Quran’s Description of Those Who Are Indifferent to Divine Laws

TEHRAN (IQNA) – In the stories of divine prophets we read about groups of people who consider themselves followers of the messengers of God but actually are indifferent to God’s commandments and the teachings of the prophets.

The Holy Quran, in Surah Al-Jumuah, describes such people as unjust and likens them to an animal that carried loads.

Al-Jumuah is the 62^nd Surah of the Quran that has 11 verses and is in the 28^th Juz. It is Madani and is the 109^th chapter revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

In Islam, Jumuah (Friday) is the last day of the week. The Surah talks about the rules and rituals of Friday prayers and hence its name. God in this chapter underlines the importance of Friday prayers and orders Muslims to avoid trade during the time of Friday prayers.

The Surah has two main themes: First Tawheed (monotheism), attributes of God, status of prophethood and the issue of resurrection and second the importance and features of Friday prayers.

It begins with a reference to the fact that all beings on the earth and in heavens glorify God. It also says that God has chosen from among the illiterate (Arabs) a messenger from themselves so that he would guide them.

The Surah warns Muslims not to be like the Jews who lived at the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). It says they carried the Torah with them but did not act upon it, proving that they only had apparent faith in the book and had no real understanding of its teachings. It likens those who are so to donkeys. “The likeness of those who were loaded with the Torah, but did not carry it, is like that of a donkey carrying books. Evil is the example of the people who have belied the verses of Allah. Allah does not guide the evildoers.” (Verse 5)

The Surah urges Muslims to take part in Friday prayers, a ritual that boosts Islamic unity and helps strengthen the bonds between the people and leadership. That is why the Quran says attending Friday prayers has rewards not only in the hereafter but also in this world.

Among the most important instructions in this Surah is abandoning trade when it is time for Friday prayers. “Believers, when you are called to prayer on the Day of the Congregation (Friday), hasten to the Remembrance of Allah and put your trading to oneside. That is the best for you, if you but knew.” (Verse 9)

The Surah criticizes those who leave the prayers to go to buy and sell things, saying they do not have a good understanding of divine rules. “When they see some merchandise or some sport, they rush towards it and leave you alone standing. Say, ‘(God's rewards for good deeds) are better than merriment or merchandise; God is the best Sustainer’.” (Verse 11)