Believers! Speak words of appropriate justice

No system or community can exist if there does not exist justice. And when people stop speaking words of appropriate justice and let the deceit and injustice prevail, then even the mightiest of empires and civilizations crumble and leave behinds sorry tales.

In Islam, justice assumes a very cardinal importance and believers have been warned at many a place in Qur'an to stand up to justice and let no one betray his fellow brethren by deceit and ill will. We share today a very small verse, yet carrying a strong message for the believers to uphold justice. The 70th verse of Surah 33 Al Ahzab, given herein under, emphasizes the high moral and ethical standards that Muslims are expected to adhere to in their daily lives. Speaking the truth and acting justly in all matters, whether personal or social, is a fundamental aspect of faith.

The verse reads:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًۭا سَدِيدًۭا 

O  believers! Be mindful of Allah, and say what is right

Explanation:

• "O you who have believed": This is a direct address to the believers (Muslims) who follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is a reminder for them to be conscious of Allah's commands and to act according to His will.
• "Fear Allah" (تقوى الله): This is a reminder for Muslims to maintain taqwa (God-consciousness) and to always be mindful of Allah's presence in their lives. It encourages believers to act in a way that is pleasing to Allah and avoid actions that would incur His displeasure.
• "Speak words of appropriate justice": 
• This part of the verse is about being truthful, fair, and just in one's speech. The believers are commanded to ensure that their words are in accordance with justice and integrity. It means speaking the truth, being honest, and avoiding slander, falsehood, and unjust speech. That means speaking in a straightforward manner, with no crookedness or distortion.
• It is a call to avoid any speech that could harm others, spread injustice, or mislead people. It reminds believers of the importance of integrity and justice in communication and relationships.

Historical Context:

This verse is often understood in light of events involving various groups at the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), including the hypocrites in Medina who would often engage in slander and false accusations. The verse encourages believers to rise above such behavior and maintain truthfulness in their words and actions.

The verse thus directs the believers to say only what is just, true and accurate. They should make sure of what they say and its effects, before they accept what the hypocrites and spreaders of lies say, and before they pay attention to any wild accusation or evil fabrication against the Prophet, their leader and guide. It directs them to say right words leading to right action. God takes care of those who make sure of saying what is right, proper and accurate, guiding their footsteps and making their deeds sound, producing good results. God also forgives the sins of those who say what is right and do righteous deeds, for even they are not immune to slips and errors. They are all human, and by nature humans err and need God’s forgiveness.

The verse serves as an ethical guideline for Muslims to ensure that their words align with righteousness, fairness, and truth. This guidance is timeless and relevant for all believers, as the integrity of one’s speech is an important aspect of both personal character and the broader social harmony in any community.

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.

Please refer to our exclusive post on Selected verses from Qur'an on Justice / Rules of Islamic Law for more about Justice in Islam.

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

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 

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

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

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

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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The Divine promise of Hope and Redemption in Qur'an

Man has always been enticed by the Evil to sin or do acts detested by our Creator, Allah the Almighty. Yet when the storm of worldly desires subsides, one is left with nothing but remorse and utter shame for having defied the Divine commandments of morality, honesty and following what is Halal (permissible) and shunning what is Haram (not permissible). In despair, if he has an iota of faith in Allah, he immediately repents his wrong doing and seek forgiveness.  For such believers, there is a message of hope and redemption given in the 70th verse of Surah 25. Al-Furqan. 

Let us read and try to understand the selected verse, which is followed by its explanation in the video given at the end of the verse explanation:

اِلَّا مَنۡ تَابَ وَاٰمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًاصَالِحًـا فَاُولٰٓـئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللّٰهُ سَيِّاٰتِهِمۡ حَسَنٰتٍ​ ؕ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ غَفُوۡرًا رَّحِيۡمًا‏ 

(25:70) Unless he repents and believes and does righteous works. For such, Allah will change their evil deeds into good deeds. Allah is Ever Forgiving, Most Compassionate.

This verse highlights the concept of repentance and divine forgiveness in Islam. In fact, this is a good news for those people who repented and reformed themselves, for they will have the benefit of the "general amnesty" contained in verse 70. This was regarded as a great blessing by the true servants who had committed undesirable acts.

