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Taraweeh Salaah – Night 13

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of the whole of Ka la Alam Akul…(JUZ 16) and a quarter of Iqtaraba (JUZ 17). The Surahs that will be recited this evening covers the remaining quarter of Surah Al Kahf [The Cave], Surah Maryam in its entirety, Surah Ta Ha completely and half of Surah Al Ambiya.

SURAH AL KAHF [The Cave].
Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam was up against mysteries which he wanted to explore. He searched out a man endued with knowledge derived from the divine springs from which flow the paradoxes of life. He is shown three such paradoxes and how human impatience is inconsistent with their true understanding. The highest knowledge comes not except by divine gift, and a constant, patient striving, with faith, to apprehend something of the purpose of the All- Wise Allah. This story of Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam is meant to illustrate four points
(1) He was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Even so that wisdom did not comprehend everything, even as the whole stock of the knowledge of the present day, the sciences and the arts, and the literature, (if it could be supposed to be gathered in one individual), does not include all knowledge. Divine knowledge, as far as man is concerned, is unlimited. Even after Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam received his divine mission, his knowledge was not so perfect that it could not receive further additions. (2) Constant effort is necessary to keep our knowledge square with the march of time, and such effort Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam is shown to be making. (3) The mysterious man he meets to whom tradition assigns the name Khidr (literally, Green), is the type of that knowledge which is ever in contact with life as it is actually lived. (4) These are paradoxes in life: apparent losses may be real gain; apparent cruelty may be real mercy; recurring good for evil may really be justice and not generosity. Allah’s Wisdom transcends all human calculation.

Three episodes in the life of a great king, Dhu al Qarnayn illustrated how power and opportunities should be used in the service of Allah; he punished the guilty; he left primitive people their freedom of life; and he protected industrious people from grasping neighbours. But he relied upon Allah, and he made them remember the Day of Judgement; when all will see the Truth and receive the punishments and rewards earned in their present life.

SURAH MARYAM:
We now pass on the story of individual Messengers of Allah in their personal relations with their environment – Hazrat Yahya A.S. with his father Hazrat Zakariya A.S., Nabee Esa A.S. (Jesus) with his mother Bibi Maryam R.A.; Nabee Ebrahim A.S. with his unbelieving father, Nabee Moosa A.S. with his brother Nabee Haroon A.S. (Aaron), Nabee Isma’il A.S. with his family and Nabee Idris A.S. in the high station to which he was called. Seeing how these great ones fitted into the scheme of life, man is condemned for his want of faith, or for degrading his faith to superstition, and warned of the Hereafter.

Summary – Zakarriya Alayhis Salaam was anxious to have an heir to carry on Allah’s work in a world of unrighteousness, and Yahya Alayhis Salaam was given to him. Hazrat Maryam R.A. the mother of Nabee Esa (Jesus) Alayhis Salaam was maligned by her people, but Nabee Esa Alayhis Salaam comforted her and was good to her. Nabee Ebrahim Alayhis Salaam was persecuted for his Faith by his people, including his unbelieving father, but he withdrew from them, and was blessed; Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam was helped by his brother Nabee Haroon (Aaron) Alayhis Salaam; Nabee Isma’il brought up his family in piety; and Nabee Idris Alayhis Salaam was truthful and pious in a high station; they showed the way; yet men will not learn the good of life.Man should not disbelieve in the Hereafter, nor sully his faith by false notions about Almighty Allah.

SURAH TA HA:
The chronology of the Surah has some significance: it has some relation to the spiritual lesson which it teaches. It was used with great effect in that remarkable scene which resulted in Hazrat Umar’s conversion, and which took place about the seventh year before the Hijrah. Hazrat Umar R.A. had previously been one of the greatest enemies and persecutors of Islam and like his blood thirsty kinsmen the Quraysh, he meditated killing our Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam. Upon being told that he had very close relations of his who had embraced Islam, he proceeded to the home of his sister Fatima and her husband Sa’id. They had both embraced Islam but in those days of persecution they kept their faith secret. As he approached his sister’s house, he heard them reciting this Surah from a written copy they had. Umar attacked his sister and her husband, but the bore the attack with exemplary patience, and declared their faith to him. Hazrat Umar R.A. was struck with their sincerity and fortitude and asked to see the leaf from which they had been reading. It was given to him: his soul was touched so much so that that he not only embraced Islam but became one of the strongest supporters and champion.

