Quran

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

177. Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

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

2. The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely –

3. The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend.

4. Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision.

Sura 8. Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War)

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

9. And if We give man a taste of mercy from Us and then We withdraw it from him, indeed, he is despairing and ungrateful.

10. But if We give him a taste of favor after hardship has touched him, he will surely say, “Bad times have left me.” Indeed, he is exultant and boastful –

11. Except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; those will have forgiveness and great reward.

Sura 11. Hud

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

12. On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], “Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally.” That is what is the great attainment.

13. On the [same] Day the hypocrite men and hypocrite women will say to those who believed, “Wait for us that we may acquire some of your light.” It will be said, “Go back behind you[1] and seek light.” And a wall will be placed between them with a door, its interior containing mercy, but on the outside of it is torment.

14. They [i.e., the hypocrites] will call to them [i.e., the believers], “Were we not with you?” They will say, “Yes, but you afflicted yourselves[2] and awaited [misfortune for us] and doubted, and wishful thinking deluded you until there came the command of Allah. And the Deceiver [i.e., Satan] deceived you concerning Allah.

15. So today no ransom will be taken from you or from those who disbelieved. Your refuge is the Fire. It is most worthy of you, and wretched is the destination.”

Sura 57. Al-Hadid (Iron)

[1]: To where light was acquired, i.e., in the worldly life.
[2]: By hypocrisy or by falling into temptations.

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

137. Similar situations [as yours] have passed on before you, so proceed throughout the earth and observe how was the end of those who denied.

138. This [Quran] is a clear statement to [all] the people and a guidance and instruction for those conscious of Allah.

139. So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

140. If a wound should touch you – there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs – and Allah does not like the wrongdoers –

141. And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers.

142. Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?

Sura 3. Surah Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

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

164. Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and earth are signs for a people who use reason.

165. And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah. And if only they who have wronged would consider [that] when they see the punishment, [they will be certain] that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in punishment.

166. [And they should consider that] when those who have been followed disassociate themselves from those who followed [them], and they [all] see the punishment, and cut off from them are the ties [of relationship],

167. Those who followed will say, “If only we had another turn [at worldly life] so we could disassociate ourselves from them as they have disassociated themselves from us.” Thus will Allah show them their deeds as regrets upon them. And they are never to emerge from the Fire.

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

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

16. And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east.

17. And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel [i.e., Gabriel], and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man.

18. She said, “Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah.”

19. He said, “I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy [i.e., son].”

20. She said, “How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?”

21. He said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.’ “

22. So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place.

23. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, “Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten.”

24. But he[1] called her from below her, “Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream.

25. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates.

26. So eat and drink and be contented. And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, ‘Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.’ “

27. Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, “O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented.

28. O sister [i.e., descendant] of Aaron, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste.”

29. So she pointed to him. They said, “How can we speak to one who is in the cradle a child?”

30. [Jesus] said, “Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.

31. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah [2]as long as I remain alive

32. And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant.

33. And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.”

34. That is Jesus, the son of Mary – the word of truth about which they are in dispute.

35. It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He![3] When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.

36. [Jesus said], “And indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.”

Sura 19. Maryam (Mary)

[1] There is a difference of opinion among scholars as to whether “he” refers to the baby or to the angel.

[2] It should be noted that Zakat is always associated with prayer, and was enjoined on other prophets before Islam.

[3] i.e., far removed is He from any such need.

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

42. And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them [i.e., their account] for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror].

43. Racing ahead, their heads raised up, their glance does not come back to them, and their hearts are void.

44. And, [O Muhammad], warn the people of a Day when the punishment will come to them and those who did wrong will say, “Our Lord, delay us for a short term; we will answer Your call and follow the messengers.” [But it will be said], “Had you not sworn, before, that for you there would be no cessation?

Sura 14. Ibrahim (Abraham)

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

285. The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.”

286. Allah das not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. “Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.”

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

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

21. And they will come out [for judgement] before Allah all together, and the weak will say to those who were arrogant, “Indeed, we were your followers, so can you avail us anything against the punishment of Allah?” They will say, “If Allah had guided us, we would have guided you. It is all the same for us whether we show intolerance or are patient: there is for us no place of escape.”[1]

22. And Satan will say when the matter has been concluded, “Indeed, Allah had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. But I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; but blame yourselves. I cannot be called to your aid, nor can you be called to my aid. Indeed, I deny your association of me [with Allah] before. Indeed, for the wrongdoers is a painful punishment.”

23. And those who believed and did righteous deeds will be admitted to gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein by permission of their Lord; and their greeting therein will be, “Peace!”

Sura 14. Ibrahim (Abraham)

[1]: Audio lecture on the different conversations in Paradise and HellFire can be found here: Part 1 and Part 2.

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

17. So exalted is Allah when you reach the evening and when you reach the morning.

18. And to Him is [due all] praise throughout the heavens and the earth. And [exalted is He] at night and when you are at noon.

19. He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and brings to life the earth after its lifelessness. And thus will you be brought out.

20. And of His signs is that He created you from dust; then, suddenly you were human beings dispersing [throughout the earth].

21. And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.

22. And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge.

Sura 30. Ar-Rum

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

1. O Prophet, when you [Muslims] divorce women, divorce them for [the commencement of] their waiting period [1] and keep count of the waiting period,1 and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not turn them out of their [husbands’] houses, nor should they [themselves] leave [during that period] unless they are committing a clear immorality. And those are the limits [set by] Allah. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah has certainly wronged himself. You know not; perhaps Allah will bring about after that a [different] matter [2].

2. And when they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms. And bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for [the acceptance of] Allah. That is instructed to whoever should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out [3]

3. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

Sura 65. At-Talaq

[1]: Perhaps the husband who has divorced his wife may change his mind and restore the marriage before the end of her waiting period (after the first or second count of revocable divorce).

