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The chapter was revealed in the city of Mecca and opens with a reference to the defeat of the Byzantines (also known as the Roman Empire) at the hands of the Persians (613–14 CE) in Syria, and the subsequent victory of the Byzantines in 624 CE.  The chapter urges people to reflect on their own creation and the heavens and earth.  God’s power to give life to a barren land is an indication both of His ability to raise the dead and of His mercy to mankind.  The disbelievers are warned to accept faith before it is too late, and Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is urged to persevere and to ignore the bullying of the disbelievers.

The first few verses of this chapter were revealed when Persia overpowered the Byzantine Empire in the Arab areas that were under its rule.  This was also a time when arguments in Mecca raged between the early Muslims and Arab idolaters.

Since the Byzantines at that time were Christians, and the Persians were Magians, the unbelievers in Mecca exploited the event, drumming up the victory of polytheism over monotheism, and seeing in this Persian victory an omen for their own victory over the believers.

Therefore, the opening of this chapter heralds a victory for the people of the Scriptures, the Byzantines, within a few years.  It says that this victory will bring much joy to the Muslims because they love the believers of any divine religion to gain the upper hand.

The Quran does not, however, stop at making this promise, nor does it confine itself to the event mentioned.  In fact, it uses the event to show the believers and their opponents wider horizons.  It establishes a link between them and the universe.

It also relates God’s rule to support divine faith to the great truth that regulates the heavens, the earth and all that is between them, as well as to the past, present and future of humanity.  It then moves on to the life to come and the world beyond this earth.  Indeed, the Quran takes us on a great round in which we see the marvels of the universe, the human soul, people’s situations and the wonders of nature.  We are, thus, able to look at the wider horizons of knowledge, for our lives have been elevated and broadened.  Furthermore, we are released from the strict confines of time, place and event, and can look at the universe, its operative rules, history, present and future.

People’s concept of the true nature of the bonds and relations in this great universe is set on a higher platform.  They begin to feel the real greatness of the laws that govern the universe and human nature, and appreciate those that regulate human life and its events.  In this way, positions of victory and defeat are defined, and fair measures to judge people’s actions and activities in this life are set, so as to give them just reward both in the present life and in the life to come.

In the light of this broad concept, the universality of the Islamic message is clearly shown.  Its interaction with events and world situations, even when it is still in its infancy and confined to Mecca and the surrounding valley, appears to be very positive.  Its scope is broadened beyond this earth to link it to the nature of the universe and its major rules, human nature and its profound depths, as well as to the past and present of human life both in this world and in the world beyond.

Thus, a Muslim’s heart and mind are linked to these horizons to influence his feelings and the way he looks at life.  He looks up to heaven and the life to come and contemplates the wonders and marvels of the universe.  He appreciates his own position, and that of his community, in this great expanse.  He realizes his own value and the value of his faith both in people’s and God’s measures.  He thus fulfils his role and does his duties with a clear mind and with confidence and reassurance.

The chapter depicts the fickleness of people’s cares and interests and how these are unsuitable as a basis for building human life.  What people should look to instead is a constant measure that does not bend to suit self-interests.  It describes such people when they enjoy God’s mercy and when they are afflicted by hardship, as well as in situations of affluence and poverty.  It moves on to speak of how provisions should be used and increased.  It then discusses the question of God’s alleged partners from this angle, showing how such alleged deities can never provide sustenance, initiate or terminate life.  It links the spread of corruption on land and sea with what people do, and directs them to go about the earth reflecting on the ends met by past communities of unbelievers who associated partners with God.  It then directs the Prophet to follow the religion of pure human nature before a day comes when everyone will be rewarded for what they do. 

The chapter then provides some scenes of the universe, commenting that true guidance is that given by God, while the Prophet’s task is only to deliver his message.  It is not in his power to make the blind see or the deaf hear.  The chapter then takes us on a new round within the human constitution, reminding us of the stages of man’s development from beginning to end, starting with utter weakness in childhood, before it mentions death, resurrection and judgement, giving us a new scene of that day. 

The chapter concludes with a directive to the Prophet to remain patient in adversity and to bear whatever difficulties he meets.  He should always remain confident that God’s promise will be fulfilled.  Hence, he must not let himself be disturbed by those who lack faith.
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By Imam Mufti (© 2017 IslamReligion.com)
Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

May Allah bring light to every heart carrying hidden pain, grief, fear, loneliness, guilt, or hardship.

Please remember in your duaa the oppressed, the imprisoned, the displaced, the forgotten, and those separated from the people they love.

May Allah be their Help when they have no help, their Strength when they have no strength, and their Companion when they feel alone. May He mend what has been broken, ease what has become unbearable, and never leave them to anyone but Him.

Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

Qur’an. Duaa. Reflection. A journey back to Allah.

🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/read.alfurqan

Email: [email protected]

This 69-verse chapter was revealed in Mecca and like all Meccan chapters it discusses belief, the fundamentals of faith and the Oneness of God.  The Spider, as it is called, takes its name from the description of the spider’s house building skills in verse 41.  It is believed that this chapter was revealed to strengthen and encourage the new Muslims who were, at the time, suffering severe abuse and oppression.  A clear link is established between all the messages and the message of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.

The chapter begins with three separate Arabic letters.  Alif, Lam, Meem.  These letters are from amongst the various combinations of fourteen letters that open twenty-nine chapters of the Quran.   God has not revealed any specific meaning attached to them.   The chapter then immediately informs the believers that their faith will be tested.  The people who came before them were tested and it is how God separates the liars from those who are truthful.  It is not enough to claim belief; belief imposes certain duties.  The evil doers will not escape, because God knows everything.  Those who believe and behave righteously do so for their own benefit.   God does not need a person to behave well; He is free from all needs.  The bad deeds of the true believers will be erased and they will be rewarded.

God demands that the believer be good to his or her parents.   However, do not obey them if they try to make you worship something other than God.  Remember that you will return to God and only those with true faith will be among the righteous.  There are people who waver in their belief whenever they are faced with difficulties; but then when they are in a position of ease, they make boastful claims about their belief.  Their faith is easily shaken and God is well aware of who truly believes and who is a hypocrite.  The disbelievers encourage disbelief.

Noah was spreading his message amongst his people for nearly one thousand years but they were still doing evil when the flood overtook them.  Those saved in the ark are a sign for all those who came after them.  Abraham tried to warn his people against idol worship and told them to seek their provision from God.  He warned them with stories from their own past and with logical arguments about the power and mercy of God.   Their only response was to call for Abraham’s death.   

Abraham walked out of the fire meant to kill him and called on them to reject their idols warning them that fire will be their eternal abode.  Lot witnessed this event and then reaffirmed his faith.  Abraham was father to a long line of prophets beginning with his son Isaac and grandson Jacob.  Abraham’s rewards began in this world and in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.

Lot tried to counsel his people asking them to stop their immoral practices, their acts of highway robbery, and corruption.  They hardly responded except by telling Lot to bring on the punishment.  Lot prayed to God for help.  When the angels brought the news of a son to Abraham they also told him they were charged with destroying the town Lot was living in.  Abraham feared for his cousin and the angels said they planned to save Lot and the members of his household. 

When the angels in the form of guests visited Lot, he was anxious because he could do nothing to protect them from the unruly and evil townspeople.  The angels were aware of Lot’s grief.  They revealed their identity and told him why they had come and that he and his household would be safe from God’s torment.  His wife however would not be amongst those saved.  The ruins of the town were left so that people who think would understand.

