Who is Shaytan (Satan) and what is his machinating strategy

We all aware of an invisible being called Shaytan or Satan or the Devil and simply attribute anything evil to this character that exists since the creation of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and his wife. Let us today in our this post talk about this being, his machinating strategy and agenda against the entire mankind till the end of this universe. 

Shaytan (also spelled Sahitan) is the Arabic term for "Satan" or "the Devil" in Islam. In Islamic theology, Shaytan is a supernatural being, a jinn, who rebelled against God (Allah). His main agenda is to lead humans astray, away from the worship and obedience of Allah. This is based on the Islamic narrative of the creation of humanity, where God created the first human, Adam, and ordered all the angels to bow to him. Shaytan, who was a jinn, refused to bow, citing his superiority over Adam, as he was created from smokeless fire, while Adam was created from clay. As a result, Shaytan was cast out of Paradise.

At that time, Shaytan confronted the God Almighty and promised him that: "Because You have sent me astray, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].'" Surah Al-A'raf (7:16-17) 

* Also read our post: Beware: Procrastination is Satanic

His main role is as an antagonist in the Qur'an, where he attempts to tempt humans into disobedience. He uses various strategies, such as whispering evil thoughts, instilling doubt, and enticing people to sin. He is seen as the eternal enemy of humanity and is particularly concerned with leading people into wrongdoing by encouraging pride, arrogance, and desires that go against the teachings of Islam.

Shaytan's agenda in Islam is:

• To divert humans from worshiping Allah: 
• He tries to distract believers from fulfilling their purpose of worship and submission to God. 
• Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his followers to seek refuge from Satan’s evil whispers, particularly before beginning certain important acts like prayer, eating, or entering the home. 
• In one of his Hadiths, the revered Prophet ﷺ cautioned: "When one of you enters his house, let him say: 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah), for when he says it, Satan will not enter with him." (Sahih Muslim)
• He also recommended reciting certain supplications for protection from Satan, such as saying "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan) before various activities.
• To tempt and incite people to disobey Allah: This is the first thing Satan did and enticed Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by enticing them with sweet flavored words as mentioned in Qur'an: "Then Shaytan whispered to them to reveal to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts and said, 'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortals.'" Surah Al-A'raf (7:20-22). Deceived by his explanation of the Divine order, both Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, resulting in their fall from grace and ouster from the Paradise to earth.
• To spread corruption and evil: Shaytan encourages immoral behavior, lies, and deception.
• To instill doubt: He tempts people with doubt about their faith or Allah’s commands, leading them to question what is right and wrong.
• To weaken faith: Shaytan aims to make people lose their connection to Allah, tempting them to neglect their religious duties like prayer, fasting, and charity. This is mentioned in Qur'an: "Satan has overcome them and forgotten the remembrance of Allah. Those are the party of Satan. Verily, it is the party of Satan that will be the losers." Surah Al-Mujadila (58:19)
• To instill pride and arrogance among people: 
• Satan’s refusal to bow to Adam was a result of his arrogance and pride. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned against the dangers of pride, which is a trait that Satan tries to instill in humans.
• Prophet Muhammad, ﷺ, once said: "No one who has an atom's-weight of pride in his heart will enter Paradise." (Sahih Muslim) This warning was a reminder to Muslims to avoid arrogance, as it is one of Satan’s primary tools to lead people astray.

The Ultimate Satanic Betrayal 

While in this world, Shaytan is always enticing people, specially believers, away from the worship of Allah and into a life of lewdness and making them sinful and thus liable for Divine admonishment and chastisement. Having deceived people in this world, the bombshell awaits in the afterlife when Shaytan will simply shrug his shoulders when seeing people being punished for a way of life he enticed people into.  On that day, he will simple absolve him from the blame of deceiving people. 

This is exactly what has been mentioned in Qur'an: "And Shaytan will say when the matter has been decided, 'Indeed, Allah had promised you the promise of truth, and I promised you, but I betrayed you. And I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me, but blame yourselves.'" Surah Ibrahim (14:22)

In summary, Shaytan is depicted in the Qur'an as a deceiver, misleader, and enemy of humanity. His influence is presented as a constant challenge for believers, who are urged to seek protection from his whispers and to remain steadfast in their faith and obedience to Allah. The Qur'an emphasizes that humans have the free will to resist Shaytan's temptations by turning to Allah for guidance and strength.

How to Repel Satan’s Influence?

