.

Saturday, 10 August 2024

How to have Faith and Trust in Decisions of Allah (Selected verses from Qur'an)

The basic theme of any Divine religion hinges on the faith in the One True God, we Muslims call Allah, the Creator of the Universe. In Islam, faith in Allah is a comprehensive belief that encompasses acknowledging His existence, oneness, attributes, and divine decree. It requires Muslims to worship Allah alone, live according to His guidance, and maintain trust in His wisdom and justice. This faith forms the foundation of a Muslim’s life, guiding their actions, decisions, and worldview.

Faith is Allah also makes us to understand that none other than Allah can provide us means of sustenance and it is He Who decides who to give and who not to give. He gives even to the most ungrateful and disbelievers and He even withholds even to His best of servants. And He is pleased to see His servants passing the test and is displeased of disbelievers for not thanking Him and still defying His existence.

With this premise in the background, today we share the second verse of Surah 35. Fatir, in which Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala (سبحانه و تعالى‎) says:

مَّا يَفۡتَحِ ٱللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحۡمَةٍ فَلَا مُمۡسِكَ لَهَا ۖ وَمَا يُمۡسِكۡ فَلَا مُرۡسِلَ لَهُۥ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِۦ ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ
"Whatever Allah grants to people of mercy - none can withhold it; and whatever He withholds - none can release it thereafter. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

This verse highlights the absolute power and control of Allah over all things, particularly His mercy and blessings. This is also meant to remove the misunderstanding of the polytheists, who believed that from among the servants of Allah, someone gave them the provision, someone the children and someone health to their patients. All these superstitions of shirk are baseless, and the pure truth is just that whatever of mercy reaches the people, reaches to them only through Allah Almighty’s bounty and grace. No one else has the power either to bestow it or to withhold it. This theme has been expressed at many places in the Quran and the Ahadith in different ways so that man may avoid the humiliation of begging at every door and at every shrine and may realize that making or marring of his destiny is in the power of One Allah alone and of none else.

“He is the All-Mighty”: He is dominant and the owner of Sovereignty: none can stop His judgments from being enforced. Also “He is All-Wise”: every act of His is based on wisdom. When He gives somebody something He gives because it is demanded by wisdom, and when He withholds something from somebody, He withholds it because it would be against wisdom to give it.

Let's break down the verse for a deeper understanding:

1. Allah’s Absolute Sovereignty:
  • "Whatever Allah grants to people of mercy - none can withhold it;" This part of the verse emphasizes that when Allah decides to bestow His mercy, blessings, or favors upon someone or a group of people, no one can prevent it. This includes any form of good, whether it is wealth, health, guidance, knowledge, or any other form of divine favor. Allah’s will is supreme, and no power in the universe can oppose or alter His decision when He decrees to grant mercy.
  • Qur'anic Parallel
    • This theme is echoed in other parts of the Qur'an as well. For instance, in Surah Al-An’am (6:17), Allah says: "And if Allah touches you with harm, there is none who can remove it but Him, and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His bounty."
    • The verse emphasizes that Allah’s decisions are final and absolute, reinforcing the idea that His mercy is beyond human control.
2. The Unchallenged Withholding by Allah:
  • "And whatever He withholds - none can release it thereafter;" This segment of the verse stresses that if Allah decides to withhold something, whether it’s His mercy, provision, or any other favor, no one can release or bestow it. This includes both the tangible and intangible aspects of life—like sustenance, success, or even spiritual guidance. Once Allah withholds something, human efforts, no matter how great, cannot override His decision.
  • Qur'anic Parallel
    • The 286th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286) reads: "Allāh does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned...."
    • This highlights the wisdom and mercy of Allah’s decisions, whether in granting or withholding, as He does so with complete knowledge of what is best for His creation.
3. The Attributes of Allah: "And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise."
  • This final part of the verse underscores two of Allah’s attributes: Al-Aziz (The Exalted in Might) and Al-Hakim (The Wise).
  • Al-Aziz signifies that Allah is all-powerful and has complete control over all affairs. His might is unmatched, meaning His decrees cannot be challenged or overturned.
  • Al-Hakim highlights that Allah’s decisions are based on perfect wisdom. Whatever He grants or withholds is done with complete knowledge of what is best, even if it is not immediately apparent to us.
These attributes remind us that Allah’s actions, whether in giving or withholding, are not arbitrary but are guided by His infinite wisdom and might. Every decision He makes is ultimately for the best, even if humans cannot fully comprehend the reasons behind it.

