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 33, Al-Ahzãb or the Confederates, verses 1-20. These verses claim that neither wives nor sons become your mothers nor real sons, the Prophet's wives are like the believers' mothers, and blood relations have greater claims than others in the Book of God. Next it discuss the Battle of the Trench, the attitudes of Hypocrites and the punishment for those who discourage others from participating in the fight against the unbelievers

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 9, At-Tauba or Repentance, verses 43-59, which says those who don't participate in struggle (Jihad) are hypocrites and then lists their excuses. This latter part of Surah At- Tauba was revealed after the Tabūk expedition in the late summer of A.H. 9 (around October 630 AD in the modern Gregorian calendar). 

Tafseer for this selection is a short historical exposition on the Tabūk region of northwestern Arabia.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 9, At-Tauba or Repentance, verses 30-42. These verses assert Jews and Christians, who call Ezra and Jesus the sons of God, respecitvely, are mushrikeen. Do not be like the rabbis and priests who misappropriate the wealth of people. Four of the 12 months in the Qur'an are declared sacred and God orders the faithful to bear arms against the unbelievers, if necessary.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 11, Hüd, verses 50-68. These verses talk of Prophet Hüd of the 'Ad and his mission to his people and then talk of Prophet Saleh of the Thamüd and his mission to his people.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 11, Hüd, verses 36-49. These verses continue the story of Prophet Noah when he was commanded to build the Ark and gather on board the believers and a pair from each species. Lastly, there is a dialogue between Prophet Noah, his son and God.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 46, Al-Ahqãf or the Winding Sand-Tracts, Verses 21-35, discussing the ancient nation of the 'Ad, who rejected Allah's message. A story of a group of jinns is related, who heard the message of Allah and became preachers of his message. Lastly, believers are encouraged to keep on passing the message of God and be patient in the face of the disbelievers. 

Tafseer is an explanation of the meaning behind the phrase Al-Ahqãf.

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 88, Al-Ghãshiyah or the Overwhelming Event, verses 1-26. This Surah deals with two major themes - the condition of the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment and the wonders of nature, admonition and accountability.

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 41, Fussilât (or Expounded), verses 19-32. These verses details the proceedings of the Day of Judgment when people's own body parts (ears, eyes, etc) will bear witness against them for their misdeeds. These people who do not heed the Qur'an will be punished while those who affirm their fidelity to Allah will be assigned angels for their protection.