The Holy Quran English Translation by MH Shakir

006 – Al An'aam – The Livestock The chapter begins with a powerful statement introducing Allah as the Universal Creator and His total power. The Makkans for not taking heed of the Prophet are rejected by Allah, after which He reminds them of the fate of previous generations who ignored divine messengers. He specifies His absolute knowledge of everything and being the One who delivers from distress. This consoles the Prophet in the face of the rejection by the Makkans. Prophet Ibraheem's discourse about worshipping anything other than Allah whether it be the stars, moon and sun is followed by reflection on Allah as the Creator and Giver of both life and death.A directive to eat meat on which Allah's name is mentioned (halal) is followed by a comparison of the consequences of belief in Divinity (security and peace) versus the humiliation and agitation suffered by those who cover up the truth. The chapter then addresses the innovative restrictions made up by the Makkans regarding the consumption of certain kinds of meats countering it with a simple set of dietary laws and a concise list of divine commands and prohibitions. Finally, it concludes with verses on monotheistic belief and utter devotion to Divinity in prayer, sacrifice, life and death.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

005 – Al Maa'ida – The Table The chapter was revealed in Madina soon after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah towards the end of 6AH and begins with a constitutional phrase of fulfilling all agreements and laws concerning hajj and halal food. The completion of religion revealed at Ghadeer is at the end of verse 3. Instructions for wudhoo and tayammum (ritual purity) follow. The chapter transitions into the covenants made by Allah with the people of the book who broke them by exaggerating claims of Divinity to Prophet Isa and the refusal of the Bani Israel to obey Prophet Musa. At the same time there is normalisation of relationships with the people of the Book with boundaries. The story of the two sons of Prophet Adam is told where Qaabil kills Haabil out of jealousy and a crow shows him how to bury his brother's body. Divine judgement to establish justice follows instructing those who believe to be impartial and just even when dealing with those who show enmity. Justice to go hand in hand with love, brotherhood, care and concern for humanity. A directive to seek a means of nearness (intercession) to Divinity and to strive in His way follows. The chapter continues with a discussion to enjoy the good things given by Allah but to guard against excesses and not to indulge in swearing, gambling, intoxicants, superstitions, and violation of the Ka'ba. It ends with the miracles of Prophet Isa including a mention of the table of food (Al Maaida) from the heavens and a final statement of Allah's complete Control and Power over all things. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

005 – Al Maa'ida – The Table The chapter was revealed in Madina soon after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah towards the end of 6AH and begins with a constitutional phrase of fulfilling all agreements and laws concerning hajj and halal food. The completion of religion revealed at Ghadeer is at the end of verse 3. Instructions for wudhoo and tayammum (ritual purity) follow. The chapter transitions into the covenants made by Allah with the people of the book who broke them by exaggerating claims of Divinity to Prophet Isa and the refusal of the Bani Israel to obey Prophet Musa. At the same time there is normalisation of relationships with the people of the Book with boundaries. The story of the two sons of Prophet Adam is told where Qaabil kills Haabil out of jealousy and a crow shows him how to bury his brother's body. Divine judgement to establish justice follows instructing those who believe to be impartial and just even when dealing with those who show enmity. Justice to go hand in hand with love, brotherhood, care and concern for humanity. A directive to seek a means of nearness (intercession) to Divinity and to strive in His way follows. The chapter continues with a discussion to enjoy the good things given by Allah but to guard against excesses and not to indulge in swearing, gambling, intoxicants, superstitions, and violation of the Ka'ba. It ends with the miracles of Prophet Isa including a mention of the table of food (Al Maaida) from the heavens and a final statement of Allah's complete Control and Power over all things. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

