بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Translation of Dr. Shams Jilani “Roshni Hira Say” (The light from Cave of Hira) by Dr. Rehan Asad
Section: 119
The shifting of Qiblah
In previous section, we were discussing that when the
orders of changing the Qiblah came up from Almighty Allah,
this appeared to be a tough testing time. Some even lost
their belief while others who always said, yes & truthful to
their beloved Prophet (PBUH), their Iman (belief) further got
strengthened. The first test of believers came up when they
were asked to change the Qiblah of their grandparents &
patriarchs. They were asked to pray in the direction of Baitul
Muqaddas, the holy shrine of Jews. Then, they were again
tested when their Qiblah was changed to Masjid Haram. It
seems that the testing was highly needed at that moment a
larger test was upcoming. As soon the believers had to face a
strong army of Qureysh though they didn’t had any arms or
ammunition. It was only a belief that the help will come from
their Almighty Lord. The armless three hundred thirteen
people had to face an army that was capable, well equipped
& strong. In this moment many of those whose Imaan was
not strong turned away. In this way, by the grace of Almighty
Allah, the water & milk got separated. One more message
Almighty Allah wants to us at this point that believing in the
words of Prophet (PBUH) are a part of our Imaan. Again this
is only attributing of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that
whatever he delivers is the message from Almighty Allah.
These verses of the holy Quran witnessed the reaction that
came up on this issue. The translation is as follows, so now
the foolish people will say, “What had turned the Muslims
away from the Qiblah (the prayer direction), which they
formerly observed” proclaim, “To Allah only belong the East
and West, He guides whomever He wills upon the straight
path”. (Baqrah, 2:142). So it is that we had made you best
nation for you are witness against the mankind, and the
noble messenger is your witness & your guardian; and O
dear Prophet Mohammad (Peace be Upon him) we had
appointed the Qiblah who you formerly observed only for
the test who follows the noble messenger, and who turn
away and it was indeed hard except for those whom Allah
guided and it does not befit Allah majesty to waste your
faith. (Baqrah, 2:143).
At this moment there was chance that doubt would be
created in the minds of companions of Prophet Muhammad
(Peace be upon him) that what would happen to our
previous prayers that was observed in the direction of Baitul
Muqaddas, the Qiblah of Muslims located in Jerusalem,
Palestine. In the first verse that was cited above, it had been
made clear that the first thing is the following of the Prophet
(Peace be Upon him), otherwise both East & West belonged
to Almighty Allah.
Cont’d for the next week
