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Tuesday, 11 June 2024

Selected verses from Al-Qurʾān about Sabr "صبر " / Patience

Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. This one facet of man's mindset often keeps him anxious, jittery and restless, despite the fact that he knows (in man a case) that he cannot change things or hurry these up as per his wishes or priorities. It will not be wrong to say that this extremely important characteristic of our life is lacked by most of us. 

We come across such display of impatience / lack of Sabr when halted on a red light for longer than the stipulated time or when stuck in a traffic jam and drivers behind start honking. Or when waiting in queue behind a person taking too long at the cash counter or an ATM machine and many of us start to mutter our discontentment for the delay being so caused.

Even many a Muslim exhibit anxiety when their prayers are not answered and get into depression. They forget that what we wish or want for ourselves may not be good or be inappropriate for us in the eyes of our Lord, and he delays our prayers till a better time or a better replacement of what we have been praying for. 

That is why in the Quran, "Sabr" (patience) is highly emphasized and is regarded as a virtue that believers should strive to embody. Sabr encompasses endurance, perseverance, steadfastness, and the ability to remain firm in the face of adversity.  

"O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153)

Thus, sabr is essential for spiritual success and is repeatedly linked to faith, prayer, and the overall moral and ethical conduct of a believer. Patience is presented not only as a personal virtue but also as a means of attaining Allah’s support and love.

Herein under are some of the selected verses about Sabr / Patience. However, do not miss to watch the video below which explains Sabr and how it can be attained:

You may now watch the video below in which Yasmin Mogahed explains the concept of Sabr in Islam:

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

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.

Do not show conceit for Allah does not like the conceited (Selected verses from Qur'an)

No two men are gifted or blessed alike. In fact there exists a vast disparity between the HAVEs and HAVE NOTs. And it is the general human psyche to boast of one's wealth and possessions for they think whatever have the achieved is all because of their own efforts and handwork, not realizing that no one is blessed unless the Lord of the world so desired.

There have been nations and individuals mentioned in the Divine Scriptures that showed arrogance and conceit due to their possessions and positions who were wiped out with for Allah does not like the conceited and the arrogance.  In Qur'an, there is a mention of one such man by the name of Qarun (mentioned as Korah in Bible and Torah) who was mighty rich, yet was too boastful and conceited about his wealth. People around him warned him lest Divine wrath enveloped and destroyed him. He did not heed to the warnings and was sunk in the sand along with his entire wealth.

Such anecdotes are mentioned in Divine Scriptures to guide people to show humility rather than conceit and be always thankful to their Lord so that they are given and blessed more. And also any eye opener for those who despite knowing such anecdotes, boast and forget to thank their Lord in an expression of humility.

We share today the 76th verse of Surah 28. Al Qasas (The Story) about arrogance and conceit of Qarun:

اِنَّ قَارُوۡنَ كَانَ مِنۡ قَوۡمِ مُوۡسٰى فَبَغٰى عَلَيۡهِمۡ​ وَاٰتَيۡنٰهُ مِنَ الۡكُنُوۡزِ مَاۤ اِنَّ مَفَاتِحَهٗ لَـتَـنُوۡٓاُ بِالۡعُصۡبَةِ اُولِى الۡقُوَّةِ اِذۡ قَالَ لَهٗ قَوۡمُهٗ لَا تَفۡرَحۡ​ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الۡفَرِحِيۡنَ‏  
[They should not show arrogance on their means and resources. Tell them:] Korah was from among the nation of Moses;  then  he became rebellious against them. We had given him so many treasures that its keys were barely lifted by a band of many strong men. When the people of his nation counselled him: “Do not show conceit because God does not like the conceited 

Tafsir Ibn Kathir: It was recorded that Ibn 'Abbas said:
(إِنَّ قَارُونَ كَانَ مِنْ قَوْمِ مُوسَىٰ Verily, Qarun was of Musa's people,) "He was the son of his paternal uncle." This was also the view of Ibrahim An-Nakha'i, 'Abdullah bin Al-Harith bin Nawfal, Sammak bin Harb, Qatadah, Malik bin Dinar, Ibn Jurayj and others; they all said that he was the cousin of Musa, peace be upon him. Ibn Jurayj said: "He was Qarun bin Yashar bin Qahith, and Musa was the son of 'Imran bin Qahith.

(وَآتَيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْكُنُوزِ And We gave him of the treasures,) meaning, of wealth;

( مَا إِنَّ مَفَاتِحَهُ لَتَنُوءُ بِالْعُصْبَةِ أُولِي الْقُوَّةِ that of which the keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men.) Groups of strong men would not have been able to carry them because they were so many. Al-A'mash narrated from Khaythamah, "The keys of Qarun's treasure were made of leather, each key like a finger, and each key was for a separate storeroom. When he rode anywhere, the keys would be carried on sixty mules with white blazes on their foreheads and white feet." Other views were also given, and Allah knows best.

(إِذْ قَالَ لَهُ قَوْمُهُ لَا تَفْرَحْ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْفَرِحِينَ Remember when his people said to him: "Do not exult. Verily, Allah likes not those who exult.") means, the righteous ones among his people exhorted him. By way of sincere advice and guidance, they said: "Do not exult in what you have," meaning, 'do not be arrogant and proud of your wealth.'

(  إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْفَرِحِينَ Verily, Allah likes not those who exult.) Ibn 'Abbas said, "This means, those who rejoice and gloat." Mujahid said, "It means those who are insolent and reckless, and do not thank Allah for what He has given them." His saying:

(وَابْتَغِ فِيمَا آتَاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ ۖ وَلَا تَنْسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا ۖ But seek, with that which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world;) means, 'use this great wealth and immense blessing Allah has given you to worship your Lord and draw closer to Him by doing a variety of good deeds which will earn you reward in this world and the Hereafter.'

Explanation Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi:
This fact also is being related in continuation of the answer to the excuse which has been the theme of the discourse from verse 57 onward. In this regard, one should bear in mind the fact that the people who feared that the Holy Prophet Muhammad's message would affect the overall national interests adversely were, in fact, the big money owners, money-lenders and capitalists of Makkah, who by virtue of their international trade and money-lending business had become the Korahs of their time. These were the people who thought that the real truth was to earn and amass maximum wealth. Anything that seemed to vitiate this object was an untruth which could not be accepted in any case. On the other hand, there were the common people who looked with longing eyes at these magnates and earnestly desired that they should also attain the same heights as those people had attained. In an atmosphere charged with the love of money, as it was, people considered it to be a weighty argument that if the invitation of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) towards Tauhid and the Hereafter and the moral code was accepted it would spell ruin for the Quraish not only commercially but economically too. 

Qarun who has been called Korah in the Bible and the Talmud was a first cousin of the Prophet Moses. According to the account of descent given in Exodus (ti: 18-21) the fathers of the Prophet Moses and Korah were real brothers. At another place in the Qur'an it has been stated that this man had joined with Pharaoh in spite of being an Israelite and become one of his favorites; so much so that one of the two ring-leaders of opposition to Prophet Moses after Pharaoh was this same Korah: "We sent Moses to Pharaoh and Haman and Korah with Our Signs and a clear authority of appointment, but they said, `He is a sorcerer, a liar'." (Al-Mu'min :23-24).

From this it follows that Korah had rebelled against his own people and become a supporter of the hostile forces which were bent upon wiping out the Israelites. On account of this rebellion against his own people he had attained a high place with Pharaoh and the two persons, besides Pharaoh, to whom the Prophet Moses had been sent were Pharaoh's minister, Haman, and this Israelite capitalist, Korah. All other chiefs and couriers were of inferior status, who were not worth mentioning. The same position of Korah has been alluded to in Al' Ankabut: 39. 

In the story related of him in the Bible (Num., ch. 16), there is no mention of this man's wealth. But according to the Jewish traditions, he possessed immense wealth, so much so that three hundred mules were required to carry the keys of his treasures. (Jewish Encyclopedia, Vol. VII, p. 556). Though greatly exaggerated.

