Renewal By The Book: Quran Tafsir Based on Imam Ghazali's Ihya

In this re-broadcasted lesson, Shaykh Faraz highlights the verses 183-186 of Surat al-Baqara, which are the verses on fasting and Ramadan. They correspond to the sixth chapter of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya on fasting. He tells us about the aims of fasting through these verses and gives some key meanings of those aims and tips on how to attain them. In verse 183 of Surat al-Baqara, Allah tells us that “Believers! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God.” (يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ).

First, Shaykh Faraz explains the balance and significance of corresponding with the people of book and faith before Islam. He clarifies the difference between corresponding and following, and how correspondence gives a sense of continuity of guidance. Shaykh Faraz then explains the concept of taqwa (mindfulness of Allah). He defines it as guarding oneself against the displeasure of Allah.

He then gives some key guidance on how to attain that taqwa. Then in verse 185 of Surat al-Baqara, Allah tells us that “Ramadan is the month that the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong…God wants ease for you, not a hardship. He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.” (شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ… يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ).

Shaykh Faraz explains that the verses highlight that the significance of the month of Ramadan is that it is the month the Quran was revealed in, and not the month of fasting. He also highlights that it is an opportunity to recognize Divine mercy, ease, and have gratitude. Finally, in verse 186 of Surat al-Baqara Allah tells us: “[Prophet], if My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I respond to those who call Me, so let them respond to Me, and believe in Me, so that they may be guided.” (وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ).

Shaykh Faraz tells us that this verse expresses the reality of Allah’s immediate closeness without mediation, and what that means. He also highlights the saying of one of the early imams of Islam, Imam Sahl al-Tustari, on the first of the stations of closeness to Allah. He says that it is to feel shyness and shame before Allah of how heedless one is, and how little one is putting forth for the sake of Allah. In this series, Shaykh Faraz will be looking at points of reflection from key verses in the Quran. The series will follow the thematic order of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Knowledges). The aim is to connect the key verses of guidance from the Book of Allah with the blueprint of renewal, the Ihya, so that we experience a renewal by The Book

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In this re-broadcast episode, Shaykh Faraz highlights verse 14 of Surah Taha (Chapter 20), which is about establishing prayer out of remembrance: (إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي)  “Truly, I am Allah. There is no god but me. So worship Me and establish prayer out of My remembrance.” Shaykh Faraz goes on to explain that the reason for prayer is the remembrance of Allah. Within that, there are three levels of remembrance: [1] those who worship seeking to remember, [2] those who worship in remembrance, and [3] those who worship out of remembrance.

All of these levels are implicit in this verse. There are 4 considerations to why we worship: [1] What is worship? – That which is expressed by the slave towards their master. [2] Who is the One worshiped? – Allah Most High; the act of worship is not about the act itself, the one praying but about the One being prayed to. Allah, the Creator, and Sustainer of all things. [3] Who is the worshiper? – Slave of Allah: in absolute existential neediness of Allah. Worship: expression of neediness — only means of fulfillment of inherent neediness. [4] What is the act of worship? – Prayer expresses neediness in the most comprehensive of ways because it is both inward and outward engaging both heart and limbs. Prayer expresses a need, turning, and presence with the One you are praying to.

Lastly, Shaykh Faraz emphasizes that one must pray in the same way that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) did. No one expressed neediness of Allah, turning towards HIm and presence with Allah like the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did. We must, as believers, strive to uphold the outward manifestations of prayer because they are the containers of the meaning of presence, that is prayer.

In this series, Shaykh Faraz will be looking at points of reflection from key verses in the Quran. The series will follow the thematic order of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya Uloom al-Din (Renewing the Religious Knowledges). The aim is to connect the key verses of guidance from the Book of Allah with the blueprint of renewal, the Ihya so that we experience a renewal by The Book.

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The post 04 – Establishing Prayer- Renewal by the Book- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz highlights verses 222 of Surat al-Baqara, and how it corresponds to the third chapter of Ghazali’s Ihya on purification. (إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ) (Truly, Allah loves the oft-repentant and He loves those who purify themselves completely). Shaykh Faraz explains that repentance (tawba) is to return (ruju’). He outlines the different levels of return: [1] from disbelief to belief, [2] from sin to submission, and [3] from distance to closeness.

Shaykh Faraz then explains that purification is the removal of impurities, both physically and spiritually. He tells us that there is a link between physical and spiritual purity. Some of the wisdoms of ritual purity is to assist the presence of heart, it’s expiatory, it nurtures God-consciousness, mindfulness, restraint, and lumination.

Shaykh Faraz then highlights the explanation of the verse by Imam al-Qushayri. He says that those being referred to in the verse are on different levels. On one level they are those who repent from sins and purify themselves from blameworthy traits. On another level, they are those who repent from the blameworthy and purify themselves from distractions. On yet another level, they are those who repent with the water of seeking forgiveness and purify themselves with the effulgent water of shame and brokenness.

Finally, they are those who repent from slips and purify themselves from heedlessness. Finally, Shaykh Faraz concludes with the story of one of the early imams of Islam, Imam al-Junaid, and how he defines repentance. He tells us that repentance is to forget about the sin after repentance out of rejoicing in Allah’s favor and mercy.

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The post 03 – Purification & Repentance – Renewal by the Book- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this re-broadcast episode, Shaykh Faraz highlights the closing verses of Surat al-Baqara, verses 284-286, and how they correspond to the second chapter of Ghazali’s Ihya on faith. He tells us about the verses’ great merit, key underlying meanings as they relate to faith and certitude, and some guiding advice on how to benefit from these verses. Shaykh Faraz relates to us the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that: “whoever recites the closing verses from Surat al-Baqara at night, they will be sufficient for them.

He explains that sufficiency here is unconditional, meaning that they are sufficient in everything. Shaykh Faraz explains how verse 285 of Surat al-Baqara is an affirmation of faith. He tells us that faith is the confirmation of truth as transmitted, and entails complete slavehood and submissiveness to God, as well as complete acceptance.

Shaykh Faraz also highlights how Islam has a balance of ease and responsibility. The verses tell us that no soul is responsible for more than it is able. The verses call us to turn to Allah in faith, seeking pardon, forgiveness, and mercy. In this series, Shaykh Faraz will be looking at points of reflection from key verses in the Quran. The series will follow the thematic order of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya Uloom al-Din (Renewing the Religious Knowledge). The aim is to connect the key verses of guidance from the Book of Allah with the blueprint of renewal, the Ihya, so that we experience a renewal by The Book.

The post 02 – Faith & Certitude- Renewal by the Book- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani appeared first on SeekersGuidance.