“…And never is your Lord forgetful.” [19: 64]
Nope. He’s not. He knows and remembers everything. For some people this is a great relief, while for others it’s terrifying. When Allah created the human, He placed within us certain traits – one of which is forgetfulness. It’s a shortcoming of ours, but it’s also something that we’re forgiven for because the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily Allah has pardoned for me my ummah: their mistakes, their forgetfulness, and that which they have been forced to do under duress.” [Ibn Majah, hasan]
Unlike His creation, Allah never forgets, nor does He make a mistake, nor can anything have power over Him. He knows the paths of all who walk the face of this earth. He knows the ant suffering from thirst as it makes its way through desert sand dunes. He knows the oncoming weather and what it holds of news for distant lands. And He hears the whispers of the smallest creature in the deepest seas. Yet you think He has forgotten you.
He didn’t forget that cry and plea you made that night in prayer. He hasn’t forgotten that burning hope you had in Him. And He most certainly hasn’t forgotten that wrong which was done against you, for which you bore such beautiful patience. He is aware of your regret after your fall, your pain after your mistakes, your failure after your efforts.
He doesn’t forget a single thing and for some this is a relief whilst for others it’s terrifying, but for all He is a Merciful and Subtle Lord. “Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Well-Acquainted?” [67: 14]
“And We taught him the making of coats of armor to protect you in your battles. So will you then be grateful?” [21: 80]
Allah subjected for Dawud (AS) the mountains, birds, and nature, and along with that, He taught him how to make coats of armour and mail for protection. But then surprisingly, He says to *us* ‘Will you not be grateful?’
Subhan’Allah, this left me speechless. We are to count all blessings dear brothers and sisters… Not just the ones that Allah gave specifically to each of us, but also those blessings that have been passed down through generations of humankind on earth. How many thousands of years ago was Dawud taught the making of armour, yet we are being told here to be grateful for that blessing of the past, because we are still benefiting from it today as humans.
We ought to be grateful for every invention that began in history and was developed through the annals of time; from maps to instruments to vehicles because it is Allah Who taught its making – for our ease. We ought to be grateful for every scientific breakthrough, every cure that was discovered, and every advancement in the care of people and animals because it is Allah Who revealed it – for our preservation. We ought to be grateful for every rise and fall of civilization, every return of justice, and every victory of the underdog because it is Allah Who restores the balance – for our guidance. We ought to be grateful not just for things we have but for every blessing that has come from Allah and has fallen to the earth – even if it doesn’t fall in our hands. “And if you count the favors of Allah, you could never enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [16: 18]
“Rather, they say like what the people before them said.” [23: 81]
Some things don’t change. So the arrogance of today is the same as yesterday. The disbelief, mockery, questions, and denial or worship of other than God is the same today as it was in times gone past. Although they differ in language and location, and although they may be dressed in a different-styled cloak, at the core they are all still the same.
Denial is denial, whether it’s based on theoretical science, or folktale, or delusion of self and surrounding. And the questions of today may seem more sophisticated but they are in essence made from the same fabric that was sewn by others before them. They claimed, ‘Why aren’t treasures sent to him and why don’t Angels come with him? Why doesn’t he have riches and plush gardens? Why does he walk the markets like us, and why does he eat like us?’ Same questions. For if Angels walked visibly with him, or gold treasures descended to him, or he ate only heavenly food, or ate nothing at all, then they would’ve said as was said before… ‘He’s a magician, an illusionist, a sorcerer, a madman.
And they did. They were bound to do so anyway because “…they say like what the people before them said.”
“I did it then, while I was astray. So I fled from you when I feared you. Then my Lord granted me wisdom and Prophethood and appointed me as one of the Messengers.” [26: 19-22]
In this Surah and others to come, there’s a certain focus on the ‘crime’ of Musa before he became a Prophet… He killed a man (albeit accidentally whilst helping someone). So like every dirty politician and person of power, that was used against him by Fir’awn and his people when he became a Prophet. Like the devil, some people might point out your past the moment they see you rectify yourself and actually become righteous. But here, Musa shines light on the Mercy of Allah, and he tells the people that indeed wisdom can come after mistakes.
It’s a lesson for the fallen and the down-trodden who fear their past or future. It’s a comfort for those who faltered or who have regrets. Musa became a chosen Messenger of God even though a man died at his hands previously, so your good practise of Islam can and will wipe away all that came before it, and your renewal of faith replaces all that preceded it. You can rise gloriously even if you delved in major sins before and you think there is no return. There’s always a return, and that’s the literal definition of tawbah (repentance). So don’t lose hope, and don’t cut yourself short of being great because of your sins. You have a Merciful Lord Who is willing to overlook your faults, and your sins can never be greater than His Mercy which has encompassed all things.
“And they say, “If we were to follow the guidance with you, we would be swept from our land.”” [28: 57]
The fear of losing out on the Dunya (world) has stopped many a person from following guidance and truth. They don’t want to quit on certain things or stop engaging in other things. They don’t have the will to discipline themselves. They see the faithful as second class citizens or people with no power. Thoughts like these have halted their path to God, because the world is too endearing and enticing, because its colours are too blinding, and its tastes too exquisite. But what a deluding factor it is, because with faith comes a sweetness indescribable, a light that far outshines anything of the Dunya, and a delight that you begin savouring here and lasts through to Paradise.
No one has ever lost anything because of their faith except that what they gained with Allah was multiple times more – and in the Hereafter will be countless time more. “And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the life of this world and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?” [28: 60]
Think about it. What’s a better deal; to quit on a temporary matter and get a lasting delight, or engage in something that’s fleeting and lose both the world and the Hereafter? As Allah says, “…will you not use reason?”