Islam: Submission is not to surrender in defeat But to align one's will with the will of The Creator

Da'wah in Islam is calling non Muslims to Islam. Although the guidance and why to embrace Islam is amply made clear in the Qur'an, the last of thefour Dive Scriptures, and Sunnah of Prophet  MUhammad ﷺ, the last of the entire chain of prophets, it is incumbent upon every Muslim to invite non Muslims to Islam. 

We have already published a number of posts on the subject which contain viewpoint of Muslim scholars. But today, we share one of the most enlightening lecture on Islam to understand why submission is not to surrender to the will of God, but to align one's will to the will of The Creator. In fact it is one of the best lecture I have found on telling the world what Islam is in its real sense and how it turns subission to one true God by aligning personal will with the will of God.

This lecture is by one of the most renowned motivational speaker David Attenborough in which he shares a powerful personal reflection on life’s purpose, spirituality, and the moment he discovered Islam as a source of peace and meaning. Whether you’re on a spiritual journey, seeking purpose, or just need inspiration, this speech will resonate with your soul.

David Attenborough asserts that world is not based on random evetns without purpose but the patterns of life around us are infacct bonded in preccision and harmony that represent not randomism but wisdom, comsisitennt with natural laws and cosmos.

Explore how science, nature, and faith intersect — and why so many seekers are finding hope in unexpected places. Perfect for those curious about Islam, self-growth, or the deeper questions of life. You may now like to watch the 20 minutes lecture, titled "I Was Just Searching for Meaning… Then I Found Islam",and I am very sure that if you listen to the eminent scholar without prejudices and hostility to Islam, your lens of understanding Islam will be much more clearer:

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam and our exlusive reference page: How to extend Da'wah to Non Muslims.

You  may also like to refer to our refference page Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A.

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Who speaks better than he who calls people to Allah

Speaking good and encouraging others to speak good is best of the acts of a man. And what more could be better than calling others to Allah, that is to Islam, the final Divine religion. In the wake of stiff resistance, Islam continues to thrive and more and more people come under the fold of Islam every day. This has been a long and ardouous journey that commenced with the Da'wah / invitation to Islam by the last of the prophets, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He faced stiff resistance at the hands of the people of Makkah, tortured and humiliated, yet his resilence and steadfastness slowly and gradually led the once stubborn non Muslims of Makkah to Islam.

And ever since, Islam is expanding despite the many hurdles placed in its way of propagation. In fact, it is due to those Muslims who have dedicated their lives to convey the message of Islam to non Muslims and convince them of the unversality of Islam. And today, according to many indepepndent analysts, Islam is the fastest growing religion and is expected to be dominating religion by 2050.

We share today the 33rd verse of Surah 41 Al Fussilat (Clearly spelt out) in which Allah acknowledges the service of the those who call others to Islam:

وَمَنۡ اَحۡسَنُ قَوۡلًا مِّمَّنۡ دَعَاۤ اِلَى اللّٰهِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَّقَالَ اِنَّنِىۡ مِنَ الۡمُسۡلِمِيۡنَ‏ 

(41:33) Who speaks better than he who calls people to Allah, does what is right, and says, 'I am one of those who have surrendered themselves to Allah?

An advocate of the Divine faith must put his addressees face to face with reality. He has to confront people's deviation, ignorance, inflated appreciation of their own deeds, as also their instinctive abhorrence of being told that they are wrong. He is opposed by people's determination to serve their own interests and maintain positions that might be threatened by the principle of equality of all people, which is basic to Divine faith. To face all this as part of the task of advocating Divine faith is indeed very hard. Yet it is something truly great: "Who speaks better than he who calls people to God, does what is right, and says, 'I am one of those who have surrendered themselves to God?" (Verse 33) Taking all this into account, a word of advocacy, calling on people to believe in God's oneness, is the best word that may be said on earth. It is at the forefront of good words that are raised to God in heaven, provided it is endorsed by good action and confirmed with self surrender to Him. Thus, such advocacy becomes pure and sincere, free of self interest. The advocate's aim is merely to discharge his duty by presenting the Divine message. Once he has discharged his duty, he should not care whether his words are rejected or whether people are rude or boastful in their denials. He is merely presenting what is good, which puts him in the higher position.

