163 Page Notes

07 Surah Al-Araf (continued)

Page 163 - Related Hadith/Sunnah

7:96

7:97

7:98

7:99

7:100

7:101

7:102

7:103

7:104

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 163 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

Page 163 of the Quran covers Surah Al-A'raf (The Heights), verses 96 through 104.

This page opens with a beautiful divine formula: how collective faith and consciousness (Taqwa) unlock physical blessings from the heavens and the earth. It then warns civilizations against feeling falsely secure from the subtle planning of Allah (Makr Allah). Finally, the page acts as a monumental bridge into the longest narrative of the Surah: the sending of Prophet Musa (Moses) to Pharaoh (Fir'awn) and his ministers.

The Sunnah and authentic Hadiths provide profound commentary on the true nature of divine blessings, the spiritual psychological danger of false security, and the status of Musa as a premier Messenger.

1. Faith and Taqwa Unlocking the Skies

“And if the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.” — Surah Al-A'raf (7:96)

This verse explicitly links macro-economics and environmental fruitfulness to a society's moral and spiritual state. The Sunnah underscores that turning away from divine law causes a literal, physical lock on natural resources.

A. Sins Withholding Rain from the Earth

To show how denying divine guidance locks up the blessings mentioned in Verse 96, the Prophet explained that human choices have a direct ecological impact on the planet.

• Hadith: Abdullah bin Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah turned to his companions and listed specific societal defaults, stating:
  "...And they never withhold the Zakat (obligatory charity) from their wealth except that they are denied rain from the sky. Were it not for the sake of the animals, they would never receive any rain at all." (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4019; graded Sahih)

2. Fear of the Subtle Strategy of Allah (Makr Allah)

“Then did they feel secure from the plan of Allah? But no one feels secure from the plan of Allah except the losing people.” — Surah Al-A'raf (7:99)

Makr Allah refers to God's subtle, flawless strategy wherein a corrupt person is allowed to accumulate power and wealth, making them believe they are successful, right up until the moment of their accountability. The Sunnah frames a healthy fear of this dynamic as a core component of a believer's mind.

A. Balancing Fear and Hope

The companions of the Prophet, despite their elite spiritual status, never felt immune to their own human vulnerabilities or assumed they were guaranteed salvation, actively avoiding the "false security" condemned in Verse 99.

• Hadith: Anas bin Malik narrated that the Prophet would constantly repeat this specific supplication:
  "O Changer of the hearts, keep my heart firm upon Your religion." Anas asked, "O Messenger of Allah, we believe in you and in what you have brought. Do you still fear for us?" The Prophet replied: "Yes. Indeed, the hearts are between two fingers from the fingers of Allah, and He turns them whichever way He wills." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2140; graded Sahih)

3. The Mission of Prophet Musa (Moses)

“Then We sent after them Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, but they were unjust toward them. So see how was the end of the corrupters.” — Surah Al-A'raf (7:103)

This verse initiates the epic historical account of Musa confronting the tyrannical rule of ancient Egypt. The Sunnah holds Prophet Musa in an incredibly elevated status, providing deep background regarding his character and cosmic rank.

A. The Special Status of Musa among the Prophets

The Prophet Muhammad consistently demonstrated profound respect for Musa, emphasizing his monumental role in human history.

• Hadith: Abu Hurairah narrated that a dispute arose between a Muslim and a Jewish man. The Muslim swore an oath, "By Him Who chose Muhammad over the worlds," and the Jewish man swore, "By Him Who chose Moses over the worlds." The Muslim struck him. The man complained to the Prophet, who corrected his companion, stating:
  "Do not declare me superior to the other Prophets. For indeed, on the Day of Resurrection, all mankind will fall unconscious, and I will be the first to awaken. Behold! I will see Moses standing there, holding firmly onto one of the pillars of the Divine Throne (Al-Arsh). I will not know whether he awoke before me, or if he was spared the unconsciousness because of his experience at Mount Sinai." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2411 / Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2373)