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized that performing righteous actions, such as prayer, charity, and recitation of the Qur'an, helps protect against Satan’s influence.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "When the son of Adam recites a verse of prostration and prostrates, Satan withdraws, weeping, and says: 'Woe to me! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate, and he prostrated, so he will have Paradise. But I was commanded to prostrate, and I refused, so I will have Hell.'" (Sahih Muslim)

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of being aware of Satan's presence and influence in everyday life. His teachings highlight the constant battle between good and evil, encouraging believers to be vigilant, seek protection through supplication, and act righteously to guard themselves against the whispers and traps of Satan. The ultimate defense against Satan, as emphasized by the Prophet, is complete reliance on Allah and striving to live a life of sincerity, humility, and worship.

While many consider them too weak against the Satanic machinations, it must be understood that Shaytan's power is limited in Islam; he cannot force anyone to do anything but can only suggest and tempt. Muslims are taught to seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan’s whispers and to be vigilant against his attempts to lead them astray. One of the most common phrases used by Muslims to protect themselves from Shaytan’s influence is "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim - أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم" ("I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil").

This in brief is the true nature of ouster of Shaytan from the Divine court and descent to earth. You may now listen to a very informative lecture and an incredible explanation of Shaytan by Ustadh Nauman Ali Khan:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

Let us listen to this video again and again and really understand how Allah wants us to be His servants and how we should always be looking towards him, and no one else, for our worldly needs. If we can really Ingrid the meaning of this verse into ourselves, we will never go astray or be misled by worldly desires or following the priests and imams or asking from the dead saints.

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 to convey only 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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, 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, Twitter, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Can faith be forced?

Faith is a deeply rooted belief and trust in the existence, oneness, and power of One True God, we Muslim call Allah. It encompasses several essential aspects that shape an individual's understanding and relationship with Allah. To help people feel the enlighten of true faith, that is belief in One True God without any associates, countless number of prophets and messengers were chosen and sent to different people to understand and absorb the enlightenment of faith. 

But we are also witness to the fact that while a small majority accepted the Divine wisdom and accepted the reality of a One True God while others confronted the prophets with anger, arrogance for they never wanted to part with their centuries old beliefs and "faith" in their gods. If Allah wanted His commandments and wisdom be accepted, He could very simply do it and with just one Divine nod, the entire people could come running to enter the fold of the Divine faith. But this never happened.

We see prophets being tortured, even thrown into burning fire, pelted and stoned and even mercilessly killed by people averse to accepting the true Divine faith. Here the question arises: Couldn't prophets "enforce" faith? Well, the inability of prophets to enforce faith can be understood as part of a larger Divine plan that emphasizes freedom, personal responsibility, and the importance of genuine, voluntary belief. Unlike a very popular perception by non-Muslims that attribute spread of Islam through sword, it would be seen that were it be true, every Spanish would have been a Muslim after almost 800 years long Muslim rule over Spain or almost a similar time span of Musljjm rule over India, where the majority of Indians remained Hindu under the rule of Muslims.

Even father of revered Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) could not convince his father to accept the will of Allah and follow the true path, ;leaving idolatry (Lot, Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) also could not convince his son and likewise Prophet Lut (Lot, peace be upon him) could not convince his wife to follow faith of Allah. Abu Talib, the beloved uncle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who protected his orphan nephew against the cruelty of non-Muslims of his tribe, did not enter fold of Islam despite being uncle of a prophet.

Let us then examine some reasons why prophets did not enforce the Divine faith on the people they were sent to, for they always told their people that they are only messengers to bring Divine message to them and were not in any way demagogues or brute force to change their hearts and minds by force:

• Free Will: One of the core aspects of many religious teachings is the concept of free will. People are given the choice to believe or not believe, to follow guidance or reject it. If prophets were to force people into faith, it would contradict the idea of personal choice and responsibility, which is a foundational principle in many religious frameworks.
• Role as Guides, Not Enforcers: Prophets are often seen as role models or guides, offering wisdom, guidance, and knowledge. They are not meant to force change, but to inspire through example and communication. Their role is to invite others to faith, not to coerce or compel belief.
• Test of Faith: In many religious traditions, the challenges of life and the exercise of faith are seen as tests. Prophets help people navigate these challenges, but they cannot take away the need for individuals to make their own decisions about faith.
• Respect for Human Dignity: Many traditions hold that forcing someone into faith undermines the dignity and autonomy of that individual. Genuine faith, in this view, can only come from a heart that freely chooses to believe.
• Diverse Reactions to Divine Messages: Even with clear messages and miracles, people may still respond differently to prophets. Some may embrace the message, while others may reject or distort it. This shows that belief and faith are personal and deeply influenced by a range of factors, including personal experience, culture, and inner convictions.

