Bring your heart back to life with the Qur'an

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

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

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

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

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

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

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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Guidance from Surah Al Hashr (The Banishment / The Gathering)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Reference Summary: Tafhaim ul Qur'an

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Are we really returning to religion?

To some of my readers, the topic may seem confusing for many people are returning to religion these days.  Yes, they are, but are all of them returning to religion as a right or as a duty, or in other words is their approach of returning to religion positive or negative?

Before we listen to a lecture by one of the eminent scholars of Muslim world, let me begin with a small premise. There were times when believers were attracted to religion taking as their scared duty. Those were the times when wants of people were less and everyone ran to the masjid as a duty with no worldly needs in mind. But then things started to become difficult and it is now becoming very difficult every day to make one's ends meet. Now people seek their rights, want baraka in their earnings and promotions in the office as rewards for their hard work. The focus from duty-oriented return to religion has turned into a right oriented approach.  Most people are now asking for an increase in wealth, means of sustenance, and very few really stick to the rope of Allah and exhibit sabr / tolerance or patience for they know they will be rewarded for their duty oriented positive approach to religion.

Please note that this post may be more pertinent to the born Muslims rather than the reverts.

Which mode should be adopted: The duty oriented or the right oriented? Listen to an enlightening lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan on this important subject:

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan (1 January 1925 – 21 April 2021) was an Islamic scholar and peace activist known for having written a commentary on the Quran and having translated it into contemporary English and talking on issues related to Islam.

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

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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Islamic viewpoint on LGBTQ

Immorality and same sex relations are not new. It dates back to as old as the history of the world. The notorious people of Lot (Prophet Lut, may peace be upon him) as mentioned in the Qur'an were the people who indulged in same sex relations and despite warnings being sounded to them by the revered prophet, they did not abandoned their way of life till they were caught up by the wrath of God and were destroyed, save a few with the Prophet Lot.

Please read our exclusive post: Prophet Lut (Lot) and Allah's wrath on his people for details on the above said historical event as mentioned in Qur'an.

However lately, the community of same sex advocates have gained momentum and in many country the community has been legalized and the same sex marriages allowed by law. It is unfortunate that this community is gaining foothold in the Islamic countries and the new found members despite being practicing Muslims have adopted this peculiar way of life and even support their decision.

Now the question arises: Is there any place of LGBTQ in Islam. Many scholars have given their viewpoint. However it must be understood that the basic foundation of Islam pivots on PURITY. Allah commands Muslims to be pure in thought, relations, affairs and adornment. The sexual matters are discussed threadbare in Qur'an and Sunnah. The essence of purity in sexual  matter is based on the exclusive relation between husband and wife. There is no concept of sex beyond this pure and sacred relation. So much so that even in the sexual relationship of husband and wife, restrictions are placed to approach one's wife if she is mensurating and the anal copulation for these two things are declared impure.

Secondly, there is to be no relation outside a marriage. For Islam has perfectly defined the limits of establishment of a family. The concept of family is based on mutual trust and purity between husband and wife. Therefore both men and women are prohibited to wear and raiment which is revealing in public which should entice lewdness in the onlooker. Likewise both men and woman are advised to keep their gaze low so as not to stare ate the opposing sex lest may induce sexual pleasure. Also guarding parts of one's shame is strictly ordered for such actions lead to lewdness and disturb the moral fiber of the society. 

(Surah 24 An Nur:30) (O Prophet), enjoin believing men to cast down their looks and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is well aware of all what they do.

In Islam even a woman is advised not to appear before close relations which are Na-Mahram, that is relations with which she can get married. Likewise, a man and woman are commanded NOT to undress against anyone or reveal their parts of shame other than husband and wife.

It is not lawful for a man to cast a full gaze at the other women except at his own wife or the mahram women of his family. The chance look is pardonable but not the second look which one casts when one feels the lure of the object. The Prophet (peace be upon him) has termed such gazing and glancing as wickedness of the eyes.

