Month: January 2022

Ayaat 63-77 ~ Al-Furqan (The Criterion)

by

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

Listen to Recitation

63. And the slaves of the Most Beneficent (Allâh) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.

64. And those who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing.

65. And those who say: “Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily! Its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment.”

66. Evil indeed it (Hell) is as an abode and as a place to dwell.

67. And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).

68. And those who invoke not any other ilâh (god) along with Allâh, nor kill such life as Allâh has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse and whoever does this shall receive the punishment.

69. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace;

70. Except those who repent and believe (in Islâmic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, for those, Allâh will change their sins into good deeds, and Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

71. And whosoever repents and does righteous good deeds, then verily, he repents towards Allâh with true repentance.

72. And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity.

73. And those who, when they are reminded of the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat.

74. And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqûn” (pious – see V.2:2 and the footnote of V.3:164).”

75. Those will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect.

76. Abiding therein; excellent it is as an abode, and as a place to dwell.

77. Say: “My Lord pays attention to you only because of your invocation to Him. But now you have indeed denied (Him). So the torment will be yours for ever (inseparable permanent punishment).”

Sura 25. Al-Furqan (The Criterion)

Commentary ~ Baraka

by

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

Near Temen, in the city of Darvan lived a man full of generosity, kindness, maturity and reason. His house was the meeting place of the disadvantaged, the poor and melancholy. He was accustomed in distributing a tenth of his crops.

When wheat became flour and they made bread, he distributed a tenth. Whatever the nature or amount of the crop, he did so, four times a year, similar distribution. One day, he gave this advice to his children:

“When I am dead, perpetuate this tradition so that Baraka is in your harvest. Fruit from the harvest comes from the Unknown because it is Allah who provides it. If you dispose properly from His bounty, the door of profit will open for you. As do the farmers who sow without delay a part of their harvest. Sometimes what is sown is more important than that what is grown. It doesn’t matter! They have trust! Similarly, the shoemaker goes without in order to buy leather because this is the source of his income. But the earth or leather are only veils. The true source of gain is what Allah offers us. If you return your gains at the source, you will get a return on your investment hundredfold. Imagine that you placed your gains where you thought is their source and that nothing grows for two or three years. There will be nothing left to do except to supplicate to Allah.”

“Remember, it is Allah who gives us joy, not wine or hashish. No real help will come to us from your uncles, your brothers, your father or your children. Know this: A day will come when they will move away from you and your friends will become your enemies. Throughout your life, all they did was block your way like idols.”

“If a friend leaves you with resentment, jealousy or anger, do not be sad. Instead, give out charity and thank Allah for it. It was due to ignorance that you were attached to this friend in the first place. But now that you have escaped his nets, seek therefore a true friend. A true friend is someone whose friendship doesn’t ever cool, not even by death.”

“Remember this: sow your seed on the land of Allah so that your crop is safe from thieves and disasters at any time, the devil always threatens you with poverty. Don’t become his prey. On the contrary, let us hunt him. It is not worthy that the sultan’s hawk is chased by a partridge.”

But this wise man sowed the seed of wisdom on a barren land. (…) So mesmerized by the idea of sacrificing a tenth of their earnings, many people forget the Baraka they would get by doing so.

Hadith ~ Three men in a cave

by

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

Narrated Abdullah ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘I heard Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) saying: “Three men from among those who were before you, set out together until they reached a cave at night and they entered it. A big rock rolled down the mountain and closed the mouth of the cave. They said (to each other): ‘Nothing can save us from this rock but to invoke Allah by mentioning the righteous deeds that we have done (for Allah’s sake only).” So, one of them said: ‘O Allah! I had old parents (whom I used to provide with milk) and I never provided my family (wife, children, etc.) with milk before them. One day, by chance I was delayed, and I arrived late (at night) after they had slept. I milked the sheep for them and then took the milk to them, but I found them sleeping. I did not like to offer my family the milk before them, so I waited for them and the bowl of milk was in my hand and I kept on waiting for them to get up until dawn. Then they got up and drank the milk. O Allah! If I did that for Your sake only, I invoke You to relieve us from our critical situation that has been caused by this rock.’ So, the rock moved a little, but they could not get out. The Prophet (SAWS) added: “The second man said: ‘O Allah! I had a cousin who was the dearest of all people to me and I wanted to have sexual intercourse with her, but she refused. Later she came across hard times during a year of famine and she came to me, and I gave her one hundred and twenty dinars on the condition that she would not resist my desires, and she agreed. When I was about to fulfill my desires, she said: “It is illegal for you to violate my chastity except through legitimate marriage.” So, I realized it was a sin to have sexual intercourse with her and left her, though she was the dearest of all people to me. I also left the gold I had given her. O Allah! If I did that for Your sake only, please relieve us from the present calamity.’ So, the rock moved a little more, but still they could not get out from the cave. The Prophet (SAWS) added: “Then the third man said: ‘O Allah! I employed few laborers and I paid them all of them their wages, with the exception of one man who did not take his wages and went away. I invested his wages and I gained much profit from this. (Then after some time) he came and said to me: “O Allah’s servant! Pay me my wages.” I said to him: “All the camels, cows, sheep, and slaves that you see here, are yours.” He said: “O Allah’s slave! Don’t mock me.” I said: “I am not mocking you.” So, he took the herd and drove them away and left nothing. O Allah! If I did that for Your sake only, please relieve us from the present suffering.’ So, the rock moved completely and they walked out. (Bukhari)

