Rules in Islam for keeping covenant (or otherwise) with others

War and peace are fought and kept while remaining under some rules which should not be broken unilaterally. Islam is one such religion which emphasises the need to keeping covenants with non Muslims and even within themselves so that no wrongs or excesses are committed. Every effort must be made to keep the treaties intact till they reach their maturity or timed restrictions.

However, if Muslims feel that they are being wronged and undue advantage is being taken under the garb of a treaty, then they are allowed to inform the opposite site of the breech of the terms and conditions of the treaty and if despite this the opposing side shows belligerency and continues to hurt the very essence of the treaty, they should cast back the treaty at he opposing side in an equitable manner and be ready to counter their treachery for Allah does not like the treacherous. 

The 58th verse of Surah 8. Al Anfal (The Spoils of War) lays down the rule for keeping covenants or otherwise with their opponents. In fact this verse lays down the basis of a very strong and just foreign policy for Muslims:

وَاِمَّا تَخَافَنَّ مِنۡ قَوۡمٍ خِيَانَةً فَانْۢبِذۡ اِلَيۡهِمۡ عَلٰى سَوَآءٍ​ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الۡخَآئِنِيۡنَ‏ 

(8:58) If thou hast reason to fear treachery from people [with whom thou hast made a covenant], cast it back at them in an equitable manner: for, verily, God does not love the treacherous!.

This verse lays down a very clear and strict rule for the breaking of a treaty when necessary, and enjoins the Muslims to "throw their treaty openly before them" . According to this verse, it is unlawful to make a unilateral decision of its termination, even if the Muslims felt that the other party with whom they had entered into an alliance, was not observing the treaty strictly and properly, or if they were afraid that the other party would turn treacherous on the first opportunity. Therefore it forbids them to treat the other party in a way as if there had been no treaty with it at all. On the other hand, this verse binds the Muslims to inform the other party in clear words, before taking any step against it, that the treaty with it had been terminated. This is essential so that the other party should have no misunderstanding whatsoever that the treaty was still in force. The Holy Prophet based the international policy of Islam on this verse. He decreed, "The one that has made a treaty with another party is bound by it until the expiry of its teen. Or if obliged, then one should throw it before the other party so that both may be set on equal footing" . Then he extended the same principle to all other affairs, saying, "Behave not treacherously even towards those who are treacherous to you" . And he had impressed the same so deeply on the minds that this principle was observed most strictly both in letter and in spirit. That is why when Amir Mu'aviyah assembled his army near the frontiers of the Roman Empire with the intention that he would invade their territory immediately after the expiry of the term of the treaty, Hadrat Amar bin `Anbasah, a Companion of the Holy Prophet, strongly protested against this and recited the same Tradition before him according to which even concentration of army was a piece of treachery. The Amir had to submit to this, and he gave up the concentration of army.

It may also be noted that the practice of unilateral abrogation of treaties `and invading the enemy without any declaration of war was common during the time of `ignorance' in the ancient times and is also in vogue in the civilized ignorance: of today. For example, during World War' II, Germany invaded Russia, and Britain and Russia took military action against Iran without any formal declaration of war. It may be noted that the pleas put forward for such breaches and violations are very flimsy: it is argued that if a declaration of war had been made beforehand, the other party would have taken precautionary measures and given a tough fight; or that if they had not taken action, their enemy would have forestalled them. But they seem to forget that if moral responsibilities were to be set aside on such lame excuses, then there remains no crime and no sin that cannot be justified on one plea or the other, and every thief, every robber; every adulterer, every murderer and every forgerer can put forward a justification for his crime or sin. But it is strange that the modem leaders have two standards of judgment. While they justify the acts of treachery in the international sphere, they condemn the same when these are committed in their own national sphere.

There is, however, an exception to the above principle. The Islamic Law allows the Muslims to attack the other party, if it violates the treaty openly and takes some specific inimical action against them. In such a clear case, this verse does not bind them to give a due notice of the termination of the treaty, but grants them the right to take military action against such a treacherous party without giving any ultimatum. The Muslim jurists have deduced this exception from a precedent set by the Holy Prophet. When the Quraish openly broke the treaty of Hudaibiyah, in regard to Bani Khuza`ah, he did not consider it obligatory to give them a notice that he, too, had terminated the same. He, therefore, invaded Makkah without giving them any notice. But here we must strike a note of warning. In order to take advantage of this exception, we must consider all the circumstances under which the Holy Prophet thought it right to invade Makkah. In that case, and in that alone, it is lawful for us to follow the precedent set by him; otherwise we are liable to take undue advantage of it. We learn from the books of Hadith and Sirat that the following circumstances led him to take this step:

• (1) The violation of the treaty by the Quraish was so glaring that there was absolutely no doubt that there had been a breach and they themselves confessed that the treaty had come to an end. That is why they sent Abu Sufyan to AI-Madinah for its renewal. Though that was a proof that they also knew that the treaty had come to an end, it does not mean that this exception will be justifiable only if those who violate the treaty also know it and confess it. The exception will be only justifiable if the violation would be quite clear and beyond any doubt.
• (2) After the violation of the treaty, the Holy Prophet did not indicate in any way whatever by word or by deed or by implication- that in spite of the violation of the treaty by them he regarded the treaty to be still in force; nor did he continue such relations with them as might indicate the same. All the traditions show that he rejected the offer of the renewal of the treaty made by Abu Sufyan.
• (3) He openly took the military action against the Quraish and did nothing at all to show an outward display of peace while harboring secret intentions of war.

This is the excellent precedent set by the Holy Prophet in this matter. An exception to the injunction contained in this verse can, therefore, be made under such specific circumstances that existed on the occasion, and that, too, in the same straightforward noble way.