Here's a breakdown of its meanings:

This verse is part of a passage that addresses the behaviors of those who reject the truth, commit sinful actions, and engage in negative conduct. These people may have indulged in sins such as idolatry, oppression, or immorality. However, the verse offers a message of hope and redemption. Allah is emphasizing that those who truly turn to Him in sincere repentance and faith, and then follow that up with righteous deeds, can receive His mercy.

Key Elements of the Verse:

• Repentance (Tawbah): The verse begins by stating that repentance is essential. Repentance in Islam means feeling remorse for one’s sins, stopping the sinful behavior, seeking forgiveness from Allah, and making a firm intention not to return to those sins.
• Faith (Iman): Belief in Allah and His messenger, and adherence to the pillars of Islam, is the foundation for a person to be eligible for Allah's mercy.
• Righteous Deeds (Amal Saleh): After repentance and belief, the individual is required to perform righteous actions — actions that align with Islamic principles, including charity, prayer, and other good deeds.
• Replacement of Evil Deeds with Good: One of the most powerful aspects of this verse is the promise that Allah will replace the person's bad deeds with good ones. This shows the infinite mercy of Allah. Even if someone has committed many sins, if they sincerely repent and strive to do good, Allah will not only forgive them but will transform their past mistakes into acts of virtue.
• Allah's Forgiveness and Mercy: The verse concludes by reiterating that Allah is Forgiving (غَفُور) and Merciful (رَحِيم). These attributes remind us that Allah is always ready to forgive those who truly repent and seek His mercy, no matter how great their sins may have been.

Practical Implications

• Hope for the sinner: This verse offers hope for anyone who has committed sins. No matter how serious the wrongdoings, if a person sincerely repents, they can be forgiven.
• Encouragement for reform: It encourages believers to always seek self-improvement through repentance, faith, and good deeds.
• The transformative power of repentance: It also underscores the transformative power of sincere repentance, where a person’s past mistakes can be wiped away and replaced with good deeds.

In essence, this verse encapsulates Allah’s immense mercy and the process through which a person can regain a righteous standing in His sight, regardless of past errors. Many instances of such people, who sincerely repented and reformed their lives, have been related in the traditions. 

For instance, Ibn Jarir and Tabarani have related an incident from Hadrat Abu Hurairah, who savs, "One day when 1 returned home after offering the 'lsha prayer in the Prophet's Mosque, I saw a woman standing at my door. I saluted her and walked into my room, closed the door and busied myself in voluntary worship. After a while she knocked at the door. I opened the door and asked what she wanted. She said that she had come with a problem: She had committed zina, had become pregnant, given birth to a child and then killed it. She wanted to know if there was any chance of her sin being forgiven. I replied in the negative. She went back grief-stricken, exclaiming, "Ah! this beautiful body was created for the fire!" The next morning, after the prayer, when I related the night's incident before the Holy Prophet, he said, "You gave a very wrong answer, Abu Hurairah: Haven't you read the Qur'anic verse which says: '(Those) who do not invoke any other deity than Allah...except the one who may have repented (after those sins) and have believed and done righteous deeds' `?" Hearing this from the Holy Prophet, I went out in search of the woman, and had her traced again at the `Isha time. I gave her the good news and told her what the Holy Prophet had said in reply to her question. She immediately tell prostrate on the ground and thanked Allah, Who had opened a way for her forgiveness. Then she offered repentance and set a slave-girl, along with her son, tree." 

A similar incident about an old man has been related in the traditions. He came before the Holy Prophet and said, "O Messenger of Allah, all my life has passed in sin: there is no sin which I have not committed; so much so that if my sins were to be distributed over the people of the whole world, they would all be doomed. Is there any way out for my forgiveness?" The Holy Prophet asked him, "Have you embraced Islam?" He said, "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." The Holy Prophet said, "Go back, Allah is All-Forgiving and has the power to change your evil deeds into good deeds." He asked,"Is it about all my crimes and errors?'' The Holy Prophet replied, "Yes, it is about all your crimes and errors." ( Ibn Kathir) .

You may like to  watch a discussion between eminent Muslim scholar Dr. Shabir Ally and Dr. Safiyyah Ally on the meaning and Divine promise of hope and redemption as mentioned in Quran 25:70:

Let us never lose faith in Allah and His reassurance to His servants of forgiveness provided we repent and promise not to indulge in acts reprehensible to Allah. Remember, the essence of this verse lies in the sincerity while repenting with a solemn pledge of not repeating the same again. Let us cash on the Divine promise of hope and redemption and not be enticed by the Evil to fall into its trap again.

