Surah Al-Muzzammil: The Enshrouded One (Summary of 73rd Chapter of Holy Quran)

Mid night prayer called "Tahajjad" is one of the most liked form of worship by Allah the Almighty and that is why in this Sūrat al-Muzzammil, the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) has been exclusively instructed to observe the mid night prayer regularly. Its importance is due to the fact that one has to break one's sleep at night, preferably after midnight, and offer Tahajjad prayer before the time for pre-dawn prayer commences.

This chapter is seemingly been revealed in two portion: From verses 1-19, the peculiar short verses point towards revelation in Makkah. And more so for the reason, that the instruction for the mid night prayers point towards an early period of Islam when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was still receiving instructions from Allah for self training and how to deal with the disbelievers. The verse 20 is a rather long verse, unlike those revealed in Makkah, and is considered to have been revealed in Medina for it talks about payment of Zakah, an obligatory charity which was enforced after establishment of an Islamic welfare state in Medina. Also it instructs the Prophet to fight in the name of Allah with those who harm Muslims or stand in their way to spread the word of truth.

Overall, the surah has three parts:

• In first part (verses 1-7) the Prophet has been instructed to offer mid night prayer -  a sort for conditioning to be prepared to lift the burden of prophet hood in days to come. And recite Holy Quran at night (verses 8-14) for it is the best time to concentrate in solitude of night. 
• Secondly, in verses 15-19, the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) has been exhorted to have patience at the excesses being committed by the disbelievers of Makkah, who have been threatened with the torment. 
• The third part again stresses the Tahajjad, while the normal Muslims should particularly attend to the five times obligatory prayers a day:, besides they should discharge their zakat dues accurately; and spend their wealth with sincere intentions for the sake of Allah. 

Now let us read each verse and its mini tafsir (for detailed reading/tafsir, please refer to the given references below):

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ 

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

1. O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) )!
2. Stand (to pray) all night, except a little.
3. Half of it, or a little less than that,
4. Or a little more; and recite the Qur'an (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style .
5. Verily, We shall send down to you a weighty Word (i.e. obligations, legal laws, etc.).
6. Verily, the rising by night (for Tahajjud prayer) is very hard and most potent and good for governing (the soul), and most suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allah).
7. Verily, there is for you by day prolonged occupation with ordinary duties,

Here the Prophet has not been addressed by name, rather referred to wearing of the cloak which was usual of the Prophet which he wore during the day and wrapped around him when asleep at tight. The Prophet is thus instructed to break his night sleep after midnight and devote some time in offering Tahajjad prayers and reciting the Holy Quran in solitude - the best time to remember Allah and seek guidance. This also gives the message that "Gone is the time when you used to enjoy peaceful sleep at will; now you lie under the burden of a great mission, whose demands and duties are different as well as onerous."

8. And remember the Name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with a complete devotion.
9. (He Alone is) the Lord of the east and the west, NO ONE but HE has the right to be worshiped. So take Him Alone as Disposer of your affairs .
10. And be patient (O Muhammad(peace be upon him)) with what they say, and keep away from them in a good way.

In verse 10, Allah stresses on the Prophet of Allah to avoid any confrontation with the pagans of Makkah, rather they be treated in a manner that they should not carry the impression that the Prophet has been arrogant or repulsive. for disbelievers it contains a strong message: "It is not due to any weakness on the part of the Prophet that he is not responding to what you are saying against him, but Allah Himself has taught His Messenger to adopt this noble way of conduct in response to your foolish behavior. "   

11. And leave Me Alone to deal with the beliers (those who deny My Verses), and those who are in possession of good things of life. And give them respite for a little while.
12. Verily, with Us are fetters (to bind them), and a raging Fire.
13. And a food that chokes, and a painful torment.
14. On the Day when the earth and the mountains will be in violent shake, and the mountains will be a heap of sand poured out and flowing down.

In the verses 8-15, the Oneness of Allah is stressed - and that He alone is to be worshiped for He alone is the disposer of all wordily affairs. As for the disbelievers and beliers, Allah takes upon Himself to deal with them for they have dared to deny Allah's verses and His Prophet. And when the end day comes, there will be blazing fire ready as food for those who pained Allah's Prophet and denied what He said.

15. Verily, We have sent to you (O men) a Messenger (Muhammad ) to be a witness over you, as We did send a Messenger [Musa (Moses)] to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) .
16. But Pharaoh disobeyed the Messenger [Musa (Moses)], so We seized him with a severe punishment.
17. Then how can you avoid the punishment, if you disbelieve, on a Day that will make the children grey-headed (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)?
18. Whereon the heaven will be cleft asunder? His Promise is certainly to be accomplished.
19. Verily, this is an admonition, therefore whosoever will, let him take a Path to His Lord!

