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

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 13, Ar-Ra'd or The Thunder, verses 38-43. These verses discuss the Messengers of God and the powers they do and don't possess. When God commands, there is no reversing it for God is the Master of all planning.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 12, Yüsuf or Joseph, verses 94-111. These verses tell the story of how Jacob received the news that Joseph was alive and his family's relocation from Ken’ãn to Egypt and Joseph's prayer that he live and die as one who submits to the will of God. It ends with the affirmation that Joseph's story is confirmation of previous scriptures.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 12, Yüsuf or Joseph, verses 80-93. These verses continue the story of Prophet Joseph after he tricked his brothers to let his own brother Benjamin be retained in Joseph's services. Joseph's father sent his wicked brothers back to retrieve him, whereupon they begged for food and charity from Joseph, whom they still had not recognized.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 7, Al-A‘rãf or the Heights, verses 182-206 - those who deny God's revelations are inching closer and closer to destruction. The Prophet himself (pbuh) has no power to benefit or to harm anyone. Allah, not those other deities which people worship, created mankind from a single soul. As such God is the protecting friend of the righteous. Lastly, we are implored to show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 7, Al-A‘rãf or the Heights, verses 163-181. These verses discuss a past Jewish violation of the Sabbath and their mistaken belief about Allah's forgiveness. Next, mankind's ancient testimony that God is their Lord, an example of those who deny God's revelations and a comparison that misguided people are like animals, only worse.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 7, Al-A‘rãf or the Heights, verses 152-162. These verses tell of how the worshipers of the calf among Prophet Moses' people incurred the wrath of God. Then a slight digression to talk about how Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a Prophet for all mankind. Lastly, an account of God providing food and water in the desert to the people of Moses.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 7, Al-A‘rãf or the Heights, verses 142-151. These verses detail Prophet Moses' communication with God at the top of Mount Tür where he was given the tablets of the Torah. Meanwhile, his people, the Israelites started the calf in his absence.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 2, Al-Baqarah or the Cow, verses 274-286. These verse discuss the reward for charity, usury, business dealings including loans, debts and credit, witnesses for business transactions and security deposits. It ends with a discussion of the true belief of Prophets and Muslims and a believers supplications to God.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 2, Al-Baqarah or the Cow, verses 261-273. These verses contain a parable about spending in charity, what makes charity worthless, charity vs just showing off, spending the best portion of one's wealth, the advantage of giving in private and lastly, who is eligible for charity.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 21, Al-Anbiyã’ or the Prophets, verses 94-112. These verses cover three topics. Whoever does good deeds and believes will be rewarded. The Day of Judgment and the fates of the believers and unbelievers. And the blessing that is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).