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Showing posts with label Scholars' Viewpoint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scholars' Viewpoint. Show all posts

Wednesday, 6 November 2024

Is Resurrection a reality?

Man is always afraid of death and accountability. For many, this life is all that one has to live in and after one's death, one comes to end of one's life with no account books of worldly deeds opened and questioned. Unlike such beliefs, belief in resurrection is essential to Islamic faith, as it signifies the beginning of the Hereafter, where people are brought back to life to be judged for their deeds.

In Surah 36. Yasin, Allah reminds us that He, who created us from nothing, is fully capable of recreating us:

Does man not consider that We created him from a [mere] sperm-drop – then at once he is a clear adversary? And he presents for Us an example and forgets his [own] creation. He says, 'Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?' Say, 'He who produced them the first time will give them life, and He is, of all creation, Knowing.’” (Qur’an 36:77-79)

In another verse in Surah 30 Ar Rum (verse 19), Allah connects the cycle of life and death in nature to the resurrection, drawing a parallel between the revival of the earth after rain and the resurrection of human beings on the Day of Judgment:

"And He brings the dead to life and brings the living from the dead and revives the earth after its death. And thus will you be brought out [of it]."

In fact, the Resurrection is presented as a necessary reality to fulfill the purpose of life and ensure justice. Allah states:

"Did you think that We created you in vain and that to Us you would not be returned?" (Qur’an 23:115)

Without resurrection and accountability, life would appear meaningless, and there would be no ultimate justice. Resurrection thus ensures that every individual is rewarded or punished for their deeds.

Beside mention of Resurrection in Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to have described resurrection as a moment when all humans will be brought back to life and held accountable. He said:

The people will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection barefoot, naked, and uncircumcised.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith emphasizes that resurrection involves a real, physical re-creation of every person to stand before Allah and face judgment.

In light of the Qur’an and Sunnah, resurrection is undoubtedly a reality in Islam. It is affirmed by:
  • Allah’s Creative Power: If Allah created us once, He is capable of resurrecting us.
  • Signs in Nature: Allah uses examples like reviving dead earth after rain to illustrate resurrection.
  • Purpose of Life and Justice: Resurrection allows for accountability and fulfills life’s purpose.
  • The Prophet’s Teachings: The Prophet’s descriptions of the Day of Judgment and reminders about accountability support the reality of resurrection.
Thus, resurrection is not only a core belief but is essential for understanding life’s purpose and preparing for the Hereafter. Belief in resurrection encourages Muslims to live with consciousness of their actions, knowing they will stand before Allah for ultimate judgment.

The 75th Surah of Qur'an, Surah Al Qiyama (The Resurrection) explains in detail about coming of day when everyone who was ever born on earth will be brought to life again and questioned about his deeds and rewarded and awarded accordingly. We will not discuss this Surah here but share a detailed explanation of reality of the Resurrection by eminent Muslim scholar Nauman Ali Khan.

In this short snippet taken from Surah Al-Qiyamah, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan dives deep into the powerful message of the Quran regarding resurrection and human defiance. Allah challenges the arrogance of those who dare to think their bones won’t come together again. Through detailed analysis, we explore the grandeur of Allah’s words and the profound implications of resurrection mentioned in the Quran.. Please watch the video:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan 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.

The mentions from Quran and Sunnah, the explanation of reality of Resurrection by Nauman Ali Khan should leave no doubt about its happening. Those who still not believe in the Day of Judgement when every human being who ever lived will be resurrected should read Qur'an more and know what is being said and forewarned about. Remember God does not lie!!

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 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 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 | Surah Al Qiyama | 1 | 2 | 3 |

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to IslamYou 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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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.

Tuesday, 23 July 2024

This life too shall Pass - Are we ready for the life of the Hereafter (Scholars' Viewpoint)

Most of us would have listened to elders telling us "This too shall pass." This too shall pass is an adage about impermanence of Persian origin. It reflects the temporary nature, or ephemerality, of the human condition. But you will be amazed to know that Qur'an too talks of the temporary nature of life and that it too shall pass and will be replaced with a permanent life of the hereafter. Let us read the 45th verse of Surah 18. Al Kahf and see how life is metaphorically referred to the foliage that grows when it rains, and then dries up to nothing when there are no rains.

The 45th verse of Surah Al-Kahf (18:45) reads:
وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخْتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلْأَرْضِ فَأَصْبَحَ هَشِيمًۭا تَذْرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ ۗ 
وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ مُّقْتَدِرًا
"And present to them the example of the life of this world: [It is] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability."

