State of dead man’s mindset at the time of his funeral

No man was ever borne to be mortal - the prophets, saints, the demagogue, the mighty kings and the powerful and the men in rag tags - all tasted the taste of death and will continue to die and await their final disposal after the Divine Judgement is made on the Day of the Judgement.

While attending funerals, many are in a hurry to attend funeral prayers or even attend the burial, they are in a hurry to go to attend their daily chores. But there are always some, may be a few, who keep pondering the meaning of death, and whether the dead man is listening to us or is wondering over his life thereafter. Science has yet o find out whether a dead man listens to his mourners or can even see them. But there is a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which does give an indication of the mindset of a man who has died. Let us read this hadith and ponder over its meaning:

The Hadith

Narrated by Abu Saʿīd al-Khudrī (RA):

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When the funeral is ready and the men carry it on their shoulders, if the deceased was righteous, it will say: ‘Take me forward quickly!’ But if he was not righteous, it will say: ‘Woe to me! Where are they taking me?’ Its voice is heard by everything except man, and if man were to hear it, he would fall unconscious.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1316)

Explanation

1. Reality of the Soul After Death: The ḥadīth shows that death does not end consciousness. The soul is aware of its fate when the body is carried to the grave. A righteous person longs to meet Allah, while a sinful soul dreads it.

2. Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked

• Righteous soul: Eager for burial, because the grave will be the “garden of Paradise.”
• Wicked soul: Terrified, because the grave will be the “pit of Hell.”

This matches another ḥadīth: “The grave is either a garden from the gardens of Paradise, or a pit from the pits of Hell.” (Tirmidhī 2460).

3. Why Humans Cannot Hear It: Animals and other creatures hear the cry of the soul, but humans do not — out of Allah’s mercy. If humans heard it, they would collapse in terror and life would become unbearable.

4. Connection to Qur’an

Qur’an emphasizes that death is not the end, but the start of accountability:

• “And behind them is a barrier (barzakh) until the Day they are resurrected.” (23:100).
• “Every soul shall taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection.” (3:185).

In one of our next posts, we will dwell on what Barzakh is and how a man in grave sees what may be his future destination.

5. Lessons for Believers

• Prepare for death: Since the soul’s state at death reflects its deeds.
• Hasten funerals: Prophet ﷺ said, “Hasten the funeral; if it was righteous, you are taking it to good; and if otherwise, then it is an evil you are removing from your necks.” (Bukhārī, Muslim).
• Reminder of accountability: The unseen world (Barzakh) is real, even if hidden from human senses.

Relevance Today

The ḥadīth teaches us to live so that our soul will long for Allah at death, not fear Him. And that Funerals should remind the living of their own return to Allah. It also emphasizes Taqwā, righteous deeds, and sincere Tawḥīd as the best preparation for the grave.

In summary:

This hadith is a vivid reminder that the grave is not silence but the beginning of the Hereafter. The righteous soul welcomes death, while the sinful soul dreads it. Though humans cannot hear it, it is a reality we are urged to prepare for through faith and good deeds.

So my dear sisters and brothers, time is now to take decision so that after we die we do not have to worry about our future destination. Belief in one true God what all is needed to keep ourselves steered to the righteous path. If ever the Evil tries to distract us from the righteous path, we should be prompt in listening to our conscious and get back on the right track. Do not let the wrongs piling up for one never knows when the clock stops for us. 

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo: Drawn by Gemini AI | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. one may also consult local Muslim Imaan of the masjid for more clarification.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Al Qur'an quotes an excellent example of Prophet Abraham (Ibrāhīm) rejecting Idolatry

Idolatry is one of the oldest form of worship in the history of mankind - that is worshiping anyone or anything besides Allah, whether in belief, prayer, obedience, or devotion. All Divine religions were therefore introduced to guide man to the right path and worship none but Allah, the One True God - the sole Lord of the universe. Yet man continue to worship idols even till date. This act is the most detested by the Lord of the universe. The Qur’an calls it shirk (associating partners with Allah).

Prophet Abraham  ( Ibrāhīm عليه السلام), who is considered to be the father of all prophets, was in the forefront to stand against idolatry and even confronted his father who was an ardent idol worshipper. Al Qur'an quotes an excellent account of the Abrahamic response to idolatry in the 4th verse quoted in Surah Al-Mumtaḥanah - الممتحنة (meaning She That is to be Examined), the 6oth Surah /chapter of the Al Qur'an. 

