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Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh! Welcome back to BeQuranic’s Tafseer & Taraweeh podcast. Alhamdulillah, tonight is the 13th night of Ramadan. We continue our reflections on Surah Al-An’am, resuming from verse 41.

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Allah reminds the Quraysh—and us—that in moments of desperation, we instinctively turn only to Him. Even Abu Jahl, one of the Prophet’s greatest enemies, made dua to Allah at the Ka’bah for victory just before the Battle of Badr—ironically asking Allah to grant victory to the righteous, unaware he was sealing his own defeat.

Allah then speaks about how previous nations were tested with trials and calamities so they might humble themselves. Difficulties are a sign from Allah, an opportunity to pause, reflect, and correct our paths. When hardship comes, it’s either a purification of sins or a means of elevating our ranks spiritually, bringing us closer to the example of the Prophets who faced the greatest trials.

However, not everyone responds positively. Some, like Fir’aun, become even more arrogant, their hearts hardened by difficulties instead of humbled by them. Events in life aren’t inherently good or bad—it’s how we respond that defines them. A hardship can be a blessing if we respond with patience, and a blessing can become harmful if we respond with arrogance or neglect Allah.