Lessons 221 to 295 from Holy Qur'an , 2nd Half of Part - 2 (Surah Al-Baqarah)

LESSON # 221 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Duration Of Hajj And Moral Limits

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –197a of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

The Pilgrimage is (in) the well-known months, and whoever is minded to perform the Pilgrimage therein (let him remember that) there is (to be) no lewdness nor abuse nor angry conversation on the Pilgrimage.

‘Al-Hajju  ‘ash-hurum-ma’- luumaat.  Faman- faraza    fiihin-nal- Hajja  falaa  rafasa  wa    laa fusuuqa,    wa  laa jidaala  fil-Hajj.

Lesson

‘Ash-hur – (the months) Shawwal, Zii-qadah and ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (three months of Lunar Calendar) have been set for Hajj (Pilgrimage). Actual members of the Hajj are performed during the second week of Dhul-Hijjah. But the ‘Ihraam is begun (to be tied) two months in advance from the month of Shawwal. The ‘Ihraam (Determination) is the Dress which is required to be worn by each Pilgrim at the time of entering into the limits of Haram (Meeqaat). This Dress is two unstitched sheets.

Hadrat Imam Abu Hanifah (God’s Mercy be upon him) says, “The Pilgrim can tie the ‘Ihraam as and when he wishes. But it is disapproved for the Pilgrimage before the month of Shawwal”. Near to him (God’s Mercy be upon him) it is also lawful to tie the ‘Ihraam before Shawwal because it is not the member of the Hajj but only a condition for the Pilgrimage.    

Faraza  fiihin-nal- Hajja – (while anybody is minded to perform the Pilgrimage therein) that is to say, someone has intended to perform the Pilgrimage during the season of Hajj and has done over himself proper the Pilgrimage. Practical Sign for (must have to perform) the Hajj is to tie the ‘Ihraam (Determination Dress).   

Rafasa - (to be lewdness with the woman) here it means, “To talk specified conversation with the wife in the private chamber”.

Fusuuqa  - (abuse, depravity, immorality, sensuality, debauch) it aims all types of sins, little or big.

Jidaala – (angry conversation, quarrel, beating, argument, dispute, to call names and to accost with impolite words).

Some necessary commands regarding Pilgrimage have been prescribed in this verse. The months of Hajj have been fixed and three matters have been told to refrain from them during this period:

·       Sensual intercourse and lewdness with one’s wife is entirely forbidden, as far as the sensual thoughts are also prohibited to be brought on the tongue. As it has been ordered to abstain from some lawful matters during the fasting, likewise it has been commanded also to keep up the cleanliness and chastity during the tenure of Hajj.

·       Every person should refrain from the little and big sins. It is clear that while many lawful acts become unlawful in the form of ‘Ihraam (Determination) then it was necessary to instruct strictly for holding back from the other sins.

·       It should be temperate from all kinds of quarrels. The people of all ages, all kind manners and all temperaments come from all parts of the world at the time of Pilgrimage. During these types of situations anybody can incline towards the sinfulness and strives. So the God Almighty forbade in advance from all these matters, so that the chastity and endurance power may grow into the Muslims.

  

LESSON # 222 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

 Provision For The Journey Of Hajj

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –197b of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it. And make provision for yourselves (Hereafter); for the best provision is to ward off evil. Therefore keep your duty unto Me, O men of understanding.

Wa  maa  taf—‘aluu  min    khay-riny-ya’-lam-hullaah.  Wa  tazaw-waduu    fa-‘inna  khay-razzaadit-taqwaa. Wattaquuni  yaaa-‘ulil-‘al-baab.

Lesson

It was the Custom in the Arabs during the times of ignorance that while they used to proceed for performing the Pilgrimage, they did not take the requisites of the journey, used to go Penniless and begged from the people in the pathway. It was considered the sign of grandeur near to them. Even some persons used to spend lavishly their entire capital at the time of departing for the Pilgrimage. They had invented this false practice themselves intentionally. Anyhow it was not the part of the worship. This thing is Not acceptable to the God Almighty because doing so, the others have to lift the burden.

God Almighty commanded, “Make provision for yourselves (amount according to your necessities for the hereafter) at the time of proceeding to perform the Pilgrimage. And don’t put your burden upon any other person”. Allah Almighty knows your intentions and minds. He doesn’t like outward exhibition and shaped purity. So if you will bring the provisions for journey then it is not the matter of sin and is not against the goodness.

There is no doubt in it that the real thing is to ward off evil, that is to say, naturally keeping away from the badness and being inclined towards the goodness, so we should use to have fear of God Almighty always.

To ward of evils means that we should obey all the Orders of God Almighty with complete sincerity, honesty and obedience. Every work should be done for His pleasure. In each trouble, pain, calamity, distress and misfortune, only He should be supposed as The Supporter and only He should be called for the salvation. He should also be thanked in ease, comfort and rest. Every work should be started and finished with His (God Almighty) name. We should seek His help in all the fields of life. Only the lawful methods should be chosen for deciding all the matters and should refrain from the forbidden things. We should keep in view the fear of God Almighty each time.

It is the ‘ward off evil” about which it has been ordered again and again in the Holy Qur’an, that it has much more importance in the life of a Muslim. The human life fills with hopelessness, distress and failure due to forgetting it. So the human being should try every time to attain perfection in the “Fear of God Almighty” (Taqwaa). The Pilgrimage is the best source to produce the (Taqwaa).    

 LESSON # 223 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Worldly Advantages

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –198a of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

It is no sin for you that ye seek the bounty of your Lord (by trading).

Laysa  ‘alaykum  junaahun    ‘an-  tab-taguu  fazlam-mir-Rab-bikum.

Lesson

Fazlan – (the Bounty of the Lord) literally it means excessive, too much, more. Here it signifies towards the profit from trading, business, wealth and property. This word has been used in these meanings many times in the Holy Qur’an.

A Companion of the Holy Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) Ibn Abbas (God Almighty be pleased with him) says that during the times of Ignorance ‘Akkaaz, Majnah and Zul-Majaaz were very heavy markets. In the days of Pilgrimage the trade was tried to strive the bargain at high level. After embracing Islam the people considered that it is not reasonable to do business during the days of Hajj. They thought that the merchants who either bring their trade items to the bazaars of Minaa and Makkah or camel drivers who bring their camels to Muzdalfah, Arfaat and Minaa for selling, their Hajj is not accepted because where trade has entered, there is no worship anymore. Allah Almighty revealed this verse to remove this misunderstanding and cleared this thing till the Last Day (Resurrection Day) that Islam is not against the wealth, property and the world but It is against the acts which make the person careless from thinking about the religion and the Doomsday.

As Islam is the Guarantor of prosperity and success of the Day of Resurrection, likewise It desires also the people’s worldly prosperity and welfare. And this characteristic exists in Its each worship. Even the parts of Ablution, Prayers, Congregational Prayers, Fasting, Zakaah (Poor-due) and Hajj increase the human’s worldly, material, physical, economical and political prosperity and welfare along with increasing his spiritual power.

The Muslims, who come from far away areas for Hajj move by land routes and by sea. The People of Islamic nation get together from different parts of the world. At this occasion there can be gotten uncountable economical and commercial benefits. Keeping in view these things the Holy Qur’an permitted it that the Pilgrims’ real purpose of this Visit should be only the Hajj and if they do some trade also along with then it is not any wrong thing or sin. However it is necessary that the trade shouldn’t become the mean.

Saying the sentence of mir-Rab-bikum it has also been told that which livelihood or benefits you get, these aren’t the result of your personal efforts or labour. It is only the Bounty of Allah Almighty. He gives you with His blessing. Therefore, keep in mind during trading and business that whatever benefits you will get, it is from the God Almighty.

Each that work which a person does according to the orders of God Almighty and doesn’t disobey His any command, Islam counts it worship and doesn’t say it against the religion. The things, from which Islam prohibits, are hoarding, raising prices, unlawful trading and illegal business.

LESSON # 224 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

‘Arafat And The Sacred Monument

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –198b of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

But when ye return from ‘Arafat, remember Allah by the Sacred Monument.

Fa-‘izaaa  ‘afaztum-min    ‘Arafaatin-  fazkurullaaha    ‘in-dal-  Mash-‘aril-Haraam.

Lesson

‘Afaztum – (you return) this word has come out from the word ‘Afaazah which means ‘Walk from pool and pool or come back’. Technically it signifies returning from ‘Arafat to Muzdalfah.

‘Arafaatin – (‘Arafat) the road which leads from Makkah to the east towards Taif, there is a plain in the area of several miles situated twelve miles from Makkah Mo-‘azmah. That is called ‘Arafat. There is also a hill in this plain, which is also named ‘Arafat. Its height is two hundred yards from the earth level. During the entire year this plain remains vacant but on the ninth Zul-Hijjah it becomes in full bloom on arrival of the Pilgrims.

The Pilgrims reach the Minaa till afternoon on eighth of the Zul-Hijjah and on the next day on ninth Zul-Hijjah at the time of rising sun they travel towards the ‘Arafat, they reach the ‘Arafat at the time of afternoon. Till the time of Asar (before sunset) the Pilgrims have to remain there. Technically this stay is called Wuquuf. The presence in this plain is the most important work of the Pilgrimage. The entire period should be passed in begging mercy or grace, repentance, penitence and remembrance of God Almighty during the stay in the Plain of ‘Arafat. While the sun is near to set, then the Pilgrims should depart towards Muzdalfah (the Sacred Monument). Zuhr and 'Asr prayers are offered in the afternoon jointly in the Nimrah Masjid of ‘Arafat on that day, and Maghrib and ‘Ishaa’ are offered after returning to Muzdalfah at the time of ‘Ishaa’.

‘Al- Mash-‘aril-Haraam – (the Sacred Monument) Mash-‘ar

means the sign or emblem and the word Haraam discloses its dignity. It is that particular place which is situated between the two hills of Muzdalfah. However the entire Muzdalfah is also called the Sacred Monument (Mash-‘aril-Haraam).

Muzdalfah – It is at the distance of six miles from Makkah Mo-‘azmah. There is a direct pathway from Minaaa to ‘Arafat and the Pilgrims proceed to ‘Arafat from that way on ninth Zul-Hijjah. But on return from ‘Arafat it is prescribed to use the other pathway. The Muzdalfah is situated on that pathway. The Caravans of the Pilgrims stay here at night and pass their entire time in the Masjid over the hill offering prayers, worshiping, begging mercy, repentance, penitence and remembrance of God Almighty.

