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إِنَّ اللَّهَ اشْتَرَىٰ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَأَمْوَالَهُم بِأَنَّ لَهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ “God has bought from the believers their selves and wealth because Paradise is for them.” (At-Tawbah 9:111) The verse above means that God will buy the transient lives and wealth of the believers in return for…
November 3, 2019
وَلَوْ يُعَجِّلُ اللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ الشَّرَّ اسْتِعْجَالَهُم بِالْخَيْرِ لَقُضِيَ إِلَيْهِمْ أَجَلُهُمْ ۖ فَنَذَرُ الَّذِينَ لَا يَرْجُونَ لِقَاءَنَا فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ If God were to hasten for human beings the ill (which they have earned) in the same manner as they hasten (what they consider to be)…
وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ وَأَخِيهِ أَن تَبَوَّآ لِقَوْمِكُمَا بِمِصْرَ بُيُوتًا وَاجْعَلُوا بُيُوتَكُمْ قِبْلَةً وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ We revealed to Moses and his brother: “Appoint houses for your people in Egypt (as places of refuge and coming together in God’s cause), and (as a whole…
وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ آتَيْتَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَأَهُ زِينَةً وَأَمْوَالًا فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا رَبَّنَا لِيُضِلُّوا عَن سَبِيلِكَ ۖ رَبَّنَا اطْمِسْ عَلَىٰ أَمْوَالِهِمْ وَاشْدُدْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ فَلَا يُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّىٰ يَرَوُا الْعَذَابَ الْأَلِيمَ Moses prayed to God: “Our Lord! Surely You have granted the Pharaoh and his chiefs…
حَتَّىٰ إِذَا أَدْرَكَهُ الْغَرَقُ قَالَ آمَنتُ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا الَّذِي آمَنَتْ بِهِ بَنُو إِسْرَائِيلَ وَأَنَا مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِي When the drowning overtook the Pharaoh, he exclaimed: “I have come to believe that there is no deity save Him in whom the Children of Israel believe,…
فَلَوْلَا كَانَتْ قَرْيَةٌ آمَنَتْ فَنَفَعَهَا إِيمَانُهَا إِلَّا قَوْمَ يُونُسَ لَمَّا آمَنُوا كَشَفْنَا عَنْهُمْ عَذَابَ الْخِزْيِ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَمَتَّعْنَاهُمْ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ If only there had been a community that believed (just when God’s decree of punishment was issued) and profited by their belief—there was none…
فَلَمَّا رَأَىٰ أَيْدِيَهُمْ لَا تَصِلُ إِلَيْهِ نَكِرَهُمْ وَأَوْجَسَ مِنْهُمْ خِيفَةً ۚ قَالُوا لَا تَخَفْ إِنَّا أُرْسِلْنَا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِ لُوطٍ وَامْرَأَتُهُ قَائِمَةٌ فَضَحِكَتْ فَبَشَّرْنَاهَا بِإِسْحَاقَ وَمِن وَرَاءِ إِسْحَاقَ يَعْقُوبَ But when he saw that their hands did not reach out to it (the food Abraham…
وَشَرَوْهُ بِثَمَنٍ بَخْسٍ دَرَاهِمَ مَعْدُودَةٍ وَكَانُوا فِيهِ مِنَ الزَّاهِدِينَ And they sold him for a paltry price—a few silver coins—so little did they value him. (Yūsuf 12:20) “Zuhd,” the noun form of the verb Za-Ha-Da, means “having no desire, giving no value, and abandoning.” It…
وَلَقَدْ هَمَّتْ بِهِ ۖ وَهَمَّ بِهَا لَوْلَا أَن رَّأَىٰ بُرْهَانَ رَبِّهِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ لِنَصْرِفَ عَنْهُ السُّوءَ وَالْفَحْشَاءَ ۚ إِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُخْلَصِي Certainly, she was burning with desire for him (Joseph); and he would have desired her had it not been that he had already…
قَالَتْ فَذَٰلِكُنَّ الَّذِي لُمْتُنَّنِي فِيهِ ۖ وَلَقَدْ رَاوَدتُّهُ عَن نَّفْسِهِ فَاسْتَعْصَمَ She said: “This is the one about whom you have been taunting me. And, indeed, I did seek to enjoy myself by him, but he was resolute in his chastity.” (Yūsuf 12:32) Prophet Joseph, upon…
ثُمَّ بَدَا لَهُم مِّن بَعْدِ مَا رَأَوُا الْآيَاتِ لَيَسْجُنُنَّهُ حَتَّىٰ حِينٍ It occurred to them (the noblemen and their spouses), even after they had seen the signs (of Joseph’s innocence), that they should imprison him for a time. (Yūsuf 12:35) This verse can be interpreted from…
وَقَالَ يَا بَنِيَّ لَا تَدْخُلُوا مِن بَابٍ وَاحِدٍ وَادْخُلُوا مِنْ أَبْوَابٍ مُّتَفَرِّقَةٍ He (Jacob) said (by way of advice at the time of their departure): “O my sons! Do not enter the city by one gate (in a single company), but enter by different gates.” (Yūsuf…
وَلَوْ أَنَّ قُرْآنًا سُيِّرَتْ بِهِ الْجِبَالُ أَوْ قُطِّعَتْ بِهِ الْأَرْضُ أَوْ كُلِّمَ بِهِ الْمَوْتَىٰ ۗ بَل لِّلَّهِ الْأَمْرُ جَمِيعًا If at all through a Divine Book mountains were moved, or the earth were torn apart, or the dead were made to speak, (all would be…
إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ Surely in that are signs for all who are greatly patient and persevering (in God’s cause) and greatly thankful (to God). (Ibrāhīm 14:5) There are four verses in the Qur’ān which end with the same conclusions as above: Sūrah Ibrāhīm…
وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْنَا الْمُسْتَقْدِمِينَ مِنكُمْ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْنَا الْمُسْتَأْخِرِينَوَلَقَدْ عَلِمْنَا الْمُسْتَقْدِمِينَ مِنكُمْ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْنَا الْمُسْتَأْخِرِينَ And well do We know those of you who have gone before and those who are to come later. (Al-Hijr 15:24) To know the past as a whole proves the existence of Destiny…
وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِن صَلْصَالٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ Assuredly, We have created humankind from dried, sounding clay, from molded dark mud. (Al-Hijr 15:26) Putridity of the mud, which humankind was first shaped with, may have been because of the bacteria in the mud. Humanity was formed…
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ God enjoins justice (and right judgment in all matters), and devotion to doing good and excellence in worship, and generosity towards relatives, and He forbids you indecency, wickedness,…
وَكُلَّ إِنسَانٍ أَلْزَمْنَاهُ طَائِرَهُ فِي عُنُقِهِ ۖ وَنُخْرِجُ لَهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ كِتَابًا يَلْقَاهُ مَنشُورًا Every human being’s fate We have fastened around his neck, and We will bring forth for him on the Day of Resurrection a book which he will see spread open. (Al-Isrā’ 17:13)…
نَّحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ نَبَأَهُم بِالْحَقِّ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ فِتْيَةٌ آمَنُوا بِرَبِّهِمْ وَزِدْنَاهُمْ هُدًى وَرَبَطْنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ إِذْ قَامُوا فَقَالُوا رَبُّنَا رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ لَن نَّدْعُوَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلَـٰهًا ۖ لَّقَدْ قُلْنَا إِذًا شَطَطًا It is We who relate to you their (the People of the Cave’s)…
نَّحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ نَبَأَهُم بِالْحَقِّ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ فِتْيَةٌ آمَنُوا بِرَبِّهِمْ وَزِدْنَاهُمْ هُدًى وَرَبَطْنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ إِذْ قَامُوا فَقَالُوا رَبُّنَا رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ لَن نَّدْعُوَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلَـٰهًا ۖ لَّقَدْ قُلْنَا إِذًا شَطَطًا It is We who relate to you their (the People of the Cave’s)…
وَكَلْبُهُم بَاسِطٌ ذِرَاعَيْهِ بِالْوَصِيدِ ۚ لَوِ اطَّلَعْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ لَوَلَّيْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِرَارًا وَلَمُلِئْتَ مِنْهُمْ رُعْبًا And, their dog lay outstretching its two forelegs on the threshold. Had you come upon them unprepared, you would certainly have turned away from them in flight, and would certainly have…
وَكَذَٰلِكَ بَعَثْنَاهُمْ لِيَتَسَاءَلُوا بَيْنَهُمْ ۚ قَالَ قَائِلٌ مِّنْهُمْ كَمْ لَبِثْتُمْ ۖ قَالُوا لَبِثْنَا يَوْمًا أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ ۚ قَالُوا رَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا لَبِثْتُمْ فَابْعَثُوا أَحَدَكُم بِوَرِقِكُمْ هَـٰذِهِ إِلَى الْمَدِينَةِ فَلْيَنظُرْ أَيُّهَا أَزْكَىٰ طَعَامًا فَلْيَأْتِكُم بِرِزْقٍ مِّنْهُ Such being their state, We raised them (the People…
وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ إِذَا نَسِيتَ وَقُلْ عَسَىٰ أَن يَهْدِيَنِ رَبِّي لِأَقْرَبَ مِنْ هَـٰذَا رَشَدًا And remember and mention your Lord (straightaway) should you forget (to do so when expressing an intention for the future). And say: “I hope that my Lord will guide me to what…
وَاصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَدَاةِ وَالْعَشِيِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُ ۖ وَلَا تَعْدُ عَيْنَاكَ عَنْهُمْ تُرِيدُ زِينَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَلَا تُطِعْ مَنْ أَغْفَلْنَا قَلْبَهُ عَن ذِكْرِنَا وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ وَكَانَ أَمْرُهُ فُرُطًا And keep yourself patient along with those who invoke their Lord morning and…