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

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

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

Read More

Man laments: I feel dishonoured - Allah replies: We have indeed honoured the children of Adam

Allah created man as His vicegerent on earth and made him powerful, both physically and mentally. Yet man is always lamenting of being low and dishonoured when he cannot seize authority or power over everything that is beside him on this earth. This happens when man does not use his hidden abilities and capabilities which Allah has embedded in him intrinsically. Those who do so, scale Everest like towering mountains and brace the powerful sea waves. For those, how lag the ability to get hold of their inner powers and who then lament of being not able to face the mighty and powerful, Allah assures them that He hs made them superior to all other beings on earth. He only needs to muster up courage to prevail over others and feel honoured.

This Divine assurance is made is the 70th verse of Surah 17. Al Isra (The Night Journey), also known as Surah Bani Israil (The Children of Israel). Allah tells us how He has honored the sons of Adam and made them noble by creating them in the best and most perfect of forms:

وَلَـقَدۡ كَرَّمۡنَا بَنِىۡۤ اٰدَمَ وَحَمَلۡنٰهُمۡ فِى الۡبَرِّ وَالۡبَحۡرِ وَرَزَقۡنٰهُمۡ مِّنَ الطَّيِّبٰتِ وَفَضَّلۡنٰهُمۡ عَلٰى كَثِيۡرٍ مِّمَّنۡ خَلَقۡنَا تَفۡضِيۡلًا

(17:70) Indeed, We honoured the progeny of Adam, and bore them across land and sea and provided them with good things for their sustenance, and exalted them above many of Our creatures.

That is, "It is an obvious fact that the superiority man enjoys over all other beings on the Earth and all that is in it, has not been bestowed upon him by a jinn or an angel or a prophet. Most surely that is Allah's blessing and favor. Is it not then the height of folly and ignorance that after having achieved such a high rank, man should bow down before any creature of Allah instead of Him?"

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

Allah tells man in a later chapter of Qur'an: (لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَـنَ فِى أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ  Verily, We created man in the best stature (mould).) (95:4) He walks upright on his two feet and eats with his hand, while other living creatures walk on four feet and eat with their mouths, and He has given him hearing, sight and a heart with which to understand all of that, to benefit from it, and distinguish between things to know which are good for him and which are harmful, in both worldly and religious terms.

(and We have carried them on land) means, on animals such as cattle, horses and mules, and also on the sea in ships and boats, great and small.

(and have provided them with At-Tayyibat,) meaning agricultural produce, fruits, meat, and milk with all kinds of delicious and desirable flavors and colors and beautiful appearance, and fine clothes of all kinds of shapes colors and sizes, which they make for themselves or are brought to them by others from other regions and areas.

(and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preferment. ) means, over all living beings and other kinds of creation. This Ayah indicates that humans are also preferred over angels.

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

I.e., by bestowing upon them the faculty of conceptual thinking (cf. 2:31), [(2:31) Then Allah taught Adam the names of all things and presented them to the angels and said: “If you are right (that the appointment of a vicegerent will cause mischief) then tell Me the names of these things.”] which makes them superior in this respect to all other animate beings, and even to the angels. By stressing here this unique distinction of man, the present passage connects with, and continues the theme of, verse {61} of same surah, which says: AND LO! We said unto the angels, "Prostrate yourselves before Adam" - whereupon they all prostrated themselves, save Iblis. Said he: "Shall I prostrate myself before one whom Thou hast created out of clay?".

Yusuf Ali Explanation: 

The distinction and honour conferred by Allah on man are recounted in order to enforce the corresponding duties and responsibilities of man. He is raised to a position of honour above the brute creation: he has been granted talents by which he can transport himself from place to place by land, sea, and now by air: all the means for the sustenance and growth of every part of his nature are provided by Allah; and his spiritual faculties (the greatest gift of Allah) raise him above the greater part of Allah's Creation. Should he not then realize his noble destiny and prepare for his real life in the Hereafter?

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

God has honoured mankind, favouring the human race over many of His creatures. He honoured man when He created him in this particular fashion, giving him a nature that combines the characteristics of clay, from which he was made, and the spirit that was breathed into him. Thus, he combines elements of heaven and earth in his constitution. God has also honoured man by placing in Op his nature such faculties that make him able to take charge of the earth, able to be active and make changes in it. Thus, human beings initiate and produce new things, combine things together and analyse complex matters in order to elevate life to the highest standard attainable.

