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Taraweeh Salaah – Night 25

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of Tabarakalladhi (JUZ 29). The Surahs that will be covered are: Surah Al Mulk [The Dominion]; Surah Al Qalam [The Pen] or Nun; Surah Al Haqqah [The Sure Reality]; Surah Al Ma’arij [The Ways of Ascent]; Surah Nuh [Noah}; Surah Al Jinn [The Spirits]; Surah Al Muzammil {The Enfolded One]; Surah Al Muddaththir [The One Wrapped Up]; Surah Al Qiyamah [The Resurrection]; Surah Al Insa [Man] or Al Dahr [The Time]; and Surah Al Mursalat [Those Sent Forth].

SURAH AL MULK:
This Surah of 30 verses belongs to the Middle Makkan period. Allah is mentioned here by the name of Al Rahman [Most Gracious], as He is mentioned by the names of Al Rabb [Lord and Cherisher] and Al Rahman [Most Gracious] in Surah 19. Lordship is right and in fact belongs to Allah Most Gracious, Whose Goodness and Glory and Power are writ large on all His Creation. The beauty and order of the heavens above us proclaim Him. Then who can reject His Call but those in pitiful delusion? And who can fail to accept, that truly knows himself and the mighty Reality behind him? The earth and the good things thereof are prepared for man by his Gracious and Exalted Lord, Who guards him from hourly dangers. Who sustains the wonderful flight of the birds in midair? Above, and below, and in midair can we see His boundless Signs. We know that His Promise of the Hereafter is true. The spring and source of the goodness of things is in Him, and will appear triumphant when the Hour is established.

SURAH AL QALAM: [The Pen], or Nun
Our Nabee S.A.W. was the sanest and wisest of men. Those who could not understand him called him mad or possessed. So, in every age, it is the habit of the world to call Truth Falsehood and Wisdom Madness, and, on the other hand, to exalt Selfishness as Planning, and Arrogance as Power. The contrast is shown up between the two kinds of men and their real inner worth. True Judgement comes from Allah, and not from the false standards of men. The Pen is the symbol of the permanent Record, the written Decree, the perfect Order in the government of the world. And by that token, the man of Allah comes with a Plan and Guidance that must win against all detraction. Truth is high above Slander. But men must be tried against selfishness and overweening confidence in themselves such as would lead them to forget Allah and His Providence – like the brothers who built castles in the air above their garden and found it desolate in one night’s storm. But repentance brought them forgiveness: Thus work the Wrath and the Mercy of Allah.

SURAH AL HAQQAH: [The Sure Reality].
In this fleeting world few things are what they seem. What then is sure Reality? Nations and men in the past assumed arrogance and perished because they were unjust, but that destruction was but a foretaste of the Doom to come in the Hereafter, when all creation will be on a new plane, and true values will be fully established. To the Righteous will be Bliss, and to Evil, Punishment. The word of Revelation is not a Poet’s imagination or a Soothsayer’s groping into the future. It is Allah’s Own Message, of Mercy to the Righteous, and warning to those who reject the Truth. Praise and Glory to the name of Allah Most High.

SURAH AL MA’ARIJ: [The Ways of Ascent].

Patience and the mystery of Time will show the ways that climb to Heaven. Sin and Goodness must each eventually come to its own. Man can ascend to the Presence of Allah, but by gradual Ways and in process of Time. But what is Time? A Day is as fifty Thousand years, on two different planes. What seems near is far, and what seems far is near. So will Judgement be, when things as we know them will be transformed completely in a world all new. Evil will come to its own, whatever its masks in this transitory world. And Good will surely reach its goal. The good life is patient, in prayer and well-doing, Faith and the earnest search for the Good Pleasure of Allah, purity and probity. These are the Paths to the Heights and the Gardens of Bliss. No Evil can enter there: For the evil are other ways, leading by steep descent to dark Ignominy!

SURAH NUH: [Noah].
The theme is that while Good must uphold the standard of Truth and Righteousness, a stage is reached when it must definitely part company with Evil, lest Evil should spread its corruption. The story of Hazrat Nuh Alayhis Salaam’s agony is almost a Parable for the prosecution of our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam in the Makkan period by the Pagans.

SURAH AL JINN: [The Spirits].
Two years before the Hijrah, when the Nabee S.A.W; despised and rejected in his native city of Makkah went to the lordly men of Ta’if, they maltreated him and nearly killed him. What caused him greater pain was the maltreatment of the humble and lowly men who went with him. On his return journey to Makkah, a glorious vision was revealed to him – hidden spiritual forces working for him – people not known to him accepting his mission while his own people were still rejecting him. Within two months some strangers from Madinah had privately met him and laid the foundations of that Hijrah which was to change the fate of Arabia and the course of world history.

SURAH AL MUZAMMIL: [The Enfolded One].
The subject matter is the significance of Prayer and Humility in spiritual life and the terrible fate of those who reject Faith and Revelation. Devote yourself to the service of Allah in the stillness of the night, but not all night. In the world’s persecution rely on Allah, Who will deal with His enemies fittingly. Let not Allah’s service be a matter of difficulty to you: do all your duties in whole-hearted remembrance of Allah, and ever seek His bountiful Grace.

SURAH AL MUDDATHTIR: [The One Wrapped Up].
The subject matter of this Surah is similar to the one before it. Prayer and Praise, and the need of patience in a period of great spiritual stress: the unjust who cause sorrow and suffering now will themselves experience agony in the Hereafter. The Seer, by devotion and contemplation, prepares himself for the duties of Guide and Leader to mankind. When there comes the clear Call, he must stand forth and Proclaim the Message – in purity, unselfish devotion, and patience long-suffering – to save mankind from the Distress of the Final Day.

SURAH AL QIYAMAH: [The Resurrection].
The subject matter of the Surah is the Resurrection, viewed from the point of view of Man, especially unregenerate Man, as he is now, and as he will be then, his inner and psychological history. Eschew all Evil: for man was not created without purpose or without responsibility. The Day of Account will come, and his own conscience bears witness that he must walk straight; for he must face the Realities of That Day. With patience await the unfolding of Allah’s view. Woe unto man that he thinks not now of Allah’s Purpose and the noble Destiny for which Allah gave him Life and all its Gifts.

SURAH AL INSAN: [Man]. or Al DAHR: [The Time].
Its theme is the contrast between the two classes of men, those who choose good and those who choose evil, with special reference to the former. The title of the Surah recalls a Pagan Arab idea, which personified Time as existing spontaneously from eternity to eternity and responsible for the misery or the happiness of mankind. In Verse 45 of Surah Al Jathiyah we read: “They say…..nothing but Time can destroy us.” This attitude is of course wrong. Time is a created thing: it has its mysteries, but it is no more eternal than matter. It is also relative to our conceptions and not absolute. It is only Allah Who is Self Subsisting, Eternal from the beginning and Eternal to the end, the absolute Existence and Reality; We must not transfer His Attributes to any figment of our imagination. This deification of Time [Dahr] as against a living personal God has given rise to the term dariyah, as applied to an atheist or a materialist. The Righteous are patient in Constant Devotion: Allah’s Way is open to all. Whosoever has the Will, may attain to the Perfect Goal.

