Believers! Wear out Evil by True Faith and persistency in repenting and seeking forgiveness

Man has been born with two instincts: Good and Evil and all along his life he is ordained to uphold what is good and shun what is evil. This is the total test God has given to His creation to judge who hold on to faith and never let loose their grip on the rope of Allah and how do they beat back the evil.

But God also knows that the machinations of evil are much stronger for His creation who are weak in faith or who lose hope of forgiveness once they are entrapped by the Satan and his evil forces. And for this reason, God has given hope to the sinners by asking them to repent their sins and seek His forgiveness. And He promises that even if the load of sins and bad deeds is as high as the space between the earth and the seven skies, He swears of His Mercy that He would forgive them.

This promise reassures man to be persistent and consistent in repenting and continuously asking for God's forgiveness.  This tool of repentance and forgiveness is so strong that a time comes that evil starts to wear out and leaves his repenting subject for some new target. This is the stage when a man achieves the highest level of faith in his Creator for he has beaten back the Satanic forces by wearing out his machinations and attained a higher pedestal in the eyes of his Creator.

Please watch an enlightening video below by one of the most eminent scholars of present times,  Mufti Menk:

Ismail ibn Musa Menk (إسماعيل إبن موسى منك), generally known as Mufti Menk (born 27 June 1975), is a Zimbabwean Islamic Scholar. He is widely known internationally. Menk has been named one of The 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan in 2013, 2014 and 2017.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. May Allah Strengthen our faith in Him and help us wearing out the evil by being persistent in repenting and asking forgiveness. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

Note: We have already written a number of posts on Repentance and Forgiveness. You may like to read these as given under heading Forgiveness / Repentance in our reference page: Selected Verses from Qur'an.

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 to make 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 that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these 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 any one 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

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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Ponder over Death and Life - for Allah created these to judge which of you is better in deeds

Many a people in the world think that the very concept of rewards and punishment or Heaven and Hell or the very concept of life after death is a big hoax and concoction by religious men to scare men from living a boundless and careless life. A large number of people think that no matter how many sins they commit, they can get these waved off by confiding with the priests. 

But the big question is: What if at the end, there comes and end to this world and Day of Resurrection is established by the sole Creator of the universe, the Monotheist God? That day it will be dawned on such people that Belief in the existence of a divine reality; usually referring to monotheism (one God) was the ultimate truth, as opposed to pantheism (all is God), polytheism (many gods), and atheism (without God).

It must be understood that it is Only God, and none else, has the authority to forgive or expunge one's sins and no worldly man is authorized to do so on His behalf.  Today we share the 2nd verse of Surah 67. Al Mulk to remind all men and women, be of any religion, to ponder over this verse and know why this universe was created with life and death embedded in it:

اۨلَّذِىۡ خَلَقَ الۡمَوۡتَ وَالۡحَيٰوةَ لِيَبۡلُوَكُمۡ اَيُّكُمۡ اَحۡسَنُ عَمَلًا ؕ وَهُوَ الۡعَزِيۡزُ الۡغَفُوۡرُۙ‏ 

(67:2) Who created death and life that He might try you as to which of you is better in deed. He is the Most Mighty, the Most Forgiving;

( Who created death and life that He might try you as to which of you is better in deed ) That is, the object of giving life to men in the world and causing their death is to test them to see which of them is best in deeds. Allusion has been made in this brief sentence to a number of truths:

• (1) That life and death are given by Allah; no one else can grant life nor cause death;
• (2) that neither the life nor the death of a creation like man, which has been given the power to do both good and evil, is purposeless; the Creator has created him in the world for the test: life is for. him the period of the test and death means that the time allotted for the test has come to an end;
• (3) that for the sake of this very test the Creator has given every man an opportunity for action, so that he may do good or evil in the world and practically show what kind of a man he is;
• (4) that the Creator alone will decide who has done good or evil; it is not for us to propose a criterion for the good and the evil deeds but for Almighty Allah; therefore, whoever desires to get through the test, will have to find out what is the criterion of a good deed in His sight; the fifth point is contained in the meaning of the test itself, that is, every person will be recompensed according to his deeds, for if there was no reward or punishment the test would be meaningless. 