Shuaib was denied by his people; the people of Midian.  God therefore sent an earthquake that overtook them in the night.  The people of Ad and Thamud were also destroyed.  Satan played on their arrogance and made their deeds seem fair and thus diverted them from the right path.  They were capable of seeing through his tricks.  Moses went to Pharaoh, Koran and Haman with clear undeniable signs but they too were arrogant and refused to believe.  They could not however outrun God’s punishment.  God was not unjust; they were unjust to themselves.

Those who seek protection from something other than God are like spiders who think they are safe in their flimsy cobweb homes.  God knows what they call on besides Him and even when given examples they fail to understand.  These parables are for the wise, and for the believers they are a sign.  Prophet Muhammad is told to recite from the Quran and to establish the prayer because remembrance of God keeps people away from shameful deeds and wrongdoing.  Only argue with the People of the Book in a good way, explain that their God and your God is One and the same.  Many of those given the scriptures believe in the Quran; only the defiant refuse.  Oh Muhammad, you cannot read or write but you have been given this revelation and that alone should satisfy the disbelievers.

God knows everything in the heavens and the earth and those who disbelieve will be the losers.  The time for the punishment is already set.  If that was not the case it would already have befallen them.  It will be sudden because Hell has already encircled them.  God’s earth is spacious, so if need be migrate to where you can worship Him.  Everyone dies and everyone will return to God.  Those who believed and did good deeds will live in magnificent dwellings in gardens under which rivers flow.

If you ask the disbelievers who created the heavens and the earth, or who sends down the rain, they would answer, God.   Why then do they continue to deny the signs? Why do they not use their common sense? This life is nothing but a diversion, an amusement for a short time.  It is the Hereafter that is the real life.  When a person gets into trouble they call upon God but when he saves them they forget that they should be grateful and begin to thank others for their rescue.  Let them deny God’s favors and enjoy themselves for they will come to realize.  There is none more wicked than a person who lies about God or denies the truth after it has been made clear.  Hell will be their abode, however, those who strive will be with God.
_______________________________________
By Aisha Stacey (© 2017 IslamReligion.com)
Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

May Allah bring light to every heart carrying hidden pain, grief, fear, loneliness, guilt, or hardship.

Please remember in your duaa the oppressed, the imprisoned, the displaced, the forgotten, and those separated from the people they love.

May Allah be their Help when they have no help, their Strength when they have no strength, and their Companion when they feel alone. May He mend what has been broken, ease what has become unbearable, and never leave them to anyone but Him.

Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

Qur’an. Duaa. Reflection. A journey back to Allah.

🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/read.alfurqan

Email: [email protected]

The Narration is an eighty-eight verse chapter revealed in Mecca.  It takes its name from the twenty-fifth verse in which the Arabic word for narration is used.  The Narration is also a suitable title because the chapter tells a detailed story about Prophet Moses.  Its main theme is the punishment that comes to those who are arrogant and spread corruption.  This chapter and the two preceding it go together to tell the complete story of Prophet Moses.  Polytheism is condemned, and Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is reminded that he cannot make the people believe but nevertheless he must remain steadfast in his mission.

Chapter twenty-eight begins with the combination of letters ta, seen, meem.  They are three letters from amongst various combinations of fourteen letters that open twenty-nine chapters of the Quran.  God did not reveal any specific meaning regarding them.  Immediately after these letters we are informed that these verses from the Quran make things clear and understandable.  The story of Prophet Moses and Pharaoh is true beyond doubt.  Pharaoh consolidated his leadership by dividing the people into groups and setting them against one another.  He loved to spread corruption and oppressed one group in particular.  God however wanted to favour those who were oppressed, to make them leaders and establish them in the land, and Pharaoh and Haman, and those like them would then face their greatest fears. 

Moses’ mother was inspired by God.  He made her understand that she should suckle her baby but when the time comes when she is afraid for him she should put him in the river.  She must not grieve or be afraid because God will return the baby to her and he will grow up to be one of His messengers.  A member of Pharaoh’s family found baby Moses little realizing that later he would become a source of grief for the evildoers.  Pharaoh’s wife was able to convince her husband to adopt the baby and they took him into the family.

The following day Moses’ mother was bereft but God strengthened her.  She sent Moses’ sister to find out what happened.  God had ordained that Moses would refuse to feed from any of the palace wet nurses so Moses’ sister was able to tell them about her mother that could feed the baby.  In this way Moses was restored to his mother so she would feel comforted and know that God’s promise was true.

Moses reached full maturity and was wise and intelligent.  One day when walking in the city he came upon two people fighting.  One was from his own people and appealed to Moses for help.  Moses did help and killed the person with one blow.  He realised that Satan must have had a hand in this and appealed to God for forgiveness.  When forgiven, he promised never to support evildoers.  The next day he came upon the same man fighting and realised he was a troublemaker.  Moses was reluctant to be drawn into another fight but was going to attack the troublemaker who was accusing Moses of being a tyrant.  At that moment a man rushed up to Moses and told him that the authorities were looking for him, possibly intending to kill him.  So Moses left the city.  He was fearful and wary and prayed to God to save him from the wrongdoers.

Moses made his way to Midian.  When he arrived at the waterhole there he found a group of men watering their livestock while two women were standing back fearful of watering their sheep whilst the men were there.  Moses watered the sheep for them and then sat in the shade and prayed to God for assistance.  He asked God for any good thing at all and just then one of the two women returned saying that their father wanted to speak to him and reward him. 

Moses went with the woman and met her father, Prophet Shuaib.  The old man listened to Moses’ story and reassured him.  One of the daughters encouraged her father to hire Moses, and so Prophet Shuaib offered one of his daughters in marriage if Moses worked for him for eight years adding that ten would be better though.  Moses agreed to fulfil one of the terms.

And when the agreed upon term had been completed Moses set out to travel with his family.  One night he noticed a fire on the side of a mountain.  He told his family to wait while he went to find the source of the fire and perhaps learn some news or in the very least bring back a flaming branch so that they could light their own fire.  When Moses reached the fire a voice called out to him.

The voice seemed to come from the right side of the valley, from a tree.  The voice said, "I am God, Lord of the worlds".  Throw down your staff the voice commanded.  When Moses did so the staff slithered away like a snake.  Moses fled in fear.  God called him back telling him he had nothing to fear.  Moses was then told to put his hand inside his shirt.  When he withdrew it, it was white and shinning.  God informed him that these two things would be signs Moses was to deliver from Him to Pharaoh and his ministers.

Moses then told God about the man he had killed and that he feared he would be killed himself if he returned to Egypt.  He also asked that his eloquent brother Aaron be able to accompany him on his mission.  God replied that he would strengthen Moses with his brother, and that they would not be harmed and would triumph.

When Moses and Aaron presented themselves before Pharaoh they were accused of trickery and sorcery because they had never seen such a thing before.  Moses said that God knows best who is guided and who will have the best home in the Hereafter.  Arrogantly Pharaoh told Haman to build a high tower so that he could climb up and see this God of Moses, and accused Moses of lying.  Pharaoh and his armies were arrogant, thinking they would never have to face God.  God seized them and flung them into the sea and that was an end to them.  They were the leaders calling only to the Hellfire but on the Day of Resurrection they will have no help.  They were cursed in this world and on the Day of Resurrection they will be despised.  Moses was given the scripture to provide insight, guidance and mercy.   

