Why man has been made responsible to save his family from chastisement of Hell Fire

In Islam, family is the most sacred relationship between man and woman and in this a man’s role in the family is not about authority for its own sake, rather it is a trust (amānah) given to him to take care his family while responsibility of every facet of family life with justice and compassion. That is why the man will be asked on the day of Judgement if he had failed to prepare his family for their final abode.

With this premise in view, let us share the 6th verse of Surah 66 At-Tahrīm (The Prohibition) of Al Qur'an which makes man responsible  to save his family from the chastisement of Hell fire. 

The Verse

يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا قُوۡۤا اَنۡفُسَكُمۡ وَاَهۡلِيۡكُمۡ نَارًا وَّقُوۡدُهَا النَّاسُ وَالۡحِجَارَةُ عَلَيۡهَا مَلٰٓـئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعۡصُوۡنَ اللّٰهَ مَاۤ اَمَرَهُمۡ وَيَفۡعَلُوۡنَ مَا يُؤۡمَرُوۡنَ‏ 

“O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over it are angels, harsh and severe, who do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.”

Let us unpack this verse and see why and how a man can protect his family from the fire of hell

What Is This Verse About?

This verse from Surah At-Tahrīm is a direct command to believers to take responsibility for saving ownself and their families from Hellfire. It is not just about personal faith—it expands responsibility to family, upbringing, and moral guidance. Which means that a man is not only responsible to provide means of sustenance, shelter and other daily needs of his family, but also to ensure his family remains on a path as described in Al Qur'an so that they do not transgress the limits and fall into the trap of the Satan and actin ways that may prepare them for Divine wrath in the life of the hereafter.

Core Message in One Line

Faith is not only personal—it is a responsibility to guide and protect your family spiritually.

Key Themes of the Verse

• Personal Responsibility Comes First
• The verse begins with: “Protect yourselves…” That means before guiding others, a person must correct his own actions and strengthen his own faith.
• You cannot guide others if you are neglecting yourself.
• Responsibility Toward Family
• Then it says: “…and your families…”
• This includes: (1) Teaching them right and wrong, (2) Nurturing faith, and (3) Protecting them from harmful influences
• Classical scholars explain: “Teach them and discipline them.”
• Ibn Kathir highlights that a Muslim must not only avoid sin themselves but also ensure their wives and children are educated in matters of faith and righteousness to save them from Hell.
• The Seriousness of the Hereafter The verse describes Hell as: “a Fire whose fuel is people and stones” This powerful imagery shows: Hell is real and severe and that consequences are not symbolic—they are serious and ultimate

Angels of Discipline 

• “over it are angels, harsh and severe…” That is these angels do not show disobedience and carry out Allah’s commands perfectly
• This shows that the system of justice in the Hereafter is absolute and uncompromising.

Why man has been made responsible 

In Islam, a man has been made responsible for his family. Once a man is married, he is not to have children born to him, rather the entire responsibility of their rearing, grooming and sustenance falls on him alone. While he endeavours to provide them every essential needs of daily lives, he is also responsible for their spiritual grooming. Any weakness or slackness on the part of the spiritual grooming can lead his children fall into the fold of the evil and their return to true faith may become difficult for them. And the fathomless life in sins can mean inviting the Divine annoyance and ending up in the chastisement of Hell Fire. That is why man as the head of the family is given this responsibility and train them on true faith so that their destiny is heavens - not hell.

What Does “Protect Your Family” Practically Mean?

It does not mean forcing or controlling harshly. Rather, it includes:

• Teaching: 
• Teaching Qur’an and basic beliefs like explaining halal and haram
• This verse emphasizes educating family members in Islamic etiquette, encouraging obedience, and forbidding evil as a method of saving them from the afterlife punishment, ensuring they are not among those who fuel the fire.
• Role Modeling: Mere teaching is not enough for children learn more from actions than words. This means not mere lecturing and advising. Rather this means that a man himself should be a role model for his family. He doesn't have to tell them anything - they should learn from his character and his deeds.
• Creating a Faith Environment: 
• Actions speak louder than words. For example one doesn't have to tell children to offer prayers. By offering prayer in the home, children also learn to follow the suit and start offering prayers. I for myself never asked my children to pray - they saw me doing it regularly so they started offering prayers on their own.
• Also remembrance of Allah often and initiating moral discussions can involve the entire family in learning more about Allah and the faith. The moral discussions are source of inspiration and education for the children,
• Gentle Guidance: Teaching should never be based on fear or reprimands. The guidance be taught with gentleness and every harsh means be avoided as fear of punishment makes learning difficult and does not permeate teaching into hearts. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used wisdom, patience, and compassion in guiding his family.