So this in nutshell is the concept of morality in Islam in which there is no place for LGBTQ for it transgresses the very dictates of purity in Islam and cause of lewdness in the society. Those Muslims who are part of the LGBTQ community and yet claim to be practicing Muslims need to have serious reappraisal of their faith and tenants of Islam which has strictly laid down limits of allowable relations. 

To understand the Islamic viewpoint on LGBTQ, we have selected an exclusive lecture by Professor Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, in which he discusses the matter under discussion threadbare in the light of Qur'an. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi a Pakistani Muslim theologian, Quran scholar, Islamic modernist, exegete and educationist, on the subject. The video is in Urdu, but has English subtitles for those who cannot understand Urdu:

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 maintain our intimate relations pure and clean and that we do not transgress the limits set forth for us. May we be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life 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 to make 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 that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Believers! Wear out Evil by True Faith and persistency in repenting and seeking forgiveness

Man has been born with two instincts: Good and Evil and all along his life he is ordained to uphold what is good and shun what is evil. This is the total test God has given to His creation to judge who hold on to faith and never let loose their grip on the rope of Allah and how do they beat back the evil.

But God also knows that the machinations of evil are much stronger for His creation who are weak in faith or who lose hope of forgiveness once they are entrapped by the Satan and his evil forces. And for this reason, God has given hope to the sinners by asking them to repent their sins and seek His forgiveness. And He promises that even if the load of sins and bad deeds is as high as the space between the earth and the seven skies, He swears of His Mercy that He would forgive them.

This promise reassures man to be persistent and consistent in repenting and continuously asking for God's forgiveness.  This tool of repentance and forgiveness is so strong that a time comes that evil starts to wear out and leaves his repenting subject for some new target. This is the stage when a man achieves the highest level of faith in his Creator for he has beaten back the Satanic forces by wearing out his machinations and attained a higher pedestal in the eyes of his Creator.

Please watch an enlightening video below by one of the most eminent scholars of present times,  Mufti Menk:

Ismail ibn Musa Menk (إسماعيل إبن موسى منك), generally known as Mufti Menk (born 27 June 1975), is a Zimbabwean Islamic Scholar. He is widely known internationally. Menk has been named one of The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan in 2013, 2014 and 2017.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. May Allah Strengthen our faith in Him and help us wearing out the evil by being persistent in repenting and asking forgiveness. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

Note: We have already written a number of posts on Repentance and Forgiveness. You may like to read these as given under heading Forgiveness / Repentance in our reference page: Selected Verses from Qur'an.

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 to make 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 that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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The best form of worship is waiting for a better future

Has man ever been able to find a better future in his life? Many would say a big yes but if we look back, man has always been in loss. Many a big and thriving empires vanished, leaving behind tales of their utter glory of which the boasted enough. Not going back many thousand years in the past, just look back a hundred years. Large empirical companies which once dominated the world trade are no more. Many rich men died alone in some hospital bed or an old home. 

Ever wondered why? All struggled for a better worldly life while completely forgetting the eternal life that awaited them in the hereafter. For such ignorant people, the opening two verses of Surah 103 Al Asr are an eye opener:

(103:1-2) By the time! Lo! Man is in a state of loss;

In the above said verses, an oath has been sworn by the Time to impress the point that man is in sheer loss and only those people are an exception from the loss who are righteous and whose focus is on the life of the hereafter rather than this artificial and temporary worldly life.

That is we have two forms of life: The Pre Death Phase (life in the waiting period, that is the worldly life, and the Post Death Phase (The gaining  period, which permanent and rewarding for those who prepared for it). This in fact means that most of the men in the Pre Death Phase are in loss for they are only striving for the worldly happiness and gains. While there are very few who are preparing for the Gaining Period when they will be rewarded for their efforts in the worldly life, despite being poor or mocked by the rich and famous for not enjoying the fruit in hand than the ones that are unseen.

