THE-PROPHET-SALIH-(AS)

Allah sent the Prophet Salih (as) to the Thamud as a Messenger. It is narrated in the Qur'an that he told his people to worship Allah alone:

To the Thamud We sent their brother Salih telling them to worship Allah, and straightaway they divided themselves into two discordant factions. (Surat an-Naml, 45)

Like all messengers, the Prophet Salih (as) made clear to his people that he was a faithful messenger and called them to fearAllah:
The Thamud denied the messengers, when their brother Salih said to them, “Will you not guard against evil? I am a faithful Messenger to you so fear Allah and obey me.”(Surat ash-Shu‘ara’, 141-144)

While calling his people to Allah's religion, the Prophet Salih (as) also said that he did not ask for any recompense from them in return.
The Prophet Salih (as) Told His People Allah's Greatness,

And Called Them To Ask For Forgiveness
While communicating the message of religion to their people, the messengers of Allah pointed to the signs of Allah's existence and reminded people of the flawless balance and systems in the universe and the outstanding features in the living beings that Allah created.

In like manner, the Prophet Salih (as) was one of the messengers who encouraged his people to remember Allah by telling them about the signs of Creation. With a view to enabling them to comprehend Allah's infinite knowledge, wisdom and greatness, he reminded his people of man's creation:
To the Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, “My people, worship Allah! You have no god apart from Him. He brought you into being from the earth and made you its inhabitants. So ask His forgiveness and then turn to Him in repentance. My Lord is Close and Quick to Respond.” (Surah Hud, 61)

The Prophet Salih Called His People To Obey

Him As The Messenger Of Allah
The Prophet Salih (as) instructed his people to fear Allah, Who is the real owner of their possessions, not to make mischief in the land and to obey him. He warned them that Allah would not let them live in security unless they followed him:
"Are you going to be left secure amid what is here, amid gardens and clear springs, and cultivated fields and palm trees laden with fine fruit? Will you continue hewing houses from the mountains and leading a wanton life? Fear Allah and obey me. Do not do the bidding of the profligate, those who corrupt the Earth and do not put things right.” (Surat ash-Shu‘ara’, 146-152)

Allah charged His messengers with calling people to accept the true religion and set things right in the land. The above warnings of the Prophet Salih (as) serve the purpose of performing this duty.
The Prophet Salih (as) Told His People To Remember

Allah’s Blessings And Not To Corrupt The Earth

And to the Thamud We sent their brother Salih, who said, “My people, worship Allah! You have no other god than Him. A Clear Sign has come to you from your Lord. This is the She-Camel of Allah as a Sign for you. Leave her alone to eat on Allah’s earth and do not harm her in any way or a painful punishment will afflict you. Remember when He appointed you successors to the ‘Ad and settled you in the land. You built palaces on its plains and carved out houses from the mountains. Remember Allah's blessings and do not go about the Earth, corrupting it.” (Surat al-A’raf, 73-74)

The Prophet Salih (as) Reminded His People

Of The Desperate Outcome Of Disobedience To Allah
However, the Thamud did not obey the Prophet Salih (as) and opposed him, saying, “Salih, we had great hopes in you before this happened. Do you forbid us to worship what our fathers worshipped? We have grave doubts about the faith that you are urging us to accept.” (Surah Hud, 62) In reply, the Prophet Salih (as) said to his people that there was no being to help him if he disobeyed Allah:

He [Salih] said, “My people! What do you think? If I were to possess a Clear Sign from my Lord and He bestowed on me His grace: Who would help me against Allah if I disobeyed Him? You would surely aggravate my ruin.” (Surah Hud, 63)

There is certainly no power to protect those who refuse to obey Allah, and as is made clear in the above words of the Prophet Salih (as), one who follows the disobedient will himself find that it is to his detriment.
The Prophet Salih (as) Advised His People

To Take Heed Of Allah’s Punishment
Since the true religion brought by the messengers conflicted with the interests of the unbelievers, the latter declined to believe in the messengers. They were seriously discomfited by being reminded of Allah and the Hereafter. This has been a common trait of almost all disbelieving nations throughout history. The same applied to the Thamud who had no fear of Allah. They turned away from all warnings of the Prophet Salih (as), who then addressed to them as follows:

He [Salih] turned away from them, saying, “My people, I conveyed my Lord’s message to you and gave you good counsel. However, you had no love for good counselors!”(Surat al-A’raf, 79)

Although the Prophet Salih (as) struggled hard to lead his people to the path of truth, they persisted in their disbelief. Allah tried them by sending them a she-camel, commanding them not to approach her to cause her any harm. He warned them that they would be punished if they did not follow this command. Disobeying the command of Allah, they hamstrung the camel and were destroyed by a severe punishment like all the other nations who refused to obey Allah. Some of the relevant verses of the Qur’an are as follows:

Then when Our judgment came to pass, We rescued Salih and those who believed along with him through Our special mercy from the disgrace of that day. Mighty is your Lord and All-Powerful. The Great Blast seized hold of those who did wrong and morning found them lying flattened in their homes. It was as if they had never lived and prospered there at all. Yes indeed! The Thamud rejected their Lord. Gone are the people Thamud! (Surah Hud, 66-68)>

Just as the Prophet Salih (as) did, the messengers of Allah communicated to their people the message of religion, letting them know that the world is a place of trial and that only those who act on the commands of Allah will be saved from punishment. They made it clear that Allah would certainly send down a punishment to them if they persisted in disbelieving.

Yet these serious endeavours of the messengers yielded positive results only in a minor group, while the majority of people turned a deaf ear to their advice. As a result of their persistent disbelief, however, they themselves were the ones to suffer great loss as they received their punishment. Their punishment in the Hereafter will be even much more severe.

THE PROPHET HAROON(A.S)

When Allah commanded the Prophet Musa (as) to communicate His message to Pharaoh, Musa (as) asked for his brother Harun (as) to accompany him. Musa’s (as) wish was granted by Allah. Allah declared that Harun (as) had been allowed to accompany Musa (as) in order to support him in his mission to Pharaoh as well as during his struggle with his people. After Allah rescued the Prophet Musa (as) and his adherents from Pharaoh and his soldiers, Musa (as) left his people for sometime, leaving them in the care of Harun (as). However, disbelievers among the tribe of the Prophet Musa (as) took advantage ofis absence; under the leadership of a hypocrite called Samiri, they made an idol in the shape of a calf and began to worship it.

Harun (as), In An Effort To Save His People

From Corruption, Reminded His People

That Their Real God Was Allah

Harun had earlier said to them, “My people! It is just a trial for you. Your Lord is the All-Merciful, so follow me and obey my command!” (Surah Ta Ha, 90)

However, saying that they would worship the calf until the Prophet Musa (as) returned, his people insisted on denial:

They said, “We will not stop devoting ourselves to it until Musa returns to us.” (Surah Ta Ha, 91)

During his stay on the Mountain of Tur, the Prophet Musa(as) was informed by Allah about his people’s situation. Musa(as) thereupon returned to his people. The conversation between the Prophet Musa (as) and Harun (as) is quoted in the Qur’an as follows:

When Musa returned to his people in anger and great sorrow, he said, “What an evil thing you did in my absence! Did you want to hasten your Lord’s retribution? "He threw down the Tablets and seized hold of his brother's head, dragging him towards him. “Son of my mother,” said Harun, “the people overpowered me and almost killed me. Do not give my enemies cause to gloat over me. Do not include me with the wrongdoers.” He[Musa] said, “My Lord, forgive me and my brother and admit us to Your mercy. You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.” (Surat al-A’raf, 150-151)

THE-PROPHET-MUHAMMAD

"Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the final seal of the prophets. Allah has knowledge of all things. (Surat al-Ahzab, 40)"

As is stated in the above verses, the Prophet Muhammad(saas) is the last prophet. Through the verses that begin with "Say”, Allah conveyed to our Prophet (saas) what needed to be said to people. Through these verses, our Prophet (saas) communicated Allah's message.

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) said that those who fear Allah and seek to be forgiven, should follow him:

"Say, “If you love Allah, then follow me and Allah will love you and forgive you for your wrong actions. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 31)"

This call of the Prophet Muhammad (saas) still applies universally. Allah enjoined strict obedience on the messengers He sent, and in many verses, states that obedience to the messengers is, in actuality, obedience to Allah.

The Prophet (saas) also stressed the importance of obedience in the hadiths:

“Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah, and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, disobeys me.” (Sahih Bukhari)

For this reason, obedience to the messenger is at the heart religion and showing this obedience surely comes about through strict submissiveness to the issues conveyed by messengers.