أَفَتَتَّخِذُونَهُ وَذُرِّيَّتَهُ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِن دُونِي وَهُمْ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ ۚ بِئْسَ لِلظَّالِمِينَ بَدَلًا Will you, then, take him (Satan) and his offspring for guardians (to rely on and refer your affairs to) rather than Me, when they are an enemy to you? How evil an exchange…
فَأَتْبَعَ سَبَبًا One such way he (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) followed. (Al-Kahf 18:85) Dhu’l-Qarnayn was granted both the power and ability of accomplish-ment and the power and ability to surmount hardships with consummate ease. He was favored with all the means and possibilities to overcome easily the hardships and…
حَتَّىٰ إِذَا بَلَغَ مَطْلِعَ الشَّمْسِ وَجَدَهَا تَطْلُعُ عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ لَّمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُم مِّن دُونِهَا سِتْرًا Then he (Dhu’l-Qarnayn) followed another way until, when he reached the rising-place of the sun and found it rising on a people for whom We had provided no shelter against…
قَالُوا يَا ذَا الْقَرْنَيْنِ إِنَّ يَأْجُوجَ وَمَأْجُوجَ مُفْسِدُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَهَلْ نَجْعَلُ لَكَ خَرْجًا عَلَىٰ أَن تَجْعَلَ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَهُمْ سَدًّا They (a people who lived in a place before two mountain-barriers) said: “O Dhu’l-Qarnayn! Gog and Magog are causing disorder in this land. May we…
قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰ إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَـٰهُكُمْ إِلَـٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ Say: “I am but a mortal like you, but it is revealed to me that your God is the One and Only God…” (Al-Kahf 18:110) There is no difference between human beings in their…
وَإِنِّي خِفْتُ الْمَوَالِيَ مِن وَرَائِي وَكَانَتِ امْرَأَتِي عَاقِرًا فَهَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّا (Zachariah invoked his Lord,) “I have fears in regard to my kinsmen after me, and my wife is barren. So bestow upon me a successor out of Your grace!” (Maryam 19:5) It is…
فَاتَّخَذَتْ مِن دُونِهِمْ حِجَابًا فَأَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْهَا رُوحَنَا فَتَمَثَّلَ لَهَا بَشَرًا سَوِيًّا Thus, she (Mary) kept herself in seclusion from people. Then, We sent to her Our spirit, and it appeared before her in the form of a perfect man. (Maryam 19:17) Mary, may God be pleased…
يَا لَيْتَنِي مِتُّ قَبْلَ هَـٰذَا وَكُنتُ نَسْيًا مَّنسِيًّا She (Mary) said: “Would that I had died before this, and had become a thing forgotten, completely forgotten!” (Maryam 19:23) Everybody uses particular expressions for the things that they overly emphasize. For instance, Abū Bakr is reported—even…
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَيَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ الرَّحْمَـٰنُ وُدًّا Surely those who believe and do good, righteous deeds, the All-Merciful will assign for them love…(Maryam 19:96) Those for whom God the All-Merciful has promised to assign love among the inhabitants of the earth and heavens…
God Almighty says, following the verse under discussion: “We make it (this Qur’ān) in your tongue easy (to recite and understand) so that you may thereby give glad tidings to the God-revering, pious ones, and warn thereby a people given to contention” (Maryam 19:97). The verse…
وَأَنَا اخْتَرْتُكَ فَاسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَىٰ I have chosen you (to be My Messenger), so listen to what is revealed (to you). (Tā-Hā 20:13) Moses’ being chosen as a Messenger to the Children of Israel was both a great honor and a trial for him. He received…
اذْهَبَا إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُ طَغَىٰ فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَّيِّنًا لَّعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ Go, both of you, to the Pharaoh, for he has exceedingly rebelled. But speak to him with gentle words, so that he might reflect and be mindful or feel some awe…
فَلَنَأْتِيَنَّكَ بِسِحْرٍ مِثْلِه۪ فَاجْعَلْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكَ مَوْعِدًا لَا نُخْلِفُهُ نَحْنُ وَلَۤا أَنْتَ مَكَانًا سُوًىقَالَ مَوْعِدُكُمْ يَوْمُ الزّ۪ينَةِ وَأَنْ يُحْشَرَ النَّاسُ ضُحًى (The Pharaoh said,) “Then, we will most certainly produce before you sorcery like it. So appoint a meeting between us and you, which neither…
لَقَدْ أَنْزَلْنَۤا إِلَيْكُمْ كِتَابًا ف۪يهِ ذِكْرُكُمْ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ Now We send down to you a Book which contains what you must heed in life for your honor and happiness. Will you not, then, reason and understand? (Al-Anbiyā’ 21:10) The addressee of the Divine Message, “We send down…
فَنَادَىٰ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ أَن لَّا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ But eventually he (Jonah) called out in the veils of darkness: “There is no deity but You, All-Glorified are You (in that You are absolutely above having any defects). Surely I have…
فَنَادَىٰ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ أَن لَّا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ But eventually he (Jonah) called out in the veils of darkness: “There is no deity but You, All-Glorified are You (in that You are absolutely above having any defects). Surely I have…
إِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ أَنتُمْ لَهَا وَارِدُونَ You and all the things you deify and worship apart from God are but firewood for Hell. You are bound to arrive in it. (Al-Anbiyā’ 21:98) First of all, the polytheists will be thrown into…
وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَعْبُدُ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ حَرْفٍ ۖ فَإِنْ أَصَابَهُ خَيْرٌ اطْمَأَنَّ بِهِ ۖ وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ فِتْنَةٌ انقَلَبَ عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِ خَسِرَ الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةَ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ الْخُسْرَانُ الْمُبِينُ Among people there are also many who worship God on the borderline (of faith) in expectation of…
اَللّٰهُ نُورُ السَّمٰوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ God is the Light of the heavens and the earth. (An-Nūr 24:35) It is God Who has brought and brings everything into the Light of existence from the darkness of non-existence and has made the universe an exhibition and a book to…
اَللّٰهُ نُورُ السَّمٰوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ God is the Light of the heavens and the earth. (An-Nūr 24:35) To sum up, everything has come into existence, everything occurs as a result of the manifestation of His Light. And everything develops through the manifestation of His Light as well. …
فَلَمَّا تَرَاءَى الْجَمْعَانِ قَالَ أَصْحَابُ مُوسَىٰ إِنَّا لَمُدْرَكُونَ قَالَ كَلَّا ۖ إِنَّ مَعِيَ رَبِّي سَيَهْدِينِ When the two hosts came in view of each other, the companions of Moses said: “We are certainly overtaken!” He (Moses) replied: “Certainly not. My Lord is surely with me;…
وَاجْعَلْ ل۪ي لِسَانَ صِدْقٍ فِي الْاٰخِر۪ينَۙ وَاجْعَلْن۪ي مِنْ وَرَثَةِ جَنَّةِ النَّع۪يمِ And grant me a most true and virtuous renown among posterity. And make me one of the inheritors of the Garden of bounty and blessing. (Ash-Shu‘arā’ 26:84–85) Prophet Abraham, upon him be peace, was a…
إِذْ قَالَ لَهُمْ أَخُوهُمْ صَالِحٌ أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ (Recall) when their brother Sālih said to them: “Will you not keep from disobedience to God in reverence for Him and seek refuge with His protection?” (Ash-Shu‘arā’ 26:142) It is not only Prophet Sālih, upon him be peace, whom…
اَلَّذ۪ي يَرٰيكَ ح۪ينَ تَقُومُۙوَتَقَلُّبَكَ فِي السَّاجِد۪ينَ (God is) He Who sees you when you rise (in the Prayer, and in readiness to carry out Our commands), as well as your strenuous efforts in prostration among those who prostrate. (Ash-Shu‘arā’ 26:218–219) The word “taqallub,” translated here as “strenuous efforts,” is…
وَالشُّعَرَۤاءُ يَتَّبِعُهُمُ الْغَاوُۧونَۘأَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّهُمْ ف۪ي كُلِّ وَادٍ يَه۪يمُونَۙوَأَنَّهُمْ يَقُولُونَ مَا لَا يَفْعَلُونَۙإِلَّا الَّذ۪ينَ اٰمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَذَكَرُوا اللّٰهَ كَث۪يرًا وَانْتَصَرُوا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا ظُلِمُوا As for poets, only the misguided follow them. Do you not see that they roam confusedly through all the valleys…
