What is Hijab in Islam - a broader viewpoint

Hijab is one of the most misunderstood word as for Islam is concerned. It is usually taken in context of Muslim women for covering their body contours from the eyes of the men. In fact the concept of Hijab in Islam goes far beyond merely covering one’s body or wearing a headscarf of women. It, in fact, represents a broader set of guidelines and principles related to modesty, dignity, privacy, and morality. The term "Hijab" generally means "to cover, conceal, or separate." In Islamic teachings, Hijab encompasses both outward physical coverings and inward spiritual conduct.

Thus apart from its women specific meaning, Hijab actually means covering - that is all things from the eyes of others which either concern our Awrah or many other facets of life which may be inadvertently hurting to others, if not properly taken care of. Let us dwell on it in some details:

Hijab as mostly understood, specially by Non Muslims

We have already shared a number of posts on Hijab, which refer to Hijab as generally understood. The links are shared in under for detailed reading:

• Hijab for Muslim women
• Wear Raiment of Modesty and Righteousness 
• Islam PROHIBITS looking at `Awrah – the Intimate Body Parts of others
• Why Islam gives so much emphasis on Modesty " Hayā حياء " 
• Lone brave Indian Muslim girl protects her Hijab from intimidating Hindutva terrorists

Let us sum up the concept of Hijab as for its Physical Aspect: Modesty in Dress is concerned:

• For Women: The Hijab in its most common sense refers to the modest dress code prescribed for Muslim women. This includes covering the hair and body except for the face and hands (though some interpretations recommend covering the face as well). The objective is to maintain modesty and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to oneself in public.
• Quranic Reference:
• Surah An-Nur (24:31): "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests..."
• Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59): "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves part of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused."

These verses establish the guidelines for modest dress, emphasizing covering parts of the body that are considered private (awrah) in public spaces.

• For Men: Although the Hijab is often associated with women, men also have guidelines regarding modesty. Men are required to dress modestly, cover their private parts (from the navel to the knee), and avoid clothing that draws excessive attention or is tight-fitting.

Surah An-Nur (24:30): "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed,llah is Acquainted with what they do."

 

Modesty in dress for men also discourages extravagance or dressing in a way that could lead to pride or vanity. Please read our previous post for details: Let believing men cast down their looks

Broader meaning of Hijab in Islam

Let us now turn to meaning of Hijab in aspects other than women specific or covering of Awrah:

• Hijab of Behavior: Modesty in Conduct
• Lowering the Gaze: In addition to modest dress, Hijab includes the concept of "lowering the gaze" and avoiding inappropriate interactions with members of the opposite gender.

Surah An-Nur (24:30-31): Both men and women are commanded to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, which means avoiding lustful looks or inappropriate behavior.

• Respectful Interaction: Hijab also involves how individuals conduct themselves in social interactions. Conversations and interactions should be respectful, with the boundaries of modesty upheld. Inappropriate flirtation or physical contact with members of the opposite gender is discouraged.
• Segregation (in Certain Contexts): In certain social or religious settings, Islam encourages gender segregation to prevent any temptations or improprieties. While this varies depending on culture and context, the underlying principle is to create an environment of modesty and respect.
• Hijab of the Heart: Spiritual Modesty: Modesty in Islam is not limited to outward appearance; it also has a spiritual dimension. Hijab of the heart refers to cultivating a sense of modesty, humility, and God-consciousness (taqwa) within.
• Spiritual Purity: A believer is expected to guard their heart from pride, vanity, and immoral desires. The concept of Hijab thus extends to internal modesty, where one’s thoughts, intentions, and desires should align with Islamic teachings of morality and decency.
• Hijab of Speech: Modesty in Words: 
• The way one speaks is also part of the broader understanding of Hijab. Islam encourages believers to use their speech in a modest and respectful manner. This means avoiding vulgarity, slander, gossip, or flirtatious conversation.
• Quranic Reference:

Surah Al-Ahzab (33:32): "O wives of the Prophet, you are not like anyone among women. If you fear Allah, then do not be soft in speech [to men], lest he in whose heart is disease should covet, but speak with appropriate speech."    

