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This is Living The Quran Through The Living Quran – a journey through the Noble Quran to better understand the Word of God.
Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/qaim-institute/subscribe
This is Living The Quran Through The Living Quran – a journey through the Noble Quran to better understand the Word of God.
Copyright: © QAIM Institute
As we bid farewell to Ramadan 2024, join us in celebrating the culmination of our 10th season of Ramadan Reflections! Throughout this sacred month, we embarked on a profound journey, exploring the Noble Quran to uncover the esteemed role of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) in Islam. Over nearly 30 insightful episodes, we: 1. Meticulously examined select Quranic verses that illuminate the virtues and significance of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) in the eyes of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). 2. We discovered how Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and his unwavering faith and devotion exemplify the essence of Islam. 3. Revealed the deep bond between Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and the Prophet (prayers of Allah be upon him and his family), rooted in love, respect, and an unwavering commitment to Islam's message. Witness how Imam Ali's life and teachings serve as a timeless example for believers worldwide. 4. Delve into the Quranic verses that highlight Allah's favor upon Imam Ali (peace be upon him) , showcasing his exalted status and profound influence on Islamic principles. Explore how he is intricately woven into the fabric of Islam, embodying its core values and teachings. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our donors and supporters whose generosity has made this journey possible. Your contributions have illuminated countless hearts and minds, spreading the wisdom of Islam globally. Looking ahead, we're excited to announce upcoming book publications exploring diverse topics, including the formative years of the Muslim community, supplications for spiritual growth, and insightful biographies of esteemed figures like Sayyida Zaynab (peace be upon her). As we part ways, let us carry the lessons learned during Ramadan forward. May Imam Ali's commitment to justice and devotion inspire us to become beacons of light in our communities. Eid Mubarak to all! May Allah's blessings be upon us as we continue to uphold the principles of our beloved faith. Subscribe for more enriching content and stay tuned for our upcoming projects!
On this auspicious 30th day of Ramadan, as some celebrate Eid and others continue in fasting, let's delve into Surah al-Baqara (2), Verse 83. Join us as we explore the profound lessons from the Divine covenant with the Bani Isra'il, reflecting on its relevance in our lives today. In this enlightening discussion, we uncover the pivotal moment in history when Allah took a promise from the Bani Isra'il to worship none but Him, uphold righteousness, and treat others with kindness. Discover how these principles resonate with the teachings of Islam and the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Explore the significance of monotheism, familial respect, social justice, and prayer as essential components of faith. Understand the importance of fulfilling religious obligations and honoring commitments, drawing parallels between the covenant with the Bani Isra'il and the covenant of Islam. Delve into the Quranic narratives of past nations, including the Bani Isra'il, and glean timeless wisdom on the consequences of obedience and disobedience. Learn how these narratives offer invaluable insights into human behaviour, societal dynamics, and the enduring relevance of moral principles. Stay tuned for practical tips on incorporating the teachings of Surah al-Baqara (2):83 into our daily lives. Reflect on the significance of honoring our spiritual fathers, Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali, as we navigate our journey of faith and obedience to Allah. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking Ramadan Reflection as we uncover the essence of Divine covenant and its implications for contemporary Muslims.
Welcome back to Ramadan Reflections 2024! As we approach the potential day of Eid, join us on the 29th day of Ramadan for profound insights into Surah al-Zumar (39):3. Today, we delve into the Divine recognition bestowed upon those who bring forth and confirm the truth, exploring the profound significance of truthfulness and piety in Islam. In this enlightening discussion, we unravel the layers of meaning behind this verse, reflecting on the embodiment of truth and piety in the lives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Explore how their unwavering commitment to truthfulness and confirmation of the Divine message serve as timeless examples for believers. Discover the intrinsic link between adhering to the truth and cultivating a profound sense of piety and God-consciousness. Learn how embracing and confirming the truth brought by Divinely appointed messengers is essential for spiritual elevation and attaining the pleasure of the Almighty. Delve into the interpretations of this verse from the sources of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), which highlight the pivotal roles of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali as the bearers and confirmers of truth. Explore how their lives exemplified the essence of righteousness and reverence for the Divine. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking Ramadan Reflection as we reflect on the essence of truth, piety, and Divine recognition in Islam.
Join us on the 28th day of Ramadan as we delve into the profound significance of Surah al-Maidah (5):3. This verse marks the culmination of Divine guidance, the perfection of Islamic faith, and the pivotal role of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). In this enlightening discussion, we unravel the layers of meaning behind the declaration of the completion of religion. Explore how the event of Ghadir Khumm signifies the ultimate perfection of Islam and the appointment of Imam Ali as the successor to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Discover why disbelievers fear a comprehensive religion that encompasses all aspects of life, including Divinely-appointed leadership. Learn how Imam Ali's leadership embodies justice, wisdom, and devotion to Allah, serving as the axis of true Islamic teachings. As believers, it's essential to recognize the indispensable role of Divine leadership in Islam. Reflect on the profound impact of embracing true leadership, which completes and perfects Islam, honoring the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. Don't miss out on this insightful Ramadan Reflection as we delve into the essence of Islam and the significance of genuine leadership in upholding its values.
As we delve into the 27th day of this blessed month, we explore a profound Quranic verse from Surah Ale Imran (3), verse 61, which elucidates a historic encounter between Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and a delegation of Christians from Najran. Discover the fascinating background behind this verse, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) engages in a theological dialogue with the Christians regarding the status of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him). Explore the challenges faced by both parties and the significance of invoking Divine judgment through the practice of mubahala. Witness the gravity of truth and the pursuit of justice as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) stands firm in defending the message of monotheism. Delve into the implications of this verse in the context of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), shedding light on his pivotal role as a staunch defender of truth and justice within the early Muslim community. Uncover the profound spiritual and metaphysical connection between Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), as Allah identifies Imam Ali as the "nafs" of the Prophet. Explore the implications of this spiritual bond and Imam Ali's role as the guardian of the Prophet's message and mission. Join us as we unravel the intricate layers of wisdom embedded within this Quranic verse, guided by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and the Imams of Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them all). Witness the timeless relevance of these teachings in navigating the challenges of today's world and upholding the principles of truth, justice, and spiritual enlightenment. Don't miss out on this enlightening journey of reflection and contemplation, as we draw inspiration from the profound wisdom of the Quran and the exemplary lives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Join us in our quest for deeper understanding and spiritual growth in the final days of Ramadan.
As we mark the 26th day of Ramadan, we delve into the profound wisdom embedded in Surah al-Jumuah and its relevance to our lives today. Join us as we explore the transformative impact of Divine revelation and the pivotal role of Imam Ali in preserving and elucidating the teachings of Islam. In this episode, we unravel the significance of Surah al-Jumuah, particularly focusing on verse 2, where Allah enlightens us about the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). Through recitation of Divine verses, purification of hearts, and imparting knowledge of the Book and wisdom, the Prophet guided humanity out of darkness into the light of truth. Delving deeper, we explore the distinction between the "Book" and "wisdom" mentioned in the verse, shedding light on their profound meanings. Scholars interpret "al-kitab" as the Quran and "al-hikmah" as the wisdom embodied in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). However, the true preservation of this wisdom lies with Imam Ali, as affirmed in authentic narrations. We examine the narration elucidating the verse, where it is stated that Imam Ali embodies the wisdom mentioned, ensuring the preservation and elucidation of the Prophetic teachings for future generations. Despite facing challenges, Imam Ali remained steadfast in defending Islam and nurturing the spiritual growth of believers. Drawing practical lessons, we reflect on the importance of purification, self-improvement, and intellectual education in our spiritual journey. We take inspiration from Imam Ali's unwavering commitment to upholding Divine teachings and defending Islam against corruption, even in challenging circumstances. As we conclude, let us emulate Imam Ali's exemplary conduct and dedication to Divine guidance. May we strive to purify our hearts, seek knowledge, and defend the truth, ensuring the preservation of Islam's purity for generations to come. Join us on this enlightening journey of reflection and enlightenment in the blessed month of Ramadan.
Welcome back to another profound episode of Ramadan Reflections 2024! Today, on the 25th day of Ramadan, we delve into the depths of Surah al-Takathur, exploring its significance and relevance in our lives. Join us as we reflect on the verse from this noble chapter and its connection to the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. In this episode, we explore the profound message encapsulated in Surah al-Takathur, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth. We discuss the accountability we will face on the Day of Judgment regarding the favors bestowed upon us by Allah, shedding light on the diverse interpretations of these blessings.
Moreover, we delve into the teachings of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and his central role in Islam, considering him as a tremendous blessing from Allah to humanity. Through narrations and reflections, we uncover the significance of Imam Ali's leadership and guidance, emphasizing the importance of aligning our actions with his righteous path. Join us as we explore practical tips for gratitude, detachment from worldly pursuits, and accountability in the Hereafter, drawing inspiration from the exemplary life of Imam Ali. Let us strive to emulate his profound faith and unwavering devotion, ensuring our actions align with the principles of righteousness and accountability before Allah. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion as we navigate through the profound teachings of Surah al-Takathur and the timeless wisdom of Imam Ali.
In this episode, we delve into Surah al-Noor (24), verse 36, exploring the metaphorical imagery of certain houses as beacons of spiritual enlightenment. These houses, where Allah's name is revered, symbolize sanctuaries of Divine remembrance. The verse follows the famous 'verse of Light,' highlighting Allah's guidance through metaphorical language. While not explicitly mentioned, this verse alludes to the guidance of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and his progeny. These houses, mentioned in the Quran, are where Allah's light shines brightly, protected from impurity. Imam Ali's household represents the sanctity and enlightenment described in the Quran, serving as a hub of spiritual nourishment. His home is a metaphorical representation of the illuminated abodes mentioned in the Quran, embodying Divine presence, piety, and remembrance. The hadith further clarifies the significance of Imam Ali's house as a source of guidance. According to the narration, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) confirmed that Imam Ali's house is among the best of houses, where Allah's name is mentioned and exalted. Practically, this highlights the importance of recognizing the superiority of certain individuals and places in Islam. While mosques and Islamic centers serve as conduits for Divine guidance, Imam Ali's household represents the true source of spiritual enlightenment. Reflecting on Imam Ali's virtues during Ramadan serves as a form of worship, guiding us to emulate his qualities. This underscores the profound spiritual connections in Islam and emphasizes the intertwined nature of Divine guidance, human exemplars, and places of worship. As we seek Divine guidance and spiritual enlightenment, may we remain mindful of figures like Imam Ali, whose virtues illuminate our paths and inspire us to draw closer to Allah. Through remembrance and emulation, may we embody noble qualities that lead us toward spiritual fulfillment and closeness to the Divine.
Today, on the 23rd day of Ramadan, we delve into the profound concept of guardianship in Islam, as elucidated in Surah al-Maidah (5), verse 55 of the Noble Quran. As we reflect on this verse, we explore its implications on the hierarchy of guardianship within the Muslim community. Drawing from historical narrations and interpretations, we uncover the significance of Prophet Muhammad (blessings of Allah be upon him and his famiy), Imam Ali (peace be upon him), and their appointed successors in guiding the faithful. Join us as we discuss the essence of Divine guardianship, emphasizing the continuity of leadership from Allah to His chosen representatives on Earth. Through the lens of continuous commitment to prayer and charity, we reflect on Imam Ali's exemplary life, epitomizing the principles of service, generosity, and righteous leadership. In this video, we address misconceptions surrounding the term "wali" and its profound implications for Islamic leadership. Through practical insights and reflections, we invite viewers to deepen their understanding of guardianship and its relevance in contemporary times. Finally, we leave you with a closing reflection, urging fellow Muslims to uphold the legitimacy of Divine guardianship and emulate the virtuous example set forth by Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali. Join us on this enlightening journey of spiritual introspection and discovery. Like, share, and subscribe for more insightful Ramadan Reflections. Together, let's strive towards building a just, compassionate, and righteous society, guided by the timeless teachings of Islam.
Today marks the 22nd day of the Blessed month of Ramadan, and in this episode, we delve into the profound insights of Surah al-Tahreem, verse 4 of the Noble Quran. Join us as we explore the intricate dynamics within the household of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) and unravel the nefarious plans of two of his wives, Ayesha and Hafsa. This verse serves as a stern warning against colluding or plotting against the Prophet, highlighting the Divine protection surrounding him. Delve into the historical context behind this revelation, as we uncover the jealousy-driven conspiracy hatched by Ayesha and Hafsa, aiming to humiliate their beloved husband, the Final Messenger of Allah. Discover the comprehensive support system surrounding the Prophet, as Allah reassures him of His guardianship and enlists the aid of Angel Jibraeel, other angels, and the righteous believers, notably Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib. Explore the pivotal role of Imam Ali in upholding the integrity and honor of the Prophet, as elucidated in the hadith. Gain practical insights for your Ramadan reflections, as we contemplate the divine protection and support available to believers. Reflect on the significance of righteousness and Divine companionship, and draw inspiration from the Prophet's unwavering faith amidst trials and tribulations. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that sheds light on the timeless relevance of Quranic teachings, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of faith, righteousness, and Divine assistance. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode of Ramadan Reflections, as we uncover the profound wisdom of Surah al-Tahreem and draw parallels to our lives today. Tune in for spiritual nourishment and guidance in navigating the complexities of faith and devotion during this blessed month of Ramadan.
On this solemn day of commemorating the martyrdom of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (peace be upon him), we extend our condolences to the Imam of our Age, al-Mahdi, and to all believers. Today marks the day when Imam Ali, the first Imam and the foremost companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), breathed his last after being struck by Ibn Muljim on the 19th of Ramadan. In our ongoing series of Ramadan Reflections, we conclude our focus on the Quran in the words of Imam Ali. Exploring Surah al-Qamar (54), verse 17, which underscores the accessibility of the Quran, we delve into its profound significance and relevance in our lives. Why is this verse repeated four times in the same chapter? What does it signify for believers? Join us as we unravel the layers of meaning within this verse and its implications for our spiritual journey. We explore the Quran's inherent simplicity, its role as a guiding light for humanity, and the imperative for believers to reflect on its teachings. Through introspection and engagement with the Quranic message, we discover its transformative power in shaping our lives. As we reflect on Imam Ali's final moments, we draw inspiration from his unwavering faith and commitment to Allah. From his prayers in the face of adversity to his poignant testament to his family, Imam Ali exemplified profound devotion and submission to the Divine will. In our closing reflections, we express gratitude for the blessings of the Quran, emphasize the importance of community unity, and contemplate the eternal blessings bestowed upon those who heed its message. Let us carry forward the legacy of Imam Ali by embodying the values of the Quran in our daily lives and striving for righteousness and piety. Join us as we honor the memory of Imam Ali and draw lessons from his exemplary life. May his legacy inspire us to seek knowledge, pursue justice, and uphold the teachings of Islam.
Join us for a special Ramadan reflection as we delve into the profound wisdom of the Quran through the lens of Nahjul Balagha and the teachings of Imam Ali (AS). In commemoration of the tragic events of the 19th, 20th, and 21st of Ramadan, we explore the significance of the Quran as elucidated by the Door to the City of Knowledge himself. Through sermon 110 of Nahjul Balagha, we uncover four unique aspects of the Quran, focusing today on its unparalleled beauty and the transformative power it holds within its verses. Join us as we delve into the eloquence and depth of Imam Ali's words, exploring how the Quran serves as a source of enlightenment and spiritual nourishment. In addition to reflecting on the Quranic verse (54:17) that emphasizes its accessibility and relevance, we pay homage to the memory of Imam Ali (AS) and his martyrdom, reminding ourselves of his unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. Through practical tips and closing reflections, we contemplate the divine mercy inherent in the Quran, its universal relevance across cultures and time, and the personal accountability incumbent upon believers in engaging with its message. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Quran and draw inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Imam Ali (AS) during this blessed month of Ramadan. Tune in for an enriching discussion that promises to illuminate your spiritual journey.
Join us for a special Ramadan reflection as we delve into the profound wisdom of the Quran through the lens of Nahjul Balagha and the teachings of Imam Ali (AS). In commemoration of the tragic events of the 19th, 20th, and 21st of Ramadan, we explore the significance of the Quran as elucidated by the Door to the City of Knowledge himself. Through sermon 110 of Nahjul Balagha, we uncover four unique aspects of the Quran, focusing today on its unparalleled beauty and the transformative power it holds within its verses. Join us as we delve into the eloquence and depth of Imam Ali's words, exploring how the Quran serves as a source of enlightenment and spiritual nourishment. In addition to reflecting on the Quranic verse (54:17) that emphasizes its accessibility and relevance, we pay homage to the memory of Imam Ali (AS) and his martyrdom, reminding ourselves of his unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. Through practical tips and closing reflections, we contemplate the divine mercy inherent in the Quran, its universal relevance across cultures and time, and the personal accountability incumbent upon believers in engaging with its message. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Quran and draw inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Imam Ali (AS) during this blessed month of Ramadan. Tune in for an enriching discussion that promises to illuminate your spiritual journey.
Welcome back to Ramadan Reflections 2024! Today, on the 17th day of Ramadan, we delve into another verse of the Noble Quran, Surah al-Anfal (8), verse 62, shedding light on its significance in the context of divine support and the pivotal role of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). In this verse, Allah assures Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) of His all-sufficient support in the face of deception and opposition. We explore how this verse resonates with the life experiences of the Prophet and Imam Ali, offering timeless wisdom for believers. Join us as we uncover the profound insights embedded in this verse and its implications for our spiritual journey. Discover how the companionship of loyal believers, exemplified by Imam Ali, serves as a source of strength and reassurance for the Prophet and the early Muslim community. Through narrations and historical context, we unravel the relationship between divine assistance, communal support, and righteous leadership. Learn how Imam Ali's unwavering commitment to Islam and his steadfast support for the Prophet epitomize the essence of divine grace and human solidarity. Furthermore, we delve into a narration that elucidates the role of Imam Ali as the epitome of divine assistance mentioned in the Quranic verse. This narration underscores the unique status of Imam Ali and his unparalleled contribution to the cause of Islam. As we draw parallels between the challenges faced by the early Muslim community and our present-day struggles, we glean practical insights for navigating life's adversities with faith and resilience. Learn how seeking assistance from Allah through righteous means, like Imam Ali, can empower believers to overcome obstacles and uphold the principles of faith.
In today's episode of Ramadan Reflections, we delve into Quran 83:34, a verse from Surah al-Mutaffifeen, where Allah describes believers laughing at disbelievers on the Day of Judgment. Initially seeming unusual, this verse holds profound significance when understood in context. Join us as we unravel the layers of meaning behind this verse and its relevance to our lives as believers. We explore the concept of divine justice, accountability, and the consequences of disbelief, drawing parallels to the teachings of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Through narrations and insights, we discover how the believers' laughter symbolizes vindication of faith, divine justice, and the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood. We reflect on the importance of empathy, moral integrity, and the interconnectedness between actions and consequences. Moreover, we shed light on the role of believers as agents of spiritual torment in the Hereafter, emphasizing the significance of upholding moral principles and trusting in Allah's justice. As we navigate through life's challenges, let us heed these timeless teachings to lead lives filled with purpose, compassion, and virtue. Join us on this journey of spiritual growth and reflection during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Today, we delve into Surah al-Insan (76), verse 8, reflecting on the profound teachings it holds. But first, let's honor the birth of Imam Hasan ibn Ali, the revered second Imam of Shia Islam. Born into the esteemed lineage of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hasan's life was marked by wisdom, compassion, and unwavering devotion to his family. In a heartwarming tale narrated by Ibn Abbas, we glimpse into the selflessness of Imam Ali, Lady Fatima, and their noble children, Hasan and Husayn. Despite their own hunger, they sacrificed their meager provisions to feed a beggar, an orphan, and a war-captive, embodying the virtues of compassion and generosity. This story not only underscores the importance of selflessness and empathy but also exemplifies unwavering faith in Allah's providence. As we reflect on these timeless lessons, let us strive to emulate the noble example set by Imam Ali's family, fostering a culture of compassion and service in our communities. Join us as we explore the profound teachings of this narrative and draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Prophet Muhammad's noble family.
Dive into Quranic verse 58:12, unveiling a unique obligation set upon Muslims by Allah - a "pay as you go" system for consulting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). Learn the significance of giving charity before seeking his counsel, emphasizing respect and sincerity in private discussions. Explore the historical context behind the revelation of this verse, shedding light on the practice of wealthy individuals engaging in private conversations with the Prophet. Discover Allah's instruction for charity before such meetings, revealing the importance of humility and altruism. Reflect on the deeper meaning of charity as purification, cleansing hearts from the love of wealth and fostering empathy for the needy. Witness the exemplary conduct of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), who prioritized charity and compassion, embodying the essence of Quranic teachings. Gain practical insights into faith-driven decision-making, poverty alleviation, and the transformative power of charity. Let the legacy of Imam Ali inspire us to translate our beliefs into meaningful actions, contributing to a more just and compassionate society. Join us on this journey of reflection and action, following the noble example of Imam Ali and embracing the timeless teachings of Islam.
Delve into the profound teachings of the Quran with us in today's video as we explore Surah al-Baqara (2), verse 208. This verse calls upon believers to submit themselves wholeheartedly to Allah and warns against following the footsteps of Satan. We unravel the essence of true submission to Allah and its relevance to our spiritual journey. Discover how faith in Allah and obedience to His commandments pave the path to peace and tranquility. Through insightful reflections, we draw parallels between the verse's teachings and the exemplary life of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), emphasizing the importance of following the divine guidance embodied by him and his immaculate descendants. Join us as we uncover practical tips for our Ramadan reflections, emphasizing the significance of faith as the gateway to peace, submission to divine laws, and the collective duty of Muslims in establishing lasting peace. Let us strive to emulate the unwavering commitment of Imam Ali and his righteous successors, paving the way for a world filled with spiritual fulfillment and harmony. As we navigate life's complexities, let us heed the call to embrace faith, submission, and unity. Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the timeless wisdom of the Quran and the profound teachings of Imam Ali, guiding us towards a path of peace and spiritual enlightenment.
For this instalment of Ramadan Reflections we delve into another profound Quranic verse from Surah al-Tawba (9), verse 19. This verse challenges believers to reflect on the true essence of faith and righteousness, distinguishing between superficial acts of devotion and sincere commitment to Allah's cause. We explore the narrative behind this verse, highlighting a conversation between Abbas, Shaybah, and Imam Ali (peace be upon him), which sheds light on the importance of genuine faith and righteous action. Imam Ali (peace be upon him)'s unwavering dedication to Allah's cause exemplifies the essence of striving in His path. His every action was rooted in sincerity and selflessness, reflecting his profound belief in Allah and the Last Day. While the Quran emphasizes the significance of actions rooted in faith, it warns against equating superficial deeds with genuine devotion. True nobility lies not in hollow acts of service but in sincere belief followed by dedicated service to the faith. Imam Ali (peace be upon him)'s unique status transcends comparison, serving as a timeless example of unwavering devotion and righteousness. As we reflect on his legacy, we are reminded to prioritize faith above all else in our actions. In conclusion, let us emulate Imam Ali (peace be upon him)'s unwavering faith and dedication, striving for righteousness and sincerity in our actions. May we honor his legacy by dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to the path of true faith and righteousness.