Qur'an Wiki explanation:
Now the sūrah tells us about Qārūn, or Korah, portraying the power of wealth and knowledge and how, when coupled with arrogance and ingratitude, this leads to the same end. In essence, the sūrah depicts those values that make wealth and luxury practically insignificant when compared with faith and righteousness, as also with moderation in enjoying life’s pleasures without arrogance or corruption.

Qārūn belonged to Moses’ people. God had given him abundant wealth, described in the sūrah as “treasures”, a term that signifies a hoarded surplus of money which is taken out of circulation. Indeed the mere carrying of the keys to these treasures represented a heavy burden even for a band of strong men. It was because of his wealth that Qārūn treated his people unjustly. The sūrah does not specify the form of injustice dealt out by Qārūn, leaving it indefinite so as to include all types of injustice. He might have taken their land and property unfairly, as is often done by those who use power and wealth to deprive others of their rights. He might also have deprived them of their fair share in his property. God has given the poor their rightful share in the property of the rich, so that wealth does not circulate exclusively among the rich while all around them the poor are in desperate need. When this happens, corruption becomes manifest. Qārūn might equally have been guilty of other forms of injustice.

However, some in his community tried to stop such injustice, counselling him to maintain the path that earns God’s pleasure. Thus, he would be able to enjoy his wealth and partake of the pleasures it provides, but in moderation and within reason. More importantly, this path requires wealthy people to watch God in all their actions, for it is He who granted them all they have. They too will have to account for their deeds on the Day of Judgement.

“Do not exult” in your riches nor be so proud of them as to forget the One who has granted you this blessing. Do not neglect to give due thanks. Do not treat your money as an object of extreme delight so that you become insolent and arrogant in your treatment of other people. “For God does not love those who are exultant.” His compatriots remind him of God and the fact that He does not love those who are infatuated with wealth, showing arrogance and using its power to humiliate others.

Summarizing the above quoted verse, eminent Muslim scholar of present times Javed Ahmed Ghamidi notes: It is this wisdom and comprehension of the truth about which it is stated at another instance that he who is blessed with these is blessed with a great treasure. The implication is that everything in this world is God-given; they should not regard it to be a consequence of their own ability or a legacy of their forefathers; it is purely a favour of God that He has granted so much wealth and affluence to them. Whatever from it that will be a benefit for them will be the part they spend for the cause of God. He wants to see the reflection of His own attributes in His servants as well and likes those among them who look upon with favour at their fellow brethren.

Such anecdotes are not repeated without any reason nor these are specific to any time period. Such like verses are to warn the entire mankind to shun any notions that show conceit, arrogance and pride to boast of one's family. These are to warn all such people to bow in humbleness to their Lord and show utter humility. And if this is not done, wrath of the Lord can be any minute knocking at their door with news of misfortune. Remember, within seconds, empires crumble and man robbed of his proud possessions.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) helpnes' wealth, health, position or fa us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

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

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

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

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: The Utter Losers (in worldly life and the Hereafter) in the light of Qur'an

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'anYou 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.

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

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

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.

Monday, 10 June 2024

Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Hajj – the Fifth Pillar of Islam

Hajj is the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia, and it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, besides Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), and Sawm (Fasting), which are the core practices required of Muslims. The pilgrimage is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime. 

Hajj takes place during the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah, and its rituals are spanned from the 8th to the 12th day.  However, the actual day of Hajj is the 9th Dhu al-Hijjah when millions of pilgrims, both men and women, gather in the plain of Arafat outside Makkah and stay the entire day and leave in the evening. It is here that Khutba (sermon) of Hajj is given from Masjid Nimrah (Arabic: مسجد نمرة) located in Waadi Urana. The exact dates vary each year according to the Islamic calendar, which is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, symbolizing the ultimate act of worship and submission to Allah. It commemorates the trials of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, particularly his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to God's command.

Hajj represents a spiritual journey for Muslims, emphasizing themes of humility, equality, and unity. Pilgrims wear simple white garments (Ihram) to strip away distinctions of class and culture, reinforcing the concept of equality before God. Hajj draws millions of Muslims from around the world, making it one of the largest annual gatherings of people. It fosters a sense of global unity and brotherhood among Muslims, transcending national, racial, and cultural boundaries.