• This verse encourages women to speak respectfully and not in a manner that could be misinterpreted or lead to inappropriate attraction. The principle of modest speech applies to men as well.
• Hijab of Privacy: Protecting Personal Space
• The concept of Hijab also emphasizes the importance of personal privacy. Muslims are taught to respect the private space of others, including their homes and personal affairs.
• Quranic Reference: "O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants." Surah An-Nur (24:27)
• This verse stresses the importance of respecting others’ privacy, which is another aspect of modesty and courtesy in Islam.
• Hijab as Protection
• One of the purposes of Hijab in all its forms—dress, behavior, speech, and privacy—is to protect individuals from harm, unwanted attention, and immorality.
• Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59): "That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused."
• The outward expression of modesty, especially through clothing, is meant to provide a layer of protection from harassment or unwanted attention, ensuring dignity and safety.

Hijab of Projectionist Desires

Man swells out of his self when blessed with position, wealth and status better than others. Islam strictly prohibits projection of such desires for these not only display arrogance and pride rather than humbleness and humility. Some such projectionist desires are given herein under which inadvertently hurt many others, blessed less than them, are appended hereinunder:

• Hijab against exhibiting one's wealth in front of the poor
• Hijab against eating lavishly when being watched by a poor and hungry who cannot even afford a decent meal in a day
• Hijab against patting and pampering your children in front of the orphans lest their 
• Hijab against exposing others' faults and sins if you happen to know of
• Hijab against peeping into personal lives of others not exposing these to others

Thus the broad meaning of Hijab in Islam encompasses much more than the headscarf worn by women. It represents a comprehensive framework of modesty, respect, and dignity, which applies to both men and women. Hijab includes:

• Modesty in dress for both genders,
• Modesty in behavior such as lowering the gaze and maintaining proper boundaries in interactions,
• Modesty in speech, avoiding inappropriate language or tones,
• Spiritual modesty, maintaining purity of thought and intention.
• Privacy and protection of oneself from harm or exploitation. Read our post: Believers! Do not be  Over-inquisitive and unnecessarily curious
• At its core, the concept of Hijab reflects a holistic approach to living a modest, dignified, and respectful life in accordance with Islamic principles. It is designed to preserve the honor and morality of individuals and to foster a society built on mutual respect and decency.

Let us then very cautious of Hijab in its boarder meaning for it covers everything that that may lure into evil or hurt someone by exposure of acts as mentioned above.

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.

Photo | 

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

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

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

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What to say if one forgets to say Bismillah before eating food (Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is full of teaching, rendering advices and letting others know the etiquettes of living a life according the Divine guidance as contained in Qur'an. Since besides being a religion, Islam is complete code of life and code of conduct, it encompasses every action of a man which should be taken as per explained in Qur'an and practically demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. 

And when it comes to taking one's meal, it should commence by taking the name of Allah, saying Bismillah بِسْمِ اللَّهِ  to show our gratitude to our Creator who has provided us the means of sustenance and food to eat. But what if forgets to say Bismillah before eating the food and continues and suddenly he remembers that he has not said Bismillah. 

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ guides us for such situations and has told us what to say to compensate for our omission. This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah /  Book 29 Chapters on Food / كتاب الأطعمة) / Chapter 7: Saying bismillah when eating / باب  التَّسْمِيَةِ عِنْدَ الطَّعَامِ / as Hadith number # 3945 under:

It was narrated that ‘Aishah said:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was eating food with six of his Companions when a Bedouin came and ate it all in two bites. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If he had said Bismillah, it would have sufficed you (all). When any one of you eats food, let him say Bismillah, and if he forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, let him say Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirih (In the Name of Allah at the beginning and at the end).’”

Arabic Text:‏

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ بْنُ هَارُونَ، عَنِ هِشَامٍ الدَّسْتَوَائِيِّ، عَنْ بُدَيْلِ بْنِ مَيْسَرَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُبَيْدِ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَأْكُلُ طَعَامًا فِي سِتَّةِ نَفَرٍ مِنْ أَصْحَابِهِ فَجَاءَ أَعْرَابِيٌّ فَأَكَلَهُ بِلُقْمَتَيْنِ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ "‏ أَمَا أَنَّهُ لَوْ كَانَ قَالَ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ لَكَفَاكُمْ فَإِذَا أَكَلَ أَحَدُكُمْ طَعَامًا فَلْيَقُلْ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ فَإِنْ نَسِيَ أَنْ يَقُولَ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ فِي أَوَّلِهِ فَلْيَقُلْ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ فِي أَوَّلِهِ وَآخِرِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

This hadith emphasizes the importance of saying "Bismillah" (In the Name of Allah) before eating, and it reflects a broader Islamic principle that actions should be accompanied by the remembrance of Allah, especially when receiving sustenance.