In today's episode, we delve into verse 22 of Surah al-Zumar (39). This verse highlights the importance of embracing Islam with an open heart, contrasting those receptive to Divine guidance with those whose hearts remain hardened. We explore the metaphorical concept of an 'expanding chest' and its significance in spiritual enlightenment. We delve into factors that contribute to the expansion or contraction of one's spiritual chest, such as continuous study, self-discipline, and remembrance of God. Drawing from history, we reflect on Imam Ali's (peace be upon him) embodiment of this verse, emphasizing his profound spiritual insight and commitment to faith. Furthermore, we examine practical tips for nurturing spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of divine light, faith, and submission. We conclude with a reflection on the significance of embracing the entirety of Islam, including the recognition of Imam Ali's (peace be upon him) rightful position, for true spiritual enlightenment and guidance.
In this episode, we explore Surah al-Furqan (25), verse 74 of the Noble Quran, where Allah responds to believers' heartfelt supplications for righteous spouses and offspring who bring joy and promote piety and virtue. We focus on the life of Umm al-Momineen Khadija bint Khuwaylid (peace be upon her), the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad (blessings of Allah be upon him and his family), whose unwavering support and devotion exemplify the essence of this verse. Khadija's significance extends beyond her role as the Prophet's wife. She was the first person to embrace Islam and played a pivotal role in its propagation, earning her the title of "Umm al-Mu'minin" (Mother of the Believers). Despite facing immense hardships, including economic difficulties and social ostracism, Khadija remained steadfast in her faith and support for the Prophet and the Muslim community. Her legacy serves as a timeless example of faith, resilience, and compassion, inspiring generations of Muslims worldwide. We also draw parallels between the verse under review and the life of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), who exemplified the Quranic principles of commitment to family, seeking divine assistance, and aspiring for moral and spiritual excellence. Practical tips from today's reflection include a commitment to family, seeking divine help in upbringing, and aspiring in prayer. As we reflect on the teachings of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), let us strive to emulate his unwavering commitment to family, reliance on divine assistance, and aspiration for moral and spiritual excellence in our own lives.
Welcome back to Ramadan Reflections 2024! On this blessed 9th day of Ramadan, we delve into Surah al-Baqarah (2), verse 274, reflecting on the timeless wisdom it holds. In this verse, Allah extols those who give generously, day and night, in secret and openly. We explore the significance behind these actions, drawing inspiration from the exemplary life of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Imam Ali's unparalleled generosity, even with meager resources, sheds light on the essence of charity. His actions, revealed through hadith, illuminate the profound meanings of giving in various ways and times. Giving in Secret vs. Openly: We delve into the virtues of discreet charity, reflecting sincerity, humility, and purity of intention. Conversely, open giving inspires others, fostering a culture of generosity. Nighttime vs. Daytime Giving: We uncover the symbolism behind giving at night, emphasizing sincerity and devotion to Allah. Daytime charity offers visibility, facilitating direct interaction and community involvement. Continuous Generosity: Imam Ali's consistent acts of charity highlight the importance of continuous giving, beyond sporadic gestures. Vastness of Divine Reward: Allah's promise of reward underscores the immeasurable blessings of charity, transcending material wealth. Through practical tips and reflections, we're encouraged to emulate Imam Ali's virtuous qualities, fostering compassion, and spiritual fulfillment. In a world often consumed by materialism, his teachings offer a timeless blueprint for living with purpose and virtue.
Join us in today's Ramadan Reflection as we delve into the profound verse of the Noble Quran from Surah al-Baqarah (2), verse 207, exploring the concept of self-sacrifice and devotion to seeking the pleasure of Allah. Discover the remarkable story behind the revelation of this verse, reflecting on the unparalleled commitment of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to protect the Prophet Muhammad (prayers of Allah be upon him and his family) even at the risk of his own life. Through insightful analysis and historical context, we uncover the timeless message of selflessness and dedication embodied by Imam Ali (peace be upon him), whose unwavering faith continues to inspire millions worldwide. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of sacrifice, devotion, and unwavering faith in the pursuit of Divine pleasure.
In this enlightening Ramadan reflection, we delve into the depths of the Quran's verses, focusing on Surah Ale Imran (3), verse 7. Join us as we explore the distinction between explicit and allegorical verses, and the importance of discernment and knowledge in understanding the Quran's deeper meanings. We draw parallels between this verse and the wisdom of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), renowned for his profound insight into the Quran. Through insightful analysis and practical tips, we unravel the significance of seeking knowledge from authentic sources and embracing the teachings of those firmly rooted in understanding Divine wisdom. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your understanding of the Quran and strengthen your faith during this Blessed Month of Ramadan.
In this profound Ramadan reflection, we delve into Quran 19:96, exploring the Divine promise of love bestowed upon those who believe and engage in righteous deeds. Join us as we unravel the significance of this verse in relation to the revered figure of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Surah Maryam (19), verse 96, illuminates the profound bond between faith, good deeds, and divine love, echoing the life and character of Imam Ali. Discover how his unwavering faith and exemplary conduct naturally attracted the admiration and love of believers and non-believers alike. Explore the multifaceted interpretation of this verse, delving into commentators' struggles to pinpoint its true meaning. Understand how belief and righteous deeds manifest as powerful magnetic forces, drawing people towards individuals of principled character, like Imam Ali. Witness the enduring legacy of Imam Ali, whose profound faith and selfless deeds earned him the admiration and love of both earthly beings and heavenly inhabitants. Learn from his commitment to serving humanity, upholding justice, and embodying the Quranic ideal of righteous action. Although Imam Ali's name is not directly mentioned in the Quranic verse, uncover the clarity provided by the hadith, affirming that this verse was revealed regarding Imam Ali's profound influence and beloved status among believers. Join us for practical tips inspired by Imam Ali's legacy, as we reflect on the effectiveness of faith and action, the pathway to popularity through faith and deeds, and the divine influence on being beloved by others. Draw inspiration from Imam Ali's unwavering faith, noble deeds, and resilience, and aspire to become beloved figures in the eyes of both Allah and humanity. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Islamic principles and strengthen your connection with Allah during this blessed month of Ramadan.
In this profound Ramadan reflection, we delve into Quran 76:8, which reveals the altruism and generosity of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and his family. Join us as we uncover the heartwarming story behind this verse and the enduring lessons it holds for humanity. Surah al-Insaan / Dahr (76), verse 8, captures the selfless act of providing food to the needy, regardless of one's own needs. Witness the touching incident where Imam Ali, along with Fatima and their children Hasan and Husayn, vowed to fast for three days if their ailing grandchildren recovered. Experience the miraculous recovery of Hasan and Husayn, and the family's unwavering commitment to fulfilling their oath, despite having limited resources. Discover how they gave away their only food each day to the destitute, orphans, and even a captive prisoner, breaking their fast with only water. Learn from the profound devotion and altruism of Imam Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn, as their noble actions moved the Prophet Muhammad and inspired a revelation extolling their virtues in Sūrah al-Insan. Explore Imam Ali's lifelong commitment to feeding the hungry and caring for the marginalized, reflecting the essence of Quranic principles of charity and compassion. Discover how his benevolent actions exemplify the spirit of selfless service and humanitarianism advocated by Islam. Join us for practical tips inspired by Imam Ali's generosity, as we reflect on the importance of charitable giving and compassion towards the less fortunate. Experience the timeless example of selfless service and humanitarianism embodied by Imam Ali (peace be upon him), and let his noble deeds inspire us to emulate his noble example. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Islamic principles and strengthen your connection with Allah during this blessed month of Ramadan.
In this enlightening Ramadan reflection, we delve into the profound significance of Quran 33:33, focusing on the purity and perfection of the Ahlul Bayt, particularly Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Join us as we uncover the high-level points of this verse and its implications, shedding light on the immaculate character of the Prophet's family. Surah al-Ahzab (33), verse 33, expresses Allah's divine will to purify the Prophet's household to the utmost of purity. While previous verses address the wives of Prophet Muhammad (blessings of Allah be upon him and his family), this portion holds deep significance in relation to Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Explore the concept of spiritual purity and moral excellence embodied by the Ahlul Bayt and Imam Ali (peace be upon him), who serve as models for humanity through their actions and inherent protection from sin. Discover the key words and interpretations that illuminate the verse's meaning - especially the definition of "Ahlul Bayt" unanimously agreed upon by Muslim scholars. Learn from practical tips inspired by Imam Ali's (peace be upon him) life, such as striving for moral excellence, cultivating inner reflection, and serving others selflessly. Understand how these principles lead to spiritual purification and alignment with the divine will. Join us on this journey of spiritual enlightenment and reflection, as we draw inspiration from the timeless example of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and the divine guidance of the Quran. Don't miss out on the opportunity to deepen your understanding of Islam and strengthen your connection with Allah during this blessed month of Ramadan.
In this enlightening discussion, we delve into the profound significance of seeking Divine guidance, as outlined in the Quranic verses 1:6-7. Join us as we explore the importance of staying steadfast on the Straight Path, exemplified by Imam Ali (peace be upon him), the epitome of righteousness and guidance. Through a comprehensive analysis of Islamic teachings and traditions, we uncover the essence of the Straight Path and its relevance to our spiritual journey. Discover how Imam Ali's (peace be upon him) unwavering commitment to Allah and exemplary conduct serve as a beacon of guidance for believers seeking to navigate life's complexities. Gain insights into practical tips for incorporating Divine guidance into your daily life and find solace in the wisdom of Islamic principles. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking discussion that will inspire you to seek guidance from Allah and emulate the righteous examples set forth by Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Join us on our Ramadan Reflections journey as we strive to deepen our connection with the Divine and uphold moral principles in our lives.
In this enlightening Ramadan reflection, we delve into the significance of Surah al-Bayyinah (98), verse 7, where Allah designates those who believe and do good deeds as the best of creatures. This verse holds particular relevance to Imam Ali (peace be upon him), as evidenced by numerous hadiths narrated by renowned scholars. Imam Ali's (peace be upon him) exemplary faith and dedication to righteousness epitomize the qualities described in this verse, making him and his followers, known as Shia, the best among humanity. Throughout his life, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) demonstrated unwavering commitment to Islam and social justice, earning him the title of "the Lion of Allah." His noble character and righteous conduct serve as a beacon of guidance for all believers, inspiring them to emulate his example in faith and deeds. The narration from Abu Ja’far and Ibn Abbas further clarifies Imam Ali's (peace be upon him) status as the best of creatures, emphasizing the importance of recognizing his leadership and guidance in Islam. Embracing his wilayah, or mastership, is crucial for Muslims seeking spiritual excellence and Divine favor. Practical tips derived from this reflection highlight personal responsibility in determining one's spiritual destiny, the infinite potential of humans for spiritual ascent, and the significance of complete faith accompanied by righteous deeds. Recognizing Imam Ali's (peace be upon him) wilayah is not merely a historical matter but a fundamental aspect of Islamic faith, shaping believers' spiritual journey and positioning them on the path towards Paradise. As Muslims, our commitment to Islam requires wholehearted acceptance of its teachings and leaders, particularly Imam Ali (peace be upon him). By deepening our understanding of Islam and embracing his teachings, we enrich our spiritual journey and secure our place in the Hereafter.
Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide, serving as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. In this video, we explore the significance of Ramadan from a Quranic perspective, highlighting its role in deepening our connection with Allah and fostering empathy and solidarity within the Muslim community. We also delve into the profound significance of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) in Islam and how his teachings continue to inspire us today. Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the timeless wisdom of the Quran and strive to embody the noble qualities of Imam Ali during this blessed month of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!
On the thirtieth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Ayesha binte Abu Bakr and Hafsa binte Umar: Plotting Against the Prophet."
As we mark the end of the month of Ramadan and welcome the day of Eid al-Fitr, we provide a summary and conclusion of the series, Not Like the Other: Women in the Quran.
On the twenty-ninth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Wives of Prophets Nuh and Lut: Bad Examples to Learn From."
On the twenty-eighth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Fatima al-Zahra: Allah “respects” Her in the Revelation of Surah al-Insaan."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 22, he goes over the second half of verse twenty-nine: "That is their description, the true followers of Prophet Muḥammad, in the Torah – given to Prophet Mūsā - the previous four traits which were mentioned. And their description in the Injeel also known as the Gospel, which was given to Prophet ʿIsā, is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the Sowers - so that Allah may the cause the unbelievers to boil with rage at the sight of them. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them, forgiveness and a great reward."
On the twenty-seventh day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Fatima al-Zahra: The Perfect Representation of The Perfect Woman."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 21, he goes over the first half of verse twenty-nine: "Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those with him, Prophet Muḥammad, are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating in prayer, seeking bounty from Allah and His pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration..."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 20, he goes over verse twenty-eight: "It is He, Allah, who sent His Messenger, Prophet Muḥammad d, with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all other religion. And sufficient is Allah as a Witness."
On the twenty-sixth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Daughters of Prophet Shu’ayb: Humble, Respectable Women."
On the twenty-fifth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Maryam binte Imran: A Chosen, Purified Woman and Paragon of Piety."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 19, he goes over verse twenty-seven: "Certainly has Allah showed to His Messenger the vision in truth. You will surely enter al-Masjid al-Haram, if Allah wills, in safety, with your heads shaved and hair or nails shortened, not fearing anyone. He, Allāh, knew what you did not know and has arranged before that a conquest near at hand."
On the twenty-fourth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Asiyah and Maryam: Two Ideal Role Models for Women and Men."
On the twenty-third of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Mother of Prophet Musa and the Wife of the Pharaoh: Trust in Allah."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 18, he goes over verse twenty-six: "Recall that time O Muḥammad When those who disbelieved – meaning the polytheists of Mecca - harbored in their hearts, fierce zealotry coming from egotism, tribalism, and feuding, the zealotry particular to the Age of Ignorance – Jāhilīyyah which prevented them from allowing the Muslims to come into the city of Mecca for the Umrah. And so in response, Allāh sent down His (gift of) inner peace and reassurance on His Messenger, sakinah, and on the believers, and bound them to the Word and the spirit of faith, piety, and reverence for God - taqwa. They were most worthy of it and entitled to it; and Allāh has full knowledge of everything."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 17, he goes over verses twenty-four and twenty-five: "And it is He, Allāh, who withheld their hands, that of the polytheist Meccans, from you, the Muslims, and your hands from them, the polytheist Meccans, within the heart of Mecca through the peace treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah after He caused you to overcome them through the terms and conditions of the treaty. And Allāh is ever Seeing and Knowing of what you do. They, the polytheists of Mecca, are the ones that disbelieved and they obstructed you, the Muslims, from approaching and entering Masjid al-Haram and also prevented your sacrificial animals from reaching their place of sacrifice in the outskirts of the city of Mecca in the region of Mina. And if it was not for the fact that there existed believing men and believing women living in the city of Mecca that were not able to migrate to Medina whom you did not know, then realize that if there were to be a war with the polytheists of Mecca, that you might trample them, the innocent Muslims, and there would befall you because of them, dishonor without your knowledge as they would have been killed. Thus, if they were not in Mecca, then you would have been permitted to enter the city– but we did not allow this so as to prevent your hands from being tainted with the blood of innocent believers that would have been killed. Thus, the fact that Allah prevented any war to break out at that time, was so that Allah might admit to His mercy whom He willed, most importantly the believing men and women that were in Mecca and could not escape and were incognito in society. If they, this group of Muslims, had been apart from them – that is the polytheists of Mecca, We would have punished those who disbelieved among them with painful punishment."
On the twenty-second day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "The Mother and Sister of Prophet Musa: Guided by Allah."
On the twenty-first day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Imam Ali and Fatima az-Zahra: The Fountain of Paradise for the Prophet."
On the twentieth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Imam Ali and Khadijah binte Khuwaylid: The Caregiver to Imam ʿAlī and Supporter of the Prophet - 2."
On the nineteenth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Imam Ali and Khadijah binte Khuwaylid: The Caregiver to Imam ʿAlī and Supporter of the Prophet - 1."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 16, he goes over verse twenty-three: "This is the established way of Allah (sunnatullāh) which has occurred before. And never will you find in the way of Allah any change."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 15, he goes over verses twenty-one and twenty-two: "And He, Allāh, promises other victories that you were so far unable to realize which Allah has already encompassed. And ever is Allah, over all things, competent. And if those Meccans who disbelieve had fought you in Ḥudaybiyyah, they would have turned their backs in flight as they do not want to confront the Muslims. Then they would not find a protector or a helper."
On the eighteenth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Lady Hājar: A Woman with Complete Trust in Allah."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 14, he goes over verse twenty: "Allah has promised all of you Muslims abundant gains of war that you will take later, and these He granted you as current, present-day reward for your obedience and purity of intention. And He has restrained the hands of other hostile people from you so that it may be a sign for the believers concerning the truth of their way and Allah’s promises to them, and that He, Allah, may guide you to steadfastness on a straight path."
On the seventeenth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Men and Women: The Hijab: Quranic Perspectives - Part 2."
On the sixteenth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Women: Right to be Defended against False Accusations."
On the fifteenth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Men and Women: Only Allowed to Marry amongst Believers."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 13, he goes over the eighteenth and nineteenth verses: "Allah was assuredly well-pleased with the believers when they swore allegiance to you, Muḥammad, under the tree at Ḥudaybiyyah. He, Allah, knew what was in their hearts of sincere intention and loyalty to the cause of Allah, and therefore He sent down the gift of inner peace and reassurance on them, and rewarded them with a near victory. And the companions were also given much in gains of war that they will take. And Allah is All-Glorious (aziz), All-Wise (hakim)."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 12, he goes over the sixteenth and seventeenth verses: "Say, O Muḥammad, to those of the dwellers of the desert, the Aʿrab, who stayed behind during the Umrah and the subsequent Peace Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah: “Soon you will be called to fight against a people of great military power, then either you will fight against them or they will submit to Allah and become Muslims. If you obey this order to follow the Prophet and go to fight, Allah will grant you a handsome reward; but if you turn away as you turned away before during the trip to Umrah, He will punish you with a painful chastisement. There is no blame on the blind nor any blame on those with physical disabilities nor any blame on the sick for staying away from a war in the way of Allāh. Whoever obeys Allāh and His Messenger - Muḥammad in the religious duties he is charged with and can carry out, Allah will admit him into Gardens through which rivers flow. But whoever turns away, He will punish him with a painful punishment."
On the fourteenth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Women: Men and Women: Garments for One Another."
In this episode of Ramadan Reflections, we review some of the rationale behind why there are differences in some areas of Jurisprudence between men and women.
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 11, he goes over the fifteenth verse: "When soon, you, Muḥammad and the Muslims that took part in the Peace treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah, will travel towards Khaybar and will be victorious so that you can take the spoils of war, those Aʿrab Bedouins who were left behind, and did not accompany you in the Umrah and the Peace Treat of Ḥudaybiyyah, will soon say, “Allow us to follow you to also benefit from the spoils of war.” They, those Aʿrab Bedouins, seek to change the decision of Allāh which was that other than those present at Ḥudaybiyyah, no others are allowed to come and share in the spoils of war of Khaybar. Say to them O Muḥammad: “You shall never be allowed to follow us in the expedition to conquer the fortress of Khaybar and have a share of the spoils of war; this is what Allāh had said earlier about all of you.” Then they, the Aʿrab that did not accompany you at Ḥudaybiyyah, will soon say: “You are jealous of us and you don’t want us to also have a share in the spoils of war and your not wanting to share the wealth with us has nothing to do with a command from Allah.” However this is not the case as inreality, indeed they, the Aʿrab, were not capable of understanding except a little due to their own spiritual state - as if they had understood your status, Muḥammad they would not talk in this way.”
Women: Right to be Defended against False Accusations taking inspiration from Surah 24 Verse 4-5
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 10, he goes over the thirteenth and fourteenth verses: "Whoever does not believe in Allah and His Messenger, Prophet Muḥammad, then surely We, Allah, have prepared a Blaze for the unbelievers. To Allah belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth: He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills; and Allah is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate."
Women: Right to Encourage Good and Forbid Evil taking inspiration from Surah 9 Verse 71-72
On the tenth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Women: Right to Choose when it Comes to Marriage." When we look at the private and personal lives of Muslims, we see that there are many issues which come into play. As much as we are individuals, we also seek to lead communal lives – and one of the most interesting relationships which Allah has given is that of marriage. A bond in which two people of perhaps completely opposite backgrounds, from two different parts of the world, two complete strangers, can meet and then live together for the rest of their lives. Marriage, between a man and a woman, and the creation of a family with, if Allah permits, children, is so important that Allah considers it as one of His signs. In this area, history shows us that in pre-Islamic Arabia, to an extent, women did not have freedom of choice of who to marry.
In fact, in the minds of some of tribal groups, a woman was ‘inherited’ from the time of her death to then be the property/wife of another person – against her will! However, the Quran brought forth revolutionary teachings and ingrained in its verses, and Prophet Muḥammad showed us all practically – through his own personal example and that of his daughter, Fatima az-Zahra that women are free to choose their husband. Today, we review verse 232 of Sūrah al-Baqarah, although there are multiple verses of the Quran in regard to marriage: "When you divorce women and they have reached the end of their waiting term, (then, you judges, and you who are guardians of either party,) do not debar them from marrying their (former) husbands, (and O former husbands of them), from marrying other men, if they have come to an agreement between them on equitable terms. This is an admonition to whoever among you truly believes in Allah and the Last Day; that is a cleaner and purer way for you. And Allah knows, and you do not know."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 9, he goes over the twelfth verse: "Indeed you, the Bedouin Arabs, thought that the Messenger, Muḥammad, and the believers would never return to their families from the Campaign, and this thought was decked out to be appealing in your hearts, and you entertained an evil thought that Allah would not help the believers and they would be defeated. You - in thinking so have proved yourselves to be and you truly are a people useless and doomed to perish."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 8, he goes over the eleventh verse: "Those of the Bedouins, the dwellers of the desert who did not respond to your call to participate in the Minor Pilgrimage Campaign and stayed behind will say to you by way of excuse: “Our possessions and families kept us busy and so we could not join you so ask Allāh for our forgiveness They speak with their tongues that which is not in their hearts Say to them O Muhammad: “Who is there that can intervene on your behalf with Allāh if He wills harm for you or if He wills a benefit for you? Whatever excuse you offer, bear in mind that Allāh is fully aware of all that you do."