Let us now listen to eminent Muslim scholar of present times, Nouman Ali Khan, explaining the "why" that irritate some minds on the subject:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

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 to convey only 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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. 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.

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, 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, Twitter, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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The Isra (Night Journey) and The Miraj (Ascension to the Heavens) of Prophet Muhammad in the light of modern science

The entire universe is a stroke of Divine miracle to which science has yet to conclude a unanimous framework. And science may never know how was the universe created and how big it really is. Why, because these are Divine miracles which can not be explained by scientific discoveries and research so far developed till date. Yet, humans due their inborn curiosity continue to question these miracles to reach closer to the why to such creations and happenings.

The Isra and Miraj, two miraculous events in Islamic tradition that occurred during the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, are profound and often discussed from a spiritual, theological, and historical perspective. The events are described in the Qur'an and Hadith. However, many people attempt to understand these events in light of modern scientific knowledge, though it is important to recognize that these events are of a miraculous nature, beyond the natural laws we understand today.

Before we proceed with a possible answer in the light of scientific knowledge of today, let us briefly explain what really is the Night Journey and Ascension to the Heaves by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

• The Isra refers to the journey of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from the Kaaba in Mecca to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem in a single night. The Qur'an mentions this event in Surah Al-Isra (17:1): "Glory be to the One who took His servant on a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed..."
• The Miraj describes the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) ascent from Jerusalem to the heavens, where he met various prophets and ultimately stood before Allah. This event is often associated with the Prophet's spiritual purification and the establishment of the five daily prayers (Salah). This journey is described in both the Qur'an and Hadith. The Qur'an references the ascent in Surah Al-Najm (53:13-18), where it mentions that the Prophet was taken to the highest point in the universe.

We have already written a detailed post on The Miraculous Journey of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to Jerusalem (Israa) and Heavens (Mairaj), therefore we are omitting details of this Divine miracle here.

In light of modern knowledge, some scholars suggest that the Isra and Miraj could be understood metaphorically or allegorically. For instance:

• Metaphysical Interpretation: The events may represent a deeply spiritual journey rather than a literal, physical journey, emphasizing the Prophet's spiritual elevation and nearness to Allah.
• Quantum or Multidimensional Theories: Some modern thinkers, particularly those interested in reconciling religion and science, have speculated that concepts like "other dimensions" or parallel universes might provide a framework where such extraordinary events could happen. However, these ideas remain speculative and aren't definitive explanations.

Now we share a very informative video TIME TRAVEL of Prophet Muhammad? Shocking Secrets of MIRAJ- SCIENTIFIC Theory which may present to a possible dimension to this miracle. Students of science may ponder over it for further study and research. But remember, Divine Miracles have no explanations and are to be accepted as these happened.

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.

You may like to read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Divine Revelations in Qur'an validated by Scientific Discoveries (Reference Page)

Photo |  You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The views contained in the video are that of the research team. 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.

Read More

Role of "Good" Muslim women in their Marriage

Marriage in Islam is considered a sacred and important institution. It is not just a social contract, but also a moral and spiritual bond between a man and a woman. The concept of marriage in Islam is based on mutual love, respect, and compassion, and it is seen as a means of fulfilling one's natural desires in a lawful and ethical way. In fact, marriage in Islam is viewed as a way to build a family, maintain social stability, and seek tranquility. The Quran mentions marriage as a way to find peace, love, and mercy in each other (" And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect." Quran 30:21). It also emphasizes the importance of procreation, with the intention of raising children in a nurturing, moral, and religious environment.

In our previous post: Understanding the misunderstood concept of "Superiority"  of men over women in Islam, we shared the answer to the misnomer that many have about the so called "superiority" of men over women in marriage. In that we shared the 34th verse from Surah 4 An Nisa (The Women) which had two parts as under:

اَلرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُوۡنَ عَلَى النِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلٰى بَعۡضٍ وَّبِمَاۤ اَنۡفَقُوۡا مِنۡ اَمۡوَالِهِمۡ​ ؕ فَالصّٰلِحٰتُ قٰنِتٰتٌ حٰفِظٰتٌ لِّلۡغَيۡبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللّٰهُ​ ؕ وَالّٰتِىۡ تَخَافُوۡنَ نُشُوۡزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوۡهُنَّ وَاهۡجُرُوۡهُنَّ فِى الۡمَضَاجِعِ وَاضۡرِبُوۡهُنَّ​ ۚ فَاِنۡ اَطَعۡنَكُمۡ فَلَا تَبۡغُوۡا عَلَيۡهِنَّ سَبِيۡلًا​ ؕاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيۡرًا‏ 

(4:34) Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them). Thus righteous women are obedient and guard the rights of men in their absence under Allah's protection. As for women of whom you fear rebellion, admonish them, and remain apart from them in beds, and beat them. Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Allah is Exalted, Great.