Explanation:

This verse highlights the noblest form of speech and action in the sight of Allah:

• "Who is better in speech..."
• This is a rhetorical question, implying that no one has better speech than this person.
• It sets a high standard for what truly good and impactful communication looks like.
• "...than one who calls to Allah"
• This refers to someone who invites others to know, worship, and obey Allah.
• It includes teaching, reminding, and encouraging others towards faith and truth.
• "...and does righteous deeds"
• Calling others to Allah is not enough on its own—personal conduct matters.
• The person practices what they preach: sincerity, honesty, humility, etc.
• "...and says, 'Indeed, I am of the Muslims.'"
• This is a declaration of identity and commitment.
• It shows the person is proud and clear about being a submitter to God (a Muslim), without hypocrisy or fear.

Takeaway:

This verse beautifully combines da'wah (inviting to Islam), personal piety, and clear identity as the traits of the most honorable speaker. It's a call to live with integrity, and share goodness with others while being openly committed to faith.

Let all Muslims do their best to call upon non Muslims and introduce them the true Islam, not the Islam of terrorism as being portrayed by the world. This is our moral and religious obligation to continnue to spread the word of Allah as was done by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and since him all those good Muslims who took upon them the great responsibility of da'wah / invitation to Islam as every Muslim has been ordained to do so.

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 verse on Da'wah, please refer to our reference page: Da'wah - The Invitation to Non-Muslims to 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 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.

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Prophetic Faith in Allah (attributed to Prophet Ibrahim - Abraham) - a cue for those mulling to revert to Islam

Reverting to Islam is one of the most difficult and ultimate decision in the life of the non-Muslims. Not only they are hesitant to leave the religion adopted by their parents and ancestors, they are also afraid of fear of annoying their friends and families, or even face a strong and hostile backlash This has been so with all those back in the history who embraced the fold of Islam despite stubborn resistance from their families. Even prophets were not spared when they renounced the religion and faith of their ancestors. Yet, once faith in One True God, Allah the Almighty, had permeated in their souls, there was never looking back even at the cost of leaving their families.

Today, we share the 48th verse of Surah Maryam (19:48) which recounts a powerful moment in the life of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him), reflecting his unwavering faith in Allah and his rejection of polytheism, even if it meant parting ways with his own people and family.

وَ اَعۡتَزِلُـكُمۡ وَمَا تَدۡعُوۡنَ مِنۡ دُوۡنِ اللّٰهِ وَاَدۡعُوۡا رَبِّىۡ​ ​ۖ  عَسٰٓى اَلَّاۤ اَكُوۡنَ بِدُعَآءِ رَبِّىۡ شَقِيًّا‏ 

(19:48) I shall withdraw from you and all that you call upon beside Allah. I shall only call upon my Lord. I trust the prayer to my Lord will not go unanswered."

Context and Explanation:

This verse occurs in the narrative where Prophet Ibrahim is addressing his father and his people. He had persistently called them to the worship of Allah alone and warned them against idol worship. When they rejected his message, mocked him, and even threatened him, he declared his disassociation from their practices and affirmed his commitment to worshipping Allah alone.

The Background to the Verse

Abraham’s appeal, made in the most compassionate language, cannot however find its way to his father’s hardened heart. The father retorts with rejection and threats: Are you renouncing my gods, Abraham? If you do not desist, I shall most certainly have you stoned. Now begone from me for good! (Verse 46)

 

His father’s answer was harsh, arrogant and threatening. He considered Abraham’s rejection of idols to be impertinent. It was a crime for which Abraham deserved a cruel punishment: i.e. death by stoning. Hence, he advised him to stay away, or else punishment would be forthcoming.

 

It is with such ignorance and cruelty that the father replies to the son’s passionate and polite appeal. No regard is given for the son’s care and concern for his father. This is indeed the pattern of response that advocates of faith receive from those who are hardened by disbelief and lack of guidance.

 

Abraham, however, does not allow anger to dictate his attitude. He does not lose sight of his dutifulness to his father. Hence, he continues to address him with respect and compassion: Abraham replied: Peace be on you. I shall pray to my Lord to forgive you; for He has always been very kind to me. But I shall withdraw from you all and from whatever you invoke instead of God, and I shall pray to my Lord alone. Perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord I shall not be unblesset. (Verses 47-48)

 

Abraham makes it clear that he will not respond to the threat, nor will he indulge in futile argument. He promises his father to pray to God to forgive him and not to punish him by allowing him to go further astray. He will pray to God to have mercy on his father and guide him to the truth. He tells him that he is used to God’s generous favours, as He answers his prayers. Then he adds that if his own presence and appeal irritate his father, then he will withdraw, leave his father and people, abandoning the deities they invoke instead of God. He will only worship God alone, hoping that by doing so he will avoid being unblesset. Such is a believer’s politeness and humility. Abraham does not feel that he is deserving of favours from God more than being spared misery, unhappiness and withdrawal of blessings.