In the verses 15-19, the Prophet of Allah has been consoled and told that Allah is watching over Him, and would not forsake Him by giving the example the dreadful end of the Pharaoh, who while chasing the Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) drowned along with his mighty army of chariots he always boasted off, while Prophet Musa and the Israelites escaped to safety. There is a message here for the disbelievers too that when the End Day comes, they would have shared of hell for teasing the Prophet of Allah. "Verily, this is an admonition, therefore whosoever will, let him take a Path to His Lord!"

The last verse, 20th, is rather long as have been the revelations in Medina:

20. Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad (peace be upon him)], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah . So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah . It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah . Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

In this verse, stressing on the mid night prayers, Allah does not lays down strict commandments about the length of the Tahajjad prayers so that those in travel or fighting in the name of Allah may not have to undergo additional burden.

In conclusion, the Muslims have been exhorted, saying: "Whatever good works you do in the world, will not go waste, but they are like the provision which a traveler sends up in advance to his permanent place of residence. Whatever good you send up from the world, you will find it with Allah, and the provision thus sent up is much better than what you will have to leave behind in the world, and with Allah you will also get a much better and richer reward than what you have actually sent up before." [1]

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)

You may now like to listen to Arabic recitation of Sūrat al-Muzzammil with English subtitles:

Arabic Text of header | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation of the surahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic souses and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. However, those wanting detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to sites the references of which are given above.

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

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Surah At Takwir: The Overthrowing (Summary of 81st Chapter of the Holy Quran)

The Day of Judgement is a reality - a reality that would unfold leaving no time for anyone to seek repentance of one's sins for that day it would be all over. And every human and jinn that was ever born would be presented before Allah, the mighty creator of the entire universe, and be handed over one's dossier which would lead one to blazing fire of hell or the pleasing cool breeze of paradise.

Allah has warned men and jinns at numerous places about the end day, but as per a hadith (saying of the Prophet of Allah(peace be upon him)), "Whoever wishes to look at the Day of Judgement as if he is seeing it with his own eyes, then let him read (When the sun is turned into a sphere.) (this 81st Chapter:1) and; (When the heaven is cleft asunder.) (Surah al-Infitar Chapter 82:1) and; (When the heaven is split asunder.) (Surah al-Inshiqaq Chapter 84:1))."

Sūrat at-Takwīr has two themes: the Hereafter and the institution of Prophet hood.[1]

• In the first six verses the first stage of the Resurrection has been mentioned. 
• Then in the next seven verses the second stage has been described - the time of weighing up one's weights and decision would be made for Heaven And Hell.
• From verses 19 onward, the theme of Prophet hood has been taken up and the people of Makkah have been exclusively addressed and asked as to why they objected to the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) sent to them and shrug him away.

Now let us read the surah verse by verse:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ 

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

1. When the sun "Kuwwirat" (wound round and lost its light and is overthrown).

Takwir means to fold up; hence takwir al-`amamah for folding up the turban on the head. Here, the light which radiates from the sun and spreads throughout the solar system has been likened to the turban and it has been said that on the Resurrection Day the turban will be folded up about the sun and its radiation will fade. 

2. And when the stars shall fall;
3. And when the mountains shall made to pass away;

In Surah Al-Qari'ah, verse Allah warns: And the mountains will be like carded wool."  And here again it reiterates that the mountains shall be made to pass away, losing their grip from the earth and disintegrate like carded wool.

4. And when the pregnant she-camels shall be neglected;

Camels have always been very scared for the men of desert of Arabia. And whenever the she camel is about to delivers a baby calf, it is given the utmost protection and care for every camel head means a lot to the men of desert. In view of its importance to the men, here a reference is made that when the doomsday arrives, every person will be worried about himself and even the most cared she-camel will be left unattended. 

5. And when the wild beasts shall be gathered together;
6. And when the seas shall become as blazing Fire or shall overflow;

On the End Day, fire would blaze up in the oceans. But if the truth about water is kept in view, nothing would seem strange. It is a miracle of God that He combined oxygen and hydrogen, one of which helps kindle the fire and the other gets kindled of itself and by the combination of both He created a substance like water which is used to put out fire. A simple manifestation of Allah's power is enough to change this composition of water so that the two gases are separated and begin to burn and help cause a blaze, which is their basic characteristic.[1]

7. And when the souls shall be joined with their bodies;
8. And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do) shall be questioned.
9. For what sin she was killed?

Before the advent of Islam, the Arabs would bury the newly born baby girls for they thought the killing of girls to protect them from being captured alive by the hostile tribes and taken as slaves.  Besides girls were of no 'use' to them in tilling fields, shepherding or helping their fathers in the daily chores as boy could. Upon institution of Islamic  way of life, this gory tradition was abolished once for all.

