Not Equal Are Those Who Remain — The Occasion for Excusing the Disabled
asbab
Level: basic
madani-rulings
as-044
لَّا يَسۡتَوِي ٱلۡقَٰعِدُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ غَيۡرُ أُوْلِي ٱلضَّرَرِ
— النساء 95
Verse: "Not equal are those believers who remain — other than those with disabilities — and those who strive." (4:95)
Occasion (Agreed Upon): When "not equal are those who remain" was revealed without exception — Ibn Umm Maktum the blind man came and said: "O Messenger, is there a concession for me?" Allah revealed immediately: "other than those with disabilities."
The speed's significance: Anas reported: "I saw the revelation descend on the Messenger of Allah at that very moment." Allah's concern for one disabled individual. Islam considers individuals, not only groups.
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari (4593); Al-Wahidi; Al-Qurtubi (5/341)
Question: How quickly was "other than those with disabilities" revealed and what does it signify?
Answer: Revealed immediately at that very moment — proof that Allah cares for the situation of one disabled individual. Islam is a religion that considers individuals, not just groups.