Examining the perfection of Islam.
Ulama Institute #1
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On the day of ‘Arafat, after the ‘Asr prayer, approximately eighty-one days before his death, the Prophet ﷺ stood before his Companions as an extremely significant verse of the Qur’aan was revealed. Allah ﷻ said:
ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًۭا ۚ( سورة المائدة: ٣ )
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”(Soorat al-Maidah: 3)
After overhearing the recitation of this verse, a Jewish man said to ‘Umar: “O Ameerul- Mu’mineen, there is a verse that you read in your book; if this verse had been revealed to us (meaning the Jews), we would have taken that day as a festival (or day of celebration).” ‘Umar inquired as to which verse he had intended. Then, after he realized which verse the Jewish man was referring to, he responded by saying: “Certainly, I know when that verse was revealed. It was revealed to the Messenger of Allah on the day of ‘Arafat which also happened to be a Friday.” Ibn ‘Abbaas responded to another Jewish man who made a similar statement by saying: “Indeed that verse was revealed on two days of ‘Eed (celebration); the day of ‘Eed and the day of Jumu’ah.”
Some commentators of the Qur’aan have mentioned that this verse refers to the greatest blessing that Allah has given the Muslims, which is the blessing of a perfect and complete religion. Islam is perfect so there is no need for Muslims to pursue other religions or beliefs. Similarly, there is no need to seek out another Prophet since the message of Muhammad ﷺ has completed the message of the prophets who preceded him. For this reason, the Prophet is referred to as the seal of the Prophets.
The previous verse explicitly states how the religion of Islam has addressed every issue that mankind may face. Every matter which is of importance to mankind in the life of this world or in the Hereafter has been carefully defined and clarified by the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The statement: “This day I have perfected your religion for you” means that both the belief of the Muslim as well as the law which guides his/her actions has been perfected.
Ali ibn Abee Talhah narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas that the religion that is mentioned in this verse is Islam. He further explained that this verse informs the Prophet ﷺ and the believers that: “Allah ﷻ has perfected their faith. So there will never be a need for any additions. Likewise, Allah has completed it so it does not contain any deficiencies. And since Allah ﷻ is pleased with it, He could never be displeased with it.”. It has signalled an end to the revelation of religious obligations and matters of lawfulness and unlawfulness and subtly foreshadowed the fate of the Prophet ﷺ .
The Prophet ﷺ passed away shortly after the revelation of this important verse, leaving behind a legacy that will continue until the Day of Judgment. He left us with a perfect religion and a complete way of life that will bring success to whoever implements it.
Discussion
- Mention some examples of the perfection of Islam? What do you think of first when you reflect upon the third verse of Soorat al-Maa’idah? What would you mention to a non-Muslim if they inquired about this verse? Form small groups and explore Some important issues related to this important topic and record your findings by writing down every idea that you can come up with.
