Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

Chapter 10 of the Quran, entitled Jonah was revealed in Mecca. It takes its title from the reference to Prophet Jonah in verse 98 and concentrates primarily on the Oneness of God.  This chapter emphasises God’s power and His anger towards those who consistently deny the truth of His revelations and signs. Prophet Muhammad is encouraged to be patient and to be aware that he is unable to force the people to believe.

These are the verses from a wise book says God. It is a book full of wisdom that holds the decision about all matters. Why then do people call the warner chosen from among themselves a sorcerer? God is the One who created all that is in the heavens and the earth in six periods of time (Day is the word used here but it is not the 24 hour period as we know it). He then established Himself upon the Throne, overseeing and overlooking everything that is below Him. Worship Him, believers will be rewarded but those who refuse will taste the punishment. His signs are everywhere throughout the universe and they are not without purpose. Those who believe understand. Some pay no heed to the signs but their eternal home will be in the Fire. However those who are saved because of their faith will praise God.

If God was to hasten the punishment for those who deserve it, then their worldly life would be over but that is not His way. Instead he leaves the wrongdoers to wonder blindly in their ignorance. When a person is in need he calls out to God but when God removes the affliction he (the person) returns to disobedience as if he had never called upon God at all. Whole generations have been destroyed because of the evil they did. The messengers came but were ignored and abused. God observes the successive generations.

When the Quran is recited to those who hold no hope of meeting God they ask Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessing of God be upon him, to bring a different or changed Quran. God tells Prophet Muhammad to tell them that it is not for him to change it.  He (Prophet Muhammad) brings only what is revealed to him and he too fears a day of account. God asks who is more wicked than the one who invents lies against God or denies His signs!? Wrongdoers will never prosper. They worship things other than God that cannot harm or benefit them. God is far above those they associate with Him.  Humankind was once one nation, but they differed. Only God knows the unseen, so wait for it to be revealed.

People call upon God when they are suffering but plot and scheme against Him when they are returned to comfort. When they are returned to God He will tell them the result of the schemes. People think they have some power over the life of this world but it is God’s decree that will come to pass. The signs are there for those who choose to reflect. God invites everyone to the Home of Peace (Paradise) and guides whomever He wills to the straight path. Those who do good will have a good reward; they are the companions of Paradise. And those who do evil will find an evil outcome in the Fire. On the Day of Judgment, those who worshipped other than God will find that their false deities deny all knowledge of their worship and behavior. Some are not even aware that they are being worshipped and those who consented to be worshipped will lie and deny it.

God addresses the disbelievers asking who provides for you, who allows you to see and hear, who brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and who arranges every matter? They answer God but why then do they not take heed? God is the Giver of life, the one who can end creation but then bring it all back again. Can any of the associates you turn to do that? No they cannot. What is wrong with people? The One who guides to the truth is more worthy to be followed then those who do not.

God is All-Knowing and it is not possible for this Quran to have been produced by anyone but God. It is a confirmation of what came before it. If people say that Prophet Muhammad invented the Quran then ask them to bring forth a chapter like it. They are not able to do so even when they ask for assistance. They cannot grasp the truth because they have not seen its prophecies fulfilled. The Quran shows the end waiting for the disbelievers. Some will believe but some will not. God knows who causes corruption.

God tells Prophet Muhammad what to say if they deny him - "For me are my deeds, and for you are your deeds. You are disassociated from what I do, and I am disassociated from what you do."  There are some that listen but Muhammad cannot cause the deaf to hear, there are some who look but he cannot cause the blind to see. God does not wrong people but people wrong themselves.

On the Day of Judgement people will feel as if they have been in this world for an hour or less and they will recognise one another. Those who denied this meeting will be the losers. All will return to God and this will happen whether Prophet Muhammad sees the punishment fall or not. For every nation there is a messenger. When the messenger comes they will be judged and there will be no injustice. There is an appointed time for every community and when it is reached it cannot be delayed or hastened.

On the Day of Judgement there is no way out for the disbelievers. They have denied it for so long, will they even believe it when it overtakes them? They will be told to taste the punishment, God’s promise is true. He gives life, and causes death. To Him we will all be returned.

Instruction from God has been given to humankind; it is a mercy, a cure, and guidance.  Tell them, Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, that these things are a blessing and better for humankind than all the riches of this world that they try to accumulate.  Ask them to think about the provisions that have been sent down by God.  He has made some lawful and others unlawful, why then do some people change the rules and try to make the illicit permissible? Has God given permission for this or are you inventing a lie about God? How will this be dealt with on the Day of Judgment? Think.  God is indeed full of grace towards humankind but most people are ungrateful. 

Whatever matters people are engaged in, from reading the Quran to the mundane, God is a witness to it and it is all, the large and the small of it, recorded in a book.  Not even a speck, the weight of dust escapes God’s knowledge, and it is kept in a clear record.  For those who believe and fear God there will be no fear; they will receive good tidings both in this world and the Hereafter.  God tells Prophet Muhammad not to let the words of the unbelievers grieve him.  God is All-Powerful; All-Hearing and All-Knowing.  Everything in the heavens and on the earth belongs to Him.  Those who call on other than God are following only assumptions and lies.  God made the day and the night and surely this is a sign for those who listen to the message.

Some people say that God has a son.  He is free of all needs, the master of the heavens and the earth.  They have no authority to make such a claim, why do they invent lies about God? Those who lie about God will not succeed, they may have some brief enjoyment in this world but in the Hereafter they will face severe punishment.

Tell the people about the story of Noah.  He said to his people, "If my presence among you reminds you too much of that which you do not wish to hear about God’s signs and warnings then do what you will.  But let it be clear and decisive.  Remember however that I have not asked for any kind of payment, my reward is from God alone.  I am among those commanded to worship Him Alone."  They did not listen, they rejected Noah.  God saved him and those with him in the ship.  Those who denied the signs were left to drown.

Then God sent others, each to their own people.  They came with clear evidences but the succeeding generations were persistent in their disbelief.  Moses and Aaron were sent to Pharaoh and his people but they behaved arrogantly towards them and their message.  Moses said, "Do you think I bring you magic; because magicians will never succeed." Haughtily Pharaoh called for all the magicians in the land and Moses exposed the worthlessness of their magic.  God does not promote the work of mischief makers. 

Nobody believed Moses except some of the youth amongst his own people; most of the people were too scared of Pharaoh’s regime.  Moses asked the believers to put their trust in God and they prayed to Him to release them from the hands of the unjust people.

God revealed to Moses and Aaron that they should take their people to Egypt where they would build their houses and establish the prayer.   Moses then prayed that the wealth and splendour of Pharaoh’s people be taken away from them.  Obliterate their wealth and harden their hearts he asked.  God said that this prayer would be answered and told Moses to remain steadfast.  So Moses led his people across the sea; Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them until they were drowned.

At the very last minute Pharaoh said that he believed in the God of Moses and that he submitted to Him but God replied, "Now?" God saved his body but not his life so that he may be a sign for those that come after him.  Many people still fail to heed the signs.  The people of Moses were settled in a good place and were provided with the things required for a good life.  They did not differ amongst themselves until after knowledge had come to them but on the Day of Judgment God will judge between the things they failed to agree on.  Prophet Muhammad had complete certainty in that which was revealed to him.   Even if the People of the Book do not give heed to your call, they will still find evidence of you in their books. 

There are many for whom the love of this world has sealed their hearts and eyes.  They cannot see the signs in front of their faces.  They will not believe.  No town ever saw the scourge then believed and it profited them except for the people of Jonah.  When they believed the punishment was removed, and they had enjoyment, for a time.  If God had so willed all the people on the earth would have believed.  Prophet Muhammad is asked if he would compel the people, against their will to believe.  Belief comes only by the will of God and He disgraces those who will not use their common sense.  Tell the people to see the signs in the heavens and the earth but no signs will convince those who will not believe.  God asks the question, "What are they waiting for?" In the end God will save the messengers and the believers, that is God’s way and He says that it is only right that He saves those who believe.

Prophet Muhammad is commanded by God to say, "People, doubt my religion if you will, I will never worship those you worship other than God, but I worship God who will cause you to die, and I am commanded to be a believer".  He is further commanded to dedicate himself to the religion and not to be amongst those who associate others with God.  God says you will not pray to others because they cannot benefit or harm you and if you do you will surely be one of the losers.  If God afflicts you with a calamity, none can remove it but He; and if He intends to bestow a favour, none can withhold His bounty.  He bestows it on whoever He pleases; He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Prophet Muhammad is further told to tell the people that the truth has come.  Whoever chooses to follow the right path does so for his own benefit and whoever strays does so at his own risk.  I (Muhammad) am not set over you to oblige you for guidance.  God tells Prophet Muhammad to follow what has been revealed to him and to be patient until God judges.  He is the best of judges.
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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.

Read Alfurqan | Islamic Duaa & Spiritual Reflection

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

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

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Verses 1-12 are about the party of treaties and rules and regulations which must be strictly followed by Muslims unless the other party does not break them.

Verses 13-37 direct the Muslims to fight with the nonbelievers (The Jews & Christians) and warn the non-believers about the consequences of their mischievous acts.

Verses 38-70 are about rewards they will receive as promised by God if they take active part in conflict with disbelief. Because this is the criteria that distinguish the Muslims from Hypocrites and true Muslims should take part in jihad without caring about dangers, difficulties, and temptations.

Verses 73-90 are about the problems of hypocrites and also distinguish the characteristics of hypocrites from true Muslims. These verses also provide the rules to govern the hypocrites.

Verses 91-110 are about the people who did not accompany the Holy Prophet in Jihad to Tabuk (Ghazwa Tabuk) and talk about the different categorize of people who could not join Prophet (PBUH). The categorize included the disabled people, the sick, the indigent, hypocrites, believers who confessed their mistake of not joining upon the return of Holy Prophet (PBUH). All the categorize of the people will be judged on the day of judgment based on their intention and circumstances of not joining Tabuk.

Verses 111-118 are about characteristics of the believers and they have been assured to have the help and guidance from God. The Chapter states that three categorize of the believers which could not take part in Tabuk will be forgiven because of their sincerity.

verses 119-127 deal with the general instructions of guidance for believers.

Verses 128-129 conclude the message, that follow the massager who is true well-wisher and trust God, the Lord of Universe.
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By Muhammad Farooq and Nagina Kanwal (© 2019 Muhammad Farooq and Nagina Kanwal)
All rights reserved. 
Used with permission.
The source of this article is: Summary of Holy Quran: An Ultimate Guide Series

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 Spoils of War is a seventy-five verse chapter revealed in Medina after the Battle of Badr.  It is, for the most part, a lengthy commentary on the first battle between the believers and the Meccan disbelievers.  The believers, some of whom were originally very reluctant to fight, won a great victory even though they were vastly outnumbered.  Some then began to question the distribution of the war booty and thus the chapter is named The Spoils of War.  God reminds them that He brought about the victory and details the distributions of the spoils.  The chapter articulates the general Islamic principles of war and peace and uses them as a morality lesson. 

God instructs Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, to inform the believers that the distribution of the war booty is a matter to be decided by God and His Messenger.   The booty is in fact a bounty from God thus they should be mindful of Him and obey Him.  The faith of the true believer increases upon hearing the Quran recited, and they establish the prayer and spend (give charity) from what God has provided.  The true believers will have a high status with God, forgiveness, and a generous provision.

The believers ventured from their homes for a true purpose (fighting in God’s cause).  Many were hesitant, but God promised them victory because He wanted to establish the truth and cut down the disbelievers.  He promised one thousand angels as a message of hope and to help the believers.  On the night before the battle, God gave the believers a secure sleep, cleansing rain to wash away the whisperings of Satan, and made them steadfast.   

God instructed the angels to strike the enemy above their necks and to cut off their fingertips.  They oppose God and His messenger, and the penalty is severe.  And the believers were instructed not to flee, unless as a war strategy, because those that flee earn God’s anger.  The believers had insufficient strength to vanquish the enemy, but God supported them.  When Prophet Muhammad threw a handful of dust into the faces of the enemy, God caused it to fill the eyes and nose of every soldier, and it prevented their advance.  If the disbelievers do not cease hostilities, God will continue to strengthen the believers.

There are some who pretend to listen, but they do not.  God instructs the believers to beware of discord and to remember how He supported and sheltered them.  Do not betray God and His messenger, or the trusts you are given.  Children and wealth are a trial, but the reward that is with God is better and longer lasting.  Fear God, and He will grant you the knowledge between right and wrong and make a way out of all difficulties for you.  The disbelievers planned to take you captive or kill you, but God also planned.   The disbelievers heard God’s revelation but mocked and boasted that they too could fabricate such words; they called the Quran tales of the ancients.  They also called on God to rain down stones from the sky, but God would not punish them while the believers were in their midst nor does He punish those who seek forgiveness. 

God has every reason to punish them when they obstruct people from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca; they are not the rightful guardians.  Those that are mindful of God are the rightful guardians.  The disbelievers don’t understand this, and their prayers there are nothing but clapping and whistling.  They use their wealth to stop people from worshipping God, and they will continue on this path; eventually they will be overcome and herded towards Hell.  God will separate the bad from the good and heap the bad on top of one another.  Prophet Muhammad is told to tell the disbelievers that if they desist, they will be forgiven.  But if the return to hostilities God will be on the side of the believers, and they will fight the disbelievers until all worship is directed to God alone. 

One-fifth of the spoils belong to God and His messenger, his close relatives, orphans, the needy, and the travelers.  The remaining four-fifths are divided among the soldiers.

Remember the day at Badr when the two armies met.  It looked as if you would certainly fail, but God wanted to establish clear proof that He was on the side of the believers.  In a dream Prophet Muhammad saw the disbelievers as few, because if God had shown him the disbelievers as many, he would have lost courage and rethought his decision to fight.  God also made the believers appear as few in the eyes of the disbelievers so that He may establish a matter He had already ordained.

God instructs the believers to be firm in battle, to be mindful of God, and not to quarrel.  Do not be full of conceit or bar others from the way of God.  Satan gave the disbelievers false confidence, but when the battle began, he fled.  He fears God.

Those that are arrogant say the believers are deluded, but if only you could see what happens when the angels take the souls of the disbelievers; they strike their faces, and they are destined for the fire.  The ones who break their treaties and pledges do not fear God thus if Prophet Muhammad gains dominance over them God instructs him to kill them and make an example of them, to discourage others.  Dissolve the treaties with those who show signs of treachery. 