SURAH AL MURSALAT: [Those Sent Forth].
The theme of this Surah is similar to that of Surah Al Qiyamah. It denounces the horrors of the Hereafter, for those who rejected Truth. The refrain, “Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!” which occurs ten times in its fifty verses, or, on an average, once in every five verses, indicates the leitmotif. Will man not learn from his own little story, or from nature around him? The Blazing Fire will be indeed an enveloping Punishment. How dreadful the contrast with the Bliss of the Righteous! Learn, you, therefore, Humility, and approach Allah’s Throne in Repentance and Earnest Endevour.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 24

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of Qad Sami-Allahu (JUZ 28) and the Surahs that will be covered are the following: Surah Al Mujadilah [The Woman Who Pleads]; Surah Al Hashr [The Mustering]; Surah Al Mumtahinah [ That Which Examines]; Surah Al Saff [The Battle Array]; Surah Al Juma’ah [Frida]; Surah Al Munafiqun [The Hypocrites]; Surah Al Taghabun [The Mutual Loss And Gain]; Surah Al Talaq [Divorce]; and Surah Al Tahrim [Prohibition].

SURAH AL MUJADILAH: [The Woman Who Pleads].
The subject matter of this Surah is the importance of a woman’s Plea on behalf of herself and her children and a condemnation of all secret counsels and intrigues in the Muslim Brotherhood.

Summary: – All false pretences, especially those that degrade a woman’s position, are condemned – as well as secret consultations between men and intrigues with falsehood, mischief, and sedition. Observe order and decorum in public assemblies, and seek not in selfish pride to engage your leader’s private attention. It is wrong to turn to the enemies of Allah for friendship. They make their oaths a cloak for wrongdoing, and keep back men from the Right. But none can resist the Power or the Judgement of Allah. The Righteous seek only His Good Pleasure, and rejoice therein as their highest Achievement.

SURAH AL HASHR: [The Mustering].
The special theme of this Surah is how treachery to the Ummah on the part of its enemies recoils on the enemies themselves, while it strengthens the bond between the different sections of the Ummah itself, and this is illustrated by the story of the expulsion of the Jewish tribe of Banu al Nadr in Rabi’ al Awwal, 4 A.H. This fixes the date of the Surah.

Summary: – The expulsion of the treacherous Jews from the neighbourhood of Madinah was smoothly accomplished. Their reliance on their fortified positions and on the faith of their allies in treachery proved futile.
But the internal bonds in the Ummah were strengthened. Such is the Wisdom of Allah, Lord of the Most Beautiful Names. There is no god but He! the Good, the Glorious, the Irresistible! All Creation sings His Praise – the Exalted in Might, the Wise!

SURAH AL MUMTAHINAH: [That Which Examines].
The point here is: What social relations are possible with the Unbelievers? A distinction is made between those who persecute you for your Faith and want to destroy you and your Faith, and those who have shown no such rancour. For the latter there is hope of mercy and forgiveness. The question of women and cross-marriages is equitably dealt with. The date is after the Pagans had broken the Treaty of Hudaybiyah about A.H. 8, not long after the conquest of Makkah.

Summary: – The enemies of your Faith, who would exterminate you and your Faith, are not fit objects of your love. Follow Nabee Ebrahim Alayhis Salaam’s example. But with those Unbelievers who show no rancour, you should deal with kindness and justice: marriage between Believers and Unbelievers. Let not Believing women be handed over to Unbelievers. No marriage tie is lawful between them. When women wish to join your society, take their assurance that they yield not to sin or unbeseeming conduct. Take every care to keep your society free and pure, and self-contained.

SURAH AL SAFF: [The Battle Array].
The subject matter here is the need of discipline, practical work, and self-sacrifice in the cause of the Ummah. Its date is uncertain, but it was probably shortly after the Battle of Uhud, which was fought in Shawwal, A.H. 3.

Summary: – Allah’s Glory shines through all Creation: but what discipline can you show to back your words with action? What story can you learn from the stories of Nabee Moosa and Nabee Esa Alayhim Salaam? Help the Cause, and Allah’s Help will come with glorious results. Do you only mock and insult the messengers as they did of old? Nay, trust in Allah and strive your utmost in His Cause, little have you to give, but glorious is the reward that Allah will give you – now and in the Eternal Life to come!

SURAH AL JUMU’AH: [Friday].
The special theme of this Surah is the need for mutual contact in the Community for worship and understanding. The spirit of the Message is for all, ignorant and learned, in order that they may be purified and may learn wisdom.

Summary: – The Revelation has come among unlearned men, to teach purity and wisdom not only to them but to others, including those who may have an older Message but do not understand it: meet solemnly for the Assembly [Friday] Prayer, and let not worldly interests deflect you therefrom. Allah’s care for His creatures is universal. His Revelation is for all – ignorant and lowly as well as learned and high placed – now and forever. None can arrogantly claim exclusive possession of Allah’s Gifts; If they do, search their hearts within, and you will find them afraid of Death and Judgement. Men of Faith! On the Day of Assembly, when you hear the call, hasten earnestly to answer it: leave off business, and join in common worship and devotion. Then you may disperse about your ordinary business, but remember the Praises of Allah always. It is He alone that can provide for your every need, and His Gifts are the best.

SURAH AL MUNAFIQUN: [The Hypocrites].
The special feature here dealt with is the wiles and mischief of the Hypocrite element in any community, and the need of guarding against it and against the temptation it throws in the way of the Believers. The Battle of Uhud [Shawwal A.H. 3] unmasked the Hypocrites in Madinah. This Surah may be referred to some time after that event, say about 4 A.H. or possibly 5 A.H.

Summary: – False are the Oaths of the Hypocrites for they only seek selfish ends. Believers should beware of their wiles and strive devotedly always for the Cause. The Oaths of the Hypocrites are a screen for their misdeeds. They think they deceive with their fair exteriors and plausible talk, but their minds are impervious to the real Truth. They may plot to withhold from men of Allah such things of this world as they may command. They may plot to expel and persecute the righteous; they may call them ill names and slight them. But to Allah belongs the treasures of the heavens and the earth, and He will bestow according to His Wise and universal Plan. Let not the world’s foolish craze divert the Believers from the service of Allah – from good deeds and Charity. Now is the time: all vain will be your pleas and your regrets when the shadow of Death cuts off your last chance of Repentance!

SURAH AL TAGHABUN: [The Mutual Loss and Gain].
The special aspect spoken of here is the mutual gain and loss of Good and Evil, contrasted in this life and in the Hereafter. It is an early Madinah Surah, of the year 1 of the Hijrah or possibly even of the Makkan period just before the Hijrah.

