The servants of the Most Merciful – A Quranic perspective

The ever widening gulf and increasing distrust in the relationships between Muslims and the rest of the world, together with considerable confusion about the interpretations of the teachings of Islam, are the causes for great concern for many people. A question that I have been asked quite a few times is; How could I define a Muslim? Others have also asked me a very blunt question; What is the Quran all about?

The current political conflict has seemingly created an adverse image in the minds of people who, for one or more reasons, have misgivings about Islam, or are unaware of the beautiful guidance written in the Quran. Indeed the Quran is regarded by some as a 'user manual' for justifying misbehaviour and even the very worst and most evil acts of violence and extremism.

The following verses from the Sura al-Furqaan are beautiful descriptions of a ‘Servant of Allah’ (Muslim); one who is truly dedicated to the good teachings of the Quran and faithfully follows that guidance to achieve spiritual and physical salvation. These verses came to my mind in the backdrop where jingoistic and threatening talk is overtaking all religious debate. I made them the topic of my sermon last week and hope that at least a few of those listening will take time to reflect on these verses, to learn what being a good Muslim is all about and what these Quranic teachings tell us.

The descriptions start as follows:

“And the (true) servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk on the earth gently and when the foolish ones address them, they simply say: Peace to you”.

What personal characteristics then should a Muslim show? He must demonstrate gentleness in all his actions and reactions. If he is confronted by an unhelpful situation or with foolish talk, instead of descending to that level and responding, he makes his own way. He is ever mindful of being a servant of Allah and never a servant to Satan’s cause.

It is also worth noticing that the descriptions start with an indication of the necessary personal character and mindset.

In any society, the above type of confrontation is all too often the starting point for any conflict and animosity and can quickly become the root cause of the destruction of peace and the removal of Allah’s blessings. In the Surah al-A`raaf, where Allah mentions Moses and his choice of seventy men chosen for an appointment with the Lord, he prayed out to Him after a violent shaking seized them saying: “Had you willed, O my Lord, you could have destroyed them and me long ago. Will you destroy us for the misdeeds of the fools amongst us?” V155

The Quranic descriptions go further saying: “Who spends the night prostrating themselves before their Lord, and standing, who entreat our Lord: “ward off from us the chastisement of Hell, for its chastisement is one that clings, verily it is a wretched abode and resting place”.

These disclosures show the sheer humility that must fill a true Muslim’s heart and the degree of fear we should feel for the consequences of our deeds.

The Quran further describes them saying:

 “They are those who are neither extravagant nor niggardly in their spending but they keep between the two”.

“Who invoke no other deity along with Allah, nor take any life which Allah has forbidden, save justly, and who do not commit adultery, and whosoever does that shall meet its penalty”.

“His torment shall be doubled for him on the Day of Resurrection and he will abide in it in ignominy, unless he repents and believes and does righteous works. For such Allah changes their evil deeds into good deeds, Allah is ever Forgiving Most Compassionate”.

The above verses highlight certain important ways in which a Muslim should believe and act. A true Servant of Allah avoids all kind of venue where someone associates any other deity with Allah. He alone is to be worshiped and to be obeyed in all aspects of this life. Allah is the only source of all guidance and, before we do anything in His Name, we need to be certain that it is the case. 

Otherwise, our misinterpretations would be regarded as an act of associating a teaching with Allah that is not meant to be, with its inevitable consequences.

Also the Quran describes a servant of Allah as one who does not take away the life of a person unjustly (meaning only by the way of legal retribution in case of premeditated murder). Life is a sacred right in Islam and one of the five essential rights that Islamic Shariah law must always seek to protect. It is an unforgivable sin to take a life unjustly. Those who attempt to justify brutally taking the lives of the innocent cannot regard themselves as ‘Servants of Allah’.

Similarly, 'Servants of Allah' do not commit adultery or fornication or seek illegal ways to indulge in sexual intercourse. A Muslim should always take the right measures to ensure he can afford  to be properly married. Respecting both women’s dignity and their own is the best path to follow. It also secures the rightful lineage and enhances the sense of responsibility towards each other’s rights.

The Quran further describes the true servants of Allah as “Those who do not bear witness to any falsehood and who, when they pass by frivolity, pass it by with dignity”.

Falsehood is a sister quality of lies and slander, in which many people become involved, without realising how they assassinate the dignity of a person and the honour of his life. In addition they show no fear of the consequences of their actions or of God’s vengeance on them. Islam develops a person’s character, resulting in a dignified soul, but, any attempt to falsify a truth is taking the side of Satan and his Devil’s work. Islam guides us to shun any act of falsehood and if we happen to pass by a frivolous situation, to pass it by with dignity and not become part of it.

Then the Quran further mentions another trait of those servants of the Most Merciful and says: “When they are reminded of the revelations of their Lord, they do not come at them deaf and blind”.

Yes, arrogance blinds a person’s ability to discern and disables his heart’s function to take the sensible path which is, in this case, the path of God. Reflecting on eternal wisdom and God’s revelations to humankind creates humility and makes people think of their own destiny and consequences of their actions.

The Quran then concludes the descriptions of those servants by saying “And those who pray: Our Lord! Grant us that our spouses and our offspring be a joy to our eyes and make us the leaders of the God-fearing”.

Looking after the spiritual welfare of one’s family and bringing up our children in a most sensible and spiritual environment is part of one’s commitments to God and are very rewarding deeds. They are the means of God’s rewards and carry high rank in His Sight. Neglecting the welfare of wives and children is not tolerable in the character of Godly people.

Life, generally, when lived in accordance to the guidance and teachings of Allah, becomes a great source of blessings and most rewarding in all its aspects. It will not and should not cause harm to oneself or to any other being. Blessings have to be felt.

The Quran mentions the rewards of being among the true Servants of the Most Merciful in this verse saying: “They are the ones who shall be rewarded for their patience, lofty palaces will be granted to them and they will be received with greeting and salutation. Therein they shall abide for ever, how good an abode and how good a resting place”.

The Quran gave us the descriptions, in detail, of Allah’s true servants, who submit themselves to Him wholeheartedly and create a beautiful life. Who will prove to the world that Allah is Most Merciful and His teachings are a mercy for the world?