The Authentic Ummah

In Episode 126 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Mujadilah, Chapter 58, verse 7 through to Surah Al-Jinn, Chapter 72, verse 13, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This is a longer reading that takes us through a remarkable collection of chapters and reminders.

We read about accountability, faith, sincerity, charity, family responsibilities, prayer, remembrance of Allah and preparing ourselves for the life to come.

Surah Al-Hashr contains the powerful reminder:

“Let every soul look to what (provision) He has sent forth for the morrow.”

In Surah Al-Jumu‘ah, believers are called to leave business behind when the call to Friday prayer is made and to “hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah.”

Later, Surah At-Talaq contains one of the most reassuring promises in today’s reading:

“And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out,”

The next verse continues:

“And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him.”

We then read Surah Al-Mulk, where we are reminded that Allah created death and life to try which of us is best in deed.

The reading also includes the story and call of Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him).

Finally, as we begin Surah Al-Jinn, we hear the reaction of a company of Jinn who listened to the Qur’an:

“We have really heard a wonderful Recital!”

They recognise its guidance and declare their belief in it.

📖 Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:7 – Surah Al-Jinn 72:13
🎙️ Episode 126
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 125 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ar-Rahman, Chapter 55, verse 42 through to Surah Al-Mujadilah, Chapter 58, verse 6, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

The reading begins with the remainder of Surah Ar-Rahman and its descriptions of the Hereafter, reward, Paradise and the countless favours of Allah.

We then move into Surah Al-Waqi‘ah, which describes the coming of the Last Day and the different groups of people who will stand before Allah.

The chapter repeatedly turns our attention to creation — our own existence, the crops we grow, the water we drink and the fire we kindle — reminding us of the One from whom all of these blessings ultimately come.

Surah Al-Hadid then contains a deeply reassuring reminder:

“And He is with you wheresoever ye may be.”

Allah knows what enters the earth and what comes out of it, what descends from heaven and what rises towards it. Nothing escapes His knowledge.

The reading also reminds us about the temporary nature of worldly life, generosity, faith and the reward prepared for those who believe.

Finally, we begin Surah Al-Mujadilah with the remarkable account of a woman who brings her complaint concerning her husband.

The chapter begins:

“Allah has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with thee concerning her husband…”

A powerful reminder that Allah hears even the plea of an individual who may feel unheard by everyone else.

📖 Surah Ar-Rahman 55:42 – Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:6
🎙️ Episode 125
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 124 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Chapter 51, verse 52 through to Surah Ar-Rahman, Chapter 55, verse 41, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

The reading begins with a powerful reminder about the purpose for which mankind and the Jinn were created:

“I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me.”

We then move through Surah At-Tur and Surah An-Najm, with reminders about revelation, accountability, the Hereafter and the reward of our own efforts.

Among those reminders are the words:

“That man can have nothing but what he strives for;”

Surah Al-Qamar then takes us through warnings and lessons from earlier peoples, including the people of Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him), ‘Ad, Thamud, the people of Prophet Lut (peace be upon Him), and Pharaoh.

We are repeatedly reminded of the importance of receiving and reflecting upon the Qur’an.

Finally, we begin Surah Ar-Rahman — a chapter filled with reminders of Allah’s mercy, creation and countless favours.

Again and again comes the question:

“Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?”

We read of the sun and moon, the heavens and earth, fruits, seas, creation, justice and the many Signs and blessings surrounding us.

📖 Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:52 – Surah Ar-Rahman 55:41
🎙️ Episode 124
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 123 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Ahqaf, Chapter 46, verse 6 through to Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Chapter 51, verse 51, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading takes us through the remainder of Surah Al-Ahqaf, followed by Surah Muhammad, Surah Al-Fath, Surah Al-Hujurat, Surah Qaf, and much of Surah Adh-Dhariyat.

We read powerful reminders about kindness towards parents, faith, obedience, patience, forgiveness, brotherhood and the way believers should treat one another.

Surah Al-Fath speaks about the “manifest Victory” granted to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), and of Allah sending tranquillity into the hearts of the believers so that they may increase in faith.

Surah Al-Hujurat contains important guidance about manners, avoiding suspicion and backbiting, making peace between believers, and recognising that mankind has been made into nations and tribes so that we may know one another.

Then, in Surah Qaf, comes one of the most striking reminders in today’s reading:

“It was We who created man and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein.”

It is a powerful reminder that nothing within us is hidden from Allah.

As we move into Surah Adh-Dhariyat, we read from the accounts of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him), Prophet Lut (peace be upon Him), Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him) and Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him).

Near the end of today’s reading comes another direct call:

“Hasten ye then (at once) to Allah…”

📖 Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:6 – Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:51
🎙️ Episode 123
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 122 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ash-Shura, Chapter 42, verse 1 through to Surah Al-Ahqaf, Chapter 46, verse 5, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading takes us through Surah Ash-Shura, Surah Az-Zukhruf, Surah Ad-Dukhan, Surah Al-Jathiyah and into the beginning of Surah Al-Ahqaf.

Among the beautiful reminders in Surah Ash-Shura are the words:

“He is the One that accepts repentance from His Servants and forgives sins…”

We are also reminded that whatever we are given in this world is only a convenience of this life, while “that which is with Allah is better and more lasting.”

The reading speaks about prayer, forgiveness, patience, consultation between believers, reliance upon Allah and the temporary nature of worldly possessions.

As we move into Surah Az-Zukhruf, we read about Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him), Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him) and Prophet Isa (peace be upon Him).

Among the striking reminders in this chapter are the words:

“Friends on that day will be foes, one to another,- except the Righteous.”

