Qur'an is the best Dhikr

Abu Sa'eed radia Allahu Anhu narrated that the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said,
"Allah the Most High says, 'When engrossment with the Qur'aan preoccupies a person from making Dhikr and asking from me, I grant him better than what I grant to those who ask from Me.' The Rank of the Word of Allah over other forms of speech is like the rank of Allah over all His creation." (narrated by Tirmidhi, ad-Daarimi and al-Bayhaqi)

Many Ulama' like Sheikh Albaani, Ibn Hajar RahimahumAllah have termed this hadeeth as weak. Sh Yasir Qadhi came to the conclusion that this is Hasan li-ghairih (weak hasan). Sh Jamal hasn't come to this conclusion.

Allah says in the Qur'an:

ص وَالْقُرْءَانِ ذِى الذِّكْرِ
Saaad. By the Qur'an full of reminding. (Surah Saad: 1)

Arise and Act- Surah Al-Muddatir: 1-7

In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

يأَيُّهَا الْمُدَّثِّرُ - قُمْ فَأَنذِرْ - وَرَبَّكَ فَكَبِّرْ - وَثِيَابَكَ فَطَهِّرْ - وَالرُّجْزَ فَاهْجُرْ - وَلاَ تَمْنُن تَسْتَكْثِرُ - وَلِرَبِّكَ فَاصْبِرْ

1. O you enveloped in garments!
2. Arise and warn!
3. And magnify your Lord!
4. And purify your garments!
5. And keep away from Ar-Rujz (idols)!
6. And give not a thing in order to have more.
7. And be patient for the sake of your Lord!
[Surah Al-Muddathir: 1-7]

After the first Revelation, (Surah Al-Alaq: 1-5) in the cave of Hira through Jibreel Alaihissalam, Prophet Muhammed Sallallahu alihiwassalam fled in fear to his house and asked to be wrapped up. Khadeejah Radhiyallahu anha, his wife wraps him up, and consoles him and then later on, takes him to Waraqa Ibn Nawfel (her cousin), who was a Christian monk who was well-versed in The Gospels. Waraqa after hearing what had happened to Muhammed Sallallahu alihiwassalam said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Allah's Apostle asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while.

Then, as narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Ansari while talking about the period of pause in revelation reporting the speech of the Prophet "While I was walking, all of a sudden I heard a voice from the sky. I looked up and saw the same angel who had visited me at the cave of Hira' sitting on a chair between the sky and the earth. I got afraid of him and came back home and said, 'Wrap me (in blankets).' And then Allah revealed the following Holy Verses (of Quran):
'O you (i.e. Muhammad)! wrapped up in garments!' Arise and warn (the people against Allah's Punishment),... up to 'and desert the idols.' (Surah Al-Muddathir: 1-5) After this the revelation started coming strongly, frequently and regularly." [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Muslim]

Thus, with this Revelation, Prophet Sallallahu alihiwassalam attained Messenger-ship just as he had attained Prophethood with the first revealation. And this being the Revelation after the first, shows the importance of the command of Allah mentioned in these ayahs.

Lessons:

- Even Allah Azza Wajal commanded this to His Nabi, it is applied and implied to us also, as we are the followers of Muhammed Sallallahu alihiwassalam, and his Ummah(nation).

- We should arise from our comfort lounge where we laze around and think not beyond the life of this world- and warn! (doing da'wah to ourselves and to others)

- And magnify your Lord!- meaning remembrance of Allah, and Glorifying Him The Almighty. We should always remember that it is because of Allah, that we are in this Duniya, enjoying all the bounties that Allah has provided us with. And therefore, we cannot live according to our desires, unless our desire is to please Allah SWT, by obeying His commands and staying away from what He has prohibited for us.

- And purify your garments!- Ibn Abbas said: "This means, do not let your garments that you wear be from earnings that are unlawful.'' Ibn Zayd said, "The idolaters would not clean themselves, so Allah commanded him to clean himself and his garments.'' Sa`id bin Jubayr said, "This means purify your heart and your intentions.'' Hasan Al-Basri said: "And beautify your character.''