On the ninth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Men and Women: Similar Punishments in the World to Come." In the eighth discussion, we saw ten qualities of MEN AND WOMEN and that they would BOTH be entitled to a reward from Allah. However, what about the sinners that DO NOT ask repentance and have not cleansed themselves of the sins and are not liable for intercession? Will they get different punishments in the world to come for their sins or does Allah deal with them with justice? Well, in Sūrah al-Fath (48), Verse 6, The Quran notes the following: "And that He may punish the hypocritical men and the hypocritical women, and the men and the women who associate partners with Allah, who always entertain evil thoughts about Allah. Theirs will be the evil turn of fate. Allah has destined them to a severe punishment, eternally excluded them from His Mercy, and prepared Hell for them. How evil a destination to arrive at!" As for the verses under review for today, we look at the fact that Allah does not discriminate in the world to come when it relates to punishments that the sinners do – those who sinned and did not ask repentance in the life of this world.
If a man sins, he is liable for a punishment in the world to come; and similar for a woman, if she sins, she is also liable for punishment by Allah. This is made clear in the verse for today which begins by highlighting that Allah will punish the hypocrites – both men and women; and the polytheists – both men and women. In addition, Allah also notes that those which house bad intentions about Allah will also have a price to pay in the world to come. The verse continues in which Allah notes that there were men and women that pretended to be Muslims, in the city of Medina, but they continuously entertained evil thoughts about Allah.
On the eighth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Men and Women: Similar Spiritual Traits and Rewards." One of the beauties of Islam is that it provides answers to lives questions – especially at the time of when the revelation was coming to Prophet Muḥammad. In essence, the Quran is Revelation and the Word of Allah with a timeless appeal, however it was coming to the Muslims when they needed assistance and guidance from the Most High. Consider the verse we are going to review today. When Asmāʾ binte Umays, the wife of Jafar ibn Abi Talib had both returned from Habasha and arrived in Medina, she went to meet some of the wives of Prophet Muḥammad. One of the first questions she asked was in regard to the revelation coming to Prophet Muḥammad and if anything had come down specifically regarding women. Although the Quran is gender-neutral, in some cases, there were verses specially for men or dealt with issues which had a direct implication for men. Up until that point, there were no verses specific to women. Upon hearing this, Asmāʾ went to Prophet Muḥammad and said to him, O Prophet! The women are in loss. The Prophet replied, How so? She replied, There are no virtues for women in Islam or the Quran as there are for men – presumably she was referring to verses about jihad and other such topics which were male-specific. It was at this point that the verse for today was revealed – showing that men and women share in the same rewards as long as they have certain qualities: "Surely all men and women who submit to Allah (whose submission is attested by their words and deeds), and all truly believing men and truly believing women, and all devoutly obedient men and devoutly obedient women, and all men and women honest and truthful in their speech (and true to their words in their actions), and all men and women who persevere (in obedience to Allah through all adversity), and all men and women humble (in mind and heart before Allah), and all men and women who give in alms (and in Allah’s cause), and all men and women who fast (as an obligatory or commended act of devotion), and all men and women who guard their chastity (and avoid exposing their private parts), and all men and women who remember and mention Allah much – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness (to bring unforeseen blessings) and a tremendous reward." (33:35)
On the seventh day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Adam and Hawwa BOTH Repent to Allah." Previously, we reviewed the episode which took place in the Garden in which Adam and Hawwa fell for the temptation of Satan and had to recognize that they went against the spiritual guidance of Allah. However, as we know, there is NEVER a dead-end with Allah. Allah has told us that we will make mistakes, we will sin, we will falter, but that He can forgive us – we just need to turn back to Him in tawbah and ask for His forgiveness – istighfār. In Sūrah al-Araf (7), Verses 23-25, we are told that once they realized their situation, Adam and Eve BOTH turned in repentance to Allah and made a sincere appeal for His forgiveness and said: "They said (straightaway): “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and do not have mercy on us, we will surely be among those who have lost!” He said: “Go down, (all of you,) (and henceforth you will live a life,) some of you being the enemies of the others. There shall be for you on the earth a habitation and provision until an appointed time.” He said: “You will live there, and there you will die, and from it you will be brought forth (on the Day of Resurrection).” These verses for today is not only a historical narrative but also a lesson for us – it teaches us how to engage with Allah when we commit sins. Thus, the first step in turning back to Allah is to acknowledge when we have done wrong.
On the sixth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Adam and Hawwa BOTH TEMPTED in “The Garden”." The event of Adam and Hawwa in the Garden is a unique event which is told in two different ways – the Old Testament of the Bible has one narrative while the Quran has the true narrative. The Bible clearly shows that the woman tempted the man – that is Eve tempted Adam – and so technically she is to blame for the downfall of the human being. However the Quran exonerates the woman and paints a radically different picture. In Chapter 7 (Sūrah al-Aʿrāf), Verses 19 to 22, the Quran details the event as such: (To Adam, He said): “O Adam! Dwell, you and your spouse, in the Garden, and eat (of the fruits) thereof where you desire, but do not approach this tree, or you will both be among the wrongdoers.” Then Satan made an evil suggestion to both of them that he might reveal to them their private parts that had remained hidden from them (and waken their carnal impulses), and he said: “Your Lord has forbidden you this tree only lest you should become sovereigns, or lest you should become immortals.” And he swore to them: “Truly, I am for you a sincere adviser.” Thus he led them on by delusion; and when they tasted the tree, their private parts (and all the apparently shameful, evil impulses in their creation) were revealed to them, and both began to cover themselves with leaves from the Garden. And their Lord called out to them: “Did I not prohibit you from that tree, and did I not say to you that Satan is a manifest enemy to you?” 7:19-22 If we study this verse carefully, especially by referring to the Arabic, we see a different picture than what is portrayed by the Bible.
On the fifth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Spiritual Status of Women and Men in Islam." We have seen that Islam regards the woman as being a creation of Allah and every much a human being as the man is. Today we wish to look at a general verse in terms of the spiritual status of both the woman and man. There are many verses of the Quran in this regard, and we will be reviewing other verses which are more specific later on. However for today, we look at a verse from Sūrah 3, Ale Imran, verse 195. Scholars note various reasons for why this verse was revealed, one opinion stating that Umm Salamah, one of the wives of the Prophet came to him and said that there are many verses in the Quran about the acts which men are rewarded for – jihad, migration, self-sacrifice, etc. however we wonder if women also share in these same rewards? In response, the verse which we wish to review today was revealed. In it, Allah says the following: "And thus does their (All-Gracious and Generous) Lord answer them: “I do not leave to waste the work of any of you (engaged in doing good), whether male or female. (As males and females following the same way) you are all one from the other. Hence, those who have emigrated (in My cause) and been expelled from their homelands and suffered hurt in My cause, and have fought and been killed, indeed I will blot out from them their evil deeds and will admit them into Gardens through which rivers flow, as a reward from Allah (with infinite Mercy and Power to fulfill whatever He promises).” With Allah lies the best reward. (3:195) The entire verse speaks to the question of Umm Salama and perhaps other women at the time of Prophet Muḥammad and even today.
On the fourth day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Emergence of Islam and a Revolution in the Status of Women: Creation of Women." From today on-wards, we turn our focus to the dawn of Islam, the revelation of the Quran and the revolution which Prophet Muḥammad brought about to change the understanding of people. Right at the outset, we must look at the creation of the human being – as many people – then and now, seem to think that the women is less a human due to how God created them. Right at the beginning of the 4th chapter, which is ironically entitled An-Nisa – The Women – Allah initiates the discussion by taking us back to the creation of humanity: O humankind! In due reverence for your Lord, keep from disobedience to Him Who created you from a single human self, and from it created its mate, and from the pair of them scattered abroad a multitude of men and women. In due reverence for Allah, keep from disobedience to Him in Whose name you make demands of one another, and (duly observe) the rights of the wombs (i.e. of kinship, thus observing piety in your relations with Allah and with human beings). Allah is ever watchful over you. (4:1) Whereas other religions and societies that were build on a lack of Divine teachings looked at women in a negative light, Islam sought to ensure its followers that a woman was every much a human; she had her own free will and her own freedoms – social, political, economic, etc. – obviously in the framework of the teachings of Allah as laid down in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muḥammad and his family.
On the third day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Women in Pre-Islamic Arabia: Grief at having a daughter." The second major theme we review from the Quran is the attitude and way that the pre-Islamic Arabs thought of girls – most notably their daughters. Not only did some of the pre-Islamic Arab tribes bury their daughters alive out of a fear of the unknown, as we mentioned yesterday, but they also had strange notions about Allah and the Angels and daughters. Before we go into the discussion on the grief that some Arab men in the pre-Islamic era would show when they wife would deliver a girl, let us have a quick glance at the verses for today from Sūrah al-Zukhruf (43), Verses 16-19: "What! has He taken to Himself daughters out of all that He creates, and “honored” you with sons? When any of them is given the news of the birth of what he accepts as appropriate for the All-Merciful, his face darkens, choking with anger. ”What! (Am I to have a daughter –) one who is brought up in adornments, and unable to be clear in disputation?” And yet they have judged the angels, who are themselves the servants of the All-Merciful, to be females (whom they judge to be of little value, and yet regard as His daughters). Did they witness their creation? This testimony of theirs will be recorded, and they will be called to account (for this falsehood in the Hereafter)." This selection of verses presents us with some of the most twisted thought-patterns of the Arabs of Jahiliyyah era. So what were some of the beliefs that these people had? Tune in to this episode to find out more...
On the second day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we review the theme of "Women in Pre-Islamic Arabia: Burying their Daughters Alive." The first major theme we review from the Quran is the attitude and way that the pre-Islamic Arabs treated girls – most notably their daughters. The collection of verses which we wish to review today contains multiple discussions with them such as: Irregular beliefs about Allah and Strange ways of understanding their relationship with Allah. We focus on Sūrah al-Nahl (16), Verses 58-60 in which Allah says: "When any of them is given news of the birth of a girl, his face becomes overcast, and he is (as if choking inwardly) with suppressed anger. He hides himself from the people because of the evil (as he wrongly supposes it) of what he has had news of. (So he debates within himself:) Shall he keep her with dishonor or bury her in earth? Look now! how evil is the judgment they make (concerning Allah, and how evil is the decision they debate)!" Although killing another human is a sick act, however what makes it worse is when a person has the audacity to kill their own flesh and blood; that too a child that is defenceless and that too by burying them alive. We will review this and other issues in this episode of Ramadan Reflections for 2023.
On the first day of Ramadan 2023/1444, we introduce the theme of "Not Like the Other: Women in the Quran. In the Quran, when speaking about the lead-up to the birth of Maryam binte Imran we are told that her parents had made an oath to dedicate their child, whom they were expecting would be a boy, to be a servant in the temple. In Sūrah Ale Imran (3), Verse 36, Allah says: "Then when she delivered her [child Maryam (Mary)], she said: 'O my Lord! I have delivered a female child,' - and Allah knew better what she delivered, 'And the male (child she expected) could not be like the female (that Allah blessed her with), and I have named her Maryam (Mary), and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Satan, the outcast.'" However as history would show, Maryam binte Imran would become an unparalleled woman in history, giving birth through a miraculous conception to one of the greatest Prophets, Isa ibn Maryam – a Prophet that will return at the end of time to assist Imam al-Mahdi. Unfortunately in our era, we have seen a radical shift in the roles of men and women in society. Yes at one level, we need to get away from stereotypes and cultural practices IF they are going against religion. However one of the downfalls of the rapid ‘progress’ if you want to call it that, is the redefinition of what it means to be a woman. We live in an era in which many women feel that in order to be considered as ‘equal’ to men, they should do and want to do everything men do in society. This is not only in the “West” but also the “East”. It is a global phenomenon that we must all be aware of. As an example, some of the topics which we will cover this month include: • Emergence of Islam and a Revolution in the Status of Women: Creation of Women • Spiritual Status of Women and Men in Islam • Men and Women: Similar Spiritual Traits and Rewards • Men and Women: Similar Punishments in the World to Come • Women: Right to Choose when it Comes to Marriage • Women: Right to Encourage Good and Forbid Evil • Women: Right to be Defended against False Accusations • Women: Differences with Men in SOME Areas (Blood Money, Testimony, and Inheritance) • Women: The Hijab: Quranic Perspectives From the second half of the month, we will look at examples of women in the Quran that Allah speaks about and that we can learn from. The Quran is replete with stories of righteous women like wives of Prophet Ibrahim, the mother and sister of Prophet Musa, the wife of the Pharaoh, Umm al-Momimeen Khadijah, Fatima az-Zahra and others – and we will be spending a day or two on each of these and other noble, respectable women. There are also women that led less than a respectable, righteous life and were reprimanded by Allah in the Quran – women like the wife of Prophet Lut and also the wife of Prophet Nuh and of course, two of the wives of Prophet Muḥammad – Ayesha the daughter of Abu Bakr and Hafsa the daughter of Umar and how Allah speaks about them in Sūrah al-Tahreem. Join us every day in Ramadan 2023/1444 as we review a new and interesting topic from the Quran under the theme of: NOT LIKE THE OTHER: WOMEN IN THE QURAN.
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 7, he goes over the tenth verse: "Those of the Bedouins, the dwellers of the desert, who did not respond to your call to participate in the Minor Pilgrimage Campaign and stayed behind will say to you by way of excuse: “Our possessions and families kept us busy and so we could not join you, so ask Allāh for our forgiveness.” They speak with their tongues that which is not in their hearts. Say to them O Muhammad: “Who is there that can intervene on your behalf with Allāh if He wills harm for you or if He wills a benefit for you? Whatever excuse you offer, bear in mind that Allāh is fully aware of all that you do.”"
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 6, he goes over the seventh, eighth and ninth verses: "To Allah belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth. Allah is All-Glorious, All-Wise. Surely We, Allah, have sent you, Muḥammad, as a witness to the truth of Islam and the falsehood of other ways, and as a witness in both worlds to people’s deeds, and as a bearer of glad tidings of prosperity in return for faith and righteousness and a warner against the consequences of misguidance. In order that you, O humankind and jinn, believe in Allah and His Messenger, Muḥammad, and that you may help him, Muḥammad, and honour him in the highest regard, and glorify Him, Allah, in the early morning and in the evening."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 5, he goes over the sixth verse: "And that He, Allah, will punish the hypocritical men and the hypocritical women, and the polytheistic men and the polytheistic women - those who associate partners with Allah – those people who always entertain negative thoughts about Allah. Theirs will be the evil turn of fate. Allah has destined them to a severe punishment, eternally excluded them from His Mercy and prepared Hell for them. How evil a destination to arrive at!"
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 4, he goes over the fifth verse: "And that He, Allāh, may admit the believing men and believing women into Gardens through which rivers flow, therein to abide forever, and may blot out from them their evil deeds. That is a supreme triumph in the sight of Allāh."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 3, he goes over the fourth verse: "He, Allah, it is Who sent down His gift of inner peace and reassurance (sakeena) into the hearts of the believers, so that they might add faith (iman)to their faith (iman); and to Allah belong the armies of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory.
In part 2, he goes over the second and third verses: "That God may forgive you (O Messenger) your lapses of the past and those to follow, and complete His favor on you, and guide you (to steadfastness) on a straight path (leading to God’s being pleased with You and eternal happiness. And that God may help you to a glorious, mighty achievement."
In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory. In part 1, he goes over the introduction to the chapter as well as the first verse: "We have surely granted you a manifest victory (which is a door to further victories)."
Allah has guaranteed His final Prophet to have the highest rank in this world and also the next. Not only does he enjoy his own status which Allah grants him, but he is also given the right to intercede. Companions of the Prophet longed to be by his side in this life and craved his company in the world to come. Can we get to a position where we are his neighbours in Paradise? What does Allah have in store for his Beloved Prophet Muhammad?
The Quran makes it clear to Muslims that we are not a cult of personalities. We do not worship people – neither Prophets, Messengers, Imams, nor scholars. We worship Allah. However, as Prophet Muhammad plays such a prominent role in Islam, some people felt that it would be hard to continue on without him – however Allah would remind the Muslims that we must continue – as death will occur to everyone. Do we have a conclusive answer as to what happened to the Prophet? Did he die a “natural death” due to old age? Was it the poison he was given during the event which took place in the Battle of Khaybar? Or did someone else, perhaps someone close to him, force something into his mouth while he was sick and on his death bed in Medina as some hadith have clearly noted? Do we know those people? Do we know their motives? Do we know if they poisoned the Prophet in his last days on this Earth?
Commentary of Surah Muhammad (47) - Summary and Points to Learn Per Verse. In Part Two, we review verses nineteen (19) to thirty-eight (38).
The Prophet worked hard for 23-years – in Mecca and Medina – and brought a faith to the Quraysh and the world a ‘new religion’ which would feature teachings such as: Monotheism, Prophethood, and the Day of Resurrection. In addition, he brought the practical rulings of praying, fasting, pilgrimage, charity and many more. Was Islam “complete” and “perfect” with these teachings or was there something else “missing” that had to be declared AGAIN on a MASSIVE SCALE? What happened before the death of Prophet Muḥammad after his farewell hajj in the event known as Ghadeer Khumm?
Commentary of Surah Muhammad (47) - Summary and Points to Learn Per Verse. In Part One, we review verses one (1) to eighteen (18).
The Prophet was able to attract people to the message of Allāh based on numerous factors – yes, Allāh ‘changes’ the heart, but at the same time, the character of the Prophet played a huge role in the promotion and progress of Islam. The Messenger had the best morals and etiquette – and how is that not possible when he had the best teacher and nurturer – Allāh. What did he do in his decision-making process and how does Allāh describe this in the Quran? We discuss this role of the Prophet in this episode.
Commentary of Verse 37-38
37. If He, Allah, should ask it,your wealth, of you and that you give it in His way, you would definitely covetand withhold it, and He would bring out your suppressed resentments.
38. You are surely those called upon to spend of your wealthin Allah’s cause; yet among you are some who are miserly. But whoever is miserly is miserly only to the depriving of his own soul. Allah is the All-Wealthy and Self-Sufficient absolutely independent of any need, and you are the poor in need of Him. If you turn away, He will substitute in your stead another people; then they will not be like you.
We all commit sins – against ourselves, against others and against Allāh. What is the remedy to remove the effects of the sin and its potential punishment in this life or the next? Simply put it is to turn in repentance to Allāh. But, is repentance ONLY to go to Allāh and ask Him or has Allāh told us to go to His Final Prophet, Muḥammad, and implore him to ask Allāh on our behalf – taking him as an intercessor?
Commentary of Verse 36
36. The present, worldly life is nothing but a play and a pastime. If you truly believe and have God-consciousness (taqwā), He will grant you your rewards, and will not ask of you your wealth.
One of the most important acts of worship is not only spoken about in the Quran, but there is an entire chapter named after it – Jumuah – the Friday Prayers. This prayer is unique in that it is an obligation to deliver TWO distinct sermons before the prayer. The form of the prayer also differs from the five daily prayers and so it is meant to be the focal-point for the Muslim community wherever they may be. How would it have been to sit and listen to the Prophet deliver the sermon and how would it have felt to pray this prayer behind him in his Masjid in Medina?
Commentary of Verses 34-35
34. Those who disbelieve and block people from Allāh’s way, and then die unbelievers, Allāh will never forgive them.
35. So when in warfare with the enemy do not be faint of heart and cry out for peace which will bring you humiliationwhen you have the upper hand. Always bear in mind that Allāh is with you, and He will never diminish the reward of your good deeds.
Allāh does not do “acts of worship”, however there is an instance in the Quran in which it seems that Allāh engages in an act which He orders His Angels to perform as well as those who believe – and that is evoking prayers of peace upon Prophet Muḥammad. In reality, when Allāh engages in this act, He is sending down mercy and peace; when He orders the Angels as well as the believers to do this act, He is telling them to make prayers for peace and mercy to be showered upon the Prophet – AND to submit to him unconditionally.
Prophets of Allāh play multiple roles in society – they are not just messengers. Given that the Muslims had left Ethiopia and arrived in Medina, they needed to further develop their theology and one part of that is to know what role Prophet Muḥammad was playing in the religion. For this reason, Allāh gave the Muslims clear guidance as to what Prophets do – and he stated their difficult responsibility in multiple places within the Quran.
Commentary of Verse 33 [Please note that there were some technical issues for the first few minutes of this talk, however these were resolved]
33: O you who believe! Obey God (in all His commandments) and obey the Messenger (in his execution of God’s commandments and in his own directives), and do not let your deeds go to waste.
Commentary of Verses 31 and 32
31. And We will most certainly try you so that We may mark out those among you who strive hard (in God’s cause with their persons and their wealth), and those who are steadfast (on His Path and patient through adversities), and try your accounts (of deeds).
32. Those who disbelieve and bar (people) from God’s way, and defy the Messenger after (God’s) guidance has become clear to them – they will never be able to harm (the cause of) God, and He will cause their deeds to go to waste.
As the first contingent of Muslims that had left Mecca and settled in Ethiopia were able to move to Medina, one of the first things that the women of the community began to ask was if anything of the Quran had been revealed specifically addressing women. Being away for so many years, they were genuinely wondering how far had Islam progressed and what had been revealed to the Prophet. When the women found that nothing “specific” addressed them, Asma binte Umays came to the Prophet and discussed this with him and the answer which Allāh provided to her is preserved in the Quran.
Islam looks at the previous Prophets and their messages as being ONE message from the ONE God. Thus, groups such as the Jewish community, Christian community and to an extent others like the Sabians and Zoroastrians were considered as “People of the Book” – having been given messages from Allāh. Whereas they were original messages from Allāh, however, with the coming of the Quran and Prophet Muḥammad, their teachings ceased to be relevant and they were expected to “convert” to the new faith.
The Muslim life in Medina would see many changes in the relationship of Prophet Muḥammad and Imam ʿAlī. The Commander of the Faithful would propose to and eventually marry Fatima al-Zahra, the only daughter of Prophet Muḥammad and would continue to shine by displaying his bravery, courage, skills and many other traits. His status would also be added to by Allāh when he was made the spiritual brother of Prophet Muḥammad – in this world and in the world to come.
As Imam ʿAlī continued to grow and mature, his dedication to Islam and to his spiritual brother, Prophet Muḥammad also grew. The Prophet relied upon Imam ʿAlī in critical junctures of the growth of Islam in Mecca, such as inviting and cooking food for the invitation to the Quraysh to Islam in the event known as Da’wat Dhu’l Asheerah. He also showed his love for Islam and his dedication by sacrificing his life on the bed of Prophet Muḥammad as he left on the migration towards Medina.
Commentary of Verses 29 and 30
29. Or do those in whose hearts is sickness think that Allah will not bring to light their malice against the Divine Religion and its followers?
30. Had We so willed, We would have shown them, the hypocrites, to you, the Muslims, and you would have known them by their marks. But you certainly know them by the false tone of their speech, and Allah knows your deeds.
There is a relationship which exists between Prophet Muḥammad and Imam ʿAlī which no other companion or family member of the Prophet has. Not only is Imam ʿAlī the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, but more importantly, he is his spiritual brother in this world and in the next. He was blessed to marry the only daughter of Prophet Muḥammad and his two sons, Imams Hasan and Husayn would actually be referred to by Allāh in the Quran as the SONS of Prophet Muḥammad. How was their relationship in the early days pre-Prophethood in Mecca?