 The Verse (60:4)

“Indeed, there is for you an excellent example in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: ‘Indeed, we are free from you and from whatever you worship besides Allah; we have rejected you, and there has appeared between us and you hostility and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone’ — except for the saying of Abraham to his father: ‘I will surely ask forgiveness for you, though I do not have power to do for you anything against Allah.’ Our Lord, upon You we have relied, and to You we have returned, and to You is the destination.”

Let us understand the verse in some detail. However those interested to the detailed exegesis / explanation of the verse may refer to our earlier post: Sūrah Al-Mumtaḥanah - The Woman to be Questioned: Exegesis / Tafsir 60th Chapter of Qur'an

Context (Asbāb al-Nuzūl)

This verse is in Surah al-Mumtaḥanah (60), revealed in Madinah. At that time, Muslims were in a delicate situation: some had family ties with Quraysh idolaters who were at war with the Muslims. The verse uses the story of Ibrahim (Abraham) and his people as a model: he rejected idolatry firmly, even though his own father and community were idolaters.

The verse teaches Muslims that loyalty to faith must be stronger than tribal or family loyalty if those ties oppose Islam.

Key Lessons

• Loyalty to Allah Comes First: Just as Ibrahim rejected shirk (idolatry) despite it being his people’s tradition, Muslims must prioritize their loyalty to Allah over cultural, social, or political ties.
• Separation from Shirk, Not Necessarily from People: 
• The verse condemns idolatry (shirk), not every interaction with idolaters.
• The Qur’an elsewhere commands kindness and justice to non-Muslims who are peaceful: “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes — from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (60:8)
• So, the balance is: reject shirk, but deal justly and kindly with non-hostile people.
• Limits of Intercession
• Ibrahim asked forgiveness for his father (who died upon shirk), but Allah later clarified it was not permissible (9:113).
• This shows love for family does not override loyalty to faith.

Supporting Verses

This is not the only verse about shirk in Qur'an for Allah has warned man time and again to desist from idolatry and worship none but He, foe He is the only sustainer of all living beings. Some verses are mentioned in our exclusive reference page on collection of posts on Shirk. Please refer to for more verses to know what shirk is and why should man reject idolater.

Today’s Application

• Should idolaters be treated the same way as in Ibrahim’s time? 
• No — because context matters.
• In Ibrahim’s and the Prophet ﷺ’s time, idolaters were actively opposing and persecuting believers.
• Today, if idolaters or non-Muslims live peacefully, the Qur’an instructs Muslims to show kindness, fairness, and good character.
• What remains timeless is hatred of shirk, not hatred of people.

In summary: Verse 60:4 teaches unwavering rejection of shirk and prioritizing loyalty to Allah, as exemplified by Ibrahim. But it does not justify mistreating non-Muslims today. Instead, it demands a balance: firmness in faith + justice and kindness in human relations.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more posts on the subject of shirk, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Shirk - Grave sin of Associating Partners with Allah

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

The parable of good and bad tree in Qur’an for mankind to take heed

Al Qur’an in addition to direct directives also uses stories of the past people and parables to let people understand Divine instructions better. Today, we share a parable of a good tree and a bad tree to explain the contrast between true faith (īmān) and falsehood (kufr/shirk).

The Parable in the Qur’an

The parable of good and bad tree is mentioned in Surah Ibrāhīm (14:24–26) as under:

“Do you not see how Allah compares a good word to a good tree — firmly rooted, with its branches reaching the sky, giving its fruit at all times by the permission of its Lord? And the example of a bad word is like a bad tree, uprooted from the surface of the earth, having no stability.”