God has also honoured man by making natural forces on earth subservient to his will and endeavour, and by making other natural forces operating in the universe helpful to him. A further aspect of the honour God has given man is seen in the reception given him when he was first created. It was a reception in which the angels prostrated themselves in a gesture of respect, because God Himself declared that man is to be honoured. Then there comes the additional honour when God states in His book, sent down from on high and which He guaranteed to remain intact for the rest of time, that man is given a position of honour.

We have indeed honoured the children of Adam, and borne them over land and sea, and provided for them sustenance out of the good things of life, and favoured them far above many of Our creatures. (Verse 70)

“And borne them over land and sea.” This is accomplished by making natural laws fit with human nature and its abilities. Had these laws been at odds with human nature, life would have been impossible to sustain on earth. Indeed, man is weak when his strength is measured against the natural forces that operate on land and sea, but man is given the ability to live on earth and to make use of its resources and treasures. This is all an aspect of God’s grace.

“And provided for them sustenance out of the good things of life.” (Verse 70) Man tends to forget that whatever sustenance is given to him is indeed granted by God, because its different aspects become familiar to him. He only remembers the different forms of sustenance he is given when he loses access to them. It is then that he realizes the value of what he was given. But man’s memory is short. He soon forgets again all God’s blessings. He forgets what role the sun, air, and water play in sustaining human life. He forgets how important health is to him, and how he is given mobility, senses and reason, in addition to different types of food and drink. Indeed, he is placed in charge of a complete world which includes countless blessings.

“And favoured them far above many of Our creatures.” (Verse 70) Indeed God has favoured human beings by giving them mastery of this wide planet. Furthermore, He placed in their nature such abilities that make them unique among God’s creatures.

So, my dear brothers and sisters in Islam, never feel ashamed of yourself and know your strengths and weakness. Make use of your strengths to the utmost and find ways and means to overcome your weaknesses so that you feel composed and confident of the abilities bestowed upon you by Allah.

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Al Qur'an guides and helps those who sincerely seek Divine Guidance and Help.

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

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 

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.

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

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

Leave those who deluded by worldly life take amusement and diversion as their religion

There are number of verses / Ayats in Qur'an that caution man from living and wasting away their lives in amusement and lewdness for these are diversionary means that Satan uses to take believers away from the path that would ensure an entry ticket into the paradise / Jannah. Yet man is too engrossed in the so-called liveliness and amusement of life that he really doesn't care for such cautions, especially when he is young and his lustful desires are at their best. It is only when one's youth starts to drift by and rationale takes over emotions, one comes to know the true reality of worldly life. It is then he comes to know that this life was but a life of tough tests and trials. Those who controlled their emotions and desires and lived to pass the tests and trials given to them by their Lord, would be the ones who would be among the successful. 

The Prophet, and indeed every Muslim, is commanded to ignore, by word and deed, those who treat religion as a pastime and as idle play. This description applies to anyone who does not give his faith respect by making it the basis of all aspects of his life: worship, beliefs, practices, moral values, and a legal code. It also applies to anyone who describes the principles and legislations of this faith in derogatory terms, such as those who ridicule the concept of believing in the world beyond the reach of human perception, which is an essential part of the Islamic faith. [4]

And such are the people who despite being told the harsh realities of life and the need to cling to their firm faith in Allah, just shy away from such efforts and continue to live a life that pleases them, and not the life that pleases their Lord. 

For such people, the 70th verse of Surah 6. Al An An'am should serve as a warning. Please read the verse below and its explanation by some of the eminent Muslim scholars of all times:

وَذَرِ الَّذِيۡنَ اتَّخَذُوۡا دِيۡنَهُمۡ لَعِبًا وَّلَهۡوًا وَّغَرَّتۡهُمُ الۡحَيٰوةُ الدُّنۡيَا​ وَ ذَكِّرۡ بِهٖۤ اَنۡ تُبۡسَلَ نَفۡسٌ ۢ بِمَا كَسَبَتۡ​ۖ لَـيۡسَ لَهَا مِنۡ دُوۡنِ اللّٰهِ وَلِىٌّ وَّلَا شَفِيۡعٌ​ ۚ وَاِنۡ تَعۡدِلۡ كُلَّ عَدۡلٍ لَّا يُؤۡخَذۡ مِنۡهَا​ ؕ اُولٰٓـئِكَ الَّذِيۡنَ اُبۡسِلُوۡا بِمَا كَسَبُوۡا​ ۚ لَهُمۡ شَرَابٌ مِّنۡ حَمِيۡمٍ وَّعَذَابٌ اَ لِيۡمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوۡا يَكۡفُرُوۡنَ

