We live in times when godless people are in
control of the economy, culture, social trending and power matrix of the world.
In such times of utter confusion, our only hope is returning to Allah swt and keeping the faith. As Allah swt is the undoubted King of the universe, entering
His court, we need to learn few manners. The story behind phrase “Insha Allah”
teaches us that manner and highlights the importance of resting complete faith in Allah swt. It is among many gifts of Al Kahf. It has two strong strands; we must have
unwavering faith that every future happening is conditioned to Allah’s Will and
not our abilities. Secondly, knowledge of unseen only rests with Allah swt. Let’s
discover the background and significance of the story.
When
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) declared Allah's Oneness and proclaimed to be the
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and revelation of Divine Message. The disbelievers of
Mecca sent some men to Jewish rabbis in Medina and said: "Ask them (the
rabbis) about Muhammad (PBUH). The
rabbis said: 'Ask him about three things: some young men in ancient times, what
was their story? Ask him about a man
who traveled a great deal and reached the east and the west of the earth. What
was his story? And ask him about the Rooh (soul or spirit) what is it? On return to Mecca, put the same questions across to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).
The
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "I will tell you tomorrow about what you
have asked me." But He
(PBUH) did not say, Insha Allah (If Allah Wills).
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) waited for the revelation
from Allah but fifteen days passed away without any revelation. The people of Mecca
started to doubt him and said: 'Muhammad (PBUH) promised to tell us the next
day and now fifteen days have gone by and he has not told us anything in
response to the questions we asked.'
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) felt sad because of
the delay in revelation and was grieved by what the people of Mecca were saying
about him. Then Jibreel (AS) came with
the revelation of Surah Al-Kahf, which contained answers to the questions asked
by Meccans. Following verse was also revealed explaining the correct etiquette
when intending to do something in future.
وَلَا
تَقُولَنَّ لِشَيْءٍ إِنِّي فَاعِلٌ ذَلِكَ غَدًا ﴿18:23﴾
(18:23)
and never say about any matter, "I will do this tomorrow (for you cannot
do anything)
إِلَّا
أَنْ يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ وَاذْكُرْ رَبَّكَ إِذَا نَسِيتَ وَقُلْ عَسَى أَنْ
يَهْدِيَنِ رَبِّي لِأَقْرَبَ مِنْ هَذَا رَشَدًا ﴿18:24﴾
(18:24)
except that Allah wills it." If ever you inadvertently utter anything like
this, you should at once remember your Lord and say, "I hope that my Lord
will guide me in this matter with that thing
which is nearest to the right way for me"
Now just imagine the intensity of the situation. Credibility
of infant Islamic movement and title of Allah’s Prophet (PBUH) “Sadiq &
Amin” was at stake. It is Allah’s best chosen religion for which He swt appointed
His most beloved Prophet (PBUH) who is the reason of creation of the universe. But in order to stamp His authority, Allah swt delayed the answers to questions
of Meccan idolaters. This shows importance of etiquettes in Allah’s Court. It
also reflects importance of having this infallible faith that only Allah is the
Knower of the unseen.
So, if one intends to do something in future or
even takes an oath, he should say, 'If Allah Wills' or 'Insha'Allah.' If one
forgets to say, Insha'Allah then he
should say when he remembers it even if it is a year later, as Ibn Abbas (RA)
explained.
May Allah forgive us for whenever in past we forgot
to say Insha Allah while talking about future happenings.
Ameen ✨
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