Meaning of the Parable

Let us understand the parable for its better understanding and adaptability:

• The Good Tree (Shajarat Ṭayyibah):
• Represents pure faith, the word of tawḥīd (Lā ilāha illā Allāh), or righteous speech and deeds.
• The roots of the good tree represent deep conviction and sincerity in the heart.
• The branches indicate good deeds, character, influence reaching others.
• And the fruit of a good tree mean benefit to self and community, continuous reward.
• That is, the pure word is so fruitful that every person (or community) who bases his system of life on it, gets benefit from it every moment for it helps to produce clearness in thought, balance in temperament, strength in character, purity in morals, firmness in conduct, righteousness in talk, straightforwardness in conversation, good temperament in social behavior, nobility in culture, justice and equity in economy, honesty in politics, nobility in war, sincerity in peace; confidence in promises and pledges. In short, it is the elixir that changes everything into gold if one makes the proper use of it. 
• The Bad Tree (Shajarat Khabeethah): 
• A bad tree represents false beliefs, shirk, lies, hypocrisy.
• Having dried up, it has no more strong foundation and can be easily uprooted, the same way a liar always gets caught no much how much he tries to hide his lies.
• A bad tree since produces no fruit or has a shade, it has no benefit, only harm, and does not last.
• Good Word
• Though the expression literally means pure word, here it stands for truthful saying and righteous creed. According to the Quran, this saying and creed are the acceptance of the doctrine of Tauhid, belief in Prophethood and revelation, and in the life of the Hereafter, for it declares these things to be the fundamental truths.
• This is to show the strength and extent of the pure word. As the entire system of the universe hangs upon the reality contained in this pure word which the believer professes, the earth and its entire system cooperates with him and the heaven with its entire system welcomes him. There is, therefore, no conflict between him and the law of nature, and everything in its very nature extends its help to him.
• The Evil word
• Evil word is the opposite of pure word. It may be applied to everything that is unreal and wrong but here it stands for any false creed that one might adopt as a basis of his system of life, irrespective of whether it be atheism or heresy or disbelief or shirk or idol worship or any other ism that has not been brought by a Messenger.
• And evil word (false creed) has no stability because it is against the law of nature. Therefore, everything in the universe opposes it and refutes it, as if the earth hates it and is ready to spit out its seeds every time they are sown in it, and if some seed succeeds in growing an evil tree, heaven suppresses down its branches. In fact, false creed could never have been allowed to develop, if man had not been given the freedom of choice and respite for work for the sake of his trial. That is why when same foolish people exert to establish a system of life on it, it is allowed to grow to a certain extent, but it produces nothing but harmful results as long as it lasts. And no sooner does it encounter with adverse circumstances than it is thoroughly uprooted from the earth.

Thus, the distinction between the pure word and the evil word is so apparent that anyone who makes a critical study of the religious, moral, intellectual and cultural history of the world can perceive it easily. For the pure word has always been the one and same during the whole history of mankind and has never been uprooted. On the contrary, there have been innumerable evil words but each and every one has been so uprooted that there has remained hardly anything of it except its name in the pages of history. Nay, some of these had proved to be so absurd that if these are mentioned today one wonders how one could have followed such nonsensical things.

There has been another noteworthy difference between the two words. Whenever and wherever the pure word has been adopted by an individual or a community, its blessings had not been confined to that individual and community but had benefited all around them. On the contrary, whenever and wherever an evil word has been adopted by an individual or a community, its evils had spread chaos and disorder all around them.

In this connection, it should also be noted that the parable of the pure word and the evil word explains the same theme that had been explained by the similitude of the mound of ashes that is blown away by the wind of the stormy day (Ayat 18) and of the foam of flood, and the scum of the melted metals.

Context of Revelation

Surah Ibrāhīm was revealed in Makkah when the Prophet ﷺ was facing mockery and resistance. The parable was meant to encourage believers that Islam, though appearing small then, would grow strong and fruitful like the good tree. In fact, it was also a warning to Quraysh that their falsehood was like a weak tree destined to perish.

Lessons for Us Today

• Faith must be deeply rooted — mere words without conviction are like a shallow plant that withers.
• Actions prove faith — like a tree giving fruit, a believer should spread benefit to society.
• Words matter — both good and bad speech have lasting impact.
• False ideologies don’t last — lies, oppression, and injustice may appear strong but collapse over time.
• Legacy of values — just as a tree provides fruit for generations, sincere deeds outlive us.

To sum the verse, in today’s life:

• A person living with honesty, integrity, and faith is like the good tree — strong, beneficial, and remembered.
• A person driven by corruption, arrogance, or deceit is like the bad tree — eventually cut off and forgotten.

Blessed are those who heed to these parables and stories to understand the Divine commandments and steer their lives like a good tree.