Let the disbelievers escape if they can because they will not escape God, and prepare for war.  Whatever is spent in the way of God will be repaid.  If they incline towards peace make peace.  Trust God because if they intend to deceive you, He will know. 

The believers are urged into battle.  Twenty believers can overcome two hundred disbelievers, and if there are one hundred believers, they will overcome one thousand, and God lightens the hardship even more.  There can be no prisoners until the believers have thoroughly subdued the land.

Those who emigrated for the sake of God and those who gave them shelter (in Medina) are allies.  Those who believed but did not emigrate must emigrate if they want support.  The disbelievers support one another, and if the believers do not become staunch allies there will be oppression and corruption in the land.  The believers are brothers, but those believers with blood relationships are more entitled to inheritance.
_______________________________________
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 is one of the longer chapters found at the beginning of the Quran.  It is generally accepted that it was revealed in Mecca.  It is named after the height of the barrier that will divide the saved and the damned on the Day of Judgement.  It begins by reassuring Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, that the stories about disobedient communities of the past should serve as encouragement to the believers to take heed and repent before the great Day is upon them.

God addresses Prophet Muhammad telling him not to feel any distress.  He (God) reassures him that this book (the Quran) has been revealed as a warning and a reminder to those who believe.  Follow, (and tell the people), what has been sent down and do not follow any other master apart from God alone.  How often have previous civilsations been destroyed? But still humankind does not heed the warnings.  Some were taken at night, others when they rested in the heat of the day.  When the punishment was upon them they admitted their wrongdoing.

 God will surely question those to whom a message was sent and those who carried the message.  Humankind will be questioned by God who has full knowledge of their deeds, both good and bad.  The weighing of the deeds on that Day will be just.  Those who scales are heavy (with good deeds) will be successful and those whose scales are light will be lost. 

God established humankind in the earth and provided a means with which to make a livelihood.  Humankind is ungrateful yet it is God who created you, and shaped you into human form.  The angels were asked to prostrate before the first of your kind, Adam.  The angels obeyed; all except Iblis.[1]  Iblis (Satan) proceeded to argue with God, when asked why he did not obey God’s instructions.  Satan considered himself better than the Adam.  He was created from smokeless fire whereas Adam was created from clay.

God ordered Satan to descend from Paradise stating that it was not an abode for the arrogant and that Satan would henceforth be one of the contemptible ones.  Satan asked for a reprieve (from judgment and punishment) until the Day of Resurrection.  The reprieve was granted.   In his arrogance Satan told God he planned to deceive mankind, to lie in wait for them on the straight path and come at them from all sides.  You, Satan said to God, will find most of them ungrateful.   God ordered Satan out and swore to fill Hell with Satan and those who followed him.

Adam and his wife were directed to live in Paradise and eat from wherever they will.  There was however one exception, the tree which God pointed out to them.  Satan whispered to Adam and Eve to make them aware of their nakedness, he also encouraged them to eat from the forbidden tree; saying to do so would make them immortal or angels.  Satan swore to be a sincere advisor to them.  After eating from the tree their nakedness became clear to them and Adam and Eve tried to gather leaves to cover themselves.  God questioned them as to why they disobeyed Him and did not take His warning to stay away from Satan.  Adam and Eve admitted their wrongdoing and asked for forgiveness.  Earth became their abode, where they would live, die and be raised back to life.

God then addresses the children of Adam (humankind).  He explains that they have garments to cover their nakedness, and as an adornment, but the best garment of all is the garment of God-consciousness.  This is a sign He says.  Again they are warned that Satan is a sworn enemy so be not deceived.  The evil ones are allied to those who do not believe.  God did not order immorality, thus what your forefathers did is not an excuse.  God commanded righteousness, therefore direct your worship to Him alone and be devoted entirely to Him.  God created humankind and will repeat the process on the Day of Judgment.  Some are guided but some are doomed because they take the evil ones as their masters. 

God advises the children of Adam to dress well, when and wherever they pray, and to eat and drink from what He has provided.  However He warns them not to be extravagant for He does not love those who do so.  Prophet Muhammad is then advised to ask his followers as to who forbids them  from what God has provided.  They are for humankind to enjoy but will be for the believers alone on the Day of Resurrection.

Prophet Muhammad is advised to tell the believers that God forbids disgraceful deeds, those openly done as well as those hidden away.  Every nation’s life span is set, it cannot be hastened nor can it be delayed for even an instant.  When the messengers come, those who believe will be saved but those who ignore the warnings will abide in the Fire.  The most unjust is the one who invents lies about God or denies the revelations.  They will live out their days, and the ones they used to invoke besides God will not help them; they will abide in the Fire.  They will curse and blame each other as they are herded into the Fire to face a double punishment.  The gates of Heaven will not be opened to those who deny the verses or are arrogant towards them.  Even if a rope was to be threaded through the eye of a needle they would not enter the Everlasting Garden.  This is the punishment for the guilty and the evildoers.

Those who believe and do good deeds are the people of the Garden.  They will not be burdened with what they are unable to bear and the gates of Heaven will be open to them.  They will praise God because of the Paradise they have inherited and call out to the people of the Fire that the promise of God was true.  The people of the Fire reply that they too have found the promise to be true.  Next a caller will announce that the curse of God is upon the wrongdoers.  There will be a partition between both parties.  The people of the Heights will recognise each other and call out to each other.  The inmates from Hell then beg for food and water from the inmates of Paradise, but their answer is that God has forbidden them sustenance.  They will be forgotten just as they had forgotten the inevitability of this Day which is the fulfilment of what was promised in the Quran.

The Lord God created the universe and then rose over the Throne in a manner that suits His Majesty, so call upon him with humility, and invoke Him with fear and hope.  He is the one who sends the wind and the rain bringing forth all kinds of fruit, likewise He will raise the dead.  Vegetation emerges by the permission of God.

God sent Noah to his people and he asked them to worship God alone.  They denied Noah so God saved him and those with him in a ship, the others, who denied God’s signs, were drowned.  Prophet Hud was sent to the people of Aad, saying worship God alone but they denied him.  They called him a liar and a fool when he was giving them sincere advice.  Hud reminded them of the people of Noah and of the favours God has bestowed upon them, he warned them of a terrible punishment but they taunted him and asked Hud to bring on the punishment.  Hud said he would wait with them for the decision from God.  The disbelievers were annihilated; Hud and his companions were saved by the mercy of God.

Then, to the people of Thamud, God sent Prophet Saleh.  He asked them to worship God alone.  Saleh asked them to protect the she-camel sent from God and reminded them that they were the inheritors of Aad, capable of building great mansions in valleys and carving out homes from the sides of mountains.  Remember God’s blessings Saleh told his people, however the arrogant ones asked the believers if they really thought Saleh was sent from God.  They answered yes but the arrogant ones rejected this and hamstrung the camel they had been charged with protecting.  So bring us this promise (of God’s wrath) they said, so an earthquake seized them and they fell down dead.  Saleh turned away.

Lot was sent to his people and confronted them with the promise of punishment for the indecent acts they performed with each other, but their only response was to try to evict Lot and his family from their city.  God saved Lot and all his family, except for his wife who was among the evildoers, when the rain of stones destroyed them.

Shuaib was sent to the people of Midian and he asked them to worship God alone.  He asked them to cease their corrupt business practices and to stop waylaying visitors and wayfarers in their cities.  He reminded them that God increased their numbers and of the shocking ends to some previous nations but they did not want to heed the warning.  Instead of being grateful to God they attributed changing fortunes to the passage of time.  The people of Midian were stuck down by an earthquake, those who had disbelieved Shuaib’s warning ceased to exist.  Shuaib turned away without grieving for the disbelieving people.

Whenever God sent a prophet to a town (or nation) he afflicted the people with adversity and misfortune in order that they might humble themselves before Him.  Then God changed their hardship to prosperity but the people did not recognise God’s grace.  Had they believed they would have been showered with riches but they did not so they were seized for their misdeeds.   God asks, did those people feel secure at night, or in the day? The only people who feel secure from the plan of God are those doomed to destruction.  Do people not understand, from the stories of those before them, that God can afflict them for their sins and seal their hearts?

The people in the cities in the previous verses were sent messengers with warnings but they refused to believe in them.  Then God sent Moses to Pharaoh and his priests but they too treated the message unjustly.  See then what happened to those who spread corruption.  Moses told Pharaoh that he (Moses) was a messenger from the Lord of all the worlds and Pharaoh asked for a sign.  Moses threw his staff to the ground and it tuned into a slithering serpent.  Then he pulled his hand out from under his robe and it was shining white and radiant.  The leaders around Pharaoh said that Moses was a sorcerer and suggested a competition.  Pharaoh’s sorcerers arrived and were promised a place in the inner circle if they won.

The sorcerers threw their sticks and they turned into snakes.  God inspired Moses and he threw down his staff that turned into a snake that devoured all the snakes the sorcerers had conjured.  The sorcerers were defeated; the truth was clear so they fell to their knees saying that they believe in the Lord of the worlds, the Lord of Moses.  Pharaoh declared that he would cut off their hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify them all because they believed before he (Pharaoh) had given his permission for them to do so.  They cried out to God asking Him to keep them steadfast and let them die devoted to Him alone.

The leaders amongst Pharaoh’s people asked if he intended to let Moses and his people cause corruption in the land.  He answered that he would put their sons to death and spare their daughters.  Moses advised his people to be steadfast and turn to God for help.  Moses’ people complained that they were used to persecution before and are still being persecuted, but Moses gives them hope. 

Pharaoh’s people were afflicted with several years of famine in the hope that they would come to their senses but they thought good provision their right and bad circumstances were due to Moses (an evil omen).  Their fortune however was in the hands of God but still they did not recognise it.

Next the people of Pharaoh were inflicted with a flood, followed by plagues of locusts, and lice, and frogs, and blood.  Pharaoh’s people asked Moses to intervene with his Lord and have Him remove the punishment, saying that if he did so they would let the enslaved people of Israel go.  However when the punishment was removed they broke their promise.  God drowned them and caused those who had been oppressed to inherit the land.

God took the Children of Israel across the sea where they came across people who worshipped idols.  The children of Israel asked Moses to make them an idol to which he replied that they were an ignorant people.  He told them the cult the idol worshippers were following was doomed to destruction.  God summoned Moses on the mountain for forty nights.  He asked his brother Aaron, who had been with him from the beginning, to take his place to lead the people and being careful to keep them away from the idol worshippers.  Moses arrived at the appointed time and asked God to show Himself.  God answered, you will not see Me, but look at the mountain, if it can look at me and remain in place you will see me.  The mountain crumbled before Moses’ eyes and he fell down unconscious.  When he recovered he said to God, ‘Glory be to You! To You I turn in repentance! I am the first to believe!’

God told Moses that he was chosen, from amongst all of humankind, to be the one who could hear God and receive His message, thus he should be grateful for such an honour.   God inscribed all details and instructions on the tablets, saying hold firmly to them.  Those who deny the signs of God will be kept distracted.  The deeds of those who deny the signs and the meeting in the Hereafter will become worthless.

While Moses was gone the people began worshipping a shape like a calf made from their jewellery and ornaments but they perceived that they were doing wrong and when Moses returned they said if God does not forgive us we will be among the losers.  Moses was angry and upset with them but especially his brother Aaron.  He threw down the tablets, seized his brother by the hair and pulled towards him.  Aaron said, "Oh son of my mother, (reminding Moses of their kinship) they would have overpowered me and killed me".  Moses asked God to forgive both his brother and himself.

Those who worshipped the calf would gain the anger of their Lord but those who realised their misdeeds and repented would be forgiven.  When Moses had calmed down he picked up the tablets on which were inscribed guidance and mercy for those who feared their Lord.  Moses chose 70 men from among their number and they came towards Moses fearful and shaking.  They were supposed to apologise and beg forgiveness for worshipping the calf but instead they demanded to see God.  The mountain convulsed in a massive earthquake and they fell down dead.  Moses prayed for forgiveness and God’s mercy encompasses all things.  Mercy is for those who are God conscious, pay the prescribed alms and believe in the revelations.

Special mercy will be assigned to those who follow the unlettered Prophet who they will find mentioned in the Torah and the Gospel.  He enjoins them to good and forbids them from evil.  He makes good things lawful and bad things unlawful.  He relieves them of their burdens.  Those who follow him will succeed.   God says to Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, to declare to the people that he is the Messenger of God sent by the one who controls the heavens and the earth and that there is no true deity worthy of worship except God.

In the nation of Moses there were some who were guided and thereby established justice.  God divided them into twelve tribes.  When the thirsty people asked for water God revealed to Moses where to strike the rock with his staff.  Twelve springs gushed forth and each tribe had its own drinking place.  God sent down mana (pure things) from heaven for them to eat.  They rebelled, but they did not harm God by their rebellion; they harmed only themselves.

God said to them, reside in this town, eat whatever you please, ask for forgiveness and enter the gate with humility.  God would then forgive their sins and multiply the reward of the good-doers but there were wicked amongst them who changed the wording of God’s commandment.  So God sent down upon them a scourge from heaven.  God tells Prophet Muhammad to ask them about the town by the sea and what happened when they transgressed the laws of the Sabbath.  They were tested because of their disobedience.  On the Sabbath the fish came easily but did not appear on other days.  Ask them also, God said, about the warners and why they preached to a people who surely would be destroyed or punished by God.  The warners said they wanted to discharge their duty to God and they hoped some would take admonition.  However they disregarded the warning, continued with their behaviour and God said to them "Be thee detested apes".

Remind them also that God said he would raise against them those who would inflict them with grievous harm right up until the Day of Resurrection.  God broke their unity as a nation and dispersed them all over the world.  Some are righteous and others are not, they were tested with both blessings and misfortunes.

Then they were succeeded by an evil generation.  They enjoyed a low life thinking everything would be forgiven.  Why do they not see that the Hereafter is better? Those who follow the Book and establish the prayer will never have their deeds go to waste.  And mention to them the mountain that was suspended over them as if it were an umbrella.  They thought it was going to fall on them but God said hold fast to what we have given to you and remember so that you will return to God consciousness.

