Laws of Inheritance in Islam

Before the advent of Islam, the laws governing inheritance were purely for men. The women what to talk of given any share in hesitance, were buried alive as they were considered as humans by the pagans of Makkah or anywhere on the Arabian peninsula. Even int other faiths, women had no share in the properties left by their fathers or husbands.

In the Holy Qur'an, mention is made how the inheritance is to be divided between the heirs of the deceased. And by doing so, there are "clear cut entitlement and specific shares of female relatives." This amply highlights the status Islam gives to the women, which henceforth was not prevalent in the pre-Islamic era. Thus Islam not only elevated the position of women but simultaneously safeguarded their social and economic interests as long ago as 1400 years. 

There are two places in the Holy Qur'an where the basic rules of inheritance have been mentioned:

Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females. But if there are [only] daughters, two or more, for them is two thirds of one's estate. And if there is only one, for her is half. And for one's parents, to each one of them is a sixth of his estate if he left children. But if he had no children and the parents [alone] inherit from him, then for his mother is one third. And if he had brothers [or sisters], for his mother is a sixth, after any bequest he [may have] made or debt. Your parents or your children - you know not which of them are nearest to you in benefit. [These shares are] an obligation [imposed] by Allah . Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise. [Quran 4:11]

They request from you a [legal] ruling. Say, " Allah gives you a ruling concerning one having neither descendants nor ascendants [as heirs]." If a man dies, leaving no child but [only] a sister, she will have half of what he left. And he inherits from her if she [dies and] has no child. But if there are two sisters [or more], they will have two-thirds of what he left. If there are both brothers and sisters, the male will have the share of two females. Allah makes clear to you [His law], lest you go astray. And Allah is Knowing of all things. [Quran 4:176]

However, it  has also been cautioned that those who do not do justice in inheritance will draw wrath of Allah:

And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses His limits - He will put him into the Fire to abide eternally therein, and he will have a humiliating punishment. [Quran 4:14]

This commandment in fact changes the entire complexion of the rules of inheritance that prevailed before Islam. The pagan system of inheritance was confined to the male agnate (a person descended from the same male ancestor as another specified or implied person, especially through the male line) relatives ("asaba") of the deceased. In this old customary system only the male agnates were entitled to inherit. Among the male agnates there were rules of priority, which determined which of the surviving male agnates were entitled to inherit.

Setting aside portions of inheritance for women was a revolutionary idea at its time. In ancient Arabia, like in many other lands, women were considered part of the property and were themselves to be shared among purely male heirs. In fact, only the eldest son used to inherit everything, depriving all other family members of any share. The Quran abolished these unjust practices and included women as inheritors in their own right. [5]

A question generally arises in the mind of women about the half share as compared to the full share of men. Muslim theologians explain this aspect of inheritance by looking at Islamic law in its entirety, which bestows the responsibility and accountability on men to provide safety, protection and sustenance to women.[Qur'an 4:34]. Anther explanation of why a daughter is entitled to only half that of the son is that Islam decrees that women, upon marriage are entitled to a "dowry" from the husband (in addition to any provision by her parents). It is thereafter the husband's obligation to care for and maintain his wife and the "dowry" is, therefore, essentially an advance of inheritance rights from her husband's estate which returns to his possession after the formalities over.

The the Qur'an also introduced additional heirs that were not entitled inheritance in pre-Islamic times, mentioning nine relatives specifically of which six were female and three were male. The laws of inheritance in the Qur'an also included other male relatives, such as the husband and half-brothers from the mother’s side, who were excluded from inheritance in old customs. The heirs mentioned in the Qur'an are the mother, father, husband, wife, daughter, brother who shares the same mother, full sister, sister who shares the same mother, and consanguine / consanguineous (relating to or denoting people descended from the same ancestor) sister. 

While the details of distribution have been explained in the Qur'an, one is free to write one's will as to one wants to share the wealth and property. To better understand the inheritance laws in Islam, please listen to Professor Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, a Pakistani Muslim theologian, Quran scholar, Islamic modernist, exegete and educationist, on the subject. The video is in Urdu, but has English subtitles for those who cannot understand Urdu:

It may be added here that:

• The laws mentioned above are only in raw form, those seeking details may open references given below, specially [1] to know details and find answers to many questions that may arise due to one's peculiar situation.
• The rules of inheritance differ for the Shia branch of Islam. Those belonging to Shia sect may refer to their rules drawn by their scholars.