Commentary of Verses 27 and 28
27. So, how (will it be) when the angels take their souls at death, striking their faces and their backs?
28. This is because they have followed what incurs God’s wrath (condemnation), and are averse to what pleases Him, and so He has caused all their (previous good) deeds to go to waste.
Although a human being, however Prophet Muḥammad has been given certain abilities by Allāh which he is entitled to use IF and WHEN Allāh permits him – one of them is his ability to tap into Knowledge of the Unseen – again IF and WHEN Allāh allows him. He has also been given the ability to be a witness over the actions of his community – showing that he has the power to know what all of the believers do – a power normally reserved for Allāh but one which He has granted to His Prophet for unique reasons.
Commentary of Verses 25 and 26
25. Surely those who have turned back as apostates after (God’s) guidance has become clear to them, Satan has seduced them; he has implanted in them long-term worldly ambitions.
26. This is because they have said to those who are averse to what God has sent down: "We will obey you in some issues." God knows their secrets.
With the move to Medina, the Prophet encountered a challenge – how to bring about harmony and introduce two distinct groups to one another – the Muhajiroon, those who had converted in Mecca and had to leave their home to move to Yathrib and the Ansar, those who had converted in the city of Yathrib and were now in a position to have to welcome in hundreds of people into their city. What would Prophet Muḥammad do to bring these people together and WHO did he choose as his brother?
Every faith tradition has a focus or direction which they hold sacred and important. For the Muslims, this is Mecca and the Sacred Ka’bah. However it was not always the direction of prayer. For the entire period of life in Mecca, the Muslims would turn towards Jerusalem when they engaged in their acts of worship. However, once they established themselves in Medina, the order was given to now turn towards Mecca and the Ka’bah. HOW did this shift occur? WHY did it happen? WHEN did it transpire?
A continuation of Episode 13 in which we reviewed Verse 24 which stated, "Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Nay, on the hearts there are locks." In this episode, we delve deeper into the Noble Quran and it importance and relevance in our lives.
After thirteen years of struggle, the Muslim community were at a dead-end – if they stayed in Mecca, not only could they not grow, but rather, their lives were in danger every day. What to do in such a situation? The answer was to leave Mecca and find a new home to grow in – and so Prophet Muhammad, through the direction of Allāh, proceeded to plan to move at night to the city of Yathrib – north of Mecca. He would create an elaborate plan, with Imam ʿAlī playing the most important role in his young life – to sacrifice his life for the Prophet to remain safe. Join us in this episode as we review the migration to Medina – bidding farewell to Mecca.
On the journey through the realms of existence, Allāh allowed His prophet to experience many unheard things which no one before or after him would ever go through. At the same time, he was also granted two blessings which Allāh would only confer upon him – the obligation to the night prayer (ṣalāt al-Layl) and the power to intercede for his community (maqam-e mahmood). Join us in this episode as we review the beautiful gifts which Allāh conferred upon Prophet Muhammad during the Me’raj.
Commentary of Verses 23 - 24
23. Such are they whom God has cursed (excluded from His mercy), and so He has made them deaf and blinded their eyes (to the truth).
24. Do they not meditate earnestly on the Qur’an, or are there locks on the hearts (that are particular to them so that they are as if deaf and blind, and incapable of understanding the truth)?
Commentary of Verses 21 - 22
21. (Whereas, what true believers are expected to do in response to any Divine order is) obedience and a proper word. So, if they were true to God when the command has been resolved upon (and it calls them to do what their pledge to God requires them), it would certainly be good for them.
22. But is it to be expected of you (O hypocritical ones), that you will break your promise and turn away (from God’s commandments), and cause disorder and corruption in the land, and sever the ties of kinship?
Commentary of Verse 20
20. Those who believe (look forward to a new surah conveying knowledge of Divine truths and God’s new commandments being sent down, and) say: "If only a new surah were sent down!" But when a decisive surah has been sent down in which fighting is mentioned (clearly as a commanded duty), you see those in whose hearts there is sickness looking at you with a look of one swooning to death. That is, in fact, what is expected of them!
Commentary of Verses 18 - 19
18. Do they (who persist in unbelief and evil deeds) wait but for the Last Hour – (waiting) that it come upon them all of a sudden? Now indeed its portents have already come. But how can it benefit them to take admonition when the Last Hour has (already) come upon them?
19. Then, know (bear in mind) that there is no deity but God, and ask forgiveness for your lapses, and for the believing men and believing women. God knows from which (inner) state and (social) condition to which state and condition you do and will move, and in which state and condition you will be steady.
Commentary of Verses 16 - 17
16. Among them (the people of Madinah) are some who give ear to you, but when they go out from your presence, they ask (with arrogance and derision) those who have been given (some) knowledge (of the truths of the Religion): "What has he said just now?" Those are they whose hearts God has sealed, and who follow their lusts and fancies.
17. As for those who have accepted God’s guidance, He strengthens them in guidance (through deeper knowledge and submission), and gives them piety and protection from sinning.
Commentary of Verse 15
15. A likeness of Paradise which the God-revering, pious are promised is this: in it are rivers of water incorruptible (in taste, smell, and color); and rivers of milk whose taste never changes; and rivers of wine delicious for the drinkers; and rivers of pure, clear honey. And in it there are also fruits of every kind for them, as well as forgiveness from their Lord (to bring unforeseen blessings). (Are those who will enjoy all this) like those who will abide in the Fire and be given boiling water to drink, so that it rends their bowels?
Commentary of Verses 13 - 14
13. How many a township there has been, greater in power (and more abundant in wealth) than your township, which has driven you out, (O Messenger). We destroyed them and they had no helper (against Us).
14. Is, then, the one who is (standing) upon a clear evidence from his Lord like him whose evil deeds are decked out to be appealing to him, and (those who) follow their lusts and fancies?
Commentary of Verse 12
12. God will admit those who believe and do good, righteous deeds into Gardens through which rivers flow. As for those who disbelieve, they take their enjoyment and consume (God’s bounties) just as cattle consume, (without considering Who has given them to them, and what they are expected to do in return, and with no sense of the life to come); and the Fire will be their dwelling (fitting for them).
Commentary of Verses 10 - 11
10. Have they not traveled about the earth and seen how the outcome was for those who came before them (and persisted in associating partners with Him, and in all kinds of transgression)? God brought utter devastation upon them, and the unbelievers (now) the like of their fate awaits.
11. This is because God surely is the Guardian of those who believe, but those who disbelieve have no guardian (acceptable in God’s sight and who can help them against Him).
Commentary of Verses 8 - 9
8. But those who disbelieve: collapse and perdition are their lot, and He will render all their deeds vain.
9. This is because they are averse to that which God has sent down, and so He causes their deeds to go to waste.
Commentary of Verses 5 - 7
5. (Rather,) He will guide them (to the realization of their goal in both worlds) and set their conditions right for them,
6. And He will admit them into Paradise that He has made known to them.
7. O you who believe! If you help God(’s cause by striving in His cause), He will help you and make your feet firm (so that you are steadfast in His cause and ultimately victorious).
Commentary of Verses 3 - 4
3. That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood (in their beliefs, thoughts, and actions), while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus God expounds to people what they are like.
4. So, when you meet those who disbelieve in war, smite at their necks (without giving them opportunity to defeat you). At length, when you have sufficiently suppressed them, (without continuing fighting) bind a firm bond of captivity on them. Then set them free either as a favor without demanding anything in return, or for ransom (which may consist of a reciprocal exchange of prisoners of war), so that warfare may abandon weapons and come to an end. That (is God’s command). Had God so willed, He would certainly exact retribution from them (Himself), but (He orders you to fight) in order to try you by means of one another. As for those who are killed in God’s cause, He will never render their deeds vain.
Introduction to Sūrah and Commentary of Verses 1 and 2
1. Those who disbelieve and bar (people) from God’s way – God will render all their deeds vain.
2. While those who believe and do good, righteous deeds, who believe in what has been sent on Muhammad – and it is the truth from their Lord – He will blot out from them their evil deeds (which will otherwise prevent their achievement of their goals in both worlds), and set their hearts fully aright and improve their conditions (both in this world and the next).
Death is an inevitable reality of life – even prophets, messengers, imams, saints need to die. As much as it is a reality and we ‘prepare’ for losing our loved ones, the shock is always powerful when it happens. It was in the year which Prophet Muhammad would term, The Year of Grief, that he lost his two strongest pillars, his beloved uncle and the faithful believer, Abu Ṭālib and also his wife, the Mother of the Believers, Khadijah the daughter of Khuwaylid. Join us in this episode as we review how Prophet Muhammad dealt with this major loss and more importantly, how Allāh consoled His final prophet by giving him the greatest experience – The Night Journey to Jerusalem and then the Ascent into the Heavens.
One of the goals of marriage is to have children – individuals that bring so much to the couple – even more than words can describe. However, after having lost two sons in Mecca, Prophet Muhammad ] and his beloved wife, The Mother of the Believers, Khadijah the daughter of Khuwaylid, would be blessed by Allāh with a daughter, and not just any daughter, but Fatima al-Zahra – the Leader of the Women of Paradise and one of the four women of Heaven. Join us in this episode as we review the birth of the only daughter of the final Prophet.
Having never gone to an official school to learn the art of reading and writing, some have claimed that Prophet Muhammad was illiterate. However, given that he had the best teacher, that is Allāh, and that he would experience the greatest ever events in his life, how can people claim that he did not have the ability to engage in something like this? Does the Quran make note of Prophet Muhammad being illiterate? Join us in this episode as we review the Quran and its description of Prophet Muhammad.
The family is the nucleus around which an individual gravitates and they should be the first to wish well for one of their own – whether it be in material accomplishments – but most definitely in spiritual and religious accolades. However, how did the uncles, cousins and extended clans men of the tribe of Quraysh deal with their own, Prophet Muhammad ]. In this episode, we review the all-important event of Da’wat Dhul Asheerah – the invitation to Islam extended to the close family members.
The mission of Islam started and it was not only for Prophet Muhammad. Rather, it was for his family, the society and the entire world. He would, however, need to start small and then work his way up to warning all humanity – but you need to start from somewhere. Join us as we review the beginning of the revelation and the weighty responsibility which Prophet Muhammad was given by Allāh.
For forty years, Prophet Muhammad was preparing for his greatest ever role – that of the final prophet and messenger of Allāh. His impeccable character and other skills he had developed over the past four decades would come to fruition on the 27thof the lunar month of Rajab when the event of the bi’that or official proclamation would take place in the cave of Hira on the Mountain of Light. Join us as we trace the initial revelation and the beginning of the message of the Quran.
To be complete people, Allāh has given us the institution of marriage – the sacred union, between a man and woman, under the sight of Allāh. As Prophet Muhammad was maturing and developing in Mecca, he too would look for his spouse and would find her in the person of Khadijah the daughter of Khuwaylid. She would give him comfort, support, love and her wealth to promote Islam and propagate the message. Join us in this episode as we review the marriage of the century.
Everyone needs to work to support themselves and their lifestyle – and the prophets of Allāh are no exception to this rule. Having lost his father before he was born, how, where and by whom would Prophet Muhammad learn the skills of business and commerce – a requirement given the era he was living in. In this episode we review his relationship with his beloved uncle, Abu Ṭālib and his learning the ropes of business.
Coming into this world as an orphan, ʿAbdullāh ibn Abdul Muttalib died before his son, the final prophet of Allāh could be born. In the rough and unforgiving climate of the Arabian Peninsula, who would be there to take care of the young Muhammad? In this episode, we study who took care of, supported, protected and nurtured Prophet Muhammad when he was a young child growing up in Mecca.
Prophet Jesus, undeniably one of the greatest prophets which Allāh had sent to guide humanity managed to bring countless people back to Allāh, after having many people of the Children of Israel deviate. However his greatest sign would be to introduce the final Prophet, Muhammad - or as he would refer to him, Ahmad. Why is the final messenger introduced as Ahmad and not Muhammad and what was the reaction to Prophet Jesus and his call to the final messenger of Allāh? In this episode we review the invitation of Prophet Jesus to Islam and Prophet Muhammad.
People make prayers and supplications to Allāh on a daily basis all around the world. Sometimes, those prayers are immediately answered and they get what they desire. At other times, it may take days, weeks, months or years – and in the case of the supplication of Prophet Ibrāhīm for a prophet to come from Mecca, it took over 3,000 years to materialize. In this episode, we journey through the supplication.
What was the journey that the immaculate light (noor) of Prophet Muhammad made from his pre-Earthly existence through the past prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Moses, and others until finally reaching to his father, ʿAbdullāh ibn Abd al-Muttalib? In this episode, we follow the Divinely-created light of Prophet Muhammad as it travels through the loins of the various prophets of the past.
Where was Prophet Muhammad before he came to Earth? Is there some place where the souls ‘reside’ before they are permitted to come to Earth? What, if anything, does the Quran say about our pre-existence and “how” did the light of Prophet Muhammad make its way from the pre-worldly existence to Mecca? In this episode, we try and trace the light of Prophet Muhammad before his birth.
In Part 16 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 43 - 45 under the theme of "End of the World."
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 15 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 41- 42 under the theme of "The Resurrection."
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 14 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 39 - 40 under the theme of "Constant Glorification of Allāh."
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 13 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verse 38 under the theme of "The Power of God."
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 12 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 36 to 37 under the theme of A Warning and Reminder."
وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُمْ مِنْ قَرْنٍ هُمْ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ بَطْشًا فَنَقَّبُوا فِي الْبِلَادِ هَلْ مِنْ مَحِيصٍ {36}
[50:36] And how many a generation did We destroy before them who were mightier in prowess than they, so they went about and about in the lands. Is there a place of refuge?
إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَذِكْرَىٰ لِمَنْ كَانَ لَهُ قَلْبٌ أَوْ أَلْقَى السَّمْعَ وَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ {37}
[50:37] Most surely there is a reminder in this for him who has a heart or he gives ear and is a witness.
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 11 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 34 to 35 under the theme of "Enter in Peace."
ادْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَامٍ ۖ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ الْخُلُودِ {34}
[50:34] Enter it in peace, that is the day of abiding.
لَهُمْ مَا يَشَاءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌ {35}
[50:35] They have therein what they wish and with Us is more yet.
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 10 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 31 to 33 under the theme of "The Blessings of Paradise."
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 9 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 27 to 30 under the theme of "Leave all Excuses!"
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 8 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 21 to 26 under the theme of "Reality of Death".
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 7 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 17 to 20 under the theme of "Reality of Death".
[50:17] When the two receivers receive, sitting on the right and on the left.
[50:18] He utters not a word but there is by him a watcher at hand.
[50:19] And the stupor of death will come in truth; that is what you were trying to escape.
[50:20] And the trumpet shall be blown; that is the day of the threatening.
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 6 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 15 to 16 under the theme of "Disbelieving Nations of the Past".
أَفَعَيِينَا بِالْخَلْقِ الْأَوَّلِ ۚ بَلْ هُمْ فِي لَبْسٍ مِنْ خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ {15} [50:15] Were We then fatigued with the first creation? Yet are they in doubt with regard to a new creation.
وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِ نَفْسُهُ ۖ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيدِ {16} [50:16] And certainly We created man, and We know what his mind suggests to him, and We are nearer to him than his life-vein.
In Part 5 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 12 to 14 under the theme of "Disbelieving Nations of the Past".
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 4 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 9 to 11 under the theme of "Allah's Blessings for Humanity".
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
In Part 3 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 6 to 8 under the theme of "Proofs of God in Creation"
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio
In Part 2 of the commentary (tafseer) of Chapter 50 of the Quran, Surah Qaaf, we review Verses 3 to 5 under the theme of "The Resurrection"
𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐐𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Shaykh Hasan al-Nakhli from Dar al-Sayyida Ruqayya (peace be upon her) found @ http://www.ruqayah.net/audio/index.php?catb=166&part=1
--
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In this, part 23, we cover verse 22: You never find a people who truly believe in Allāh and the Last Day loving towards those who oppose Allāh and His Messenger, even if they be their (own) parents, or their children, or their brothers (and sisters), and their clan. Those (are they) in whose hearts Allāh has inscribed faith and has strengthened them with a spirit from Him (which is the source of their spiritual vigor and intellectual enlightenment). And He will admit them into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, therein to abide. Allāh is well-pleased with them, and they are well-pleased with Him. Those are the party of Allāh. Be aware: the party of Allāh are those who are the prosperous.
In this, part 22, we cover verse 21: Allāh has decreed: “I will most certainly prevail, I and My Messengers.” Surely Allāh is All-Strong, All-Glorious (with irresistible might).
In this, part 21, we cover verse 20: Surely the ones who oppose Allāh and His Messenger – those will be among the most abased.
In this, part 20, we cover verse 19: Satan has subdued them and caused them to forget the remembrance of Allāh. Those are the party of Satan. Be aware: the party of Satan, they are the losers (the self-ruined).
In this, part 19, we cover verse 18: The Day when Allāh will raise them all from the dead, they will swear to Him as (now) they swear to you. They fancy that they will have some standing (through their oaths). Be aware: they are but liars.
In this, part 18, we cover verse 17: Neither their wealth, nor their children will avail them anything against Allāh. They are companions of the Fire: they will abide therein forever.
In this, part 17, we cover verse 16: They take their oaths as a covering (to screen their misdeeds and themselves from accusations), and bar (other people) from Allāh’s way. Therefore, there is for them a humiliating punishment.
In this, part 16, we cover verse 15: Allāh has prepared for them a severe punishment. Evil indeed is that which they do habitually.
In this, part 15, we cover verse 14: Have you not considered those who take for confidants and guardians people whom Allāh has condemned to punishment? They are neither of you (O believers) nor of the others (whom they take for confidants and guardians). They swear to a lie (that they are of you), while they know (it to be a lie).
In this, part 14, we cover verse 13: Is it that you are afraid of offering something in alms before your consultation (with Prophet Muḥammad)? (If so) and you have not done it, and Allāh has turned to you in forgiveness, then establish the prayer (in conformity with its conditions), and pay the prescribed purifying alms, (the zakāt), and obey Allāh and His Messenger; and Allāh is fully aware of all that you do.
In this, part 13, we cover verse 12: O you who believe! When you intend to consult the Messenger in private, then offer something in alms (to him) before your consultation. That is better for you and purer. Yet if you do not find (the means to do so), then Allāh is surely All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate.
In this, part 12, we cover verse 11: O you who believe! When you are told: “Make room in the assemblies (for one another and for new comers)” do make room. Allāh will make room for you in (His grace and Paradise). And when you are told: “Rise up (and leave the assembly),” then do rise up. Allāh will raise (in degree) those of you who truly believe (and act accordingly), and in degrees those who have been granted the knowledge (especially of the religious matters). Surely Allāh is fully aware of all that you do.
In this, part 11, we cover verse 10: Secret counsels (held for other reasons) are only (a provocation) from Satan, in order that he may cause grief to the believers; yet he cannot harm them in anything unless by Allāh’s permission; and in Allāh let the believers put their trust."
In this, part 10, we cover verse 9: "O you who believe! If you hold secret counsels, do not hold secret counsels to commit sins, or for (urging one another to) offensiveness and disobedience to the Messenger; but rather hold counsels for Godliness, and righteousness, and piety. Keep from disobedience to Allāh in reverence for Him and piety, to Whom you will be gathered."
In part nine we review verse 8 in which God says: Have you not considered those who were forbidden to hold secret counsels, and yet reverted to what they had been forbidden, and held secret meetings to commit sins (such as drinking alcohol, gambling, and evading the prayer), and for (urging one another to) offensiveness and disobedience to the Messenger (in his commands and prohibitions. It is these very people who) when they come to you, salute you with a salutation that Allāh has never taught you and with which He has never saluted you, and they say to one another (in derision): “Why does Allāh not punish us for what we say (if Muḥammad is truly His Prophet)?” Hell will suffice them, they will enter it to roast. How evil a destination to arrive at!
In part eight we review verse 7 in which God says: Have you not considered that Allāh knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth? There is not a secret counsel between three persons but He (Allāh), is the fourth of them, nor between five but He (Allāh), is the sixth of them, nor less than that, nor more, but He (Allāh), is with them wherever they may be. Thereafter He (Allāh), will make them truly understand all that they did (and call them to account) on the Day of Resurrection. Surely Allāh has full knowledge of everything.
In part seven, we review verse 6 in which God says: On the day when Allāh will raise them all from the dead, and make them truly understand all that they did (in the world, and call them to account): Allāh had it written down, though they have forgotten it; and Allāh is witness over everything.
In this commentary, we review verse five which reads: Those who oppose Allāh and His Messenger (in the observance of Allāh’s boundaries) will certainly be abased (in this world) even as those (who did likewise) before them were abased. We have certainly sent down clear revelations (to guide you to happiness in both worlds). And as for the unbelievers, there will be a humiliating punishment.
In part five we review the third verse of Surah al-Mujadilah: Whoever does not find (means to do that), let him fast two (lunar) months consecutively before they, (the spouses), touch each other. And he who is not able to do so, (his penance shall be) to feed sixty destitute ones. This is in order that you perfect your faith in Allāh and His Messenger (so that you believe in the truth of whatever Allāh has enjoined and His Messenger conveyed to you, and live accordingly). These are the bounds of Allāh. And for the unbelievers there is a painful punishment.
In this part of our commentary we review the third verse of Surah al-Mujadilah which reads: "Those who declare their wives unlawful for them (by using that abhorred expression) and thereafter wish to go back on the words they have uttered must free a slave before they (the spouses) have physical contact with each other. This is what you are urged to do. And Allāh is fully aware of what you do (so do not seek to evade this act of penance and expiation for your wrong-doing)."
In this part, we review verse 2 in which Allah says: Those among you who declare their wives to be unlawful for them by using the expression: “Be as my mother’s back to me,” (should know that) their wives are not their mothers. Their mothers are none other than the women who gave them birth. Such men certainly utter a word abhorred (by the religion) and a falsehood. Yet Allāh is surely All-Pardoning, (He overlooks the faults of His servants) All-Forgiving.
In this part, we review the verse which reads:
Allah has indeed heard and accepted the words of the woman who pleads with you, Muḥammad, concerning her husband and refers her complaint to Allah. Allah hears the dialogue between you, Khawlah and Prophet Muḥammad. Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.
This chapter has twenty-two (22) verses and was revealed in Medina and it is the only chapter of the Quran in which all of the verses contain the blessed name of Allah.
Due to the event of the dispute (jidāl) which is referred to in the first verse, this chapter has taken on the name of al-Mujādilah.
The areas of discussion which are contained in this chapter include:
1. The jurisprudential rule of ẓihār – a form of divorce which existed during the pre-Islamic era of jāhiliyyah;
2. Positive and negative examples of private discussions (najwā);
3. Respecting people who enter into gatherings; 4. Separation between the party of Allah (ḥizbullāh) and the party of Satan (ḥizbushayṭān).