Besides, it is lawful for the Muslims to use force for the settlement of an issue if and when they find that the other party is neither willing to solve it by mutual talk nor by international arbitration, but is bent upon using force. In such a case, this verse makes it incumbent on the Muslims to make a clear and open declaration to this effect before taking any action. Islam considers a secret military action as immoral and does not allow it, if the Muslims are not prepared to make an open declaration of war.

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

(If you fear from any people), with whom you have a treaty of peace, (treachery), and betrayal of peace treaties and agreements that you have conducted with them, (then throw back (their covenant) to them), meaning their treaty of peace.

(on equal terms), informing them that you are severing the treaty. This way, you will be on equal terms, in that, you and they will be aware that a state of war exists between you and that the bilateral peace treaty is null and void,

(Certainly Allah likes not the treacherous. ) This even includes treachery against the disbelievers. Imam Ahmad recorded that Salim bin `Amir said, "Mu`awiyah was leading an army in Roman lands, at a time the bilateral peace treaty was valid. He wanted to go closer to their forces so that when the treaty of peace ended, he could invade them. An old man riding on his animal said, `Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Great), Allahu Akbar! Be honest and stay away from betrayal.' The Messenger of Allah said,

(Whoever has a treaty of peace with a people, then he should not untie any part of it or tie it harder until the treaty reaches its appointed term. Or, he should declare the treaty null and void so that they are both on equal terms.) When Mu`awiyah was informed of the Prophet's statement, he retreated. They found that man to be `Amr bin `Anbasah, may Allah be pleased with him.'' This Hadith was also collected by Abu Dawud At-Tayalisi, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i and Ibn Hibban in his Sahih. At-Tirmidhi said, "Hasan Sahih.''

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

The "reason to fear treachery" must not, of course, be based on mere surmise but on clear, objective evidence (Tabari, Baghawi, Razi; also Manar X, 58).

I.e., "renounce the covenant in an equitable manner ('ala sawa')". Tabari explains this sentence thus: "Before making war on them, inform them that because of the clear evidence of their treachery thou hast renounced the treaty which existed between thee and them, so that both thou and they should know that thou art at war with them." Baghawi, in his commentary on this verse, gives an almost identical interpretation and adds, "so that they should not be under the false impression that thou hast renounced the treaty after having started the war." Thus, the concluding sentence of this verse - "God does not love the treacherous" - is a warning to the believers as well as to their enemies (Manar X, 58 f.).

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

The actual words are: عَلٰي سَوَآءٍ. What do they mean? Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes:

... The expression عَلٰي سَوَآءٍ means that Muslims also have the right to retaliate on equal footing. It is evident from it that the revenge should never exceed the harm inflicted: it should be commensurate with it. Some people have derived from this expression that it is essential to inform the opposite party about the termination of a treaty. I could find no argument for this deduction in it. However, what is evident is that a mere hypothetical fear is not enough to end a treaty. The other party must have practically breached it. In the first place the verb تَخَافَنَّ has emphasis in it. Secondly, the condition عَلٰي سَوَآءٍ also points to this. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī,

Explanation Qur'an Wiki:

The ruling deals with fearing and expecting treachery. There should be clear signs that a particular group or community are actually contemplating such violation of a treaty. In this case the Prophet is directed to take the following approach: “And if you fear treachery from any folk, cast [your treaty with them] back to them in a fair manner. God does not love the treacherous.” (Verse 58)

Islam here sets out a code of practice. When a treaty is concluded, the Muslim community will undoubtedly honour it. If they fear that the other party is about to violate it, then the Muslims declare the termination of the treaty, without any attempt to cheat or deceive the other party. What is meant here is an open and clear termination of a treaty so that each party realizes that peaceful relations are over. Islam attaches a very high value to honesty and integrity in order to ensure peace and security. Launching a treacherous attack on people who rely on covenants that remain in force is alien to the nature of Islam.

Islam wants humanity to rise above worldly temptations and to be sublime. Hence, it does not allow treachery for the sake of achieving a cheap victory at a time when it strives for the noblest of causes and aims. People who have honourable aims cannot utilize dishonourable means. Islam finds treachery repugnant and looks at traitors who violate their treaties with contempt. Therefore, it does not accept that Muslims violate their covenants for the achievement of any objective, noble as it may be. The human soul is a complete whole. When it allows itself to resort to disgraceful means it cannot maintain its noble aims. He is not a Muslim who claims that the ends justify the means. Such a principle is alien to Islamic thinking and cannot fit with Islamic sensitivities. Within the human self there can be no gulf to separate the ends from the means. Reaching a clean shore does not tempt a Muslim to walk through a muddy pool, because the shore will not remain clean after dirty feet have walked there. Hence, “God does not love the treacherous.” 

You may like to listen to prominent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan explaining the above said ayah:

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 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: 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.

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.

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.

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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 plain translation has been taken from the Qur'ān officially published by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. [1]
• 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. [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
• Al-Quran, Yusuf Ali Translation
• Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• 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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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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Four Secrets of Piety

No one has perfect knowledge of any field, even the most respected scholars and educationists. Yet, one should keep looking for the wisdom hidden in their words and quotes for their knowledge is only revealing if one has quest for more. We have been sharing posts based on the viewpoint of the scholars on matters related to Islam and how to live a life as per the dictates of Islam as contained in the Qur'an.

And if someone wants to ask me to explain Islam in one sentence, I would say the beside having firm faith in One True God, His last revealed book (Qur'an) and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Islam is all about PIETY. We have shared a number of posts on how Allah commands us to follow the path of piety, in our thoughts, raiment and behaviour and communication skills, and avoiding indecency, lewdness, concealing truth and being watchful for the machinations of the Satan.

This post today is about a quote of one of the eminent 8th century scholar Hasan Al Basra:

Abu Sa'id ibn Abi al-Hasan Yasar al-Basri, often referred to as Hasan of Basra (Arabic: الحسن البصري, Al-Hasan al-Basri; 642 - 15 October 728) for short, or as Hasan al-Basri, was an early Sunni Muslim preacher, ascetic, theologian, exegete, scholar, judge, and mystic. Born in Medina in 642, Hasan belonged to the second generation of Muslims, all of whom would subsequently be referred to as the tābiʿūn in Sunni Islamic piety.