Scholarly Commentary:

Ibn Kathir explains this verse in his Tafsir by noting that Ibrahim’s abandonment of his people’s idols and his exclusive devotion to Allah were not just symbolic, but also physical—he left them geographically and spiritually. His optimism in prayer shows the hallmark of a believer’s connection with Allah: hope, certainty, and reliance.

Javed Ahmed Ghamidi notes: Besides the affection found in this declaration of acquittal by Abraham (sws), it also shows his immense honour and regard for the truth. Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes:

The emphasis, self-confidence and self-sufficiency seen in this declaration of acquittal is evident from every word. In the first place, Abraham (sws) used the plural form وَ اَعْتَزِلُكُمْ which shows that he not only proclaimed acquittal from his father but also from all his companions, associates and members of the family. With it, by uttering the words وَمَا تَدْعُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللّٰهِ (and those also whom you call instead of God) he included all their deities in the declaration. It was as if he rejected them as well. Then he did not merely give a negative statement. He followed it up with a positive one: وَ اَدْعُوْا رَبِّيْ (I will only call my Lord) implying that he did not recognize any other deity. At the end, he expressed his unshakable trust in the Almighty by saying that he had never been deprived after calling his Lord and it was hoped that He would help and guide him in that trial as well. On the one hand, is this softness and, on the other, this sternness. It is in fact this amalgam of soft and stern attitude which distinguishes a preacher of truth from others. Unless a person is soft as wax and hard as a rock, he cannot serve the cause of truth in any way. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 4, 660)

Key Lessons:

• True faith may require personal sacrifice.
• Ibrahim’s trust in Allah shows the power of dua (supplication).
• Believers should never feel hopeless when making dua to Allah.

A cue for those mulling to revert to Islam

• This verse and the verses before it show a dialogue between a father worshipping idols and a son whose new found faith in one true God. The power of faith Prophet Abraham acquired was so strong that he even dared to stand in front of his father and his people denouncing their worship of idols and calling them to worship Allah alone. When his call was not heeded to to, he took a bold and ultimate decision of his life to follow Allah alone who he truly believed was the only Lord of the World to be worshipped.
• Those non Muslims, who have been living a life of worshipping more than one gods are now finding peace by reverting to Islam for Islam is the only religion which talks of One True God without any associates and partners. 
• There have been many instances where the families turned against the reverts and even cut off from life. But there also many instances that the families, which once showed hostility and utter annoyance of their near and dear one embracing Islam, also started to understand the true reality and reverted to Islam.
• So those mulling to revert to Islam must absorb the true reality that Islam propagates and embrace Islam so that their hearts are put at ease and they find hope as did Prophet Abraham did, In sha Allah

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 verse on Da'wah, please refer to our reference page: Da'wah - The Invitation to Non-Muslims to Islam

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Faith in Allah 

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 | 

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

Those who spread message of Allah are accountable to none but He

Allah has always chosen prophets from the ordinary people to spread His message to others and bring them under the fold of religion of Allah. Never have been prophets from the elite and the rich for such people are always distant from the ordinary people and are even the most stubborn to resist the spread of Allah. Thus those prophets and their followers who continued to spread the message of Allah were always subject o inhuman and harsh treatment by those who feared that with the spread of Allah, their dominion will collapse.

for this arduous job of Da'wah, the invitation to religion of Allah, Allah has promised the prophets and their followers, who take upon them the continuation of spread of message of Allah, not to fear for they are accountable to their noble deeds to none but He. This is the message being conveyed in the 39th verse of Surah 33. Al-Ahzab (The Confederates) as chosen for explanation today and given herein under:

ٱلَّذِينَ يُبَلِّغُونَ رِسَـٰلَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَخْشَوْنَهُۥ وَلَا يَخْشَوْنَ أَحَدًا إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ ۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ حَسِيبًۭا 

They who would deliver the messages of Allah and would fear Him only and none besides Him. [Thus you also fear Him alone O Prophet and rest assured that] God is sufficient to take account..