In this Podcast, we go over the commentary of the fourteenth verse of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verse 14: "O you who have faith! Be Allah’s helpers, just as Jesus son of Mary said to the disciples, ‘Who will be my helpers for Allah’s sake?’ The disciples said, ‘We will be Allah’s helpers!’ So a group of the Children of Israel believed, and a group of them disbelieved. Then We strengthened the faithful against their enemies, and they became the dominant ones."
In this Podcast, we go over the commentary of the thirteenth verse of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verses 10-12: "And other [blessings] you love: help from Allah and a victory near at hand. And give good news to the faithful."
In this Podcast, in part ONE of a THREE part series, we go over the commentary of the tenth, eleventh and twelfth verses of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verses 10-12: "O you who have faith! Shall I show you a deal that will deliver you from a painful punishment? Have faith in Allah and His Apostle, and wage jihād in the way of Allah with your possessions and your persons. That is better for you, should you know. He shall forgive you your sins and admit you into gardens with streams running in them, and into good dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. That is the great success."
In this Podcast, in part TWO of a THREE part series, we go over the commentary of the tenth, eleventh and twelfth verses of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verses 10-12: "O you who have faith! Shall I show you a deal that will deliver you from a painful punishment? Have faith in Allah and His Apostle, and wage jihād in the way of Allah with your possessions and your persons. That is better for you, should you know. He shall forgive you your sins and admit you into gardens with streams running in them, and into good dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. That is the great success."
In this Podcast, in part ONE of a THREE part series, we go over the commentary of the tenth, eleventh and twelfth verses of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verses 10-12: "O you who have faith! Shall I show you a deal that will deliver you from a painful punishment? Have faith in Allah and His Apostle, and wage jihād in the way of Allah with your possessions and your persons. That is better for you, should you know. He shall forgive you your sins and admit you into gardens with streams running in them, and into good dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. That is the great success."
In this Podcast, in part THREE of a THREE part series, we go over the commentary of the eighth and ninth verses of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verses 8-9: "They desire to put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah shall perfect His light though the faithless should be averse. It is He who has sent His Apostle with the guidance and the religion of truth that He may make it prevail over all religions tho
In this Podcast, in part two of a THREE part series, we go over the commentary of the eighth and ninth verses of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verses 8-9: "They desire to put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah shall perfect His light though the faithless should be averse. It is He who has sent His Apostle with the guidance and the religion of truth that He may make it prevail over all religions though the polytheists should be averse."
In this Podcast, in part ONE of a THREE part series, we go over the commentary of the eighth and ninth verses of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verses 8-9: "They desire to put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah shall perfect His light though the faithless should be averse. It is He who has sent His Apostle with the guidance and the religion of truth that He may make it prevail over all religions though the polytheists should be averse."
In this Podcast, in part ONE of a TWO part series, we go over the commentary of the seventh verse of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verse 7: "And who is a greater wrongdoer than him who fabricates falsehoods against Allah, while he is being summoned to Islam? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing lot."
In this Podcast, in part TWO of a TWO part series, we go over the commentary of the sixth verse of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verse 5: "And when Jesus son of Mary said, ‘O Children of Israel! Indeed I am the apostle of Allah to you, to confirm what is before me of the Torah, and to give the good news of an apostle who will come after me, whose name is Aḥmad.’ Yet when he brought them manifest proofs, they said, ‘This is plain magic.’"
In this Podcast, in part ONE of a TWO part series, we go over the commentary of the sixth verse of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verse 5: "And when Jesus son of Mary said, ‘O Children of Israel! Indeed I am the apostle of Allah to you, to confirm what is before me of the Torah, and to give the good news of an apostle who will come after me, whose name is Aḥmad.’ Yet when he brought them manifest proofs, they said, ‘This is plain magic.’"
In this Podcast, in part TWO of a TWO part series, we go over the commentary of the fifth verse of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verse 5: "When Moses said to his people, ‘O my people! Why do you torment me, when you certainly know that I am Allah’s apostle to you?’ So when they swerved [from the right path] Allah made their hearts swerve, and Allah does not guide the transgressing lot."
In this Podcast, in part ONE of a TWO part series, we go over the commentary of the fifth verse of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verse 5: "When Moses said to his people, ‘O my people! Why do you torment me, when you certainly know that I am Allah’s apostle to you?’ So when they swerved [from the right path] Allah made their hearts swerve, and Allah does not guide the transgressing lot."
In this Podcast, we go over the commentary of the fourth verse of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verse 4: "Indeed Allah loves those who fight in His way in ranks, as if they were a compact structure."
In this Podcast, we go over the commentary of the second and third verses of Surat al-Saff (Chapter 61) - The Ranks - as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verses 2 and 3: "O you who have faith! Why do you say what you do not do? It is greatly outrageous to Allah that you should say what you do not do."
In this Podcast, we introduce the 61st chapter of the Quran, Surat al-Saff, The Ranks, and go over the commentary of the first verse as authored by Shaykh Mohsin Qaraati in Tafseer-e Noor.
Verse 1: "Whatever there is in the heavens glorifies Allah and whatever there is in the earth, and He is the All-mighty, the All-wise."
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This chapter has fourteen verses and is considered as a Madanī chapter – that is, it was revealed in the post-migration period.
Due to the word ṣaff which is mentioned in the fourth verse, this chapter has been named al-Ṣaff.
Most of the focus of this chapter is in regards to the pre-eminence of the religion of Islam over all other Divinely revealed teachings and the necessity to engage in the sacred struggle – jihād – in the way of God and supporting the Prophets of God.
In addition, it is worth noting that this chapter along with Sūrats al-Ḥadīd (57) and al-Ḥashr (59) begin with the word ‘sabbaḥa’(سَبَّحَ) – meaning ‘declared the glory’; while Sūrats al-Jumuʿah (62) and al-Taghābun (64) begin with the word ‘yusabbiḥu’ (يُسَبِّحُ) – meaning ‘declares the glory’; while Sūrat al-Isrāʾ (17) begins with the word ‘subḥān’ (سُبْحَانَ) – meaning ‘Glory be to…’ and Sūrat al-Aʿlā (87) begins with the command of ‘sabbiḥḥism rabbika’ (سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ...) – meaning ‘Glorify the name of Your Lord…’.
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Part I: Universal Glorification - Verse 1
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سَبَّحَ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ١
Whatever there is in the heavens glorifies Allah and whatever there is in the earth, and He is the All-mighty, the All-wise.
This chapter (like other chapters of the Quran) begins with the glorification of God and it is for this reason that it is known as one of the chapters of the ‘Musabbihāt’ – those chapters of the Quran which begin with the glorification of God.
In this initial verse we read that everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies God and why should they not glorify Him and consider Him as being free from all defects and short comings seeing as how He is the All-Mighty and the All-Wise!
This chapter is known as the chapter of faith (al-īmān), monotheism (al-tawḥīd), and cognizance (al-maʿrifah) and its focus is on the issue of the general glorification of all in existence, which is either through the metaphorical tongue or through their actual verbal declarations. In addition, it is through an amazing system of creation which governs over all of them and this is the best proof that there exists an All-Mighty and All-Wise creator – one who fortifies the foundations of faith in the hearts and who establishes the way to command towards the sacred struggle (jihād).
1. In the world-view of Islam, all of the creations in existence have a type of intelligence and they are all engaged in the glorification of Allah.
2. That entity which is truly worth of glorification and sanctification is the one who possesses never-ending power and incomparable wisdom.
Jesus, son of Mary, prayed, “O Allah! our Lord! send down to us a table spread with a sure and lasting food from heaven that it may be to us a (source of) festival ever recurring, to the first of us and to the last of us and (serve as) sign from You and provide sustenance for us, for You are the Best of providers of sustenance.” (5:114)
Commentary
The sighting of the new moon to herald in the new month takes on extra special importance two times during the year – to begin the month of Ramaḍān and to end the Blessed Month.
After having spent a month in a spiritual retreat, seeking proximity to Allah through not only fasting, but extra prayers, supplications, feeding community members, supporting great causes locally and internationally, the special blessing of Allah must come to an end – however the ‘last taste’ of such mercies are found at the end of the month of Ramaḍān with the coming of the 1st of Shawwāl - ʿEid al-Fiṭr – a night and a day which is no less important than Laylatul Qadr!
The actual day of ʿeid is such a joyous and special day that fasting is impermissible - ḥarām! Allah wants us to fully enjoy this day and this is seen in the beautiful supplication we read in the qunūt of the ʿeid prayers in which we say:
I ask you, O Allah, by the right of this day which You have made as a day of ʿeid – celebration – for the Muslims!
Just as the new crescent moon which was seen 30 days ago to start the month of Ramaḍān went through so many phases however it returns back to its original form and shape to herald in the new month of Shawwāl, so too as believers, we have and we continue to go through phases and stages in our lives and the beauty of ʿEid al-Fiṭr is that we have hopefully returned to our “true nature” that we were born with:
So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fiṭrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know. (30:30)
What does this word “al-fiṭr” mean – we refer to this 1st day of Shawwāl as ʿEid al-Fiṭr, but why?
There are multiple meanings of this word, including:
· To split, cleave, break;
· To create (as in the act which Allah X performs);
· It is also refers to our innate disposition (human nature) which we were created upon.
Just as a seed which is planted into the ground and is watered, given air, light and all that it needs to grow into a plant or tree, so too, in the past month, we were nurtured by the greatest of caretakers – Allah:
“And Allah has caused you to grow from the earth a [progressive] growth.” (71:17)
We were given all that we need to bloom and blossom and thus, the day of ʿEid al-Fiṭr is the day when we break out of our seed and sprout new roots as spiritually rejuvenated believers.
Not only are we – spiritually – new believers however we see that on the day of ʿeid we are recommended to engage in many actions to present ourselves outwardly as being ‘new’:
1. Take a ghusl to physically clean ourselves;
2. We are encouraged to wear new, clean, white clothing;
3. We are encouraged to put on perfume or cologne to smell good;
4. Pay Zakāt al-Fiṭr BEFORE ʿeid prayers.
All of these things perfect our ‘outer shell’ while the month long fasting, prayers, supplications have hopefully perfected our ‘inner core’...
And We sent him (back as a Messenger at Nineveh) to a people hundred thousand strong, rather they were even more. (37:47)
Commentary
NUMBER 100,000: This verse from Sūrah al-Sāffāt speaks about the great Prophet, Yūnus, known in English as Prophet Jonah - the one who was swallowed by a large fish – in a significant trial which Allah put him through and which the faithful remember every night when the perform ṣalāt al-ghufaylah.
As we mentioned in our 2016 publication entitled, Salvation Through Patience and Perseverance: Salat al-Ghufaylah, Prophet Yūnus is a prophet of many ‘exceptions’.
He was born in 825 bce and is buried in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. He was a prophet from the Children of Israel (Banī Isrāʾīl) and came after Prophet Sulayman and is spoken about in the Book of Jonah in the Old Testament of the Bible and has been mentioned five times in the Quran.
In Sūrah al-Nisāʾ (4), he is mentioned alongside other prophets as having received revelation; in Sūrah al-Anʿām (7), he is referred to alongside other prophets as being “rightly guided”; in Sūrah Yūnus (10), his community is the only one in the history presented by the Quran as having been spared the Divine punishment; and in the last mention of him in Sūrah al-Sāffāt, many parts of his mission and his tribulation are meticulously detailed.
When it comes to our final verse for review this Ramaḍhān, we see that Allah has made use of the number 100,000 – and it is in the context of the outcome of Prophet Yūnus returning back to his community after he had survived being stuck in the belly of the huge sea creature. Once he was able to fully recover his health and make his way back to his community in Naynawa in Iraq, he noticed that contrary to what he thought, they were still alive and the punishment of Allah had not befallen them! Shocked, he was told that when he left them, they mended their ways, repented and so Allah did not punish this group of people. In conclusion, Allah presents us with a fact which He has never mentioned in regards to any other prophet – and that is the number of followers or believers which they had – no matter how large or small they were! Here He tells us that Yūnus came back to his community and they were 100,000 – or more!
The Quran presents the stories of prophets of the past – not just to read them and marvel at their accomplishments or lament over their tragedies – but rather, so that we can read, reflect and learn lessons from these great men of Allah and to realize our responsibility to Islam and to our living Imam, al-Ḥujjah – may Allah hasten his return.
And We sent him (back as a Messenger at Nineveh) to a people hundred thousand strong, rather they were even more. (37:47)
Commentary
NUMBER 100,000: This verse from Sūrah al-Sāffāt speaks about the great Prophet, Yūnus, known in English as Prophet Jonah - the one who was swallowed by a large fish – in a significant trial which Allah X put him through and which the faithful are recommended to remember every night when performing ṣalāt al-ghufaylah.
As we mentioned in our 2016 publication entitled, Salvation Through Patience and Perseverance: Salat al-Ghufaylah, Prophet Yūnus is a prophet of many ‘exceptions’.
He was born in 825 BCE and is buried in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. He was a prophet from the Children of Israel (Banī Isrāʾīl) and came after Prophet Sulayman and is spoken about in the Book of Jonah in the Old Testament of the Bible and Prophet Yūnus has been mentioned five times in the Noble Quran.
In Sūrah al-Nisāʾ (4), he is mentioned alongside other prophets as having received revelation; in Sūrah al-Anʿām (7), he is referred to alongside other prophets as being “rightly guided”; in Sūrah Yūnus (10), his community is the only one in the history presented by the Quran as having been spared from a the Divine punishment; and in the last mention of him in Sūrah al-Sāffāt (37), many parts of his mission and his tribulation are meticulously detailed.
In our final verse for review this Ramaḍhān, we see that Allah has made use of the number 100,000 – and it is in the context of the outcome of Prophet Yūnus when he returned back to his community after he had survived being stuck in the belly of that huge sea creature.
Once he was able to fully recover his health, he made his way back to his community in Naynawa in Iraq, and he noticed that contrary to what he thought, they were still alive and well and the punishment of Allah had not yet befallen them!
Shocked, he was told that when he left them, they mended their ways, sincerely repented to Allah and thus, He did not punish this group of people.
In conclusion, Allah presents us with a fact which He has never mentioned in regards to any other prophet – and that is the number of followers or believers which they had – no matter how large or small they were! However in his verse of the Quran, this verse us that when Prophet Yūnus came back to his community and they were 100,000 people – or maybe even more!
The Quran presents stories of prophets of the past – not just to read and marvel at their accomplishments, or lament over their tragedies – but rather, so that we can read, reflect and learn lessons from these great men of Allah X and realize our responsibilities to Islam and to our living Imam, al-Ḥujjah – may Allah hasten his return.
The angels and the Spirit (of the faithful) ascend to Him in a day the measure of which is (equal to) fifty thousand years (a day of spiritual advancement of the faithful is equivalent to fifty thousand years of material advancement, thus the development and progress of the human soul knows no end). (70:4)
NUMBER 50,000: In Sūrah al-Maʿārij (chapter 70), after speaking of the punishment which befell a specific person, which according to the history of revelation, was in regards to a person who mocked the Prophet’s proclamation on the day of Ghadeer of the mastership of ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭalib, Allah then states that the Angels and the Rūḥ ascend to Him in a day which is equivalent to 50,000 of “our” days.
What does this mean? Does it really take 50,000 of “our” days for the Angels and this creation known as the Rūḥ to ascend to Allah? Is He that far away? Don’t they travel at the speed of light or something even faster? Why make mention of this number in the Quran? Is it metaphorical?
Without a doubt, this ‘ascent’ is not physical, rather, it carries with it spiritual connotations – these creations of Allah ascend to Him with haste seeking proximity to their Lord –preparing themselves to take orders from Him and then fulfill them.
Scholars believe that the meaning of the Rūḥ in this verse is the Rūḥ al-Amīn – the great Angel also spoken about in Sūrah al-Qadr where Allah said:
تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ٤
And as for the phrase that this ascent takes, “…50,000 years…” to complete, well this may be an allusion to the fact that the Day of Judgement, according the days of our world and as mentioned in Sūrah al-Sajdah, verse 5, is 1,000 years and when we combine that figure with the ḥadīth which states that the Day of Judgement has 50 stations which we must traverse, doing the math of 1,000 years x 50 stations gives us the total of 50,000 years.
Other commentators of the Quran have the opinion that the usage of the term, “…50,000 years…” is metaphorical and refers to a large amount – not necessarily the actual number – but that the Day will be extremely lengthy.
In any case, as the aḥādīth tell us, the Day of Judgement and accounting on that day will be that long for the guilty ones, the oppressors and the disbelievers.
In a ḥadīth related by Abū Saʿid al-Khudrī it has been mentioned that when this verse was revealed, someone asked the Prophet, “O Messenger of Allah! How long is that day!?” To this the Prophet replied:
وَ الَّذِى نَفْسُ مُحَمَّدٍ بِیَدِهِ إِنَّهُ لَیَخِفُّ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِ حَتَّى یَکُونَ أَخَفَّ عَلَیْهِ مِنْ صَلاَةِ مَکْتُوبَةِ یُصَلِّیْها فِى الدُّنْیَا
I take an oath by the One who holds the soul of Muḥammad in His hand that that Day (of judgement) will be so effortless for the true believer such that it will be less strenuous than the obligatory prayer which they prayed in the transient world.[1]
The challenges of the world to come are, without a doubt, extremely difficult and stressful, however if we maintain our akhlāq in this world, perform our obligations in terms of the aḥkām – the rules and regulations - and ensure that we have the correct ʿaqīdah – the belief system - then with Allah’s permission, we will be able to fast-track ourselves on that day.
[1] Tafsīr Majmaʿ al-Bayān, v. 10, p. 353; Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī, v. 10, p. 6,761.
Indeed (it does); and if you patiently persevere and guard against evil and they (the enemies) come upon you suddenly and in hot haste of theirs, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand swooping and havoc-making angels. (3:125)
Commentary
NUMBER 5,000: This verse was revealed to the Prophet ] as it related to the aftermath of the battle of Uḥud in which the Muslims took heavy losses. However as they were returning to Mecca, the polytheists of Mecca realized that they should have ‘finished off’ the Muslims by attacking the city of Medina and if possible, killing the Prophet. Thus, they would have been able to do away with this religion and the Muslims once and for all.
The Meccan army commanders gave the order to turn back and proceed towards Medina. The Muslims who had lost many people in the battle and had countless injured were definitely in no position to defend themselves in another battle however, the polytheists had both strength and numbers and the adrenaline to make the attack all the more lethal. When the Prophet ] received notice that the polytheists were coming back, he ordered the Muslims, including Imam ʿAlī who had over 60 injuries on his body from the Battle of Uḥud, to get ready for a second stage of the battle.
The Meccans were informed about the Muslims stand and were shocked at this news and thought that perhaps there were others from neighboring cities and tribes who were going to be assisting the Muslims and that they may end up losing this stage of the war. Thus, they decided that it would be best to return back to Mecca and rejoice in their victory rather than to risk a loss of life and morale.
However, the traits which Allah emphasizes in this verse which we need to keep in mind in our daily battles in life and which will help us overcome our adversaries and even result in hidden support from the Most High are two traits that are easy to speak about but difficult to attain and maintain:
1. Ṣabr – patience, fortitude and perseverance;
2. Taqwā – Consciousness and awareness of Allah;
If we can maintain these traits in our lives and continuously build upon them, then we will have success in our daily lives and that just as Allah promised the Prophet and the early companions that He will provide hidden assistance, that we too can be the recipients of such support from Him and the guardian angels that He has appointed to look after us.
Many times we fail to succeed due to previous setbacks which may drain our spiritual energies and leave us feeling depressed; we need to pick ourselves up and move forward with life – we must build our ṣabr – the fortitude and perseverance to deal with adversity, and our taqwā our realizing that Allah is ever present and will support us IF we take the first step.
(Recall the time) when you said to the believers, ‘Does it not suffice you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down (by Him)? (3:124)
Commentary
NUMBER 3,000: Although as humans, we have been given the freedom to act as we please, however Allah has not created us and simply “left us alone” – there is still the ‘hidden hand’ of Allah which plays a role in the workings of this world.
More often than not, Allah does not interfere with the mechanics of our lives, although He has put various rules in place – such as the fact that when we break His laws, there is an outcome which we may see in this world; and as well, when we do good and follow His ordinances, there is a benefit which we will receive in this current life. The laws of cause and effect govern this world – both at the physical and at the meta-physical level.
At the same time, as we see in the Quran and the lives of the previous prophets and also directly in the life of Prophet Muḥammad, that there are times when Allah directly intervenes and through the assistance of the angels, they have turned the tides on the belligerent opponents of this faith.
We see this in the migration (hijrah) of the Prophet from Mecca to Medina and also in some of the battles which the Muslims were involved in – and none is more clear than the first battle of Badr which the Muslims fought which took place around the 17th of the Month of Ramaḍān in the second year after the migration.
This was a fierce battle in the history of the Muslims, because up until this point, Allah had prohibited the Muslims from engaging in warfare and so for the Muslims to be victorious and deal a severe blow to the psyche of the polytheists of Mecca and damage their prestige, this was a major turning point in Islam.
Although Allah confirms in another verse that He brought down Angels to aide the Muslims, however we must also realize that as much as this was a physical support for the early Muslim community, we should also look at it as being an emotional backing for the believers and a form of psychological warfare against the enemies.
The fact that the Prophet confirmed to the believers through the verses of the Quran that Allah will come to the aide of the Muslims with unseen Angels was a huge boost in the morale of the believers, and without a doubt, it made them even more enthusiastic to press forth in their mission.
The Quran constantly tells the Muslims that we must always prepare ourselves and ensure that we have adequate resources – whether this be human resources, wealth, or anything else so as to protect ourselves and our faith, however, Allah has also promised us that we should do all that we can, and then He will help and support us.
For the present Allah has lightened your burden, for He knows that there is yet some weakness in you, thus, if there be of you one hundred persevering and steadfast persons they shall (still) overcome (at least) two hundred and if there be a thousand of you they shall overcome two thousand by the leave of Allah. And Allah is with the steadfast. (8:66)
NUMBER 2,000: We reviewed this same verse when we looked at the number 200, and once again, we look back into it, albeit in another light.
In this verse, as we saw, there are multiple numbers mentioned – and this time, we focus on the number 2,000 and another lesson which we can take from the guidance of Allah.
One of the prime factors for the victories and defeats in the history of the Prophets and their followers is their level of faith and conviction in Allah and their Prophet. In fact, in many verses of the Quran, Allah shows us that faith (īmān) is not something which can remain stagnant, it must always be evolving and expanding. Faith is not like some of the acts of worship, such as the ḥajj that once it is “done” there is no need to revisit it; rather, faith is like the ṣalāt that it continues on a daily basis until death.
This verse under review shows us that sometimes amongst the Muslims, there are those who are weak in faith – due to numerous factors – and that they need to be given that boost to revitalize their conviction. This rejuvenation of īmān can be carried out in many ways – such as ḥajj, ʿumrah, and ziyārāt. However these are merely strong boosters, what happens after is much more important because if we do not keep the spirit of submission alive on a regular basis, then over time, just as the battery in our cell phone can die after excessive usage, so too do our spiritual batteries drain out, leaving us looking for another powerful charge.
