What to give in Charity

Charity is a voluntary act whereby people help others with whatever surplus they have with a desire to help others, to help support a cause they believe in, and a sense of purpose or fulfillment from contributing to positive change. Since most of the people around the world live below the poverty line, it is incumbent upon those who live a rather happy to a luxurious life to help those in real need.

Islam lays great emphasis on charity, both obligatory (Zakat) and voluntary (like the Sadaqa or Khairat). There are many commandments in Qur'an and Sunnah about charity so of which we have already shared in our reference page: Selected verses from Qur'an on Importance of Charity in Islam.

However, care must be taken to ensure the quality of charity. That is one should give in charity things one would like for himself. Charity should not be giving out worn out clothes or paltry sum of money that cannot help someone. This is the theme of 267th verse of Surah 2.Al Baqarah given herein under:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَنفِقُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَمِمَّآ أَخْرَجْنَا لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا۟ ٱلْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنفِقُونَ وَلَسْتُم بِـَٔاخِذِيهِ إِلَّآ أَن تُغْمِضُوا۟ فِيهِ ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ حَمِيدٌ 

O believers! Donate from the best of what you have earned and of what We have produced for you from the earth. Do not pick out worthless things for donation, which you yourselves would only accept with closed eyes. 

And know that Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy. (2:267)

The verse quoted above addresses the concept of giving in charity and highlights the importance of donating what is best and most valuable, both in terms of material wealth and in terms of intentions. Let's break down the meaning of the verse:

Key Elements of the Verse:

• "Donate from the best of what you have earned and of what We have produced for you from the earth":
• This part of the verse emphasizes that when giving in charity (sadaqah), it should come from the best of what you own, both in terms of earnings (income) and what Allah has provided from the earth (such as crops, livestock, etc.). It encourages believers to give from their wealth in a way that reflects their sincere gratitude and devotion to Allah.
• The idea is that the donation should be something that costs the giver. It should not be from excess or leftover resources, but from the best and most valuable things you have, demonstrating true generosity and sacrifice.
• "Do not pick out worthless things for donation, which you yourselves would only accept with closed eyes":
• This part warns against giving items that are of poor quality or worthless, which you would not accept for yourself. It stresses that the sincerity and quality of the donation are important, and one should not donate things that are not of value or that they themselves would not appreciate or accept.
• The phrase "accept with closed eyes" refers to items that are unworthy, things you would avoid or reject if they were offered to you. It suggests that when giving in charity, the donor should reflect on the dignity of the recipients and give in a way that shows respect for them.
• "And know that Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy":
• This final part of the verse reminds the believers that Allah does not need their charity. Allah is Self-Sufficient (Ghani), meaning He has no need for anyone’s wealth or donations. Everything belongs to Allah, and He is not dependent on His creation.
• The phrase "Praiseworthy" (Hameed) signifies that Allah is worthy of all praise and has all qualities of perfection. The reminder here is that, despite His self-sufficiency, Allah rewards acts of charity and will compensate the donors in a way that is far beyond their expectations, so long as their intention is sincere and their donation is made with a good heart.

Lessons and Principles from this Verse:

• The Importance of Giving with Excellence: Giving charity is not just about the quantity, but also about the quality of the donation. It should come from the best of your wealth, representing sincerity and true sacrifice. Giving what costs you or what you hold dear is a sign of genuine devotion to Allah.
• Purity of Intentions: This verse teaches that giving charity should be done with a pure heart, free from any ulterior motives. It should not be done for recognition or out of a sense of obligation, but as an act of worship and humility, with the goal of pleasing Allah.
• The Dignity of the Recipient: The verse also emphasizes treating those who receive charity with respect. The giver should not donate things that are not worthy, as this would reflect disrespect for the recipients. Sometimes, the charity giver makes it a photo session to publish in the print and electric media. This unwanted advertisement badly hurts the recipient for such acts undermine their dignity.
• Allah’s Self-Sufficiency: Finally, it reminds the believers that charity is not for Allah’s benefit, but for the benefit of those in need and the benefit of the giver. Allah is in no need of material offerings but rewards those who give in charity for the sake of pleasing Him.

Foregoing in view, in this verse, Allah calls the believers to approach charity with sincerity, quality, and respect. The act of giving should reflect a believer's commitment to Allah and should be done in a way that honors both the giver and the recipient. Allah’s reminder that He is Self-Sufficient should encourage people to give with humility, understanding that charity is ultimately for their own spiritual benefit and a means of earning Allah’s pleasure and reward.

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.

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.