There are three Duties to be observed compulsorily out of all the acts of Pilgrimage:

1.     To tie the ‘Ihraam

2.   To be present in ‘Arafat on ninth Zul-Hijjah which is also called Wuquuf

3.   To go round the Holy Shrine (Tawaaf of Khana Ka’-ba) – it is the most important action out of the three acts. It has been told in this verse that while you return from the ‘Arafat, then remember Allah Almighty during the stay at Muzdalfah begging mercy, repentance and remain busy in worshiping the God Almighty.   

LESSON # 225 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Praying And Worship Of God Almighty 

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –198c of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

Remember Him as He hath guided you, although before ye were of those astray.

Waz-kuruuhu  kamaa hadaakum.  Wa  ‘in- kuntum-min- qablihii la-minaz-zaalliin.

Lesson

‘Az-zaalliin – (the Ignorants) this word is plural of Zaal which commonly means astray people. But it is also used for the indolent; careless and negligent.

Zikr means remembrance, recitation, memory; prayer; talk and mention. Here it means the worship of Allah Almighty.

It has been told in this verse, “Remember and worship the God Almighty in the manners which have been commanded by His Last Messenger Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him)”. It is the strict sin to invent the methods of worship at one’s own and to establish the new forms ignoring the Sayings of the Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). It remained heavy attack of the Satan to mislead the world and the people of the world that he puts them into disorder from the straight path to self invented methods. The people were involved in uncountable customs, traditions and false beliefs also during the period of the Ignorance. They used to suppose that their self invented particular methods may be the cause of nearness of the God Almighty. But this verse of the Holy Qur’an has refuted completely these depravities and misunderstandings.

The Holy Qur’an has also cleared using the word ‘Az-zaalliin that till the time the mankind will not get guidance from the Light sent by Allah Almighty, make not His Revelation one’s own torch of the path and doesn’t settle His revealed Teachings as the foundation of one’s own actions, he will remain ignorant and astray. Wishing he tries to seek any path with his full endeavor, invents a lot of methods of the  worship of what sort, thinks the forms of the prayers, but all these things will bring him towards the depravity. The real method is only that, which is ordered by the God Almighty. So each self made by any person’s plan will be false and acting upon it will bring towards the deviation.

Holy Qur’an is the best Guide to reach the destination. The Talks mentioned in This Book are commanded by the God Almighty Who is the Wise, the Discerning, the Present, the Inspector, the Mild, the Philosopher, the Creator and the Lord Almighty. He knows well our necessities, for it He shows us the Pathway with His Vast knowledge, which is Easy and Straight. We should believe that Path reliable and leave all other manners invented by the human beings.  

Islamic Events 2014* ·                                 Al-Hijra - 1st Muharramn (Islamic New Year) November 04, 2013 ·                                 Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) May 25, 2014 ·                                 Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) June 12, 2014 ·                                 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) June 28, 2014 ·                                 Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) July 23, 2014 ·                                 Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) July 28, 2014 ·                                 Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) October 04, 2014

Islamic Events 2015* ·                                 Al-Hijra - 1st Muharramn (Islamic New Year) October 25, 2014 ·                                 Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) May 15, 2015 ·                                 Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) June 01, 2015 ·                                 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) June 18, 2015 ·                                 Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) July 13, 2015 ·                                 Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) July 17, 2015 ·                                 Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) September 23, 2015

LESSON # 226 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Command About Equation 

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –199 of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

Then hasten on from the place from where the other people return, and ask forgiveness of Allah. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Summa  ‘afiizuumin  hay-su  ‘afaazan-naasu  was-tag-fi-rullaah.  ‘Innallaaha    Gafuurur-Rahiim.

Lesson

Before Islam the Quresh were guards of the Inviolable Place (BaytUllaah) during the period of ignorance and they used to say themselves Hams due to this reason. The common people used to stay in the plain of ‘Arafat during the days of Pilgrimage. But the Quresh used to remain till Muzdalfah because the Muzdalfah is within the limits of Haram and the ‘Arafat is out of its limits. They used to suppose that it was against their dignity and honour to proceed out of the limits of the Haram and contrary to the religious virtue to meet the public there. The Holy Qur’an refuted this false conception of theirs’. Allah Almighty has removed here these two main mistakes in which the world remained involved always, today too many people are involved in it after so much improvement.

1.        National distinction and the racial superiority is nothing. The entire mankinds are equal and uniform near to Allah Almighty. If there is any thing valuable in the Sight of Allah Almighty, that is fear of God and abstinence. So equation is compulsory, and it will be possible at that time while all the national and racial distinctions are removed and the persons of each race and color are dealt with equal behavior.

2.      Destruction and ruin of the nations begin at the time when the relation between educated persons, the people of higher level and the public does not remain. They stop to meat each other, while the educated people need strength and energy for their help. But when they will break their relation with the common people, will not mix up with them then gradually they will be ruined automatically. And it should not be forgotten that the public needs guidance and the antidotes every time. While they will not have any guide then they will go astray. Even then there will be no difference between them and animals.

Allah Almighty says in this verse that all the people will settle at one place and they will return from that place. As though, there will be no distinction and difference between them. Allah Almighty also commands, “Beg for pardon of your sins. Renounce and beg for mercy and forgiveness. Promise that you will remain away from the wrong-doings”. Allah Almighty will forgive your sins and faults. He is the Forgiving and the Merciful.

    And he should say the talbiyah of the Prophet: (i) labbaikallahumma labbaika labbaika laa shareeka laka labbaika-innal hamda wan na'mata laka wal mulka-la shareeka laka (Here I am O Allah, here I am, there is no partner for You, here I am, Verily all praise for You, and every bounty is from You, and all dominion is Yours - You have no partner.)

LESSON # 227 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

After The Hajj Devotions 

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –200a of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

And when ye have completed your devotions, then remember Allaah as ye remember your fathers or with a more lively remembrance.

Fa-‘izaa  qa-zaytum ma-naasika-kum    faz-kurullaaha kazikrikum-  ‘aabaaa-‘akum    ‘aw ‘ashadda  zikraa.

Lesson

Qa-zaytum – (you have completed) this word has derived from the word Qazaa which means ‘to obey, to have completed, to carry out’ particularly after adoration (worship).

Ma-naasika-kum – (devotions of the Pilgrimage) ma-naasik means those customs and worship which belong to the Pilgrimage. In addition to ma-naasik these are also called Sha-‘aaa-‘ir (the Signs). This peculiar character is used only for Hajj Devotions.

It was the rule during the period of ignorance that the Pilgrims used to remain assembled in the plain of Minaa up to three days (10^th, 11^th and 12^th of Zul-Hijjah after completion of the Pilgrimage, mention about their tribes and ancestors, talk about their greatnesses and virtues. They used to assert proudly their dynasty magnificence. What is the advantage of mentioning grandeur of the ancestors?

Allah Almighty gives excellence and grandeur to the human being; He is the Creator of the entire creatures, the Lord for bringing up, bestowing the wisdom, understanding and knowledge, intelligence, philosophy, nobility and greatness, so all kinds of praises and admirations should be peculiar for Him. Except Him singing songs of grandeur and greatness for any other person or thing and grading them as the worshipped is equal to the plurality.  

As you see that from where the recitation regarding the Pilgrimage has begun, from there it has been pressing on equation, fear of God Almighty, control of the passions, humility and purification of the soul continuously. It is being preached again and again for the remembrance of God Almighty, worship, repentance and begging mercy or grace. All persons are commanded to wear one kind of dress at the time of entering the limits of Haram. Then some lawful works are forbidden, which might intervene in this pathway. Many pleasant and favourite matters have been refrained. It has been ordered to say “Lab-baika  Allaahumma  Lab-baika  Lab-baika  Laa  Shariika  laka Lab-baika  ‘Innal  Hamda  wan-na’-mata  Laka  wal-Mulka  Laa Shariika laka”  (Here I am, O Allah! Here I am, here I am – there is no partner for You, Here I am. Verily all praise for You, and every bounty is from You, and all dominion is Yours – You have no partner) at each step. It has been admonished to remember successive the God Almighty. This characteristic of the worship is found only in Islam. 

We should listen these orders, commands and instructions of Allah Almighty with close attention, act upon them, modify our lives, abstain from the unlawful and illegal things, elevate His mention, invite the people towards the right path, grow God-fearing in ourselves, and establish an example becoming live pattern of advisable acts and good manners for the nations of the entire world.   

    

And perform the Pilgrimage  And perform the Visit (Umrah) for Allah. And if ye are prevented, then send such offering as can be obtained with ease,

Wa  ‘atimmul-Hajja  Wal-‘umrata  lillaah. Fa-‘in    ‘uh-sir-tum    famas-taysara  minal-hady.

And shave not your heads until the offering has reached their destination. And whoever among you is sick or hath an ailment of the head must pay a ransom of fasting or alms-giving or offering.

Wa  laa  tah-liquu  ru-‘uusakum    hattaa  yablugal-hadyu    mahil-lah. Faman-kaana minkum-mariizan    ‘awbihiii  ‘azam-mir-ra’-sihii  fa-fidyatum-min-    siyaa-min ‘aw  sadaqatin  ‘aw    nusuk.

Lesson

Nusuk – (offering) literally it means sacrifice. Here it aims to sacrifice in the pathway of God Almighty, which should not be less than a goat and it is better if a cow or camel is sacrificed.

Mahil-lah – (its destination) that is to say, the place of sacrifice which signifies toward the Bayt-Ullaah (Makkah).

Islam is a natural religion. Its Commands have been legislated entirely according to the nature of human beings. Each person’s qualities and weaknesses have been kept in sight in Islam. His needs and desires have been considered. The matters which were necessary for evaluation, promotion and success of the mankind, those have been prescribed compulsory and needful. Which things were not useful for the life and object of the mankind, have been fixed unlawful and forbidden.

Primary part of the verse is Appendix of the order of Muh-sir (who has been prevented) recitation of which was begun in the previous verse. It was stated up to the point that the person who has fastened the Determination Dress (Ih-raam) for Pilgrimage or Visit (Hajj or Umrah) and any objection/excuse has been happened for him in the pathway that he can’t perform the Hajj or Umrah, then he should send the animal to sacrifice toward BaytUllah (Khana Ka’-ba). This Order has been finalized in this verse stating that till the time this animal doesn’t reach the Haram and is not sacrificed there, this person (Muh-sir) can’t shave his head; it means that he can’t open the Ihraam.