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

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Life of Muslims in Non Muslim Countries: India

Whenever India is mentioned as tourist haven, Taj Mahal is projected as its 'proud heritage' - a heritage which is legacy of Muslim rule and Mogul architecture in India. While still boasting of its secularism, India today has become one of the most notorious countries for its indifference and extreme hostility to its minorities, specially Muslims, who once ruled India and let Hindus lived peacefully and coexist beside the Muslims. 

Islam, which today is the second largest religion in India with its 189 million Muslims (2017 estimates), came to this part of the world  when Arab traders came here as early as the 7th century CE to coastal Malabar and Konkan-Gujarat. The presence of Cheraman Juma Mosque in Kerala which was built in 629 CE is still thought to be the first mosque in India.

However, a Muslim expedition under Muhammad bin Qasim in the 7th century CE brought the province of Sindh (in present-day Pakistan) under the dominance of the Muslims and Sindh became the easternmost province of the Umayyad Caliphate. Up in the north, Mahmud of Ghazni added the Punjab to the Ghaznavid Empire and conducted 17 raids on modern-day India in the 10th century. In the 11th century, Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud played a significant role in the conversion of locals (Hindus) to Islam. A more successful invasion came at the end of the 12th century from Muhammad of Ghor. This eventually led to the formation of the Delhi Sultanate. There have since been many changes in the dominating Muslim powers which continued to change hands till the arrival of the Mughals of Central Asian ancestry.

The Mughal Empire, founded in 1526, became the largest and most stable Muslim ruling elite over India and ruled India till 1857 when the last Muslim emperor was defeated by the British and brought into an era of famous British Raj that ruled lands that constitute present day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh till 1947 when the indigenous independent movements forced British to end their last and the largest overseas empires.

The Muslim rule over India has left a profound and meaningful impact on India's religious and cultural heritage. Although over the centuries, there has been significant integration of Hindu and Muslim cultures across India and Muslims have played a notable role in economics, politics and culture of India. All over India, once can find Muslim and Mughal architecture. Lahore in present day Pakistan is still known as the showcase of Mughal architecture.The Muslims also contributed a lot in various forms of art and literature and most of the notable poets and writers have been Muslims.

The majority Hindu population which once ruled the India became more restive to regain their lost glory from 19th century onward. And the rift between Muslims and Hindus became so pronounced that the ruling British were forced to divide the erstwhile United British India into India and Pakistan in 1947. The partition of India and Pakistan saw display of bitter animosities between the two leading religions and have since then prevailed not only in relations between Pakistan and India, but also between Hindus and Muslim population of India.

With the breakaway of Pakistan from British India, the Muslims who once ruled India, became a minority, but have been coexisting with the dominating Hindu population in varying degrees of peace and animosity. However recently, the rise of extremest Hindu parties, the life of Muslims has become a nightmare. Today, Muslims get abused, investigated and dissected daily on Indian channels and media while they have been barred from slaughtering cows, which Hindus worship as their mother. In recent times, since the ban on cow slaughtering, many Muslims have been killed on the suspicion of slaughtering cows. There have been videos viral on social  media wherein Muslims are shown tied with trees and beaten to renounce Islam and raise pro Hindu slogans. Those not 'cooperating' are beaten mercilessly and even killed in many instances. 

Muslims today are eyed as sympathizers of Pakistan and even if someone has never visited Pakistan or have no relations there, they should be prepared to be harassed and called a Pakistani by Hindus. as per one 'advice' one has to try to be extra sad if India loses a cricket match to Pakistan, even though one is supporting India. Still don’t smile or make a happy face next day or else a Hindu friend will congratulate you and say your country has won, and immediately he’ll file verbal complaint that you were celebrating Pakistan win with fire-crackers.[2]

In a report published by the Council on Foreign Relations, in an answer to the question:How has the Hindu nationalist movement affected Indian Muslims?, it is said that:[3]

Anti-Muslim sentiment has also been used to win votes. For Hindu nationalists, who warn of a threat to India’s Hindu heritage, religion serves as a rallying cry to gain support. Their movement is “at the core very anti-Muslim,” says Ashutosh Varshney, an expert on Indian ethnic conflict at the University of Michigan. Hindu nationalists stoke fears, arguing that Muslims’ higher birth rate and an influx of migrants from Bangladesh threaten India’s Hindu majority. Hard-line Hindu nationalists argue Indian Muslims (as well as Christians) converted from Hinduism and should reconvert to the majority religion.