(6:70) Leave alone those who have made a sport and a pastime of their religion and whom the life of the world has beguiled. But continue to admonish them (with the Qur'an) lest a man should be caught for what he has himself earned for there shall neither be any protector nor intercessor apart from Allah; and though he may offer any conceivable ransom it shall not be accepted from him, for such people have been caught for the deeds that they have themselves earned. Boiling water to drink and a painful chastisement to suffer for their unbelief is what awaits them.

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

(And leave alone those who take their religion as play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world.) The Ayah commands such people to leave, ignore them and give them respite, for soon, they will taste a tremendous torment.

This is why Allah said, (But remind with it) meaning, remind the people with this Qur'an and warn them against Allah's revenge and painful torment on the Day of Resurrection. 

Allah said; (lest a soul Tubsal for that which one has earned,) meaning, so that it is not Tubsal. Ad-Dahhak from Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, `Ikrimah, Al-Hasan and As-Suddi said that Tubsal means, be submissive. Al-Walibi said that Ibn `Abbas said that Tubsal means, `be exposed'. Qatadah said that Tubsal means, `be prevented', Murrah and Ibn Zayd said that it means, `be recompensed', Al-Kalbi said, `be reckoned'. All these statements and expressions are similar, for they all mean exposure to destruction, being kept away from all that is good, and being restrained from attaining what is desired. 

Allah also said; (Every person is restrained by what he has earned. Except those on the Right.) [74:38-39], and (when he will find for himself no protector or intercessor besides Allah,) and,(and even if he offers every ransom, it will not be accepted from him.) meaning, whatever the ransom such people offer, it will not be accepted from them. 

Allah said in a similar statement, (Verily, those who disbelieved, and died while they were disbelievers, the (whole) earth full of gold will not be accepted from anyone of them.) [3:91] 

Allah said here, (Such are they who are given up to destruction because of that which they have earned. For them it will be a drink of boiling water and a painful torment because they used to disbelieve. )

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

(And leave to themselves all those who, beguiled by the life of this world, have made play and passing delights their religion;) The phrase attakhadhu dinahum la'iban wa-lahwan can be understood in either of two ways: (l) "they have made their religion [an object of] play and fun", or (2) "they have made play and fun [or "passing delights"] their religion" - i.e., the main goal of their lives. To my mind, the latter reading is definitely preferable inasmuch as it brings out the fact that many of those who are "beguiled by the life of this world" devote themselves to the pursuit of what the Qur'an describes as "passing delights" - including the pleasures which money and power can provide - with something akin to religious fervour: an attitude of mind which causes them to lose sight of all spiritual and moral values.

(but remind [them] herewith that [in the life to come] every human being shall be held in pledge for whatever wrong he has done, and shall have none to protect him from God, and none to intercede for him; and though he offers any conceivable ransom,) Lit., "though he might [try to] ransom himself with all ransom" - i.e., though he might proffer, after resurrection, any atonement whatever for his past sins.

(it shall not be accepted by him. It is [people such as] these that shall be held in pledge for the wrong they have done; for them there is [in the life to come] a draught of burning despair,) Among the various meanings attributable to the word hamim are the concepts of intense heat as well as of painful cold (Qamus, Taj al-'Arus). In the eschatology of the Qur'an, it invariably refers to the suffering of the sinners in the life to come, and since all Qur'anic references to life after death are, necessarily, allegorical, the term hamim may be rendered as "burning despair".

Yusuf Ali Explanation: 

Cf. vi 32. where we are told that the life of this world is mere play and amusement, and Religion and the Hereafter are the serious things that require our attention. Worldly people reverse this because they are deceived by the allurements of this life. But their own acts will find them out.

We must never forget our own personal responsibility for all we do, or deceive ourselves by the illusion of vicarious atonement.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

Stated here is the real reason of their mischief. Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes:

... Their real misconception is that since they are leading a successful life, then their attitude must definitely be correct. They give the life of this world the status of the life to come. This world is not governed by the principle of reward and punishment; on the contrary, it is governed by the principle of trial and test. Here the Almighty has given respite to evil as well together with the truth. To realize their desires, they have regarded evil as their religion and think that this life is all there is and that the attitude they have adopted is correct. They further think that the fate of which the Qur’ān has warned them is a far-fetched threat. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 3, 80)

The actual words are: اَنْ تُبْسَلَ نَفْسٌۣ. A word to the effect مخافة (lest) is suppressed beforeاَنۡ in accordance with linguistic principles.

