Bring your heart back to life with the Qur'an

Life is not meant to be stagnant - one has to move on no matter how good or bad times one may be having. For if one becomes stagnant in ideas, perceptions, preferred choice of means of sustenance or even choice of a role modelled spouce, one may end up in rejections and results of not one's liking. Life has its own dynamics as conceived by our Creator and one cannot have many choices left. 

Life, like water, is dynamic and vibrant. Like water, which if it remains stagnant, will become foul smelling and distasteful. So, we do not let the water store over a long period of time. We let it flow so that fresh water replaces the rusty water and that is how life thrives both within, that is marine life, and without, that is humans, animals, birds and plants,

And if one's heart is hollow and there is no inclination to the Creator Who in fact controls everything in the entire universe, one may soon lose the perception and meaning of the life. Those whose hearts move with the Qur'an are never fearful of future, nor do they recall their yesterdays to haunt their lives forever. In fact, sometimes the pain that we are going through is a sign that life is stagnant and we need to step up to our better version. Sometimes the suffering hides behind it the abundance we thought we would never receive. Sometimes life challenges us so that you can transform. So let us move forward, always and except for repenting past deeds, let these deeds or should we call misdeeds haunt us all our lives. And keep Qur'an as our beacon to enlighten our hearts and tomorrows.

This was just the premise for a thought-provoking lecture by eminent scholar Nauman Ali Khan, share herein under, for it may open up our hearts and brighten up our todays and tomorrows:

Nouman Ali Khan, born to a Pakistani family, is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

May we always seek guidance and light from Qur'an and our hearts are always enlightened with the blessings of Qur'an. Ameen

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

That is our duty to convey only 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 help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. 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. 

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

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. 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.

Photo | 

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.

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

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, Twitter, 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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Guidance from Surah Al Hashr (The Banishment / The Gathering)

Surah Al Hashr (The Banishment / The Gathering) is the 59th chapter/surah of the Qur'an. We have already posted its summary and verse by verse exegesis / tafsir in our earlier posts. Today we share a lecture by prominent Muslim scholar/exegete Nouman Ali Khan in which he deliberates of the guidance that Surah Al Hashr provides us.

Before we share the video, let us recapitulate the summary of the surah so that we draw maximum benefit from the scholarly presentation. The theme of the Surah is an appraisal of the battle against the Bani An Nadir. In this, on the whole, four things have been discussed.

In the first four verses the world has been admonished to take heed of the fate that had just befallen the Bani an-Nadir. A major tribe which was as strong in numbers as the Muslims, whose people boasted of far more wealth and possession who were by no means ill equipped militarily and whose forts were well fortified could not stand siege even for a few Days, and expressed their readiness to accept banishment from their centuries old, well-established settlement even though not a single man from among them was slain. Allah says that this happened not because of any power possessed by the Muslims but because the Jews had tried to resist and fight Allah and His Messenger, and those who dare to resist the power of Allah, always meet with the same fate.

In verse 5, the rule of the law of war that has been enunciated is: the destruction caused in the enemy territory for military purposes does not come under "spreading mischief in the earth."

In vv 6-10 it has been stated how the lands and properties which come under the control of the Islamic State as a result of war or peace terms, are to be managed. As it was the first ever occasion that the Muslims took control of a conquered territory, the law concerning it was laid down for their guidance.

In vv. 11-17 the attitude that the hypocrites had adopted on the occasion of the battle against the Bani an-Nadir has been reviewed and the causes underlying it have been pointed out.

The whole of the last section (vv. 18-24) is an admonition for all those people who had professed to have affirmed the faith and joined the Muslim community, but were devoid of the true spirit of the faith. In it they have been told what is the real demand of the Faith, what is the real difference between piety and wickedness, what is the place and importance of the Quran which they professed to believe in, and what are the attributes of God in Whom they claimed to have believed.

Now, please watch an enlightening video below by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman Ali Khan:

Nouman Ali Khan, born to a Pakistani family, is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

That is our duty to convey only 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 help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. 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. 

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

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. 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.

Photo | Reference Summary: Tafhaim ul Qur'an

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.

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, Twitter, 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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Scholars' Viewpoint: Last Two Verses of Surah Al Baqarah - The Cow

Sürah Al Baqarah - The Cow is said to have taken the longest t be revealed. It is generally believed that the essence of the entire Qur'an has been summed in the 286 verses of this Sürah.

The last two verses of Surah al-Baqarah, 285-286 are said to have great importance. These talk of the true belief of Prophets and Muslims and Believer's supplication.