Remind them Oh Prophet about the time when God brought into existence every single descendant of Adam (every human) and made them testify asking, "Am I not your Lord?" God did this, in case on the Day of Resurrection, anyone said, "but we were not aware".  Or in case they should try to blame their ancestors for idolatry or ascribing partners to God, saying we just followed our forefathers.  Everything is made clear.

Tell them also the story of the man in the time of Moses to whom we gave our stories but he chose to ignore them and Satan pursued him until he became one of the deviators.  He would have been exalted through the revelations but he clung to his earthly life.  He was like a dog; if you chase him he pants, if you leave him he still pants.  Tell them the stories that they may reflect, whomever God guides is truly guided, whoever he forsakes is a loser.

God says He created Hell for those of the jinn and humankind who have hearts but do not understand, eyes but do not see and ears but do not hear.  They are worse than animals because they are heedless.  And to God belong the best names, so invoke Him by them.  And leave the company of those who use them improperly.

God created a community (the followers of Prophet Muhammad) who guide to the truth and establish justice.  Those who deny God’s revelations are drawn step by step towards destruction.  Their companion (Prophet Muhammad) is not mad, but he is a warner.  What could they believe in if they do not believe in this? Whoever God leads astray cannot be guided, He leaves them wandering blindly.  When they ask (you, Prophet Muhammad) about the Hour say, "Its knowledge is only with my Lord.  None will reveal its time except Him.  It lays heavily upon the heavens and the earth.  It will not come upon you except unexpectedly." Prophet Muhammad is told to tell the people he has no power to benefit or avert harm from himself and that he is nothing more than a warner and bearer of good news for those who believe.

It is God who created everyone from one soul (Adam).  The people are ungrateful and set up partners with God but He is far exalted above the partners they ascribe to Him.  God says to Prophet Muhammad, say that your protector is God who sent the Quran and protects the righteous.  Be tolerant and say what is right, if Satan should tempt you seek protection with God.  When those who fear God are tempted by Satan they only need to remember God and they will know the right course of action.

Tell them Muhammad that you follow only what is revealed from God; the Book (Quran) is a guidance and a blessing.  When you hear it recited, be silent and listen.  Remember God with humility and reverence in the morning and in the evening.  Do not be heedless; those who are close to God are never too proud to worship Him.  Glorify Him and bow down before Him.
_______________________________________
By Aisha Stacey (© 2015, 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]

Chapter six of the Quran is called The Cattle; some translations use the more encompassing word livestock.  The title comes from the discussion about livestock in verses 136- 39.  This chapter of 165 verses was revealed in Mecca.  In a similar way to other chapters revealed in Mecca we find the emphasis on monotheism or the Oneness of God.  The name of God, Allah, is mentioned seventy times in this chapter, whilst idolatry and polytheism are strongly condemned.

All praise belongs to God, yet disbelievers set up partners or equals to God.  It was He who created the heavens and the earth, the darkness and the light.  God created humankind from clay and appointed a time for death and a time for resurrection.  You know this to be true but still you doubt and disbelieve.  God is the only deity to be worshipped in the heavens and on the earth and He knows what secrets you keep, what you reveal about yourself and what you do.  The revelation comes but humankind rejects it.  Soon the things that were ridiculed will become the reality.

Many previous generations were destroyed.  They were firmly established and powerful yet they were destroyed because of their sins and replaced by others.  If Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, had been sent with a scripture written on a page that the disbelievers could touch with their own hands they would still have called it magic.  They ask for an angel but if an angel had come into their midst he would have been in the form of a human bringing a judgment from which there would have been no respite.   Many messengers were ridiculed before Prophet Muhammad but in every case the scoffers themselves were surrounded and overcome by the things they mocked.

Look at the history of humankind and see what happened to those who denied the truth when it was revealed to them.  Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to God the Merciful.  He does not punish you for your misdeeds right away, but you will be called to account; the Day of Judgment will arrive.  God tells Prophet Muhammad to let the people know that he has been commanded to be the first amongst them to submit to God and to not be one of the polytheists. 

If God afflicts you with harm there is none that can remove it other than Him; if He blesses you with good, know that He has power over all things.  He is the Supreme Master, All-Wise and All-Aware.

Prophet Muhammad calls on God to be the witness between himself and the disbelievers that he is a messenger from God and that the Quran has been revealed as a warning to whoever it reaches.  There are no gods apart from God and Prophet Muhammad tells the disbelievers he would never associate anything with God.  Those who have been given the Quran know this.  Whoever lies about God will never succeed.  When they are gathered before God and are asked about the ones they associated with Him they will continue to lie. 

There are also some people who pretend to listen when Prophet Muhammad recites the Quran but God has veiled their hearts and blocked their ears.  They argue and call the Quran an ancient fairy tale; they turn away and encourage others to do so but they only harm their own souls.  If they could see what it will be like when they stand before the fires of Hell, they would beg to return to life and be amongst the believers.  The truth is, if they were sent back they would repeat the same mistakes and have the same end.  They are liars who deny the Resurrection.  When they stand before God they will see the reality of what they denied.  God will order them to taste the punishment for denying the reality.

The ones who deny the meeting with God are completely lost.  The Day of Judgement will arrive suddenly and they will carry a heavy burden on their backs.  The life of this world is nothing more than a brief interlude; games and distraction.   What will make you realise that it is the everlasting home in the Hereafter that is important? God knows Prophet Muhammad is grieved by the constant denial of the disbelievers.  They are not calling you untruthful, He tells Prophet Muhammad, they are denying the revelations from God.  Many previous prophets bore the rejection and persecution patiently, you know this God says, and you know that My help eventually arrived.  If it is too hard for you to bear then seek a way to bring them a better sign.  God could have made them all believers if it was His desire to do so.  Don’t be among the ignorant, think about this.

Only those who listen can hear the truth.  As for those with closed minds, even when they are brought back to life on the Day of Judgment they will be asking why they did not see a sign.  They do not understand the signs around them.  Look at the communities of birds and animals, they are signs.  Everything has been determined beforetime; nothing has been left out.  Those who reject the signs around them are deaf and dumb some even in total darkness.  God guides some and lets others go astray.  Have you considered who you will invoke when disaster or the fateful Hour descends upon you? It is only God that you will call; anything else you associated with Him will be forgotten.

Many previous nations were afflicted with suffering and adversaries in order that they may learn humility.  Prophets were sent to them, but they did not learn humility.  Instead they followed the tricks of Satan and ignored the warnings.  Good fortune followed and just as they were enjoying its fruits, God’s wrath descended and they were wiped out!

If God took away your hearing, your sight, or put seals upon your heart, who could give them back to you? God repeats His revelations in various ways for emphasis and clarification but still there are those who just turn away and refuse to see.  Have you considered who will be destroyed when the punishment from God comes? The prophets were sent to bring good tidings and strong warnings; anyone who listened to them has nothing to fear.  Those who persist in denial will be destroyed.  Prophet Muhammad does not possess the treasures of God, nor does he know what is hidden from humankind, he does however follow what has been revealed to him.  One who is blind is not the same as one who can see.  Ponder this.

God tells Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, to use the Quran to warn people that on the Day of Judgment nothing will stand between them and punishment, except God.  God further emphasises that the poor people who are true believers should not be ignored because of the rich influential people of Mecca the Prophet is trying to invite to Islam.  It would be very wrong to drive them away; remember that God has made some people as a means to test the resolve of others.  God knows those who seek to please Him and those who are grateful.  He is merciful and forgiving to those who repent from their bad deeds or mistakes and correct themselves.  The path forward should be made clear. 

Prophet Muhammad must tell them that he is forbidden to call upon anything other than God and that by doing so he would be lost and one of the wrongdoers.   To the challenge of the disbelievers to  bring on a punishment, God asks Prophet Muhammad to tell them that he (Prophet Muhammad) does not have authority to decide on that.  It is only God who decides this.   

Only God knows the unseen, He knows everything that happens in the universe.  When the smallest leaf falls God knows about it.  There is not even a grain deep in the darkness of the earth that God does not know about and has recorded it in a Clear Record.  It is God who takes your souls at night when you sleep and returns them to you each morning to go on with your life.  In the end you will return to God and He will tell you everything about your life.

God reigns supreme.  He sends angels guarding and writing all of one's good and bad until death approaches.  At the time of death, the Angel of Death and his assistants - who never fail to do their duty - take the soul.  The souls are returned to God, who is swift in taking account and passing judgment.  In the midst of calamities and confusion people turn to God in silent terror asking for help or safety and promising to be thankful and grateful.  But when rescue comes they persist in worshiping something other than God. 

It is God who has the power to send calamities from above or below or to surround you in confusion or violence.   This is explained in the revelations in various ways in order to make you understand, but still you reject the truth of the Quran.  When the end approaches you will understand.  Walk away from those who argue about the Quran; if Satan makes you forget then stop as soon as you realise and walk away.  The righteous are not held accountable for the wrongdoers but your actions might be a reminder to them.  Leave the company of those who take their religion as a game and those who are deceived by the life of this world.  However use the Quran to remind them that a damned soul will have a painful punishment.

The believers should ask the polytheists if they would benefit from calling on something other than God that can neither harm nor benefit them! Why would they turn their backs on God when they have been guided to the correct path?  Should they be like a person Satan has misled and left wandering in the desert while his friends call out to him from the correct path?  No! God’s guidance is the only guidance.  The believers have been commanded to submit and to establish the prayer and to be mindful of God for they will be facing Him on the Day of Judgment.  God created the universe for a true purpose.  On the day that He says "Be", it will be (the Day of Judgment).  When the trumpet is blown He will have all control and can see what is visible and what is invisible.

Prophet Abraham confronted his father about worshipping idols.  God showed Abraham the realms of the heavens and the earth in order to make him one of the true believers.  At night he saw a star and wondered if that was God but the star faded and he knew it was not God.  When the moon rose he looked at it and wondered if that could be God but it set and He cried out that if God did not guide him He would be one of the losers.  Then he pondered the sun and thought that it must be God because it was bigger and brighter, but it set.  Abraham knew at once that these heavenly bodies were creations from God and he turned his face away from idols and vowed to worship only the One God.

Prophet Abraham’s people argued with him but he knew that they could cause him no harm unless God willed it.   He asked them, "How can I fear what you have associated with God when you do not fear that you have associating partners with Him without any evidence?" Who should feel more secure? Of course it is those who fear God and associate nothing with Him.  This was the argument God gave Prophet Abraham to use against his people.  God raises the rank of whomever he pleases.

Abraham was given Isaac and Jacob and God guided them just as he had guided Noah.  Prophet Abraham’s descendants include many prophets; Moses, Aaron, Joseph, Job, David, Solomon, Zachariah, John, Jesus, and Elias, Elisha, Ishmael, Jonah and Lot.  All of them were righteous.  They were also all chosen and guided to the straight path.  If any of them had worshipped other than God their deeds would have become null and void.  Among them were those who were entrusted with a Scripture.  God tells Prophet Muhammad that these were the people who followed the guidance, so follow their guidance and tell your people that you are not asking for payment, only giving a reminder to the world.

These people do not value God; they say He never revealed anything to a human being.  Ask them who sent the Torah to Moses? It was a light and guidance but they made it into separate pages and kept some hidden.  It contained knowledge that they did not know about.  If they give no answer to your question leave them engrossed in their vain arguments.

God sent down the blessed Quran as a warning to the people of Mecca and to the rest of the children of Adam, Arabs and non-Arabs alike.   Those who already believe in the Hereafter know it is the truth and will be steadfast in performing their prayers.  Telling lies about God and pretending to have received a revelation is wicked.  Anyone doing this will face extreme punishment and humiliation, not the intercession they had hoped for.  Their intercessors whom they associated with God will be of no help. 

It is God who causes the seed to split and sprout, and brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the living.  He is responsible for the dawn and the night time, He made the sun and the moon so that humankind could measure time.  He made the stars as a light and a way to navigate the land and the sea.  The signs are clear for those who think.

God produced all of humankind from one soul.   He sends down rain to make the planet green; dates, vines, olives and pomegranates.  All vegetation is a sign.  However, even surrounded by the wonders and signs of God some people have made the jinn partners with God, others have fabricated sons and daughters.  How is this possible when He has no consort and is the Creator of everything? There is clear proof so believe it and have the advantage over those who refuse to see.  Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is not a guardian over those who refuse; he must merely turn away from them.

The believers must not to insult the gods of other religions because it might cause the polytheists to insult God.  In the end they will understand the error of their ways.  Sometimes the unbelievers swear that they would believe if they saw a sign, but the signs are all around them yet they refuse to see them.  Even if angels appeared before them or the dead spoke to them they would not believe.  God will abandon them to wander blindly in their wrongdoing.  Every prophet had enemies, so turn away from the disbelievers and what they have invented.

God is the Judge! Not the others that are worshipped instead of or besides Him.  He sent this Book (the Quran), and those who received scriptures before know very well that the Quran is the truth.  It cannot be altered.  Be mindful that most of the people are trying to turn you away from God however God knows who goes astray and who remains faithful.

Eat of that meat over which God’s name has been pronounced at the time of slaughtering of the animal.  The rules have been made clear and you know what is forbidden (except in times of dire emergency).  Remember you will be held accountable.  Do not eat meat upon which God’s name has not been pronounced, and be wary because many people and devils will cause arguments and disputes over this.

A person who is ignorant or obstinate and trapped in the darkness is not the same as one who is guided and walking in the light.  There are evil doers everywhere, they conspire and scheme but they are unaware that they conspire only against themselves.  They think they should be messengers but God knows best who to give His message to.  He guides whom he wills, he expands their chest so that they are filled with Islam but those who are abandoned (because they themselves did not wish for guidance) feel their chest constrict as if they were climbing into the sky.  The path to the home of peace is straight.

On the Day of Judgment the jinn and humankind who thought themselves allies in evil will be allies in punishment.  Their home is the Fire.  They will testify against themselves when asked whether they had received a warning.  God did not destroy civilisations without just cause and only did so after fair warning.  God can and will destroy people and replace them with others.   If people do not listen to God and instead do whatever they want God will respond.

Some of the polytheists give God’s share of their crops and livestock to those they wrongly associate with God.  This is an evil and bad decision.  Some people are so confused that they will murder their own children because of their strange beliefs.  They have many self-imposed restrictions that they wrongly attribute to God.  These lies and inventions will result in severe punishment.  The ones who kill their children or restrict food from them because of lies about God have gone completely astray.