The actual words are: لَهُمْ شَرَابٌ مِّنْ حَمِيْمٍ وَّعَذَابٌ اَلِيْمٌۣ. In other words, their first feast will be boiling water and then they will be consigned to a severe torment. This has been specified by the Qur’ān in verse 93 of Sūrah al-Wāqi‘ah.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

This verse re-emphasizes the distinction between the two communities, making several important points.

The Prophet, and indeed every Muslim, is commanded to ignore, by word and deed, those who treat religion as a pastime and as idle play. This description applies to anyone who does not give his faith respect by making it the basis of all aspects of his life: worship, beliefs, practices, moral values, and a legal code. It also applies to anyone who describes the principles and legislations of this faith in derogatory terms, such as those who ridicule the concept of believing in the world beyond the reach of human perception, which is an essential part of the Islamic faith. The same is the case with people who talk disrespectfully of zakat which is one of the pillars upon which the structure of Islam is built, or describe morality and chastity as the values of rural and feudal societies, and those who speak disapprovingly of the Islamic rules of marriage, or describe as fetters the sort of guarantees God has given to Muslim women to help them maintain their chastity. It applies above all to those who deny God’s absolute sovereignty and His authority to legislate for human life in political, social, economic and legal fields, claiming that human beings may legislate for themselves without reference to God’s law. All those are included as ones who `take their religion for a pastime and a sport’. Every Muslim is commanded to stay away from them except to remind them of their duty towards God. They are among the wrongdoers and unbelievers described in this verse as ones who are held in pledge for what they have done’. They are threatened with having to drink boiling water and having to endure painful suffering for their disbelief.

The Prophet, and indeed every Muslim is further instructed to remind these people of God and warn them against being held in pledge and destroyed in consequence of what they have done. They are to be reminded that they cannot enjoy any support against God, and no one can intercede with Him on their behalf. No ransom will be accepted from them. The Qur’anic style here is exceedingly beautiful and effective: “Remind them with this (Qur’an), lest every human being should be held in pledge for whatever he has done, when he shall have none to protect him from God, and none to intercede for him. If he were to offer any conceivable ransom, it shall not be accepted from him.” Every single soul will have to account for itself, without support, and when no ransom is of any use.

As for those who have taken their religion in jest and been beguiled by the life of this world, they are already held in pledge for what they have done. Their doom is sealed: “Those are the ones who are held in pledge for what they have done. Scalding water shall they drink, and grievous suffering awaits them because they were unbelievers.” The scalding water, which boils in their throats and stomachs, and the painful suffering which ensues are a fitting recompense for their ridicule of faith.

Speaking of the unbelievers, God describes them as "Those who take their religion for a pastime and a sport". Is it truly their religion? This description fits perfectly those who declared their acceptance of Islam and then treated their religion as an object of ridicule. There were some people like that to whom the appellation `hypocrites’ was given, but they were in Madinah. Can the same statement apply to unbelievers who did not embrace Islam in the first place? Well, Islam is the religion of all mankind, including those who do not believe in it, since it is the only faith God accepts from human beings ever since the revelation of the message preached by the Prophet Muhammad, the last of all messengers. Hence, anyone who rejects it actually rejects his own faith.

Hence, it is significant that the possessive pronoun is used in the beginning of this verse: “Stay away from those who take their religion for a pastime and a sport.” It is most probably, and God knows best, a reference to the fact that Islam is a religion for all mankind. Whoever makes fun of it, even though he may be an idolater, actually makes fun of his own religion. We probably still need to explain who are meant by the term `idolaters. They are those who claim that any being has a share of God’s attributes. This may take the form of believing in the existence of deities other than God, or offering worship and performing rituals to anyone other than God, or acknowledging the authority to legislate to anyone besides God. Needless to say, the term idolaters also include those who claim for themselves any of these, however strongly they may profess to be Muslims. We should then be clear about who belongs to our faith.

