Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question:
What do the verses 4:28 and 21:37 mean? What is the requirement when we think about the Prophets (peace and blessing on them all)?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
“And it is Allah’s Will to lighten your burdens, for humankind was created weak. “(Qur’an, 4:28)
This verse is in the context of a number of rulings related to marriage and related matters that were mentioned earlier. It shows that one of the reasons why some ease and facilitation was granted in them is because Allah wants a degree of ease for us in our lives and our din.
The reason for this is because human beings are weak when it comes to people opposing their base desires that need to be restrained from wrong avenues. Many also struggle to use their abilities in the service of Allah Most High. (Abu al Su’ud, Irshad al ‘Aql al Salim)
“Humankind is made of haste. I will soon show you My signs, so do not ask Me to hasten them. “(Qur’an, 21:37)
This verse describes the human being – who is hasty and impatient – as though he has been made from hastiness and that it is an essential part of him, just like his bones and blood. This is a rhetorical device used to emphasize the point being made and not to be taken literally.
There have been people who have demanded miracles and signs from the Prophets (peace and blessings be on them all) instantly. Some demanded that the punishments they were threatened with be manifested instantly. This verse shows that Allah does things according to His own time frame, and their demands will not bring the results they insist on seeing instantly. (Abu al Su’ud, Irshad al ‘Aql al Salim)
Both verses comment on the general state of the generality of people. They do not include every single human being ever – especially the Prophets (peace and blessings be on them all). There are other verses that are similar in their meaning, and there are verses that show the Prophets had the qualities of patience and forbearance, for example.
We should look at these verses, identify the flaws present within ourselves, and then work on removing them. This is very possible and part of the intent of the verse.
May Allah remove our faults and flaws and enable us to worship Him as He loves.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani