Three verses of Qur'an that form a coherent philosophy of ‘ilm "علم" (knowledge) in Islam

Man has always been in the quest of knowing things. For this he collects Information / facts, to broaden his mental base of understanding things through learning, studying or even experience. The process of learning and knowing is what we call knowledge. Another word correlated to knowledge is wisdom, which is the ability to use that knowledge with good judgment, insight, and understanding to make sound decisions, seeing the bigger picture and long-term consequences, making wisdom a deeper application of knowledge. That means merely seeking knowledge and not applying it to one's handling of affair is meaningless. 

Knowledge is "knowing what", while wisdom is knowing "when and why" to use it, often gained through experience, reflection, and empathy, unlike knowledge which comes from books or study. 

 Knowledge encompasses both worldly knowledge and religious knowledge. It’s not about shunning the world and only seeking knowledge of the deen. Neither is it about seeking knowledge of the world without the guidance of faith.

In Islam, knowledge is known as 'ilm (Arabic علم). Seeking knowledge is thus mandatory for every believer, 999rrrrfor without learning, understanding, applying and passing on one's experience so gained to others. the cycle of 'ilm (knowledge) remains incomplete. No other religion or ideological thought emphasises seeking knowledge as an obligatory deed as Islam does. The Prophet of Islam Muhammad ﷺ said: “Seeking Knowledge is an obligation on every Muslim ( طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ ).”

The importance of seeking 'good' knowledge that adds to one's wisdom has been stressed upon at man a places in Al Qur'an. Today, we share three verses from three different surahs of Qur'an and will try to know how these form a coherent Qur’anic philosophy of ‘ilm (knowledge). This we would do by asking three questions in sequence which will build a base for selecting three verses that answer our queries. These questions are:

• What does true knowledge do?
• Who truly possesses it?
• What inner state does it produce?

Based on the above three questions, let us see how do the following three verses (side by side) answer our queries:

• Surah Saba 34:6: “Those who have been given knowledge see that what has been sent down to you from your Lord is the Truth, and that it guides to the path of the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.”
• Surah Az-Zumar 39:9: “Say: Are those who know equal to those who do not know?”
• Surah Fatir 35:28: “Only those of His servants who have knowledge truly fear Allah.”

The Qur’an’s three-step definition of knowledge

The above quoted verses mean:

• The intellectual recognition (36:6) which leads to a believer to find and understand the truth
• The verse 39:9 brings about the moral distinctions between a knower and non-knower.
• Finding and knowing the truth has its spiritual outcome in the form of  Reverent awe (khashyah)

Together these show that ‘ilm is not neutral — it necessarily transforms perception, rank, and character.

Explanation of each verse

• If knowledge does not clarify truth, it is defective knowledge. The verse 36:6 stresses upon gaining knowledge as recognition (Basīrah) - recognizing the truth by seeing for knowledge here produces clarity, not confusion. The knowledge gained through reading and understanding Al Qur'an leads us to accept it as Al Haqq (The Complete truth) which leads us to following it.
• Knowledge helps us to differentiate between the truth and falsehood. The verse (49:9) thus dismantles the idea that ignorance and knowledge produce the same outcomes.
• Knowledge as reverent fear (Khashyah): This part of the Islamic philosophy of 'ilm needs to be understood in depth, for there is difference between fearing Allah because He will punish those who do not follow His path and reverent fear for more one knows Allah’s signs, power, and order, the more restrained and humble one becomes. Khashyah, thus, is not panic; it is awe grounded in understanding.

* Note: Scroll down to have an in depth explanation of "reverent fear / Khashah) and panic driven fear,

How the three verses complete each other

If we follow the logical flow , we would come to know that:

• Knowledge allows you to recognize truth (36:6) - Knowledge of Qur'an leads us to know Qur’an is not anti-intellect — it is anti-arrogant intellect.
• That recognition sets you apart (39:9)
• That distinction produces humility and obedience (35:28)

That is if any step is missing, the Qur’anic definition of knowledge collapses.

What the wise deduce from the comparison

The Qur’anic axiom: Knowledge that does not lead to truth-recognition, moral distinction, and reverent humility is not ‘ilm in the Qur’anic sense.

This explains: (1) Why advanced civilizations can still collapse (Surah Saba), (2) Why worship without understanding is shallow (39:9 context) and (3) Why information without humility breeds arrogance (35:28)

One-line synthesis

True knowledge sees the truth (34:6), elevates the knower (39:9), and humbles the heart (35:28).

How khashyah differs from fear in the Qur’an

We made a mention of reverent awe (Khashyah) above and herein under is its detailed explanation and comparison with panic driven fear /khawf خوف.

The Qur’an uses multiple words for fear, but they are not interchangeable. Among them, khashyah (خشية) occupies a unique and elevated position. Understanding this difference is essential to understanding Qur’anic spirituality and knowledge.

• Basic distinction
• Fear خَوف (khawf) - The basic form for "fear" meaning fear or apprehension. It also mean being dreaded or terrorized. Fear stems from a threat, danger or harm and is instinctive and emotional state of a person. It is generally because of one's weakness or uncertainty which makes one flee or hide to evade the chances of being harmed. Fear in Islam may mean fear of being thrown into the hell fire on the day of Judgement for one's sins and wrong doings committed in the worldly life.
• khashyah (خشية) - This form of fear stems from the awareness of greatness of the Lord of the World which one learns through knowledge and recognition. When one understand the awe of the Divine fear based on one's intellect and understanding, it draws one closer to one's Creator rather than running away for then one knows that in reverent fear is hidden the mercy of Allah. Such form of fear is restricted to people of knowledge (35:28).
• Linguistic root difference
• Fear (khawf – خوف): The root meaning is to be afraid of loss or harm. It is shared by humans, animals, even children. It can be be irrational, impulsive, or temporary.
• Khashyah (خشية): The root meaning is to fear due to awareness of magnitude. It is always connected to recognition, not instinct. It cannot exist without understanding who Allah is. This is why the Qur’an says: "إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ Only those of His servants who have knowledge truly fear Allah" 
• Psychological difference
  • Fear (khawf) Produces panic or avoidance and can paralyze action - but may disappear when danger seems gone
  • Khashyah on the other hand produces moral vigilance, deepens obedience and increases consistency, not anxiety
  • Psychological Difference: When one is fraught with fear of danger, the impulsive action tells the man, or even other living beings, to run, Khashyah says: “Be careful; you are before the Majestic.”

Knowledge as the condition of khashyah

This verse (35:28) does not say: (1) The most emotional fear Allah, or (2) The most anxious fear Allah. Rather it says: "The most knowledgeable fear Allah — with khashyah"

This implies that the more deeply one understands Allah’s power, justice, mercy, and order, the more careful, restrained, and humble one becomes.

Qur’anic usage pattern

• Fear (khawf) can be attributed to: Believers and disbelievers related to Worldly dangers and Shayṭān’s whispers (3:175)
• Khashyah is almost always linked to Allah, praised, never condemned and induces into man as a fruit of knowledge

Why the Qur’an prefers khashyah

It is because Allah does not want: (1) Terror without understanding, (2) Obedience born of panic. Instead it is expected of believer Submission rooted in recognition of truth and that hearts that are softened, not shattered

This aligns with: knowledge sees the truth (34:6), knowledge distinguishes (39:9) and knowledge produces khashyah (35:28) - that is Fear reacts to danger; khashyah responds to greatness.

Prophetic insight

The Prophet ﷺ said: “I am the one who knows Allah most among you, and I am the one who has the most khashyah of Him.”

This directly ties Knowledge with khashyah and Ignorance with fear.

Final reflection

• A person ruled by fear asks: “How do I escape punishment?”
• A person shaped by khashyah asks: “How do I remain worthy before the One who sees me?”

That is why the Qur’an elevates khashyah — and reserves it for those who truly know.

Thus Khashyah is the ultimate of knowledge with stems from acquiring knowledge, reflecting over Qur'an and understanding what and why Allah is saying something. Those who finally understand the end result are the ones who will finally succeed both in this world and the hereafter.

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A. You may also refer to our refference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on important issue related to Islam to know more about Islam.

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.

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

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The Divine Caution in the Qurʾān viz outburst of unauthenticated news on the social media

Ascertaining the reliability of the source, authentication and that of the courier has always been stressed upon for men who are seemingly trustworthy may sometime mislead others who they trust the courier of a news and thus result into incorrect decisions, which at times may be fatal. During wars, this form of covert operation assumes more often than not fake news are fed through media to mislead the opposing side with a view to achieving tactical or strategic advantage.

In today's corporate world, such fake news are even fed and aired to hide one's intentions and future course of action from opposing competitors and to hide and shield one's plans for business advantage. In fact the covert and tacit use of social media today is largely been used for misleading information at every tier of business, corporate world or even inert nation connectivity. 

This scenario has never changed since time immemorial and was prevalent in times of formatting years if Islam in the Arabia. To thwart misfeeding of information, it has been Divine cautioned in Qurʾān to always ascertain authenticity of a news and that of the courier before analyzing the news and taking hasty actions.