Hajj is a profound religious obligation that embodies the principles of faith, devotion, and equality. It serves as a reminder of the trials faced by Ibrahim and his family, and it reinforces the themes of sacrifice, patience, and submission to God's will. Through Hajj, Muslims seek forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and a deeper connection with Allah.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in a number of his hadiths, has emphasised the importance of this holiest day of Islam. Hereinunder we share already published such Hadiths on Hajj:
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) bless us the opportunity to perform Hajj and Umrah at least once in our life time. May Allah also 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.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. 

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Dhu al-Hijja (ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة): The month of Pilgrimage - The Hajj to know more about Hajj and its rituals. You may also consult our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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

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.

Friday, 7 June 2024

Responding to Objections on Islam: If fasting is a pillar of Islam, why (Prophet) Muhammad (ﷺ) enforced it after 14 years of proclamation of Islam

A lot of objections have been raised and still being raised about various facets of Islam. Generally these objections arise from ignorance of history of development of Islam or mere as point scoring, specially for Muslims who have not had in depth knowledge of Islam. We have in our previous posts on "Responding to Objections / Lies about Islam" have tried to answer many such queries. 

Today we take on yet another objection which someone asked me in comments box of one of my post. The objection is:

If fasting is a pillar of Islam, why (Prophet) Muhammad (ﷺ) enforced it after 14 years of proclamation of Islam

Before we give a detailed reply to the objection, it would be prudent to understand few basics:
  • Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was merely a messenger and prophet of Allah. His job was to convey to others what he was directed to do so. He at his own, therefore, could not say a word or proclaim anything unless the commandment of enforcing an act was Divinely delivered to him (generally through the arch angel Jibraeel or the Gabriel). 
  • Secondly, the revelations which were received by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Makkah were different from the ones received in Medinah. 
    • Since the aim in Makkah was to invite the pagans of Makkah to Islam, the revelations were generally short and their theme revolved around (Prophet) Muhammad (ﷺ) subjects pertaining to Tawheed, Prophethood, the Hereafter, and words of comfort for the Prophet ﷺ by narrating incidents from the past. Therefore we see that Surahs / chapters that are marked as Makki surahs / chapters are short and well focused to the infidels and inviting them to Islam.
    • The Madni revelations were reveled when the Muslim state of Medinah started to evolve and there was requirement to laydown rules to govern the lives of Muslims. Thus we see the Madni Surahs / Chapters generally consist of family and social laws, injunctions of Jihad and details of legislations - including fasting as well. Therefore we see in contrast to Makki surahs, the Madni surahs are rather too long, elaborative and directional. Take for example the 2nd chapter of Qur'an, Surah al Baqarah (The Cow) was is spanned over first two and a half chapters of Qur'an.
With this background, let us talk of enforcement of Fasting as one of the important pillar of Islam, in fact the third of five pillars of Islam (Others being Shahadah, Prayers / Salaat, Zakat [obligatory charity] and Hajj). Why the proclamation of different laws and directions was done mostly in the last ten years of enforcement of Islam and that too in Medinah is based on cerein ground realities, such as:
  • Those who reverted to Islam had lived a life of infidelity for centuries. Therefore it was not prudent to subject them to hard decisions right from the outset.
  • Take for example the menace of slavery. Slavery is part of the pagan culture and slaves, both male and female, were taken after overcoming another tribe and enslaving all able bodied men and women as slaves. These slaves were subjected to very hard life by  their rich masters who had absolute rights over them. Therefore abolishment of slavery could not have been done with one act. In fact through many revelations, the slavery was abolished in stages till the new Muslim understood the philosophy of not subjecting men and women to one's wishes and be their masters. 
  • Likewise, gambling and drinking, which were also embeded in the pagan life was abolished in stages and the final abolishment came in Medinah.
In the  same way, fasting, which entailed a very rigorous response from the new Muslims was not enforced straightaway in the initial stages of proclamation of Islam for two reasons:
  • In Makkah, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did not have a state of his own to proclaim acts that needed conditioning and lot of persuasion.
  • Since the weather conditions of Arabia are rather harsh, it is difficult to abstain from food and water due to extreme heat of the day. One could only abstain form food and water, and many other things otherwise Halal / permissible, unless one was highly motivated, understood many WHYs, only then one could deside to endure the rigours of fasting during the long hours of the entire day.
  • Therefore, it was necessary to prepare the Muslims through gradual development and establishment of Islamic practices and community structure. 
We must understand that Fasting is primarily an exercise of devotion to willingly renounce oneself, for a definite period of time, from all bodily appetites in order to form spiritual discipline and self-control. Muslims are prohibited from eating or drinking from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib) when the adhan is sounded. It is considered time to begin fasting when a person standing outside can tell a white thread from a black thread, i.e. the light of the dawn and the darkness of the night.

