The Holy Quran English Translation by MH Shakir

054 – Al Qamar – The Moon The first two verses refer to the miracle of the splitting of the moon by the Prophet when the Makkans demanded a miracle. Bearing witness to both the halves on either side of Mt Hira they dismissed it as magic. After warning of the day of judgement the sura cites the people of Prophet Nuh, the tribes of Aad & Thamud, the people of Prophet Lut and the people of Pharaoh who were punished for rejecting their messengers. It concludes with the inevitability of accountability and the promise of Janna and a permanent place of honour for the God conscious. An emphasis on the ease of internalising the message of the Qur'an with a minimal amount of effort is repeated four times. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

053 – Al Najm – The Star The sura begins with an oath of the falling star leading to the journey to the heavens of the Prophet (Mi'raj) where Divinity declares his closeness by showing him His awesome signs. It continues to look at the gods of the Quraysh created out of conjecture; making up rules as they went along with no authority and concludes with a condemnation of those who seek intercession from angels. The sura then affirms that basic truths do not change over time. The Qur'an states what is found in the scriptures of Prophets Ibraheem and Musa. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

052 – Al Tur – The Mountain The sura takes its name from the first verse which is understood to refer to Mount Sinai. The five oaths lead to the certainty of punishment for the unjust and rejectors of truth. The fate of the deniers of truth is contrasted to the fate of the God conscious with graphic descriptions of the day of judgement, and the bliss of Janna. Replies from Divinity to the accusations made against the Prophet being a soothsayer, madman and poet follow with the Prophet told that He is protected by Divinity. He is asked to wait patiently for judgement and to praise and declare the Perfection of Allah at dawn and at the setting of the stars. (Am indication to pray the nafila (extra) prayers before sunset and dawn and the night prayers. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

051 – Al Dhaariyaat – The Scatterers The sura begins with oaths on the life giving nature of winds attending to the certainty of the day of Judgement. Another oath on the multiple pathways on the heavens alludes to the different philosophies of life that human beings have and the intellectual excuses made by those who cover up the truth to deny Divinity. The qualities of the God Conscious whose reward in Janna follows – they sleep a little in the night, ask for forgiveness in the day and share their wealth with those who ask and are in need. A reflection on the miraculous signs of creation around and within allude to Allah being the Provider and that there is a definitive day of Accountability. This is followed by narratives of communities who rejected Divine messengers. Angels visit Prophet Ibraheem to give him the good news of Ishaaq but also that they had been sent to tell him about the destruction of the people of Lut. Firawn's drowning, the destruction of Aad & Thamud and the people of Nuh are mentioned. The sura ends with the purpose of life being to serve Divinity (Obedience to the Creator and Serving His creation), The Provider of Sustenance is Allah and a warning to those who cover up the truth about accountability. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

050 – Qaaf The chapter begins with a call to reflect on the wonders of creation as evidence of the awesomeness of the Creator and inevitability of resurrection. A brief reference to communities who rejected the Prophets sent to them leads to the main subject of the chapter which is death, resurrection and accountability. This leads onto the essential difference between the inmates of Jahannam and Janna. Finally orders to take heed of the Qur'an, exercise sabr (patience & perseverance), declare His perfection and be mindful of accountability. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

049 – Al Hujurat – The Rooms The sura was revealed during the Year of Delegations in 9AH, when all of Arabia was finally united in a political federation, and some sort of protocol had to be set-up. The Prophetʼs (pbuh) house in Madina which was adjoined to the mosque was becoming the centre for this activity, and his household had to be protected from unexpected incidents and intruders. It also deals with social relationships and how to handle mockery, gossip and rumour. Finally, there is a recommendation on building foreign policy. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

048 – Al Fath – The Victory The chapter begins with a declaration of the manifest victory of the treaty of Hudaibiyya. The Prophet signed the treaty with the Quraysh which allowed any tribe to forge an alliance with the Muslims and worked as an advantage despite some of the companions considering it unfavourable. It transitions into a discussion on the role of the Prophet and praises those who took the pledge with the Prophet under the tree in Hudaibiyya to support him. This is followed by a criticism of those who stayed behind making excuses. The chapter then discusses Allah's assistance in preventing war between the Quraysh and the Muslims and providing tranquillity to the Prophet and the Muslims It concludes with the qualities of those who believe, likening them to a plant that grows in strength. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

047 – Muhammad The chapter begins by distinguishing between those who cover up the truth and those who believe followed by the sanction to fight at the battle of Badr. A stark contrast of the final end of those who cover up the truth and those who believe follows. This is followed by the exposure of hypocrisy manifested in shrinking away when asked to fight for truth. The disease in their hearts is manifested in their inability to reflect on the Qur'an and thus have locked hearts. The sura once again focuses on the contrast between those who believe and those who cover up the truth. It ends with a warning against being stingy and an advice to serve humanity stating that human beings are totally dependent on Divinity and all wealth in essence belongs to Him. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

046 – Al Ahqaaf – The Sand Dunes The chapter begins with a challenge to those who reject Divine Guidance calling them to account for their rejection and requesting proof to prove their case. It then transitions into a conversation on the rights of parents and the importance of respect and praying for them. Those who respect parents are granted the best of what they do, and their evil deeds are overlooked whilst those who disrespect parents are deemed as failures by Divinity. A discussion on the just recompense of deeds on one's individual merits transitions into the story of Prophet Hud and the manner in which his people were punished for rejecting him. This is followed by the recounting of the story of the jinn who heard the Qur'an and called their people to follow the Prophet. The chapter ends with a counsel to the Prophet to have patience to endure the rejection of the Makkans like the Prophets before him. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

045 – Al Jaathiya – The Kneeling The chapter begins about the creative author of the Qur'an with an order to reflect on creation. An insight into the deniers of Divine Guidance as those who keep lying, and mock and turn away in arrogance when the Qur'an is recited. Further reflection on ships in the sea followed by instructions to those who believe towards those who deny Divinity and accountability. There is an order to follow the shari'aah which includes not only Islamic law but also the spiritual and moral code. The chapter ends with the inevitability of the day of resurrection when every community will be brought on its knees (humbled) and there will be a just recompense for good and evil. The final verses emphasise that praise, gratitude and greatness in the heavens and earth belongs only to Allah. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city