God tells Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, that he was not present there on the mountain when He (God) gave Moses the law, nor was he among the people of Midian.  Prophet Muhammad was also not there when God spoke to Moses on the side of Mount Sinai.  You (Prophet Muhammad) had no direct means of obtaining the information of earlier nations; all this is being revealed to you.   You were sent as an act of grace and mercy to warn a people that had never been warned before, that they must take heed and never be able to say that a warner did not come to them.  Now that the truth has come to them they ask why Prophet Muhammad was not given a law like Moses’ law.  They call the Torah and the Quran sorcery and refuse to accept either of them.  Ask these disbelievers to bring forth a scripture that is more guiding.  If they do not respond you will know that they only follow their own desires.  God does not guide the wrongdoers.

The disbelievers of Mecca have repeatedly been given the words of the Quran.  Some of those who were given the scripture before the Quran had no trouble believing in it (the Quran), and said that we already believed in One God and were sincerely responding to His commands even before the Quran came.  They will be given their reward twice because they have endured.  They repel evil with good, give in charity from what has been provided for them, and turn away when they hear frivolous speech.  Oh Muhammad you do not decide who will be guided; God guides whoever He pleases and knows which people will accept guidance.  They do not wish to be guided.  They say that if they accept guidance they will be driven from the land.  But God has already given them a sanctuary (Mecca) and provided everything they could possibly need. 

In your travels you (Meccans) have seen the cities that God destroyed.  And God would never destroy a city or its people without first sending a messenger.  Whatever you have in this world is temporary and that which is with God is better and more lasting.  So why not use your power of reasoning? Is the person who strives for the Hereafter and is rewarded with eternal bliss like the one who merely enjoys a few days of this life and is then punishment in the next?

A Day will come when God will ask, where are the ones you called My partners? Those waiting for punishment will point them out, but the accused will say we did not compel them to obey; they followed their own desires and inclinations.  They will try to invoke their gods but they will not respond, and then they will see the punishment and wished they had followed guidance.  God will ask them how they responded to the messengers but all their previous arguments will seem obscure and they will not be able to talk with one another.  However, those who repented, believed, and acted righteously will be successful.  God creates and chooses, you do not choose for yourselves.  
Glory to God, He is far above the partners ascribed to Him.  And God knows what their hearts conceal and what they reveal.  He is God; there is no deity except Him.  All praise in this life and in the Hereafter belongs to Him.  His is the Judgement and everyone will be brought back to Him.

Oh Prophet Muhammad, ask them what would happen if God made the night perpetual.  Who other than God could bring light? If God were to make the day perpetual who other than God could bring night? Out of His Mercy God made the night for rest and the day a time in which to seek bounty.  The Day of Judgement will come, and God will ask about the whereabouts of the partners you ascribed to Him.  A witness from every nation will be asked to produce proof of the false deities.  And then they will know that the truth belongs to God and the gods they invented have forsaken them.

Qarun was one of Moses’ people but he rebelled against them.  God gave him so many treasures that even the keys to open the containers the treasures were kept in would have been heavy for strong men to carry.  The people said to him do not gloat because God does not like those people who gloat.  Use what God has given you to attain a good abode in the Hereafter.  Be good to others as God has been good to you, and do not cause mischief; God does not love the mischief makers.  But Qarun replied all that I have is only because of my own knowledge and ability.  Did he not understand that God has destroyed many people before him, many that were mightier in strength and richer in wealth? But criminals are not always called immediately to account.

One day he came out of his house in all his worldly adornment.  Some people wished they had what he had while others said the reward from God is better but we can only attain it with patience and gratitude.  God caused the earth to swallow him and his house.   There was nobody to help him and he was unable to defend himself.  Then the same people who had envied Qarun changed their minds.  They said, we had forgotten that it is God who enlarges provision and it is God that can take it away.  If it was not for God’s graciousness He could have caused the earth to swallow us all.  Those who deny the truth will never prosper.

The home of the Hereafter is for those who seek neither glory nor spread corruption.  The best outcome is for those who are mindful of God.  Those who come to God on the Day of Judgment with good deeds will be rewarded with what is better.  Those who come with bad deeds will be recompensed only to the extent of their bad deeds.  Prophet Muhammad is reassured that he will be brought to the best destination.  God knows that Prophet Muhammad brought guidance to those who were in manifest error.  Prophet Muhammad did not expect the Quran to be revealed but it is a mercy.  Do not help the disbelievers by giving them concessions in their religion and do not let any of them try to turn you away from what has been revealed to you.  Call the people to God and never become one of those who ascribe partners to Him.  Do not call out to any other deity besides Him; none has the right to be worshipped except God. Everything will be destroyed except Him.  The Judgment belongs to God and you will be returned to Him. 
_______________________________________
By Aisha Stacey (© 2018 IslamReligion.com)
Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

May Allah bring light to every heart carrying hidden pain, grief, fear, loneliness, guilt, or hardship.

Please remember in your duaa the oppressed, the imprisoned, the displaced, the forgotten, and those separated from the people they love.

May Allah be their Help when they have no help, their Strength when they have no strength, and their Companion when they feel alone. May He mend what has been broken, ease what has become unbearable, and never leave them to anyone but Him.

Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

Qur’an. Duaa. Reflection. A journey back to Allah.

🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/read.alfurqan

Email: [email protected]

The Ants, a ninety-three verse chapter, was revealed in Mecca.  It opens with a description of the Quran as joyful news for the believers and a severe warning for the non-believers.  We then encounter several short narratives concerning prophets and the communities that did not believe their warnings.  These narratives are illustrated with examples of God’s power and the contrasting lack of power possessed by the things they worship other than God.  There are descriptions of the Day of Judgement and the chapter closes by reiterating the beginning verses—the Quran is good news for the believers but a warning to others.

Verse 1 is a combination of the letters ta and seen.  They are two letters from amongst various combinations of fourteen letters that open twenty-nine chapters of Quran.  God did not reveal any specific meaning attached to them.  Immediately following the letters, God says that this scripture is a guide for the believers.  It is joyful news for those who pray, give charity, and believe in the Hereafter.  One the other hand those that do not believe wander blindly believing that their lives will have no lasting consequences.  They are wrong.  Their punishment will be severe, and this scripture is a warning.  Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, receives this Quran from the one who is All Knowing.

While travelling with his family Moses sees a fire.  He walks towards the light telling his family that he will return with either news or burning sticks with which to make their own warming fire.  When He reaches the fire, God calls out to him and introduces Himself.  God orders Moses to throw down his staff; he complies but runs away in fright when the staff begins to move like a snake.  God tells him  to stop and that the messengers should not be afraid when in God’s presence because He, God, is merciful and forgiving.  God then tells Moses to put his hand inside his cloak and when he withdraws it, it will be shinning white.  God explains that these are two from the nine signs that will be given to Pharaoh to convince him to submit to the One God.  Pharaoh and his advisers call the signs sorcery.   They knew the signs were miracles yet denied them and thus came to a very bad end.

When God gave knowledge to David and Solomon they praised Him.  They understood the language of the birds and Solomon inherited the Kingdom of David.  Solomon’s soldiers marched in rows, jinn, humans and birds.  When the armies marched through the valley of the ants, one ant directed the others so that they would not be crushed.  Solomon understood and smiled widely, and beseeched God to give him the strength and ability to be grateful, the ability to perform good deeds that He loves, and to be with the righteous.