Summary: The revelation of Allah (The Holy Qur’an) is not an occasion of distress, but is a gift of mercy from Allah Most Gracious. How Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam was first chosen, and led to his mission to Fir’aun with his brother Hazrat Haroon Alayhis Salaam. How the mother of Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam was directed to cast the infant Moosa into the river, to be brought up in Fir’aun’s palace under Allah’s own supervision, in order to preach to Fir’aun and declare Allah’s Glory. How Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam was directed to lead his people and quell their rebellious spirit, and how that spirit was stirred up by Samiri. On the Day of Judgement personal responsibility will be enforced, and Allah’s Truth acknowledged: man should guard against Nabee Adam’s enemy, Iblis, and should renounce vanities, purify himself with prayer and praise, and await the call to Allah.

SURAH AL ANBIYA:

This Surah begins with the external obstacles placed by evil against purification of the soul with prayer and praise and gives the assurance of Allah’s power to defend men, illustrating this with reference to Nabee Ebrahim A.S.’s fight against idolatry, Hazrat Lut’s fight against injustice and failure to proclaim Allah’s glory by making full use of man’s God-given faculties and powers, that of Nabee Ayub A.S. against impatience and want of self-confidence, that of Hazrats Isma’il, Idris, and dhul Kifl against want of steady perseverance, that of Dha al Nun against hasty anger, that of Zakarriya against spiritual isolation, and that of Bibi Maryam R.A. against the lusts of this world. In each allusion there is a special point about the soul’s purification. The common point is that the Prophets A.S. were not, as the vulgar suppose, just irresistible men. They had to win their ground inch by inch against all kinds of resistance from evil.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 12

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight Insha’Allah – we complete the final quarter of Rubama Yawadul Ladhi’naa (JUZ 14) and the whole of Subhanal Ladhee (JUZ 15). The Surahs that will be covered this evening are: half of Surah Al Nahl, Surah Bani Isra’il and three quarters of Surah Al Kahf.

SURAH AL NAHL:
Allah’s Prophets, if rejected, will be witnesses against those who reject Allah’s Truth! And all false gods will disappear. A life of justice and righteousness is enjoined by Allah, and the strictest fidelity, in intent and action. For Allah will judge us by our faith and deeds, and no evil shall have power over those who believe and put their trust in Allah their Lord. Allah’s Truth may come in stages, but it gives strength, guidance, and glad tidings, and should be held fast when once received. Be not like those who get puffed up with pride in worldly good, and scorn the Truth. Enjoy the good things in life, but render thanks to Allah and obey His Law. Be true in faith, and proclaim His Word with gentle, patient wisdom: for Allah is with those who live in self-restraint a pure, good, and righteous Life.

SURAH BANI ISRA’IL (OR SURAH AL ISRA):
This Surah begins with with the mystic Vision of the Ascension of the Holy Prophet Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam: he was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah to the Farthest Mosque of Jerusalem in a night and shown some of the Signs of Allah. The Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam was first transported to the seat of the earlier revelations in Jerusalem, and then taken through the seven heavens even to the Sublime Throne, and initiated into the spiritual mysteries of the human soul struggling in Space and Time. The reference to this great mystic story of the Mi’raj is a fitting prelude to the journey of the human soul in its spiritual growth in life. The first steps in such growth must be through moral conduct – the reciprocal rights of parents and children, kindness to our fellow men, courage and firmness in the hour of danger, and sense of personal responsibility, and a sense of Allah’s Presence through prayer and praise. The Mi’raj is usually dated to the 27th night of the month of Rajab (though other dates e.g. 17th Rabi’1, are also given) in the year before the Hijrah. This fixes the date of the opening verse of the Surah, though portions of the Surah may have been a little earlier.

Our service to Allah is shown also in our human relations, goodness to parents and kinsmen and strangers in want, as well as kindness to children, purity in sex relations, justice and respect for human life, protection of orphans, probity in all dealings, and avoidance of arrogance. Allah’s Glory is above all comparison, and the reception of His Revelation marks off the man of faith from those who do not believe. But the Believers should speak fair and avoid dissentions, for Allah doth encompass all men. Pride caused the fall of Iblis, but the children of Adam have been raised in excellence above other Creation. They will be judged by their deeds. Prayer is good at stated times and at night, and the Qur’an is offered as healing and mercy. Inspirations (the Holy Qur’an) is a Sign of Allah’s Grace, and men should accept it without making carping excuses. Be humble in prayer and praise.

SURAH AL-KAHF [The Cave].
This particular Makkan Surah may be called a lesson in the brevity and mystery of Life. First there is the story of the Companions of the Cave who slept therein for a long period, and yet thought they had been there only a day or less. Then there is the story of the mysterious Teacher who shows Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam how life itself is a parable. And further there is the story of Dhu al Qarnayn, the two horned one, the powerful ruler of west and east, who made an iron wall to protect the weak against the strong. The parables refer to the brevity, uncertainty, and vanity of life; to the many paradoxes in it, which can only be understood by patience and the fullness of knowledge; and to the need of guarding our spiritual gains against the incursions of evil.

Summary: – The Qur’an is a direction and a warning. This life is brief and subject to vicissitudes. Our ideas of Time are defective, as shown in the story of the Companions of the Cave, who had faith, truth, patience, and other virtues. But their life was a mystery that can be fathomed but by a few. Knowledge is for Allah: be on your guard against idle and cocksure hopes. Learn from the Qur’an the Parable of the man who is puffed up with this world’s goods and is brought to nought,. This life is uncertain and variable: goodness and virtue are better and more durable. For the Day of Reckoning will come, with its Mercy and with its Wrath. Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam in his thirst for knowledge forgot his limitations. Patience and faith were enjoined on him, and he understood when the paradoxes of Life were explained. Dhu al Qarnayn had a wide dominion: he punished the guilty and rewarded the good; he protected the weak from the lawless; but he had faith, and valued the guidance of Allah. Allah is One, and His service is Righteousness.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 11

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight we complete the remaining half of Wa’ma Ubarri -u-nafsee (JUZ 13) and three quarters of Rubama Yawadul Ladhi’naa (JUZ 14). These Surahs cover two thirds of Surah Ar-Rad, Surah Ebrahim, Surah Hijr and a quarter of Surah An-Nahl.

SURAH AR-RAD:
The mockery of Allah’s Messengers is an old game of the world. But Allah’s Truth will come to its own in good time. The end of the Righteous is their Home of Bliss, and they rejoice in the revelations they receive. The Messengers of Allah take their due share in the life of the world; they win through by Allah’s Grace against all the plots of the world. Their witness is from Allah, through His revelation.

SURAH EBRAHIM:
The special subject matter of this Surah is a continuation of the concluding portion of the last Surah, which explained how Allah’s revelation gains ground in spite of selfish men’s opposition. Here illustrations are given from the story of Nabee Moosa and Nabee Ebrahim Alayhim Salaam and Nabee Ebrahim’s prayer for Makkah forms the core of this Surah. Revelation leads man from darkness to light. It comes to each nation in its own language and for its own special circumstances. So was it with Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam and other Prophets Alayhim Salaam. There was a conflict of evil with good, but evil was destroyed. Why will men not receive Allah’s Grace? Why will they choose to go astray? Nabee Ebrahim Alayhis Salaam prayed to be saved from infidelity for himself and for his posterity, and he prayed for Makkah, the city of the new revelation through Arabia. Good and evil will find their proper retribution, and Allah’s Plan of Unity will prevail. It is evil that will be wiped out for Allah’s Truth is a goodly tree, firmly established on its roots, stretching its branches high and wide, and bearing good fruit at all times.