- We should not wish for more in return, when we give something, except the Pleasure of Allah SWT. تَمْنُن- in the language of the Arabs means to become weak. So if we wish for more in return, it is a sign of weakness.

-We should be patient for the Sake of Allah, if harmed by words or physically when we give da'wah.

And Allah knows best.

Surah Al-Layl- Sadaqah only to please The Lord Almighty

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

وَسَيُجَنَّبُهَا الاٌّتْقَى - الَّذِى يُؤْتِى مَالَهُ يَتَزَكَّى - وَمَا لاًّحَدٍ عِندَهُ مِن نِّعْمَةٍ تُجْزَى - إِلاَّ ابْتِغَآءَ وَجْهِ رَبِّهِ الاٌّعْلَى - وَلَسَوْفَ يَرْضَى

17. And those with Taqwa will be far removed from it.
18. He who gives of his wealth for self-purification.
19. And who has (in mind) no favor from anyone to be paid back.
20. Except to seek the Face of his Lord, the Most High.
21. He, surely, will be pleased.
[Surah Al-Layl]

Lessons:

-When we give charity, it purifies our wealth and ourselves and whatever Allah has bestowed upon us of religion and worldly things. That is a big blessing.

-When we help someone by giving charity, it should be only to please Allah SWT, this is a sign of Taqwa. We should not wish for a return from that person.

-Sometimes, when we give sadaqah or gifts to someone, and the, he/she treats us badly or they don't show that they are thankful to us, we feel bad. "I did this for him/her, and still, this is how I am treated in return"- this thought crosses our mind. But if we think that what we did is only to seek the face of Our Lord, we will feel content and unaffected even if the person we helped treats us badly. If we expect them to feel grateful to us, how much should we be grateful to Our Lord?! And isn't it us who should be grateful to Allah for blessing us with that wealth so that we can spend in charity?!

-The Mufassireen say that these ayah were revealed about the virtues of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeque Radhiyallahu anh. He used spent all his wealth in the cause of Islam and to please Allah Azza Wajal. He used to free slaves who were physically weak and had become feeble due to torture from their disbelieving masters, in Makkah. People would tell him to free slaves and help those who could benefit him later on, and he would not like that. Whenever he helped anyone, he would never consider it a debt or that the person he had helped him, owed him back.

Wa Allahu A'lam.

Contentment- Surah Ta Ha: 131

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

وَلاَ تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَى مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَجاً مِّنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ الْحَيَوةِ الدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَى

And strain not your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to various groups of them, the splendor of the life of this world, that We may test them thereby. But the provision (good reward in the Hereafter) of your Lord is better and more lasting. (Surah Ta Ha: 131)

Lessons:

- Be content with what we have. Continue to thank Allah, Glorify Him and be patient always.

- Splendour and luxury of this world is short-lived. Wish more for the wealth and splendour of the Hereafter, and thus, work towards it.

- Wealth is a test from Allah SWT. Use it wisely to please Him.

- Allah has given us something that is better than wealth and luxury. And that is guidance of the Qur'an : the biggest wealth and treasure of the believer. So seek it.

And Allah knows best.

Etiquette of Seeking permission (Surah An-Nur: 27,28)

In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

يأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لاَ تَدْخُلُواْ بُيُوتاً غَيْرَ بُيُوتِكُمْ حَتَّى تَسْتَأْنِسُواْ وَتُسَلِّمُواْ عَلَى أَهْلِهَا ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ - فَإِن لَّمْ تَجِدُواْ فِيهَآ أَحَداً فَلاَ تَدْخُلُوهَا حَتَّى يُؤْذَنَ لَكُمُ وَإِن قِيلَ لَكُمْ ارْجِعُواْ فَارْجِعُواْ هُوَ أَزْكَى لَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ

27. O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them; that is better for you, in order that you may remember.

28. And if you find no one therein, still enter not until permission has been given. And if you are asked to go back, go back, for it is purer for you. And Allah is All-Knower of what you do.