4. Implications for Believers:
  • Trust in Allah’s Decisions: This verse teaches believers to trust in Allah’s wisdom and power. Whether they receive blessings or face challenges, they should understand that both come from Allah and are part of His divine plan.
  • Humility and Submission: The verse encourages humility, as it reminds us that human control is limited. We are dependent on Allah’s mercy and provision, and therefore, should submit to His will with patience and gratitude.
  • Encouragement to Seek Allah’s Mercy: Since no one can withhold what Allah grants, believers are encouraged to turn to Allah in prayer, seeking His mercy and favors, knowing that He alone has the power to grant or withhold.
This verse from Surah Fatir beautifully encapsulates the essence of Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah) in His actions. It reminds believers that Allah is the sole source of mercy and blessings, and that His decisions are final, guided by His unmatched power and wisdom. Therefore, believers are urged to place their trust fully in Allah, seek His mercy, and accept His will with complete submission and faith.

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 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. 
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 like to read more posts from our exclusive page:  Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Faith in Allah

Please refer to our Selected verses from Sūrahs of Qur'an to highlight important topics with detailed explanation and Reference Page on Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

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

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 FacebookYou 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 Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Friday, 9 August 2024

Beware of the Divine wrath that befalls upon the whole population indiscriminately (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

The Lord of the worlds has created the entire universe to function as per His designs and directives. No one is allowed to exceed the limits as set forth by Allah, the One and the Only One True God and the sole Creator of the entire universe, of which we the humans on this planet of earth are but a fraction of the whole. Allah has sent down His messengers and prophets to every land and every people who not only conveyed to them the set of instructions as to how abide by the Divine Commandments, but also warned them  of severe consequences if any individual, society or a nation violates these.

The living examples of people of Lot (Prophet Lut, peace be upon him) when the Divine wrath befell on them in form of burning rocks when they refused to give up their practice of homosexuality. 

* You may read our previous post: Prophetic Supplication of Prophet Lot (Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) when the revered prophets in desperation called upon his Lord to help him against the wicked

There have been other examples of defiance of prophets of Allah by people of Ad and Thamud who too were destroyed by the Divine wrath, And when the Divine wrath befalls, everyone, guilty or otherwise perishes.

This is the message contained in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 92 Afflictions and the End of the World /  كتاب الفتن / Chapter 19:  If Allah sends a punishment upon a nation / باب  إِذَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِقَوْمٍ عَذَابًا الْمَاءِ‏ ) as Hadith 7108, given herein under:

Narrated Ibn `Umar:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If Allah sends punishment upon a nation then it befalls upon the whole population indiscriminately and then they will be resurrected (and judged) according to their deeds. "

Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عُثْمَانَ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا يُونُسُ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، أَخْبَرَنِي حَمْزَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ ابْنَ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِذَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِقَوْمٍ عَذَابًا، أَصَابَ الْعَذَابُ مَنْ كَانَ فِيهِمْ، ثُمَّ بُعِثُوا عَلَى أَعْمَالِهِمْ ‏"‏‏.‏

The hadith highlights a concept related to collective punishment and individual accountability. This hadith is understood in the context of both the Qur'an and other Hadiths. Let’s break down its meaning and implications with supporting evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah.