It is God who causes vegetation to grow, so eat from its yield and pay the obligatory charity on its harvest.  He has provided animals too, some for transportation and some for slaughter.  Use them and eat from them.  There are strange superstitions surrounding the animals, they are more lies against God.  The things forbidden to eat are dead animals, blood spilled out, the meat from pigs (swine) and animals that were slaughtered in the name of something other than God.  The only exception is if someone is forced to eat this meat out of necessity.

The Jews had certain dietary laws concerning meat imposed upon them due to their disobedience.  Prophet Muhammad was told that if he was accused of lying about this then he should say that God is merciful and His argument conclusive.

This is what God commands.  Do not associate anything with Him.  Be good to your parents.  Do not kill your children because you fear poverty; God will provide for you and them.  Do not be immoral, openly or secretly.  Do not take a life except in certain justifiable situations.  Treat orphans fairly and give full measure and weight.  God never makes a person bear more than he is capable of bearing.  Speak justly and keep any promises you make in God’s name.

Moses was given a blessed Book and this Quran is also blessed.  If you follow it you will receive His mercy.  Those who turn away will face a dreadful punishment.  Leaving it until the Day of Judgment will be too late.   Those who fail to do any good deeds and those who divide the religion into sects will be called to account.  A person who does one good deed will be given credit for ten good deeds.  A person who does a bad deed will be recompensed for that one deed.

Prophet Muhammad declares that he is following the straight path of Abraham.  His life, his worship and his death are for God Alone.  God has no associates or equals.  And he (Prophet Muhammad) is the first among those who submit to God.  God is the Lord of all that exists and each soul will bear the burden of its own actions and never the burden of another.  In the end God will resolve all your disputes.  He has given you the earth and all its wonders.  Some have more than others; it is a test.  He is swift in punishment but is also forgiving and merciful.
_______________________________________
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]

The chapter relates to food, and a central theme is the regulation of lawful and unlawful food, obedience to which is considered as part of the pledge between God and the believers.  It also talks about hunting for food during the pilgrimage.  God had also taken pledges from the Jews and Christians and the chapter deals with what they did to their pledges.  Some passages deal with the afterlife and the verdict of the messengers on the behavior of their communities.  Jesus is mentioned when his disciples asked him to pray to God and of his renouncing any claim to divinity.

Fulfill your obligations. 

You are forbidden to hunt while you are on pilgrimage, but when you have completed the rites of pilgrimage you may hunt.  Do not let your hatred for some people make you to break the law.  Help one another to do what is right and do not help one another towards sin.

You are forbidden to eat carrion, blood, pig’s meat, any animal over which any name other than God’s has been taken, and anything sacrificed on altars.  Also, any permissible animal that is strangled, or is a victim of a violent blow or fall, or is gored or savaged by a beast of prey, is also forbidden unless you are able to slaughter it before its death.

Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My blessing upon you, and chosen for you Islam as your religion.  If any of you is forced by hunger to eat forbidden food, with no intention of doing wrong, then God is most forgiving!

The food of the Jews and Christians is lawful for you as your food is lawful for them.  So are chaste Jewish and Christian women if you marry them, not taking them as lovers or secret mistresses.

God does not wish to place any burden on you: He only wishes to cleanse you and perfect His blessing on you, so that you may be thankful.

Faith is the vow that binds God and His subjects.  The subject vows that he will remain aware of God in his life and God guarantees that He will be His subject’s guardian in this world and in the life to come.  God’s subject must prove his fulfillment of vows in two ways. 

First, he stays steadfast on the path of God.  On every occasion, he should give the response expected of a subject to his Lord.  When he observes the universe, his mind should be filled with the realization of God’s glory and power.  When he looks at himself, he should realize that his existence is entirely due to God’s grace and His mercy.  If his emotions erupt, they should erupt for the sake of God.  If his attention is focused on anybody, it should be on God.  His fears should be linked with God.  The remembrance of God should be uppermost in his mind.  He should be given to prayer and obedience to God and should spend his assets for the cause of God.

Second, for the fulfillment of the vow of God’s subject is that his dealings with his fellow-beings should be based on justice and fair play.  Justice means meting out to a person that treatment which he deserves – no more and no less.  In his dealings, he should follow the dictates of justice and not his desires.  He should be bound by this principle to the extent that he should adhere to justice even when dealing with his enemies; even when grievances and bitter memories are apt to divert him from the path of justice.

A pledge was taken from the Children of Israel by their prophet that they would lead a godly life, and twelve chiefs from their twelve tribes were appointed to keep a watch over them.  The pledge taken from the Children of Israel was they would make themselves godly by offering salat (prayers), that they would discharge the rights of others in the shape of zakat (obligatory charity), align themselves on the side of God by supporting His prophets, and spend their assets in support of the struggle for the religion of God.  It was only after undertaking all this and after establishing a collective system among themselves for ensuring the continued fulfillment of these duties that they were entitled to God’s company and support.  One attains Paradise by performing good deeds and not due to any racial relationship.

The People of the Book went astray by omitted some teachings from their religion by means of deliberate misinterpretation or distortion.  They also imposed upon themselves restrictions which had not been ordained by God. 

Considering any community as God’s favorite is a meaningless thought.  Everybody will get his reward before God according to his deeds.  Every man’s future will be decided based on his performance in this world of test and trial.  Neither Paradise nor Hell is the native place of any community. 

Cain was instructed by means of a crow how to bury the dead body under the ground.  This points to the fact that man was less knowledgeable than the animals about the ways of nature.

When one person kills another, he is the killer of not only one person but of all human beings because he contravenes the law of respect for human life upon which the lives of all human beings depend. 

The principle on which God has created the system of this world is that everybody should discharge his duty and nobody should unnecessarily interfere in the sphere of others.  Human beings have been given clear instructions through prophets, but they have been given a free will with which to act righteously or to rebel.  Those who declare war against God and His prophet are terrible criminals.  Such people indulge in acts of terrorism.  For them there is a terrible punishment in this world and an all-consuming fire in the Hereafter. 

The greatest achievement for man is nearness to God.  The way to attain this nearness is through taqwa (fear of God or piety), i.e.  becoming a worshiper or devotee of God through fear of God and struggling to make efforts for His cause.  He has to surrender his ego, tolerating every difficulty and unpleasantness; he moves ahead towards God.

The punitive system in Islam for social crimes has two special aspects: one is punishment for a man’s crime and the other is the deterrent effect of that punishment.  However, if the criminal is truly repentant, seeks God’s pardon and completely refrains from such misdemeanors in future, then God may forgive him in the Hereafter.

In Madina there were two kinds of people who opposed the Islamic mission – the hypocrites and the Jews.  The hypocrites, feeling that the real Islamic mission was harmful to their success and purposes, merely put on a show of having adopted Islam.  The Jews for their part, felt that the Islamic mission was pulling them down from their position.  Therefore, they joined hands in running a campaign against Islam.  They used to twist the meaning of the Prophet’s words to defame him and his mission.  Their attitude was to accept only whatever suits their interests.  Such people desert God and God deserts them. 

The servant of God, who has arisen with the message of God’s true religion, should not be discouraged by opposition.  The activity against God can never be successful. 

There were ancient religious scholars who used to give false decrees and opinions after taking bribes.  However, a worse form of corruption is distorting the provisions of the religion by opportunists to suit popular tastes so that they may have honor and glory conferred upon them by the admiring public and receive contributions and offerings from all.

The ancient Jewish leaders had become a center of attraction for the people by dispensing this type of religion.  Raising the voice of truth seemed intolerable to them, as this amounted to the demolition of the structure of their vested interests.  They would spread bad news about him with interest and their own additions. 

The purpose of God’s Book was to guide people to the way of eternal welfare and to bring them out of the darkness of desire-worship into the light of true worship.  The God-fearing consider the Book of God as a sacred covenant between God and His subjects and they know that they cannot increase in the benefits it confers or lessen in any way the strictness of its ordinances. 

In connection with justice it is the requirement of Islamic law that its rules should be enforced without considering any individual’s status.  Sometimes a man’s violence is not the result of mischievous intent, but occurs accidently under the influence of emotional stress.  Under such circumstances, if the victim pardons the perpetrator that will be deemed an act of magnanimity towards the latter.

With the passage of time, the internal reality of religion is lost and public rituals and formal ceremonies assume the strength of the internal reality, eventually becoming ‘holy.’ That is why God has changed the external framework from time to time so that mentality of considering the framework the real substance of religion is eradicated and God alone should be the center of one’s attention. 

The bearers of the previous scriptures could not preserve them in their original form, therefore, God revealed the Quran, the authentic expression of His will.

The truly faithful people are those whose entire beings are so pervaded by Faith that they develop a relation with God at the level of love.  Fulfillment of Islamic objectives is so dear to them and there is nothing but sympathy and kindness in their hearts for their brothers in Islam.  Islamic life is one of purpose and struggle.  It is the mission of a Muslim to convey the religion of God to people, guiding the world to keep away from the path leading to Hell and to tread the path leading to Paradise. 

Those who claim on the basis of a self-made religion to have a monopoly of devotion to God develop extreme aversion to it and lose all sense of rationality.  The result is that they consider pure Muslims to be criminals and blatantly hold their dealings as absolutely fair. 

What prevents a man from following the dictates of his desires is his moral fiber.  When obstinacy and enmity dominate him, his ability to think becomes suppressed and there is nothing to combat the pressure of his desires. 

There were two types of prominent Jews, the rabbis and ‘holy’ men, who remained busy in the work of religion.  The secret of their leadership was their presentation of a popular version of religion rather than the true religion favored by God.  The favored religion of God is that of taqwa.  In other words, a man should live in society in such a way that he does good deeds and refrains from sin. 

The idea that God is poor with empty Hands and His subjects are rich is false.  The root cause of all waywardness is man’s reckless bravado.  But once a man fears God, he immediately understands the power emanating from Him and his bravado vanishes. 

Because of wishful thinking, the members of the Jewish community were convinced of their salvation before God.  What carries weight with God is carrying out His commands and founding one’s life on His religion. 

Forbidding good things that God has made lawful is not a sign of piety.  Being excessive is displeasing to God, but consuming good food in moderation is perfectly fine.  God does not take us to account for breaking thoughtless oaths. 

God forbids alcoholic beverages, gambling, and divination to believers and calls them Satan’s doing. 

God asks to obey Him and His messenger and to be on guard, but if people chose not to pay heed, then the messenger is only supposed to deliver the message clearly.  Those who believe and do good deeds cannot be blamed for what they consumed in the past as long as they are mindful of God, have proper belief, and follow it with good works.  After all, God loves those who do good. 

No one is allowed to hunt while performing pilgrimage to Mecca.  Anyone who kills a game intentionally must atone for it.  Catching and eating seafood is nevertheless allowed.  God is merciful and at the same time severe in punishment. 

The duty of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is to deliver the message, not to force people to accept it.  Good and bad are not the same.  Too much questioning of matters might make things difficult; God’s silence sometimes is because He is forgiving and forbearing. 

When asked to surrender to God’s revelation, people are said to use their reason, but they tend to follow the path of their ancestors.  You are responsible for yourself if you believe. 

Leave a will before death.

As such, this passage aims to establish the truth about God and servitude to Him as conceived by Islam.  This truth is presented through a great scene portrayed here in which Jesus speaks in front of all of God’s messengers and rest of humanity.  The chapter presents this truth in a vivid scene taken from the Day of Judgement in the same way as the Quran presents various scenes of that great Day.  In all such presentations, the picture is portrayed in such an inspiring, vivid and effective way that we almost see it before our very eyes.  We hear what is being said and feel every reaction and response.

God will ask the prophets he sent to people as to what response they got.  Jesus will be reminded of God’s favors and miracles he performed with God’s permission: speaking to people from the cradle, knowledge of the Scripture, the Torah, and the Gospel, and wisdom, making birds out of clay that would turn alive when Jesus breathed into them, healing the blind and the leper, bringing the dead back to life, protection when people tried to harm him when he showed them signs, and the disciplines believing in him and devoting themselves to God.

The disciples requested Jesus to ask God to send down a feast for them from heaven.  Jesus warned them, to which they responded that they simply wish to eat and to have their hearts reassured and that he has told them the truth and be witnesses to it.  Jesus then prayed to the Lord to send down a feast from the heaven.  God accepted the prayer of Jesus, but cautioned that anyone who disbelieves after seeing the sign will be given an exemplary punishment.

On the Final Day, God will ask Jesus if he demanded people to worship him and his mother, Mary, in his earthly ministry.  God knows very well what Jesus said to people.  But this worrying interrogation on that fearful Day is intended for people other than the one to whom it is addressed.

Jesus will plead innocence and will state that he never did and had no business asking people to worship him.  Had he done so, God would have known as He knows everything unseen.  Jesus’ answer is tinged with awe and fear.  He starts by glorifying God and follows this immediately with an absolute denial of any such thoughts or of any such claims.  Jesus will declare that he said nothing to his community other than calling on them to worship God alone, and stating that, like them, he is no more than God’s servant.  He will then disclaim any responsibility for what they did after the end of his time on earth.  Jesus will conclude with leaving the fate of his people absolutely to God, stating at the same time that they are His servants and at His disposal.  God can forgive them or punish them.  Whether He decides on one course or the other, that decision is based on His wisdom. 

"This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness." This is God’s word at the end of that interrogation beheld by all creatures.  It is the final and decisive word.  It is coupled with the reward that befits truthfulness and those who are truthful.

_______________________________________
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 chapter is named for the many references throughout the chapter to women.  It is 176 verses long and was revealed in Medina.  When the Muslims migrated to Medina they were no longer a persecuted minority.  Medina became an established Muslim community with Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, as its leader.   Laws were being introduced to the fledgling community with regard to women, marriage, commerce, finance, international relations, property and inheritance.  There were also tensions between the Muslim community and some of the People of the Book and all these themes and subjects are covered. 