وَالشُّعَرَۤاءُ يَتَّبِعُهُمُ الْغَاوُۧونَۘأَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّهُمْ ف۪ي كُلِّ وَادٍ يَه۪يمُونَۙوَأَنَّهُمْ يَقُولُونَ مَا لَا يَفْعَلُونَۙإِلَّا الَّذ۪ينَ اٰمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَذَكَرُوا اللّٰهَ كَث۪يرًا وَانْتَصَرُوا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا ظُلِمُوا As for poets, only the misguided follow them. Do you not see that they roam confusedly through all the valleys…
فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكًا مِنْ قَوْلِهَا (Solomon) smiled at her (the ant’s) words. (An-Naml 27:19) Obviously, the verb “dahk” in the verse above expresses smiling not laughing. A miraculous conversation occurred between Prophet Solomon, upon him be peace, and the queen ant. This was an illustrious blessing granted to…
فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكًا مِنْ قَوْلِهَا (Solomon) smiled at her (the ant’s) words.(An-Naml 27:19) Another fine point worth mentioning here is that both the ant whose words Solomon heard and the Queen of Sheba from whom the hoopoe brought news were female beings. Being female represents or…
The father of Solomon was Prophet David, upon them be peace. As for David, he was a Messenger who attained a highest position along the way of Abraham. He was one of the Prophets whom the Qur’ān praises with being “one ever-turning to God in contrition”…
قَالَ نَكِّرُوا لَهَا عَرْشَهَا نَنظُرْ أَتَهْتَدِي أَمْ تَكُونُ مِنَ الَّذِينَ لَا يَهْتَدُونَ Solomon said: “Disguise her throne, and let us see whether she (the Queen of Sheba) is able to recognize it, or remains one of those who cannot recognize.” (An-Naml 27:41) While the Queen of…
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَۤا إِلٰى ثَمُودَ أَخَاهُمْ صَالِحًا And certainly, We sent to the (people of) Thamūd their brother Sālih. (An-Naml 27:45) The following points may be worth considering why the Qur’ān continues with the Thamūd, the people of Prophet Sālih, right after the narrative about Prophet Solomon,…
إِنَّ قَارُونَ كَانَ مِن قَوْمِ مُوسَىٰ فَبَغَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ Qārūn (Korah) was one of Moses’ people, but he betrayed and oppressed them. (Al-Qasas 28:76) It is written in some commentaries on the Qur’ān based on reports from God’s Messenger, upon him be peace and blessings, his Companions,…
إِنَّ قَارُونَ كَانَ مِن قَوْمِ مُوسَىٰ فَبَغَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ Qārūn (Korah) was one of Moses’ people, but he betrayed and oppressed them.(Al-Qasas 28:76) In fact, this attitude is not unique to Korah. There have been and are many people whose wealth has spoiled them and led…
إِنَّ قَارُونَ كَانَ مِن قَوْمِ مُوسَىٰ فَبَغَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ Qārūn (Korah) was one of Moses’ people, but he betrayed and oppressed them.(Al-Qasas 28:76) Secondly, if the number of the people who think and act like Korah increases in a community and their mentality dominates the community, divisions…
وَابْتَغِ فِيمَا آتَاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ ۖ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا But seek, by means of what God has granted you, the abode of the Hereafter (by spending in alms and other good causes), without forgetting your share (which God has appointed) in this…
وَابْتَغِ فِيمَا آتَاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ ۖ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا But seek, by means of what God has granted you, the abode of the Hereafter (by spending in alms and other good causes), without forgetting your share (which God has appointed) in this…
وَابْتَغِ فِيمَا آتَاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ ۖ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا But seek, by means of what God has granted you, the abode of the Hereafter (by spending in alms and other good causes), without forgetting your share (which God has appointed) in this…
إِنَّ الَّذِي فَرَضَ عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ لَرَادُّكَ إِلَىٰ مَعَادٍ Surely, He Who has entrusted you (O Messenger) with the (duty of following and conveying) the Qur’ān, will certainly bring you round to the fulfillment of the promise of returning (in victory to the home you were…
إِنَّ الَّذِي فَرَضَ عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ لَرَادُّكَ إِلَىٰ مَعَادٍ Surely, the Prayer restrains from all that is indecent and shameful, and all that is evil. (Al-‘Ankabūt 29:45) Although people perform the Prayer, and the Prayer restrains them from all that are indecent and evil, it is…
يَا بُنَيَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا أَصَابَكَ ۖ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ (Luqmān said to his son:) “My dear son! Establish the Prayer in conformity with its conditions, enjoin and promote what is right and good and forbid…
مَّا جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِرَجُلٍ مِّن قَلْبَيْنِ فِي جَوْفِهِ ۚ وَمَا جَعَلَ أَزْوَاجَكُمُ اللَّائِي تُظَاهِرُونَ مِنْهُنَّ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ ۚ وَمَا جَعَلَ أَدْعِيَاءَكُمْ أَبْنَاءَكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ قَوْلُكُم بِأَفْوَاهِكُمْ ۖ وَاللَّهُ يَقُولُ الْحَقَّ وَهُوَ يَهْدِي السَّبِيلَ God has not made for any man two hearts within his body. Nor…
وَمَن يَزِغْ مِنْهُمْ عَنْ أَمْرِنَا نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ السَّعِيرِ Among the jinn were some who, by the leave of his Lord, worked under him (Solomon). Whoever of them swerved away from Our command (by disobeying him), We would make him taste the punishment of a…
فَلَمَّا قَضَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ الْمَوْتَ مَا دَلَّهُمْ عَلَىٰ مَوْتِهِ إِلَّا دَابَّةُ الْأَرْضِ تَأْكُلُ مِنسَأَتَهُ ۖ فَلَمَّا خَرَّ تَبَيَّنَتِ الْجِنُّ أَن لَّوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ الْغَيْبَ مَا لَبِثُوا فِي الْعَذَابِ الْمُهِينِ Then, when We executed Our decree for his death, nothing showed them that he (Solomon) was dead,…
وَجَاءَ مِنْ أَقْصَى الْمَدِينَةِ رَجُلٌ يَسْعَىٰ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اتَّبِعُوا الْمُرْسَلِينَ A man came running from the farthest end of the city and said: ‘O my people! Follow those who have been sent (to you as Messengers). (Yā-Sīn 36:20) The first point of attention in…
وَجَاءَ مِنْ أَقْصَى الْمَدِينَةِ رَجُلٌ يَسْعَىٰ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اتَّبِعُوا الْمُرْسَلِينَ A man came running from the farthest end of the city and said: ‘O my people! Follow those who have been sent (to you as Messengers).(Yā-Sīn 36:20) In fact, this voice has always been…
وَجَاءَ مِنْ أَقْصَى الْمَدِينَةِ رَجُلٌ يَسْعَىٰ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اتَّبِعُوا الْمُرْسَلِينَ A man came running from the farthest end of the city and said: ‘O my people! Follow those who have been sent (to you as Messengers).(Yā-Sīn 36:20) The Qur’ān is not a book addressing…
وَشَدَدْنَا مُلْكَهُ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْحِكْمَةَ وَفَصْلَ الْخِطَابِ We strengthened his kingdom, and granted him (David) wisdom and decisive speech (to inform, and convince, and lead). (Sād 38:20) Right before this verse, God Almighty reminds our Prophet and everyone else through him what an excellent servant Prophet David,…
وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ ذَرُونِي أَقْتُلْ مُوسَىٰ وَلْيَدْعُ رَبَّهُ ۖ إِنِّي أَخَافُ أَن يُبَدِّلَ دِينَكُمْ أَوْ أَن يُظْهِرَ فِي الْأَرْضِ الْفَسَادَ The Pharaoh said (to his chiefs): “Let me kill Moses, and let him call upon his Lord! I fear lest he alter your religion (replacing it…
وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ ذَرُونِي أَقْتُلْ مُوسَىٰ وَلْيَدْعُ رَبَّهُ ۖ إِنِّي أَخَافُ أَن يُبَدِّلَ دِينَكُمْ أَوْ أَن يُظْهِرَ فِي الْأَرْضِ الْفَسَادَ The Pharaoh said (to his chiefs): “Let me kill Moses, and let him call upon his Lord! I fear lest he alter your religion (replacing it…
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ As for those who say, “Our Lord is God,” and then follow the Straight Path (in their belief, thought, and actions) without deviation, the angels descend…
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ As for those who say, “Our Lord is God,” and then follow the Straight Path (in their belief, thought, and actions) without deviation, the angels descend…
سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآفَاقِ وَفِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ We will show them Our manifest signs (proofs) in the horizons of the universe and within their own selves, until it will become manifest to them that it (the Qur’ān) is indeed the truth. (Fussilat…