[Surah An-Nur]

Lessons:

-Never barge into any one's house, be it our your best friend, next door neighbor or very close relatives.

- We can enter the homes of your Muslim brother/sister only with their permission. And when we do so, greet them with "Assalamu Alaikum".

-If the people in the house don't give us permission, don't hold grudges against them. They have the right to say "no". And we should remember that the people in the house are entitled to their privacy, so if they have to say "no", they might have a reason to do so.

- Respect their privacy: just because we are granted permission, doesn't mean we can wander all around in their house. (or look around)

- The Prophet Sallallahu alihiwassalam said: “if any one of you seeks permission to enter a house three times and he is not given permission to enter, he should go back.” (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim).

And Allah knows best.

Obedience to Allah and His Messenger

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

وَأَطِيعُواْ اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ - وَسَارِعُواْ إِلَى مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَـوَتُ وَالاٌّرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

132. And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.
133. And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the Muttaqin (the pious).
(Surah Aal Imran: 132-133)

Lesson:
-Let's not compromise on Allah SWT's Mercy by not being obedient to His commands.

A hypocrite will be misguided (Surah Al-Baqara: 17, 18)

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ الَّذِى اسْتَوْقَدَ نَاراً فَلَمَّآ أَضَاءَتْ مَا حَوْلَهُ ذَهَبَ اللَّهُ بِنُورِهِمْ وَتَرَكَهُمْ فِي ظُلُمَـتٍ لاَّ يُبْصِرُونَ - صُمٌّ بُكْمٌ عُمْىٌ فَهُمْ لاَ يَرْجِعُونَ

17. Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it illuminated all around him, Allah removed their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see.

18. They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the right path).

[Surah Al-Baqara: 17-18]

Lessons:

- This ayah is talking about the hypocrites. When Allah talks about hypocrites or disbelievers, He Azza Wajal makes us aware of the characteristics so that we can be cautious as not to have those qualities and thus, fall into that brand. This is very important, as what usually happens is, when we read such ayahs, we just assume that this is for the hypocrites and so that we can detect hypocrites amongst us (which is also true), we take it lightly since we feel it is not for the believers.

- A hypocrite, when guidance is brought to him, he first believes, and then he disbelieves. It is like when a fire is lit, there is illumination for him, he is able to see, hear and speak. He feels safe as he benefits from this fire. And then when he prefers misguidance to the guidance and deviation to righteousness, Allah takes away the fire and light, and then he is left in darkness, and he is lost.And he wanders aimlessly, not knowing where to go, what to do. And he will not be able to return to the right path.

And Allah knows best.

Surah Al-Anbiya: 1-2 (The Hour is at hand but we are heedless)

In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

اقْتَرَبَ لِلنَّاسِ حِسَـبُهُمْ وَهُمْ فِى غَفْلَةٍ مُّعْرِضُونَ - مَا يَأْتِيهِمْ مِّن ذِكْرٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ مُّحْدَثٍ إِلاَّ اسْتَمَعُوهُ وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ

1. Draws near(closer and closer) for mankind their reckoning, while they turn away in heedlessness.

2. Comes not unto them an admonition from their Lord as a recent revelation but they listen to it while they play.

This is a warning from Allah SWT of the approach of the Hour, and that people are heedless of it, that is, we are not really preparing for it. Allah warns us of what one will have to face on the Day of Reckoning, in many places in the Qur'an. But we take it lightly. We are blinded by the temporary pleasures of this world, and almost forget to think about death and Hereafter.

We should all hasten to come back to the right track, on the Sirathul Musthaqueem, and stick to this path, the path of the rightly guided ones. We do not know the time of our death, and so we cannot delay in becoming closer to Allah SWT and thus, Jannah. We cannot afford to postpone our good deeds.

Surah Al Mu'minoon: Characteristics of the believer

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ - الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِى صَلاَتِهِمْ خَـشِعُونَ - وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَنِ اللَّغْوِ مُّعْرِضُونَ - وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِلزَّكَـوةِ فَـعِلُونَ - وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَـفِظُونَ - إِلاَّ عَلَى أَزْوَجِهِمْ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـنُهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ غَيْرُ مَلُومِينَ - فَمَنِ ابْتَغَى وَرَآءَ ذلِكَ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْعَادُونَ - وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لاًّمَـنَـتِهِمْ وَعَهْدِهِمْ رَعُونَ- وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَلَى صَلَوتِهِمْ يُحَـفِظُونَ- أُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْورِثُونَ- الَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ الْفِرْدَوْسَ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـلِدُونَ

1. Successful indeed are the believers.

2. Those who with their Salah are Khashi`un.

3. And those who turn away from Al-Laghw.

4. And those who pay the Zakah.

5. And those who guard their private parts.

6. Except from their wives or their right hand possessions, for then, they are free from blame.

7. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.

8. Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat and to their covenants are Ra`un.

9. And those who strictly guard their Salawat.

10. These are indeed the heirs.

11. Who shall inherit Firdaws. They shall dwell therein forever.

Lessons:

- Salah is what distinguishes between a believer and a non-believer. The believer's salah will be with Ihsan (The faith that Allah is watching you, even though you do not see him), utmost fear, tranquility and in awe to be in the presence of your Lord. Salah is the only duty of a Muslim that Allah SWT directly ordained upon Prophet Sallallahu alihiwassalam during the Mi'raj (night journey to the heavens). Salah is a gift that Allah presented to the believer. One finds tranquility and peace in doing the Salah five times a day, if done sincerely and with Khushoo'. A believer guards his Salah by performing them at the appointed time.

- Al-Laghw means unnecessary and idle talk or deeds that bring no benefit, sin, shirk- and a believer stays away from all this.

- After Salah comes Zakah. Abdullah bin Umar Radhiyallahu anh narrated that the messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, said: "I have been ordered to fight against people until they testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah and until they perform the prayers and pay the zakat, and if they do so they will have gained protection from me for their lives and property, unless [they do acts that are punishable] in accordance with Islam, and their reckoning will be with Allah the Almighty." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

- When a believer is entrusted with something, he does not betray that trust, but fulfills it, and when he makes a promise or makes a pledge, he is true to his word.

And Allah knows best.

Surah Al-Hashr: 21 (mountains humbling itself)

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

لَوْ أَنزَلْنَا هَـذَا الْقُرْءَانَ عَلَى جَبَلٍ لَّرَأَيْتَهُ خَـشِعاً مُّتَصَدِّعاً مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ اللَّهِ وَتِلْكَ الاٌّمْثَـلُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

Had We sent down this Qur'an on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rent asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect. (Surah Al-Hashr: 21)

Allah sets forth parables so that we reflect, ponder deeply and act accordingly. If a mountain that is so huge, firm in structure and does not have a heart or feelings were to crumble down with fear when the Qur'an is being recited, what should we (mankind) feel! We have hearts that have the ability to soften and we have brains that make us intelligent. Why do we then refuse to soften and reflect upon the truth of the message of Allah, that He revealed in the Qur'an! Why do we hesitate then when it comes to obeying the commandments that are in the Qur'an!

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Radhiyallahu anh:
The Prophet Sallallahu alihiwassalam used to stand by a stem of a date-palm tree (while delivering a sermon). When the pulpit(minbar) was placed for him we heard that stem was crying like a pregnant she-camel till the Prophet got down from the pulpit and placed his hand over it.

(Saheeh Al-Bukhari, this hadith is graded as Mutawatir). The tree trunk missed hearing the remembrance of Allah and the revelation that were being recited next to it. In one of the narrations for this Hadith, Al-Hasan Al-Basri said after narrating the Hadith, "You - mankind -- are more worthy to miss the Messenger of Allah than the tree trunk!''

