Translation
The polytheists (and idol worshippers) are not fit to maintain the Mosques of God while denying the grace of God and being unfaithful against themselves. Their works are nothing but in vain and they will endure its consequence (on the earth and in afterlife). Only ones who can be fit to maintain God’s Mosques are those who believe in God and in the accountability of hereafter, establish worship of God, take care of the needy and are mindful of God above anyone or anything. These are the ones who are truly guided. (At the same time) do you really think that the mere act of giving drinks to pilgrims and maintenance of the Sacred Mosque (Kabah) is equivalent the acts of those who not only believes in God and the Last Day but also strives diligently and constantly in God’s Way (to establish truth and justice). These are not the same in the sight of God and God does not guide those who practice injustice.
Those who had achieved faith, fled ((to avoid persecution) and struggled against injustice with their beings and with their resources are much nearer to God. They will triumph (against their adversary) in the end. Their Sustainer God gives them the good grace of His mercy and pleasure from Himself and the Garden [Heaven] full of bliss that lasts forever, specifically for them. God has a grand reward for them. 424
O People of Faith: “Beware of your own parents and siblings if they love disbelief over belief. If you take them as confidants, then it is an act of injustice by itself.” (O Prophet) Say: “If your family—parents, children, spouses and relative; the wealth and position you have accumulated; trade and commerce whose decline your worry about; your residence you love to dwell in, etc. are all more important and dearer to you than God, His Messenger and the imperative to struggle in God’s way (to defend truth and justice), then wait for God’s command (as a consequence of your inaction) to come to pass since God does not guide those who practice injustice and mischief.” 425
Interpretation
424 This verse is taken as a strong signal that Kabah, which is the center of worship for the faithful, a house that was built by Abraham and Ishmael for the benefit of mankind, should not only be devoid of idols and false worship but also should be taken care of by those who are truly faithful. Having said that, the Qur’an goes further, that those who are given such a task should not consider their task or themselves superior to those who truly struggle for truth and justice and put their lives and resources at risk against oppression and injustice in their societies and to restore human freedom. Such an uncompromising position should make us wonder if the current caretakers of the Kabah—the grand mufti and the leadership of the country, who give lip service to Islam and its rituals and themselves practice extreme corruption and injustice and coerce their people in the name of Islam and so-called Sharia law—are fit for the task. At a minimum there needs to be a movement among Muslims worldwide in concert with local residents to make Makkah and Madinah city states to be governed and maintained by an international body of faithful and caretakers who can demonstrate sophisticated and nuanced understanding of faith in general and Islam in particular, competent administrators, and with an objective to reflect the true spirit of faith in God, unwavering commitment to truth and justice around the world, and the collective consciousness of the faithful and Muslims around the world.
425 We are being forewarned by none other God Himself that we need to rise above our earthly need for food, shelter, and family ties, once these needs are satisfied and sustained, and be committed to the large goal of actively seeking the truth and practicing justice in all aspects of our life on this earth. Lacking such commitment and demonstrated evidence of struggle and endeavor will lead to political, social, and religious corruption, economic disparities and negligence, and abuse of our water, air, and natural resources. The evidence of such situations is already here and is causing alarm in the minds of conscious human beings who are mindful of their personal and collective responsibilities.
***
REFLECTION
Prioritizing our personal and societal objectives and goals beyond food, shelter, and family can only happen when these basic needs are meet through conscious collaboration among people to ensure that every person has enough food to eat, a place for shelter, and safety, and that they can live peacefully with their family and neighbors. These conditions are essential before we can embark on the goals that are larger than ourselves, the goal of humanity to seek truth through knowledge and discourse, build social fabrics around justice and compassion and show our gratitude to God through faith and goodness.
ACTION
This is a personal responsibility as much as collective and global responsibility that people of faith and goodness need to take leadership on, especially at a time when the world is turning toward chaos by leadership vacuums in countries like the United States; political corruption and the rise of nationalism around the world; economic disparities due to uncontrolled greed; ethical lapses by the super-wealthy, aided by economic constructs and thoughts that are devoid of spiritual aspirations of human beings, which view people as mere consumers of goods; and a total disregard of the planet that allows us to breathe its air and drink its water; gives us an amazing variety of grains, vegetables, and fruit to nourish ourselves; and gives us amazing groups of animal, birds, and other creatures to share and wonder about our life and our existence. These are gifts from God, Who is ever receding from our consciousness as we struggle with our daily chores and get consumed by our narrow views of life.