10. And when the written pages of deeds (good and bad) of every person shall be laid open;
11. And when the heaven shall be stripped off and taken away from its place;
12. And when Hell-fire shall be kindled to fierce ablaze.
13. And when Paradise shall be brought near, 

14. (Then) every person will know what he has brought (of good and evil).
15. So verily, I swear by the planets that recede (i.e. disappear during the day and appear during the night).
16. And by the planets that move swiftly and hide themselves,
17. And by the night as it departs;
18. And by the dawn as it brightens;

From verses 19 onward, the theme of Prophet hood has been taken up. In this the people of Makkah have been addressed, as if to say "Whatever Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings) is presenting before you, is not the bragging of a madman, nor an evil suggestion inspired by Satan, but the word of a noble, exalted and trustworthy messenger sent by God, whom Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings) has seen with his own eyes in the bright horizon of the clear sky in broad day light. Whither then are you going having turned away from this teaching?"

19. Verily, this is the Word (this Qur'an brought by) a most honourable messenger [Jibrael (Gabriel), from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)].
20. Owner of power, and high rank with (Allah) the Lord of the Throne,
21. Obeyed (by the angels), trustworthy there (in the heavens).
22. And (O people) your companion (Muhammad (peace be upon him)) is not a madman;
23. And indeed he (Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw him [Jibrael (Gabriel)] in the clear horizon (towards the east).
24. And he (Muhammad (peace be upon him) withholds not a knowledge of the unseen.

That is, "The Holy Messenger of Allah does not conceal anything from you. Whatever of the unseen realities are trade known to him by Allah, whether they relate to the essence and attributes of Allah, the angels, life after death and Resurrection, or to the Hereafter, Heaven and Hell, he conveys everything to you without change. 

25. And it (the Qur'an) is not the word of the outcast Shaitan (Satan).
26. Then where are you going?
27. Verily, this (the Qur'an) is no less than a Reminder to (all) the 'Alamin (mankind and jinns).
28. To whomsoever among you who wills to walk straight,
29. And you will not, unless (it be) that Allah wills, the Lord of the 'Aale meen (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

Sūrat at-Takwīr, thus, is once again a warning to the nonbelievers and disbelievers that this world is set to come to an end and everliving being, whether humans or jinns, will be produced before their Creator and dealt according to their wordily deeds and sent to heaven or hell as the case may be. And that those who mock the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) and shrug off the words of Allah he had brought to them, will be losers at the end - a day when there would be no time left for repentance.

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)

You may now like to listen to Arabic recitation of Sūrat at-Takwīr with English subtitles:

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation of the surahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic souses and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. However, those wanting detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to sites the references of which are given above.

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

Read More

Surah Al-Munafiqoon: The Hypocrites (Summary of 63rd Chapter of the Holy Quran)

Hypocrisy is the contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs. Thus In moral psychology, it is the failure to follow one's own expressed moral rules and principles. [1]

The world has never been short of the hypocrites since time immemorial. Some say Brutus was a hypocrite of all times. But he wasn't alone in line to have worn the crown of hypocrisy. Even prophets were often surrounded by such duel faced people who did more harm to them than any pleasure. And Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not exception. And when we talk of early history of Islam, one name is strikingly comes to forth: Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salul of the Banu Kazraj. And because of his hypocrisy, this surah was revealed to warn the Prophet of Allah of such like hypocrites lest he was harmed.

About 300 men in Madinah were hypocrites, who didn't want to become Muslim but accepted Islam to go by the majority so as not to be singled out and assumed that it would be in their interests to be part of the majority. Interestingly, there are no reported cases of hypocrites in Makkah for pagans of Makkah powerful and could assert their enmity to Islam and the Prophet of Allah openly. On the contrary, the popularity of Islam and a large number of Medina embracing Islam put the non Muslims in odds. So they outwardly accepted Islam, but inwardly they collaborated with the pagans of Makkah and other non believers to harm cause of Islam as much as possible.

Sūrat al-Munāfiqoon, 63rd Chapter of the Holy Quran contains eleven verses and was revealed in Medina. Please read Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi's "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" which explains in detail the why of revelation of this surah, the main subject being the hypocrites of Madinah under Abdullah bin Ubayy. [2]

Herein under is the translation of the surah with notes here and there to better understand each verse and the reasons of so saying by Allah:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ 

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

1. When the hypocrites come to you, they say: We bear witness that you are most surely Allah's Messenger; and Allah knows that you are most surely His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are surely liars.
2. They make their oaths a shelter, and thus turn away from Allah's way; surely evil is that which they do.
3. That is because they believe, then disbelieve, so a seal is set upon their hearts so that they do not understand.
4. And when you see them, their persons will please you, and If they speak, you will listen to their speech; (they are) as if they were big pieces of wood clad with garments; they think every cry to be against them. They are the enemy, therefore beware of them; may Allah destroy them, whence are they turned back?