In the first part, "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them)" It was clarified that men are placed as caretaker of their wives by providing them financial support to run the household and all other related matters like paying bills, ensuring provision of healthcare for the spouse and the children and grooming of children by providing them good education and related requirements. In fact, more than a caretaker, man are "burdened" with a great responsibility. The post ended with an informative explanation by eminent scholar Nauman Ali Khan.

Today, we will try to explain the second part of the above quoted verse reads:

"Thus righteous women are obedient and guard the rights of men in their absence under Allah's protection. 

The verse starts with the word: Good / righteous women. The word "good" has been used by Allah for the reason that good married women establish their household being God fearing for any act of theirs which is tangent to Commandments of Allah and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would make them liable to disobedience to Divine commandments.

The term "good women" (الطَّائِعَاتُ) refers to women who are obedient to their husbands in accordance with Islamic principles and are mindful of their duties within the marriage. Their obedience is understood to include being faithful, protecting the household, and guarding what is entrusted to them during the husband's absence.  The key aspects of "good women" in this verse include:

• Devout obedience to Allah and their husbands: They are women who respect the role of the husband as the protector and provider within the marriage, and they work to maintain harmony in the relationship.
• Guardianship of what Allah has entrusted to them: This refers to the protection of the family, the home, and the husband's rights during his absence.
• Maintainer of Peace and Tranquility: The peace and tranquility in a household largely depends on the lady of the house. In fact she is the one who controls the thermostat and keeps the temperature in the house under control. Men by nature are aggressive and when burdened with the responsibility of maintaining the household financially, they have to undergo the rigours of ermining money outside. These hardships make them worrisome many a times and enrages them when they find their household is already running in high temperature. This leads to disagreements and misunderstanding between the two spouses. It is here the woman of the house has to control the anger and keep a cool atmosphere, badly needed for a happy home.

Narrating the stature of a good woman, Ibn Kathir, one of the most renowned exegete of Qur'an in his tafsir of Surah An Nisa, quotes Imam Ahmad who recorded that 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Awf said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

إِذَا صَلَّتِ الْمَرْأَةُ خَمْسَهَا، وَصَامَتْ شَهْرَهَا، وَحَفِظَتْ فَرْجَهَا، وَأَطَاعَتْ زَوْجَهَا، قِيلَ لَهَا: ادْخُلِي الْجَنَّةَ مِنْ أَيِّ الْأَبْوَابِ شِئْتِ

(If the woman prayed her five daily prayers, fasted her month, protected her chastity and obeyed her husband, she will be told, 'Enter Paradise from any of its doors you wish.')

This is the good / righteous woman mentioned in above quoted verse.

And if the woman of the house is unable to take stock of things and disobeys her husband with her rebellious attitude, the verse spells out guidance for men on how to deal with marital discord. 

"As for women of whom you fear rebellion, admonish them, and remain apart from them in beds, and beat them. Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Allah is Exalted, Great."

This part of the verse touches on the concept of resolving conflicts within marriage, advising men to approach disobedience (Nushuz) in a series of steps. That is if a wife is being disobedient (referring to major disobedience, not minor issues), the husband is instructed to first advise her, then refrain from sharing the bed, as a last resort, establish a form of physical discipline that is non-abusive and meant to correct behavior. 

However, the "beating" is understood in the context of a very controlled and non-abusive action (using a small stick, for example, and with the intention of correction, not harm). The objective is to resolve conflict and restore peace in the relationship. It does not mean beating one's wife on petty matters. Qur'an lays down the methodology of punishing only a rebellious wife in three stages as mentioned above. One should not straightaway start beating his wife, for even beating a wife is least liked in Islam.

The Prophet ﷺ cautioned, “Do not beat your wives in a way that causes harm.” (Sunan Abu Dawood). This shows that, while there is a mention of the husband's authority to address serious issues in the marriage, it is to be done with care, not as an act of oppression or cruelty. The hadiths related to this verse also stress the importance of good treatment and the prohibition of harm. The marriage relationship in Islam is one of mutual support and care, with men fulfilling their roles as providers and protectors, and women fulfilling their roles as caretakers and supporters, always aiming for harmony and equity within the family structure.