We have already shared many other important verses from Surah 14. Ibrāhīm "إبراهيم" (Prophet Abraham عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), which may be accessed for more information and Divine guiding commandments and instructions.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

One of the most profound verses in the Qur’an for guidance of Muslims

Al Qur'an not only asks men to worship one true God, but it also lays down a complete code of conduct of man which includes guidelines for his social responsibility and moral conduct. Verse 2:177 of Sūrat al-Baqarah is one of the most profound verses in the Qur’an which embodies in on itself exact Divine commandment for guidance of man.. Let’s go through this verse in detail:

The Verse (2:177)

“It is not righteousness (al-birr) that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but righteousness is (in) one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets, and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask, and for freeing slaves; and (who) establishes prayer and gives zakāh; and (those who) fulfill their promises when they make them; and (those who) are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is they who are the righteous.”

Context

Early Muslims had disputes with Jews and Christians about the Qiblah (direction of prayer). Jews faced Jerusalem, Muslims initially did too, but later were commanded to face the Kaʿbah in Makkah. This verse clarified: Righteousness is not about mere rituals or directions, but about true faith and action.

Breakdown of Teachings

1. Faith (Belief): Faith is Islam is based on the following pillars. Unless a believer has unswerving belief in one true God, he cannot step into the fold of Islam. Having done so, one has to have a firm belief that this world is a temporary abode in which man is tested continuously - those who remain patient and steadfast in their belief, have a blind faith in all angels, the Divine Scriptures (The Psalms, Torah, Injeel and Al Qur'an) and finally all prophets, right from Prophet Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) till Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم are said to be true believers, for True righteousness begins with Imān which has following pillars:

• Belief in Allah.
• The Last Day.
• Angels.
• Books.
• Prophets.

This opener of the verse defines the core of Islamic creed.

2. Worship (ʿIbādah)

Unlike other Divine religions where worship of Allah is restricted to one day only, Islam makes it mandatory for all able bodied health adults to offer five obligatory prayers throughout the day. In addition to Ṣalāh, one has to pay Zakāh from the wealth held for one year. 

• Prayer (Ṣalāh): regular, sincere devotion to Allah.
• Zakāh (Charity): purifying wealth by giving obligatory dues.

3. Social Responsibility

Other than Ibadah / worship and Zakāh, one has many a social responsibility and obligations. These obligations include spending wealth, despite love for it, on:

• Relatives (maintaining kinship ties).
• Orphans.
• Needy/poor.
• Travelers (stranded, refugees).
• Beggars (those who ask).
• Freeing slaves.

Islam links piety with compassion and justice.

4. Moral Character

Morality is one of the basic character trait of a believer. The words he speaks or covenants / oaths he makes shows the level of his morality. Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم was known for his moral character which was even acknowledged by his worst enemies. He always kept his covenants, the Charter of Hudaibiya was one of his moral ascendency over his opponents. Therefore, a believer must: 

• Keep his promises/covenants (honesty and reliability).
• And be patient in:
• Poverty (personal struggle).
• Hardship (general adversity).
• Battle (defending truth and justice).

5. True Righteousness

• Allah concludes: These are the truthful and God-conscious people.
• Meaning: Faith must show itself in action.
• Hadith Connections
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if small.” (Bukhārī, Muslim)
• Also: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhārī, Muslim)
• Both tie into Imān + action + ethics, exactly what this verse summarizes.

Relevance Today

These guidelines remain good forever, not restricted to the Arabia at the advent of Islam. The verse reminds us that faith without action is incomplete, and action without belief is hollow.

A Muslim should, therefore: 

• Never reduce religion to rituals or outward symbols.
• Exhibit True piety which is holistic: belief, worship, social justice, moral integrity, patience.

In short: 2:177 is a manifesto of Islam’s moral and spiritual vision — righteousness is faith combined with action, worship with justice, and patience with sincerity.

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Surah 2 Al Baqarah (The Cow)  already published

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Why stories of previous prophets are mentioned in Qur'an?

The foundation of any Divine religion hinges on the prophets, specially chosen Divinely, to convey the guidance provided by the Lord of the universe so that no one goes astray by falling into the Satanic misguidance. Like the previous Divine Scriptures, specially Torah and Injeel, Al Qur’an also mentions previous prophets and their stories to confirm the unity of the divine message, console the Prophet ﷺ, provide lessons for believers, warn deniers, and illustrate Allah’s justice. They are timeless parables, not just historical accounts.

