.
.
3:196 - 197 ENJOYMENT OF UNBELIEVERS
3:196 “ (Beware!) The movement of the unbelievers hither and
thither (with pomp and show/modernization) in the cities may
not deceive you.
(15:88;20:131;40:4)
3:197 “ This is just an amusement (fun) * of a short duration, (and) then
their (final) destination is Hell. And worst (of course) is such a
destination?”
..............................................................
* LUXURY AND MODERNIZATION:
The following facts may be noted:
1. The Holy Quran states:
a) “ Don’t look (eagerly) by raising your eyes on such (luxurious
and modern) things that We have given to some pairs (groups)
of them (i.e. of non-believers) for enjoyment, and nor be
depressed on them…” (15:88)
b) “ Don’t look (eagerly) by raising your eyes on such (luxurious
and modern) things that We have given to some pairs (groups)
of them for enjoyment - This is simply the glamour of
this world, (granted) so as to test them…” (20:131)
2. The Holy Prophet
said:
a) “ The Paradise is hidden under troubles, and the Hell is
covered with (strong) desires (for enjoyment)”.
(Bukhari:6122)
b) “ Love for any thing will make you blind and deaf”.
(Abu Daud - Mishkat:4689)
c) “ The world is a prison for the believer and Paradise for the
unbeliever”. (Muslim - Mishkat:4929)
3. No doubt, man has invented the engine, locomotive, supersonic plane, computer, internet, missile, bomber, satellite etc. He has produced cars, air-conditioners, refrigerators, television sets etc. He has conquered the space and trampled the surface of moon. The life has become easy and easy going. But the real question is whether such a scientific morality, effluence and luxurious living have provided us a sense of purpose and meaning to life. The important question is why we are here in this world and what is the purpose of life?
4.The scientific and economic success may, in fact, be a failure in the sense of what it has done to humanity. The following questions are important in this connection.
a) Why humanity continues to sigh under the aches of injustices in spite of inconceivable scientific modern development?
b) Why suicidal rate is high in economically prosperous and scientifically advanced countries?
c) Why divorce rate is increasing?
d) Why most of the people depend upon intoxicants, alcohol and sleeping pills?
e) Why crime rate is increasing?
f) Why peace of mind is lost?
5. The fact is that the humanity has begun to realize that the material and glamorous resources are just not enough for living.
6. The fact is that the modern civilization which is before us is retarding at a greater rate than it is accelerating.
7. And the most important and solid fact is that the humanity has gone far away from the Commandments of Almighty Allah - the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe.
3:198 “ But for those who fear their Lord, there are Gardens (of
Paradise) under which the rivers flow, where they will live for ever.
This is the (generous) reception / (real) entertainment from Allah.
And that (reward) which is with Allah is much better
for the virtuous”.
3:199 THE BLESSED PEOPLE OF BOOK,
WHO ACCEPT ISLAM
3:199 “ And, of course, there are some (blessed ones) amongst the
People of Book, who believe in Allah and in that which has been sent
down to you (i.e. Al-Quran) as well as in that sent down to them. They
submit to Allah with great humility and don’t sell the Verses of Allah for a
worthless price. They are those, for whom there is a reward * from their
Lord. Indeed, Allah is quick
in settling the accounts”.
* The Holy Prophet
“ A man (or a person) from the People of the Book, who believes
in his Prophet and also in me - Muhammad (peace be upon him)
will get the double reward…” (Bukhari:97) [Also see 57:28]