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

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 Selected Verses, please refer to 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 | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān 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, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. 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

Understanding Surah 2. Al Baqarah (The Cow) - specially the supplication in its last two verses

Surah Al Baqarah, the second Surah of the Qur'an is the longest Surah spread over two and a half Juz of the Qur'an. In it lies the comprehensive guidance for establishing a righteous, balanced, and faith-driven life. It addresses a wide range of topics, providing a foundation for individual spirituality, social justice, moral integrity, and community building. Below are key themes that encapsulate its essence:

1. Affirmation of Faith and Guidance for the Believers

Essence: The surah emphasizes the importance of belief in Allah, His messengers, and the Day of Judgment. It begins with a description of the Qur'an as a guidance for the God-conscious (Muttaqoon) and distinguishes between believers, disbelievers, and hypocrites.

"This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:2)

2. Establishing Tawheed (Monotheism)

Essence: Surah Al-Baqarah repeatedly emphasizes the oneness of Allah and His absolute authority over all creation. It reminds humanity of their dependence on Him and warns against associating partners with Him.

"And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:163)

3. The Role of Divine Laws

Essence: The surah lays down the framework for Islamic law (Shariah) by introducing commandments about prayer, fasting, charity, and the prohibition of interest (riba). It also discusses dietary laws, marital relationships, and family dynamics.

"Establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]."

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:43)

4. Accountability and Justice

Essence: The surah stresses personal accountability before Allah and upholds principles of justice and fairness in all aspects of life, including financial transactions, testimony, and interpersonal relationships.

"Do not consume one another's wealth unjustly, but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent."

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:188)

5. Lessons from Past Nations

Essence: The stories of the Children of Israel (Bani Israel) are a central theme, offering lessons about obedience, ingratitude, and the consequences of rejecting divine guidance. These stories are a warning for believers to remain steadfast and avoid similar mistakes.

"And We certainly sent Moses with Our signs, [saying], 'Bring your people out from darkness into the light.'" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:257)

6. Emphasis on Sincerity in Worship

Essence: True piety is not limited to outward rituals but lies in sincere belief, moral conduct, and obedience to Allah’s commands.

"Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets..." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:177)

7. Patience and Trust in Allah

Essence: The surah highlights the virtue of patience (sabr) during trials and trust in Allah’s wisdom and mercy.

"Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:153)

8. Warning Against Satan and His Deception

Essence: It reminds believers of Satan’s enmity and encourages seeking refuge in Allah.

"O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely and perfectly, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:208)

9. Encouragement to Spend in Charity

Essence: The surah stresses the importance of generosity and the prohibition of hoarding wealth, emphasizing that wealth is a trust from Allah.

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] that sprouts seven ears; in every ear is a hundred grains." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

10. The Covenant and Obedience to Allah

Essence: Believers are reminded of their covenant with Allah and the importance of adhering to it. This includes fulfilling obligations and being mindful of Allah in all actions.

Core Message

Surah Al-Baqarah teaches that success lies in faith, obedience, and striving for righteousness. It encourages believers to live balanced lives by adhering to Allah’s commands and contributing positively to society. It also warns of the consequences of ignoring divine guidance, making it a comprehensive manual for life.

The Surah ends with a supplication (verses 285-286) which in fact a comprehensive supplication which encompasses the core of the entire Surah. Muslims are advised by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never to part with this supplication and should make it a part of each Salat and recite it before going to bed each night.

You may now like to listen to an exhaustive lecture by one of the eminent scholar of present times, Nauman Ali Khan, explaining Surah Al Baqarah in details with sepcial referene to the supplication given at the end of the 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.

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.

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

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 Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

| Photo | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān 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, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. 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

Verily, Allah does not lay a responsibility on anyone beyond his capacity (Selected verses from Qur'an)

This world has been created as a test and trial for those who really have firm faith in Allah and rely entirely on Him in moments of hardships and persecution. These difficult times happen when Allah wants to clearly draw a line between those who obey Him and those love to enjy their lives by transgressing all barriers of good and follow what is forbidden, something more lucrative and enjoyable than rigours of life of the faithful.

However, the faithful and true believers are not tested beyond their capacity, for Allah knows they might break if burdened more than they bear. If a man does not have the ability to do a certain thing, Allah will not take him to task for not having performed it. In the same way, if it is really beyond a man's ability to abstain from something, Allah will not blame him for having failed to abstain from it. It should be noted here that man will not be the final judge as to whether he had the ability to do something or not. Such judgement will be made by God alone.