The hadith suggests that when "Bismillah" is pronounced, the food is not only sufficient but also blessed, even if the quantity seems limited. The Bedouin, who did not say "Bismillah," quickly consumed the food, whereas invoking Allah’s name would have caused the food to suffice for everyone. This illustrates the concept of barakah (blessing) associated with remembering Allah.

If someone forgets to say "Bismillah" before eating, they are given a remedy by saying "Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirih" بِسْمِ اللَّهِ فِي أَوَّلِهِ وَآخِرِهِ (In the Name of Allah, at the beginning and at the end), which still invokes Allah's blessings retroactively.

Connection to the Qur'an

Let us see how this  complements the Qur'anic teachings by encouraging mindfulness of Allah's presence in daily activities, showing gratitude for His provisions, and seeking blessings in all affairs.

• Acknowledging Allah's Provision:
• The Qur'an repeatedly stresses that all sustenance comes from Allah. 
• In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:172), Allah commands believers to "Eat of the good things which We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah." 
• By saying "Bismillah" before eating, a Muslim acknowledges Allah as the provider of the food and shows gratitude for it.
• Gratitude and Blessings:
• The act of saying "Bismillah" invokes blessings and barakah (divine increase) in the meal. This aligns with the Qur'anic idea that gratitude leads to an increase in blessings. 
• In Surah Ibrahim (14:7), Allah says, "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]." 
• The Prophet ﷺ, by instructing to say "Bismillah," is encouraging gratitude that brings blessings, a theme also found in the Qur'an.
• Mindfulness of Allah:
• The Qur'an encourages mindfulness of Allah in all actions, including eating. 
• In Surah Al-An'am (6:121), believers are instructed to "Eat not of (meat) on which Allah's name has not been pronounced." 
• This verse points to the importance of beginning actions, especially related to food, with the remembrance of Allah’s name.

In view of the explanation of the Hadith and its connection with Qur'an, we must make it a habit to begin eating our meal by saying بِسْمِ اللَّهِ  (in the name of Allah). But if we forget it and begin eating, then no sooner we remember it should stop and say بِسْمِ اللَّهِ فِي أَوَّلِهِ وَآخِرِهِ (In the Name of Allah, at the beginning and at the end) and then resume eating. Allah will honour our omission and bless us, In sha Allah.

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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 exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

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 | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

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.

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Spend of what Allah has granted you before death should come to you

No two men are blessed equally. Rather it is generally seen that the Have NOTs are more than those who are the lucky ones to have the blessings of Allah and means of sustenance available to them. This disparity in means of sustenance has been created so that those who have more than their needs, should share the extra with those who have none or too less to live a meaningful life. Despite the wisdom behind the blessings and otherwise, most of us fail the test and fail to part with our resources to help others. If man had been generous, the world today would have been a happier place. But despite abundance of resources, we see children dying of hunger in many areas of the world. Instead of helping them, there are countries who dump millions of tons of wheat into the sea for want of storage.

It is for this very reason, Allah has asked His servants to help others from what they have been given, lest death begets them and they leave behind their coffers stuffed with money that if had been given away in charity, would have come to their rescue on the Day of the Judgment.

Of the many verses from Qur'an on charity, we share the 10th verse of Surah Al-Munafiqun which emphasizes the importance of giving charity (sadaqah) and performing good deeds before death, as once death comes, it is too late for repentance or righteous actions. The verse reads:

وَاَنۡفِقُوۡا مِنۡ مَّا رَزَقۡنٰكُمۡ مِّنۡ قَبۡلِ اَنۡ يَّاۡتِىَ اَحَدَكُمُ الۡمَوۡتُ فَيَقُوۡلَ رَبِّ لَوۡلَاۤ اَخَّرۡتَنِىۡۤ اِلٰٓى اَجَلٍ قَرِيۡبٍۙ فَاَصَّدَّقَ وَاَكُنۡ مِّنَ الصّٰلِحِيۡنَ‏ 

(63:10) And spend of what Allah has granted you by way of sustenance before death should come to any of you and he should say: “Lord, why did You not defer my return for a while so that I might give alms and be among the righteous?”