Therefore, newly reverted Muslims needed to be conditioned to adapt themselves to the rigours of fasting. Herein under are factors which required a lot of time, fourteen years in case of enforcing fasting:
  • Gradual Revelation: Progressive Revelation: The Qur'an was revealed progressively over 23 years to address the evolving needs and circumstances of the early Muslim community. Early revelations focused on foundational beliefs, such as the oneness of God, the afterlife, and moral conduct.
  • Community Development: Community Building: In the initial years, the focus was on building a cohesive and strong community, especially given the challenges Muslims faced in Mecca, including persecution and social ostracism. This period required strengthening the faith and solidarity of the believers.
  • Social and Economic Stability: Economic and Social Stability: By the time fasting was prescribed, the Muslim community had migrated to Medina, where they enjoyed greater stability and autonomy. This allowed for the implementation of more structured forms of worship and communal practices.
  • Spiritual Maturity: Spiritual Preparedness: The early Muslims needed to develop their spiritual and moral foundation before undertaking more rigorous forms of worship. By the time fasting was prescribed, the community had matured spiritually and was better prepared to observe this demanding practice.
  • Legal and Social Framework: Establishment of Laws and Practices: The Medinan period saw the establishment of many social, economic, and legal norms in Islam. With the community more established and organized, it was appropriate to introduce fasting as a mandatory practice, as part of a broader framework of worship and piety.
  • Lessons from Previous Communities: Learning from Previous Revelations: Islam acknowledges the practices of previous Abrahamic faiths. Fasting was a well-known practice among Jews and Christians, and its introduction into Islam came at a time when the community could appreciate its significance and benefits, drawing lessons from these traditions.
  • Preparation for Greater Trials: Preparation for Future Challenges: Fasting not only purifies the soul but also builds resilience and self-discipline. As the Muslim community faced various trials and responsibilities, fasting served as a means to strengthen their resolve and readiness for future challenges.
  • Divine Wisdom: Ultimately, the timing of religious prescriptions in Islam is believed to be guided by divine wisdom, ensuring that the community could fully comprehend, accept, and practice these commands in the most beneficial manner.
Thus, the prescription of fasting 14 years after the proclamation of Islam was a strategic and well-timed step in the progressive establishment of Islamic practices, ensuring the community was adequately prepared spiritually, socially, and structurally to undertake this significant act of worship.

It was then that in the second year of Hijrah from Medinah (which was fourteen years after proclamation of Islam), Allah ordained Muslims to fast. This commandment is given in the 183-185th verses of Surah Al Baqarah as mentioned below:
  • "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)
  • "[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew." Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184)
  • "The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful." Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)
Note: The context of the revelation of these verses is significant as it came at a time when the Muslim community in Medina was becoming more established and organized. The establishment of fasting during Ramadan was part of the broader development of Islamic practices and legal framework that was taking place during the early Medinan period.

This in very brief the reasons of enforcement of fasting after 14 years of proclamation of Islam. We should not say things in the air without first carrying out a little research, for an effort to know the answers to one's objections is abundantly available in the internet, social media and now the AI through ChatGPT. 
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.

You may read more posts on countering / responding to lies / misinformation and disinformation about Islam: The Rebuttal: Countering disinformation being spread about Islam (Reference Page). Also read our following posts:
You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Resource References: | ChatGPT | Wikipedia | 1 | 2 |

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

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.