This is the subject of the last verse of Surah 2. Al Baqarah. Verse 286, is a powerful and comforting verse in the Qur'an that highlights Allah’s mercy, justice, and understanding of human limitations. The verse reads:

لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللّٰهُ نَفۡسًا اِلَّا وُسۡعَهَا ​ؕ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتۡ وَعَلَيۡهَا مَا اكۡتَسَبَتۡ​ؕ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذۡنَاۤ اِنۡ نَّسِيۡنَاۤ اَوۡ اَخۡطَاۡنَا ​ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحۡمِلۡ عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِصۡرًا كَمَا حَمَلۡتَهٗ عَلَى الَّذِيۡنَ مِنۡ قَبۡلِنَا ​​ۚرَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلۡنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهٖ​ ۚ وَاعۡفُ عَنَّا وَاغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَارۡحَمۡنَا اَنۡتَ مَوۡلٰٮنَا فَانۡصُرۡنَا عَلَى الۡقَوۡمِ الۡكٰفِرِيۡنَ

(2:286) Allah does not lay a responsibility on anyone beyond his capacity. In his favour shall be whatever good each one does, and against him whatever evil he does. (Believers! Pray thus to your Lord): “Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or commit mistakes. Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden such as You laid on those gone before us. Our Lord! Lay not on us burdens which we do not have the power to bear. And overlook our faults, and forgive us, and have mercy upon us. You are our Guardian; so grant us victory against the unbelieving folk.”

* We have already published a post explaining the entire verse at: 

Man laments: I'm overburdened - Allah replies: Allah will not burden a soul more than it can bear

Herein under we would try to explain only the opening verse as a few readers have specifically asked for its meaning:

لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللّٰهُ نَفۡسًا اِلَّا وُسۡعَهَا

Allah does not lay a responsibility on anyone beyond his capacity

1. Allah’s Mercy and Justice:

The verse emphasizes that Allah, in His infinite mercy and justice, does not impose any duty, command, or test on a person that is beyond their ability to handle. This principle is a source of immense comfort for believers, as it reassures them that whatever challenges, responsibilities, or trials they face are within their capacity to endure and overcome with patience, faith, and perseverance.

2. Personal Accountability:

The verse states that each person is responsible for their actions: they will be rewarded for the good they do and held accountable for their wrongdoings. This reinforces the concept of personal responsibility in Islam, where individuals are encouraged to strive for good deeds and avoid sinful behavior, knowing that they will bear the consequences of their actions.

3. Relief from Overburdening:

This verse also serves as a supplication to Allah, asking for His forgiveness and mercy, especially when one forgets or makes mistakes. It reflects the human tendency to err and forget and highlights Allah’s compassion in not holding people accountable for what is genuinely beyond their control or when they commit mistakes unintentionally.

Supporting Hadiths and Teachings

• Hadith on Accountability: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained this concept further in a hadith:

“Allah has pardoned my Ummah for their mistakes, what they forget, and what they are forced to do.” (Ibn Majah, 2043)

This hadith highlights that Allah’s mercy extends to actions done unintentionally, under duress, or out of forgetfulness, aligning with the Qur’anic principle of not overburdening a person beyond their capacity.

• Trials are Proportional to One’s Strength: Another hadith reflects how trials are measured according to a person’s strength:

“The most severely tested people are the prophets, then the next best, then the next best. A man is tested according to his level of religious commitment. If he is strong in his commitment, his test is increased, and if he is weak in his religious commitment, his test is lightened for him.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2398)

This hadith teaches that tests and responsibilities are proportionate to a person’s faith and ability, echoing the principle in the verse that Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.

Broader Implications in Light of the Qur’an and Hadith

• Encouragement to Persevere in Trials: The verse and related teachings encourage believers to remain steadfast and patient during difficult times, knowing that their challenges are not insurmountable. Allah’s wisdom in setting boundaries on what He expects from His servants provides a sense of reassurance and encourages believers to seek His help in overcoming obstacles.
• Mercy in Worship and Obligations: This principle is reflected in various Islamic rulings that accommodate human capacity, such as the allowance of tayammum (dry ablution) when water is unavailable, the shortening of prayers while traveling, or the exemption from fasting for those who are ill. These rulings demonstrate Allah’s kindness and His desire to make worship manageable for believers.
• Seeking Forgiveness and Help: The verse ends with a heartfelt supplication, reflecting the believer’s dependence on Allah for forgiveness, mercy, and assistance. It teaches Muslims to turn to Allah in times of need, ask for His forgiveness for their shortcomings, and seek His protection from challenges beyond their strength.

Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, thus encapsulates the core Islamic belief in Allah’s mercy, justice, and compassion. It assures believers that they will not be overburdened beyond their capacity, emphasizing personal responsibility while also providing comfort that Allah understands human limitations. The verse encourages patience, reliance on Allah, and the pursuit of good deeds, reminding Muslims that every challenge they face is surmountable with faith, effort, and trust in Allah’s divine wisdom.

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 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. 