In a report published by TRT World under the title Life of Muslims in 'Modi-fied' India, the treatment meted out to Muslims highlights extreme indifference to Muslims and their rule of India. The report highlights that:[4]

• The BJP government has added a “Hindu first” version of Indian history to school curriculum, which had long taught that people from central Asia arrived in India much more recently, some 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, and transformed the population. 
• The Mughal Empire, established and governed by a Muslim dynasty, ruled most of the sub-continent in the 16th and 17th centuries before the arrival of British colonialists. However, the government of Maharashtra state revised the curriculum of state textbooks by removing the Mughals from its history altogether, as part of the campaign of erasure of the Mughal rule-era of the subcontinent from the syllabus textbooks.
• There have been reports, supported by videos circulating online, that show right-wingers shaving off the beard of a Muslim convert and forcing him to renounce his religion.

Harsh Mander writes in his article 'India - No country for Muslims' [5]:

A rising tide of hate is surging through India, of toxic speech and attacks on religious minorities, mostly Muslims. A permissive environment that tacitly or openly encourages hate speech and assaults is actively, even aggressively, fostered by the majoritarian anti-minority ideology of the country’s political leadership. Muslims are systematically demonized as sexual predators, as being sympathetic to terrorism and as people who slaughter and eat cow, which is held sacred by many Hindus. Most hate attacks on Muslims are never publicly condemned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is otherwise extremely voluble on Twitter and public addresses. This has fostered widespread social legitimization of anti-Muslim prejudice, hate speech and hate crimes.

Vigilante mobs, who style themselves as cow protectors, lynch people transporting cattle with impunity, visibly supported in many instances by the local police. India Spend, a news data portal, found that 97 per cent of reported hate attacks in the name of the cow since 2010 occurred after Modi was elected to office in 2014. About half the attacks were on Muslims, but 86 per cent of the people killed were Muslims. This means that if vigilante attackers learn that their victim is Muslim, there is a much greater chance that he will be killed. Eight per cent of those killed were from the Dalit community of untouchables. 

In a report published under the title of Profile of Muslims in India, it is asserted that: [6]

• The Indian Constitution claims to provide equality of opportunity to all individuals, organizations and social groups. But the biggest Indian minority is a victim of deprivation. Whether it is legislative assemblies educational institutions, government jobs, the problem of security in case of riots, representation in political organizations, posts in policy planning and decision-making groups or other pressure groups there is acute shortage of Muslim representation everywhere, resulting in constant social tension and problems in governance.
• The state of present textbooks in the Indian education system are very aggressive in teaching Hinduism. This hits Muslims' faith, culture, civilization, language and way of life. The educational syllabi have prescribed course books in all states, which are replete with matters pertaining to the faiths of the majority community, mythological and other stories of Hindu gods and goddesses against the principles prescribed in the Constitution. Obviously all these things are negations of Islamic beliefs and teachings, especially about the Oneness of God Almighty. Hence there is no doubt that these things are causing great concern to the Muslims.
• More than fifty percent Muslims are leading a life below the poverty line as compared to thirty-five percent of Hindus who live below the poverty line. Because of a general environment of hostility against Muslims, decent employment in the private sector is becoming increasingly difficult for Muslims, while in the public sector there is no encouragement for Muslims either. The future of Muslim professionals and its working class, traders etc has been very greatly affected.
• Today very few Muslims are found in government jobs. A recent survey shows that there are only eight Muslim police chiefs in India's 591 districts. That is .01% as compared to 12% of the Muslim population in India. The situation of other departments is also worsening day by day. 