Summary: – Both the Unbelievers and the Believers were created but the One True Creator, Who created all and knows all. Why should Unbelief and Evil exult in worldly gain when their loss will be as manifest in the Hereafter as will the gains of the Believers? The Gainers here will be the losers there, and the Losers Gainers. Some of this exchange you will see even here, in this life, for Unbelievers who deny the Hereafter; but in the Hereafter, full account and true adjustment of good and ill will follow before the Judgement Seat: Nay, Good will get more than its full reward: for Allah is Bounteous, Merciful, Mighty, Wise.

SURAH AL TALAQ: [Divorce].
The aspect dealt with here is Divorce, and the necessity of precautions to guard against its abuse. The relations of the sexes are an important factor in the social life of the Community, and this Surah as well as the following Surah deal with certain aspects of it. “Of all things permitted by Law”, said our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam, “divorce is the most hateful in the sight of Allah”. [Abu Dawud, Sunan, 13.3] While the sanctity of marriage is the essential basis of family life, the incompatibility of individuals and the weaknesses of human nature require certain outlets and safeguards if that sanctity is not to be made into a fetish at the expense of human life. That is why the question of Divorce is in this Surah linked with the question of insolent impiety and its punishment.

Summary: – Provision to be made for women in case of Divorce, insolent impiety always leads to punishment.. Use all the precautions to protect the interests of unborn or newborn lives as well as social decency; and close not to the last door of reconciliation. Allah’s Laws must be obeyed: It is man’s own loss if he is deaf to the voice which teaches him, or blind to the Light which guides him. Allah’s universe of beauty and wonder stands strong in wisdom; Let man but tune himself thereto.

SURAH AL TAHRIM: [Prohibition].
The point dealt with here is: how far the turning away from sex or the opposition of one sex against another or a want of harmony between the sexes may injure the higher interests of society. The date may be taken to be somewhere about A.H. 7.

Summary: – The failings of the weaker sex should not turn away men from normal social life: harmony and mutual confidence should be taught and enforced, and Allah’s blessing will descend on the virtuous even if their lot is cast with the wicked. Respect each other’s confidence, and if you fail, repent and make amends. The good man seeks virtue for himself and his family. If Evil is yoked to Good, it must take the fruit of its own deeds; the worldly tie will profit naught; but good should firmly make a stand and will be saved, for Allah does care for All His true devoted Servants.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 23

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of Kaala Fama Khatbukoom (JUZ 27) and the Surahs that will be covered are:- the concluding second half of Surah Al Dhariyat, Surah Al Tur [The Mount]; Surah Al Najm; Surah Al Qamar [The Moon] Surah Al Rahman [The Most Gracious]; Surah Al Waqi’ah and Surah Al Hadid.

The commentary of Surah Al Dhariyat was covered last night.

SURAH AL TUR; [The Mount]
Surah Al Tur is an early Makkan Surah. All Signs of Allah, including previous revelations and other sacred symbols, point out that Allah’s Final Judgement will take place on the Day of Reckoning. The perpetrators of evil will be severely punished on that day while those who enjoined the good will reap the benefits of Allah’s rewards. All Praise is due to none other than Allah and all the points raised by the disbelievers are without foundation. They have failed to grasp the Divine Message. Praise Allah in the stillness of the night and at the holy hour of dawn as the stars retreat, singing glory to the Maker of their own most glorious Sun.

SURAH AL NAJM: This is an early Makkan Surah.
Summary: – The impression received by the Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam in revelation is neither error on his part nor deception by others, nor does he speak from selfish motives. It comes clearly from Allah, Who is not what the vain imaginations of men conceive. He is All-in-All, First and Last, Lord of All, Ample in forgiveness. Those who turn away are petty and ignorant, not knowing that Allah is the source and goal of all things – in men, in nature, and in the events of history – therefore serve Him. He has created all of us, and knows all that we are. It is not for us to justify ourselves, but to offer ourselves totally as we are. Learn from His Revelation and Adore the Lord of your innermost soul.

SURAH AL QAMAR: [The Moon].
This is an early Makkan Surah. The theme of the Surah is explained by the refrain: “Is there any that will receive
admonition?” which occurs six times, at the end of each reference to a past story of sin and rejection of warnings and in the appeal to the simplicity of verses 15, 17, 22, 32, 40, and 51. There is an invitation to listen to the Message and turn to Truth and Righteousness.

Summary: – The Hour of Judgement is nigh, but men forget or reject the Message, as did the people of Nabee Nuh A.S., of ‘Ad, of Thamud, of Nabee Lut A.S.; and of Fir’aun. Is there any that will receive admonition? Will the present generation learn wisdom by warning? Alas! Is there any that will truly receive admonition? The Righteous will dwell in the Gardens of Bliss – in joyful Assembly of realised Truth, in the Presence of their Sovereign Most High.

SURAH AL RAHMAN:
The majority of Commentators consider this an early Makkan Surah, though some consider at least a part of it dating from Madinah. The greater part of it is undoubtedly early Makkan. It is highly poetical and most sublime, and the refrain “Then which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?” is interspersed 31 times among its 78 verses. It is the sixth of the series of seven dealing with Revelation, the favours of Allah, and the Hereafter. Here the special theme is indicated by the refrain. The rhyme in most cases is the Dual grammatical form, and the Argument implies that though things are created in pairs, there is an underlying Unity, through the Creator, in the favours which He bestows, and in the goal to which they are marching.

Summary: – Allah Exalted and Most Gracious has sent Revelation, one of His greatest favours to mankind. His Creation is in pairs, well-balanced; all created things receive His Favours, but they will all pass away, and only Allah will endure through the ages. Ultimately all evil shall return to its destination, as well as all Good, but ever blessed is the name of Almighty Allah, Lord of Glory, Honour and Bounty. Which, then of the favours of your Lord will you deny?

SURAH AL WAQI’AH:
This is the seventh and last Surah of the series devoted to Revelation and the Hereafter. It belongs to an early Makkan period, with the possible exception of one or two verses. The theme is certainly of the Day of Judgement and its adjustments of true Values. Allah’s Power, Goodness and Glory, and the Truth of Revelation.

Summary: – When the Day of Judgement comes, the world as we know it will be shaken to its foundations, and mankind shall be sorted out into three sorts: Those nearest to Allah, in exalted Bliss; the Companions of the Right Hand, in Bliss; and the companions of the Left Hand, in Misery. Surely the Power and Goodness of Allah, of which Revelation is a Sign, should lead man to accept the Message and glorify Him. Glory and Praise to Allah the Beneficent, Supreme to Justice, Mercy and Truth!

SURAH AL HADID:
With this Surah we have now studied the contents of nearly nine tenths of the Holy Qur’an. The comprehensive scheme of building up the new Ummah or Brotherhood and its spiritual implications is now complete. The remaining tenth of the Qur’an may be considered in two parts. The first contains ten Surahs i.e. Surahs 57 to 66 all revealed in Madinah, and each dealing with some special point which needs emphasis in the social life of the Ummah. The second i. e. Surah’s 67 to 94 contains short Makkan lyrics, each dealing with some aspect of spiritual life, expressed in language of great mystic beauty. The present Madinah Surah is chiefly concerned with the spiritual humility and the avoidance of arrogance, and a warning that retirement from the world may not be the best way of seeking the Good Pleasure of Allah.

