A Priceless Treasure
Submitted by Mohammed Gilani on
لاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ
The meaning of لاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ in the words of Rasulullah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ narrated that, once, while in the company of Rasulullah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, he uttered the words 'Laa Hawla walaa Quwwata Illa Billah'. Rasulullah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ enquired, "Do you know what is the meaning and explanation (tafseer) of these words?" He replied, "Allah and His Rasul know best."
Rasulullah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ explained,
"لا حول عن معصية الله إلا بعصمة الله" –
-There is no ability (in anyone) to abstain from disobeying Allah and sinning, except by the protection of Allah.
ولا قوة على طاعة الله إلا بعون الله
– and there is no strength (in anyone) to obey Allah, except with the help of Allah." (Musnadul Bazzaar, as quoted in Maj'mauz Zawaaid)
Hadrat Maulana Abdul Ghani Sahib Phulpoori رَحِمَهُ اللهُ has explained that although this statement is a jumlah-khabriyyah (a statement informing us of a certain matter), contained in these words is a jumlah-inshaaiyyah (in the form of a Dua).
We are therefore actually begging Allah,
اي اسئلك الحول والقوة بعصمة الله وببعون الله العلي العظيم
'O Allah, I ask You to grant me the ability to abstain from disobeying You and sinning by protecting me, and to grant me the strength to obey You by helping me'. (Condensed from Ma'rifate Ilaahiyyah)
Why was the request to be protected from sins brought first, followed by the request to become obedient?
Every sin results in the anger and wrath of Allah جَلَّ جَلَالُهُ, whereas the ability to do good is only by the mercy and kindness of Allah جَلَّ جَلَالُهُ (which cannot be attained if Allah جَلَّ جَلَالُهُ is displeased). The causes for the wrath of Allah will have to be removed before His mercy can be acquired.
(دفع غضب مقدم على جلب رحمة)
(Condensed from Ma'rifate Ilaahiyyah)
Virtues of these words:
1) It is a treasure from the treasures of Jannah, (Sahihul Bukhari, Sahih Muslim) from beneath the Arsh (throne) of Allah (Mustadrak of Haakim), which is, in reality, the roof of Jannah.
Why has it been called a treasure of Jannah?
* It is similar to a treasure, as it is extremely valuable and will acquire for one many benefits- especially in Jannah, but was unknown to the people, till Rasulullah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ presented it to the Ummah.
* It will change into the form of a treasure in Jannah and will belong to the reciter.
* It will accumulate for a person a treasure of wealth and luxuries in Jannah.
* It will acquire a treasure of great rewards in Jannah for its reciter.
to be continued...