004 – Al Nisaa – The Woman The chapter was revealed around 4AH after the battle of Badr. It takes its name from the fact that much of it deals with women and their rights along with various conditions of marriage, marital relations and laws of inheritance. The chapter is among the most important for Jurisprudence (Fiqh) It begins with legislative directives concerning family relationships and the guardianship of orphans continuing with social directives and worship related laws. A historical example of those who distorted divine words from the people of the book follows. The chapter deals with the hypocrites and the Jews of Madina who turned against the Muslims after the battle of Uhud. Sixty verses are dedicated to the characteristics of hypocrisy. Many verses deal with the Jews who denied Prophet Isa and Prophet Muhammad and the Christians who accorded Prophet Isa as being the son of God. It addresses the Qur'anic view on the life of Prophet Isa and the subject of crucifixion. The chapter concludes with the discussion of the opposition of the people of the book and the clear irrefutable guiding light of the Qur'an with the final verse again relating to legislative matters. The emphasis is on the inseparable relation between belief and social behaviour based on Divine directives. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

004 – Al Nisaa – The Woman The chapter was revealed around 4AH after the battle of Badr. It takes its name from the fact that much of it deals with women and their rights along with various conditions of marriage, marital relations and laws of inheritance. The chapter is among the most important for Jurisprudence (Fiqh) It begins with legislative directives concerning family relationships and the guardianship of orphans continuing with social directives and worship related laws. A historical example of those who distorted divine words from the people of the book follows. The chapter deals with the hypocrites and the Jews of Madina who turned against the Muslims after the battle of Uhud. Sixty verses are dedicated to the characteristics of hypocrisy. Many verses deal with the Jews who denied Prophet Isa and Prophet Muhammad and the Christians who accorded Prophet Isa as being the son of God. It addresses the Qur'anic view on the life of Prophet Isa and the subject of crucifixion. The chapter concludes with the discussion of the opposition of the people of the book and the clear irrefutable guiding light of the Qur'an with the final verse again relating to legislative matters. The emphasis is on the inseparable relation between belief and social behaviour based on Divine directives. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

003 – Aali Imran – The Family of Imran Aali Imran refers to the family line of Sayyida Maryam as referred to in verse 33. It begins with the Divine Guidance of the Qur'an, Tawraat (Torah) and Injeel (Evengel) and the outright rejectors, the believers and those who focused on the ambiguous verses and protested. Allah then introduces himself as the Master of the kingdom. The first manifestation of faith is justice. Love of Allah and therefore success can only be achieved by following the messenger practically and potentially. His awesomeness is manifested with a powerful miracle – the birth of Prophet Isa (pbuh) without a father. This was to shake those who rejected the truth out of their decadence. The chapter then encourages dialogue with the Christian (of Najran) and the Jews (of Madina) with commonalities and an invitation to submit to Divinity and be unified in purpose. A considerable portion of the sura is devoted to the events of the battles of Badr and Uhud contrasting Divine help at Badr where there was belief and trust as opposed to Uhud where hypocrisy and cowardice were manifested. A directive to share wealth in ease and adversity with the forbidding of interest follows. Community cohesion is encouraged with obedience to the messenger, forgiveness, charity and goodness A post battle commentary of Uhud follows stating that the key malady was hypocrisy. Finally, the chapter conceptualises failure as rejection of guidance, miserliness and boasting and success as contemplation, remembrance, patience and taqwa and duas to maintain them.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

003 – Aali Imran – The Family of Imran Aali Imran refers to the family line of Sayyida Maryam as referred to in verse 33. It begins with the Divine Guidance of the Qur'an, Tawraat (Torah) and Injeel (Evengel) and the outright rejectors, the believers and those who focused on the ambiguous verses and protested. Allah then introduces himself as the Master of the kingdom. The first manifestation of faith is justice. Love of Allah and therefore success can only be achieved by following the messenger practically and potentially. His awesomeness is manifested with a powerful miracle – the birth of Prophet Isa (pbuh) without a father. This was to shake those who rejected the truth out of their decadence. The chapter then encourages dialogue with the Christian (of Najran) and the Jews (of Madina) with commonalities and an invitation to submit to Divinity and be unified in purpose. A considerable portion of the sura is devoted to the events of the battles of Badr and Uhud contrasting Divine help at Badr where there was belief and trust as opposed to Uhud where hypocrisy and cowardice were manifested. A directive to share wealth in ease and adversity with the forbidding of interest follows. Community cohesion is encouraged with obedience to the messenger, forgiveness, charity and goodness A post battle commentary of Uhud follows stating that the key malady was hypocrisy. Finally, the chapter conceptualises failure as rejection of guidance, miserliness and boasting and success as contemplation, remembrance, patience and taqwa and duas to maintain them.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