This however doesn't mean that one should starve himself and his family to death by only praying and remaining busy in worship. On the contrary one should strive for a better living but a life of righteousness and money earned from allowable sources (Halal money) rather than taking bribes, snatching and depriving others of their rights and hurting people - that is Haram (disallowed means of earning).

In fact earning Halal money is a form of worship which saves man from many an ill of the worldly life, a trap set up by evil forces to distract the true believers and lure them to earn Haram and make them suffer not only in this world but also in the hereafter. 

We share an eye opening small lecture on the subject by one of the most eminent scholars of present times,  Wahiduddin Khan:

Wahiduddin Khan (1 January 1925 – 21 April 2021) was an Islamic scholar and peace activist known for having written a commentary on the Quran and having translated it into contemporary English and talking on issues related to Islam.

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 prepare for the Gaining Period of our lives that awaits us in the life in the hereafter. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life 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 to make 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 that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Do not be wasteful - For Squanderers are brothers of Satan

Have you ever watched videos and camera clicks of famine ridden areas? Have you ever read the hollowness, desperation and hunger visible in the eyes of children and adults alike. Have you ever seen children dying due to hunger and vultures sitting by waiting for their death. Ever pondered why is this happening? 

A wasteful (person, action, or process) is the act of using or expending something of value carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.

For such people Allah cautions in Qur'an (Surah 17 verse 27):

اِنَّ الۡمُبَذِّرِيۡنَ كَانُوۡۤا اِخۡوَانَ الشَّيٰطِيۡنِ​ ؕ وَكَانَ الشَّيۡطٰنُ لِرَبِّهٖ كَفُوۡرًا‏ 

(17:27) for those who squander wastefully are Satan's brothers, and Satan is ever ungrateful to his Lord.

Squandering is because of our habit of wastefulness and having a hard heart that does not care for the others. We leave a large amount of leftovers in our plates after meals that goes wasted in the litter. At that time we never realize that God has blessed us with so many blessings, abundant food and water, yet we mercilessly water these, eat less and waste more. Even men making ablutions, we keep the taps open at full throttle, a water much more than our requirement goes down the drain.

Imagine now a scenario wherein a large quantity of cooked or even uncooked food, fruits and water is wasted away the world over. If we curtail our appetite and tailor our mindset to eat only what we really need to eat rather than stuffing ourselves more than our hunger or leaving plates half full with our left overs, how much food can be saved for people who go hungry every night. If we make a habit of saving food and giving it out to the poor and hungry, we would be acting upon the teachings of Islam which conditions us to care for the poor. 

Sometime back I read a news that South African Airlines collects unpacked food from each of their flights and distribute these to the famine stricken people. I wonder why this cannot be done worldwide and delivered to the destinations where poverty makes people go hungry. 

Please watch an enlightening video below by one of the most eminent scholars of present times,  Wahiduddin Khan:

Wahiduddin Khan (1 January 1925 – 21 April 2021) was an Islamic scholar and peace activist known for having written a commentary on the Quran and having translated it into contemporary English and talking on issues related to Islam.

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 help others, specially those who are poverty stricken, hungry or helpless with every morsel of food and every drop of water extra to our needs. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life 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 to make 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 that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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We must Judge People by their Character

We generally are in the habit of forming an opinion about others very quickly. Normally our judgement of someone's character is his regularity in offering prayers, giving away alms and charities and helping others. When we such people, we often treat them is pious and God fearing. But is it enough to judge a man's character? Perhaps not true always for many a times such people who are outwardly looking nice and pure, are often found to be otherwise from inside. The same story of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Before we proceed further, let us see what character really means:

The head of the matter is good character. With respect to Allah, good character means adhering to the sound creed (aqeedah) and performing acts of worship (ibadah). With respect to people, good character means being just, merciful, forgiving, kind, and patient in our interactions with others (mu'amalat).

• Character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
• Britannica Dictionary definition of CHARACTER: the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves : someone's personality — usually singular. He rarely shows his true character—that of a kind and sensitive person. This is a side of her character that few people have seen.
• Character defines who we are. So when we judge someone else, we often judge them based on character. For example, when someone always seems to do the right thing, we classify him/her as a person of high ethical standards. Likewise, when someone is constantly negative, we consider him/her to have a pessimistic view.

