We are “obliged” to spread the message of Allah

One crime for which Bani Israel was repeatedly criticized and cursed was “altering the words of Allah” and “concealing knowledge”. They were people of knowledge, but they “chose” to hide that which Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala had revealed towards them.

In Surah al-Baqarah ayah 159, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says:

“Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture – those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who curse.”

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, His angels and His entire creation curses those who hide the commands of Allah. This ayah doesn’t end at Bani Israel. It can be applied at the Muslims too, especially today. In the name of inter-faith dialogue and bridging the gap we compromise on the teachings of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. When someone says, Quran doesn’t say such and such, despite knowing it’s false we remain silent.

For example, when it comes to the issue of hijab. Sisters argue Quran doesn’t say hide your hair, wear full sleeves, and cover your ankles. They demand where does Quran explicitly say that. Instead of telling them we need to study the tafseer to comprehend an ayah, check the ahadeeth and read up on the lives of wives of the Prophet sallAllahu aalyhi wa sallam, we “choose” to stand mute.

What’s another example of “concealing knowledge”?   Not spreading the word of Allah to others. That doesn’t mean we all need to turn into scholars, travel the world, or get up on the stage and hold the microphone. It means all of us in our capacities are “obliged” to spread the message of Allah; whatever little we know. Our first responsibility begins from our home.

As mothers and wives, our responsibility doesn’t end at sending children to school, cooking food for them, supervising their homework and house chores, rather we need to sit with them and talk about Allah. Listen to their Quran tajweed, help them understand the meaning of Quran, help them modify their behavior according to the Sunnah of Rasoolullah, teach them ahadeeth, etc. This is our duty! And not just cleaning the house and cooking food.