Deep Psychological Insight of the verse

This verse recognizes something profound:

• People are shaped most by their closest environment (family): Nurturing faith leads to spiritual growth of individuals - while neglecting faith makes individuals drift away from the righteous path.
• Connection with Other Qur’anic Teachings: This verse aligns with broader Qur’anic principles:
• Every soul is responsible (no blind following)
• But leaders/parents have greater accountability
• Balance to Understand Correctly: 
• This verse should NOT be misunderstood as harsh control or coercion,
• Instead, it is about: Care, responsibility, and guidance with wisdom
• A Powerful Reflection: On the Day of Judgment, one of the hardest questions could be: “Did you try to guide those under your care?” 

In essence: This verse tells that a person’s responsibility is not confined to making effort to save himself from the punishment of God but it is also his responsibility that he should so educate and also train to the best of his ability members of his family to become Allah’s favorite servants, who have been entrusted to his care in the natural process of life; and if they might be following a path to Hell, he should try, as much as he can, to correct them. His concern should not only be that his children should lead a happy and prosperous life in the world but, more than that, he should be anxious to see that they do not become fuel of Hell in the Hereafter. According to a tradition reported in Bukhari by Abdullah bin Umar, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Each one of you is a herdsman and is accountable with regard to his herd. The ruler is a herdsman and is accountable with regard to his subjects. The man is a herdsman of his family and is accountable with regard to them. And the woman is a herdsman of her husband’s house and his children and is accountable with regard to them.

This verse thus reminds us that success is not just personal salvation, but also caring for the spiritual well-being of those we love. It teaches that true faith means taking responsibility—not only for yourself, but for guiding and protecting your family from spiritual harm, with wisdom, sincerity, and care.

So let us groom our family in a gentle and caring atmosphere so that the entire family is attracted towards our faith intrinsically and spiritually, rather than resorting to means that make others apparently learn under fear which seldom leaves permanent imprints on ones heart.

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 verses on 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

Al-Qurʾān: Overview and Selected verses from: Sürah Al Al-Ḥashr (The Gathering)

Surah Al-Hashr is the 59th chapter (sūrah) of the Qur'an, part of Juzʼ 28, and has 24 Ayahs (verses). The chapter is named al-hashr because the word hashr appears in verse 2. It is a Madinan surah that combines history, faith, politics, and spirituality. It takes its name from “al-Ḥashr” (gathering/exile), referring to a key historical event, and then draws timeless lessons about trust in Allah, unity, sincerity, and inner purification.

We have already shared the Tafseer / Exegesis of the Surah which can be read from links given below:

| Summary | Exegesis / Tafseer | Guidance from Surah Al Hashr

Herein under we will only present an overview of the Sūrah, for the scope of this post is to only to introduce the Sūrah and provide links to some of the selected verses from this Sūrah for selective reading / references. The following bird eye view includes the context, major themes and subjects and lessons that we can learn from this Sūrah, followed by references to  some of the selected verses already published.

Historical Context (Why it was revealed)

The surah was revealed after the exile of the Jewish tribe Banu Nadir from Medina. It so happened that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had a treaty with Banu Nadir, but they broke the treaty and plotted to assassinate him. As a result, they were besieged and then expelled from Medina. This event is described as a “gathering” (ḥashr) because they were forced to leave collectively.

Main Themes of the Surah

• Allah’s Power and Control (Verses 1–5)
• The surah begins by showing that what happened was not due to military strength alone, but by Allah’s They thought their fortresses would protect them—but Allah came upon them from where they did not expect."
• Lessons: (1) Human planning is limited, (2) Allah’s decree always prevails
• Hypocrisy and False Alliances (Verses 11–17)
• The surah exposes the behavior of the hypocrites in Medina who promised to support Banu Nadir, but abandoned them when the situation became serious.
• They are compared to Shayṭān who tempts a person and then abandons him.
• Lesson: (1) False friends disappear in times of crisis, (2) Reliance should be on Allah, not opportunistic alliances
• Distribution of Wealth and Social Justice (Verses 6–10)
• The surah discusses how war gains (fay’) were distributed among the poor emigrants (Muhājirūn) and the helpers in Medina (Anṣār).
• It praises the Anṣār for their remarkable selflessness: “They prefer others over themselves even if they are in need.”
• Lesson: (1) True faith produces generosity and sacrifice, (2) A healthy society is built on justice and care for others
• Warning Against Forgetting Allah (Verse 19)
• One of the most powerful verses: “And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves…”
• Lesson: Forgetting Allah leads to: Loss of purpose, Moral confusion, and spiritual emptiness
• This is a deep psychological insight.
• The Majesty of the Qur’an (Verse 21)
• “If We had sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and splitting apart from the fear of Allah.”
• Lesson: If even a mountain would crumble, how can a human heart remain unmoved? It calls us to reflect deeply on the Qur’an.
• The Beautiful Attributes of Allah (Verses 22–24)
• The surah ends with 15 powerful attributes of Allah for knowing Allah is the foundation of faith and transformation. These verses are often recited for spiritual reflection