Summary: – Allah’s Power and Knowledge extend to all things: Follow His Light direct, without doubt or fear or half-heartedness, but with humility, generous charity, and faith, and not in a life of isolation from the world.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 22

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of Ilayhi Yuraddu (JUZ 25) and the Surah’s that will be covered are: the concluding section of Surah Fussilat or Ha Min; Surah Al Shura; Surah Al Zukhruf; Surah Al Dukhan; and Surah Al Jathiyah.

SURAH AL SHURA:
The theme is how evil and blasphemy can be cured by the Mercy and Guidance of Allah, which come through His Revelation. Men are asked to settle their differences in patience by mutual Consultation which explains the title of this Surah.

Summary: – The Contrast of blasphemy against Revelation, Unity and Faith as relying on the Signs and Mercy of Allah. Evil comes through men’s own deeds, of which they cannot avoid the consequences, but Guidance comes through Allah’s Mercy and Revelation. Inspiration is part of the Glory and Goodness of Allah. His Unity is shown in His Creation. Yet man will turn to false gods, and dispute about Religion. Faith has been one at all times. But sects and divisions rose through selfish contumacy. Let all contention cease, and conduct weighed by the just balance of Allah’s Word. The Just and the Unjust will all be brought before Allah, Whose Mercy and Bounty are writ large in the Signs in His Marvellous Creation – one, yet diverse! What we call the ills of life is due to our own ill deeds; and many of them are forgiven by Allah. His Plan can never be frustrated. This life is but a stage of conscience. Live true and resist all wrong, but learn the best way to do so. Rely only on Allah, else no protector will you find. Allah’s Revelation comes as a Guide and Mercy. It shows the Straight Way, the Way of Allah All-Wise.

SURAH AL ZUKHRUF:
This Surah deals with the contrasts between the real glory of Truth and Revelation and the false glitter of what people like to believe and worship. It cites the examples of Nabee Ebrahim A.S; Nabee Moosa A.S; and Nabee Esa A.S. as exposing the False and holding up the Truth. The keyword [Zukhruf, Gold Adornments) occurs in verse 35, but the idea occurs all through the Surah.

Summary: -The Book of Revelations makes things clear, even though the ignorant and foolish mock at it and ignore Allah’s Signs: it will last, while its rejecters will perish will perish. Nabee Ebrahim exposed the falsehood of traditional worship: the glitter and adornments of this world will not last: what was the end of Fir’aun in his arrogant fight with Nabee Moosa A.S.? If Christians go back to Nabee Esa A.S.. he was but a man and a servant of Allah. He came to to still the jarring sects, not to create a new one. He preached the One True Creator, his Lord. So give up disputing and join in devotion to Allah. This is the Way to the Garden of Bliss, but the opposite leads to the Fire. Beware! the Truth has come, and Allah knows how you receive it. He is the Lord of power and mercy. The Truth must prevail: resist it not.

SURAH AL DUKHAN:
The theme of this particular Surah is how worldly pride and power are humbled in the dust if they resist spiritual forces, and how Evil and Good find their true setting in the Hereafter. The title word DUKHAN occurs in verse 10. It means smoke or mist, and may refer to a drought or famine. The “smoke” or “mist” is interpreted on good authority to refer to a severe famine in Makkah, in which men were pinched with hunger that they saw mist before their eyes when they looked at the sky. Ibn Kathir in his Tarikh mentions two famines in Makkah, one in 8th year of the mission, say the fourth year before the Hijrah, and another about the 8th year after the Hijrah. But as either or both of these famines lasted as many as seven years, the dates are to be taken very roughly. It is even possible that the two famines were continuous, of varying severity from year to year. Bukhari mentions only the post Hijrah famine, which was apparently so severe that men began to eat bones and carrion. Abu Sufyan (about 8 A.H.) approached the Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam to intercede and pray for the removal of the famine, as the Pagans attributed it to the curse of the Nabee S.A.W.

Summary: – Revelation explains clearly how worldly pride and arrogance may come to naught, even at long odds, against spiritual truths. A people may be given all blessings and may fall in its trust, as did the Bani Is’rail: will the Quraysh learn the lesson of Good and Evil? The children of Bani Is’rail were granted gifts and favours but they became arrogant and fell. Can the Quraysh escape the doom for sin? We created the world for just ends. The Day will come when good and evil will be sorted out. Each will meet the fruits of its own deeds. Give good heed to the Message revealed, and wait and watch.

SURAH AL JATHIYAH:
Summary: – The title, Al Jathiyah [“The Kneeling Down” or “Bowing the Knee”] taken from verse 28, expresses the leading idea in the Surah. In this life, in spite of the Signs of Allah, and the evidence of His Goodness all around, men go about in Unfaith, and mocking at Faith, but the end will bring them all to their knees. The Signs of Allah are everywhere. His Power, Wisdom, and Goodness are shown through all creation and in revelation. How can man be so ungrateful as to reject true Guidance, reaping thus the fruits of evil? But men of Faith have patience and forgive their weaker brethren, and trust in the final justice of Allah. Form no sects, as was done aforetime, nor make your lusts your gods. The future is sure, and in the hands of Allah, to Whom all will bend the knee, when Truth will shine in all its glory. So praise and glory to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of all the worlds.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 21

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of Ilayhi Yuraddu (JUZ 25) and the Surah’s that will be covered are: the concluding section of Surah Fussilat or Ha Min; Surah Al Shura; Surah Al Zukhruf; Surah Al Dukhan; and Surah Al Jathiyah.

SURAH AL SHURA:
The theme is how evil and blasphemy can be cured by the Mercy and Guidance of Allah, which come through His Revelation. Men are asked to settle their differences in patience by mutual Consultation which explains the title of this Surah.

Summary: – The Contrast of blasphemy against Revelation, Unity and Faith as relying on the Signs and Mercy of Allah. Evil comes through men’s own deeds, of which they cannot avoid the consequences, but Guidance comes through Allah’s Mercy and Revelation. Inspiration is part of the Glory and Goodness of Allah. His Unity is shown in His Creation. Yet man will turn to false gods, and dispute about Religion. Faith has been one at all times. But sects and divisions rose through selfish contumacy. Let all contention cease, and conduct weighed by the just balance of Allah’s Word. The Just and the Unjust will all be brought before Allah, Whose Mercy and Bounty are writ large in the Signs in His Marvellous Creation – one, yet diverse! What we call the ills of life is due to our own ill deeds; and many of them are forgiven by Allah. His Plan can never be frustrated. This life is but a stage of conscience. Live true and resist all wrong, but learn the best way to do so. Rely only on Allah, else no protector will you find. Allah’s Revelation comes as a Guide and Mercy. It shows the Straight Way, the Way of Allah All-Wise.