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ خَلْقُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَثَّ فِيهِمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ ۚ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ جَمْعِهِمْ إِذَا يَشَاءُ قَدِيرٌ Among His manifest signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures He has dispersed in both (the heavens and the earth). And…
وَمَۤا أَصَابَكُمْ مِنْ مُص۪يبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْد۪يكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَنْ كَث۪يرٍ Whatever affliction befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned, and yet He overlooks many (of the wrongs you do). (Ash-Shūrā 42:30) It does not contradict with the essentials of Islam that an…
مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّهِ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانًا ۖ سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِم مِّنْ أَثَرِ السُّجُودِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ ۚ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِي الْإِنجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْأَهُ فَآزَرَهُ فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوَىٰ عَلَىٰ سُوقِهِ يُعْجِبُ…
مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّهِ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانًا ۖ سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِم مِّنْ أَثَرِ السُّجُودِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ ۚ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِي الْإِنجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْأَهُ فَآزَرَهُ فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوَىٰ عَلَىٰ سُوقِهِ يُعْجِبُ…
مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّهِ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانًا ۖ سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِم مِّنْ أَثَرِ السُّجُودِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ ۚ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِي الْإِنجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْأَهُ فَآزَرَهُ فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوَىٰ عَلَىٰ سُوقِهِ يُعْجِبُ…
لَقَدْ رَأٰى مِنْ اٰيَاتِ رَبِّهِ الْكُبْرٰى Indeed, he saw (one or some among) the supreme signs of His Lord. (An-Najm 53:18) This verse is in the sūrah that describes our master Prophet Muhammad’s Ascension, and it relates to the Ascension. In addition to its particular…
رَبُّ الْمَشْرِقَيْنِ وَرَبُّ الْمَغْرِبَيْنِ He is the Lord of the two easts and the Lord of the two wests. (Ar-Rahmān 55:17) This verse denotes the final two points or limits of east and west. For instance, the sun rises and sets at different points in winter…
فَلَۤا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِۙوَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظ۪يمٌۙ إِنَّهُ لَقُرْاٰنٌ كَر۪يمٌ I swear by the locations of the stars (and their falling). It is indeed a very great oath, if you but knew. Most certainly it is a Qur’ān (recited) most honorable. (Al-Wāqi‘ah 56:75–77) Alas…
فَلَۤا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِۙوَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظ۪يمٌۙ إِنَّهُ لَقُرْاٰنٌ كَر۪يمٌ I swear by the locations of the stars (and their falling). It is indeed a very great oath, if you but knew. Most certainly it is a Qur’ān (recited) most honorable.(Al-Wāqi‘ah 56:75–77) In the…
فَلَۤا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِۙوَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظ۪يمٌۙ إِنَّهُ لَقُرْاٰنٌ كَر۪يمٌ I swear by the locations of the stars (and their falling). It is indeed a very great oath, if you but knew. Most certainly it is a Qur’ān (recited) most honorable.(Al-Wāqi‘ah 56:75–77) Indeed, it…
فَلَۤا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِۙوَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظ۪يمٌۙ إِنَّهُ لَقُرْاٰنٌ كَر۪يمٌ I swear by the locations of the stars (and their falling). It is indeed a very great oath, if you but knew. Most certainly it is a Qur’ān (recited) most honorable.(Al-Wāqi‘ah 56:75–77) “The sun…
فَلَۤا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِۙوَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظ۪يمٌۙ إِنَّهُ لَقُرْاٰنٌ كَر۪يمٌ I swear by the locations of the stars (and their falling). It is indeed a very great oath, if you but knew. Most certainly it is a Qur’ān (recited) most honorable.(Al-Wāqi‘ah 56:75–77) Seventh: We come…
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا O Our Lord! Forgive us and our brothers (and sisters) in Religion who have preceded us in faith, and let not our hearts entertain any ill-feeling against any of the believers. (Al-Hashr…
كَمَثَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ إِذْ قَالَ لِلْإِنسَانِ اكْفُرْ فَلَمَّا كَفَرَ قَالَ إِنِّي بَرِيءٌ مِّنكَ إِنِّي أَخَافُ اللَّهَ رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ (The hypocrites have deceived them) just like Satan, when he says to human, “Disbelieve in God!” Then when he disbelieves, he says (to human): “Surely I am quit…
وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَهُمْ تُعْجِبُكَ أَجْسَامُهُمْ ۖ وَإِن يَقُولُوا تَسْمَعْ لِقَوْلِهِمْ ۖ كَأَنَّهُمْ خُشُبٌ مُّسَنَّدَةٌ ۖ يَحْسَبُونَ كُلَّ صَيْحَةٍ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ هُمُ الْعَدُوُّ فَاحْذَرْهُمْ ۚ قَاتَلَهُمُ اللَّهُ ۖ أَنَّىٰ يُؤْفَكُونَ When you see them, their outward form pleases you, and (their posture and speech are attractive and…
وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا Whoever keeps from disobedience to God in reverence for Him and piety, He enables a way out for him (of every difficulty). (At-Talaq 65:2) Taqwā (reverent piety and righteousness) means observing the Divine ordinances in every walk of life. Taqwā,…
ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا امْرَأَتَ نُوحٍ وَامْرَأَتَ لُوطٍ God presents the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot as an example for those who disbelieve. (At-Tahrīm 66:10) We may inquire about the Divine wisdom for mentioning the wives of the Prophets Noah and Lot…
قُلْ أُوۧحِيَ إِلَيَّ أَنَّهُ اسْتَمَعَ نَفَرٌ مِنَ الْجِنِّ فَقَالُۤوا إِنَّا سَمِعْنَا قُرْاٰنًا عَجَبًاۙيَهْد۪ۤي إِلَى الرُّشْدِ فَاٰمَنَّا بِه۪ وَلَنْ نُشْرِكَ بِرَبِّنَۤا أَحَدًا They (the jinn) said: “We have indeed heard a wonderful Qur’ān, guiding to what is right in belief and action and so we have…
فَذَكِّرْ إِن نَّفَعَتِ الذِّكْرَىٰ So remind and instruct (them in the truth) in case reminder and instruction may be of use. (Al-A’lā 87:9) If we do not consider the reason why this and similar other verses were revealed, some inaccurate interpretations may arise, such as “Why do…
وَلَلْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لَّكَ مِنَ الْأُولَىٰ Assuredly, what comes after will be better for you than what has gone before. (Ad-Duhā 93:4) Sūratu’d-Duhā was revealed when Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, was having the most distressful days in Makkah. Revelation had ceased to come…
It is more accurate to take the phrase in the sentence “you will be contented” to mean the maqām ar-ridā, or “the rank of being pleased with and pleasing to God.” To illustrate, our master Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, came to the world with…
فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَانصَبْ Therefore, when you are free (from one task), resume (another task).(Al-Inshirāh 94:7) This verse presents Muslims with an important philosophy of life. Indeed, a believer should always be active; both their working and resting should be an activity. In other words, believers…
Description and Names of The Qur’an 1- How can the Qur’an be defined? The Qur’an is the proper name of the Divine Word which God, may His Majesty be exalted, revealed to Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings. Literally, the word Qur’an can…
The Arabic word wahy literally means to communicate secretly, to decree, to reveal, indicate, to inspire, speak through inspiration or revelation, to suggest, to make signs, to call, to whisper, to write, to hasten. As a term, wahy means God’s communication of His Messages to His…
The Revelation is not only the Qur’an; Prophet Muhammad received Revelation in addition to the Qur’an. God’s Messenger said, “Beware, I have been given the Qur’an and its like together with it.” This is clear proof of the fact that God’s Messenger received the Revelation…
Prophethood is not a quality that can be gained or acquired with effort; rather all Prophets were divinely appointed. If God appointed a person as Prophet, that person was a Prophet even if the people did not believe in him or refused to obey him….
