What Is The Benefit For Quran

Maulana Rizwan Pasha Quadri at Masjide Shujath, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, August 2011

Surah Ala Imran, rukoo 15, this contains five short verses. This was revealed in the backdrop of Uhud battle. It was a time when Muslims were facing a setback. There was rumor that Prophet is slain. Some good companions of Prophet were engulfed with the depressing thought that Prophet is not with us, what is the point of doing battle. Some were toying with the idea of surrendering to AbuSufyan. The situation was chaotic. Each Sahaba was visited with different sorts of thoughts.
In this backdrop, the revelation came – “Muhammad is no more than an Apostle. Many were the Apostles that passed away before him”. The idea to withdraw from fight once Prophet is gone is not right. “We will follow the right path when Prophet is with us. When he is dead, we will forsake our faith”. This is not logical in any way.
This is fourth jusu(section). This is the first time in Quran, the name ‘Muhammad’ has been used. This indicates Allah’s love and respect for our beloved Prophet. Allah has rarely used his name in Quran. Usually He refers Muhammad using signs. He refers by various names like Makki, Madhani and Taha which denote Prophet Muhammad. The name ‘Muhammad’ has come only four times in Quran. This is his original name.
Prophet warns that he who has got three sons, and did not name any of them with Muhammad, is a fool. In the day of Judgement, Allah will say, ‘Muhammad! Rise! Enter heaven!’. Everyone having ‘Muhammad’ in their names will rush towards heaven. Allah will forgive them and allow to proceed. Some communities use ‘Muhammad’ twice in their names. For example, Muhammad Muhammad Hussaini. Many families have the tradition of associating Muhammad in their names.
Another name of our Prophet is Ahamad. Hamd means praise. Muhammad means one who is often and repeatedly praised. Why is this name given to him? Usually human beings praise other things. But Allah praises only Muhammad. He glorifies him. Hence Prophet’s name is Muhammad. You will be surprised to know that no one has been named Muhammad before our Prophet. Some mischief-mongers were riled to call him Muhammad. So they decided to call him as Muzammam, which means one who is condemned. When this news reached the ears of Prophet, he replied, “My Lord has made me Muhammad. They are talking about some Muzamman. Not me”.
Don’t scold anyone having Muhammad as his name. Let respect be given.
Ahamad means one who praises. Muhammad means one who is praised. Allah has given both the names to His Prophet. All the creations praise Allah. But nothing is comparable to the way our Prophet praises Allah. Hence he is called Ahamad. All creations praise Allah. But they are not pure. We consider it a big achievement to learn three or five languages. But it is Allah who created all the languages. The way He praises will be supreme and unparalleled. Hence Prophet is both Ahamad and Muhammad.
Prophet is never separated from his mission. There was never a moment is his life, when he was disconnected from being a Prophet. He was never removed from his mission. He was Prophet from birth to death. He will remain as Prophet during the day of judgement and even after that. Qualities of human beings can change. Sometimes they will be angry, other times they may be sweet. But Prophet is not like this. He always exhibits sublime qualities as a Prophet. It never changes or wanes.
There have been prophets before him and they have passed away. You should not leave Imaan when Prophet passes away. “If he died or were slain, will ye then turn back on your heels?”. You should not leave your contact with God whether Prophet is alive or not.
Some consider that this verse is contradicting the faith of Ahle Sunnath. Let us clarify some points here. No one claims that Prophet did not die. Umar(rali) said angrily, “If anyone says Prophet is dead, I will cut his throat”. Abubakkar (rali) entered. He removed the sheet from Prophet’s face, kissed his face and then announced clearly, “If anyone of you were worshiping Muhammad, understand, Muhammad has passed away. Those of you who worshiped Allah, listen, Allah is alive and lives for ever”. Hearing this, the sword from Umar’s hand slipped down. He later reminisced that when Abubakkar recalled this verse, it was like a lightning falling on him. It seemed like hearing this verse for the first time.
This is the message of this verse. Prophets also will die. But when they go to grave, Lord will give them a new life. It is narrated in one hadees that while Prophet Muhammad was going on his Mehraj journey, he passed through the grave of Moses and saw Moses offering his prayer there. Our belief is not conflicting with the verse. Prophets will die. After that Allah will give them an eternal life. Muhammad also will die. Otherwise he will become God. Only God does not have death. Once you get this clarified, there won’t be doubt again on this issue.
Verse continues as, “If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to God”. When you return to your old faith, to Kufr, Allah will not lose anything. If you accept Islam, it is for your benefit. If you reject it, loss is yours. If the entire world embraces Islam, God is not going to benefit in any way. If entire world rejects, there is nothing God will lose. This applies to Prophet, Quran and Islam as well. Everyone accepting Islam is not going to raise its merit. If everyone recites and understands Quran, Quran has nothing to gain. If entire humanity joins and sings naath and salawath, status of Prophet is not going to change. If they condemn him, his glory won’t be disturbed a bit. Prophet, Quran or Allah are not in need of your praise. You are not helping in any way by reciting Quran or saying salawath. It is a blissful opportunity that Allah gives you. He will help you. We are here today. There is no guarantee about tomorrow. But Quran will survive for eternity. Lacks of people are willingly donating their service and hard work for Quran. And more people will come. Don’t feel proud about your works. Do not indulge in self-praise.
Verse continues, “But God will swiftly reward those who serve him with gratitude”. Our works won’t be wasted. Allah will richly reward for them. Let us involve in spreading this message. Allah will give you status and rewards in this world and the next.