The Holy Quran English Translation by MH Shakir

064 – Al Taghabun – Loss and Gain The chapter is the last of the Musabbihaat (those that begin with a reference to the declaring of perfection of Allah). It identifies those who cover up the truth as being deniers of Divine guidance (Messengers) and Accountability calling the day of judgement as the day of ultimate success or ultimate failure. Maintaining faith through afflictions is rewarded with Divine guidance to the heart. The chapter ends with the warning that wealth and children can be a source of diversion and thus of trial and with a reminder to spend in His way before being overcome by death. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

063 – Al Munafiqun – The Hypocrites The chapter takes its name from the discussion of the hypocrites who testified to the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) but continued to ally themselves with his enemies. It provides an overview of hypocrisy detailing the characteristics of a hypocrite. The final verses of the chapter urges those who believe not to allow their wealth and children to distract them from remembering Divinity and to serve humanity before death comes. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

062 – Al Jumua' – Friday The chapter takes its name from the directive to gather for the Friday prayers.It is part of the Musabbihaat group of chapters, which begin with the declaration of perfection of Allah (Glorification). The focus of the chapter is the second verse which is the answer to the dua of Prophet Ibraheem for a global messenger for all generations. It then warns of the afflictions that befell those who did not uphold the Tawraat (Torah). After stating the inevitability of death and the presentation of one's life works the chapter ends with an exhortation to Muslims to leave all worldly transactions to observe the Friday congregational prayers. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

061 – Al Saff – The Rows This chapter is one of the Musabbihaat and thus begins with the declaration of perfection (flawlessness) and emphasises the importance of discipline in every aspect of life, giving the example of fighting in his way like a wall (organised and unified in his cause) The chapter continues with a brief mention of the opposition encountered by Prophet Musa (pbuh) and Prophet Isa (pbuh). The condemnation of those who covered up the truth and opposed Divine Guidance leads to the formula of success and its rewards being belief in Allah and His Messenger and striving with oneself and one's property to reach one's full potential. The chapter ends with an encouragement to be like the disciples of Prophet Isa (pbuh). Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

060 – Al Mumtahana – The Examined Woman The chapter begins with the directive that those who are open enemies of Divinity will never be protective friends It alludes to the incident of Hateeb, whose wife and children were in Makka. He sent a message to the Quraysh that if the Muslims should come to Makka, they should not hurt his wife and family thereby giving away the plans of the Prophet. Advised by Jibrail, The Prophet asked Imam Ali with others to intercept the messenger who hid the letter in her hair. The Prophet forgave Hateeb. The example of Prophet Ibraheem and his followers is then mentioned as an example to be followed. The chapter continues in encouraging for good relations with those who do not oppose the Muslims. It concludes referring to the emigration of women from Makka to Madina from which the chapter gets its name. The Prophet had signed a treaty at Hudaibiyya with the Makkans that if a man from Makka emigrated to Madina, the Muslims would have to return him. A woman called Sabi'a, daughter of Harith went to Madina from Makka and verses 10 -12 were revealed asking the women to confirm the emigration was because they had become Muslims. The Makkans were advised that the treaty did not include women. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

059 – Al Hashr – The Gathering The chapter begins with the declaration of the perfection of Allah followed by the incident of the expulsion of the Banu Nudhayr. who were presented with the choice of leaving with all their possessions, but retaining the right to proceeds from their crops, or face war. They requested a respite of ten days. They decided to lock themselves up in their fort hoping that the hypocrites in Madina would assist them. The Muslims surrounded them and cut some off their date palms to be able to enter the fort. Divine terror led them to leave but they destroyed their own homes. The chapter continues with the distribution of the spoils of war which exposed the ingrain greed of some of the wealthy in Madina, and the faith of the emigrants and the awesomeness of the loving acceptance of the immigrants by the helpers of Madina. An exhortation to be mindful of accountability follows stating that the people of Janna are not equal to the people of Jahannam The chapter ends with the most awesome verses of the Qur'an, which emphasises the ability of the Qur'an to change hearts with the attributes of Allah – verses 21-24 Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

058 – Al Mujaadila – The Pleading Woman It takes its name from the incident of Khawla bint Tha'laba whose husband divorced her according to pre Islamic custom of Zihaar where a man could renounce his wife simply by saying she was to him like his mother. By this the husband was free from all his responsibilities to his wife but she was not free to leave him. Khawla complained of this injustice to the Prophet and her plea was heard. Divinity revealed the revoking of Zihaar. The sura continues from domestic matters to the secret conversations (najwa) to disrupt public meetings (Shura). The proper manner in which to hold public and private discourse follows. A directive to give charity before conversing with the Prophet is mentioned in verse 12. The longest section addresses the nature of the hypocrites and their opposition to the Prophet and the chapter concludes with a long verse regarding the rewards for those who believe in Allah and accountability where faith is inscribed on their hearts. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

057 – Al Hadeed – The Iron The chapter begins with six verses that emphasise the awesomeness of Allah with a focus on amongst other attributes – The Mighty, The Wise, The Owner and Creator of the heavens and the earth, The First, The Last, The All Knowing…. The next five verses enjoin belief in Allah and spending one's wealth in His way. This is followed by the contrast of the fate that awaits the believers and the hypocrites on the day of judgement. The fourth and longest section begins with a call in verse 16 to humble and soften the hearts to the remembrance of Allah. It then discusses the illusory nature of the world which distracts the human being, followed by a directive to compete towards forgiveness and Janna. Verses 22-23 refer to calamities being specifically targeted to highlight flaws and create relief. The last section extends its discussion to the people of the book, calling upon them to believe in the Prophet and reminds those who believe of His double portion of Mercy for being God conscious which will energise them. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

056 – Al Waaqia – The Event The central theme of the chapter is the day of judgement and the three classes of people: The amazing companions of the right. The unfortunate companions of the left. The awesome successful winners. The chapter describes the rewards in Janna for the awesome winners and the righteous companions of the right in contrast to the punishment of the unfortunate companions of the left who were wasteful and denied Divinity and resurrection. The nature of the revelation of the Qur'an as honourable guidance follows. The chapter ends with the nature of death and the afterlife, concluding with an order to declare the perfection of Allah. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

055 – Al Rahmaan – The Merciful This is the only chapter that begins with a Divine Name and addresses both human beings and the jinn. The chapter is early Madani and/or late Makki and the audience is therefore a combination of the stubborn Makkans who required continuous repetition and the hypocrites who only accepted Islam as lip service. The first section discusses the nature of the The All Compassionate as the Teacher, Creator and the One who assists to articulate speech. It then transitions into reflection of Divine blessings in the world, which is followed by a graphic description of the Day of Qiyama and the fate of the deniers of truth. The chapter then looks at the two levels of Janna for those who are God conscious and grateful and ends with the concept that the attribute of Al Rahmaan empowers an increase beyond expectation. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city