SURAH HIJR:
The special subject matter of this Surah is the protection of Allah’s Revelation and Allah’s Truth. Evil arose from Pride and warping of man’s will, but Allah’s Mercy is the antidote, as was proven in the case of Nabee Ebrahim Alayhis Salaam and Nabee Lut Alayhis Salaam, and might have been proved by the people of the Aykah and Hijr if they had only attended to Allah’s “Signs”. The Qur’an, beginning with the “Seven Oft Repeated Verses” is the precious vehicle for the Praises of Allah. Allah’s Truth makes all things clear, and He will guard it. But His Signs are not for those who mock. Who fails to see the Majesty, the Beauty, the Order, and the Harmony blazoned in His Creation, and His Goodness to all His creatures, in the heavens and on earth? With Him are the sources of all things, and He doth freely give His gifts in due measure. He holds the Keys of Life and Death, and He will remain when all else passes away.

SURAH AL-NAHL:
Chronologically this Surah, like the six which preceded it, belongs to the late Makkan period except perhaps verse 110 and some of the verses that follow. But the chronology has no significance. In subject matter it sums up, from a new point of view, the arguments on the great questions of Allah’s dealings with man. His Self-revelation to man, and how the Messengers and the Message are writ large in every phrase of Allah’s creation and the life of man. The new point of view is that Nature points to Nature’s God. Everything in Creation proclaims the Glory of Allah. To man is given dominion over Nature, that man may recognize Allah’s Unity and Allah’s Truth. Man should never lose sight of his goal, which is the good, or dispute with the great Teachers who are sent to all peoples, to bring about Unity; all creatures serve Allah.

Allah’s favours and man’s ingratitude recounted, His Signs in the rain bearing clouds, the cattle that give milk, the bee that produces honey, the wonderful relations of family and social life, and the refinements and comforts of civilisation. The Messengers of Truth will bear witness against those who reject the Truth. Allah will judge us according to our faith and deeds. The Qur’an is true: it guides and gives glad tidings. Believe, and make the most of life in all things good and lawful. Follow the example of Nabee Ebrahim Alayhis Salaam: be true in Faith and righteousness and do good.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 10

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of the balance [three quarters] of Wa ma min Dhab’bateen (JUZ 12) and half of Wa’ma Ubarri -u-nafsee (JUZ 13). The Surahs that will be covered are the remaining half of Surah Hud, Yusuf and a third of Surah Ar-Ra’d.

SURAH HUD:
Awful were the fates of the ‘Ad and Thamud, two mighty people of ancient Arabia. They rejected Almighty Allah and His Message and carried on in their evil ways. The ‘Ad in their superstitions and arrogance, and the Thamud in their entrenched selfishness, denying to others the gifts of Almighty Allah’s spacious earth! When the Mala’eeka, on a mission to Sodom and Gomorrah, Cities of the Plain, passed by Nabee Ebrahim Alayhis Salaam, he entertained them and received the Good News from them of the line of prophets to spring from his loins, he tried to intercede for the two wicked cities of sin and evil. These cities were steeped in sin and had past all hopes of repentance. Hazrat Lut Alayhis Salaam preached to them but they flouted him and went to their fate, as did Midian, the people of Nabee Shu’ayb Alayhis Salaam who destroyed their commerce by fraudulent dealings and love of brute force. Marvellous are Allah’s Mercies, and strange are the ways of ungrateful men. How the arrogant Fir’aun (Pharaoh) misled his people in resisting Almighty Allah’s Message through Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam. Thus did they ruin themselves! It was they who wronged themselves: for Allah and His punishment are just: All men will be brought to the Seat of His Judgement.

SURAH YUSUF:
This Surah deals with the story of Nabee Yusuf Alayhis Salaam – and the 12 sons of Nabee Yaqoob Alayhis Salaam. This story is called one of “the most beautiful of stories” for three reasons: (1) It is the most detailed story in the Most Glorious Qur’an (2) It covers the trials and tribulations – the peaks and valleys, the ups and downs in human fortunes (3) it describes in detail with moral meanings, the attitudes and behaviour of people i.e. the great love of a father for his young son, the jealousy of the older half brothers, their plots, their aged father’s sorrow, the sale of their young brother into slavery to a merchant for a “miserable price”, sexual love, contrasted with purity, honesty, modesty, false charges, prison and interpretation of dreams, innocence raised to honour, the “sweet revenge of forgiveness and kindness, high matters dealing with the ruling of a country, constant remembrance of Allah combined with the beauty of piety and truth. The merchant took him to Egypt, where a high court official (‘Aziz) bought and adopted him. ‘Aziz’s wife tried without success to seduce Nabee Yusuf Alayhis Salaam. For refusing to succumb to her sexual advances she laid false charges against him and he was jailed.