Solomon inspected the birds but could not find the hoopoe.  The hoopoe returned saying that he had been in Sheba where he found a woman leading the people.  She had a magnificent throne but they all worshipped the sun instead of God.  Solomon sent the hoopoe with a letter for the Queen of Sheba.  She read the letter to her counsellors.  It was an invitation to submit to the will of God.  Solomon and his army had not invaded the city so she decided to send a gift.  When the gift arrived, Solomon said that they could not give him anything that God had not already provided for him.  Solomon sent them away with a threat to invade their city.

Sheba decided to come in person, and whilst waiting Solomon asked his own counsellors if someone was able to bring him Sheba’s magnificent throne.  One of the jinn was able to produce the throne within the blink of an eye.  When Sheba arrived, she was asked if what she saw was her throne and although it was disguised she said it looked as if it was.  When Sheba was asked to enter the palace, she thought she was about to wade through water and lifted her skirt, however the floor was made of shinning smooth glass.  When she saw for herself what God had given Solomon and how majestic his position was, she submitted to the command of God and acknowledged that he was a noble Prophet. 

Saleh called the people of Thamud to worship One God, but they split into rival factions.  One group said that Saleh and his followers were an evil omen.  The leaders of some families took an oath that they would together kill Saleh and his family.  They planned a deceitful plan, but God also planned a plan.  The outcome was that their plan came to nothing and they were destroyed, and their desolate houses are a sign for those who think.  The true believers were saved.

Lot was sent to his people to ask them why they openly committed homosexual acts even though they knew it to be wrong.  They had no answer except to try to expel Lot and his followers from the town.  So God saved Lot and all his family; except his wife who was destined to be one of those who stayed behind.  An evil rain of stones pelted down on those who chose to ignore the warning.

Prophet Muhammad is asked to praise God, send peace upon the messengers.  He is also instructed to ask who is better, God, who created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, or another deity? Clearly it is God who made rivers flow and firmly fixed the mountains and other wondrous things.  Why then do they worship something other than God? Who answers the calls of the distressed and removes the burdens of the suffering? God, He the One who is above all that they associate with Him.  There is no one with knowledge of the unseen except God.  It is He who knows when the dead will be raised. 

This perturbs the unbelievers who say they have heard ancient tales about the dead being raised and do not believe it.  They must therefore travel throughout the land see for themselves what has happened to those who did not heed the warnings of a Hereafter.  God is bountiful even though most people are ungrateful.  Nothing is concealed from God; it is all kept in a clear record.  The Quran is guidance and a mercy.  God will be the judge and Prophet Muhammad should not grieve over the people who will not heed his warning.  Instead he should put his trust in God because he is on the straight path.  He cannot make the deaf or dead hear; he cannot lead the blind.

A day will come when the disbelievers will be led before God in groups.  The verdict will be given but they will not speak.  God sent signs for those who believe and those who think.  When the trumpet sounds many will be terrified; the firm mountains will pass away like clouds.  On that Day, a good deed will keep a person safe, but an evil deed will see them flung into the Fire.  Muhammad says that he has been commanded to submit to God, to worship Him and recite the Quran.  Mohammad is only a warner; all praise belongs only to God, and God is never unaware.
_______________________________________
By Aisha Stacey (© 2018 IslamReligion.com)
Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

May Allah bring light to every heart carrying hidden pain, grief, fear, loneliness, guilt, or hardship.

Please remember in your duaa the oppressed, the imprisoned, the displaced, the forgotten, and those separated from the people they love.

May Allah be their Help when they have no help, their Strength when they have no strength, and their Companion when they feel alone. May He mend what has been broken, ease what has become unbearable, and never leave them to anyone but Him.

Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

Qur’an. Duaa. Reflection. A journey back to Allah.

🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/read.alfurqan

Email: [email protected]

This chapter of 227 short verses was revealed in Mecca.  Like all Meccan chapters it is primarily concerned with the Oneness of God.

The Poets is one of twenty-nine chapters that begin with a combination of Arabic letters.  This combination is Ta Sin Mim.   God did not reveal any meaning for these letters; however, over the course of Islamic scholarship many theories have been suggested.

These verses make things clear, yet Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is worrying himself to death over people who refuse to believe.  God could have sent them a sign that was undeniable, but they turn away from every revelation.  Now the Quran has come, they will soon experience the reality of what they mock.  They need only to look around to see God’s creation; a sign that God is Mighty and Merciful.

Moses was sent to the people of Pharaoh but feared he would be rejected because of his speech.  God reassured him by making Aaron his helper.   Moses asked that the Israelites be released from bondage.  Pharaoh reminded Moses of his time in Egypt and called him ungrateful.   Moses spoke about the glory of God, and Pharaoh threatened him with prison while mocking him and God.  Moses demonstrated the miracles God allowed him to perform.  He threw his staff which became a snake and from his robes he drew his hand, shining and white.  He was called a sorcerer and Pharaoh and his advisers arranged a competition with their sorcerers. 

At the assembly the sorcerers threw their ropes, but Moses’ staff devoured their illusions.  The sorcerers prostrated to God and Pharaoh had them crucified.  God inspired Moses to flee at night with all the Israelites.  Pharaoh sent an army to prevent their emigration.  By sunrise Pharaoh’s people had the Israelites trapped at the edge of the Red Sea.  Moses struck the sea with his staff and the waves parted allowing them to escape.  The pursuers were drowned.  This is a sign for those who believe.  God is Mighty and Merciful.

Abraham asked his father and his people about their idol worship.  He pointed out that idols could not benefit or harm them, but his people replied that they followed the practice of their ancestors.  Abraham denounced them all and pledged his allegiance to God, the one who guides him, sustains him, cures him and will resurrect him.  Abraham supplicated that God join him with the righteous, give him honor amongst later generations and grant him repose in the Gardens of Paradise; he also asked that his father be forgiven.  Children and wealth will not avail on that Day.  Only those who come before God with a pure heart will benefit.

Paradise will be brought close to the righteous and Hell will be visible to those who have gone astray.  They will be asked about what they worshipped apart from God and will be flung into Hell with their idols including all the armies of Iblees (Satan).  They will argue with one another and wish longingly to return to their worldly life for another chance.  This story reveals a great lesson.  God is Mighty and Merciful. 

The people of Noah also rejected their Messenger.  He was gentle and mild, and asked for no payment, but they considered him and those who followed him to be poor and worthless.  Noah said he would never drive away a believer; he was nothing but a warner.  They asked him to desist or he would be stoned.  Noah called out to God asking for a decisive judgement.   God saved Noah and the believers in a ship, the others were drowned.  This is a great lesson, but most do not believe.  God is Mighty and Merciful. 

The people of Ad disbelieved in their Messenger Hud.  He asked them to fear God and requested no payment.  They built strong, tall buildings as if they expected to live forever and were cruel tyrants.  Hud reminded them that God provided them with their sustenance.  Hud’s people replied that they had no fear of torment and such talk was nothing but an ancient myth.  God utterly destroyed them.  He is Mighty as well as Merciful.

The people of Thamud denied their Messenger.  When Saleh asked them to fear God they accused him of being affected by magic.  He asked for no reward and reminded them of their provisions from God, and told them to stay away from transgressors, but it was not enough, they wanted a sign.   Saleh brought forth a she-camel who was to share their water; each drinking on alternate days.  The people were warned not to hurt her, but they hamstrung her.  In the morning they were full of regret because the punishment fell upon them.  God is Mighty and Merciful. 