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.

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

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 Selected verses from Sūrahs of Qur'an to highlight important topics with detailed explanation and Reference Page on Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

Photo | 

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

Ramadan: Concessions for travelers and the sick

The sacred month of Ramdan is almost around the corner. This is a month which Muslims all over the world await so eagerly for it is one of the blessed months of Islamic Calander and embodies in itself great rewards and blessings. The sentiments are so high during Ramadan that even children want to keep fast and do not want to deprive them of the blessings that their elders would receive. 

Unlike other religions, wherein the fasting fall in rather cool and hospitable environment on fixed dates, Ramadan falls every year ten days earlier than the last Ramadan of the previous year. This is so because of following the Lunar Calander rather than the Gregorian Calander generally adopted worldwide.

When reading the 185th verses as mentioned below, it must be understood that the regulations are again and again coupled with an insistence on two things: (a) the facilities and concessions given, and (b) the spiritual significance of the fast, without which it is like an empty shell without a kernel. If we realize this, we shall look upon Ramadhan, not as a burden, but as a blessing, and shall be duly grateful for the lead given to us in this matter.

It would be interesting to note that the very first mention of the word 'Qur'an' in the Mushaf is in Surah al-Baqarah 2:185. We also know that the Qur'an was revealed in the month of Ramadan. The word, رمضان Ramadan occurs only once in the Qur'an. So, the very first mention of the Qur'an is in the Ayat of Ramadan, the month in which it was revealed.

شَهۡرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِىۡٓ اُنۡزِلَ فِيۡهِ الۡقُرۡاٰنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَ بَيِّنٰتٍ مِّنَ الۡهُدٰى وَالۡفُرۡقَانِۚ فَمَنۡ شَهِدَ مِنۡكُمُ الشَّهۡرَ فَلۡيَـصُمۡهُ ؕ وَمَنۡ کَانَ مَرِيۡضًا اَوۡ عَلٰى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنۡ اَيَّامٍ اُخَرَؕ يُرِيۡدُ اللّٰهُ بِکُمُ الۡيُسۡرَ وَلَا يُرِيۡدُ بِکُمُ الۡعُسۡرَ وَلِتُکۡمِلُوا الۡعِدَّةَ وَلِتُکَبِّرُوا اللّٰهَ عَلٰى مَا هَدٰٮكُمۡ وَلَعَلَّکُمۡ تَشۡكُرُوۡنَ‏ 

(2:185) During the month of Ramadan the Qur'an was sent down as a guidance to the people with Clear Signs of the true guidance and as the Criterion (between right and wrong). So those of you who live to see that month should fast it, and whoever is sick or on a journey should fast the same number of other days instead. Allah wants ease and not hardship for you so that you may complete the number of days required, magnify Allah for what He has guided you to, and give thanks to Him.

It has been left to the option of the individual to observe or not to observe fasts during a journey. Some of the Companions of the Holy Prophet observed fasts and some did not when they were on a journey with him and neither raised any objection against the other. The Holy Prophet himself sometimes observed fasts on a journey and sometimes did not. Once he saw people gathered round a man who had fallen to the ground and asked what was the matter with him. He was told that he had become too weak to stand on account of observing fasts; he remarked that it was no virtue to observe fasts in such a condition.

During war time, he used to issue orders for postponing the fasts. Hadrat 'Umar has related that they did not observe fasts twice during the month of Ramadan when they went to war under the command of the Holy Prophet: on the occasion of the battle of Badr and at the conquest of Makkah. Ibn 'Umar says that on the eve of the conquest of Makkah, the Holy Prophet declared, "As we are going to fight our enemy you should postpone your fasts so that you may conserve your strength to tight." 'There is no clear injunction from the Holy Prophet for the prescription of a minimum standard of distance for postponing the fasts. His Companions also differed in practice with regard to the standard. But it is obvious that the fast may be postponed for that distance which is commonly understood to be a journey and in which one begins to feel like one is on a journey.

There is a difference of opinion as to whether the people of a city, which is attacked by an enemy, can postpone the fast for the sake of Jihad, in spite of being the residents. Some scholars do not allow this. But Imam Ibn Taimiyyah has maintained with strong arguments that postponement of the fast under such circumstances is permissible.  

Allah is so bountiful that He does not want to deprive His servants of the blessings of fasting. Therefore, He has not confined it to the month of Ramadan but has opened another way for its completion for those who fail to complete it during this month for genuine reasons. They should make up the deficiency by observing fast on other days in order to show their gratitude for the revelation of the Qur'an during the month of Ramadan.