When once asked about the secrets of piety, the revered scholar has been quoted  ( I wish I could get a reference for it, but I have read his thoughts on piety since my childhood many a time and am sharing these today) as saying that the crux of his life has been that when he understood for things: 

• I understood that my Rizq (means of sustenance) cannot be taken away from me by anyone, but Allah, so my heart became content.
• I understood that no one can do my actions (of worship) for me, so I started doing these myself.
• I understood that Allah is watching me, so I became ashamed to do wrong.
• I understood that death is waiting for me, so I started to prepare for my meeting with Allah.

Four simple sentence, not needing any explanation, yet very heavy and load-full of wisdom. If we all start to follow these for secrets of piety, believe me our lives can be transformed from pursuits of worldly needs to our journey to the next world which is permanent and where once goes cannot come back to make amends.

Like the revered scholar said that the mere understanding that Allah is all the time watching us, can transform our life of lewdness, sin and wrongdoings to a the life of piety where our all our actions will be automatically orchestrated to decency, truthfulness and remembrance of Allah. This will make our lives easier, lighter and more focused on our meeting with Allah on the Day of Resurrection. And by following the life based on the above said four secrets of piety, we will be rest assured that our dossier will be handed over to us in our right hands, our visa to Paradise.

Let us start trying these from this moment onward, for we never know our next breath may be the last one!!

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.

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, please follow us on Facebook, and

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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Children of Adam! Beware of Satanic Machinations

Man is always tempted to machinations of the Satan and his associates. Satan's tactics to lure in the man is so lucrative that many a man fall into the evil temptations. Even Adam and Eve despite being duly warned by God could not resist the temptations and fell for it and lost paradise.

Nudity and indecency are the major tools in the hands of the Satan which he employs on its target subjects to lead them into a life of lewdness and indecency. His machinations were set into motion right from the heavens, when he lured in Adam and Eve, and continue till date. Those with lose faith and character are the most prized targets of evil forces and unfortunately most of the people in the West are the hunted who in the name of freedom lose their decency and piety and thus fall into darker depths.

Allah warns Children of Adam at many a places in the Qur'an to be cautious of Satanic machinations, stay away from raiment of revealing dresses that boost indecency in the society. We have been sharing such references and verses to warn man to take heed to the Divine Commandments and clothed themselves decently in order not to attract evil eyes and to be safe and away from lewdness that Satan wants us to be indulged in. Such verses are specially meant for women who are the in the habit of showing off their bodies by wearing clothes that hardly cover their shame and tempt man to sin.

Herein under we share the 27th verse of Surah 7. Al A'raf cautioning man to take safeguards lest they fall prey to Stannic machinations:

يٰبَنِىۡۤ اٰدَمَ لَا يَفۡتِنَـنَّكُمُ الشَّيۡطٰنُ كَمَاۤ اَخۡرَجَ اَبَوَيۡكُمۡ مِّنَ الۡجَـنَّةِ يَنۡزِعُ عَنۡهُمَا لِبَاسَهُمَا لِيُرِيَهُمَا سَوۡءاٰتِهِمَا ؕ اِنَّهٗ يَرٰٮكُمۡ هُوَ وَقَبِيۡلُهٗ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا تَرَوۡنَهُمۡ​ ؕ اِنَّا جَعَلۡنَا الشَّيٰطِيۡنَ اَوۡلِيَآءَ لِلَّذِيۡنَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ‏ 

(7:27) Children of Adam! Let not Satan deceive you in the manner he deceived your parents out of Paradise, pulling off from them their clothing to reveal to them their shame. He and his host surely see you from whence you do not see them. We have made satans the guardians of those who do not believe. 

This passage brings out clearly the following facts about clothing:

(1) The need of clothing has not been artificially created in man, but it is an important urge of human nature. That is why Allah has not created a natural covering for the human body, as He has done in the case of all other animals. Instead, He has instilled inherently the feelings of modesty and shyness in human nature. Besides this, He has not made his sex organs as merely sex organs, but has also made them shameful organs, which, by his very nature, he does not like to expose before others. Moreover, He has not given man any ready-made covering for hiding the shameful parts, but has ingrained in the human nature that man should hide them with a clothing. This is what v. 26 implies. Allah has inspired man with the urge to hide the shameful parts of the body. Therefore man should understand the nature of this inspired urge and make clothing for himself from the material provided by Him.

(2) The fact that in v. 26 the covering of the shameful parts precedes the protecting and decorating of the body, is a clear proof that more importance has been attached to the moral than the physical function of clothing. Thus it is obvious that the human nature is quite different from the animal nature. That is why Nature has made provision for the protection and decoration of the body of the animals, but has ingrained no urge in them for the covering of their shameful parts. But when the human beings discarded the Guidance of Allah and began to follow the guidance of Satan, they reversed the above order as if to say, "Your clothing is merely to protect and decorate your bodies just as the skins cover the bodies of the animals. As regards the covering of the shameful parts, garments have absolutely no importance, for these are merely sex organs and not shameful organs."

(3) The garments should not only be the means of covering the shameful parts and of protection and decoration but should also enable man to attain piety. The dress should, therefore, be such as to conceal those parts of the body that should be hidden from others; it should neither be too expensive nor too poor with regard to the position of the wearers; it should not smack of haughtiness nor arrogance nor hypocrisy. Moreover, the garment of piety demands that the male should not wear the female dress and vice versa, and that the Muslims should not imitate blindly the non-Muslims in dress. It is obvious that only those who believe in the Guidance of Allah and follow it, can attain the desired standard of the garment of piety. But those who discard the Guidance of God and make satans their guides, are misled by them into one error or the other in regard to clothing.

