GI: The Prophet forbids Muslims from demolishing enemy homes and killing women and children

GI: Zionists committed all forbidden acts of combat and Allah will punish them accordingly

GI: News of collapsed Palestinian homes and killed families breaks my heart

 

His Eminence the Grand Imam (GI) clarified that the meaning of the word Halim is derived from Hilm, and it generally means forbearing and tolerant. It refers to one who is not easily provoked by other’s anger or disobedience and who does not rush to inflict punishment on others. He noted that regarding the Almighty (Exalted is He), He is the Most Forbearing, who does not accelerate punishment of disobedient humans. He (Exalted is He) says, “If Allah were to punish people (immediately) for their wrongdoing, He would not have left a single living being on earth” (Qur’an, 16:61). Besides, whenever the Prophet (pbuh) was preoccupied with something distressful, he would invoke Allah saying, “There is no god but Allah, the Most Great, the Most Forbearing.” In this sense, Al-Halim is one of Almighty Allah’s ninety-nine Names.

During the 10th episode of his Ramadan TV program Al-Tayyeb Talk, the Grand Imam noted that though forbearance requires patience, it is still different from patience. Dropping the punishment of those who do not adhere to Allah’s ordinances, be they disbelievers, disobedient or transgressors, in this world though He is able to punish them, refers to the attribute of forbearance. However, inflicting a delayed punishment on them or some of them in the Hereafter refers to another attribute, which is patience.

 

In response to the question, "How is it that Allah, the Most High, is forbearing towards all humans, believers and disbelievers alike? What is the wisdom in Him being forbearing towards the Zionists despite all that they are doing in Gaza Strip?" His Eminence clarified that Allah might have dropped their punishment temporarily; however, they will have their due punishment for the crimes they commit against people. The Almighty says, “Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when their eyes will stare in horror.”

 

As for how to translate our belief in Allah’s Beautiful Name, Al-Halim, into action in our life, the Grand Imam indicated that the believer should get accustomed to showing pardon and forbearance towards others. A Muslim should train to observe such traits, to show forbearance to others, to smile at them, to avoid rushing to punish those who wrong him/her, to be lenient in blaming others, and to avoid severing relations with others, especially one’s kindred.

 

The Grand Imam added that what helps a Muslim be inured to the attribute of forbearance is to study the attributes of the Prophet (pbuh), to see how he used to forgive and pardon others, and to be lenient even to animals. The Prophet (pbuh) would command the army not to kill women, children, or blind persons on the battlefield. He would command them not to kill animals unless they are forced to slaughter an animal for food and within due proportion. Likewise, he would command them not to destroy a beehive or cut down trees. All such instructions apply in dealing with the enemy. Even on the battlefield, a Muslim is forbidden to kill anyone who does not participate in the fight. Similarly, it is forbidden to harm a monk in his cell.

 

His Eminence explained that comparing Islamic rules of combat to what is happening now in the Gaza Strip shows that the Zionist enemy have committed all forbidden things. They chase innocent people, including children, women, and sick persons, and drive them out of their homes, and then hit them as easy targets. They would not spare hospitals, mosques, universities, and houses.

 

His Eminence the Grand Imam expressed his profound distress when meeting Palestinian students studying at Al-Azhar University, engaging in conversations with them, and hearing from many of them that their entire homes have collapsed on their families. He said, “How would a student feel if she receives the news of the collapse of her house and the loss of her entire family!” His Eminence concluded his talk by reciting the verse “Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when (their) eyes will stare in horror.”