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 17, Al-Isrâ or the Night Journey, verses 94-111. In this selection, we are told that God sent a human messenger to humans, just as he would've sent an angel messenger if the dwellers of Earth were angels. Only disbelievers doubt life after death. Moses, himself, was given nine signs but people didn't believe him. The Qur'an has been revealed in section to suit each occasion. Lastly, we are told to pray in a moderate voice.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Welcome to a bonus episode of the 17 Verses podcast. As today is the first day of Ramadan (at least in my neck of the woods), I wanted to wish everyone Ramadan Kareem and also re-release a selection from Surah 2, Al-Baqarah or the Cow, verses 183-196. These verses concern fasting and prayer, as well as issues of defending one's faith from aggressors during the month of Ramadan.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 17, Al-Isrâ or the Night Journey, verses 78-93. These verses concern the commandment to establish prayers throughout the day, as well as the Tahajjud prayers. They also talk of Ar-Ruh or the Soul and the different methods used in the Qur'an to make people understand God's message.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 8, Al-Anfâl or the Spoils of War, verses 49-64. These verses talk of the victory of the believers and the painful death of the unbelievers. It further talks of God's blessings, honoring treaties of war, remaining prepared for war and making peace if the enemy is inclined towards peace.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 8, Al-Anfâl or the Spoils of War, verses 38-48. These verses declare that unbelievers who embrace Islam will have their past forgiven. Next, the Qur'an delineates rules about the distribution of spoils of war and lastly, an order from Allah to remain firm during combat against the enemy.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 10, Yûnus or Jonah, verses 104-109. These verses assert that no one other than Allah can harm or benefit you and ends with a declaration that with the guidance of Allah having arrived, it is your choice to follow or not to follow.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 10, Yûnus or Jonah, verses 83-103. These verses rehearse the story of Prophet Moses and the Pharaoh of Egypt and how the Children of Israel were delivered from bondage and provided the good things in life. Lastly, we are reminded that forcing someone to convert to Islam is strictly prohibited.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 10, Yûnus or Jonah, verses 71-82. These verses discuss the story of Prophet Noah and his people and how Messengers of God were sent to his descendants such as Prophets Moses and Aaron were sent to the Pharaoh of Egypt.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 68, Al-Qalam or the Pen, verses 34-52. This selection explains why Allah will not treat Muslims in the same manner as the guilty and how those who do not believe in Allah's revelations are led towards their spiritual destruction. 

Tafseer for this selection concerns the phrase "The Day that the Shin shall be laid bare" in verse 42 as well as commentary on Prophet Jonah as mentioned in verses 48-50.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 54, Al-Qamar or the Moon, verses 41-55. These verses repeat the theme of the previous two sections. This time, it was the people of the Pharaoh of Egypt who were punished for disbelieving God's warnings. Now the question is asked of us, will we not heed God's admonitions?