National responsibility needs first priority

Lesson # 1155 from Holy Qur-’aan

National responsibility needs first priority

Surah ‘TAWBAH or BARAAA-‘AH (REPENTANCE) – Chapter – 9)

Stage – 2, Verse –122 of 129, Section – 15 of 16 (Part – 11)

                                                                       

BisMillaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

                                                                                       

122.  And it is not possible that the Muslims should march forth altogether. Why should not then small party from each tribe march forth so that they (who are left behind) may gain sound knowledge in religion, and that they may warn their folk when they return to them, so that they may beware.

122.  Wa  maa  kaanal-Mu’-minuuna  li-Yanfiruu  kaaaf-fah.  Fa-law-laa  nafara  min-  kulli  firqatim-min-hum  taaa-‘ifatul-li-yatafaqqahuu  fiddiini  wa  li-yunziruu  qaw-mahum  ‘izaa  raja-‘uuu  ‘ilay-him  la-‘allahum  yahzaruun.

                                                                             

Lesson

Yanfiruu – (march forth), origin of this word is nafarun, which means “to go out by leaving a place, to move”. After it, the word nafara is past tense from the same word. Here it aims “to get ready for public welfare works”.

It is commanded that if entire people come out for doing every work, then no work will be performed correctly as well as other works will remain pending. So, for this purpose, the work should be distributed mutually, and for every work, only those persons should be selected separately, who are able to perform any particular work.

Therefore, it has been caused to understand by an example that acquiring education is a national duty, because if the people, who are aware of the law, will not exist to guide the public, then law and order will be overthrown. Now, if all people begin to acquire the knowledge of the law, then who will perform other works, which are necessary for living, for example “agriculture, trade, industry, handicrafts and other professions”?

So, it will be convenient if those people; who are mentally fit for acquiring knowledge, they should begin to exercise in the profession of Religious Law, and at the time of necessity, they should teach the public “how to correct their character”. And whoso needs, ask their advice.

By doing so, it can be hoped that the people will continue in close contact with useful deeds by giving up harmful works. In this verse, the way of distributing different works and professions has been described very clearly. It is evident that capability of every individual is not equal. Someone is physically more fit than others. He is suitable for working hard i.e. cultivation and fight etc.

Someone is intelligent. He can perform in arts and sciences according to his ability. However, if the entire nation has been surrounded by the enemy from all around and the Government has proclaimed that everyone should be ready for war, then every individual should give up all other works and present himself for the safety of the nation. And which task is given to him, should perform it properly.   

Transliterated Holy Qur’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)