The Revelation was delivered to Prophet Muhammad in the following ways: The commencement of Revelation to the Prophet took the form of reliable dreams ( ru’ya al-sadiqa). Whatever he dreamed happened the following day, in exactly the same way that he had dreamed. Coming in…
As far as the Revelation of the Qur’an is concerned, the Prophet served as an envoy between the people and the angel, while the angel fulfilled the same role between God and the Prophet. The Messenger, who had a sensitive but reliant character, was one…
Certainly their words are quoted and find place in the Qur’an. As we read the Qur’an, we see that the words and thoughts of Prophet Muhammad, other Prophets, peace be upon them all, as well as their people, Satan, the jinn, hypocrites, unbelievers and polytheists…
The Qur’an certainly could have been revealed as a complete book in one single revelation. But it was revealed in sections over a period of twenty-three years. There are a number of divine reasons for this, including but not limited to the following benefits for God’s servants…
Most certainly We help Our Messengers, and those who believe, in the life of this world and on the Day when the Witnesses will stand forth (to testify concerning people’s response to the Messengers). (Mu’min 40:51) During the time of the Prophet, the polytheists were indulging…
The guidance from God comes through the Prophets and the Messengers; they brought with them the Book from God in the language of their people. The fact that the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic is clearly referred to in the following verses: Alif. Lam. Ra….
It is quite clear that even a Book with a universal nature must perforce use of the words of one of the many languages in the world so that people can understand teachings of the Book and convey its messages to other people, especially to…
The following are just some of the reasons why the Qur’an is made up of various chapters. It should be noted however, that more important than these is that the Almighty Creator Who sent down the Qur’an has so willed. The fact that the…
We firstly have to be aware that the degree of perfection for every creature has been determined by God’s will and we do not have even the smallest role or share in this determination. Accordingly, we do accept that which Almighty God teaches us to…
If, for instance, we examine Sura Ikhlas in this respect, we notice that this chapter is of primary importance, declaring God’s Oneness and Absolute Unity. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, expended great effort to inform the Muslims of the importance of this chapter, encouraging…
The Qur’anic term huruf al-muqatta’at is used for certain Arabic letters that are found at the beginning of several chapters in the Qur’an. There are fourteen different Arabic letters making up thirteen different sets of Qur’anic initials found in various combinations at the beginning of…
In addition to all of the above, the letter sad is frequently used in this chapter within many other words. In Arabic the letter sad is also considered to be a symbol and reflection of patience and self-sufficiency, which are believed to be the Divine…
This word literally means “clear proof,” “sign,” “evidence,” “warning,” “extraordinary event or people.” As a Qur’anic term a verse is composed of one or more sentences, has a clear beginning and a clear end, and is a constituent part of a Qur’anic chapter. The meaning…
These two categories of Qur’anic verses are concerned with their meaning; muhkam means established, decisive, while mutashabih means allegorical. a. The meanings of the terms muhkam and mutashabih: The term muhkam literally means “to make something firm and perfect, or to preserve something against defects or errors.” In…
2. Mutashabih caused by meaning: Sometimes the phenomenon of mutashabih can happen through the meaning. There are a number of examples in the Qur’an that are related to this. For example, the attributes of God, Judgment Day, life after death, the rewards of Heaven, and the…
The Qur’an is not a book that addresses the people of a particular area at a particular time. On the contrary, it is universal, speaking to all people at all times. Accordingly, whatever principles and messages it has brought are able to be grasped and…
Let us not forget that God Almighty has clearly explained in the muhkam (perspicuous) verses all the basics of faith, acts of worship, interrelations of human beings and moral principles for which human beings are accountable. Although the genuine purposes of the Qur’an have been…
Human beings dislike repetition, no matter what is being repeated, whether it is the reiteration of words or having the same kind of food every day, even if it is something that they are very fond of. Likewise, people do not enjoy reading texts that…
Another aim of the repetition in the Qur’an is to openly warn people and to receive a favorable response from the addressee. The Qur’an sometimes repeats certain words in the very same sentence or in two related sentences to heighten the awareness of its audience….
In each and every verse of the Qur’an there is an inimitable and eloquent style; this is apparent in the reminders, admonitions, narratives of bygone nations and in the more prosaic presentation of the truth. This eloquence is a distinctive feature of the Qur’an which…
The Qur’anic verses are not only distinguished by their rhythm and inner harmony, but also by their grandeur. For example, if only a verse about the Flood is studied carefully, it is impossible not to feel this grandeur in the words that have a style…
Upon understanding that Walid was inclined towards the Message, the people of Quraysh said: “Walid has deviated from the path of his forefathers. By God, all the people of the Quraysh will follow him and will deviate from this path.” Abu Jahl heard of this…
No human being has been able to find a defect in the Qur’an and they never will be able to do so. Nothing contrary to pure reason, true science or human psychology has been or will be found in the messages of the Qur’an, in…
In the Qur’an, God Almighty employs both the first person singular and plural, i.e., “I” and “We”. If we examine the verses in which God uses the first person singular or plural, we see that He uses “I” in cases where only His entity and attributions are…
It is a must to refer to the verses of the Qur’an and the practices of Prophet Muhammad ( Sunna) to see whether a certain action is permissible or not. Reciting the Qur’an while performing the daily prayers, which is one of the five pillars…
God Almighty granted every Prophet He commissioned miracles in fields in which the people of the time were accomplished. The most miraculous aspect of the Qur’an, revealed at a time when Arab literature was at its peak, was its linguistic perfection. God Almighty employed eloquence…
THE DIVINE ATTRIBUTES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE ESSENTIALS OR BASIC FOUNDATIONS OF THE RELIGION Now let us discuss the matter from the viewpoint of respected scholars of Islamic theology. Even though there are some differences in style between the Sufis and the scholars of…
THE ATTRIBUTES IN THE NEGATIVE OR THE ATTRIBUTES OF EXEMPTION OR FREEDOM These Attributes are concepts which express that God Almighty is absolutely free or exempt from any need, defect, fault, or shortcoming such as impotence, poverty, neediness, the need to eat or drink, and…
These are the following six Attributes: (The All-Holy, Self-)Existence, Oneness, Having No Beginning, Eternal Permanence, Being Unlike the Created, and Self Subsistence. These are particular to God and cannot be attributed to anyone or anything other than God. Since the opposites of these Attributes are not in…
3. Qidam (Having No Beginning) God Almighty exists free of time; He has no beginning and His existence does not rest on a cause previous to Him. His Attribute of Having No Beginning is a blessed title of His being eternal in the past in connection…
5. Muhalafatun lil-hawadith (Being Unlike the Created) This Attribute denotes that the All-Majestic, All-Exalted God does not resemble, in any way, any of His creatures in His Essence or Attributes. ▪On account of the fact that the opposites of the Essen- tial Attributes of God Almighty…
As for the Attributes of action, briefly, they are six and are as follows: Creation, Originating Uniquely, Producing, Giving Life and Reviving, Causing to Die, and Providing. 1. Khalq (Creation) Literally meaning originating out of nothing and formation, khalq (creation) denotes that God originates something when nothing of it exists and makes…
2. Ibda’ (Originating Uniquely) Ibda’ means that God Almighty creates without there be anything before to imitate and in a unique, unequalled, and unprecedented way. ▪In place of ibda’, the words ihdath (innovation), ihtira’ (creating out of nothing), i’jad (invention), and sun‘a (making) can be used, although there are slight differences among them. In fact, all of these…
4. Tarziq (Providing) Literally meaning providing, sustaining, and maintaining, tarziq is also among the Attributes of action. Everything from food and beverages to whatever we need for our physical, mental, and spiritual life is included in the meaning of the word rizq (provision) and, therefore, everything is provided by God,…
According to the religious methodology or the basic principles of religion, God’s Attributes consist of certain transcending and blessed concepts—whose transcendence and blessedness come from the Being Whom they describe; these de scribe God Almighty and are, in one sense, regarded as the veils of…
Hearing, sight, and feeling in this corporeal world occur by means of certain causes and means, and what we experience here is the lowest level of these functions. •It is God Who supplies us with the necessary means for these functions and it is He…
I realized that I had forgotten to write about God’s Attributes which are used in the Qur’an and Sunna in a figurative sense. Since a reference was made to them at the beginning of the article on God’s Attributes of Glory, it is necessary that…
“Asking” in “He asks the angels;” “Ordering” and “Prohibiting” in the Prophetic sayings where we see the phrases “He orders” and “He prohibits;” “Witnessing” in the sayings where the phrase “He wit nesses” is mentioned; “Moving Speedily” in the sayings such as “He moves speedily to respond with favor;” “Approaching” in such sayings as “He immediately approaches with favor;” “Descending” in…
The Attributes Whose existence is indispensable and mark God’s absolute Perfection have been called the Positive or Affirmative Attributes. God has Life, has perfect Knowledge of everything and an overwhelming Power over everything. He has also a Will Which determines whatever It wishes, however It…
2. ‘Ilm (Knowledge) On account of being related to everything the existence of which is either necessary, contingent or disallowed, Knowledge is the Attribute Whose area of comprehension is the broadest; it is also the origin of contingencies. Reminding us of this breadth, the manifest Qur’an…
4. Basar (Sight) Sight is one of God’s Positive, or Affirmative, Attributes. Through this Attribute of Glory, God Almighty sees everything, large or small, mighty or insignificant, material or spiritual, earthly or heavenly, and protects and cares for whatever and whoever He wills, with nothing remaining…
▪God’s Will concerns both the creation and operation of the universe and the worldly life of creatures, and the religious life of conscious beings. His Will concerning the creation, operation, and worldly life of creatures is the determining Attribute in the creation and life of…
7. Kalam (Speech) Speech is another of the All-Exalted God’s Affirmative Attributes, Which marks His Perfection. ▪All religious commands and all decrees and directions that come on different wavelengths in the form of Revelation and inspiration, with their unique nature, have originated from that Attribute….