1. Understanding Collective Punishment:
The hadith suggests that when Allah sends a punishment upon a nation, it can affect everyone within that community, regardless of whether they are righteous or wicked. This concept is echoed in various parts of the Qur'an.
  • Qur'anic Evidence
    • In Surah Al-Anfal (8:25), Allah says: "And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty." 
    • This verse warns the believers to avoid actions that could lead to a punishment that affects everyone, not just the wrongdoers. 
    • This verse, along with the hadith, highlights the reality that when a society or nation collectively engages in wrongdoing or fails to prevent evil, Allah’s punishment may encompass the entire community. This serves as a warning to the believers to not be complacent or silent in the face of widespread corruption or immorality.
2. Individual Accountability After Death:
While the collective punishment might befall an entire community in this world, individual accountability remains in the Hereafter. The hadith states that despite the indiscriminate nature of worldly punishment, each person will be judged based on their own deeds after resurrection.
  • Qur'anic Evidence
    • In Surah Al-Muddathir (74:38), Allah says: "Every soul, for what it has earned, will be retained."
    • Similarly, in Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:7-8), Allah says: "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." 
    • These verses clearly affirm that each individual will be judged according to their deeds, regardless of what punishment they may have faced in the world.
3. Supporting Hadiths:
  • Another hadith reported by Imam Al-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2168) and others mentions the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saying: "When people see an oppressor but do not prevent him, it is likely that Allah will punish them all."
This hadith emphasizes the responsibility of individuals within a community to prevent wrongdoing, reinforcing the idea that neglecting this duty may lead to collective punishment.
  • In Sahih Bukhari, there is a hadith narrated by Zainab bint Jahsh: "The Prophet (peace be upon him) came to me in a state of fear and said, 'La ilaha illallah (there is no god but Allah)! Woe to the Arabs from the evil that has drawn near! Today a hole has been opened in the wall of Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog) like this.' Then he made a circle with his thumb and index finger." She asked, "Shall we be destroyed even though there are righteous people among us?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, "Yes, if evil increases."
This hadith reinforces the notion that even the presence of righteous people may not prevent collective punishment if the society as a whole engages in widespread corruption or evil.

4. Balancing the ConceptsThe combination of these teachings highlights a balance in Islamic theology:

  • Worldly Consequences: Communities and nations may face collective consequences for widespread wrongdoing.
  • Individual Judgement: In the Hereafter, each person will be judged and rewarded or punished based on their individual actions, regardless of the collective punishment they faced in this life.
5. Practical Lessons:
  • Active Participation in Good: The teachings encourage believers to actively promote good and prevent evil within their communities.
  • Personal Piety and Responsibility: Even if a person lives in a corrupt society, they are encouraged to maintain their piety and trust that they will be judged fairly by Allah in the Hereafter.
The hadith thus underscores the dual aspects of collective punishment in this world and individual accountability in the Hereafter. While entire communities might suffer for collective wrongdoing, in the afterlife, each person will be judged according to their own deeds. This teaching emphasizes the importance of both communal responsibility and personal righteousness in Islam.

Let us not live in the fallacy of the notion that we have been absolved of the original sin any sin more sin that we will commit will be condoned automatically due to Divine mercy. Beware of such falsehood being spread and be ready to face the consequences of all sins committed individually and be ready to be taken to task on the Day of Judgment. Qur'an and Hadiths warn us in very plain and open words to save ourselves from sinning, and if we do not repent and seek Divine Forgiveness while we are alive, then be ready to face a very harsh punishment in the life of the Hereafter.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of  and that 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 and explanation augmented by ChatGPT. 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, 6 August 2024

Utter losers worship others than Allah with lame excuse of being closer to Allah

Faith defines clear lines and directions of worship and devotion. That is it gives the clear direction that leads to  Allah, the One and Only One Creator of the entire universe, and the Ultimate Truth. Despite clear instructions in Qur'an to worship Allah alone and not to take humans as His associates or to find in them a way to reach Allah, for Allah is nearer to one's jugular vein and is always listening to those calling upon him.

It is utterly disturbing to see that a large section of believers, specially in some Asian countries, are misled by the pseudo religious scholars and imams not to approach Allah directly and tell them to find those who know Qur'an better to "route through them their grievances" to Allah for Allah listens to the pious and knowledgeable. This utterly tangent to the teachings of Qur'an and falls into the realm of Shirk. In fact this is what the disbelievers of Makkah did in the formatting days of Islam and would tell Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

We share today the third verse of Surah Az-Zumar which warns the disbelievers and everyone who takes protectors beside Allah with the lame excuse of getting close to Allah. This verse reinforces the importance of exclusive devotion to Allah and warns against associating partners with Him or relying on intermediaries for spiritual closeness. It serves as a reminder that only Allah has the authority to accept or reject worship and that He will decisively address any deviations from the true path.