There is a mention of some twenty five prophets in Qur'an that includes some of the major prophets like Prophet Nūḥ (Noah), Ibrāhīm (Abraham), Mūsā (Moses), ʿĪsā (Christ) - (peace be upon them all), and many others. In fact all the prophets have been torch bearer to show the Divine enlightenment to the non Muslims. 

Since the Quran refers only parenthetically to the stories of the prophets, assuming the audience is able to complete the rest from their own knowledge, it became necessary to store the version the original audience had in mind to keep the purpose of the message, when Islam met other cultures during its expansion.

Surah 21. Al-Anbiyā’ of Al Qur'an is devoted to showing a series of prophets — one after the other — all carrying the same message of Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah) and servitude. It highlights both their struggles and Allah’s help, as a reminder to Quraysh and to all humanity. 

Prophets Mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiyā’ - Some of the prophets listed in this surah include:

• Prophet Ibrāhīm (Abraham)
• Prophet Lūṭ (Lot)
• Prophet Nūḥ (Noah)
• Prophet Dāwūd (David)
• Prophet Sulaymān (Solomon)
• Prophet Ayyūb (Job)
• Prophet Ismāʿīl (Ishmael)
• Prophet Idrīs (Enoch)
• Prophet Dhul-Kifl
• Prophet Yūnus (Jonah)
• Prophet Zakariyyā (Zechariah)
• Prophet Yaḥyā (John)
• Maryam and her son Prophet ʿĪsā (Jesus) are also referenced

This makes it one of the most comprehensive prophetic surahs, showing how prophets were tried but ultimately aided by Allah.

Let’s find out why Al Qur'an mentions the stories related to previous prophets:

To Confirm the Universal Message

The Qur’an shows that all prophets brought the same core message: Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah), obedience, and accountability in the Hereafter:

Qur’an 21:25: “We did not send any messenger before you but We revealed to him: ‘There is no god but Me, so worship Me.’”

To Warn Those Who Reject

Previous nations who denied prophets faced destruction (ʿĀd, Thamūd, Pharaoh, People of Lūṭ). These are warnings to Quraysh of Makkah and to people of every era.

Qur’an 29:40: “So each We seized for his sin…”

A reminder that rejecting truth leads to ruin.

To Highlight Divine Justice and Sunnat Allah (Allah’s Way)

History shows a pattern: Truth prevails, falsehood perishes.

Qur’an 3:137: “Many ways of life have passed before you, so travel through the earth and see how was the end of those who denied.”

That is Allah’s justice is consistent and timeless.

To Invite Reflection (Tadabbur)

The Qur’an uses stories as parables and reminders, so believers don’t just read but reflect and apply.

They are told selectively — not in full chronological detail like history books — because the goal is lessons, not entertainment.

To Console and Strengthen the Prophet ﷺ

The Prophet ﷺ faced denial, mockery, and hostility. Stories of earlier prophets gave him strength and were a source of motivation to never to give in no matter how oppositions the idolaters and non believers made.

Qur’an 6:34: “Messengers before you were denied, but they patiently endured rejection… until Our help came to them.”

Qur’an 11:120: “We narrate to you the stories of the messengers to make your heart firm.”

Thus the struggle of the previous prophets showed him he was not alone and when one has been chosen to convey the Divine message to people, one has to be strong nerved and resilient to fight back the negative fallout.

To Provide Moral Lessons for Believers

The stories are not “history for history’s sake” but guidance. The mention of following prophets is made to show the believers how can the achieve moral ascendency over their rivals by drawing relevant lessons from the life of previous prophets. For example:

• Nūḥ (AS): Perseverance in daʿwah despite rejection.
• Ibrāhīm (AS): Firm belief in Tawḥīd against society’s idolatry.
• Mūsā (AS): Standing up against tyranny and oppression.
• Yūsuf (AS): Patience, resisting temptation, forgiveness.

Qur’an 12:111: “In their stories is a lesson for those of understanding. The Qur’an is not a fabricated tale but a confirmation and guidance and mercy for people who believe.”