Key Lessons for Us Today

• Don’t Trust in Material Strength Alone Like Banu Nadir, people may rely on: wealth, power, and systems. But real security comes from Allah.
• Beware of Hypocrisy and Empty Promises The surah teaches us to be sincere, avoid double standards and not rely on unreliable alliances
• Build a Selfless Community The example of the Anṣār shows true believers care for others even in hardship and that generosity strengthens unity.
• Never Lose Connection with Allah The warning in verse 19 is extremely relevant today: A person may have everything materially, but feel lost internally.  for his disconnection with Allah.
• Reflect Deeply on the Qur’an The Qur’an is not meant to be read casually—it is meant to: transform hearts, reshape thinking and guide life decisions.
• Know Allah Through His Names The ending teaches that true faith is built on معرفة (knowing Allah).

A Powerful Reflection

Surah Al-Hashr shows three types of people: (1) Those who trust in worldly power → they fail, (2) Hypocrites who deceive → they collapse morally, and True believers → they succeed through sincerity and sacrifice

In essence:Surah Al-Hashr is a complete guide for building a strong inner self and a strong community—based on faith, sincerity, trust in Allah, and care for others.

Now let us share herein some of the selected ayat / verses from this surah already shared:

• Verse 18: Fear Allah and let every soul know what it has sent ahead for tomorrow
• Verse 19: Believers !! be not like those who forget Allah
• Verse 21: A Powerful Metaphor in Al Qur'an about the power and weight of Divine Revelation
• Verse 22: Allah, there is no god but He - The Knower of the Unseen
• Verses 22-24: How Last Three Ayat / verses of Surah Hashr can shape our lives by knowing Who Allah is

In time we will add more selected ayat / verses from this surah.

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 verses on 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

A Powerful Metaphor in Al Qur'an about the power and weight of Divine Revelation

There are a number o metaphors and parables in Al-Qurʾān that are used to explain some complex verses so that readers can easily comprehend the Divine wisdom contained in these verses. We have already shared some of these in our previous posts that can be accessed from our reference page on metaphors and parables, link given at the end of this post.

Today, we share one of the most striking verses in Al Qur'an that appears in Surah Al-Hashr. In this verse the might and weight of Al Qur'an has been mentioned that if a huge creation like a mountain had the sense and knowledge that it had been made responsible and accountable, like man, before Allah Almighty, for its deeds, it would have trembled from the fear of it. But how heedless, senseless and thoughtless is the man, who understands the Quran, and has known the whole truth through it, yet he is neither seized by any fear nor feels worried as to what answer he would make to his God about the responsibilities that have been placed on him. On the contrary, when he reads the Quran, or hears it being read, he remains un-moved as if he were a lifeless and senseless stone, which is not supposed to hear and see and understand anything.

This metaphor aims to shake human beings out of their heedlessness, forcing them to recognize the awesome power of the Divine Word and to fear Allah properly.

The Verse Sürah Al-Hashr (59:21)

لَوۡ اَنۡزَلۡنَا هٰذَا الۡقُرۡاٰنَ عَلٰى جَبَلٍ لَّرَاَيۡتَهٗ خَاشِعًا مُّتَصَدِّعًا مِّنۡ خَشۡيَةِ اللّٰهِ​ؕ وَتِلۡكَ الۡاَمۡثَالُ نَضۡرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَفَكَّرُوۡنَ‏ 

“If We had sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and splitting apart from fear of Allah. And these examples We present to people so that they may reflect.” (59:21)

This verse contains one of the strongest metaphors in the Qur'an, inviting deep reflection about the power and weight of divine revelation. Let us unpack this verse to get to the core of its meaning as interpreted by eminent Muslim scholars of times.

Why the Qur’an Mentions a Mountain

A mountain represents something extremely strong and solid. Mountains are often symbols of stability, firmness, and immense strength. And this hypothetical comparison has been used to emphasize the heavy weight of the Quran’s message. If animate, hard rock could understand the gravity of the message, it would crumble. This imagery highlights the immense spiritual weight of the Qur'an.