The verse concludes with an emphasis on reconciliation and the cessation of any punitive action if the wife returns to obedience. If the woman returns to obedience, then the Quran emphasizes that all conflicts should be put aside, and the husband should not act against her.

You may now listen to the explanation of the second part of the verse as explained by Ustah Nauman Ali Khan:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

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 to convey only 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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Resources: Ibn Kathir

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, 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, Twitter, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Understanding the misunderstood concept of "Superiority" of men over women in Islam

Qur'an is the final Divine Scriptura from Allah and each word contained therein is embodiment of the Divine Wisdom, sometimes hard for ordinary men and women to understand and interpret. Due to their inability to grasp the depth of Divine Wisdom, they usually misunderstand the true perspective of a particular ayat (verse). This is specially so for the many a non Muslim who try to find faults in the Qur'an to question the Divine Wisdom. At the same time, many a Muslims too cannot interpret many verses and thus cannot defend Qur'an when so confronted with the non Muslims.

In the Western world, there is a concept of equality of all genders and no one accepts the hegemony of the other in day to day matters of life, specially in case of marriage. Islam on the other hands lays down explicit delineation of responsibilities for both men and women and treats them equal in many ways. Like for instance, unlike the perception prevailing in the West that women are oppressed in Islam, the women in Islam have been given an exclusive status and have the right to inherit property (something that was un heard of at the time of beginning of Islam and was even laughed at by followers of other religions. In Christianity, the right to inheritance came many centuries later. Women in Islam can do business and can even choose their own spouse. Though, it is a different thing that many a illiterate Muslims or those who are still bounded by old traditions find such "freedom" to women tangent to their family traditions.

With this premise in background, we share today the 34th verse of Surah 4. An Nisa, which is mostly misunderstood and is labelled as unjust for it infringes upon the concept of equality practiced by the West:

اَلرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُوۡنَ عَلَى النِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلٰى بَعۡضٍ وَّبِمَاۤ اَنۡفَقُوۡا مِنۡ اَمۡوَالِهِمۡ​ ؕ فَالصّٰلِحٰتُ قٰنِتٰتٌ حٰفِظٰتٌ لِّلۡغَيۡبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللّٰهُ​ ؕ وَالّٰتِىۡ تَخَافُوۡنَ نُشُوۡزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوۡهُنَّ وَاهۡجُرُوۡهُنَّ فِى الۡمَضَاجِعِ وَاضۡرِبُوۡهُنَّ​ ۚ فَاِنۡ اَطَعۡنَكُمۡ فَلَا تَبۡغُوۡا عَلَيۡهِنَّ سَبِيۡلًا​ ؕاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيۡرًا‏ 

(4:34) Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them). Thus righteous women are obedient and guard the rights of men in their absence under Allah's protection. As for women of whom you fear rebellion, admonish them, and remain apart from them in beds, and beat them. Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Allah is Exalted, Great.

The verse is often misunderstood within the context of family structure in Islamic tradition. We have already shared the viewpoint of some of the eminent Muslim scholars / exegetes in one of our earlier posts when presenting the Tafsir / exegesis of Surah An. Nisa. Readers my consult the explanation / interpretation of the verse at: Surah An Nisa: 4th Chapter of Qur'an (Part I)

We today share the interpretation of this verse, followed by a very enlightening interpretation of the verse at the end f the post by one of the eminent Muslim scholars of present times.

The term "Qawwamoon (قَوَّامُوۡنَ)" (translated as protectors or maintainers) refers to the responsibility men have in providing for and protecting their wives and families. This is because, in Islamic law, men are generally responsible for the financial upkeep of the family. This includes their wives' needs, housing, food, and clothing. In this regard, qawwamah signifies a role of leadership within the family, but it also implies responsibility and care.

The verse makes it clear that one of the reasons men are designated as "maintainers" is because they spend their wealth for the benefit of their wives. In Islam, men are expected to provide for their family financially, and this is a crucial part of their role.

The mere mention of "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other" is often taken by some of the critics of Islam and proponent of gender equality is taken in the negative and is interpreted as women being slaves or subservient of men, and their husbands as in this case. But every verse of Qur'an should be taken with reference to the context and the mere fact that these are the directions of of our Creator cannot be wrong or usurping the rights of women. 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "The best of you are those who are the best to their wives." (Tirmidhi). This hadith emphasizes that while men have been given the responsibility of provision and maintenance, they must do so with kindness and respect.