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 1, Page 77, Number 12

Ayaat 14-19 ~ Muhammad

by

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

14. Is he who is on a clear proof from his Lord, like those for whom their evil deeds that they do are beautified for them, while they follow their own lusts (evil desires)?

15. The description of Paradise which the Muttaqûn (pious – see V.2:2) have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure) therein for them is every kind of fruit; and forgiveness from their Lord. (Are these) like those who shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels?

16. And among them are some who listen to you till, when they go out from you, they say to those who have received knowledge: “What has he said just now? Such are men whose hearts Allâh has sealed, and they follow their lusts (evil desires).

17. While as for those who accept guidance, He increases their guidance, and bestows on them their piety.

18. Do they then await (anything) other than the Hour, that it should come upon them suddenly? But some of its portents (indications and signs) have already come, and when it (actually) is on them, how can they benefit then by their reminder?

19. So know that Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allâh knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes).

Sura 47. Muhammad

Hadith ~ The Orphan

by

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

Sahl bin Sa’d (MAPH) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “I will be like this in Jannah with the person who takes care of an orphan”. Messenger of Allah (SAWS) raised his forefinger and middle finger by way of illustration. (Al-Bukhari).

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “He who takes care of an orphan, whether he is his relative or a stranger, will be in Jannah with me like these two”. The narrator, Malik bin Anas raised his forefinger and middle finger for illustration. (Muslim).

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said, “One who strives to help the widows and the poor is like the one who fights in the way of Allah.” The narrator said: I think that he (SAWS) added also: “I shall regard him as the one who stands up (for prayer) without rest and as the one who observes fasts continuously”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Commentary 1: It will be indeed a great honour to be close to the Prophet (SAWS) in Jannah. This honour will be given to those who are kind to the orphans. The Prophet (SAWS) has regarded it the ‘best house’ in which an orphan is treated with kindness. He declared the worst home in which an orphan child is not treated with affection.

Commentary 2: There are several charities where orphan sponsorship is available. Seek out those who are reliable and trustworthy to care for orphans and share in the reward that will come with that inshaAllah.

Commentary 3: The Islamic system of welfare and economic security is not restricted to relatives only. It includes every orphan and needy. If Muslims put this system into practice, there will be no need for insurance -a system which is based on usury. May Allah enable the Muslims to adopt the teachings of Islam so that they will be relieved of the curse of the system of usury.

Commentary 4: Here the words ‘widow’ and ‘poor’ have been mentioned for example only while they cover the whole range of indigent, invalid and needy people. Efforts for their care, support and welfare has been regarded equivalent to Jihad. Islam has done full justice in supporting the helpless individuals and the entire poor class of the society by elevating the status of those who undertake this noble task to the level of Mujahidun. It makes it clear that worship is not restricted to prayers and fasting only but also covers every good deed. Thus, those who are always mindful of the weak and the poor and constantly strive for their welfare are engaged in perpetual worship.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 33, Page 91, Number 262
Hadith 2: Chapter 33, Page 91, Number 263
Hadith 3: Chapter 33, Page 91, Number 265

Ayaat 22-31 ~ An-Nahl (The Bees)

by

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

Listen to Recitation

22. Your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but He). But for those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts deny (the faith in the Oneness of Allah), and they are proud.