From this continuous, wise and imperious activity, the deeds of an All-Powerful and All-Knowing Doer can be discerned… There appears visible to our eye a comprehensive, permanent, orderly and awesome truth, one that changes, transforms, and renews all beings in heaven and on earth, with…
So the truth of dominicality that manifests itself within the truth of activity reveals and makes itself known in qualities and acts such as creating, originating, fashioning and bringing into being, with knowledge and wisdom; determining, forming, administering and changing with regularity and balance; transforming,…
Since the time of the Last Messenger, upon him be peace and blessings, the All-Beautiful Names of God, exalted is His Majesty, have been a right-guiding source for knowing and recognizing the Divine Being in accordance with His Attributes of Majesty and Grace, and for…
Whatever truth of the Divine Essence the Names reflect and whatever Attribute they translate, all of the All-Beautiful Names of God are expressive of a different beauty, sacredness, sanctity, and perfection in the name of that All-Transcending Being. Whenever they are mentioned, they mark the…
If God Almighty had not introduced Himself to us with His All-Beautiful Names, we would never be able to comprehend the truth concerning these Names in what is going on in the universe or to know the All-Sacred Being Who is called by them. It…
No matter what their true nature is, the All-Beautiful Names Which God Almighty has taught us in His manifest Book are each a mysterious key for a certain sort of relationship with Him in the heart and the spirit; through these we can traverse our…
Those who have maintained that the All-Beautiful Names are only those which we have been taught by the Qur’an and the Sunna do not deem it proper to attribute any other Names to God Al- mighty. Furthermore, they do not approve of mentioning God with…
With respect to the level of existence of everything and as it is something that has been created, every being, every object speaks of Him in its own peculiar language and style. All creatures say in unison: Our words differ, but Your Beauty is one;…
All of the All-Beautiful Names are absolutely sacred. Some have regarded it impermissible to use some of these Names for others than God. These are Names like Allah (God), ar-Rahman (the All-Merciful), al-Quddus (The All-Holy and All-Pure), al Muhyi, (The Giver of life and All-Reviving), al-Mumit (The One Who causes to die), Maliku’l-Mulk (The Absolute Master of…
THE NAMES INDICATING THE DIVINE ESSENCE Allah: God, the Proper Name of the Divine Being (Ar-)Rabb: The Lord (God as the Creator, Provider, Trainer, Upbringer, and Director of all creatures) (Al-)Malik: The All-Sovereign, the Owner and Master of everything (Al-)Quddūs: The All-Holy and All-Pure (Who is absolutely free of…
THE NAMES ORIGINATING IN DIVINE ATTRIBUTES OF GLORY (Al-)Hayy: The All-Living (Ash-)Shakur: The All-Responsive (to the good and gratitude of His creatures) (Al-)Qahhar: The All-Overwhelming (with absolute sway over all that exists) (Al-)Qahir: The All-Overpowering, Who crushes those who deserve crushing (Al-)Muqtadir: The All-Omnipotent (Al-)Qawiyy: The All-Strong (Al-)Murid: The All-Willing (Al-)Qadir: The All-Powerful…
THE NAMES INDICATING DIVINE ACTS (Al-)Mubdi: The All-Initiating (Al-)Wakil: The One to rely on and to Whom affairs should be entrusted (Al-)Baith: The One Who restores life to the dead (Al-)Mujib: The All-Answering (of prayers) and Meeting (of needs) (Al-)Wasi‘: The All-Embracing (in His Knowledge and Mercy) (Al-)Hasib: The All-Sufficing…
THE FOUNDATIONAL NAMES (Al-)Hayy: The All-Living (Al-)‘Alim: The All-Knowing (Al-)Murid: The All-Willing (Al-)Mutakallim: The All-Speaking (Al-)Qadir: The All-Powerful (Al-)Jawad: The All-Generous (Al-)Muqsit: The All-Dealing of justice THE NAMES OF MAJESTY (Al-)Kabir: The All-Great (Al-)‘Aziz: The All-Glorious with irresistible might (Al-)‘Alim: The All-Knowing (Al-)Jalil: The All-Majestic and All-Supreme (Ad-)Dayyan: The Supreme Ruler and All-Requiting (of good and evil)…
Everything is contingent, for it is equally possible that they will exist or not exist. Anything can exist any time and anywhere, in any form, and with any character. Nothing or no one has a role in determining the way, time, and place of its…
All living and non-living beings cannot meet almost none of their own needs on their own. For example, the universe can operate and maintain itself only by such universal laws as growth and reproduction, gravitation and repulsion. But these so-called “natural laws” have no actual…
We need about 15 years to direct our lives and to understand what is good and bad. But many animals have such knowledge very soon after they are born. For example, ducklings can swim as soon as they hatch, and ants start digging nests in…
Human beings are innately disposed to good and beauty, virtue and moral values, and are adverse to evil and ugliness. Therefore, unless corrupted by external factors and conditions, we naturally seek universal good and moral values. These turn out to be the same virtues and…
Everything that exists displays God’s Unity. For example, of the innumerable arguments for His existence and Unity, consider life: He makes everything out of one thing and makes one thing out of many things. He makes an animal’s countless bodily members and systems out of…
Each particle contains two further true witnesses to the Maker’s necessary existence and Unity. First, a particle can perform many significant activities, although it is absolutely powerlessness. Second, by acting in conformity with the universal order, each particle displays a universal consciousness although it has…
The universal providence and favor of this universal wisdom are clearly apparent in everything’s purposeful creation. This, along with providence’s comprehensive mercy and the universal sustenance required by that mercy to provide all living beings with food, form a seal of Divine Unity so brilliant…
All of these are controlled by a single miracle-displaying Maker. Every flower, fruit, and animal is a stamp, a seal, or a signature of that Maker. Wherever they are found, each proclaims in the tongue of its being: “The One Whose stamp I bear made…
Life, which manifests Divine Grace, is an argument and proof for Divine Unity, as well as a sort of manifestation of It. Death, which manifests Divine Majesty, is an argument and proof for Divine Oneness. For example, bubbles on a river’s surface show the sun’s…
The existence of God is too evident to need any arguments. Some saintly scholars have even stated that God is the most manifest being, but that those lacking insight cannot see Him. Others have said that His Self-manifestation’s intensity conceals Him from direct perception. However,…
Mediaeval European conceptions about the universe’s nature and existence were underpinned by the Catholic Church’s authority. The Church, relying upon a Divine Revelation (the Bible) that had been altered over time, considered modern science a threat to its authority and so viewed it with great…
Natural laws and causes are inferred from the motions or relationships of events or phenomena observed in the universe. Therefore, as they depend upon external factors, they are either self-dependent nor self-existent. The existence of the universe, as well of all its events or phenomena,…
Although all causes necessary for an effect are present, that effect does not always come into existence. Conversely, something happens or comes into existence without any causes that we can recognize or understand as such. Also, the same causes do not always engender the same…
Our argument against natural laws and causes being somehow selfexistent, selfsustaining, and even in some sense eternal, holds true for those views attributing creativity to chance and matter. Whether defined according to the principles of classical physics or new physics, matter is obviously changeable and…
Overbeck and his colleagues have already located the gene on a particular mouse chromosome and are now trying to pin down its structure. That will tell them something about the structure of the protein the gene encodes, how the protein works, and when and where…
Even if the universe’s existence is attributed to that which is not God (e.g., evolution, causality, nature, matter, or coincidences and necessity), we cannot deny one fact: Everything displays, though its coming into existence and subsistence and death, both an allcomprehensive knowledge as well as…
The Earth is tilted at an angle of twenty-three degrees. This gives us our seasons. If it had not been tilted, the poles would be in eternal twilight. The water vapor from the ocean would move north and south, piling up continents of ice and…
On the other hand, as is well known, all vegetable life is dependent upon the almost infinitesimal quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which, so to speak, it breathes. To express this complicated photo-synthetic chemical reaction in the simplest possible way, the leaves of…
In case of infection by hostile germs, the system also continuously maintains a standing army to meet, and usually overcome, invaders and save the entire structure of the man from premature death. No such combination of marvels does or can take place under any circumstances…
In the next world, the realm of Power, God will execute His Will directly. As there will be no “causes” everything will happen instantaneously. But here, in the realm of Wisdom, the Divine Name the All-Wise requires the Divine Power to operate behind the veil…
