A Dog Honored by Allah: For supporting a righteous cause

 

وَتَحْسَبُهُمْ أَيْقَاظًا وَهُمْ رُقُودٌ وَنُقَلِّبُهُمْ ذَاتَ اليَمِينِ وَذَاتَ الشِّمَالِ وَكَلْبُهُمْ بَـسِطٌ ذِرَاعَيْهِ بِالوَصِيدِ لَوِ اطَّلَعْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ لَوْلَّيْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِرَارًا وَلَمُلِئْتَ مِنْهُمْ رُعْبًا 

"And you would have thought (the people of the cave were) awake, whereas they were asleep. And We turned them on their right and on their left sides, 

and their dog was stretching forth his two forelegs at theentrance. Had you seen them, you would certainly have turned back from them in flight, and would certainly have been filled with awe of them." (Surah Al-Kahf 18:18)

In commenting about this ayah of surah Al-Kahf 18:18, Ibn Kathir said, "The blessing (the people of the cave) enjoyed was extended to their dog, so the sleep that overtook them, overtook the dog too. 

This is the benefit of accompanying good people, and so this dog attained fame and stature." (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

Ash-Shanqiti said, "It should be noted that the Almighty’s mentioning of this dog in His Scripture - the Qur'an - indicates that accompaniment of the righteous has great benefit!

This is also indicated by the Prophet’s statement to one who said, “Indeed I love Allah and His Messenger,” he said, “You will be with those whom you love.”" (Adwa al-Bayan 4/34)

There is a profound lesson in this ayah and the commentaries by Ibnu Kathir and ash-Shanqiti: 

When you help and accompany a noble cause with righteous people, Allah will Honor you. And what greater honour is there from affirmation as helping a righteous cause mentioned in the book of Allah - the Qur'an - which will be preserved until the Day of Judgment? 

Think about it: Even a DOG was granted this honour. 

What I found particularly interesting was that the As-habul Kahf (The People of the Cave) were not "popular" people, by any means. In fact, the people of their time rejected them and threatened to murder them. To choose to accompany these group of young men would have been the unpopular choice, possibly be unfriended by others. Yet this is what wisdom is: to see through the fog of popularity, and 'filter' out the Just Cause to support in accordance to your WHY: your principles and values of your religion, and not the popularity vote or peer pressures.

It isn’t a path of convenience, but a path of conviction: and the means of being honored by your Creator, the Lord of the Universe.

مَنْ كَانَ يُرِيدُ الْعِزَّةَ فَلِلَّـهِ الْعِزَّةُ جَمِيعًا

"Whosoever desires honour, power and glory then to Allah belong all honour, power and glory!" (Surah Fatir 35:10)

Have you found and supported your just cause?