( He is the Most Mighty, the Most Forgiving ) This has two meanings and both are implied here:

• (1),'That He is Almighty: in spite of being dominant over all His creatures, He is Merciful and Forgiving for them, not tyrannous and cruel; and
• (2) that He has full power to punish the evildoers: no one can escape His punishment; but He is forgiving for him who feels penitent, refrains from evil and asks for His forgiveness. 

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

(Who has created death and life) Those who say that death is an existing creation use this Ayah as a proof because it is something that has been created. This Ayah means that He brought creation into existence from nothing in order to test the creatures. He examines them to see which of them will be best in deeds.

This is similar to Allah's statement, (How can you disbelieve in Allah Seeing that you were dead and He gave you life.) (2:28) In this Ayah Allah named the first stage, which is non-existence, "death.'' Then he named the origin or beginning of existence, "life.'' 

This is why Allah says, (Then He will give death, then again will bring you to life ( on the Day of Resurrection)) (2:28). 

Concerning Allah's statement, (He may test you which of you is best in deed.) it means best in deeds. This is as Muhammad bin `Ajlan said. It should be noted that Allah did not say "which of you does the most deeds.'' A

Allah then says, (And He is the Almighty, the Oft-Forgiving.) This means that He is the Almighty, the Most Great, the Most Powerful and the Most Honorable. However, along with this He is Most Forgiving to whoever turns to Him in repentance and seeks His pardon after having disobeyed Him and opposed His commandment. Even though Allah is Almighty, He also forgives, shows mercy, pardons and excuses. 

Yusuf Ali  Explanation: 

"Created Death and Life." Death is here put before Life, and it is created. Death is therefore not merely a negative state. In ii. 28 we read: "Seeing that ye were without life (literally, dead), and He gave you life: then will He cause you to die, and will again bring you to life; and again to Him will ye retum." In liii. 44, again, Death is put before Life. Death, then, is (1) the state before life began, which may be non-existence or existence in some other form: (2) the state in which Life as we know it ceases, but existence does not cease; a state of Barzakh (xxiii. 100), or Barrier or Partition, after our visible Death and before Judgment; after that will be the new Life, which we conceive of under the term Eternity.

Creation, therefore, is not in mere sport, or without a purpose with reference to man. The state before our present life, or the state after, we can scarcely understand. But our present Life is clearly given to enable us to strive by good deeds to reach a nobler state.

All this is possible, because Allah is so Exalted in Might that He can perfectly carry out His Will and Purpose, and that Purpose is Love, Mercy, and Goodness to His creatures.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation: Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes:

Life after nothingness and then death after life bear testimony to the fact that this world has been created with a purpose and that it is not correct to construe that it will continue endlessly like this or suddenly end. If this was so, then this world would be a purposeless creation, which is against the majesty of a wise, powerful and benevolent creator. On the contrary, this is evidence to the fact that whomsoever the Almighty blesses with life He does so to test and try him; the test is whether this person spends his life to please the Almighty or to please his own base desires. A natural outcome of this test is that He bring about one day in which He give life to everyone, hold them accountable for their deeds and then reward or punish them accordingly. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 8, 491)

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

Since what is termed "death" is stated here to have been created, it cannot be identical with "non-existence", but obviously must have a positive reality of its own. To my mind, it connotes, firstly, the inanimate state of existence preceding the emergence of life in plants or animated beings; and, secondly, the state of transition from life as we know it in this world to the - as yet to us unimaginable - condition of existence referred to in the Qur'an as "the hereafter" or "the life to come" (al-akhirah).