Explanation:
The command to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to recite what has been revealed emphasizes the importance of conveying the divine message as it is, without alteration or omission. The Quran is the ultimate and final revelation from Allah, meant to guide humanity. It uses a powerful metaphor to describe the transient nature of the life of this world. Here is a detailed breakdown of its components and implications:
  • Example of Rain and Vegetation: The verse starts by likening the life of this world to rain that Allah sends down from the sky. This rain causes vegetation to grow, symbolizing how worldly life flourishes temporarily. This imagery is also found in other parts of the Quran to illustrate the temporary and fleeting nature of worldly life.
  • Growth and Flourishing: The vegetation that grows due to the rain represents the prosperity and abundance that people experience in their worldly lives. This growth is initially vibrant and lush, symbolizing the peak of worldly success and enjoyment.
  • Decay and Transience: The verse then shifts to describe how this vegetation eventually becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. This symbolizes the inevitable decline and destruction of all worldly things. No matter how prosperous or beautiful something is, it will eventually fade away.
  • Divine Power and Control: The verse concludes by reminding that Allah is ever capable over all things. This emphasizes that Allah has control over the cycles of growth and decay, prosperity and decline. It serves as a reminder of Allah’s omnipotence and the temporary nature of worldly life.
Context and Themes:
  • Transience of Worldly Life: This metaphor is a recurrent theme in the Quran, where the transient nature of worldly life is often compared to natural phenomena like rain and vegetation. For example, in Surah Yunus (10:24):
"The example of [this] worldly life is but like rain which We have sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb - [those] from which men and livestock eat - until, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day, and We make it as a harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday. Thus do We explain in detail the signs for a people who give thought."
  • Reminder of the Hereafter: By illustrating the temporary nature of this world, the verse implicitly encourages believers to focus on the hereafter, which is eternal. This is a common message in the Quran, urging people to seek lasting success and rewards in the life to come rather than being overly attached to the fleeting pleasures of this world.
  • Reflection and Gratitude: The verse encourages reflection on the cycles of life and the natural world as signs of Allah’s power and wisdom. Recognizing the temporary nature of worldly life should lead to gratitude for Allah’s continuous blessings and a focus on righteous living.
Contextual Explanation:
  • Revelation and Recitation: The command to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to recite what has been revealed emphasizes the importance of conveying the divine message as it is, without alteration or omission. The Quran is the ultimate and final revelation from Allah, meant to guide humanity.
  • Immutability of Allah’s Words: The phrase "There is no changer of His words" asserts the divine protection and preservation of the Quran. Unlike other scriptures that may have been altered over time, the Quran remains unaltered and protected by Allah. This is reinforced in other verses, such as in Surah Al-Hijr (15:9):
"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian."
This underscores the eternal nature and the unchanging truth of Allah’s words.
  • Dependence on Allah: The verse concludes by reminding that no refuge or protection can be found except with Allah. This implies the necessity of reliance on Allah alone for guidance, protection, and support.
Reference to the Context in Surah Al-Kahf:
  • Story of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf): Surah Al-Kahf tells the story of the youths who sought refuge in a cave to escape persecution for their faith. This narrative underscores the theme of seeking refuge in Allah and trusting in His protection and guidance.
The immutable nature of Allah’s words also serves as a reassurance to believers that the Quran’s guidance is constant and reliable, unlike the changing circumstances of the world.
  • Guidance and Warning: The earlier verses in Surah Al-Kahf provide guidance and warnings to humanity. Verse 18:27 emphasizes the necessity of adhering to the revealed guidance in the Quran for navigating through trials and temptations.
  • Message to the Disbelievers: The verse also serves as a message to disbelievers who may seek to challenge or change the divine message. It affirms that no one has the power to alter Allah's words, thus asserting the Quran’s authority and authenticity.
Theological Implications:
  • Finality and Preservation of the Quran: The verse reinforces the belief that the Quran is the final and preserved word of Allah. This is a cornerstone of Islamic theology, ensuring that Muslims have a reliable and unchanged source of guidance.
  • Reliance on Allah: The reminder that there is no refuge other than Allah stresses the importance of tawakkul (reliance on Allah). Believers are encouraged to seek protection and guidance from Allah alone.
  • Prophetic Responsibility: The command to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to recite the revelations emphasizes his role as the messenger and the integrity with which he conveyed Allah’s message. It highlights the responsibility of the Prophet (ﷺ) and, by extension, the responsibility of all believers to uphold and transmit the Quran accurately.
Practical Lessons:
  • Detachment from Worldly Attachments: Believers are encouraged to detach themselves from excessive love for worldly possessions and pleasures, understanding that these are temporary and fleeting.
  • Focus on Eternal Values: The verse serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal values and invest in actions that will bring lasting rewards in the hereafter.
  • Gratitude and Reflection: Reflecting on the natural cycles and Allah’s power should inspire gratitude and a deeper appreciation for the blessings provided by Allah.
  • Preparation for the Hereafter: Recognizing the temporary nature of worldly life should motivate believers to prepare for the hereafter through good deeds, seeking Allah’s pleasure, and living a righteous life.
In summary, Surah Al-Kahf (18:45) uses the metaphor of rain and vegetation to illustrate the fleeting nature of worldly life, reminding believers of the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the hereafter and acknowledging Allah’s ultimate power and control over all things.

Having read this explanation, now let us listen to an incredible explanation of this verse by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman Ali Khan:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan 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.

Let us listen to this video again and again and really understand how Allah wants us to be His servants and how we should always be looking towards him, and no one else, for our worldly needs. If we can really Ingrid the meaning of this verse into ourselves, we will never go astray or be misled by worldly desires or following the priests and imams or asking from the dead saints.

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

For compiled verses for more specific subjects, please refer to our exclusive reference page: "Selected verses from Al-Qurʾān about a specific subject." 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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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.

Monday, 24 June 2024

What is unique about the Qur'anic Arabic - A linguist explains

The grammar of any language generally follows a similar patters. And the same style is observed when reading various religious scriptures. However there is a uniqueness in the Arabic language of Qur'an which is altogether different from the language of all previous scriptures.

Herein under are some features of the language of Qur'an which makes it a book of unique linguistics and it really requires a linguist to decipher the true meaning of its verses:

The grammar and syntax of Quranic Arabic are highly structured and complex, enabling intricate and sophisticated constructions. Quranic Arabic has a rich and extensive vocabulary, allowing for precise and nuanced expression.

The Quran employs a variety of rhetorical devices, including metaphors, similes, and parables, enhancing its literary beauty and depth. The text features rhythmic patterns and phonetic harmony, contributing to its recitability and memorability.

It is widely believed that the Quran's language is inimitable, meaning it cannot be replicated or matched in its eloquence, style, and depth. This is considered a sign of its divine origin. The Quran itself challenges skeptics to produce a text of comparable beauty and meaning, which is considered an impossible task.

That is why those who criticize Qur'an get bogged down for one they read only the English translation of the Qur'an and secondly they are handicapped as far the unique Arabic language used in the Qur'an. It is for the reason that there a large number of Arabic words in Qur'an which cannot be translated in any language for their uniqueness.

Unlike other scriptures, there are frequent switches between the gender. And these are so abrupt that anyone who has learnt the grammar of one's language is flabbergasted as to why there are sudden and abrupt changes within the text of the Qur'an. Likewise, the scenes also change which in matter time are really mind boggling. 

In order to understand the uniqueness of the Qur'anic Arabic, we share today a wonderful video of immense education value, both for Muslims and non Muslims who get confused about the abrupt changes in the language, grammar and syntax of Qur'an. In the video, Nauman Ali Khan, a prominent Muslim scholar and an authority of language of Qur'an being a linguist himself.

After watching the video, readers would acknowledge that Qur'an is truly unique in its structure and literature. Allah's Speech shifts from addressing us directly to referring to past nations, with changes in perspective only seen in the Quran. This video explores these narrative techniques, showing the profound switches between the first, second, and third person. Discover how these elements contribute to the Quran’s unmatched style and divine standard.

Please watch the video:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan 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 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 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 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 IslamYou 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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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.

Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Foresight in preparation of coming events - even Death

Wise men always take adequate preparations for the forthcoming events and to be well prepared for weather changes and projected life of his children, and even for himself for he is to grow old one day, get retired and live the rest of the life on a paltry pension or social security remittances.

For example, one starts to take out winter clothing when the blowing air outside becomes cooler than what has been days before. While coming home, he makes sure he has bought adequate provisions for the entire family which could serve as a sort of mini reservoir when it would not be easy to go out in blowing blizzards and falling snow.

He also starts buying clothes and feeding arrangements and which is not yet born. He also starts toset aside some sum of money required for child birth hospital charges and miscellaneous expenses. and as the newly born starts to grow, he continues to set aside more money required for education and clothes that are always getting shorter day by day.

