Living The Quran Through The Living Quran

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).