Episode 4

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah. Dear brothers, we are still in the series ((They Are Not Equal)) where we discuss the difference between the Muslim and the disbeliever in the light of the Quran. It is important to remind you, brothers, that our purpose in understanding this difference is to be proud of our religion first, then to realize humanity's need to purify itself from the filth of polytheism that degrades its humanity and lowers its status with its Lord, so we strive to guide it with the Islam that Allah has bestowed upon us as a mercy to this humanity that Allah has created for us: ((You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind)) Understanding this difference between us and the disbelievers is the driving force for calling them and removing the stubborn obstacles from the path of this call, instead of numbing our feelings with phrases of religious tolerance and acceptance of the other, which we often take as an excuse to shirk the duty of calling, as some of us may have felt that the difference between us and them is not great, and that (it's all the same) as they say! While we should feel that the disbelievers are sick and we have the cure. So, brothers and sisters, let us continue to explain this difference. The true purity in our religion is the purity of the soul. With this definition, the believer is pure and does not become impure even if he is in a state of impurity or if something impure touches his body. Allah says: ((Those whom the angels take in a good state, saying, 'Peace be upon you. Enter Paradise for what you used to do.')) (16:12). The good ones are those whose souls are pure. And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said in the agreed-upon hadith: ((The believer does not become impure)). On the other hand, the disbeliever is impure even if he bathes, soaks in water, and perfumes himself with all kinds of perfumes. Allah says: ((Indeed, the polytheists are impure; so let them not approach the Sacred Mosque)) (9:28), and He says about the hypocrites: ((So turn away from them; indeed, they are impure)). So, are they equal? They are not equal. The believer is of great status in the balance of Allah. In the good and authentic hadith narrated by At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) looked at the Ka'bah and said: How great you are, and how great is your sanctity. The believer is even greater in sanctity with Allah than you. While Allah has given examples for the polytheists: ((Those are like livestock, but they are more astray)) (22:72), ((The likeness of those who were entrusted with the Torah but then did not carry it is like that of a donkey carrying volumes)). So, is the noble equal to the despised? They are not equal.

The believer is forgiven by the carriers of the Throne ((Those who carry the Throne and those around it exalt [Allah] with praise of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have believed, saying, 'Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who have repented and followed Your way and protect them from the punishment of Hellfire (7)')) (40:7).

What will be the fate of this believer if he disbelieves after his faith? ((Their recompense is that upon them is the curse of Allah and the angels and the people, all together (87) Abiding therein eternally; the punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved (88) )) (3:87-88)

So, is the one who is forgiven equal to the one who is cursed? They are not equal. They are not equal. Let us be proud of our faith and strive to pour its blessings upon our fellow humans. Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.