Surah Az-Zumar (The Troops) is the 39th chapter of the Quran. Verse 3 of this surah reads:

أَلَا لِلَّهِ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْخَالِصُ ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ مَا نَعْبُدُهُمْ إِلَّا لِيُقَرِّبُونَآ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ زُلْفَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ فِى مَا هُمْ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى مَنْ هُوَ كَـٰذِبٌۭ كَفَّارٌۭ
Indeed, sincere devotion is due ˹only˺ to Allah. As for those who take take protectors besides Allah, ˹saying,˺ “We worship them only so they may bring us closer to Allah,” surely Allah will judge between all1 regarding what they differed about. Allah certainly does not guide whoever persists in lying and disbelief.

In this verse, several important concepts are highlighted:
  • Pure Monotheism: The verse emphasizes that worship should be dedicated solely to Allah, the One God. It stresses that true devotion and religious practice should be centered on the exclusive worship of Allah.
  • False Intermediaries: The verse criticizes those who worship other deities or take protectors (such as idols or other beings) besides Allah. These people believe that these intermediaries will help them get closer to Allah, which is a misunderstanding of the concept of monotheism.
  • Divine Judgment: The verse assures that Allah will ultimately judge between those who adhere to pure monotheism and those who deviate by worshiping intermediaries. This judgment will clarify the truth and address any discrepancies in religious practices.
As explained above, this verse highlights key themes of monotheism and the exclusive worship of Allah, and these themes are echoed throughout the Quran. Here’s a deeper look at this verse with references to similar verses:

Key Themes and Similar Verses in Qur'an
  • Exclusive Worship of Allah
    • Surah Al-Baqarah 2:163:
      • "And your God is one God. There is no deity except Him, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate."
      • This verse affirms the oneness of God and emphasizes that He alone deserves worship, aligning with the notion of pure monotheism in Surah Az-Zumar.
    • Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4:
      • "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" 
      • This surah reinforces the concept of Allah's unique oneness and His exclusivity in being worshiped.
  • Rejection of Intermediaries
    • Surah Al-Ankabut 29:17:
      • "You worship instead of Allah only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Indeed, those whom you worship instead of Allah have no power to provide for you. So seek from Allah provision and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned."
      • This verse condemns the worship of idols and emphasizes that only Allah has the power to provide and deserves worship.
    • Surah Al-Zumar 39:7: 
      • "If you disbelieve – indeed, Allah is Free from need of you. He does not approve for His servants disbelief. And if you are grateful, He approves it for you. No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you concerning that in which you used to differ." 
      • This verse highlights Allah’s independence from His creation and asserts that He alone is worthy of gratitude and worship.
  • Divine Judgment
    • Surah Al-Baqarah 2:281:
    • "And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be treated unjustly."
    • This verse speaks about the Day of Judgment when Allah will judge people according to their deeds, resonating with the assurance in Surah Az-Zumar that Allah will judge those who have deviated from true monotheism.
    • Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69:
      • "And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good."
      • This verse underscores that Allah will guide those who sincerely strive towards Him and will be the ultimate judge of their intentions and actions.
Hadiths attributed to Prophet on the same theme:
  • Hadith on Monotheism:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of monotheism in numerous hadiths. For instance, he said, “Whoever says ‘There is no god but Allah’ and dies on that, will enter Paradise”. This hadith underscores the centrality of declaring Allah’s oneness and worshiping Him alone.
  • Hadith on Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah):
The Prophet Muhammad said, “The most grievous sin is to associate partners with Allah, to kill a soul which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause, and to be disobedient to one's parents”. This highlights the severity of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and aligns with the Quranic teaching in Surah Az-Zumar 39:3 about the exclusive right of Allah to be worshiped.
  • Hadith on Intercessors:
The Prophet Muhammad clarified that no one can intercede on behalf of another without Allah’s permission. He said, “No one can intercede with Allah except with His permission”. This aligns with the Quranic verse which addresses the false belief that intermediaries can bring people closer to Allah. In Islam, intercession is only possible with Allah’s permission, and it does not contradict the fundamental belief in Allah’s sole right to be worshiped.
  • Hadith on Idolatry and Intermediaries:
In a hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad said, “Avoid the seven destructive sins.” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what are they?” He replied, “Shirk (associating partners with Allah), magic, killing a soul which Allah has forbidden except in justice, consuming interest, consuming the property of an orphan, fleeing from the battlefield, and slandering chaste, innocent women” (Sahih Muslim 89). This hadith reinforces the rejection of any practice that involves associating partners with Allah or relying on intermediaries for worship.
  • Hadith on Judgment Day:
The Prophet Muhammad taught that on the Day of Judgment, Allah will judge every individual based on their deeds. He said, “Allah will keep His servant under His shade on the Day when there is no shade but His”. This reinforces the idea that Allah alone will judge people and will address any deviations in worship or belief, consistent with Surah Az-Zumar 39:3.
  • Hadith on Accountability:
The Prophet Muhammad also said, “The first matter that the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is correct, then the rest of his actions will be correct; and if it is defective, then the rest of his actions will be defective”. This hadith emphasizes personal accountability and aligns with the Quranic principle that Allah will judge the sincerity and correctness of worship.

