Well-known position of Holy Qur-‘aan

Lesson - 16

 Well-known position of Holy Qur-‘aan

Surah ‘Al-‘Baqarah (The Cow) – Chapter – 2)–Stage – 1

Verse –2 of 286, Section – 1 of 40 (Part - 1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

2.  This is the Scripture whereof There is no doubt.

2.  Zaalikal-  kitaabu  laa  rayba  fiih.

Lesson 

Zaalika  - (This). This word is used for pointing out towards any thing. In Arabic language, besides the word Zaalika, some more words have also been used for indicating towards something. Usually Zaalika is used to indicate toward a thing away, but due to dignity and greatness of the Holy Qur-’aan, its meaning is used as nearby “here”.

‘Al-Kitaabu - Every written thing is called Kitaab (the book). Whenever  ‘Al comes before a noun, it becomes a particular noun. So, which ‘Al is used here before Kitaab, it makes the book, “A Particular Book” i.e. Holy Qur-’aan.

  

       Every human being in this world needs to know true principles, so that, after adopting these principles, he may obtain his object. Some people desire to know such principles with their own sense/wisdom. But it is evident from the experience that which principles come out through the own sense of anyone; cannot be real and certain, because, people have different opinions in different matters. As though, we cannot be unanimous on a principle collectively, but there will be “Many mouths, many tongues”.

 

       To curb this tendency, Lord of the Worlds, God Almighty revealed for us His Holy Word with entire kindness, and commanded also that the verses of this Book are filled with full philosophy, are true and final. There is no doubt in it. Which promises have been made in it, surely those shall be fulfilled. And which teachings have been conveyed by it; doubtless will produce true results. If any individual feels any doubt in any matter, `that can be removed by a little meditation in the verses of Holy Qur-’aan.

       Teachings of Holy Qur-’aan are not far from the approach of sense and wisdom. Human beings are invited that they should examine the Truth of Holy Qur-’aan practically. Surely, using it, they will feel comfort in every matter. Who does not know that the Arabian nation had been drowned in the darkness of ignorance? She was most backward comparing to other nations. Maximum people were cruel and uncivilized. When this nation acted upon the teachings of Holy Qur-’aan, she succeeded in all fields of life; like economics, politics, science, arts, social matters, civilization manners etc. Those people who were behind all, they commanded the entire due to acting upon Holy Qur-’aanic teachings. Every Promise of Holy Qur-’aan was completed. But when the people gave up acting upon it, the same old diseases returned in the nation.

       We should make a vow, from the beginning wholeheartedly, to act upon these teachings, give up all kinds of doubts and suspicions and acquire success in accordance with the Promises of Allah Almighty in this life and on the Day of Resurrection.

Transliterated Holy Qur-’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

The Letters of Short Verses (Huruuf Muqatta-‘aat)

Lesson - 15

 The Letters of Short Verses

(Huruuf Muqatta-‘aat)

Surah ‘Al-‘Baqarah (The Cow) – Chapter – 2)–Stage – 1

Verse –1 of 286, Section – 1 of 40 (Part - 1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

1.  Alif. Lam. Mim.

1.  ‘ALIF-LAAAM-MIIIM.

Lesson

  

Sura ‘Al-Baqarah begins with above three letters. These kinds of letters are called “Huruuf  Muqatta-‘aat”. These letters are written collectively but are recited separately. These three letters; (Alif. Lam. Mim) have come in the beginning of five more Chapters of Holy Qur-‘aan excluding ‘Baqarah’ (The Cow). Besides these three letters, some other letters have also included in the beginning of some different Surahs of the Holy Qur-’aan. The Surahs which begin with these types of letters are twenty nine in numbers.

 If we say: What are the meanings of Alif-Laaam-Miiim? Nobody can reply absolutely, because it is a Secret from the Secrets of God. Only Allah Almighty, His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), the Companions of the Messenger (may Allah be agreed upon them) and the Scholars of the Muslim nation know its meanings. Different Saints have tried to explain about these letters according to their personal views. For instance:

Sayyidina ibn ‘Abbas (may God Almighty be pleased with him) narrated that aim from ‘ALIF-LAAAM-MIIIM is ‘AnAllaahu ‘A’-lamu (God says), “I am Allah, Who knows the best.” One saint said, “Alif means Allah (God), who revealed the Holy Word. Laaam means the arch Angel Gabriel (peace be upon Him), who used to bring down the revelation of Allah, and Miiim means The Prophet Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) upon whom, this Holy Scripture ‘Qur-’aan’ has been revealed by means of the Angel Gabriel (peace be upon Him).