A wise man also checks up the oil and fuel levels, air pressure and battery condition of the car before embarking upon a journey. He also updates himself with the weather forecast en route, the travelling conditions, traffic blocks and related unforeseen things. He doesn't forget to keep a first aid box, an umbrella and wind cheaters in case one is caught in traffic jam with falling rain.

In fact, wise men remain well prepared for all events of their lives so that they are not caught ill prepared.

Yet there is one thing no one is ever prepared for: Death, which may befall any moment of our lives. One cannot wait to die when he is in 70s, for death may come even for a newly born, a youngster, an aspiring young man and a thriving businessman. And if someone tries to remind us of our death, we shrug away the warning for we think it is too early to start preparing for one's death.

The life insurance agents often tell their experiences of selling their life insurance policies and contend that in majority of cases people do not feel comfortable when they talk of remaining life span of an intended customer. Reasons why death is scary can be related to fears of the unknown, of non-existence, of eternal punishment, of the loss of control, or fear of what will happen to the people we love.

Yet, despite all precautions to stay health, avoiding accidents as far one can, death, remains hard fact and the greatest reality of our lives. No one has ever been able to evade it and one day we all, when our turn comes up, will be taken to a freshly dug grave, buried, and in some cases forgotten forever. 

It is said in Qur'an, Surah 62 Al Jum'uah, verse 8:

قُلۡ اِنَّ الۡمَوۡتَ الَّذِىۡ تَفِرُّوۡنَ مِنۡهُ فَاِنَّهٗ مُلٰقِيۡكُمۡ​ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّوۡنَ اِلٰى عٰلِمِ الۡغَيۡبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُمۡ بِمَا كُنۡتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُوۡنَ‏ 
Say, "Indeed, the death from which you flee - indeed, it will meet you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you about what you used to do."

Eminent Muslim scholar Yusuf Ali while explaining the meaning of the above quoted verse, notes that before Allah's Judgment-Seat, when Judgment is established, we shall see the full inwardness of all deeds in this world. The veil of illusion and delusion will be torn off. All our secret motives will be laid bare. The results of all our little plots and plans and their reactions on our eternal welfare will be clearly visible to us. All make-believe will disappear.

So, while we continue to manage our lives, let us prepare for our final ending. As Muslim believers, we must cling strongly to the rope of Allah, avoid all sorts of Satanic machination and enticements, while doing and speaking good always. Never hurting anyone, apologizing much too often so that we do not leave behind a heart that we have injured either by our tongues or actions. 

Therefore, while we make shopping lists, let us make a check list for our ensuing death. Some of the Must Do things should include:
  • Nominating a Next of Kin (NOK) and keep him informed where all documents of one's property (ies) / bank accounts and everything which will be needed by our heirs in case of our death
  • Although, in Islam, writing wills is not necessary as Qur'an explicitly lists down details of disposal of property of of the deceased.  However, in countries, where a will is mandatory by the laws of the land, then a will must be created. 
  • Every effort be made to pay one's debts while living. However, the details of debts must be written down and known to the NOK. For debt of a dead has to be paid by the deceased family before the burial, unless waived off by the person to whom money is owed. 
  • If someone want to give away part of one's fortune in charity, it should better be done in one's life time to act as Sadqa e Jaria (the recurring charity the reward of which will continue to added in one's balance till the world comes to an end).
  • A handsome money to be set aside required for medical bills required in case of emergency and funeral arrangement charges, if doesn't want to burden his remaining family.
  • These arrangements must be revisited often to update these.
Today, we share an incredible explanation of preparing for one's death.  Please watch the video:

Let us not be afraid of death for it will come one day and no one knows when that day be. So be prepared for it and make your arrangements well and well in time.

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 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 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 IslamYou 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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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.

Thursday, 25 April 2024

Reality of Life - Scholar's Viewpoint

Life is the most beautiful word that we ever hear. The first cry of a newly born not only brings life to another being on the earth, but it also injects joy and a new spirit on the faces of parents and near and dear ones. even the new crop when it first surfaces from below the earth, is an indicative of life and it continues to grow till it is harvested. each day of its growth beings smiles on the faces of the farmers for their hard work is finally been repaid by the Nature.

We look around people making merry, laughing, chatting, enjoying at the beeches or parks, restaurants and even at homes surrounded by one's families. For many this is the Life, laughing and smiling. 