Let’s consider some positive arguments for the existence of spirit beings. • Matter serves life, not the other way around. Science cannot explain life or how organic matter acquires life. Although matter appears to be the basis for or serves as a receiver of life,…
The perfection of existence is through life. Moreover, life is the real basis and the light of existence; consciousness, in turn, is the light of life. Since life and consciousness are so important, and a perfect harmony evidently prevails over the whole creation, and again…
Starting from the clues above, it should be possible to do formal studies to determine the worth of such propositions as the following: • God first created “pure light” (nur) and then light. The process of creation followed a gradual, regular accumulation of identities and/or…
• All Prophets, numbering 124,000 in reliable religious sources, report the existence of angels, spirit beings, jinn, and Satan. All saints and religious scholars agree on this invisible realm’s existence. We hardly need to say that two specialists in a matter are preferable to thousands…
It is a known fact that every language has one or more terms that are used in reference to God and sometimes to lesser deities. This is not the case with Allah. Allah is the personal name of the One true God. Nothing else can…
“Am I not your Lord?” They said: “Yes, we bear witness.” (Araf 7:172) Islam addresses to the primordial nature and calls mankind to remember the affirmation given before creation, as stated in the above Qur’anic verse. Every human being is born into this world with this…
The existence of God is too evident to need any arguments. Some saintly scholars even have stated that God is more manifest than any other being, but that those who lack insight cannot see Him. Others have said that He is concealed from direct perception…
When we study the universe, we see that all beings utterly refute the false claims of materialist and atheistic reasoning through their order, mutual relationship, and duties. They affirm that they are nothing but the property and creatures of a Single Creator. Each rejects the…
•Why can we ascribe a thing to its antecedents in time but not to its neighbors in space? •Why should a thing be able to produce another thing just because it happened before? All modern scientists know that space and time are fully equivalent and…
All religions revealed to the Prophets have the same essence. Over time, however, the original message was misinterpreted, mixed with superstition, and degenerated into magical practices and meaningless rituals. The conception of God, the very core of religion, was debased by anthropomorphism, deifying angels, associating…
Implications of Tawhid Monotheists, those who believe in Tawhid, cannot be narrow-minded. •Their belief in One God, Creator of the heavens and Earth, Master of the east and the west, and Sustainer of the universe, leads them to view everything as belonging to the same…
Monotheism inspires bravery, for it defeats the two factors that make people cowards: •fear of death and love of safety; •the belief that someone other than God can somehow be bribed into postponing one’s death. Belief in the Islamic creedal statement that “there is no deity…
Mediaeval European conceptions about the nature and existence of the universe were strongly underpinned by the authority of the Church which in turn relied upon arguments from scriptures that had long since deviated from their true originals. As modern scientific thinking developed, it met a…
All contingent entities are contained in time and space and therefore have a beginning •All contingent entities are contained in time and space and therefore have a beginning. Anything that has a beginning must certainly have an end also, and cannot therefore be eternal. Natural…
Natural causes have neither knowledge nor will nor power so that they can be responsible for things to come into existence which evidently require knowledge and will to come into existence •Materialists take the conjunction of events for causality. That is, if two events coexist,…
God Almighty should be considered from five perspectives. One is His “Essence” as Divine Being (Dhat in Islamic terminology), which only He can know. A Prophetic Tradition says: “Do not reflect on God’s ‘Essence’; instead, reflect on His works and acts.” God has no partners, likes or resemblance, as…
Some of God’s Names are as follows: Allah: Translated as God, Allah is the proper Name of the Divine Being Who creates and administers His creatures, individually and as a whole, Who provides, brings up, sustains, protects, guides each and all, Who causes to perish…
(Al-)Habib: The All-Loving and Loved (Al-)Hadi: The All-Guiding (Al-)Hafiz: The All-Preserving and Keeper of records (Al-)Hakim: The All-Wise (in Whose every act and decree there are many instances of wisdom) (Al-)Halim: The All-Clement (showing no haste to punish the errors of His servants) (Al-)Hamid: The…
Islamic Phrases 1. When starting to do something: “Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.” (In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.) 2. When mentioning something that will be done in the future. “Insha’Allah.” (If Allah wills.) 3. When praising something say, “Subhanallah.” (Glory to Allah.) 4….
Islamic Terms Abdul: This means “Servant of.” Many Muslims like to change their names from non-Muslim names to Muslim names. A favorite choice is Abdul. But who is the person a servant of? You must always have something after “Abdul.” The place to look is in…
Islamic Terms Ansar: The helpers. The basic reference is to the new Muslims of Medina who helped the Prophet and the Meccan Muslims after they fled Mecca. Arabic: A language which originated in the Middle East, specifically in the Arabian peninsula. It is the language Allah chose…
Islamic Terms Hijra: To migrate. This term refers firstly to the great migration of the Muslims in the year 622 from the hostile city of Mecca, which was controlled by idol-worshippers, to the safer city of Madinah (then called Yathrib) where Islam could exist freely. The…
Islamic Terms Qadr: This term is often translated as “Destiny” or “Pre-destination.” This is not entirely accurate. It means literally “to measure.” The religious idea behind it is that Allah measured everything in the universe. The length of your life is “measured,” as is your…
Hunting according to Islamic Law Muslims are permitted to hunt lawful animals and birds which cannot be easily caught and slaughtered, including non-meat eating animals such as deer and wild rabbits. A number of conditions must be met for hunting wild animals, including the following:…
Seafood Seafood comes from edible sea plants as well as aquatic animals which live only in water for most or all of their lives. The term seafood also applies to any freshwater life eaten by humans; therefore, all edible aquatic life can be referred to…
Permissible (halaal ) food occupies a magnificent position in Islam, for it causes our supplications to be answered by Allah and makes Allah bless our wealth and children. Halaal food is lawful food that is acquired by lawful means, without wronging anyone or encroaching upon…
Parents’ Rights Showing kindness to parents is one of the most meritorious acts and the best rewarded in the sight of Allah. In fact, Allah (swt) mentions it alongside the act of worshipping Him in many places in the Qur’an. Islam considers dutifulness to parents…
Divorce Islam requires spouses to preserve their marital relationship and urges them to do their utmost to keep it going. However, should there be a genuine need for divorce, Islam requires them to follow certain rules it has laid down in this respect. Islam urges…
Marriage in Islam Marriage is one of the strongest relationships which Islam stresses, encourages and considers as one of the prophets’ practices. Indeed, Islam attaches much importance to marriage rulings, etiquette and the spouses’ rights in such a way as to guarantee marital stability and…
Categories of Women in Relation to a Man Women in relation to a man fall into three categories: 1) She could be his wife: In this case, he is allowed to enjoy her company in any way he likes, Just as she is allowed to…
Islam attaches great importance to the family, encourages its adherents to lay its foundations and protect it against anything that may harm or destroy it, for a good family paves the way for its members to be good and, by extension, society at large. The…
The Festival of Sacrifice (‛Eed-ul-Adhaa) A pilgrim visiting Madinah is highly recommended to visit Qubaa’ Mosque and pray in it, as was the practice of the Prophet (saw) The Festival of Sacrifice (‛Eed-ul-Adhaa), which is celebrated on the tenth day of the lunar month of…
October 27, 2019
Virtues of Hajj A person who intends to perform hajj or ‛umrah must learn about the Islamic rulings relating to them. Performing hajj has numerous virtues including the following: 1) It is one of the best deeds in the sight of Allah. The Prophet May Allah’s…
The Meaning of Hajj Hajj is the religious journey undertaken to the Sacred Mosque in Makkah and some of the surrounding are as with the intention of performing the pilgrimage rituals. This journey involves a series of activities taught by the Prophet , which include,…
Your Pilgrimage Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah, is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is an act of worship which not only involves the heart but also requires physical and financial ability and must be carried out by every able-bodied Muslim who can…
The Ultimate Objectives of Zakaat: Allah May He be glorified and exalted has enjoined zakaat on the Muslims for a number of reasons including the following: 1) Love of wealth is an innate human tendency, and man does whatever he possibly can to acquire it….