002 – Al Baqarah – The Cow It is the longest chapter of the Qur'an and opens with the answer to the question in Sura Al Fatiha of "Guide us on the right way" stating that this is the guidance for the God conscious. It begins with the categorisation of belief into those who believe in the seen and unseen, all the Prophets and the imperative to give followed by those who cover up the truth and then hypocrisy. Then starts a historical journey of belief from the creation of Prophet Adam and the refusal of Shaitan to obey the order of Divinity to prostrate to him. This is followed by the history of the children of Israail; the numerous blessings given to them and milestone events in their history. Prophet Ibraheem is discussed next in his establishment of the Ka'ba and his prayer for peace, prosperity, a Prophet from his progeny. The change of qibla from Jerusalem to the Ka'ba follows and then important practical laws are legislated in this chapter. Long term financial investments of condition free loans to humanity, charity without reproach and the chief of the verses of the Qur'an – Ayatul Kursi follow. Here the awesomeness of Allah is described. The chapter ends with a re-iteration of core beliefs and a prayer of forgiveness, protection and help to maintain them.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

002 – Al Baqarah – The Cow It is the longest chapter of the Qur'an and opens with the answer to the question in Sura Al Fatiha of "Guide us on the right way" stating that this is the guidance for the God conscious. It begins with the categorisation of belief into those who believe in the seen and unseen, all the Prophets and the imperative to give followed by those who cover up the truth and then hypocrisy. Then starts a historical journey of belief from the creation of Prophet Adam and the refusal of Shaitan to obey the order of Divinity to prostrate to him. This is followed by the history of the children of Israail; the numerous blessings given to them and milestone events in their history. Prophet Ibraheem is discussed next in his establishment of the Ka'ba and his prayer for peace, prosperity, a Prophet from his progeny. The change of qibla from Jerusalem to the Ka'ba follows and then important practical laws are legislated in this chapter. Long term financial investments of condition free loans to humanity, charity without reproach and the chief of the verses of the Qur'an – Ayatul Kursi follow. Here the awesomeness of Allah is described. The chapter ends with a re-iteration of core beliefs and a prayer of forgiveness, protection and help to maintain them.

Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

002 – Al Baqarah – The Cow It is the longest chapter of the Qur'an and opens with the answer to the question in Sura Al Fatiha of "Guide us on the right way" stating that this is the guidance for the God conscious. It begins with the categorisation of belief into those who believe in the seen and unseen, all the Prophets and the imperative to give followed by those who cover up the truth and then hypocrisy. Then starts a historical journey of belief from the creation of Prophet Adam and the refusal of Shaitan to obey the order of Divinity to prostrate to him. This is followed by the history of the children of Israail; the numerous blessings given to them and milestone events in their history. Prophet Ibraheem is discussed next in his establishment of the Ka'ba and his prayer for peace, prosperity, a Prophet from his progeny. The change of qibla from Jerusalem to the Ka'ba follows and then important practical laws are legislated in this chapter. Long term financial investments of condition free loans to humanity, charity without reproach and the chief of the verses of the Qur'an – Ayatul Kursi follow. Here the awesomeness of Allah is described. The chapter ends with a re-iteration of core beliefs and a prayer of forgiveness, protection and help to maintain them.

Surah Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city