Hujjatul Islam Ustad Syed Jawad Naqvi
(Principal Jamia Orwatul Wuthqa – Lahore)
Delivered at: Masjid Baitul ul Ateeq
Lahore – Pakistan
Friday Sermon – 17th March, 2023
Sermon 1: Taawun in Birr and Taqwa
Allah has established Taqwa for protection of human life as a divine plan from Allah (s) for human beings for every segment of life where there is specific Taqwa. The arrangement for guidance is religion and for protection is Taqwa. One field of Taqwa from various segments of life is Taawun. Man is social being and this is exclusivity of man that he is created as social being. Hence for the protection of this society man needs Taqwa and as well for the establishment, balance, justice in society Allah (s) has ordained the law of Taawun.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُحِلُّوا شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ وَلَا الشَّهْرَ الْحَرَامَ وَلَا الْهَدْيَ وَلَا الْقَلَائِدَ وَلَا آمِّينَ الْبَيْتَ الْحَرَامَ يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَرِضْوَانًا ۚ وَإِذَا حَلَلْتُمْ فَاصْطَادُوا ۚ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ أَنْ صَدُّوكُمْ عَنِ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ أَنْ تَعْتَدُوا ۘ وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ {2}
O you who believe! do not violate the signs appointed by Allah nor the sacred month, nor (interfere with) the offerings, nor the sacrificial animals with garlands, nor those going to the sacred house seeking the grace and pleasure of their Lord; and when you are free from the obligations of the pilgrimage, then hunt, and let not hatred of a people– because they hindered you from the Sacred Masjid– incite you to exceed the limits, and help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and aggression; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is severe in requiting (evil)
There are important orders in the header of the verse which is related to respect of signs of Allah and not do any sacrilege. Shae’r mean signs and this topic has been expressed by Quran in details and certain things, affairs Allah has given them the status of Shaer like Safa , Marwa and many other things in Hajj rituals. As per the order of Allah these are the signs of Seraat and guidance. Shaer cannot be made by man himself. He can make signs, slogans for himself like for community, geography and these would be signs of man, sects, tribes or for some specific community but cannot be declared as signs of religion. The signs of Allah are those which Allah has declared and we are being asked to respect them and it is crime to dishonor them. There is a detailed list which we have talked at other instances before and since our topic is Taqwa over here, one field of Taqwa is Taawun.
وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ
Taawun comes from the word Aun and we generally translate it as help only. The actual meaning of what type of help is considered as Taawun , since we never get into that depth because we are not interested to do because we only read the verses for thawab and blessings on dead. As a student we will get into right pronunciations. Even if we cannot pronounce correctly then the guidance still lies in its meaning which is necessary to understand.
Taawun means doing Aun for each other which means help but Aun is not every type of help, instead it is that type of help which removes the deficiency of others. Man can get lack of means, intention, knowledge, research source in certain affairs. No individual is self sufficient in everything, man needs help from others in many affairs. This is what is meant by society and not that just to live together in one physical place. The housing societies give the title of society to these houses which are built together. Socialization is not living together which is a commercial term used by businessman in construction industry. Those living in such societies don’t even know who is living next door and how they are spending life. This is not socialization by just living in vicinity or proximity of each other. Like the pillars, trees, animals who live near to each other they are not society. The society means living a common form of life where all the elements form a singe life and the society lives a single life. The example given by religion is also like human body and its parts. The parts of the body are like society because they form one single existence. The life of all the body parts are single life and not that ten fingers have ten different lives. If there are 30 parts of body they all carry a single life and death also same way. They will all die with single death and live with single life. They are all elements of single life. Human beings in a society give existence to a common life.
