Tafseer of Surah Dhuhaa
The Importance of Being Positive
Summary of Khutbah written by Sis. Karen Shah
Program Vice President of Broward Interfaith Council, Florida U.S.A
In the 93rd chapter of the Holy Qur’an, Surah Dhuhaa, Allaah (SWT) reminds us of the importance of being positive. It is a Surah of motivation to uplift our spirit and Iman, and console us when we suffer hardships, a reminder that Allaah’s (SWT) mercy will lighten every suffering, either in this world or in the life to come. When things might look bad to us, know that Allaah (SWT) has a better plan. There was a time in the Prophet’s (SAW) life in Mecca when revelations seemed to have stopped. The disbelievers were mocking him with taunts of "Where’s your God ? " and "Where’s your Jibraeel?" Chapter 93 (The Bright Morning Hours) was revealed at this time of frustration and persecution. It is like a direct message of encouragement to the Prophet (SAW) and therefore an indirect message of encouragement to all of us. In verses 1 – 4, Allaah (SWT) consoles us: "Consider the bright morning hours, and the night when it grows still and dark. Thy Lord has not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased. And indeed the hereafter will be better for thee than the present." Yes, we have troubles, some darkness in our lives, but the light will come! Don’t think that Allaah (SWT) has ignored you and doesn’t answer our du’a. There is a hadith about making du’a: Don’t ask Allaah (SWT) in a negative way or with hesitation. Don’t ask, "Would You find me a wife?" Say "Allah, grant me a pious wife!" Be positive that Allaah (SWT) is all-powerful in His blessings. Be positive that Allaah (SWT) sees us and knows us. Even if things seem difficult right now, count your blessings that at least you can pray your salaah, make du’a, and do good deeds for your hereafter. The Hereafter is better than this dunya. This is just a trial, a test, so we can be better, do more good, and be more charitable. In 93:5, Allaah (SWT) promises, "Very soon you will have everything and you will be well-pleased." So don’t let these hurdles keep us back! Be prepared for trials. If we don’t experience any problems, then maybe something is wrong with our Iman. Allaah tests those He loves. In 93:6-8, Allaah (SWT) asks, "Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter? And found thee lost and guided thee? And found thee in want, and made thee independent?" The orphaned Prophet (SAW) went from his uncle’s home of no Iman to Khadijah’s wealth, and success, and prophethood. We can be positive that Allaah will provide for us, too.
We have 2 messages in verses 9 and 10. "Don’t ignore or abuse the orphans." Don’t forget your days when you were lost, and remember from where you came. "Don’t refuse someone who asks you." Don’t evaluate the person or situation, just give what you can—a dollar, a du’a, your time and effort, etc. In the last verse, 93:11, we are reminded "And do not deny the bounties of Allah." Don’t show off, don’t be arrogant, but don’t be afraid to proclaim that Allah has blessed you and Allah will give you more. It’s okay to say "Allah has blessed me!" Make it known! We all have problems. The sign of a true believer is putting one’s trust in Allah and thinking positive. Allah loves us and knows us better than we know ourselves. Don’t be negative. Don’t get frustrated and give up. Don’t get depressed or commit suicide. Allah is our solution to being down. Don’t look at the darkness of the night – focus on the brightness of the morning! We are promised success! Take courage from Allah’s words and remember the hadith about positive thinking: How we think of Allah is how Allah will bless us. If we think positively about Allah and His power and mercy and control, then Allah will deal with us in that way. Allah knows our problems and understands us better than we understand ourselves. Allah loves us more than our parents love us.
Be positive
and put your trust in
Allaah!