It is clear from this verse that fasting in Ramadan has been prescribed not only as a form of worship and a training for piety, but also to show gratitude for the great blessing of the Revelation of the Qur'an during the month of Ramadan. And the best way to show gratitude for a favour is to fulfil the object for which it was bestowed and to prepare oneself for its completion as best as one can. The object for which Allah has bestowed the Qur'an upon us is to reveal His Will so that we may fulfil it ourselves and persuade others to do the same. Fasting provides the best training for the fulfilment of this object and is both a devotion and a sign of gratitude for the favour shown in the form of the Qur'an.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

This verse establishes fasting in Ramadan as obligatory for all healthy non- travelling Muslims, with no concessions except for the elderly, as pointed out above: “Whoever of you is present in that month shall fast throughout the month.” It has thus become binding on all Muslims who either see the new moon of the lunar month of Ramadan themselves or learn of it by any other reliable means, to observe the fast in Ramadan. But as this is a general order applicable to all, a reiteration of the concession given in special cases immediately follows: “But he who is ill or on a journey shall fast instead the same number of days later on.”

The sūrah gives the Muslims yet another incentive to keep the fast: “God desires that you have ease. He does not desire that you be afflicted with hardship.” This statement encapsulates the fundamental principle on which all Islamic religious duties are founded. They are intended to be easy, not arduous. This indicates a generous and realistic outlook on life as a whole. It instils in the Muslim heart a tolerant, easy and agreeable attitude. Religious and social activities and responsibilities are discharged with ease, confidence and assurance, in the happy knowledge that God’s purpose is to enable man to go through life with the minimum of hardship or discomfort.

To complete a whole month, sick people or those who travel in Ramadan and avail themselves of the special concession are required to make up for days missed by fasting an equal number of days at a later date in the year: “You are, however, required to complete the necessary number of days.”

Fasting is an occasion to celebrate God’s guidance, glory and grace. Hence the requirement “to extol and glorify God for having guided you aright and to tender your thanks.” It is a time during which believers can feel and appreciate God’s favours and reciprocate with thanks, submission and gratitude. In so doing, Muslims cultivate the precious and vital quality of taqwā, or God-fearing; a main objective of fasting.

Thus, we can see how evident God’s grace is in the imposition of the duty of fasting which, on the face of it, seems hard and demanding. We can clearly see its educational and disciplinary benefits for a nation being prepared for the leadership of mankind, guided by a genuine fear of God, a keen sense of accountability, and a vigorous conscience.

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.

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.

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

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 read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Al Qur'an guides and helps those who sincerely seek Divine Guidance and Help.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to 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 | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān 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 order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
• Towards Understanding the Quran

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

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

What is better than charity that is followed by hurt

No two men are gifted equally when it comes to means of sustenance "Rizq - رزق". However, in Islam, a system of obligatory charity (Zakat) and voluntary charity (Sadaqat) has been instituted to narrow down the gap between the HAVEs and HAVE NOTs. We will not go into details as to what is being said on the importance of above said two categories of charity both in Qur'an and Sunnah as we have written a number of posts on these.

Please refer to our reference page on: Importance of Charity in Islam, to know more about charity, especially the post: Believers should never nullify their acts of charit which follows the verse being shared today.

But is there anything better than charity?

Today, we in this post, share a rather different view on charity as is mentioned in the 263rd verse of Surah 2. Al Baqarah (The Cow). This is specially meant for those who though apparently give lot in charity but may not be accruing the expected rewards from Allah.

قَوۡلٌ مَّعۡرُوۡفٌ وَّمَغۡفِرَةٌ خَيۡرٌ مِّنۡ صَدَقَةٍ يَّتۡبَعُهَاۤ اَذًى​ؕ وَاللّٰهُ غَنِىٌّ حَلِيۡمٌ‏ 

(2:263) To speak a kind word and to forgive people’s faults is better than charity followed by hurt. Allah is All-Sufficient (Al Ghani الغنى), All-Forbearing (Al-Halim (الحليم)).

This implies two things. First, Allah does not stand in need of anybody's charity, for He is Self-Sufficient. Secondly, He likes those people who are generous and large-hearted, but does not like frivolous and narrow-minded people, for He Himself is Generous, Clement and Forbearing. How, then Allah, Who bestows on the people the necessities of life without stint, and forgives and pardons them over and over again in spite of their errors, would like those who mar the self-respect of a person by sending repeated reminders of their charity and making pointed references to it even though they might have given only a farthing.

A Tradition of the Holy Prophet says that on the Day of Resurrection, Allah will neither speak a word nor even so much as look at a person who makes pointed references to the gift, he gave to someone.  

