The easiest way to memorize Al Qurʾān القرآن

Reciting and learning Al Qurʾān القرآن is central to faith of Muslims all over the world. However, there are many who go a step forward in memorizing Al Qurʾān and enlightening their souls for the word of Allah then resides into their hearts. There are a large number of Muslims around the world who have memorized the entire Al Qurʾān while many others long to do so.

However, memorizing the Al Qurʾān is not easy for believers spend months in memorizing it and one has to attend regular classes to undertake this gigantic task. However, for those who have yearning to memorize Al Qurʾān, but do not have access to teachers or are so committed in their lives that it becomes difficult for them to find time for formal education of memorizing Al Qurʾān.

I too am one of such people and have always been trying to memorize Al Qurʾān on my own which of course is a long process. For example, while I have memorized about twenty chapters / surahs, and recently I had been struggling to memorize Surah Ash Sharh, the ninety-fourth chapter of Al Qurʾān. But somehow, I simply couldn't. But then last night Allah opened a door for me for easy learning of Al Qurʾān. While waiting for my family in the car, I started surfing short videos on Facebook and came across a video in which a revert had shared his experience of how he is memorizing Al Qurʾān slowly and gradually.

So right away I applied his methodology and withing half an hour, I was able to memorize Surah As Sharh and can now recite it from my memory. I therefore decided to share my experience with my readers for maybe it helps them and some may follow the suit to memorize Al Qurʾān. Here we go:

• To memorize Al Qurʾān, one should start from the last surah / chapter and move on backward once the last one has been memorized. The last surahs of Al Qurʾān are shorter and easy to memorize.
• The first step is to memorize the first verse and when one can easily recite it from memory, one should move to the second verse. And once the second verse is memorized, recall both the first and second verse and repeat several times till perfectly memorized. Then move to the third one and then recite all three together. And slowly and gradually one is able to memorize the entire surah.

Now how to memorize the first verse?

• The first step is to listen to the first verse from a video / audio at least three times.
• The second step is to read from Al Qurʾān the same verse at least three times. Those who cannot read Arabic text, should get a copy of Qurʾān which has Romanized script.
• When one's tongue can easily recite the first verse, then one should close one's eyes and try to recall the verse from the memory. 
• It may require 3-4 repetitions of the three steps, and one will find that one has perfectly memorized the first verse.
• Then one can move on to the second verse, and gradually repeating the steps mentioned above, move on to memorize the entire chapter. 
• And it should not be difficult as Surah An Nas, the last chapter/surah, has only six verses.
• When the entire surah has been memorized, one must continue to recite/re-recite it throughout the day and also recite it in the daily prayers / salat in place of Surah 112. Al ikhlāṣ (the four-verse surah which is normally remembered by heart bay all Muslims) after Surah Al Fateha. By repeatedly reciting the memorized surah, one will solidify its remembering easily. 

Try this method, and I am sure you will find it perfectly easy to slowly and gradually build up your Al Qurʾān reservoir. My target today is to memorize Surah Al-Humazah, the 104th chapter with nine verses. Please which me well and I wish you well too in your quest to memorize Al Qurʾān.

If you find the method easy and you are able to move forward in memorizing Al Qurʾān, then please share this method to others so that they may be benefitted too and learn how to memorize Al Qurʾān. 

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 reference pages Understanding Al Qur'an and Quick Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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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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The Eid ul Fitr Rituals - based on Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Alhamdolillah, the month of Ramadan has come to an end for many countries in the world. Those Muslims who had observed the month with religious zeal and fervor, kept all fasts during the month and recited Qur'an and attended Traweeh prayers, the siting of the new moon brings them a sense of satisfaction that they observed the month to the best of their abilities and now look forward for the festivities of Eid ul Fitr which takes place on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawaal.

Our best wishes to all believers on this happy day, a day they we all Muslims should celebrate for Allah has blessed us to be festive for we kept fast throughout the month of Ramadan only to please Allah, and we now look forward to the countless blessings Allah has promised us for Fasting is the only religious obligation which is solely between the servant and the Master.