Here the hypocrites of Madinah have been referred to as "pieces of wood clad with garments." Whenever they came to sit in the Holy Prophet's assembly, they would sit reclining on cushions against the walls and would seemingly talk agreeably and convincingly. From their outward appearance and manner of speech no one could imagine that those honorable people of the city would be so wretched and degraded in their character.

Comparing them to timber is meant to imply that they are devoid of the moral sense which is the essence of humanity Then by comparing them to blocks of timber propped up against the wall, it has also been pointed out that they are absolutely worthless, for the timber would be useful only when it has been utilized in making of a ceiling, or a door frame, or a piece of furniture. A block of timber that has just been placed against a wall serves no useful purpose at all.

The verse "they think every cry to be against them"  portrays the state of their guilty conscience. Since they fully well knew what game of hypocrisy they were playing, they always remained in a state of alarm, afraid of secret of their treason might be exposed. If ever a cry was raised anywhere in the city, or a noise was heard; they immediately grew alarmed and thought it was directed against themselves. 

5. And when it is said to them: Come, the Messenger of Allah will ask forgiveness for you, they turn back their heads and you may see them turning away while they are big with pride.
6. It is alike to them whether you beg forgiveness for them or do not beg forgiveness for them; Allah will never forgive them; surely Allah does not guide the transgressing people.

In verse 6, two things have been stated. First, that the prayer of forgiveness can be beneficial only for those who are guided. Let alone a common man, even if Allah's Messenger himself prays for the forgiveness of the person, who has turned away from guidance and adopted the way of sin and transgression instead of obedience, he cannot be forgiven. Second, that it is not Allah's way to bless with guidance those who do not seek His guidance. If a person himself turns away from Allah's guidance, rather shakes his head with arrogance and rejects the invitation when he is called towards guidance, Allah has no need that He should go after him with His guidance and implore him to come to the right path. [2]

7. They it is who say: Do not spend upon those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they break up. And Allah's are the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.
8. They say: If we return to Medina, the mighty will surely drive out the meaner therefrom; and to Allah belongs the might and to His Messenger and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.
9. O you who believe! let not your wealth, or your children, divert you from the remembrance of Allah; and whoever does that, these are the losers.
10. And spend out of what We have given you before death comes to one of you, so that he should say: My Lord! why didst Thou not respite me to a near term, so that I should have given alms and been of the doers of good deeds?

In above verses,  mention of the possessions and the children, in particular, has been made, for man mostly turns away from the demands of the faith for the sake of their well-being and interests and becomes weak in faith, or disobedience; otherwise it implies everything of the world that allures and absorbs man so completely that he becomes heedless of the remembrance of God. This heedlessness in respect of the remembrance of God is indeed the root cause of all evil. If man only remembers that he is not free but the servant of One God, and that God is fully aware of all his actions and deeds, and he will by held accountable one day before Him for all his actions and deeds, he would never be involved in any deviation and wickedness, and if ever he commits an error due to a human weakness, he will immediately rectify it as soon as he comes to realize his wrongdoing and repent. [2]

11. But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

And this is the last caution: When a person's term comes to an end, Allah never grants any respite. Allah is well aware of all that you do. So do not wait that time to come when even the wealthiest with all the might and wealth, power and status will never be able to resist the angel of death. Don't men ponder over this - ever ??

You may now like to listen to the recitation of Surah Al-Munafiqoon in Arabic along 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 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation of the surahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic souses and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. However, those wanting detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to sites the references of which are given above.

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

Read More

Surah Ar Rahman: The Most Merciful (Summary of 55th Chapter of Holy Quran) Part II - Summary

In the Part I of the Introduction to Surah Ar Rehman, we mentioned the refrain which appears 31 times in this unique surah of the Holy Qur'an. Now when we share the translation and explanation of the verses of this surah, the why of refrain verse would automatically unveil.

Generally speaking Surah Al-Rahman is divided into three parts. The initial verses are the introduction to the name of this surah which is attributed to the one of the 99 names of Allah, the Most Exalted and Merciful, followed by a few verses indicating how Allah has made men to understand the Qur'an. In Part I of the Surah, Allah mentions his blessings and bounties that He has bestowed upon the man. 

And then in Part II, there is a caution for men and jinns who would face Allah's wrath if they do not adhere to the commandments of Allah. But more than the cautions,  the remaining major portion of the surah gives out reassurance to those who do good, have faith in Allah and His book - a significant indicator of Allah's countless blessing and mercies men of good deed would receive. Even for the sake of repetition, the picture of paradise is painted so eloquently that men of faith are overjoyed to hear what awaits for them in the paradise as reward for their steadfastness and living a life as expected of them as Muslims.