The King had a dream, which Nabee Yusuf Alayhis Salaam successfully interpreted. The King was going to release him but he insisted that all Fithnah and false charges against him should be cleared. The King was impressed and made him his Chief Minister. His half brothers came to Egypt to buy corn because of the draught in Canaan. He treated them kindly without revealing his identity to them. He requested them to bring him his full brother Binyamin the youngest son. He detained Binyamin and then accused his half-brothers of their hatred and crime against him. He revealed his identity to them and forgave them all. He asked them to bring their father to Egypt where the entire settled down. Allah’s Name was glorified for Allah’s Truth lasts forever and His purpose will be fully revealed in the Aghirah.

SURAH AL RA’D:
This Surah deals with how Almighty Allah shows Himself to mankind. Despite all the wonderful Signs around us, why does man continue to disbelieve? Firstly, Allah reveals His Message through His creation and the laws ruling nature; He also reveals His Message by revelation. We witness life and death all around us. We are witness to the the trees and all vegetation dying in winter and coming back to life through Divine Providence in Spring. But the unbelievers ask: “When we are dust, shall we actually then be in a new creation?” They mock at the idea that Allah will punish them because they have not been punished for their evil deeds. They want to see the signs of His Power rather than His Mercy but they are too dumb and ignorant to know that Allah’s Power, Glory and Mercy can be seen in thunder and lightning. Allah is All-Knowing. Good will triumph and evil will be defeated.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 9

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

The Tarawee for tonight commences from Yah’tha diroona Ilaykoom(Juz 11) up to and including a quarter of Wa ma min Dhab’bateen(Juz 12). The Surahs to be covered this evening Insha’Allah are: (1) The concluding quarter of Surah Al-Tawbah, Surah Yunus in its entirety and a quarter of Surah Hud.

SURAH AL-TAWBAH
The vanguard of Faith think nothing of self-sacrifice. Their reward is Almighty Allah’s Good Pleasure. Even those who do wrong but repent will obtain His Mercy: not so those who do persist in Unfaith, Hypocrisy, and Mischief. Allah’s Grace is free and abounding for the righteous. Even if they waver or fail. He will turn to them in Mercy if only they repent and come back unto Him. To be true in word and deed is to hold our selfish desires at bay, and follow Allah’s Call: in this is our fullest satisfaction and reward. But our striving should include study and teaching, for the Ummah’s benefit for Allah’s Message increases our Imaan and leads us to love Him and Trust Him – the Lord of the Throne of Glory Supreme.

SURAH YUNUS:
This Surah and the five that follow i.e. Surahs 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are closely connected, and were revealed in the late Makkan period, as the great event of the Hijrah was gradually approaching. Surahs 8 and 9 were mainly concerned with the first questions that arose on the formation of the new and organised Community of Islam, in its conflict with those who wished to suppress or destroy it or use force to prevent its growth and the consolidation of its ideals. How does revelation work? What is the meaning of Divine Grace and its withdrawal? How do the Messengers of Allah (Alayhim Salaam) deliver their Message? How should we receive it?

SUMMARY:
The wonderful working of the Spirit through man by revelation seems like magic to men; yet they could find Signs and Messages from Him in the sun and the moon and the constantly varying yet regular phenomena of nature, from which men should take a lesson of constancy and Faith. All the goodness or beauty that man meets in the life around him proceeds from Almighty Allah, yet man is blind and will not understand. As all beings proceed from Allah, so will they return to Him, and He is ever true. Why then does man make untrue phantoms for himself instead of rejoicing in the good news which He sends? Allah revealed Himself through Hazrat Nuh (Noah) Alayhis Salaam but his people rejected him and perished. He spoke through Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam to Fir’aun (Pharaoh), but Fir’aun was stiff-necked and arrogant, and when he repented at all, it was too late. Everywhere want of faith causes people to perish. But the people of Nabee Yunus Alayhis Salaam repented, and Allah saved them by His wonderful Grace. So Allah will deliver the Believers. When the Truth comes from Allah, follow it and be patient, for Allah is the most Righteous of Judges.