Relevance for Us Today

The prophetic stories do not fade out in their substance for the environment in which they lived and tried to put across the Divine message has not outdated even today. Although, after Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم was the last of the prophets and after him the prophetic chain ceased, we have Qur'an and Sunnah for our guidance. We must understand how Qur'an and Sunnah teach us guidance and so our best to teach others through healthy discussions and invitation to Islam.

Let us see how these stories are still relevant today:

• Strength in Faith: Like earlier prophets, believers today face challenges, but patience leads to Allah’s help.
• Moral Compass: Their examples are blueprints for dealing with temptation, injustice, family issues, or social opposition.
• Warning: Nations that became arrogant and corrupt were destroyed — a timeless reminder for societies today.
• Fighting Back Islamophobia: The deliberate spread of anti Islam campaign that has now matured as Islamophobia is similar to the anti Islam mindset during the period of all prophets. We need to understand these stories, their context and be ready to defend Islam rather than succumbing to Islamophobia.
• Da'wah / invitation to Islam: Da'wah or invitation to Islam is the sacred duty of all Muslims as has been that of all prophets. We Muslims therefore need to understand Islam more so that we do not bog down when answering queries of the non Muslims.

We have already published a Reference Page which carries links to our posts on stories and life experiences of previous prophet. Please refer to our reference page: Prophets mentioned in Qur'an to get enlightened about the previous prophets right up to last of the prophets, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. We have added exclusive pages about some of the prophets, while work is in hand to write about the remaining.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo 

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A. You may also refer to our refference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on important issue related to Islam to know more about Islam.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Qur’an is a blessed Book revealed for Reflection, specially by men of understanding (ulu al-albāb), to take heed

AL Qur'an is the last of the four Divine Scriptures from Allah for the guidance of mankind. It is revealed in Arabic language, yet it is the most read Divine Scripture around the world even by non Arabic speaking Muslims. Those who cannot read Arabic, read translation of Al Qur'an and are still spellbound how Allah directly speaks to the audience no matter Muslim or Non Muslim. There is a strange connection that is established between the Lord of the universe and His creations when Al Qur'an is read.

Unfortunately many a  man do not know how to approach AL Qur'an to benefit from it. Those averse to Islam, dig into Qur'an only to find verses that can be twisted and used against Islam. Many verses so twisted are used as a platform for waging a sinister campaign and spreading Islamophobia in the world. But those who read Qur'an with an open minds and try to find the good in it, more often than not find the true guidance and come under the fold of Islam.

Although, the ordinary men get to understand the Divine message, even by reading the translation of Al Qur'an, there are many hidden meanings that only men of wisdom, intellect and understanding can understand. This is what is being said in the 29th verses of Surah 38 Saad (The letter Saad) being shared and explained herein under:

The Verse

"This is a Blessed Book which We have revealed to you, so that they may reflect upon its verses and so that those of understanding (ulu al-albāb) may take heed."

(38:29)

Key Points in the Verse

• “Blessed Book” (Kitābun Mubārak): 
• The Quran has been called a blessed Book in the sense that it is highly useful for man. It gives him the best guidance to improve and reform his life. By following it he has only to gain and nothing to lose.
• The Qur’an is full of blessings: spiritual, moral, and practical guidance, light, healing, and mercy.
• Purpose of Revelation: 
• Tadabbur (reflection)
•  Not just recitation, but pondering the meanings, wisdom, and lessons.
• Ibn Taymiyah said, “Whoever contemplates [tadabbur] upon the Qur’ān [with the condition] of seeking guidance from it, [then] the path of truth will be made clear.”
• Dhikrā (reminder) — So that people can act upon it, not merely admire it.
• “Those of Understanding” (Ulu al-Albāb): This phrase occurs often in the Qur’an. It refers to people with pure hearts, sound intellect, and sincerity who can recognize truth when they see it.

Who Are the Men of Wisdom (Ulu al-Albāb)?

Ulu al-albāb (or Ulūl albāb) is an Arabic term from the Quran that refers to people of sound intellect, wisdom, and deep insight, who integrate their intellectual faculties with spiritual awareness to understand God's signs in creation. They are characterized by their profound contemplation, reflection, piety, and ability to make wise decisions, striving for truth and seeking to serve God and humanity. 