SURAH AL ZUKHRUF:
This Surah deals with the contrasts between the real glory of Truth and Revelation and the false glitter of what people like to believe and worship. It cites the examples of Nabee Ebrahim A.S; Nabee Moosa A.S; and Nabee Esa A.S. as exposing the False and holding up the Truth. The keyword [Zukhruf, Gold Adornments) occurs in verse 35, but the idea occurs all through the Surah.

Summary: -The Book of Revelations makes things clear, even though the ignorant and foolish mock at it and ignore Allah’s Signs: it will last, while its rejecters will perish will perish. Nabee Ebrahim exposed the falsehood of traditional worship: the glitter and adornments of this world will not last: what was the end of Fir’aun in his arrogant fight with Nabee Moosa A.S.? If Christians go back to Nabee Esa A.S.. he was but a man and a servant of Allah. He came to to still the jarring sects, not to create a new one. He preached the One True Creator, his Lord. So give up disputing and join in devotion to Allah. This is the Way to the Garden of Bliss, but the opposite leads to the Fire. Beware! the Truth has come, and Allah knows how you receive it. He is the Lord of power and mercy. The Truth must prevail: resist it not.

SURAH AL DUKHAN:
The theme of this particular Surah is how worldly pride and power are humbled in the dust if they resist spiritual forces, and how Evil and Good find their true setting in the Hereafter. The title word DUKHAN occurs in verse 10. It means smoke or mist, and may refer to a drought or famine. The “smoke” or “mist” is interpreted on good authority to refer to a severe famine in Makkah, in which men were pinched with hunger that they saw mist before their eyes when they looked at the sky. Ibn Kathir in his Tarikh mentions two famines in Makkah, one in 8th year of the mission, say the fourth year before the Hijrah, and another about the 8th year after the Hijrah. But as either or both of these famines lasted as many as seven years, the dates are to be taken very roughly. It is even possible that the two famines were continuous, of varying severity from year to year. Bukhari mentions only the post Hijrah famine, which was apparently so severe that men began to eat bones and carrion. Abu Sufyan (about 8 A.H.) approached the Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam to intercede and pray for the removal of the famine, as the Pagans attributed it to the curse of the Nabee S.A.W.

Summary: – Revelation explains clearly how worldly pride and arrogance may come to naught, even at long odds, against spiritual truths. A people may be given all blessings and may fall in its trust, as did the Bani Is’rail: will the Quraysh learn the lesson of Good and Evil? The children of Bani Is’rail were granted gifts and favours but they became arrogant and fell. Can the Quraysh escape the doom for sin? We created the world for just ends. The Day will come when good and evil will be sorted out. Each will meet the fruits of its own deeds. Give good heed to the Message revealed, and wait and watch.

SURAH AL JATHIYAH:
Summary: – The title, Al Jathiyah [“The Kneeling Down” or “Bowing the Knee”] taken from verse 28, expresses the leading idea in the Surah. In this life, in spite of the Signs of Allah, and the evidence of His Goodness all around, men go about in Unfaith, and mocking at Faith, but the end will bring them all to their knees. The Signs of Allah are everywhere. His Power, Wisdom, and Goodness are shown through all creation and in revelation. How can man be so ungrateful as to reject true Guidance, reaping thus the fruits of evil? But men of Faith have patience and forgive their weaker brethren, and trust in the final justice of Allah. Form no sects, as was done aforetime, nor make your lusts your gods. The future is sure, and in the hands of Allah, to Whom all will bend the knee, when Truth will shine in all its glory. So praise and glory to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of all the worlds.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 20

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of Faman Adhlamoo (JUZ 24) and the Surahs to be covered are as follows: The remaining half of Surah Al Zumar, the whole of Surah Al Mu’min (The Believer) or (Ghafir – Forgiver) and the first section of Surah Fussilat or Ha Mim.

SURAH AL ZUMAR:
What distance separates the man whose heart is melted by the Message of Allah and enlightened by His Light, and let him who rejects Revelation! Allah teaches men by Parables. Straight is His Word and clear. Any doubts in the minds of men will be resolved after Death. Even now Allah’s Signs are enough. No other can guide. Death and his twin brother sleep, are in the hands of Allah; to Him is our Goal. He Alone will judge in the end. His Will is all-in-all. No other thing can be of any account before His Law. But no soul need be in despair because of its sin. Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy are Unbounded. Turn to Allah in repentance now, for at Judgement it will be too late. Unity in worship and life is commanded by Allah. Go not astray. When Judgement comes, it will be a new World. In perfect justice will the followers of Evil be sorted out from the Good. And the righteous will rejoice, singing Praises to Allah with the Angels on high.

SURAH AL MU’MIN (OR GHAFIR):
This Surah is called Ghafir (Forgiver). It is also called Al Mu’min (The Believer) from the story of the individual Believer among the people of Fir’aun, who declares his faith and looks to the future. Here it is about the Individual’s witness to Faith and Virtue, and his triumph in the End. As to the precise meaning Ha Mim no authoritative explanation is available . If Mim here has a signification similar to Mim in Alif, Lam, Mim, it means the End of Things, the Last Day, and all these Surah’s direct our special attention to the Ha, the emphatic guttural. in contrast with the softer breathing of Alif, may be meant to suggest that the Beginning is only for the End, the Present for the Future, and to emphasize the eschatological element in Faith. But this is mere conjecture, and should be taken for no more than it is worth.

Summary: – Faith is ever justified, for Allah forgives. Evil deeds must have Evil fruits for Allah knows and is Just. In all history Evil came to Evil; the protest of Faith, in the midst of Evil, may be ignored; but Faith is protected by Allah while Evil perishes. No doubt is there of the Future Judgement; the Power, Goodness, and Justice of Allah are manifest. Will man dispute or will he accept the Signs before it is too late? Travel in space and time, and you will see that Evil came to nothing but evil. Mighty men of old in arrogance plotted against Allah’s Truth, but were brought low. A humble believer in Fir’aun’s Court stood up for Truth, and counselled his People to obey the Right: In earnest humility did he address them. They heard him not. But he was saved, and they were engulfed in the Wrath of Allah. The keys of Life and Death are in the hands of Allah. Dispute not the Signs of Allah, but learn from History and the world around you. Science and skill avail you not if the soul is dead.

SURAH FUSSILAT or HA MIM:
To prevent confusion with other Surahs of the Ha Mim Series, the word Sajdah is sometimes added to the title, making it Ha Mim al Sajdah, the title being necessary as there is another Surah called Al Sajdah. To avoid the double title it is sometimes called Fussilat, from the occurrence of the word in verse 3. For this particular Surah the theme is that the basis of Faith and Revelation is Allah’s Power and Goodness, and the fruit of both is man’s righteousness and healing.