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

One of the results of His complete dominion of the universe and absolute power over all things (verse 1)  is that He created death and life. The term `death' in this context includes the death that precedes life and the one that follows its end, whereas `life' includes this first life and the life to come. All these are of God's creation as stated in this verse. In this way, it establishes this truth in the human mind, alerting it to the test it aims to set. 

Nothing, then, comes by blind coincidence or without purpose. The test aims to establish, in reality, what God knows in advance of people's behaviour on earth and the reward they merit for their actions. Thus, man should always be on the alert, considering every thought and every action. He should not be oblivious to anything.

Death is mentioned before life in the sequence of the words, "...who created death and life to test.." - Interestingly, this Surah is recommended to be recited before one enters the state of minor death - i.e. sleep [there are some narrations that contain the wording, 'Sleep is the brother of death.' [reference needed]. This serves as a reminder that death and life have been created to serve as a purpose, a medium through which a human being is tested and judged on how well they did in - in statements and actions.

Please listen to explanation of the ayat by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan:

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 to make you accept it forcibly, And if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, You will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

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

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

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

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

This post is part of our earlier post: Ten most powerful verses of Al Qur'an that challenge how we think, live, and understand reality

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

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

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

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from following sources: 

• Towards Understanding the Quran
• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Al-Quran, Yusuf Ali Translation
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle

In addition 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.

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

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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The best form of worship is waiting for a better future

Has man ever been able to find a better future in his life? Many would say a big yes but if we look back, man has always been in loss. Many a big and thriving empires vanished, leaving behind tales of their utter glory of which the boasted enough. Not going back many thousand years in the past, just look back a hundred years. Large empirical companies which once dominated the world trade are no more. Many rich men died alone in some hospital bed or an old home. 

Ever wondered why? All struggled for a better worldly life while completely forgetting the eternal life that awaited them in the hereafter. For such ignorant people, the opening two verses of Surah 103 Al Asr are an eye opener:

(103:1-2) By the time! Lo! Man is in a state of loss;

In the above said verses, an oath has been sworn by the Time to impress the point that man is in sheer loss and only those people are an exception from the loss who are righteous and whose focus is on the life of the hereafter rather than this artificial and temporary worldly life.

That is we have two forms of life: The Pre Death Phase (life in the waiting period, that is the worldly life, and the Post Death Phase (The gaining  period, which permanent and rewarding for those who prepared for it). This in fact means that most of the men in the Pre Death Phase are in loss for they are only striving for the worldly happiness and gains. While there are very few who are preparing for the Gaining Period when they will be rewarded for their efforts in the worldly life, despite being poor or mocked by the rich and famous for not enjoying the fruit in hand than the ones that are unseen.

This however doesn't mean that one should starve himself and his family to death by only praying and remaining busy in worship. On the contrary one should strive for a better living but a life of righteousness and money earned from allowable sources (Halal money) rather than taking bribes, snatching and depriving others of their rights and hurting people - that is Haram (disallowed means of earning).

In fact earning Halal money is a form of worship which saves man from many an ill of the worldly life, a trap set up by evil forces to distract the true believers and lure them to earn Haram and make them suffer not only in this world but also in the hereafter. 

We share an eye opening small lecture on the subject by one of the most eminent scholars of present times,  Wahiduddin Khan:

Wahiduddin Khan (1 January 1925 – 21 April 2021) was an Islamic scholar and peace activist known for having written a commentary on the Quran and having translated it into contemporary English and talking on issues related to Islam.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. May Allah help us to prepare for the Gaining Period of our lives that awaits us in the life in the hereafter. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life 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 to make 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 that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these 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 any one 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

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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Do not be wasteful - For Squanderers are brothers of Satan

Have you ever watched videos and camera clicks of famine ridden areas? Have you ever read the hollowness, desperation and hunger visible in the eyes of children and adults alike. Have you ever seen children dying due to hunger and vultures sitting by waiting for their death. Ever pondered why is this happening? 

A wasteful (person, action, or process) is the act of using or expending something of value carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.