Now let us have a quick look at the rituals of the Eid ul Fitr which commences early in the morning. But remember, before the day, we should have given our Zakatul Fitr to the poor and needy so that they too could join in the Eid festivities. These rituals are based on Sunnah of Muhammad ﷺ as these appear in various authentic Hadith books:

• It is mustahabb to recite takbeer during the night of Eid from sunset on the last day of Ramadaan until the imam comes to lead the prayer. The format of the takbeer is: Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god except Allah, Allaah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allah). 
• It is Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that he would take a bath before going out for the Eid prayers.
• After taking the bath, it is recommended to wear new or the best pair of clothes one may have. There is a Hadith narrated by ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that: `Umar bought a silk cloak from the market, took it to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Take it and adorn yourself with it during the `Id and when the delegations visit you." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) replied, "This dress is for those who have no share (in the Hereafter)." After a long period, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) sent to `Umar a cloak of silk brocade. `Umar came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) with the cloak and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! You said that this dress was for those who had no share (in the Hereafter); yet you have sent me this cloak." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to him, "Sell it and fulfill your needs by it." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 948) That is the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) agreed with ‘Umar on the idea of adorning oneself for ‘Eid, but he denounced him for choosing this cloak because it was made of silk. 
• With regard to women, they should not wear beautiful clothes when they go out to the Eid prayer-place, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Let them go out looking decent” i.e., in regular clothes that are not fancy. Though, they should go out without wearing perfume and makeup. 
• Apply fragrance/perfume so that one should have a pleasing smell around him when he meets others and greets them.
• Then eat something before leaving the house. It was the Sunnah of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) that he would not leave his house without eating a few dates. A hadith informs us that normally the number of dates were in odd numbers. Eating is an indication that one is not fasting on Eid day.

It is Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of `Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to eat odd number of dates. (Sahi Bokhari: Hadith 953)

• It is recommended that one should go to the prayer by one route and return by another. 
• Jabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “On the day of ‘Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to vary his route.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 986) It was said that the reason for that was so that the two routes would testify for him on the Day of Resurrection, for the earth will speak on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and bad. 
• It is generally recommended that one goes to a place where a large number of people have gathered for the Eid congregation. This ensures meeting with each other and joining hands together to begin the Eid festivities by thanking Allah for having brought us this blessed day. 
• After the Eid prayer has been offered, everyone should greet as many people as one can, congratulate them. Men should embrace each other three times after the Eid prayers. Some say that we should say to each other: "Taqabbala Allah minna wa minkum (May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you” or “‘Eid mubaarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations. 

Men greeting each other after the Eid prayers at the Badshahi Masjid in Lahore, Pakistan [Photo]

Back home, the children await their elders for "Eidi", a monetary gift specific to Eid ul Fitr. I remember having received such Eidi in my childhood, not only from my parents but also from relatives visiting our home on Eid day. These treasured monetary gifts would make our day as we would go out, buy a toy or have a cold drink and buy sweets and other eateries being sold on make shift arrangements for the day.

Sheer Kurma is one the most prepared Eid dessert made with soft vermicelli creamy lightly thick milk mix with crunchy dry fruits (Photo)

On this day, ladies prepare special dishes, especially sweet dishes, which are devoured after the Eid prayers and are also served to guests coming in to convey their Eid greetings. Small girls, and big ones alike' buy bangles and wear specially stitched clothes with adorable laces and buttons. Prior to Eid day, they have their hands decorated with beautiful designs made with Henna.

You may like to watch an informative interactive video on Etiquettes of Eid ul Fitr:

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

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For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A

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

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

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The minimum scale of Zakatul Fitr

In one of our previous posts, we talked of Zakatul Fitr: What it is, why, when and to whom it is to be given. In this post we will share a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about the minimum scale of Zakatul Fitr, based on a quantity of barely or dates, as these were the two most common means of subsistence in the times of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. 

