The Holy Quran English Translation by MH Shakir

034 – Al Sabaa – Sabaa The chapter begins with praise and gratitude of Allah and criticises those who deny the Prophet and resurrection. The praise and gratitude of Prophets Dawud and his son Sulayman is followed by a discussion of the people of Sabaa. Their arrogance, greed and ungratefulness led them to be destroyed by a flood. They desired greatness at the expense of the smaller towns. Two verses regarding the nature of Shaytan is followed by a series of challenges to those to those who opposed the prophet and his message with an assertion that divine success is belief in Allah manifested in serving humanity. The chapter then orders the reader to think for himself and not go for a herd mentality when it comes to the prophet asserting that he was not mad. It ends with the terrifying consequences of rejecting Divine Guidance. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

033 – Al Ahzaab – The Coalition The chapter begins with the negation of zhihaar where a man would reject his wife but not free her to marry anyone else, and the directive that adopted children were to be attributed to their biological fathers. It then transitions to a detailed account of the battle of Ahzaab (coalition) or Khandaque (ditch) where the tribe of Banu Nudhayr who were exiled from Madina for breaking a treaty forged a coalition with others including the Quraysh to attack the Muslims. Salman al Farsi recommended the digging of a ditch (khandaque) around Madina to protect it. After a long siege of over 3 weeks Divinity sends a windstorm, uprooting the tents of the coalition and the Makkans fled. The chapter continues to highlight the importance of the Prophet and the status of his wives. The believers are directed to obey him when he has decreed a matter. The purity of the family of the Prophet is highlighted in verse 33 as the people of the house (Ahlulbayt). Love for the Prophet and his family is regarded as a foundational component of faith. The incident of the Prophet marrying Zaynab (ex-wife of his adopted son) is mentioned and a directive to move away from gossip and occupy oneself with the remembrance of Allah. In one of the most celebrated verses of the Qur'an, the chapter declares that Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet and instructs the believers to do the same. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

032 – Al Sajda – The Prostration The chapter begins with the Qur'an and its Awesome Author – the creator of the heavens and earth and the owner of time and the knower of the seen and unseen. The creation of the human being with the spirit of Allah blown into him is then highlighted. This is followed by a contrast between those who are defiantly disobedient and those who submit to divinity. The objections are directed towards divine guidance (the prophet and the Qur'an) and resurrection (accountability). The contrast is with those who do sajda, praise and thank Allah and do good the Bani Israail are an example of those who were guided so long as they persevered and followed the signs of Divinity. The chapter continues with a call to reflect upon the end of past civilisations and a reflection on creation; finally ending with a challenge to those who cover up the truth and to await the order of Allah. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

031 – Luqmaan The chapter begins with asserting the Qur'an as a book of wisdom and a guidance for those who do good, whilst those who turn away in arrogance from Divine guidance are unable to hear with their hearts. It then states that Luqmaan was granted wisdom by Divinity and continues with his advice to his son enjoining him to recognise the greatness of Allah and the need to worship only Him. The injunction is linked to obedience and gratitude to parents so long as they do not challenge one's allegiance to Allah. He urges his son to establish prayers, not to be arrogant and to lower his voice. After reflection on creation and the inexhaustibility of Divine words, the chapter ends with a warning that neither parent nor child can assist on the Day of Judgement. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

029 – Al Ankabut – The Spider Revealed at a time of extreme persecution shortly before the migration (hijra) of many of the companions to Abyssinia. The sura begins by stating that faith will be tested as it was for the Prophets of the past citing examples. The central theme of the sura is the metaphor of the frailty of the spider's web built with the strongest of materials. The human being builds his world without being aware of the Awesomeness of the Creator and the inevitability of death and the hereafter, thus taking the weakest of positions. He is often heedless of his own fragility. (The COVID19 virus of 2020 is a vivid example of this). Strength to be able to succeed through the trials of life acquired through following the guidance of the Qur'an, establishing Salaa and remembering Divinity at all times. The sura also respond to the objections of those who covered up the truth addressing their beliefs. It concludes assuring those who believe that by being grateful and striving in His way, they will be rightly guided. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