The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Made It Clear

That He Did Not Ask For Any Wage In Return

For His Services

As all other messengers, the Prophet Muhammad (saas),stated first and foremost that he did not ask for any recompense in return for his communicating Allah’s message. He stated that he did everything to earn Allah’s approval and that he awaited his reward from Allah alone. Some of the verses through which Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to tell people that he did not ask for any rewards from them are as follows:

"They were the ones whom Allah guided, so follow their guidance. Say, “I do not ask you for any recompense for this. It is simply a reminder to all mankind.” (Surat al-An’am, 90)"/blockquote>

"Say: “I have not asked you for any recompense: Keep it for yourselves. My reward is the responsibility of Allah alone. He is the witness of all things.” (Surah Saba’, 47)"

In another verse, on the other hand, the Prophet Muhammad(saas), who told his people that he did not expect any rewards, made his main goal clear, saying:

"I do not ask you for any recompense for it—only let anyone who will, take the right path to his Lord.” (Surat al-Furqan, 57)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Stated That

Those Who Wanted To See Miracles To

Believe Would Still Fail To Believe, Even

If They Did See Miracles

Although the signs of Allah’s existence are obvious, disbelivers find pretexts not to believe and ask for miracles from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad’s (saas) people also asked him to work miracles in order not to adhere to him; the reason why such people asked for miracles was not to have faith or to deepen their faith; it was simply a pretext for their unwillingness to submit themselves to Allah. Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to say the following to these people:

They have solemnly sworn by Allah that if a Sign be given them, they will believe in it. Say: “The Signs are vouchsafed by Allah alone.” How can you tell that even if a Sign be given them, they will indeed believe in it?(Surat al-An’am, 109)

Every man is destined to die on a certain day, which is decided in Allah’s sight. When that time comes, angels assigned by Allah descend on man to take his soul. If it is the death of a faithful person, then angels greet him, giving him the good news of Paradise and take his soul with ease. If it is the death of a disbeliever, on the other hand, then angels inform him that he will be exposed to a degrading torment. At that very moment, seeing what should have been obvious to them, those who disbelieve will submit themselves. However, after that point, nothing, not even having faith, will avail the disbeliever, for the time granted to him is already up. Allah conveyed this fact to those seeking excuses for their disbelief and commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to address the people as follows:

Are they waiting for the angels to come to them or for your Lord Himself to come, or for one of your Lord's Signs to be given to them? On the day that one of your Lord's Signs does come, faith shall not avail the soul that had no faith or did not put its faith to good uses. Say: "Wait, then if you will; we too are waiting.”(Surat al-An’am, 158)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Reminded His

People That He Was Only A Human Being

Out of pride, non-God fearing people decline to obey a human being or accept that he could be superior to them, in spite of their own certainty about him. As we have also seen in the case of the past nations to whom messengers were sent, such people believe that messengers should possess attributes beyond ordinary human ability and power; in order not to obey them, they offer many excuses, saying that he could not have been a Prophet, for he was an ordinary person “walking in the market place.

" The Prophet Muhammad (saas) told people who had such expectations that he was only a human being and that those who had any intention of attaining salvation should turn to Allah alone.

Say: “I am only a human being like yourselves. It is revealed to me that your god is One God. So let him who hopes to meet his Lord act rightly and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.” (Surat al-Kahf, 110)

Say: “Had the Earth been safe enough for angels to dwell in, We would have sent down to them an angel from heaven as a messenger.” Say: “Allah is a sufficient witness between me and you. He is certainly aware of and sees His servants.” (Surat al-Isra’, 95-96)

Again, in the face of such expectations on the part of his people, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) told them that he was only a reminder, that he only fulfilled his Lord’s commands and that those following him would find salvation:

Say: “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. Then if they turn away, he is responsible only for what he is charged with just as you are responsible for what you are charged with. If you obey him, you shall be rightly guided.” The Messenger is responsible only for giving a clear warning. (Surat an-Nur, 54)

“I have simply been ordered to worship the Lord of this land which He has declared sacred—everything belongs to Him—and I have been ordered to be one of the Muslims and to recite the Qur’an.” Whoever is guided is only guided for his own good; if someone is misguided, just say, “I am only a warner.” Then say: “Praise be to Allah. He will show you His Signs and you will recognise them. Your Lord is not unaware of what you do.”(Surat an-Naml, 91-93)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Told His People

That He Was Submissive To Allah

As with all disbelieving nations, the Prophet Muhammad’s(saas) people also attempted to argue about Allah. Against his nation who assumed such an ugly attitude, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) communicated them that he submitted himself to Allah:

Say, “Do you argue with us about Allah when He is our Lord and your Lord? We shall both be judged by our actions. To Him alone we are devoted.” (Surat al-Baqara,139)

If they argue with you, say, “I have submitted myself completely to Allah, and so have all who follow me.” Say to those given the Book and those who have no Book, "Will you surrender yourselves to Allah?” If they become Muslim, they shall be rightly guided. If they give no heed, you are responsible only for warning them. Allah is watching all His servants. (Surah Al ‘Imran, 20)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Told His People

That He Had Faith In Allah Alone And That He

Would Not Ascribe Any Partners To Him

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) explained his people that Allah is the only god and summoned them to believe in Allah. He warned against a grievous torment. Some of the relevant verses are as follows:

Say: “This is my path. With inner sight, I call on you to believe in Allah, I and all who follow me. Glory be to Allah! I am not one of the idolaters!” (Surah Yusuf, 108)

Say: “I call only upon my Lord and do not associate anyone else with Him.” Say: “I have no control over any good or evil that befalls you.” Say: “No one can protect me from Allah and I will never find any refuge apart from Him. My mission is only to make known His Messages.” “As for one who disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he shall abide in the Fire of Hell, remaining in it timelessly, for ever and ever.” (Surat al-Jinn, 20-23)

Say: “I am commanded to serve Allah, and to worship none besides Him. And I am commanded to be the first of the Muslims.” Say: “I fear, were I to disobey my Lord, the punishment of a Terrible Day.” Say: “It is Allah I serve, and Him alone I worship. As for yourselves worship anything you will apart from Him!” Say: “The real losers are those who will lose themselves and their families on the Day of Rising. That shall be the ultimate loss.”(Surat az-Zumar, 11-15)

Surely worthier is He Who originates creation and then regenerates it and provides for you from the Earth and sky. Is there another god besides Allah? Say: “Bring your proof if you are being truthful.” (Surat an-Naml, 64)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Stated That

He Would Never Follow Disbelievers

To his people, who strove to divert him from the straight path, slandered him, threatened him with murdering and exiled him, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) conveyed the following message:

Say: “I am forbidden to worship those you invoke besides Allah.” Say: “I will not yield to your whims and desires. If I did, I would go astray and cease to be on the right path.” Say: “I have received veritable proofs from my Lord and yet you deny Him. I have no power to hasten that which you challenge. Jurisdiction over this is Allah's alone. He tells the truth and He is the Best of Arbiters.” (Surat al-An’am, 56-57)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Told His People

That None Of The Partners They Ascribed To

Allah Had Any Might
The Prophet Muhammad (saas), who reminded his people that Allah was one God, also conveyed in various ways that none of the things which they ascribed as partners to Allah, would harm anyone or do any good. Some of the relevant verses are as follows:

Say: “Pray if you will to those whom you deify besides Him. They cannot relieve your distress nor can they change it.” (Surat al-Isra’, 56)

Say: “Have you pondered on those you invoke besides Allah? Show me what part of the Earth they have created. Or do they have a share in the heavens? Produce a Book for me revealed before this one or some other shred of divine knowledge, if you are telling the truth.” (Surat al-Ahqaf, 4)

Say: “Call on those whom you deify besides Allah. They have no power over even the smallest particle, either in the heavens or on Earth. They have no share in them. Nor has He any helpers among them.” (Surah Saba’, 22)

Say: “Show me those you have appointed to Him as associates. No indeed! Allah alone is the Almighty, the All-Wise.” (Surah Saba’, 27)

Say: “Have you seen your partner gods, those you call upon besides Allah? Show me what part of the Earth they have created, or do they have a share in the heavens?" Have We given them a Book whose Clear Signs they follow? No indeed! The wrongdoers promise each other nothing but delusion. (Surah Fatir, 40)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Reminded His

Followers To Trust In The Destiny Ordained By Allah

Every event in the eternal past was predetermined by Allah. A man is also bound by a destiny ordained for him. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) told his people that they would not encounter anything other than what was predestined for them, for which reason they need to trust in Allah moment by moment and earn the rewards of such an attitude:

Say: “Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Guardian. It is in Allah that the believers should put their trust.” (Surat at-Tawba, 51)

The Prophet (saas), by his submission to Allah, was an example to all Muslims, and he warned people that they would never have the power to change anything that came from Allah:

"Everything is by decree—even incapacity and ability.” (Malik’s Muwatta)

“… When you ask for anything ask it from Allah, and if you seek help seek it from Allah. Know that if the people were to unite to do you some benefit, they could benefit you only with what Allah had recorded for you, and that if they were to unite to do you some injury, they could injure you only with what Allah had recorded for you. The pens are withdrawn and the pages are dry.”(Tirmidhi)
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Declared That

The Unseen Of The Heavens And Earth Could

Be Seen Only By Allah

The word “unseen” in the Qur’an means everything beyond one's perceptions and knowledge, everything concealed from the eyes. Knowledge of the unseen is Allah’s alone. And Allah informs us that He grants this knowledge only to those He wills. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) stated that it was Allah alone Who knew the “unseen":

Say: “Allah knows best how long they stayed. His are the secrets of the heavens and the Earth. How perfectly He sees, how well He hears! Man has no protector apart from Him. Nor does He share His rule with anyone.” (Surat al-Kahf, 26)

Say: “No one in the heavens and on Earth knows the Unseen except Allah.” Men shall never be aware of when they will be raised to life. (Surat an-Naml, 65)

Say: “My Lord hurls forth the Truth—the Knower of all unseen things.” (Surah Saba’, 48)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Explained

That Allah Possessed Infinite Might
It is Allah Who creates every condition that people need to survive. The location of the Earth in the solar system, the atmosphere that provides the required environment for life, water, an essential part of life that covers a great part of the Earth, the movements of the Earth that enables the rise of the Sun every morning and its sinking every evening and many such other happenings take place by Allah’s Will.