( 285 )   The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination."

( 286 )   Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people."

In fact, these last two verses are  the conclusion of the surah. It has been first of all explained that everything in this Universe is under the control of the Almighty; He shall take account of everything whether hidden or visible and punish and bless according to His law whomsoever He wills. It has subsequently been elaborated that whether anyone else believes or not, the Prophet (pbuh) and his followers firmly believe that this Book has been revealed by the Almighty. The surah ends with a prayer in which every word speaks of the tremendous responsibilities of this Book which the Jews and the Christians were unable to fulfill and which now have been passed on to the followers of this new religion.

The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) has been reported as saying that one who recites these two verses during the night, these will be sufficient for him.

We have already presented the detailed explanation of these two verses in the Section IV of the exegesis of the Sürah Al Baqarah. 

We now present the tafsir / exegesis of these two verses by Nouman Ali Khan, who, born to a Pakistani family, is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one 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.

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.

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, Twitter, 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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Scholars' Viewpoint: Relationship of Muslims with Qur'an

Quran, the last Divine book, plays an important role in shaping the lives of Muslims and even its influence on Non Muslims which attracts them to it and embrace Islam. But many beleivers are not very sure what their relationship should be with Quran or how to establish a relationship with Quran.

Allah had given Divine books and scriptures to earlier people too but most of them parted ways with the guidance and truth that was contained in those books and scriptures and even added many additions and innovations to suit their needs rather than seeking guidance from the actual words of Allah.

It is also in many cases with Muslims. Although they recite it everyday, they do not know what they are reading and why. A large number of Muslims leave the explanation of the Quran to the scholars and listen to them what are they being told - not what they like to know. Unless we establish a strong relationship with Quran and know why we need to do it, we shall never be able to reach to the real truth contained in the Quran and seek guidance from it.

Please listen to eminent Muslim scholar and preacher Nouman Ali Khan on the Miracle of Quran and why and how Muslims should establish a relationship with this last Divine Book from Allah:

Nouman Ali Khan, born to a Pakistani family, is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one 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.

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.

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, Twitter, 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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Scholars' Viewpoint: Who are Men of Taqwa?

We more often than not come across the word Taqwa and are advised to observe Taqwa. But what we really mean by Taqwa? I tried to find out and it turned out to be very simple and most difficult thing to answer. For Taqwa is something that commences from a merely the God-consciousness to an endless ocean of state of hyper-vigilance against falling into sin in negligence and the ‘fear’ of doing Haram out of neglect of Allah’s orders. 

In simple words, taqwa means "forbearance, fear and abstinence. It is fear of Allah, "being careful, knowing your place in the cosmos"."Proof" of Taqwa is the "experience of awe" of God, which "inspires a person to be on guard against wrong action" and eager to do thing which please Allah. It is "a high state of heart, which keeps one conscious of Allah's presence and His Knowledge." Taqwa motivates the person who possesses it "to perform righteous deeds" and avoid forbidden activities.

It was reported that Umar bin Khattab asked Ubay ibn Kaab about Taqwa. Ubay said, "Have you ever walked on a path that has thorns on it?" Umar said, "Yes." Ubay asked, "What did you do then?" to which Umar replied, "I rolled up my sleeves and struggled." Ubay said, "That is taqwa, to protect oneself from sin through life’s dangerous journey so that one can successfully complete the journey unscathed by sin."

Quran is replete with word taqwa and as per an estimate it occurs almost 100 times in the Qur'an, wherein taqwa refers to fear of God in terms of protecting oneself from displeasing God.

Qur'an very specifically spells out in the very second verse of Surah 2. Al Baqarah that This Book (The Qur'an) is guidance for those who are men of taqwa:

ذٰ لِكَ الۡڪِتٰبُ لَا رَيۡبَ ۛۚ   ۖ فِيۡهِ ۛۚ هُدًى لِّلۡمُتَّقِيۡنَۙ‏ 

This is the Book of Allah, there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the men of taqwa, the pious,

This means that while the Book is potentially for all, only those who possess certain qualities can benefit from it. The first such quality is piety: those who want to benefit should be disposed to distinguish between good and evil, and to shun evil and do good. Those who lead an animal existence, who never consider whether their actions are either good or bad, whose cynically follow the prevailing winds, who are helplessly tossed about by the animal desires that dominate their minds, such persons are all together incapable of deriving any benefit from the guidance embodied in the Qur'an.

يٰۤـاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَكُوۡنُوۡا مَعَ الصّٰدِقِيۡنَ‏  

Believers! Have fear of Allah and stand with those that are truthful. [Surah 9 At Tauba 119]

يٰۤـاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوا اصۡبِرُوۡا وَصَابِرُوۡا وَرَابِطُوۡا وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُوۡنَ‏ 

Believers, be steadfast, and vie in steadfastness,141 stand firm in your faith, and hold Allah in fear that you may attain true success. [Surah 3. Al-i'Imran: 200]

وَلَوۡ اَنَّ اَهۡلَ الۡقُرٰٓى اٰمَنُوۡا وَاتَّقَوۡا لَـفَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ بَرَكٰتٍ مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ وَلٰـكِنۡ كَذَّبُوۡا فَاَخَذۡنٰهُمۡ بِمَا كَانُوۡا يَكۡسِبُوۡنَ‏ 

Had the people of those towns believed and been God-fearing, We would certainly have opened up to them blessings from the heavens and the earth; but they gave the lie [to their Prophets] and so We seized them for their deeds. so. [Surah 7. Al-A'raf: 96] 

يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡۤا اِذَا تَنَاجَيۡتُمۡ فَلَا تَـتَـنَاجَوۡا بِالۡاِثۡمِ وَالۡعُدۡوَانِ وَمَعۡصِيَتِ الرَّسُوۡلِ وَتَنَاجَوۡا بِالۡبِرِّ وَالتَّقۡوٰى​ؕ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ الَّذِىۡۤ اِلَيۡهِ تُحۡشَرُوۡنَ‏ 

Believers, when you converse in secrecy, let that not be concerning sin and transgression and disobedience to the Messenger; rather, converse concerning virtue and piety. And fear Allah to Whom all of you shall be mustered. [Surah 58. Al-Mujadila: 9]

The verses above show that Taqwa means a lot more than just piousness: it is the combination of our beliefs, self-awareness, and attitudes. It is a reminder to stay on the path of uprightness, decency and knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is about having Lord Consciousness in terms of knowing and obeying all His orders including not only fearing Him but also acting in all His directions. 

How can one observe taqwa? In Qur'an there are many virtues mentioned in Qur'an that inculcate taqwa in a believer like the keeping of trusts (amana) [Surah Al Baqarah 2: 283]; faithfulness (al-wafa) [Surah 3. Al-i'Imran: 76]; patience (al-sabr) [Surah 3. Al-i'Imran: 186]. The imperative form of taqwa is found in the phrase Ittaqullah ("fear God" or "be aware of Allah"), which is in a number of verses. Ittaqullah is an Arabic word-phrase composed of the words "Ittaqu", and "Allah". It is found in several verses in the Quran.

Taqwa thus is to be constantly aware of what pleases or displeases Him and to ensure all our efforts are to make Him most happy and gain His maximum Pleasure. Taqwa means to rush in acting upon the orders of Allah and to suppress any inclinations that would prevent us from completing the tasks in its best form. 

What benefits of taqwa a Muslim can accrue - herein under are some [3]:

• There is guidance for those who are Muttaqin (the people of taqwa) as Allah says in Quran: “guidance for those conscious of Allah” (Quran, 2:2). People who fear of Almighty Allah will seek guidance from the Holy Book Quran.
• Whoever has Taqwa, Allah makes matters easy for him in this world as well as the hereafter. “And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him ease in his matter.” (Quran, 65:4). This does not necessarily mean that the person will not face difficulty, but through the blessings of his Taqwa, he is guaranteed ease and the strength to bear these difficulties without losing faith or hope by Almighty Allah. The reward of facing these difficulties will be given by Allah in the hereafter.
• “Truly Allah loves the Muttaqin“(Quran, 3:76). 
• A way out of Difficulties: “And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out.” (Quran, 65:2). Taqwa serves as a divine guard against trials of this world as well as the difficulties of the hereafter.
• “Allah only accepts from the people of taqwa“(Quran, 5:27). 
• Unexpected Sustenance: “And if the people of the towns believed and had Taqwa, certainly We should have opened for them blessings from the heavens and the earth.” (Quran, 7:96)
• Salvation from the Fire of Hell: “Then We will save the ones who had taqwa“(Quran, 19:72). 
• When a believer sees to it that his obedience to Allah and love for him stay above everything else, he is gifted by Allah with the sight of distinguishing between true and false or we can say good or bad deeds. In Holy Quran Allah says: “O you who believe! If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (furqan).” (Quran, 8:29)
• Success from Taqwa: “Have taqwa of Allah in order that you might succeed” (Quran, 3:200). 
• “It is He (Allah) who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers.” (Quran, 48:4). People who want calmness and tranquility should do taqwa that means fear of Allah Almighty in result they became piety. When they become piety they feel calmness and tranquility in their hearts as Allah mentioned in Quran.