The Festival of Fast Breaking (‛Eed-ul-Fitr) ‛Eed-ul-Fitr falls on the first day of the lunar month of Shawwaal, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast. Just as fasting during the month of Ramadan is an act of worship, celebrating ‛Eed-ul-Fitris also an act of…
October 26, 2019
The Festival of Fast Breaking (‛Eed-ul-Fitr) Festivals represent apparent rituals of religion. When the Prophet May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him arrived in Madeenah, he found that the people there had set aside two days in the year for fun. He asked them,…
The Islamic Ruling Regarding Those who Deliberately Break the Fast The fast without a valid excuse is a grave sin which clearly testifies to its doer’s disobedience to Allah May He be glorified and exalted. Therefore, those who commit such a sin must sincerely repent…
Those Who Are Exempt from Fasting To make it easy for people, Allah May He be glorified and exalted has exempted some of them from fasting. They are: 1) Sick people whose medical condition is bound to be further worsened by fasting are permitted to…
Things which Break the Fast A fasting person must avoid a number of things which are bound to break the fast. They are as follows: 1) Food and drink, as the Qur’an states, “Eat and drink until you can clearly discern the white thread from…
Virtues of Fasting Fasting has numerous virtues including the following: 1) A person who fasts during this month, sincerely believing in Allah, in obedience to His commands and is certain of His rewards in the hereafter for doing so, will have all his past sins…
The Wisdom behind Fasting Allah May He be glorified and exalted commands the believers to observe the fast for numerous reasons pertaining to this world and the hereafter. These include the following: 1) It helps realise taqwaa (righteousness, piety, consciousness of Allah, guarding against evil)…
Definition Fasting (siyyaam or sawm) is an act of worship which involves abstaining from all food, drink, sexual activity and anything which is bound to break the fast from dawn (the time of calling to the Fajr prayer) till sunset (the time of calling to…
The Concept of Faith (Iman) Some people may think that man becomes a Muslim when he confesses belief in the Oneness of the True God and in Muhammad as His Last Messenger. But this is far from the full meaning of Faith. The full meaning…
The Concept of Righteousness (Birr) Islam always warns against superficial concepts and rituals, against lifeless formalities and non-effective beliefs. In one representative verse God explains the full meaning of righteousness as follows: It is not righteousness that you turn your faces (in prayer) towards East…
The Concept of Life Life is a brilliant demonstration of Gods wisdom and knowledge, a vivid reflection of His art and power. He is the Giver and Creator of life. Nothing comes to existence by chance, and nobody creates himself or anybody else. Life is…
The Concept of Freedom Freedom, both as a concept and as a value, has been denied by many individuals, groups, and nations. It has been often misunderstood and abused. The fact is that no human society can a man be free in the absolute sense…
The Concept of Morality The concept of morality in Islam centers around certain basic beliefs and principles. Among these are the followings: (1) God is the Creator and Source of all goodness, truth, and beauty. (2) Man is a responsible, dignified, and honorable agent of…
The Concept of the Universe In the foreword, we briefly discussed the position of the Muslims and the future of Islam in Western Hemisphere. In this part, we shall discuss the position of man in the contemporary world, the general human situation, and the Islamic…
The Major Ritual Impurity and the Full Ablution(Ghusl /Ritual Bath): Things which Require a Person to Perform Full Ablution: There are certain things which require an adult Muslim to perform full ablution (ghusl) before engaging in the prayer or circumambulating the Ka‛bah. Before he performs…
October 13, 2019
Removing Physical Impurity Physical impurity on the body, clothes, place where the prayer is intended to be performed, or anything or anywhere for that matter, can be removed with anything, be it water or otherwise, for Islam commands removing it. It is not stipulated as…
The Meaning of Purification The Arabic word tahaarah (purification) denotes purity and cleanliness. Allah commands Muslims to purify themselves outwardly from forbidden appearances and all types of physical impurities, and inwardly from the unpardonable sin of shirk as well as diseases of the heart such…
The Traveller’s Prayer A traveller may, when moving from one place to another or during his temporary residence which lasts less than four days, shorten the four-rak‛ah prayers to two each. Thus, he offers two units (rak‛aat, singular: rak‛ah) instead of four for the afternoon…
The Friday Prayer (Salaat-ul-Jumu‛ah) The Friday prayer (salaat-ul-jumu‛ah) is a religious obligation which takes the place of the daily afternoon prayer (salaat-udh-Dhuhr) on Friday. It is one of the most exalted Islamic rituals and one of its confirmed obligatory acts. On this day, Muslims gather…
Humility and Attentiveness in Prayer Humility and attentiveness (khushoo‛) constitute the essence of the prayer and involve deep concentration and total humility before Almighty Allah, trying one’s best to concentrate and understand the Qur’anic verses and supplications recited in the prayer. Being one of the…
How to Make up for Missed Prayer Units If the prayer has already started, the latecomer should join in the congregation in the very position in which he finds the imaam. For example, if he finds the imaam in the prostrate position, he must recite…
Times During Which It Is Not Permissible to Offer the Supererogatory Prayers A Muslim may offer a supererogatory prayer at any time, except at such times during which it is prohibited to offer them, as they are generally times specified for prayers offered by some…
Acts which Invalidate the Prayer: The prayer becomes invalid in the following cases: 1) If any of its pillars (arkaan) or obligatory acts (waajibaat) are intentionally or forgetfully omitted despite one’s ability. 2) If any of its obligatory acts (waajibaat) are intentionally left out. 3)…
The Pillars and the Obligatory Acts of the Prayer The pillars (arkaan; singular: rukn) of the prayer are its essential parts that are necessary for its validity. If any of these pillars is left out due to forgetfulness or deliberate omission, the prayer becomes invalid. They…
The Five Obligatory Prayers and Their Times Allah I has enjoined upon Muslims five prayers throughout the day and night and has specified the following times for them: The Dawn Prayer (Salaat-ul-Fajr): It consists of two units (rak‛aat, singular: rak‛ah); it begins at daybreak, the time…
For Whom Is It Obligatory? It is obligatory for every adult, sane and responsible Muslim, male or female to offer the prayer. However, menstruating women or women in their post-natal bleeding are exempt from offering the prayers and are not required to make up for…
It Has Numerous Virtues Textual evidence from the Qur’an and the Prophet’s traditions attest to the numerous virtues of the prayer. The following are some of them: 1) It wipes off the minor sins, as the Prophet r said, “The five daily prayers and the…
The Arabic word salaat (commonly translated prayer) literally means supplication. It is the connection a Muslim establishes with his Lord and Creator and comprises the loftiest manifestations of total submissiveness to Allah, turning to Him and seeking His assistance and support. When a Muslim stands…
The following is the complete method of performing a 2 Raka’at Salah. Read the “Note” at the end to know how to pray a 3 or 4 Raka’a Salah. 1) Stand upright facing the Qibla 2) Make the intention “I intend to perform the Fajr…
Belief in the Divine Decree What Does Belief in the Divine decree Mean? This means firm belief that everything, good and bad, takes place by the will of Allah, who does whatever He desires. Nothing can happen without His will, and not even the like…
Belief in the Last Day Meaning of Belief in the Last Day Firm belief that Almighty Allah will raise people to life from their graves; He will then judge them according to their deeds. Those who deserve to go to Paradise will be sent to…
The Messengers’ Signs and Miracles Allah I supported His messengers with a number of signs and miracles to prove their truthfulness and prophethood. A miracle, or mu‛jizah, is an extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers. It is…
Belief in the Messengers People’s Need for a Divine Message People need a divine message to show them Allah’s laws and guide them to the right path. Indeed, a divine message is the spirit, light and the very life of the world, without which the…
Belief in the Angels The Meaning of Belief in Allah’s Angels This means firm belief that they exist, that they belong to the unseen world, not our world, and that they are honoured and pious servants who worship Allah as He deserves to be worshipped,…
Belief in Allah’s Names and Attributes This involves belief in the names and attributes which Allah has affirmed for Himself or which His Messenger May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him has affirmed for Him in a manner that suits His majesty. Allah May…
3) The Belief that only Allah is Worthy of Worship Declaring Allah’s oneness and directing all acts of worship to Him alone is the actual realisation of the meaning of the statement Laa ilaaha illallaah. What Does this Mean? This means firm belief that Allah…
The Six Pillars of Faith (Eemaan) The Meaning of Belief in Allah This means firm belief that Allah May He be glorified and exalted exists, resolutely affirming His Lordship, Godship and Names and Attributes. We will now discuss these four issues at length as follows:…
Who is Allah’s Messenger? His Birth Prophet Muhammad was born in 570 CE. His father died before his birth, and his mother also died when he was very young. Thus, he was placed under the care of his paternal grandfather, ‛Abdul-Muttalib, and, after his grandfather’s…
All divine messages, which the prophets brought to their people, called to the worship of Allah alone without associating anyone in worship with Him and to reject all false deities. In fact, this is the exact meaning of the testimony of faith through which one…
Is it recommended to change one’s name after embracing Islam? The general rule is that a new Muslim can retain his n ame and does not have to change it at all. In fact, the changing of names was not known among the Prophet’s companions,…
Showing Gratefulness to Allah for His Guidance A Muslim owes Allah the Almighty a great debt of gratitude for helping him repent of the sins he has committed and for guiding him to the truth. The following are the best things a Muslim can possibly…
How to Convert to Islam To enter the fold of Islam, all one needs to do is to pronounce the testimony of faith (shahaadah) with sincere conviction, being fully aware of its meaning. The shahaadah is the first and most important of the five pillars…
Clothing is one of the countless blessings Allah I has bestowed on mankind, as the Qur’an states, “Children of Adam, We have sent down clothing to you to conceal your private parts and as adornment for you; the garment of piety is the best of…