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari (Book # 24 Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat) كتاب الزكاة / Chapter # 70 Obligation of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr باب فَرْضِ صَدَقَةِ الْفِطْرِ ) as Hadith number # 1503 given herein under:

 

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ السَّكَنِ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَهْضَمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ نَافِعٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ صَاعًا مِنْ تَمْرٍ، أَوْ صَاعًا مِنْ شَعِيرٍ عَلَى الْعَبْدِ وَالْحُرِّ، وَالذَّكَرِ وَالأُنْثَى، وَالصَّغِيرِ وَالْكَبِيرِ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ، وَأَمَرَ بِهَا أَنْ تُؤَدَّى قَبْلَ خُرُوجِ النَّاسِ إِلَى الصَّلاَةِ‏.‏

Narrated by Ibn `Umar:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the `Id prayer. 

(One Sa' = 3 Kilograms approx.)

The scale given above is the minimum scale. However, those who can afford to give more, they should do so to help the poor and make Eid day a day of festivity for them and their children.

Some interpreters of this hadith are of the opinion that Zakatul-Fitr be only given in kind of the two eatable barley and dates. But majority opines that cash can also be given in lieu equivalent to price of barley and dates as per the given scale.

It is better to give Zakatul-Fitr 2-3 days before Eid ul Fitr so that the receiepient of Zakatul-Fitr could buy clothes for family or buy other eatables as may be required by them. 

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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

Photo | Source of Hadith

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

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, 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!! Be true to your trusts and covenants

Surah 23. Al-Muminun is one of those chapters of Qur'an which spells out many traits of the successful believers. We have already shared all these traits in one of our earlier posts: Characteristics of Believers who will inherit Paradise - Jannah الۡفِرۡدَوۡسَؕ. Today, we take out one of the important traits upon which the moral fiber of a Muslim society hinges: Keeping one's trusts and covenants. A society deficcit in trust among its members is most likely to fail and collapse. In fact, this trait is a very comprehensive expression for all moral directives in Islam. This is especially true for the leaders and administrators and representatives of people who make promises but then fail their people in their expectations from them.

وَالَّذِيۡنَ هُمۡ لِاَمٰنٰتِهِمۡ وَعَهۡدِهِمۡ رَاعُوۡنَ ۙ‏ 

(23:8) who are true to their trusts and their covenants,

The Believers fulfill the terms of the trusts which are placed in their charge. In this connection it should be noted that the Arabic word amanat is very comprehensive and includes all those trusts which are placed in their charge by Allah or society or individuals. Likewise, `ahd includes all those compacts, pledges, and promises which are made between Allah and man, and man and man. The Holy Prophet himself used to impress the importance of the fulfillment of pledges in his addresses: "The one, who does not fulfil the terms of his trust, has no Faith, and the one, who does not keep promises and pledges has no Islam. " (Baihaqi) According to a Tradition reported both by Bukhari and Muslim, he said: Four characteristics are such that if a person has all the four in him, he is beyond any doubt a hypocrite, and the one who has one of these, is a hypocrite to that extent till he gives it up:

(a) When something is placed in his trust, he commits breach of the trust,

(b) when he speaks, he tells a lie,

(c) when he makes a promise, he breaks it, and

(d) when he has a quarrel with somebody, he exceeds all limits (of decency and morality)"

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

(Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat and to their covenants) When they are entrusted with something, they do not betray that trust, but they fulfill it, and when they make a promise or make a pledge, they are true to their word. 

This is not like the hypocrites about whom the Messenger of Allah said: (The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies, when he makes a promise he breaks it, and when he is entrusted with something he betrays that trust.)

Yusuf Ali Explanation: 

Trusts may be express or implied. Express trusts are those where property is entrusted or duties are assigned by someone to some other whom he trusts, to carry out either immediately or in specified contingencies, such as death. Implied trusts arise out of power, or position, or opportunity; e.g., a king holds his kingdom on trust from Allah for his subjects. The subject of covenants, express and implied, has been discussed in n. 682 to v.1. Covenants create obligations, and express and implied trusts and covenants taken together cover the whole field of obligations.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

This is a very comprehensive expression for all moral directives in religion. 

Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes: اَمٰنٰت  refers to all trusts which our Lord has blessed us with in the form of strengths, abilities, obligations and responsibilities or in the shape of favours, blessings, riches and offspring. Also included in them are things people have been entrusted with or those discharging, which is our responsibility according to the norms. In a similar way, also included in it are the covenants and promises our Lord has taken from our nature in the unseen world or taken in this world in the form of the sharī‘ah through His messengers. Moreover, it also comprises all those promises and covenants which we made with God through our nature or through His prophets. Similarly, it also consists of promises made with a group or an individual in this world, whether they are written or oral or are thought to be understood in a civilized society even if they are not made orally or in writing. It is stated by the Almighty that it is these servants of His who abide by all these trusts and promises. They are neither dishonest and rebellious in the matter of their Lord nor are ones who are unfaithful to His creatures or go back on their word with them. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 5, 299)

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

They, individuals and community alike, honour their pledges and discharge their trust. Both the individual and the community have many types of trust to maintain, the first of which is the trust encapsulated in their own nature, i.e. they are created by God in an upright fashion so as to be in harmony with the rest of the universe to which they belong. This testifies to God’s oneness by the natural feeling of unity that governs the universe. Believers are faithful to this great trust, and they protect their nature from deviation so that it continues to testify to God’s oneness. Other trusts are derived from this basic element.

The first pledge is that God has taken from, and made ingrained in human nature, committing it to believe in His existence and His oneness. All other pledges, covenants and treaties derive from this first one. When a believer commits himself to something, he makes God his witness. Honouring his commitments is, to a believer, part of being God-fearing, of taqwā.

The Muslim community is also responsible for honouring its public trust, and for the fulfilment of its pledges to God and the duties that result from these pledges. The sūrah gives its statement in very general terms so as to include every type of trust and pledge. Believers are faithful to all these, at all times. Being faithful is part of their character. No community can hope to have a straightforward life unless pledges and trusts are fulfilled, so that every individual and group are certain of this basic rule of community life. It is a rule that gives everyone a sense of trust and security.

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 and Important DOs and DONTs from 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 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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Give full measures and weight - With Justice

Justice is the hallmark of the social system as enunciated in the Qur'an. At a number of places in Qur'an, Allah has cautioned believers to abide by justice, both in weights and measures and in dealings with others. We have already shared a number of these verses under the heading Justice / Rules of Islamic Law in our reference page Selected Verses from Qur'an. 

Today, through this post, we add yet another Divine reminder to the believers to abide by justice. However, it must be kept in view that Jusitce here refers metonymically to all dealings between men and not only to commercial transactions: hence the interpolation "in all your dealings".

Note: The selected verse is part of a long verse, that is verse 152 of Surah 6. Al An'am,  in which a number of Divine Commandments are given, which have already been shared as the Divine Commandments in Qur'an.

 وَاَوۡفُوۡا الۡكَيۡلَ وَالۡمِيۡزَانَ بِالۡقِسۡطِ​

(7:152) ... and give full measures and weight with justice

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

(.. and give full measure and full weight with justice.) is a command to establish justice while giving and taking. 

Allah has also warned against abandoning this commandment, when He said: (83:1-6: Woe to Al-Mutaffifin. Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, demand full measure. And when they have to give by measure or weight to (other) men, give less than due. Do they not think that they will be resurrected (for reckoning). On a Great Day the Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of all that exists) Allah destroyed an entire nation that was accustomed to giving less in weights and measures. 

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

This is a great commandment and, in its essence, a corrollary of the scale of justice on which this world exists. Thus, if anyone deviates from this, it means that his concept of justice and fairness has become contaminated and the fact that God is just has been forgotten. Obviously, after this, the whole socio-economic system is uprooted and the fabric of the society is totally decimated. The blessings of weighing with full measure are referred to in verse 35 of Sūrah Banī Isrā’īl. It is said that this is the right attitude with regard to its consequences and carries great blessings for the people as well. 

Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes: ... The blessings of this conduct in the Hereafter are evident. In this world also, with regard to the consequences ... This attitude will reap benefits for people for the prosperity of their livelihood, economic activity, business, trade and a just society. Nations who are dishonest have neither prospered in this world nor will they ever do so. This evil is not a singular evil. It is actually a sign of the existence of many other evils. A nation fraught with this evil is devoid of the concept of justice and fairness. For this reason, it is not only devoid of the ability to create a healthy society, it also sows seeds of disorder in God’s earth. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 3, 202)

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

“Give just weight and full measure. We do not charge a soul with more than it can bear.” (Verse 152) This clearly applies to commercial transactions and requires people to do their best to ensure that everyone gets what is due to them. The surah provides a direct link between these transactions and faith, because this is the Islamic attitude. It is God who gives this directive and who urges people to give just weight and full measure.

Let us establish true justice within ourselves and in our dealings both with others and commercial dealings wherein physical dealings of weights and measures are involved. Remember, one may earn a few coins more by giving less measure or deceive someone with lies and false statements. But all such evil lapses are being recorded and will be produced as evidence against the culprits on the Day of Judgement. And then, there will be no going back to making amends. Tere will be but remorse and shame. Time is slipping away fast, so let us reshape our lives based on Divine Commandments of 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.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an and Important DOs and DONTs from 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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What is Zakatul-Fitr? Why, when and to whom it is given

The ongoing month of Ramadan is about to end and with the siting of the new moon a few days from now, the festival of Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر) will take place on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. On this day the believers thank Allah for having blessed them the strength to endure the hunger and thirst during the month long fasting in Ramadan.

On this day, men and women move out happily to the central places or masjid to offer the special Eid prayers. However, before one leaves for Eid prayers, one has to give out Zakatul-Fitr, a form of charity. Zakatul-Fitr is called as Sadaqat al-Fitr /  صَدَقَةِ الْفِطْرِ or simply Fitrana in some countries. The question here arises that what form of charity is this? Is it other than the mandatory Zakat, which is paid on yearly basis or other alms and sadaqat? Why is this paid before the Eid prayers and to whom?

We share a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that answer the question and is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 8 The Chapters Regarding Zakat - كتاب الزكاة ,  Chapter 21 Sadaqat al-Fitr / باب صَدَقَةِ الْفِطْرِ as Hadith 1827

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ بَشِيرِ بْنِ ذَكْوَانَ، وَأَحْمَدُ بْنُ الأَزْهَرِ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا مَرْوَانُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو يَزِيدَ الْخَوْلاَنِيُّ، عَنْ سَيَّارِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ الصَّدَفِيِّ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ فَرَضَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ زَكَاةَ الْفِطْرِ طُهْرَةً لِلصَّائِمِ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ وَطُعْمَةً لِلْمَسَاكِينِ فَمَنْ أَدَّاهَا قَبْلَ الصَّلاَةِ فَهِيَ زَكَاةٌ مَقْبُولَةٌ وَمَنْ أَدَّاهَا بَعْدَ الصَّلاَةِ فَهِيَ صَدَقَةٌ مِنَ الصَّدَقَاتِ ‏.‏

Ibn Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined Zakatul-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities, and to feed the poor. Whoever pays it before the (Eid) prayer, it is an accepted Zakah, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is (ordinary) charity.”

Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)

While the payment of this form of charity cleanses one's fasts from the idle talk while fasting, the ultimate beneficiary of Zakatul-Fitr is the poor and needy so that they can also join in the festivities of Eid by buying clothes for the children or preparing a few dishes. Here care must be taken that  Zakatul-Fitr be given only to the poor and not to the beggars, which is usually the case. This is the beauty of Islam that the poor are always remembered and helped on special occasions, besides helping them through Zakat and alms. And remember, give out  Zakatul-Fitr before the Eid prayer, the best would be a day or two earlier so that the poor can buy clothes or food for the family.