One can go on and on describing taqwa for it has far reaching meaning and effects on the life of a Muslim. To sum up, please listen to the khutba by Nouman Ali Khan on the importance of taqwa in a believer's life:

About Nouman Ali Khan: An American Muslim, born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is a  speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one 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.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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.

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, Twitter, 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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Scholars' Viewpoint: Responding to Queries of Atheists / Non Muslims - Flogging

Atheists are people who do not believe in Divine laws and commandments for they don't even believe in the existence of One True God.Since he have their logic of their own and when they discuss religions, they want to hear a logic that pleases them or is according to their beliefs. If such people come in contact with people of faith, they make their best to convince the people of faith, specially when people of faith do not know their faith. Those who are weak in their faith or lack requite knowledge abut they faith, they are most likely to become speechless.

How much do we know about Islam, thus, that matter. If people of faith are not confident what their faith tells them, they are likely to face humiliation when replying to some stinging questions of atheists.  So every Muslim must know what are the commandments, instructions and guidelines enunciated in the Quran first to enlighten and educate him and then be in a position to answer queries of non Muslims with logic and authority.

One of the questions that intrigue atheists and even other non Muslims is the flogging of man and woman accused of adultery / fornication. Listen to one of the eminent scholars of the times, Nouman Ali Khan, explaining how the query is to be answered in the video below.

Nouman Ali Khan, born to a Pakistani family, is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one 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.

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.

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, Twitter, 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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How to Invite Non-Muslims to Islam (Give Da`wah)

We Muslims firmly believe that Islam is the last and final religion which was revealed directly by Allah through His trusted angel Gabriel (Jibraeel) to last of the prophets, Muhammad (peace be upon him). In fact, Islam is the oldest religion for it is the continuation of the all Divine religions which have been revealed on to some of the revered messengers of Allah, like Prophets Daud, Musa and Eesa (David, Moses and Jesus, peace be upon them all). 

Qur'an, the book containing revelations of Allah to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which correspond to all the unaltered substance contained in the earlier Divine Books like Psalms, Torah and Bible. The Qur'an thus contains the corrected and the true Divine commandments which have got changed or adulterated due passage of time.

Thus till the Day of Resurrection, Qur'an remains the ultimate guideline for the entire mankind to seek the real truth so that everyone is rewarded positively rather than being punished for not accepting the Final Plain Truth. This is we all Muslims believe in and have thus been entrusted to invite the non Muslims to Islam, which plainly means peace, or in other words complete submission to commandments of Allah.

Since no more prophets and messengers will come, it is the duty of every Muslim to invite the Non Muslims to Islam for their good and their ultimate salvation. But how to do it? Well to my reckoning here are few steps that may be useful:

• Know Islam as much as we can, for if we intend inviting non Muslims to Islam they will have lot of questions to be answered if at all they are to be shown the final Truth.
• One must be very co0l minded and not short tempered when extending invitation to Islam or giving Da'wah (as said in Arabic).
• One of the most important thing to remember is that in Islam there is no compulsion / forceful conversions. If someone doesn't accept the message of Islam, the fallout of rejecting the message will be upon the one rejecting it. Even Allah warned the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he was merely a warner and not controller over the non believers. In Surah 88. Al-Gashiya verses 21-26, it is clearly said:

"So render good counsel, for you are simply required to counsel,  and are not invested with the authority to compel them, But whoever will turn away (from the Truth), Allah will chastise him with the most terrible chastisement. Surely to Us is their return; and then it is for Us to call them to account."

• Thus if someone doesn't accept the message of Islam, one should keep trying gracefully, never ever raising one's voice, for anyone speaking loudly resembles a donkey when barking (something most disliked voice as mentioned in the Qur'an).
• And in case a heated argument takes place, one should immediately disengage gracefully for true Muslims do not get into arguments but encourage meaningful discussion on the subject.
• Remember, your conduct, character and eloquence hinged on knowledge will win you a situation.

Remember, it is the Plain Truth that what constitutes Islam which is encouraging people around the world attracted toward Islam, despite disinformation being spread about Islam, labeling it a terrorist religion. The Islamophobia is being contested well by many of us who are voluntarily doing their best to invite / extend Da'wah people to Islam.