For such people Allah cautions in Qur'an (Surah 17 verse 27):

اِنَّ الۡمُبَذِّرِيۡنَ كَانُوۡۤا اِخۡوَانَ الشَّيٰطِيۡنِ​ ؕ وَكَانَ الشَّيۡطٰنُ لِرَبِّهٖ كَفُوۡرًا‏ 

(17:27) for those who squander wastefully are Satan's brothers, and Satan is ever ungrateful to his Lord.

Squandering is because of our habit of wastefulness and having a hard heart that does not care for the others. We leave a large amount of leftovers in our plates after meals that goes wasted in the litter. At that time we never realize that God has blessed us with so many blessings, abundant food and water, yet we mercilessly water these, eat less and waste more. Even men making ablutions, we keep the taps open at full throttle, a water much more than our requirement goes down the drain.

Imagine now a scenario wherein a large quantity of cooked or even uncooked food, fruits and water is wasted away the world over. If we curtail our appetite and tailor our mindset to eat only what we really need to eat rather than stuffing ourselves more than our hunger or leaving plates half full with our left overs, how much food can be saved for people who go hungry every night. If we make a habit of saving food and giving it out to the poor and hungry, we would be acting upon the teachings of Islam which conditions us to care for the poor. 

Sometime back I read a news that South African Airlines collects unpacked food from each of their flights and distribute these to the famine stricken people. I wonder why this cannot be done worldwide and delivered to the destinations where poverty makes people go hungry. 

Please watch an enlightening video below by one of the most eminent scholars of present times,  Wahiduddin Khan:

Wahiduddin Khan (1 January 1925 – 21 April 2021) was an Islamic scholar and peace activist known for having written a commentary on the Quran and having translated it into contemporary English and talking on issues related to Islam.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. May Allah help us to help others, specially those who are poverty stricken, hungry or helpless with every morsel of food and every drop of water extra to our needs. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life 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 to make 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 that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these 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 any one 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

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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Do not boastfully claim yourselves to be purified - Allah knows those that are truly Godfearing

In out previous post, we talked of judging people by their character. Wonder why? Character is that hidden quality of man which only surfaces when man is put to test or when one start to dealing with others. Yet despite all microscopic analysis, men evade some of their hidden bad spots of their character. But can we hide ourselves from Allah, the All Knowing, Who knows what is under the bosom of a man.

No man, less the prophets of Allah, can boast of living a sin less life. The machinations of Evil are so strong that one way or the other one gets lured into his trap. However, those who are men of faith and are true believers when confronted with such an ugly situation, immediately repent and ask for forgiveness of Allah. But despite repenting, one may commit sins unknowingly and think himself of being above all lewdness and wrongdoing. Such people sometime tend to boast of their purity, but only Allah knows the truth. So one should stay as much away from sins and be aware of consequences of a boastful personality.

We share today the 32nd verse of Surah 53 An Najm, which points towards sins committed by men, yet they boast to be purified and upright. For such people Allah warns them by saying:  Allah knows those that are truly Godfearing.

اَلَّذِيۡنَ يَجۡتَنِبُوۡنَ كَبٰٓـئِرَ الۡاِثۡمِ وَالۡفوَاحِشَ اِلَّا اللَّمَمَ​ؕ اِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَاسِعُ الۡمَغۡفِرَةِ​ؕ هُوَ اَعۡلَمُ بِكُمۡ اِذۡ اَنۡشَاَكُمۡ مِّنَ الۡاَرۡضِ وَاِذۡ اَنۡتُمۡ اَجِنَّةٌ فِىۡ بُطُوۡنِ اُمَّهٰتِكُمۡ​ۚ فَلَا تُزَكُّوۡۤا اَنۡفُسَكُمۡ​ ؕ هُوَ اَعۡلَمُ بِمَنِ اتَّقٰى

(53:32) on those who avoid grave sins and shameful deeds,31 even if they may sometimes stumble into lesser offences. Surely your Lord is abounding in His Forgiveness. Very well is He aware of you since He produced you from the earth, and while you were still in your mothers' wombs and not yet born. So do not boastfully claim yourselves to be purified. He fully knows those that are truly Godfearing.

