Gems from Juzz Amma: "He frowned and turned away"

~ Gems from Juzz Amma ~

Day 3 / Gem 3

"He frowned and turned away"

Surah ‘Abasa: Ayah 1-10

The reason behind the revelation of these ayahs is that, one day, whilst the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was speaking to an elite and powerful leader, calling him to the way of Islam, a blind man, Abdullah Ibn Umm Makhtum, interrupted him whilst he was engaged in the conversation. Out of eagerness to continue calling the leader to guidance, the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) frowned slightly at the blind man and turned his face just a little.

The word, ‘Abasa’ refers to a frown that is just a bulge in your brows and doesn’t show anywhere else on the face. It can also be used when you are thinking about something. This frown couldn’t possible have hurt Abdullah’s feelings since he couldn’t see it, nor was it a huge action, rather it was a minor gesture from the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam), such that you wouldn’t be able to notice it even if you could see. But Allah noticed it!

So why did Allah reprimand the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) for this? The reason is because is Allah is highlighting to us, that although Abdullah was a blind man, he was eager for guidance too, implying that we must pay attention to those who are less fortunate than us.

This is a very powerful lesson especially for those who call to Islam. There was actually nothing wrong in what the prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) did, but since it could be perceived wrong, Allah sent downs ayahs to remind. Furthermore, Allah is teaching us, that a true leader doesn’t undervalue a person based on their qualities. A person may not carry much social influence or hold much worldly value, but in the Sight of Allah, they are truly special and worthy. Such people deserve our special care and attention. Perhaps its these kind of people who want to truly cleanse their hearts, or want to be reminded. And perhaps if we gave them some time, they would accept our advice and draw closer to Allah as a result.

Turning towards a poor person who is eager for the truth is better than turning to an elite and powerful leader who thinks he is self-sufficient and closes himself to your advice and to the truth.