SURAH HUD:
We discussed Allah’s Mercy in the last Surah. Emphasis is laid on His punishment for sin to show that true justice includes both Justice and Mercy for Almighty Allah is Most Merciful and Patient while man is ungrateful, loves falsehood and is dishonest. Nabee Nuh (Noah) Alayhis Salaam walked righteously and humbly as in the Sight of Allah. With unselfish love for his people he warned them and taught them. But they did flout and reject his message with scorn and insults. Allah gave him directions to build an ark against the impending Flood which was to purify the world from sin and unrighteousness. In it were saved Nabee Nuh Alayhis Salaam and those who believed. So were promised salvation and Allah’s Peace, and Blessings to the righteous evermore.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 8

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee consists of the remaining quarter of Qa-lal Mala-u(Juz 9) and the whole of Wa’lamu Annama(Juz 10). In this evening’s Tarawee we will Insha’Allah cover Surah Al Anfal and three quarters of Surah Al-Tawbah. In the previous introductions to the Surahs we have seen how each Surah is a step or gradation in the teaching of the Most Holy Qur’an. The first seven Surahs, comprising a little less than one third of the Holy Qur’an, form a gradation, sketching the early spiritual history of man and leading up to the formation of the new Muslim Ummah or Community of Rahmatul Liel Ala’meen. Now we begin another gradation, consolidating that Ummah and directing us as to various phases in our new collective life.

Tonight we have the lessons of the Battle of Badr enforced in their larger aspects: (1) the question of war booty; (2) the true virtues necessary for fighting the good fight; (3) victory against all odds; (4) clemency and consideration for one’s own and for others in the hour of victory. As regards booty taken in battle, the first point to note is that that should never be our aim in war. It is only an adventitious circumstance, a sort of windfall. Secondly, no soldier or troop has any inherrent right to it. A righteous war is a community affair, and any accessions resulting from it belongs to Allah, or community or Cause. Thirdly, certain equitable principles of division should be laid down to check human greed and selfishness. A fifth share goes to the Commander and he can use it at his discretion; for his expenses, and for the relief of the poor and suffering, the orphans and the widows. The remainder was always divided, according to our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam’s practice.

These principles are followed in the best modern practice of civilised nations. All acquisitions of war belong absolutely to the Sovereign as representing the commonwealth. In the distribution of booty not only the actual captors but also the “joint captors” and the “constructive captors” share. As regards the military virtues, which are the types of virtues throughout life, we are shown by an analysis of the incidents of Badr how against the greatest odds, Almighty Allah’s help will give victory if men are fighting not for themselves but for the Sacred Cause of Almighty Allah. Directions are given for the treatment of prisoners and for maintaining the solidarity of the Muslim Ummah. The date of this Surah is shortly after the Battle of Badr, which was fought on Friday the 17th of Ramadan in the second year of the Hijrah. Obedience and intelligent discipline, zeal, faith and gratitude to Almighty Allah, are the true passports to success and protection from the assaults of evil for evil will be piled up with evil and will be destroyed.

SURAH AL-TAWBAH:
Surah Al-Tawbah follows up the argument of the previous Surah. It was revealed seven years after the previous Surah. Surah Al-Tawbah is also the only Surah that begins without the prefixing of Bimillah. It was among the last Surahs to be revealed. Verses 1 to 29 show the State Policy of our Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam. which came into effect during the month of Shawwal in the ninth year of the Hijrah. Our Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam instructed Sayyidina Ali R.A. to announce it two months later during Hajj in order to give it the widest possible publicity. The remainder or Surah Al-Tawbah was revealed a little earlier during the month of Ramadan in the Ninth year after the Hijrah and also sums up the lessons of the Tabuk expedition which was undertaken during Summer of the same year. The Surah also deals with an important question on what must be done if the enemy breaks a peace treaty and is guilty of wrong-doing. Do not indulge in wrong-doing like the hypocrites. No help should be sought from them neither should we aid them for aid should only go to the poor and needy. Strive hard against the unbelievers because they are bound to reach a stage where they will not be forgiven by Almighty Allah. Shun all evil as unclean because evil goes against Truth and mocks everything that is Good.