The verse of Surah Az-Zumar stated above in the light of other shared verses from Qur'an and Hadiths thus emphasizes the importance of worshiping Allah alone and condemns the use of intermediaries in religious practice. Similar verses throughout the Quran reinforce these concepts by affirming Allah’s exclusive right to worship, rejecting the worship of false deities, and assuring divine judgment on the Day of Resurrection.

Let us not derail us from the Sirat al-Mustaqim "الصراط المستقيم"  (the Straight Path) as shown to us through Qur'an and many a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Let us not fall into the trap of the Satan and evil forces that takes us away from Allah and then urging us to protectors other than Allah to reach Him. This is pure shirk and has no place in Islam. We worship only and only One True God, we call Allah 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.

Please refer to our exclusive reference pages: 
In addition, 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

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.

Sunday, 4 August 2024

Prophetic Supplication of Prophet Lot (Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The most difficult task given to humans by Allah has been the task of prophethood. The prophets who were assigned this most tedious assignments were subjected to extreme intimidation, negation, harassments, besides even being man handled and threatened with their lives. Prophet Lot (Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was also one of the prophets who was sent to a people who had a wicked character and were engaged in the sin of same sex, that is what the gays and lesbians are today. Verses 160-175 of Surah Ash-Shu'araa narrates the story of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, his address to his people, they disbelieved and as a result faced destruction.

Note: It may be added for information of our readers that Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is said to be nephew of Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Prophet Abraham himself is said to have been a descendant of Nuh through his son Shem.

Continuing with the height of wickedness of his people, and when it reached to an unbearable limit, the revered prophet supplicated to Allah for his and family's protection by saying:

رَبِّ نَجِّنِىۡ وَاَهۡلِىۡ مِمَّا يَعۡمَلُوۡنَ‏ 
(26:169) My Lord, deliver me and my family from their wicked deeds."

To fully understand verse 169 of Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26:169), it's important to consider it within the broader context of the Surah and the story of Prophet Lot (Lut).

Context of Surah Ash-Shu'ara
Surah Ash-Shu'ara recounts the stories of various prophets to illustrate their struggles, their call to righteousness, and the eventual consequences faced by their communities when they rejected divine guidance. The Surah uses these narratives to emphasize the themes of divine justice, the importance of heeding prophetic messages, and the consequences of moral corruption.

