on what we want to believe.
It is not about blind guidance - believing that those in authority – parents/scholars/teachers/whoever else - are guided enough to guide you- it is about liberation, choosing for yourself amidst all that is out there and trust me there are many. God is the one who will inspire you and direct you to the truth.
God is the one who provides for us
Verse 23
What still gets me is how some people can say that they follow reported hadiths for clarity and guidance in religious practices over the Quran all in spite of the fact that the Quran is in itself clear in content and intent.
Question: did the any of Gods prophets/messengers ask us to follow their own ways/behaviours over Gods Laws/commands?
This verse for me clears any assumptions that anyone may have over following hadiths/sunna/whatever else you have over Gods scripture
“GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, and points out both ways (to Heaven and Hell). The skins of those who reverence their Lord cringe therefrom, then their skins and their hearts soften up for GOD's message. Such is GOD's guidance; He bestows it upon whoever wills (to be guided). As for those sent astray by GOD, nothing can guide them.
If I may can I proceed down to Verse 29, which states:
“GOD cites the example of a man who deals with disputing partners (Hadith), compared to a man who deals with only one consistent source (Quran). Are they the same? Praise be to GOD; most of them do not know”
** The parentheses are the translators’ own inference
Verse 36
I ask you “ Is God not sufficient for us that we seek to implore and associate others with God”
Verse 38
I was thinking about this I think even before reading this part.
We all say God this, God that, Thank you God etc. When asked whom do you worship, those who believe in God say “God”. So why then don’t we worship God?
I guess it is because we all sideline the worship of God and only revisit it when we are in dire need of help. Which I know only too well myself.
Though we sort of acknowledge that God created us, we disregard worshipping him in favour of all the distractions and trappings that this world has in store for us. We become not bothered and do not affirm each day our gratitude and our devotion to God. But hopefully may God let us realize this before it becomes too late for us.
Verse 45
For the muslims friends who subscribe to “God+prophet” that I have spoken to when you go “God alone” they vehemently refuse to believe, likewise the Christians friends who subscribe to the notion of trinity. I find it very amusing, because I probably would have been the same ages ago myself. But I am thankful to God for letting me see past all the misgivings that some people in authority try to spoon-feed us and allowing me to the circumstances that led to me going “It is all about God alone”
Verse 46 onwards speaks for itself
For me i feel it is clear and Gw willing it will always be clear that worshipping God is about one God. God continue to guide us and provide us with inspiration from Him.
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