23. Certainly, Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Truly, He likes not the proud.

24. And when it is said to them: “What is it that your Lord has sent down (unto Muhammad)?” They say: “Tales of the men of old!”

25. They will bear their own burdens in full on the Day of Resurrection, and also of the burdens of those whom they misled without knowledge. Evil indeed is that which they shall bear!

26. Those before them indeed plotted, but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them, and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive.

27. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and will say: “Where are My (so called) ‘partners’ concerning whom you used to disagree and dispute (with the believers, by defying and disobeying Allah)?” Those who have been given the knowledge (about the Torment of Allah for the disbelievers) will say: “Verily! Disgrace this Day and misery are upon the disbelievers.

28. “Those whose lives the angels take while they are doing wrong to themselves (by disbelief and by associating partners in worship with Allah and by committing all kinds of crimes and evil deeds).” Then, they will make (false) submission (saying): “We used not to do any evil.” (The angels will reply): “Yes! Truly, Allah is All-Knower of what you used to do.

29. “So enter the gates of Hell, to abide therein, and indeed, what an evil abode will be for the arrogant.”

30. And (when) it is said to those who are the Muttaqûn (pious – see V.2:2) “What is it that your Lord has sent down?” They say: “That which is good.” For those who do good in this world, there is good, and the home of the Hereafter will be better. And excellent indeed will be the home (i.e. Paradise) of the Muttaqûn.

31. ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (Gardens of Eternity) which they will enter, under which rivers flow, they will have therein all that they wish. Thus Allah rewards the Muttaqûn.

32. Those whose lives the angels take while they are in a pious state (i.e. pure from all evil, and worshipping none but Allah Alone) saying (to them): Salamun ‘Alaikum (peace be on you) enter you Paradise, because of (the good) which you used to do (in the world).

Sura 16. An-Nahl (The Bees)

Commentary ~ Yet all that we ask for is not granted

by

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

Here is an anecdote of Ibrahim Edhem or rather Ibrahim ben Edhem ben Suleyman ben Mansour el-Balkhi. He was nicknamed Abu Izhaq. He died in the year 161 or 162 (778-779).

Ibrahim was asked: “How is it that in the Word (Quran), the Lord most High says: “…Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation)… (Quran 40.60); yet all that we ask for is not granted. Ibrahim answered: “You have on your tongues the name of the Lord most high, but you do not practice the works He prescribes, you do not adopt the traditions of the Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection). You recite the Quran, but you do not act according to its precepts. You enjoy the benefits that Allah grants, but you do not give thanks. Allah created an eternal Paradise for His obedient servants but you do nothing to try to achieve it. You know that Allah has created a Hell for His rebellious slaves, but you do not run away from it in horror. You know, Chaitan (Satan) is your enemy, and, far from being in a state of hostility towards him, you treat him as a friend. You also know that death is inevitable yet you do not practice the works of the Hereafter. You are not even able to learn from seeing what happens here in the dounia (this present world). Full of insight in discerning the faults of others, you do not see your own faults. How do you expect the prayers of people like you to be answered?”

Hadith ~ He who has done a wrong

by

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

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “He who has done a wrong affecting his brother’s honour or anything else, let him ask his forgiveness today before the time (i.e., the Day of Resurrection) when he will have neither a dinar nor a dirham. If he has done some good deeds, a portion equal to his wrong doings will be subtracted from them; but if he has no good deeds, he will be burdened with the evil deeds of the one he had wronged in the same proportion”.(Al-Bukhari)

Narrated Abu-Musa (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘Some people asked Allah’s Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection): “Whose Islam is the best? (i.e. Who is a very good Muslim?)” He replied: “One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands.'” (Bukhari)

Commentary: This Hadith tells us that if one does not compensate a person who has been harmed by one and has not been pardoned for it, then it would have a serious consequence in the Hereafter. Its detail is mentioned in this Hadith. Thus, negligence in the case of public rights, which we take very lightly, is in fact ruinous.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 26, Page 75, No 210
Hadith 2: Chapter 236, Page 961, Number 812

Commentary ~ True Generosity

by

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

Allah’s Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said, “Spend, O Bilal, and do not fear from the Owner of the Throne to be given little.” Mamum said to Muhammad bin ‘Ibad Al-Mahlabi, “You spend extravagantly.” He answered, “To abstain from being generous is tantamount to having bad thoughts about the One Who is worshipped.” Allah (the Exalted) says:

“…And whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers.” (Quran 34:39)

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 105