 

A young Egyptian Scholar, named Sayyad Nasooh Zahir told after counting and having trust in the alphabetical letters that actually number of verses of the Surahs can be found in these letters. Another research scholar said historically that there are historical events with days and years discussed in these letters, which are held in that particular Surah.

In brief, the knowledge of these letters was found by the saints, research scholars and philosophers and they told us. These kinds of letters were already in use in the Arabic language before Islam. To them, every individual who has knowledge of Arabic language, knows perfectly. Besides the Arabic, this custom of use exists in other languages like English, Persian, and Urdu etc. also, for example: the names of exams BA, MA, LLB, the names of organizations i.e. UNO, SPS, IMF etc. These instances are very famous but even till some people don’t know them. Only those persons know them, who have any concern or interest with them.

God Almighty has given us chance to learn and understand the Holy Qur’an. It is our duty that we must try to understand the Word of God entirely, act upon its Instructions and spread its science, deeds and arts nearby and far. Solution of all the disasters of the world over may be found in this Scripture. And our own success depends on it.  

Transliterated Holy Qur-’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Introduction and Summary Surah ‘Al-Baqarah (Part-2)

Lesson - 14

Introduction and Summary

Surah ‘Al-Baqarah

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

(Continued from the last post)

In the twentieth Section of Surah ‘Al-Baqarah, it is commanded that what the actual Goodness is. After this section, up to the section # 26, the matters relating to inheritance, revenge, supplication, fasting, pilgrimage to Makkah, Jehad (to try and strive), sacrifice of property for the sake of God have been described including orders and instructions for them.

From section 27, the affairs regarding family and social life have begun that is to say; marriage, divorce, menstruation, 4 months and 10 days of a woman after childbirth, second marriage, bringing up and looking after the children and mahr (the money or its value incumbent on the husband) etc.

In section 32, again the matter of Jehad has been discussed. And in the example, fight of Saul (peace be upon Him) against against the Goliath has been described. God Almighty commanded: Victory or defeat does not depend; either on war equipment or decrease and increase of the manpower. Usually small Armies overcome large Armies.

In 34^th Section, there is ‘Aayat ul Kursii, in which many Attributes of Allah Almighty like; the Living, the Eternal etc. have been mentioned. And that there is no compulsion for anyone to accept Islam because its excellence, signs and proofs are obvious.

After that some instructive events in respect of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him) have been discussed here. Up to the section-39, commands about Alms-giving and charity, abstinence, prohibition from usury and interest, laws and instructions regarding evidence and principles of trade have been explained.

At the end of this Surah in section-40, summary of Belief and Islam have been described including a perfect supplication. Last words of this supplication are, “Fan-sur-naa-‘alal-Qawmil-kaafiriin” (So give us victory over the disbelieving folk). It is the result of the invitation by Holy Qur-’aan that, the Law of God will overcome on the infidelity by means of such nation, which will be brought up with the teachings of Holy Qur-’aan. Consequence of the Believers of God Almighty and infidels has been narrated here that the believers will succeed, whereas the infidels will fail and subdued, as the end of the Surah is; just like its beginning.

It should not be forgotten that this abstract is only to show a concept of its subjects. Otherwise, it is impossible for anyone, to summarize the facts and excellence of the Speech of God in a few words.

We should think and care for the Commands and Instructions of God Almighty, mentioned in this Surah. We should understand its philosophy and grip up our loins to act upon its instructions. Our Lord! Give us knowledge and power for it.

Transliterated Holy Qur-’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Introduction and Summary - Surah ‘Al-Baqarah

Lesson - 13

 Introduction and Summary

Surah ‘Al-Baqarah

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

Suratul-Baqarah is second Chapter of Holy Qur-‘aan. It was revealed in Madinah. This Surah is the longest Chapter of Holy Qur-’aan. There are 286 verses and 40 sections in it. Baqarah means “Cow”. It has been named, ‘Al-Baqarah because an event regarding ‘The Cow’ has been described in it.