In fact, this verse places a heavy responsibility on men to take care of their women. This is not only a responsibility but a heavy burden on them for after marriage men have to fulfill all needs of their wives and cannot absolve themselves from this responsibility. Even if the wife is earning some money or getting income from somewhere, men cannot ask their wives to share the income of their wives to run the households. It is their money and it is up to them to use that whether to assist their husbands in running the households or on themselves.

To summarize the concept of men being the "maintainers" or "protectors" of women is closely tied to the broader Islamic principle of mutual rights and responsibilities within marriage. It emphasizes that men are entrusted with the financial and protective duties toward their wives, but this is not an authoritarian role. Instead, it comes with the expectation of kindness, care, and respect, ensuring that the husband fulfills his obligations in a just and responsible manner.

The reference to "because Allah has made one of them to excel over the other" refers to the natural differences in physical and social roles. Men have been assigned the responsibility of financial provision, while women have been assigned the role of managing the household and, in many cases, the nurturing of children. It does not imply superiority of men over women but rather assigns roles based on the natural capacities of each. 

I found this photo on internet (without reference to its source) - I am sharing as says it all as for superiority of man over woman

This is the first part of the verse.

In the second verse, women are also admonished to be faithful to their husbands and if they do not obey them their are penalties placed on them and men are allowed to make sure that if they have fulfilled all their obligations towards their wives and they are still unfaithful then they must be properly administered by gradually schooling them. We will share this part in one of our next posts.

We now share an incredible explanation of this verse by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman Ali Khan. In this enlightening khutbah, Nouman Ali Khan delves into the misunderstood Quranic verse 4:34, often misinterpreted as the "Ayah of hitting women." He unpacks its true meaning, focusing on the Quran’s emphasis on care, responsibility, and mutual respect in marital relationships.

Highlighting the concept of men as maintainers and the spiritual and moral roles of women, he addresses misconceptions and provides a balanced understanding of the verse. Drawing from the Prophet Muhammad's example, the khutbah serves as a reminder to embody kindness, justice, and harmony within family dynamics, aligning personal actions with the teachings of the Quran.:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

Let us listen to this video again and again and really understand how Allah wants us to be His servants and how we should always be looking towards him, and no one else, for our worldly needs. If we can really Ingrid the meaning of this verse into ourselves, we will never go astray or be misled by worldly desires or following the priests and imams or asking from the dead saints.

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 to convey only 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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo (Pixabay) | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, 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, Twitter, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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The importance of reconciliation and resolving conflicts between believers in Islam (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

The religion of Islam literally means the religion of peace, harmony and loving bondage between believers. It is against the basic teaching of Islam to harbour rancour (or malice) in hearts for other believers. And it is stressed both in Qur'an and hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to make every effort to resolve conflicts between believers and bring them to a reconciliatory platform. And it is cautioned that of two believers do not resolve their mutual issues that are a source of hatred and enmity for each other, the doors of paradise will not open for them.

We share today a Hadith on this very subject as mentioned in Sahih Muslim  (Book The Book Of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, And Joining Of The Ties Of Kinship - Chapter 46 on the topic of Virtue Good Manners as Hadith 6544, given herein under:

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger ( ‌صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم ‌ ) as saying: 

The gates of Paradise are not opened but on two days, Monday and Thursday. and then every servant (of Allah) is granted pardon who does not associate anything with Allah except the person in whose (heart) there is rancour against his brother. And it would be said: Look towards both of them until there is reconciliation; look toward both of them until there is reconciliation; look towards both of them until there is reconciliation. 

This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Suhail who narrated it on the authority of his father with the chain of transmitters of MaIik, but with this variation of wording:, (Those would not be granted pardon) who boycott each other.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ مَالِكِ بْنِ أَنَسٍ، فِيمَا قُرِئَ عَلَيْهِ، عَنْ سُهَيْلٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، قَالَ: تُفْتَحُ أَبْوَابُ الْجَنَّةِ يَوْمَ الْإِثْنَيْنِ، وَيَوْمَ الْخَمِيسِ، فَيُغْفَرُ لِكُلِّ عَبْدٍ لَا يُشْرِكُ بِاللهِ شَيْئًا، إِلَّا رَجُلًا كَانَتْ بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَ أَخِيهِ شَحْنَاءُ، فَيُقَالُ: أَنْظِرُوا هَذَيْنِ حَتَّى يَصْطَلِحَا، أَنْظِرُوا هَذَيْنِ حَتَّى يَصْطَلِحَا، أَنْظِرُوا هَذَيْنِ حَتَّى يَصْطَلِحَا