Keeping our spiritual energies constantly charged can be done even though we do not live in an Islamic environment – however we need to make changes in our lives to ensure that we are constantly being fed with the religious vibes to keep us from going astray. Simple things such as beginning the day with our morning prayer, listening to the Quran or Duʿa al-Ṣabāḥ as we have our morning breakfast; listening to short daily talks on our commute to work or school; making our best effort to pray on time every prayer; and dedicating ourselves to Allah during the blessed months of Rajab, Shaʿbān and of course the Blessed Month of Ramaḍhān.
All of these little changes in our lives can help us to slowly charge our spiritual batteries and to keep us in constant connection with the highest of all powers in the world and beyond – Allah.
Allah realizes that we are weak and that sometimes, our faith will have ebbs and flows, and so He is easy with us – He does not expect us to spend our entire day and night in prayer – He expects very little from us – but at the same time, out of His intense mercy, He gives us several opportunities throughout the year, like the Month of Ramaḍān to get a quicker charge to help us out.
He that cannot afford (a slave to be set free) shall then (observe) fasts for two consecutive months before he and his wife touch each other (for conjugal relationship). But he who has not even the strength (to fast for that time) shall feed sixty poor people. This has been so (ordained) that you may have faith in Allah and really submit before Him and His Messenger. These are the limits (enjoining you to give up foul practices and injustice to women) prescribed by Allah. And the deniers of these shall receive grievous punishment. (58:4)
NUMBER 60: The first four verses of Sūrah al-Mujādila speak about the practice of ‘ẓihār’ – a form of divorce which was common at the time of jāhiliyyah (pre-Islam) – however it was a divorce in which the man and woman could not reconcile and get back together, nor was the woman free to marry again – she was left in a legal limbo. According to the history of why this chapter was revealed, scholars note that at the time of the Prophet, a married couple in Medina got into an argument and the Muslim man ‘divorced’ his wife by using this pre-Islamic custom (which had not yet been abrogated in Islam). However, a problem arose that the man had “divorced” his wife out of anger – was there any way out to save their marriage and family life?These verses were revealed to the Prophet ] and he told the couple that in order to get back together the man must:1. Free a slave;2. Fast for two months;3. Feed sixty needy people.The man told the Prophet he did not have the means to free a slave as the cost of that was just too high for him to bear; he also told the Messenger that he can’t fast as if he does not eat, he begins to have problems with his vision and he feared that he may go blind; he also did not have the ability to feed sixty poor people – unless the Prophet could provide him some financial support or some other support in these regards. The Prophet agreed and gave the man 15 sāʿ (an ancient measurement of volume) which was enough to feed sixty people and so the man did as he was required and paid the expiation of his oath by feeding the poor, and went back to his wife and their family life. Thus did Islam do away with backwards practices and restore the dignity and honour to its followers by ensuring that they only practiced that which the faith of Islam had endorsed.
A religion which claims that it is applicable to the entire world must have rules in place that can resonate for all eras and all places so that people do not ever find themselves stuck at a dead end because of what they have done. There must always be a way out for our inappropriate actions as Allah is the All-Forgiving, the All-Merciful.
And we indeed sent Noah to his people and he stayed among them for (as long as) a thousand years short of fifty years (nine hundred and fifty years). While his people were steeped in wrongdoings they were caught in the deluge. (29:14)
NUMBER 950: On the 17th day of, we reviewed this verse under the theme of ‘never lose hope’, however as Allah mentioned two numbers in this verse, we bring it up again to review the number 950 – the years which Prophet Nūḥ lived from the time of his open appointment to Prophethood until the flood.
There are many lessons which we can derive from this brief verse, today we look at one more of the outcomes from the life of this Prophet which have a practical significance in our lives - and that is in regards to teaching and educating others about the faith of Islam.
The stories of the past nations which Prophet Muhammad was being given by Allah which make up the Quran are not just ‘stories’ to read or to make a movie about – rather they are filled with many of the same moral dilemmas that you and I go through and highlight many of the same pitfalls of life that we experience. Through the recollection of these events, we learn how the spiritually-connected men and women of Allah dealt with such adversities in their lives.
When it comes to propagation of the faith of Islam, we definitely do not see ourselves as “missionaries” who spread Islam door to door like others do, however there is a sense of being required to convey the message to those who have not been acquainted with it. Nonetheless, there are certain things we should all keep in mind and whether we like it or not, we must realize that we are all ambassadors of the faith:
1. We should start by educating others about the universals of the faith – such as the Roots of the Religion (Uṣūl al-Dīn) and then once ready, we can introduce them to the particulars – such as the Branches of the Religion (Furūʿ al-Dīn).
2. We must start be ‘living’ around the people and know what they are experiencing and going through so that we can, at least on basic level, be able to relate to them and their lives.
3. We need to be patient and understanding, realizing that if we were “born” into Islam, our whole life has been in this religion and culture – much of which is foreign to others.
4. Ultimately, we must accept that if the individual we are in touch with is not spiritually ready to accept the teachings, then even if we spent an entire life-time with them trying to educate them, it would not have any effect.
When it comes to teaching and educating others about Islam, one of the key requirements is patience and realizing that people we are speaking to may come from a culture which is completely alien to the Islamic system. We should do whatever we can do, however ultimately Allah who is the changer of the hearts and we leave it to Him to ‘convert’ others to the right path.
And they stayed in this Place of Refuge three hundred years and extended (their stay) another nine (years). (18:25)
NUMBER 300: As with any good story, many times, a reader wants to know all of the juicy details, sometimes even those things which really don’t have any benefit for the reader, but still, they are intrigued and want to know those finer points.
In the story of the People of the Cave, one of final things which Allah informs us about is how long they stayed in the cave and although it is not a value-added piece of information, still Allah mentions in this verse that they resided in the cave, before their waking up, 300 years and then 9 more – so a total of 309 years before they woke up.
Why did Allah create this verse in this fashion and not just come out and say that they stayed in the cave for 309 years?
Well, one opinion is that the 300 year figure was given in solar years and if you were to calculate the time spent in the cave in lunar years, using the lunar calendar, then it would be 309 years because on average, a year on the solar calendar has 365.24 days where as the lunar calendar, which is measured on the moon’s rotation around the earth has 354 days, as:
365.24219-354.367056=10.875134*300=3262.5402/365.24219=8.93253926 – or rounded up to 9
In Tafsīr Majmaʿ al-Bayān it is mentioned that once, a group of Jews came to Imam ʿAlī and asked him a question in regards to the length of stay of the Companions of the Cave – as the story of the “Seven Sleepers” was well known to the Jews and Christians of that era. They were given the reply that they stayed in the cave for 309 years to which the Jewish guests corrected the Imam that it was only 300 years to this, Imam ʿAlī replied that the 9 years added is the calculation of the difference which exists between a solar year and a lunar year!
At the end of the day, it is not that important to know the exact time which was spent – rather, what is more important is to study the story, know the history behind what transpired and why it occurred and then see how we can implement this and other such historical events in our lives.
Ultimately as Muslims we need to get over the ‘rationalization’ of our religion and trying to understand everything from the point of view of science. We must realize that sometimes, things are as they are because Allah wants to really see if we are going to unconditionally submit to His orders.
There are many unknowns in religion; and some verses of the Quran which today “may not make sense” to us – we must realize that we should never feel that we are above the Quran or Islamic teachings or that they must answer to us. Rather, we need to realize and accept the fact that we are very limited in our knowledge and there is much of the unseen world that we have yet to discover.
For the present Allah has lightened your burden, for He knows that there is yet some weakness in you, thus, if there be of you one hundred persevering and steadfast persons they shall (still) overcome (at least) two hundred and if there be a thousand of you they shall overcome two thousand by the leave of Allah. And Allah is with the steadfast. (8:66)
Commentary
NUMBER 200: If we study verse 65 and 66 of Sūrah al-Anfāl, it seems like there is either a ‘confusion’ in the numbers; either one verse was meant to abrogate the other OR one speaks about a recommendation while the other addresses an obligation.
In actuality, a majority of commentators of the Quran have stated that the apparent ‘contradiction’ which exists in these verses should actually be taken as different responsibilities when faced with different situations.
In one case we are told that when the Muslims are up against spiritual weaknesses amongst their ranks and lethargy has taken over the Muslims and we find that there are people who are inexperienced or not ready to take on the challenges, then we need to have more support and reinforcements to defend ourselves.
However when the Muslim community is stronger, and there are people who have experience and the skills needed to fend off the attacks of the aggressors – and they have strong, unwavering faith, just as we see in the Battle of Badr or in the Tragedy of Kerbala, then even if the Muslims are outnumbered ten to one, they will still be victorious because of their strong inner beings.
Thus, these two rulings, found in these two verses, meaning verses 65 and 66 of Sūrah al-Anfāl are in regards to two distinct groups of Muslims under unique circumstances, and tells the Muslims that we should never wait until our quantities are at par with our opponents. Even if we are outnumbered, we need to build our faith, conviction, patience and fortitude and press ahead against our enemies.
True success and failure must never be measured by numbers – in all areas of our lives. But at the same time, we need to know which ‘battles’ to fight and which to walk away from until we are ready and equipped – mentally, spiritually and when needed, physically.
The attribute of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is like the attribute of a grain (of corn) which sprouts seven ears, each ear bearing a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies further for whomsoever He pleases, for Allah is Bountiful, All-Knowing. (2:261)
Commentary
NUMBER 100: Helping the less fortunate people of the society is something which the Quran has emphasized in many verses and is a hall-mark of the message of the Prophet ] from his earliest days in Mecca.
In this portion of Surah al-Baqara, it is not only one or two verses which speak about charity, and giving to others and other such related topics, but rather there are 24 verses back to back which introduce charity, financial assistance, economic equality and other such topics.
The above verse which we are focusing on speaks about charity and Allah presents us with a parable so that we may further appreciate, based on our very simplistic look at our relationship with Allah, that when we give in his way, we get many fold back from Him.
Charity is one of the most important topics which Islam has laid emphasis on within the Quran and the statements of the Prophet and his family and we are constantly told that it is not enough to have a celestial connection, but we must also maintain our terrestrial connection and ensure that our family, family and even strangers – Muslims or not - who are in need, are looked after.
In this passage, Allah teaches us by means of a parable and tells us that those who give of their wealth in the way of Allah, their comparison is like the planting of a seed in the ground from which sprouts seven ‘shoots’; from every ‘shoot’ there come one hundred seeds – totaling 700. However that is not the end of it as Allah clearly says that He increases (in the reward) of whomsoever He pleases – therefore, our rewards are not limited to a multiplier of 700 – they are endless and Allah is generous in giving and He knows all.
If we pay attention to this parable, we will realize that Allah compared the person who gives in His way to be like the seed planted in the ground which gives back so much. However, He “should have” compared THEIR ACTIONS – not the person themselves! This is something to reflect upon and perhaps Allah worded it like this to get us to think about the depths of profundity about giving charity in His way that our actions stem from that which is deep within our souls and the more that our actions take on deeper role in our spiritual heart, in reality, the more we are growing – at a spiritual level.
In other words, the Quran is showing us that there is a connection between a person’s actions and the actions themselves and they are ‘two sides of the same coin’. Therefore, it is not only a ‘monetary’ reward which we should be looking forward to, that 700x reward, but rather, a spiritual expanse of 700x of our inner-heart and core.
When we “give” to others – let us never think that we are “doing them” a favour. Rather, we are doing ourselves a favour by fulfilling our religious obligations for which we ask Allah to not only give us rewards in the life to come, but more importantly, that we can spiritually grow in this world – right now.
‘(The case of the litigation is that,) this is my brother. He has ninety nine ewes (female sheep) while I have one ewe; still he says, “Make it over to me,” and he has been prevailing by his arguments upon me.’ (38:23)
Commentary
NUMBER 99: The story which is contained in this verse and which is actually found in verses 21 to 26 of this chapter speak about an important event in the life of Prophet Dāwūd.
Two brothers who had a dispute made their way into the house of Prophet Dāwūd - albeit through impermissible means by scaling the walls of his palace and barging in on him. They had an argument with one another and as Prophet Dāwūd was known to be fair in his rulings, they sought adjudication from him and asked him to provide them religious guidance.
What were these two brothers fighting over? Just like many disputes which come up between people, it was about money. The plaintiff who was petitioning his case to Prophet Dāwūd told the judge that the defendant, his brother, had 99 female sheep while he had only one female sheep and his brother who had significantly more even wanted to take the one possession that his brother had!
From this verse it seems that the defendant was able to over-power the plaintiff and take away that one female sheep and so now they were coming to Prophet Dāwūd seek arbitration and a fair judgement from him.
Rather than waiting for the defendant to present his arguments and his side of the story, the Quran tells us that Dāwūd immediately passed judgement. Although he was correct in his verdict, however justice and fairness dictated that he listen to both sides and then offer the ruling.
He told the defendant that he had been unjust in his dealings with the plaintiff and that he had no right to ask for the one female sheep. He made an interesting point which even runs true today with business partners that:
وَإِنَّ كَثِيرٗا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِي بَعۡضُهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ وَقَلِيلٞ مَّا هُمۡۗ
…And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds - and few are they… (38:24)
Prophet Dāwūd realized his quickness in passing judgement and the test he was under by Allah and so submitted to his Creator, asked for forgiveness and turned back to Him in repentance for this act – even though it was NOT a sin that he committed.
Allah forgave him, and confirmed that Dāwūd still has a closeness to Himself and that He ensured that Dāwūd would be given a great place in paradise with the blessings of that world.
In our personal lives, whether at school, work, in the community or in our family setting, we must always ensure that when disputes arise, we listen to all of the sides and are not quick in making any conclusions on others and must remember that there is One who is the Best of Judges who will soon pass judgement on us.
Now Moses selected from his people seventy men (to take with him) to Our appointed place and time, but when the earthquake seized them he said, ‘My Lord! if You so willed You could have destroyed them as well as me before (this). But would You destroy us on account of that which the foolish among us have done? This (matter of the calf) is nothing but (an ordeal from You) that You may distinguish the good from the bad (of us). You adjudge, by such means, to be astray whomsoever You will and You guide whomsoever You will. You are our Patron, protect us therefore, and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of Protectors (against the consequence of our faults). (7:155)
Commentary
NUMBER 70: There are many recollections in the Quran about Prophet Mūsā and the interaction with his companions; at times they were devoted to him and Allah and listened to what he ordered them to do; at other times, as in this verse, we are given a glimpse of their strange behavior with this great prophet – one who saved the Banī Isrāʾīl from the grips of the Pharaoh.
Prophet Mūsā was set to “meet” Allah and on this special gathering, he chose, as this verse of the Quran clearly tells us, 70 people from amongst Banī Isrāʾīl – why 70 and not more or less – that is not known to the commentators of the Quran, however this number must have some significance to it.
Since his companions were not able to hear the words of Allah, something which Mūsā was obviously able to do, they requested or rather demanded that Allah SHOW Himself to them “in the flesh”.
Such a thing is impossible and so, although in this portion, Allah does not go into the details of what happened as He has done in other chapters, but we are told that a ‘temporary retribution’ took over Mūsā and his community which knocked everyone unconscious.
Prophet Mūsā appealed to His Creator asking Allah not to make the good people of the community face a humiliating defeat due to the foolish, irrational (أَلسُّفَهَاءُ مِنَّا) people from amongst them.
It was not only this one thing which the Children of Isrāʾīl were guilty of – they had been saved from bondage and were given countless blessings by Allah including Him sending down a wide variety of food, however they resorted to idol worship and many other sins and then to top it off, they asked to “see” Allah!
Nonetheless, Prophet Mūsā prayed to Allah to forgive everyone and to have mercy upon him and his community and sincerely asked for the guidance of his nation.
In the world today, there are many people who call themselves “Muslims”, however they are far from being a representation of the true faith. We must always ensure our non-Muslim acquaintances and the media do not label us as being the same and do not hold us to account because of the ‘foolish ones’ from amongst us.
The Night of Majesty is better than a thousand months. (97:3)
Commentary
NUMBER 1,000: From tonight, the 19th night of Ramaḍān, we enter into the phase in which the nights are known as the Layālī al-Qadr – The Nights of al-Qadr. Not only are these nights very special, but it is also steeped in mystery and secrecy. The fact that no one knows what night it is and that even though the aḥādīth guide us to look for it in the Month of Ramaḍhān; and that too in the last 10 nights of the month; and that too in the odd numbered nights; with an extra emphasis being on the 23rd of Ramaḍhān, still we are always searching for when it is.
The meaning of al-Qadr is also immersed in spiritual obscurity as it has many interpretations: it is the ‘night of Power’; it is a ‘night of Worth’; it is a ‘night of Grandeur’; it is a ‘night of Destiny’ – just as the technical meaning of this word conveys, and so in reality, we are exploring something so splendid that it cannot be described accurately, and we are seeking it it wherever we can in the last third of the blessed month.
The Prophet of Islam and his 12 successors have emphasized that we should keep awake all night in prayer, asking forgiveness, turning back to Allah and spiritual self-building. However as we lead busy lives with school and work, it is not always practical to devote the last portion of the month exclusive to worship. Thus, when a person came to the Prophet ] and told him that his house was far from Medina and so he could not make it every night in Ramadān, the Prophet ] told him that he should make it a point to come to Medina on the 23rd of Ramadān.
In addition there is a story which has been narrated in which we are told that there was a year in which Imam al-Ṣādiq was sick, however as it was the 23rd of Ramaḍhān, he asked those around him to help him go to the Masjid of the Prophet so that he may engage in worship.
In addition, the Leader of the Women of Paradise, Fāṭima al-Zahrāʾ used to sprinkle water on the faces of her young children so that they could stay awake to engage in worship on the 23rd of Ramaḍān!
With regards to the importance of spending this night in worship, we refer to a lengthy tradition in which the Prophet of Islam ] quotes an event which took place between Allah and Prophet Mūsā in which Mūsā said to Allah:
1. “I want a station such that I am close to you.” To this, Allah replied: My closeness is attained by the one who stays awake on the night of al-Qadr.
2. “I desire Your Mercy.” To this, Allah replied: My mercy is for that person who shows mercy to the poor on the night of al-Qadr.
3. “I want to be able to cross over the ṣirāṭ.” To this, Allah replied: That is for the person who gives in charity on the night of al-Qadr.
4. “I desire paradise and its blessings.” To this, Allah replied: That is for the person who glorifies (me) on the night of al-Qadr.
5. “I want to be saved from the fire of hell.” To this, Allah replied: That is for the person who seeks forgiveness on the night of al-Qadr.
6. Finally, Prophet Mūsā asked: “I desire to have Your pleasure.” To this, Allah replied: My pleasure is gained by that person who prays (to me) with two rakʿat prayer on the night of al-Qadr.
With so many blessings being handed out on such a night, no wonder we need to work hard at finding ‘when’ it is and that we spend the entire night awake in prayer - a night worth more than 1,000 months.
The worth of worship and the true rewards which come with it are such that the acts of obedience in Islam are not always “easy” – we have to work hard at them if we want to attain those other-worldly benefits – and just as the old saying goes, “No pain no gain.”
And we indeed sent Noah to his people and he stayed among them for (as long as) a thousand years short of fifty years (nine hundred and fifty years). While his people were steeped in wrongdoings they were caught in the Deluge. (29:14)
NUMBER 50: The chapter of the Spider (al-Ankabūt) starts off by Allah reminding all of humanity that they will NOT be left alone merely saying that, “we believe”, without being tested in our conviction and dedication to the faith.
In fact, to further drive this point home, this relatively short chapter of the Quran speaks about Prophets: Nūḥ, Ibrāhīm, Lūṭ, Shuʿayb, Hūd, Ṣāliḥ, and Mūsā! We delve into some of the tests that their nations went through so that we can be better acquainted with the Quranic reality of examinations while on the path of the truth.
Out of the 25 prophets mentioned by name in the Quran, and knowing that based on the Prophetic ḥadīth, there were 124,000 Prophets sent to humanity - the first being Ādam and the last being Muḥammad - only the length of time of messengership of Prophet Nūḥ is spoken about in an actual number.
Scholars of the Quran tell us that the period of the carrying of the message of this prophet, known as Shaykh al-Anbiyāʾ, from the time of the beginning of his prophetic mission until the major flood was 950 years – however we are not exactly sure of his life span, but it was longer than this.
It should also be pointed out that from the five ūlū al-ʿazm – meaning those prophets of firm resolve, Nūḥ is the first of them – the other four being, Ibrāhīm @, Mūsā, ʿIsā, and Prophet Muḥammad.
When reading this verse, many have questioned as to “why” Allah X worded it as he did? If Prophet Nūḥ lived 950 years, rather than saying this, why did Allah X say, ‘One thousand years minus fifty’.
One response is that this was done to get us to contemplate on the sheer length of time that this prophet spent trying to deliver his message and the amount of patience he must have had to go on propagating for such a long time.
Another reason why this may be worded in this form is that by Allah X saying 1,000 years, less 50, this ‘exception’ actually denotes an absolute realization. By this, the scholars mean to say that if one were to say, ‘A person lived for 100 years’, it may mean that he lived “around” or “approximately” 100 years – not actually 100 years as they may have lived 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99 years – however if a person were to say that the person lived for 2 years short of 100, then an exact amount of 98 years would be conveyed.
When it comes to training and teaching other people, we must always have patience and fortitude. Everyone learns and is guided at different levels – some may accept the message quicker while others may have various obstacles which prevent them from changing – but we must never give up.
And We made an appointment with Moses for thirty nights (and days to pray in solitude) which We supplemented with another ten (to receive the Law) so that the period appointed by his Lord came to be full forty nights (and days). (When leaving) Moses said to his brother Aaron, ‘Act for me (taking my place) in my absence among my people and reform and manage (them) well and do not follow the way of those who create disorder.’ (7:142)
Commentary
NUMBER 40: Prophet Moses is one of the most talked about prophets in the Quran with his name coming up a total of 136 times – from Surah al-Baqarah (2) all the way to Surah al-Aʿlā (87). His name is mentioned alongside other Prophets, such as Ibrāhīm, ʿIsā, Hārūn and also alongside his arch nemesis, the Pharaoh (Firʿawn).
In this particular verse, a “unique” thing is seen in which Allah first had an “appointment” with Mūsā for 30 nights had and then all of a sudden , He added 10 more nights to the event – making it 40 nights in total. In other verses, Allah mentions the 40 nights straight up, but here he makes us do some math – but WHY?
The opinion which our scholars mention and is found in the aḥādīth from the Ahlulbayt points to the fact that Allah had always decreed this sojourn of Mūsā to be for 40 days and nights however in order to test his community, the Children of Israʾīl, he was first invited for 30 days and then the stay period was prolonged by another 10 days being added to it – this was one way for the imposters and hypocrites among the tribes of Isrāʾīl to be differentiated from the true believers.