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded his people about Allah's superior might:

Say: “Think! If Allah made it permanent night for you till the Day of Rising, what god is there other than Allah to bring you light? Do you not then hear?” Say: “Think! If Allah made it permanent day for you till the Day of Rising, what god is there other than Allah to bring you the night to rest in? Do you not then see?” (Surat al-Qasas, 71-72)

The Prophet Muhammad told his people to look at the signs of creation in this world and to take lessons from them. Seeing these flawless signs of creation, people should grasp another important fact. Allah, Who is able to create all these things, will surely create their exact counterparts in the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad(saas) explained this important fact to his people:

Say: “Travel about the Earth and see how He brought creation out of nothing. Then later Allah will bring about the Second Creation. Allah has power over all things.” (Surat al-’Ankabut, 20)

He Declared That Allah Was Exalted

Above All Things And That He Was

The Creator Of Everything
Man is a weak being with many inadequacies. He can only lead his life if Allah wills. However, Allah, Who is the Owner of everything, is far removed from all sorts of inadequacies and is exalted above all weaknesses. He is not in need of anything. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) was commanded to speak thus to his nation:

Say: “Am I to take anyone other than Allah as my Protector, the Creator of the heavens and the Earth, He Who feeds and is not fed?” Say: “I was commanded to be the first of the Muslims,” and, “You shall serve no other god besides Him.” Say: “I will never disobey my Lord, for I fear the punishment of a dreadful Day.” (Surat al-An’am, 14-15)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) told his people that Allah is the One and that He is the sole Possessor of everything.

Say: “Who is the Lord of the heavens and the Earth?” Say: "Allah.” Say: “So why have you taken protectors apart from Him who possess no power even to help or harm themselves?” Say: “Are the blind and seeing equal? Or are darkness and light the same? Or have they assigned partners to Allah who create as He creates, so that all creating seems the same to them?” Say: “Allah is the Creator of everything. He is the One, the All-Conquering.” (Surat ar-Ra’d, 16)

No One Can Do Any Good Or Harm

To Another Unless Allah Wills

One of the most important attributes of the societies who are ignorant of the morality of the Qur’an is their faith in Allah despite their failure to appreciate His Might and grandeur. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) told his people—those who said that Allah created them in reply to the question, “Who created you?" yet failed to appreciate Him—that Allah had everything underHis control and that ascribing partners to Him would bring nobenefit to them:

If you ask them, “Who created the heavens and theEarth?” They will say, “Allah.” Say: “So what do you think? If Allah desired harm for me, could those you call upon besides Allah relieve my affliction? Or if He desired mercy for me, could they withhold His mercy? "Say: “Allah is enough for me. In Him let the faithful put their trust.” (Surat az-Zumar, 38)

Say: “Who is going to shield you from Allah if it is His will to scourge you? And who can prevent Him from showing you mercy?” They will find no one to protect or help them besides Allah. (Surat al-Ahzab, 17)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Asked

His People How They Remained

Unheeding Despite Their Knowing

About Allah’s Grandeur And That He

Is The Possessor Of Everything
The Prophet Muhammad (saas) made his people—who knew about Allah’s existence but did not think about His superior might and thus failed to appreciate His grandeur—admit Allah’s existence and grandeur. Then, he summoned them to take warning and to have fear in Him:

Say: “To whom does the Earth belong, and everything and everyone in it? Tell me if you know the truth.” They will reply: “To Allah.” Say: “So will you not pay heed?" Say: “Who is the Lord of the Seven Heavens and the Lord of the Mighty Throne?” They will reply: “Allah.” Say: "So will you not fear Allah?” Say: “In Whose hands is the dominion over everything, He Who gives protection and from Whom no protection can be given? Tell me, if you know the truth.” They will reply: “Allah’s.” Say: “So how have you been so bewitched?” (Surat al-Muminun, 84-89)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Gave

The Good News That Allah Would Forgive

The Sins Of Those Who Repented
Allah is the most compassionate of all. When Allah’s sincere servants make any mistake, they should not be seized by pessimism, for upon making a mistake, they should not be depressed but turn to Allah and ask His forgiveness. Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to say the following about this issue:

Say [from Me]: “My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly, Allah forgives all wrong actions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (Surat az-Zumar, 53)

He Declared That Allah’s Path

Is The Sole Straight Path
The only way to lead an honorable and beautiful life is to tread the path to which Allah summons man. Those who associate partners with Allah and seek the approval of other beings, will be punished by a great humiliation both in this world and in the Hereafter. For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad (saas)told his people that the main way to salvation both in this world and beyond is the way of Allah:

Say: “Are we to call on something besides Allah which can neither help nor harm us, and to turn on our heels after Allah has guided us, like someone the devils have bewitched, leaving him confused and stupefied, despite the fact that he has companions calling him to the right path, saying, ‘Come with us’?” Say: “Allah’s guidance, that is true guidance. We are commanded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all the worlds.” (Surat al-An’am,71)

He Declared That Allah Knew

What Was Hidden Deep Inside

While engaging in a hidden wicked deed, there are those who assume that nobody sees them and thus feel relieved. The fact is, however, that Allah sees everything in the heavens and on the Earth. Moment by moment, He witnesses everything a man does. People will give an account of everything they do on the Day of Judgment, when everyone congregates in Allah's presence. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) called attention to this important fact, and reminded his people that, whether one is open or secretive, Allah knows everything. Some of the verses about this issue are as follows:

Say, “Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or make it known, Allah knows it. He knows what is in the heavens and what is on the Earth. Allah has power overall things.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 29)

Say: “Allah is a sufficient witness between me and you. He is certainly aware of and sees His servants.” (Surat al-Isra’, 96)

If they turn their backs, then say: “I have warned you all alike, though I do not know if the scourge you have been threatened with is near or far. He knows what is said openly and He knows what you hide.” (Surat al-Anbiya’,109-110)

Say: “Allah is a sufficient witness between me and you. He knows everything in the heavens and on the Earth. Those who believe in falsehood and reject Allah shall have much to lose.” (Surat al-’Ankabut, 52)

Say: “Do you presume to teach Allah your religion when Allah knows everything in the heavens and everything on the Earth? Allah has knowledge of all things.” (Surat al-Hujurat, 16)

He Explained In Various Ways

That There Is No Protector Other

Than Allah
The sole friend and protector of man is his Creator, Allah. Those who are not God-fearing, however, refuse to accept this fact. They condition themselves to ignore Allah’s existence and His superior might. However, there are such moments when man very well grasps that no one but Allah can help him.

This is the fact of which the Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded his people. For instance, when something harmful afflicts man, he has no one but Allah on Whom He can call. When faced with such an experience, he understands that those partners he ascribes to Allah can offer no benefit to him. This being the case, while there is still time, the individual should reflect upon this fact, and remember that he has no one from whom to seek help. About this issue, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) gave the following reminder:

Say: “What do you think? If Allah’s punishment were to smite you or the Hour of Doom overtook you, would you call on any but Allah to help you? Answer me, if you are truthful!” No, on Him alone you call on and, if He wills, He will relieve your affliction; and you will forget what you associated with Him. (Surat al-An’am, 40-41)

He Reminded His Hearers To Feel

Grateful To Allah, Who Had

Imbued Them With Faith
Allah states in the Qur’an that the number of believers unearth would be always very few and that only this minority of believers would attain Paradise. For this reason, faith is one of the favours that could be granted to a person. However, during our Prophet’s (saas) time, once having faith, certain people attempted to lay our Prophet (saas) under obligation, as if they had done him a favour. In order to explain this very erroneous logic—”They think they have done you a favour by becoming Muslims!”—our Prophet (saas) was commanded to speak thus:

Say: “Do not consider your Islam a favour to me. No indeed! It is Allah Who has favoured you by guiding you to faith, if you are telling the truth.” (Surat al-Hujurat, 17)

He Declared That Allah

Had Sent The Qur’an

Disbelievers who were unwilling to obey the Prophet Muhammad (saas) put forth many pretexts to deny the Qur’an. One of the most outrageous of these claims was that the Qur’an had been written by the Prophet Muhammad (saas). However, the Qur’an reveals countless miracles, thus confirming that it could not be the work of a human being. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded his people about this fact and reaffirmed that Allah had sent it. Some of the relevant verses are as follows:

Say: “The One Who sent it down is He Who knows all hidden secrets in the heavens and Earth. He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surat al-Furqan, 6)

Say: “Do but consider: If this Qur’an is indeed fromAllah and you reject it, who could be more misguided than one who openly defies Him?” (Surah Fussilat, 52)

The Qur’an is the just book through which Allah communicates to His servants the demands. He makes upon them the purpose of their existence, the way of living they have to adopt both in this world and beyond and many other facts man needs to know. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) also said the following about the Qur’an, the word of Allah:

Say: “This is momentous news, yet you ignore it!” (Surah Sad, 67-68)

In a hadith, our Prophet (saas) stated that the Qur’an was the word of Allah:

"Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men [faithful believers], and then the Qur’an was revealed and the people read the Qur’an, [and learned from it] and also learned it from the Sunnah. Both the Qur’an and Sunnah strengthened their [the faithful believers’] honesty.” (Sahih Bukhari)