Please watch the video below on the issue by Nouman Ali Khan, born to a Pakistani family, is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan:

Author's Note: The views expressed in the video above are that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one 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.

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 Qur'ān.

Photo: Pixabay

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, Twitter, 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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Overview of Surah Al Qasas - The Story: 28th Chapter of the Holy Quran

Sūrah Al-Qaṣaṣ "The Story" is the 28th chapter (sūrah) of the Qur'an with 88 verses (āyāts) and nine rukus, part of the 20th Juz'. The Surah takes its name from verse 25 in which the word Al-Qasas occurs. Lexically, qasas means to relate events in their proper sequence. Thus, from the view- point of the meaning too, this word can be a suitable title for this Surah, for in it the detailed story of the Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) has been related.

The Sūrah is also known as the (The) History, The Narrations, or the Narrative. The language, the style and the theme of three surahs, namely Surahs Surahs Ash-Shu`araa', An-Naml and Al- Qasas (chapters 26-28 respectively) show that these were sent down one after the other. One important and common feature of these surahs is that the story of Prophet Moses has been mentioned in parts in these surahs, which together makes up a complete story, in that: 

• In Surah Ash Shu`araa', excusing himself for not accepting the office of Prophethood the Prophet Moses submits, "The people of Pharaoh have the charge of a crime against me; therefore, I fear that they will put me to death." Then, when lie goes before Pharaoh, the latter says, "Did we not bring you up as a child in our house? You lived quite a few years of your life among us, and then you did what you did." 
• Nothing more of this has been mentioned there, but in this Surah the other details have been given. 
• Similarly, in Surah An-Naml the story starts abruptly from the time when the Prophet Moses was journeying with his family and suddenly saw a fire at a distance. In that Surah nothing has been said about the nature of his journey, or the place he was coming from, or his destination, but this Surah gives out all the necessary details. 

Thus, the three Surahs read together complete the story of the Prophet Moses (Allah's peace be upon him).

The main theme of Sūrah Al-Qaṣaṣ is to remove the doubts and objections that were being raised against the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings) and to invalidate the excuses which were being offered for not believing in him.

For this purpose, first the story of the Prophet Moses has been related, which, by analogy with the period of revelation, impresses the following points in the listeners mind automatically:

• First, Allah provides the means and motives of whatever He wills to do, in imperceptible ways. Thus, Allah so arranged things that the child through whom Pharaoh had to be removed from power, was bred and brought up in his own house, and he could not know whom he was fostering. Who can then fight God and frustrate Him by his machinations.
• Secondly, Prophethood is not granted to a person amid festivities by issuing a proclamation from the earth and heavens. You wonder how Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) has been blessed with Prophethood unexpectedly, all of a sudden, but Moses whom you yourselves acknowledge as a Prophet (v. 48) had also become a Prophet unexpectedly, while on a journey, and nobody had known what event had occurred in the desolation at the foot of Mt. Sinai. Even Moses himself did not know a moment before what he was going to be blessed with. He, in fact, had gone to bring a piece of the fire but had returned with the gift of Prophethood.
• Thirdly, the person from whom Allah wants to take some service comes out without any army and armor and without an apparent helper or force at his back, yet he puts to rout much stronger and better equipped opponents. The contrast that existed between the strengths of Moses (peace be upon him) and Pharaoh was much more prominent and glaring than that which existed between Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Quraish; yet the world knows who had come out victorious in the end and who had been routed.
• Fourthly, you refer to Moses again and again and say, "Why has Muhammad not been given the same which was given to Moses? i. e. miracles of the staff, the shining hand, etc. as if to suggest that you would readily believe only if you were shown the kind of the miracles that were shown by Moses to Pharaoh. But do you know what sort of response was made by those who were shown those miracles? They had not believed even after seeing the miracles, and had only said, "This is magic", for they were involved in stubbornness and hostility to the Truth. The same malady afflicts you today. Will you believe only when you are slowly the same kind of miracles?Then, do you know what fate the disbelievers had met even after seeing the miracles? They were annihilated by Allah. Do you now wish to meet the same doom by asking for the miracles in your obstinacy?