Ultimately, faith does not come easy and it is by testing – whether it be Prophet Mūsā and his 40 days in the spiritual retreat in communion with Allah, Prophet Muḥammad ] and his proclamation on the 18th of Dhū al-Ḥijjah at the event of Ghadir al-Khumm, or the major occultation (ghaybah) of Imam al-Mahdi Q for the past 1,200 years. These are all ways that Allah tests the believers in their faith – and as we see in all accounts, there are winners and losers.
The number “40” is unique in Islamic teachings and we see its repetition quite often in the Quran, aḥādīth and the supplications:
1. Prophet Nūḥ faced 40 days of rain as a test for the disbelievers;
2. Prophet Muḥammad announced his Prophethood at the age of 40;
3. Once a person reaches 40, they are at their ‘peak’ according to the Quran;
…and the list goes on and on.
In summary, this verse gives us many life lessons which if we study the time of Mūsā and what he went through, we will be able to find some parallels in our lives – albeit at a much smaller scale.
In order for us to be successful in our lives, in whatever we want to do, we must ensure that we have the prerequisites and that we are constantly working on spiritual self-building to prove to those around us and to Allah that we are ready to tackle the greatest of challenges – and whatever life may put in our paths.
And We have enjoined on a human being to do good to his parents. His mother bears him with trouble and pain and brings him forth with trouble and pain. The bearing of him and his weaning (takes) thirty months, till when he attains his full maturity and reaches (the age of) forty years he says to his Lord, ‘My Lord! rouse me up that I may give thanks for the favours you have bestowed on me and on my parents and that I may do such righteous deeds as may please You. And (my Lord!) establish righteousness among my progeny for me. To You indeed I turn penitently and I am surely of those who submit themselves (to You).’ (6:15)
Commentary
NUMBER 30: Being enjoined to act with goodness to our parents is a hallmark of the Quran and many times, after Allah speaks about His oneness and that we must not set up partners with Him, he reminds us to be good to our parents. This is not only an “Islamic” requirement, but rather, this is a human condition that everyone, regardless of their belief system, they are obligated to love, honour and respect their mother and father.
In this verse, Allah speaks about ‘إحسان’ or ‘goodness’ to our parents – however this word has been mentioned in the indefinite form – meaning it is not limited to financial support, daily living assistance or ‘respect’, rather, it includes ANY and all types of things which, in a person’s society, would be classified as ‘goodness’ – and this could evolve with time and place.
Although both the mother and father are included in this verse, however it is interesting that Allah focuses on the mother – and rightfully so!
It is the mother who goes through the 9 months of pregnancy, carrying her child inside of her; it is the mother who goes through the pains of labour; it is the mother who wakes up at night to feed and change the baby – in summary, the mother is the one who goes through the most physically taxing challenges of being a parent in the early years of the child.
Allah speaks about such efforts in this verse of the Quran when He reminds us that our mother bears us with trouble and pain and brings us forth into this world in trouble and pain and that this initial stage of our conception until we are fully weaned is 30 months.
It is interesting that from this young age, Allah fast-forwards to when this “child” turns 40 and make a supplication for his parents – what happened to the 38 years or so in between!? This is something for us to think about and also reflect on our own personal lives and what we did to our parents in that period and how we treated them – and how they treated us.
Hopefully we did not break their heart or cause them grief and sorrow and if we did, we still have time to turn back to Allah in repentance and to ask our mother and father for forgiveness as it is not too late.
Although we can never truly pay our parents back for all of their sleepless nights and difficulties they went through to ensure we had comfort and luxury in our younger days, the least we can do as to make supplication for them for Allah to bless them for all that they did for us.
O Prophet! urge the believers freq uently and strongly to (defensive) fighting. If there be of you twenty steadfast, they shall overcome two hundred and if there be a hundred of you they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because these are a people devoid of understanding. (8:65)
NUMBER 20: This verse, which speaks directly about war and the battles which must sometimes be fought in order to safeguard religion, looks at this “necessary evil” in a few interesting ways.
One of the first things which we see from this verse is that even if a country is equipped militarily, however there is still the need to encourage the troops towards the goals and objectives – and this is seen around the world when the leader of a country sends the troops to war that he/she encourages them and puts a sense of ‘hope’ within them about the need for them to go to war and that they have the full support of the country that they are fighting to protect.
In Islam, the true Commander in Chief is an infallible individual such as the Prophet or one of his legitimate successors (either the infallible Imam or one whom he appoints) who is leading the battle by Allah’s permission; they have strong faith and conviction in what they are doing and that it is something approved by the Almighty one; they are reminded of those who came before them, the shuhadāʾ - martyrs – people who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Allah; they are encouraged through the Quranic narratives which speak about the rewards of their actions and what awaits them in heaven, and they are also given insight into what follows their victory for themselves and their citizens back home.
However we should not only limit this verse to the times of a physical war in which guns are in hand and bombs are being dropped, but rather this verse is also applicable in times of the ‘soft wars’ which even today we face by belligerent states and individuals against Islam and specifically those who are working against the followers of the Ahlulbayt.
The verse makes it clear that we must always be ready to counter the enemies – no matter who they are or whatever they may be. However, we must have true faith and conviction in what we are standing up for, and we must pray that Allah grants us the patience and fortitude for with these factors in place, we will be successful.
Islam has never been a ‘numbers game’ – regardless of how many are on the side of the Muslims, Allah is looking for the spiritual traits such as true faith and conviction, patience and steadfastness and even if outnumbered and outgunned, as Muslims, we will still be victorious … or at least we will die trying.
Over it (the Hell-Fire) are appointed nineteen (wardens). (74:30)
Commentary
NUMBER 19: When we analyze the verses of the Quran and the various topics which are covered within this Living Book, we see that out of the 6,000+ verses, almost 1/3 or over 2,000 of them speak about the Day of Judgement, and the eventual outcomes of Heaven and Hell. This should be a wakeup call for us to take our actions in this life more seriously as there will be a day of accountability.
However, much of what we read in the Quran about that Day and Paradise and Hell seem abstract, and truly much of it is steeped in metaphorical language which Allah has ‘watered down’ for us to better understand – and many times drawing from parallels in our world and how it works.
One such example is the verse in question from Surah al-Muddatthir in which Allah tells us that there are 19 wardens which are appointed to guard over the fire of Hell.
We believe that Allah is All-Powerful and that He can do anything, yet we see that some of His workings, He appoints certain angels do carry out the tasks. For revelation, He relies on Jibrāʾil; for taking the souls of humanity, He tasks ʿIsrāʾīl; when He destroys communities, like he did to the people of Prophet Lūṭ, the Quran says that He employed two angels to carry out this task - but WHY the need for 19 angels to guard Hell – why not 18 or 20 angels to oversee the punishments?
From the commentaries of this verse, it seems that we have no related statements from the Prophet or Imams which explain WHY this specific number was chosen. Ayatullah Makarim Shirazi has given a possibility that it could be that the figure of 19 is made up of two numbers “1” and “9” – and “1” is the smallest number and “9” is the largest number – and from these (obviously apart from “0”) all other numbers are derived. Other scholars have stated that the sources of all negative ethical traits are 19, and since these adverse traits can lead to the punishment of Allah, thus the 19 levels of Hell are the same number and in each level, there is an angel or group of angels who are in charge of carrying out the punishments.
Ultimately however, there are some things which are still ambiguous in regards to this number and why Allah chose it, however we must submit that there is a meaning and wisdom behind it – even if we still are not acquainted with it.
If one angel has the power to take the souls of all of humanity; and two angels can destroy an entire city and all of its inhabitants; then indeed nineteen angels (or groups of angels) can over-see the punishments of all of those destined for Hell – this is not something challenging for Allah!
Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year) according to the law of Allah since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Among these, four (months) are sacred (Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qa’dah and Dhul-Hijjah). That is the established law. Do not do injustice to yourselves (by waging wars) during these (sacred months). And fight the polytheists all together (in your defence) just as they fight you all together. And know that Allah is indeed with those who are God conscious. (9:36)
Commentary
NUMBER 12: At first glance, it may seem strange that Allah is just telling people that there are twelve months in the calendar year, however without a doubt, there is wisdom and a deeper meaning to this verse.
Although Muslims tend to use numbers, perhaps hoping to attract benefit, such as having a phone number or a license plate with the number 786 in it, we do not believe in numerology and we do not attribute special powers to numbers. However, some numbers do occur more frequently in the Islamic teachings than others – such as 40 and 12. In fact, the Quran shows us that there are: 12 months in the year, the Tribes of Israel (Banī Isrāʾīl) were 12 in number; the number of springs which gushed out for them as mentioned in Sūrah al-Baqarah was 12; and the number of Imāms after Prophet Muḥammad are also 12.
In any case, this verse shows us that the order of the world is such that 12 months exist, and for the Muslims, Allah has ordained that four of these are ‘sacred’ – ,– and initiating a war or fighting during these months is not permissible – except in matters of self-defence.
At one level, this shows us that Islam is not a religion of war, and in actually it puts in place OFFICIAL guidelines and times of a cease-fire which are religiously mandated, and must be upheld with the goal that in that off-time, negotiations and peace treaties can be enacted.
A glance at the wars which have plagued history show us that in the 20th century alone, over 108 million people have been killed – and it continues today in countries like Central and South America, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and many other places.
May Allah give us all the wisdom to realize and amend our foolish ways, and may He give the oppressors the will to cease and desist their aggressive nature, and if they cannot be persuaded to give up their evil ways, then may they be brought to justice in this world and in the world to come.
Point of Reflection
In Islam there are many ‘sacred’ signs. In this faith, there is a place of safety which is the city of Mecca; there is the inviolable house of Allah in Masjid al-Ḥarām; there are four sacred months; and even a sacred day – Friday – all of which and more must be respected.
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On Day 11 of Ramadhan, we review the theme of God planning and we, human beings, also plan, but guess who prevails??
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(Remember the time) when Yusuf said to his father, ‘My dear father! I have seen (in a vision) eleven stars and the sun and the moon. I saw them falling down prostrate (before Allah) because of me.’
Commentary
NUMBER 11: The story of Prophet Yūsuf, as the late ʿAllāmah Ṭabāʾṭabāʾī states in Tafsīr al-Mizān is a story that starts with his dream in which he was given the good news of a bright future, and this instilled hope within him such that through this, he was able to forge ahead on the path of Divine training with patience.
Although for us, dreams do not impose any duty that we must fulfill – meaning that Allah does not instruct us through our dreams – however for the Prophets and the Awliyāʾ of Allah, the dreams are ONE WAY for them to be given guidance or instructions, and we see this numerous times in the Quran – for example:
[Remember, O Muḥammad], when Allah showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many, you [believers] would have lost courage and would have disputed in the matter [about whether to fight], but Allah saved [you from that]. Indeed, He is Knowing of that which is within the chests. (7:43)
In addition, the Quran tells us:
And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.” He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast. (37:102)
Although dreams which we see may actually come true in our lives, however we must be careful not to over interpret them, or run to just anyone and ask them to elucidate what we have seen.
What Prophet Yūsuf saw in this vision of eleven stars, the sun and the moon entering into submission (sajdah) before him or because of him is something unique - since celestial bodies such as these do not engage in prayers and certainly can not go into a state of sajdah like we do; so commentators of the Quran state that this indicates their total humility and submission to the decree of Almighty became manifest.
In any case, the actual interpretation of the dream of Yūsuf became clear to him many years later when he took over the reins of Egypt and his brothers and family journeyed to Egypt to see him. As the Quran tells us:
And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they bowed to him in prostration. And he said, “O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly good to me when He took me out of prison, and brought you [here] from the bedouin life after Shaytan had induced [estrangement] between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise. (12:100)
Point of Reflection
Allah has a plan for everyone, and sometimes He makes that plan known to us in unique ways, however the aim in life should be to continuously work for His pleasure and do things which will get us closer to Him, and leave it up to Allah to do what is best for each and every one of us.
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Do they say, ‘He has forged this (Quran)?’ Say (to them in reply), ‘If you are truthful (in your objection then) bring ten forged chapters like it, calling upon whom you can (for your help) apart from Allah.’ (5:89)
NUMBER 10: When Muslims say that the Quran is a miracle, is it not only from the point of view of the eloquence and beauty of its composition – this is only one aspect of the miraculous nature of this Book. In addition, because of the profundity of the teachings, the beauty in its admonitions, the logical and scientific proofs which it brings forth, the knowledge of ‘the unseen’ which it recounts to us, and the amazing usage of the rules of Arabic grammar, plus so much more - all make this Book truly stand out from anything else.
Since the beginning of its revelation to the heart of the Prophet ] - until today, although a few people have tried, they all failed miserably in creating something “like” the Quran.
The Quran even challenges humanity and jinn to work with one another to bring something “like” it, but still 1,453 years have passed and this challenge has remained unanswered.
In some places in the Quran, the world of creation is challenged to bring the like of this Heavenly Book:
قُلْ لَئِنِ اجْتَمَعَتِ الْإِنْسُ وَالْجِنُّ عَلَى أَنْ يَأْتُوا بِمِثْلِ هَذَا الْقُرْآنِ لَا يَأْتُونَ بِمِثْلِهِ وَلَوْ كَانَ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ ظَهِيرًا٨٨
Say, “If mankind and jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Quran, they can not produce the like of it, even if they were to be each others’ assistants.” (17:88)
The challenge is then reduced and we are asked to bring ten chapters like that which are in the Quran:
أَمْ يَقُولُونَ افْتَرَاهُ قُلْ فَأْتُوا بِعَشْرِ سُوَرٍ مِثْلِهِ مُفْتَرَيَاتٍ وَادْعُوا مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ١٣
Or do they say, “He invented it”? Say, “Then bring ten surahs like it that have been invented and call upon [for assistance] whomsoever you can besides Allah, if you should be truthful.” (11:13)
Even this is further lessened and we are told to bring one chapter like the Quran:
وَإِنْ كُنْتُمْ فِي رَيْبٍ مِمَّا نَزَّلْنَا عَلَى عَبْدِنَا فَأْتُوا بِسُورَةٍ مِنْ مِثْلِهِ وَادْعُوا شُهَدَاءَكُمْ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ٢٣
And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muḥammad], then produce a surah the like thereof, and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you are truthful. (2:23)
Keeping in mind the shortest chapters of the Quran such as al-Kawthar or al-Naṣr have no more than 3 verses and only a handful or words, it should not be hard to take Allah up on His challenge, but until today, no one has managed to do this…
If this Quran was the work of a ‘regular human being’ and the Prophet “copied it” from previous scriptures, then why is it that for the past 1,453 years - NONE of the opponents of Islam have been able to produce even ONE chapter “like” the Quran to respond to its challenge?
And there were in the city, a gang of nine (persons) who had upset the stability and peace in the country and would not reform (themselves). (Quran, Sūrah al-Naḥl (27), Verse 48)
NUMBER 9: This verse speaks about the event which transpired during the time of Prophet Ṣāliḥ with respect to his community and the plots of his people, including that of the plan of the disbelievers and hypocrites to assassinate him.
History tells us that in his city, Wādī al-Qurām, there were nine groups who were busy spreading corruption on the earth – destroying the balance of peace and societal order. Although they were a small group of people, each of them had their own corrupt ways and were working towards one goal – societal corruption. They sought to corrupt the beliefs and pollute the morality of the communities which they resided in.
The fact that Allah uses the phrase ‘و لا يصلحون’ shows us that this is something that they were intentionally doing. Sometimes, a person may commit a sin or perform some act of mischief in the society, but they feel remorse and try to mend their ways; however those who actually sow the seeds of corruption never feel remorse for their actions and definitely do not want to reform themselves or humanity.
In this verse, we also see that Allah uses the present tense verb by saying ‘يفسدون’ and this points to the fact that they were engaged in this wicked behaviour on a continuous basis.
The story continues in the verses which follow, but to summarize, they ended up planning to carry out their nefarious deeds and even did so by taking the name of God! This is something that we see even today when the terrorists – whatever religion they profess – who carry out their evil actions, and use the name of God to justify their actions – but the fruit does not fall far from the tree!
Eventually they tried to assassinate Prophet Ṣāliḥ @, however Allah blocked their evil plans and rather than him and his family being killed in the darkness of the night, the tables were turned and the enemies of Allah ended up being crushed to death by large boulders. Allah says in the Quran in several places: “People plan and Allah too plans,” and as we know, “Allah’s plans are always the ones which reach to fruition because He is the BEST of planners!”
We must realize that corruption is all around us and sometimes, those who spread the seeds of evil may claim to be within the fold of the teachings of a certain faith, however they NEVER reflect the truth of the message. Allah may give some people respite, but eventually their evil fate will catch up to them.
Commentary
NUMBER 8: This passage speaks about the multiple blessings which Allah has showered upon humanity, and although many of the points in this verse have been repeated elsewhere in the Quran, however repetition is needed and a good thing as it refreshes our memories and gets us to constantly think.
Allah starts off by reminding us that He created us from a ‘single soul’ and that our spouse has been created from the same material so we have compatibility with one another.
He then changes the discussion to focus on the fact that He has given us animals – in this case, he speaks about 4 pairs of the male and female – and as some commentators of the ran opine, He is referring to the sheep, goat, cow and camel.
Why does He single out “4 pairs” and why do the commentators only speak about these ones - does this mean that there are no other animals that we are permitted to eat and make use of? No - however, perhaps these animals were best known to the people at that time of revelation so they were alluded to. In addition, these are the most commonly used animals in our daily lives – whether it be to ride upon, assist us in our manual labour, to consume, to use their hides for clothing, and also for other requirements.
Allah then switches the discussion back to our creation and talks about our creation in the wombs of our mothers in the ‘three layers’ of darkness. Research has shown that the uterus or womb which is part of the female reproductive system in which a baby grows, is a hollow, muscular organ that is shaped like an inverted pear, and that it has 3 parts, and the thick wall of the uterus has 3 layers: the endometrium; the myometrium and the perimetrium.
Allah was teaching us the human body structure well before science was able to discover this! This is definitely something to reflect upon and study.
In closing, Allah reminds us that THIS is our Lord – the All-Powerful Creator to whom belongs the dominion! There is truly no god other than Him, so how then, with all of these miracles in plain sight, can the majority of humanity be deluded from Him?!
If we take the time to reflect on our lives – where we came from, the blessings which we have been given in life, and everything that He has gifted us with, then we would truly begin to thank Allah for everything – and not only that is He our Creator, but He sustains us and continues to bless us always.
Seven Ears of Corn
مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنْبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنْبُلَةٍ مِائَةُ حَبَّةٍ وَاللَّهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ٢٦١
The attribute of those who spend their wealth in the cause (way) of Allah is like the attribute of a grain (of corn) which sprouts seven ears, each ear bearing a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies further for whomsoever He pleases, for Allah is Bountiful, All-Knowing.[1]
NUMBER 7: Islam is a religion which is as concerned about our relationship with the Almighty, as it is with our relationships to one another – and so we have ṣalāt AND zakāt – and you can not have one without the other.
The Quran seeks to encourage us to do good deeds, as some people require inspiration and reassurance that what they are doing is worthwhile, and that it will “give them” something back – more than just a tax receipt from their Federal government!
In this beautiful verse – which in actuality is a part of a collection of verses spanning from verses 261 to 268, Allah offers one of the most poignant examples of the importance of charity in our lives, and lays down many requirements for this generous act of giving.
Allah begins by giving us a parable of those who spend their property in the way of Allah as being like growing a seed in the earth which then sprouts a plant which has seven ears, and in each ear there are 100 grains – and by doing the math Allah promises us a 700x reward – however He does not stop there and goes on to confirm that He multiplies and gives even more to whom He pleases – therefore, in actuality the rewards are endless!
In the passages which follow this verse, Allah lays down some strict conditions for charity, including the following:
1. A person must not humiliate or insult the ones that they have helped;
2. One must not give charity to show off or for any other ulterior motive;
3. Charity given must be done only to seek the pleasure of Allah and to confirm one’s belief in Him;
4. One must not focus on the quantity – rather, focus on the quality of the gift.
5. Give as much as possible – do not be miserly nor overly generous.
If we follow these and other the traits of donors, then we can await our grand rewards from Allah!
Charity does not only grant its contributor a reward in the world to come, but even in this world, they will gain benefits – AS LONG AS they have maintained the requirements of giving – and it is up to us to learn “how” to donate and then make it a habit of being generous to those who are in need around us.
[1] Quran, Sūrah al-Baqara (2), Verse 261.
Commentary
NUMBER 6: This verse introduces Allah to us in a unique fashion and tells us that our Lord is Allah – the One who created the skies and the earth in six periods – however we must note that this does not mean that Allah could not create it instantaneously or in the ‘blink of an eye.’
From this point, Allah reminds us that He maintains and controls everything, and this is the meaning of ‘establishing Himself on the Throne of Authority.’ It is not that Allah creates and then forgets about us, and then things just run on their own like a machine – of course not! He is ever present in our lives and in the workings of the worlds; and that is why at the end of the verse He confirms that to Him belongs the khalq – meaning the creations - and also the amr – that is, the command or the continuous oversight of the workings of what He put together.
The fact that the system has been running for thousands of years and continues to function in this way, and that these celestial bodies - the sun, the moon and the stars which we all benefit from every second of our lives have been made ‘subservient’ to us is also something for us to reflect upon – and not only reflect, but to thank and praise Allah for putting such a process in place for His creations.
One of the outcomes of our study of astronomy and the order which we see in the celestial plains is not simply to be amazed by it, but rather, once we have witnessed His glory in creation, we must then thank Allah and praise Him for putting together such a world for us, and that this planet contains everything that we need to live a prosperous life.
The creator of the universe, Allah, is the same One who also manages everything – they are one and the same – He did not just create everything and then leave it alone. He is continuously showering us with His blessings and benedictions – but do we continuously praise and thank Him?!
On Day 5 of Ramadhan, we review the theme of humility and humbleness - traits of the righteous people.
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Commentary
NUMBER 5: The story of the People of the Cave is perhaps one of the most mysterious and at the same time, fascinating ones in the Quran.
A relatively short narrative about a group of young men who fled from the corruption and sins of their society and sought refuge high in the mountains, they are presented as the archetype of what ends a person must go to in order to seek Allah and not be influenced by a deviant society.
Although they experienced a miracle by Allah in that they secluded themselves in a cave, and fell asleep for hundreds of years - to the extent that later on their clothes and currency gave away the fact that they were not from that generation, however we can still learn lessons from their story about how we should live in contemporary secular societies.
We understand when we read their narrative, that they were believers living in a non-believing country and environment. When they found that their faith was being threatened, they decided to leave their city and go into the caves to preserve their faith.
Allah put them to sleep and when they woke up hundreds of years later, they found that the people of their previous city had become believers, and although they may have wished to go back home, they knew that they could not, and so they ended up secluding themselves back in the cave, and according to some narrations they are still there and will awaken to be with Imam al-Mahdi.
The significance of this story is that when a person puts their belief and trust in Allah and strives to please Him, then Allah will come to their assistance and help them in times of difficulty.