Summary: – What is Revelation and Faith, and what is man’s attitude to both, and what are its consequences? Revelation explains, and makes things clear. It gives the message of hope and mercy, and it warns men against the snares of Evil. Do not deny Allah, the Lord of the World’s, Whose Glory and power are shown in Creation, and His Mercy in Revelation. Learn from the fate of the peoples of old! Learn from the warnings of our own nature. Your very limbs and faculties, if misused, bear witness against you. Repent before it is too late. The best of men is the man of faith, who calls all men to share his Faith. Knowledge belongs to Allah, but Falsehood deprives man of hope, humility, and clear sight, and drives him to hypocrisy. So turn to Truth, and live.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 19

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee covers Wama Liyaa…(JUZ 23). The Surahs that will be recited this evening are: the three and two third Rukus of Surah Ya Sin, Surah Al Saffat in its entirety, Surah Sad, and half of Surah Al Zumar .

SURAH YA SIN:
This particular Surah is devoted to the Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam and the Revelation which he brought. The abbreviated letters Ya Sin are usually construed as a title of the Nabee S.A.W. But it is not permissable to be dogmatic about the meaning of abbreviated letters. This Surah is considered to be “the heart of the Qur’an”, as it concerns the central figure in the teaching of Islam and the central doctrine of Revelation and the Hereafter. As referring to the Hereafter, it is appropriately read in solemn ceremonies after death. In chronology it belongs to the middle or early Makkan period.

Summary: – The Qur’an is full of wisdom, and those are unfortunate who cannot profit by it. The Wisdom of Revelation – the Qur’an received through the Nabee S.A.W. – is a guide to the Straight Path, and a warning against the terrible state in which the yokes of sin are enslave us. The righteous receive it with joy, for they believe in the Hereafter. Behold, there was once a City, to which came two righteous men with the Gospel of Truth. But they were rejected and persecuted: they were joined by a third, But the City refused to believe or to turn from iniquity. Only one man was found in its outskirts to be witness to Truth, Faith and Righteousness, and he did suffer Martyrdom. He attained Peace, but mourned for his people, in that they shut their gates of salvation and Allah’s Mercy on themselves. Alas for man’s short-sighted folly in defying The Grace that would shield and deliver him!

Are there not enough Signs around you to bear witness to Allah, and His saving Grace? The earth dies and revives: there are mysteries of Life and Sex, of Light and the Stars and Planets in heaven, that follow their orbits by Law and in harmony! There are the ships and the modes of transport by which man can conquer the forces around him with Allah-given Gifts! Learn the Laws of Goodness from them and believe in the Hereafter, it will come when least expected. Be prepared for Allah! When the Day comes, men will be taken aback. The Judgement Seat will be established. Blessed will be those who attain Salvation: Their Joy, Satisfaction, and Peace will be crowned with nearness to their Lord! Alas for the sinful, who deliberately followed evil: their own nature and actions will speak against them. They will face the realities of Punishment! Both Revelation and Nature are eloquent in instructing man for his own good in the Hereafter, which will come as a certainty. Praise and Glory to Allah.

SURAH AS- SAFFAT:
This is the fourth in a series of Surahs in which the mysteries of the spiritual world are manifested in different ways, tending to the defeat and final extirpation of Evil. The defeat of Evil is throughout connected with Revelation, and here the ranged fight is illustrated by a reference to the Angels in heaven and to the earlier Prophets in our earthly history from Nabee Nuh A.S; to Nabee Yunus A.S. This Surah belongs to the early middle Makkan period.

Summary: – Through all the mysteries of the heavens and earth, there is a sorting out of the evil against the good: their final destinations contrasted. Peace and victory came to Nabee Nuh A.S; Nabee Ebrahim A.S; Nabee Moosa and Nabee Haroon Alayhim Salaam, to Nabee Ilyas A.S. and Nebee Lut A.S. in their conflict with Evil. So was it with Nabee Yunus A.S. when he glorified Allah. But men will ascribe to Allah what is unworthy of Him. Allah’s Prophets strive for His Glory, and shall be victorious. Allah is One, the Source and Centre of all Affairs. High is He above all creatures. The ranks of Angels and Messengers stand firm in His Service. Evil is sure to be overcome. So Praise and Glory to Allah, the Lord of Honour and Power, and Peace to His Messengers.

SURAH SAD:
This Surah, both in chronology and subject matter is cognate to Surah Al Saffat and carries forward the same argument. But here the emphasis is laid on the working of earthly power when combined with spiritual power, and it is pointed out how much more significant (and real) spiritual power is. For this reason the illustrative stories are mainly those of Nabee Dawood A.S. and Nabee Sulayman A.S. who were kings as well as Prophets, and a parallel is suggested with the unfolding public life of our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam.

Summary: – Worldly and evil men are surprised at the renewal of Truth and Righteousness; but righteousness has more power than worldly strength, as is seen in the story of kings like Nabee Dawood A.S., who had both. Nabee Sulayman also loved Allah more than worldly power, which may be good but may be misused by evil men of power and insight, chose the path of final bliss rather than final misery. So also is the case of Nabee Muhammad S.A.W. the final Messenger; his Gospel of Unity must triumph over all jealousy and Arrogance in Allah’s good time. The Gospel of Unity is the True Cure for Evil for it gives the good news of Allah’s Power
Supreme, and His Mercy and Forgiveness again and again. It warns us to avoid Evil, for Evil arose from selfish pride and rebellion. No power has it over Allah’s Servants, sincere and true: while Revelation comes as a Gift free to all Allah’s Creation.

SURAH AL ZUMAR:
This is the last of the series of Surahs which deal with the mysteries of the spiritual world, as leading up to the Ma’ad, or the Hereafter. Its subject matter is how Creation in its great variety is yet sorted out in Groups or Classes, all governed by one Plan, and created and sustained by One Creator, Who will separate Good from Evil at the Last Day. The words Zumar occurs in verses 71 and 73. It belongs to the later Makkan period.

Summary: – The variety in Creation yet points to the Unity of Plan: there is only One Creator: to Him is due all worship and from Him flow all Justice and Grace. There is Unity in Revelation, and Guidance comes from Almighty Allah alone. Turn to Him only, for all else is false. Allah’s Mercy is all-embracing: despair not: seek it before it is too late: for Judgement and Justice will come for certain. To Allah is due sincere devotion, and to Him Alone. There is none like unto Him. All nature obeys His Laws, and our own Growth and Life proclaim Him Lord and Cherisher. How can we blaspheme? We must serve Him, the One, the True, with sincere devotion, and follow His Law in its highest meaning or else the loss is our own. All nature proclaims aloud His Grace and Loving Kindness.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 18

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of Surah Wamay-Yaqnut….(JUZ 22). The Surahs to be be covered are the remaining two thirds of Surah Al Ahzab; Surah Saba (Sheba) in its entirety; Surah Fatir (The Originator of Creation} in its entirety and only one and a third Rukuh of Surah Ya Sin:

SURAH AL AHZAB:
The Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam’s household is not for worldly ends: his consorts have a place and dignity beyond ordinary women. They must recite and proclaim the Signs of Allah. For women have spiritual values and duties like unto men. Allah decrees, no unhappy wedlock; fear not to dissolve such and provide what is right and fitting for the service of Allah. High is the Nabee S.A.W.’s position, and he must order his household as best befits his work and duties. Allah does watch all things. The Hour will come when all Evil will be punished. Fear Allah, and always speak the word that leads to Right. Let man but strive in Faith, and fulfil Allah’s Trust – by the Grace and Mercy of Allah.