The “Weight” of Revelation

The Qur'an itself states elsewhere that revelation is heavy and serious:

“Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.” (73:5)

The Prophet ﷺ sometimes experienced the physical intensity of revelation. Reports mention that when revelation came he would sweat even on a cold day, his camel would feel the weight and companions nearby could sense the gravity of the moment

This shows that divine revelation carries profound spiritual and moral responsibility. Commenting on Ayah 21, eminent Muslim scholar Ibn Kathir wrote: “Allah the Exalted emphasizes the greatness of the Qur’an, its high status and of being worthy of making hearts humble and rent asunder upon hearing it, because of the true promises and sure threats that it contains."

The Real Message of the Metaphor

The verse is not simply describing mountains—it is speaking to human hearts.

The meaning is: If a mountain, with its immense strength, would break under the impact of the Qur'an, then human hearts should certainly be moved by it. Yet many people read the Qur'an without reflection, hear its verses without emotional response and  treat it as routine recitation.

Ibn Kathir notes that the metaphor serves as a rebuke to mankind:

• Harder than Rocks: If a solid mountain would crumble from the fear of Allah, why do human hearts not soften when hearing the Quran?.
• Lack of Reflection: Despite possessing intelligence and understanding Allah's commands, humans are often negligent and unmoved by the Quran, making their hearts "harder than stones".

Thus this verse challenges believers to ask: Why are our hearts harder than mountains?

Psychological Insight of the Verse

The verse teaches an important spiritual principle: Reflection transforms the heart. The Qur'an repeatedly calls people to think deeply, not just recite. At the end of the verse Allah says: 

“These examples We present to people so that they may reflect.”

Reflection leads to humility, awareness of Allah, moral transformation. Without reflection, even the most powerful message may leave the heart unchanged.

A Spiritual Warning

Many scholars say this verse quietly warns believers about spiritual hardness.

The Qur'an describes hardened hearts elsewhere: “Then your hearts became hardened like stones, or even harder.” (2:74)

This metaphor is aligned with Surah Al-Baqarah (2:74), where Allah states that some stones split asunder and water flows from them out of fear of Allah. A hardened heart that does not respond to guidance becomes emotionally and spiritually rigid. The Qur'an is meant to soften hearts, inspire repentance, and awaken conscience.

Living the Lesson Today

This verse encourages Muslims to approach the Qur'an differently. Instead of reading it quickly, one should: (1) Pause and reflect on meanings, (2) imagine the scenes described, and (3) connect verses to real life.

Even reading a few verses with deep reflection can transform a person more than reading many pages without thought.

A Beautiful Reflection by Scholars

Some scholars say this verse shows three stages of spiritual awakening:

• Humility – recognizing Allah’s greatness
• Breaking of the ego – like the mountain splitting
• Transformation – the heart becoming receptive to guidance

The Qur'an is therefore not only a book of law or history—it is a book that reshapes the human heart.

In summary, Surah Al-Hashr (59:21) teaches that:

• The Qur'an carries immense spiritual power
• Even a mountain would break under its weight
• Human hearts should therefore be deeply moved by it
• Reflection is essential for spiritual transformation

The verse reminds believers that the Qur'an is meant to shake the soul, awaken conscience, and guide life.

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 pages: Most profound Metaphors and Parables in Al Qur'an and 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 refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 59 Al Al-Ḥashr (The Gathering),  already published. You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

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

How Last Three Ayat / verses of Surah Hashr can shape our lives by knowing Who Allah is

Knowing Allah through His attributes (Asma-ul-Husna) is a way of building a living relationship with Him, where every aspect of your life—fear, hope, patience, gratitude—is shaped by understanding who Allah truly is. These attributes allow believers to know, love, and obey Him, strengthening faith through understanding His perfection. These attributes build a personal connection, enhance worship, inspire good character, shape our lives and living by better knowing Who Allah is.

These attributes are scattered all over Al Qur'an, appearing at places as correlation to context and the subject of the verse. We have already published all these attributes in our previous post with detailed run down on the meaning of these attributes and their effect on our lives. These can be accessed from our exclusive reference page: 99 Attributes of Allah. Also when we mention these attributes in this post, we provide individual links to each attribute when mentioned for easy access for detailed understanding.

Here in this post, we share and explain the last three verses of Surah 59. Al Hashr which contain profound descriptions of Allah’s fifteen attributes and correlate these with our daily lives to know how by reflecting on these attributes we can better shape our lives. They summarize who Allah is, and that knowledge is the foundation of faith, worship, and inner peace.