030 – Al Rum – The Romans The sura begins with the prediction of the victory of the Romans over the Persians 9 years before the event. It is also indicative to the victory at Badr. This leads to the central theme of the sura, which is the abundance of the signs of divinity in society, within oneself and in nature alluding that the rise and fall of nations is nothing compared to the signs of divinity all around us. The inability of many human beings not to be able to recognise Divinity even with these signs is a result of their following their own whims. The human being is pre-programmed with 'fitra' – an operating system which is Allah's design for human values – gratitude, humility, humanity, mercy, love, justice, etc. It is revelation which activates it into practical manifestation and an inclination that truth is good (30:30). There is a challenge to those who cover up the truth to substantiate their claims and the inevitability of accountability where no excuses will be accepted. The sura ends with a directive not to underestimate the strength of belief. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

028 – Al Qasas – The Story The chapter begins with the story of Prophet Musa describing the oppression suffered by the Bani Israail who were divided by Firawn to keep them weak. Musa's mother is ordered by Divinity to put her infant in the river, after which he is cared for and brought up my Firawn's wife in his palace. This is followed by an incident where Musa strikes and kills an Egyptian who was bullying someone from the Bani Israail and his subsequent escape to Madain. There he meets two sisters, one of whom he would marry and finds refuge and employment with his father-in-law – Prophet Shuayb. The chapter continues with the encounter of Musa on the mountain with the fire from where Divinity addresses him and gives him the miracles of the staff and illuminated hand. He is commanded to confront Firawn and asks for his brother Harun to accompany him. Firawn claimed Divinity and boasted about building a tower to climb up to heaven to encounter and challenge the god of Musa. The chapter then continues with those who believe who are contrasted with those who deny Divine Guidance and their questioning on the day of resurrection. The story of Qarun, who attributed his wealth to his intelligence, follows as an example of extravagance, arrogance and hoarding. He is warned not to show off and to give importance to the aakhira but he ignored the warnings. Him and his home were sunk in the earth as a punishment. The chapter ends with consolation to the Prophet that he will return to Makka and all things will return back to Allah. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

027 – Al Naml – The Ant The chapter opens with several verses on the Qur'an as good news to those who establish salaa, give zakaa and are convinced of the hereafter. It then transitions to Prophet Musa's encounter with the burning bush from which Allah spoke to him, charging him with his mission to go to Firawn and free the Bani Israail. This is followed by an account of Prophet Sulayman, the valley of the ants, the hoopoe bird and his encounter with the queen of Sheba, who embraces belief in one god. The plot to assassinate Prophet Saalih is mentioned next. This is followed by the destruction of the people of Prophet Lut. The chapter then challenges the reader to reflect upon creation with a rhetorical question in several verses – "is there a god alongside Allah?" This is followed by those who deny resurrection and the Day of Judgement asserting the guidance of the Qur'an. The chapter ends with the mission of the Prophet being to sanctify Makka, recite the Qur'an and praise Divinity. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

026 – Al Shu'araa – The Poets The chapter begins with telling the Prophet that regardless of what is revealed, those who are adamant in covering up the truth will not believe. Much of the rest of the chapter recounts the stories of previous Prophets who faced similar challenges with the same teachings. It begins with the account of Prophet Musa's confrontation with Firawn, his contest with the magicians and their subsequent submission to his leaving Egypt with the Bani Israail. This is followed by an account of Prophet Ibraheem and the debate with his people about idols and then his awesome description of Allah and asking for forgiveness, wisdom, truth and Janna. Next is the story of Prophet Nuh and his people's aversion to a person whom the lower class followed. This is followed by Prophet Hud whose people are condemned for their arrogance over worldly possessions and Prophet Saalih whose people are characterised by their material attachment. Finally, there are accounts of Prophets Lut and Shuayb. The chapter affirms that the Qur'an was revealed to the heart of the Prophet in Arabic and the first group to be warned were the Prophet's near relations. It continues to describe those on whom shaytan descends and concludes by saying that the poets whom the pre-Islamic Arabs revered portrayed a false representation of reality. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city

025 – Al Furqaan – The Separator The chapter begins with the accusations of the Makkans that the Qur'an was taught to him by a human being and he was repeating ancient stories. It highlights their objections to accept the Prophet because of his humanity such as his eating and walking in the market, not given any treasures and not accompanied by an angel. The Makkans also objected at why the Quran was not revealed all at once rather than gradually over years. The Prophet's complain on the day of Judgement of the Qur'an taken as a forsaken word is mentioned in verse 30 followed by the rejection of Prophets Musa, Harun, Nuh, Hud, Salih and the messengers sent to the people of Rass by their communities. The chapter ends with a description of how those who submit to Divinity should behave from living a life of humility, addressing ignorance with kindness to being family orientated. Sura Introduction from: https://qfatima.com/quran-city/a-journey-through-quran-city