With respect to charitable donations, the surah here touches their hearts in several ways: "Give, then, out of what We have provided for you." This reminds us of the source of all that we have. It is all from God in whom we believe and who instructs us to be generous and charitable. Such giving should be done "before death comes to any ofyou.. ." It should be a result of the person's own action before death overtakes him and he leaves everything behind for others to enjoy. If he does not do so then he will look around only to discover that he has put nothing forward for his own salvation. This is the worst stupidity and the greatest loss. He will then feel pangs of regret and wish he could have more time to be charitable and join with those people who are righteous.

Let us expand this verse to have a detailed view of its revelation:

• Command to Spend in Charity: The verse instructs believers to give from what Allah has provided them. This refers to wealth, time, and abilities that Allah has granted as a means to support others and to earn His pleasure. Charity (sadaqah) is a major way to purify wealth and help those in need.
• Before Death Approaches: The warning is clear: believers should act while they are alive and capable. Once death comes, there will be no opportunity to return to life and rectify one's shortcomings, including giving charity or engaging in righteous deeds.
• Regret After Death: The verse portrays a scene where a person, upon realizing that death is imminent, regrets not having spent their wealth in charity or having performed more righteous deeds. They beg for a delay or extension of life so they can return to perform good deeds, especially charity. However, at that point, it is too late, and no delay will be granted.

Supporting Hadith and Teachings:

The theme of this verse is reflected in many hadiths that highlight the importance of giving charity and performing good deeds during one's lifetime, as these actions cannot be performed after death.

• Hadith on Giving Charity Before Death: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the urgency of giving charity before it is too late. He said:

“A man said: O Messenger of Allah, which charity is the most virtuous? He said: 'To give in charity when you are healthy and miserly, fearing poverty and hoping for a long life. Do not delay until the soul reaches the throat, and then say: ‘This is for so-and-so, and that is for so-and-so,’ when it has already become so-and-so's.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2748)

This hadith reinforces the message of the verse by advising believers to give charity while they are still alive, in good health, and capable. The Prophet warns that delaying charity until the moment of death is futile because once death approaches, the opportunity to perform good deeds is lost.

• Hadith on Regret After Death: The Prophet (peace be upon him) also mentioned how the deceased will regret not having done more during their lifetime. He said:

"The servant says, 'My Lord, give me respite so that I may give charity and be among the righteous.' But Allah will not grant respite to a soul when its appointed time has come." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 4679)

This hadith directly mirrors the sentiment expressed in the verse: once the time of death arrives, no further chances will be given to perform acts of righteousness, including charity.

• The Value of Charity: The Prophet (peace be upon him) greatly emphasized the importance of charity and how it benefits both the giver and society. He said:

"Charity does not decrease wealth. No one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status." (Sahih Muslim, 2588)

Charity is seen not as a loss of wealth, but as a means to gain blessings and honor in both this life and the Hereafter. This hadith encourages believers to give freely and frequently without fearing poverty.

Broader Lessons from the Verse and Hadith:

• The Urgency of Good Deeds: Both the verse and hadiths convey a sense of urgency in performing good deeds, particularly giving charity. Life is short and unpredictable, and death can come at any moment. Believers should make the most of their time and wealth by engaging in righteous actions.
• Regret of the Negligent: After death, the opportunity to rectify one’s shortcomings is gone. The verse captures the regret that many will feel at not having done more, particularly in helping others and supporting charitable causes.
• Giving While Alive and Healthy: The hadith encourages giving charity when one is healthy and able, rather than delaying until death approaches. Charity given in such a state demonstrates sincerity and a willingness to part with wealth for the sake of Allah, without waiting for the moment when it is too late.
• Charity as a Means of Salvation: Charity is one of the most virtuous deeds in Islam. It not only purifies one’s wealth but also serves as a shield from Allah's displeasure and punishment. Thus, giving generously in one’s lifetime is a way to secure success in the Hereafter.

