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 37, As-Sãffãt or Those Ranged in Ranks, verses 99-113. It tells the story of the time when Prophet Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son to God as a test of faith. 

Tafseer for this selection compares the Muslim version of this story with the Jewish-Christian version.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

3 short Surahs plus tafseer for each.

Surah 105, Al-Fil or the Elephant recounts what happened to the Abyssinian govern Abrahah Ashram when he tried to destroy the Kabah.

Surah 106, Quraysh admonishes the Prophet's tribe to be grateful to Allah for the profit, position and security they enjoyed from living in Makkah.

Surah 107 Al-Mã‘ün or the Small Kindnesses concerns true worship, helping and love of those in need and true sincerity in devotion & ch

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today - two short Surahs. Surah 102, At-Takãthur or The Piling Up, which warns against piling up material wealth or temporal power rather than higher spiritual rewards. Tafseer for this Surah talks about the three kinds of yaqin (certainty of knowledge) in verse 5. 

Next, Surah 103, Al-‘Asr or Time Through the Ages, which reminds us that history shows that Evil comes to an evil end and time is always in favor of those who have Faith. Tafseer included.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 5, Al-Mâ‘idah or the Repast, verses 109-120. It discusses the favors of God upon Prophet Jesus (or Isa) and the miracles he was given. It also discusses the testimony of Prophet Jesus concerning Christians on the Day of Judgment.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 5, Al-Mâ‘idah or the Repast, verses 94-108. These verses talk of the prohibition of hunting while in Ihram (pilgrim gear) during Hajj and the penalty for doing so. God has made the Ka'bah an eternal sanctuary for mankind. Superstitions are prohibited in Islam. Lastly, there is instruction concerning last wills and testaments and the testimony of witnesses.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is the entirety of Surah 96, Al-‘Alaq or the Clinging Clot, verses 1-19. The first part consists of the very first revelation ever sent down to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The second part comes from the period when the Prophet began to perform Salat (or Prayer) in the vicinity of the Ka'bah and Abu Jahl, a Quraysh chief, tried to prevent him by making threats.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 41, Fussilât (or Expounded), verses 33-54. This selection starts by praising those who call others towards God, do good deeds and declares their submission to Allah. Next are some examples of Allah's signs. Lastly, nothing has been revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which was not said to prior Messengers and it is affirmed that the holy book given to Prophet Moses (pbuh) (the Torah) was similar to the Qur'an.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 8, Al-Anfâl or the Spoils of War, verses 65-75. These verses deal with the treatment of prisoners of war, the duties and obligations of Muslim government and Muslims living in non-Muslim countries. 

Tafseer for this selection further elaborates on the Qur'anic points regarding prisoners of war and general conduct.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 3, Âli-‘Imrân or the Family of Imran, verses 181-200. These verses recounts the lies told against God, the tests of the believers, punishment for claiming credit for something you haven't done, signs from nature and a supplication of the believers and lastly an appeal to be patient and excel in patience.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 3, Âli-‘Imrân or the Family of Imran, verses 172-180. These verses concern the character of believers during the Battle of Uhud, punishment for trading belief for unbelief, and punishments for those who are stingy.