Common Orders Regarding Hajj

Allah Almighty has set another concession for the excusable/disabled persons in the command of Hajj. That is to say the person who can’t obey the order of shaving his head during the time of Hajj, for example he is compelled not to shave his head due to either any disease or any other cause, then either he should keep the fasts for three days as its ransom so that his spirit may remain pure from the rebellion or he should give 1-3/4 KG wheat (at the scale of Sadaqah Fitr – Alms – Fitranah) to the six poor persons so that he may not fall back from the pathway of God Almighty due to non obeying the first command or he should sacrifice an animal.  

    And he should say the talbiyah of the Prophet: (i) labbaikallahumma labbaika labbaika laa shareeka laka labbaika-innal hamda wan na'mata laka wal mulka-la shareeka laka (Here I am O Allah, here I am, there is no partner for You, here I am, Verily all praise for You, and every bounty is from You, and all dominion is Yours - You have no partner.)

LESSON # 228 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Desirous Of The World 

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –200b of 286, Section – 25 (Part  - 2)

But of mankind are those who say: “Our Lord! Give unto us in the world,” and they have no portion in the Hereafter.

Fa-‘minan-naasi    many-yaquulu    Rabbanaaa  ‘aatinaa    fid-dunyaa  wa  maa lahuu  fil-‘Aakhirati  min    khalaaq.

Lesson

Some persons are found in the world on which lust of the world is so overcoming that they deem it only their perfect object. Near to them greatest success is to get material benefits more and more, put up in a heap of the gold and money, collect the wealth, influence and riches. They become blind in its quest. These desirous persons sacrifice their Hereafter and good end in this effort after falling into the trap of greediness and avarice.

Those people are involved in this disease who are mean in morality, impure in the affairs, selfish in their behaviors, deniers of the Doomsday and insane for the casual advantages. They look only the nearby profits always and ignore the durable results. They remain wishing of this thing in each deal from which they may get fruit immediately. They have no strength of patience and endurance. So they become too much cheerful in this effort and try that if they either do worship or beg also from the God Almighty or do any good work too then also in it they wish to get worldly advantages.

They call Allah Almighty only for the purpose that He should put up in a pile of the wealth and complete their material necessities. They take part in Jihad only for getting booty, perform the Pilgrimage only for folding up the commercial benefits, offer prayers and pay the poor-due to acquire confidence of the people and gain profit unlawfully from it. Near to them the Paradise and blessings of the Hereafter is nothing. They suppose the Resurrection Day as a useless faith. They think that the indisputable Life after death will never happen. They don’t believe on reward or punishment against good or bad deeds. The life is only in this world according to them and the success is only the worldly success.

They are involved in open depravity. They have chosen the manner of infidelity and hypocrisy. While it is the fact that this world is only abridged part of our successive lives. Remaining and forever life will become our fortune only after death. That life will be fruit of our good or bad acts which we shall do in this world. The life of Hereafter is eternal, durable, unchangeable and without end. Real success is that life’s rest and success. We should strengthen our world’s lives so, that it becomes stairs of success for our future lives (of Hereafter).       

LESSON # 229 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Seekers Of The World And The Hereafter 

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –201 of 286, Section – 25 (Part  Ist Half of - 2)

And of them (also) are those who say: “Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the Doom of Fire.”

Wa  minhum-many-yaquulu    Rabbanaaa  ‘aatinaa  fid-dunyaa    hasanatanw-wa  fil-‘Aa-khirati  hasanatanw-wa  qinaa    ‘azzban-Naar.

Lesson

In the previous verse recitation was about the persons who desire only the world (money, gold, wealth and property). As they don’t deny Allah Almighty, also don’t believe entirely the Hereafter. Their begging, prayers and requests remain limited only for improvement of this material world. Their intention of worship is only to get the advantages of the world. God Almighty told this punishment for them that they will not gain any kind of future reward of virtues on the Doomsday because what they wish and for which they try, they will get in the world. Now while they have gotten their object in the world then any thing will not come into their hands during the Hereafter.

In this lesson it has been stated about those Believers who have sound thought and right character, who believe on Hereafter, near to them the Day of Resurrection and Implementation mistakes will surely happen. So their sight is not only on the world but that is also on the Doomsday. So they don’t want only the world turning from the Hereafter and don’t do those works with which they may get advantages only for the world but reward for the Hereafter is removed. They consider about the good results in the matters, behaviors and social lives.

It has been disclosed from the word hasanatan that the Believer is the Seeker of the Good and the Excellence of the world and the Hereafter. In the world he begs for power to do good acts. He demands strength and ability for good actions and deeds through prayers and worship and begs for good fruit of his good acts in the Hereafter. He goes away taking the both (the World and the Hereafter) with him. He does higher courtesy and fine affairs, and makes provision for the Hereafter, and prays from the God Almighty, “Guard me from the Fire of Hell, make room for me in the Paradise and bestow me the success”. It is the standard of the best person that he keeps in view the world and the Hereafter in his life and the affairs of his life, and uses to fear from the Doom of Hell.

Bear in mind that Islam has told the competition of the world and the Hereafter but has not coped the religion and the world. Blessed are those persons who pass their lives likewise decorating along-with their Hereafter.    

  

LESSON # 230 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Deeds Will Be Reckoned  

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –202 of 286, Section – 25 (Part  Ist Half of - 2)

For them there is in store a goodly portion out of that which they have earned. And Allah is Swift at reckoning.

‘Ulaaa-‘ika  lahum    nasiibum-mimmaa  kasabuu.    Wal-laahu  Sarii-‘ul-hisaab.

Lesson

We have recited about two kinds of the people in the previous verses of Holy Qur’an:

1.        Those persons who want each type of success only in the world. Their intention is only to get the wealth and property from their all deeds and worships. Neither have they faith on the Day of Resurrection, nor on the results of the second life. So they beg the fruit of their labour and endeavors in this world. These kinds of persons will not get any remuneration, compensation or rewards of their actions on the Doomsday.

2.      Who believe on Allah Almighty, on the Day of Resurrection and second life, don’t pray only for worldly magnificence as reward of their goodness, they do also the works with which their world and the End (both) may be arranged.  They will remain in comfort during the Hereafter as well as in this world. As though they keep their both lives at their own places, neither they sell the Hereafter for earning the world and nor seek the Hereafter leaving the world. Moreover they wish the success in both (the world and the Hereafter). They are eager to escape from the Fire of Hell. And they don’t entangle in those deeds for escaping from it which may cause to put them into the Hell.

The result of these second kind of persons has been mentioned in today’s verse. That is to say, “the good remuneration will be bestowed as recompense of these persons’ good acts”. They will be kept away from the Hell as they wish. They will be forgiven on mistakes and errors, the room will be made for them in the Paradise and they will see that after the life of the world there is also another life in the Hereafter. Wealth and valuables of the world are nothing against the tastes of that life. Facilities, honour and dignity of the world all are casual and transitory but comparatively the blessings of Paradise will be everlasting, peaceful and comfortable.  `   

Saying the word Sarii-‘ul-hisaab the God Almighty has warned those people who don’t believe the Hereafter and pray only for the world, that Allah Almighty is Swift at reckoning. The Hereafter is not at much distance. On that Day they will see that how much they remain in loss due to begging remuneration of their acts only for the world, forgetting the Hereafter. On the other side the God Almighty has pacified those persons with this sentence, who believe the Doomsday, and wish to get the success of this world as well as the Day of Resurrection. They have been told that they will get the entire remuneration of their good deeds. So they should remain matured on their passage. At first the God Almighty has mentioned the world and then recitation about supplication of the Hereafter has been stated. That is to say, Islam is not against the world, and moreover it desires that the works of the world should be done with the concept of the Hereafter.

LESSON # 231 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Appointed Days Of The Pilgrimage

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –203a of  286, Section – 25 (Part - 2)

And remember Allah through the appointed days.

Waz-kurullaaha  fiii  ‘ayyaa-mim-ma’-duudaat.

Lesson

‘Ayaa-mim-ma’-duudaat – (some appointed days) ‘ayyaam is plural of the yawm which means ‘day’ and ma’-duudaat is from ‘adad (number, calculation). These two words signify towards the 10^th, 11^th and 12^th the dates of Zul-Hijjah. Idiomatically these days are also named as ‘ayyaa-min tash-riiq. Tash-riiq means to cause to learn the sacrifice. The animals are sacrificed in these days.

As we have discussed earlier that all the Pilgrims remain in ‘Arafat with effect from Zohar prayer till before sunset on 9^th Zul-Hijjah. They begin to return from there till the time of sunset, stay at night in Muzdalfah. Next day (on 10^th Zul-Hijjah) they reach Minaa, which is four miles from Makkah Mo-‘azmah towards north-west. It was a plain during old times. Now a lot of strong and majestic buildings have been constructed here. During the days of Pilgrimage, the Pilgrims hire these buildings on very high rates and this place remains in full bloom. In these days very great market is fixed up. Every thing of the world can be gotten from this market. The Pilgrims remain here till evening of the 12^th Zul-Hijjah, perform here many duties and follow the practice of the last Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) relating to the Pilgrimage, for example – sacrifice the animals, shave their heads, throw the small stone balls over the Satans and untie their ‘Ihraam.

It has been commanded in this verse, “Remember the God Almighty as much as you can in these days, engage yourselves in His worship and remembrance. There is a particular form to remember Allah Almighty that each Pilgrim should throw seven small stone balls over the Big Stone (Jumrah ‘Uqbaa) along with saying ‘Allahu ‘Akbar on throwing each small stone ball on 10^th of Zul-Hijjah.  The correct time for throwing the stone ball starts from the dawn of the day. Likewise throw seven small stone balls over all the three stones (Sha-yaa-tiin) one by one on 11^th and 12^th of Zul-Hijjah, but on those stones the small stone balls will be thrown after inclining of the sun. After that the Pilgrims are permitted to go to Makkah. 

As you saw that since the recitation about Hajj and its orders has begun, it has been emphasized again and again to remember Allah Almighty. Thus also the best source of satisfaction of the heart and purity of the soul is in remembrance of the God Almighty. And it has special relation with the Pilgrimage. From all around the world the people of different races and temperaments assemble here on one place. The difficulties of the journey, troubles of the foreign country, recollection of the birth place, separation from the family members, these entire are the matters from whom it is necessary to be confused of every person. In the gatherings like these, it is customary thing to entangle with each other, to be harsh and quarrel, but there is no chance of these matters during the Pilgrimage.

God Almighty commanded that the Pilgrims should pay attention on only one thing, forgetting the entire labors and that is “remembrance of Allah Almighty”, obey Him, remain busy in listening and causing to hear His Orders to others, remain engaged in His Praise, forget everything in abundance Praise of God Almighty.             