(4) Clothing is one of Allah's many Signs which are spread all over the world and which lead men to the recognition of the Reality, provided that one sincerely seeks it. If one seriously considers the above-mentioned three facts about clothing, one can easily understand how clothing is an important Sign of Allah.

Tafsir Ibn e Kathir: Warning against the Lures of Shaytan

Allah warns the Children of Adam against Iblis and his followers, by explaining about his ancient enmity for the father of mankind, Adam peace be upon him. Iblis plotted to have Adam expelled from Paradise, which is the dwelling of comfort, to the dwelling of hardship and fatigue (this life) and caused him to have his private part uncovered, after it had been hidden from him. This, indeed, is indicative of deep hatred (from Shaytan towards Adam and mankind). 

Allah said in a similar Ayah, (Will you then take him (Iblis) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me, while they are enemies to you What an evil is the exchange for the wrongdoers.) [18:50].

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

The interpolated word "truly" is implied in this phrase in view of the subsequent reference to the erroneous beliefs of such people: for, although their beliefs are wrong, some of them are under the impression that the "shameful deeds" subsequently referred to have been enjoined by God. As for the "satanic forces" (shayatin), it is to be remembered that this designation is applied in the Qur'an to all kinds of wicked impulses or propensities that are "near unto" (i.e., in the hearts of) those who do not truly believe in God: hence, the term shayatin occurring in verse {30} below has been rendered as "evil impulses".

Herein under we share explanation of part of 14:22 in which Satan address man:

( I, too, held out [all manner of] promises to you - but I deceived you. Yet I had no power at all over you: I but called you - and you responded unto me. Hence, blame not me, but blame yourselves ) In his commentary on this passage, Razi remarks: "This verse shows that the real Satan (ash-shaytan al-asli) is [man's own] complex of desires (an-pals): for, Satan makes it clear [in the above] that it was only by means of insinuations (waswasah) that he was able to reach [the sinner's soul]; and had it not been for an already-existing [evil] disposition due to lusts, anger, superstition or fanciful ideas, these [satanic] insinuations would have had no effect whatsoever."

Yusuf Ali  Explanation: 

That is, by fraud and deceit,-by putting you off your guard and telling lies. Adam's story here becomes an introduction to the later religious history of mankind: vii. 20-22. In the Garden, Satan's deceit stripped off their raiment of honour and innocence. In this life on a lower plane he seeks to strip us of the raiment of righteousness. And he can take up positions on a vantage ground of worldly power or influence or riches, in which he and his confederates are not seen in their true colours. They may assume a fair-seeming disguise of disinterested friendship or high motives of patriotism or public spirit, or loyalty to ancestors, when beneath it there is nothing but spite and selfishness.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

(Children of Adam! This should never happen that Satan lures you the way he ousted your father and mother from that orchard [in which God had made them dwell] by revealing their private parts to them by making them take off this very attire.) This is a reference to the attire of piety mentioned earlier. Satan wanted to expose that aspect of their private parts which was concealed from them. He achieved this very purpose of his by having it taken off from them. Thus this verse warns people to be on guard. Even today Satan uses this weapon against them. Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes:

... First, through latent suggestions, he deprives people of the attire of piety and fear. It was this attire which the Almighty had revealed with the outer attire; its purpose was to grant him a high status, as is mentioned earlier. When the internal attire is stripped off, a person’s modesty – the real motive for his outer attire – no longer remains with him. It is then that the external attire becomes a burden for him. Lewdness induces a person to bare his private parts – the concealment of which is found in his nature. Then fashion sustains and supports this urge and he produces such innovations in his attire that the children of Adam in spite of wearing it seem to be without it. Its basic reason of covering the private parts is lost. After that, the only element left in clothing is embellishment. The purpose of that too is to expose the body as much as possible in an enticing way. Then gradually human intellect is overwhelmed and nudity is then dubbed as culture and covering the body is considered to be an old-fashioned act which exudes abhorrence. Then educated ruffians come to the scene and present the philosophy in the light of history that nudity is real human nature. Clothing has become in vogue because of restrictions of customs and etiquette. It is at this stage that shamelessness overcomes people and the whole society is poisoned with lust and licentiousness. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 3, 246)

[Bear in mind that] he and his accomplices see you from where you cannot see them.]  The implication is that they launch offensives on people from places they cannot even imagine. Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes:

... This is a reference to the cunning, wily and conniving nature of Satan and his accomplices: such is the multiplicity and variety of their garbs and the places of their onslaughts that people can neither recognize them in all these apparels nor can remain on guard regarding all these attacks. The army of Satan boasts both of jinn and mankind. They will sit in ambush at places where people will not be able to spot them. They will regard them to be friends, well-wishers, teachers, leaders and the like, while they are after severing the roots of their faith. People will think that they are paving the way for development and advancement whereas they will be after mercilessly decimating them. They will know all the inner weaknesses of human beings and will try to inveigle them through evil suggestions. They will also try to spin a web of charm around them to make them get caught in it. In short, mankind should not take Satan’s enmity lightly and always remain on guard. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 3, 247)

(In reality, We have made these devils the companions of those who do not believe.) Ie., these temptations of Satan inveigle only those who do not have faith in God and in His guidance. In verse 36 of Sūrah al-Zukhruf, precisely this topic is stated in the words: “Those who are indifferent to the Most Gracious, We depute a devil on them; then he becomes their companion.” It is evident, as a result, that Satan is not successful in luring those who strongly adhere to faith and guidance. Their Lord protects them from his onslaughts and those of his companions. Thus, in verse 99 of Sūrah al-Naḥl, the words used are: اِنَّهٗ لَيْسَ لَهٗ سُلْطٰنٌ عَلَي الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَلٰي رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُوْنَ.

Please listen to explanation of the 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 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 help us against machinations of the Satan and let us keep us on the righteous path forever. Ameen.

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.

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.

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 | 6 |

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.