Let us understand the key points mentioned in the Hadith:

• Opening of the Gates of Paradise: The gates of Paradise being opened on Monday and Thursday indicates that these days are special times for Allah’s mercy. It highlights the opportunity for forgiveness that is available to all believers.
• Pardon for the Believers: Allah, in His mercy, forgives the sins of those who are monotheistic (i.e., do not commit shirk, or associate anything with Allah). However, there is a condition for forgiveness: reconciliation must happen between individuals who are in conflict.
• The Exclusion of Those with Rancor: People who harbor rancor or hatred toward their fellow Muslims will not receive forgiveness during these times unless they reconcile. The term “rancor” refers to deep-seated ill-will or grudges, especially that which prevents peaceful relations between two parties.
• Emphasis on Reconciliation: The phrase “give them both time until there is reconciliation” is repeated three times in the hadith, which underscores the importance of reconciling. Allah is showing a clear preference for peace and harmony among believers, and He is giving time for people to make peace with each other before He grants forgiveness.
• The Seriousness of Conflict: The hadith highlights how significant the issue of maintaining good relations is in Islam. It implies that a person who refuses to reconcile and continues to harbor negative feelings or boycotts their brother is not in a state that is pleasing to Allah, even if they are otherwise pious or worshiping Allah correctly.

In view of the above key points, we should learn the lesson to induce love between hearts of believers and understand why reconciliation is necessary between believers: 

• Importance of Reconciliation: Islam places great emphasis on maintaining peace and harmony between people, especially among Muslims. The hadith makes it clear that refusing to reconcile or maintaining hostility can block the path to forgiveness from Allah.
• Forgiveness and Mercy: While the hadith emphasizes reconciliation, it also highlights Allah's mercy, as He grants forgiveness to the majority of His servants who are sincere. However, those who let personal grudges get in the way of their relationship with others will find that their ability to receive Allah’s mercy is delayed.
• Spiritual Health: This hadith serves as a reminder that spiritual health is not just about worship or avoiding sins but also involves healthy interpersonal relationships. A Muslim’s heart should be free from malice, jealousy, or hatred towards others, as these feelings can act as barriers to receiving Allah’s mercy.
• Opportunity for Reconciliation: Allah is patient and gives time for reconciliation, showing that while He is ready to forgive, He also wants us to work towards resolving our disputes and repairing our relationships.

The Practical Implication of this Hadith

If you are in a conflict with someone, this hadith is a powerful reminder to make the effort to reconcile and seek peace. Holding grudges or refusing to forgive others not only harms relationships but also stands in the way of Allah’s forgiveness. Therefore, believers should strive to maintain peace and harmony within their communities and families.

The loving harmony between believers assumes so much of importance that even if one has boundless faith in Allah, his forgiveness will be deferred if he harbours rancour or malice in his heart for others  till he reconciles with whom he carries a grudge and resolve the very cause of conflict amicably. However, if one person has harmed another person, then this caution is not applicable to the one who has been harmed. And in the meantime, the onus of reconciliation will solely lie on the aggressor and he will not be forgiven unless he himself reconciles with the one whom he has harmed and made good the harm so caused. And if that be so, then the aggrieved person should also forgive the aggressor.

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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Two verses in Qur'an that reassure a sinner of Allah's boundless mercy and forgiveness

No one can absolve a sinner of sins so committed other than Allah. We should no live in a fallacy that anyone other than Allah can share the burden of others or has the power to write off someone's sins. Allah created everything that exists in the entire universe and He alone can alter the movement of celestial bodies or bring rain or let a child be born and a man to die as He alone wishes. And He alone exhibits His infinite mercy when a sinner earnestly repents his sins and seek Divine forgiveness. It is for such sinners that Allah reassures them of His boundless mercy and forgiveness.