The way the parts of body cannot alone form a single life, they have to all form a single life. Similarly all the individuals in one society form a single life and they all have one character. The functions of body parts are different. The second specialization is that the parts of body are incomplete without each other both outside and inside. They are created in such a manner that they can’t deliver their own function without the others. Like hands cannot work without eyes. They are all related and connected to each other. The way they fulfill the deficiency of each other in Arabic language is known as Aun. One part fulfills the gap of other. The hands cannot deliver its function like when eyes are closed hands become paralyzed. Similarly for other parts. This relation is known as society.
Human beings are also present in the same way in society where they are incomplete without each other. To provide the means in context to the deficiency and in that measure is Aun in Arabic. This is mentioned in the verse to do Aun in Birr and Taqwa. This means to fulfill the deficiency of each other. If you don’t this then no individual can fulfill their roles. The hands become active when eyes and other parts help hand. The society are formed in this pattern. This is required when each part is not sufficient for its own function and needs help from others because there is deficiency inside it. Such kind of parts given shape to society. Since they are base of each other they need Taawun.
One field of Taawun is Birr and Taqwa. Since we are deprived of Quranic meanings due to lack of language or even if we know it is superficial, then we do incomplete translation. We always translate Birr as goodness but what is goodness is not known to anyone. We consider even those people good who don’t have goodness inside them. Birr does not mean goodness. In Arabic Hasan is goodness, which means something that is beautiful.
Birr is Arabic word and from the same root where Barr comes from. Like Barr e Azam is not goodness, it means a big area of land which is out of reach of sight, which has vastness and expanse. Such kind of dry land is Barr. The Birr is also the same thing. The meaning remains the same and only the specifics change between Barr and Birr. The Barr means that land which is too vast. Human traits also are either narrow or expansive. Birr are those acts in which there is vastness and expanse. Like if you cook and eat, then it was good thing but this was not Birr because there was no expanse. If you do something where entire humanity is also comprehended by your act, then this is Birr. There are certain acts which you do upto the level of village which is Birr but Birr e Saghir that is small. Some people only think up to their self, some go beyond to think about their children and family in everything. Some go beyond to consider their community, area and village. This is also Birr greater than the Birr e family but not Birr e Azam. That would be an act which comprehends entire community. If it is for entire humanity then that is the largest Birr.
Abrar means that person who has such a broad thinking, heart and vision who do not have limitations in their thinking. In Surah Waqiah, Allah has mentioned about Abrar that they are not selfish and self-interested. Like when they do supplication they do not go beyond their self. They are not Abrar ; they are people of different grades. We have to do Taawun in Birr and second is Taqwa.
If there is Birr anywhere like a big project, then rush to fulfill the deficiency there. The second field is Taqwa which is protection where you have to give protection to each other. This is because man is not self-sufficient for his own self. If the parents leave children on their own, the children will kill themselves either physically, ethically or mentally. Hence for protection there is more need for Aun to remove the deficiency of each other. Everyone cannot protect themselves they need help from others.
Then Quran says that do not do Taawun in Ism and Udwan, means wherever there is crime, usurpation of rights then do not Taawun. Today the way everyone cooperates with Taghoot. They all support and give vote to a Taghoot, this is Taawun in Fasaad. A Taghoot gathers people, and some go and join him in his rallies. This is crime and Taawun in Udwan. You are gathering to usurp the right of someone, he has less power and you are helping him. You should not do this. Aun means to remove the shortfalls of someone but not of tyrants. These politicians are corrupt, in the past government the PM got humiliated and then other came and got more defamed. They fulfill their shortcoming through establishment or people. Quran considers this as Taawun with crimes. You should not support any criminal and oppression. Quran says do not even incline towards oppressors. When you have inclination towards oppression then this would be deprivation of rights. So do not do this. Here the field of Taawun is Birr and Taqwa. Anyone who seeks Taawun from us we immediately start to help them. We consider this as prestigious if some corrupt person invites us to their office. Is this pride for believer when some Yazid, Waleed, Marwan calls you to his office. Quran has forbidden this strictly. You should not do Istikhara on these things, but instead ponder over Quran and read the second verse of Surah Maida that it is prohibited to do any help, cooperation with the oppressors.