Here, we are talking of the 6th verse of Surah 49. Al Hujurat which carries the Divine Caution and is one of the Qur’an’s most practical verses about truth, justice, and responsible communication. This caution is as applicable today as was at the time of revelation of this verse.

The Verse (49:6)

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌۭ بِنَبَإٍۢ فَتَبَيَّنُوا أَن تُصِيبُوا قَوْمًۭا بِجَهَـٰلَةٍۢ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَـٰدِمِينَ

“O you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance and then become regretful for what you have done.”

Context (Asbāb al-Nuzūl – Circumstances of Revelation)

According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir al-Tabari, this verse was revealed about an incident involving al-Walīd ibn ʿUqbah, whom the Prophet ﷺ sent to collect zakāh from the tribe of Banī al-Muṣṭaliq.

Al-Walīd misunderstood or became afraid that they might harm him, So he returned to Madinah saying they had refused to pay zakāh. The Prophet ﷺ prepared to act against them, but before taking action, a delegation arrived explaining the truth - they had not refused.

Then this verse was revealed — teaching that believers must verify information before acting upon it.

Key Teachings of the Verse

1. Responsibility in Handling Information

• The command “fatabayyanū” means verify, investigate, or clarify.
• It forbids believing or acting on unverified news — especially when it concerns others’ honor, community affairs, or justice.

2. Avoiding Harm Based on False Information

• Acting hastily on rumors can cause fitnah (discord), injustice, or violence.
• The verse warns: “lest you harm people in ignorance, then regret it.”
• Once harm is done — reputation destroyed, trust broken — regret cannot always undo it.

3. Moral Accountability

• The verse connects information ethics to faith (īmān) - “O you who believe…” → meaning that truthfulness is part of faith.
• Islam teaches that words and speech carry moral weight - “A person may utter a word that pleases Allah and be raised by it; or a word that angers Allah and be thrown into the Fire.” (Bukhārī 6478, Muslim 2988)

Qur’anic Parallels

The same caution is repeated at a number of places in Qur'an so that believers do not lose sight of falling into the trap of misleaders and the wicked:

• 17:36: “Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, sight, and heart — all will be questioned about it.”
• 24:15: The incident of Ifk (false accusation) against ʿĀ’ishah (RA) teaches the same: don’t spread unverified claims.
• 49:12: Later in the same Surah — “Avoid suspicion, do not spy, nor backbite one another.”

Together, these verses form Islam’s ethics of communication.

Relevance Today

This verse is more relevant today than ever before — in the age of social media, viral misinformation, and emotional outrage.

Islam anticipated our “information age” problem — this verse is the Qur’an’s eternal rule for responsible media ethics.

Prophetic Example: 

• The Prophet ﷺ said: “It is enough falsehood for a person to speak of everything he hears.” (Muslim 5)  
• Meaning: don’t pass on information without confirming it — doing so makes one complicit in falsehood.

Lesson from 49:6 viz the Modern Parallel

If we look around today, we find a large number of paid and sponsored journalists and some social media platforms who on behalf of their sponsors feed incorrect, engineered or even unauthentic information largely to mislead the audience and to defame their opponents. Therefore we need to be on the lookout and esnure the following: 

• Verify before sharing: Fake news, misinformation online
• Don’t harm others through words: Online slander, cancel culture
• Avoid regret from hasty actions: Misjudging people, ruining reputations
• Truth is part of faith: Integrity in journalism, communication

Remember “Faith demands verification before action, and truthfulness before speech.” So do not be mislead by false information, tailored to mislead you. Be on the lookout for misleading and fake news, lest you fall into the intended trap of the misleaders.

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 49. Al-Ḥujurāt  - The Chambers / Private Apartments already published

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

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

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Rules of the Divine Court: Every record will be presented that they may have forgotten

Many today who are engrossed in the worldly life lured into its many evil entertainments and feats at the behest of the Devil and its associates, when cautioned that one day they will be held responsible for their evil and bad deeds, they just shrug of such cautions. Perhaps they are of the opinion that who will remember their every act when they are long dead before they are resurrected. 

