|
---------
178
When Life Begins --------- ---------
179
When Life Begins ---------
When Prophet Jeremiah
PBUH
However, in contrast to their moral decay, their political ambitions
were very high. There was an on-going hate campaign against
Nebuchadnezzar. The attention of their political and religious leadership
was focused on liberating them from the political subservience.
National reformation, character building, and strengthening their bond
with their Lord were not topics of discussion at any level. There was a
lot of emphasis on the visible rituals of religiosity but virtues like faith,
moral values, and good deeds had no value.
was sent to the Israelites as a prophet,
they were a vassal state of the Babylonian empire of Iraq, a superpower
at that time, and its King, Nebuchadnezzar. The moral decline of
Israelites at the time was at its lowest level. Idol worship was rampant.
Adultery was common. Their behaviour towards fellow Jews was that of
extremely cruel and oppression. The cursed practices of Usury and
slavery were widespread.
Prophet Jeremiah started his work in this environment and raised
the banner of faith in one God and high morals with full force and
vigour. He criticised the approach of the political and religious
leadership.
He warned the nation about the consequences of its moral
deficiencies, idol worship, and other criminal shortcomings. In addition,
he emphatically warned them about the risks associated with their
plans for mutiny against
Nebuchadnezzar
. He tried to dissuade them
from taking any foolish or emotional steps against
Nebuchadnezzar and
warned them
that if they did embark on that perilous path,
Nebuchadnezzar
would set upon them like the scourge of God.
However, his nation did not pay heed to him. Instead, they first
hanged him upside down in a well, and imprisoned him thereafter.
Afterwards, they revolted against
Nebuchadnezzar.
Consequently,
Nebuchadnezzar
attacked them with all his might. He killed six hundred
thousand Jews and took away an equal amount with him as slaves.
Jerusalem was raised to ground. When he left, the city looked like an
abattoir. This incident was later referred to in the Qur’an, which
declared the aggressors as the wrath of God against the Israelites, and a
payback for all their mischief.
While I was lost in these thoughts, Saleh probably read my mind
and said to me:
“Your own nation did exactly the same thing, did it not? They were
at the rock bottom when it came to knowledge, education, true faith,
and morals. Yet their so-called leaders continued to blame the super
powers of the time and their political conspiracies for their problems.
Instead of focusing on improving their faith and moral values, political
power and dominance were their foremost concerns. Adulteration,
corruption, excessive profiteering and exploitation, hypocrisy and
polytheism plagued your nation.
Following the cessation of prophethood after the last Holy Prophet,
it was their responsibility to deliver God’s message to the rest of the
humanity. However, instead of reforming their nation and spreading the
message of Islam to non-Muslims, they embarked on a path of hatred
against them. They waged wars against them, like these Israelites here
who waged a war against
Nebuchadnezzar
instead of reforming
themselves. Unfortunately, like the Israelites, they also faced similar
terrible consequences of their actions!”
As Saleh completed his sentence, there was an announcement,
“Bring forth Jeremiah”.
In a short while, Prophet Jeremiah
PBUH
Saleh said to me, “The Almighty will present the case of his
Messenger himself”.
arrived, accompanied by a
few angels. He stood in front of the Throne quietly without saying
anything.
As soon as Saleh uttered those words, a movie started to role in the
sky in front of us and everyone looked up to watch it.
===============
It was a scene of absolute devastation. All around, one could see
fires and their leaping flames. Thick clouds of smoke rose skywards from
the burning houses and properties. Sobs, screams and suppressed
wailing could be heard everywhere. The earth was awash with the
blood of innocent and sinners alike. Human beings were being thrashed
mercilessly without let or hindrance. Homes were being robbed.
www.inzaar.org
Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: |