However, despite all odds, the Muslims continue to observe their religious obligations even under duress with religious zeal and fervour. The mosques are fill to capacity on Friday and Eid congregations and month of Ramadan is observed true to its sanctity by a large majority of Muslims. A majority of Muslims in India are either Sunni Deobandi or Sunni Barelwi allegiance, although some declare allegiance to Shia, Sufi, Salafi and other smaller sects. Darul-Uloom Deoband has the most influential Islamic seminary in India, considered second only to Egypt's Al-Azhar in its global influence.

Muslims offer Eid prayers at the Jama Masjid, Delhi | Reuters

"The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937" governs Muslims in India. It directs the application of Muslim Personal Law to Muslims in marriage, mahr (dower), divorce, maintenance, gifts, waqf, wills and inheritance.[3] The courts generally apply the Hanafi Sunni law, with exceptions made only for those areas where Shia law differs substantially from Sunni practice.

As of today, the Muslims of India are very vulnerable in a country which describes itself as the world's "largest secular democracy". Muslims today remain poorer, less educated and less empowered in India.

You may like to watch the video "The price of being a Muslim in India" - An eye opener for those who think India is a true secular country. But reading what is shared above and what is said in the video below, one gets a feeling that India is the most minority offensive country inn the world, specially with regard to Muslims:

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |  5 | 6 | 7 |

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How Wrong are the Idol Worshipers

One of the oldest form of worshiping is idolatry. People since time immemorial gave various shapes to their gods and have been worshiping them since, even till today. Idolatry is thus defined as "Idolatry literally means the worship of an "idol", also known as a worship cult image, in the form of a physical image, such as a statue or icon." idolatry is most prominent in Hinduism and Buddhism. While Buddhists only worship the idols of Buddha, the Hindus have a large number of idols for each season, reason and purpose, similar to the pagans of Makkah before the advent of Islam. It is said that at the time of fall of Makkah, there were over 360 idols of varying sizes in and around Ka'ba.

In Abrahamic religions, namely Christianity, Islam and Judaism, idolatry connotes the worship of something or someone other than God as if it were God and is strictly prohibited. The essence of Abrahamic religions is in fact hinges on the worship of unseen God and making image or idols of God is considered as a great sin.

The children of Israel defied the commandments of Allah when in the absence of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him), they carved out a 'god' made of gold in the form of a calf and started worshiping it. When the Prophet Musa returned as saw his people have betrayed him and the message he had brought to them and gone astray, he got furious and destroyed the calf and Allah's wrath fell on those who did that heinous sin. 

Despite forbiddance of idolatry, the Catholics worship the idols, something that Muslims and Protestant Christians don't approve of and condemn the Catholic veneration and statues of the Virgin Mary in many churches, as a form of idolatry, despite clear commandment on the subject:

Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God. Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary. [Leviticus 26:1–2, King James Bible]

It is irony that that those who worship and support idolatry have blamed Muslims to be idolaters for they claim that Muslims worship the Moon-god or even their Prophet Muhammad (peace  be upon him). While such claims are absurd as Muslims neither worship any moon-god or even the last of the prophets Muhammad (peace  be upon him), instead Muslims worship none other than One Allah and do not include anyone in Allah's domain as have all Divine religions been doing since Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). It is Christians that came up with the concept of Trinity to make God in three, which is totally incorrect and even against teachings of the Bible. We have written many posts on this issue to refute any charges against Islam for Islam is far above worldly gods and idol worshiping. Please read our posts on the subject at references [2,3,4] given below.

Those who worship idols often object to the teachings of Islam which forbid idolatry and  question that how can a majority of the people of the world be wrong in worshiping idols. You mat like to know the answer to a such like question by Dr A Naik, the eminent Muslim scholar who is an authority on all religions of the world, specially Islam:

Let us pray and worship the unseen Allah, whose power and creation can be felt and realized by looking around us and find answers in the nature He has created for us rather than worshiping god carved of stones unable to move or respond, and abstain from the sin of shirk (equating anyone else with the One and Only Allah).

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

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10 Most Read Posts in 2018

The year 2018 had just went by, leaving behind many memories and eventful days. One of the most eventful event of 2018 for us was the beginning of our new blog, Islam:My Ultimate Decision in April 2018. The main purpose behind starting this blog was to share the experiences of our brothers and sisters of other faiths who had the courage to stand up against all odds and accepted the truth by taking their Shahada and reverting to Islam.