The last point concerns the limits within which it is permissible to sit with the wrongdoers, or idolaters, and those who take religion as an object of fun and ridicule. As we have already mentioned, this is permissible only when it is done to remind them of divine faith and to warn them against disobeying God. It can have no other purpose. Once we realize that they engage in idle talk about God’s revelations or treat them as an object of ridicule we must leave their company immediately. In commenting on this verse, al-Qurtubi explains the rulings mentioned in the Qur’an: “This verse provides an answer in God’s Book to anyone who claims that high standing Imams and their followers may have social contacts with wrongdoers, or may try to protect themselves by pretending to accept their views as correct.”

Our view is that the Qur’anic verse allows mixing with the wrongdoers in order to admonish and warn them, and to correct their erring views. Mixing with them and keeping quiet about what they say and do in order to protect ourselves is unacceptable, because it imparts an impression of accepting falsehood and rejecting the truth. In addition, it deceives people and degrades the divine faith and its advocates. Such a situation is totally unacceptable.

Now you may listen to the following short clipped video to explanation of the aforesaid Ayat by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan:

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 | 3 | 4 | 

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

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

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• 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.

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Believers, fear Allah and speak the truth

Telling lies to conceal the truth is one of the biggest ills of the society. People tell lies to please their bosses by hiding things the boss doesn't like, witnesses tell lies even under oath to save friends or someone influential to save their committed sins and hence get the innocent punished. Mothers conceal failings of their children from the father to save them from retribution, but in fact paving a way of continued life of wrong doings. In fact we often find that telling a lie or concealing the truth is an easier alternative than voicing the truth.

But should we lie? Well if we must follow the path of truth, we must not for Allah likes those believers who always speak the truth irrespective of the consequences, for speaking the truth saves many related ills that follow. Allah cautions believers in the 70th verse of Surah 33, Al Ahzab:

يٰۤـاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَقُوۡلُوۡا قَوۡلًا سَدِيۡدًا ۙ‏ 

Believers, fear Allah and speak the truth: 

This is a Divine Commandment and without going into its clear and plain language, we must speak the truth, no matter what. In our lives, we are generally not emotionally honest, We conceal our true feeling to please others and in a bid not to annoy them. We do not like to be blunt in calling a spade a spade. Some people suggest that one should use sugar coated words to reduce the harm that truth may lead to. That is an attempt to lessen the impact of truth.

In plain words, one must speak in a straightforward manner, with no crookedness or distortion. For such people, Allah promises them that if they do that, He will reward them by making their deeds righteous, i.e., enabling them to do righteous deeds, and He will forgive them their past sins. With regard to whatever sins they may commit in the future, He will inspire them to repent from them.

Even if the effort is noble in concealing the truth, we should not lie. But if it is a deliberate effort to conceal one's failings, it is not at all liked, even by Allah. We generally tend to lie to conceal own failings and follies. In office, we deliberately lie to cover up our blunders due to which someone else gets punished. Likewise most witnesses in the court rooms ever minute of the day. Whether this is done to save someone close or own kin or done under duress of fear or lust of money, this is the least liked act. Politicians lie to the nations, usurp their money and fill in their coffers and yet appear innocent and befool the people.

There can be limit to dwell on the merits of truth for it nurtures a clean and progressive society and builds the moral character of a nation. It is sad to see Muslims not acting on the Divine Commandments and indulge in concealing truth. The above quoted verse is for such believers who pollute their faith by  not acting on Divine Commandments.

And those who uphold the truth, Allah promises rewards for them. It is stated right in the next verse of Surah Al Ahzab:

يُّصۡلِحۡ لَـكُمۡ اَعۡمَالَـكُمۡ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَـكُمۡ ذُنُوۡبَكُمۡؕ وَمَنۡ يُّطِعِ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوۡلَهٗ فَقَدۡ فَازَ فَوۡزًا عَظِيۡمًا‏ 

(33:71) Allah will set your deeds right for you and will forgive you your sins. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has achieved a great triumph.

So let us not suppress the truth for worldly gains, for it may invoke the Divine Wrath not only in this world but in the hereafter to, for suppression of truth usurps rights of those who fall victim to our lies. Mostly these are innocent people who bear the consequences of our truth suppression for a long time, while we may achieve some short term gains. But ultimately the truth suppressors will be exposed and punished. But this may not be undo the harm already done to others.

May Allah help us understand Qur'an 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 Quran.

Reference: | 1 | 2 | 

Reading the Holy Quran should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully.

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

• The plain translation has been taken from the Holy Quran officially published by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. [1]
• The exegesis of the chapters of the Holy Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi. [2]  

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided by [2], 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 Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More