But this not the reality of life! We see only one side of the life which is fun. But we seldom ponder over the other side: People carrying the dead to the grave , leaving behind wailing and lamenting women and children. Suddenly, all fun is gone, or stops temporarily as someone near and dear one departs. And then a few days after, life returns to normal for no one wants to talk of death or even think of it.

We try to become ostriches to hide ourselves form the death talking, the actual reality of life, with whom escapes none.   All living beings whether humans, animals, birds and insects, have to cease to exist - that is The Reality of Life.

كُلُّ نَفۡسٖ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ
Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned. (Surah An Kabut [The Spider] verse 57)

Thus, the first reality of life is Death which will be tasted by every living organism. No one has ever escaped death since the beginning of life, that since the descent of Adam and Eve and continues till the Doomsday, Yaum al Qiyama. So far the only exception has been Prophet Eesa (Jesus, may peace be upon him), who was raised alive. However, he will come back in some point in time in future, live a wholesome life and then meet his natural death eventually.

Despite knowing the reality, none seems to remember death nor wants to be apprised of it. That is the reason, we see men and women enjoying their lives to their fullest, loud music, dancing, eating more than needed, with complete disregard to the sufferings of people who cannot afford even a drop of clean water or a morsel of food. This is because they not only remember death, but also shun the reality of returning to their Creator for final balance sheet checking - this is the second reality of life.

But before death, there is another test that man has to under take as mentioned in QUr'an:

كُلُّ نَفْسٍۢ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ۗ وَنَبْلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةًۭ ۖ وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ 
Every soul will taste death. And We test you ˹O humanity˺ with good and evil as a trial, then to Us you will ˹all˺ be returned.(21. Surah Al-Anbya [The Prophets] ver4se 35)

That is while a man is living, the life is not easy going for every human being is tested by the Nature by putting him on trials of good and evil, money or no money, honour and dishonors, easy living and hardships, and so on a long list of tests and trials when has to undergo. It is these tests and trials, which will decide the future life of everyone when one dies and returns to one's Creator, as mentioned earlier.

And yet, the third reality is the Day of the Judgement, when every man who was ever born will be paraded in front of Allah, our Creator and the Master of the Day of Judgment. It will be fateful day when one's visa either of Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell) will be issued. And from then on, the ultimate reality will unfold, much to the surprise of many, specially the atheists, who think life ends as one dies and the body withers away forever.

We are sharing a very informative lecture by Dr Israr Ahmad, which only our readers who understand Urdu will be able to understand. However, the crux of the lecture has already been shared above:
Dr Israr Ahmad: Israr Ahmad (Urdu: اسرار احمد; 26 April 1932 – 14 April 2010), was a Pakistani Islamic scholar, orator and theologian. He developed a following in South Asia but also among some South Asian Muslims in the Middle East, Western Europe, and North America. He has written around 60 books on Islam and Pakistan, of which twenty nine have been translated into several other languages, including in English, as of 2017. [Read more about Dr Israr Ahmad from Wikipedia]

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 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 IslamYou 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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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.

Monday, 22 April 2024

Surah Ad Duha (The Morning Light): A surah about promise of Allah - never to abandon those who remember Him

Man, no matter how holy or faithful to Allah he may be, at some point in time of his life succumbs to negativities around him and gets into a state of despair, losing all hope of standing on one's feet again. Such negativities or propaganda can even effect the prophets of Allah, though specially chosen. Such was the case in point when our revered Prophet Muhammad ﷺ suddenly stopped getting the Divine revelations. This created a lot of stir and happiness among the disbelievers of Makkah who mocked him that he has been abandoned by Allah and that is prophethood is finally over.  

Obviously, for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ it was a big setback for suddenly he felt all alone and abandoned since there were no Divine revelation in sight. Under such trying and testing times,  Sūrah Aḍ-Ḍuḥā " الضحى " the 93rd sürah part of the 30th Juzʼ of  Qur'ān was revealed reassuring Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that indeed Allah has not abandoned His servant and that he should recall the days when he was an orphan and yet he was placed at a very high pedestal of prophethood. 
 
In fact, in this sūrah, the vicissitude of human life is referred to, and a message of hope and consolation is given to man's soul from Allah's past mercies, and he is bidden to pursue the path of goodness and proclaim the bounties of Allah. 

We have already presented the verse by verse exegesis / tafsir of this surah which our readers can access from the link given below:


However, today we share an incredible explanation of Surah Ad Duha by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman Ali Khan, making the understanding of the Surah much more easier and understandable. Please watch the video:
About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan 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.

