These are the Aayaat of a Book indeed worthy of being rated as such. It is laden with words of insight and wisdom. It contains the most sagacious answers to all the problems of life and the mysteries of death and the life beyond. Besides, this Book contains guidance and a model, a guidance so beautiful that it not only facilitates all worldly affairs but also qualifies its follower for Allah^-SWT’s Mercy. Its benefits are promised to those who believe in it with utmost sincerity and practise it with the deepest devotion and those who zealously strive to worship Allah^-SWT and pay Zakaat, and do not love money. Rather, they spend what they possess in accordance with His Commands. They have a staunch belief in the Aakhirah in that they discharge their temporal duties with an eye on the eternal results. These are on the right path as determined by the Sustainer. And they indeed are the triumphant both in this world and in the Aakhirah.

There are others who indulge in foolish pursuits and idle tales. They indeed are the ignorant lot who try to allure people away from Allah^-SWT’s path with absurdities and make fun of Deen. For them awaits a doom of humiliation, as they will not only be punished also abased in this world and the Aakhirah.

Lahv-Al-Hadith

This Ayat was revealed with reference to a particular incident. It so happened that Nadhr bin Harith, a polytheist, went to Persia and bought chronicles containing stories of Chosroes, his family and his generals. He also brought a bondswoman with him who was a skilled singer. He told the Makkans that the Quran comprised mere tales while he had far more interesting accounts together with songs and music to enjoy. The scholars conclude that:

• All novels and stories which spread immorality, and are produced with the intention of deviating people from Islam will fall under infidelity. And if the motive is merely to make money or acquire fame, it is forbidden.
• Same is the case with singing and music. Specially when women are also participating, it is totally forbidden. And there is no doubt over the prohibition of musical instruments. This prohibition is conditional to the fact that these musical instruments are not aimed at driving people away from Islam. Otherwise it is downright infidelity. However, for an adult male or female, in a congregation of the same gender, reading out constructive and positive couplets and poems in a melodious tone without music is permissible. And recounting historical events which are educative and carry a message of reformation for the society is also allowed.
• All sports aimed at physical fitness or for acquiring combat skills are essentially a religious duty. Details may be seen in various Commentaries of the Quran.

Those who resort to tactics like Nadhr bin Harith are indeed impudent. As a punishment for this crime as so much arrogance is generated in their hearts that when Allah^-SWT’s Commandments are read out to them they simply turn their backs as if they were deaf, totally deprived of listening. Betide these people of Allah^-SWT’s punishment, for this attitude is leading them straight to.

Pakistani Press And Electronic Media

It would certainly not be out of place to make mention of the national press and television. Some of the newspapers simply publish rubbish and saucy gossip to enhance their sales which is forbidden. And where it derides Islam it is downright infidelity. The majority of televised programmes are nothing but Lahv-ul-Hadith while the educative and constructive are indeed few. Those responsible for wasting away national resources and time to perverse the minds of younger generations must fear Allah^-SWT’s chastisement.

Of course, those who accept the true faith and reform themselves will be rewarded, irrespective of their past, with Jannah abounding with Allah^-SWT’s bounties. They shall abide therein as this is the Promise of the Almighty, Who^-SWT is Wise and it is His^-SWT Wisdom that works behind every scene. He^-SWT created the heavens like a roof without any supporting column or wall to rest on. He^-SWT installed gigantic mountains on the earth floor with such perfection as to preclude any hazard for His^-SWT creation, and spread myriad of animal species. He^-SWT made water pour down from the skies to quicken the soil and yield a colourful range of plantations and fruits. He^-SWT designed a system of reproduction in the botanical world by creating everything in pairs; male as well as female. All this creation along with incessantly functioning universal system belong to Him^-SWT . Can anyone except Him^-SWT boast of any such creativity? Or have those ascribed as His^-SWT partners by the Polytheists created anything? If so, let it be brought forth. And they certainly cannot do so; rather they are the transgressors wandering in their waywardness.