Fear God who created all of humankind from one soul (Adam).   Fear God, in whose name you request favours and demand rights.  Beware of severing ties with those to whom you are related.  Give the orphans in your care their rights.  Do not marry the orphan girls to take their property and possessions.  God has allowed you to marry up to four women that are legally available to you.  However if you feel you cannot treat all your wives justly then marry only one.  When you marry make sure to give the bridal gift agreed upon, however if your wife consents to give up some of what is owed to her you may accept that with a clear conscience.  Do not trust your property to those not equipped to look after it.  If you are in charge of someone else’s property, return it to them when they come of age.  Be fair when you return the property because God will ask you to account for every little thing.  For men and for women is an obligatory share of what their parents and close relatives leave.  Be kind and provide something to other relatives, orphans and the needy if they are present when the inheritance is distributed.  The executors and guardians must be just.  Those who take property unjustly will be burned in the Hellfire.

God’s instructions concerning the inheritance of your children are that the males share will be equal to that of two females.  If there are two daughters their share is two thirds of the estate.  If there is only one daughter her share is half.  If there are children then the parents get one sixth of the estate each; if there are no children and the parents are the only heirs then one third goes to the mother.  Debts take precedence over a bequest and bequests may not be given to those who inherit by law.  A man inherit half of his wife’s estate if they have no children but if they have a child he inherits a fourth.  Wives will inherit a fourth of their husband’s estate if they have no children but if they do they will inherit an eighth.  If there are no parents or children a single sibling inherits a sixth of the estate but if there is more than one sibling they share a third.  These are the rules set by God and those who obey Him and Prophet Muhammad will be admitted to gardens under which rivers flow, but those who disobey will abide in the Fire.

If women are guilty of unlawful sexual intercourse there must be four witnesses against them.  Their punishment is to be confined to their houses for life.  This was until further directives were to be revealed.  Punish men and women who are guilty of this offense but when they repent leave them alone.  Accepted repentance is only for those who sin in ignorance or carelessness and then repent; repentance is accepted until the soul reaches the throat at the time of death.  There is no repentance for those who persist in their sins and repent only when faced with certain death or for those who die as disbelievers.  They will have a painful punishment.

For those who believe, a deceased man’s relatives have no rights of marriage or otherwise over his widow.  Treat your wives fairly and do not try to take back the bridal gift you gave them.  Treat them kindly even if you dislike something about them. If you want to replace one wife with another do not take back anything you have given them even if it was a large amount.  Do not marry women who have been married to your fathers.

These are the women prohibited to you in marriage; your mothers, daughters, and sisters, your father's sisters, your mother's sisters, your brother's and sister’s daughters, the women who nursed you and your sisters through nursing plus your wives' mothers, and your step-daughters.   Also prohibited to you are the wives of your sons and marrying two sisters simultaneously.  All married women are prohibited to you (except slaves) but all other women are lawful for you to marry.  If you do not have the means to marry free believing women, you are allowed to marry slaves who are believers.  Give them their bridal gift and treat them justly and fairly.  If the slave you marry commits adultery, her punishment should be half that of a free unmarried woman.  God makes it easy for you to see the difference between what is lawful and what is unlawful.   He wants to lighten your burden and turn to you in mercy. 

Do not consume one another’s wealth under false pretences and do not kill each other.  Avoid the great sins and the minor misdeeds will be wiped out.  Do not covet what God has given to others but instead ask God for some of His bounty.  Men and women will be rewarded according to their deeds.  Follow the inheritance laws correctly.

Men are in charge of women and righteous women are obedient to their husband.  If a wife is disobedient she must be admonished, left to sleep alone and as a final resort you are permitted to strike her without leaving marks or causing injury.   If they obey you have no right to punish them.   If there is fear that a marriage might break down then get help with arbitration from both families.  If the couple wish to remain together then God will find a way for that to happen. 

Serve God; do not associate anything with Him.  Be good to your parents and relatives, the needy, and the neighbours both near and far, your companions, travellers in need and slaves.  God does not love those who are arrogant, boastful, and stingy or who encourage others to be stingy.  God also does not like those who spend their money to show off, or those who do not believe in the Last Day and those who choose Satan as their companion.  Believing in God and the Last Day, and spending in charity would not have harmed them.  God does not harm anyone.  Good deeds are increased.  Witnesses will come and those who disbelieved and disobeyed will wish they had not because nothing is hidden from God. 

Oh you who believe do not prayer while you are intoxicated; wait until you know what you are saying (this injunction was later followed with the complete prohibition of alcohol). Likewise, do not pray when you are in a state of impurity until you have taken a complete bath. If you cannot find water to perform ablution before prayer then find clean earth and wipe your faces and hands with it. Those who were given some of the Scripture used it for misguidance and they want you to do the same. God knows your enemies well. Some Jews take the words out of context. God cursed them.

The People of the Book (Jews and Christians) should believe in this Quran, it confirms their books. God does not forgive those who associate others with Him; it is a huge sin. Inventing lies about God is a sin. Those who were given part of the Scripture now believe in idols. God cursed them for that and they will never find a helper. They are not more rightly guided than the believers; God has rejected them. If they were given a share of the kingdom they would not share it. The Jews envy Prophet Muhammad, many the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and his followers for what God has given them but they should remember that they are also from the family of Abraham whom God favoured with the Book, wisdom and a great kingdom (i.e. there is no reason to feel jealous since both the Israelites and Ishmaelites are the offsprings of Abraham). Hell is enough to burn those who turned away. Those who disbelieve in the verses will be herded into the Fire; those who believe will be led into gardens under which rivers flow. They will find there purified spouses and cool refreshing shade.

God’s excellent instructions include returning the things entrusted to you and judging fairly, if you are called upon to do so. Obey God, His messenger and those in authority. If there is a dispute refer it to God and His messenger because that is better and will give the best result. Some people claim to believe yet still want to turn to unjust tyrants for judgment. They are hypocrites that turn away. They will return trying to bring about reconciliation but God knows what is really in their hearts. However you must speak to them, instruct them and try to penetrate their hearts.

Messengers were meant to be obeyed. When they wronged themselves, they should have come to you (Prophet Muhammad) and they would have found God’s forgiveness. But no, they will not truly believe until they make you the judge over their disputes. They should have done what they were instructed to do and they would have got a great reward. Whoever obeys God and His messenger will be with the ones on whom God has bestowed His favour. That is a bounty from God.

Be careful, believers. When you go to battle go in small groups or all together. There are people among you who will lag behind to avoid battle but if you are successful they will pretend regret. Those who are killed or victorious in God’s cause will get a great reward. Fight in God’s cause. Rescue those who cry out for God’s help. Those who believe fight for God and those who disbelieve become the allies of Satan. Have you seen those who fear men as they fear God? The life of this world is brief and the Hereafter is eternal. Death will find you no matter where you are.  When good comes they acknowledge God but when they suffer evil or loss they blame Prophet Muhammad. What is the matter with them? All things are from God. If you obey Prophet Muhammad you obey God. God has not sent you to be their keeper; they obey you when in your presence but when your back is turned they plot against you. God knows, so trust Him and that is sufficient.

Why don’t they think about the Quran? It answers their questions just as Prophet Muhammad could have answered them. If it was not for God’s bounty and mercy everyone would serve Satan. So Prophet Muhammad, fight in God’s cause because you are only responsible for yourself. Urge the believers to fight because God might allow you all to overcome the disbelievers. Whoever speaks for a good cause will share in the reward and whoever speaks for a bad cause will share its burden. Respond to greetings with its equivalent or with something better. God keeps account of everything; there is no God but Him. You will surely be called to account on the Day of Resurrection.

What is wrong with you? Why are you divided about what to do about the hypocrites? You cannot guide those God has left to stray. They want you to reject faith and be like them so do not take friends from among them until they have immigrated to Medina for the sake of God. If they turn on you aggressively then kill them. A believer must not kill another believer except by mistake. And if someone makes this mistake they must free a slave and offer compensation. The compensation can be waived as a charitable act. If the victim was at war with you, but a believer, then the compensation is to free a slave. If the victim was part of a group with whom you have a treaty then a slave must be freed and compensation paid and if you are unable to do this then fast for two consecutive months. The punishment for killing a believer intentionally is Hell. Be careful! Do not kill someone who offers you a greeting of peace; do not call him a non-believer.

Those believers who stay behind (except those who are unable to fight) are not equal to those who strive in God’s cause. Those who strive are offered a higher rank though there is a good position for all.  When the angels take the souls of those who have wronged themselves there are some that say they were oppressed. The angels will ask if the earth was not big enough for them to find refuge in.  There only refuge is Hell, except for those who were prevented by circumstances beyond their control. God might pardon them. He is All-forgiving. If someone who emigrates for God’s sake dies, he is assured of a great reward.

When you travel you are permitted to shorten the prayer. When in battle, pray in ranks one at a time, one group guarding the other. You can lay aside your arms during heavy rain or illness but be careful. After prayer remember God, standing, sitting or lying on your sides.  When you are secure you must re-establish the regular prayers. Do not weaken, if you are suffering so too is the enemy but you can expect help from God but they cannot.

The Quran was revealed to you Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, so that you may judge between people according to God’s will.  God is forgiving and merciful but do not argue for those who deceive themselves.  God does not love the treacherous or sinful.  They can conceal their true selves from the people but not from God.  Those who argue for them in this life will find that no one will argue for them on the Day of Resurrection.  Anyone who disobeys God can ask for forgiveness and they will find that God is merciful.  Those who sin only harm themselves, but those who sin and try to blame others add the sin of slander to their burdens.

When a group of people tried to lead Prophet Muhammad astray God saved him.   They did nothing but lead themselves astray.   They are unable to harm the Prophet.  God revealed the Book and wisdom to Prophet Muhammad; it taught him things he did not previously know.  They talk in secret but nothing good comes from their secret talks unless it is about charity, kindness or reconciliation.  If any oppose Prophet Muhammad after they have understood and chosen to follow the guidance, then they will be driven into Hell.  God will not forgive anyone who associates anything with Him but He will forgive any lessor sin. 

There are some people who call on female deities; that is nothing but following the cursed Satan.  For these people there is no escape from Hell.  Those who believe and do good deeds will find their eternal reward in gardens under which rivers flow.  It is a truthful promise.  The final abode will not be according to your desires nor will it be according to the desires of the People of the Book.  The believers who are righteous will be rewarded.  There is no one better than the person who submits to God and follows the religion of Abraham.  God was a friend to Abraham.  Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to God.

When they ask you (Prophet Muhammad) about women, tell them that God’s rulings concerning their rights are in the Book (Quran).  If a women fears cruelty or alienation from her husband they should seek a peaceful compromise.  Be fair in your dealings; God watches you.  You can never be completely fair between wives but you should try to be.  Do not ignore one wife so that the other feels as if she is neither married nor divorced.  If you do divorce God will provide for both parties.

Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to God and the believers are instructed to fear God.  The People of the Scripture were also instructed to fear God.  If God wanted to He could destroy all of humankind and replace them with others.  The rewards in this world and the next are God’s to distribute as He sees fit.  Believers; stand firmly for justice and be true witnesses even if it is against yourselves or your relatives.  Do not follow your personal desires.

Oh you who believe, confirm your faith in God, His Messenger, His Book and all the previously revealed books.  If you do not believe in God, His angels, His scriptures, His messengers and the Last Day then you have gone completely off course.  And if you believe and then disbelieve over and over God will not forgive you or guide you back to the straight path.  Tell the hypocrites that there is a painful punishment awaiting them.  Do they ally themselves with the disbelievers to seek power? All the power is with God.  If you hear people denying or ridiculing God’s revelations then you must leave their company until the conversation changes.  Hell is where the hypocrites and disbelievers will be gathered; you do not want to be amongst them.

The hypocrites change sides, always trying to appear to be looking after the believers.  They even try to deceive God but He will be the Judge.  At prayer time they are either lazy or showing off.   They spend very little time remembering God.  Do not take them as your friends and allies.  They will be in the lowest part of the Hellfire.  However, if they repent, they will be believers and will be granted the mighty reward due to the believers.  God does not punish the grateful.

Do not publicly speak evil words unless you are truly wronged.  Do not taunt people for what they did in the past.  God is able to extract retribution but He is also the Pardoner.  You cannot take some of the guidance but reject other parts.  It will result in a humiliating punishment.   A reward is due to those who believe in God and His messengers and do not make a distinction between any of the messengers.

The People of the Scripture (Jews) ask you (Prophet Muhammad) to bring a book from heaven for them.  They were even harder on Musa.   They wanted to see God and were struck by a thunderbolt for their wickedness.  Even after they worshipped the calf God forgave them.   God took a covenant from them but they broke their commitments.  God sealed their hearts.   They slander Maryam, the mother of Jesus, and brag about killing Jesus.  They most certainly did not kill him, God raised him up.  Because of their continual wrongdoing certain things were made unlawful for them.  Those among them who reject faith will have a painful punishment.  Those who believe and do righteous works will have a great reward.

Revelation was sent to Muhammad and all the prophets, David received the Psalms, and Musa spoke directly to God.  Some messengers you know about, others you do not, but they all brought good news and a warning.  You may choose to believe or not, but those who hinder others from belief have certainly strayed far away.  Believe in the truth for your own benefit.  People of the Scripture, tell the truth about God.  Jesus was a messenger; abandon the Trinitarian doctrine because God is Only One.  He does not need a son.  Jesus and the angels never scorn worshipping God.  Those who disdain His worship or are arrogant will have an agonising torment with no one other than God to protect them.  Convincing truth in the form of the Quran has come to you; hold fast to God and He will show you the way.

They ask you for a ruling on the inheritance of a person with neither descendants nor ascendants.  In such cases, a sister inherits half her brother’s estate; a brother inherits all his sisters’ estate.  If there are two sisters or more, they inherit two-thirds of the estate.  And if there are both brothers and sisters, the male inherits twice the share of the female.  This is made clear so that you do not make mistakes.  Remember that 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]

This is the first of three articles summarizing the third chapter of the Quran called Aali-Imran or The Family of Imran.  It takes its name from the story of Prophet Zachariah, Mary and her son Prophet Jesus, in verses 33 to 64.  The family of Imran was a blessed family that also included the Prophet Christians refer to as John the Baptist, thus this chapter has particular relevance for Christians and does indeed address itself to them.  The Family of Imran was revealed in Medina after the pivotal Battle of Badr and is in some ways a sequel to the previous chapter The Cow, or Al-Baqarah.  The Cow was addressed primarily to the Children of Israel (the Jews) and in the Family of Imran the invitation is extended to the Christians.  Thus the chapter begins by inviting the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) to the truth of Islam and goes on to warn the Muslims to take heed of the religious degeneration that plagued the two earlier communities.