This verse is referring to those individuals who convey the message of Allah, are devout in their fear of Allah, and do not fear anyone except Him. It emphasizes the importance of conveying the message of Islam and upholding the principles of faith with steadfastness and sincerity. These individuals are characterized by their commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities as messengers of Allah, their unwavering trust in Him, and their fearlessness in the face of challenges and opposition.

Key Themes of the Verse

• Conveying the Message of Allah: 
• The verse highlights the role of those who communicate the message of Islam. This refers to the prophets, scholars, and da'ees (those who invite others to Islam). They are entrusted with the message of Allah, and their duty is to spread it, regardless of the challenges they might face.
• The phrase "those who convey the messages of Allah" underscores the importance of delivering divine guidance in its purest form, as revealed in the Quran and Sunnah.
• Fear of Allah:
• The verse underscores that those who carry the message of Allah should not fear anyone or anything except Allah. This is a central theme in Islamic teachings — believers are encouraged to trust in Allah alone, to place their reliance on Him, and to fear no one but Him.
• This highlights the concept of taqwa (God-consciousness), which is the state of having constant awareness of Allah, fearing Him, and being mindful of His commandments in all situations.
• Reckoning with Allah: The phrase "sufficient is Allah as a Reckoner" emphasizes that, ultimately, Allah is the One who will hold individuals accountable for their deeds. This statement serves as a reminder that all actions, especially those related to the message of Islam, will be judged by Allah, and He alone is the ultimate authority and evaluator of one's efforts.

Context of the Verse

This verse was revealed during a time of great difficulty for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions, particularly in the aftermath of the Battle of the Confederates (Ghazwat al-Ahzab). During this time, the Muslims faced immense challenges, including external threats from the confederate forces and internal divisions. Despite these difficulties, the verse stresses the importance of conveying Allah's message fearlessly and placing complete trust in Allah, regardless of the opposition or adversity.

Link to Hadith

Several hadiths reinforce the themes of fearlessness in conveying the message of Islam and the importance of not fearing anyone but Allah. Here are a few relevant narrations:

• Hadith on Fearlessness in Propagation of Islam:
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Convey from me, even if it is one verse.” (Sahih Bukhari)
• This hadith emphasizes the importance of conveying Allah’s message, no matter how much knowledge a person possesses. Even if it is just a single verse of the Quran, the Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged Muslims to share it with others. The verse from Surah Al-Ahzab (33:39) aligns with this, as it encourages believers to be brave and fear no one when spreading the message of Islam.
• Hadith on Trusting in Allah:
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “If you ask, ask Allah; and if you seek help, seek help from Allah.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
• This hadith reflects the idea that Muslims should rely on Allah alone for assistance and sustenance. It mirrors the essence of "do not fear anyone except Allah" in the verse, reminding believers that their trust and fear should be directed solely towards Allah, regardless of the challenges they face.
• Hadith on Accountability and the Reckoning of Allah:
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.” (Sahih Bukhari)
• This hadith reinforces the idea of personal accountability. Just as a shepherd is responsible for his flock, individuals who carry the message of Islam are accountable for how they fulfill their duties. Ultimately, everyone will be held accountable by Allah, as stated in the verse: “Sufficient is Allah as a Reckoner.” This accountability also reminds Muslims to fear Allah alone, as He is the One who will judge their actions.

Conclusion:

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:39) highlights the qualities of those who convey the message of Allah, emphasizing their courage and fearlessness in delivering the message, their profound fear of Allah alone, and the fact that ultimately, Allah is the One who will hold them accountable. The hadiths on conveying the message, trusting in Allah, and accountability further illuminate the message of this verse, stressing the importance of sincerity, reliance on Allah, and fearlessness in the face of challenges when upholding the message of Islam.

Let us, every brother and sister in Islam, do our best to talk about message of Allah, as contained in the Qur'an, to others around us, even Muslims who have not fully grasped the message of Allah, without the desire to earn a reward or be known and admired for our act of Da'wah, for Allah has taken upon Him the reward for people who spread His message shunning any fear or harm. Let Allah be our Guardian and Protector and responsible for our 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 verse on Da'wah, please refere to our reference page: Da'wah - The Invitation to Non-Muslims to Islam

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

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 |

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.

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How the world view Islam as the fastest growing religion

I started writing my blog back in 2018 to know why non Muslims embrace Islam and since my first post, everyday is a new day for me to get an answer to my question. Every single revert experience is so absorbing and meaningful that solidifies my faith in Islam more than yesterday. 

There have been many surveys that have been carried out in the past and are still being carried out to find why Islam is getting a firm foothold in every non Muslim country around the world and why the Muslim population is on the increase in the recent years. Muslims were a billion plus some twenty years ago, but the rapid reversion of non Muslims of every faith has made the Muslim population swell to more than 2.5 billion. Every year, more than 400o-5000 Americans revert to Islam, and the ratio is no less in other non Muslim countries. In Russia alone the Muslim population is around 23 million, despite the ruthless clamping of the Muslims in the communist era. Mind you the growth of Islam is undeterred by the general conception of Islamophobia and considering Muslims as terrorists and illiterate vagabonds. Many around the world believe that by the present growth size of Muslims, Islam will become the dominating religion in the world by year 2050, surpassing Christianity.

One of the amazing find of the surveys is that despite a general hatred for Hijab, the ratio of women embracing Islam is more than the men.  Many interview reveal that women wearing Hijab feel more confident of themselves, more precious that before when they wore revealing clothes and men stared on the bodies rather than finding more about character. The separate identity that Hijab gives to Muslim women is much more valuable to them rather than when they were out there in open, playing in the hands of lust of the men.

Today, I share an exhaustive video on what drives people to embrace Islam - a video that is a must watch for all Muslims and non Muslims, mulling to enter the fold of Islam.  In this video, despite the general prejudice about Islam, non Muslims are forced to confess Islam as the most peaceful religion that answers many a unanswered queries of the non Muslims about all prophets that have lived before the  last of the prophets, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, difference between God and Allah, and the concept of Trinity. In fact Qur'an, the last of the Divine Scripturas after Psalms, Torah and the Bible, talks more about Prophet Eesa (Jesus, peace be upon him) than Bible as some Christians think.

Please take out time and watch the video. If you are running short of time, then don't fast forward it, rather read in short lengths to understand the true growth of Islam around the world.  I for myself feel proud of living in a time when more and more access is available to Islam and people are willingly reading Qur'an, and Hadith / Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and taking Shahadah. Even priests, monks and bishops too are among those who are reverting to Islam, for they know where the truth lies.

I feel happy for being a part of the Da'wah (invitation to Islam) drive by writing about Islam and sharing information, like the one in the above shared video, with firm belief that these efforts will not go waste. And all my posts in my blog will be read over from every corner of the world, and if even one non Muslim takes Shahadah after reading my post, I will say I have achieved my mission to introduce Islam to the world, though my effort is like a drop of water dropped into the ocean of knowledge being shared around the world by scholars, imams and preachers.

May Allah (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 have unflinching faith and trust in Divine Wisdom and decisions and should never lament for we do not know that something better has been planned for us by our most caring Lord. 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.

Disclaimer: The data / video for this post has been collected from the references given below or YouTube. 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.

To read personal accounts of many who have reverted to Islam, please visit our page: Embracing Islam: Revert Experiences. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

Photo | Resource References: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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 respond to intriguing queries of a non-Muslims

One of the most difficult task of a believer is to answer the intriguing questions asked by the non Muslim. These days everyone is well equipped with one's faith and others religions specially Islam as non-Muslims not only feel threatened by the growing Islam but also have many queries they have about Islam as there is lot of misinformation being spread about Islam, Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Additionally some of the jargons like Jihad, Hijab or even questioning the reality of Allah are some of the hot questions that are much too often asked.

And if a believer is not equipped with detailed knowledge about some of the basic and even some intriguing questions, they are like to be mocked for not knowing our own faith. 

Instead of listing down the questions and our answers, please view the following short, yet very informative video which shows how a bold Muslimah answers some of the intriguing question posed by a pastor:

This is the minimum level of knowledge to start with. Thereon, we need to develop our knowledge base, read the disinformation about being spread, carry out research and consult eminent scholars to prepare ourselves for a fruitful discussion and encounter with the rigid and stubborn questioners. 

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 information on Islam, please refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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. 

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.