From then on, there have been milestones achieved everyday as we we continued to enlarge the scope and talk about various facets of Islam to help the newly reverted brothers and sisters to know more about Islam and based on their experiences answer the contradicting views by other faiths about Islam.

Allhamdulillah ("Praise be to Allah"), as the new morning dawns of the year 2019, we have written some 185 posts within the span of 9 months with 40 plus in draft mode in the line. And here it would look like a boastful claim, but it would be pertinent to mention that this blog is being operated, handled, administered, written and managed by one person only, of course that is I. However, it has been the Divine help from Allah almighty that has bestowed upon me the strength to take on this very vast subject single handedly. 

Since I a too am a student of Islam with very rudimentary or working language of Islam, I have ensured that whatever I present is based on authenticated research by some of the renowned scholars and exegete, specially when it comes to writing the exegesis of the Holy Qur'an. And I am grateful to my audience who have been supporting my work and even giving me positive and helpful feedback.

Now that the year 2018 has just gone by, we would like to share our 10 most read posts during the year and share it with our reading audience as a tribute to their support to Islam: My Ultimate decision. Herein under is the list of 10 most read posts:

1. Surat Al-Adiyat - The Coursers / The Charging Battle Horses: Summary of 100th Chapter of The Holy Quran
2. Sūrat al-Burūj (The Great Constellations): The Summary of 85th Chapter of The Holy Qur'an 
3. Dispel Superstitions attributed to Month of Safar
4. How Islam Differs from Other Religions - Part I
5. 114 Chapters (Surahs) of the Holy Qur'an
6. Life of Muslims in Non Muslim Countries: Spain - Once the Mighty Al-Andalus
7. Surah al-Baqarah - The Cow: Summary of Chapter 2 of the Holy Quran - Part 2
8. Women in Quran - Maryam (Mary) - Mother of Prophet Eesa (Jesus)
9. Prophets Zackariah and Yahya (John, the Baptist)
10. Bible and Quran - Contradictions (The Original Sin)

The above read posts have been read mostly from the countries below, listed as per the volume of the traffic:

• Pakistan
• United States
• Israel
• China
• Germany
• Unknown Region
• Ukraine
• Belgium
• France
• India

We do hope that this year would see an increase in our audience to encourage us to continue to strive to bring more about Islam, specially to help our revert brothers and sisters to know more about Islam. May Allah be on our side to do more. Aameen
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Surah At Talaq - Divorce - Summary of 65th Chapter of the Holy Quran

Sūrat aṭ-Talāq is the seventieth surah with 12 ayahs / verses with two rukus, part of the 28th Juzʼ  of the Holy Qur'an. 

The surah is so named as the laws regarding divorce and Iddat (waiting period) before the divorce take effect have been discussed in the first seven verses of the surah. In the remaining verses from 8-12, tidings of exemplary punishment have been given for those who are rebellious against Allah's commandment with a view to instill fear of Allah and so that they adhere to the Divine laws as enunciated in the Holy Qur'an.

Since the subject discussed in this surah has relevance to matters and commandments already revealed in Surah Al Baqarah and Surah Al Ahzab, it would be useful to refresh one's memory about the instructions which have been given in the Qur'an concerning divorce and the waiting period (Iddat) above:

• "Divorce may be pronounced twice; then the wife may either be kept back in fairness or allowed to separate in fairness." (Al Baqarah 229)
• "And the divorced women (after the pronouncement of the divorce) must wait for three monthly courses... and their husbands are fully entitled to take them back (as their wives) during this waiting period, if they desire reconciliation." (Al Baqarah 228)
• "Then, if the husband divorces his wife (for the third time), she shall not remain lawful for him after this divorce, unless she marries another husband..." (Al-Baqarah : 230)
• "When you marry the believing women, and then divorce them before you have touched them, they do not have to fulfill a waiting period, the completion of which you may demand of them." (Al-Ahzab : 49)
• "And if those of you who die, leave wives behind, the women should abstain (from marriage) for four months and ten days." (Al-Baqarah 234)

The rules prescribed in these verses were as follows:

