Authored by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha, may Allah preserve him
Is the ability to perform righteous deeds and to refrain from following Satan due to Allah’s mercy?
Answer:
Allah Almighty states:
«وَإِذَا جَاءَهُمْ أَمْرٌ مِّنَ الْأَمْنِ أَوِ الْخَوْفِ أَذَاعُوا بِهِ ۖ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَاتَّبَعْتُمُ الشَّيْطَانَ إِلَّا قَلِيلً»
[An-Nisa: 83]
"And when there comes to them a matter of security or fear, they spread it. But if they had referred it back to the Messenger or to those of authority among them, then those who can draw correct conclusions from it would have known about it. And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, you would have followed Satan, except for a few."
This noble verse refutes the stance of those who act hastily regarding matters before confirming them, spreading and publicizing them even though they may not be accurate.
The word «يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ» means to extract it and to use it appropriately in its original context.
The answer to the question lies in the latter part of the verse, which states that had it not been for Allah’s favor and mercy upon you, you would have all followed Satan except for a few.
Is the ability to perform righteous deeds and to refrain from following Satan due to Allah’s mercy?
Answer:
Allah Almighty states:
«وَإِذَا جَاءَهُمْ أَمْرٌ مِّنَ الْأَمْنِ أَوِ الْخَوْفِ أَذَاعُوا بِهِ ۖ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَاتَّبَعْتُمُ الشَّيْطَانَ إِلَّا قَلِيلً»
[An-Nisa: 83]
"And when there comes to them a matter of security or fear, they spread it. But if they had referred it back to the Messenger or to those of authority among them, then those who can draw correct conclusions from it would have known about it. And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, you would have followed Satan, except for a few."
This noble verse refutes the stance of those who act hastily regarding matters before confirming them, spreading and publicizing them even though they may not be accurate.
The word «يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ» means to extract it and to use it appropriately in its original context.
The answer to the question lies in the latter part of the verse, which states that had it not been for Allah’s favor and mercy upon you, you would have all followed Satan except for a few.