First Command in The Qur'an: Surah Al-Baqara: 21

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

يَـأَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُواْ رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِىْ خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

Oh mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may acquire Taqwa. (Surah Al-Baqara: 21)

SubhanAllah, this is the first command in the Qur'an, and it comes only after Allah SWT educates mankind about Himself, The Most High, in Surah Al-Fathiha, about His Book (The Noble Qur'an) that it is Guidance for the believer, and the characteristics of believers, disbelievers and the hypocrites. This shows that Allah SWT has given us the free will to choose, but has given us the guidance and the truth before He commands anything from us.

SubhanAllah, the command is all mankind, and not just the believers. The Qur'an is for all mankind to pay heed to.

Our purpose in this world is to worship Allah, alone with Ikhlaas (sincerity and total submission to Him). Through worship, we can acquire taqwa- fear of Allah, love and hope, sincerity, humility in front of the Lord Almighty.

And Allah knows best.

Shaytan is a betrayer, so let's not listen to him

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

وَقَالَ الشَّيْطَـنُ لَمَّا قُضِىَ الاٌّمْرُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَعَدَكُمْ وَعْدَ الْحَقِّ وَوَعَدتُّكُمْ فَأَخْلَفْتُكُمْ وَمَا كَانَ لِىَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِّن سُلْطَـنٍ إِلاَّ أَن دَعَوْتُكُمْ فَاسْتَجَبْتُمْ لِى فَلاَ تَلُومُونِى وَلُومُواْ أَنفُسَكُمْ مَّآ أَنَاْ بِمُصْرِخِكُمْ وَمَآ أَنتُمْ بِمُصْرِخِىَّ إِنِّى كَفَرْتُ بِمَآ أَشْرَكْتُمُونِ مِن قَبْلُ إِنَّ الظَّـلِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

And Shaytan will say when the matter has been decided: "Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, and you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me (Shaytan) as a partner with Allah (by obeying me in the life of the world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the wrongdoers.'' (Surah Ibraheem: 22)

Lessons:

- Shaytan will say thus, on the Day of Resurrection to the people that will be punished in Jahannum.

- He knows the truth and still denies it out of pride and arrogance.

- He is trying to lead us astray too and earn the wrath of Allah SWT. Since, he will burn in Hell, he wants to pull in as many companions as he can.

- Whenever we do not follow what the Qur'an and Sunah teaches us, remember that we are obeying Shaytan instead and we are falling into his (the most cursed) traps.

- Let's be more aware of the works of Iblees and his associates, and let's drive him away.

And Allah knows best.

Surah An-Naml: 87-90 (Day the trumpet will be blown)

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

وَيَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِى الصُّورِ فَفَزِعَ مَن فِى السَّمَـوَتِ وَمَن فِى الاٌّرْضِ إِلاَّ مَن شَآءَ اللَّهُ وَكُلٌّ أَتَوْهُ دَخِرِينَ - وَتَرَى الْجِبَالَ تَحْسَبُهَا جَامِدَةً وَهِىَ تَمُرُّ مَرَّ السَّحَابِ صُنْعَ اللَّهِ الَّذِى أَتْقَنَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ إِنَّهُ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَفْعَلُونَ - مَن جَآءَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ خَيْرٌ مِّنْهَا وَهُمْ مِّن فَزَعٍ يَوْمَئِذٍ ءَامِنُونَ - وَمَن جَآءَ بِالسَّيِّئَةِ فَكُبَّتْ وُجُوهُهُمْ فِى النَّارِ هَلْ تُجْزَوْنَ إِلاَّ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

87. And (remember) the Day on which the Trumpet (Sur) will be blown -- and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth, will be terrified except him whom Allah wills. And all shall come to Him, humbled.

88. And you will see the mountains and think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds. The work of Allah, Who perfected all things, verily, He is well-acquainted with what you do.