The people of Lot also disbelieved.  He asked them for no reward and warned them to fear God.  Lot admonished them and cautioned them not to partake in unnatural acts.  They responded by threatening Lot with expulsion.  Lot asked God to save him and his family and He did; all except his wife who was destroyed with the rest.  A rain of destruction poured down on those who had been forewarned.  Another lesson the people failed to learn.  God is Mighty and Merciful. 

Shuaib’s people disbelieved even though he was a trustworthy Messenger who asked for no reward.  He warned his people to weigh with correct scales, to give full measure, and not spread corruption, but they accused him of being bewitched.  They called him a liar and asked him to cause fragments of the sky to fall upon them if he was truthful.  Due to their stubborn denial the torment seized them, a scourge from the dark clouds.  Most do not learn the lesson and become believers.  God is Mighty and Merciful.

This Quran comes from God, brought down to Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel, as a warning to the people in plain Arabic language.  The former scriptures foretold this, why is that not sufficient proof? If it was revealed to a non-Arab who recited to them in Arabic they would still not believe.  God puts unbelief in the hearts of the guilty.  They will not believe until they see the torment, and at that time they will ask for respite.   Past enjoyment is no protection from the torment.  God never destroyed a population without a warner.  He is never unjust.  The jinn did not bring down the Quran.  Do not worship anything other than God.  Warn your close kin (oh Muhammad) and show kindness to the believers.  If they disobey then you are not accountable for their actions.  Put your trust in God.  The devils descend upon the liars and only the lost follow the poets; except the poets who believe and are righteous.  And the oppressors will know to what they will return.   
_______________________________________
By Aisha Stacey (© 2018 IslamReligion.com)
Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

May Allah bring light to every heart carrying hidden pain, grief, fear, loneliness, guilt, or hardship.

Please remember in your duaa the oppressed, the imprisoned, the displaced, the forgotten, and those separated from the people they love.

May Allah be their Help when they have no help, their Strength when they have no strength, and their Companion when they feel alone. May He mend what has been broken, ease what has become unbearable, and never leave them to anyone but Him.

Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

Qur’an. Duaa. Reflection. A journey back to Allah.

🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/read.alfurqan

Email: [email protected]

As with many other chapters of Quran this one takes its name from the first verse as well.  Al-Furqan means the Criterion and the chapter comprises of seventy-seven verses.  It refers to the Quran being the book that differentiates between right and wrong.  It is from the pages of the Quran that we are to learn the difference between what is good and what is bad.  This chapter was revealed in Mecca and begins with a condemnation of all forms of polytheism.  It deals with the doubts and objections being raised by the disbelievers and describes the power of God.  The chapter ends with the qualities of the believers.

Blessed is God who has sent down the criterion of what is right and what is wrong (the Quran) to his Prophet, Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, in order that he may warn the world.  God is the One who controls the heavens and the earth; He has no offspring or partners.  He does not share control in any way.  He has created all things and determined them with precision.  Yet the unbelievers have taken other gods who are unable to create, have no power over life and death and cannot harm or help in anyway.  Those who deny the truth say that the Quran is a forgery devised by Muhammad with the assistance of others but this is unjust and a lie. 

Prophet Muhammad is told by God to reply that the Quran is sent down by He who knows the secrets of the heavens and the earth.  They (the disbelievers) ask what sort of messenger eats food and walks about in the markets; why is he not accompanied by an angel or has treasure or even a garden of his own? The wrongdoers then declare that Muhammad is affected by magic.  They use their own imagination to discredit Muhammad; they are clearly lost.

Blessed is God who could if He willed give Muhammad any number of special things, even more special then the things the disbelievers ask about such as gardens under which rivers flow and palaces too.  They (the disbelievers) deny the Hour but God has prepared a blazing fire for those who deny the Hour.  When they see the Hellfire in the distance they will hear its fury and roaring and will then be flung into it pleading for death.  Which is better they are asked, this, or the garden promised to the righteous?  Paradise is a reward and a destination for the righteous where they will find whatever they desire.  This is God’s promise.

On the Day of Judgement, God will gather all of humankind with the deities.  The deities will be asked if they tried to mislead the people and they will answer that they most certainly did not.  The deities will deny the disbelievers and the punishment will not be averted.  God reminds Prophet Muhammad that all the prophets ate food and walked in the markets and streets and that some people have been created to be a trial for others.  Those who ask why they do not see God or angels, do not really believe in a day when they will stand before God.  They are insolent and arrogant.  The Day they see the angels will not be a good day for them.  The angels will forbid them to cross the barrier and their deeds will be turned to dust and scattered in the wind.  The companions of the garden will have a better home. 

The Day the clouds are torn apart will be a hard day for the disbelievers.  They will bite their hands in regret and wish they had chosen better companions, finally acknowledging Satan as a treacherous enemy.  Prophet Muhammad will decry the people who took the Quran as nonsense and  God replies that every messenger had a wicked enemy.  The disbelievers of Mecca ask why the Quran was not sent down all at one time and God answers that it was sent gradually to strengthen the Prophet’s heart.  He (Prophet Muhammad) is told that God will help Him answer any arguments put to him.  Those who are the furthest away from the right path will fall on their faces into Hell.

Moses was given the scripture and he and his brother Aaron went to those who denied God’s signs, they disbelieved and were destroyed.  Likewise Noah’s people were drowned.  God also destroyed the people of ‘Aad, Thamud, the Companions of the Rass, and many other generations.  All were given warnings which they denied, and it led to their utter destruction.  Now they deny Muhammad but soon they will see a punishment for doing so.  Prophet Muhammad is asked if he has ever seen a person who has taken his own desires as his god.  Prophet Muhammad cannot guide cannot guide a person who chooses not to hear or understand the warning.  Some people are people are like cattle lead away from the right track. 

It is God who lengthens the shade; the night is a rest and the day a type of resurrection.  He is the One who brings the wind, and sends down water from the sky to bring life to a dead land and quenches the thirst of humankind and animals.  This process is repeated so that people might take heed but most of the time they persist in their disbelief.  Prophet Muhammad is told not to give in.

God created two seas, one salty and bitter the other sweet and fresh; he created humankind from water.  Even knowing this some people worship something other than God.  God sent Muhammad as good news and a warning, thus humankind should put their trust in the Living God who never dies.  God created the heavens and the earth and what is between them in six days and established Himself above them upon His throne.  But some people do not bow down, instead they turn further away.  God created the stars, the sun and the moon so that some people would choose to be grateful.

The believers walk with humility, address ignorant people with words of peace, and spend the night worshipping their Lord and asking to be kept safe from the fires of Hell.  They are not extravagant nor stingy and they never invoke any deity but God.  They do not kill except for a just reason, and they do not commit adultery or fornication.  God is able to change the bad deeds into good for those who repent and become righteous.  The believers do not bear false witness; they pass by frivolity with dignity and take head of God’s signs and revelations.  These are the ones whose patience will be rewarded with Paradise, where they will be welcomed with greetings and salutations and shall live forever.  Prophet Muhammad is told to say that God does not care if you invoke Him or not but if you reject His revelations you will face the punishment.
_______________________________________
By Aisha Stacey (© 2016 IslamReligion.com)
Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

May Allah bring light to every heart carrying hidden pain, grief, fear, loneliness, guilt, or hardship.