But Allah cautions them they He is all seeing and observing and when every person who ever lived will be raised alive and presented with their records thy may have forgotten and then will be punished for siding with the evil, rather than living a humble life. This is the message contained in the 6th vers of Surah 58. Al-Mujadila, shared herein under:

يَوۡمَ يَبۡعَثُهُمُ اللّٰهُ جَمِيۡعًا فَيُنَبِّئُهُمۡ بِمَا عَمِلُوۡا​ ؕ اَحۡصٰٮهُ اللّٰهُ وَنَسُوۡهُ​ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ شَهِيۡدٌ​

(58:6) a chastisement that shall come upon them on the Day when Allah will raise them all to a new life and will inform them of their deeds. Allah has recorded it all while they have forgotten it. Allah is a witness over everything.

That is, their having forgotten their own attitude and conduct does not mean that it is dead and forgotten altogether. For them the disobedience of God and resistance to His Commands may be an ordinary matter which they may forget easily once they have indulged in it and may not even regard it as anything objectionable, which they should have avoided, yet in the sight of God it is no ordinary matter at all. With Him every misdeed of theirs has been noted down, His Register contains a full record of every deed done by a person, of when and where it was done, what was his own reaction to it, what were its consequences and how far and in what forms did they appear and spread in the world.

Yusuf Ali Explanation:  

This phrase, "Allah will tell them of their deeds (or their doings or their conduct)" occurs frequently. See v. 51, n. 762; v. 108, n. 811; vi. 60; ix. 94; etc. In this life there is a certain mist or illusion in our spiritual sight. We see things from different angles and dispute about them; we hide real motives, and pretend to virtues which we do not possess; others may attribute such virtues to us, and we may come to believe it ourselves; we conceive likes and hatreds on insufficient grounds; we forget what we should remember, and remember what we should forget. Our vision is narrow, and our values are false. On the Day of Account all this will be remedied. Not only will true values be restored, but we shall ourselves see the inwardness of things in our own lives, which we never saw before.

This caution should, therefore, be taken very seriously and if someone is in doubt, especially the atheists and those who do not believe in Divine Justice, be well prepared for the consequences of their bad and evil deeds. Time is now to put our books aright, lest it is too late for if the books are closed once, these will be only opened in the Divine Court.

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

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

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

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

Read More

Our Lord! Guide us on Aṣ-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm - The Straight Path

Today in our series of posts on Selected Invocations  (Dua / دُعا) from Qur'ān, we share a very short yet very powerful invocation  (Dua / دُعا) from Qur'ān which in fact is the essence of the whole Qur'ān. No other invocation is as strong as the 6th verse of the first Chapter Sürah Al-Fātiḥah. Although the entire chapter is an invocation itself, yet after invoking the very mercy of Allah, a Muslim must beseech his Creator to show him the Aṣ-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm - " الصراط المستقيم  " The Straight Path. 

Simply going by the translation, the Aṣ-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm - " الصراط المستقيم  " is just a Straight Path. But that is not what is meant by this invocation, not even in the most plain translation. If a believer truly understands the essence of this invocation and then remains steadfast, his entire life will transform into a life of truth and guidance, duly supervised by none other Allah Himself.

Allah tells the Muslims to be on the middle way, the straight path, and not to go upon the 'other paths', which Mujāhid said, it refers to innovations and doubtful matters. Doubtful, or disliked, matters are Makruh (Arabic: مكروه), and are not considered a sin, but as the grey area between good and evil. It is said that if you do the Makruh things, you will not be punished, but if you avoid them, Allah will reward you. [1]

In one of his lectures, eminent Muslim scholar compared Sirat al Mustaqim to a motorway. The straight path is just like a major motor way that may have many lanes, yet following the same motorway one reaches its destination. If en route, one accidently takes an exit, it is tantamount of being derailed from one's intended path and for getting back on to it, one has to make a detour of many extra miles and be on the main road again. Likewise, the straight guided path of Allah has not exits. If one gets on to the straight path and remains steadfast he is sure to be guided by Allah and helped to remain on the path despite distractions by the evil machinations of the Satan. The exits are like distractions by evil forces which one must avoid to be on the right path. If one gets distracted and takes an exit, then he has to carryout a whole lot of efforts by cleansing his heart and mind of those distracted ideas and be on the path of Allah once again. 

Thus it can be said that those follow the guidance contained in the Al Qur'an and Sunnah (teachings and way of life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) will never get astray. The concluding part of the last sermon of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stressed on Muslims to never leave the guidance provided by the Al Qur'an:

"I have left among you the Book of Allah, and if you hold fast to it, you would never go astray."

Let us go deeper into its meaning as many eminent Muslim scholars have tried to unfold its meaning and effect on the life of a true believer:

اِهۡدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِيۡمَۙ‏ 

(1:6) Direct us on to the Straight Way,

In fact in response to this invocation, And in response, Allah has revealed the whole Quran for our guidance to show us exactly what is the Siraat al Mustaqeem, what are the trials and tribulations, and what honor and reward awaits those who follow the Straight Path.