Yusuf Ali Explanation: 

A very high standard is set for charity. (1) It must be in the way of God. (2) It must expect no reward in this world. (3) It must not be followed by references or reminders to the act of charity. (4) Still less should any annoyance or injury be caused to the recipient; e.g. by boasting that the giver relieved the person in the hour of need. Indeed, kindness and the spirit which turns a blind eye to other people's faults or short-comings is the essence of charity: these things are better than charity if charity is spoilt by tricks that do harm. At the same time, while no reward is to be expected, there is abundant reward from God - material, moral, and spiritual - according to His own good pleasure and plan. If we spend in the way of God, it is not as if God was in need of our charity. On the contrary, our short-comings are so great that we require His utmost forbearance before any good that we can do can merit His praise or reward. Our motives are so mixed that our best may really be very poor if judged by a very strict standard.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

This verse reasserts the idea that a charitable act followed by wicked behaviour is worthless. A pleasant word or a kind-hearted gesture would be far more favourable and likely to spread trust, confidence and love and to calm the hearts and souls. Charity, after all, is not a favour from the giver to the recipient, but an obligation towards God who is: “free of all wants, clement.” He neither needs these pitiful donations nor is He anxious to exact punishment on the ungrateful. All people owe their very existence to God Almighty. He overlooks many of their shortcomings, and they ought to learn from Him by showing forgiveness and compassion towards the poor and the needy.

The Qur’ān always reminds people of the attributes of God, which provide the perfect ideal Muslims should try to emulate, as far as they can, in their behaviour, and in their values and aspirations.

When the previous verses have given the believers a keen sense of their role and the need to give freely, for no purpose other than to earn God’s pleasure, the sūrah advises them not to undermine their charitable deeds with condescension or by hurting other people’s feelings. Again, it gives a vivid and lively illustration from nature, in which ideas and concepts are reflected in exciting movement and vivid scenery.

So be very generous, brothers and sisters in Islam. Give out to charities, especially voluntary ones, to help people smilingly, rather than hurting them by scorn remarks after throwing a few coins on them. And remember, speaking softly to people and forgiving them for hurting you is better charity than a show-off charity or the one followed by some hurtful remarks.

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.

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.

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

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 read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Importance of charity in Islam

For more Selected Verses, please refer to 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 | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān 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 order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• Towards Understanding the Quran

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

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

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

Man laments: When will Allah’s help arrive? Allah reassures: Behold, Allah’s help is close by

Many a nation came and gone without any trace who disobeyed Allah and His messengers. They did not live a second a day when the wrath of Allah befell them for hindering the ways of His prophets and hurting them physically and mentally. But those who were steadfast and braved the hardships to keep the Divine message from being spread, were finally successful, both in this world and the hereafter. 

However, propagating the word of Allah and His religion is an arduous thing. Even prophets have sometimes lost heart and lamented for Allah's help. Like for instance the case of Prophet Yunus (Jonah, may peace be upon him) who when could not make a headway to convince his people to follow the straight path, lost heart and without waiting for help from Allah abandoned his people. You may read his story at: Prophet Yunus (Jonah) and Allah's displeasure.

But man is still man, fragile and weak from inside. Thus, a stage may come when his patience wanes and he cry to Allah in despair for he sees no Divine help at hand. Even Prophet Muhammad ﷺ too at times was so disheartened by the cruelty of pagans of Makkah, that he would look towards the sky for any signs of Divine help. And he was reassured by Allah that he should not lose heart for Allah's help was at hand. This is the theme of 214th verse of Surah 2. Al Baqarah (The Cow) as mentioned below. However, in it, there is a caution for the true believers to bear the hardships and never lose hope for Allah's will ease their sufferings and make it heavy for those who obstruct their way and hurt them:

اَمۡ حَسِبۡتُمۡ اَنۡ تَدۡخُلُوا الۡجَـنَّةَ وَ لَمَّا يَاۡتِكُمۡ مَّثَلُ الَّذِيۡنَ خَلَوۡا مِنۡ قَبۡلِكُمۡؕ مَسَّتۡهُمُ الۡبَاۡسَآءُ وَالضَّرَّآءُ وَزُلۡزِلُوۡا حَتّٰى يَقُوۡلَ الرَّسُوۡلُ وَالَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا مَعَهٗ مَتٰى نَصۡرُ اللّٰهِؕ اَلَاۤ اِنَّ نَصۡرَ اللّٰهِ قَرِيۡبٌ‏ 

(2:214) Do you suppose that you will enter Paradise untouched by the suffering endured by the people of faith who passed away before you? They were afflicted by misery and hardship and were so convulsed that the Messenger and the believers with him cried out: “When will Allah’s help arrive?” They were assured: “Behold, Allah’s help is close by.”