We see that in our era, our faith is put to test on a daily basis and although our responsibility is NOT to run away to some mountain, however we should always try and make a spiritual migration away from our sins – and remove ourselves from a bad situation that we find ourselves in – whether it be a gathering of impermissible music, mixing of the genders, consumption of alcohol, etc… we must not ever be in such places.
Point of Reflection
There are times when we should engage in debate, but there are times when we should just humble ourselves and recognize the fact that we do not know. Rather than trying to nitpick at certain things, it is sometimes better to look at the bigger picture and the greater good, and focus on that and move forward.
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Quran audio files courtesy of: http://everyayah.com
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Day 4 of Ramaḍān
وَاللَّهُ خَلَقَ كُلَّ دَابَّةٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ فَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ يَمْشِي عَلَى بَطْنِهِ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ يَمْشِي عَلَى رِجْلَيْنِ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ يَمْشِي عَلَى أَرْبَعٍ يَخْلُقُ اللَّهُ مَا يَشَاءُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ٤٥
And Allah has created every animal from water. Some of them move upon their bellies and some of them move upon two feet and some among them move upon four. Allah creates what He pleases. Verily, Allah has Power over all things.[1]
NUMBER 4: In this verse which speaks about the creations which Allah has put on the earth, another sign of His Oneness (tawḥīd), is pointed out - the life which He has given to various creations.
He begins by one of the scientific realities of creation and tells us that He has created everything from water. It is interesting that NASA’s motto in the hunt for extraterrestrial life has been “follow the water” – if there is water, there is a good chance that life exists. However from water - this one source of life - it is amazing how diverse the creations are that Allah has gifted us with.
In this verse, He shows us that some of His creations crawl on their bellies – creatures like the snake which have no arms or legs or appendages; then Allah tells us that some creatures have two feet like us human beings; and lastly the All-Knowing tells us that some animals move about on four feet.
It should be noted that there are many animals which are NOT mentioned here – there is no talk about the birds which fly; and nothing about the sea creatures, or insects with tens if not hundreds of ‘legs’ - so is this verse incomplete?
The point of such verses is not to give us a detailed explanation of the entire animal kingdom – for we could do that by going outside and exploring nature, but rather, as He says at the end of the verse, Allah creates whatever He wills – and He cannot be controlled or stopped in His workings. In summary, there is much more out there that He did not speak about … but then the Quran is not a book of zoology or an encyclopedia of what exists on Earth.
At the end of the verse Allah says that He has the power to do anything that He wants, so we must submit and accept the fact that there is much more out there that we have not discovered yet, or that He has not informed us about.
If we as human beings are not on the road of discovering Allah, treading the path of spiritual elevation or proximity to the Creator, and are not trying to become better humans, living up to our fullest potential, then we are no better than the animals which He creates.
[1] Quran, Sūrah al-Nūr (24), Verse 45.
Commentary
NUMBER 3: The Quran is quick to speak about deviations which the past communities went through – not to mock them, but to let the Muslims know that we are not immune from the same thing, and we must be vigilant to ensure that we do not allow our faith to become corrupt with inaccurate teachings.
The point which the Quran mentions in this verse is the erroneous belief of the majority of Christianity – then and even now - claiming THREE Gods – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit – but somehow this math of 1+1+1 is still equal to ONE! In this verse, and this is repeated many times in the Quran, Allah shows us those who say that Allah is one of the three in the godhead (trinity in unity) are actually in a state of disbelief in God.
What is this doctrine – simply put, “The Christian doctrine of the Trinity (Latin: Trinitas, lit. ‘triad’, from Latin: trinus “threefold”) holds that God is one God, but three coeternal consubstantial persons or hypostases - the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit—as “one God in three Divine Persons”. The three Persons are distinct, yet are one “substance, essence or nature (homoousios).”
At the First Council of Constantinople (381), the Nicene Creed was expanded, known as Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, by saying that the Holy Spirit is worshiped and glorified together with the Father and the Son (συμπροσκυνούμενον καὶ συνδοξαζόμενον), suggesting that he was also consubstantial with them: “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds (æons), Light of Light, very God of the very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; (...) And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spake by the prophets (...).”
The Quran, which came over 600 years after Prophet Jesus ascended into the heavenly realm, sought to eradicate this erroneous belief and educate the Christian nation that there is no god which you should worship other than the ONE God and that this notion of “three in one” is invalid.
In conclusion, Allah clearly tells those who believe in the trinity that if they do not desist in this belief – obviously after being educated and taught that this is not a correct understanding of God, then those who continue in disbelief will face a painful punishment in the world to come.
Islam, as the final religion, and the Quran as the final testament to humanity, speaks about the ideologies of other groups that came before it and comments and critiques them and is not afraid to call out the previous dispensations when they have deviated.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا شَهَادَةُ بَيْنِكُمْ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ حِينَ الْوَصِيَّةِ اثْنَانِ ذَوَا عَدْلٍ مِنْكُمْ أَوْ آخَرَانِ مِنْ غَيْرِكُمْ... ١٠٦
O you who believe! When death comes to one of you (and you wish to make your will) let there be present among you, at the time of making the will, two just persons from among you or two others from among the outsiders, in case you are journeying in the country and the calamity of death overtakes you… [1] Quran, Sūrah al-Māʾida (5), verse 106.
NUMBER 2: Due to contemporary laws in many secular countries and the fights and arguments which can result after the death of a loved one, we are required to write a will and ensure that things are spelled out as clearly as possible to our inheritors.
Islam has made it well-defined by way of the Quran and the aḥādīth of the Ahlul Bayt on how to write a will, who gets what and how one’s estate must be divided.
One major benefit of writing a will is that we are able to personally direct 1/3 of our estate and indicate where we want it to be used - either to tie up loose ends in our life that we did not complete, such as missed prayers or fasts, which charity to donate to, and for other purposes which we feel most passionate about – with the goal of continuing to receive a reward long after we have passed away.
This verse makes it clear that even when we are about to die, we still have an opportunity to make our last will and testament and that death is a reality which we will all encounter. The verse also shows us to what precision Islam regards the laws that we need to have TWO witnesses to corroborate the will – but not two ordinary people, rather they must be JUST and FAIR.
The verse also shows us that to be fair and truthful are requirements that are necessary throughout our lives, and that even if wealth or family come in the way and try to get us to break the laws, people of integrity will never let others influence their decision making process.
The benefits of having a will go far beyond gifting others with property, in fact the traditions tell us that when we have a will, Allah will actually use this in our favour and we will be granted a longer life, and that if we are fair in the division of our estate, then we will get the reward as if we donated all of our wealth in charity while we were alive!
With all of these benefits, it only makes sense to do the right thing and write our will.
Since death is a reality that we will all face, young or old – and a cursory glance at our community graveyards is a clear indicator that death knows no age, we must always be ready to meet our Creator AND ensure that we have fulfilled our responsibilities to our loved ones in the way of writing our last will and testament.
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاءً وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ الَّذِي تَسَاءَلُونَ بِهِ وَالْأَرْحَامَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا١
O people! Take as a shield your Lord Who created you from one being. The same stock from which He created the man He created his spouse, and through them both He caused to spread a large number of men and women. O people! Regard Allah with reverence in Whose name you appeal to one another, and (be regardful to) the ties of relationship. Verily, Allah ever keeps watch over you. (Surah al-Nisa (4), Verse 1)
NUMBER 1: In the first verse of the chapter of The Women (al-Nisāʾ), a chapter which speaks about many of our societal rights and responsibilities, Allah addresses humanity with the phrase “يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ” – “O humanity!” as He wants to address everyone generally, to know that this topic transcends religion, colour, and all other differentiators, not just Muslims.
Allah begins by reminding us to have taqwā or an active consciousness and awareness of Him in our lives because through this, we will be in a better position to fulfill the societal obligations to those around us.
Allah then goes on to remind us that He is the One who created all of us – black, white, brown, yellow, etc. and that we all come from one source and so any thoughts of racial supremacy or discrimination make absolutely no sense, since we all come from ONE being.
Our father and mother are one – Adam and Eve, peace be upon them both. From these initial two, the verse goes on to show us that from them, all of humanity has endured until the present day and will continue until the end of time.
In order to drive home the point of our inter-connected lives and relationships, God once again repeats the order to have taqwā and reminds us that we must also have this God-consciousness in regards to our womb-relatives. This shows us the importance which the Quran places about maintaining family ties such that God takes an oath by the womb-relatives, after taking an oath upon His own self.
We also understand that our taqwā must extend to everyone – all of the children of Adam – as we are all from “one womb” – Eve – and that we must regard one another as being children of the same parents.
In closing, the Almighty reminds us that He always keeps watch over us and all of our actions and intentions are constantly being witnessed by Him – and obviously, we will be evaluated on the Day of Judgement.
This chapter is entitled, The Women (al-Nisāʾ), and the first verse of it focuses on the important role of taqwā in our lives – meaning that the foundational pillar of the spousal and family relationship must be that of God consciousness which everyone must maintain.
In this the final episode of the commentary of Surah al-Najm, we review the concluding verses which speak of the power of God and conclude with the obligation to prostrate to God upon reading the Arabic of the final verse of this chapter.
In this portion, we review verses 50 to 56 and review the outcome of some of the previous nations and the punishments which they faced due to their own negative actions.
In this session of the commentary of Surah al-Najm, verses 45-49, we review SOME of the powers and abilities which God has - such as His creation of the human being from 'nothing' to the creation of the stars in the galaxies...
In this section we review the theme of "The True Lord" - this is the same God which has sent previous prophets like Abraham and Moses and He is the same one who deputed the likes of Noah, Jesus and Muhammad - prayers of God be upon them all. In this brief review we look at the topic of God "controlling" or better yet, being the "source" of human emotions and feelings...
In this, part two of the discussion, we complete the topic of "What You Deserve" - in the meaning that we all get what we deserve and we are not held accountable for the sins of others. If we strive and work hard, we do so for ourselves and no one else and if we are lazy and lethargic, well, we are doing so at our own detriment.
In this discussion of two parts, we review the topic of "What You Deserve" - in the meaning that we all get what we deserve and we are not held accountable for the sins of others. If we strive and work hard, we do so for ourselves and no one else and if we are lazy and lethargic, well, we are doing so at our own detriment.
In this review, we go over verses 33 to 37 of Surah al-Najm under the theme of The Deniers - those who deny God. We do a thorough review of the qualities and characters of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and also mention is made of Moses (Musa). These are two Prophets of God mentioned in the Old Testament as Prophets of the Children of Israel and are also mentioned with a great frequency in the Noble Quran.
In this, part 4 of a 4 part series, we conclude the topic of the vast forgiveness of God. We review the effects of sins and how to recompense for the sins we have performed in the past.
In this, part 3 of a 4 part series, we try and tackle the topic of the vast forgiveness of God. We review a lengthy tradition which is a comprehensive look at what the "major sins" are - by offering the listener a full list of all of the major sins, it will help us to keep aware from acts which cause massive blockages between ourselves and our creator and which, if we do not make atonement for, can also lead to severe repercussions in the world to come.
In this, part 2 of a 4 part series, we try and tackle the topic of the vast forgiveness of God. We review a lengthy tradition which is a comprehensive look at what the "major sins" are - by offering the listener a full list of all of the major sins, it will help us to keep aware from acts which cause massive blockages between ourselves and our creator and which, if we do not make atonement for, can also lead to severe repercussions in the world to come.
In this, part 1 of a 4 part series, we try and tackle the topic of the vast forgiveness of God. How great is His mercy, compassion and forgiveness? Does He punish people? We try and answer these and other questions.
In this episode, we briefly review the concept of the infinite justice of God - He refers to Himself in this and many other Quranic passages as being fair and just in meting out what we are deserving of, and one of his names is al-Adl - The Just - how does it play out in Surah al-Najm? Watch and find out more.
In this, the second of a two part review, we explore and conclude the topic of "the paths" - that is to say, the paths in life which we tread on a spiritual front.
In this, the first of a two part review, we explore the topic of "the paths" - that is to say, the paths in life which we tread on a spiritual front.
In this installment, we review the theme of no substitutes and the need for humanity to ensure that they follow that which they have certain knowledge of - that they do not let assumptions or guesswork to guide their lives.
In this, part 3 of 3 of Surah al-Najm, we continue to review verses 24 to 26 in which we discuss the theme of 'The Authority'. Is God the only one in charge or can / do the angels, and others 'interfere' in the workings of the world? Check out this episode as we initiate the discussion.
In this, part 2 of 3 of Surah al-Najm, we review verses 24 to 26 in which we discuss the theme of 'The Authority'. Is God the only one in charge or can / do the angels, and others 'interfere' in the workings of the world? Check out this episode as we initiate the discussion.
In this, part 1 of 3 of Surah al-Najm, we review verses 24 to 26 in which we discuss the theme of 'The Authority'. Is God the only one in charge or can / do the angels, and others 'interfere' in the workings of the world? Check out this episode as we initiate the discussion.
In the review of verse 23, under the theme of Falsehood, we look at the fact that the Angels which the polytheists and even others today worship are nothing other than falsehood - "fake gods".
In this portion of verses 19 to 22 of Surah al-Najm, we review the topic of "The Idols" - the false gods which the Arabs at the time of the Prophet used to worship - statues of wood and stone - and that these are nothing more than strange concoctions of their imagination.
In this part, we review verses 16 to 18 of Surah al-Najm and we look at some of the major signs which were shown to the Prophet on his night journey - the me'raj - from Mecca to Jerusalem and then into the celestial realms.
In this section we review verses 12 to 15 and answer the question about the Meraj and the objections and disputes which people have gotten into in regards to this miraculous event. Who are we to deny the Prophet and his journey to the heavens?
In this discussion, we conclude our review of verses 5 to 11 of Surah al-Najm covering the topic of 'The Prophet'.
In this discussion, we begin our review of verses 5 to 11 of Surah al-Najm covering the topic of 'The Prophet' - we begin our review of the night ascension of the Prophet - the me'raj - and many other issues in regards to the character and status of the Prophet in Islam.
In this discussion, we continue and conclude the first portion of Surah al-Najm covering verses 1 to 4 and the topic of 'The Great Oath' - promises and warnings which God takes in the introductory portion of Surah al-Najm.
In this discussion, we review the first portion of Surah al-Najm covering verses 1 to 4 and the topic of 'The Great Oath' - promises and warnings which God takes in the introductory portion of Surah al-Najm.
In this, part one of the commentary of Surah al-Najm, we explore the 62nd chapter of the Quran. This chapter was revealed in Mecca and contains 62 verses and it takes its name from the first verse of the chapter by God taking an oath by the star.
In this section of verses 88 to 96, we conclude the review the theme of a summary of the three groups of people. In this section, God concludes the chapter and summarizes the three groups which He introduced at the beginning of this chapter.
In this section of verses 88 to 96, we review the theme of a summary of the three groups of people. In this section, God concludes the chapter and summarizes the three groups which He introduced at the beginning of this chapter.
In this section of verses 83 to 87, we review the theme of the reality of death and our incapacity to prevent it. Do we have the ability to avert death and live "for ever" - if so, why don't we do it? Is there some other "force" which controls our life and death??
In this portion of the commentary of Surah al-Waqiyah in which we review verses 81 to 82, God speaks to us and asks us that with all that is in existence, how can humanity still deny Him? Why do people deny the existence of God?
In this portion of the commentary of Surah al-Waqiyah in which we continue and conclude our review of verses 77 to 80, God speaks about the Noble Quran. This is a book which was revealed to the Prophet over the course of 23 years and is a guidance for all of humanity. It is free from corruption and is the only covenant which God has given to humanity which He promised that He would protect from being distorted. This session will review some of the beauties of the Quran.
In this portion of the commentary of Surah al-Waqiyah in which we review verses 77 to 80, God speaks about the Noble Quran. This is a book which was revealed to the Prophet over the course of 23 years and is a guidance for all of humanity. It is free from corruption and is the only covenant which God has given to humanity which He promised that He would protect from being distorted. This session will review some of the beauties of the Quran.
In this portion of the commentary of Surah al-Waqiyah in which we review verses 75 to 76, God takes some oaths, something which He need not do given who He is, however He does so for specific reasons in the Quran.
In this portion of the commentary of Surah al-Waqiyah in which we review verses 71 to 74, God poses the rhetorical question to humanity about the fire which we kindle and the trees from which we are able to make a fire. Do we have the power to create these trees out of 'nothing', or does God give us, out of His grace, trees - one of the uses is to make a fire. For those who go camping, they know that to cook over an open flame - whether it be to make their cup of tea or coffee or to cook the fish they caught, they need to kindle a fire, but do we think about WHERE this tree has come from?
In this portion of the commentary of Surah al-Waqiyah in which we review 68 to 70, God poses the rhetorical question to humanity about the water which we drink and make use of for life - do we have the power to control its descent or is God the true one who allows us to benefit from water??
In this portion of the commentary of Surah al-Waqiyah in which we review 63 to 67, God poses the rhetorical question to humanity about the seeds which we sow - do we have the power to control its growth or destruction or is God the true one who allows us to plant seeds and grow our food?
In this episode, we review verses 61 to 62 and review some of the take away messages which we can reflect upon from this portion of Surah al-Waqiyah as we look at the topic of 'being brought back' - a fact which many people outright deny - that how can God bring us back to life after death when our bodies have turned to dust and perhaps they are spread around the world - in the oceans or even having been blasted into outer space!
In this episode, we review verses 57 to 60 and review some of the take away messages which we can reflect upon from this portion of Surah al-Waqiyah as we look at some of the proofs for the existence of God and the Day of Resurrection.
In this episode, we review verses 51 to 56 and review some of the take away messages which we can reflect upon from this portion of Surah al-Waqiyah as we look at some of the unbearable punishments in the deep abyss known as hell.
In this episode, we review verses 49 to 50 and review the theme of "Everyone Will Be Brought Back to God" and go over the take away messages which we can reflect upon from this portion of Surah al-Waqiyah.
In this episode, we continue and conclude our review of verses 41 to 48 under the theme of "The Wretched People" and see SOME of the painful and dreadful punishments which they will receive, as mentioned in Surah al-Waqiyah.
In this episode, we review verses 41 to 48 under the theme of "The Wretched People" and see SOME of the painful and dreadful punishments which they will receive, as mentioned in Surah al-Waqiyah.
In this episode, we continue and conclude our review of verses 27 to 40 under the theme of 'Those in Bliss' and review some of the blessings which the fortunate ones in Paradise can expect as mentioned in this portion of Surah al-Waqiyah.
In this episode, we review verses 27 to 40 under the theme of 'Those in Bliss' and review some of the blessings which the fortunate ones in Paradise can expect as mentioned in this portion of Surah al-Waqiyah.
In this episode, we continue and conclude our review of verses 17 to 24 and review some of the take away messages which we can reflect upon from this portion of Surah al-Waqiyah as we look at some of the barriers and impediments which exist.
In this episode, we review verses 25 to 26 under the theme of 'Barriers and Impediments' of Surah al-Waqiyah.
In this episode, we review verses 17 to 24 and review some of the take away messages which we can reflect upon from this portion of Surah al-Waqiyah as we look at some of the pleasures of paradise.
In this episode, we conclude our three-part discussion on the review of verses 7 to 16 and review some of the take away messages which we can reflect upon from this portion of Surah al-Waqiyah.
In this episode, we continue our three-part discussion on the review of verses 7 to 16 and see some of the bounties and blessings those going to paradise will gain post Judgement day.
In this episode, we begin our three-part discussion on the review of verses 7 to 16 and review the three distinct groups which God separates humanity into. From there, we will also see what some of the bounties and blessings - and pains and punishments are - which each group will receive after their accounts have been taken on Judgement day.
In this episode, we continue our review of verses 1 to 6 and conclude with a scene of the 'Great Event' - the Day of Judgement in which the earth and all that is within it will be obliterated. We will also mention some of the take away messages to learn from this section.
In this episode, we begin our review of verses 1 to 6 and set the pace for the what is to come in later verses of the chapter of the 'Great Event' - the Day of Judgement in which humanity will be categorized into one of three groups which this chapter speaks about.
In this episode, we introduce Surah al-Waqiyah, Chapter 56 of the Noble Quran. This chapter, that of the 'Great Event' or the 'Inevitable Event' focuses on the end of this world and all of creation, heralding in the Day of Judgement in which humanity will be categorized into one of three groups which this chapter speaks about. During the course of the review of this chapter, we will also learn about some of the blessings of heaven and the tribulations of hell as well as much more!
In this episode, we review verses 81-83 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 81 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 77-80 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 74-76 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 72-73 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 71 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 70 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 69 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 68 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 66-67 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 65 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 63-64 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 59-62 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 55-58 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 54 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 51-53 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 51-53 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 48-50 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 47 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 47 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 45-46 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 41-44 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 37-40 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 36 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 34-35 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 33 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 31-32 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 30 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 28-29 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 22 to 27 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 20 and 21 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 18 and 19 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 14 through to 17 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 13 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 12 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 11 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 10 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verse 9 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 7 and 8 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 5 and 6 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this episode, we review verses 3 and 4 of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran. English Translation of the verses we will review: 3. (That) you are indeed one of the Messengers, 4. (Standing) on the right and straight path.
In this episode, we review the first two verses of Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran. English Translation of the verses we will review: 1. Yā Sīn - O perfect man (Muhammad)! 2. I call to witness the perfect Quran full of (convincing proofs and) wisdom.
In this second episode, we continue in our exploration of the introduction to Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
In this introductory episode, we explore the introduction to Surah Yaseen, Chapter 36 of the Noble Quran - also known as the Heart of the Quran.
A glimpse into the fourth verse of Surah al-Fatiha (Surah 1 of the Quran) - in which we address God as Him being the master, owner and sovereign of the Day of Judgement.
The seventh and final verse of Surah al-Fatiha (Surah 1 of the Quran) - in which we are given and give the description of what the Straight Path which we are seeking to be guided upon and to remain on - a path which God has showered His blessings upon - and not a path upon which His anger has been leveled, nor a path of those who have gone astray.
A glimpse into the sixth verse of Surah al-Fatiha (Surah 1 of the Quran) - in which we one again directly address God and ask Him to guide us and keep us on the straight path.
A glimpse into the fifth verse of Surah al-Fatiha (Surah 1 of the Quran) - in which we directly address God and confirm that it is He alone that we worship and that it is to Him alone that we ask for help.
A glimpse into the third verse of Surah al-Fatiha (Surah 1 of the Quran) - in which we reconfirm that God is: Al-Rahman - the All-Merciful and Al-Raheem - the All-Compassionate.
A glimpse into the second of Surah al-Fatiha (Surah 1 of the Quran) - in which we attest to the fact that all of the praise and glory belongs to God alone.
A glimpse into the introductory verse of Surah al-Fatiha (Surah 1 of the Quran) - in which we begin in the name of God, the One who possesses two unique traits - Al-Rahman - the All-Merciful and Al-Raheem - the All-Compassionate.