The Authentic Ummah

In Episode 116 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Ahzab, Chapter 33, verse 36 through to Surah Saba, Chapter 34, verse 39, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading takes us through the remainder of Surah Al-Ahzab and into much of Surah Saba.

We read important guidance concerning obedience to Allah and His Messenger, family and social conduct, modesty, responsibility, remembrance of Allah and speaking what is right.

Among the most beautiful commands in this section are the words:

“Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.”

We are also told:

“O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and (always) say a word directed to the Right.”

As Surah Saba begins, we read about Prophet Dawud (peace be upon Him) and Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon Him), the blessings given to them, and the importance of gratitude.

We also encounter the people of Saba and the consequences of turning away after being given abundant blessings.

Toward the end of today’s reading comes another powerful reminder about provision and giving:

“and nothing do ye spend in the least (in His cause) but He replaces it: for He is the Best of those who grant Sustenance.”

📖 Surah Al-Ahzab 33:36 – Surah Saba 34:39
🎙️ Episode 116
📚 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 115 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Luqman, Chapter 31, verse 20 through to Surah Al-Ahzab, Chapter 33, verse 35, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

The reading begins with the closing section of Surah Luqman, with reminders about the Signs and blessings of Allah, gratitude, the temporary nature of this worldly life, and the limits of human knowledge.

We are reminded that the knowledge of the Hour belongs to Allah alone, and that no one knows what he will earn tomorrow or in what land he will die.

We then read Surah As-Sajdah, which speaks about revelation, creation, resurrection and the difference between those who believe and those who turn away.

Among its beautiful promises are the words:

“Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them - as a reward for their (good) deeds.”

As we move into Surah Al-Ahzab, we read about obedience to Allah, the Battle of the Confederates, the challenges faced by the believers, and the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him).

The Qur’an tells us:

“Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct)…”

The reading ends with a powerful verse addressing Muslim men and women, believing men and women, those who are patient, humble, charitable, fasting, chaste and frequently engaged in Allah’s praise:

“for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.”

📖 Surah Luqman 31:20 – Surah Al-Ahzab 33:35
🎙️ Episode 115
📚 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 114 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-‘Ankabut, Chapter 29, verse 53 through to Surah Luqman, Chapter 31, verse 19, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

The reading begins with the closing verses of Surah Al-‘Ankabut, with reminders about death, our return to Allah, His provision, and striving sincerely in His cause.

We then move into Surah Ar-Rum, where our attention is repeatedly drawn towards the Signs of Allah throughout creation.

Among those Signs is the relationship between husband and wife:

“He has put love and mercy between your (hearts).”

The verse describes spouses as being created for one another so that they may dwell in tranquillity together, and calls this one of the Signs for those who reflect.

The reading also draws our attention to the creation of the heavens and the earth, differences in our languages and colours, sleep, rain, life returning to the earth, and many other Signs of Allah around us.

We then begin Surah Luqman, where Luqman gives beautiful advice to his son about gratitude, worshipping Allah alone, treating parents well, establishing regular prayer, doing what is right, avoiding what is wrong, patience, humility and the way we speak to others.

Among his advice are the words:

“Bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee…”

He also warns against pride and arrogance and advises:

“And be moderate in thy pace, and lower thy voice…”

📖 Surah Al-‘Ankabut 29:53 – Surah Luqman 31:19
🎙️ Episode 114
📚 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 113 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Qasas, Chapter 28, verse 60 through to Surah Al-‘Ankabut, Chapter 29, verse 52, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

The reading begins with reminders about the temporary nature of what we are given in this worldly life and the lasting reward that is with Allah.

We also read the striking account of Qarun, who was given immense wealth but became arrogant because of it. His story is a powerful reminder that wealth, success and worldly possessions should never make us forget where our blessings come from.

As Surah Al-Qasas closes, we are reminded:

“Everything (that exists) will perish except His own Face.”

We then begin Surah Al-‘Ankabut with one of the strongest reminders in today’s reading:

“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, ‘We believe’, and that they will not be tested?”

The verses remind us that faith is not merely something we say. Tests reveal sincerity, patience and perseverance.

We then read from the lives of Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him), Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him), Prophet Lut (peace be upon Him), Prophet Shu‘ayb (peace be upon Him) and Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him), alongside examples of earlier peoples and the consequences of rejecting the truth.

The chapter also gives the striking example of the spider’s house when describing those who seek protectors other than Allah.

📖 Surah Al-Qasas 28:60 – Surah Al-‘Ankabut 29:52
🎙️ Episode 113
📚 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 112 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah An-Naml, Chapter 27, verse 64 through to Surah Al-Qasas, Chapter 28, verse 59, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading brings us through the closing verses of Surah An-Naml and into much of Surah Al-Qasas.

A large part of today’s reading follows the remarkable story of Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him).

We read about his birth during the oppression of Pharaoh, the faith and courage of his mother, his upbringing in Pharaoh’s household, and the events that eventually lead him to leave Egypt.

When Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him) reaches Madyan, he helps two women water their flocks. He then turns to Allah and makes a deeply personal prayer:

“O my Lord! truly am I in (desperate) need of any good that Thou dost send me!”

The reading continues with his marriage, his return journey, Allah speaking to him, the signs he is given, and his mission alongside Prophet Harun (peace be upon Him) to confront Pharaoh.

Later comes another powerful reminder:

“It is true thou wilt not be able to guide every one, whom thou lovest; but Allah guides those whom He will…”

A reminder that while we may deeply wish guidance for those we love, guidance ultimately belongs to Allah.