A whole story has been left out between this verse and the preceding one, for this verse itself points to it and because it had already been related in detail in the Surahs which were revealed before this at Makkah. In the preceding verse it was stated that the Messengers, were sent to remove those differences which had arisen in religion, but the story of their hardships and long persecutions was omitted because it had already been described in detail in the Makki Revelations. Hence the believers are warned that the Messengers and their followers have always had to struggle hard with the rebels against Allah in order to establish His Way, and that the true Faith of Islam has never been a bed of roses. One has to exert one's utmost to establish it and to fight against all those evil forces that oppose its establishment, even at the sacrifice of one's life, if need be. 

Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Victory only comes after succeeding in the Trials

Allah said: (أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَن تَدْخُلُواْ الْجَنَّةَ Or think you that you will enter Paradise) before you are tested and tried just like the nations that came before you. 

This is why Allah said: (وَلَمَّا يَأْتِكُم مَّثَلُ الَّذِينَ خَلَوْاْ مِن قَبْلِكُم مَّسَّتْهُمُ الْبَأْسَآءُ وَالضَّرَّآءُ ...without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you, they were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments) meaning, illnesses, pain, disasters and hardships. 

Ibn Mas`ud, Ibn `Abbas, Abu Al-`Aliyah, Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Murrah Al-Hamdani, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak, Ar-Rabi`, As-Suddi and Muqatil bin Hayyan said that (الْبَأْسَآءِ (Al-Ba'sa') means poverty. Ibn `Abbas said that (وَالضَّرَّآءِ ...and Ad-Darra') means ailments. (وَزُلْزِلُواْ and were so shaken) for fear of the enemy, and were tested, and put to a tremendous trial. 

An authentic Hadith narrated that Khabbab bin Al-Aratt said, "We said, `O Messenger of Allah! Why do you not invoke Allah to support us Why do you not supplicate to Allah for us' He said: «إِنَّ مَنْ كَانَ قَبْلَكُمْ كَانَ أَحَدُهُمْ يُوضَعُ الْمِنْشَارُ عَلى مَفْرَقِ رَأْسِهِ فَيَخْلُصُ إِلى قَدَمَيْهِ لَا يَصْرِفُهُ ذَلِكَ عَنْ دِينِهِ، وَيُمْشَطُ بِأَمْشَاطِ الْحَدِيدِ مَا بَيْنَ لَحْمِهِ وَعَظْمِهِ، لَا يَصْرِفُهُ ذلِكَ عَنْ دِينِه» (The saw would be placed on the middle of the head of one of those who were before you (believers) and he would be sawn until his feet, and he would be combed with iron combs between his skin and bones, yet that would not make him change his religion.)

He then said: «وَاللهِ لَيُتِمَّنَّ اللهُ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ حَتَّى يَسِيرَ الرَّاكِبُ مِنْ صَنْعَاءَ إلى حَضْرَمَوْتَ، لَا يَخَافُ إِلَّا اللهَ وَالذِّئْبَ عَلى غَنَمِهِ، وَلَكِنَّــكُمْ قَوْمٌ تَسْتَعْجِلُون» (By Allah! This matter (religion) will spread (or expand) by Allah until the traveler leaves San`a' to Hadramawt (both in Yemen, but at a great distance from each other) fearing only Allah and then the wolf for the sake of his sheep. You are just a hasty people.)

And Allah said: (الٓمٓ - أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوٓا۟ أَن يَقُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ - وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا۟ وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱلْكَٰذِبِينَ Alif-Lam-Mim. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe,'' and will not be tested And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars.) (29:1-3)

The Companions experienced tremendous trials during the battle of Al-Ahzab (the Confederates). 

Allah said: (إِذْ جَآءُوكُمْ مِّن فَوْقِكُمْ وَمِنْ أَسْفَلَ مِنكُمْ وَإِذْ زَاغَتِ الاٌّبْصَـرُ وَبَلَغَتِ الْقُلُوبُ الْحَنَاجِرَ وَتَظُنُّونَ بِاللَّهِ الظُّنُونَاْ - هُنَالِكَ ابْتُلِىَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَزُلْزِلُواْ زِلْزَالاً شَدِيداً - وَإِذْ يَقُولُ الْمُنَـفِقُونَ وَالَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ مَّا وَعَدَنَا اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ إِلاَّ غُرُوراً When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harboring doubts about Allah. There, the believers were tried and shaken with a mighty shaking. And when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubts) said: "Allah and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusion!') (33:10-12)

When Heraclius asked Abu Sufyan, "Did you fight him (Prophet Muhammad)'' He said, "Yes.'' Heraclius said, "What was the outcome of warfare between you' Abu Sufyan said, "Sometimes we lose and sometimes he loses.' He said, "Such is the case with Prophets, they are tested, but the final victory is theirs.'