89. Whoever brings a good deed, will have better than its worth; and they will be safe from the terror on that Day.

90. And whoever brings an evil deed, they will be cast down on their faces in the Fire. (And it will be said to them) "Are you being recompensed anything except what you used to do?''

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Imam Muslim recorded Abdullah bin Amr, Radhiyallahu anh, said that a man came to him and said, "What is this Hadith that you are narrating, that the Hour will come upon such and such people'' He said, "Subhan Allah or `La Ilaha Illallah (or something similar), I had decided that I would not narrate anything to anyone now. I had only said that after a little while, you will see a major event which will destroy the House (Ka`bah), and such and such will happen.'' Then he said, "The Messenger of Allah said: The Dajjal will emerge in my Ummah, and will remain for forty -- I do not know whether he said forty days, or forty months, or forty years -- then Allah will send `Isa son of Maryam, who looks like `Urwah bin Mas`ud, and he will search for him and destroy him. Then mankind will remain for seven years during which there will not be any enmity between any two people. Then Allah will send a cool wind from the direction of Syria, and no one will be left on the face of the earth who has even a speck of goodness or faith in his heart, but it will take him. Even if he entered into the heart of a mountain, the wind would follow him and seize him.'' He said, "I heard it from the Messenger of Allah who said: Then the most evil of people will remain, and they will be as nimble as birds and will be more temperamental than wild beasts. They will not recognize anything good or denounce anything evil. The Shaytan will appear to them and will say, "Will you do as I tell you'' They will say, "What do you command us to do'' He will command them to worship idols but in spite of this their provision will be plentiful and they will lead comfortable lives. Then the Sur (Trumpet) will be blown, and no one will hear it but he will tilt his head to hear the sound. The first person to hear it will be a man who is setting up the tank for watering his camels. He will fall down, and all the other people will also fall down. Then Allah would send or He would cause to send rain which would be like dew and there would grow out of it the bodies of the people. Then the Trumpet will be blown again, and they will get up and look around. Then it will be said: "O mankind! Go to your Lord!'' And they will be stopped, for they are to be questioned. Then it will be said: "Bring forth the people who are to be sent to the Fire.'' It will be asked: "How many are they'' It will be said, "Out of every thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine.'' That will be the Day which will make the children grey-headed, and that would be the day about which it has been said:

يَوْمَ يُكْشَفُ عَن سَاقٍ

"On the day when the shank would be uncovered" (Surah Al- Qalam: 42) meaning, the Day of Judgement and the horrors, earthquakes, trials, tests and great matters that will occur during it.

Truth of the Message, Surah Al-Kahf:110

In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

قُلْ إِنَّمَآ أَنَاْ بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَى إِلَىَّ أَنَّمَآ إِلَـهُكُمْ إِلَـهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو لِقَآءَ رَبِّهِ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلاً صَـلِحاً وَلاَ يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ أَحَدَا
Say: "I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your God is One God. So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.''

-This is the last ayah of Surah Al-Kahf, which talks about the stories of the people of cave, Dhul Qarnain etc.
-Prophet Muhammed sallallahu alihiwassalam is only a man, and he knew only what Allah SWT made known to him. He was an illiterate man, and Qur'an being revealed to him, is the wisdom of Allah SWT. Had he been among the educated people in the tribe of Quraysh, the eloquent words of The Lord would have been subjected to more doubt (whether it is the word of Muhammed or The Lord Almighty). So this is a proof that Qur'an is truly the words of Allah. And hence, Allah challenges to bring something similar like the Qur'an for those who doubt. And no one will be able to bring something so true and never-ending in the guidance.
- La ilaha illa Allah- There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. Nothing or no one has the right to be associated to Him.
- Let him work righteousness- if one hopes for the meeting with His Lord, and a good reward and recompense, then he should be righteous only to seek the pleasure of Allah, and no one else.
-Here righteousness means practising dheen in accordance with the prescribed laws of Allah Azza Wajal.
-Associate none as a partner to Allah: Purity of intention should be there in whatever we do, it should be only for the sake of earning the pleasure of Allah (not to show others or for humanitarian cause), and in accordance with the ways of the Messenger Sallallahu alihiwassalam. Imam Ahmad recorded that Mahmud bin Labid said that the Messenger of Allah said: "What I fear the most for you is the small Shirk." They said: "What is the small Shirk, O Messenger of Allah'' He said, "Showing off (Ar-Riya')". Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection, when the people are rewarded or punished for their deeds, "Go to the one for whom you were showing off in the world and see if you will find any reward with him.''