 LESSON # 232 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

The Spirit Of The Goodness Is Piety

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –203b of  286, Section – 25 (Part - 2)

Then whoso hasteneth (his departure) by two days, it is no sin for him, and whoso delayeth, it is no sin for him; that is for him who wardeth off (evil). And be careful of your duty to Allah, and know that unto him ye will be gathered.

Faman-  ta-‘ajjala  fii yawmayni  falaaa  ‘isma  ‘alayh.  Wa  man-  ta-‘akh-khara  falaaa  ‘isma  ‘alayhi,  li-manittaqaa.  Watta-qullaaha  wa’-lamuuu  ‘annakum  ‘ilayhi  tuh-sharuun.

Lesson

It has been stated in the previous lesson that there are special three days of worship, which are called ‘Ayyaa-mi tash-riiq, that is to say the 10^th, 11^th and 12^th of Zul-Hijjah. But if any person stays also after the 12^th and prays the God Almighty, then it is no sin for him. And if any person sets on to Makkah after staying only two days, then it is also no sin for him.

The object to tell by this verse is that the actual this is piety (fear of God Almighty), to abstain from the things which are forbidden by Allah Almighty, remain at distance from unlawful things, not to seek any pretence and excuse in His obedience, keeping to make intention His pleasure, to act upon His Orders and induce others, to keep the Day of Resurrection in front, to believe the life after death and to arrange for it.

Some unsystematic-ness may happen due to certain compulsions in execution of lawful commands. But these compulsions will be accepted only of that person, who is punctual of honesty, chastity and abstinence. He doesn’t follow against the commands of Allah Almighty with violence and rebellion. It is clear that the person like this will never seek any pretence or excuse in obeying His Orders. The real thing which is required to be produced in the human being is piety. In its presence if any body falls in some littleness due to compulsion or poorness, then it can be forgiven.

The Holy Qur’an preaches for the God-fearing with nearly each command. So it has much importance in the life of the mankind. The object from the orders of Allah Almighty is to grow cleanliness, purity and excellence in the human life. But if in the presence of these specialties, any person is unable to obey the Orders then there is no sin for him.

The recitation about the Pilgrimage ends here.         

LESSON # 233 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Opponents Who Swear

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –204 of  286, Section – 25 (Part - 2)

And of mankind there is he, whose conversation on the life of this world pleaseth thee (Muhammad), and he calleth Allah to witness as to   that which is in his heart; yet he is the most rigid of opponents.

Wa  minan-naasi many-yu’-jibuka  qawluhuu  fil-hayaatid-dunyaa  wa yush-hidullaaha  ‘alaa  maa  fii  qalbihii,  wa  huwa  ‘aladdul-khisaam.

Lesson

Wa  minan-naasi – (some people) it is not necessary that from the word ‘some’ it aims only one person. It may be one as well as many persons of the same nature.

Qawluhuu – (his conversation) that is to say; his claim that he is ready to sacrifice himself on Islam, he has much love with Islam.

Fil-hayaatid-dunyaa – (in the affairs of the life of this world) it is intended here to disclose from the word Fii that he has to achieve the world with his eloquence; speech, not the Hereafter. He tells the lies about worldly affairs, as though there is none wise and learned more than him.

Yush-hidullaahu – (he calls Allah to witness) namely he (sacrilegious) tries to cause to believe using God Almighty’s Name to express strong feeling. It aims from his making swear that he settles witness to Allah Almighty on his statement.

Before it we have recited about the Pilgrimage in which it was told that some unfortunate persons run behind the world. They are totally deprived of the good results of the Hereafter. But the pious persons beg for the world as well as for the Hereafter and ask for refuge from the torture of the Hell.

From this verse the recitation about unlucky and treacherous persons begins. They talk with sweet conversation. Apparently they speak with wisdom, but they are the most rigid of opponents and quarrelsome. The Grace of Revelation of this verse is mentioned that there was a person named ‘Akhnas bin Shareeq of Saqeef tribe. Openly he seemed much devouring sorrow and sympathizer of Islam. He used to claim through his tongue much love for Islam. He used to come in the conference of the Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessing and peace be upon Him) and used to claim much long and wide, used to swear in his discourse. But whenever he used to leave that place, then he used to begin backbiting and mischief, and thought plans to harm Islam. It seems apparently that this verse was revealed for that person. But it applies to all those persons, who have that nature. More signs of these kinds of hypocrites will be stated in the leading verses. Here specialty of the hypocrite has been told that he binds many claims with his tongue, causes to believe in words that he is a believer, but in fact he is the most rigid of opponents, keeps enmity with Islam and Its Followers, and tries to harm them.      

LESSON # 234 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Causing The Mischief

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –205 of  286, Section – 25 (Part - 2)

And when he turneth away (from thee) his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle. And Allah loveth not mischief.

Wa  ‘izaa  tawallaa  sa-‘aa  fil-‘arzi  li-yufsida  fiihaa  wa  yuh-likal-harsa  wan-nasl. Wal-laahu  laa yuhibbul-fasaad.

Lesson

Tawallaa – (he turns away) here it has two meanings – to turn away or to become ruler. That is to say; while he goes away leaving the conference of the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), and according to the other meanings ‘he becomes ruler’. Some commentators of the Holy Qur’an have taken these meanings, that is to say; he becomes either officer of the state or the power is acquired by him anywhere.

Sa-‘aa – (effort, endeavour, exertion) this word means ‘to become zealous, to labour too hard, attachment of attempt. Here it aims to labour too hard for establishing mischief and raising badness.   

Fil-‘arzi – (in the country) ‘Arz means ‘the earth’. It is intended for bringing this word usually to disclose that the hypocrites establish mischief at a vast range, they introduce the badness up to very long distance. However with the use of al (Alif Laam) along with the word ‘Arz it may be signified towards a particular place, as the city of Madina, which remained the centre of the hypocrites during the period of Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him).

‘Al-harsa – (the crops) that is to say; the mischief makers ruined the crops and kindled them. Some commentators have aimed the women from this word and some others have included it to harm the religion.

‘An-nasl – (the life) in destroying the life, both the lives i.e. the lives of the mankind and the cattle are included. Some commentators (Mufassiriin) have taken here the meanings as only the human lives. Aggregately the slaughter and the plunder, both are included in this word’s meaning.

In the earlier verse it was told that apparently he claims the sympathy with Islam. But internally he is enemy of Islam. Then another thing that he tries to cause to believe on his truth swearing repeatedly Allah Almighty, witnesses the God Almighty in each matter. But in fact he is one of the most rigid of opponents. He tries to be entangled in each right affair and is enemy of the truth. His efforts are to harm Allah Almighty and His Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him).

Some more signs have been told about likewise people in this verse. Because they ignite the fire of mischief and quarrel in the country, produce disturbance, try to distribute the united nation in different groups, so that they may get their attention, they burn the crops, slaughter the cattle, commit the fornication, become guilty of the unnatural act, due to which breed of the human ruins.

    LESSON # 235 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

False Dignity

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –206 of  286, Section – 25 (Part - 2)

And when it is said unto him: Be careful of thy duty to Allah, pride taketh him to sin. Therefore Hell will be sufficient for him. And certainly it is an evil-resting place.

Wa  ‘izaa  qiila  lahuttaqil-laaha  ‘akhazat-hul-‘izzatu  bil-‘ismi  fa-hasbuhuu  Jahannam.  Wa  la-bi’-sal-mihaad.

Lesson

Another sign of the Hypocrites has been mentioned in this verse. Namely, tyrannize the people, false claiming, establish mischief and sedition, rebel and defy against Allah Almighty coming in their pride. When the people try to admonish them, “Come to the straight Path leaving the matters of mischief and disturbance, fear from the God Almighty, pass your lives in peace and comfort” then they become more zealous in mischief and sin to keep firm their false dignity and self made honor.

When the people say them, “Fear from Allah Almighty” then it strongly hits their pride. Their all palaces made of false desires and liar dignity drop down, so it divulges their secret and they doesn’t remain of anywhere. So to keep their dignity established they don’t care to disobey the Orders of God Almighty, tyrannize the people, and try to press the judgment of the people using every lawful and unlawful weapon. Allah Almighty has prepared the Hell for these kinds of people, where they will be thrown, they will be burnt there forever and suffer flavor of their pride.

The aims of the Divine Law of Islam are, “To normal the Justice, rest and Peace in the world, every person should have liberty to gain from the things created by Allah Almighty, the facilities may be gotten for acting upon the prescribed Guidance and Teachings revealed by the God Almighty and each human being may get his Right easily.

To achieve these all objects the Believer helps Islam, the Infidel stands in the way and the Hypocrite is likewise the serpent of the sleeve (enemy) that he keeps rigid enmity with Islam and shows the love with Islam from his apparently claims and liar statements. But he doesn’t cause to open his hearty enmity. So he will be punished more severely.

This Hypocrite puts the greatest hindrance in getting intentions of the Divine of Islam, doesn’t disclose his heart’s secrets, and remains earnest in mischief and quarrelsome, ruins the crops and slaughters the cattle. Really the concept of false dignity and self make honor is a great hindrance in the path of advice and warning.     

LESSON # 236 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Wisher of The Pleasure of Allah

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –207 of  286, Section – 25 (Part - 2)

And of mankind is he who would sell himself, seeking the Pleasure of Allah. And Allah hath compassion on (His) bondmen.

Wa minan-naasi many-yashrii naf- sahub-tigaaa-‘a Marzaatillah. Wallaahu Ra-‘uufum- bil-‘ibaad.

Lesson

In this verse it has been explained about those true Believers who sacrifice even their lives for this purpose so that Allah Almighty would be pleased to them.

If the mankind thinks on this reality then he will know that the quarrels, in which he is involved, are worthless. Narrow minded people suppose that as much they have property and wealth, land and estate, the entire are their own. As much they will get more, all that would be their own also. They imagine that the worldly honor and dignity is the only object of theirs. To get these things in all respect is the greatest success. But they don’t see that firstly neither they have power over themselves, nor on their property which they have or which they get more. These entire worldly things will remain in the world and they have to expire. Isn’t it possible that their arms may be broken, paralyze their powers and fail their hearts and brains? Then why are these fighting, loot and booty, extortion, mischief and violation? Is it all for that life which has no surety? Is it for that dignity which has no foundation?

A believer knows these things and he understands that nothing is his own. But every thing is of the Creator Who gave him life, Who brought him up and made him able to get benefits from the blessings of the world. So every thing is of Allah Almighty and intention to use every thing is to seek the Pleasure of God Almighty. If the things bestowed by Him would be used in His path and to achieve His Pleasure, then what will we lose. If any thing will become less then He will give more. If our alone life on which we have no power, would be sacrificed to seek His Pleasure then what we will lose. The life given by Him who had to be end if that is sacrificed for Him then what will be better prodigal than it.

