Page 779 - An Index to the Qur'an

relations with them there is nothing blameworthy sent down and do not follow their whims and de-
for you in it then), the wives of your sons whom sires deviating from the Truth that has come to
you have fathered, and marrying two sisters at you. We have appointed a law and a practice for
the same time–except for what may have already every one of you. Had Allah willed, He would
taken place. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most have made you a single community, but He
Merciful. (4:23) wanted to test you regarding what has come to
Mothers should nurse their children for two full you. So compete with each other in doing good.
years–those who wish to complete the full term Every one of you will return to Allah and He will
of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and inform you regarding the things about which you
clothe them with correctness and courtesy–no differed. (5:48)
self is charged with more than it can bear. No Judge between them by what Allah has sent
mother should be put under pressure in respect down and do not follow their whims and desires.
of her child nor any father in respect of his child. And beware of them lest they lure you away from
The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the some of what Allah has sent down to you. If they
couple both wish weaning to take place after turn their backs, then know that Allah wants to
mutual agreement and consultation, there is afflict them with some of their wrong actions.
nothing wrong in their doing that. If you wish to Many of mankind are deviators. (5:49)
find wet-nurses for your children, there is noth- Say: ‘People of the Book! Do not go to extremes
ing wrong in your doing that provided you hand in your religion, asserting other than the truth,
over to them what you have agreed to give with and do not follow the whims and desires of peo-
correctness and courtesy. Have fear of Allah and ple who were misguided previously and have
know that Allah sees what you do. (2:233) misguided many others, and are far from the right
way.’ (5:77)
WHIMS AND DESIRES Say: ‘I am forbidden to worship those you call
The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased upon besides Allah.’ Say: ‘I do not follow your
with you until you follow their religion. Say, whims and desires. If I did I would go astray and
‘Allah’s guidance is the true guidance.’ If you not be among the guided.’ (6:56)
were to follow their whims and desires, after the What is the matter with you that you do not eat
knowledge that has come to you, you would find that over which the name of Allah has been men-
no protector or helper against Allah. (2:120) tioned, when He has made clear to you what He
If you were to bring every Sign to those given the has made forbidden for you except when you are
Book, they still would not follow your direction. forced to eat it? Many people lead others astray
You do not follow their direction. They do not through their whims and desires without having
follow each other’s direction. If you followed any knowledge. Your Lord knows best those who
their whims and desires, after the knowledge that overstep the limits. (6:119)
has come to you, you would then be one of the Say: ‘Produce your witnesses to testify that Allah
wrongdoers. (2:145) made this forbidden.’ If they do testify, do not tes-
You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bear- tify with them and do not follow the whims and
ing witness for Allah alone, even against your- desires of people who deny Our Signs, and who
selves or your parents and relatives. Whether do not believe in the hereafter and make others
they are rich or poor, Allah is well able to look equal to their Lord. (6:150)
after them. Do not follow your own desires and If We had wanted to, We would have raised him
deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, up by them. But he gravitated towards the earth
Allah is aware of what you do. (4:135) and pursued his whims and base desires. His
And We have sent down the Book to you with metaphor is that of a dog: if you chase it away, it
truth, confirming and conserving the previous lolls out its tongue and pants, and if you leave it
Books. So judge between them by what Allah has alone, it lolls out its tongue and pants. That is the
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