The chapter opens with the same combination of letters that opened the previous chapter.  Alif, Lam, Meem.  These letters are from amongst the various combinations of fourteen letters that open twenty-nine chapters of the Quran.  God has never revealed any specific meaning attached to them.  The letters are immediately followed by praising God, the Living and the Eternal.  He is the One who has sent down the Quran to confirm the previous books, the Torah and the Gospel of Jesus.  It is a guide and a criterion between right and wrong, and anyone who denies this will suffer a severe penalty.  Be sure that nothing in the heavens and the earth is concealed from God.

Some verses are precise and others are open to more than one interpretation.  There are people who try to mislead others by seeking to find hidden meanings in the unspecific verses and no one knows its interpretation except God. But those firm in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord."

The possession of wealth or the number of children you have will not help on that momentous Day.  Disbelievers will be overpowered and gathered together in Hell.  The Battle of Badr was a lesson; the believers overcame twice their number because with God’s support you cannot lose.

The life of this world is full of temptations, the desire for beautiful spouses, children, gemstones and jewels, and expensive homes and transport.   However, what is promised in Paradise is even more desirable and beautiful.  Those who fear God will abide in gardens with flowing rivers.  The righteous are those who believe and ask for forgiveness and protection from Hell, they are steadfast, devout, spend in the way of God and pray before dawn.  There is no deity but except God (Allah), He is just and the true religion is devotion to Him Alone.

The People of the Book did not differ except out of jealousy and God is swift to call to account those who deny His revelations.  Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, must tell those who argue with him that he and his followers are devoted to God and invite them to do the same.  If they refuse however, he has still fulfilled his mission to convey the message.

There will be a painful punishment for those who deny the revelations, kill the Prophets without justification, and kill those who order justice; they will be beyond help.  Those who were given one of the earlier revelations refuse to settle their disputes according to God’s commandments; they think the fires will not burn them.  They deceive themselves and will come to know the torment of the fire.  Praise God, the One who has power and control over all things.  He is the one who causes the night to change into the day and separates the living from the dead and gives provision to whomever He pleases.  God warns the believers not to seek protection from the unbelievers except for safety from tyranny.  Remember that God knows everything concealed or revealed, He has power over everything.  Fear retribution but know that He is compassionate to those who are devoted to Him. 

Prophet Muhammad must tell the people to love and obey God and to follow him (Muhammad); if they turn away he must warn them that God does not love those who disbelieve or ignore Him.  God favors whom He wills - He chose Prophet Adam, Prophet Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imran from amongst those who were living during their times.

God was listening when Mary the mother of Jesus was born; her mother dedicated her to the service of God and sought protection for her and her children from Satan.  Mary grew to be a righteous woman and when she secluded herself in the temple, God provided her with all her needs, to the amazement of her guardian Zachariah.

Mary was an example to Zachariah who asked God to give him a righteous son even though he and his wife were old and barren.  The angels confirmed that this would be so but Zachariah asked for a sign.  God took away his power of speech for three days.  John was born, a son, destined to be a chaste leader and Prophet.

Mary, the mother of Jesus was chosen and exalted by God and her story is told to Prophet Muhammad from the unseen, it is something he (Muhammad) knew nothing about.  The angels told Mary that God would give her a son who would be honored in both this world and the next.  He will speak while still in the cradle and in maturity will be among the righteous.  Mary is overwhelmed and confused for she is chaste and unmarried but the angels explain that God has only to say "Be" and it is.  God will teach her son, Jesus, the Messiah, the revelations, the Torah and the Gospel and he will be a Prophet and Messenger to the Children of Israel.  Jesus will do amazing things; make a bird of clay and it will become real, heal lepers and cure the blind - all with the permission of God.  Jesus will confirm the Torah and make some things that were previously forbidden permissible.  This is a sign for those who believe.  Jesus will command his people to be mindful of God and to worship Him.

Jesus felt that many disbelieved so he asked them who would help him in God’s cause.  The disciples said, "We will help you in God’s cause, we believe in Him and testify that we are Muslims."

The disbelievers plotted against Jesus, they had a plan but God also had a plan, a better one.  He promised to take Jesus and purify him from their disbelief and his followers to be exalted above the disbelievers, who will suffer severely in this world and the next.  Those who believe will gain their reward.  This Quran is full of signs and wise reminders.  As an example Jesus is like Adam, both created without a father.  God had only to say "Be", and he was.  Do not dispute about the birth of Jesus for this Quran has the true explanation.  There is no true deity but God and He knows who amongst you is a mischief maker. 

God tells Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, to invite the People of the Book to agree on what is common amongst them all; to worship none but God alone and associate nothing with Him.  Muhammad is also to ask them why they argue about whether Abraham is a Jew or a Christian.  Do they not reason as to how can he be a Jew or a Christian when he lived long before either the Torah or the Gospel were revealed.  Abraham was one who submitted to God and he did not associate anything with Him.  The people closest to Abraham are the Muslims, devoted to God Alone.  Some of the People of the Book try to mislead others but they lead themselves astray.

God addresses the People of the Book asking them why they conceal the truth by mixing it with lies.  Some People of the Book say they believe and then change their minds, over and over, as day changes into night.  They encourage the true believers to behave like this too.  Believers should only trust other believers.  God grants His Bounty and His Mercy to whomever He wills. 

Some amongst the People of the Book are trustworthy; others are not, because they do not think it is a sin to cheat someone not of their faith.  Those who have the correct faith, fear God, and keep their promises, are loved by God.  There are some who will sell out the truth for a small price, an agonising punishment awaits them.  Others twist God’s words into a lie.  No Prophet would ever say "Worship me, instead of God".  He would never suggest that angels or prophets be lords (gods) and he would never ask anyone to turn away from belief.

God reminds the People of the Book that He took an oath from them to believe in a Messenger that will come to them confirming what they had already been given.  They are reminded not to break their oath and warned that everyone returns to God, willingly or unwillingly.  Prophet Muhammad is told to say that Muslims believe in God and what has been revealed to them and in what was revealed to Prophet Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants, as well as Moses, Jesus and all Prophets from God.  There is no distinction between them – they all preached the same message and all need to be believed in.

A religion other than Islam will not be accepted and will lead to the Hellfire.  God will not guide those who reject belief after it has come to them.  There will be no respite except if they repent and correct themselves.  Those who disbelieved and died in that state will not be able to buy their way out of punishment even with enough gold to fill the whole earth.  No one will gain the greatest reward until he gives charity from what he cherishes, and God knows what is given.

God addresses the Children of Israel.  All the food that is lawful for the Muslims was lawful for them, except when they made it unlawful themselves.  They are warned against making up lies about God and told to follow the religion of Abraham.  Then they are reminded that the first House of God was at Mecca.  It is a blessed place and a sanctuary.  Pilgrimage to the House of God is a duty for all those who are able to find their way there.  God however does not need their pilgrimage, He is all Sufficient.   The People of the Book are asked why they deny the revelations from God and try to stop others from following the correct path.  God knows everything that they do.   He (God) reminds the believers that many People of the Book are trying to turn them from belief back to disbelief.  Think! God’s revelations are being recited and the Messenger (Muhammad) lives amongst you, He says.  Whoever clings to God will be shown the right path.

God speaks to the believers saying be mindful of God, devote yourselves to Him and do not die except in a state of full submission to Him.  Hold fast to the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad and stay together as a united community.  Let there be among that community people who invite others to righteousness, enjoin good and forbid evil.  On the Day of Judgment those with dark faces will be questioned about why they rejected faith and are punished for doing so, whilst the ones with bright faces will bask in God’s Mercy.  Everything belongs to God and will return to Him.

Among the People of the Book are believers but most of them are consistently disobedient.  For those with faith they are no more than an insignificant annoyance.  They will be disgraced because they killed the Prophets, defied God and used to transgress beyond bounds.   

Among the People of the Book are those who accept the message of Muhammad, believe in the Last Day, pray at night and bow down before God; enjoin good, forbid evil and compete with each other in doing good deeds.  These people will not be denied their reward.  The unbelievers will not have any protection not even from their wealth or their children.  Hypocritical charity will not help them.  They wronged themselves.  God reminds the believers not to form friendships with such people because they will try to corrupt you whilst desiring your utter destruction.  You might love them but they do not love you.  God knows what is in their hearts and says plainly that they grieve when good befalls you and rejoice when misfortune overtakes you.  There plans will not harm you for God knows exactly what they are doing.

Prophet Muhammad is reminded of how God intervened in the Battle of Uhud by strengthening the hearts of those who were wavering and how at the Battle of Badr He granted them victory over a large opposing force.  Remember these things and know that if you are mindful, God will strengthen your forces with 5000 angels ready for battle in case of a sudden attack.  Be sure though that it is God who relents or punishes.   Victory is only from God.  He forgives or He punishes according to His will.

God warns the believers against usury (compound interest that doubles and redoubles).  Fear God and obey Him and His Messenger.  He loves those who live good lives, give generously, control their anger and seek forgiveness for their sins.  Their reward is forgiveness and Paradise.  Travel through the lands and look at the history of those who disbelieved or rejected the truth.  The Quran is a guidance for all people.  Do not be downcast if you suffer for the days alternate, some are better than others.  God waits to see the true believers, those who will struggle and remain steadfast.

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was a Messenger and others like him passed through this world before him.  God asks the believers if Prophet Muhammad were to die would they reject his message.  Doing so would not harm God.  No one dies without God’s permission and he dies at a predetermined time.  Those who work for the sake of this life only, will get what God decides for them and they will not have a share in the Hereafter.  And those who work for the sake of the Hereafter, God will give them a share in the Hereafter, along with what He decides for them in this life.

In the past many Prophets have fought steadfastly for God, some with many followers, and they did not give in to adversaries or disbelief.  They only asked for forgiveness and victory over the disbelievers.  They were rewarded in this life and reward awaits them in the Hereafter.  If the believers obey the disbelievers, they will become losers.  God is your Protector and He will cast fear into the hearts of the disbelievers.  God addresses those who fought in the Battle of Uhud; they lost courage and disobeyed an order.  God says, some desired this world, others the Hereafter, so they were defeated.  It was a test.  They are already forgiven.

Those who fled from the battle even though Prophet Muhammad was calling out to them were rewarded with nothing but sorrow and grief.  This was to teach them a lesson not to grieve for what might have been.   God forgave them and caused calm to descend and some fell securely asleep but others were anxious and suspicious of God’s motives.  Prophet Muhammad is told to tell them that nothing would save those who were destined to die whether they had fought willingly or not or even if they had hidden in their homes.  On the day of the battle those who turned away did so because of Satan’s influence over them.  They too are forgiven.

The believers are reminded not to think that if their brothers had remained at home rather than travelling or fighting for the cause of God they would be safe and not die.  This is wrong.  God has control over life and death.  There is no cause for regret because whether you die at home or are killed you will return to God.  By the mercy of God, Prophet Muhammad was lenient.  If he had treated them harshly they would have deserted him.   Prophet Muhammad is told to pardon them, ask for forgiveness for them and to consult with them.  Take a course of action and then rely upon God, this is what God loves.

If God aids you none can overcome you but if He forsakes you none can aid you.  Therefore, the believers should put all of their trust in God.  It is inconceivable that any Prophet would withhold the spoils of war from the faithful.  Whoever deceives others will be accountable to God on the Day of Judgement.

A person seeking the pleasure of God does not behave like a person who has incurred the wrath of God.  In the eyes of God, they are on two completely different levels.  It was a great favor from God when Prophet Muhammad was made a Messenger to his people.  He is among them reciting the Quran, purifying them and teaching them how to behave even though before this they were clearly astray.

What happened on the day of the battle (Uhud) was a test from God to see who the true believers were and who the hypocrites were.  On that day the hypocrites were closer to disbelief when they spoke with their mouths what was not in their hearts.  God knows what is concealed.

Those who have been killed serving God are not dead but alive and happy.  They are receiving God’s grace and bounty and know that the reward of the believers will not be lost.  Those that remain faithful after suffering defeat will have a great reward.  Those who ignored the words of the hypocrites who were trying to instill fear suffered no harm but instead also received grace and bounty from God.  God reveals that it was Satan trying to instill fear but reminds the believers not to fear him.  He says fear only Me (God).

God tells Prophet Muhammad not to grieve over those who turn back to disbelief.  They will cause God no harm at all and they will find a terrible torment awaiting them in the Hereafter.  Those who barter faith for disbelief will also face a fierce punishment.  Some disbelievers are given more time on this earth but it is not a reward it is just a way to increase their burden of sins.  God will separate the believers from the hypocrites but not by revealing the unseen.  If you want to know about the unseen, know this, God chooses whomever he wants to be a Messenger, so believe in God and His Messenger and guard yourselves from evil.

Those who are stingy when giving in charity will find what they withhold hanging around their necks on the Day of Judgment.  The Children of Israel are questioned about the killing of their Prophets and reminded of the burning fire that waits for them.  Being kept away from the Fire and admitted into the gardens of Paradise is true success, and the life of this earthly world is nothing more than an illusion and is a test for you.  The believer will suffer much abuse at the hands of the People of the Book and the polytheists.  When God entrusted the People of the Book to spread His message they concealed it and sold it for a paltry price.  It was a bad bargain and they will be paid in full with an agonizing torment.

God has power over everything; the creation of the universe and its precision is a sign for those who understand.  Those who remember God are the ones who understand, they believe in God and His promise of Paradise and ask for forgiveness.  When they call out God answers promising that their good deeds will never be lost and those who had to flee their homes or were expelled or endured suffering for the sake of God will be rewards with Paradise.

Do not be perturbed by the freedom and ease of the unbelievers, their enjoyment will be brief and their final destination is Hell.  The believers will gain Paradise.  Among the People of the Book are those who believe submissively in God and His revelations, i.e.  they sincerely accept Islam; they will surely have their reward.  The believers are reminded to be mindful of God, patient and steadfast.
_______________________________________
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

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Chapter two, containing 286 verses, is the longest in the Quran. It was revealed in Medina and the title, The Cow, comes from the story of the cow discussed in verses 67 to 73.  Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said that everything has its peak and the peak of Quran is The Cow. It flows easily from one subject to another and its primary audience includes the believers, the Jews of Medina and the hypocrites.  The Median chapters focus on building a strong Muslim society and this chapter deals with many social, cultural, economic, political and legal issues.

