Author: Abdul Hai Lay'yan
The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part Two)
In light of the aforementioned discussions, it can be clearly seen that the family is not just a basic social institution; rather, it is a strategic focus for the formation of civilization, the education of the human race, and the realization of the sublime goals of human life. The revealed teachings, especially the verses of the Holy Quran, have dealt with various aspects of this institution with a deep and wise look, from its initial foundation to its educational, moral, and social functions at the individual and societal levels.
A study of the Quranic system about the family, the practical conduct of the prophets, and the structures within the family indicate that the family has a fundamental and irreplaceable position in the intellectual and educational system of Islam.
Thus, the author of this study, after encountering the conceptual scope and depth into content of the subject of family in the Quran, came to the conclusion that its scientific and systematic study has become doubly necessary. The importance of this issue is not only in the theoretical and epistemological dimension; Rather, it is also evident in the practical and strategic field of rebuilding and strengthening the foundation of the family in today’s societies. Therefore, the idea of researching the “Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets” was formed with an analytical, educational, and civilization-building approach in order to discover the Quranic foundations, utilize the revelation capacities in redefining family relationships, and reform contemporary challenges.
Prophet Adam (PBUH) and the family
Prophet Adam (PBUH) is the first divine prophet and the common father of all humans. Allah Almighty created him from clay and then dried it in such a way that when He struck it, a sound like pottery would be heard. Then He gradually developed him in the stages of creation and breathed His soul into him. Thus, Adam became a living being with flesh, bones, perception, and the ability to move. In the Holy Quran we read: (وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ إِنِّي خَالِقٌ بَشَرًا مِّن صَلْصَالٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ) Translation: “And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: ‘I am going to create a human being from dried clay, taken from a foul-smelling clay.'”
And in another place it says: (خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِن صَلْصَالٍ كَالْفَخَّارِ) Translation: “He created man from dried clay like pottery”.
According to the will of Allah, the earth must be inhabited by man; Therefore, Allah created a wife for Adam from his own kind to be a source of comfort for him, as this verse of the Quran refers to: (هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَجَعَلَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا لِيَسْكُنَ إِلَيْهَا) Translation: “He it is Who created you (all) from a single soul; and made from it its mate that he might dwell with her”.
It also says in another place: (وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَه) Translation: “And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may find peace in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy.”
Most commentators believe that “Eve” was created from the body of Prophet Adam (PBUH) and various narrations have been narrated in this regard. Some sources say that she was created from the left rib of Prophet Adam (PBUH), although this issue is not definitive and unanimous, and has been presented as a possible interpretation.
The Prophet of Islam, PBUH, also reminded us of this in a wise and insightful statement, while presenting the special characteristics of women: “Treat women well, for she was created from a single piece of rib, and the crooked part of her is her uppermost part. If you try to straighten her, she will break, and if you leave her, she will remain crooked. So treat women well”.
This narration focuses on the natural and psychological differences between men and women, emphasizing that these differences, and their interaction with tolerance and tact, form the foundation for peace and stability in the family. Attempting to change a woman’s innate nature can lead to damage in human relationships, while accepting differences with kindness and mutual understanding will lead to mercy and empathy.
Hazrat Adam and Hawa (Eve) in Paradise
The story of the creation of man and his residence in Paradise is introduced as the starting point for the divine test of man in the Holy Quran. Allah Almighty placed Prophet Adam (PBUH) and his wife in Paradise and allowed them to enjoy its various blessings; but He explicitly forbade them from approaching a specific tree. This divine prohibition can be considered a warning to stay away from dubious situations; because entering into areas of doubt is a prelude to committing forbidden acts. The Holy Quran says in this regard: (وَقُلْنَا يَا آدَمُ اسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَذِهِ الشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ) Translation: “And We said: O Adam! Dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise, and eat of it freely wherever you wish, but do not approach this tree, because you will be among the wrongdoers.”
Jurists and commentators have pointed out a precise point in interpreting this verse, that the prohibition of approaching the forbidden indicates the carefulness of the Sharia in preventing the occurrence of sin; because entering a forbidden area, even if not with the intention of sin, increases the possibility of falling into sin.
On the other hand, the story of Iblis, as the ancient enemy of man, from the very beginning of creation, indicates the beginning of a deep and permanent confrontation between man and Satan. Iblis was expelled from the divine court due to his arrogance and refusal to prostrate to Adam, and then he asked Allah for respite until the Day of Judgment so that he could mislead the children of Adam. The Holy Quran states as follows:
(قَالَ فَاخْرُجْ مِنْهَا فَإِنَّكَ رَجِيمٌ وَإِنَّ عَلَيْكَ اللَّعْنَةَ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ قَالَ رَبِّ فَأَنظِرْنِي إِلَى يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ قَالَ فَإِنَّكَ مِنَ الْمُنظَرِينَ) Translation: “(Allah the Exalted) said: (because you disobeyed my command) then get out of paradise, because you are rejected (from my mercy) and cursed you until the Day of Judgment (in which you and your followers will be caught by my eternal punishment) He said: Lord! Now that it is so, give me respite until the Day when (people will be resurrected after their death)”.
According to the verses of the Quran, after being expelled from Paradise, Iblis declared his mission to tempt man and lead him away from the right path. He tries to divert man from the divine command by emphasizing the use of every possible means, including arousing lusts, creating deceptive desires, and instilling doubt. In the Holy Quran, we read: (قَالَ فَبِعِزَّتِكَ لَأُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنْهُمُ الْمُخْلَصِينَ) Translation: “He said: By Your Majesty, I will lead them all astray (in the light of eternal life and tireless effort); Except Your sincere servants from among them (over whom I have no power or authority, and My temptation does not affect them).”
However, in response to this threat, Allah Almighty, by declaring a firm stance, expelled Iblis from His mercy with humiliation and tied the fate of his followers to the fire of Hell: (قَالَ اخْرُجْ مِنْهَا مَذْءُومًا مَّدْحُورًا لَّمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ) Translation: “(Allah) said, ‘Get out of this (place of the Holy and the holy ones) despised, rejected, and humiliated. I swear that I will fill Hell with you and all those who follow you.’”
Thus, the beginning of human history was marked by a divine Test; a test in which the confrontation between divine inspirations and satanic temptations serves as a basis for measuring human faith and free will throughout history. The temptations of Satan are psychological and intangible in nature and are always presented to humans in the form of worldly attractions and deceptive desires. Understanding this mechanism is part of a deep understanding of divine wisdom in creation and the task of man.
Continues…
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