The Verses

هُوَ اللّٰهُ الَّذِىۡ لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَ​ ۚ عٰلِمُ الۡغَيۡبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ​ ۚ هُوَ الرَّحۡمٰنُ الرَّحِيۡمُ‏ 

(59:22) He is Allah: there is no god but He; the Knower of the unseen and the manifest, He is the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

هُوَ اللّٰهُ الَّذِىۡ لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَ​ۚ اَلۡمَلِكُ الۡقُدُّوۡسُ السَّلٰمُ الۡمُؤۡمِنُ الۡمُهَيۡمِنُ الۡعَزِيۡزُ الۡجَـبَّارُ الۡمُتَكَبِّرُ​ؕ سُبۡحٰنَ اللّٰهِ عَمَّا يُشۡرِكُوۡنَ‏ 

(59:23) He is Allah: there is no god but He: the King,36 the Holy, the All-Peace,39 the Giver of security, the Overseer, the Most Mighty, the Overpowering, the All-Great. Exalted be He from whatever they associate with Him.

هُوَ اللّٰهُ الۡخَـالِـقُ الۡبَارِئُ الۡمُصَوِّرُ​ لَـهُ الۡاَسۡمَآءُ الۡحُسۡنٰى​ؕ يُسَبِّحُ لَهٗ مَا فِى السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ​ۚ وَهُوَ الۡعَزِيۡزُ الۡحَكِيۡمُ

(59:24) He is Allah, the Planner, Executer and Fashioner of creation. His are the names most beautiful. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth extols His Glory. He is the Most Mighty, the Most Wise.

These verses explain what kind of God He is, and what are His attributes, Who has sent this Quran to you, Who has placed these responsibilities on you, and before Whom you have to render an account of your deeds in the end. This mention of the divine attributes immediately after the above theme automatically gives man the feeling that he has not to deal with an ordinary being but with Almighty Allah Who has such and such attributes. Here, one should also understand that although in the Quran, the attributes of Allah Almighty have been stated in a unique way, which gives a clear concept of the divine Being, there are two places where the attributes of Allah have been mentioned in a most comprehensive way, in the verse of the Al Kursi (Al- Baqarah, Ayat 255) and in these verses of Surah Al-Hashr.

What Makes These Verses Special?

These verses uniquely gather many of Allah’s most beautiful names (Asma’ al-Husna) in one place, such as:

• Al-`Alim (العليم) (The All-Knowing)
• Ar Rahman (الرحمن), Ar Rahim (الرحيم) (The Most Merciful)
• Al Malik (الملك) (The King)
• Al Quddus (القدوس)(The Pure)
• As Salam (السلام) (The Source of Peace)
• Al 'Aziz (العزيز) (The Mighty)
• Al Khaliq (الخالق), Al Bari' (البارئ), Al Musawwir (المصور)r (The Creator, Originator, Fashioner)

Core Significance

These verses help a believer to know Allah deeply, develop love and awe of Him, strengthen trust (tawakkul) and purify belief (Tawḥīd).

In verse 22 above, it is mentioned that "the Knower of the unseen عٰلِمُ الۡغَيۡبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ​ ۚ '. Some reading this part of the verse take it that Allah himself is unaware of things that are unseen. For their information, it is clarified that He knows whatever is hidden from the creatures as well as whatever is known and visible to them. Nothing of this universe is unknown to Him. He directly knows whatever has happened in the past, whatever exists at present and whatever will happen in the future. He does not stand in need of any means or medium of knowledge.

Hadith About Their Virtue

A well-known narration is reported in Jami` at-Tirmidhi: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“Whoever recites the last three verses of Surah Al-Hashr in the morning, Allah appoints seventy thousand angels to send blessings upon him until evening; and if he dies that day, he dies as a martyr. And whoever recites them in the evening will have the same.”

(Authenticity Note: Scholars have differed regarding the strength of this narration; many consider it weak (ḍa‘īf)).

However, its meaning is supported by general principles: Remembering Allah brings immense reward, Reciting Qur'an, especially verses about Allah’s names, is highly virtuous. So scholars still encourage reciting these verses for reflection and remembrance, not relying solely on this specific reward.

There is a Stronger General Hadith Connection with a very authentic principle reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim:

“Allah has ninety-nine names; whoever enumerates (learns, understands, and lives by) them will enter Paradise.”

Connection to These Verses

The last verses of Surah Al-Hashr are among the best places in the Qur'an to learn many of these names together. So reflecting on them is a direct path to fulfilling this hadith.

Spiritual Meanings of These Verses

• Knowing Allah Leads to Faith When you read: (1) Allah is All-Knowing - you become more conscious of your actions, (2) Allah is Most Merciful - you gain hope, (3) Allah is Mighty - you develop trust and reliance
• These Balance Fear and Hope 
• These verses combine: (1) Power (Al-‘Azīz, Al-Jabbār), (2) Mercy (Ar-Raḥmān, Ar-Raḥīm)
• This creates a balanced relationship with Allah - that is not despair or not overconfidence
• These Shift Focus from Creation to Creator Instead of relying on people, wealth, status, one begins to rely on Allah as Al-Malik (The King) and Allah as Al-Mu’min (The Giver of Security).