Chapter 2 is the first of 29 chapters that begin with a combination of Arabic letters. These combinations are formed from fourteen letters and chapter two begins with alif, lam and meem. God did not reveal a specific meaning attached to any of these combinations although over the course of Islamic scholarship theories have been suggested.

This is the book, a guide for those who are God conscious. In the opening chapter God taught us how to ask for guidance and in the second chapter He presents us with a book of guidance. There is no doubt about its origin. From the beginning God stresses the fact that it is only those with God consciousness (taqwa) that will ask for and accept guidance. It is guidance for those who have taqwa, believe in the unseen, establish the prayer, give charity from what God has provided, believe in this revelation and the previous revelations, and believe in the Hereafter. These people will prosper. Those who disbelieve will not listen to Prophet Muhammad’s warning. God has covered their ears, eyes and hearts as a direct result of their arrogance and persistent sinfulness. There is a great punishment awaiting them.

There are some who say they believe but they do not. They are trying to deceive God but without knowing it they are only deceiving themselves. Their hearts are diseased, and agonizing treatment awaits them because of their persistent lying. When they are told not to cause corruption they justify their actions by saying that they are only putting things right or trying to make peace. Beware of those who make mischief but do not realize what they are doing. When they are told to believe as the others do, they reply sarcastically referring to the believers as fools. When they are with the believers they pretend to believe but alone with each other they mock. God mocks those who are not rightly guided and allows them to wander blindly. They have purchased error instead of guidance. They will never return to the right way. God presents us with parables in order that we might understand His ways. If we are surrounded by light and guided He can easily remove His guidance.  And if we are afraid and sheltering from a storm, God is able to leave us in darkness because He has power over all things.

Humankind, worship God, the one who created you, and those before you, to be conscious of Him. He spread out the earth, built the sky, and sent down rain to provide you with sustenance. Do not set up rivals to God; you know there is nothing comparable to Him. If you have doubts about the revelation then produce your own chapter like it. If you need help then call upon those you have set up as rivals to God. This is not possible, you will never be able to do it, so fear the Hellfire whose fuel is humankind and stones. It is prepared for the unbelievers.

Prophet Muhammad brings good news to those who believe. They will have gardens under which rivers flow. They will be provided with fruit resembling but not the same as those they recognize from earth. They will stay there in the gardens forever with spouses.

God presents us with examples and similitudes; the believers know they are the truth. The disbelievers ask what the examples mean. God causes the rebels to go even further astray. The ones who break their covenants or spread corruption are the losers. Why would you deny God? He gave you life and will cause you to die before bringing you to life again. You will return to Him.

When God told the angels He was putting humankind on earth, they asked why He would put those who cause bloodshed and damage there. They pointed out that they (the angels) only celebrate His praises and glorify His name. God answered that He knew things that they did not know.

Adam was taught the names of all things but when God showed the angels they could not tell Him the names of anything. God directed Adam to tell the angels all the names and when he had done so God reminded them that He had said that He knew things that they did not. God then asked the angels to bow down before Adam. They all bowed respectfully except for the disobedient Iblis (Satan) who was arrogant.

Adam was told to live in Paradise with his wife. They were allowed to eat freely and abundantly but ordered not to approach, or eat, from a certain tree. Satan tempted them to disobey and they were expelled from Paradise. God said He would send them all down to earth where they would live for a certain amount of time and some would be enemies to the other. He then spoke with Adam and taught him how to repent. God accepted his repentance and told Adam that although they were expelled, guidance would come, and those that accepted the guidance would have no reason to fear or grieve. But those who continued to disbelieve even after the messengers had come would abide eternally in the Fire.

The Jews are reminded of their blessings and the pledge they made to God. Believe in this revelation that confirms your own scripture. Do not deny this Quran and do not sell the previous revelations for a petty price. Fear only Me and do not mix truth with falsehood or conceal the truth. Establish the prayer, pay the prescribed alms and bow down with others that bow down. Would you expect others to be righteous yet forget to be righteous yourselves? Think! Those who do not fear God find it difficult to be patient and humble.

Remember God’s favor upon you and how He preferred you over all the people in the world. Guard against a Day when no intercession will be accepted. Remember when God saved you from Pharaoh’s people, parting the sea for you and drowning Pharaoh’s people before your very eyes. And remember the appointment God had with Moses for forty nights. While he was away you started worshipping a calf. You were wrongdoers but still God forgave you. Can you not be grateful?

And remember when God gave Moses the scripture and the law so that you would be guided.  And remember when Moses told his people how wrong they were when they worshipped the calf.  Moses advised his people to kill the guilty amongst them and God accepted their repentance.  And recall also when you told Moses that you would not accept him unless you saw God.  A thunderbolt struck you down dead but God revived you and gave you shade and provided you with manna (provisions) from heaven.  In spite of this your forefathers violated God’s commandments.  By doing so they did not harm God but they did harm themselves.

And remember also when God told you to enter Jerusalem and eat from wherever you found abundance.  He reminded you to enter the gate humbly asking for relief from the burden of your sins.  Your sins would have been forgiven, and your rewards increased, but the wrongdoers changed the words you were given and God punished you with a scourge from heaven.

Remember when Moses prayed for water and was told to strike a rock with his staff.  Twelve springs sprang forth and one was assigned to each tribe.  God told you to eat and drink and not to create mischief or spread corruption.  You complained to Moses about the food when you were already eating the best food.  Go back you were told and you will find what you have asked for, and you found nothing but humiliation, degradation and the wrath of God.  This was because you continually rejected the commandments of God and unjustly killed His prophets.  This is all because you were disobedient lawbreakers.

Rest assure that the believers and all those who followed their prophets during their times will be successful.

Remember the covenant, where we made the mountain tower above you;  We asked you to hold fast to what We have given you and to remember its teachings.  But even when you turned away God’s Mercy and Favor was still on you or you would have become the losers.  And you knew that those who turned away from the Sabbath were turned into despised apes.  It was a deterrent and a lesson for those that were there and those who followed them.   

And recall what happened when Moses told his people that God commanded they slaughter a cow.  They accused Moses of ridiculing them, and began to ask details instead of simply following the instruction.  Moses told them God said the cow should be deep yellow and pleasing to the eye, but still they persisted in getting more detail.  So Moses told them that God said the cow should not have been used to till the soil or water the fields and she should be free from blemishes.  They were finally satisfied and slaughtered the cow.

Then a killing that was concealed, along with accusations and denials, was brought to light by God.  Therefore, as a sign that God has power over life and death, He ordered them to strike the dead body with a piece of the cow.  The body came back to life, but in spite of this sign, their hearts became harder than rocks.  There are some rocks from which rivers burst forth, others that split open with water, and there are some that fall down from fear of God.  And God knows exactly what you do.

Believers! Do you still hope that some of the People of the Book will believe in what you say even though they have already heard the words of God and perverted them? When they are with the believers they say that they are believers too.  But when they are alone they say do not tell them what we know in case they use it against us before God.  Do they really believe that God does not know what they conceal and what they reveal?

Some of them are illiterate and they do not know their own revelation.  They follow their own desires and wishful thinking.  Woe to those who write the "scripture" with their own hands, and then claim that it is from God in order to make some small gain.  Woe to them, for what they have written and for what they have earned.   They believe the Fire will not touch them except for a few days.  Did God make this promise? God does not break his covenants, so are you saying things that you have no evidence for?

Whoever earns evil and is surrounded by his sin will abide in the Fire, forever.  On the other hand, those who believe and do good deeds will be in Paradise, forever.  God took a covenant from the Children of Israel to worship none but He (God), and to be good to parents and family, and to orphans and the destitute; to speak mildly and kindly, and to establish the prayer, and pay the obligatory charity.  All but a few turned away and broke the covenant.

And there was yet another covenant, to not shed blood amongst one another or to drive one another from their homes.  They acknowledged it at the time but now they do these things and help one another in sin and aggression.  They also trade those they expelled unlawfully for ransom.  Do they believe in some parts of the revelation but not all parts? What punishment do they deserve, disgrace in this world and severe punishment on the Day of Judgement? They trade this life for the Hereafter, so their punishment will not be lightened.

We gave Moses the Torah and then sent Jesus with clear signs and supported him with Gabriel, the Holy Spirit.  God asks the Jews, why did you call some of the prophets imposters and kill others? They answered that their hearts are sealed.  God has cursed them for their disbelief.  A Book (Quran) has come confirming the revelations before it but they reject it.  They sell their souls for a small price.  A humiliating torment awaits them. 

When they are told to believe in God’s revelations they say we believe in what was revealed to us but not in what came after it, even though it confirms their own scriptures.  If you truly believed your own scriptures, why did you kill your own prophets? Moses came to you but as soon as he was out of sight you worshipped the calf.  Remember the covenant when the mountain was lifted over their heads? Listen to what We say, God said, but they answered we hear and disobey.  That is how much they loved the calf.  If you are real believers, why does faith cause you to do such evil?

If you (Jews) really believe that Paradise is for you alone why don’t you wish for death? They will not because they are well aware of the consequences of their behavior.  God understands how the disbelievers’ minds work.  They are greedy for life, wishing for a thousand years, but not even that will save them from the promised punishment.

The enemies of angel Gabriel should know that he brought the Quran to Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.  Whoever is an enemy to God, His angels, and His messengers should know that God is the enemy of such unbelievers.  Those who refuse to believe the clear messages defy God.  Every covenant was thrown aside. 

When the Messenger confirmed their scriptures, they hid their books as if they were nothing.  They accepted what the followers of Satan falsely attributed to Solomon.  In Babylon the angels Harut and Marut taught the people witchcraft after warning them not to disbelieve.  They learned from them how to cause discord between a man and his wife although they could harm no one except with God’s permission.   What they learned was harmful and of no benefit in the Hereafter.  Being mindful of God would have been a better choice.

When speaking to Prophet Muhammad do no use ambiguous words in order to abuse him.  The disbelievers do not want you receive any good from God, but God chooses whoever He pleases.  God does not abrogate a verse or cause one to be forgotten except that He sends one better or similar.  God has dominion over the heavens and the earth and He is the only Protector or Helper.  Do you intend to persistently question Prophet Muhammad the way Prophet Moses was questioned? Whoever exchanges belief for unbelief is lost.  Many Jews and Christians wish they could turn you back from your belief; forgive them and put up with their behavior until God gives His command.[1]  Establish the prayer and pay your obligatory charity.   Whatever good deeds you send forth for yourselves, you will certainly find its reward with God.  God has power over all things and sees everything.

Saying no one will enter Paradise unless they are a Christian or a Jew is just wishful thinking without evidence.  Any good person who submits to God (i.e.  follows Islam) will have nothing to fear.  The Jews, the Christians, and the pagan Arabs all accuse each other but God will decide between them. 

The most unjust are those who prevent the mention of God’s name and try to destroy the mosques. They will have disgrace in this world and punishment in the Hereafter.  Both the east and the west belong to God so no matter where you turn you will find His Face.  They say that God has a son! Exalted is He above all they falsely attribute to Him.  Everything belongs to Him, He only has to say "Be," and it is.  They ask why God does not speak to them, but there are clear signs for those who have faith.  Prophet Muhammad was sent with the truth to convey the message, and he is not responsible for the inhabitants of the Fire.

The Jews and Christians will never be satisfied until you follow them, but if you turn from the truth you will lose.  Those who disbelieve are losers, but some who follow the previous scriptures recognize the truth. 

Remember, Children of Israel, how God favoured you over others, and fear the Day when there will be no help of any kind.  When Abraham was tested and fulfilled God’s commands, He made him a leader.  Abraham asked about his descendants and God said only those who did not do evil would be leaders.

Remember also when the Kabah was a sanctuary and God instructed Abraham and Ishmael to cleanse it for those going around it in circles.  Abraham asked God to secure and provide for those who believed in God.  God answered that He would provide for the disbelievers also but that their enjoyment would be short and then they would be subjected to the torment of the Fire. 

Abraham and Ishmael renewed the foundations of the Kabah and asked God to accept it from them.  They asked God to make them and their descendants Muslims.  And Muhammad was appointed from among them.  Only a fool would not accept the religion of Abraham.  God chose Abraham to be a Muslim and he left this legacy to his sons.  And Jacob commanded his sons to devote themselves to God, warning them not to die unless they are Muslims.

The Jews were not there when Jacob was dying.  He asked his sons what they intended to worship after he was gone.  The sons answered that they would worship his God and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael.  That community passed away and they will be answerable for their own deeds.  When they ask you to be Jews or Christians, answer that you follow the religion of Abraham.  The believers should answer that they believe in God and what was sent down to all the prophets without making a distinction between them.  Believers should say God ordained our religion.

Muhammad is told to tell the disbelievers not dispute about God and that all will be held accountable to Him.  Are you saying that Abraham and his descendants were Jews or Christians? Who would know better, you or God? Who could be more wicked than the person who hides the truth from the previous scriptures attesting to the nature of God’s religion and the coming of Prophet Muhammad.  This nation has passed on and only they will be questioned about their deeds.

Foolish people will ask what caused the change in the prayer direction.  All directions belong to God, and He changed the direction only to determine who the true followers of Prophet Muhammad were.  It was a hard test.  Many times God watched Prophet Muhammad turn his face towards heaven; now the faces will turn in a direction that will please him, towards the Kabah.  The Jews and Christians will not accept your direction.  Do not yield to their desires or you will be among the wrong doers.

Those who received the scriptures before you conceal their knowledge.  The truth is from God, do not doubt it.  Each religious community has its own direction (to face), so compete with each other to do good deeds, and God will bring you all together on the Day of Judgment.  When you pray, turn towards the Holy Kabah in Mecca.  Prophet Muhammad recites the Quran and teaches you wisdom.  Remember Me (God), be grateful and do not deny Me, and I will remember you.  Seek help through patience and prayer because God is with the patient.  Do not say that those who die in God’s cause are dead; they are alive, but you are unable to perceive it.

You will be tested with fear, famine and losses, but bear it patiently to find blessings from God. The hills in the sacred mosque in Mecca, Safa and Marwah, are two of God’s signs, so perform the major and minor pilgrimage rites. Walk between the hills without fear. God rejects those who hide truth and guidance unless they repent. Hell is for the disbelievers. There is only One God and there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. God’s creation of the universe with all its wonders is a sign for people who think. However, some still worship other than God. If only they could see their false gods on the Day of Judgement disowning and distancing themselves from their followers. They will ask for one last chance, but God will show them the fruits of their actions and they will feel bitter regret.