Whenever Allah places a man on the pedestal of prophethood, the main criterion has always been character. The same was true for Prophet Muhammad when he was being blessed with the honour of prophethood, Allah said: And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character (Surah 58. Al Qalam (The Pen)- verse 4)

Thus, while we select a person for any job, we must select him for his wealth, his outward appearance, attire or eloquence in speech. Instead, we should try to find his hidden character qualities which of course can be found out by series of tests. Though there are people who sometimes evade such tests and find inroads into a company, establishment or even as the premiers and presidents of the country.  However, they are exposed one day though at the cost of some heavy losses.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have said: “The evilest in my nation are garrulous, braggarts, and pompous. The best of my nation is those with the best character.” “Verily, the believers with the most complete faith are those with the most excellent character and who are most kind to their families.”

In the personality of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ we find an excellent role model of character which was even accepted by his harshest of enemies. Before being given the prophethood, he was a merchant and no one ever raised a finger on his honesty and handling of their goods with even an iota of doubt of his honesty and fair handling. He was truthful, upright and extremely considerate. The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is embodiment of character qualities which if followed in true letter and spirit, no Muslim would have failings in his life for following a true faith and confessing to Tawhid, and the Sunnah, one is unable to go wrong ever.

Having just introduced the basics of character, let us now watch an enlightening video below by one of the most eminent scholars of present times,  Wahiduddin Khan and see how he defines character for a true believer:

Wahiduddin Khan (1 January 1925 – 21 April 2021) was an Islamic scholar and peace activist known for having written a commentary on the Quran and having translated it into contemporary English and talking on issues related to Islam.

Having read and seen the video above, please take a reappraisal of yourself and gauge the strengths and weaknesses of your character. And if there are failings, do take corrective measures to remove them. Likewise select people of the highest level of integrity and character qualities so that they serve us as is the right of doing so.

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. 

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.

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

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

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Misconceptions about form / timings of Salat / Saum / Moon sighting Answered

The form of religious rituals are sometimes differed due to personal interpretation of  Qur'anic verses, Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These differences and opinions are mostly in countries of Indian subcontinent, that is India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, than in Arabic speaking countries. Since the scholars of these countries gave out different opinions, there often arise differences in performance and the form of Salat / Namaz / Prayer, moon sighting and duration of the Saum (Fasting) during month of Ramadan and observing Hajj rituals etc. Such differences are often confusing for the reverts/those from other religions who have embraced Islam. Even these differences create lot of negative feelings among Muslims of some countries.

Here it should be remembered that more than the form of Salat/Prayer, the intention matters most. That is to say that one offers prayers as an Obligation imposed on the believers by Allah. Thus one should be more particular and concerned about standing in front of his Creator in humility rather than concentrating more on the form in which he prays. Therefore we must know what are the obligatory part of the Salat (which are agreed upon by all scholars of Islam, based on Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) and non obligatory forms. It is generally the non obligatory forms on which there are differences of opinions by various schools of thought which do not necessarily impinge upon health of one's prayer.

Likewise there are differences of opinion on moon sighting. Since we in Islam follow the Calander based on lunar phases, it creates ripples in country, specially mention above, since instead of a central moon sighting authority the moon sighting is generally taken over by local bodies. Such decentralization then results in in the commencement of Saum (fasting), Eids and even start of other Islamic months. If like all other Muslim countries, scientific calculations methods are adopted, the differences can be averted.

Herein under, we share today a very informative discussion on all matter  regarding Salat, Saum, and moo sighting are very eloquently and logically answered by Professor Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, a Pakistani Muslim theologian, Quran scholar, Islamic modernist, exegete and educationist, on the subject. The video is in Urdu, but has English subtitles for those who cannot understand Urdu:

If the English captions are not automatically turned on, please put the caption on as under:

Press the wheel shaped icon (as shown by red arrow). When the menu opens, put ON the captions as shown by blue arrow. Thereafter, again press the wheel like icon to switch off the menu.