• A man can pronounce at the most three divorces on his wife.
• In case the husband has pronounced one or two divorces he is entitled to keep the woman back as wife within the waiting period and if after the expiry of the waiting period the two desire to re-marry, they can re- marry there is no condition of legalization (tahlil). But if the husband has pronounced three divorces, he forfeits his right to keep her as his wife within the waiting. period, and they cannot re-marry unless the woman re-marries another husband and he subsequently divorces her of his own free will.
• The waiting period of the woman, who menstruates and marriage with whom has been consummated, is that she should pass three monthly courses. The waiting period in case of one or two divorces is that the woman is still the legal wife of the husband and he can keep her back as his wife within the waiting period. But if the husband has pronounced three divorces, this waiting period cannot be taken advantage of for the purpose of reconciliation, but it is only meant to restrain the woman from re-marrying another person before it comes to an end.
• There is no waiting. period for the woman, marriage with whom has not been consummated, and who is divorced even before she is touched. She can re-marry, if she likes, immediately after the divorce.
• The waiting period of the woman whose husband dies, is four months and ten days.

Here, one should understand well that Surah At-Talaq was not sent down to annul any of these rules or amend it, but it was sent down for two purposes;

• First, that the man who has been given the right to pronounce divorce should be taught such judicious methods of using this right as do not lead to separation, as far as possible however, if separation does take place, it should only be in case all possibilities of mutual reconciliation have been exhausted. For in the Divine Law provision for divorce has been made only as an unavoidable necessity; otherwise Allah does not approve that the marriage relationship that has been established between a man and a woman should ever break. The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) has said "Allah has not made lawful anything more hateful in His sight than divorce." (Abu Daud). And: "Of all the things permitted by the Law, the most hateful in the sight of Allah is the divorce, (Abu Daud)
• The second object was to complement this section of the family law of Islam by supplying answers to the questions that had remained after the revelation of the commandments in Surah Al-Baqarah. So, answers have been supplied to the following questions:What would be the waiting period of the women, marriage with whom has been consummated and who no longer menstruate, or those who have not yet menstruated, in case they are divorced? What would be the waiting period of the woman, who is pregnant, or the woman whose husband dies, if she is divorced?And what arrangements would be made for the maintenance and lodging of the different categories of divorced women, and for the fosterage of the child whose parents have separated on account of a divorce?

Let us now read explanation of the Surah segmented into portions as per the subject matter:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ 

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"

As highlighted earlier, the first seven verses of this surah concern the matters related to divorce. Thus care must be taken by both husband and wife to refrain from this sin as far as they can and try to keep their marriage bond intact. However, if nothing works out between the two, then they must break their bond in line with commandments of Allah, enunciated above and in the seven verses below:

1. O Prophet! When ye do divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed periods, and count (accurately), their prescribed periods: And fear Allah your Lord: and turn them not out of their houses, nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in case they are guilty of some open lewdness, those are limits set by Allah: and any who transgresses the limits of Allah, does verily wrong his (own) soul: thou knowest not if perchance Allah will bring about thereafter some new situation.2. Thus when they fulfill their term appointed, either take them back on equitable terms or part with them on equitable terms; and take for witness two persons from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence (as) before Allah. Such is the admonition given to him who believes in Allah and the Last Day. And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out,3. And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion.4. Such of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the prescribed period, if ye have any doubts, is three months, and for those who have no courses (it is the same): for those who carry (life within their wombs), their period is until they deliver their burdens: and for those who fear Allah, He will make their path easy.5. That is the Command of Allah, which He has sent down to you: and if any one fears Allah, He will remove his ills, from him, and will enlarge his reward.6. Let the women live (in ´iddat) in the same style as ye live, according to your means: Annoy them not, so as to restrict them. And if they carry (life in their wombs), then spend (your substance) on them until they deliver their burden: and if they suckle your (offspring), give them their recompense: and take mutual counsel together, according to what is just and reasonable. And if ye find yourselves in difficulties, let another woman suckle (the child) on the (father´s) behalf.7. Let the man of means spend according to his means: and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. After a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief.

