In Arabic, it means the Power of God. In Israel, he was known as the son of the Old Lady. His father died when he was young. When God appointed him Prophet, his mother had grown very old. When God entrusted him with the duty of guiding the Children of Israel and other tribes, they had gone too deep in pursuit of their lustful life. Transgression, false pride, and superiority complex had hardened their hearts and rusted their minds. Self-interest, nepotism, lying, jealousy, and double standards had become their way of life. They took pride in shameless activities. They had justification for their ill deeds and injustice. They sought pleasure in ill-treating others. Customs and traditions of their fathers were their religion. People were divided into many sects; monotheism was replaced with superstitious infidelity and idol worship. Their ears had been sealed, their eyes were covered with veils, and their heads emptied of God’s true concept.
Ezekiel started preaching righteousness in these unfavorable situations. He taught them the significance of truth, advised them to refrain from evil deeds, and told them to follow the straight path. Addressing his people, he said, “Get away from the sinful life and follow the right path; otherwise, God will inflict you with His wrath.”
People, instead of listening to him or giving any consideration to what he said, mocked and ridiculed him and teased him. When it was confirmed that the seal upon their hearts would not break, he informed them of a horrible punishment according to the laws of God.
His prophecy, as given in the Book of Ezekiel, came true in the era of King Judah:
“Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled.
Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.
Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.
The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled. I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the Lord.”
(Ezekiel Ch: 7, 23–27)
Nebuchadnezzar
In 550 BC, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, which continued for seven years. When the supplies were cut off from the city and the provisions exhausted, famine and epidemics gripped the city. People tried to escape the city, but the king’s men chased them and slew them. Jerusalem was destroyed. Judah was arrested, and his sons were slain before his eyes. Judah was blinded and was taken to Babylon in chains.
Abdullah Bin Abbas says: a large group of Israelites refused to fight for the cause of God and, fearing death, took shelter in a faraway valley. God did not like that, and death prevailed upon them.
When Ezekiel happened to pass that habitation, he felt sad and prayed for those dead. God heard his prayer and restored them to life.
Didst thou not turn by vision to those who abandoned their homes, though they were thousands (in number), for fear of death? God said to them: “Die”: then He restored them to life. For God is full of bounty to mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:243)
Ezekiel also prophesied about the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), which can be seen in the Gospel of Barnabas. He spent his last days in Babylon and died there. He was buried near the river Tigris.
Point to Note:
When we compare the present era with that when evil crimes were punished with the wrath of God, we find it no different. Jealousy, covetousness, distrust, greed for worldly riches without any discretion of right or wrong, haughtiness and false pride, usurping others’ rights, violence, every new disease, insecurity, terrorism, differences resulting in feuds, desecration of religious norms, slaughtering of innocent people in the mosques, disobedience to parents and elders, bribery, adulteration, black marketing, hoarding of provisions, and brazenness are more prevalent than ever before. Now no prophet will come to warn us of the punishment. But the system of God is perfect and comprehensive; it does not alter or change. No doubt, our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) is full of mercy and he will recommend forgiveness for the sinners, but he follows the system of God.
Today, the situation of all the religions of God on earth and the manner in which the teachings of Islam are desecrated by elaborated justifications—that tantamounts to openly inviting the wrath of God. It is the duty and moral obligation of all the scholars, religious leaders, intellectuals, and people of vision to first correct themselves, then their family members, and then invite their fellow beings in their towns, cities, and countries toward the fact that history repeats itself. We have to mend our ways, lest the wrath of God catches us and we won’t be able to save ourselves.
May God forgive us for our sins. We have no other way but to turn to Him.