Please remember in your duaa the oppressed, the imprisoned, the displaced, the forgotten, and those separated from the people they love.

May Allah be their Help when they have no help, their Strength when they have no strength, and their Companion when they feel alone. May He mend what has been broken, ease what has become unbearable, and never leave them to anyone but Him.

Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

Qur’an. Duaa. Reflection. A journey back to Allah.

🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/read.alfurqan

Email: [email protected]

Chapter 24 of the Quran was revealed in Medina and concentrates on establishing the good manners and morals that will ultimately benefit the new Muslim society.  It establishes regulations for marriage, modesty, appropriate household behaviour, and the manners and necessity of obedience to Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.  The title of the chapter is taken from verses 35 in which God is described as the light of the heavens and the earth.  While the central theme of this chapter is educating the Muslim community, it flows effortlessly from prescribing mandatory punishments to gently inviting us to reflect on the signs God has placed for us throughout the universe.

God has sent this chapter down from on high and contains commandments that are obligatory.  This emphatic opening is followed by an explanation of the mandatory punishment of flogging for a person who commits fornication.  The people are advised not to let compassion keep them from enforcing this rule.  Muslims carry out God’s orders without hesitation.  In this case, before the flogging is administered there must be witnesses to the crime.  And when the punishment is administered, it should be witnessed by others so that is serves as a psychological deterrent for those who have similar tendencies.

Believers do not marry a fornicator or fornicatress just as they would not marry a polytheist.   Illegal sexual intercourse is a severe crime, however anyone who makes false accusations make themselves liable for punishment.  If couples accuse each other of adultery they can be exempted from punishment by taking prescribed oaths attesting to their good behaviour.

And God says that if it was not for His favour and Mercy…, and then leaves the end of the sentence up to the reader.  It is most commonly believed that it means if not for the mercy of God and the fact that He bestows favours upon humankind our lives would be much more difficult.  We would perhaps be punished or even destroyed.

Having outlined the rules about accusing women of illegal sexual intercourse, God mentions the evil incident regarding the slander against Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad.  It contains a lesson for humankind; and all who took part in it will be punished accordingly, some will receive a severe punishment.  Nobody gave Aisha the benefit of the doubt and nobody produced witnesses.  Still many people passed on the gossip.  God asks why they did not hesitate to repeat a monstrous slander and warns the believers never to do this again.  This unthinking behaviour causes pain, doubt and worry.  And once again God leaves us to finish the sentence, if it were not for God’s Mercy and His favour, humankind might be severely punished.

Following in Satan’s footsteps only leads to indecency and evil.  Those who are blessed by God should not swear of not helping others, and those who accuse chaste women are cursed in this life and will face a severe punishment.  In the end the corrupt will associate with other corrupt people while good people will be with other like mined people.  It is the good people who will find forgiveness and generous provision.

God tells the believers not to enter homes other than their own unless they have been granted permission.  However there is no harm in entering uninhabited places if there is a good reason to do so.  Men are told to lower their gazes and guard their modesty and then women are exhorted to do the same including not revealing their charms, beauty or adornments to any men except those who are not strangers to them such as, husband, father, sons, brothers, father-in-law, stepsons and nephews.  Women should also not draw attention to themselves in such a way that will tempt another person to sin.

Men and women are encouraged to marry.   However they should abstain from sexual relations until God provides them with the means to marry.  A slave wishing to buy his or her freedom should be encouraged and aided with some of the wealth God has provided.  Do not force slave girls into prostitution.  The fate of earlier communities demonstrates what happens to those who deviate from God’s laws.

In this verse, God describes the heart of the believer by using the analogy of light. God is the light of the heavens and the earth. It is His light that illuminates the universe, without it there is nothing but darkness. Try to imagine a lamp in a niche in a wall.  It burns brightly but the light becomes even brighter when it enclosed in a crystal; so bright that it shines light like a radiant star in the sky. The light is fuelled from the oil of an olive tree, often called a blessed tree. It is an olive tree that grows in a central position able to get the light of the sun throughout the day. For this reason, the oil is pure and burns as if it has no need for the fire that keeps it alight. It is light upon light, the light of the pure oil and the light of the fire.  It is God who guides us to His light. The bright light that fills the heart of the believer glows like nothing else in this vast universe.  It is light upon light, upon light.

The light God mentions can be found in the houses and mosques that have been built for God’s remembrance. God is remembered and honoured there and His name is glorified throughout the day. The people are not distracted by commerce because they fear the Day of Judgement.  They perform the prayer, give the obligatory charity and remember that they will be called to account. The people will then be rewarded for their good deeds and God will add even more to the bounty of whomever He pleases.

The deeds of the unbelievers will disappear like a mirage in the desert.  God’s reckoning will be swift.  The state of a disbeliever is like darkness in a bottomless ocean.  If God does not give light there is no light at all.  Everything in the heavens and the earth glorify God in its own way.  Each knowing how to pray and exalt Him, and God is well aware of all that they do.  God controls the heavens and earth, drives the clouds, and sends the hail, diverting it from whomever he wishes.  He alternates the night and the day, and has created every living thing from water.

God sends clear revelations and He guides whomever He pleases.  Some hypocrites declare their belief but then turn their backs.  When they are summoned to God and His Messenger they turn away as if their hearts are diseased or they fear injustice.  They are wrongdoers; the believers on the other hand, hear and obey.  Only those who do not incur God’s displeasure will be successful.  If you obey Prophet Muhammad you will be rightly guided for it is his duty to convey the message clearly.  Establish the prayer, pay the obligatory charity and obey the Messenger and you will be given mercy.  Never think the disbelievers will escape punishment, their refuge will be the Fire.

Ask permission before entering at three times: before the dawn prayer, at the midday rest and after the evening prayer.  If elderly women want to lay aside their outer garments there is no blame on them.  There is no blame laid on the blind, the lame or the sick who wish to eat and mingle with people, and there is no prohibition on eating at the houses of members of your extended family or close friends.  Remember to give greetings of peace. 

Ask permission to leave when you are meeting with Prophet Muhammad, and do not leave unless the needs are pressing.  Treat and address Prophet Muhammad with all the respect due to a man of his lofty station.  God knows all thoughts and actions and on the Day of Judgement they will be clear to see.  God knows everything.
_______________________________________
By Aisha Stacey (© 2017 IslamReligion.com)
Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

May Allah bring light to every heart carrying hidden pain, grief, fear, loneliness, guilt, or hardship.

Please remember in your duaa the oppressed, the imprisoned, the displaced, the forgotten, and those separated from the people they love.

May Allah be their Help when they have no help, their Strength when they have no strength, and their Companion when they feel alone. May He mend what has been broken, ease what has become unbearable, and never leave them to anyone but Him.

Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

Qur’an. Duaa. Reflection. A journey back to Allah.

🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/read.alfurqan

Email: [email protected]

In this world of God, success is for one who is a true believer, one who devotes himself fully to God and not to anybody other than God and who leads a God-oriented life.  Realization of God is not a simple matter.  It brings about a revolution in the life of a person.  He becomes a worshipper of God and bows down before Him in submission.  His sincerity and seriousness increase to the extent that wasting time in useless pursuits appears fatal to him.  He sets aside a portion of his earnings in the Name of God and with that he helps the needy.  He exercises control over his sexual desires and gives free rein to them only within the limit prescribed by God.  He lives his life in this world as a responsible person and never misappropriates whatever is entrusted to him.  Such a person never dishonors any pledge undertaken by him.  Those who possess these qualities are the favored servants of God.  God has kept ready the gardens of Paradise for these people.  After death they will be sent into this new ‘world’ so that they may savor its joys forever.

