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The interpretation of "Inclined and Inclining"
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Q: What is the meaning of the Messenger's (peace be upon him) saying: "Inclined and inclining" ?
A: This phrase is stated in an authentic Hadithrelated by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic book of Hadith)that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: There are two types amongst the inhabitants of Hellfire whom I have not seen yet: Men who have whips like the tails of cows with which they beat people, and women who are clothed yet naked, who will be inclined [to evil] and are inclining others [to it]. Their heads are like the humps of the two­hump camels tilted to one side. They will not enter Jannah (Paradise) or even smell its odor. This is a stern warning that should be carefully regarded.
The men in whose hands are whips like the tails of cows are those who strike people unjustly such as policemen and others, whether that is done by order of the state or otherwise. For the state is only to be obeyed in Ma`ruf (that which is judged as good, beneficial, or fitting by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Obedience is mandatory only in Ma`ruf. He (peace be upon) also said: There shall be no obedience to any creature to the disobedience of the Creator.
As for the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: And women who are clothed yet naked, who will be inclined [to evil] and are inclining [others to it], scholars interpret "clothed" to mean that they are endowed with great bounties from Allah but are "naked", for they are enjoying the blessings of Allah and giving no thanks for them. They do not obey the Commands of Allah or avoid His Prohibitions even though He has bestowed upon them wealth and other blessings. Another meaning is also suggested that they wear clothes that do not cover them, for being too light or too short. Thus, they do not serve their purpose. Hence, they are described as "naked", as the clothes they wear do not cover their 'Awrah (private parts of the body that must be covered in public). Over and above, "Inclined" means deviant from chastity and righteousness i.e. they commit sins and evil deeds like those who do immoral acts or fall short to perform the obligatory duties, prayer, etc. As for the interpretation of "Inclining", it means that they misguide others i.e. they call people to evil and corruption. So, they lead others to immorality and sin by words and deeds. They commit immoral actions because of their weak or fading Iman (faith/belief). This Sahih Hadith intends to warn against wrongdoing and all kinds of corruption whether committed by men or women.
As for the Prophet's saying: Their heads are like the humps of the long­necked camels tilted to one side, some scholars said, they make their heads look big, because of the wigs and the like that they use until they look like the humps of camels. The mentioned type of camel has two humps between which there is a dip.
So that one hump leans one way and the other leans to the other way. Thus, when these woman make their heads look big in this way, they look like these humps.
Regarding his saying (peace be upon him): They will not enter Jannah or even smell its odor Though this is a stern warning, it does not necessarily imply their disbelief or eternal punishment in hellfire. Like other disobedient people who die as Muslims, they are liable to punishment for their sins, but they continue to be under the Will of Allah; Allah may forgive or punish them according to His Will. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says in two positions in Surah Al­Nisa': Verily, Allâh forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills
However, if a Muslim wrongdoer enters hellfire, he will not last therein forever like the disbelievers. So, murderers, adulterers, and those who commit suicide will not last forever in hell but will stay for a specific period according to Ahl­ul­Sunnah wal­Jama`ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim main body). This is contrary to the beliefs of Khawarij (separatist group that believes committing a major sin amounts to disbelief), the Mu`tazilah (a deviant Islamic sect claiming that those who commit major sins are in a state between belief and disbelief), and those who follow their way among the people of Bida` (innovations in religion), since the Hadiths narrated from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) indicate that he will intercede for the sinners among his Ummah (nation of creed) and that Allah will accept that intercession from him (peace be upon him) several times; each time He will specify a number who are to be brought forth from hellfire. Similarly, the rest of the Messengers, the Mu'minun (believers), the angels, and children, for they will all intercede by Allah's Will. Allah will accept their intercession for whomsoever He wills among the people of Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism) who have entered hellfire by their sins, but are Muslims. Then, there will remain in hellfire those sinners who are not included in the intercession of the intercessors, but Allah will bring them forth by His Mercy and Grace. Finally, there will be none left in Hell but the kuffar who will last therein forever
and ever, according to Allah's saying: whenever it abates, We shall increase for them the fierceness of the Fire. He (Exalted be He) says: So taste you (the results of your evil actions). No increase shall We give you, except in torment. Moreover, He (Glorified be He) says regarding the Kuffar amongst the idolaters: Thus Allâh will show them their deeds as regrets for them. And they will never get out of the Fire. Allah (Exalted be He) also says: Verily, those who disbelieve, if they had all that is in the earth, and as much again therewith to ransom themselves thereby from the torment on the Day of Resurrection, it would never be accepted of them, and theirs would be a painful torment. They will long to get out of the Fire, but never will they get out therefrom; and theirs will be a lasting torment. The Ayahs that stress this meaning are numerous. May Allah keep us safe and secure from their state!