The most important teachings regarding beliefs and deeds have come in it. It is stated that the Companion of Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), named Umar (Radi Allaahu ‘Anhu) spent many years to understand this Surah. It does not mean “learning by heart”, but “learning and understanding the Commands and Instructions mentioned in it”. An abstract of its subjects has been explained as under:

1.  At first it has been described in this Chapter that Holy Qur-’aan is Guidance for those people who fear Allah Almighty and there is a root of abstinence in their hearts.

2.  After listening to Holy Qur’aan, three kinds of people will grow as it happens in the world in relation to every new movement. First, the Believers, who will have full faith in it. Second, the Infidels who will oppose it and the third, those hypocrites, who will show themselves as believers but actually their hearts will deny it.

3.  After that, first command for the entire people is that they should worship Allah only, and the Truth of Holy Qur-’aan has been proved.

 

4.  In the fourth section, the Birth of Adam (peace be upon Him) has been mentioned including entitlement of His being vicegerent on the earth. Then, from fifth section to onward, recitation in respect of a big dynasty’s life “The Children of Israel” begins. Hundreds of Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon Them) were born in this dynasty. Allah Almighty narrated the circumstances of this dynasty “in a lesson taken way” and it was also described that these people did not remain able to be viceroy of God due to their false deeds and wickedness.

5.  From section 5 to 15, many events of the history of the Children of Israel have been stated; for example, their covenants and agreements, splendor of God on the Mount Sinai, the event of the Day of Saturday (Sabbath), the event of The Cow, circumstances of slaughtering the Prophets (peace be upon Them), impure efforts of enchantment, charm and magic, unfair conduct of disgracing the Prophets (peace be upon Them), wrong faiths about forgiveness and deliverance on the Day of Judgment etc. 

6.  With effect from the section-16 onward, more events and incidents in respect of the Children of Israel, birth of The Last Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) in Arab from the generation of Adam (peace be upon Him) have been explained. Moreover, there is also recitation on The Square Building of Makkah (Masjid ul Haraam). And the higher grades in respect of the Martyrs in the ways of Allah have been mentioned here.

7.  In section-20, the Signs of the Power of God Almighty have been discussed along with the matters relating to the Forbidden and Lawful things.

Transliterated Holy Qur-’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

SUMMARY OF SURAH ‘AL-FAATIHAH

Lesson - 12

SUMMARY OF SURAH ‘AL-FAATIHAH 

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

Praise be to Allah. He is Sufficient for us. Peace be on His chosen Servants (Prophets and Messengers).

The present era goes through media (electronic as well as print) and novel ideologies. Various thoughts are clothed in new words. And the people run behind every new idea in the hope of finding a solution - peace; but soon they face disappointment.

 

Muslims have an ideal system with them that can bring Peace and Tranquility to the world but they are not familiar with it themselves. How can they then guide other people? They are among those who feel as in the dark.

 

Holy Qur-’aan is the Revelation of God Almighty, which was revealed upon The Last Messenger, Muhammad (SallAllaahu Alayhi Wa  Aalihii wassallam).The Sayings of the Prophet (SallAllaahu Alayhi Wa  Aalihii wassallam) are an explanation and commentary on Holy Qur-’aan. There is, into them, Guidance for the human beings in every field of their life. We should learn the both things (Holy Qur-’aan and the Sayings of the Messenger (SallAllaahu Alayhi Wa  Aalihii wassallam).

 

‘The Opening’ (Surah Al-Faatihah) is the first Chapter of Holy Qur-’aan. So, it has been named as “the First Surah and The Opening”. This Chapter is just like an abstract of the Holy Qur-’aan. The subjects briefly earmarked in this section, have been explained in The Holy Qur-’aan , hence it is called, the Mother of (Ummul)Qur-’aan, the Foundation/essence of Qur-’aan.

When we recite this Chapter, “The Opening” we admit that all Praises are for Allah, Who is Lord of the entire Worlds. So we should bear it properly in our mind that when He is The Guarantor to fulfill our all necessities, then we should never give up the Straight Path for completion of our requisites at our own. We should never use un-fair means like fraud, deception or telling a lie etc. While we have been assured that completion of our needs is eternal then why would we have to adopt the wrong way for it?

