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 46, Al-Ahqãf or the Winding Sand-Tracts, Verses 1-20. These verses discuss creation as a manifestation of truth, which no diety but Allah can confirm. The Qur'an is the word of God, not the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and conforms with the revelations given to Prophet Moses. Lastly, we are enjoined to treat our parents with kindness lest we be rebuked by Allah.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is the entirety of Surah 87, Al-A‘lã or the Most High, verses 1-19. The argument of this Surah is that God has made man capable of progress by ordered steps, and by His Revelation will lead him still higher to purification and perfection. 

Tafseer for this selection concerns the path of Islam in verse 8 and admonitions to be given in verse 9.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 27, An-Naml or the Ants, verses 15-44, on the story of Sulaimãn or Solomon on whom God bestowed much wisdom as well as power over jinns, men, birds, ants and the wind. It tells the story of the hoopoe bird which brought him news of the Queen of Sheba, and her eventual embrace of God. 

Tafseer for this Surah contains an explanation of the parable of the Ants and an explanation of the Hoopoe bird.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 27, An-Naml or the Ants, verses 1-14. These verses proclaim the Qur'an as a guide and bearing good news for the Believers. Next is told the story of Prophet Moses' selection as a Messenger of God and the nine signs which he showed to the Pharaoh of Egypt. 

Tafseer for this Surah explains the nine signs themselves.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 13, Ar-Ra'd or The Thunder, verses 19-37. These verses discuss the fates of those who fulfill their pledges to God vs those who do not. It is the remembrance of God which provides tranquility to one's heart for there is no God but Him and all things are subject to his command. and Allah watches every soul minutely.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 13, Ar-Ra'd or The Thunder, verses 1-18 and deals with the creation of the heavens and the earth and the proof of Allah's work in the trees, fruits and foods which populate the world. Every nation of the world has been sent a Messenger and Allah demands worship alone, not with other deities; he will not change the circumstances of a people until they change themselves, or else they will have no escape from his wrath.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.

Today's selection is from Surah 4, An-Nisâ or the Women, verses 15-23. These verses deal with the punishment for women found guilty of sex outside of marriage, forms of repentance, and treatment of women in inheritance matters - that they are not to be viewed as belonging to anyone's estate - and not rescinding dowry. There are controversial parts of this selection and this Surah with which not everyone will agree. What you do with it is your business.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 4, An-Nisâ or the Women, verses 1-14. These verses deal with the property and conduct with orphans, multiple marriages, dowry, inheritance by children or family, and inheritance of spouse's property. 

There are controversial parts of this selection and this Surah with which not everyone will agree. But still, I think it's important for people to read and hear what is written. What you do with it is your business.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. Today's selection is from Surah 9, At-Tauba or Repentance, verses 17-29. These verses discuss how the Mushrikeen can't be caretakers of mosques, service to pilgrims who come on the Haaj, and not taking your fathers and brothers as friends if they prefer Kufr (unbelief) over Imaan (belief). Lastly, God only helps the qualities of followers, not the quantity of them. 

Tafseer contains an explanation regarding the treatment of unbelievers, or Pagans.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 9, At-Tauba or the Repentance, verses 1-16. These verses contain a proclamation to dissolve treaties with Pagans who have broken their terms but four months is given for adjustments or repentance. 

Tafseer contains an explanation regarding the treatment of unbelievers, or Pagans, as well as a reveal on something you might miss during the recitation. Can you guess what it is?