Let us expand the meaning of the hadith in more detail:

This hadith, narrated by Ibn Abbas, explains the significance of Zakatul-Fitr (the alms given at the end of Ramadan) and its purpose. In the hadith, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) is reported to have stated that Zakatul-Fitr serves as a purification for the fasting person from any idle talk and obscenities during the month of fasting, as well as a means to feed the poor. The hadith also specifies the timing of the payment, emphasizing that it is an accepted form of zakat if given before the Eid prayer, but if given after the prayer, it is considered ordinary charity.

Key Themes of the Hadith:

• Purification for the Fasting Person:
• Zakatul-Fitr is described as a form of purification for the fasting person. It helps cleanse the fast from any shortcomings, such as idle chatter or inappropriate behavior, which might have occurred during the fasting period.
• Idle talk (e.g., gossip, negative speech) and obscenities (inappropriate or sinful language) are discouraged in Islam, especially during fasting. The hadith suggests that Zakatul-Fitr acts as a spiritual cleanser for any such lapses.
• Charity for the Poor:
• The purpose of Zakatul-Fitr is also to provide for those in need, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of Eid al-Fitr.
• It serves as a means of distributing wealth and ensuring that the poor are able to celebrate Eid along with others, without suffering from hunger or need.
• Timing of Zakatul-Fitr: The hadith makes a distinction between paying Zakatul-Fitr before or after the Eid prayer. If given before the prayer, it is regarded as an accepted Zakah (obligatory almsgiving). However, if paid after the prayer, it is treated as regular charity (sadaqah).

Explanation in Light of the Qur'an:

• Purification and Fasting: The idea of purification is important in the context of fasting. In the Qur'an, fasting is a means of attaining taqwa (God-consciousness), and purification of both body and soul is emphasized. Fasting requires not just abstaining from food and drink but also from sinful actions, including idle talk or obscenities.
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183-185): "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." The goal of fasting is to attain righteousness or taqwa, which requires spiritual purity and moral refinement. Zakatul-Fitr assists in this by purifying the fast from any deficiencies in conduct.
• Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70): “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” This highlights the importance of maintaining good speech and avoiding sinful words, which is one of the things Zakatul-Fitr seeks to purify the fast from.
• Feeding the Poor: The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of charity and feeding the poor, particularly during moments of celebration like Eid. Zakatul-Fitr ensures that those less fortunate can join in the happiness of Eid, reinforcing the principle of social justice in Islam.
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177): “It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the East or the West, but righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets, and gives his wealth, desiring the Face of Allah, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.”
• Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9): "And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the face of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'" This highlights the importance of feeding the poor, which is the central function of Zakatul-Fitr.
• Timing of the Payment: The distinction between paying Zakatul-Fitr before or after the Eid prayer is also consistent with the Qur'anic injunctions related to the timing and acceptance of charity. The prescribed timing ensures that the charity is distributed while it is still a part of the Eid celebration.
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261): “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a seed which grows seven spikes. In each spike is a hundred grains.” While this verse speaks more generally about charity, it reinforces the idea that charity, when given at the right time, brings greater reward.
• The importance of giving at the prescribed time is reflected in this hadith. Giving Zakatul-Fitr before the prayer ensures that it fulfills its intended purpose, whereas giving it after the prayer makes it fall into the category of voluntary charity, which is good but does not carry the same significance as the obligatory Zakah.

Theological and Spiritual Insights

Purification of the Fasting Person: Zakatul-Fitr serves as a way to correct any minor flaws in the fasting process, such as speech errors, by purifying the fast. It reminds us that even in our acts of worship, such as fasting, we should seek continuous improvement and strive to remove any blemishes, even the ones we might overlook.

• Social Responsibility: Zakatul-Fitr reinforces the Islamic principle that charity is not only a personal act of devotion but also a means of ensuring social welfare and justice. It serves as a reminder that those who are less fortunate should not be excluded from community events and celebrations.
• Comprehensive Charity: The hadith highlights the balance between individual piety and social responsibility. By purifying the fast and providing for the poor, Zakatul-Fitr nurtures both spiritual and social dimensions of the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the hadith on Zakatul-Fitr, when viewed in light of the Qur'an, emphasizes purification of the soul, feeding the poor, and the importance of timing in charity. It aligns with Qur'anic principles of attaining taqwa, promoting social justice, and ensuring that acts of charity fulfill their intended purpose within the 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.