The field of Taqwa is also Taawun.
وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ
First Ittaqullah is mentioned that is when you acquire Taqwa yourself, then you will see weaknesses and other believers should do Aun, help you in your Taqwa and provide that help on time. Then the verse says when you cooperate with all Yazid then keep in mind that Allah is severe in retribution. There is an end to this act which will come later which is Aqebat. In the end of your acts certain things are coming which are punishment. This wrath comes in the end of life. There will be a catch in end which will be severe. Allah will not forgive those who cooperate with oppressors throughout their life and not do cooperation in Birr and Taqwa.
SECOND SERMON
What is meant by Taufeeq?
In saying number 113, Imam Ali presents a beautiful system for believers.
وقال عليه السلام : لاَ مَالَ أَعْوَدُ مِنَ الْعَقْلِ، وَلاَ وَحْدَةَ أَوْحَشُ مِنَ الْعُجْب، وَلاَ عَقْلَ كَالتَّدْبِيرِ، وَلاَ كَرَمَ كَالتَّقْوَى، وَلاَ قَرين كَحُسنِ الخُلْقِ، وَلاَ مِيرَاثَ كَالاْدَبِ، وَلاَ قَائِدَ كَالتَّوْفِيقِ، وَلاَ تِجَارَةَ كَالْعَمَلِ الصَّالِحِ، وَلاَ رِبْحَ كَالثَّوَابِ، وَلاَ وَرَعَ كالْوُقُوفِ عِنْدَ الشُّبْهَةِ، وَلاَ زُهْدَ كَالزُّهْدِ فِي الْحَرَامِ، ولاَ عِلْمَ كَالتَّفَكُّرِ، وَلاَ عِبَادَةَ كَأَدَاءِ الْفَرائِضِ، وَلاَ إِيمَانَ كَالْحَيَاءِ وَالصَّبْرِ، وَلاَ حَسَبَ كَالتَّوَاضُعِ، وَلاَ شَرَفَ كَالْعِلْمِ، وَلاَ مُظَاهَرَةَ أَوْثَقُ مِن مُشَاوَرَةٍ
113. Amir al-mu’minin, peace be upon him, said: No wealth is more profitable than wisdom, no loneliness is more estranging than vanity, no wisdom is as good as tact, no honor is like Taqwa, no companion is like the goodness of moral character, no inheritance is like civility, no guide is like promptitude, no trade is like virtuous acts, no profit is like Divine reward, no self- control is like inaction in time of doubt, no abstention is like that (which is) from prohibitions, no knowledge is like thinking, no worship is like the discharge of obligation, no belief is like modesty and endurance, no attainment is like humility, no honor is like knowledge, no power is like forbearance, and no support is more reliable than consultation.
، وَلاَ قَائِدَ كَالتَّوْفِيقِ
The word Taufeeq is abundantly used by us without knowing what is meant by Taufeeq. At times Taufeeq is present but still we are seeking and finding it. Like some search for glasses on the forehead. There are some who have Taufeeq but are still asking from Allah. This is because we don’t know the meaning of Taufeeq. What we have we do not consider that as Taufeeq and what we are demanding we think is Taufeeq.
Taufeeq in Arabic comes from Wafaqa and from the same word we have Wifaq, Muwafeqat and Muttafiq also comes from the same word. Like we say there is no Ittefaq in community and scholars. What is this Ittefaq which we feel at times is missing? Generally we use the word Ittefaq for unity. Ittehad is Unity and Ittefaq is something else that comes from Taufeeq.
Wafq means to make something in accordance to size or measure of something else. Like we make cover for pillows or mobile phones. We make or buy the cover as per the actual size. If we make something else in accordance to the size, measure of something else and then make them in accordance to each other this is Wafq.
Ittefaq means when something has been said or opinion has been given and making others opinions in accordance to this one.