Allah's statement: (مَّثَلُ الَّذِينَ خَلَوْاْ مِن قَبْلِكُم ...without (such) (trials) as came to those who passed away before you) meaning, their way of life. 

Similarly, Allah said: (فَأَهْلَكْنَآ أَشَدَّ مِنْهُم بَطْشاً وَمَضَى مَثَلُ الاٌّوَّلِينَ  Then We destroyed men stronger (in power) than these ـ and the example of the ancients has passed away (before them)) (43: 8) and:

(وَزُلْزِلُواْ حَتَّى يَقُولَ الرَّسُولُ وَالَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ مَتَى نَصْرُ اللَّهِ ...were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, "When (will come) the help of Allah.'')

They pleaded (to Allah) for victory against their enemies and invoked Him for aid and deliverance from their hardships and trials. Allah said: (أَلاَ إِنَّ نَصْرَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ Yes! Certainly, the help of Allah is near!)

Allah said: (فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْراً - إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْراً  Verily, along with every hardship is relief. Verily, along with every hardship is relief.) (94:5, 6)

So just as there is hardship, its equal of relief will soon arrive. This is why Allah said: ( أَلاَ إِنَّ نَصْرَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ Yes! Certainly, the help of Allah is near!)

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

Ie., when the worldly retribution of people takes place in the time of the messengers of the Almighty, it always does so when people are fully made aware of the truth and they deny it in spite of being convinced about its veracity. Believers are granted success after they are made to pass through certain very trying circumstances. Here, the aforementioned Hypocrites are prodded that the Almighty’s help will not come in a manner they want it. This is an established practice of the Almighty which He never abandons.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

As it comes to a close, this highly instructive passage addresses the fearful adversity the believers encountered as a result of their disagreement and confrontation with the Arab unbelievers on the one hand, and with the followers of earlier religions, such as the Jews, on the other. The sūrah reassures the believers that what they faced was part of the experience and education they needed to qualify for God’s reward in paradise. Believers must defend their faith and, in doing so, have to face up to numerous challenges and hardship. They will experience triumphs as well as setbacks. If they persevere and stand firm and hold on to their beliefs and convictions, they will earn God’s succour and trust. They will deserve to be the custodians of God’s message in this world. Their reward will be in paradise in the life to come. It is a fitting reward for their courage in defeating their own selfishness and greed, resisting all manner of temptation, and refusing to surrender their life and destiny to any other power or authority except that of God Almighty.

With these poignant and profound words, and in this direct manner, God addresses the founding community of Islam, drawing their attention to the experiences of their fellow believers before them who were entrusted with the same task of establishing the divine code of living on earth. Nevertheless, the message in these words is timeless. It is directed to all human groups to whom God assigns that honourable task.

It is an awesome experience that drives God’s own Messenger and those who have accepted the faith close to despair and makes there cry out with frustration: “‘When will God’s help come?’ “It is a picture of great trepidation and unimaginable apprehension that cause a believer’s faith to be tested so severely and shaken in such a profound manner. However, with determination and steadfastness, God’s help is sure to arrive, for “Surely, God’s help is close at hand.”

God’s support that ensures victory is reserved for those who earn it: those who persevere and stand firm to the end in the face of all adversity and misfortune, never wavering but always certain that God’s help is on its way. No matter how severe the ordeal may become, true believers will always look to God, and to God alone, for salvation and support. By displaying such faith and trust in God, believers are deservedly rewarded by being admitted into paradise.

The dynamic of social and religious struggle reinforces the human spirit and encourages man to rise above his own ego and so emerge purer and stronger, ready to uphold the faith with greater energy and vigour. Thus, believers become a shining role model even for their most ardent adversaries, some of whom are liable to be impressed and join ranks with the believers, as witnessed throughout human history.

But even if this were not the case, something else much greater and much more admirable happens: advocates of God’s order are liberated from subordination to any worldly power or temptation. Life and its comforts become of no real consequence, and man assumes control of his world, which can only mean a triumph for humanity and the human spirit as a whole.

 

The ingredients of success are faith, hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. With those, victory is guaranteed and the road to greater, everlasting rewards, to eternal bliss, is direct and clear.

This verse is any eye opener, my brothers and sisters. Allah's help is always there for those who have complete faith and trust in Him, have patience and perseverance. If we remain strong and steadfast no matter how bad the times we are facing are, Allah is surely to help and take us out of our difficult times.

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.

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.

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

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 read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Al Qur'an guides and helps those who sincerely seek Divine Guidance and Help.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to 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 | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān 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 order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
• Towards Understanding the Quran

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

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

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