Jaan dii, dii huwii usii kii thii

Haq to yeh hai keh Haq adaa naa huwa

(I have sacrificed my life which was given by Him

True is it that the Right isn’t performed)

He is the most Kind and Loving on His slaves (human beings). A person can’t imagine His favors, blessings and Kindness. He cannot count His blessings. Alas! The person would think about this fact so that the gratitude and appreciation would be produced into him.

LESSON # 237 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Enter Into Islam One And All

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –208 of  286, Section – 25 (Part - 2)

O ye who believe! enter, into   submission (unto Him) one and all; and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! He is an open enemy for you.

Yaaa –‘ayyu-hal-laziina  ‘aamanuud-khuluu  fis-Silmi  kaaaffah.  Wa  laa  tat—tabi-‘uu  khutuwaatish-Shay-taan.  ‘Innahuu  lakum  ‘aduw-wum-mubiin.

Lesson

‘As-Silmi – (Islam) literal meanings of Salama are truce and peace. And this word comes opposite to war. The Commentators of the religion have taken the meaning of ‘as-Silmi here as Islam. The masters of the dictionary have also accepted this meaning of it.

Kaaaffah – (one and all, entire) origin of this word is kafafa which means ‘to stop’. Kaaaffah means ‘enter into Islam completely and obey the Islam in all respects.

Khutuwaati – (the footsteps) its singular is Khutuh, which means the footstep i.e. obedience and Compliance.  

Reason of the Revelation of this verse is that a few Jews embraced Islam but they also continued compliance the Jewish religion along with Islamic Divine, for example to consider the Saturday as a holy day, to deem the meat and milk of camel as forbidden and recite the Torah etc. Then some people used to make any false belief by themselves or consider sacred their any act and include their self made faiths in the religion along with the Islamic Divine. Allah almighty revealed this verse to stop obeying other orders along with the Islamic orders, and commanded that ‘enter, into submission (unto Him) one and all’. That is to say; neither make false beliefs yourselves, nor follow the myths, nor execute the other teachings and nor that any thing you do not like or that which seems difficult to you, not to believe in it.

Islam is neither only the name of a few beliefs, nor it is the collection of a few prayers (worships), but it is the most perfect, superior and fine code for the entire life. It guides in each field of life, fulfills all requirements of human nature, shows favor in orders keeping in view his weaknesses, guides rightly to reach the destination and instructs to get the supreme success of the religion and the world. So it is necessary to embrace Islam whole heartedly. Moral, social, economical and political means in every field of life, it is necessary to obey the Islamic laws.

The People who don’t do so, though they follow the devil’s footsteps even he is their open enemy. To hope for good from him is extremely foolish and ignorant. The Islam and the Infidelity can’t remain together. So either become completely the slaves of The Merciful otherwise you have to follow the footsteps of the Devil, which is the only loss forever.

LESSON # 238 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Don’t Err Intentionally

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –209 of  286, Section – 25 (Part - 2)

And if ye slide back after the clear proofs have come unto   you, then know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.

Fa-‘in- zalaltum-mim-  ba’-di maa jaaa-‘atkumul-Bayyi-naatu fa’-lamuuu ‘annallaaha ‘Aziizun- Hakiim.

Lesson

‘Al-Bayyi-naatu – (the clear proofs) it means those orders and instructions which have no doubt and intricacy of any kind. For instance, having Faith to believe on One God (Allah Almighty), having Belief on the rightful of the Last Messenger of God Almighty (Muhammad’s truism) (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) and the commands about the prayers. The entire orders of this kind had already reached the Jews and other groups.

Zalaltum – (you slide back) this word is from zallah which literally means ‘to reel, to stagger, to slip, to err. It happens also without discretion. So we have known from it too that to be misled due to forgetting can be cause of sin also. So the repentance is required to be forsworn.

 Aziizun – (The Mighty, The Powerful) it means the Entity who can punish while and whatever He wishes. It can be translated as The Dominant.

Hakiim – (The Wise) here its meaning will be ‘The Entity who punishes always at the right time and in this punishment, there is hidden a great advisability’, because He is The Wise.

It is the good luck of the human being that Allah Almighty established series of the Prophets (peace be upon them) with excellent Mercy and Kindness for his guidance. To show him the straight path and cause him embracing to success, Allah Almighty continued sending His Selected Prophets (peace be upon them) in different nations time to time. These Messengers (peace be upon them) used to show the right path to the people who forgot and caused to save the straying people from the whirlpool, improved their moralities and cleaned them from the filth. But the history of the world tells that unlucky persons violated them, sometimes exiled and sometimes killed them. They dug the pit hole for themselves at their own by behaving like this.

At the end Allah Almighty sent the Last Messenger (Muhammad) (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). The Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) explained the heavenly teachings to the people of the world, showed them acting on these teachings with His (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) good attitude, proved by creating a group of righteous and respectable persons with His companionship and company that these are the clear orders of Allah Almighty. And the success can be gotten by acting upon them.

How much misfortune of the mankind is that in spite of getting so great dignity he deflects away from it, acts against it and becomes its enemy? These evil-doers will surely be punished. Because there is no reason and excuse remained for them now. The Argument of Allah Almighty has been established. None of them can say now that the True Religion didn’t come to us.

LESSON # 239 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

The Irrational Demand

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –210 of  286, Section – 26 (Part - 2)

Wait they for naught else than that Allah should come unto them in the shadows of the clouds with the angles? Then the case would be already judged. And all cases go back to Allah (for judgment).

Hal yanzuruuna ‘illaaa ‘any-ya’-tiya-humullaahu fii zulalim- minal-gamaami wal-malaaa-‘ikatu wa quziyal-‘amr.  Wa ‘ilallaahi turja-‘ul-‘umuur.

Lesson

Allah Almighty granted different powers to the mankind, in which wisdom and understanding are also included, so that the human being may distinguish between the right and wrong, good and bad, and the oppression and justice. Apart from these powers Allah Almighty sent the Prophets (peace be upon them) for the guidance of the mankind and to prove their truth, He sent also different signs. So that looking these signs the person would believe in the Prophets (peace be upon them), think about their teachings and adopt the pathway to reach the God Almighty. In the signs of Allah Almighty firstly there are those signs which as if, talk at their own that these all things are created by the Creator who is Almighty, Wise, Omnipresent, Compassionate and Kind, for example creation of the universe, its management, its evolution, then arrangements for the necessities and satisfaction of the mankind.

Secondly the signs which reached through The Last Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) unto us, for example His (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) personal perfect Model of personality, His spotless character, His good attitude and His (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) miracles, etc.

After going through these both kinds of signs the person’s wisdom demands that the faith should be embraced in Allah Almighty, Who is The Creator of the entire worlds and Who brings them up. If any person or group slides back from it then as he is waiting for that The God Almighty have to come personally in front of him with His Army of the Angles, and tell that ‘It is My order, accept it’. Looking out of this kind will end on ruin and destruction of these people. Because neither it has happened earlier and nor will happen. Allah Almighty gave wisdom and vision, and sent His signs after it. Now it has become obligation for the mankind to believe in them. If one neither considers these signs, nor uses his wisdom and understanding, then he will surely be destroyed because there is none reason remaining not to believe in Allah. Then the entire mankinds have to be present in the court of Allah. Because circumference of all the doings is upon the God Almighty and He will decide their matters.

LESSON # 240 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Lesson From The Children Of Israel

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –211 of  286, Section – 26 (Part - 2)

Ask of the Children of Israel how many a clear Signs We gave them! He who altereth the Grace of Allah after it hath come unto him (for him), lo! Allah is Severe in punishment.

Sal  Baniii-‘Is-raaa-‘iila  kam  ‘aataynaahum-min  ‘Aa-yatim-bayyinah.  Wa  many-yubaddil  ni’-matallaahi  mim-ba’-di  maa  jaaa-‘at-hu  fa- ‘in-nallaaha  Shadiidul- ‘iqaab.

Lesson

It has been declared earlier that the God Almighty and His Angels (peace be upon them) never came openly near the human beings, moreover Allah Almighty has sent always the Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them) for the guidance of mankind out of them. In this verse this reality is being cleared from the history of the children of Israel. Namely ‘We gave many likewise signs to the children of Israel from which the truth of the existence of God Almighty, purity and teachings of His Messengers (peace be upon them) used to open’. But they put back all those signs. Allah Almighty honored them, but they proved as they were thankless. God Almighty bestowed a lot of kindnesses upon the children of Israel; some of them are being stated here briefly:

1.  They were set free from the oppression of the Pharaoh. The Pharaoh used to cause the slaughter of the children of Jews and keep their daughters alive, used to take hard labour from them, disgrace and ruin them in all respect. Allah Almighty escaped them from his tyranny.  

2.  A glorious Prophet named Moses (peace be upon him) was sent by Him into them, who brought them out from the slavery of the Pharaoh, fear and dominion of the Qabtiis.

3.  Drowned their enemy Pharaoh into the sea in front of them.  

4.  Kept them under the shadow of clouds during their period in the deserts of Sinai Valley, brought down Manna and Quail for their eating, flowed the springs of water.

5.  Revealed the Torah upon the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) for their guidance.

6.  Settled them in the Country Palestine.

7.  Maintained a series of the Prophets (peace be upon them) in their race for a long time.

But despite all these favors the children of Israel followed their personal desires. They turned their faces from the Holy Book revealed by Allah Almighty, deviated from His Orders, they remained happy in arbitrary Business. Allah Almighty sent upon them different kinds of wrath as punishment for this disobedience, so that they come by the way. But even then their scholars changed the words and meanings of the orders of God Almighty, and made changes intentionally in the Holy Book. The public followed them blind. If these people will resist even now on their words and will not believe in the True and Last Speech of Allah Almighty “Holy Qur’an”, then remember! Allah Almighty is Severe in punishment and their end will be the same as it had of the previous nations.  

LESSON # 241 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Don’t Make A Jest Of The Believers

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –212 of  286, Section – 26 (Part - 2)

Beautified is the life of the world for those who disbelieve; and they make a jest of the believers. But those who keep their duty to Allah will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. And Allah giveth without stint to whom He will.

Zuyyina  lillaziina kafarul-hayaatud-dunyaa  wa  yas-kharuuna  minallaziina  ‘aamanuu.  Wallaziinat-taqaw  fawqa-hum  Yawmal-Qiyaamah.  Wal-laahu  yarzuqu  many-yashaaa- ‘u  bi-gayri  hisaab.