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

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

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

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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

Photo | Source of Hadith

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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Who is a self-reproaching soul by whom Allah swears in Qur’an (Surah 75. Al Qiyama (The Resurrection) )

At many a place in Qur'an, Allah swears to instill upon the non-believers the truth of end game which they for now shrug away in a lighter mood and mock the prophets of something they are unlikely to see.

Right in the beginning of Surah 75. Al Qiyama (The Resurrection), Allah swears of by the Day of Resurrection and then swears by the self-reproaching soul. We pick up this verse to know why a self-reproaching soul has been sworn by and who could be a soul that qualifies this status.

Let us read the verse and know - but first let us reconnect the selected verse with the first of the Surah in which Allah swears by the Day of Resurrection:

لَاۤ اُقۡسِمُ بِيَوۡمِ الۡقِيٰمَةِۙ‏ 

(75:1) Nay, I swear by the Day of Resurrection;

To begin the discourse with "Nay" by itself indicates that the Surah was sent down to refute some argument which was already in progress. The theme that follows shows that the argument was about Resurrection and life after death, which the people of Makkah were denying and also mocking at it at the same time. This can be understood by an example. If a person only wants to affirm the truth of the Messenger, he will say: "By God, the Messenger has come with the truth." But if some people might be denying the truth of the Messenger, he in response would rejoin, thus: “Nay, by God, the Messenger has come with the truth." It would mean: "That which you say is not true. I swear that the truth is this and this."

And then Allah swears by the self-reproaching soul:

وَلَاۤ اُقۡسِمُ بِالنَّفۡسِ اللَّوَّامَةِؕ‏ 

(75:2) and nay, I swear by the self-reproaching soul!

Renowned exegete of Qur'an Yusuf Ali explains: Three states or stages of the development of the human soul: 

• (1) Ammara (xii. 53), which is prone to evil, and, if not checked and controlled, will lead to perdition:

وَمَاۤ اُبَرِّئُ نَفۡسِىۡ​ۚ اِنَّ النَّفۡسَ لَاَمَّارَةٌۢ بِالسُّوۡٓءِ اِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّىۡ ؕاِنَّ رَبِّىۡ غَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِيۡمٌ‏ 

 I do not seek to acquit myself; for surely one's self prompts one to evil except him to whom my Lord may show mercy. Verily my Lord is Ever Forgiving, Most Merciful." (12:53)

• (2) Lawwama, as here, which feels conscious of evil, and resists it, asks for Allah's grace and pardon after repentance and tries to amend; it hopes to reach salvation; 

• (3) Mutmainna (lxxxix 27), the highest stage of all, when it achieves full rest and satisfaction. 

يٰۤاَيَّتُهَا النَّفۡسُ الۡمُطۡمَـئِنَّةُ 

 (On the other hand, it will be said): “O serene soul! (89:27)

Our second stage may be compared to Conscience, except that in English usage Conscience is a faculty and not a stage in spiritual development. And this is the soul by whom Allah is swearing for such a soul is a subject to one's conscious and each action of his undergoes a self-analysis before one takes the final decision. And these decisions are always positive for such souls are God fearing and always desist the Satanic machinations to overshadow their decision-making thought process. And even if he does an evil deed, he is immediately rebuked from within, forces him to repent and ask forgiveness of Allah, and steers him back to the righteous path.

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

In reference to An-Nafs Al-Lawwamah, Qurrah bin Khalid reported from Al-Hasan Al-Basri that he said about this Ayah, "Verily, by Allah, we think that every believer blames himself. He says (questioning himself), `What did I intend by my statement What did I intend by my eating What did I intend in what I said to myself' However, the sinner proceeds ahead and he does not blame himself.''