Read More

Falsehood against Allah to justify one's sins

In the darker days religious men had always exploited religion for their own benefit and made laws, some very grievous and inhuman. And these have been followed down the lane for generations altogether and men were made to believe that these were divine laws which they must obey. In many societies, women have  been specially targeted, paraded naked and then killed in the name of gods. 

At the advent of Islam, the disbelievers of Makkah used to take rounds around Ka'bah without clothes and attributed their inhuman act to their ancestors and even Allah to justify their acts. It is to nullify the false claim of implicating Allah that the following 28th verse from Surah 7. Al A'raf was specially revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and to shun in wrong notions that were brewing in the minds of the disbelievers. 

وَاِذَا فَعَلُوۡا فَاحِشَةً قَالُوۡا وَجَدۡنَا عَلَيۡهَاۤ اٰبَآءَنَا وَاللّٰهُ اَمَرَنَا بِهَا​ ؕ قُلۡ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يَاۡمُرُ بِالۡفَحۡشَآءِ​ ؕ اَتَقُوۡلُوۡنَ عَلَى اللّٰهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ‏ 

(7:28) And when such people commit an indecent act they say: 'We found our fathers doing that, and Allah has enjoined it on us. Say: 'Surely Allah never enjoins any indecency. Do you say things regarding Allah that you do not know?'

This refers to the custom of the Arabs of going round the Ka`abah in perfect nudity, considering it to be a religious act, enjoined by Allah. (Please refer to explanation of the same Surah 7 Al A'raf:26 for more on nudity and Allah's commandment for outer garment to cover one's shame).

This brief sentence ("Allah never enjoins a shameful thing") contains a very forceful argument against their beliefs and customs of ignorance. In order to understand the force of the argument, it is necessary to understand two basic things:

(1) Though the Arabs practiced nudism in the performance of certain religious rituals, they considered nakedness itself a shameful thing. That is why, in spite of this custom, no respectable Arab ever chose to practice nudism in a civilized gathering, in the bazaar or before one's kith and kin.

(2) Even though they considered nudism to be a shameful thing, they said that they practiced it because this custom had been enjoined by Allah. This claim was based on the wrong notion that their religion was from Allah. But the Qur'an refutes their claim by arguing like this: "You yourselves consider nudism to be an indecent thing. Therefore your claim that Allah has enjoined the practice of nudism is absolutely false. As a corollary to this, if this indecent custom is approved by your religion, it is a clear proof of the fact that your religion is not froth Allah.

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

Disbelievers commit Sins and claim that Allah commanded Them to do so! Mujahid said, "The idolaters used to go around the House (Ka`bah) in Tawaf while naked, saying, `We perform Tawaf as our mothers gave birth to us.' The woman would cover her sexual organ with something saying, `Today, some or all of it will appear, but whatever appears from it, I do not allow it (it is not for adultery or for men to enjoy looking at!).''' 

Allah sent down this Ayah, 

(And when they commit a Fahishah (sin), they say: "We found our fathers doing it, and Allah has commanded it for us.''(7:28)

I say, the Arabs, with the exception of the Quraysh, used to perform Tawaf naked. They claimed they would not make Tawaf while wearing the clothes that they disobeyed Allah in. As for the Quraysh, known as Al-Hums, they used to perform Tawaf in their regular clothes. Whoever among the Arabs borrowed a garment from one of Al-Hums, he would wear it while in Tawaf. And whoever wore a new garment, would discard it and none would wear it after him on completion of Tawaf. Those who did not have a new garment, or were not given one by Al-Hums, then they would perform Tawaf while naked. Even women would go around in Tawaf while naked, and one of them would cover her sexual organ with something and proclaim, "Today, a part or all of it will appear, but whatever appears from it I do not allow it.'' Women used to perform Tawaf while naked usually at night. This was a practice that the idolaters invented on their own, following only their forefathers in this regard. They falsely claimed that what their forefathers did was in fact following the order and legislation of Allah. 

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

The actual word is: فَاحِشَة. It is evident from the succeeding verses that it refers to those vulgar acts that are done in the name of religion. Such practices have remained very common in the places of worship of the Idolaters and the abodes and worship habitats of the followers of Sophistic religions. They come into being through the evil-doing of religious leaders and the custodians of graveyards. It is evident from historical narratives that one such religious innovation was also in currency in the Arab jāhiliyyah: circumambulating the House of God in a naked state. People regarded this to be a religious practice and a directive of God. The Quraysh were the custodian chiefs of the House of God and they had issued an edict according to which all Arabs who did not belong to their tribe could not circumabulate it wearing their own clothes. They could only do it either by borrowing clothes from the people of Quraysh or being naked. In other words, the Quraysh thought that the clothes of others are a type of filth that such an extraordinary ritual of worship could not be carried out while wearing them. 

How can the pure God tolerate something which an upright person cannot, let alone direct people to follow it. All His directives are based on His attributes and on the requisites of human nature. He cannot direct people to do something vulgar.

Wiki Qur'an:

That was indeed what the pagan Arabs used to do and say. They performed ţawāf around God’s sacred house in the nude, accompanying their women. This they claimed God had ordered them to do, just as He had ordered their fathers: in other words, they inherited the practice from them. Despite their paganism, the Arabs did not make boastful claims similar to those used by people of latter day ignorance who wonder why religion should interfere with human life. They claim that they are the only ones who have any authority to enact laws, develop values and standards, and endorse habits and traditions while the pagan Arabs used to make their false inventions and claim that God ordered them to do so. That may be a more sly and cunning method because it deceives those who still maintain some religious sentiment to the extent that they imagine that their practices are acceptable to God. Nevertheless, it is less impudent than the attitude of those who claim that they have the right to enact legislation in preference to God’s.