Lesson

Reason of revelation of this verse is that the leaders of the Idolaters used to make a jest of the Muslims, suppose them contemptible. They used to make a jest of Hadrat Bilal, ‘Ammaar, Suhaib and other poor Companions (God may please with them) of the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) and say, “these stupid persons accepted the world’s calamities and difficulties on the thought of the Hereafter (we seek refuge in Allah), and look at Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) Who wants conquest over the powerful Arab leaders and chiefs with the assistance of these beggars, needy and poor people, and expects to correct the entire world with the help of these poor persons. This verse was revealed on the base of this buffoonery test and jest of these people.

They were told that it was ignorance and immaturity to think like this. They don’t know that these poor and distressed people will be superior and excellent than these leaders on the Day of Judgment. To whom Allah Almighty wishes, bestows him uncountable livelihood. So there came a day that these poor people upon whom the infidels made jokes, got the wealth of Banu Qureza and Banu Nuzair. And Allah Almighty bestowed them reign over two major kingdoms of that times - Iran and Rome, and gave then worldly leadership, wealth and sovereignty.  

It has been often seen that the rich persons and leaders who are deniers of Allah Almighty, they take pride in their wealth and think that they will purchase every thing of this world, and will conquer every power of the world with their wealth. Due to this pride and arrogance these people make a jest of the poor, honest and truth-lovers. To them wealth is the only sign of the nobility and the state. To them superiority of the morality and purity of the character is nothing. But they don’t know that the wealth is a moving shade, it is a passing shadow, sometimes hither and sometimes thither, and it has no stopping place. The thing on which one hasn’t power and control and which would be temporary and instable, to take pride in this extent is unprofitable and useless.

  

The real thing is goodness and abstinence. It is the greatest wealth. On The Day of Judgment the best reward will be bestowed in its exchange and all the rich and deniers will be overwhelmed on that Day. They will drown in the ignominy and disgrace and will repent on their deeds. How much it would be good if these persons would understand that Allah Almighty gives livelihood to creature. He can give it to the honest people after snatching from them. They shouldn’t make a jest of the poor and needy persons. They should attend to correct their own Hereafter. May God Almighty guide us so that we don’t say any thing wrong from our mouths. Aameen.

LESSON # 242 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

One Community

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –213a of  286, Section – 26 (Part - 2)

Mankind were one community, and Allah sent (unto them) Prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and revealed therewith the Scripture with the truth that it might judge between mankind concerning that   wherein they differed.

Kaanan-naasu  ‘um-matanw-waahidah.  Faba-‘asal-laahun-nabiyyiina  Mubash-shiriina  wa  Munziriin;  wa  ‘anzala  ma-‘ahumul-Kitaaba  bil-haqqi  liyahkuma  banyan-naasi  fiimakh-talafuu  fiih.

Lesson

‘Um-matanw-waahidah – (one community, one nation) ‘um-mat means a religious sect or creed. This word has come into use many times ago.

God Almighty commanded that the entire children of Adam (peace be upon Him) were one community in the beginning. They all had one religion. They were established on Oneness of God. Whenever any misunderstanding used to grow in their beliefs, then the Prophets (peace be upon them) were used to send by God Almighty as bearers of good tidings and warners, and they used to sweep their differences. 

As though, their thought that, “nobody knew about the true religion in the beginning and for reaching the present ‘Oneness of God’ it has passed through many stages”, is baseless.

Faba-‘asa – (then He sent) here Fa aims ‘after a long time’ that is to say when the absurd radicals had invented uncountable faiths and religions, and the contradictions increased between them.

Mubash-shiriina – (the bearers of good tidings) its origin is bashara which means ‘happy news, glad or good tidings’. Those persons, who embrace the Divine law, cause to hear the happy news.

Munziriin – (the warners) it aims that the Prophets (peace be upon them) were sent to warn the persons who deny and rebel against the laws given by Allah Almighty.    

Liyahkuma – (that it might judge between the mankind) that is to say ‘The God Almighty might decide through these Prophets’ (peace be upon them).

Only one religion has been coming with effect from the Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). The people put difference in this religion after some time, then Allah Almighty sent the Prophets (peace be upon them) from time to time, who used to cause to hear the good tidings of rewards to the Believers and warn the Infidels from the ignominy, and He revealed also the True Books (Scriptures), so that the differences and strives may be swept, and the true religion may escape from their differences.   

LESSON # 243 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Religious differences

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –213b of  286, Section – 26 (Part - 2)

And only those unto whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it, after clear proofs had come unto them, through hatred one of another. So Allah by His Will guided those who believe unto the truth of that concerning which they differed. And Allah guideth whom He will unto a straight path.

Wa  makh-talafa  fiihi ‘illallaziina  ‘uutuuhu  mim- ba’-di  maa jaaa-‘at-humul-bayyinaatu  bagyam- baynahum.  Fahadallaa- hullaziina  ‘aamanuu  li-makhtalafuu  fiihi  minal-Haqqi  bi-‘iznih.  Wallaahu yahdii  many- yashaaa-‘u ‘ilaa    Siraatim- Mustaqiim.

Lesson

‘Allaziina ‘uutuuhu – (to whom it was given) to whom means, “Those people who were given the Holy Books through the Prophets (peace be upon them), particularly the leaders and Spiritual Guides of those communities because these persons used to take the people towards the deviation and people just followed them”.

Bagyam- baynahum – (due to bigotry of one another) here it has been cleared that the real cause of differences and conflicts was hatred between one another and carnal-ness. And it wasn’t at all the reason that there was something wrong in the orders of Allah Almighty.  

Bi-‘iznih – (by His Will) in the Holy Qur’an the word Azan has been used for the both meanings i.e. the order and the permission. Here it means favour and strength from The God Almighty.

It has been told in this part of the verse that after coming the Prophets (peace be upon them) and revelation of the Holy Books, these were the persons who differed, who were given the Scriptures. For example the leaders and Spiritual Guides of Christians and Jews used to make differences in Torah and Gospel, change their meanings and do arbitrary in the paraphrase and explanations of these Scriptures at their own. They didn’t do all these differences unintentionally. But they did so for bigotry, jealousy of one another and greed of the worldly wealth and property.

In these situations the people who were seekers of the Faith and who had the ability of Belief, Allah Almighty guided them to the straight path with His Mercy and Blessing, bestowed them the strength to follow it, and saved them from the contradictions of the misled. It is also known from this verse that it is the custom of the world that the bad people make differences and remain earnest to do so. Therefore, the Believers shouldn’t follow them. Moreover they should act according to the guidance and teachings of Prophet of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). The Guidance is that which has given by the God Almighty and the success will be gotten by acting upon that manner which Allah Almighty has told.

LESSON # 244 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Moments Of Trial

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –214 of  286, Section – 26 (Part - 2)

Do ye think that ye will enter Paradise while yet there hath not come unto you the like of (that which came to) those who passed away before you? Affliction and adversity befell them, they were shaken as with earthquake, till the messenger (of Allah) and those who believed along with him said: When cometh Allah’s help? Beware! Surely Allah’s help is nigh.

‘Am hasibtum ‘an- tad-khulul-Jannata wa lammaa ya’-tikum-masa-lullaziina khalaw min- qablikum. Massat-humul- ba’-saaa-‘u wazzar-raaa-‘u wa  zul-ziluu hattaa ya-quular-Rasuulu wallaziina ‘aamanuu ma-‘ahuu mataa nasrul-laah. ‘Alaaa ‘inna nasrallaahi qariib.

Lesson

In this verse Allah Almighty has commanded that it is necessary for the mankind to compete the hardness, calamities and difficulties for getting betterment and success. It isn’t right to hope for success without bearing difficulties and hardships and passing through the test. The greatest goodness has been declared as the Paradise in this verse and told that too much great blessing cannot be gotten without hard work. The pathway of the goodness and Paradise has been made too much difficult that it might be known that ‘who has the demand and yearning for it?’ Who will have its real quest; he will try his best using the entire powers and strength which Allah Almighty has bestowed him for this purpose. He will be ready to sacrifice his everything for this. Moreover the people, who will get their purposes passing through the hard paths, they will understand also its real value.

Allah Almighty has proved by giving the reference of the previous communities that the successors have faced always the hardships and difficulties because the enemies of Allah Almighty and keeping enmity of the goodness lack never anything to torture these Believers. They leave them after making helpless and poor, and tyrannize them at the extent that the Prophet (peace be upon him) and His Believer Companions call, “O Allah! Now it is the end of the limit of their torture, when Your help will come?”

Allah Almighty has promised these Believers that His help shall come surely but there is a fixed rule for this help, at first the people are tested, when they remain sticking with throughout patient and steadfast, then finally Allah Almighty gives them success and the enemy of righteousness falls in the humility and is ruined.

LESSON # 245 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Where Should Be Spent

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –215 of  286, Section – 26 (Part - 2)

They ask thee, (O Muhammad), what they should spend. Say; that which ye spend for good (must go) to parents and near kindred and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, and whatsoever good ye do, lo! Allah is aware of it.

Yas-‘aluunaka  maazaa  yunfiquun.  Qul  maaa  ‘anfaq- tum-min  khayrin- falil-waali-dayni  wal- ‘aqrabiina  wal- yataa-maa  wal-masaakiini  wab-nis-sabiil.  Wa  maa  taf- ‘aluu  min  khayrin- fa- ‘innallaaha  bihii  ‘Aliim.

Lesson

Khayrin – (wealth, goods, property etc.) each type of goodness is included in the word khayrin i.e. bodily or financial, big or small, but it also means good earning and the wealth. And here meaning of Khayrin is the wealth.

In this verse it has been mentioned that the Muslims asked from The Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), “what they should spend?” Allah Almighty commanded that they should spend how much they want out of their good earnings and the pure wealth, beside this Allah Almighty told about the people upon whom the wealth should be spent:

1.      waali-dayni: first right is of our parents out of our wealth. Alas! Now a days the well to do, the married and the well earner youngsters don’t recognize the right of their parents.

2.      ‘Al- ‘aqrabiina: after the parents comes the right of the near kindred (close relatives). How much great rule Islam has given that the charity and goodness should be started from the nearest relatives and supplied it far away.

3.    Wal- yataa-maa: You should take care and train them becoming the shadow over their heads, which are deprived of the shadow of their parents. The Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) has commanded too much rights of the orphans and fixed it a great virtue to serve them.

4.    Wal-masaakiini: those weak and disabled people who are excused to earn.          

5.      Wab-nis-sabiil:  fifth rank is of the needy wayfarers.

LESSON # 246 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Order Of Warfare

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –216a of  286, Section – 26 (Part - 2)

Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you.

