of Nekounam, (Session 926)
Verses 172 to 174 of Surah Al-Imran, like a brilliant lamp on the path of guidance, depict the characteristics of true believers in the face of hardships and divine trials. These verses, revealed in the historical context of the Battle of Uhud and subsequent events, present a profound narrative of response, faith, and reliance. Believers who, despite wounds and exhaustion from battle, answered the divine call and that of the Prophet, exemplify steadfastness and perseverance in the way of truth. This treatise, employing a rational and scholarly approach, elucidates these verses and, through reflection on the concepts of response, faith, and divine pleasure, critiques societies claiming faith and emphasises the necessity of reconstructing the concept of a faithful community. The objective is that, through deep insight into the meanings of these verses, a pathway to a deeper understanding of faith and righteous action is opened, so that, like a mirror, the reality of faith is reflected in daily life.
Verses 172 to 174 of Surah Al-Imran were revealed against the historical backdrop of the Battle of Uhud and the incident of Hamra al-Asad. The Battle of Uhud, which ended in an apparent defeat for the believers, was a significant trial for the Prophets companions. The wounds, exhaustion, and turmoil resulting from this conflict deeply affected the spirit and body of the believers. Nevertheless, the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) called these wounded and fatigued companions once more to gather at Hamra al-Asad and stand against the enemies. This summons was not only a sign of the Prophets wise leadership but also a testimony to the firm faith of the believers who, despite difficulties, responded to the divine invitation.
These verses, like an inscription on stone, portray the steadfastness of the believers in the face of calamities. Those who, despite al-qarhu (wounds and injuries), returned once again to the battlefield, exemplified unwavering faith and trust in God. This perseverance, not only on an individual level but also collectively, refers to the cohesion and unity of the faithful community.
الَّذِينَ اسْتَجَابُوا لِلَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا أَصَابَهُمُ الْقَرْحُ ۚ لِلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا مِنْهُمْ وَاتَّقَوْا أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ
"Those who responded to Allah and the Messenger after they had been wounded for those who did good among them and feared [Allah] is a great reward."
This verse, like a torch in the darkness, refers to the believers who, after the wounds of the Battle of Uhud, answered the call of God and the Prophet. Al-qarhu in this verse refers not only to physical injuries but also to psychological wounds and internal turmoil. Despite fatigue and weakness, the believers, by accepting the Prophets call, demonstrated that their faith transcended apparent hardships. This response is itself a form of beneficence, as through this act, they saved the Prophet from defeat and bestowed honour upon him.
The concept of ahsan in this verse signifies benevolence in action and piety in heart. This benevolence goes beyond material assistance to embrace acceptance of divine speech and strengthening of belief. Through this act, believers not only liberated themselves from weakness and incapacity but were promised a great reward. This reward, like a jewel in a shell, is the outcome of their faith and piety in moments of hardship.
Key point: The believers response during critical conditions is a sign of steadfast faith and benevolence towards the Prophet. This act not only saved the faithful community from defeat but also attests to the power of faith in overcoming physical and psychological weaknesses.
الَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَقَالُوا حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
"Those to whom the people said, 'Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But it increased them in faith, and they said, 'Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.'
This verse, like a breeze that ignites the fire of faith, describes the believers reaction to the threats posed by the hypocrites. A group of hypocrites and weak-hearted individuals, referred to in the verse as an-ns, sought to weaken the believers morale through rumours and fearmongering. They said: "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." However, instead of weakening their faith, this threat strengthened it, and they responded with the phrase Hasbunallhu wa nimal wakl.
This invocation, like an iron shield, protected the believers from psychological and spiritual harm. Hasbunallh signifies the sufficiency of God, and nimal wakl denotes His excellence as a Trustee and Manager. This invocation, recommended to be uttered silently in the heart, is effective in all conditions, including during sleep or throughout the day, in maintaining the believers tranquility and immunity. This response testifies to the power of faith in confronting the psychological warfare of the adversaries.
Key point: The threats of the hypocrites did not weaken the believers faith; rather, with the invocation Hasbunallhu wa nimal wakl, their faith was strengthened. This invocation acts as a key to unlocking doors of peace and perseverance and is recommended under all circumstances.
فَانْقَلَبُوا بِنِعْمَةٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَفَضْلٍ لَمْ يَمْسَسْهُمْ سُوءٌ وَاتَّبَعُوا رِضْوَانَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَظِيمٍ
"So they returned with favour from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty."
This verse, like a summit reached after traversing a difficult path, refers to the existential transformation of the believers. Those who, with steadfast faith and invocation of reliance, were guided from weakness and wounds towards the blessing and bounty of Allah, attained a state in which no evil touched them. The phrase lam yamsashum s
