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

Today's selection is from Surah 25, Al-Furqân or The Criterion, verses 1-20.

These verses discuss the criterion for distinguishing between right and wrong, and the wrongdoers who refuse to believe the Messengers of God simply because the Messengers themselves are human. It is told that on the day of Judgment, these disbelievers will be held accountable for associating others with God.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 6, Al-An‘âm or the Cattle, verses 42-55. These verses assert that prosperity in this world is not a reward but a respite. Messengers of God never claim that they know the unseen or that they are Angels. True belief is a favor bestowed by God, irrespective of one's worldly status.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.

Today's selection is from Surah 6, Al-An‘âm or the Cattle verses 21-41. These verses assert that prejudice has caused people to commit shirk, which is to associate other deities with Allah and describes some scenes from life after death. Those who deny the ministry of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), deny God's revelations whereas those who accept the word of Allah, accept truth and can use their common sense to see the God's handiwork in nature.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 6, Al-An‘âm or the Cattle verses 1-20. These verses deal with the reactions of those who received the revelations and with the obstinacy of the unbelievers. It talks of the mercy of God in not punishing the misdeeds of humans right away. Lastly, it discusses the punishments of the Day of Judgment and asserts the Qur'an as the source of God's testimony.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 13, Ar-Ra'd or The Thunder, verses 19-37. These verses discuss the fates of those who fulfill their pledges to God vs those who do not. It is the remembrance of God which provides tranquility to one's heart for there is no God but Him and all things are subject to his command. and Allah watches every soul minutely.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 13, Ar-Ra'd or The Thunder, verses 1-18 and deals with the creation of the heavens and the earth and the proof of Allah's work in the trees, fruits and foods which populate the world. Every nation of the world has been sent a Messenger and Allah demands worship alone, not with other deities; he will not change the circumstances of a people until they change themselves, or else they will have no escape from his wrath.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection concludes Surah 35, Fãtir or the Originator, verses 38-45. These verses assert that God has not sent any Book which had a provision allowing Shirk (or associating others with Allah). To that end, plotting evil will recoil on none but its author and if God were to punish people for their wrongdoing, not even an animal would be left around them.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 35, Fãtir or the Originator, verses 15-37. These verses assert that mankind is in need of God, not the other way around. The living and the dead are not alike; you cannot make those who are buried in the grave hear you. Finally those who recite the Qur'an, establish prayer and give charity may hope for God's blessings and rewards whereas those who disbelieve shall have the painful punishment of everlasting hell-fire.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 35, Fãtir or the Originator, verses 1-14. These verses assert that none can withhold or award blessings besides Allah. Those who consider evil deeds to be good cannot be guided to the Right Path. Honor comes from obedience to God. And finally, how dieties besides Allah can neither hear nor even own a thread of a date-stone.

As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters. 

Today's selection is from Surah 19, Maryam or Mary, verses 16-40. These verses recount the story of Maryam, or Mary, and the immaculate birth of Isa or Jesus who later became a Prophet of God.