Consolation in the Holy Quran
Consolation is regarded as one of the noblest and most virtuous traits. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified this noble quality through his actions towards others. It is imperative for Muslims to embody the character of the Prophet and strive to adopt one of the greatest and most delicate virtues: the practice of consolation. The Holy Quran references this noble trait in several verses, which are highlighted below.
Consolation for Orphans in the Holy Quran
Allah (SWT) has commanded us to show kindness towards orphans and to empathize with their situations. The Quran places significant emphasis on the well-being of orphans, as demonstrated in the following verses:
- Allah the Exalted states: (So as for the orphan, do not oppress him).
- Allah the Exalted mentions: (Did He not find you an orphan and give you refuge).
- Allah the Exalted instructs: (And when the distribution is taking place, give to relatives, orphans, and the needy, and speak to them kind words).
- Allah the Exalted declares: (And test the orphans until they reach marriageable age. If you perceive in them sound judgment, then release their property to them. Do not consume it excessively, nor hasten to hand it over to them before they grow up. And whoever is self-sufficient should refrain from taking, and whoever is poor may eat justifiable food. And when you release their property to them, bring witnesses upon them. And sufficient is Allah as Reckoner).
- Allah the Exalted says: (And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city, and beneath it was a treasure for them. And their father had been righteous. So your Lord intended that they reach maturity and extract their treasure as a mercy from your Lord. And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of that about which you could not have patience).
- Allah the Exalted states: (And they give food, despite their desire for it, to the poor, the orphans, and the captive).
- Allah the Exalted advises: (And do not approach the property of the orphan except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [all] measure and weight in justice. We do not burden a soul except [with that within] its capacity. And if you speak, be just, even if it concerns a near relative. And fulfill the covenant of Allah. This has He instructed you that you may remember).
Consolation for the Prophets in the Holy Quran
The prophets are Allah’s chosen individuals, and they have been specifically mentioned in various verses throughout the Quran. The following verses highlight the consolation given to the prophets:
- Allah the Exalted states: (Did We not expand for you, [O Muhammad], your breast?).
- Allah the Exalted recounts: (When your sister walked and said, ‘Shall I direct you to one who will nurse him?’ And We returned you to your mother so that she might be pleased and not grieve. And you killed a soul, and We rescued you from the distress and tested you with afflictions. And you remained for years among the people of Midian. Then you came at the appointed time, O Moses).
- Allah the Exalted narrates: (And when our messengers came to Lot, he was distressed by them and feared for them. They said, ‘Fear not, and do not grieve. Indeed, we will save you and your family, except for your wife; she is to be among the doomed.’).
- Allah the Exalted assures: (And surely, your Lord will give you, and you will be satisfied).
- Allah the Exalted confirms: (And We have raised high for you your repute).
- Allah the Exalted instructs: (And be patient, and your patience is not but through Allah. And do not grieve over them or be in distress from what they conspire).
- Allah the Exalted assures: (Indeed, He who has made the Quran obligatory upon you will surely bring you back to a place of return…).
- Allah the Exalted mentions in Surah Yusuf: (So when they took him away and agreed to put him in the bottom of the well, We inspired to him: ‘You will surely inform them of this affair of theirs when they do not perceive’).
- Allah the Exalted states: (Indeed, Abraham was a [nation] submitting to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah).
- Allah the Exalted asserts: (Indeed, Allah chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of Imran over the worlds).
- Allah the Exalted said: (O Moses, indeed I have chosen you over the people with My messages and My words. So take what I have given you and be among the grateful).
Consolation for Muslims in the Holy Quran
Verses of consolation directed towards Muslims are prominently featured in the Quran, as outlined below:
- Allah the Exalted states: (And We inspired to the mother of Moses, ‘Nurse him, but when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear and do not grieve. Indeed, We will return him to you and will make him one of the messengers.’).
- Allah the Exalted affirms: (Indeed, Allah has heard the statement of the woman who argues with you concerning her husband and directs her complaint to Allah. And Allah hears your dialogue; indeed, Allah is All-Hearing and All-Seeing).
- Allah the Exalted reminds: (And [mention] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], ‘Do not worship except Allah; and to parents, do good, and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.’ Then you turned away, except for a few of you, and you were turning away).
- Allah the Exalted commands: (And worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him, and to parents, do good, and to relatives, orphans, and the needy, and the neighbor of kin and the neighbor, the companion at your side, and the companion along the way, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful).
- Allah the Exalted advises: (And do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers).
- Allah the Exalted states: (And [mention] when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary — distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah]’).