Kutiba ‘alaykumul-qitaalu wa huwa kurhul-lakum.

Lesson

We have discussed this matter earlier with detail that the source of our guidance is only Islam. Islam has complete rules under practice for our lives. If any person accepts any other religion turning his face from It, then he will turn away from the real destination, will surrender himself to destruction going astray. Because meaning of deflecting away from Islam is that the person will ruin the peace and security, will spread mischief and violence, will tyrannize others and violate their rights.

Allah Almighty has ordered the Muslims to fight against all those people who turn away from Islam, remain earnest in spreading evil and mischief, engage in conspiracies and depravities because they are the enemies of Islam and ruin the peace. Kill them because only the end of those people can become the cause of improvement of Islam and prosperity of the universe of the world.

The Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) was ordered for warfare after the migration from Makkah to Madina while He had to establish the base of new state, preach for Islam openly and had to bring a new society in existence according to the guidance of Allah Almighty, but at that time the Muslims were weak and helpless, deficient in numbers, didn’t had the equipment of warfare and were in the seizure of the worst condition and anxiety. Therefore it was necessary to undergo invasive naturally the order of warfare. So they were told that whether the warfare would be how much hateful to them but they had to do their duty.    

The most precious thing for the mankind is his life. Its end is felt by him unlike and unpleasant. It is common in the warfare leaving one’s life, loss of lives. But Allah Almighty informed that far-reaching results and benefits of this warfare are a lot which will result afterward. Therefore if the unpleasantness is borne temporarily and the loss is endured, then its result will be much sweet and superior. We should obey the orders of Allah Almighty without hesitation and caring for the favorite things of the world,. We should earn the pleasure of Allah Almighty by sacrificing our lives, our children and wealth.

LESSON # 247 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Love And Hate Of The Mankind

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –216b of  286, Section – 26 (Part - 2)

And it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. And Allah knoweth, and ye know not.

Wa  ‘asaaa  ‘an- takrahuu  shay-‘anw-wa  huwa  khayrul-lakum.  Wa  ‘asaaa  ‘an- tuhibbuu  shay- ‘anw-wa  huwa  sharrul-lakum.  Wal-laahu  ya’- lamu  wa  ‘antum  laa  ta’- lamuun.

Lesson

‘Asaaa – (it may happen, perhaps) it is possible, it may be.

In the first part of the verse God Almighty ordained for warfare and commanded that apparently the slayer seems bad to you but there is no resource without it for the life of the community and exaltation of the nation.

Now to clear this subject, it is being commanded in a very good and unique manner:

“And it may happen that you hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing which is bad for you.” Its evidence is that, you don’t know about your well and worse. You don’t know, “what is better for you and what is bad. However The Creator knows very well that what is better and what is bad. While it is the reality then do that whatever He says and which He orders. There is kind and good for you in it.

There is no doubt the most difficult thing in this world is to endanger one’s life and property, and these both fears exist in the warfare. The human being can’t be ready to sacrifice these precious things i.e. the life and property easily. However, if he would know that this life and the entire paraphernalia of this life are casual, and the immortal life and permanent comfort will be bestowed after it, then these things doesn’t value to the human being.

Secondly, if the mankind would have sure that his Creator knows better about his profit and loss than him, moreover he doesn’t have any knowledge. The entire wisdoms and the goodness are in His control and whatever He says, that all is for his favour. In this form a person will be ready to sacrifice either it is his life and property or any other most precious thing. And at that time nothing will get any value to him.

LESSON # 248 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Warfare In The Sacred Months

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –217a of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

They question thee (O Muhammad) with regard to warfare in the sacred months. Say: Warfare therein is a great (transgression).

Yas-‘aluunaka ‘anish- Shahril-Haraami qitaalin-fiih. Qul qitaalun-fiihi kabiir.

Lesson

‘Ash-Shahrul-Haraamu – (the sacred month) Lunar year has four sacred months; Muharram, Rajab, Zi Qa'dah and Zil-Hajjah. These months were considered very blessed and pure by the Arabs. Even the killing, devastation and militancy were their occupation, but they used to stop every kind of warfare during these four months. Here the month of Rajab signifies particularly towards ‘ash- Shahrul-Haraamu.

Cause of revelation of this verse is that in the 2nd Hijrah once during the journey, a warfare took place between some Companions (may God be pleased with them) of the Holy Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) and Idolaters, and one Idolater was killed in the war. To these companions this warfare was fought on 30^th of the month of Jamadi-as-saani which wasn’t a sacred month, but after that it was known that the moon of Jamadi-as-saani had become of 29 days, and on which the warfare was fought, that was 1^st of Rajab which was a sacred month.

To this error which happened unknowingly, the Infidels and Idolaters extended this news very much and began taunting, “See! Now the Muslims don’t respect these months. They have begun the warfare also in the month of Rajab.” Due to this reason, those Companions attended the court of the Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) and asked, “It is happened unintentionally. What we have to do now”. Then this verse was revealed and the Muslims were told that the warfare is a worse thing during the sacred months but it is; when the sin is done intentionally and having the knowledge of the sacred months the warfare is fought. And this battle which the Muslims fought wasn’t fought intentionally but it was their misunderstanding.

                         

The Scholars agree upon this matter that even now whenever the Infidels will begin fighting in the sacred months then the Muslims can fight counter and defensive war to save them, can react on their attack because the human lives are more sacred than the sanctity of these months. It is more necessary to save them. Although to fight in these sacred months is worse but the worst things are those which are done by the Infidels. For example, they don’t believe in Allah Almighty, do worship of more gods instead of the One, do not believe in the Last Day (the Day of Resurrection), spread the sedition and quarrelsome, and exile the people from their houses, because these things are more worse and horrible than the warfare. The Infidels don’t be attentive on their doings themselves. They began taunting the Muslims upon a little unknowingly error.

These matters have been discussed in the next part of this verse which you will read in the next lesson. The Infidels and idolaters don’t see their own behavior but entangle with the Muslims. They are taunting on an unintentional mistake.

LESSON # 249 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Behavior Of The Infidels

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –217b of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

But to turn (men) from the Way of Allah, and to disbelieve in Him and in the Inviolable Place of Worship, and to expel His people thence, is a greater with Allah; and persecution is worse than killing.

Wa  saddun  ‘an- sabiilillaahi  wa  kufrum-bihii  wal-Masjidil-Haraami  wa  ‘ikh-raaju  ‘ahlihii  minhu  ‘akbaru  ‘indallaah.  Wal-fitnatu  ‘akbaru  minal-qatl.

Lesson

Sabiilillaahi – (the Way of Allah) its aim is Islam. It is the chosen path of the God Almighty. The human being can decorate his World and Hereafter by moving on this pathway.

We have studied in the previous lesson that once in warfare a few Muslims killed an Infidel. It was happened unknowingly during a sacred month. The Infidels reproached and taunted them on it. Allah Almighty has commanded in these verses that although it is sin to fight during any sacred month, but those sins are comparatively bigger which are done by these Infidels. Some kinds of sins are being submitted in today’s lesson.

Saddun  ‘an- Sabiilillaahi – (to turn (men) from the Way of Allah) that is to say “to prevent the people from embracing Islam and torture them with cruelty who have embraced Islam, to threaten them who intend to embrace Islam”. The Infidels of Makkah used to do all these evils. They used to forbid the people to believe in the Messenger of Islam (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). They used to beat them and lay them down on the hot stones who embraced Islam. They used to prevent them from leaving the Makkah who wished to move away from this sacred Place.    

Kufrum-bihii – (to disbelieve in Him) second sin which the Infidels used to do, was “atheism from Allah Almighty, refusal from His Existence and Virtues”.

‘Al-Masjidil-Haraami – (the Inviolable Place of Worship) Khana Ka’-ba – this House of Allah Almighty was only for worship, but the Infidels had put in it uncountable Idols. The Muslims wished to make it the House of Oneness of The God Almighty, but the Infidels used to prevent them to enter in this Inviolable Place of Worship and hindered them from doing worship.

‘Ikh-raaju  ‘ahlihii – (to expel the people from Makkah, who were its residents) the Infidels of Makkah tyrannized and oppressed the Muslims as much that they were compelled ultimate to leave Makkah. These poor and helpless Muslims took refuge in Madina leaving behind their families, and ran away to save their lives giving up their entire family members and properties. How big this sin is which was committed by the Idolaters of Makkah?  

‘Al-fitnatu – (the persecution, mischief, sedition, plundering and turning the people from true religion) the Infidels of Makkah had been creating these entire evils but they did not consider them as their crimes. Allah Almighty commands, “Killing is reasonable in all respect while the situations arise so”.     

LESSON # 250 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Attempts Of The Idolaters

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –217c of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

And they will not cease from fighting against you till they have made you renegades from your religion, if they can.

Wa  laa  yazaaluuna  yuqaatiluuna-kum  hattaa  yarud-duu-kum  an- Diinikum  ‘inis- tataa-‘uu.

Lesson

It has been cleared openly in this verse that till the time the Muslims will remain firm on the religion of Allah Almighty, the Idolaters and Infidels will continue opposing them in all respect. They will not leave any stone unturned to humiliate in each situation and at every time, desiring they either get this opportunity in the limits of Haram or during the sacred and pure month, as they did so at the time of        Hudaybiyah. At that time they did not care for any respect and blessing, were prepared to kill or die due to enmity and envy with only the Muslims. And they prevented the Muslims to go to Makkah and to perform the Pilgrimage (Umrah). So it should not be cared if these types of the enemies of Islam reproach and taunt the Muslims. The Muslims should not wait to kill them due to only the sacred month.

It is also evident from this verse that how much the Idolaters of Makkah were displeased from Islam and how much they were enemy of the Truth and the Right. They were insistent with every possible strength and plan that the Muslims should turn away from their religion; they were trying their best to prevent the people from embracing Islam, compel them to believe in the false and old faiths, establish them to do worship of the Idols, and if possible, erase the name and sign of the Islam. 

Here is a question that, “Why the Infidels and Idolaters were too much opponent of Islam? Why were they pursuing to finish It? Why did they see the beliefs of the Muslims with bad sight? Why did they hate the teachings of Islam?

There are the answers of above mentioned questions that they had made their religion, their politics and their culture according to their manners at that time. Their aims and purposes were limited only up to their own welfare and wellbeing. They wished to retain the traditions of their own society. Contrary to this the Islam delivered the message of accomplished equality and global development, provided equal rights to every person being the mankind, refused to accept the existence of any particular interested society. So those all persons who conceived at the limited scale and who were miserly and selfish, they prepared themselves for enmity and malice.