Ibn Qayyim said, "In short, there is nothing more beneficial for the heart than reading the Quran and with contemplation and reflection. The Quran encompasses all levels of the travelers, the conditions of the workers, and the stations of those possessing know. It is the Quran that generates love, desire, fear, hope, repentance, reliance, pleasure, entrustment, gratitude, patience, and the rest of the different states that are life to the heart and perfection of it. Likewise, it repels all the rebuked characteristics and actions that cause the corruption and ruin of the heart. If people were to possess a realization of what recitation of Quran with contemplation contains, they would devote themselves to it at the expense of anything else". [Ref: Miftaah Daar as Saadah p.204]

Key characteristics of ulū al-albāb:

• Deep intellectual capacity: They possess sharp, profound, and broad understanding, often described as having "layered brains" or pure intellects. 
• Spiritual maturity: They achieve a notable degree of spiritual maturity, combining intellect with emotion and devotion. 
• Contemplation and reflection: They actively contemplate the creation of the heavens and the earth and reflect on God's decrees. 
• Wisdom and insight: They gain profound insight and wisdom, allowing them to understand the essence of things and perceive signs of God's greatness. 
• Piety and remembrance: They remember God (dhikr) while standing, sitting, or lying down and hasten towards His forgiveness. 
• Integrative approach: They integrate human reason with Divine revelation and combine worldly knowledge with religious knowledge. 
• Solution-oriented: They can act as solution-oriented individuals who use their minds for effective planning and decision-making. 

In essence: Ulu al-albāb are not just intellectually smart but are deeply spiritual, possessing a complete understanding of reality through the combined lens of reason and faith, leading to moral action and purposeful living. 

Quranic Examples:

• 3:190–191: Ulu al-albāb are those who remember Allah, reflect on creation, and say, “Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly.”
• 13:19: They recognize that what Allah has revealed is the truth.
• 39:9: They are described as those who spend the night in prayer, humble before their Lord, fearing the Hereafter.

So "men of wisdom" are not an elite scholarly class only — but people whose hearts are alive with faith and reflection.

Can Ordinary Believers Understand the Qur’an?

Yes of course. The Qur’an was revealed for all of mankind, not just scholars.

54:17: “And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?”

39:27: Allah says He has given every type of example in the Qur’an so people may take heed.

The Prophet ﷺ recited Qur’an to ordinary companions — shepherds, traders, farmers — who reflected and acted on it.

However, levels of understanding differ:

• Ordinary believers can understand the general guidance (belief in Allah, prayer, morality, justice, patience).
• Scholars with deeper study of Arabic, tafsīr, and Sunnah can uncover deeper layers and resolve complex issues.
• But reflection (tadabbur) is for everyone. The Qur’an invites all believers to think, not just scholars.

Lessons for Us Today

Al Qur'an is revealed for guidance of man and not finding shortcuts from Al Qur'an in form of supplications to steer the life as they want it. Those who understand the Qur'an will have their life well shaped as it will add the love and mercy of Allah in everything they do and wish for. 

Remember:

• Don’t treat Qur’an as just for recitation in rituals — it is for reflection and action.
• Everyone can benefit, but sincerity, humility, and use of intellect are key.
• True wisdom is not just having knowledge, but applying Qur’anic guidance to life.

Surah Ṣād 38:29 highlights that the Qur’an is a blessed Book revealed for reflection. The “men of wisdom” are not just scholars, but anyone with sincerity, humility, and sound intellect who seeks Allah’s guidance. Ordinary believers can and must reflect on the Qur’an, while scholars may access deeper layers — but everyone can benefit from its guidance.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 | ChatGPT / Google

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Why man is reminded of death time and again in Al Qur'an

Many critics of Islam blame "Allah" of scares the man of His wrath and chastisement in Qur'an and give them no hope of good. This assertion is altogether incorrect and based on baseless assumptions for at many places Allah reassures men who follow the path of the righteous treasures of Paradise in the life of the Hereafter. As for death, it is not mentioned to create a scary parable but to tell the man that his present life is transitory and death is only a cutoff point from the life in this world and beginning of a new life of the Hereafter.

There are many verses in Qur'an about death:

• 3:185: “Every soul shall taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection…”
• 62:8: “The death you flee from will surely meet you, then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and seen…”
• 21:35: Repeats the same wording, linking life’s trials with certainty of death.