How to Spiritually Benefit from These Verses

• Recite Them Daily (Morning/Evening) - Even if the specific hadith is weak. Regular recitation builds connection with Allah and strengthens remembrance (dhikr)
• Reflect on One Name at a Time For example: 
• When you feel anxious - reflect on As-Salām (Source of Peace)
• When you feel weak - reflect on Al-‘Azīz (The Mighty)
• When you sin - reflect on Ar-Raḥmān (The Merciful)
• Turn the Names into Du‘a Make personal supplications like:
• “O Allah, You are Al-‘Alīm, guide me.”
• “O Allah, You are Ar-Raḥīm, have mercy on me.”
• Recite with Presence, Not Just Tongue The real benefit comes when you pause, understand meanings,  connect them to your life. Even a few verses with reflection are more transformative than fast recitation.
• A Deep Spiritual Insight These verses answer life’s biggest questions:
• Who controls everything? - Allah (Al-Malik)
• Who knows my struggles? - Allah (Al-‘Alīm)
• Who can give me peace? - Allah (As-Salām)
• Who created me? - Allah (Al-Khāliq)

How these attributes can help us to Shape our Character 

This is very important. When we try to connect to Allah by using His attributes, we know how using an appropriate attribute, we can ask Allah by mobilizing His correct attribute. From this we learn that if we can correlate our wishes and prayers based on the meaning of each attribute, we should also try to inculcate such qualities in our selves and be helpful to others, Like if we seek mercy from Allah, we should be merciful to our brethren. And if we seek forgiveness form Allah, let us try to forgive others too. In fact the meaning of each attribute if made part of our character, we will radiating love around us and people around will also try to emulate our new found character qualities.

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged believers to reflect divine qualities in human form:

• Allah is merciful - be merciful
• Allah forgives - learn to forgive
• Allah is just - act with justice

When a person internalizes this, he develops inner peace, resilience and clarity of purpose

In summary The last three verses of Surah Al-Hashr are significant because these present a powerful summary of Allah’s Names, strengthen faith, hope, and trust, and knowing Allah better than before. These then serve as a daily source of spiritual renewal. Wouldn't it be better to reflect on each attribute of Allah and reshape our character and lives accordingly?  Remember, these three verses are not just to be recited—they are meant to reshape how you see Allah, yourself, and the world.

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.

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 59 Al Al-Ḥashr (The Gathering),  already published. You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

Photo | references: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |

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.

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Al-Qurʾān: Let the dead earth be a Sign for them - The metaphor of dead land revived by rain

One of the most beautiful recurring metaphors in Al-Qurʾān is the image of dead land brought back to life by rain. The aim of such parable is to tell the non believers and present day atheists that it is Allah alone who can revive dead lands and turn these into green fields This image appears in several chapters, such as Sürah Ar-Rum (30:50) and Sürah Ya-Sin (36:33).

 Sürah Ya-Sin (36:33)

“Let the dead earth be a Sign for them. We give it life and bring forth from it grain, and from it they eat.” (36:33)

Though this verse is expressive of a simple natural process, yet it carries deep spiritual meaning. Let us unpack this parable to see the depth of Divine Wisdom behind it:

The Physical Image

The Qur'an asks people to look around and observe a familiar event in . . We often see lifeless barren lands coming to life when rain falls from the clouds above and suddenly plants emerge and the earth becomes green and full of life. This transformation happens every year and is easily observable.

There is a sign for the disbelievers in the lifeless earth: We give it life and produce out of it grain for them to eat. We place in it gardens of date palms and grapes, and cause springs to gush out of it, so that they may eat of its fruit. It was not their own hands that made all this. Will they, then, not give thanks? Limitless in His glory is He who created all things in pairs: whatever the earth produces, their own human kind and other creatures of which they have no knowledge. (Verses 33-36) Everything around them in the universe speaks to them about God, giving evidence of His presence. They only need to look at the land in front of them and how they see it dead, lifeless, lacking a drop of water. Then they see it quicken, producing grain and adorned with gardens replete with dates and grapes. Springs of water gush through it; and in no time, it is full of life.

This is what an ordinary mind observes and thanks Allah for making the lands producible to sustain his living. But for the wise, there is something more to this metaphor as explained herein under: 

The First Meaning: Proof of Resurrection

One of the primary purposes of this metaphor is to show that resurrection is not difficult for Allah. Just as Allah brings dead land back to life, He can also bring human beings back to life after death.

The Qur'an repeatedly connects these two ideas: The revival of the earth and the resurrection of people on the Day of Judgment

The same divine power operates in both.

The Second Meaning: Revival of the Human Heart

Scholars often explain a deeper spiritual meaning. The human heart can become like dead land when it is filled with heedlessness, arrogance, sins and forgetfulness of Allah.