Wednesday, 5 June 2024

Allah's latitude for the wrongdoers is but for a limited time (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Allah is "Ar-Rahman" (The Most Merciful) and "Ar-Rahim" (The Most Compassionate). These attributes of Allah indicate that no matter how sinful a man may be, if he sincerely repents and seek forgiveness of Allah with solemn pledge not to repeat one's sins or wrongdoings, Allah in all His mercy promises to forgive.

However, those who persist in disobedience of laws defined by Allah,  associate others in His Divinity (committing of shirk) and continue to hurt others, take control of their possessions will not be forgiven and will be allowed a time barred latitude after which they will be subjected to the wrath of Allah. 

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also cautions the believers in one of his mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 65 Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)) /  كتاب التفسير / Chapter 5:  The Statement of Allah: "Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe." (V.11:102) / باب قَوْلِهِ ‏{‏وَكَذَلِكَ أَخْذُ رَبِّكَ إِذَا أَخَذَ الْقُرَى وَهِيَ ظَالِمَةٌ إِنَّ أَخْذَهُ أَلِيمٌ شَدِيدٌ‏}‏ ) as Hadith 4686, given herein under:

Narrated by Abu Musa:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah gives respite to the oppressor, but when He takes him over, He never releases him." Then he recited:-- "Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes (population of) towns in the midst of their wrong: Painful indeed, and severe is His seizure.' (11.102)

وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَخْذُ رَبِّكَ إِذَآ أَخَذَ ٱلْقُرَىٰ وَهِىَ ظَـٰلِمَةٌ ۚ إِنَّ أَخْذَهُۥٓ أَلِيمٌۭ شَدِيدٌ 

Such is the ˹crushing˺ grip of your Lord when He seizes the societies entrenched in wrongdoing. Indeed, His grip is ˹terribly˺ painful and severe. (Surah 11. Hud verse 102) 

Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا صَدَقَةُ بْنُ الْفَضْلِ، أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا بُرَيْدُ بْنُ أَبِي بُرْدَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي بُرْدَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَيُمْلِي لِلظَّالِمِ حَتَّى إِذَا أَخَذَهُ لَمْ يُفْلِتْهُ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ قَرَأَ ‏{‏وَكَذَلِكَ أَخْذُ رَبِّكَ إِذَا أَخَذَ الْقُرَى وَهْىَ ظَالِمَةٌ إِنَّ 
أَخْذَهُ أَلِيمٌ شَدِيدٌ‏}‏

Such like warnings abound in Qur'an and hadiths. These are to caution those who disobey Allah and create unrest in the world or are transgressors to the extent  of making it difficult for others to breathe.  If we look around, we will find such people abound and continue to live as per their own liking, completely oblivious of the limited time afforded to them to repent. And those who do not, one day the worst wrath of Allah befalls on them unannounced. 

While Allah is merciful, He is also just. Those who persist in wrongdoing without repentance will face consequences, either in this life or the hereafter. The balance between mercy and justice ensures that while forgiveness is available, accountability is inevitable for those who do not repent.

"This is for what your own hands have sent before [to the Judgment], and because Allah is not ever unjust to His servants." Quran 3:182

Remember, Allah may forgive those who are slack or lazy in carrying out their personal obligations to Allah, except shirk. But those who hurt others unduly, will not be forgiven unless those who are wronged forgive them. This is like a ruler usurping public money and stuffing these in his coffers for his personal use will not be forgiven unless he returns the money of the people and seek their forgiveness. Such rulers and demagogues are being warned here.

If we are among such people, let us make good our loss by seeking forgiveness from those whom we have wronged, making good their losses, and then earnestly repent and seek Divine forgiveness. Remember, no one knows how much time he is left with!

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: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and 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 above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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

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.

Tuesday, 4 June 2024

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ cautioned against Jealousy and Mutual Estrangement

Man by nature is a peeping tom and is always on the lookout of the faults of the others to let others down. As the saying goes, "Others' lawn is always greener," man is always jealous of what his brother, neighbour or friends have. Therefore his eyes keep tracking what others are doing or buying or their relations with others and position in the society. 