Surah Al-Munafiqun, verse 10, along with the supporting hadiths, serves as a reminder for believers to give charity and engage in righteous actions while they are still able. The verse warns against procrastination in doing good deeds, as death could come at any moment, leaving no further opportunity for repentance or charity. The hadiths reinforce the urgency of acting before death and the regret that will come to those who delay, making it clear that charity is an essential part of a believer’s duty that must be fulfilled during their lifetime.

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 

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

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

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

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Glad tidings for those who respond to the call of their Lord

This worldly life of ours was not created to make merry, enjoy the abundant and unending means of sustenance and forget about our Lord who created all this for us. On the contrary, our Lord crated this universe full of resources to sustain us so that we are thankful to Him and bow our head in gratitude and utter humility. This theme has been repeated at a number of times in Qur'an .

We pick up the 18th verse of Surah 13. Ar Ra'd and understand the Divine promise for those who respond to the Divine call and those who do not: 

لِلَّذِيۡنَ اسۡتَجَابُوۡا لِرَبِّهِمُ الۡحُسۡنٰى​ؕ وَالَّذِيۡنَ لَمۡ يَسۡتَجِيۡبُوۡا لَهٗ لَوۡ اَنَّ لَهُمۡ مَّا فِى الۡاَرۡضِ جَمِيۡعًا وَّمِثۡلَهٗ مَعَهٗ لَافۡتَدَوۡا بِهٖؕ اُولٰۤـئِكَ لَهُمۡ سُوۡۤءُ الۡحِسَابِ ۙ وَمَاۡوٰٮهُمۡ جَهَـنَّمُ​ؕ وَبِئۡسَ الۡمِهَادُ‏ 

(13:18) There is good reward for those who respond to the call of their Lord. And those who do not respond to their Lord, (a time will come when) they shall offer all they have - even if they have all the riches of the world and the like of it besides to redeem themselves (from the chastisement of Allah). They will be subjected to a severe reckoning and Hell shall be their refuge. What a wretched resting place it is!

The verse contains two types of subjects: Those who respond to the Divine Call and those who do not. It will be seen that most part of the verse is about warning to those who do not heed to the Divine Call and have been warned of the consequences of their disbelief in the Lord of the entire universe. Let us try to understand the deep rooted meaning of this verse:

• Those Who Respond to Allah: The verse begins by referring to those who respond positively to Allah's call (i.e., follow His guidance and obey His commands). For such individuals, the best reward awaits them, which includes Allah’s pleasure, Paradise, and His infinite mercy.
• Those Who Do Not Respond: In contrast, the verse warns about those who reject or ignore Allah’s guidance. Even if they possessed all the wealth and riches in the world, they would not be able to ransom themselves on the Day of Judgment to escape punishment.
• The Worst Accountability: These people will face a severe and difficult accounting for their actions on the Day of Judgment. This refers to a detailed and harsh reckoning of their deeds.
• Their End is Hellfire: For those who rejected Allah's message, the verse ends with a grave warning: their ultimate destination is Hell, and it is described as a miserable and wretched resting place.

Lessons from the Verse:

• The verse contrasts the fate of the believers (those who respond to Allah) with that of the disbelievers (those who reject the message).
• It highlights the futility of worldly possessions in the Hereafter and the severity of rejecting divine guidance.
• The verse serves as a reminder to heed Allah’s call and follow His path to avoid the severe consequences in the Hereafter.

We learn from the Quran that the rebels of Allah shall have to render a reckoning, whereas there shall be a light reckoning from those who have been faithful and obedient to their Lord. In consideration of their loyal services, their cases will be dealt with leniently, and taking their general goodness into account many of their shortcomings will be forgiven.

That is whoever responds to Him will have a fine reward, and whoever turns away will face great suffering. So much so that the latter will want to offer the earth’s riches twice over, in order to release himself. But there is no chance of release. There is only an awful reckoning and a fitting abode in hell.

Here again the contrast is clear between those who respond to their Lord and those who do not. Between the rich reward and the awful reckoning, hell and its painful abode. This follows the same pattern of the sūrah in providing one contrasting image after another. 