Although in the beginning of the Surah, the address is directed only to human beings, for to them only belongs the vicegerency" of the earth, among them only have the Messengers of Allah been raised, and in their tongues only have the Divine Books been revealed, yet from verse 13 onward both the men and the jinn have been addressed and one and the same invitation has been extended to both. [1]

Now let's read the surah verse by verse and explanations here and there on points that need further explanation: 

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ 

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

1. The Most Beneficent (Allah)!
2. Has taught (you mankind) the Qur'an (by His Mercy).
3. He created man.
4. He taught him eloquent speech.

1-4 it has been stated that the teaching of the Qur'an is from Allah Almighty and it is the very demand of His mercy that He should provide guidance to mankind through this teaching, for it is He Who has created man as a rational and intelligent being.

Verses 5-30 expound upon natural displays of Allah’s creative power and mercy in showering those who inhabit the earth with blessings. 

5. The sun and the moon run on their fixed courses (exactly) calculated with measured out stages for each (for reckoning, etc.).
6. And the herbs (or stars) and the trees both prostrate.

5-6 it has been said that the whole system of the Universe is functioning under Allah's Sovereignty and everything in the earth and heavens is subject to His Command alone. Science has lately found out the exact movement of the solar system and galaxies that follow a well calculated path, never deviating a fraction. Allah told this more than 1400 years ago when no such knowledge about placatory movement existed. So how could then people say that Quran is written by Muhammad (peace be upon him) when such knowledge never existed.

At other places, Allah says: "It is not permitted for the sun to overtake the moon nor for the night to outstrip the day; each of them swims in a fixed orbit." [Al-Qur'an 36:40] and: "He is the Cleaver of the daybreak (from the dark): He makes the night for rest and tranquility and the sun and the moon for the reckoning (of time): Such is the judgment and ordering of (Him), the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing." [Al-Qur'an 6:96] 

7. And the heaven He has raised high, and He has set up the Balance.
8. In order that you may not transgress (due) balance.
9. And observe the weight with equity and do not make the balance deficient.

7-9 another important truth that has been expressed is that Allah has established the entire system of the Universe precisely and equitably on justice, and the nature of this system requires that those who dwell in it also should adhere to justice within the bounds of their authority and should not disturb the balance.

10. And the earth He has put for the creatures.
11. Therein are fruits, date-palms producing sheathed fruit-stalks (enclosing dates).
12. And also corn, with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-scented plants.
13. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
14. He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of pottery.
15. And the jinns did He create from a smokeless flame of fire.
16. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
17. (He is) the Lord of the two easts (places of sunrise during early summer and early winter) and the Lord of the two wests (places of sunset during early summer and early winter).
18. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
19. He has let loosed the two seas (the salt water and the sweet) meeting together.
20. Between them is a barrier which none of them can transgress.
21. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?

Verses 19-22: A similar phenomenon has been observed in the Gulf of Alaska. This place was first spotted by Kent Smith while on a photo shoot in the Alaska Gulf. This is what he had to say about it:

"I thought this was the most unusual thing I saw on the Alaskan cruise in the water. These two bodies of water were merging in the middle of the Alaskan gulf and there was a foam developing only at their junction."[4]

22. Out of them both come out pearl and coral.
23. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
24. And His are the ships going and coming in the seas, like mountains.
25. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?

10-25 besides mentioning the wonders and excellences of Allah's might, references have been made to His those bounties from which the jinn and men are deriving benefit.

26. Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish.
27. And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will abide forever.
28. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
29. Whosoever is in the heavens and on earth begs of Him (its needs from Him). Every day He has a matter to bring forth (such as giving honour to some, disgrace to some, life to some, death to some, etc.)!
30. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?

In vv.26-30 both the men and the jinn have been reminded of the truths that in this Universe no one except One God is immortal and imperishable, and there is none, from the lowest to the highest, who does not stand in need of God for his survival and other requirements. Whatever is happening here, from the earth to the heavens, is happening under His administration and control.

Verses 31-45 contain the caution and Allah's warning to those who transgress and how they would be treated on the Day of Judgment: 

31. We shall attend to you, O you two classes (jinns and men)!
32. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
33. O assembly of jinns and men! If you have power to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allah)!
34. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
35. There will be sent against you both, smokeless flames of fire and (molten) brass, and you will not be able to defend yourselves.
36. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?

In vv. 31-36 both the groups have been warned that the time is fast approaching when they will be called to account, which they will not be able to avoid, for God's Kingdom is encircling them from every side; it is not in their power to flee it; if they are involved in the misunderstanding that they can, they may try to do so. 