Mostly women are in the habit of being jealous of others and spying, and looking for faults for others for the purpose of point scoring and let others down. The severing of blood relations is generally due to the jealousy and hating of others by women. In many a hadith, They also have heartburns when they see other women having a better life or riding a better car or living in a posh house happily with their families. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has cautioned women from such heinous acts and warned them of severe consequences on the Day of Judgement.

One such Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 78 Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab) /  كتاب الأدب / Chapter 57:  Jealousy and mutual estrangement are forbidden / باب مَا يُنْهَى عَنِ التَّحَاسُدِ وَالتَّدَابُرِ ) as Hadith 6064, given herein under:

Narrated by Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales; and do not look for the others' faults and do not spy, and do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert (cut your relation with) one another, and do not hate one another; and O Allah's worshipers! Be brothers (as Allah has ordered you!")

Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا بِشْرُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنْ هَمَّامِ بْنِ مُنَبِّهٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِيَّاكُمْ وَالظَّنَّ، فَإِنَّ الظَّنَّ أَكْذَبُ الْحَدِيثِ، وَلاَ تَحَسَّسُوا، وَلاَ تَجَسَّسُوا، وَلاَ تَحَاسَدُوا، وَلاَ تَدَابَرُوا، وَلاَ تَبَاغَضُوا، وَكُونُوا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ إِخْوَانًا ‏"‏‏.‏

Jealousy is often rooted in insecurities and fears that a person may not even realize they have. These could include fear of oversimplification, fear of inadequacy, fear of abandonment, fear of being replaced, and fear of being judged.

Jealousy may take any of the following forms:
  • Situational Jealousy.
  • Romantic Jealousy.
  •  Creative Jealousy.
  • Envy Jealousy.
  • Pathological Jealousy.
  • Sexual Jealousy.
  • Attachment Jealousy.
  • Sibling Rivalry.
Just can over the forms of the jealousies mentioned above. The last one should be on the top as jealousy stems with the siblings for being loved more or given more attention by parents. Even sisters are jealous of the spouse of their sisters and envy their romantic attractions. One may go on and on to discuss this single evil act from which stem many other ills of spying, envy, even hatred. Such actions often end up in having lost former closeness and affection and result in a state of alienation from a previous close or familial relationship. Estrangement can leave one wondering where they belong, and who they belong to. Estrangement can cut lifelong roots, leaving one feeling adrift.

Thus the hadith above says it all about Jealousy and Mutual Estrangement which most of us harbour in our hearts and envy others. It must be remembered that each one of us is given our share by Allah, and it is not taken away from share of others, nor a part of our share is given to others. Let us live a contended life and be thankful to Allah for what He thought best for us. We cannot equate our possessions with others nor can have part or whole of possessions of others, unless we are from the evil and usurp others' rights and possessions.

Let us be brothers as Qur'an advises to be so as to create an aura of tranquility and brotherhood, rather than of enmity and severing of our bondage.
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: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and 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 above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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

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.

Monday, 3 June 2024

Why the raising of the dead from graves in Qur'an is equated with swarms of Locust on the Day of Resurrection

Qur'an commences the life form of all creatures including the humans from the embryonic stage to the time of death. It mentions of a day when all dead will be risen from their graves like swarms of locust and will be paraded in for the Divine Court. This would be the Day of the Resurrection, when the fate of each individual will be decided based on one's deeds in the earthly world and directed as a reward to the Paradise or thrown into hell as punishment for not adhering to the Divine Commandments which have been conveyed to  them by the messengers and prophets of Allah and contained in the four Divine Scriptures, that is Psalms, Torah, Gospel and Qur'an.

Here a question arises why the raising of the dead from the graves is equated with the locust and not any other species? It must be understood that in Qur'an, the mention of various insects like fly or mosquito and other animals have been given for a specific reason. We will talk with reference to these insects and animals and birds in some other post. But now let us talk of the raising of the dead with the locust.

