In the last verses of surah al-Furqan, when Allah desribes 'the servants of the Most Merciful ('Ibaadurrahmaan)', He, the Most Glorious Most High, first describes them as those who walk humbly upon the earth, and respond with grace to those who speak provocatively. Then He says they spend the night in prayer, standing and prostrating.
It is interesting that before He mentions their quality of being
engrossed in optional worship (night prayer), He first draws our
attention to their two qualities which show their good character
(akhlaq). It shows the precedence of Akhlaq over optional worship.
Indeed al-Mustafa said he was only sent to perfect our character. There
is absolutely no point in worshipping dilligently if that worship is not
accompanied by good character. Another surah which demonstrates this
relationship between worship (specifically prayer) and good character is
surah al-ma'un, where Allah speaks first about those who lack humanity,
and then goes on to curse those who pray.
Interestingly also, the 2 examples of good character mentioned in that verse encompass both sources of good character namely suppression of inner demons (arrogance arises from our nafs and the whispers of syaitan, which are both internal) and patience in the face of external provocation i.e the actions of others beyond our control. The order of their mention is beautiful too, since you cannot respond to provocation with grace if you lack humility.
May Allah make us of those who embody these qualities, so we may be classed as servants of the Most Merciful. Ameen.
p/s: I realized these points of reflection as I was discussing these verses with the students at Kolej Vokasional tonight. It is very intriguing how we discover spontaneously points of reflection more easily while teaching rather than when we are just reading/studying the Quran by ourselves. At least in my experience, this is the case. Perhaps that is why they say the best way to learn something, is to teach it. Alhamdulillah. smile emoticon
p/s 2: I am sure these points of reflection already exist in the books of tafseer. So if one is lazy to think for ones self, then one should at least read the works of others who have done the thinking.
Interestingly also, the 2 examples of good character mentioned in that verse encompass both sources of good character namely suppression of inner demons (arrogance arises from our nafs and the whispers of syaitan, which are both internal) and patience in the face of external provocation i.e the actions of others beyond our control. The order of their mention is beautiful too, since you cannot respond to provocation with grace if you lack humility.
May Allah make us of those who embody these qualities, so we may be classed as servants of the Most Merciful. Ameen.
p/s: I realized these points of reflection as I was discussing these verses with the students at Kolej Vokasional tonight. It is very intriguing how we discover spontaneously points of reflection more easily while teaching rather than when we are just reading/studying the Quran by ourselves. At least in my experience, this is the case. Perhaps that is why they say the best way to learn something, is to teach it. Alhamdulillah. smile emoticon
p/s 2: I am sure these points of reflection already exist in the books of tafseer. So if one is lazy to think for ones self, then one should at least read the works of others who have done the thinking.
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