This is further amplified by a tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Aishah relates: I said, O Messenger of Allah, the most dreadful verse of the Quran is this: “Whoso shall commit an evil, he shall be punished for it. (Surah An- Nisa, Ayat 123).” The Prophet answered: O Aishah, don’t you know how Allah clears the accounts of His faithful and obedient servant. Whatever harm or trouble he receives in this world, even so much as the pricking of a thorn, is taken by Allah as atonement for one or the other of his sins. As regards to the Hereafter, everyone who shall be called upon to render an account of any sin, shall be punished for it. At this Aishah asked: Then what is meant by light reckoning in this verse: Whoso shall be given his “Book of Deeds” in his right hand, he will render a light reckoning? (Surah Al- Inshiqaq, Ayats 7-8). The Prophet (peace be upon him) answered: This means merely the presentation of his whole conduct, that is, all his deeds, good and bad, shall be presented before Allah but he shall not be called upon to clear the account of all his deeds; for the one who shall be called upon to clear the whole of his account, shall be totally ruined.

The same thing is happening even in this world. A master deals very leniently with his faithful and obedient servant and connives at his minor faults and even forgives his major faults in consideration of his meritorious services. On the other hand, if a servant is proved to be treacherous and dishonest, no consideration is given even to his services, and he is punished both for his minor and for major faults.

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

 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Stern warning to those in positions of authority (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Not everyone gets a position of authority, may it be a small organization, a vast empire or a country to rule. Theses positions of authority are a sacred responsibility blessed by the Divine decree. Thus, when one is a chosen one to lead, he is expected to be just and honest in his dealings and looking after those under him specially when running a country with absolutely neutrality and high level consciousness so that none of his actions or decisions are hurting to his people or are detrimental to the norms of leadership.

However, history is replete with tyrants and heartless people who got the chance to rule their people but oppressed them while making merry themselves from the resources which should have been spent on the welfare of their people. It is for such people that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has warned them of such a  punishment that will haunt them in the life of the Hereafter - however some even suffer in their worldly life too.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 93  Judgments (Ahkaam) /  كتاب  الأحكام / Chapter 8:  The ruler not ruling in an honest manner / باب مَنِ اسْتُرْعِيَ رَعِيَّةً فَلَمْ يَنْصَحْ ) as Hadith 7150, given herein under:

Narrated by Ma'qil: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, 

"Any man whom Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never feel even the smell of Paradise."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الأَشْهَبِ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، أَنَّ عُبَيْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ زِيَادٍ، عَادَ مَعْقِلَ بْنَ يَسَارٍ فِي مَرَضِهِ الَّذِي مَاتَ فِيهِ فَقَالَ لَهُ مَعْقِلٌ إِنِّي مُحَدِّثُكَ حَدِيثًا سَمِعْتُهُ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ مَا مِنْ عَبْدٍ اسْتَرْعَاهُ اللَّهُ رَعِيَّةً، فَلَمْ يَحُطْهَا بِنَصِيحَةٍ، إِلاَّ لَمْ يَجِدْ رَائِحَةَ الْجَنَّةِ

This hadith serves as a stern warning to those in positions of leadership or authority, emphasizing the heavy responsibility that comes with power. Leaders are entrusted by Allah with the well-being of their people, and failing to fulfill this trust through negligence, dishonesty, or oppression results in severe spiritual consequences.

Hereinunder are some of the factors that a ruler must bear in mind when entrusted with a position of authority:

• Accountability of Leaders: The hadith stresses that leadership is a form of trust (Amanah) from Allah. Leaders must act with justice, integrity, and sincerity, ensuring they look after the welfare of those under their authority.

"Will never even feel the smell of Paradise" signifies a profound loss and punishment for leaders who betray this trust, highlighting the gravity of neglecting responsibilities.

• Moral and Ethical Leadership: The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of moral and ethical leadership, where rulers and those in authority must prioritize the well-being of the people over personal gain. Dishonesty, corruption, and oppression are seen as major violations of this trust.

Connection with the Quran

This hadith is deeply connected with Quranic teachings regarding justice, the responsibility of leadership, and the rights of people under authority. Several verses in the Quran outline the principles of just governance and emphasize the duty of leaders to act with integrity and fairness.