And Allah knows best.

Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both deny?!

In the Name of Allah, The Most gracious, The Most Merciful.

فَبِأَىِّ ءَالاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

"Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both(jinns and the mankind) deny?!" (Surah Ar-Rahman)

This Ayah is repeated throughout Surah Ar-Rahman, and this shows the magnanimity of the verse, subhanAllah...Allah says this ayah after mentioning each of His Blessings and creations that only a super-natural, supreme power is capable of doing. How can one not believe in God when they see all these proofs around them? How can it all be a coincidence? Suppose there is a bucket of ink over a table and plain unwritten sheets of paper under the table. What are the possibilities that the bucket of ink spills over the papers and it forms the oxford Dictionary?! None!!! Then how can this universe and each one of the human race and animals etc. be a coincidence??

Allah is The Most Gracious,The Most Magnificent. SubhanaAllah....The world we see around ourselves, and that which we do not see, is a creation of Allah SWT, The Most High. He is the Creator, Sustainer and Nourisher of His Creations. Allah has created everything in the world as pairs. Only Allah is Unique and The One. He has created the heavens and the earth, the Sun and the Moon, Stars and all other celestial bodies. Allah created mankind and jinn, provided us with provisions (air, light, fruits, grains and water). He created mankind in pairs, the male and female so that they complement each other. He gave us death and life, and our return will be unto Him. He created Paradise and Hell-fire, as recompense for this world. He gave us descriptions of these, and gave us guidance as Qur'an and as everything that we see around us. Allah's creation alone is a miracle and guidance for those who think.

If we were to really contemplate on all this more often, we will not want to stop Glorifying Him Azza Wajal and showing Him gratitude in our actions and speech and thoughts by obeying Him at all times. Allah tells us clearly about the Hellfire and Paradise, and this is a Blessing , Mercy and Guidance.

And then how can we deny the Blessings of Allah, by not remembering Him enough?

Sura Isra': 37

In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

وَلاَ تَمْشِ فِى الاٌّرْضِ مَرَحًا إِنَّكَ لَن تَخْرِقَ الاٌّرْضَ وَلَن تَبْلُغَ الْجِبَالَ طُولاً

"And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance. Verily, you can neither rend nor penetrate the earth nor can you attain a stature like the mountains in height."

Lessons:
- The quality of arrogance is so hateful to Allah SWT. We have no reason to be arrogant. Even if we compare ourselves to non-living creations of Allah Azza Wajal, like the mountains, we have no might and are so helpless.
- We should not walk in a boastful or pompous manner, with an air of pride.

And Allah knows best.

Surah Isra': 36 (do not speak of which you have no knowledge)

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

وَلاَ تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولـئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْؤُولاً
"And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allah)." (Surah Isra': 36)

Lessons:
-Ibn Abbas said: This means do not say anything of which you have no knowledge.
-Al-`Awfi said: "Do not accuse anyone of that of which you have no knowledge.''
-Muhammad bin Al-Hanafiyyah said: "It means bearing false witness.''
-Qatadah said: "Do not say, `I have seen', when you did not see anything, or `I have heard', when you did not hear anything, or `I know', when you do not know, for Allah will ask you about all of that.''
- In short, it means do not speak without knowledge, and on the basis of mere suspicions.
-A hadeeth from Sunan Abi Dawud: Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the falsest of speech.
-Allah says: Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. (Surah Al-Hujaraat:12)

And Allah knows best.