The young human being grows in the womb of his mother.  In ancient times, the period from conception until child-birth was shrouded in mystery.  It was only in the twentieth century that modern scientific developments made it possible to observe the development of a baby in the mother’s womb and obtain direct information about it.  The vivid Quranic description of the various developmental stages of the formation and birth of human beings, is surprisingly identical with modern scientific findings.  This provides a clear proof of the fact that the Quran is the Book of God.  Had it not been so, such similarity between the findings of modern research and the statements of the Quran, revealed fourteen hundred years ago, would not have possible.

The development of the embryo in the mother’s womb shows that the Creator of this world is the most perfect Being.  Our knowledge of human creation compels us to believe that a second creation is certainly possible.

Man is a small creature.  Compared to him, the universe is so large that it strikes terror into man.  In the vastness of space, innumerable stars and planets revolve at high speed.  Yet, the most wonderful aspect of the universe is that it is highly favorable to the existence of human beings.  Moreover, the planet has been made to cater to all of man’s needs.  For example, man is able to domesticate a variety of animals and put them to various uses.  The cow’s belly, for instance, is a wonderful factory that gives out a valuable commodity – milk.  All these factors warrant man’s recognition of his Kind and Merciful God and his remaining ever grateful to Him.

Prophet Noah admonished his community for a long time, but they were not ready to accept his call.  When the limit of human effort has been reached, divine action begins, it is time for reckoning, not advice.  God’s retribution appeared in the shape of a storm which drowned his entire community with the exception of some believers.  A few who had faith in Noah entered the ark, God saved them from the grim consequences of the Flood which would have been their fate had they rejected the truth.

After being delivered in the ark, the generation of believers in Noah flourished, but with the passage of centuries, they plunged into the same evils in which their predecessors had indulged.

Those completely devoted to the life of this world are not interested in any discourse about God or the Hereafter.  They ignore all such talk and are lost in worldly pursuits.  With the onset of God’s retribution, such people forget their recklessness and arrogance and start pleading humbly.

Truth is what is in consonance with reality.  But, those given to self-indulgence want truth to be subservient to their desires.  The truth appears strange to them, and they are, therefore, unable to recognize the real position of the preacher and they try to prove him wrong.

The universe appears to be in perfect harmony, whereas the world of human beings is in turbulence everywhere.  That is because the universe is running on the basis of truth (laws of nature).  If it were to run on the basis of human desires, it would also become turbulent like the human world.

In the Meccan period of Islam when the Quraish rejected Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, God sent famine on them for several years.  In accordance with God’s scheme, when a community adopts an arrogant attitude and does not accept good advice, He gives a warning punishment in order to soften their hearts and make them pay attention to the Truth.

The prayer shows that a believer is always a God-fearing person.  Even when God’s punishment is directed towards others, he starts trembling with fear.  He starts addressing God in all humility, because he knows that, if he is to be saved, it will not be solely by his deeds, rather with God’s mercy.
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By Imam Mufti (© 2016 IslamReligion.com)
Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

May Allah bring light to every heart carrying hidden pain, grief, fear, loneliness, guilt, or hardship.

Please remember in your duaa the oppressed, the imprisoned, the displaced, the forgotten, and those separated from the people they love.

May Allah be their Help when they have no help, their Strength when they have no strength, and their Companion when they feel alone. May He mend what has been broken, ease what has become unbearable, and never leave them to anyone but Him.

Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

Qur’an. Duaa. Reflection. A journey back to Allah.

🔗 All Links: https://linktr.ee/read.alfurqan

Email: [email protected]

The chapter gets its title from the reference to the rite of pilgrimage that Muslims believe was initiated by Abraham.  The theme is introduced by condemning those who barred believers from access to the Sacred Mosque and is followed by permission to fight when attacked.  The chapter begins with the Day of Judgement and repudiates those who worship idols, later describing them as powerless to even create a fly.  In the end, the chapter urges Muslims to endure in following the faith of Abraham.

The chapter begins with an awesome opening that makes hearts tremble.  It addresses all mankind, calling on them to fear their Lord and warning them against what may happen on the eventful and terrible Day of Judgement.  When the details are given, we find them even more frightening.  We have a picture of every suckling mother completely unaware of the child she is nursing: she looks but does not see, moves but only aimlessly.  Every pregnant female miscarries because of the great shock that engulfs her.  All people look drunk, but they are not.  Despite this horror, we are told that some people dispute about God, having no fear of Him.  If they are doubtful about returning to life, then they should reflect on how life is initiated.  They should look at themselves, and at the earth around them.  There are numerous indications that tell them that the whole thing is very close to them, but they pay little heed to the significance of the indicators within themselves and on earth.  The One who originated life in the first instance is the One who brings it back in the final stage.  They will then be given their reward for whatever they did in this first life.  Such resurrection is dictated by the purpose of creation.

The chapter paints a picture of a type of person who weighs up faith against what profit or loss he is likely to achieve as a result.  Thus, his approach to faith is the same as any business transaction he conducts.

Faith is the mainstay of a believer’s life.  The world may be swayed and shaken, but the believer stays his ground supported by this mainstay.  Events may pull him in this or that direction, but he remains firm in his resolve.  Contrasted with this is the person who looks at faith as a commercial endeavor.

It speaks about the unbelievers who turn people away from God’s path and from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca.  The reference here is to those who opposed the message of Islam when it started in Mecca, and who sought to turn people away from it.  They also confronted the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and his Muslim Companions seeking to debar their entry into the Sacred Mosque at the Kabah.  It then speaks about the basis on which this mosque was founded when God assigned its building to Abraham and ordered him to call on all people to visit it for pilgrimage.  Abraham’s instructions were very clear: that this mosque must be established on the clear basis of God’s oneness, so as to prevent any form of associating partners with God from being practiced in or near it.  It must be kept open to all people, whether they reside nearby or come from afar.  None is to be denied entry, and none is to claim its ownership.  The chapter then outlines some of the rituals of pilgrimage and how they enhance people’s consciousness and constant remembrance of God.  It also stresses the need to protect the Sacred Mosque against any aggression by those who try to turn people away from it or change the basis on which it is founded.  Those who fulfil their duties of protecting the purity of the faith are promised victory.

The Prophet is reassured that God’s power will intervene to provide him with the help he needs ensuring the failure of his enemies.  The same power intervened in the past to support earlier prophets and messengers, and to punish those who denied and opposed them.  The unbelievers are directed to reflect on the doom suffered by earlier communities; even though such reflection benefits only hearts and minds that are open and receptive.  It is not only eyes that can be blind, for real blindness is that of the heart.  The Prophet is also reassured on another count, namely that God protects His messengers from Satan’s wicked scheming, just like He protects them from their opponents’ plots.

On the Day when all dominion belongs to God alone, the believers and those who deny God’s message will end up in contrasting positions.  All this is given within the context of God’s support of His messengers, protection of His message and the reward He has in store for those who believe and those who refuse to believe.  This passage begins with a reference to those who migrate for God’s cause.