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

The implication is that a person’s conscience that rebukes him for his sins bears witness by its very existence that the Day of Judgement is certain to come. The reason is that within him his reproaching soul is always present to rebuke him on any evil he does; this internal court of justice delivers its verdict at every instance; this only means that he will not be left unaccountable for his deeds. Thus, he shall definitely be called to account. It is for this accountability that the Almighty has appointed the Day of Judgement. His messengers have always informed man of this day. 

Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes:

… If a person will not be held accountable for his deeds, then where has this chiding conscience come into him from? If his Creator is unconcerned about the good and evil which emanate from him, then why and from where has He given him the feeling of being elated at a good deed and being pricked by his conscience at a bad one? Then from here another question arises: If God has set up a miniature court of justice in every person, why will He not set up a greater court of justice which will hold the whole world accountable for good and evil which emanate from it and not reward and punish people accordingly? Any person who deliberates on these questions while disregarding his desires will reach the conclusion that the very being of a person bears witness that he has innate knowledge of good and evil; he will not be left unaccountable; there definitely shall come one day when he will be punished for any misdeeds he may have done and be rewarded for his good deeds. To remind a person of this day, the Almighty has placed a miniature court of justice within a person’s soul so that he does not remain indifferent to it, and if ever he becomes iindifferent,he can catch a glimpse of it by merely reflecting on his inner-self. It is this reality which sages have taught us by saying that a human being is a miniature world and within this miniature world there is a reflection of the greater world. If a person has a true comprehension of his own self, he is able to comprehend both God and the Hereafter. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 9, 80)

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi continues to explain the verse: Here an oath by the Day of Resurrection is only an argument for the truth that this system will one day be upset. As for the truth that after that man shall be resurrected and called upon to account for his deeds and made to see the good or evil results thereof, another oath has been sworn by the self-reproaching soul. No man exists in the world who may not have a faculty called conscience in him. This conscience is necessarily conscious of the good and evil, and no matter how perverted and degraded a man might be, his conscience always checks him on doing evil and for not doing good irrespective of the fact whether the criterion of good and evil that he had set for himself might in itself be right or wrong. This is an express pointer that man is not merely an animal but a moral being. He naturally can distinguish good from evil; he regards himself as responsible for the good or the evil he does; and even if he might feel pleased suppressing the reproaches of his conscience over the evil, he has done to another, he, on the contrary, feels and demands from within that the other one who has done the same evil to him, must deserve punishment. Now, if the existence of a self-reproaching soul of this kind in man himself is an undeniable truth, then this truth too is undeniable that the same self-reproaching soul is evidence of the life hereafter, which exists in man’s own nature itself. For this demand of nature that man must be rewarded or punished for his good or evil deeds for which he himself is responsible, cannot be met in any other way than in the life hereafter. No sensible man can deny that if man becomes nonexistent after death, he will certainly be deprived of the rewards of his good deeds and escape the just and lawful punishment of many of his evil deeds. Therefore, unless one comes to believe in the absurd idea that a rational being like man has stumbled into an irrational system of the universe and a moral being like man has happened to be born in a world which basically has nothing to do with morality, he cannot deny the life hereafter. Likewise, the philosophy of the transmigration of souls also is no reply to this demand of nature, for if man goes on being born and reborn in this very world for the sake of being rewarded and punished for his moral acts, in every cycle of life he will perform some additional moral acts, which again will need to be rewarded and punished, thus making his account more and more lengthy and complicated in an endless way instead of being settled finally and for good. Therefore, this demand of nature is fulfilled only in case man in this world should have only one life and then, after the whole human race has been brought to an end, there should be another life in which all acts of man should be judged and assessed rightly and justly and he should be fully rewarded or punished in consequence thereof. 

Let us, then, be men of self-reproaching soul, and let our inner system of self-appraisal and justice always prevails upon us to defeat the evil and misleading thoughts. This is the first stage to finally achieve the Nafs al Mutmainna النَّفۡسُ الۡمُطۡمَـئِنَّةُ - the highest stage of all, when it achieves full rest and satisfaction.

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 | 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.

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