The Story of Prophet Lot (Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is a key figure in this Surah, particularly in the sections related to the destruction of his people. Here's a more detailed context:
  • The People of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ's Immorality: The people of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ were engaged in grave sins, including sexual immorality and rejecting the teachings of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. Their behavior was considered abominable, particularly the practice of same-sex relations, which was widely condemned in the Quran.
  • Mission of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ: He was sent to guide his people back to righteousness, but they persisted in their sinful ways and even threatened him with violence. Despite his efforts, his message was met with resistance and hostility.
  • Divine Punishment: As a result of their persistent wickedness, Allah decreed the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This punishment was a manifestation of divine justice against the moral corruption that had taken root.
Verse 169 in Context
In the context of the Surah, verse 169 is part of plea of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ for mercy amidst the impending destruction:
  • Before the Verse: Prior to verse 169, the Surah describes how Allah had sent angels to Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ to inform him of the forthcoming punishment and to instruct him to leave the city with his family. The narrative highlights the sinful nature of Lot's people and the divine decision to destroy them.
  • After the Verse: After this plea, the narrative continues with the actual destruction of the cities. Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and his family are instructed to leave quickly, and the punishment is executed as foretold.
Significance of the Verse
  • Plea for Protection: Plea of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ in this verse reflects his concern for the safety of himself and his family in the face of divine retribution. It underscores the importance of seeking Allah’s protection in times of crisis.
  • Human Concern: The verse humanizes Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, showing his deep care for his loved ones and his hope for divine mercy, even in the face of judgment.
  • Divine Justice: It emphasizes that divine justice is not arbitrary but responds to the moral state of a society. The destruction of Lot's people was a direct consequence of their refusal to repent and their continued sinful behavior.
In summary, verse 169 of Surah Ash-Shu'ara is a poignant moment in the story of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, capturing his earnest request for divine protection for himself and his family amidst the impending divine punishment of his community. It serves as a reminder of the themes of divine justice and mercy in the Quranic narrative.

This also guides to make supplications as made by the prophets for our safety against the wicked and the bad character people and demagogues to invoke mercy of Allah lest harm comes to us and our families.
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 Invocations / Dua " دُعا " from the Qur'anYou may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Photo | Resource References: | 1 | 2
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully.

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

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from following sources: 
  • Towards Understanding the Quran
  • Tafsir Ibn Khatir
  • Muhammad Asad Translation
  • Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
  • Al-Quran, Yusuf Ali Translation
  • Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
In addition, 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. 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.

Thursday, 1 August 2024

Anger Management as taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ : What to say when one is angry

Anger is defined as an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. Anger can be a good thing. It can give you a way to express negative feelings, for example, or motivate you to find solutions to problems. To be angry is to be furious. People who get angry a lot have a short temper. This is a word for a common emotion: being mad or enraged. People get mad all the time, about traffic, homework, parents, children, and even the weather. 

It is generally seen that many a  man cannot control their emotions and exhibit an explosive outburst when being antagonized. In fact when a person is angry, he is temporarily robbed of the ability to think straight and takes erratic decisions for which he feel sorry for himself when the anger has subsided. The emotional and reactive outbursts in most cases cause losing friends and relatives, even business deals, and have very negative and deep impact on one's own life and health. 

In Islam, any unusual negative response to a situation is attributed to the work of the Satan and the evil forces, for these evil forces are all the time on the lookout of people who can be easily tempted to show their emotional response easily. Under such situations, one must immediately try to disengage from a situation and act upon the advice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

This Hadith is mentioned Jami` at-Tirmidhi  (48 -  Chapters on Supplication / كتاب الدعوات عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم / Chapter # 51 What One Says When Angry / باب مَا يَقُولُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ  ) as Hadith number # 3452:

Mu`adh bin Jabal narrated :
that one of the two men cursed the other next to the Prophet (ﷺ), until anger could be recognized in the face of one of them. So the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Verily, I know a statement, that if he were to say it, his anger would leave: ‘I seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, the rejected (A`ūdhu billāhi minash-shaiṭānir-rajīm).’”

Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا مَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، حَدَّثَنَا قَبِيصَةُ، أَخْبَرَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى، عَنْ مُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَلٍ، رضى الله عنه قَالَ اسْتَبَّ رَجُلاَنِ عِنْدَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَتَّى عُرِفَ الْغَضَبُ فِي وَجْهِ أَحَدِهِمَا فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِنِّي لأَعْلَمُ كَلِمَةً لَوْ قَالَهَا لَذَهَبَ غَضَبُهُ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ حَدَّثَنَا بُنْدَارٌ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، بِهَذَا الإِسْنَادِ نَحْوَهُ ‏.‏ قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ صُرَدٍ قَالَ وَهَذَا حَدِيثٌ مُرْسَلٌ ‏.‏ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى لَمْ يَسْمَعْ مِنْ مُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَلٍ مَاتَ مُعَاذٌ فِي خِلاَفَةِ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ وَقُتِلَ عُمَرُ بْنُ الْخَطَّابِ وَعَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى غُلاَمٌ ابْنُ سِتِّ سِنِينَ وَهَكَذَا رَوَى شُعْبَةُ عَنِ الْحَكَمِ عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى وَقَدْ رَوَى عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ وَرَآهُ وَعَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى يُكْنَى أَبَا عِيسَى وَأَبُو لَيْلَى اسْمُهُ يَسَارٌ وَرُوِيَ عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى قَالَ أَدْرَكْتُ عِشْرِينَ وَمِائَةً مِنَ الأَنْصَارِ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏.‏
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

This hadith offers insight into the Islamic approach to managing anger. The advice given by the Prophet (ﷺ) is deeply rooted in the Quranic teachings. Here are some Quranic verses that relate to this hadith:

Relevance to the Quran
  • Seeking Refuge from Shaitan:
    • Surah Al-A'raf (7:200): "And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaitan, then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower." 
    • This verse explicitly instructs believers to seek refuge in Allah when tempted by Shaitan, which can include moments of intense anger.
  • Controlling Anger:
    • Surah Al-Imran (3:134): "Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good." 
    • This verse praises those who restrain their anger and forgive others, showing the importance of controlling one's anger in Islam.
  • Shaitan’s Influence
    • Surah Al-Isra (17:53): "And say to My servants that they speak that which is best. Indeed, Shaitan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Shaitan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy." 
    • This verse indicates that Shaitan seeks to sow discord among people, which can often manifest through anger and arguments.
Practical Application
  • Managing Anger: The hadith provides a practical tool for managing anger by seeking refuge in Allah from Shaitan. This not only helps in calming down but also brings a spiritual perspective to the situation.
  • Recognizing Shaitan’s Role: Understanding that Shaitan can influence our emotions and actions helps in addressing the root cause of anger. By seeking refuge in Allah, a believer acknowledges Shaitan’s role and takes a step towards self-control.
Spiritual and Psychological Benefits:
Reciting "A`ūdhu billāhi minash-shaiṭānir-rajīm" serves as a reminder of Allah’s presence and helps divert the mind from the immediate cause of anger to a more peaceful state. It’s a form of mindfulness and spiritual grounding.

The hadith narrated by Mu`adh bin Jabal emphasizes the importance of controlling anger and provides a specific method to achieve it through seeking refuge in Allah from Shaitan. This practice is supported by various Quranic teachings that highlight the virtues of restraint, the detrimental role of Shaitan, and the effectiveness of seeking Allah’s protection. By implementing this prophetic advice, a believer can achieve greater emotional control and spiritual well-being.
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.

Photo: Pixabay

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.

What are the prohibited timings for offering Obligatory and Voluntary prayers / As Salat

Man has been worshipping visible objects since time immemorial. These visible objects may take the shape of man made idols or celestial objects like the sun, moon or even the fire. But in Islam, and also like all Divine religions, the believers worship the unseen God, Who resembles like no other and is hidden from our eyes. Muslims, therefore, worship Allah, the One True God, five times a day with the belief that they are being watched and listened to by Allah.

However, the mode and timings of worship of Muslims differ from all others, even the people of the Book. And there is a reason for that. In Islam, there are specific times during the day when it is prohibited to perform Salat (prayer). These times are based on the movements of the sun and are avoided to prevent any resemblance to sun worship, which was a common practice in pre-Islamic times. Here are the three main times when Salat should not be offered.