Relevant Hadith: 

• The Prophet ﷺ said: “Remember often the destroyer of pleasures — death.” (Tirmidhī, 2307; Nasā’ī)
• When passing by graves, he ﷺ would remind: “Peace be upon you, O dwellers of the graves. You preceded us, and we are to follow you.” (Muslim, 975)

These hadith emphasize awareness of mortality as a way to stay humble and focused on the Hereafter.

However, one of the oft referred verses is from Surah Al-‘Ankabūt (29:57)  given herein under:

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ

“Every soul shall taste death. Then to Us you will be returned.”

In order to under the verse completely, let us link it with previous and following verses in its full Qur’anic flow, to see how it fits with what comes before and after.

The Verses (29:56–60)

We begin with the verse 56 and go up to verse 60 as these are inter woven and present the context:

• 29:56
• “O My servants who have believed, indeed My earth is spacious, so worship only Me.”
• Addressing persecuted believers in Makkah who faced hardship for their faith.
• If they can’t freely worship in Makkah, Allah reminds them His earth is wide — they can migrate (Hijrah) for the sake of religion.
• 29:57: Now coming over to the verse specifically about death and what death means: “Every soul shall taste death. Then to Us you will be returned.”
• Universality of Death:
• No exception: There is no exception to who tastes the death. Even prophets beside sinners, rich or poor — have all  tasted death and this cycle will go on till the Day of Resurrection.
• In the verse, “Taste” (dhawq) means an inevitable, personal experience. 
• Return to Allah:
• Death is not the end; it is the beginning of accountability.
• The verse shifts focus: not just dying, but returning to your Lord.
• Life is a test, not the final destination.
• Encouragement to Believers:
• For the persecuted Muslims in Makkah, this was a reminder: hardships end, but reward awaits.
• For disbelievers: worldly power and pleasure won’t save them from returning to Allah.
• 29:58–59 
• “Those who believe and do righteous deeds – We shall lodge them in lofty dwellings of Paradise, beneath which rivers flow… those who are patient and upon their Lord they rely.”
• This verse is in the form of Consolation: For hardships in this world are temporary; eternal reward awaits.
• It links patience (ṣabr) and reliance (tawakkul) with success.
• 29:60 
• “And how many a creature carries not its provision! Allah provides for it and for you, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.”
• This verse is of Reassurance: Don’t fear poverty or hunger in migration. Just as Allah provides for birds and animals, He will provide for you if you strive for His sake.

Contextual Flow

• 29:56 (Hijrah command): If oppressed, move for Allah’s worship.
• 29:57 (Death reminder): Don’t cling to dunya or fear leaving home — death will come regardless.
• 29:58–59 (Promise of Paradise): Your patience will be rewarded with eternal dwellings.
• 29:60 (Provision): Don’t fear hunger or loss, Allah sustains all creatures.

Why Man is Reminded of Death Here

• To break fear of sacrifice: People often hesitate to migrate or struggle for faith out of fear of losing comfort, wealth, or life. Allah reminds them: life itself is temporary — death will come anyway.
• To shift perspective: Death is not the end; it’s the return to Allah, where real reward or punishment begins.
• To encourage courage: If death is certain, better to die obeying Allah than living comfortably in disobedience.
• To strengthen patience: Hardships of migration and persecution are momentary compared to eternal reward.

Lessons for Today

• We fear losing jobs, wealth, or social standing for practicing Islam — this verse reminds us that death is inevitable; compromise won’t delay it.
• Migration for faith isn’t only geographical — sometimes it means leaving sinful environments or changing lifestyles.
• Reliance on Allah’s provision (29:60) gives courage to pursue righteousness even if it seems risky.
• This passage is a full manual for resilience under trials:
• Worship Allah alone (29:56).
• Accept mortality (29:57).
• Be patient and rely on Allah (29:58–59).
• Trust His provision (29:60).

Surah Al-‘Ankabūt 29:57 sits at the heart of a passage guiding persecuted believers: worship Allah alone, migrate if needed, remember death is inevitable, be patient for Paradise, and trust in Allah’s provision. Man is reminded of death here to remove fear of worldly loss and anchor the believer’s focus on the eternal return to Allah.

Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer for more Selected Verses from Sürah 29. Al-‘Ankabūt "العنكبوت" (The Spider) already published.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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