Question: Why was surah 3:169 revealed? Is it correct to say that this surah is applicable to great Muslim Saints like Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz of Ajmir ? In that case ziarath and prayer to Allah in darghas not shirk?
Answer:
Assalamu Alaikum,
Surah 3 verse 169 which states: “And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision” was revealed about the martyrs (those who were killed while fighting for the Deen of Allah). This verse as well as others in this Surah were revealed about what took place with the Muslims in the battle of Uhud. In that battle, 70 Muslims were killed (and gained martyrdom), hence, to show their great virtue in the sight of Allah, verse 169 was revealed by Allah.
The Surah/verse is not applicable to Muslim saints like Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz or any other saint. It speaks of the virtues of those who were martyred in Uhud, and any other person who gives his life to protect the Deen of Allah and is killed in Allah’s path.
When people go to the Darghas, they go to speak to those buried in their graves to help them and answer their duas. This is Shirk and must be avoided. The verse therefore, has nothing to do with going darghas etc.
And Allah Knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan.
6/2/2014.