These were the things which were automatically impressed in the mind of every listener who heard this story in the pagan environment of Makkah, for a similar conflict was going on at that time between the Holy Prophet and disbelievers of Makkah as had already taken place between the Prophet Moses and Pharaoh before. This was the background against which the story of the Prophet Moses was narrated so that a perfect analogy was established automatically in every detail between the conditions prevailing then in Makkah and those existing in the time of the Prophet Moses. Then, from verse 43 onward the discourse turns to the real theme.

• In the first place, the narration of a two thousand year old historical event by the Holy Prophet with such accuracy and detail, is presented as a proof of his Prophethood although he was un-lettered and the people of his city and clan knew full well that he had no access to any source of such information as they could point out.
• Then the disbelievers of Makkah have been warned and put to shame for an event that occurred in those very days. Some Christians had come to Makkah and embraced Islam when they heard the Qur'an from the Holy Prophet. Instead of learning any lesson from this the Makkans were so upset at this that their leader, Abu Jahl, disgraced those people publicly.

In conclusion, the excuse that the disbelievers put forward for not believing in the Holy Prophet has been dealt with. What they feared was this:"If we give up the polytheistic creed of the Arabs and accept the doctrine of Tauhid instead, this will put an end to our supremacy in the religious, political and economic fields, which, in turn, will destroy our position of the most influential tribe of Arabia and we shall be left with no refuge anywhere in the land." As this was the real motive of the chiefs of the Quraish for their antagonism towards the Truth, and their doubts and objections were only the pretenses, which they invented to deceive the common people, Allah has dealt with these fully till the end of the Surah, considered each aspect of these in a wise manner and offered the remedy for their basic ailment due to which those people judged the Truth and falsehood only from the viewpoint of their worldly interests.

Sūrah Al-Qaṣaṣ can conveniently be broken down in two parts, owing to the subject matter, and there its exegesis / tafseer is being given in following two parts separately:

• Part I:  The remaining part of story of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) that is spanned on three surahs as mentioned above.
• Part II: Polytheism is condemned, and Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him) is reminded that he cannot make the people believe but nevertheless he must remain steadfast in his mission.

You may now listen to learned Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan who in the video below gives an overview of the Sūrah Al-Qaṣaṣ:

You may refer to our post "114 Chapters (Sūrahs) of the Holy Qur'an" for translation, meaning and summary / exegesis of other chapters (Though not complete but building up from 30th Juzʼ / Part backwards for chapters in 30th Juzʼ / Part are shorter and easier to understand). 

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Reading the Holy Quran 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.

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that:

• The plain translation has been taken from the Holy Quran officially published by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
• The exegesis of the chapters of the Holy 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 the 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. 

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
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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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Understanding Islam: Why Man is in Loss? Allah Cautions in Surah Al Asr [Chapter 103]

Sūrah Al-‘Aṣr, the 103rd chapter of the Holy Qur'an, has only three verses - but many of us just read it out as if it does not carry any significance to our lives. But those few who take a time out and ponder over the three verses of the surah come to know that Allah has summed up four attributes of a true believer in this surah which if really understood can change our lives, otherwise man is truly in loss, both in this world and the Hereafter. 

Let us now for once, read this surah giving due attention to each word of it, to start with:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ 

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"

1.وَالْعَصْرِ‌

By Time.

2. إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ‌

Indeed man is in loss,

3. إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ‌‌

except those:

• who have faith, 
• and do righteous deeds, 
• and enjoin one another to [follow] the truth, and 
• enjoin one another to patience.

As is evident, here Allah, while taking a vow of the time, has cautioned that 'man' not men is in loss and surely we as individuals are at loss unless we fulfill four preconditions that have been spelt out in the verse 3.

For the most powerful message summed in the surah, this surah is considered the summary of whole Quran by almost all notable classical and modern Islamic scholars including Imam Shafi, Ibn Kathir, and even lately Dr. Israr Ahmed.

These four conditions or pre-requisites are so eloquently explained by Nouman Ali Khan, an emerging Muslim scholar, a Pakistani living in the USA, who has mastered the Arabic language and explained the Holy Qur'an in very easy to understand language, giving examples from our daily lives and stressing home the real message contained in the Holy Qur'an. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

Please listen to Nouman Ali Khan explaining the Surah Al Asr and the four preconditions that guarantee a man to not be in loss and be blessed:

You may refer to our post "114 Chapters (Sūrahs) of the Holy Qur'an" for translation, meaning and summary / exegesis of other chapters (Though not complete but building up from 30th Juzʼ / Part backwards for chapters in 30th Juzʼ / Part are shorter and easier to understand). 

Photo | References: | 1 |  2 |
Reading the Holy Quran 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.

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 Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More