But when divine guidance reaches it—through Al-Qurʾān or sincere reflection—the heart becomes alive again - Just as rain revives the earth, revelation revives the soul.

The Psychological Lesson

This metaphor teaches an important truth about human nature: No matter how spiritually distant a person may feel, renewal is always possible. Just as barren land can suddenly become green, a person’s heart can be transformed by: (1) Sincere repentance, (2) Remembrance of Allah, and (3) Reflection on the Qur'an

This gives hope to people who feel spiritually lost.

Why the Qur'an Repeats This Image

This metaphor appears many times in the Qur'an because it illustrates several key realities and peep into the future after the end of the world like: The power of Allah, the possibility of resurrection, the renewal of spiritual life and the mercy of divine guidance

This metaphor uses a simple natural phenomenon to explain profound spiritual realities.

This Metaphor is a Beautiful Reflection

Imagine two landscapes: a desert that appears completely lifeless and the same land after rainfall, full of flowers and greenery. The Qur'an suggests that human hearts can undergo the same transformation.

This means when a man who has been a disbeliever has is heart turned dead and blackened for he never let the Divine light enter in to it. But when one seeks true guidance and repent his previous life, his heart receives the light of Divine guidance. And like the dead land that turns green when rain falls over it, the human heart becomes compassionate, hopeful, morally aware and spiritually alive.

In summary,  this metaphor of dead land revived by rain teaches that (1) Allah can resurrect the dead just as He revives the earth, (2) divine guidance can revive spiritually empty hearts, and (3) renewal and hope are always possible

Through this simple image, the Qur'an invites people to reflect on nature and recognize the deeper spiritual lessons hidden within it.

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 metaphors and parables mentioned in Qur'an, please refer to our reference page: Most profound Metaphors and Parables in Al Qur'an. You may also refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 36. Yā-Sīn already published.

You may also refer to our exclusive Reference Pages: 

• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
• Reference Pages for all other reference pages

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.

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Believers! Do not resort to Infighting - lest you lose courage and your strength depart

Unity is the binding force of any body of men or communities, clans or groups. So long these bodies remain united and refrain of internal strife and infighting, no harm comes to them both from within and without. But when desires and ambitions take over and common goals and objectives are set aside, cracks do not take long to weaken the internal strength and this weakness is instantly cashed on by the external forces to their advantage.

Allah has cautioned believers against internal fighting and divisions which can weaken a body of believers as  mentioned in the 46th verse of Sürah 8. Al-Anfāl of Al-Qurʾān, appended herein under:,  The War Booty

The Verse

وَاَطِيۡعُوا اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوۡلَهٗ وَلَا تَنَازَعُوۡا فَتَفۡشَلُوۡا وَتَذۡهَبَ رِيۡحُكُمۡ​ وَاصۡبِرُوۡا​ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الصّٰبِرِيۡنَ

“And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute with one another lest you lose courage and your strength depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”

Let us unpack this verse and understand its context and its applicability to the Muslims as of today.

Context of the Verse

This verse was revealed in Surah Al-Anfāl, which largely discusses the events surrounding the Battle of Badr, the very first encounter between the Muslims and the might of polytheists of Makkah. The early Muslim community was small and facing powerful enemies, so unity and discipline were essential for survival. Therefore, Allah warned the believers that internal disputes weaken a community more than external enemies.

Key Ideas in the Verse

• Obedience to Divine Guidance The verse begins with a command to obey Allah and His Messenger, establishing that unity must be built on shared moral and spiritual guidance.
• Avoid Internal Disputes 
• The phrase “do not dispute with one another” refers to destructive quarrels and factionalism, not healthy discussion or consultation.
• The Qur’an warns that constant conflict leads to: (1) Mistrust, (2) fragmentation, and (3) loss of collective purpose
• Loss of Strength
• The verse says: “your strength will depart” - The Arabic word “rīḥukum” (ريحكم) literally means “your wind” or “your power/momentum.”
• Scholars explain that it refers to  the loss of morale, loss of unity, loss of influence and victory
• Patience as the Solution The verse ends with a reminder that patience (ṣabr) is essential for maintaining unity and overcoming disagreements.

Relevance Today

This verse remains deeply relevant for Muslim societies and communities today. While the Muslims at the time of Battle of Badr were poor, ill equipped and still in the formatting years of their new found faith and obviously no match to the well equipped army of the wealthy polytheist clans of Makkah, the condition of Muslims of today, though far better inn terms of wealth and resources, is not much different.

The Qur’an repeatedly warns Muslims that division, factionalism, and internal conflict weaken the community. Along with Qur'an 8:46, there are several other important verses that form a complete Qur’anic philosophy of unity. Below are three of the most important ones.