The prohibition of offering Salat (prayer) during certain times of the day is rooted in both the Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) and, to some extent, can be inferred from the Quran. Here's an explanation of these timings and their basis in Islamic teachings:

Obligatory Prayers
Times when Obligatory prayers / Salat cannot be offered (in the light of Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
  • When the Sun is Rising:
    • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Do not pray at the time of the rising of the sun or at the time of its setting."
    • Reason: This time is avoided because it resembles the times when sun worshipers would worship the sun, thus preventing any similarity with their practices.
  • When the Sun is at its Zenith (Midday):
    • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The sun rises between the two horns of Satan, and when it is at its zenith, Satan is present."
    • Reason: This is a brief period when the sun is at its highest point in the sky before it begins to decline. Praying at this time is prohibited to distinguish Islamic practices from those of sun worshipers.
  • When the Sun is Setting
    • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Do not pray at the time of the rising of the sun or at the time of its setting."
    • Reason: This time is also avoided for the same reason as sunrise, to prevent any resemblance to sun worship.
Let us share the complete Hadith as mentioned in Sahi Muslim 612, wherein 'Abdullah b. 'Amr b. al-'As is quoted to have reported::

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about the times of prayers. He said: The time for the morning prayer (lasts) as long as the first visible part of the rising sun does not appear and the time of the noon prayer is when the sun declines from the zenith and there is not a time for the afternoon prayer and the time for the afternoon prayer is so long as the sun does not become pale and its first visible part does not set, and the time for the evening prayer is that when the sun disappears and (it lasts) till the twilight is no more and the time for the night prayer is up to the midnight.

Arabic Text:
وَحَدَّثَنِي أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ الأَزْدِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ رَزِينٍ، حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ طَهْمَانَ - عَنِ الْحَجَّاجِ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ حَجَّاجٍ - عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ، أَنَّهُ قَالَ سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنْ وَقْتِ الصَّلَوَاتِ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ وَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْفَجْرِ مَا لَمْ يَطْلُعْ قَرْنُ الشَّمْسِ الأَوَّلُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الظُّهْرِ إِذَا زَالَتِ الشَّمْسُ عَنْ بَطْنِ السَّمَاءِ مَا لَمْ يَحْضُرِ الْعَصْرُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْعَصْرِ مَا لَمْ تَصْفَرَّ الشَّمْسُ وَيَسْقُطْ قَرْنُهَا الأَوَّلُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْمَغْرِبِ إِذَا غَابَتِ الشَّمْسُ مَا لَمْ يَسْقُطِ الشَّفَقُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْعِشَاءِ إِلَى نِصْفِ اللَّيْلِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Additional Prohibited Times for Non-Obligatory Prayers:
  • After the Fajr Prayer Until the Sun Rises:
    • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There is no prayer after the Fajr prayer until the sun rises." (Sahih Bukhari 586, Sahih Muslim 612)
    • Reason: To emphasize the importance of the obligatory Fajr prayer and to prevent any confusion with non-obligatory prayers.
  • After the Asr Prayer Until the Sun Sets
    • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There is no prayer after the Asr prayer until the sun sets." 
    • Reason: To emphasize the importance of the obligatory Asr prayer and to prevent any confusion with non-obligatory prayers.
Inferences from the Quran:
While the Quran does not explicitly list these specific times, it provides general guidance about prayer times and emphasizes regularity and consistency in offering prayers. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqara (2:238), it mentions: "Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e., the best prayer - 'Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience."

The specific prohibition of performing Salat during certain times is based primarily on the Hadith, reflecting the Prophet Muhammad's guidance to distinguish Islamic practices from those of sun worshipers and to maintain the sanctity of obligatory prayers. By adhering to these guidelines, Muslims ensure their prayers are offered in a manner that aligns with the prophetic traditions and avoids any association with non-Islamic practices.

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.

Photo | Source of Hadith:  Sahi Muslim 612a

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat - Prayers for more on As Salat.

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 FacebookYou 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 Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More