Reflections of Sheikh Al-Shaarawi
Transforming Wrongdoings with the Heart
Sheikh Al-Shaarawi, may Allah have mercy on him, discusses the importance of internal change when encountering wrongdoing: “Let the transformation of wrong be initiated from within your heart. If you perceive something wrong but can only express, ‘O Allah, this is a wrongdoing that displeases You,’ is this emotional response sufficient to constitute a change if you are required to rectify it through action?”
“It was stated that internal change cannot occur unless outward behavior aligns with the heart’s convictions. If your heart acknowledges this wrongdoing as displeasing to Allah, your actions should reflect this awareness. Merely pointing out the error without the ability to prevent or advise on it leaves you with no alternative but to isolate yourself from such behavior. Otherwise, how can you assert your internal disapproval while maintaining relationships that contradict it?”
“Thus, true change manifests only when the wrongdoer feels a sense of isolation. Do not congratulate them in joy or offer condolences in sorrow. If you are a business owner, refrain from trading with them. The prevalence of falsehood and the audacity of wrongdoers have escalated precisely because people engage with and respect them, even exacerbating their notoriety through fear.”
“Changing from within is not a mere verbal claim; it is an act and a stance. Our Lord has elucidated this principle through His words: ‘(And We have certainly sent down to you in the Scripture that when you hear the verses of Allah being denied and ridiculed, do not sit with them until they engage in another topic; otherwise, you would be like them. Indeed, Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell all together).’”
Linking Prayer and Charity in the Quran
Sheikh Al-Shaarawi reflects on Allah’s instruction as conveyed by Luqman to his son: ‘(O my son, establish prayer and enjoin what is right).’ He notes that unlike in other commands, zakat is not mentioned here. The reason lies in the Quran’s integration of prayer and charity; prayer demands a sacrifice of time, whereas time is synonymous with earning a livelihood and wealth.
“When you pray, you are essentially donating the entirety of your potential earnings during that period. In contrast, zakat only requires a portion, typically a tenth of your income. Thus, the act of prayer acts as a greater donation than zakat itself.”
The Pillars of Islam vs. the Pillars of Being a Muslim
Sheikh Al-Shaarawi distinguishes between the two concepts: “The pillars of Islam comprise the five known obligations. In contrast, the pillars of a Muslim consist of the essentials that remain in place regardless of circumstances: the two testimonies of faith and prayer. While it is obligatory for a Muslim to believe in all pillars, practical application may waive obligations other than prayer and the testimonies of faith.”
Commanding Good and Forbidding Evil
He emphasizes, “When you order good and forbid evil, don’t perceive it merely as a favor to others; instead, recognize it as an action that benefits yourself. You will experience spiritual fulfillment and tranquility in faith because you have met your obligations while others falter. A collective commitment to God’s path alleviates distress not just for individuals but for society as a whole.”
Fatherhood Defined by Nurture
Sheikh Al-Shaarawi posits that fatherhood encompasses both creation and nurturing: “Just as there is a paternal bond through creation, there exists a fatherly relationship through upbringing. Frequently, a child may find nurturing from individuals other than their biological parents, warranting gratitude and respect towards these figures.”
“The principle operates under the notion that if a biological father is absent, the nurturing figure inherits the rights of fatherhood, deserving of gratitude, kindness, and affection. In fact, their rights may be amplified, as the nurturing parent provides emotional and spiritual guidance beyond mere biological ties.”
Commitment to Worship Without Over-Analysis
He advises, “It is not fitting for a believer to complicate the rationale behind acts of worship or seek to understand the reasoning behind them. The paramount rationale is straightforward: the duty is executed because Allah has commanded it, and the prohibitions exist because He has forbade them. Thus, the authority in matters of worship is primarily God’s will. A true believer, having faith in Allah’s wisdom and power, should refrain from questioning the motives of divine commands.”
Arrogance Born from Ignorance
He explains, “An arrogant person often exists in a state of oblivion regarding Allah. They might view themselves as superior to others, perhaps due to certain advantages, while overlooking God’s grandeur. Had they acknowledged the majesty of Allah, they would reconsider their arrogance; for true greatness and majesty belong solely to Allah. His grandeur elevates us and shields us from servitude to anyone but Him.”
About Sheikh Al-Shaarawi
Sheikh Muhammad Metwally Al-Shaarawi was a prominent scholar and interpreter, recognized as one of the leading figures in contemporary Islamic thought in Egypt and a pillar of 20th-century Islamic advocacy.
Born in the Mett Ghamr district of Daqahlia, Egypt, he earned his international diploma from the Faculty of Arabic Language at Al-Azhar University in 1941. He served as the Minister of Awqaf and Affairs of Al-Azhar from 1976 to 1978 during President Anwar Sadat’s tenure.
He received honorary doctorates in literature from Mansoura University and Menoufia University and was appointed a founding member of the Scientific Miracles in the Qur’an and Sunnah Conference by the Muslim World League in Mecca. Sheikh Al-Shaarawi passed away in 1998, may Allah have mercy on him.