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Da'wah - The Invitation to Non-Muslims to Islam (Reference Page)

Islam is the final Divine religion which was introduced for the entire mankind through Divine revelation to last of the prophets, Muhammad ﷺ. Since Islam is the final Divine Decree, there will be no more religions or prophets till the "Day of Resurrection" of the dead (Yawm al-Qiyāmah), followed by a "Day of Judgment" (Yawm ad-Din) when all human beings who have ever lived will be held accountable for their deeds by being judged by God. 

To fill in the void and to continue to extend the invitation of Islam to the mankind, Da'wah has become the religious obligation for each Muslim to first understand the Islam in depth and then extend the invitation to the non Muslims.

“And who is better in speech than he who [says: ‘My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness),’ and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allah’s (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one of the Muslims.’”[Fussilat 41:33]

In one of our earlier posts on Da'wah and calling people to do good and refrain from sins, we had quoted the 104th verse of Surah 3. Al Imran:

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful'' [Aal 'Imran 3:104] 

This explains why we as Muslims need to invite others to Islam for Islam is the purest and unadulterated religion left out of the previous Divine religions as lot of additions have been made by humans to suit the wishes of the pastors and religious scholars. Therefore we as Muslims must present to the world Islam and wrinkle out many alterations and misconceptions about Islam and also the adulterations that have taken place in other religions.

However it should be borne in mind that discussion on religions is a delicate issue and any lose language may hurt the followers of other faiths and leave a bad impression of Islam. Therefore those engaged in Da'wah must have very good knowledge and understanding of Islam, besides having patience, forbearance, gentleness and kindness. 

And it is for this reason that Allah had directed the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad ﷺ to:

“Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Quran) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.” [al-Nahl 16:125]

Before we share links to our posts on Da'wah, let us in few words understand what Da'wah is and how it should be extended:

Da'wah in Islam refers to the act of inviting others to understand and embrace Islam. The Arabic word da'wah (الدعوة) literally means "invitation" or "call," and in a religious context, it means calling people to Allah — sharing the message of Islam with both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Purpose of Da'wah

• To spread the message of Islam — belief in one God (Allah), following the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and living a righteous life.
• To encourage good and forbid evil (amr bil ma'ruf wa nahi 'anil munkar).
• To help others find truth and peace through Islam.

Who Should Do Da'wah?

• Every Muslim has a responsibility to do da'wah in some capacity. 
• The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Convey from me, even if it is one verse.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

How Should Da'wah Be Done?

• With Wisdom and Good Character:  
• Quran (Surah An-Nahl 16:125): 
• "Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided."
• This is one of the clearest commands to do Da’wah with wisdom, gentleness, and good manners.
• Lead by Example: Actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate Islam through honesty, kindness, humility, and patience. The Prophet ﷺ was described in the Quran as having excellent character (Quran 68:4): "And you are truly ˹a man˺ of outstanding character".
• Speak Clearly and Truthfully
• Avoid exaggerations or pressure.
• Use authentic Islamic sources (Quran and Sunnah)
• Answer questions honestly, and if you don’t know, say so respectfully.
• Know Your Audience
• Understand the beliefs, concerns, or misunderstandings people might have.
• Tailor your message in a way that’s relevant and respectful to the listener’s background.
• Avoid Arguing or Forcing
• Quran (2:256): "There is no compulsion in religion..."
• The goal is not to "win" an argument, but to convey the truth with compassion.
• Many non Muslims blame Islam that it spread by the sword. Had it been so, then during the 800 years long rule of Muslims in Spaon, there would have been no Christian left in Spain. 
• Be Patient and Sincere: Change takes time, and guidance is ultimately from Allah. The aim of those involved in Da'wah should be to convey, not convert.

Methods of Da'wah Today

• Personal conversations.
• Social media, podcasts, blogs.
• Community events and open mosque days.
• Charity work and service projects.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced many challenges in calling people to Islam but remained steadfast, kind, and patient. Muslims are encouraged to follow his example and remember that success in da'wah is not in numbers, but in sincerity and effort.