Taufeeq implies arranging means in accordance to the necessity and need. Something or some cause, means which is provided or achieved in accordance to your need then this is Taufeeq. This is one meaning of Taufeeq.
Another meaning is that man has assets, means or skills and to make these in accordance to the purpose of creation of man. At times man has lot of wealth this won’t be considered as Taufeeq. There are many who have multiple times wealth, assets present which can be enough for 100 generations of theirs. Can we say this person has been given Taufeeq by Allah? No he still does not possess Taufeeq because it is not the abundance of wealth. The Taufeeq is to make means in accordance with the purpose of creation. Allah has created a purpose for man and made means as well. If the means are not in the same direction as the purpose of man, then this person lacks Taufeeq. The Taufeeq means man has purpose, he has means and his means are in accordance to their purpose. Like there are many in believers who possess big skills, talents but they are not the possessors of Taufeeq. We can consider these Taufeeq when these become in accordance to the purpose. When the talents move into the direction of purpose then this is Taufeeq.
When Allah gives Taufeeq to someone then it does not mean he gives means or wealth but instead makes their wealth, means in accordance to their purpose. Some have means, but they have forgotten purpose and use the means for the fulfillment of their desires. These are people who lack Taufeeq, they have wealth but not Taufeeq from Allah.
In traditions there are beautiful interpretations like Amirul Momineen (a) has expressed it very beautifully. In this wisdom Ali (a) says, that the best leader , guide for man is his Taufeeq. The one who guides man towards his purpose is Taufeeq. This means Allah has given means to the person in accordance to the purpose. Like man have intellect, capabilities, but where are they used? In deception, fraud? This is not Taufeeq. There is wealth in abundance but if this is not in the direction of the purpose, then this is not Taufeeq. Then these are neither Nemat nor Taufeeq.
Ali says best guide from Allah is Taufeeq, which implies all the means given by Allah get oriented towards the purpose. There are many who have big assets but cannot manage it. They do not use a single penny in the way of Allah. Those who are intelligent, with good skills but are not using their skills for the purpose, they are people without Taufeeq.
Like one sponsor of Jamea, they desire that if I give others should give also more. Some others say that if somethings has to be done in the way of Allah, then why should I not do this. I should give everything myself. These are two views present amongst our own friends. Whenever a good work opportunity comes they make a list of people who can do welfare that these people should do it. Man should see what Allah has given me and for what he has given me. If Allah has given me more wealth, but if that is not in accordance with the purpose that Allah has made. If all my wealth is going in luxuries and forbidden things, then Allah has deprived me. Khazal is against Taufeeq which means that person whom Allah has disconnected and made isolated. That you and your wealth both should not come in my way. They are deprived people whom Allah has distanced. The thoughts that come in your mind, then don’t think that these are yours. Dua Abu Hamza Thumali has extreme and peak of humbleness and servitude and Imam Sajjad (a) says when I intend towards you, I become lazy and cannot come in presence. Like for Friday prayers we cannot come for some excuse, and we take lightly. Imam Sajjad (a) takes it seriously and says that might be you do not like me to come in your presence, that I have become so lowly that you don’t like me to come towards me. When I think to come towards you, you distance me. These are the signs which man has to understand, as to why I got laziness. Allah has given you wealth. Is it not that you have fallen in the way of Allah. If you have become lowly then Allah will never accept your wealth and also won’t accept you as well. If not then Allah gives you Taufeeq, then Allah makes your wealth in accordance with your purpose. There is no bigger guidance then this . One who gets Taufeeq has got the biggest guide. The one whose ability and skills Allah has made in accordance to the purpose, he has got the best guide and does not need anyone.
Ali (a) says there is no bigger guide then Taufeeq. May Allah make us capable for this Taufeeq. If we have fallen down then may Allah bring us up. Ramazan is coming to return back towards Allah. May Allah open the doors and accept us. When Taufeeq comes to you then man’s wealth and talents will never be used outside the way of Allah.
