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 12, Yüsuf or Joseph, verses 58-79, on Prophet Joseph's story after he had been appointed to the King's cabinet. Joseph's brother's came to Egypt to get food and grain. Joseph, unrecognized by his brothers, commanded them to bring Benjamin, his younger brother. Joseph's brothers convinced their father to let them bring Benjamin, to whom Joseph revealed his identity and then hatched a plan to retain Benjamin in his services.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 12, Yüsuf or Joseph, verses 36-57. These verses continue Prophet Joseph's story after he was thrown into jail. In jail, he interpreted his fellow inmates' dreams. One was subsequently released and several years later, he came to Joseph to interpret the King of Egypt's dreams. With the help of his former inmate, Joseph was exonerated of his crimes and then brought before the King and given a special place by the King's side.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 49, Al-Hujurât or the Chambers. Al-Hujurât is only 18 verses so we'll do the entire Surah. This Surah deals with the manners to be observed by the Muslim community among its members and towards its leaders. Manners spring from morals and mutual respect & confidence are a duty and a privilege in Islam.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 6, Al-An‘âm or the Cattle, verses 71-90. These verses establish that believers are commanded to submit to God's will, to establish Prayer and to fear God. Prophet Abraham learned faith through studying nature. The mushrikeen's arguments vs Prophet Abraham and the existence of Allah are laid out. Lastly, the Prophet Abraham's descendants, incl. Moses, Jesus & Muhammad were not mushrikeen, or those who associate others with Go

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 6, Al-An‘âm or the Cattle, verses 56-70. These verses posit that only Allah has judgment authority and only Allah sees the unseen. God appoints guardians angels over mankind and is the one who saves mankind from calamities. Believers are counseled not to associate with those who argue about God's revelations or those who take religion as a matter of amusement.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is Surah 61, As-Saff or the Battle Array, which is 14 verses in total. It enjoins believers to keep your word or practise what you preach. It recounts Prophet Jesus' foretelling of a Prophet of God after him. That Prophet of course was Muhammad (pbuh). Lastly, it describes faith as a sort of bargain given the rewards which it produces.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.

Today's selection is from Surah 19, Maryam or Mary, verses 41-65. These verses recount the stories of Prophets Abraham, Moses, Ishmael and Idrees and then discusses how all the Prophets of God were divinely chosen and guided by Allah.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 5, Al-Mâ‘idah or the Repast, verses 20-34. These verses inform us of the behavior of the people of Prophet Moses towards their messenger and the curse which God placed on the Jews for 40 years. Next, the story of Adam's sons, one of whom committed murder. Lastly the decree of God regarding the killing of another human being and the punishment for waging war against God and his Messenger.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 5, Al-Mâ‘idah or the Repast, verses 1-19. The selection discuss foods which are allowed vs forbidden. It lays down guidelines for ablution prior to prayer and obligations of fasting & charity. There is a discussion on how how the Christians & Jews have strayed from what was originally brought to them. The Qur'an claims that there are no special children of Allah. Lastly, Christians & Jews are invited to hear the word of I

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 33, Al-Ahzãb or the Confederates, verses 21-34. In these verses, we are taught the best model for Muslims is the life of Prophet Muhammad himself. Next, the word that God helped Muslims gain victory over the unbelievers and lastly an admonition to the wives of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and God's commandment to them.