A companion of the Prophet named Nu’ayman was addicted to alcohol and continued to drink it despite knowing the ruling against intoxicants. Nu’ayman struggled with his addiction, and was flogged twice for being drunk.
Upon the second flogging, Omar, who was angered by Nu’ayman’s behavior, quipped: “May God’s curse be on him.”
The Prophet was quick to intervene: “No, no, don’t do [such a thing]. Indeed he loves God and His Apostle. The major sin [as this] does not put one outside the community and the mercy of God is close to the believers.” (Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet was not too proud to associate with this man who committed a major sin. He did not isolate this man because of his faults. Nor was he too proud to defend Nu’ayman from Umar’s insult.
The Prophet knew that Allah created us with weakness and that driving those who sin out of Islam would leave the Ummah empty.
We need to protect ourselves from thinking we are better than others. We must understand that the foundation of humility is knowing that if we are elevated in status, it is only because of Allah. We can be brought to the level of those we look down on if Allah wills.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked Allah for humility by saying: “O Allah, make me live humbly and make me die humbly, and gather me among the humble on the day of resurrection.” (At-Tirmidhi, 2352)
AUTHOR: Islamic Voice
Islamic Voice is a monthly Islamic magazine published in Bangalore. It is the largest English language Muslim publication in India. It is a comprehensive magazine, places a relatively high emphasis on social issues and strives to have a broad appeal. Since 1987, Islamic Voice has covered its fascinating namesake without fear or favour, with insight, accuracy, thoroughness and a well rounded perspective on a variety of subjects - be it the economy, politics, lifestyle, the arts, entertainment, travel, science, technology or health. That's why Islamic Voice is the country's most widely read publication, a position it has held for more than a decade. And that's why it makes sense to subscribe to Islamic Voice.
We represents all Muslim sects and shades of thought from all over India. We focus on "our" triumphs which, mostly, go unreported as well as constructively addresses our failures and shortcomings.
Editor-in-Chief: A.W. Sadatullah Khan
Genre: Current Affairs associated with Muslims
Subjects Covered:
Human Rights I Analysis I Special Reports I Issues I Book Reviews I National I International I Newsmakers I Community News I Islamic Perspectives I Classifieds I Opinions
Focus articles on:
Education and Children I Inter-faith Relations I Matrimony I Muslim economy I Muslim Perspective I The Muslim world I Society I Travel I The Western viewpoint I Women in Islam
Special focus on Faith and Law:
Fiqh I Hadith I Quran
COMMENTS