He Stated That No Other Being

Could Possess The Power To

Reveal The Qur’an

Those who claim that the Qur’an is the work of a man are aware neither of the miracles it reveals nor of Allah’s Words of infinite wisdom. The fact is, however, that the Qur’an is a Book that no one, not even all the people and jinni in the world, could ever write. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) stated the following about this subject to his people:

Say: “If both men and jinn banded together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could never compose anything like it, even if they helped one another as best they could.” (Surat al-Isra’, 88)

If they say, “He has invented it himself,” say: “Then produce a sura like it and call on anyone you can besides Allah to help you, if you are telling the truth.” (SurahYunus, 38)

He Stated That The Qur’an Was Good

News And Guidance For Muslims

A relevant verse reads:

Say: “The Holy Spirit brought it down from your Lord in truth, to reassure the faithful, and to give guidance and good news for the Muslims.” (Surat an-Nahl, 102)

Again, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) stated that the Qur’an led man to guidance as follows:

Say: “If I am misguided, it is only to my detriment. But if I am in the right, it is thanks to what my Lord has revealed to me. He is All-Hearing, Close-at-hand.” (Surah Saba’,50)

He Stressed The Importance Of Prayer

And Summoned Them To Pray To Allah

One of the forms of worship that is a means to draw man closer to Allah is prayer. Man should call upon Allah for anything he wants. And Allah assures man that He will answer all prayers of His servants, for which reason every individual who hopes to be forgiven, who desires to live as a sincere believer in this world and attain Paradise, which is the abode of eternal salvation in the Hereafter, performs this form of worship: prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) declared to Muslims the worth of prayer in Allah’s sight:

Say: “Little cares My Lord if you do not invoke Him? But you have denied His revelations, so punishment is bound to overtake you.” (Surat al-Furqan, 77)

The Prophet (saas) Revealed That

On The Day Of Judgment No One Would

Be Burdened With Anyone Else’s Sins

Many people who are willing to live by religion may have heard the words, “I will accept that sin myself” from people around them, in an effort to relieve others of a religious obligation. On the Day of Judgment, however, the truth is that everyone will stand all alone in Allah’s presence. On that day, everyone will be held responsible only for their own deeds. Nobody will be asked about the sins of others, and nobody’s sins will be attributed to anyone else. Prophet Muhammad (saas)told this fact as follows:

Say: “Should I seek any but Allah as my Lord, when He is the Lord of all things? Each man shall reap the fruits ofis own deeds. No soul shall bear another’s burden. In the end you shall all return to your Lord, and He will resolve for you your disputes.” (Surat al-An’am, 164)

The Prophet’s (saas) words, “no soul will bear another’s burden,”(Sahih Bukhari) also explains the truth about this prevalent superstition.

He Told His People That The Benefits

Of The Life Of This World Are Much

Less Than Those Of The Hereafter

One of the trials through which Allah put the Prophet Muhammad's (saas) people to the test was war. When it was time to wage war, some of them were afraid of being harmed by others and wished to lag behind. No doubt, fear of death and love for the life of this world lay behind this. However, the life of this world is rather short. Each human being will die on a certain day, whether it be during a war or at some other time. And this time will certainly be the time predetermined by Allah. For this reason, fearing death or anything else and disregarding Allah's approval is a great loss in terms of one’s eternal life. This being the case, telling his people that the life of this world is too short, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) commanded them to work for the Hereafter, the eternal abode of man:

Mark those to whom it has been said: “Lay down your arms; recite your prayers and give the alms levy.” Then when they are ordered to fight, some of them fear man as Allah should be feared, or even more than that. They say, "Our Lord, do You bid us fight? If only You would give us just a little respite!” Say, “Trifling are the pleasures of this life. The Hereafter is better for those who would keep from evil. You shall have to suffer the least injustice.”(Surat an-Nisa’, 77)

The same is true of every issue concerning Allah’s command. To make known to others the morality that pleases Allah—reaping lasting benefits for Muslims—dedicating oneself to religion may sometimes conflict with one’s lower self. A Muslim may from time to time make sacrifices. However, for a true believer, whose main goal is to earn Allah’s approval, such moments are great opportunities to seize, for in this short life, sacrifices, that are represented as losses by Satan, will bring great benefits to man.



He Reminded Those Who Valued

Worldly Goods More Than Allah’s

Approval Of Allah’s Wrath

This world is a place where human beings are put to the test by Allah and everything a man possesses is given to test him. Aware of this fact, a man should feel grateful to Allah and strive solely to earn Allah’s approval. The fact is however, that many people ascribe whatever they possess to partners of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) warned such people against a grievous torment:

Say: “If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your tribe, any wealth you have acquired, any commerce in which you fear a decline, or any dwelling which pleases you, are dearer to you than Allah, His Messenger and the struggle for His cause, then wait until Allah shall fulfill His decree. Allah does not guide the evil-doers.” (Surat at-Tawba, 24)

He Declared That Disbelievers

Would Certainly Be Defeated

Throughout world history, disbelievers have waged an inconclusive war against believers. This struggle has added to the faith of believers and increased their worth in Allah’s sight while it has turned out to be a great loss for disbelievers. Allah has never let any disbelieving society harm believers. If disbelievers ever seem to gain a victory, Allah definitely reverses this to the benefit of believers. As Allah states in the Surat al-Maida, “It is the party of Allah who are victorious.” This is a defeat that disbelievers will meet in this world. In the Hereafter, however, these people will be requited with the torment of Hell. Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to say the following:

Say to those who are disbelievers: “You will be overwhelmed and crowded into Hell. What an evil resting place!”(Surah Al ‘Imran, 12)

He Reminded His People To Learn

Their Lesson From The End Of The

Disbelieving Nations Of The Past

As is evident from the life stories of the prophets, throughout world history, all nations who opposed Allah’s messengers faced great torment, unless they repented and atoned for their actions. No doubt, latter-day deniers should fear their end and learn lesson from them. For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) summoned his people to ponder upon what had happened to the nations of the past and enjoined them to take warning from it:

Say: “Travel about the Earth and see the final fate of the evil-doers.” (Surat an-Naml, 69)

Say: “Travel about the Earth and see the final fate of the deniers.” (Surat al-Anam, 11)

Say: “Travel about the Earth and see the final fate of those who flourished before. Most of them were idolaters.”(Surat ar-Rum, 42)

One thing our Prophet (saas) said in the light of the above verses was: “Rejoice and hope for what will please you! By Allah, I am not afraid of your poverty but I am afraid that you will lead a life of luxury as past nations did, whereupon you will compete with each other for it, as they competed for it, and it will destroy you as it destroyed them.” (Sahih Bukhari) In so saying, he warned people of the disasters that had come upon others because of their indulgence.



He Reminded His People That

There Is No Flight From Death

One of the greatest fears of those who do not believe in the Hereafter is the fear of death. Unbelieving people try in everyway to ward off death. However, for every human being, there is a time of death determined in Allah’s sight and, when that time comes, nobody can postpone it. For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded his people that they would die no matter how much they strove not to:

Say: “Flight will not benefit you. If you try to run away from death or slaughter, you will only enjoy a short respite.” (Surat al-Ahzab, 16)

Say: “You have a promised appointment on a Day which you cannot delay or advance by a single hour.” (Surah Saba’, 30)

He Reminded His People That Death Is Not

An End And That It Is A Return To Allah

Many people in societies where ignorance prevails, assume that death will end everything. The fact is, however, that death is the moment when real life begins. Contrary to what is assumed, it is not an end but a beginning. Following death, people will give an account of their deeds in Allah’s presence and after that they will be led to the abode where they will live for all eternity. The Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded his people of this fact as follows:

Say: “The Angel of Death, who has been given charge of you, will take you back and then you will be sent back to your Lord.” (Surat as-Sajda, 11)

He Declared That Nobody But Allah

Knew The Time Of The Day Of Judgment

One of the things about which people wonder most is the time of the Day of Judgment. However, Allah tells us that it is He alone Who knows its time: He commanded the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to answer the questions posed to him as follows:

People will ask you about the Last Hour. Say: “Only Allah has knowledge of it. What will make you understand? It may be that the Last Hour is very near.” (Surat al-Ahzab, 63)

Say: “I do not know whether the scourge you are threatened with is imminent or whether my Lord has set for it afar-off day.” (Surat al-Jinn, 25)

If they turn their backs, say: “I have warned you all alike, though I do not know whether the scourge you have been threatened with is imminent or far-off.” (Surat al-Anbiya’, 109)

He Told Disbelievers That

They Would Be Resurrected

Disbelievers who assume that the real life is the one they have in this world told the Prophet Muhammad (saas) that they did not believe in the fact that they would be resurrected. Allah thereupon commanded our Prophet (saas) to answer as follows:

They say, “What! When we are bones and crumbled dust, shall we then be restored to life!” Say: “It would not matter if you were rock or iron or indeed any created thing which you may think unlikely to be given life!” They will say, “Who will restore us?” Say: “He Who brought you into being in the first place.” They will shake their heads at you and ask, “When will this happen?” Say: “It may well be that it is very near at hand.” (Surat al-Isra’,49-51)