37. Then when the heaven is rent asunder, and it becomes rosy or red like red-oil, or red hide.
38. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?

In vv. 37-38 it has been said that this accountability will be held on the Day of Resurrection. 

39. So on that Day no question will be asked of man or jinn as to his sin, (because they have already been known from their faces either white or black).
40. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
41. The Mujrimun (polytheists, criminals, sinners, etc.) will be known by their marks (black faces), and they will be seized by their forelocks and their feet.
42. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
43. This is Hell which the Mujrimun (polytheists, criminals, sinners, etc.) denied.
44. They will go between it (Hell) and the boiling hot water!
45. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?

Verses 39-45 are addressed to the sinners, both men and jinns. On the Day of Judgment, they would be recognized due to their blackened faces (may Allah count us not in this category - Aameen) and will be shown the way to Jahanum (Hell) where blazing fires and boiling waters await them.

After stern warning to the sinners, Verses 46-78 bring in a cool breeze of hope for those who have been faithful and saved them from sins during their wordily life: 

46. But for him who [the true believer of Islamic Monotheism who performs all the duties ordained by Allah and His Messenger Muhammad , and keeps  away (abstain) from all kinds of sin and evil deeds prohibited in Islam and fears standing before his Lord], there will be two Gardens (i.e. in Paradise).
47. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
48. With spreading branches;
49. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
50. In them (both) will be two springs flowing (free)
51. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
52. In them (both) will be every kind of fruit in pairs.
53. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
54. Reclining upon the couches lined with silk brocade, and the fruits of the two Gardens will be near at hand.
55. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
56. Wherein both will be those (maidens) restraining their glances upon their husbands, whom no man or jinn yatmithhunna (has opened their hymens with sexual intercourse) before them.
57. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
58. (In beauty) they are like rubies and coral.
59. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
60. Is there any reward for good other than good?
61. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
62. And besides these two, there are two other Gardens (i.e. in Paradise).
63. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
64. Dark green (in colour).
65. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
66. In them (both) will be two springs gushing forth water.
67. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
68. In them (both) will be fruits, and date- palms and pomegranates.
69. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
70. Therein (gardens) will be fair (wives) good and beautiful;
71. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
72. Houris (beautiful, fair females) restrained in pavilions;
73.  Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
74. Whom no man or jinn have ever touched before.
75. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
76. Reclining on green cushions and rich beautiful mattresses.

The 79th verse is in Arabic  reads: مُتَّكِـئِيۡنَ عَلٰى رَفۡرَفٍ خُضۡرٍ وَّعَبۡقَرِىٍّ حِسَانٍ​ۚ‏ 

The word "abqari" in the original is from "abqar" - the capital city of the jinn in the legends of the pre-Islamic Arabia. It was on that account that the Arabs called every fine and rare thing abqari as if it belonged to the fairyland and had no match in the material world. So much so that in their idiom the man who possessed extraordinary abilities and who performed wonderful works was also called abqari The English word genius also is spoken in the same sense and is also derived from genii which is a synonym of jinn. That is why the word abqari; has been used here to give an idea of the extraordinary exquisiteness of the provisions of Paradise to the Arabs. [1]

77. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
78. Blessed be the Name of your Lord (Allah), the Owner of Majesty and Honour.

And from verse 46 to the end of the Surah mention has been made of those rewards and blessings which will be granted to the righteous men and jinn who have led pious lives in the world and lived with a clear understanding that they will have to appear before their Lord one day and render an account of their deeds and actions.

You may now  listen to this beautiful recitation of the Surah Ar Rahman in Arabic 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: Header
References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation of the surahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic souses and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. However, those wanting detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to sites the references of which are given above.

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Bane of Same Sex Relations and Condemnation in Islam

There were times when human relations were based on respect and honour and as per dictates of one's faith. Men and women go t married, raised children and lived a happy and contended family lives. But then the relations started to get polluted and men and women started to get fed up of each and started to find alternative means to live their lives and the bane of same sex relations merged. People became so obsessed with the this new 'innovative' form of relations that many a Western countries bowed to the demands of these people and legalized their relation. Today many countries have allowed same sex marriages legal to allow personal freedom of the individuals, no matter how detestable idea this may have been.