( on those who avoid grave sins ) The sins are best explained in the 31st verse of Surah. 4An-Nisa. "(4:31) But if you avoid the major sins which you have been forbidden, We shall remit your (trivial) offences,53 and cause you to enter an honourable abode." (Read explanation of this verse from the Exegesis/Tafsir of Sura An Nisa/Part I)

( and shameful deeds ) 

 The word fawahish applies to all those acts whose abominable character is self-evident. In the Qur'an all extra-marital sexual relationships, sodomy, nudity, false accusations of unchastity, and taking as one's wife a woman who had been married to one's father, are specifically reckoned as 'shameful deeds' (fawahish). In Hadith, theft, taking intoxicating drinks and begging have been characterized as fawahish, as have many other brazenly indecent acts. Man is required to abstain from them both openly and in secret.

Allah prohibits three vices which ruin individuals and the society as a whole:

• (1) The Arabic word fahsha applies to all those things that are immodest, immoral or obscene or nasty or dirty or vulgar, not fit to be seen or heard, because they offend against recognized standards of propriety or good taste, e.g. adultery, fornication, homosexuality, nakedness, nudity, theft, robbery, drinking, gambling, begging, abusive language and the like. Likewise it is indecent to indulge in giving publicity to any of these evils and to spread them, e.g. false propaganda, calumny, publicity of crimes, indecent stories, dramas, films, naked pictures, public appearance of womenfolk with indecent makeup, free mixing of sexes, dancing and the like.
• (2) Munkar applies to all those evils which have always been universally regarded as evils and have been forbidden by all divine systems of law.
• (3) Baghy applies to those vices that transgress the proper limits of decency and violate the rights of others, whether those of the Creator or His creation.

( even if they may sometimes stumble into lesser offences ) The word lamam as found in the original is used for a small quantity of something, or its slight effect, or its mere closeness, or its existence for a short time. This word is used to express the sense that a person did not commit an act but was very near to committing it.

On the basis of its usages some commentators have taken the word lamam in the meaning of minor sins. Some others have taken it in the meaning that a person should practically reach very near a grave sin but -should desist from actually committing it. Still others take it in the sense of a person's remaining involved in a sin temporarily and then desisting from it. And according to some it implies that a person should think of, or wish, or intend to commit a sin but should rake no practical steps towards it. In this regard, the views of the Companions and their immediate followers are as follows:

Zaid bin Aslam and Ibn Zaid opine, and a saying of Hadrat 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas also is to the same effect, that it signifies those sins which the people had committed in the pre-Islamic days of ignorance, then alter embracing Islam they refrained from them.'

Another view of Ibn `Abbas is, and the same is also the view of Hadrat Abu Hurairah, Hadrat 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin 'As, Mujahid, Hasan Basri and Abu Salih, that it implies a person's being involved in a grave sin or indecency temporarily, or occasionally, and then giving it up.

Hadrat 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud, Masruq and Sha'bi say, and the same also has been reported from Hadrat Abu Hurairah and Hadrat 'Abdullah bin `Abbas in authentic traditions, that this implies a person's approaching the very point of a grave sin and crossing all its preliminaries but then restraining himself at the final stage, e.g. a person goes out with the intention of stealing but refrains from it in the end, or has close association with other women, but refrains from committing adultery.

Hadrat 'Abdullah bin Zubair, `Ikrimah, Qatadah and Dahhak say that this signifies those minor sins for which no punishment has been prescribed in the world nor any threat of punishment held out in the Hereafter.

Said bin al-Musayyab says that this implies one's thinking of a sin in the mind but restraining oneself from committing it practically .

