Surah Al Baqarah Ayahs 104-105

During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), some of the Bani Israel invented a new way to make fun of the Prophet. Ayah 104 reads, "O you who believe , do not say Ra'ina, but say Unzurna, and listen. And for the unbelievers there is a grievous punishment." They would address Rasul Allah (SAW) with "Ra'ina", which in Arabic means "be mindful of us", but in Hebrew, the same word is a curse. The Arabs and Muslims, not knowing the double intention of the Bani Israel, also began to address the Prophet with this word, much to the great glee of the Bani Israelis. Therefore, Allah (SWT) commands the Muslims to address the Prophet by using the word Unzurna, which has the same meaning of "be mindful to us", but with no double meaning. Also, this verse elucidates the point that being even indirectly disrespectful to the Prophet (SAW) constitutes infidelity. This also comes to show that we shouldn't blindly follow other people, as is becoming the norm of today through Westernization.

We continue on to verse number 105, "Those who disbelieve from among the people of the Book, or idolaters, do not like that any good should come to you from your Lord. But Allah chooses for His grace whom He wills. And Allah is the Lord of great bounty". The previous verse described how the Bani Israelis behaved towards the Prophet (SAW), whereas this verse describes their behavior towards Muslims in general. They claimed to be their well-wishers, but didn't mean it. This specific ayah refers to those disbelievers who have been given the Message, know it is the Truth, yet reject it. However, hatred for Muslims will not prevent them from Allah's blessings, as "Allah chooses for His grace whom He wills". We should always be grateful for all of the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us, not taking it for granted. His blessings are infinite and go beyond our imagination. The greatest of all blessings is guidance to the straight path, and we should constantly be making dua to not go astray.

May Allah (SWT) give us the tawfiq to realize His blessings and be ever-grateful, and to refrain from following other cultures when our religion itself is so complete and beautiful. Ameen.