He Declared That Those Who Become

Arrogant To Allah’s Messenger And Deny

The Hereafter Would Be Resurrected On The

Day Of Judgment And Be Submissive To Allah

Disbelievers deny Allah’s existence and refuse to be subject to the messenger, for they find it hard to submit themselves to a being other than themselves. However, on the Day of Judgment, they will be resurrected and witness Allah's grandeur, might and the torment they will undergo. For this reason, Allah commanded that those disbelievers who asked:

" When we are dead and turned to dust and bones, will we then be raised up again alive? And our earlier ancestors as well?” be answered thus: “Yes, and you will be in a despicable state.” (Surat as-Saffat, 16-18)

He Warned Those Who Disbelieved In Allah's

Verses, Saying That They Would Go To Hell

Disbelievers feel great hatred and resentment on being told about the morality of the Qur’an. In the Qur’an, Allah makes us aware of the great grudge disbelievers feel towards believers. Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad (saas) to say the following to these people:

When Our Signs are recited to them—Clear Signs—you will detect denial in the faces of those who are disbelievers. They all but assault those who recite Our Signs to them! Say: “Shall I inform you of something worse than that? The Fire which Allah has promised those who are disbelievers. What an evil fate!” (Surat al-Hajj, 72)

As the verses reveal, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) told disbelievers that their grudges would take them nowhere and that they would be requited with great torment. In another verse, He also stated that those who revolt against Allah and His messenger would remain in Hell for all eternity:

My mission is only to make known Allah’s Messages. Those who disobey Allah and His Messenger shall abide forever in the Fire of Hell. (Surat al-Jinn, 23)

He Declared That Hell Was A Place Where

Disbelievers Would Remain For All Eternity

Disbelievers among his people claimed that after serving for some time in Hell, they would go to Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (saas), however, said that those who deserve to be in Hell will remain there for all eternity:

They say, “The Fire will only touch us for a few days." Say, “Did Allah make you such a promise—Allah will not break His promise—or are you rather saying about Allah what you have no means of knowing?” No indeed! Those who commit evil and become engrossed in sin are the heirs of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, forever; whereas those who believe and do good works, are the heirs of the Garden, remaining in it timelessly, forever. (Surat al-Baqara, 80-82)

The Prophet (saas) also had this to say about life in Heaven and Hell:

"When the inmates of Paradise would go to Paradise and the inmates of Hell would go to Hell, death would be called and it would be placed between Paradise and the Hell and then slaughtered and then the announcer would announce: ‘Inmates of Paradise, no death; Inmates of Hell-Fire, no death. 'And it would increase the delight of the inmates of Paradise and it would increase the grief of the inmates of Hell-Fire.” (Sahih Muslim)

He Declared That Those Who Fear

Allah Would Attain Paradise

Say, “Shall I tell you of better things than these, with which the righteous shall be rewarded by their Lord? Theirs shall be gardens with rivers flowing under them, where they shall dwell forever; and wives of perfect chastity, and the Grace of Allah. Allah is watching over His servants.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 15)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas)

Commanded His People To Be Just

Say: “My Lord has commanded justice...” (Surat al-A’raf,29)

He Said That It Was Allah Alone Who

Rescued Man From All Sorts Of Plights

Say: “Who rescues you from the perils of the land and sea, when you call out to Him humbly and secretly saying:' If You rescue us from this, we will be truly thankful.'" Say: “Allah rescues you from them and from all afflictions. Yet you associate others with Him.” (Surat al-An’am, 63-64)

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) Summoned

His People To Worship Allah Alone Without

Ascribing Partners To Him

Say, “People of the Book! Let us come to an agreement: that we should worship none but Allah and not associate any partners with Him and not set up mortals as gods besides Allah.” If they refuse, say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 64)

He Said That The Most Beautiful Names

Belong To Allah And That We Should

Glorify Allah With These Names

Say: “Call on Allah or call on the All-Merciful, whichever you call upon, the Most Beautiful Names are His." Neither be too loud in your prayer nor too quiet in it, buttery to find a middle course. And say: “Praise be to Allah Who has never begotten a son; Who has no partner in His Kingdom and Who needs no one to protect Him from a basement.” And proclaim His Greatness repeatedly!(Surat al-Isra’, 110-111)

THE PROPHET HUD (AS)

Allah sent the Prophet Hud (as) to the 'Ad people as a Messenger. He, too, first made clear to his people that he was are liable messenger of Allah and that he did not expect anything in return for his services, and then called upon his people to fear Allah.

The Prophet Hud (as) was also verbally assaulted and aspersions were cast on him, like the messengers preceding him. For instance, his people claimed that he was a “fool”. The way he responded to this ugly accusation was very mature and compassionate, an indication of his moral excellence:

He [Hud] said, “My people, I am by no means a fool, but rather am a Messenger from the Lord of all the worlds, transmitting my Lord’s Message to you, and I am a faithful counselor to you.” (Surat al-A‘raf, 67-68)

The Prophet Hud (as) Stated That He Did Not Ask For

Any Wage In Return For Spreading The Message

[Hud said,] “My people! I do not ask you for any wage forint. My wage is the responsibility of Him Who brought me into being. So will you not use your intellect?” (Surah Hud, 51)

[Hud said,] “I do not ask you for any wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of no one but the Lord of all the worlds.” (Surat ash-Shu‘ara’, 127)

As we have seen in the lives of the messengers narrated so far, it is an important characteristic of the believers to communicate to people the message of religion throughout their lives and not to expect any return for it. Regardless of the age he lives in and regardless of the people among whom he lives, a believer is responsible for calling upon others to accept the moral standards of which Allah approves and for reminding them of the approaching Day of Judgment. Therefore, he does not expect any rewards from people, but tries to do his duty to the fullest extent and to earn Allah's approval.
While Calling His People To Worship Allah,

He Warned Them Of A Terrible Punishment

Like other messengers, the Prophet Hud (as) told his people to worship Allah alone and said that he feared they would incur punishment if they failed to do this:

Remember the brother of ‘Ad when he warned his people in the Valley of the Sand Dunes—and warners passed away before and after him—saying, “Worship no one but Allah. I fear for you the punishment of a terrible Day.”(Surat al-Ahqaf, 21)

He also reminded them that the things they valued in the life of this world were of an ephemeral nature. His words are recorded as follows:

[Hud said to his people,] “Do you build a tower on every hilltop, just to amuse yourselves, and construct great fortresses, hoping to live for ever?” (Surat ash-Shu‘ara’, 128-129)

Then he told them to fear Allah, to obey His commands and not to tyrannise other people. He also warned them that they might be punished if they did so:

[Hud said,] “When you exercise your powers, you act like cruel tyrants. So fear Allah and obey me. Fear Him Who has given you all the things you know. He has given you livestock and children, and gardens and clear springs. I fear for you the punishment of a terrible Day.” (Surat ash-Shu‘ara’, 130-135)

The Prophet Hud Reminded His People Of Allah's Blessings

Allah's blessings on people are too numerous to be counted, as stated in the 18th verse of the Surat an-Nahl. However, many people forget that it is Allah Who gave them these blessings and that they should be grateful to Him for all of them. They do not think that Allah is well able to take them back if He wills. This is why the messengers told their people to turn to Allah and reminded them that everything they had was a blessing of Allah, for which they should give thanks to Him. Likewise, the Prophet Nuh (as) reminded his people of the blessings Allah had given them and told them to fear Him:

[Hud said to his people,] “Or are you astonished that an ad-monition should come to you from your Lord through a mortal like yourselves in order to warn you? Remember when He appointed you successors to the people of Nuh, and endowed you with greater power than He has given to other men. Remember Allah’s blessings, so that hopefully you will be successful.” (Surat al-A‘raf, 69)

The Prophet Hud (as) also called his people to ask forgiveness from Allah. He said that Allah would increase His blessings if they repented and took refuge in Him:

[Hud said,] “My people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then turn to Him in repentance, He will send down to you abundant rain from the sky and He will add strength to your strength. Do not turn away as evil-doers.” (SurahHud, 52)

The Prophet Hud (as) Warned His People

Against Being Ignorant
The concept of “ignorant” as defined in the Qur’an comes to mean those who do not know religion and are remote from it. In other words, even one who may have had further education is ignorant according to the Qur'an unless he acknowledges Allah, knows His book and lives by it. One who does not reflect on who he is and on why he has been created, who does not acknowledge his Creator and therefore does not perform as Allah demands is one of the ignorant, even if he possesses great knowledge.

When ignorant people are questioned, they usually say that they act in accordance with religion. However, the religion that they refer to is in fact nothing but the religion of ignorance that they inherited from their forefathers or learnt from those around them. The truth is that this religion has nothing to do with Allah's book.

As Allah relates in the stories of messengers in the Qur'an, messengers have communicated the true religion to such people throughout history. However, because of their ignorance, most of these people grew arrogant, although they may have recognised the truth as a matter of conscience. Despite all the warnings, all but a very few of them held on to their false religion.

The people of the Prophet Hud (as) also refused to abandon the state of ignorance that they had been used to and to obey the messenger.