Oh humankind. Eat from what is lawful and good, and do not follow your enemy Satan. He leads to evil and immorality and encourages you to speak about God without wisdom or knowledge. When asked to follow God they refuse and say that they will follow what their forefathers did.  This makes no sense. Calling to disbelievers is like calling to the deaf, dumb and blind. They are incapable of understanding. Eat from the good and lawful things provided and give thanks to God. Do not eat dead meat, blood, pig meat, or meat that has been slaughtered in the name of something other than God. If you are compelled to do so out of necessity it is not a sin.

Those who conceal part of God’s Book or sell His revelations for material gain will only consume fire and on the Day of Judgment God will not speak to them. They exchange guidance for error and forgiveness for torment. God has sent the Book but some still try to deviate. Turning your faces one way or the other is not righteousness. True righteousness is to believe in God, the Day of Judgment, the angels, the scriptures and the prophets. The righteous person gives in charity, despite the fact that they love their wealth and riches. And they give to relatives, orphans, the needy, the travellers, to the destitute, and to free those in bondage. They establish the prayer, pay the obligatory charity, keep their promises and are steadfast in misfortune. They are truthful and pious.

O you who believe. Fair retribution is prescribed in cases of murder; the murderer will be put to death and no one else in his place. If the culprit is pardoned be fair and pay what is due. This process is a mercy from God. Exceeding the limits will result in a painful punishment. When death approaches a bequest for parents and near relatives is incumbent upon you.[1]  If a bequest is changed it is a sin on the one who changes it, but there is no blame on one who suspects an error and brings about a settlement.

The Quran was revealed in Ramadan, a book to guide all of mankind. Fast in this month, but if you are ill or on a journey, then you should make up the lost days later. God does not want you to undergo hardship but He does want you to glorify Him and show gratefulness. God is near and responds to those who call Him. Therefore be obedient and put your trust in God.

It is permissible to have sexual relations with your lawful partners the night before fasting. You are like clothing for each other. God knows it was difficult for you to abstain so He made this easy for you. Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread of night, then fast until nightfall. Do not have sexual relations during your retreat in the mosques in the last ten days of Ramadan. Do not overstep the set limits.

Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or in bribery. When they ask about the crescent moons say that they are to determine periods of time and the time of the pilgrimage. Do not enter houses from the back doors; enter through the proper doors and fear God.

Fight those who fight you but do not transgress the boundaries.[2] Kill them wherever you encounter them and drive them out of the places from which they drove you. Killing is bad but creating mischief is worse.  Fight until there is no more disorder and God’s religion reigns supreme. If they cease hostilities then stop and do not fight again unless they transgress the boundaries. Fighting in the sacred month is forbidden but if anyone commits aggression against you it is permissible to retaliate.

 Complete the pilgrimages, taking care to follow the rules set out by God. The major pilgrimage Hajj is in the well-known months and those who undertake it must refrain from sexual relations, obscene language, and fighting or bickering. Take provisions but piety is the best provision. There is no harm in doing business. When you return from Arafah stop at Muzdalifah and then depart from the place where all the people depart. And after fulfilling your duties remember God more passionately than how you used to remember your forefathers before Islam.

Those who only pray for good in this world will have no share in the Hereafter, but those who ask for good in this world and the next, and seek protection from the Fire will achieve what they have worked for. Remember God on the days after the sacrifice. You can leave after two days or stay on.

Among the people there are some hypocrites who impress you with their views and call upon God to witness what is in their hearts, but when away from you they causes mischief and destruction, and do not take heed when told to fear God. Hell will be their abode. On the other hand, there are some who give their lives to seek God’s pleasure. God is affectionate to his devotees. O believers embrace Islam completely and do not follow in the footsteps of Satan, your avowed enemy. If you deviate after clear proofs have come to you, then know that no one can escape His punishment or defeat Him. Are they expecting God to come down? All matters will be presented to Him.

Ask the Jews about the clear cut signs they were given. Anyone who changes God’s revelations should understand that God’s retribution will be severe. The life of this world is charming to the disbelievers but those who fear God will rank above them on the Day of Judgement. God gives provision to whom He wills without limit.

Humankind was one nation with one religion but soon people invented their own religions. Thus God sent prophets and messengers with good news, warnings, and guidance with which to settle disputes. They started more disputes because of rivalry. God guided those who believed; He guides whoever He wants.

Do you think you will enter Paradise without trials, even though you have seen what happened in the past?  They were afflicted with poverty and hardship until even their messengers cried out to God. God’s help is close at hand.

When they ask what they should spend in charity tell them to spend on their parents and relatives, and orphans, the needy and the traveler. God knows the good you do. Fighting is obligatory even though you might dislike it. Perhaps you dislike things that are good for you and love things that are bad for you. God knows, you do not.

Fighting in the sacred month and creating mischief in the sacred mosque are offences greater than killing.[1]  When they ask about charity tell them to spend whatever they can. God makes His revelations clear so that you may reflect. Deal justly with orphans. Do not marry a polytheistic person until they believe. A believing slave is better than a polytheist free person. The polytheists invite you to the Hellfire while God invites you to Paradise and forgiveness.

Do not have sexual intercourse when your wife is menstruating; wait until she becomes pure. God loves those who are clean. Have sexual intercourse in any way that is pleasing to you but do not contravene God’s commandments. Take care of your future. Do not use God’s name in oaths or as an excuse. You are not blamed for what is unintentional.

Those who renounce sexual relations with their wives have a limitation of four months. After that is reconciliation or divorce. Divorced women must wait three menstrual periods before remarrying and must not conceal a pregnancy. In that period they can reconcile. Wives have rights similar to their obligations but husbands have a degree of responsibility above them. There are only two revocable divorces. The third is irrevocable. Do not take back any gifts unless you make a mutual arrangement. After the third divorce a couple cannot marry unless the wife marries and is divorced by another man. During the divorce act with dignity and honour and do not cause trouble; God sees everything.

Breastfeeding is for two years if it is desirable; maintenance is the responsibility of the father. No person should suffer on account of their child. Treat wet nurses in an honourable manner. A widow must wait four months and ten days before she remarries. It is permissible to propose marriage during the waiting period, however, do not confirm the marriage until after. A divorce is acceptable before consummation or the dowry is settled but pay them something; and if the dowry is settled then pay half, unless the woman waives it, full is more honourable. Guard your regular prayers especially the middle one.  If you fear danger, pray while walking or riding. Maintain widows for one year and do not expel them from their homes.[2]  Treat divorced women in a fair manner.

Reflect upon the people who fled their homes fearing death. God caused them to die and then return to life. Fight in God’s cause. Give God a good loan and He will increase it many times. Reflect on what happened after the death of Moses. The Jews were ordered to fight in God’s cause yet most refused. Saul was chosen by God to be king but many questioned his worthiness. Their Prophet said that the Ark of the Covenant will come to you as a sign of his kingship. At the river most of them failed God’s test. But the believers among them knew that often God supported small groups. By God’s will David killed Goliath and was given Saul’s kingdom. God repelled one set of people by the might of another.

Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is one of the messengers, and some messengers are exalted above others. God spoke directly to some.  Jesus was given clear proofs and was supported by the Holy Spirit. If God had willed it some groups of people would not have fought each other. Give charity from what God has provided before the Day comes when there will be no bargaining or intercession.

God, there is no deity except Him. He does not sleep, and everything belongs to Him. There is no intercession without His permission, and His knowledge includes every aspect of the past, present and future. His knowledge is incomprehensible except for what He reveals. His throne is vaster than the heavens and the earth and guarding them does not exert Him. He is the Most High.

There is no compulsion in religion. Whoever rejects the forces of Satan has a firm handhold that will not break. God leads from darkness to light but Satan leads from light to darkness. Reflect upon Nimrod and Abraham. Nimrod considered himself a god but Abraham pointed out his error. And think about Prophet Ezra who died for 100 years. Ezra saw God’s power over life and death. And consider when God showed Abraham how to bring four birds back to life.

Those who spend to please God will be rewarded many times. Those who do not remind people of their benevolence or follow their charitable deeds with hurtful words will see their reward. God reminds of this fact with parables and cautions us not to make our charity worthless. Give from the best things that you have not things that are no longer useful to you.

Satan threatens you with poverty and tries to make you commit sin, while God offers His forgiveness and bounties. God gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever is given wisdom is certainly blessed with a lot of good. God knows your charity and your vows. Public charity is good but private charity is better. This will quash some of your sins. Prophet Muhammad is not responsible for guidance, God guides whom He wills. Charity to please God will be to your advantage. It will be paid back in full. Give to those who are in need while engaged in God’s work. You can recognize them by their appearance, and God knows what you spend. Those who give charity openly and secretly have nothing to fear. Trading is lawful but interest is forbidden, it leads to the Hellfire. Interest is cursed, charity is blessed. Write contracts when lending to each other, and let there be witnesses. This is more just but unnecessary for small business transactions. On a journey pledges can replace contracts. Do not conceal testimony.

Everything belongs to God. You will be asked to account for everything you do. God will pardon or punish as He pleases. He has complete control. Prophet Muhammad and the believers believe what has been revealed by Him. They believe in God, His angels, His books, and all of His prophets, equally. They hear and obey. God does not burden anyone with more than they can bear. Each person will bear the consequences of their actions. The believers ask God to forgive their forgetfulness and mistakes, to not burden them like those who came before them, and to not lay on them a burden they are unable to bear. They ask for forgiveness, mercy, and help against the unbelievers.
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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.

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“I begin with the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

All praise is to God, Lord of all the worlds

Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Master of the Day of Judgment

You Alone do we worship and You Alone do we ask for help

Guide us to the straight path

The Path of those on whom You bestowed Your bounties

Not the path of those who incurred Your wrath or those who went astray.” (Quran 1:1-7)

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, told us, that this chapter in the Quran is unlike any other. Nothing like it was revealed in any previous scripture. When one recites this chapter sincerely they would be professing their belief as a true Muslim.

When you state that all praise is due to God alone, you are in fact acknowledging that only He has all the attributes of perfection and that only He is the bestower of all the bounties that any of His creation enjoys.  And since gratefulness is the essence of worship, you are also acknowledging that He is the only one who deserves to be worshipped.

The Arabic word for Lord, Rubb, conveys a number of meanings that are not accurately captured by the English word Lord. It means that He is the one who owns, who creates, who sustains and who looks after all that exists.  The only relationship between Him and all creation is that He is the creator of all that exists.  He cannot therefore be the father of anyone in any real sense! To say that He is the Creator and yet the father of some of His creation is a contradiction in terms.  You don’t create your child, you beget him.  It is because of this that the Quran keeps reminding those who claim that God has children (the Arabs who used to say that the angels are the daughters of God, the Christians who say that Jesus is the son of God, and a Jewish sect who used to believe that Ezra is the son of God) that God is the Creator and Owner of everything.    

The two Arabic words, Rahman and Raheem, for which these English phrases stand, are two intensive forms of a root word which conveys the meaning of mercy.  Rahman is more intensive than Raheem, and refers to God’s all-encompassing mercy, His mercy to all His creation in this life and the life to come.  Raheem refers to His special mercy to the faithful.  No created being can therefore be Rahman, but created beings can be described as Raheem in a limited and special sense of the word. 

God is the Master of all days and all things, but while some people can have some limited mastership or even falsely claim to have it, no one can be, or claim to be master in any sense on the Day of Reckoning.  On that Day God will ask all of His creation: “To whom is sovereignty today?” And the answer will be “To God, the One who holds absolute sway over all that exists”.  This reminds us of the fact that this world is only a transient station on the road to the final abode where we shall either be rewarded or punished for what we do here. 

The foregoing verses were like an introduction to this one.  It is as if you are saying: because we acknowledge the fact that all praise is to You, that You are the Lord of all the worlds, that You are Most Gracious and Most Merciful, and that You Alone are the Master of the Day of Judgment, we hereby declare that we worship none but You and seek help from none except You.   This verse emphasizes the fact that what is important is not only that You worship God, but that you worship none besides Him, because none except Him deserves to be worshipped.  Worship in the broader sense of the word includes that you obey none but Him in any absolute sense, love no one as or more than you love Him and pray to no one except Him. It also includes that you seek help from none but God; this doesn’t mean that you don’t extend or accept any help from any of God’s created beings in matters in which they have the power to help.  It only means that you believe that even when you give or receive such help that it is ultimately coming from God because nothing in this world happens without His will and power.  So it is from Him alone that you are ultimately turning for help, and it is on Him that you ultimately and absolutely depend. 

Having acknowledged all those truths about God, and having declared to Him that it is He Alone that we worship and ask for help, we now go on to ask Him to grant us the thing that we need most: knowing and taking the shortest path that leads to Him.  Having known who God is we are convinced that such guidance must come from Him, that it must be available to all who want to follow it, and that there must be no doubt about the fact that it is from Him.  That guidance, we know, is no where to be found in any complete way except in God’s words, the words that He revealed to His chosen Prophets like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, may God praise them all.  But we also know for sure that none of the books that contain that guidance is now at our disposal except one - the Quran.  It is to this Divine book that we must turn for a detailed description of the Straight Path that leads to our Lord.  This path is an absolute path that was given to each Prophet and Messenger of God and it does not change over the passage of time.

The straight path described in the Quran is not a theoretical path; it is an actual path that some people before us have taken.  As Muslims, we believe every Prophet and Messenger of God preached the belief in the Oneness of God and that all worship was to be dedicated to Him alone.

Just as the Straight Path is described above in a positive way, the paths of those who deviated from it are described in a negative manner. We always ask our Lord to keep us away from the paths taken by two kinds of deviant people: those who knew the truth about religion and yet refused to act according to it, and there brought upon themselves the wrath of God. The second group of people were those who made their religion suit their whims and desires and are thus went astray.  The Quran tells us in some detail about their main deviations, among the greatest of which is that they have no great respect for God or His words: they ascribe to Him imperfect, even insulting attributes; they distort His words at will to make them suit their own wishes or preferences and they commit immoralities in the name of religion.
_______________________________________
By Dr. Jaafar Sheikh Idris
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]