 

God commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to make it clear to them that their inventions are false and that their claims to have God’s endorsement are insupportable. He is further ordered to declare that God’s law is incompatible with indecency. God would not command anything that is indecent: “Say: ‘Never does God enjoin what is indecent. Would you attribute to God something of which you have no knowledge?’” (Verse 28)

 

Having denounced their claims that God has ordered them to follow such indecent practices, God tells them that His commandments run in the opposite direction. God has enjoined justice and moderation in all matters, not indecency. He has also ordered people to follow what He has laid down in matters of worship, and to derive their laws and values from what He has revealed to His Messenger. He has not left matters disorganized, allowing everyone to state what he wants and then claim that his prejudices are endorsed by God. He has also commanded that submission to Him should be pure and complete so that no one submits to anyone else.

Please listen to the Tafsir/explanation of the above quoted verse/ayat by eminent Muslim scholar Nauman 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 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: 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.

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.

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 | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

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.

Read More

Allah suffices me: there is no god but He

Faith in One True God is the very basis of Islam. None other than He is to be worshipped for He alone commands the entire universe being its sole Creator. Non Muslims may come up with any logic to justify their religion and faith, yet the truth can never be denied and it would ultimately prevail on their biased and artificial thoughts about the Creator and the Creation.

Whenever anyone embarks upon a journey to invite non-Muslims to Islam, he may come up with many counter arguments to his belief and may then turn away. The same situation was confronted by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the last of the all the messengers chosen by Allah to spread His Divine Commandments and perfect His religions into one last religion: Islam. And many a times the revered prophet ﷺ was dejected by the rigidity of the polytheists of his time. At such times, many a verse had been revealed unto him telling him to be steadfast in his mission and turn away from the polytheists and continue in his endeavours to find a new audience for the reality and truth would finally prevail. In Sha Allah.

In this regard we share today the last verse of Surah 9. At Tauba with the same theme:

فَاِنۡ تَوَلَّوۡا فَقُلۡ حَسۡبِیَ اللّٰہُ ۫٭ۖ لَاۤ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا ہُوَ ؕ عَلَیۡہِ تَوَکَّلۡتُ وَ ہُوَ رَبُّ الۡعَرۡشِ الۡعَظِیۡمِ

But if they turn away Say: "Allah sufficeth me: There is not god but He: On Him is my trust - He the Lord of the Throne (Of Glory) Supreme!  

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

( فَإِن تَوَلَّوْاْ But if they turn away), from the glorious, pure, perfect and encompassing Law that you -- O Muhammad -- brought them, 

(فَقُلْ حَسْبِىَ اللَّهُ لا إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ then say: "Allah is sufficient for me. There is no God but He,) Allah is sufficient for me, there is no deity worthy of worship except Him, and in Him I put my trust. 

Similarly, Allah said, ((He alone is) the Lord of the east and the west; there is no God but He. So take Him alone as a guardian.) [73:9].

Allah said next, (Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger from among yourselves ...) [9:128]'' until the end of the Surah It is recorded in the Sahih that Zayd bin Thabit said, "I found the last Ayah in Surah Bara'ah with Khuzaymah bin Thabit.'' This is the end of Surah Bara'ah, all praise is due to Allah.

(وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne) He is the King and Creator of all things, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne (`Arsh), which is above all creation; all that is in and between the heavens and earths is under the Throne (`Arsh) and subservient to Allah's power. His knowledge encompasses all things, and His decision will certainly come to pass over all matters. He is the guardian of all things. 

Yusuf Ali Explanation:

But if the Message is rejected, he still proclaims the burning Faith of his heart, which is unquenchable. Allah is sufficient to all. To trust Him is to find the accomplishment of all spiritual desire. His grandeur is figured by a lofty Throne, supreme in glory! Thus, have we been led, through a notable incident in Al-Mustafa's earthly career, to truths of the highest spiritual import.

Explanation Qur'an Wiki:

The sūrah addresses the Prophet, showing him what attitude to take when people turn away from him and his message. It points to the source of power which gives him all the protection he needs. To Him belong all power, dominion, greatness and honour. His support is sufficient for everyone who seeks His patronage.

The sūrah which concentrates mainly on fighting and striving for God’s cause is thus concluded with the directive to rely on God alone, trust Him and seek His powerful support. After all “He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”

This sūrah outlines the final rulings on the permanent relations between the Muslim community and the outside world, as explained in our commentary on its various passages. Hence, we have to refer to its latest statements since these represent the final say on these relations. These statements must not be restricted or narrowed down in their applicability on the basis of earlier statements and rulings, which we described as provisional. In doing so, we have relied on the chronological order of the revelation of these verses and statements, and on the progress of the Islamic movement at the time of the Prophet, as well as the events marking that progress.

We have also been guided by our understanding of the nature of the Islamic message and its method of action which we have explained in our presentation of the sūrah and our commentary on its verses. This method of action is only understood by those who deal with this faith of Islam as a movement striving to establish itself in human life. As we have explained, the goal of that striving is to liberate mankind from submission to others so that they submit to God alone.

There is a wide gap between an understanding based on active striving and one based on academic study which is bound to ignore action. The first type of understanding looks at Islam as it conducts its direct confrontation with the system of jāhiliyyah, taking one step after another and moving from one stage to the next. It also looks at it as it proclaims its legislation to deal with the changing situation in its confrontation.

Moreover, these final laws and verdicts outlined in this last sūrah were actually revealed when the general situation of the Muslim community and the world around it required such legislation. Prior to that, when the situation required different rulings, these were given in earlier sūrahs to serve as provisional rulings.

When a new Muslim community emerges again and starts to strive for the establishment of this faith in human life, it may be appropriate for this community to apply the provisional rulings, provided that it remains well aware that these are only provisional. It should also be aware that it must strive to reach the stage when only the final rulings govern its relations with the world around it. God will certainly help that community and guide it on its way.