Therefore, the Prophet Hud (as) told his people that they were in a state of ignorance: He [Hud] said, “Allah alone knows when it [His scourge] will come. I only convey to you the message I have been sent with. But I can see that you are a people who are ignorant.”(Surat al-Ahqaf, 23)

The Prophet Hud (as) Told Those Of His People

Who Disbelieved That He Was Not Afraid Of Them

And That He Put His Trust In Allah

Despite all his urging, the Prophet Hud’s (as) people opposed him and refused to follow the path that he encouraged them to follow. Just as all unbelievers have done throughout history, they said that they wanted to see miracles and that they would not believe otherwise:

They said, “Hud, you have not brought us any clear sign [miracle]. We will not forsake our gods at your behest. We do not believe you.” (Surah Hud, 53)

The Prophet Hud (as) stated that he was free from what they ascribed as partners to Allah and that he was not afraid of their plots:

He [Hud] said, “I call on Allah to be my witness, and you also bear witness, that I am free of all the gods you have apart from Him. So scheme against me, if you will, and then grant me no respite.” (Surah Hud, 54-55)

The Prophet Hud (as) was a prophet of Allah and was well aware that Allah had created all things and that He would protect His sincere servants. Being certain of the ultimate failure of the aspersions and plots against him, he expressed his trust in Allah as follows: "I have put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord.

There is no living creature on Earth whose destiny He does not control. My Lord is on a Straight Path.” (SurahHud, 56)

THE PROPHET IBRAHIM (AS)

Who could have a noble religion than someone who submits himself completely to Allah, does what is right, and follows the religion of the Saintly Ibrahim whom Allah took to be His intimate friend? (Surat an-Nisa’, 125)

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) was a messenger whom Allah “took as an intimate friend”. In numerous verses of the Qur’an, Allah praises the high moral qualities of the Prophet Ibrahim (as). He, whose decent character has been an example to all believers, was a tenderhearted, forbearing, brave and true person who sincerely turned to Allah. Allah thus describes his character in a verse as follows:

Ibrahim a paragon of piety, an upright man, obedient to Allah. He was no idolater. He rendered thanks for His blessings, so that Allah chose him and guided him to a straight path. We blessed him in this world and in the Hereafter he shall dwell among the righteous. (Surat an-Nahl, 120-122)

The Prophet Ibrahim (as), whose moral excellence is praised in the Qur’an, was sent to a people who worshipped idols that they themselves had made and were obstinate and persistent in worshipping them. He was charged with calling his people to worship Allah alone, but they declined to accept the true religion, as they believed that it conflicted with their worldly interests, and plotted against the Prophet Ibrahim (as) to kill him. Allah, however, thwarted the plot they devised and saved him from the wrongdoing of his people:

They [his people] said, “Burn him [Ibrahim] and avenge your gods if you must punish him.” We said, “Fire, be coolness and peace for Ibrahim!” They desired to trap him, but We made them the losers. We delivered both him and Lut to the land which We had blessed for all beings. And in addition to that We gave him Ishaq and then Ya’qub [for a grandson] and made both of them righteous. We made them leaders, guiding by Our command, and revealed to them how to do good and perform prayer and give alms, and they worshipped none but Us. (Surat al-Anbiya’, 68-73)

As is seen in the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (as), as a reward for his sincerity, Allah put an end to the cruelty of his people towards him. Then He inflicted a punishment on those who desired to hatch plots against him and laid them low. He settled the Prophet Ibrahim (as) and the believers who followed him in a better place than before and showed them His mercy by granting various blessings in abundance.
The Prophet Ibrahim (as) Turned To Allah With

Sincere Reflection And Advised His People

That He Was Not An Idolater

Although he lived among a people who worshipped idols, by the workings of his own conscience, the Prophet Ibrahim (as) comprehended that Allah was the one and only god. He believed in and turned to Allah alone. In the following verses of the Qur'an, how he became a certain believer in Allah is set forth:

Because of that We showed Ibrahim the dominions of the heavens and the Earth so that he might become a firm believer. When night drew its shadow over he saw a star and said, “This is surely my Lord!” But then, when it faded in the morning light, he said, “I will not worship gods that fade.” Then when he saw the moon come up, he said, "This is my Lord!” But then when it set, he said, “If my Lord does not guide me, I shall surely go astray.” Then when he saw the sun come up, he said, “This must be my Lord! It is greater than the other two!” But then, when it set he said, “My people, I am done with your idols!”(Surat al-An’am, 75-78)

Certainly there is an important lesson for the believers to learn from the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (as): One can easily grasp the existence of Allah. Everywhere one looks, one can readily see the innumerable signs of creation. Even if he does not have any knowledge or has not been given any advice, one who is governed by his conscience can clearly conclude that there is a Creator of the universe just by giving the matter his earnest consideration even if it is only for a few minutes. He can grasp the power and greatness of Allah and the fact that He rules over everything. This is how the Prophet Ibrahim (as), who had probably not been communicated with earlier, grasped the existence and sublimity of Allah through sincere and conscientious reflection. He told his people that he separated himself from the false gods they worshipped:

"I have turned my face to Him, Who brought the heavens and Earth into being, and will live a righteous life. I am no idolater.” (Surat al-An’am, 79)

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) Summoned

His People To Worship Allah

As will also be seen in the following pages, the messengers try by every means to guide their people to the path of Allah. Messengers who communicate the message of the religion to their people, explain the same topic with different examples to urge people to ponder, give a detailed account of the morals of which Allah approves, forbid them wrong actions, communicating the wickedness of these actions and the loss that they will suffer on account of them. In short, they try to show them the truth and appeal to their conscience in various ways.

Likewise, the Prophet Ibrahim (as), first summoned his people to the path of truth and instructed them to abandon their idols and to turn to Allah. In many verses of the Qur’an, his communication of the message of religion to his father and to his people is related. The Prophet Ibrahim (as) summoned his people, who worshipped idols, to worship Allah alone and to fear Him:

Ibrahim said to his people: “Worship Allah and fear Him. That would be best for you if you but knew it. Instead of Allah you worship only idols. You are inventing a lie. Those you worship besides Allah have no power to provide for you. So seek the beauty of Allah and worship Him. Give thanks to Him for it is to Him you shall be returned.”(Surat al-’Ankabut, 16-17)

As seen in the above verses, the Prophet Ibrahim (as) explained to his disbelieving people the supreme power of Allah with a number of examples. He made comparisons to make this truth clear to them, reminded them of the fact that it was Allah Who gave them all the things they possessed and warned them of their meeting with Him. As well as his people, he also warned his relatives, and told his father, Azar, that he was mistaken:

Remember when Ibrahim said to his father, Azar, “Do you take idols as gods? I see that you and your people are clearly misguided.” (Surat al-An’am, 74)

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) Warned His People

Against Obeying Satan

Man’s worst enemy is Satan. When Allah created the Prophet Adam (as) as the first man, He commanded Satan to prostrate himself before him, yet Satan became arrogant and disobeyed Allah's command. On account of this, Allah cursed him and expelled him from Paradise. After being driven out, Satan asked to be reprieved till the Day of Judgment. His aim was to hinder mankind, whom he considered to be the cause of his expulsion from Paradise, from treading the path of which Allah approved and thus to guide them to Hell.

Consequently, Satan has tried to approach every person since the Prophet Adam (as) and to deflect them from the true path by hatching various plots. It is only over those who have unshakeable faith in Allah and who put their trust in Him, that he does not hold any sway. However, as Allah has stated in the Qur'an, such people form only a minor group. For this reason, the Prophet Ibrahim (as) warned his father and his people, who were remote from the path of Allah, against following Satan and told them to obey him, saying:

"Father, knowledge which never reached you has come tome, so follow me and I will guide you to the right path. Father, do not worship Satan. Satan was disobedient to the All-Merciful. Father, I am afraid that a punishment from the All-Merciful will afflict you, and turn you into a comrade of Satan.” (Surah Maryam, 43-45)

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) Advised His People

Not To Take Each Other As Gods And Not To

Associate Any Partners With Allah

Characteristically, idolaters attach more importance to other beings than Allah, and they fear them more than they fear Allah. One would be mistaken in limiting the beings valued by these people merely to the statues they carved out of wood or stone.

Loving and valuing another person more than Allah, preferring that person’s contentment over the approval of Allah or fearing that person more than Allah is also idolatrous. There were also those who loved and prized some other beings more than Allah among the people of the Prophet Ibrahim (as). On the Day of Rising, however, such people will understand that there is no power other than Allah and will see that the beings they valued higher than Him are merely weak servants before His might and do not actually deserve to be valued at all. For this reason, the Prophet Ibrahim (as) instructed his people not to adhere to any gods other than Allah, and warned them that they would curse these gods on the Day of Rising and would be thrown into Hell if they did not obey this command:

He [Ibrahim] said, “You have adopted idols instead of Allah but your love of them will last only in this life. But then on the Day of Rising, you will reject and curse one another. The Fire will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.” (Surat al-’Ankabut, 25)

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) Communicated To

People The Greatness And Might Of Allah
The Prophet Ibrahim (as) gave various examples to his people in order to enable them to grasp the existence and greatness of Allah. When one who boasted of his wealth, forgetting that it was Allah Who granted him all his possessions, disputed with the Prophet Ibrahim (as) about Allah, he gave him a reply which emphasised both this person’s weakness and the power of Allah as follows:

"My Lord is He Who has power to give life and to cause death.” The other said, “I too have the power to give life and to cause death.” Ibrahim said, “Allah makes the sun come from the East. Make it come from the West.” And the disbeliever was dumbfounded. Allah does not guide the wrongdoers. (Surat al-Baqara, 258)

As is pointed out in the verse, the disbeliever had nothing to say in reply to this wise and sound explanation offered by the Prophet Ibrahim (as). It is appropriate for believers to follow the Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) example, to emphasise the greatness and infinite might of Allah, and to explain the faulty reasoning of the disbelievers to them while communicating the message of the religion.

