Hasbunallahu Va Nihmal Vakeel - Quran Dars

Darse Quran by Maulana Rizwan Pasha Quadri at Masjide Shujath, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, November 2011

Surah AlaImran, rukooh 18 comprises nine verses. Initial verses portrays scenes from the aftermath of Uhud battle. Subsequent two verses throws light on supreme nature of Prophet’s divine knowledge. Last verse illustrates the evil nature of parsimony.
Muslims faced setback in Uhud battle as a consequence of not heeding to Prophet’s advice. Uhud battlefield is situated around 2 k.m from Masjide Nabavi. Kafirs (non-believers) had an opportunity to wipe out Muslims. But for some mysterious reasons they fled away. They ran till HamraAl Aswath that is at a distance of nearly 7 k.m.
Abu Sufiyan pondered – why did we run when in fact we had an upper hand. We could have destroyed Muslims. They did not return to Meccah. They celebrated their victory in that place. They had a discussion the second day when Abu Sufiyan finally said to return and launch a fresh attack. This is the best chance to annihilate Islam from Masjide Nabavi and from the surface of earth. This chance won’t come again.
This news reached the ears of Prophet who was stationed at Masjide Munawwara. Some spies appointed by him brought this news. Prophet took stock of the situation. Army and force available is less. “Let us attack first”. This was Prophet’s decision. If enemies attack us then our losses can be terrible.
The companions of Prophets had suffered severe physical loss. Their limbs were badly injured. Prophet announced, “I am starting now. Those of you following me can join me”. Immediately all of them hurried towards battleground. Intention is to make clear that we won’t back down or cow down. All Sahabas (companions) followed the Prophet.
Kafirs misunderstood that some additional contingent is coming from Medinah and they ran away.
The situation was very treacherous, with intensely hot climate, enormous physical injuries, low on food and resources and extension of war. Under such bitter situation, companions of Prophet answered ‘labbaika’ and honored Prophet’s call. This immensely pleased Allah. He sent down verses honoring them.
‘Istijabu’ means presenting oneself as answer to one’s call.
They answered the call even after being wounded. Surah 3, Verse 172. This verse tells that they answered the call of God and the Prophet. In reality only Prophet had called them. This explains that though tongue is that of Prophet, call is from God. Verse continues that they did a good deed, they practiced Taqwa, they have a great reward.
Companions of Prophet were not bogged down by physical injury or loss of life or property. All that they cared was ‘Deen’. We have got this religion as a result of such supreme sacrifice.
We don’t show any sacrifice in our lives. We don’t come to mosque if it showers. If a friend visits us, we ignore attending Quran Dars. We look for excuses to escape. Sahabas looked for excuses to sacrifice their lives. If they were lazy then this Deen would not have reached us. They gave away their dearest things under stressful situations.
While running, Abu Sufiyan challenged that they will return next year to Badr battleground and will destroy Muslims.
Prophet answered, “Let us see that when it comes. Now you leave”. Prophet was firm in his faith in God and God’s support. He was unruffled by the loss. Non-believers prepared for the battle after one year.
Abu Sufiyan appointed a person to spread rumor that a huge army has come with mammoth ammunition. We see such rumor enthusiasts even today. When there is a small scuffle, they will scare us not to come out of our houses. They will spread rumor without knowing the fact.
Verse continues – “Men said to them ‘A great army is gathering against you’ and threatened them”. You know what happened in Uhud battle. So don’t come to the field. What will be the reaction from Moomin when they are threatened. Verse 3:173 tells us. It increased their Faith. If Moomin is oppressed, it will strengthen him and increase his Faith.
Verse 2 in Surah Anfal (eigth Surah) narrates Moomin character as those whose heart rejoices when God is mentioned and their faith increases when God’s verse is rehearsed in front of them.
Companions of Prophet answered, ‘Hasbunallahu va nihmal vakeel’ – ‘For us God sufficeth and He is the best disposer of affairs’. Memorize this verse and rehearse it all the time.
Companions did not go to the field having confidence in support, money, power or physical prowess. They went to the field with nothing but Faith in God. Allah is more than enough and He decides best on all matters. When Prophet Ibrahim was put in fire, he recited these same words. He told Jibreel (alai), “Hasbunallahu va nihmal vakeel”. You recite this to get rid of tension, anxiety, worries and concerns. Understand and recite it. God will not bring loss to His servants.
Sahabas stayed for eight days in Badr battleground. AbuSufiyan did not appear. Companions went to a nearby market and did some merchandise. They feasted and had a good time there. Verse 174 says, “they returned with grace and bounty from God”. It is permissible to do some personal works while in the middle of a religious journey. But one should stay focused on the objective.
Continuation of verse tells that Shaitan has his Auliyas (friends). He fronts them and threatens. God has Auliyas, and similarly Shaitan has Auliyas. Those who act against Islam are friends of Shaitan.
You need not fear them. Fear God. (verse 175). There were many kings during the period of Auliya Nijamuddin (rah). He never cared them. He remained focused in his mission. Moomin will not fear any force.
There will be options to earn God’s pleasure or God’s wrath. One should honor deeds that God will approve. This is the meaning of fearing God. Then the whole world will fear to mess up with you.
When faced with defeat, some hypocrites bluntly said Islam won’t prosper hereafter, we are indeed non-believers.
Verse continues – Let not those grieve thee who rush headlong into unbelief (3:176). Not the least harm will they do to God.
Muslims were 40000 in number during Yarmuk battle. Enemy strength was 7 lakhs. But Muslims turned victors.
Hypocrites made fun of Prophet that we stay close with him, but he is unable to identify our true nature.
Verse 179 was sent. Prophet stepped on the Mimbar (pedestal in mosque) and said, “Ask whatever doubt you have till Qayamat (end of this world). I will give you answers”. Umar (rali) understood the gravity of the situation and in a supplicating gesture convinced Prophet not to be angry.