With this premise in view, we share two verses from Qur'an that show us the Divine reassurance of mercy and forgiveness. The first verse is the 135th verse of Surah 3. Al-i'Imran and the second verse is from the Surah 4. An Nisa (verse 110), given herein under:

وَالَّذِيۡنَ اِذَا فَعَلُوۡا فَاحِشَةً اَوۡ ظَلَمُوۡۤا اَنۡفُسَهُمۡ ذَكَرُوا اللّٰهَ فَاسۡتَغۡفَرُوۡا لِذُنُوۡبِهِمۡ وَمَنۡ يَّغۡفِرُ الذُّنُوۡبَ اِلَّا اللّٰهُ  وَلَمۡ يُصِرُّوۡا عَلٰى مَا فَعَلُوۡا وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُوۡنَ‏ 

(3:135) These are the ones who, when they commit any indecency and wrong against themselves, instantly remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins - for who will forgive sins save Allah? - and who do not willfully persist in the wrong they did.

وَ مَنۡ يَّعۡمَلۡ سُوۡٓءًا اَوۡ يَظۡلِمۡ نَفۡسَهٗ ثُمَّ يَسۡتَغۡفِرِ اللّٰهَ يَجِدِ اللّٰهَ غَفُوۡرًا رَّحِيۡمًا‏ 

(4:110) He who does either evil or wrongs himself, and then asks for the forgiveness of Allah, will find Allah All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate.

These verses are reminder of Allah's boundless mercy and forgiveness. And acknowledges that human beings may make mistakes, sin, or wrong themselves. However, these also assures that if a person sincerely repents, seeks forgiveness from Allah, and turns to Him, Allah will forgive them, because He is "Oft-Forgiving" and "Most Merciful."

These verses acknowledges that people can make mistakes, whether by doing something wrong to others or by harming themselves through sinful behavior. These verses thus encourage believers to not despair from Allah's mercy, no matter the gravity of their actions, as long as they sincerely seek His forgiveness. These verses in fact reflect a broader theme in the Qur'an, which underscores Allah's mercy and compassion. It also teaches that repentance is not just a ritual but a heartfelt process of returning to Allah with sincerity.

Let’s break it down the Divine message of reassurance as given these two verses for a deeper understanding:

• Acknowledgment of sin: The verses addresses those who commit "immorality" or "wrong themselves" (i.e., they sin). The reference to "immorality" or "wrong" encompasses all kinds of sins, whether minor or major.
• Remembering Allah: After committing a sin, the believer remembers Allah, acknowledges the wrong they have done, and feels remorse. This is a key step in repentance. It's not just about seeking forgiveness, but recognizing one’s mistake and turning to Allah in humility.
• Seeking forgiveness: Herein it is stressed that a sinner must always seek Allah's forgiveness and have faith that his repentance will be accepted and forgiven. The act of seeking forgiveness is essential for anyone who sins. Allah’s forgiveness is always available for those who are sincere in their repentance.
• Who can forgive except Allah?: The verses remind the believer that no one but Allah has the ultimate authority to forgive sins. It emphasizes that forgiveness is in the hands of Allah alone, highlighting His mercy and power.
• Not willfully persisting in sin: Seeking repentance and forgiveness is just the first part. In fact it is emphasized that true repentance involves not persisting in sin. Those who sincerely repent will not continue to commit the same wrongs while they know better. This signifies a shift away from a sinful lifestyle toward righteousness.

The lessons we learn from these two verses are summed as under:

• Repentance is a process of returning to Allah with sincerity. It involves acknowledging one’s sin, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and making a sincere commitment not to repeat the wrong.
• Allah’s mercy is boundless. Even if someone sins, as long as they genuinely seek forgiveness, Allah is always ready to forgive them.
• Avoidance of persistence in sin: True repentance requires a change in behavior. It's not just about asking for forgiveness but also striving not to fall into the same errors again.

These verses thus highlight the balance between acknowledging one’s mistakes, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and striving to improve and not continue in the same sinful ways. The Divine reassurance thus is a powerful tool in the hands of believers to always seek repentance of Allah as soon a sin or wrong doing is committed. This pleases Allah that His servant has faith and hope in His mercy by not relying on anyone else for help. In fact no one else can help us when we sin except our Creator. Our salvation lies in having a direct communication with Allah all the time, not only in repenting when we sin, but also thanking him when we are blessed.

Remember, Allah is always there, ready to forgive and bestow His abundant grace on anyone who turns to Him in repentance. Anyone who does evil wrongs himself and others. He may wrong only himself if his sinful action affects only his own person. In any case, Allah, the Merciful, the Beneficent, receives those who seek His forgiveness at all times, and extends to them His forgiveness and mercy. There is simply no condition, no intercession and no barrier between them and Him. Whenever they turn to Him in repentance, He turns to them in acceptance and bestows on them His grace.

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.

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Forgiveness and Repentance

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.

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