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) Stated That

The Only Power To Trust Is That Of Allah
The Prophet Ibrahim’s sincere advocacy of the truth, his people, who persisted in worshipping their idols, disputed with him, desiring to deflect him from the right path and to hinder his preaching. Thereupon, the Prophet Ibrahim (as) told his people that he feared only Allah and that the real security and salvation could be attained only by being submissive to Allah:

He [Ibrahim] said, “Are you arguing with me about Allah when He has guided me? I have no fear of any partner you ascribe to Him unless my Lord should will such a thing to happen. My Lord encompasses all things in His knowledge, so will you not pay heed? Why should I fear what you have associated with Him when you yourselves apparently have no fear of serving idols not sanctioned by Allah? Which of us is more deserving of salvation? Tell me if you have any knowledge. Those who believe and do not taint their faith with any wrongdoing, shall surely earn salvation for they follow the right path.” (Surat al-An’am, 80-82)

The possessor of everything in the world is Allah. No one can either do good or cause harm to another without Allah’s permission. The powers that one may rely on, hoping for help from them, can be of help only if Allah permits. For real salvation and safety, however, what one should do is to submit oneself to Allah. Allah has informed us in the Qur’an that He will protect His servants who turn to Him. Therefore, as the Prophet Ibrahim (as) did, all believers should know that those who believe in Allah will be safe and should inform others of this.



In Response To His Father’s Hostile Manner,

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) Answered In The Best Way

Despite all the methods of communication he employed, his father opposed the Prophet Ibrahim (as) and became hostile towards him saying:

“Do you dare renounce my gods, Ibrahim? Desist from this folly or, I will stone you. Be gone from my house this instant!” (Surah Maryam, 46)

But the Prophet Ibrahim (as), who did not lose his temper under any circumstance, responded to his father’s threatening attitude in a very respectful and wise way:

“Peace be upon you. I will implore my Lord to forgive you. He has always honoured me. I will separate myself from you and all you call upon besides Allah. I will call upon my Lord and it may well be that, in calling on my Lord, I will not be disappointed.” (Surah Maryam, 47-48)

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) Declared To His People

That The Idols They Worshipped Could Not Boreal Gods

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) asked his people a number of questions about their idols in order to lead them to reflect that the idols they worshipped could not have any independent power and that the only god was Allah. This method of communication is influential in terms of making the unbelievers themselves witnesses to the unfounded nature of their system. In this way, the Prophet Ibrahim (as) made them verbally acknowledge the falseness of their own system. A part of the dialogue between the Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his people is as follows:

When he [Ibrahim] said to his father and his people, "What do you worship?” They said, “We worship idols and we remain constantly in attendance on them.” He said, “Do they hear you when you call or do they help you or do you harm?” They said, “No, but this is what we found our fathers doing.” He said, “Have you really thought about what you worship, you and your forefathers?”(Surat ash-Shu’ara’, 70-76)

Allah informs us in the Qur’an that everybody is aware of the mistakes he makes. That is, every self, even if he wants to avoid thinking by making up excuses, in fact “testifies” against himself, inwardly knowing what is right and wrong. If he conscientiously considers, one who worships and hopes for help from beings other than Allah will readily comprehend that in reality his idols cannot benefit him. He will realise that the beings he associates as partners with Allah cannot hear his prayers and do not have the power to harm or benefit him. But he may not want to reflect on these facts for certain sentimental reasons. However, this still remains an evident fact.

By the questions he posed to his people, the Prophet Ibrahim(as) tried to make them reflect on what they worshipped and see how misguided they were.

Again while advising his people to abandon the idols they worshipped, the Prophet Ibrahim (as) reminded them that these idols were merely some “figurative statues” that they themselves had made and did not have any independent power. How the Prophet Ibrahim (as) instructed his people to abandon the false gods they worshipped and to turn to their real God is related as follows:

When he [Ibrahim] said to his father and his people," What are these statues you are clinging to?” they said, "We found our fathers worshipping them.” He said, “You and your fathers are clearly misguided.” They said," Have you brought us the truth or is this but a fest?” He said, “Far from it! Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the Earth, He Who brought them into being. I am one of those who bear witness to that.” (Surat al-Anbiya’, 52-56)



He [Ibrahim] said, “Do you worship something you have carved with your own hands, when Allah created both you and all that you have made?” (Surat as-Saffat, 95-96)

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) Declared That

Everything Is Under Allah’s Control And That

Everything Takes Place By Allah’s Will

As seen in the above verses, like many other disbelieving nations, the people of the Prophet Ibrahim (as) used to worship idols, not because they thought it was right and proper, but merely because that was what they found their fathers doing. In The Prophet Ibrahim (as) 49other words, this false system was an evil heritage to them bequeathed by their forerunners. The Prophet Ibrahim (as) explained to them in detail that the system which they had been following was erroneous and detrimental to them. He informed them that their idols had no power at all and that everything was under Allah's complete control. The above quoted speech of the Prophet Ibrahim (as) continues as follows:

"They [the idols that you worship] are all my enemies—except for the Lord of all the worlds, Who created me and guides me; Who gives me food and drink; and when I am ill, Who heals me; Who will cause my death, then give me life; Who, I sincerely hope, will forgive my mistakes on the Day of Reckoning.” (Surat ash-Shu’ara’, 77-82)

By Means Of Wise Methods, The Prophet

Ibrahim (as) Aroused People’s Conscience

When his people, despite all his calls, persisted in worshipping their idols, the Prophet Ibrahim (as) tried new methods to urge them to reflect and thus to arouse their conscience. He waited until his people had departed from their idols and then broke them into pieces, except for the biggest one, in order to reveal to his people how imprudent they actually were. When his people asked him "Did you do this to our gods, Ibrahim?” (Surat al-Anbiya’, 62), he answered:

“No, this one, the biggest of them, did it. Ask them if they are able to speak!” (Surat al-Anbiya’, 63)

This strategy of the Prophet Ibrahim (as) caused his people to appeal to their consciences and then they realised that they had been seriously mistaken. However, since the truth conflicted with their personal interests, traditions and their established order, they denied the truth, although they had approved of it as a matter of conscience. The relevant verses of the Qur’an read:

Then they turned to themselves and said, “It is you yourselves who are wrongdoers.” But then they relapsed back into their disbelief: “You know full well these idols cannot talk.” He [Ibrahim] said, “Do you then worship, instead of Allah, what cannot help or harm you in any way? Shame on you and what you worship besides Allah! Will you not use your intellect?” They cried, “Burn him and avenge your gods, if you must punish him.” We said, “Fire, be coolness and peace for Ibrahim!” They desired to trap him, but We made them the losers. (Surat al-Anbiya’, 64-70)

The Prophet Ibrahim (as) Set An Example For The

Believers By Putting His Trust In Allah And

Being Submissive To Him, Even Under The Most

Difficult Conditions
The struggle that the Prophet Ibrahim (as) bravely and prudently carried out alone against his people set an example for the believers. At such a difficult time, when he was threatened by his people with being thrown into a fire and when plots had been hatched against him, he, whose trust in and submissiveness to Allah had never been undermined, replied to his people:

“I am going towards my Lord; He will be my guide.”(Surat as-Saffat, 99)

These words of the Prophet Ibrahim (as) remind all believers of an important fact: that it was Allah Who created all human beings, and that every single one of them will return to Allah at a time that He has predetermined. By saying “I am going towards my Lord", the Prophet Ibrahim (as) reminded his people that death is one’s return to Allah. Therefore, what Muslims should do is express their unswerving trust in Allah on every occasion and summon others to do the same.
Allah Has Shown The Prophet Ibrahim (as) And

His Companions As A Model For Believers
The moral excellence of the Prophet Ibrahim (as) set an example both to his own people and to succeeding nations. Allah informs us that there is a good example for the believers in him, "who submitted to his Lord with an unblemished heart”, and those with him:

You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people, “We wash our hands of you and all that you worship apart from Allah, and we reject you. Between us and you there will be enmity and hatred for ever unless and until you believe in Allah alone. "But do not emulate Ibrahim’s words to his father: “I will ask forgiveness for you but I have no power to help you in anyway against Allah.” “Our Lord, we have put our trust in You and have repented to You. You are our final destination.”(Surat al-Mumtahana, 4)

Verses Of The Qur’an Relating To The Superiority

And High Morality Of The Prophet Ibrahim (as)

Who could have a noble religion than someone who submits himself completely to Allah, does what is right, and follows the religion of the saintly Ibrahim, whom Allah took to be His intimate friend? (Surat an-Nisa’, 125)

Ibrahim was tender-hearted and forbearing. (Surat at-Tawba, 114)

Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but a man of pure natural belief—a Muslim. He was not one of the idolaters. (Surah Al ‘Imran, 67)

Ibrahim was a community in himself, exemplary, obedient to Allah, a man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the idolaters. He was thankful for His blessings. Allah chose him and guided him to a straight path. We gave him good in this world and in the Hereafter he will be one of the righteous. (Surat an-Nahl, 120-122)

One of his [Nuh’s] followers in faith was Ibrahim when he came to his Lord with an unblemished heart. (Surat as-Saffat, 83-84)

You shall also recount in the Book the story of Ibrahim. He was a saintly man and a prophet. (Surah Maryam, 41)Ibrahim was forbearing, compassionate and penitent. (Surah Hud, 75)

We bestowed on him the praise of later generations. Peace be upon Ibrahim. That is how We recompense the righteous. He truly was one of Our believing servants. (Surat as-Saffat , 108-111)

Who would deliberately renounce the religion of Ibrahim except someone who reveals himself to be a fool? We chose him in this world and in the Hereafter he shall abide among the righteous. When his Lord said to him, “Surrender!” he said, “I have surrendered to the Lord of all the worlds.” (Surat al-Baqara, 130-131)

We gave Ibrahim his right guidance early on, and We had complete knowledge of him. (Surat al-Anbiya’, 51)

THE-PROPHET-YUSUF-(AS)

He was Our chosen servant. (Surah Yusuf, 24)

And thus We established Yusuf in the land and taught him to interpret dreams. Allah is in control of all His affairs. However, most of mankind do not know this. And then when he became a full-grown man, We gave him knowledge and right judgment too. That is how We reward all doers of good. (Surah Yusuf, 21-22)

Surah Yusuf, the 12th surah of the Qur’an, comprises 111 verses and is almost entirely devoted to the Prophet Yusuf’s (as) life.