It is mentioned in the 6-8 verses of Surah 54 Al-Qamar - The Moon:

"So, O Prophet, turn away from them.5 The Day the Caller shall call them to a most terrifying event, the people shall rise out of their graves with awestruck looks as though they were scattered locusts. They will be rushing towards the Caller and the same disbelievers (who denied it in the world) shall say, "This indeed is a hard day!"

These verses paint a scene of that day which is fierce and grim, consistent with the ambience of the surah. They also warn of the closeness of the Last Hour, highlighted by the splitting of the moon in two. All of this fits perfectly with the rhythm maintained throughout the surah.

It is a scene full of quick movement, yet it is also prominent, with clear lines and features: multitudes of people are rising from their graves, like swarming locusts, yet their eyes are downcast, humble, fearful. They rush towards the one who calls them forward, but they do not know what they are called to, and they cannot be reassured. As this gathering continues to take place, and amidst all this humility, the unbelievers say in a tone of distress that reflects their dawning awareness of the hardship ahead of them: "Hard indeed is this day." (Verse 8) 

The dead so arisen will be reflecting disgrace and humiliation, for as soon as they arise out of their graves they would realize that it was indeed the same second life which they had been denying, for which they had made no preparation, and in which they would have to present themselves before their God as culprits.

The metaphor of locusts is used here to describe the chaotic and overwhelming nature of resurrection. Locusts often move in swarms, which can be both awe-inspiring and fearsome, symbolizing the mass resurrection where individuals rise from their graves in a hurried and spread-out manner, similar to a swarm of locusts.

The comparison to locusts serves to convey the visual impact and scale of resurrection, emphasizing the multitude and the rapid, uncontrollable nature of this event. The imagery evokes a scene of countless individuals rising simultaneously, underscoring the magnitude and the inescapability of the Day of Judgment.

Let us understand the magnitude of locust when they swarm in billions and destroy everything that come their way. The raising of the dead is equated with locust to tell those who say how would we and our ancestors who had been in billions could gather in a short time and get assembled at one place?
A massive swarm of locust (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Author: CSIRO , Source

Recent research benefiting from micro cameras conducted by a systematic observation of insects have given us an idea about the reason for the selection of locusts as an example. A large swarm can consist of billions of locusts spread out over an area of thousands of square kilometres, with a population of up to 80 million per square kilometre (200 million per square mile). When desert locusts meet, their nervous systems release serotonin, which causes them to become mutually attracted, a prerequisite for swarming. 

The enormity of locust swarm is indicative of rising of the billions of dead who lived since Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and Eve. This in fact is the reply to the infidels of the times of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who when listening to such parables raised eyebrows and said:

"When we die and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be resurrected?' and 'Our forefathers as well?' Say, 'Indeed, the former and the later [peoples] are to be gathered together for the appointment of a known Day.'" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:47-50) 

"Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes. We are Able even to proportion his fingertips." Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:3-4) - This verse emphasizes the completeness of resurrection, indicating that even the smallest parts of the human body will be reassembled. 

And for those who question the raising alive of the dead, it is clarified to them that in Surah Ya-Sin (36:78-79) - verses that highlight the power of Allah in resurrecting the dead, as He is the one who created life initially.:

"And he presents for us an example and forgets his own creation. He says, 'Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?' Say, 'He will give them life who produced them the first time; and He is, of all creation, Knowing.'" 

As can be seen each the above referred references highlights different aspects of the concept of resurrection, from the physical reassembly of the body to the power of Allah in bringing the dead back to life, to the chaotic and overwhelming nature of the event, depicted through the metaphor of locusts.

Readers would now be able to correlate the raising of the dead and the comparison with the swarms of locust. The Resurrection will thus be a day of utter confusion as billions and billions of bodies will be rising from their graves and heading to wards the parade ground of the Divine Justice. None would know what is in store for them and they will stand perplexed, confused and vey uncertain of their fate. May Allah help us to live a live in this earthly life as commanded by Him, so that we do not have to be ashamed of standing in front of our Lord on that fateful day.
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 page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q and A for more questions and answers. 

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'anYou may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Photo | Resource References: | 12  | 34 | 5

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

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

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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