Reflection 2.0 - CCUB 2621 Section 204

Khutbah: Don't Live an Empty Life by Nouman Ali Khan

The tafsir of Surah Luqman as told in this khutbah focuses on the relationship between humans. It starts with warning us against making others feel belittled by dismissing them. On this, Nouman Ali Khan gave a beautiful advice regarding human interactions where we should treat others with respect and be careful to not disrespect them. What’s even more interesting, but sometimes overlooked, is that a silent treatment or something as miniscule as a sigh can bring humiliation to a person. For example, if a friend comes to me to talk about a problem she has with me, and I simply ignore her without an explanation, she might have the impression that her problems are invalidated. Not only will that make her feel belittled, it can also put a dent in our friendship. As a result, she might keep a distance from me.

Following this, the khatib explained how this connects to the next part of the verse by breaking down the meaning behind the word “maraha”. Arabic is surely a very rich language since a word as simple as maraha can mean many different things which includes slipping out of something so easily, impulsivity, arrogance and lack of consideration towards others. All of these meanings connect because slipping out of one’s value system can cause a person to act negatively towards others. And by effect, they will also be driven away from other people, especially good people who feel disrespected by their actions.

Nouman Ali Khan ended his khutbah by concluding that a person at the disposal of the devil when they isolate themselves from good people by dismissing them, sending them further into their arrogance. This reminds me the importance of befriending good people who will remind us of Allah and His teachings. As humans, mistakes, miscommunication and arguments are inevitable but it is all in the way we make amends between humans and to Allah. Instead of turning our cheek the other way and dismissing a problem, an open conversation between people is important as a sign of respect of someone’s dignity.