The Declining Day

Al-Asr (The Declining Day)
Chapter 103: Verses 1-3

Declining Day
"I swear by the declining day, that man is a certain loser, save those who have faith and do righteous deeds and counsel one another to follow the truth and counsel one another to be steadfast."

This short surah of three verses outlines a complete system for human life based on the Islamic viewpoint. It defines, in the clearest and most concise form, the basic concept of faith in the context of its comprehensive reality. In a few words the whole Islamic constitution is covered and in fact, the nation of Islam is described in its essential qualities and its message in one verse only: the third. This is the eloquence of which Allah alone is capable.

The great fact which this surah affirms is simply that throughout the history of man there has been one worthwhile and trustworthy path - that which the surah indicates and describes. All other paths lead only to loss and ruin. As it says in outline, that path is first the adoption of faith, followed up with good deeds and exhortation to follow the truth and to steadfastness:

1. What does the adoption of faith then signify? Faith is the characteristic by which the minute, transient human being attains closeness to the Absolute and Everlasting Originator of the universe and all that exists in it. He thus establishes a link with the whole world, which springs from that One Origin, with the laws governing it and with the powers and potentialities created in It. As a result, he breaks away from the narrow boundaries of his trivial self to the broadness of the universe, from his inadequate power to the immensity of the unknown universal energies, and from the limits of his short life to the "Eternity" that Allah alone comprehends.

2. Godliness is the second quality of dignified humanity. This quality determines for man the source from which he derives his concepts, values, criteria, considerations. doctrines, laws and whatever brings him into relation with Allah, the world at large and with human beings. Thus, equity and justice replace personal desires and self-interest. This strengthens the believer's realisation of the value of his way of life and keeps him above ignorant concepts, values and interests and above all strictly mundane values.

3. A third quality of faith and dignified humanity is the clarity of the relationship between the Creator and the created, the restricted creature is connected with the Everlasting Truth without any mediator. It supplies man's heart with light, his soul with contentment and gives him confidence and purpose. It eliminates from his mind perplexity fear, anxiety and agitation as well as unlawful haughtiness on earth and unjustifiable tyranny over people.

4. Steadfastness along the path ordained by Allah is the next quality of such humanity. This must be maintained so that good does not occur casually, incidentally or without deliberation but springs from definite motives and heads towards certain aims. People united for Allah's cause collaborate. Thus, with a single definite purpose and a single distinguished banner, the Muslim community is raised. This is true for all generations that are similarly welded together.

Consequently, whenever two companions of the Messenger of Allah were about to depart from each other, they would read this surah, after which they would shake hands. This was indicative of a pledge to accept this doctrine fully, to preserve this faith, piety and a willingness to counsel each other to follow the truth and remain steadfast. It was a mutual compact to remain good elements in an Islamic society established according to that doctrine and to preserve the foundation of this society.

Source:
"In The Shade of The Quran" - Sayyid Qutb

Timidity

There is a big difference between hayaa' and timidity. Timidity is a state of fear due to lack of courage and self-confidence, while hayaa' is a state of modesty and bashfulness, where the person behaves in a certain way to avoid arrogance and ostentation. Hayaa' is not a state of fear; it is rather a feeling of strength. For example, when the woman displays a modest and bashful behavior (in speaking, walking, dressing, etc.), that gives her a sense of distinction. She therefore feels unique and strong but not arrogant. Hayaa' is then the opposite of haughtiness and self-conceit, which are unfavorable attributes. On the other hand, timidity is the opposite of courage and bravery, which are favorable characteristics.

One of the areas where a confusion between hayaa' and timidity occurs is education or the process of learning. A timid person lacks self-confidence, which can make him or her nervous during the class and even afraid of asking questions when necessary.

On the other hand, a person with hayaa' does not fear but rather behaves in a humble way, honoring the teacher and respecting his or her fellow students.

Source:
"IslamOnline.Net" - Zeinab Al-`Alawani

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