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.com

Taraweeh Salaah – Night 7

By Sheikh Abdul Hamid Lachporia – Canada

In the Name of Almighty Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Tonight’s Tarawee commences from the second half of Wallow Annana(Juz 8) and covers up to a third of Qa-lal Mala u(Juz 9). Tonight’s Tarawee covers Surah Al A’raf in its entirety. This Surah is closely related to the previous Surah in two respects (1) It was revealed during the same period, and (2) its argument is similar to the previous Surah. It pertains to the spiritual history of mankind from Nabee Adam Alayhis Salaam to our Beloved Nabee Muhammad Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam. It also highlights the accounts of various prophets Alayhim Salaam and brings to light the struggles of Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam.

An important lesson that is brought to light is “to learn from the past.” Divine revelation can and will forever assist us in this regard. The struggle between Good and Evil is illustrated by the story of Nabee Adam Alayhis Salaam and Iblis when he (Iblis) refused to bow down to Nabee Adam Alayhis Salaam as commanded by Almighty Allah Azza Wajjal. Iblis was full of pride because how could he bow down to something created from clay when he was created out of fire. He was overcome with jealousy because of the high status given to Nabee Adam Alayhis Salaam by Almighty Allah Exalted. Iblis proved his rebelliousness after tempting Nabee Adam Alayhis Salaam to commit a wrong deed. Iblis was banished and asked for and was granted respite by Almighty Allah till the Day of Kiyamah. Nabee Adam Alayhis Salaam begged for forgiveness and was forgiven for his wrongful deed.

The Power, the Goodness and the Glory of Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala are made manifest. We are told to adorn our lives with good deeds and to shun evil, to submit to Divine Justice and to be moderate in our eating habits etc. The reward, the peace, the happiness and contentment of the righteous servants are shown a picture of the life awaiting them in the Aghirah. The Majesty, the Goodness and the Power of Almighty Allah throughout the world is shown to us. Almighty Allah reminds us to shun all evil and to partake of all the good and wholesome things that He has created for our enjoyment.

We also told about Nabee Nuh (Noah) Alayhis Salaam and how he was rejected, ridiculed and taunted by his people and how they were ultimately destroyed by the great Flood. Nabee Hud Alaiyhis Salaam was defied by his people – the ‘Ad so they were punished and were swept away by devastating tornado of hot wind. Their successors – the Thamud were equally as bad and treated Nabee Salih Alayhis Salaam with, contempt, pride and injustice. They were completely destroyed and buried by an earthquake. Nabee Lut )Lot) Alayhis Salaam warned his people to refrain from their evil ways, their lusts and heinous deeds. They disobeyed and continued to reject the warnings and were eventually destroyed when fire and brimstone rained upon them. The people of Midian indulged in fraud and evil deeds. Nabee Shu’aib Alayhis Salaam’s warning too were totally ignored and they too severely punished and perished when they were buried by an earthquake.

The story of Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam is now recounted. His struggles to free his oppressed people – the Bani Isra’eel from Fir’aun (Pharoah) and his eventual success by leading them towards the Promised Land. [This is an illustration of the struggles, the sacrifices, the trials and tribulations of our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam and his ultimate victory against the unbelievers]. The people of Nabee Moosa Alayhis Salaam corrupted the Divine Laws and Commandments of Almighty Allah and continued to ridicule and break their covenants with Almighty Allah because they rejected Nabee Muhammad Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam after he brought the Divine Light and Guidance to them as well. The truthful ones from among them accepted Islam while those who rejected were “broken into different sections” and were scattered throughout the world.

“Mankind has been blessed with the nature of goodness created within
them: yet doth Almighty Allah by His Signs keep up a constant reminder
to men of His Holy Names. Those who err scarce realise how gradually
they fall into sin. Their respite has a term; the doom must come, and it
may be on a sudden. So humbly draw nigh to Allah, declare His Glory,
and rejoice in His Service.”

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.com