SURAH SABA (SHEBA):
This Surah leads off with emphasis on Allah’s Mercy and Power and Truth. We are told how Angels manifest the Power of Allah, and how different is Good from Evil and Truth from Falsehood. No good or Truth is ever lost. Human power and prosperity are fleeting; but Allah’s Power and Justice endure, and will enforce personal responsibility on man on the Last Day. Faith and Unfaith will eventually find their true places and true values; Falsehood has no power; Truth is with Allah. Man should understand and not resist Allah’s Revelation. Human wisdom and Power, as given to Nabee Dawood A.S., were only for establishing righteousness. Human glory, like Nabee Sulayman A.S.’s rested on slender foundations. Saba (Sheba) but enjoyed her fair and prosperous state as long as she obeyed the Law of Allah, but perished for unrighteousness. Learn then, that the Mercy and Power, Wisdom and Justice, of Allah are beyond all comparison. Do right and prepare for the Final Day.

SURAH FATIR:
This Surah deals with the mystery of Creation and its maintenance, with various forces typified, with various forces typified by the wings of Angels. Whether we look to outer nature or to man. Allah’s Grace proclaims His Glory, and protects His votaries from Evil. It is an early Makkan Surah, but its chronology has no significance. The forces which maintain Creation, as typified by Angels, were themselves created by Allah, to Whom Alone all praise is due: all else is naught. All good is from Allah: who then will choose Evil, and reach the doom that goes with Evil? Allah is the Source of all things: all Power, Wisdom, Beauty, and Truth from from Him. It is Evil that deceives and plots in the dark. All knowledge is with Allah. The things that are good and pure and true are not as the things that are evil, deceitful, and false. Allah is free of all needs: it is we that need Him: let us seek His love and live. His Message will save us from wrong, while dark is the fate of those who reject Him. Praise and Glory to Him, the Cherisher of all! Man can see by his own experience what infinite shades and grades of colour there are in nature. So there are grades in the spiritual world. The Good and the True understand Allah, Who knows and watches over all His Creation. The Good will reach Eternal Bliss, while Evil will find no helper. Arrogance and plotting will be the undoing of Evil: its doom is sure, if it fails to profit by the respite granted by the All-Merciful Allah.

Please Note:
The very first section [i.e. one and a third Rukuh of Surah Ya Sin will be read this evening but the commentary will be presented tomorrow evening Insha’Allah when the main portion of the entire Surah will be recited.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 17

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of Surah Utloo-Maa-Oohiya…(JUZ 21) and the Surahs that will be covered are:-
The remaining half of Surah Al Ankabut, Surah Al Rum, Surah Luqman, Surah Al Sajdah and a third of Surah Al-Ahzab.

SURAH AL ANKABUT:
Proclaim the Message of Allah, and pray to Him for purity and Guidance. Almighty Allah’s Revelation carries its own proofs and is recognised by men of wisdom. Its rejecters but lose their own chances of profiting by the Truth, and attaining the Paths that lead to Allah’s own gracious Presence!

SURAH AL RUM:
This Surah deals with the question of Ma’ad or the Final End of Things, from various points of view. In the last Surah, we saw that Revelation was linked up with Life and Conduct, and Time (looking backwards and forwards) figured forth the frailty of this Life. In this Surah the Time theme and its mystery are brought into re3lation with human history in the foreground and the evolution of the world in all its aspects in the background. The corruption introduced by man is cleared away by Allah, Whose Universal Plan points to the Hereafter. This Surah was revealed about the 7th or 6th year before the Hijrah, corresponding to 615-616 of the Christian era, when the tide of Persian conquest over the Roman Empire was running strong. The Christian Empire of Rome had lost Jerusalem to the Persians, and Christianity had been humbled in the dust. The pro-Persian Pagan Quraysh rejoiced exceedingly, and redoubled their taunts and persecution against the Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam, whose Message was a renewal of the Message of Nabee Esa A.S. preached in Jerusalem. There is no doubt about the prophecy and its fulfillment. For the exulting Pagans of Makkah laid a heavy wager against the fulfillment of the prophecy with Hazrat Abu Bakr. and they lost it on its fulfillment.

Summary: – The ebb and flow of worldly power – as symbolised in the conflict of the Persian and Roman Empires – are but outward events: the deeper meaning is in the working of Allah’s Universe – how Good and Evil reach their final end. The changes and changing variety in Allah’s Creation, physical, moral, and spiritual, yet point to the Unity in Nature and Religion: man should not break away from that Unity, but glorify Him, the One, for there is none like unto Him. The hands of men have wrought corruption and mischief: but Allah purifies the moral world as He does the world of physical nature, strengthening the weak and pulling down the pulling down the mighty in due season: wait therefore in patience and constancy, and be not depressed.

SURAH LUQMAN:
The argument of the Final End of Things is here continued from another point of view. What is Wisdom? Where shall it be found? Will it solve the mysteries of Time and Nature, and the world higher than the physical Nature, which brings us nearer to Allah? “YES”, is the answer: “If, as in the advice of Luqman the Wise, human wisdom looks to Allah in true worship, ennobles every aspect of life with true kindness, but avoids the false indulgences that infringes the divine law – and in short follows the golden mean of virtue.” And this is indicated by every Sign in nature. This Surah belongs to the late Makkan period.

Summary: – The earnest seekers after righteousness receive guidance, unlike the seekers after vanity, who perish: all Creation bears witness to this: Wisdom, as expounded by Luqman the Wise, is true service to Allah, and consists in moderation. True Wisdom is firm and enduring, and discerns Allah’s Law in the working of His Creation: it looks to the Final End of Things, whose mystery is only known to Allah.

SURAH AL SAJDAH:
This short Surah closes the series of the four Alim, Lam, Mim Surahs, which began with the 29th. Its theme is the mystery of Creation, the mystery of Time and the mystery of Ma’ad (THE FINAL END) as viewed through the Light of Allah’s Revelation. The contemplation of these two mysteries should lead to Faith and the adoration of Allah. This Surah belongs to the middle Makkan period and is therefore a little earlier than the last, but its chronology has no significance.

Summary: – The mystery of Creation, the mystery of Time and the mystery of the End of Things are but known by external symbols to man: Revelation brings faith and humble adoration, and is a blessing like Rain, which brings life to dead soil. Clear are the Signs and the Revelation of Allah – in nature, history, and the Message of His living Prophets. If they learn not now, alas! It will be too late when the Wings of Time are furled.