These arc the different explanations which have been reported in the traditions from the Companions and their immediate followers. The majority of the later commentators and doctors of law and jurists arc of the opinion that this verse and verse 31 of Surah An-Nisa classify sins into two main kinds: the major sins and the minor sins, and these two verses give man the hope that if he abstains from the major sins and open indecencies, Allah will overlook his minor errors. Although some distinguished scholars have also opined that no sin is minor and the disobedience of Allah is by itself a major sin, yet as stated by Imam Ghazali the distinction between the major and the minor sins is something which cannot be denied, for the sources of knowledge of the Shari'ah values and injunctions all point to this.

As for the question, what is the distinction between the major and the minor sins, and what kinds of sins are major and what kinds of them minor? we are satisfied that: "Every such act is a major sin which has been forbidden by a clear ordinance of the Divine Book and the Shari'ah of the Prophet, or for which Allah and His Messenger have prescribed a punishment in the world, or have held out a threat of punishment in the Hereafter, or have cursed the one guilty of committing it, or given the news of infliction of punishment on those guilty of committing it. " Apart from this class of sins all other acts which are disapproved by the Shari'ah, come under the definition of minor sins. Likewise, the mere desire for a major sin, or an intention to commit it, also is not a major sin but a minor sin; so much so that even crossing all the preliminaries of a major sin does not constitute a major sin unless one has actually committed it. However, even a minor sin becomes a major sin in case it is committed with a feeling of contempt for religion and of arrogance against Allah, and the one guilty of it does not consider the Shari`ah that has declared it an evil worthy of any attention and reverence. 

( Surely your Lord is abounding in His Forgiveness ) That is, "The forgiveness for the one guilty of minor sins is not for the reason that a minor sin is no sin, but for the reason that Allah Almighty does not treat His servants narrow-mindedly and does not seize them on trifling faults; if the servants adopt piety and abstain from major sins and indecencies, He will not seize them for their minor errors and will forgive them magnanimously on account of His infinite mercy."

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

(As for those who avoid the [truly] grave sins and shameful deeds - even though they may sometimes stumble) Lit., "save for a touch [thereof]": a phrase which may be taken to mean "an occasional stumbling into sin" - i.e., not deliberately-followed by sincere repentance (Baghawi, Razi, Ibn Kathir).

(behold, thy Sustainer is abounding in forgiveness. He is fully aware of you) Sc., "and of your inborn weakness" - an implied echo of the statement that "man has been created weak" ( 4:28 ) and, therefore, liable to stumble into sinning. 

(when He brings you in to being out of dust,) Lit., "out of the earth"

(and when you are still hidden in your mothers' wombs: do not, then, consider yourselves pure - [for] He knows best as to who is conscious of Him.) I.e., "never boast about your own purity", but remain humble and remember that "it is God who causes whomever He wills to remain pure" ( 4:49 ).

Yusuf Ali  Explanation: 

Allah's attributes of Mercy and Forgiveness are unlimited. They come into action without our asking, but on our bringing our wills as offerings to Him. Our asking or prayer helps us to bring our minds and wills as offering to Him. That is necessary to frame our own psychological preparedness. it informs Allah of nothing, for He knows all.

As Allah knows our inmost being, it is absurd for us to justify ourselves either by pretending that we are better than we are or by finding excuses for our conduct. We must offer ourselves unreservedly such as we are: it is His Mercy and Grace that will cleanse us. If we try, out of love for Him, to guard against evil, our striving is all that He asks for.

Javed Ahmad Ghamdi Explanation:

good reward shall be given to them because of this attitude of theirs; for this a person’s intercession, exaltedness or superior lineage will be of no avail to anyone. It is essential to abstain from excesses committed against life, wealth and honour and from fornication; these are the major sins. Those who abstain from them are never satisfied on committing minor sins. However, if they stumble into a sin, the Almighty blesses them with the urge to repent and mend their ways and they purify themselves. The actual words used for this are: اِلَّا اللَّمَمَ. 

Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī while explaining them writes: The words اِلْمَام and لَمَم mean to stay at place for a short period. The meaning of لَمَم ascribed to Mujāhid and Ibn ‘Abbās (rta) is that a person stumbles into a sin but then soon comes out of this state. What is meant is that it is not required of a person to lead a sinless life. A person may at times while succumbing to emotions and desires commit a sin; however, God requires of him that he should have such a vigilant sense of faith in him that a sin should not embrace his life so much that it becomes difficult for him to give it up; such should be the level of this vigilance that when a person trips into a sin, he reforms himself as soon as he realizes it. God will forgive people who lead such lives; vast is His mercy. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 8, 71)

They should realize who they are and what their status is. A creature first created from water and mud and then from a trivial drop of fluid does not deserve to think of himself as an elevated being and demand any privilege. This is said to them because the addressees were the custodians of the House of God and the progeny of Abraham (sws) and Ishmael (sws) and because of this had false notions the way Muslims of today have such false notions. These Muslims by regarding themselves to be a forgiven nation have forsaken all responsibilities related to their faith and deeds. 

Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes: … The matter reached the extent that there were many families among them in which if a person was born he was thought to be guaranteed Paradise and there were many graveyards in which if a person was buried he was regarded to be worthy of the eternal kingdom regardless of his beliefs and deeds. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 8, 73)

Explanation Qur'an Wiki:

The surah then defines the ones who do good, earning a reward according to what is best. They are the ones "who avoid grave sins and shameful deeds, apart from casual indulgence." Grave sins are cardinal, and shameful deeds are those sins that represent serious transgression. Scholars differ as to the meaning of the Arabic word lamam, translated here as casual indulgence.

The verse concludes by the statement that God's requital of people's deeds is based on His knowledge of their inner thoughts throughout all stages of their lives: "He is Ally aware of you when He brings you into being out of the earth, and when you are still hidden in your mothers' wombs." His knowledge, then, precedes their own actions, as it is the knowledge of their true nature which they themselves do not even know. It is known only to God, their Creator. This knowledge was present when God originated them from the earth before they were brought into existence, and when they were still in their mothers' wombs, before they were brought into the light. It is the knowledge of their truth before it takes physical shape, and of their nature before it translates into action.

When we think of God's knowledge in this way, we realize that it is pointless, and indeed impudent for a man to tell Him about himself, trying to press his good points: "Do not, then, assert your own goodness. He knows best those who are truly God-fearing." He does not need for you to tell Him about yourselves, or to suggest how your deeds measure up. His knowledge is perfect, His measure accurate, His reward just, His judgement final, and to Him all creatures return.

You may listen to explanation of the ayat by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan:

May Allah (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 life 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 to make you accept it forcibly, And if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, You will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from following sources: 

• Towards Understanding the Quran
• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Al-Quran, Yusuf Ali Translation
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle

In addition 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.

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

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

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We must Judge People by their Character

We generally are in the habit of forming an opinion about others very quickly. Normally our judgement of someone's character is his regularity in offering prayers, giving away alms and charities and helping others. When we such people, we often treat them is pious and God fearing. But is it enough to judge a man's character? Perhaps not true always for many a times such people who are outwardly looking nice and pure, are often found to be otherwise from inside. The same story of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Before we proceed further, let us see what character really means:

The head of the matter is good character. With respect to Allah, good character means adhering to the sound creed (aqeedah) and performing acts of worship (ibadah). With respect to people, good character means being just, merciful, forgiving, kind, and patient in our interactions with others (mu'amalat).

• Character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
• Britannica Dictionary definition of CHARACTER: the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves : someone's personality — usually singular. He rarely shows his true character—that of a kind and sensitive person. This is a side of her character that few people have seen.
• Character defines who we are. So when we judge someone else, we often judge them based on character. For example, when someone always seems to do the right thing, we classify him/her as a person of high ethical standards. Likewise, when someone is constantly negative, we consider him/her to have a pessimistic view.