The very next verse qualifies which is the straight path:

صِرَاطَ الَّذِيۡنَ اَنۡعَمۡتَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ‏ غَيۡرِ الۡمَغۡضُوۡبِ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا الضَّآلِّيۡنَ

(1:7) The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace Those whose (portion) is not wrath and who go not astray.

That is that the Straight Path is the one on whom Allah bestowed His Grace, and not the path of those who played in hands of the Evil, and upon whom the wrath of Allah would befall on the Day of resurrection.

Every Muslim owes it to his Creator to read and understand the Message that was revealed for his guidance. If anyone deliberately does not want to understand the guidance, then he will be guilty in the Court of Allah. Allah will not accept the excuse that you believed so and so of the holy men and invoked them and did so many ziyaarat to their graves! There is one way and one way only, to understand which is the Path acceptable to Allah; and that is to read the Holy Quran with understanding! Once you have read the Holy Quran with understanding, Allah puts so much courage and wisdom in your hearts, that all the things that look strong and formidable today, are powerless, compared to the strength of Allah. [2]

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi notes that by this innovation we beseech Allah to show us that way which may lead us aright in every walk of life and keep us absolutely free from errors and evil consequences and bring us success in the end." , This is the request which the servant of Allah makes to Him when he begins the study of the Qur'an. He prays to Him to guide him in every walk of life and save him from the labyrinths of doubt and uncertainty, which result from the lack of true knowledge. The servant also requests the Master to show him the right and the straight way of life from among the many by-paths and crooked ways.

The straight way for which we are praying is the way which has always been followed by the people favored by Thee and which has always brought Thy favors and blessings.

This is to show that the favored people are not those who go astray and incur the wrath of Allah, though apparently they might be enjoying the transitory good things of life. The really favored people are those who receive blessings on account of their righteous living. From this it also becomes clear that by favors are meant those real and permanent rewards, which result from righteous living and from winning the pleasure of Allah, and not those transitory good things of life which have been enjoyed even by the tyrants and worshipers of mammon and which are being enjoyed even today by all sorts of evildoers who have gone astray from the straight way.

Yusuf Ali  Explanation: 

If we translate by the English word "guide," we shall have to say: "Guide us to and in the straight Way." For we many be wandering aimlessly, and the first step is to find the Way; and the second need is to keep in the Way: our own wisdom may fail in either case. The straight Way is often the narrow Way, or the steep Way, which many people shun (xc.11). By the world's perversity the straight Way is sometimes stigmatized and the crooked Way praised. How are we to judge? We must ask for God's guidance. With a little spiritual insight we shall see which are the people who walk in the light of God's grace, and which are those that walk in the darkness of Wrath. This also would help our judgment.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

The verb اِهْدِنَا occurs here without the preposition اِلٰي. Thus, according to linguistic principles, the expression اِهۡدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِيۡمَ now does not simply mean “give us guidance.” More aspects are added to this; ie., “set our hearts on this path; instil in us the desire to tread this path, give us the resolve and determination to stay on this path and guide us in its ups and downs, and forever give us the urge to tread on it in this manner.”

The actual words are: اِهۡدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِهۡمَ. The article ال signifies عهد (definition). That is the straight path which has been explained in the next verse.

Qur'an Wiki:

With these words a believer pleads to be shown the Right Way and to be helped along it, which cannot be achieved without God’s guidance, care and mercy. To acknowledge that is in itself a recognition of God’s sovereignty and dominance over all things and events.

Guidance to the right way of life guarantees man’s happiness in this world and in the hereafter. It comes about, in effect, by guiding human nature and man’s instincts, desires and inspirations towards the recognition and comprehension of the divine will, so bringing human activity into rhythm with the natural order and the physical world.

The sūrah reveals the nature of the “straight path” as being one taken by those whom God has favoured, not the way of those who have earned His displeasure by their deviation from the Truth, nor that of the heedless who have no knowledge of the truth. It is the path of happiness and salvation.

We now share a very informative video on the subject by Abdur Raheem McCarthy, which clearly explains the very meaning of Aṣ-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm and how we as Muslims can follow it so that we not only please Allah but also being guided to Paradise, In Sha Allah, one day:

May Allah help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. May Allah help us remain steadfast and continue to be on the Aṣ-Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm and let us not be distracted by the evil forces which may try their best to derail from this guided past and let us go astray. Aameen.

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

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

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.

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