SURAH AL AHZAB:
The story of Al Ahzab or the Confederates, who tried to surround and annihilate the Muslim Community in Madinah, is full of underhand intrigues on the part of such diverse enemies as the Pagan Quraysh, the Jews (Banu al Nadir) who had been already expelled from Madinah for their treachery, the Ghatfan tribe of Bedouin Arabs from the interior, and the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayzah in Madinah. This was the unholy Confederacy against Islam. But though they caused a great deal of anxiety and suffering to the beleaguered Muslims, Islam came triumphantly out of the trial and became more firmly established than ever. It was a well organised and formidable attack but the Muslims had made preparations to meet it. One of the preparations, which took the enemy by surprise, was the TRENCH (Khandaq) dug around Madinah by the Prophet S.A.W.’s orders and under the supervision of Hazrat Salman Farsi R.A. The siege and battle are therefore known as the Battle of the Trench or the Battle of the Confederates. The position and dignity of the ladies of the Nabee S.A.W.’s Household and the Muslim women generally, salutary principles are laid down to safeguard their homes and protect them from slander and insult.

Summary: – The pagan customs in human relationship should be abandoned, and men and women should be held in honour according to natural relationships and spiritual positions. High position and seemly conduct for the wives of the Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam to be treated kindly and gently. Respect due to the Nabee S.A.W. and his family, slander to be avoided and punished: guard your words and your responsibilities.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 16

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Alhumdoelillah! Tonight’s Tarawee consists of the final quarter of Waqa lal Ladhi’na…. (JUZ 19) and Am’man Khalakas Samaa watee…(JUZ 20) in its entirety. The Surahs that will be covered this evening are as follows:
Surah Al Naml, Surah Al Qasas and half of Surah Al Ankabut (The Spider).

SURAH AL NAML:
This Surah is cognate in subject to the one preceding it and the two following it: Its chronological place is also in the same group of four, in the middle Makkan period. Here there is much mystic symbolism. Wonders in the physical world are types of greater wonders in the spiritual world. The Fire, the White Hand, and the Rod, in the story of Nabee Moosa A.S.; the speech of the birds, the crowds of Jinns and men pitted against a humble ant, and the Hoopoe and the Queen of Sheba, in Hazrat Sulayman A.S.’s story; the defeat of the plot of the nine wicked men in the story of Hazrat Salih A.S; and the crime of sin with open eyes in the story of Hazrat Lut A.S. – lead up to the lessons of true and false worship and the miracles of Allah’s Grace and Revelation.

Summary: – Wonderful in Revelation, like the Fire which Nabee Moosa A.S. saw, which was a glimpse of Allah’s Glory, and His Miracles, which searched out those who refused Faith in spite of the light they had received. Nabee Sulayman A.S. knew the speech of Birds and had hosts of Jinns and men; yet the wise ant had ample defence against them: the Hoopoe who was absent at his master, was yet serving him: the Queen of Sheba had a kingdom, but it submitted with conviction to the Wisdom of Nabee Sulayman A.S. and the Kingdom of Allah.
Fools ascribe ill luck to godliness as in Hazrat Salih A.S.’s story, or fall into the lusts with their eyes open, as in the story of Hazrat Lut A.S.; but their plots and their rage will be foiled by Allah. Allah’s Glory and Goodness are supreme over all Creation: Unfaith will yield to Faith in the final adjustments of values: so follow Revelation, serve Allah. At the end of all things shall we know how small is our state, but for Allah’s Grace: let us bow to His Will and accept His True Guidance: Let us Praise Him Alone and Trust Him – now and forever.

SURAH AL QASAS:
This Surah continues with the subject of Revelation and its reception by those to whom it is sent. But it emphasises new points: how the recipient of inspiration is prepared for his high destiny, even in the growth of his ordinary life, and how the rejection of Allah’s Message by groups of men or by individuals is caused by overweening arrogance or avarice. The plight of those who reject the Truth is contrasted with the reward of the righteous. With the possible exception of a few verses, it belongs to the late Makkan period, just preceding the Hijrah.

Summary: – Fir’aun was arrogant and unjust, but Allah’s Plan was to strengthen the weak: in infancy Nabee Moosa A.S. was prepared for his mission; in youth he trusted in Allah and was guided; in his exile he found help and love; and when he was called, he was supported by Allah. So was the Holy Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam fed spiritually by Allah’s Grace, and his Revelation was recognised by those who knew the earlier Revelations: it came to an old sacred Centre, to warn those seduced by the glitter of this worldly life. The future is with those who repent, have faith, and do good: for all Mercy and Truth are with Allah. But men puffed up with wealth, like Qarun, will come to an evil end, while the lowly and the righteous will attain Allah’s Mercy. Let nothing keep your eyes back from that end: Then, and only then, shall you reach the Eternal Reality, the Glorious Reality, Which is Almighty Allah, Who endureth forever!

SURAH AL ANKABUT:
This Surah is the last of the series in which the growth of the spiritual man as an individual is considered, especially illustrated by the way in which the great Prophets were prepared for their work and received their mission, and the nature of Revelation in relation to the environments in which it was promulgated. It also closes sub-series which is concerned with the spiritual Light, and the reactions to it at certain periods of spiritual history. The last Surah closed with a reference to the doctrine of the Ma’ad, or final Return of man to Allah. This theme is further developed here, and as it is continued in the subsequent three Surahs all bearing the Abbreviated Letters, “Alif Lam Mim”, it forms a connecting link between the present series and those three Surahs. Emphasis is laid here on the necessity of linking actual conduct with the reception of Allah’s Revelation, and reference is again made to the stories of Nabee Nuh, Nabee Ebrahim and Nabee Lut Alayhim Salata Wasallam among the Prophets and the stories of Madyan, ‘Ad, Thamud, and Fir’aun among the rejecters of Allah’s Message. This worldly life is contrasted with the real Life of the Hereafter.

Summary: – Belief is tested by trial in life and practical conduct: though Nabee Nuh A.S. lived 950 years, his people refused Faith, and Nabee Ebrahim A.S.’s generation threatened to burn him. Hazrat Lut A.S.’s people not only rejected Allah’s Message bur publicly defied him in sin: the ‘Ad and the Thamud had intelligence but misused it, and Qarun, Fir’aun, and Haman perished for their overweening arrogance: they found their worldly power as frail as a spider’s web. The Glorious Qur’an as a revelation stands on its own merit and as a Sign: it teaches the distinction between Right and Wrong, Good and Evil, and shows the importance and excellence of the Hereafter. Worldly power cannot through sin defy the right, as was proved in the ministry of Hazrat Lut A.S; nor can Intelligence misused stand in the place of Allah’s Light; nor can boastful insolence do aught but dig its own grave. The strength and skill, the beauty and power, of this world’s life are no more than a Spider Web, Flimsy before the force of the eternal verities that flow from Almighty Allah Exalted and Supreme!

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net