Like all major Divine relations, Islam too strictly condemns these relations and stresses on marriages of man and woman as has been the norm right from Adam and Eve and thereafter.  The mention of people of Lot in the Holy Quran and the wrath of Allah that befell on them should be an eye opener for all the proponents of same sex relations. 

it is very interesting that same sex supporters who have never consulted or read the Holy Qur'an of the Muslims, try to justify their relations and instead of seeking guidance and interpreting the fate of the people of the Lot, question Qur'an for not laying 'clearcut and specific commandments condemning homosexuality. In One of the site of the Gay supporters, I cam across the following question posed to the Muslims and the Qur'an:

If sex between two men is sinful, why doesn't the Qur'an simply say so? It was very clear and very specific about a great many things. Why couldn't the Qur'an - and the Bible, for that matter - be just as clear and specific about homosexuality? Reason would suggest that if 5% of the given population (the estimated number of homosexuals) is going to be condemned then clear and convincing reasons for doing so must be given.[1]

This very interesting. Qur'an is a Dive book to show the righteous path lest people get astray. It is not a pornographic book to explicitly quote what is right and what is wrong or sin. The reference given given are amply clear and if despite the mention of the bad habits of the people of the Lot and the wrath of Allah that befell on them, someone cannot find the right answers, then he himself calls for the Divine anger and be condemned.

Now let me quote verses from various chapters of the Holy Qur'an where it has been explicitly mentioned that same sex relations are not allowed in Islam:

"Do you approach males among the worlds. And leave what your Lord has created for you as mates? But you are a people transgressing." They said, "If you do not desist, O Lot, you will surely be of those evicted." He said, "Indeed, I am, toward your deed, of those who detest [it]." [Surah Ash-Shu'ara, Chapter 26:165-168]

And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Do you commit immorality while you are seeing? Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly." [Surah An Namal, Chapter 27:54-55]

And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Indeed, you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds. Indeed, you approach men and obstruct the road and commit in your meetings [every] evil." And the answer of his people was not but they said, "Bring us the punishment of Allah, if you should be of the truthful." He said, "My Lord, support me against the corrupting people." And when Our messengers came to Abraham with the good tidings, they said, "Indeed, we will destroy the people of that Lot's city. Indeed, its people have been wrongdoers." [Surah Al-Ankaboot, Chapter 29:28-31] 

The above verses from various chapters of the Holy Qur'an amply clarify the evil in the people of Lot and their lust for men rather than women. And when Prophet Lut (Lot, peace be upon him) forewarned them of the Divine wrath, they mocked him and told him to bring whatever he threatens them of off. And then the wrath of Allah came, and all of the Lot family except Lot's wife, who was an informer, were saved and the evil desired people tasted the most horrible death as was predicted by Prophet Lot:

By your life, [O Muhammad], indeed they [people of Lot] were, in their intoxication, wandering blindly. So the shriek seized them at sunrise. And We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of hard clay. Indeed in that are signs for those who discern. [Surah Al-Hijr, Chapter 15:72-75]

The above verses are for those who have a desire to seek a righteous path and not for those who continue to commit sin despite the Divine commandments and get astray.

It is yet interesting to note that the site from which I shared an excerpt earlier, comes up with yet another misleading remarks about Muslims:[1]

The majority of Muslims refuse to consider the possibility that this story could be anything other than a condemnation of homosexuality .They do so from the belief that the Qur'an - and each and every word contained within it - is absolutely and literally true, spoken by Allah and conveyed through the Prophet Muhammad, and as such, is unalterable, completely clear and precise and not subject to any interpretation or debate. These are claims made by fundamentalist Christians concerning the Bible, and like such claims, they lead to a host of problems.

The above remarks show the resilience the proponents of same sex relations show despite clear messages conveyed through Divine commandments to refrain from same sex relations. And at another place, it is said that about 40% Muslims living in the USA approve of the same sex marriages. Muslims who are true Muslims and have read the Qur'an with translation and understood its meaning with special reference to the context would never subscribe to such an evil and absurd idea. 

It may be worthwhile to mention that the even intimate relations between husband and wife do not allow anal intercourse:

"Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that ye will (one day) meet Him. Give glad tidings to believers, (O Muhammad)" [Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter 2:223]  

The above verse clearly clarifies that a man must consider his wife as his tilth and restrict his relations to vaginal intercourse as by doing this one can expect one's harvest, that is children. Quite naturally anal sex does not yield such output. Most Muslim scholars have interpreted the very word "cultivate" unanimously as impregnating the wife or nurturing wife as though a farmer cultivates a piece of land, but not as a means of performing forbidden practices. Thus Islam always calls fro clean and sacred relations of matrimony between husband and wife only and NOT between man and man or woman and woman. 

Some supporting same sex relations quote Lebanon, a Muslim country, which supports the LGBT rights and even accommodated the holding of the gay week. The wave liberalism that is finding its way in the Islamic countries is oft quoted for "Islamic scholar rethinking of interpretation of Qur'an on strict view about same sex relations." No matter what a small group people in Islamic countries do, ruling by majority scholar remain unanimous. Recently there was a news of two Muslims opting for same sex marriage and it received wide circulation. Anyone can go astray even he or she is a Muslim. But a few odd examples do not mean that Islam has allowed such act. A forbidden act remains forbidden, no matter how it is interpreted by liberals for their ease.