With this small introduction, let us share a number of posts we have already shared on the dynamics of Da'wah and its modalities:

• Da'wah: Calling others to Islam - the sacred duty of every Muslim
• Islam: Submission is not to surrender in defeat But to align one's will with the will of The Creator
• Who speaks better than he who calls people to Allah
• How to Invite Non-Muslims to Islam (Give Da`wah)
• Let there be a group to invite people to enjoin doing that is right and forbid doing that is wrong
• I am ordained to raise the call No God but Allah
• Is Da'wah responsibility of every Muslim
• How to approach people of the Book when discussing Islam
• How to respond to intriguing queries of a non-Muslims
• Those who spread message of Allah are accountable to none but He
• Prophetic Faith in Allah (attributed to Prophet Ibrahim - Abraham) - a cue for those mulling to revert to Islam  (Surah 19. Maryam : 48)

Related Posts:

• How the world view Islam as the fastest growing religion
• Has rise in Islamophobia resulted into more non-Muslims reverting to Islam?
• Islam: The fastest growing religion in Australia

The Revert Experiences: You may also like to read a number of posts already published sharing personal experience of many a revert Muslims about how and why did they choose to embrace Islam given in our reference page: Embracing Islam: The Revert Experiences

In time we will add more on modalities and concept of Da'wah in Islam to assist brothers and sisters in Islam engaged in this sacred religious duty. 

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.

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. 

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

Photo: Pixabay | 

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

Let there be a group to invite people to enjoin doing that is right and forbid doing that is wrong

Islam is a very simple, yet very practical and wholesome religion and it is for this purpose it is called Deen, not merely a religion. That means that every Muslim should be embodiment of the entire Divine commandments contained in Qur'an, augmented by Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and this should radiate from his character and his dealing with others in life. 

And one of the most sacred duty of every Muslim is to invite people to enjoin doing that is right and forbid them from doing what is wrong. This not an easy thing to do for lone voices are normally lost in the loudness of the crowd. And if this duty is entrusted to a well read group of people, the results would not only be encouraging for a combined voice is always heeded to. It is just like Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) who felt afraid of facing the Pharaoh and asked God to allow his brother to accompany him as moral support.

The same has been Divinely asked in Qur'an for Muslims to form groups so that they are heard and can explain to the people the rewards of doing good and otherwise of doing what is wrong. Let us read the 104th verse of Surah 3 Al-i'Imran:

وَلۡتَكُنۡ مِّنۡكُمۡ اُمَّةٌ يَّدۡعُوۡنَ اِلَى الۡخَيۡرِ وَيَاۡمُرُوۡنَ بِالۡمَعۡرُوۡفِ وَيَنۡهَوۡنَ عَنِ الۡمُنۡكَرِ​ؕ وَاُولٰٓـئِكَ هُمُ الۡمُفۡلِحُوۡنَ‏ 

(3:104) And from among you there must be a party who invite people to all that is good and enjoin the doing of all that is right and forbid the doing of all that is wrong. It is they who will attain true success.

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

The objective of this Ayah is that there should be a segment of this Muslim Ummah fulfilling this task, even though it is also an obligation on every member of this Ummah, each according to his ability. Muslim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

( «مَنْ رَأَى مِنْكُمْ مُنْكَرًا فَلْيُغَيِّرْهُ بِيَدِهِ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِلِسَانِهِ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِع فَبِقَلْبِهِ، وَذلِكَ أَضْعَفُ الْإِيمَان» Whoever among you witnesses an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he is unable, then let him change it with his tongue. If he is unable, then let him change it with his heart, and this is the weakest faith.) 

Imam Ahmad recorded that Hudhayfah bin Al-Yaman said that the Prophet said, (By He in Whose Hand is my soul! You will enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, or Allah shall send down a punishment from Him to you. Then, you will supplicate to Him, but He will not accept your supplication.)

Yusuf Ali Explanation: 

Muflih, aflaha, falah: the root idea is attainment of desires; happiness, in this world and the next; success; prosperity; freedom from anxiety, care, or a disturbed state of mind;-the opposite of 'azab in the next verse, which includes: failure; misery; punishment or penalty; agony or anguish. The ideal Muslim community is happy, untroubled by conflicts or doubts, sure of itself, strong, united, and prosperous: because it invites to all that is good; enjoins the right; and forbids the wrong,-a master-stroke of description in three clauses.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

This directive is given to the Muslims in their collective capacity: in order to hold steadfast to this directive of the Qur’ān, they must depute some people from among themselves to enjoin good and forbid evil. It is in this capacity that glad tidings of success are given. It is evident from this that this directive relates to those in authority. Consequently, in an Islamic state, the pulpit of the Friday prayer and the department of police serve this very purpose. Through the Friday sermon, those in authority call them towards righteousness and urge them to refrain from wrongdoings while the police holds people accountable who perpetrate acts which are considered as crimes as per law.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

The task of the Muslim community is to implement the Divine method in human society, and to help truth to triumph over falsehood, goodness over evil. This task is stated in the following verse: “Let there become of you a nation that invites to all that is good, enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid what is wrong. Such are they who shall prosper.”