It is a powerful reminder that the relationships we build in this life matter, and that friendship based upon righteousness is very different from friendship that leads us away from Allah.

Later, Surah Al-Jathiyah warns about the person who “takes as his god his own vain desire” — a powerful warning against allowing our desires to take the place of guidance.

The reading then begins Surah Al-Ahqaf with another call to recognise Allah alone as worthy of worship.

📖 Surah Ash-Shura 42:1 – Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:5
🎙️ Episode 122
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 121 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ghafir, Chapter 40, verse 50 through to the end of Surah Fussilat, Chapter 41, verse 54, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading takes us through the remainder of Surah Ghafir and the whole of Surah Fussilat.

Among the most comforting words in today’s reading are:

“Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer)…”

It is a beautiful reminder that Allah invites us to call upon Him.

The closing passages of Surah Ghafir also remind us of Allah’s Signs throughout creation, His power, and the lessons found in the lives of those who came before us.

As we move into Surah Fussilat, we are reminded of the Qur’an as a revelation from Allah and of His Signs in the heavens, the earth and within creation.

There is also a beautiful promise for those who say that their Lord is Allah and then remain straight and steadfast. The angels descend upon them with the words:

“Fear ye not!”

The reading also gives us powerful guidance about how to respond to wrongdoing:

“Repel (Evil) with what is better…”

We are told that such a response can transform someone between whom there was hatred into a friend and intimate.

📖 Surah Ghafir 40:50 – Surah Fussilat 41:54
🎙️ Episode 121
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 120 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Az-Zumar, Chapter 39, verse 41 through to Surah Ghafir, Chapter 40, verse 49, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading brings us through the remainder of Surah Az-Zumar and into much of Surah Ghafir.

Among the most hopeful words in today’s reading are:

“Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

It is a powerful reminder for anyone who has made mistakes or fallen into sin: we should never lose hope in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah.

The closing verses of Surah Az-Zumar also take us towards the Day of Judgment, when people are brought before their Lord and the final destinations of Paradise and Hell are revealed.

As Surah Ghafir begins, we are reminded repeatedly of Allah’s forgiveness, power and knowledge.

We then read about Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him), who is sent with Allah’s Signs and a clear authority to Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun.

A believing man from Pharaoh’s people speaks courageously in defence of the truth, warning his people and placing his complete trust in Allah.

Among his words are:

“My (own) affair I commit to Allah: for Allah (ever) watches over His Servants.”

📖 Surah Az-Zumar 39:41 – Surah Ghafir 40:49
🎙️ Episode 120
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 119 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Sad, Chapter 38, verse 1 through to Surah Az-Zumar, Chapter 39, verse 40, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

Surah Sad begins by describing the Qur’an as being “Full of Admonition.”

We then read from the lives of several prophets.

We encounter Prophet Dawud (peace be upon Him), his test and his turning back to Allah in repentance.

We read about Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon Him), the blessings and authority Allah gave him, and his devotion to his Lord.

We also read about Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon Him), his suffering, patience and eventual relief, before returning to the account of Prophet Adam (peace be upon Him) and the refusal of Iblis to bow.

As Surah Az-Zumar begins, the reading repeatedly calls us towards sincere worship and complete devotion to Allah.

Among the most reassuring questions in today’s reading is:

“Is not Allah enough for his Servant?”

We are also reminded of the immense reward awaiting those who remain patient:

“those who patiently persevere will truly receive a reward without measure!”

📖 Surah Sad 38:1 – Surah Az-Zumar 39:40
🎙️ Episode 119
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 118 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ya-Sin, Chapter 36, verse 41 through to the end of Surah As-Saffat, Chapter 37, verse 182, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

The reading begins with the closing part of Surah Ya-Sin, with powerful reminders about Allah’s Signs, resurrection, accountability and the reward awaiting those who believe.

Among the beautiful words describing the people of Paradise are:

“Peace!” - a word (of salutation) from a Lord Most Merciful!

Later, we are reminded of the absolute power of Allah:

“Verily, when He intends a thing, His Command is, ‘be’, and it is!”

We then move into Surah As-Saffat, where we read about earlier messengers and the people to whom they were sent.

We read about Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him), who called upon Allah in his distress, and Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him), his rejection of idol worship and the extraordinary test involving the sacrifice of his son.

We also encounter Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him), Prophet Harun (peace be upon Him), Prophet Ilyas (peace be upon Him), Prophet Lut (peace be upon Him) and Prophet Yunus (peace be upon Him).

Throughout these accounts are repeated reminders of faith, obedience, patience, deliverance and the consequences of rejecting the truth.

📖 Surah Ya-Sin 36:41 – Surah As-Saffat 37:182
🎙️ Episode 118
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 117 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Saba, Chapter 34, verse 40 through to Surah Ya-Sin, Chapter 36, verse 40, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

The reading begins with the closing verses of Surah Saba, with reminders about worshipping Allah alone, reflecting upon the truth, and the reality of accountability.

We then move into Surah Fatir, where our attention is repeatedly drawn to Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Among the most powerful reminders in this section are the words:

“O ye men! It is ye that have need of Allah: but Allah is the One Free of all wants, worthy of all praise.”

It is a reminder of our complete dependence upon Allah, while He is dependent upon no one.

We then begin Surah Ya-Sin.

The chapter speaks about revelation, those who accept or reject guidance, resurrection and accountability.

Among its striking reminders are the words:

“Verily We shall give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before and that which they leave behind…”

The reading also draws our attention to the Signs of Allah in the earth, the night, the sun and the moon — each following the order that Allah has decreed.

📖 Surah Saba 34:40 – Surah Ya-Sin 36:40
🎙️ Episode 117
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.