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 to make 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 life 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 that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If any one differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Do we get reward "Sawab" for reading Qur'an translation in native language?

Qur'an, the last of the Holy Scriptures revealed on to the last of the prophets Muhammad ﷺ, is in the Arabic language as all other scriptures are in languages of the people upon whom those were revealed.  Although Qur'an has been translated into almost all major spoken languages of the world, a doubt often exists in the minds of Muslims whose mother tongue is not Arabic that whether they will get reward "Sawab" in reading the translation in their native language or not.

This question has been very frequently asked from many a scholars and exegetes of Qur'an and all of them have been giving out their view point. Generally, it is believed by majority of the scholars that if a person who reads the Qur'an correctly, he has the reward of reading the Qur'an even if he reads it from a non-Arabic transcription.

But is reading Qur'an only for obtaining reward? Aren't we neglecting the badic purpose fot which Qur'an was revealed? Please listen to the view point of one of the eminent Muslim scholars of the present times, Javed Ahmed Ghamidi who answers the question in explicit words to clear many a doubt that exist in the minds of the non-Arabic speaking Muslims. We could give out the gist of the video, but it will be much better to listen to the scholar himself. The video is in Urdu, but has English subtitles for those who cannot understand Urdu:

Note: Please turn on the captions by clicking the wheel shaped icon if automatically English translation is not activated

Professor Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, a Pakistani Muslim theologian, Quran scholar, Islamic modernist, exegete and educationist, on the subject. 

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

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

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

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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Everyone acts in his peculiar manner - but your Lord is fully aware who has chosen the best path

There is only path that leads to ultimate truth - a path only to be found by men of true faith and belief in one true God. Now it is up to man to seek and find that straight path and continue to follow it for it leads to salvation. There are many distractions en route and the evil forces do their utmost to waver the man from following it and get him distracted. But men of faith do not hear the evil calls and are sure that if the wicked go their own ways, there is nothing to discourage him. It is their nature. We must seek and hold fast to true guidance.

This is the theme of the 84th verse of Surah 17. Al Israa (The Ascend, also called Surah Bani Israel). We have shared the explanation of the verse by various Muslim scholars that amply highlight the meaning of this verse. But please scroll down to the end and listen to an enlightening commentary on this verse by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan.

In fact in this verse, there is an implicit warning as to the results of approaches and deeds. Hence, everyone needs to heed the warnings and strive to follow the path of divine guidance which is available to all:

قُلۡ كُلٌّ يَّعۡمَلُ عَلٰى شَاكِلَتِهٖؕ فَرَبُّكُمۡ اَعۡلَمُ بِمَنۡ هُوَ اَهۡدٰى سَبِيۡلًا

(17:84) Say, (O Prophet): "Everyone acts in a manner peculiar to himself - and your Lord is fully aware as to who has chosen the best path."

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

(Say: "Each one does according to Shakilatihi...'') Ibn `Abbas said, "According to his inclinations.'' Mujahid said, "According to his inclinations and his nature.'' Qatadah said, "According to his intentions.'' Ibn Zayd said, "According to his religion.'' All these suggestions are close in meaning. This Ayah - and Allah knows best - is a threat and a warning to the idolators, like the Ayah:

﴿وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ اعْمَلُواْ عَلَى مَكَانَتِكُمْ﴾

(And say to those who do not believe: "Act according to your ability and way'') (11:121) 

So Allah says: (قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَى شَاكِلَتِهِ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَى سَبِيلاً  Say: "Each one does according to Shakilatihi, and your Lord knows best of him whose path is right.'') meaning either us or you. Everyone will be rewarded in accordance with his deeds, for nothing whatsoever is hidden from Allah.

Please listen to explanation of the ayat by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan:

About the scholar: 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 help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. Aameen.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 

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.

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 following sources: 

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

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

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

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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