The four schools of thought of Sunni Islam, i.e. Hanafi, Maliki, Shaafi and Hanbali interpret the manner of divorce slightly different from each other. Since majority of Sunni Muslims follow Imam Abu Hanifa, here in under the interpretation as per the Hanafi School of Thought:

• The Hanafis regard divorce as of three kinds: Ahsan. hasan, and bid'i. 
• The ahsan form of divorce is that one may pronounce only one divorce on one's wife during a tuhr (purity) period in which one must refrain from sexual intercourse and leave the wife to complete her waiting-period. 
• The hasan form of divorce is that one may pronounce one divorce in each period of purity: in this case pronouncement of three: divorces, one each in three periods of purity, . is also not against the Shari'ah, although the best approved method is to pronounce only one divorce and leave the wife to complete her waiting-period. 
• The bid'i form of divorce is that one must pronounce three divorces in a single sitting, or pronounce three divorces at different times during the same period of purity, or pronounce divorce during menstruation, or pronounce it in the period of purity during which one has had a sexual intercourse. 
• Of these whichever course one may adopt one will be guilty a sin, This is the law in respect of the woman Marriage with whom has been consummated and who has regular courses. As for the woman marriage with whom has not been consummated, she can be divorced both in the state of purity and during menstruation, and this is according to the Sunnah. And if the woman is such a one marriage with whom has been consummated who no longer menstruates, or the one who has not yet menstruated, she can be divorced even after the sexual intercourse„for there is no chance of her being pregnant. And if the woman is pregnant, she also can be divorced after the sexual intercourse, for her pregnancy is already established. But the method of pronouncing divorce on these women according to the Sunnah, is that the divorce may be pronounced at the interval of one month in each case. 
• However, the ahsan method is that only one divorce may be pronounced and the woman left to complete her waiting period. (Hedayah, fath alQadir, Ahkam al-Qur an (AI-Jassas), `Umdat al-Qari).

For the view point of other three Sunni schools of thought, please refer to End Notes of reference [1]. For divorce procedure among the Shia Muslims, read details at reference [4].

In the verses 8-12, the Muslims are being warned of the fate they would meet in this world and in the Hereafter if they disobeyed the commands they have been given through the Messenger (peace be upon him) of Allah and His Book and the rewards they would receive if they adopted obedience:

8. And many a town (population) revolted against the Command of its Lord and His Messengers, and We called it to a severe account (i.e. torment in this worldly life), and shall punish it with a horrible torment (in Hell, in the Hereafter).9. Then did they taste the evil result of their conduct, and the End of their conduct was Perdition.10. Allah has prepared for them a severe Punishment (in the Hereafter). Therefore fear Allah, O ye men of understanding - who have believed!- for Allah hath indeed sent down to you a Message,-11. An Messenger, who rehearses to you the Signs of Allah containing clear explanations, that he may lead forth those who believe and do righteous deeds from the depths of Darkness into Light. And those who believe in Allah and work righteousness, He will admit to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever: Allah has indeed granted for them a most excellent Provision.12. Allah it is He Who created seven heavens, and, like them, the earth. His commandment descends among them. (All this is being stated so that you know) that Allah has power over everything, and that Allah encompasses all things in His knowledge.

In the verse 12 above, “like of them” does not mean that He created as many earths as the heavens, but it means that He has also created several earths as He has created several heavens. “Of the earth” means that just as this earth which is inhabited by man is serving as bed and cradle for the creatures living on it, so has Allah made and set other earths also in the universe. which serve as beds and cradles for the creatures living on them. Moreover, there are clear pointers in the Qur'an to the effect that living creatures are not found only on the earth but also in the heavens. 

For instance, it appears in Surah Ash-Shura: 29:

And of his signs is the creation of the heavens and earth and what He has dispersed throughout them of creatures. And He, for gathering them when He wills, is competent.

In other words! the countless stars and planets seen in the sky are not all lying desolate, but like the earth there are many among them which are inhabited.

Note: The exegesis of this surah is  in quite details. Here only a fraction of details has been presented. Please read details at references [1] and [2] given below for clarification and details.

You may now like to listen to Arabic recitation of Sūrat aṭ-Talāq with English subtitles:

You may refer to our post "114 Chapters (Sūrahs) of the Holy Qur'an" for translation, meaning and summary of other chapters (Though not complete but building up from 30th Part backwards for chapters in 30th Part are shorter and easier to understand). 