While this Surah was specially revealed to console the restless Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, desperately waiting for the continuation of the Divine revelations, this should also serve as a guideline and Divine reassurance for all Muslims that if we are sincere and faithful in our religion and seek help only from Allah alone, we shall never be abandoned or left alone, 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 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.

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

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

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.

Tuesday, 2 April 2024

Has purpose of our life changed (Scholars' viewpoint)

The relationship between man and the Creator is a very special one. While an ordinary man or employee of a big conglomerate cannot dare to walk into the office of the chairman and puts forward a list of demands, it becomes so very easy when a ordinary man, no matter how sinful or deviant from the path of his Master, stands in front of his Mighty creator Allah and laments and airs out his grievances to his Creator without fear of being rejected or reprimanded of how dare he tried to converse with his Master without an appointment.

Well, this is the beauty of being a true believer when it comes to asking something from Allah and with a reassured heart that he will be listened to and his grievances addressed. This is the difference between the man who is so inaccessible to others when in state of a position of authority, and the relationship of a man with his Creator where there is no fear in standing in front of the Master of the universes.

But the question arises should all forms of our worship, whether daily prayers, charity, zakat, fasting and Hajj/Umra be only undertaken as means to asking something always? Has our relationship with Allah changed from being thankful to that being of a beggar who is always revoking the mercies of his Creator, rather than being just thankful?

The purpose of our life seems to have drifted form being part of Allah's plan to concentration on fulfillment of our desires. We think, as a 'favour' of our worship, Allah 'should' fulfill all our desires. This new trend is simple absurd and smacks of confidence in the plan of Allah.

We need to understand Islam by carefully reading Qur'an and knowing what is expected of us by Allah, and what we expect f Allah. If we follow Allah the way He want us to, believe me all our apprehensions will be gone in a minute and our orientation will change from being slave to our desires to be a part of plan of Allah.

Try it. We should always ask Allah: The purpose for which I am created, please help me in attaining it before I am called back, for no sooner we attain the purpose we were born, our time in this world will be over.

Please watch a short clip on the subject by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan and let us ponder over the message the scholar is trying to put across. 

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 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 FacebookYou may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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.

Tuesday, 26 March 2024

How Qur'an teaches us difference between Arrogance and Humility with Confidence

Qur'an is  book of Divine guidance for those who ponder over every word that is written therein. Many have learnt from Qur'an how to be humble, yet confident of the knowledge so gained, while there are also those who after attaining knowledge become arrogant as if they are superior to others for their knowledge. Qur'an has many a example of such people and serve them as a lesson to learn from the people who became arrogant and those who become humble.

We have anecdotes related to some of the prophets like Prophet Dawud, Suleiman and Yusuf (David, Solomon, Joseph) who despite attaining extraordinary knowledge remained humbled, while there were people, like the Pharaoh and Qarun,  who by virtue of the immense power and wealth became arrogant and lived in the history as the miserable failures. The prophets mentioned were confident because they knew what they hade was not theirs but from Allah and thus remained confident with an utter sense of humility, and were thus always expressive of their gratitude to Allah. While likes of Pharaoh and Qarun became arrogant as if what they had was all due to their efforts, thus were robbed of their power and wealth to serve as living example of the fate of the ungrateful.

Being humble is a willingness to learn from anyone by setting aside any judgment of the person in front of you. Arrogance is the belief that I know better. Arrogance is the belief that I have something that can trump what others bring to the table. Arrogance is the belief that I don't need feedback and support.

Arrogance breeds false ego and many a man do t want to lose their ego and become arrogant. While those who are humble despite being blessed with wisdom, knowledge and power, and exhibit a stature which does not smack of pride or arrogance or a sense of superiority.

Just as arrogance is usually treated as a serious vice, so humility is widely regarded as an important virtue. Indeed, it is supposed to be the virtue that opposes arrogance, keeping it in check or preventing it from developing in the first place.

We have such examples even today in our lives where knowledge, power and wealth made many arrogant, while many infused more humility in them and thanking Allah for the position, wisdom and knowledge given to them. 

Without going into the details of defining arrogance and confidence with humility, please listen to Nouman Ali Khan, an eminent Muslim scholar of present time, very convincingly defining the difference between arrogance and confidence with humility by referring to mentioning prophets and others as mentioned in Qur'an. We hope after listening to the difference, we will try to reform our lives and shun any iota of arrogance inside us because of our knowledge, power or wealth and instead become more humble, yet confident of our selves as an expression of our gratitude to 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.

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 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.

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 FacebookYou may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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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