• Justice and Fairness:
• Quranic Reference:
• "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing." (Surah An-Nisa 4:58) 
• Implication: Allah commands leaders and those in authority to fulfill their trusts (Amanah) and to judge with justice. This verse aligns directly with the hadith, emphasizing that leadership is a sacred trust from Allah, and it must be carried out with fairness and honesty.
• Accountability Before Allah:
• Quranic Reference: "Every soul is a pledge for what it has earned." (Surah Al-Muddathir 74:38)
• Implication: Every individual, including leaders, will be held accountable for their actions. Leaders are accountable not only for their personal deeds but also for how they manage the affairs of their people. The hadith highlights the severe consequences of failing in this responsibility, which is also implied in this Quranic verse.
• Avoiding Oppression:
• Quranic Reference: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both..." (Surah An-Nisa 4:135)
• Implication: This verse calls for unwavering commitment to justice, even if it goes against personal interests. Leaders must govern with impartiality and fairness, irrespective of a person’s social or economic status. The hadith complements this by warning that leaders who act dishonestly or unjustly will face severe spiritual consequences.
• Serving the People:
• Quranic Reference: "And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it]." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:42)
• Implication: Leaders are warned against concealing the truth or acting dishonestly. This applies not just to religious leaders but to all forms of leadership, where truthfulness and transparency are essential in serving the community.

Lessons and Reflections

• Leadership is a Trust: The hadith and Quran both emphasize that leadership is not a privilege to be abused but a trust from Allah. Leaders are custodians of the welfare, rights, and needs of the people under their authority, and failing to fulfill this trust has serious consequences in both this life and the Hereafter.
• Justice and Integrity: The essence of both the hadith and the Quran is that justice and integrity must be at the core of leadership. A leader’s role is to serve the people fairly and sincerely, without exploiting their position for personal gain or neglecting the needs of the people.
• Severe Consequences for Neglect and Corruption: The hadith specifically mentions the severe punishment of being deprived of even the "smell of Paradise" for those leaders who fail to act honestly. This highlights how grave the sin of corrupt or negligent leadership is in Islam. Such a person is warned of extreme loss in the Hereafter.
• Accountability on the Day of Judgment: Islam teaches that every leader, whether in a household, community, or nation, will be accountable for their actions. Allah will hold them responsible for how they managed their affairs, and there will be no escaping this accountability.

In light of this hadith and the Quran, leadership in Islam is regarded as a serious trust that comes with immense responsibility. Leaders are required to act with honesty, integrity, and justice, ensuring they serve their people with sincerity. The hadith’s stern warning about being deprived of Paradise for failing in this duty serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical and moral standards expected of leaders. The Hadith reinforces the Divine cautions as mentioned in Quran wherein many a verses repeatedly emphasize justice, accountability, and the fair treatment of all people, regardless of their status or circumstances.

These warnings are not only for leaders and people of position of authority, but even the ordinary  people who can make life of others happier of miserable by their good or otherwise conduct. Let us be conscious of the grave consequences of hurting others and be on the lookout of our actions which may hurt someone and become a cause for our punishment.

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.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

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.

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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A verse from Qur'an that captures the profound faith of a believer in the face of adversity

Entering into a faith is easier, though not much, but standing firm on the faith is much more difficult and hard to withstand the opposition from one's previous clan. It becomes more difficult if the chieftain of the previous clan is a demagogue, treacherous and cruel, specially when is still among his previous clan. The torture of changing faith is unending and in most cases leading to death. Yet there are people who attain such a high standard of faith that they are unafraid of the threats and stand firm on their newly accepted faith. 

Entering into a Divine religion has never been easy. Those who followed the prophets of Allah always had to stand test to the some of the harshest means of torture even at the cost of their lives. The same is true even today when defending one's beliefs can draw wrath of those of other beliefs. Many a men have been tortured and killed by the tyrant rulers or even by armies for killing prisoners of wars for not divulging the information sought from them.

With this premise, let us share a very meaningful verse, the 44th verse from Surah 40 Al Mu'min in which a person with firm belief has stands to his faith in the court of the Pharaoh and despite knowing his fate, he calls upon others to oppose the tyranny of the despot and follow the faith as preached by Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him):

فَسَتَذۡكُرُوۡنَ مَاۤ اَقُوۡلُ لَـكُمۡؕ وَاُفَوِّضُ اَمۡرِىۡۤ اِلَى اللّٰهِؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بَصِيۡرٌۢ بِالۡعِبَادِ‏ 

(40:44) Soon you shall remember what I say to you. I entrust my affairs to Allah. Surely Allah is watchful over His servants.”