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic souses and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. However, the exegesis of the chapters of the Holy Quran are basically 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 the references of  other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. 

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10 Benefits of As Salat (Prayer)

"The closest a person is to Allah is when he is in prostration."

The obligatory prayers, As Salah, five times a day is the second most important pillar of Islam. But in a broader background, prayer has always been made mandatory on all prophets and messengers of Allah and their followers to thank Allah for those so many bounties and blessings that have been showered on the man. Ever prophet and messenger has been specifically asked to worship Allah and be thankful to Him. When Allah spoke to Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him)specifically made a mention of it:

"And I have chosen you, so listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance." [Surah At Taha 13-14]

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) have on many a occasion instructed his followers to offer prayer for it would save them from embarrassment on the Day of Judgement:

"The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad." [Recorded by al-Tabarani. According to al-Albani, it is sahih. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol.1, p. 503.]

Prayer in fact is the means of direct communication between a Muslim and Allah and Allah certainly listens to his subject when he takes time out of his busy life five times a day and prostates and thanks his all powerful Creator for everything that he has been blessed with. Though an obligation, if one puts one's heart and soul in it, it becomes a means of soothing and alleviating one's depression for the mere fact that none other than Allah is attentive to his prayers. 

Prayers have many befits like it enriches one's soul, protects one from the evil ideas, washes away one' sins besides purifying one's soul. This also spiritually cleanse our souls and inspires and strengthens one's faith. I could list more but recently I came across a video which explains 10 benefits of prayers. And believe me these benefits have been so eloquently explained that I was almost spellbound by the narration and instantly thought of sharing it with my readers so that they too benefit from it and make their prayers more meaningful and complete.

Watch this beautiful video which explains ten benefits of prayer, As Salah, in such a fascinating way that will attract to the prayer even those who have not been regular in their prayers and bring them more closer to Allah than ever before:

Summing up benefits of prayers, please read this verse from the Holy Quran: "Indeed, mankind was created anxious: When evil touches him, impatient, And when good touches him, withholding [of it], Except the observers of prayer - Those who are constant in their prayer" [Surah al-Ma'arij 19-23]. So let us derive maximum benefits from our prayers so that we are pardoned and forgiven of our sins, beside being spiritually cleansed.

Photo 

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The Benefits of Ablution (wudu) - The Science now Understands

Prayer (Salah) is the second most important pillar of Islam. It is obligatory five times a day on all able bodied Muslim men and women. When a Muslim stands to offer the prayer, he/she in fact is standing in front of Allah and is in direction communication to one's true Creator. Therefore one has to be in highest state of purity for one may not dare taking to one's Creator with a soiled body and clothes.

The washing of body parts is called "wudu" or the ablution is thus mandatory before one stands to offer one's obligatory prayers.  Wudu involves washing the hands, mouth, nostrils, arms, head and feet with water. The detailed procure to perform wudu has already been explained in one of our earlier posts "How to perform Wudu (Ablution) before offering prayers (As salat).

O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete His favour to you, that ye may be grateful. [Surah Al-Ma'ida, Sura 5, Ayah 6]

Although Muslims have been performing wudu since it was first taught to the newly Muslims through a Divine commandment in the Holy Quran as quoted above, it is not until recently that scientist have started to understand the philosophy of wudu and its impact not only on human body but its deep rooted purification of soul and effects that it creates.

The importance of ablution is so much important that even if there is not water available or those who are unable to perform wudu with water, due to skin disease, a disability or lack of clean water, etc. are recommended to perform "tayammum", or the "dry ablution", using sand or dust instead of water. Such an alternative form of ritual purity may also be accepted in cases where one fears the acquisition of hypothermia in cold weather.

Please watch the video below and see the health and spiritual benefits of wudu, which have a telling effect on the human mindset other than purification to offer As Salah:

You may have now realized after watching this video that nothing in Islam is meaningless and all commandments and directions given out by Allah Almighty in the Holy Qur'an have a definite meaning and effect that not only Muslims, but even the non Muslims too have started to understand and emulate in their daily lives.

Photo | References: | 1 | 

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