Then we recited that God Almighty is The Beneficent and The Merciful. He showers down His uncountable mercy on every creature of the universe, small or large, without distinction of Muslims or non-Muslims and without sense of the good or the bad. He arranges fulfillment of all our needs. His treasures of Kindness never end. He treats us with kindness and favor in this world and after this world, He will give us place under the shadow of His mercy in the next world too.

Then we learnt that He is Owner of the Day of Judgment. The entire human beings will be standing with humility in the Court of Allah Almighty, holding their character roll in their hands, and will be either granted rewards or punished according to their own deeds. We should fear from that Day and do Good.

After that, we accepted, “we shall worship only that One God, Who is Creator of all things”. We ask Him only for help in our every matter. We return unto Him for all kinds of painful problems and difficulties of life, so that He show us the straight path, and we may gain our goal by choosing that Path, so that we may reach our destination. This Path should be of those; on whom He showered His favor. We also supplicate to save us from the path of those who earned His anger, and went astray. Amen.

Transliterated Holy Qur-’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

The Path of those who go astray

Lesson - 11

The Path of those who go astray

Surah ‘Al-Faatihah (The Opening) – Surah –1), Stage - 1

Verse – 7 of 7, Section – 1 of 40 (Part -1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

7.  Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray.

7.  Gayril-magzuubi ‘alay-him Walaz-zaaalliin.

   

Lesson

In Surah Faatihah; we have been taught the supplication: “O our Lord! Show us the Straight Path, the Path of those whom Thou hast favored in the World and the Hereafter”, (upon whom Thy blessings are sent always”. It is commanded in this verse – Supplicate also: “Our Lord! Not the Path of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray”.

Magzuubun – this word is from gazab. Gazab means anger. That is to say, those people who earned anger of God Almighty, who suffered from the wrath and punishment of Allah Almighty due to their evil deeds and agony was sent down upon them because they disobeyed the commands of God Almighty, falsified His Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon Them) and tried to remove the Truth after recognizing, who did not care for Your admonition. They were aimed of anguish and anger of Allah Almighty due to their intentional wicked deeds.

‘Az-zaaalliin – (Went astray), it aims such persons, who chose the wrong path. This depravity happens whenever, causes for going on the straight path are available but someone adopts intentionally the wrong path”. It bears whenever any individual is entangled in own wishes, either giving up the morality and spiritual power or due to greediness of the wealth, or lying in false traditions and bad habits or attending any bad company.

Honorable Commentators (Mufassereen e Karaam) say that complete example of ‘al-magzuubi ‘alay-him, (who earn Thine anger) are the Jews, who earned the anger of God Almighty. Sayings of The Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) are available also to support it. So, this verse is common to justify all of them who used to oppose the truth intentionally, due to their personal badness and wickedness, and the wrath of Allah Almighty was sent down upon them. 

According to religious commentators, apparent instance of ’az-zaaalliin (who go astray) is “the Christians” who, after having belief in a Prophet (peace be upon Him), even then, went astray and involved in ascribing plurality to God Almighty. In addition to them, if any other nation goes astray, that will also be called astray and will be included in the list of ’az-zaaalliin ‘went astray’.

We supplicate from Allah Almighty for blessings to save us from these kinds of people who earned His anger and who went astray, who became victims of practical errors and defective faith.

Aamiin – (So, Be it).

Transliterated Holy Qur-’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

The recipients of the awards

Lesson - 10

The recipients of the awards

Surah ‘Al-Faatihah (The Opening) – Surah –1), Stage - 1

Verse – 6 of 7, Section – 1 of 40 (Part -1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

6.  The path of those whom Thou hast favoured.

6.  Siraatal-laziina ‘an-‘amta  ‘alay-him.

  

Lesson

In the previous verse, we were taught the method of supplication in the Court of God Almighty for showing us the Straight Path. Now, it has been explained about the Straight Path in this verse. All matters of guidance and perfect education have come in the Holy Qur-’aan. God Almighty has sent down abundant practical patterns {Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon Them)} with His Grace and Kindness for human beings, so that it may be easy to follow them by keeping their chaste lives before us and choosing the right path. Therefore, Allah Almighty taught us supplication that He should run us on the foot-prints of His beloved Servants, whom He has favored.