The section refers to their worship of deities that have no sanction from God, as well as their worship of beings they do not know.  They are criticized for being hard hearted and for their dislike of hearing the truth.  In fact, they would not shrink from attacking those who recite God’s revelations to them.  They are threatened with the Fire which will be their ultimate abode.  This is a promise that will never fail.  This is followed by an announcement to all mankind, making it clear that those whom they worship instead of God are devoid of power.  Their weakness is shown in a humble image that carries no exaggeration, but the way it is presented brings their shameful weakness into sharp relief.  They are shown as incapable of contending with flies, or of retrieving what a fly takes from them.  Yet, unbelievers claim that such beings are deities.

The passage and the chapter end with an address to the community of believers requiring them to fulfil their duties as leaders of humanity.  They should prepare themselves for their task with prayer, worship and good action, seeking God’s help and protection.
_______________________________________
By Aisha Stacey (© 2017 IslamReligion.com)
Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

May Allah bring light to every heart carrying hidden pain, grief, fear, loneliness, guilt, or hardship.

Please remember in your duaa the oppressed, the imprisoned, the displaced, the forgotten, and those separated from the people they love.

May Allah be their Help when they have no help, their Strength when they have no strength, and their Companion when they feel alone. May He mend what has been broken, ease what has become unbearable, and never leave them to anyone but Him.

Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

Qur’an. Duaa. Reflection. A journey back to Allah.

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Chapter 21, The Prophets, is one of the longer chapters of the Quran.  It contains 112 verses and its title comes from the subject matter from verses 48 to 91, stories, and lessons from the lives of many of the more notable prophets.  This chapter was revealed in Mecca and thus it stresses that Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was a human being like all the earlier prophets and that his message was the same, the oneness or unity of God.  It also warns, as do many chapters, of the inevitability of the Day of Judgement.

God warns that the Day of Accountability is getting closer, yet many people are heedless.  They ridicule the warnings and warners that come to them and continue to play, their hearts preoccupied with worldly affairs.  In their private conversations, they say that Muhammad is a just human being like themselves, and that he is trying to trick them with witchcraft.  God says to Prophet Muhammad, tell them that I (God) hear everything they think is said in secrecy.  Many accuse Prophet Muhammad of having muddled dreams, or making up false stories, or being a poet.  The disbelievers ask for a sign, but God mentions that all the cities and towns destroyed previously asked for and received signs yet they did not believe.  The disbelievers dispute as to how a human being can be a prophet yet the previous prophets were all mortal men.  God fulfilled His promise to them, they were saved, as were those who believed in them but many were destroyed for their disbelief. 

We (God) have sent you a reminder.  Prior nations were destroyed because of their iniquities.  Other communities were raised up in their place.  They tried to escape when they felt Our (Gods) wrath upon them.  (They were told) Go back to your houses and play.  They admitted their wrongdoing and continued to do so until they were extinguished, just like a fire.  Heaven and earth and all that lies between them were not created to be a playground.  Falsehood is blown away by the truth, so woe to those who have created false gods.  Those who are with God worship and praise him tirelessly.  Do your false deities have the power to raise the dead? There is proof and there is the reminder (the Quran) yet most people do not recognise the truth and turn away.

All the prophets were sent with the same message; there is no deity but God, so worship Him alone.  Despite having received the true message people tell lies against God.  These evil doers are rewarded with Hell.  Do the disbelievers not consider the world around them? The heavens and the earth were once one mass split asunder by God; all living creatures have their origin in water.  The earth is covered with firm mountains and broad pathways and the sky is a canopy.  God created the night and the day; the celestial bodies move in their orbits.  Every soul will taste death.  Everyone is tested and then they will return to God.  The Day will arrive suddenly and the disbelievers will be powerless to turn it away.  The previous messengers were ridiculed but in the end those who ridiculed were overcome by what they mocked.   Invented gods cannot defend themselves so how will they defend the disbelievers? They are warned but refuse to hear, and then if even a breath of punishment touches them they cry to God.  Be warned that on the Day of Judgement the scales will be set up and God will take account.

God says He gave Moses and his brother Aaron the scripture that distinguishes between right and wrong and the Quran is also a blessed message.  God sends it down yet some people continue to deny it.   Long ago right judgment was bestowed upon Abraham.  He questioned his father and his people about their clear idolatry but they answered that they only followed the ways of their ancestors.  Abraham said to them that their true Lord was the Lord of the heavens and the earth that had created them and that he (Abraham) would plot against the idols as soon as he could find the opportunity.  Abraham destroyed all the idols except the largest one.  He left it whole.  When they returned to find the carnage the people remembered Abraham’s threats so they called him and questioned him.  He asked them to question instead the remaining idol, pointing out the absurdity of their beliefs.  At first Abraham’s people admitted their errors but then they were seized with pride and obstinacy.  They threw Abraham into the midst of a fire but God kept the fire cool.   They planned to hurt Abraham but God made them the losers.

Prophet Abraham and his nephew Lot were delivered from harm and sent to a land that God had blessed for the entire world.  Here Abraham was blessed even more with his righteous son Isaac and his grandson Jacob.  They were righteous, doing good deeds, establishing the prayer, giving alms and worshipping in the correct way.  Lot was given sound judgment and knowledge and God saved him from the city of wicked deeds.  Even further back in the past Noah called out to God and God accepted his prayer against the unbelievers.  Prophet Noah and the believers were saved from the great calamity (the flood) but those who had denied the warnings were drowned.

God blessed Prophet David and Solomon with wisdom.  God was watching them when they were trying to judge a case about sheep straying a night and He made Solomon understand the case in a better way.  However both were given wisdom in abundance.  It was God who made the mountains and the birds sing His (God’s) praises with David and it was also God who taught David to make coats of armour for protection in battle.  God harnessed the wind for Solomon and made some of the jinn subservient to him.   God asks us to remember Job, who cried to his Lord when he was afflicted.  God heard his cry and removed his suffering.  And remember Ishmael, Idris, and Dhu’l- Kifl.  They were all steadfast and were admitted into God’s mercy.  And remember the man in the whale? He was angry but admitted his wrong and God saved him from his distress.  God saves the faithful.

God blessed Zachariah and accepted his prayer for a child.  He was given John (the Baptist).  Remember the one who guarded her chastity (Mary, mother of Jesus).   God made her and her son a sign for all people.  God calls all the prophets a single community and says worship Me alone.  If a believer does righteous deeds the angels will record it.  Towards the end of time the people of Gog and Magog will be let loose to swarm across the land.  On the Day of Judgement the eyes of the disbelievers will stare in horror and say, "We were wrong".  But the people destined for Paradise will be kept far away from Hell; they will not even hear a sound of it.  This day of great terror will not grieve them and the angels will greet them.  Surely this is great news for the believers.  My (God’s) righteous servants will inherit the earth.

Muhammad has been sent as a blessing for all the worlds and was told to warn them (humankind) asking them to affirm their belief that God is one.   
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By Aisha Stacey (© 2015 IslamReligion.com)
Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

May Allah bring light to every heart carrying hidden pain, grief, fear, loneliness, guilt, or hardship.

Please remember in your duaa the oppressed, the imprisoned, the displaced, the forgotten, and those separated from the people they love.

May Allah be their Help when they have no help, their Strength when they have no strength, and their Companion when they feel alone. May He mend what has been broken, ease what has become unbearable, and never leave them to anyone but Him.

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