Sura Isra': 34-35

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

وَلاَ تَقْرَبُواْ مَالَ الْيَتِيمِ إِلاَّ بِالَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّى يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ وَأَوْفُواْ بِالْعَهْدِ إِنَّ الْعَهْدَ كَانَ مَسْؤُولاً - وَأَوْفُوا الْكَيْلَ إِذا كِلْتُمْ وَزِنُواْ بِالقِسْطَاسِ الْمُسْتَقِيمِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلاً

34. And come not near to the orphan's property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength. And fulfill (every) covenant. Verily, the covenant will be questioned about.
35. And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight. That is good (advantageous) and better in the end.

Lessons:
- If we become guardians of orphans, we have no right to consume their property for ourselves.

- "Do not consume it (the orphan's property) wastefully and hastily fearing that they should grow up, and whoever (among guardians) is rich, he should take no wages, but if he is poor, let him have for himself what is just and reasonable (according to his labor)." [Surah An-Nissa': 6]

- We should always keep our promises that we have made, and covenants (contracts) that we have agreed upon. We will be accountable to Allah SWT on the Day of Reckoning.

- When dealing with weights and measures, be it food like grains, sugar etc, or gold, silver etc, we should always be fair, and not cheat in our dealings. Ibn `Abbas Radhiyallahu anh used to say: "Oh people, you are entrusted with two things for which the people who came before you were destroyed - these weights and measures.'' (Tafseer Ibn Katheer). This was about the people of Prophet Shu'aib alihissalam.

And Allah knows best.

Surah Isra': 32 (things that lead to zina)

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

وَلاَ تَقْرَبُواْ الزِّنَى إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً وَسَآءَ سَبِيلاً

"And come not near to unlawful sex. Verily, it is Fahishah (immoral sin) and an evil way." (Sura Isra': 32)

Lessons:
- Allah does not command "Do not commit zina (unlawful sex)". Instead Allah SWT says, do not come closer or approach zina. All the things that will lead to zina are therefore, prohibited.
- We should lower our gaze and not look at the opposite sex without a valid reason.
- We should avoid mixed gatherings.
- We should follow the prescribed dress code of Islam, both men and women, and not expose in any way that will attract the opposite sex.
- A non-mahram man and woman should never be together alone in a place. Nor should they talk to each other for no reason be it through phone, chatting etc. When it is so, a third person comes, and that is, shaytan.
- We should control our thoughts and desires by increasing your remembrance of Allah Azza Wajal and the Hereafter, and by fasting.
- A man or woman who has come of age, should realise the need to get married as soon as they can. They should not delay it for no reason.
-Narrated 'Abdullah Radhiyallahu anh:
We were with the Prophet while we were young and had no wealth whatever. So Allah's Apostle said, "O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power." (Sahih Bukhari)
- There is a hadeeth narrated by Anas Radhiyallahu anh that getting married completes half your dheen. This is because when you are married, it helps you abstain from things that lead you to think of zina.

And Allah knows best.

Surah Isra': 31 (killing of children is haram)

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

وَلاَ تَقْتُلُواْ أَوْلادَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلَـقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُم إنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْئًا كَبِيرًا
"And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We shall provide for them as well as for you. Surely, the killing of them is a great sin." (Surah Isra': 31)

Lessons:
- Allah is more compassionate towards His servants than a father to his child, because He forbids killing children just as He enjoins parents to take care of their children in matters of inheritance. The people of Jahiliyyah would not allow their daughters to inherit from them, and some would even kill their daughters lest they make them more poor.
- Always remember that Allah is The Provider, The Sustainer. Your job is just a Blessing and means bestowed by Allah SWT to the provisions you enjoy.
- We should not think that we are self-sufficient, and think we can take decisions for yourself. Allah is The One who plans and wills.
- This ayah is not just talking about killing of children literally. It is also implying that abortion is haram.

And Allah knows best.