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 3, Âli-‘Imrân or the Family of Imran, verses 42-54. These verses tell the story of Mary, who was chosen by God and exalted above all the women of the world. She gave birth to Prophet Isa or Jesus. It recounts the miracles of Prophet Jesus and asserts that followers of Prophet Jesus are Muslim, which literally means, "one who bows to the will of God". 

Also, a short tafseer concerning the Qur'anic story of Prophet Jesus.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 29, Al-‘Ankabüt or the Spider, Verses 14-30. These verses tell the stories of how Prophet Noah and Prophet Abraham faced persecution and ridicule for preaching God's word. Prophet Abraham's nephew, Lot, who became a Prophet himself preached the word of God as well.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 29, Al-‘Ankabüt or the Spiders, verses 1-13. These verses assert that Allah tests the believers to see who is truthful and who is a liar. Be kind to your parents but do not obey them if they commit shirk (or associating others with Allah). Lastly, those who claim to be able to alleviate our burdens are liars.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 34, Sabã’ or Sheba, verses 37-54. These verses assert that belief is what bring us close to God, not wealth or children. Whatever the believers spend in charity will be returned to them by God. Meanwhile, the unbelievers are asked to reflect on their wrong statements or else on the Day of Judgment, they will want to believe but it will be too late.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 34, Sabã’ or Sheba, verses 22-36. These verses prevails upon the believers that no intercession before God can prevail except that which He permits. Those who do not believe in the message will have yokes placed around their necks before being ushered in to hell. Lastly, wealth and children in this world are not indications of Allah's pleasure with us.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 34, Sabã’ or Sheba, verses 1-21. These verses assert that the Judgment Hour is sure to come & those who do not believe in the Hereafter are doomed. It tells the story of how the mountains & birds used to sing God's praises to Prophet David and the winds and Jinns were subjected to Prophet Solomon by the will of Allah. Lastly, the people of Sabã’, or Sheba, rejected God's blessings and so were turned into old legends.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 8, Al-Anfâl or the Spoils of War, verses 20-37. These verses assert the importance of common sense in determining one's faith - those do not use their common sense will not see Allah. It counsels the believers to guard themselves against temptation and be God-fearing in order to be granted the wisdom to judge between right and wrong. Lastly, the lawful guardians of the Ka'bah are those who fear God.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 8 Al-Anfâl, verses 1-19. These verses discuss the Battle of Badr and the spoils that went with it.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is Surah 38, Sâd, verses 27-40. Overall this Surah talks about how spiritual strength is superior to physical strength. The verses selected today discuss Prophet Sulaimân's, or Solomon's inspections of the horses used for jihad and how God answered his prayers for a kingdom unlike any other which had come before.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is Surah 38, Sâd, verses 1-26. Overall this surah talks about how spiritual strength is superior to physical strength. The verses selected talk of the arrogance of the unbelievers in rejecting the message of the Prophets sent to them by God. It tells the story of Prophet Daûd, or David, and the two men who came to him asking for his guidance in a dispute.