End note by Nouman Ali Khan:

Now that is the messenger. This word is not that of the messenger, but the word of Allah. The Surah began and ended in the same place. Whoever turned away from this message has nothing to do with Allah and his messenger ﷺ.  He, the Prophet Muhammad, is being told that if people turn away then you, who love them so much, tell them " Allah is enough for me."

Basically this is Prophet ﷺ declaring baraa from his own people if they turn away. This is at the end. In the beginning it was about disassociating from the people who do shirk. Now it is those who abandon the Prophet’s mission, those who stayed behind the messenger ﷺ. This is such a powerful ending. Allah (swt) challenges the Muslims. 

If this Surah can be summarized, one of its main concluding themes is loyalty to the mission of Allah’s messenger ﷺ  We as people have to feel a sense of loyalty that he ﷺ was on a mission and that mission is not over. Especially the immediate aspects of that mission if you look: Prophet ﷺ had already prepared a battalion to take over the Persians before he p assed. When he passed, that bat talion wasn’t cancelled. The Prophet ﷺ may not be with us. But his mission is. The chain of commanders was already set in place. Their loyalty was on to that. The hardest day on Ummah was the day of passing of Prophet ﷺ.

Aboobacker Siddeq (ra) says: “Whoever used to worship Mohammed, he ﷺ is dead. Allah is living He doesn’t die. And Allah’s word doesn’t die. Hence, the Prophet’s mission never dies.” The word of Allah keeps the mission of Allah going; t he mission that was charged to the messenger ﷺ.

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 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: 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.

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.

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 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.

Read More

Islam in Angola (Africa)

The African country of Angola is a predominantly Christian country with Islam being a minority religion. As of 2014 census, there are 195,000 Muslims in Angola, representing 1% of total population. The majority of Muslims belongs to Sunni Islam, who generally came from West Africa and the Middle East, though some are local reverts.

The Association of the Development of Islam in Angola is the primary proselytizing organization. Muslim Angolans are represented by the Supreme Council of Angolan Muslims of Luanda.

Despite the fact that Although Islam has ancient roots in Angola, the spread of Islam began in the 1990s as massive immigration took place from the West African countries of Mali, Senegal, and Guinea, among others, yet the state of Muslims is larger than pathetic for they remain unrecognised as Muslims by  the Angolan government.

As per a report published in 2019, “The former regime was not so open with Islam in particular and freedoms in general. Consequently, Muslims faced many challenges. One of the most controversial issues regarding religion is the Law on Religion.”

Since 2004, the law has determined that for a religion to be recognized by the state, it must have more than 100,000 members and a presence in over two-thirds of the nation’s territory. In addition, a religious group must submit a minimum of 60,000 signatures to the government to have its congregation legalized.

The non recognition of Islam as one of the religions is despite the fact that government has given legal status to 83 religious groups (all of them Christian) 

In view of the so called non recognition of Islam as one of the religions of the country, Muslims are facing lot of inconvenience in performing their religious rituals, specially the combined prayers. There are no official mosques. Yet, some Muslims obtained licenses to build commercial warehouses and then used the sites to build mosques, without obtaining legal permission or building licenses specifically for such places of religious worship. There are around 69 unregistered Mosques in the country (US Department of State 2021: 4; d’Orsi 2017).

Government officials have also stated that some practices allowed by Islam, such as polygamy, contradicted the constitution. And when the government in 2020, as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19, allowed only religious services on Saturdays and Sundays, this was felt as discriminatory to the Muslim community and their Friday services. The director of the Instituto Nacional para os Assuntos Religiosos (National Institute for Religious Affairs, INAR, the regulating body of ‘religious affairs’), called this a “a false problem” because the authorization only affected “legally recognized religions”. In other words, a banned religion had no rights anyway. [3]

However, a report published in 2021 says that despite lack of recognition, Muslims have a peaceful co-existence with the Christian community, which in the past was worse. even being partners of the Angolan State in some social works. But still, the Islamic communities face barriers in their daily loves, the result of the lack of recognition by the Angolan authorities.  [4]

Due to lack of legal entity the Muslims are unable to build a school, a hospital or orphan center or allowing some imam to preach to Angolan Muslims as there is no missionary visa. The report says that the religious activities, such as prayers and important dates for Muslims are easily respected in Angola, according to the new president of Consia.

I could not find latest status of Muslims as the reports available on the net are generally  five years or old.  I will try to update this post as and when some insight in life of Muslims in Angola is laid hands on. Meanwhile I would request input from any Angolan Muslim reading this post. Please leave your views in the comment box.

Disclaimer: The data for this post has been collected from the references as given below. 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.

To know more about life of Muslims in other non Muslim countries, please visit our page: Islam and Life of Muslims in Non Muslim Countries

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

Photo  | Source(s) References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

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 knowingly conceal the Truth

There cannot be any justice in this world if people lie, conceal the truth and confound the truth by overlaying it with falsehood. Every day, countless people tell a lie in their homes, offices, and even in courts. These ugly actions portray many innocents as criminals while the criminals get scot-free for they know the art of concealing  the truth  or even "means" to do so.  This is despite the fact that right from childhood, parents educate their children to speak the truth. Yet when they grow up in  a society where deceit and lying thrives unabated, they too fall into the trap and gradually start to conceal the truth in varying degrees.

This act of concealing the truth becomes more harmful when religious scholars, priests, cohens, pandits and imams conceal hidden meanings of their religion and try to deceive others even when they know the truth and feed incorrect information to their followers. This truth concealment breeds hatred for followers of other religions and become breeding grounds for violence against each other,

This very unfortunate that Islam is the most targeted Divine religion due to this heinous crime and has resulted into Islamophobia that has spread almost throughout the world and plagues the minds. The publishing of caricatures of revered prophet of Islam Muhammad ﷺ, burning of Qur'an publicly and snatching head-scarves from the heads of Muslim women, firing and barging into on masjids or even demolishing the places of worship or community centres has but become the daily business around the world. In India, Muslims are bound and forcibly made to drink urine of cow and chant prop Hindu slogans and tortured to denounce Islam.

