The 17 Verses Podcast: Distilling the Qur'an One Day at a Time

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 26, Ash-Shu‘arã or the Poets, verses 105-122. These verses relate the story of Prophet Noah, his dialogue with his people and the subsequent destruction of the disbelievers. I chose this selection because Prophet Noah's story is about starting over. Maybe you can't destroy every bad thing in the world but think about starting over, how you can purge negative influences and make your life better, spiritually and otherwise.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 26, Ash-Shu‘arã or the Poets, verses 69-104. These verses relate the story of Prophet Abraham and his arguments against idol worship, and the Prophet's prayer for this life and the hereafter.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection contains the entirety of Surah 85, Al-Burüj or the Constellations, verses 1-22. This Surah talks of the persecution of Allah's votaries or devoted followers. God watches over His own and will deal with the enemies of Truth as He dealt with them in the past. 

Tafseer for this Surah concerns the Zodiac signs or constellations mentioned in verse 1 and makers of the pit of fire in verse 4.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 72, Al-Jinn or the Spirits, verses 16-28. In these verses, it is asserted that mosques are built for the worship of Allah, so no one else should be invoked. Prophets do not have the power to harm of benefit anyone; they only convey God's message. Only God knows the unseen and reveals it to those Prophets. 

Tafseer for this selection concerns the deeper meaning behind the use of "rain" in verse 16.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 72, Al-Jinn or the Spirits, verses 1-15. These verses discuss a beautiful speech of the Jinns who embraced Islam after hearing the Qur'an and how they also have difference religions and sects and some who submit to the will of God and others who deviate from the truth.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 33, Al-Ahzãb or the Confederates, verses 53-73. These verses discuss conduct with the Prophet and his wives, blessings for the Prophet, dress code for women, punishment for Hypocrites and scandal mongers, and how the unbelievers will ask for double punishment from their leaders on the Day of Judgment. 

Tafseer concerns the screen or hijab for the Prophet's wives in verses 53-55.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 33, Al-Ahzãb or the Confederates, verses 35-52. These verses teach that it is not befitting for believers to have an option in what has been decided by God and his Messenger. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a Messenger and Seal of the Prophethood and a bearer of good news and spreader of light. Lastly, information about divorce without a waiting period, the Prophet marrying more than 4 wives and a restriction on this exception.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 30, Ar-Rüm or the Romans, verses 41-60. These verses tell of how mischief in the land is the result of Man's own misdeeds. God sent his Messengers to guide the people; Allah helped the believers and those who rejected the message faced God's retribution. Lastly, it is God who has created you and will bring you to justice on the Day of Judgment.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 30, Ar-Rüm or the Romans, verses 28-40. In these verses, we are reminded that the wrongdoers are led by their own desires without true knowledge. When an affliction befalls a people, they cry out to God but after God helps them, they commit shirk instead. Lastly, we hear the commandment to give one's relatives their due and likewise to the poor and travelers in need.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 2, Al-Baqarah or the Cow, verses 197-210. These verses first talk of the Hajj, or Pilgrimage, to Mecca and then discuss the matter of hypocrisy vs belief and conclude with an admonition to enter into Islam completely.