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“I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay,” (Qur’an, 7:12).

Among the most intriguing aspects about the Qur’an is that it constantly urges the reader to reflect, understand and remember aspects about the reality of life. In the aforementioned verse, the reader is reminded of the source of envy.

“I am better than him!” That was Iblis’s answer when he was asked why he disobeyed the order of God. He envied. Envy is the root of many conflicts we see around us all the time; whether between family members, at work places or between friends.

The problem is that this state of envy results in one’s inability to see things as they are. Iblis saw the external being of Adam, alayhi as-salaam—peace be upon him, but he didn’t see the internal. He saw Adam (as) made of clay. He didn’t see the heart of Adam (as) that surrenders to His Creator, subhanahu wa ta`ala – exalted is He, with utmost love and humility.

Observe what Adam (as) said upon disappointing God (swt): “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers,“ (Qur’an, 7:23).

When Adam (as) made a mistake, he immediately repented out of fear of losing the connection and love of his Beloved (swt).  But when Iblis made a mistake, he became arrogant and argumentative, unable to see the wisdom beyond.  Similarly, when people are hateful and envious, they judge others by their external appearances, unable to look beyond.

“I’m better. I deserve this more. We are right, they are wrong…” This is what one thinks in moments of arrogance and envy forgetting that by doing so, they’re trading the beautiful qualities of humility and trust in God (swt) that characterizes the sons of Adam (as) with the heated envious qualities of the one who was made of fire!

Humility, patience, softness and trust in God (swt)—this is the beauty of the state of Islam (surrendering with peace). Envy; however, fills a person with explosive negative energy and may force him/her to focus on revenge rather than productivity and moving on with life.  Why waste one’s time on that?

So, whenever you’re in a situation in which you’re tempted to become envious, remember:

1. Both the good and the bad are a test from God (swt). “[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving,” (Qur’an, 67:2).
2. You may hate that something happened or didn’t happen: “But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not,” (Qur’an, 2:216).
3. If you sincerely deserve something, put your trust in God (swt), He will definitely reward you: “And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good,” (Qur’an, 11:115).
4. Remember the reality of this life. “And whatever thing you [people] have been given – it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?”  (Qur’an, 28:60).

There is beauty and wisdom in that the Qur’anic revelation that begins with this verse: “Recite in the name of your Rabb who created (96.1).” Rabb comes from the same root as tarbiya’ which refers to educating. This invites the human being to read life, read reality and read the self through its Creator, the Supreme Educator, the All-Knowing (swt). To put matters in perspective, read and understand life through His Wisdom and with His Help (swt).

So find comfort in approaching Allah (swt) with love and humility. Find comfort in remembering and reciting His words in prayers and asking of His (swt) ease, mercy and blessings after prayers. Find comfort in the company and remembrance of Allah (swt): “Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured, ” (Qur’an, 13:28).

May Allah (swt) remove any irritating envy from our hearts, may He place the coolness of His sakeena (rest and serenity) upon everyone’s hearts and may He keep us focused on and reminded of our destination. We belong to Allah (swt), and to Him we shall return.

By Eyad Alnaslah

In Islam, the concept of diversity and tolerance is found many times in the Qur’an and hadith (records of the words of the Prophet ﷺ, peace be upon him). We find diversity in all our mosques and Islamic functions, with Muslims from different parts of the world, and of different cultures and backgrounds. Accordingly, as Muslims in America, it is only natural that we have inter-cultural marriages in our respective communities. However, it is unfortunate that many brothers and sisters that would like to get married to someone of another culture experience many hardships. The following is a Qur’anic reflection from Surat Al Rum (Qur’an 30) I had while reading a few verses pertinent to one of the signs of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He): marriage.

20. Among His signs is that He created you from dust; then, suddenly you were human beings dispersing [throughout the earth]. 21. And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought. 22. And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge. (Qur’an, 30:20-22)

Verse 20 reminds the reader of one’s origin, that we were all created from dirt.

Verse 21 is a verse quoted oftentimes during a marriage ceremony, or found on a wedding invitation. It is an extremely nice verse.

Verse 22 highlights that the creation was given different colors and tongues (i.e. skin color and languages).

Many people focus on love in Verse 21. But we see that this verse comes in the middle of two verses: a verse that reminds us that we are not better than one another, regardless of our backgrounds, since we are all from simple dirt (verse 20), and a verse that explains the blessings of Allah (swt) creating us all different, with varying looks, colors, languages, perspectives and cultures (verse 22).

When I read these three verses, I think of the society that we are in today; where cross-cultural marriages are discouraged or even forbidden in some of our Muslim households. Why? Because some families may think they are of a higher class than other families, or their culture is better than another, or their language supersedes all. It is a very arrogant and ignorant outlook, one condemned by Islam.

But at the end of verse 22, Allah (swt) distinctly mentions that these verses are for people of knowledge, people who think, and people who reflect on the signs of Allah (swt).

Therefore, it is a sign (ayah) of Allah (swt) that people from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures get married and live their lives with a new person. A relationship is formed between two families that do not have the same language or skin color, but have the same origin (and of course, have the same faith too insha’Allah, God willing).

I think these three verses speak to our society today – where brothers are having a hard time getting married, largely because of the ignorance rooted in the cultures of some Muslims. I am sure it is just as hard for the sisters as well.

We have a beautiful religion. One aspect of it is the institution of marriage. But as Sh. Suhaib Webb says, “marriage is the easiest chapter in the books of fiqh, but the hardest chapter in our society today.” This is because of the barriers, conditions and requirements many Muslim families put forth that are Islamically baseless. In my humble opinion, these verses refute such mentalities that complicate our youths’ marriages at a time where our youth are clinging on to their religion with their fingernails. Unfortunately, there are several cases of practicing and guided brothers and sisters that have left their religion behind after being denied the opportunity for marriage based on the cultural ills of our Muslim society.

May Allah guide us all to the correct understanding of Islam, protect our youth in the Muslim community, and allow us to live and breathe the sunnah (tradition) of the the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in all aspects of life, including marriage.

Indeed, putting a verse about marriage in between two such verses is not spontaneity on the part of Allah (swt). Allah is Most Wise.