The same was the situation when Islam was introduced in Makkah by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and cohens tried to conceal the truth, though they knew what Islam was conveying the same message that their unadulterated scriptures said. And today even after more than 1400 years, we are still subjected to same hate and lying tactics.

We share today the 42nd verse of Surah 2. Al Baqarah (The Cow), that points towards concealment of truth:

وَلَا تَلۡبِسُوا الۡحَـقَّ بِالۡبَاطِلِ وَتَكۡتُمُوا الۡحَـقَّ وَاَنۡتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ‏ 

(2:42) Do not confound Truth by overlaying it with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the Truth.

In order to understand this verse, it should be kept in mind that the Arabs were generally illiterate and uneducated people. As against them, education was common among the Jews, who had among them great scholars renowned even beyond Arabia. That is why the Arabs were overawed by the scholarship of the Jews, more so because their scholars and rabbis made a great show of their learning and piety and reinforced it with the practice of charms and amulets. The people of Madinah in particular were overawed by the learning of the Jews, for they were surrounded by big Jewish tribes and came in contact with them day and night. As a result, they were immensely influenced by them just as illiterate people usually are influenced by the neighbours who are more educated, more civilized and more religious in character.

Such were the conditions when the Holy Prophet upon whom be peace) presented himself as a Prophet and began to invite the people to Islam; naturally the illiterate Arabs turned to the Jews for guidance in this matter, and said: "You are the followers of a Prophet and possess a Book, so tell us what you think of this man and his teachings, who claims to be a Prophet." This question was repeatedly asked of the Jews by the people of Makkah, and when the Holy Prophet came to Madinah, here also many people visited the Jewish scholars again and again to ask them the same question. But their scholars never gave them the right answer. For they could not say that the doctrine of Tauhid that Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings) was preaching was wrong, nor that the knowledge which he imparted about the Prophets, scriptures, angels, and the Hereafter was wrong, nor that there was something wrong about the moral principles that he taught. They were neither ready to admit in plain words the righteousness of the teachings of the Holy Prophet; nor had they the courage to refute it openly; nor were they willing to profess the Truth candidly. 

Instead, they devised a subtle strategy to oppose it: they created one suspicion or the other about the Holy Prophet, his followers and his mission; they would concoct allegations against him and his followers and make false propaganda against them or raise frivolous objections so as to involve them in useless discussions. That is why they have been warned not to conceal the truth by covering it with falsehood, nor suppress it by spreading suspicions and by raising silly objections, nor mix it up with falsehood.

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: The Prohibition of hiding the Truth and distorting It with Falsehood

Allah forbade the Jews from intentionally distorting the truth with falsehood and from hiding the truth and spreading falsehood, (And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth while you know (the truth)). So Allah forbade them from two things; He ordered them to make the truth known, as well as explaining it. 

(while you know (the truth).) that the religion of Allah is Islam, and that Judaism and Christianity are innovations that did not come from Allah.''

 

(nor conceal the truth while you know (the truth).) means, "Do not hide the knowledge that you have of My Messenger and what he was sent with. His description, which you know about, can be found written in the Books that you have.''

It is possible that it means, "..although you know the tremendous harm that this evil will cause people, misguiding them and leading them to the Fire, because they will follow the falsehood that you mixed with the truth in your claims.''

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

By "overlaying the truth with falsehood" is meant the corrupting of the Biblical text, of which the Qur'an frequently accuses the Jews (and which has since been established by objective textual criticism), while the "suppression of the truth" refers to their disregard or deliberately false interpretation of the words of Moses in the Biblical passage, "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken" (Deuteronomy xviii, 15), and the words attributed to God Himself, "I will raise them up a prophet from among thy brethren, like unto thee, and will put My words in his mouth" (Deuteronomy xviii, 18). The "brethren" of the children of Israel are obviously the Arabs, and particularly the musta'ribah ("Arabianized") group among them, which traces its descent to Ishmael and Abraham: and since it is to this group that the Arabian Prophet's own tribe, the Quraysh, belonged, the above Biblical passages must be taken as referring to his advent.

Explanation Qur'an Wiki:

The sūrah goes on to censure the Israelites for deliberately confusing truth with falsehood in order to create confusion, doubt and discord among the Muslims. “Do not overlay the truth with falsehood, nor knowingly suppress the truth.”

The Qur’ān abounds with reports of how the Jews of Madinah would seize every opportunity to antagonise its Muslims, create distractions and spread false ideas and malicious rumours among them. They had a notorious reputation, as we shall see, for causing division and making mischief within the Muslim community.

When someone hides the truth and knowledge. Abdullah ibn Mubarak said, إذا كتم العالم علمه ابتلي : إما بموت القلب أو ينسى أو يتبع السلطان "When a scholar hides his knowledge, he will be tested - either with the death of his heart, or he will forget [his knowledge] or he will follow the Rulers [i.e. he will become amongst the scholars of the government."  الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ– The truth is there being clothed over with falsehood.

The application of this verse stands true even today when priests, pandits and cohens are busy labelling Islam with all sorts of derogatory slurs and trying their utmost to deter their people from embracing Islam. Yet, the miracle of Islam is more powerful than their machinations and is expanding at a much faster rate than all other religions. Many fear that by 2050 Islam may over take Christianity. and it will -In Sha Allah.

This verse is also applicable to all those Muslims who conceal the truth and lie for their worldly and personal gains. Bribes are business of the day and many Muslims indulge in asking bribes for even official works. Lawyers blatantly lie to cover up the truth to save their clients, despite knowing that their clients are criminals and they are helping them and thus framing the innocents. Muslims must know that one day they will be asked and punished for the lies they told to conceal the truth and on that day no one will save them from wrath of Allah. This verse is a wake up call, if we have the vision to comprehend it.

Please listen to explanation of the 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 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: 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.

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.

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 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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