Whenever Allah places a man on the pedestal of prophethood, the main criterion has always been character. The same was true for Prophet Muhammad when he was being blessed with the honour of prophethood, Allah said: And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character (Surah 58. Al Qalam (The Pen)- verse 4)

Thus, while we select a person for any job, we must select him for his wealth, his outward appearance, attire or eloquence in speech. Instead, we should try to find his hidden character qualities which of course can be found out by series of tests. Though there are people who sometimes evade such tests and find inroads into a company, establishment or even as the premiers and presidents of the country.  However, they are exposed one day though at the cost of some heavy losses.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have said: “The evilest in my nation are garrulous, braggarts, and pompous. The best of my nation is those with the best character.” “Verily, the believers with the most complete faith are those with the most excellent character and who are most kind to their families.”

In the personality of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ we find an excellent role model of character which was even accepted by his harshest of enemies. Before being given the prophethood, he was a merchant and no one ever raised a finger on his honesty and handling of their goods with even an iota of doubt of his honesty and fair handling. He was truthful, upright and extremely considerate. The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is embodiment of character qualities which if followed in true letter and spirit, no Muslim would have failings in his life for following a true faith and confessing to Tawhid, and the Sunnah, one is unable to go wrong ever.

Having just introduced the basics of character, let us now watch an enlightening video below by one of the most eminent scholars of present times,  Wahiduddin Khan and see how he defines character for a true believer:

Wahiduddin Khan (1 January 1925 – 21 April 2021) was an Islamic scholar and peace activist known for having written a commentary on the Quran and having translated it into contemporary English and talking on issues related to Islam.

Having read and seen the video above, please take a reappraisal of yourself and gauge the strengths and weaknesses of your character. And if there are failings, do take corrective measures to remove them. Likewise select people of the highest level of integrity and character qualities so that they serve us as is the right of doing so.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. 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

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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Misconceptions about form / timings of Salat / Saum / Moon sighting Answered

The form of religious rituals are sometimes differed due to personal interpretation of  Qur'anic verses, Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These differences and opinions are mostly in countries of Indian subcontinent, that is India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, than in Arabic speaking countries. Since the scholars of these countries gave out different opinions, there often arise differences in performance and the form of Salat / Namaz / Prayer, moon sighting and duration of the Saum (Fasting) during month of Ramadan and observing Hajj rituals etc. Such differences are often confusing for the reverts/those from other religions who have embraced Islam. Even these differences create lot of negative feelings among Muslims of some countries.

Here it should be remembered that more than the form of Salat/Prayer, the intention matters most. That is to say that one offers prayers as an Obligation imposed on the believers by Allah. Thus one should be more particular and concerned about standing in front of his Creator in humility rather than concentrating more on the form in which he prays. Therefore we must know what are the obligatory part of the Salat (which are agreed upon by all scholars of Islam, based on Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) and non obligatory forms. It is generally the non obligatory forms on which there are differences of opinions by various schools of thought which do not necessarily impinge upon health of one's prayer.

Likewise there are differences of opinion on moon sighting. Since we in Islam follow the Calander based on lunar phases, it creates ripples in country, specially mention above, since instead of a central moon sighting authority the moon sighting is generally taken over by local bodies. Such decentralization then results in in the commencement of Saum (fasting), Eids and even start of other Islamic months. If like all other Muslim countries, scientific calculations methods are adopted, the differences can be averted.

Herein under, we share today a very informative discussion on all matter  regarding Salat, Saum, and moo sighting are very eloquently and logically answered by 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:

If the English captions are not automatically turned on, please put the caption on as under:

Press the wheel shaped icon (as shown by red arrow). When the menu opens, put ON the captions as shown by blue arrow. Thereafter, again press the wheel like icon to switch off the menu.

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 to make you accept it forcibly, And if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, You will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

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 that of the concerned scholar . We have shared these 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 any one 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

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.

Read More