Here I would like quote Sola Resna, who sums the issue in a very convincing and understandable way: [3]

The Muslim should not doubt, even for an instant, that what Allah has prescribed is wise. He should know that there is great wisdom in what Allah has commanded and what He has forbidden; it is the straight path and is the only way in which man can be safe and at peace, protecting his honour, his mind and his health, in accordance with the natural disposition (fitrah) with which Allah has created man.

They (gays and lesbians) both go against the natural disposition (fitrah) which Allah has created in mankind – and also in animals – whereby the male is inclined towards the female, and vice versa. Whoever goes against that goes against the natural disposition of mankind, the fitrah.

The spread of homosexuality has caused man diseases which neither the east nor the west can deny exist because of them. Even if the only result of this perversion was AIDS – which attacks the immune system in humans – that would be enough. It also causes the breakup of the family and leads people to give up their work and study because they are preoccupied with these perversions.

May Allah guide us to refrain from adding innovations in the sacred relation of man and woman and make us mindful of the fact that there are no intimate relations between man and woman outside marriage for it is the worst of crimes after declaring someone equal to one Monotheist Allah.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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

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Repentance - Astaghfar

Man has been made to err and it is the Divine blessing that forgives an erred man as if nothing bad has ever taken place. Though it looks so simple on the face of it, it isn't for everyone neither repents nor asks for forgiveness from one's heart. 

Repentance in Arabic is called "Astaghfar" - asking forgiveness of one's bad deeds, sins "Directly from ALLAH," with a solemn pledge NOT to repeat the sin or foul thing one has committed. For it is no one other than Allah, the creator of this universe, who has the sole authority and divine power to forgive someone earnestly ashamed of one's sins and misdeeds and seeking Allah's forgiveness, for it is Allah alone who on Day of Judgement would decide the ultimate fate of a man either to dwell happily in the gardens of paradise or burn in pain everyday in the blazing fire of hell.

Scroll down for a video that explains how one can know if his repentance / Tawba has been accepted.

Allah promises the believers that those who wholeheartedly confess and sincerely repent, would be forgiven:

“But whosoever repents after his crime and does righteous good deeds (by obeying Allah), then verily, Allah will pardon him (accept his repentance). Verily, Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Surah al-Maa’idah 5:39]  

The first act of sin ever committed by Prophet Adam and his wife Hawwa (Eve), when they enticed by condemned Satan ate the fruit of the tree they had been forbidden to go near by Allah. When they both realized what had they done, they repented earnestly and begged to forgiven for the sin they had committed. And Allah did forgive them:

“Then they both ate of that tree, and so their private parts appeared to them, and they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering.  Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray.  Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness and gave him guidance.” (Quran 20:121-122)

Even when Prophet Younis (peace be upon him) abandoned his people in disgust and boarded a ship which ran into to rough seas and he was thrown off board as a means to please angry gods, he had to repeatedly plead guilty when swallowed by a big fish and repented: “Oh my Lord! I have made a place of prayer where nobody else has even worshiped you.” [Surah Al-Anbya]. Thus Allah accepted his Tawba and the fish came ashore and vomited him out alive and unhurt. “So We answered his call, and delivered him from the distress. And thus We do deliver the believers (who believe in the Oneness of Allah, abstain from evil and work righteousness.)” (Surah Al-Anbya 21:88) 

Thus we see all those who repented and begged for forgiveness, Allah did forgave them. In Surah Az-Zumar [39:53] Allah says: Tell them, (O Prophet): “My servants who have committed excesses against themselves, do not despair of Allah's Mercy. Surely Allah forgives all sins. He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful."

In the Book of Hadeeth [Muslim], Al-Agharr ibn Yasar al-Muzani is quoted has been saying that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last Messenger of Allah said: “O people! Turn in repentance towards Allah and ask His forgiveness. I turn towards Him a hundred times a day.”

So what do we do when we err, sin or do a wrong thing? Here are four steps one should so straightaway:

• Refrain from recommitting a sin or misdeed immediately.
• Regret from the heart of the heart for the sin so committed.
• Beg for mercy and forgiveness from Allah (glorified and exalted be He).
• Take a solemn pledge never to return to any sin or wrongdoing again.

Here it must be remembered that the sin / wrongdoing or transgression involved infringes on the rights of other (s), then one must return the infringed rights back to the individual to whom they belong. And then thereafter, try one's level best not to sin, err, or do a thing that is contrary to teachings of Islam.

Now watch the video below to know what are the indicators that one's repentance has been accepted - a thought provoking lecture by Dr Zakir Naik:

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

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

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