[2]: A husband may separate from his wife after each of the first two counts of divorce or at the end of her waiting period with dignity. If he chooses to stay with her after the first two counts of divorce then divorces her a third time, the marriage is terminated at the end of her third waiting period. The wife will have to marry and divorce another man before she can be remarried to her ex-husband (see 2:230). However, a woman marrying someone with the intention of getting divorced, in order to return to her first husband, is forbidden.

[3]: i.e., relief from distress.

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

33. O mankind, fear your Lord and fear a Day when no father will avail his son, nor will a son avail his father at all. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not deceived about Allah by the Deceiver [i.e., Satan].

34. Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

Sura 31. Luqman

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

80. And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, “Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds [i.e., peoples]?[1]

81. Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people.”

82. But the answer of his people was only that they said, “Evict them from your city! Indeed, they are men who keep themselves pure.”

83. So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those who remained [with the evildoers].

84. And We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. Then see how was the end of the criminals.

Sura 7. Al-A’raf (The Heights)

[1]: such as none preceding you has committed: To learn more about the Prophet Lut (Lot) (peace be upon him) and the sins that his nation committed (i.e. homosexuality, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, sodomy, etc.) there is an excellent series on the lives of the Prophets here and a 2nd series specifically on the characteristics of perished nations here.

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

20. Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

21. Race [i.e., compete] toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

22. No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register (i.e., the Preserved Slate (al-Lawú al-Maúf´th)) before We bring it into being – indeed that, for Allah, is easy –

23. In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful –

Sura 57. Al-Hadid (Iron)

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

130. So be patient over what they say and exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting; and during periods of the night [exalt Him] and at the ends of the day, that you may be satisfied.

131. And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

132. And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.

Sura 20. Ta-Ha

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

Listen to Recitation

53. Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins[1].

54. And return [in repentance] to your Lord and submit to Him before the punishment comes upon you; then you will not be helped.

55. And follow the best of what was revealed to you from your Lord [i.e., the Quran] before the punishment comes upon you suddenly while you do not perceive,

56. Lest a soul should say,[2] “Oh, [how great is] my regret over what I neglected in regard to Allah and that I was among the mockers.”

57. Or [lest] it say, “If only Allah had guided me, I would have been among the righteous.”

58. Or [lest] it say when it sees the punishment, “If only I had another turn[3] so I could be among the doers of good.”

Sura 39. Az-Zumar (The Groups)

[1]: For those who repent and correct themselves.
[2]: On the Day of Resurrection.
[3]: At worldly life.

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

103. Say, [O Muhammad], “Shall we [believers] inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds?

104. [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work.”

105. Those are the ones who disbelieve in the verses of their Lord and in [their] meeting Him, so their deeds have become worthless; and We will not assign to them on the Day of Resurrection any weight [i.e., importance].

106. That is their recompense – Hell – for what they denied and [because] they took My signs and My messengers in ridicule.

107. Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – they will have the Gardens of Paradise[1] as a lodging,

Wherein they abide eternally. They will not desire from it any transfer.

Sura 18. Al-Kahf (The Cave)

[1] i.e., the highest part of Paradise, al-Firdaus.

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

39. Except the companions of the right,

40. [Who will be] in gardens, questioning each other

41. About the criminals,

42. [And asking them], “What put you into Saqar?”

43. They will say, “We were not of those who prayed,

44. Nor did we used to feed the poor.

45. And we used to enter into vain discourse with those who engaged [in it],

46. And we used to deny the Day of Recompense

47. Until there came to us the certainty [i.e., death].”[1]

48. So there will not benefit them the intercession of [any] intercessors.

Sura 74. al-Muddaththir (The One Who Covers Himself (with a garment))

[1] Four reasons that have brought people to Hell. Let’s avoid these actions so as not to be among them inshaAllah.

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

Listen to Recitation

151. Say, “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason.”

152. And do not approach the orphan’s property except in a way that is best [i.e., intending improvement] until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except [with that within] its capacity. And when you speak [i.e., testify], be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative. And the covenant of Allah fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember.And do not approach the orphan’s property except in a way that is best [i.e., intending improvement] until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except [with that within] its capacity. And when you speak [i.e., testify], be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative. And the covenant of Allah fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember.

153. And, [moreover], this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.

Sura 6. Al-An’am (The Cattle)

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

Interesting Tafseer about these Ayaat (49 minutes)

30. Indeed, those who have said, “Our Lord is Allah” and then remained on a right course – the angels will descend upon them, [saying], “Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.

31. We [angels] were your allies in worldly life and [are so] in the Hereafter. And you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you request [or wish]

32. As accommodation from a [Lord who is] Forgiving and Merciful.”

33. And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, “Indeed, I am of the Muslims.”

Sura 41. Fussilat (Explained in detail)

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

Listen to Recitation

34. And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allah and wisdom.1119 Indeed, Allah is ever Subtle and Acquainted [with all things].

35. Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

Sura 33. Al-Ahzab

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

Listen to Recitation

17. And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows.

18. Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, “O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.”

19. So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, “My Lord, enable me[1] to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants[2].”[3]

Sura 27. An-Naml (The Ants)

[1]: More literally, “gather within me the utmost strength and ability.”

[2]: Or “with Your righteous servants [into Paradise].”

[3]: Beautiful Dua (supplication) we should memorize and make often inchaAllah.

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

Listen to Recitation

111. And indeed, each [of the believers and disbelievers] – your Lord will fully compensate them for their deeds. Indeed, He is Acquainted with what they do.

112. So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah], and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do.

113. And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire, and you would not have other than Allah any protectors; then you would not be helped.

114. And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.

115. And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.

Sura 11. Hud