From a very early age, the Prophet Yusuf (as) was put to the test by Allah through various incidents. He was a very patient prophet who was sincere in his faith and always told of Allah’s existence and His superiority to those around him. His trust in Allah, his devotion and his loyalty to Him, his moderate attitude in the face of events set an example to all of the faithful.

Through a dream he had when he was still a child, Allah gave the Prophet Yusuf (as) the good news that He would give him knowledge and many blessings. The Prophet Yusuf (as) told his dream to his father, the Prophet Ya’qub (as), who interpreted it for him:

Yusuf told his father, “Father! I saw eleven bright stars, and the sun and moon as well. I saw them all prostrate themselves in front of me.” He replied, “My son, don't tell your brothers of your dream lest they devise some scheme to injure you: Satan is the sworn enemy of man. Accordingly, your Lord will pick you out and teach you to interpret visions and will perfectly fulfill His blessing on you as well as on the family of Ya’qub, as He fulfilled it perfectly before upon your forebears, Ibrahim and Ishaq. Most certainly, your Lord is All-Knowing and Wise.” (Surah Yusuf, 4-6)

The Prophet Yusuf (as) Declared That Allah's

Approval Was Above And Beyond Everything Else
When he was still very young, the Prophet Yusuf’s (as) brothers wanted to get rid of him, for they were jealous of the love their father felt for him. They finally threw him into a well. The brothers left Yusuf (as) to die at the bottom of the well and, returning to their father, they lied to him and said, “A wolf appeared and ate him up.” (Surah Yusuf, 17) After being left in the well, Yusuf was found by a caravan whose members rescued him from the depths of the well and sold him to an Egyptian Aziz (Treasurer). The Prophet Yusuf (as) remained in his house for many long years. However, when he reached maturity, the lady of the house, the Aziz’s wife, wanted to seduce him. But the Prophet Yusuf (as), who had fear for Allah, sought refuge in Allah and reminded the wife of the Aziz, that he had looked after him and treated him well. This is related in the Qur’an as follows:

"Allah is my refuge! He is My Lord and has been good tome and treated me with kindness. Those who do wrong will surely never prosper.” (Surat Yusuf, 23)

Unable to have her way, Aziz’s wife slandered the Prophet Yusuf (as). Although Yusuf’s (as) innocence had been proven through the testimonies of the witnesses and tangible evidence had been produced, he was thrown into a dungeon. However, the Prophet Yusuf (as), who was aware that he was being tested by Allah in every situation, always adopted the attitude that would most please Him. In this incident too, Yusuf (as) expressed that being in dungeon was dearer to him: He said, “My Lord, the prison is preferable to me than what they call on me to do. Unless You shield me from their guile, it may well be that I will fall for them and so lapse into folly.” (Surah Yusuf,33)

As we see in this incident too, one who has an assured faith in Allah, should never lose his moderate attitude when faced with difficulties. He should put his trust in Allah and never forget that the outcome will definitely be auspicious, for Allah promises to help his sincere servants both in this world and beyond. Indeed, regarding this matter, the Prophet Yusuf’s (as) life has been recounted in the Qur’an as a striking example.
The Prophet Yusuf (as) Reminded His Cell Mates

That It Was Allah Who Granted Everything
The Qur’an informs us that two other young men were thrown into the dungeon along with the Prophet Yusuf (as), and that they asked him to interpret their dreams. As was true of all the other messengers, the Prophet Yusuf (as) first told them of the existence of Allah and that the knowledge he possessed, in actuality, belonged to Allah:

He said, “No meal to feed you will arrive before I have informed you of what its meaning is. That is part of what my Lord taught me. For I have left the religion of a people who clearly have no faith in Allah and deny the life to come.” I hold fast to the creed of my forebears, Ibrahim and Ishaq and Ya’qub. We don’t associate anything with Allah. And that is how Allah has favoured us and all mankind, but most men do not give thanks.” (Surah Yusuf, 37-38)

This reminder of the Prophet Yusuf (as) calls attention to a fact that believers need to keep in mind: Allah grants to human beings all the attributes they possess, their material benefits and their knowledge and reason. And whenever He wills, He could give more of these blessings or take them back. Keeping this in mind, it is of great importance that people should not feel proud of any of their qualities or possessions.
The Prophet Yusuf (as) Informed His Cell Mates

That The Only God Is Allah, And That They

Should Worship Him Alone
Then the Prophet Yusuf (as) went on to tell them that there was no god but Allah and summoned his cell mates to be servants to Him alone:

"My fellow-prisoners, are many lords better, or Allah, the only One, the Conqueror? What you serve apart from Him are only names which you and your forefathers have made up. There is no mandate for them from Allah. Allah alone is qualified to judge. His order is to worship none but Him. That is in truth the straight and upright religion, but most of mankind simply do not know it.” (Surah Yusuf, 39-40)

As we have seen, the Prophet Yusuf (as) did not immediately react to his cell mates, who were obviously ascribing partners to Allah. Instead, he first summoned them to believe in Allah and advised them not to ascribe partners to Him. Not aware of the abject situation he is in, a disbeliever is often unable to decide what his priorities are and he trifles with matters of secondary importance. In this situation, it falls to the believer to identify the attributes of the particular disbeliever and to admonish him in a way to benefit him. It is faith alone which will benefit all people. That is why the Prophet Yusuf (as) first told his cell mates about faith.

Irrespective of the circumstances, the Prophet Yusuf (as) never lost his moderate attitude or his commitment in fulfilling Allah's commands; he communicated Allah’s religion even in the dungeon. This attitude is exemplary for all believers.
The Prophet Yusuf (as) Declared That

The Lower Self Enjoins To Evil
The Aziz’s wife confessed the truth and thereby Yusuf’s (as) innocence was proven. However, despite the truth being out in the open, the Prophet Yusuf (as) did not attempt to deny the vulnerability of his own lower self and revealed another most important truth:

“In this way he may know at last that I did not dishonour him behind his back and that Allah most surely does not guide the deviousness of the dishonourable. Not that I am free from sin: Man’s soul is prone to evil–except for those on whom my Lord has mercy. My Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah Yusuf, 52-53)

In order to understand why the Prophet Yusuf (as) did not want to defend his lower self, we need to dwell upon the meaning of “lower self.” We can define the “lower self” as the power within the soul that enjoins to evil. When the wishes of the lower self incur Allah’s disapproval, believers never give in to their lower selves. At all times, they strive to earn Allah’s approval. Aware of this attribute of the lower self, the Prophet Yusuf (as) said that it would be wrong to nurture it.
The Prophet Yusuf (as) Is Grateful To Allah

For The Blessings He Grants

After his acquittal, the Prophet Yusuf (as) was entrusted as are liable person with the treasures of the country. He thereupon also made his family reunite and told them about his trust in Allah and that he always remembered that He held control over everything:

He raised his parents up on to the throne. All the others fell prostrate in front of him. He said, “My father, truly this is now the interpretation of the dream I had. My Lord has made it all come true; and He was kind to me by letting me out of prison and brought you from the desert when Satan had caused dissent between me and my brothers. My Lord is kind to anyone He wills. He alone is All-Knowing and Wise.” (Surah Yusuf, 100)

The Prophet Yusuf (as), who trusted in Allah when encountered with difficulty, likewise turned to our Lord when he received blessings, and prayed thus:

"My Lord, You have granted power to me on Earth and taught me to interpret dreams. Originator of the heavens and Earth, You are my Friend in this world and the Next. So take me as a Muslim at my death and admit me among the righteous.” (Surah Yusuf, 101)

As seen, the Qur’an describes of the attitudes the Prophet Yusuf (as) assumed in the face of the events he went through. This narrative clearly reveals the Prophet Yusuf’s (as) moral excellence, his faith, his submission to Allah and his loyalty to Him. Irrespective of the conditions, he never swerved from moral excellence and never gave up his submissive attitude: he told people around him of Allah’s existence and His infinite might.

Despite being a prophet, the Prophet Yusuf’s (as) wish to die as a Muslim and to be among the righteous is also a subject upon which to reflect. No one can guarantee his being worthy of being granted Paradise. Aware of this fact, believers fear Allah and, following the example of the Prophet Yusuf (as), they pray to Allah to die as Muslims.