This verse clearly shows that while saying all this the Believer was certain that he would have to bear the brunt of the wrath of the entire kingdom of Pharaoh in consequence of his speaking the truth, and that he would have to lose all his honors and privileges, even his life. But in spite of knowing all this he performed his duty only with his trust in Allah, according to the call of his conscience, on this critical occasion. 

Let us look deeper into the meaning of this verse and see what can we learn from it when confronted with a tyrant ruler to defend our faith:

• Context of the Verse: The verse is part of the speech made by the believing man in Pharaoh's court who was trying to advise his people not to oppose Moses and to reflect on the consequences of rejecting the truth. He was urging them to think critically about their actions and the potential repercussions of denying a prophet of Allah.
• A Warning and a Reminder: The phrase, “And you will remember what I [now] say to you,” indicates a warning that, in the future, they will recall the advice he is giving them. It implies that his words will resonate with them later, especially when they see the consequences of their rejection of Moses and the truth.
• Entrusting Matters to Allah: The believer then says, “I entrust my affair to Allah,” showing his complete trust and reliance on Allah’s wisdom, protection, and justice. This statement reflects a deep sense of faith, recognizing that ultimate control and judgment belong to Allah, especially when facing adversity or opposition.
• Allah Sees His Servants: The statement, “Indeed, Allah is Seeing of [His] servants,” reassures that Allah is fully aware of all actions, intentions, and the challenges faced by His servants. It serves as a reminder that Allah is just and will reward or punish based on people's deeds, whether they are hidden or open.

Lessons from the Verse

• Relying on Allah in Times of Distress: This verse teaches believers the importance of placing their trust in Allah, especially when faced with opposition, persecution, or when their efforts to guide others are rejected. By entrusting their affairs to Allah, they recognize that He is the best disposer of all matters.
• Patience and Perseverance: The believer’s calm demeanor in entrusting his affair to Allah shows the importance of patience and perseverance when striving to uphold the truth. Even when people oppose or mock one’s efforts, maintaining faith and composure is crucial.
• Divine Justice and Accountability: The verse emphasizes that Allah is always watching over His servants, and nothing escapes His knowledge. This serves as a comfort to the believers and a warning to those who reject the truth—that their actions are not unseen, and they will be held accountable.

Supporting Hadith and Teachings

The message of this verse is echoed in several hadiths that encourage reliance on Allah and trust in His wisdom.

• Hadith on Trusting Allah: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever puts his trust in Allah, Allah will suffice him.”

This hadith reflects the same sentiment expressed by the believer in the verse—placing full trust in Allah is the key to finding solace and strength in difficult times.

• Hadith on Reliance in Adversity: The Prophet also taught that believers should have reliance on Allah, even when facing hardship:

“If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: they go out in the morning hungry and return full.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2344)

This underscores the idea that entrusting one’s affairs to Allah brings about divine support and assistance, just as the believer in Pharaoh’s court expressed in his speech.

Broader Implications of the Verse

• Standing Up for Truth: The believer’s stance teaches us the value of standing up for the truth, even when surrounded by disbelief and opposition. It emphasizes that, regardless of the response from others, one’s commitment to Allah’s guidance should not waver.
• Hope and Assurance in Divine Wisdom: This verse provides hope and assurance to those who face adversity for their faith, reminding them that Allah is aware of their struggles and will reward their patience and steadfastness.
• Reminder of the Afterlife: By warning his people that they will remember his words, the believer is indirectly reminding them of accountability in the Hereafter. It reflects the broader Islamic principle that every action will be recalled and judged by Allah.

The above quoted verse captures the profound faith of a believer in the face of adversity and opposition. It teaches the importance of entrusting all matters to Allah, maintaining patience, and upholding the truth regardless of external pressures. The verse serves as both a warning to those who reject guidance and a comforting reminder to those who rely on Allah, that He is ever-watchful and just in His dealings with His servants.

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.

Please refer to our exclusive page: Compiled verses from Qur'an on Specific Subjects: Faith in Allah for more verses from Qur'an on the subject.

You may also 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 | 

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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