Page 187 - Learning from the Qur'an

Do you not see those who were told: 'Hold back from fighting but
perform prayer and give alms'? Then when fighting is prescribed
for them, a group of them fear people as Allah should be feared,
or even more than that. They say, 'Our Lord, why have you
prescribed fighting for us? If only You would give us just a little
more time!' Say, 'The enjoyment of this world is very brief. The
hereafter is better for those who guard against evil. You will not
be wronged by so much as the smallest speck.' (Qur'an, 4:77)

THEY SEEK THE PLEASURE
OF OTHER PEOPLE, NOT THAT OF ALLAH
They will swear to you to make you pleased with them, but even
if you are pleased with them, Allah is certainly not pleased with
deviant people. (Qur'an, 9:96)
They swear to you by Allah in order to please you, but it would
be more fitting for them to please Allah and His Messenger if they
are believers. (Qur'an, 9:62)

THEY PUT FORWARD EXCUSES
AND LAG BEHIND IN THE STRUGGLE
IN THE WAY OF ALLAH
Those who were left behind were glad to stay behind the
Messenger of Allah. They did not want to strive with their wealth
and themselves in the Way of Allah. They said, 'Do not go out to
fight in the heat.' Say: 'The Fire of Hell is much hotter, if they only
understood.' (Qur'an, 9:81)
Those Arabs who remained behind will say to you, 'Our wealth
and families kept us occupied, so ask forgiveness for us.' They say
with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: 'Who can control
Allah for you in any way whether He wants harm for you or wants
benefit for you?' Allah is aware of what you do. (Qur'an, 48:11)
Yet they had previously made a contract with Allah that they
would never turn their backs. Contracts made with Allah will be
asked about. (Qur'an, 33:15)

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