We as Muslims must be proud of our religion, because it has the perfect and complete guidance explained in Al-Qur’an and sunnah, both explicitly and implicitly. The rules of all activities we do in our lives, started from waking up and then going to bed again, can be found there.
It’s not only a guidance of how to live and how to be a human according to Islam, but there are also history and advice that are highly useful as our reminder in having this unpredictable life.
Al-Qur’an as the direct words from Allah is special, because its authenticity is assured by Allah. No one can change its content. We also have a duty to preserve it on our minds. Some of the ways are by reading, memorize, and contemplate it, and implement its values in our daily lives.
There are benefits of read Al-Qur’an everyday for life. In addition, having close interaction with Al-Qur’an can be a way to gain good deeds. One letter we read from it, the reward will be multiplied by ten. And if we recite it beautifully, we will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels.
قَالَ سَمِعْتُ مُحَمَّدَ بْنَ كَعْبٍ الْقُرَظِيَّ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ مَسْعُودٍ، يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ مَنْ قَرَأَ حَرْفًا مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَلَهُ بِهِ حَسَنَةٌ وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا لاَ أَقُولُ الم حَرْفٌ وَلَكِنْ أَلِفٌ حَرْفٌ وَلاَمٌ حَرْفٌ وَمِيمٌ حَرْفٌ ”
“Narrated Muhammad bin Ka’b Al-Qurazi: I heard ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud saying, ‘The Messenger of Allah said: “[Whoever recites a letter] from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.'” (Tirmidhi)
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ “ الْمَاهِرُ بِالْقُرْآنِ مَعَ السَّفَرَةِ الْكِرَامِ الْبَرَرَةِ وَالَّذِي يَقْرَؤُهُ يَتَتَعْتَعُ فِيهِ وَهُوَ عَلَيْهِ شَاقٌّ لَهُ أَجْرَانِ اثْنَانِ ”
“It was narrated from Aisha that the Messenger of Allah said, ‘The one who is proficient with the Qur’an will be with the noble and righteous scribes (the angels), and the one who reads it and stumbles over it, finding it difficult, will have two rewards.'” (Ibn Majah)
There are 114 surahs in Al-Qur’an, and each of them has values that are worth to learn. One of them is Surah Al-Humazah meaning the slanderer or the backbiter. It is the 104th surah in Al-Qur’an and was revealed to Rasulullah in a holy city of Mecca.
This surah generally tells about warning for mockers and people who are fond of collecting wealth. These two types of people do not only harm their selves, but also others. In this surah Allah gives strong rebuke to them. There are basically 3 values of Surah Al-Humazah we should keep in mind so that we will not reap any harm in this world and the Hereafter.
- Respecting Others
It is explained in Tafseer Al-Munir that humazah means gossiping, while lumazah means mocking with the sign of eyebrow, eyes, and hands. Mocking or underestimating people is not a good manner, as mentioned in law of underestimating people in Islam for Muslims. Either humazah or lumazah will be tormented.
وَيۡلٌ لِّـكُلِّ هُمَزَةٍ لُّمَزَةِ ۙ
“Woe to every scorner and mocker.” (Al-Humazah: 1)
Once, it was intended to Walid ‘ibn Mughirah and Umayyah ‘ibn Khalaf, but this point is universal for all people who live in the past, present, or in the future. Even nowadays we can easily find people who spend their days by cursing, gossiping, or speaking others’ badness.
This wrong habit is now supported by the presence of technology devices. It is ironical, though. We as social creatures are supposed to respect others since we live in society and cannot live alone. We have to understand that if we want to be appreciated, so do the others. In addition, there are 10 most importance of respect in Islam. We should do our duty before demanding our rights.
- Wealth Is a Temporary Pleasure
There is no use to collect wealth in our lives if we do not care with others, specifically needy people.
يَحۡسَبُ اَنَّ مَالَهٗۤ اَخۡلَدَهٗ ۚ كَلَّا لَيُنۡۢبَذَنَّ فِى الۡحُطَمَةِ
“He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal. No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher.” (Al-Humazah: 3-4)
Wealth is just a gift that lasts for very short time. We will only use it in this world. On the other hand, the Hereafter is the eternal one. How can we still have wealth in the life after this world?
Of course by sharing it with others when we are still alive, and pray duas for wealth so it becomes barakah. It is like savings that can help us on the day when there is no any help except from Him and the good deeds we’ve gained. Selfishly collecting wealth to fulfil our desire will only end up on regret.
- Bad Behavior Will Cause a Bad End
In Surah Al-Humazah verse 6, 7, and 8, it is explained that scorner, mocker, and people who collect wealth and continuously count it will be thrown into the fire of Allah which mounts directed at the hearts and will be closed down upon them.
نَارُ اللّٰهِ الۡمُوۡقَدَةُ ۙ الَّتِىۡ تَطَّلِعُ عَلَى الۡاَفۡـئِدَةِ ؕ اِنَّهَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ مُّؤۡصَدَةٌ ۙ
“It is the fire of Allah, [eternally] fueled, which mounts directed at the hearts. Indeed, Hellfire will be closed down upon them.”
Everyone will reap what they sow. That is why we have to always mind our attitude and action. We will gain the real result in the Hereafter, whether Heaven or Hellfire we will occupy. It is Allah’s promise that surely will happen one day.
Those values of Surah Al-Humazah remind us to live wisely, since our lives in this world is so short. There is no another chance when Allah has ‘asked’ us to go back with Him. May Allah always give us courage on his deen.