• Hold Firmly to the Rope of Allah
• One of the most famous verses about unity is Qur'an 3:103. “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became brothers by His grace.”
• Here, the “rope of Allah” is interpreted by scholars as (1) The Qur’an, (2) The religion of Islam, and (3) The covenant with Allah
• The verse teaches that unity must be based on shared faith and principles, not just political alliances.
• Do Not Become Like Those Who Divided Their Religion
• Another warning appears in Qur'an 3:105. “And do not be like those who became divided and differed after clear proofs had come to them.”
• This verse reminds Muslims that previous religious communities split into factions despite receiving clear guidance.
• The Qur’an warns believers not to repeat that pattern.
• We should learn a lesson that Knowledge alone is not enough—arrogance, pride, and sectarian loyalty can still lead to division.
• Those Who Divide Their Religion into Sects
• A very strong warning appears in Qur'an 6:159. “Indeed, those who divide their religion and become sects—you have nothing to do with them. Their affair is only with Allah.”
• This verse criticizes people who break the unity of religion into rival factions driven by group identity rather than truth.
• It stresses that religion should unite believers, not become a cause of rivalry.
• Al Qur’anic Principle of Unity If we combine these verses—3:103, 3:105, 6:159, and 8:46—a clear philosophy emerges: (1) Unity is a divine blessing that must be protected. (2) Faith and guidance are the foundation of unity. (3) Internal disputes weaken communities. (4) Sectarian divisions corrupt religion, and (5) Patience and humility preserve unity.

Though the verses quoted above teach that Division weakens communities and stresses the need of Unity with patience and humility, it seems no lesson have been learnt to challenges of present times. Muslims, the second largest body of religion, are scattered in small but largely wealthy communities and nations are in no position to face external challenges since internal conflict dominate their politics. Today, if we look around, we find wealthy Muslim nations with well equipped armies and resources far better than the what Muslims had at the Battle of Badr, do not have strength to face external aggression and machinations, for their desires have taken over their will to ensure unity within. For this very reason, there is no coherence within Muslim countries, each having its own priorities than to unite with other Muslim nations to gear up to face many external challenges being faced today.

Many scholars say that this verse is a timeless principle of social stability: communities collapse not only because of enemies, but because internal conflict erodes their strength.

In essence, Al Qur’an teaches that unity, patience, and obedience to moral guidance are the foundations of communal strength, while constant disputes lead to weakness and division. 

A powerful reflection

The Qur’an suggests that communities rarely collapse because of external enemies alone. More often, they weaken when internal disputes destroy their cohesion and shared purpose. The Prophet ﷺ warned that division would eventually appear among Muslims, but he also gave guidance on how believers should deal with it.

“Indeed, those before you from the People of the Book split into seventy-two sects, and this community will split into seventy-three sects. All of them will be in error except one.” The companions asked: “Which one is that, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied: “That which I and my companions are upon today.”

This narration is recorded in collections such as Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abu Dawud, and others (with some variations).

The Prophet ﷺ was not encouraging division; rather, he was predicting a reality of human societies: people often disagree, interpret differently, and form groups. But he clarified that the path of safety is to remain faithful to: (1) The Qur’an, (2) The authentic Sunnah, (3) The understanding of the early companions, such as Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib.

When we combine this hadith with Qur’anic teachings like Qur'an 3:103 and Qur'an 8:46, a clear message appears: (1) Unity is a divine command, (2) Division weakens the community, (3) Guidance lies in the Qur’an and Sunnah and that (4) Differences should be handled with patience and humility.

The Prophet ﷺ foresaw that disagreements would arise, but he taught that the way to remain on the right path is to stay connected to the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the spirit of unity among believers.

The State of Muslims in the present times

It is very disturbing to note that no worthwhile unity exits among Muslims today. We have a Arab world and a Non Arab world. We have Sunni and Shia divide and within many sub divisions. This is because we have put our desires and personal / political interests in the forefront and have kept the unity, aas commanded by Allah, somewhere under lock and key. This disunity is being exploited by external powers and most of us have pawns rather than respectable Muslim states. How would we be able to stand on our own and relieve external pressures is a far cry - not seen in a foreseeable future.

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.

Disclaimer: This post is purely an academic quest into the sphere of Muslim unity and disunity. It is based on the general perception as it prevails both within and without the Muslim world. It is by no mean to finger point on specific sects and factions or countries. It is to put across a personal viewpoint on our state of affairs, leaving much to ponder for our readers.

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Surah 8. Al-Anfāl  - سورة ٱلْأَنْفَال  (The Spoils of War)‎  already published. You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For verses on 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.

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