 

It is imperative for this community to come into existence so as to invite all to that which is good, and to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. The Qur’ānic statement imparts that this must be done through a real authority which can invite, enjoin and forbid. Anyone may be able to invite to what is good, but no one can enjoin and forbid unless he is equipped with real authority.

This is the proper Islamic view of the matter. It is essential that there should be an authority to undertake the task of advocating what is good and removing what is evil. The units which constitute this authority must combine together, hold fast to their bond with God, and translate their brotherhood into a reality. The prerequisites enabling this authority to implement the Divine method in life are faith and brotherhood. The Divine method cannot be put into practice without “inviting” others to every good so that people realise the true nature of this Divine method. It also requires an active authority to “enjoin” what is right and “forbid” what is wrong. Such an authority must be obeyed. God says: “We have sent every messenger in order to be obeyed with God’s leave.” (Al-Nisā’ 4:64) Hence, God’s method is not merely preaching and verbal explanation. This is only one part of it. The other part is an active and sustained effort to promote every right thing in human life and to reduce to a minimum every wrong. In this way, the traditions of the good Muslim community will be protected against the whims of anyone who has the power to impose his own interests on the community. It also protects these traditions against all abuse or subservience to personal desire or interest.

The task of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong is not an easy one, especially when we consider that it inevitably conflicts with people’s desires, interests and pride. There are in this world of ours tyrants who impose their authority by force, people who are interested only in carnal desires and who do not wish to be elevated to a nobler standard. There are also the lazy who hate to be asked to be serious, the unfair who hate justice, the deviant who do not for a moment contemplate a straightforward attitude, as well as those who think wrong of every right thing and consider every wrong thing to be right. No nation, let alone humanity as a whole, can prosper unless goodness prevails, right is upheld and wrong is thrown out. Hence, the need for an authority to promote goodness and right and to combat evil. What is more, this authority must be obeyed.

 

This leads us back to the point where we started: a community must be built on the two essential qualities of faith and brotherhood. It is only such a community that can undertake this difficult task, equipped with the power of faith and the seriousness it derives from fearing God as well as the strength of love and brotherhood. It is only through the fulfilment of this role that this community can prosper. Hence, God describes those who fulfil it as prosperous: “Such are they who shall prosper.”

 

The existence of such a community is essential for the Divine method itself. It is indeed the environment in which it can breathe and become a practical reality. It is a good, healthy environment where people co-operate to promote goodness. In such a community, right is synonymous with goodness, virtue and justice, whereas wrong means evil, vice and injustice. To do good in such a community is easier than to do evil, virtue is simpler than vice, right stronger than wrong, justice more common and beneficial than injustice. A person who wants to do good will find help while the one who wants to do evil will meet resistance. It is this fact that gives this community its greatest value. It provides an environment where goodness and right can prosper without the need for any great effort, because everything in this environment lends them support. Wrong and evil can only grow with difficulty because of the all-round resistance which neglects it.

 

The concept Islam formulates of life, actions, events, values and people is essentially different from all other concepts. Hence, a special environment, which is totally different from that state of ignorance which prevails in unreligious communities, is needed to enable this unique concept, with all its unique values, to flourish. This environment must be conditioned by the Islamic concept of human life and must serve it so that it may live, breathe freely and grow in it, without encountering any internal hindrances to its development. Should it encounter any obstacles, then the essential qualities of the Muslim community, to advocate all that is good and to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, are certain to remove them. Should an oppressive force attempt to turn people away from God, then it will inevitably encounter those who are prepared to defend and protect the Divine method of life.

 

This environment is embodied in the Muslim community which is built on the twin pillars of faith and brotherhood. Its faith in God brings conformity to its concept of life, events, actions, values and people and gives it a single standard with which to evaluate everything in life. It conducts all its affairs according to the same Divine law and pledges all its loyalty to the leadership which takes upon itself the task of implementing God’s method in human life. The brotherhood of faith provides this community with bonds of love and mutual care. These ties ensure the absence of selfishness in the community and help its members care for one another without pressure or ill feeling.

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: Da'wah - Calling others to Islam and Extending guidance to understand Tenets of 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.

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