Mention of the persons, who have been favored, exists in the Verse # 4: 69 (Surah an-Nisaa’). Translation of that verse is, “Whoso obeyed God and the Messenger, they are with those unto whom Allah hath shown favor, of the Prophets and the Saints and the Martyrs and the Righteous. And what a best of company are they indeed.”

The Prophets and The Messengers (peace be upon Them) – are such chosen Persons, whom Allah Almighty has selected to convey His message unto His human creature (mankind). There is no possibility of mistake or error in the teachings of any Prophet (peace be upon Him). Prophet remains innocent and protected from the sins. Many news of the lives of the Prophets (peace be upon Them) have been described abundantly in the Holy Qur’an. Chieftain of the pure class of Prophets is the Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon Them). His all holy Habits and Sayings have been protected in writing. Our success in this life and deliverance on the Day of Resurrection is hidden in obeying the commands of the last holy Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him).

Siddiq – (A Faithful Witness of the Truth).

Siddiq comes at the second position after Prophets (peace be upon Them).  These people achieve very higher grades by following the teachings of The Prophets (peace be upon Them), like Abu Bakr Siddique (Radi Allaahu ‘anhu), the First Caliph of The Last Messenger (peace be upon Him). Siddiq is title of Joseph (peace be upon him) along with His Prophet-hood, and Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with Him).     

            

The Martyrs. Those venerable individuals, who are influenced particularly by the teachings of Prophets (peace be upon Them). They have full belief in the promises of God and rewards (after death) of the good works. And they are inclined to such stage that they fall a sacrifice. God Almighty bestows them the eternal life.

The Righteous. Those servants of God Almighty who try wholeheartedly to follow the Prophets (peace be upon Them) with all possible ways. These all great people become example for them who come after them. 

God Almighty commands us in this verse: “The Straight and Right Path is that, on which, the laureate persons went. The success is in following their foot-steps”.

Transliterated Holy Qur-’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

The Right Way

Lesson - 9

The Right Way

Surah ‘Al-Faatihah (The Opening) – Surah –1) –Stage - 1

Verse – 5 of 7, Section – 1 of 40 (Part -1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

5.  Show us the Straight Path.

5.  ‘IhdiNas-Siraatal-Musta-qiim.

We admitted that God Almighty is our Lord, our Master and Beneficent, and we promised that we shall obey the commands of Allah Almighty and worship Him only. We shall ask Him only every time for help. Now we wish to acquire guidance from our Lord so that we may not err erroneously which may cause His anger. So we need such guidance, with which; we may attain His happiness and pleasure, and which may take us towards Him directly.

‘Ihdi – show, instruct, admonish. Hidaayah is a very collective word of Arabic language. There are many things, included in its meanings, for instance:

·       To show the (straight) path,

·       To carry towards the straight path,

·       To deliver unto the intended destination.

That is to say, it is the supplication that if we do not know the way, show us that, and those who know about the Path, give them strength to go on this way, and when they are going straightway, then keep them firm on it, so that we may find our destination and do not remain away from the destination.

We cannot discover this Path with our knowledge and wisdom. Because our knowledge is limited and wisdom is conch and detective. Therefore, we ask only Him (Allah Almighty) to show us such Path as per His Knowledge, in which, there is no crookedness, no ups and downs, and no fear of stumbling. There should be a complete Code of life, each corner and section of life must have an accomplished base for guidance.

We supplicate it in plural tense so that personal relationship of every individual must remain connected with the entire nation. When we worship, worship all, and when we ask for help, ask all, if we beg to show us the Sight Path, beg all. Such teachings of living together as a unity, cannot be found anywhere except Islam.

How much this prayer is perfect? “O Allah! Show us the Straight Path”. There is no such time when the mankind does not need to know about the straight path and correct manners. Eating, drinking, writing, reading, buying, selling, performing the jobs to establish the government/state, decision making on the law-suits, it means that there is no such problem for which, a person does not have to get sound guidance. It is the reason that God Almighty has fixed these supplications to be recited in all prayers, so that every person may supplicate for getting guidance and power to act.

Every religion has instructed its followers to supplicate for blessings, some people ask for food; some ask for power, some beg for light of the heart, some pray that their sins be forgotten. Our Lord has taught us a perfect supplication in which, we have been guided for every field of life.

Transliterated Holy Qur-’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)