📖 Surah An-Naml 27:64 – Surah Al-Qasas 28:59
🎙️ Episode 112
📚 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 111 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ash-Shu‘ara, Chapter 26, verse 137 through to Surah An-Naml, Chapter 27, verse 63, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading takes us through the remainder of Surah Ash-Shu‘ara and into a large part of Surah An-Naml.

We continue through the accounts of earlier peoples and the messengers who called them back to Allah, including Prophet Hud (peace be upon Him), Prophet Salih (peace be upon Him), Prophet Lut (peace be upon Him) and Prophet Shu‘ayb (peace be upon Him).

As Surah An-Naml begins, we read about Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him) and then enter the remarkable story of Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon Him).

We read about the ants, the hoopoe (a type of bird), the Queen of Sheba and the message sent by Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon Him), calling her and her people towards submission to Allah.

The reading later returns to the stories of Prophet Salih (peace be upon Him) and Prophet Lut (peace be upon Him), before drawing our attention to the signs and mercy of Allah throughout creation.

Near the end of today’s reading comes a powerful question:

“Who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him…”

A beautiful reminder of where we turn when we are overwhelmed, afraid or in need — to Allah, who hears the distressed and relieves suffering.

📖 Surah Ash-Shu‘ara 26:137 – Surah An-Naml 27:63
🎙️ Episode 111
📚 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 110 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Furqan, Chapter 25, verse 21 through to Surah Ash-Shu‘ara, Chapter 26, verse 136, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading takes us through the remainder of Surah Al-Furqan and into a large part of Surah Ash-Shu‘ara.

Toward the end of Surah Al-Furqan, we read a beautiful description of the servants of Allah Most Gracious. They are described as those who walk upon the earth in humility and who respond with “Peace!” when addressed by the ignorant.

We also encounter the beautiful prayer:

“Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous.”

As Surah Ash-Shu‘ara begins, we read about Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him), his mission to Pharaoh, the signs given to him, the confrontation with the magicians, and the escape of the Children of Israel.

We then come to Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him), who speaks of the One:

“Who created me, and it is He Who guides me;”

His prayer continues with complete reliance upon Allah for provision, healing, life, death and forgiveness.

The reading then moves through the story of Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him) and into the account of Prophet Hud (peace be upon Him) and his people.

📖 Surah Al-Furqan 25:21 – Surah Ash-Shu‘ara 26:136
🎙️ Episode 110
📚 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 109 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah An-Nur, Chapter 24, verse 11 through to Surah Al-Furqan, Chapter 25, verse 20, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading contains powerful guidance about truth, modesty, privacy, family life, purity, forgiveness and the way believers should conduct themselves with one another.

We begin with the serious warning against spreading false accusations and rumours. The passage reminds believers not to casually repeat things they have no knowledge of, and encourages forgiveness and compassion.

We also read guidance about lowering the gaze, guarding modesty, seeking permission before entering other people’s homes, and maintaining privacy within our own homes.

Then comes one of the most beautiful and well-known verses in the Qur’an:

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.”

The verse continues with the remarkable parable of the lamp, ending with the words “Light upon Light!”

As we move into Surah Al-Furqan, we are reminded that Allah sent down the Criterion to His servant so that he may be a warner to all creatures. We also encounter the objections made against Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) and reminders about the Day of Judgment.

📖 Surah An-Nur 24:11 – Surah Al-Furqan 25:20
🎙️ Episode 109
📚 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 108 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Anbiya, Chapter 21, verse 102 through to Surah An-Nur, Chapter 24, verse 10, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

The reading begins with the closing verses of Surah Al-Anbiya, where we encounter a beautiful description of the mission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him):

“We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures.”

We then move into Surah Al-Hajj, with powerful reminders about the Day of Judgment, worship, sacrifice and the pilgrimage. We also read about Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him) and the command to proclaim the Pilgrimage among mankind.

Surah Al-Mu’minun then begins with the words:

“The believers must (eventually) win through.”

The verses that follow describe qualities of the believers — humility in prayer, avoiding vain talk, charity, faithfulness to trusts and covenants, and guarding their prayers.

The reading continues with reminders about human creation, resurrection and accounts involving earlier messengers, including Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him) and Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him).

Finally, we begin Surah An-Nur, which opens with serious guidance concerning sexual morality, accusations, evidence and the protection of honour.

📖 Surah Al-Anbiya 21:102 – Surah An-Nur 24:10
🎙️ Episode 108
📚 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 107 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ta-Ha, Chapter 20, verse 126 through to Surah Al-Anbiya, Chapter 21, verse 101, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading brings us through the closing verses of Surah Ta-Ha and into most of Surah Al-Anbiya — “The Prophets.”

We are reminded to remain constant in prayer and that it is Allah who provides our sustenance.

Surah Al-Anbiya then turns our attention to accountability, the signs of Allah in creation, and the lives of many of His Prophets (peace be upon Them all).

We read about Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him), Prophet Harun (peace be upon Him), Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him), Prophet Lut (peace be upon Him), Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him), Prophet Dawud (peace be upon Him), Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon Him), Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon Him), Prophet Ismail (peace be upon Him), Prophet Idris (peace be upon Him), Prophet Yunus (peace be upon Him), and Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon Him).

Among the most powerful moments is the prayer of Prophet Yunus (peace be upon Him) from the depths of darkness:

“There is no god but Thou: glory to Thee: I was indeed wrong!”

It is a remarkable reminder of turning back to Allah, acknowledging our mistakes and calling upon Him even in our darkest moments.

📖 Surah Ta-Ha 20:126 – Surah Al-Anbiya 21:101
🎙️ Episode 107
📚 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.