How the false could stay in front of the true? How the darkness might remain after coming in the Light? Those people drowned themselves in their own folly and enmity, and stood the rightful of punishment forever. They were unlucky in this world and also became deserving of the Hell on the Day of Resurrection.  

LESSON # 251 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Punishment Of A Renegade

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –217d    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

And whoso of you becometh a renegade and dieth in his disbelief: such are they whose works have fallen both in the world and the Hereafter. And such are rightful owners of the Fire, they will abide therein forever.

Wa many-yartadid  minkum  ‘an- Diinihii  fayamut  wa  huwa  kaafirun- fa- ‘ulaaa- ‘ika  habitat ‘a’-maaluhum  fid-dunyaa  wal- ‘Akhirah.  Wa  ‘ulaaa- ‘ika  ‘As-haabun-Naar.  Hum  fiihaa  khaaliduun.

Lesson

It was cleared from the previous lesson that the Infidels and Idolaters will carry on trying to turn the Muslims away from Islam with every method. They will threaten and terrify them, offer them different hopes, tempt them. Their entire attempts will be for the purpose that with any possible way the Muslims should not increase in numbers, they would return towards the ignorance and darkness of infidelity.  

It has been warned in this verse that if any Muslim will become a renegade leaving Islam under the influence of Infidels, due to scare or lure, and will die in his disbelief then his all deeds will be lost. He will have to face its punishment also in the world and on the Day of Resurrection too.

Punishment due to becoming a renegade toward infidelity from Islam will be that his life and wealth will not be protected. His relation will cut from his Muslim wife.  He cannot get the hereditary property of the Muslims. Moreover if there is a Muslim government then that disloyal, renegade and rebel person has not any right for living.

On the Day of Resurrection he will be punished rigorously as he will remain deprived from his rewards and compensation. He will not get exchange of his any worship and good deed. He will be put in to the Hell, will be burnt there forever and harmed any way.  

Fayamut  wa  huwa  kaafirun – (if he dies in his disbelief) Allah Almighty taught from this sentence that if (God forbid) any Muslim becomes a renegade, even then he has the opportunity to return toward the religion. The punishment of Hereafter is only in that case, if he dies in the folly of Infidelity.

The punishment of the renegade is too much rigorous because he became the renegade after understanding the Islam. Then doubts may rise in the hearts of other persons seeing him.   

LESSON # 252 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Belief, Emigration And Strive

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –218    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

Lo! Those who believe, and those who emigrate (to escape the persecution) and strive in the Way of Allah, these have hope of Allah’s Mercy. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

‘Innallaziina  ‘aamanuu  wallaziina  haajaruu  wa  jaa-haduu  fii Sabiilillaahi,  ‘ulaa-‘ika  yarjuuna  Rahmatallaah.  Wallaahu  Gafuurur-Rahiim.

Lesson

‘Allaziina  haajaruu – (those who emigrated) it signifies toward those persons who left their native land, which was dearest and beloved thing for each living creature, for the cause of religion. They left the town of infidelity and went to the town of Belief. The Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) and His Companions (Sahaabah) (may God be pleased with them) emigrated from Makkah to Madina.

Jaa-haduu – (who strove) this word has come out from the word Ji-haad, which means strong endeavor and hard struggle. All types of tortures and difficulties are included in it and the greatest difficulty is warfare and slayer.

Fii Sabiilillaahi – (in the Way of Allah) it has been proved applying the restriction with Emigration and Strive that the Muslims do not emigrate or strive for their any personal want or gain. They bear all kinds of calamities and difficulties only for getting pleasure of God Almighty.

Yarjuuna – (they have hope) purpose of this word is to produce happy news to those Believers who had killed an Infidel unknowingly during the sacred month.

Those Companions (may God be pleased with them) who had killed an Infidel unknowingly during the sacred month, had known that they had not committed any sin, but they were some thoughtful in this matter because they did not know about reward of this strife while they wished the future reward of this virtue. On this occasion this verse was revealed that “Those who believe, and those who emigrate (to escape the persecution) and strive in the Way of Allah”, without any doubt “they are hopeful of Allah’s Mercy” and they are rightful of the reward and remuneration. God Almighty is Forgiving mistakes of His servants and He is Merciful upon them. He will never forfeit the rights of His worshiper slaves.

It also appears from this verse that the Infidels and Idolaters will try their best to return the Muslims from their religion, they will torture them, they will expel them from their native land, they will fight with them, but the Muslims should not be discouraged, they should remain established on their Belief. If the Infidels expel the Muslims from their country, fight with them, then the Muslims should remain steady and fight in the encounter strongly.

In short only those persons deserve the Mercy, Kindness and Forgiveness of Allah Almighty who Believed. If they faced the calamities, they left even their birth-place. If yet the enemies of the religion did not keep them remain in peace then they agreed to strive but did not became careless from the religion.

 LESSON # 253 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Strong Drink And Games Of Chance

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –219a    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

They question thee about strong drink and games of chance.

Wa  yas-‘aluunaka  ‘anil-khamri  wal-maysir.

Lesson

‘An – (about) about the Divine Order, lawful and unlawful

‘Al-khamri – (strong drink) khamr means to cover any thing. The veil is named as khumaar because it covers the women’s head. The Wine has been called as Khamr too because it conceals the human sense and the senses of the mankind does not remain in order. Besides the grapes and dates every that thing is called khamr which provides intoxication.

‘Al-maysir – ((gambling) this word has also vast meanings and it covers all kinds of the games of chance whether those have any shape or name.

Before Islam the strong drink and games of chance had common tradition in the Arab. Every person, little or elder, used to drink wine so more that it was like a medicine for children (Ghutti), and the gambling had uncountable sorts. As a result of these both things, the disorder in sexual relationship, financial difficulties, and plague of tyranny and exorbitance had been spread, but there was none to think about this condition. The people had sold their wisdom in exchange to these things.

It has been stated about some Companions (may God be pleased with them) that they asked personally the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) the order about strong drink and games of chance because these things ruin the sense and wealth. It was necessary to grow the disgust in the Companions (may God be pleased with them) about these impure and addled things due to the company and teachings of the Prophet of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). They had understood that the things like wine and gambling are impediment in the way of getting those goodness and virtues which are commanded in Islam, because the purpose of these orders is to be produced the purity, goodness and foresightedness in our hearts. Contrary to it the sense is lost due to the strong drink and games of chance, the person becomes habitual to abuse others, tendency is produced toward the filth and the temperament inclines to fornication.

The Israelite Prophets (peace be upon them) also commanded their followers that strong drink and games of chance were unlawful, but their followers could not refrain despite the prohibition. At last the Islam has narrated clearly their badness that today the drunkard and gambler are seen with hatred sight as much that perhaps none other evil-doer and sinner is seen in the Muslim community.  

It is the first verse in which strong drinking has been forbidden. From here the recitation about unlawful use of the wine and games of chance begins.

 LESSON # 254 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Command About Liquor And Gambling

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –219b    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

Say: In both is great sin, and (some) utility for men; but the sin of them is greater than their usefulness.

Qul  fiihi-maaa  ‘ismun- kabiirunw-wa  manaafi-‘u  lin-naas:  wa  ‘ismu-humaaa  ‘akbaru  min-naf- ‘ihi-maa.

Lesson

Replying to the question of the Companions (Sahaaba) (may God be pleased with them), “What is the order about strong drink and games of chance” Allah Almighty commanded clearly that the both are sin. He also instructed that there are some utilities as well as the sins for the people, but their sins are greater than their utilities. So it is the demand of wisdom and intelligence that the both things are required to be left immediately.

‘Ismun – (sin) sin is the deed which produces hindrance in the path of goodness. Use of this word has told that the liquor and gambling prevent the human beings from the goodness. Quarrels, shamelessness and sins increase in that nation and community where use of the liquor is common. When a person drinks strong, he loses his senses, entangles in evil-doing and fornication, becomes indolent from his duties, if the power does not remain to complete his state of intoxication, then he tries to get it through unlawful and unfair means. Then he commits also the crimes of theft, cheating, robbing, fraud, murder, plundering and destruction.

The games of chance destroy the financial condition of the mankind. It inclines him towards the loot, theft, robbing, cheating and fearlessness. Its first effects are luxury; joviality and extravagance, which besiege a gambler. It has many forms, like bets on race –course, lotteries and gambling.

It is possible that some diseases may be cured with the liquor. Many persons drink strong due to this pretence, but while some other medicine is available then how the liquor can be lawful. It is correct that the liquor is joyous, but how much long? And how much trouble is faced after the intoxication tenure? The liquor causes to forget the grief but for how much moments? And its result is ruin of the wealth, badness of the manners, physical diseases and infamy in the people and God Almighty.

The same condition is of the games of chance. Accidental victory is possible but there is no guarantee of defeat and this freely won money has never remained with any person. We have never seen any gambler to be rich till today. If they earn without price, they spend it lavishly and unlawfully.  

LESSON # 255 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Standard Of Financial Sacrifices

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –219c    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

And they ask thee what they ought to spend. Say: that which is superfluous.

Wa  yas- ‘aluunaka  maa-zaa  yunfiquun.  Qulil- ‘afw.

Lesson

‘Al- ‘afw - (which is superfluous, surplus) more than is needed. It means, “Spend that which is remainder, residue and savings after your lawful and necessary requisites”.

God Almighty has commanded the best principle to establish the human society on financially strong foundations in this verse. Many nations have tried to get this purpose but in vain, which can be gained only after acting upon this rule. That is to say; the system in which every body may earn for his daily food. The nation may get rid of reproach of the poorness and unemployment, may escape from starving. Due to poverty nobody may be compelled for suicide, prostitution, denial of conduct and humanity decay.

To acquire this purpose Allah Almighty has given this rule that every person should earn legally and lawfully, meet his needs out of it and spend on the needy persons his superfluous after lawful necessities.

The remedy of the entire badness exists in this order, which is being faced by the human society at this time, for example we see that value of the human labor has lessen now a day. Complete remuneration is not being paid in exchange the physical and mental endeavors. The capital has taken place of the human labor. So the society has been distributed in to two different groups. One group is the richest who is very few in numbers and the other is very poor which a lot in numbers is. On one side there is luxury, idleness and power of influence, while on the other side there is poorness, hard labor and helplessness. The rich persons are filling their pockets with the blood of the poor persons and the poor are being trampled under their feet. Uneasiness and despair has grown in the public due to this system. 

The western nations thought many solutions for it but could not found. The one and the best solution of it is that, which has been proposed by the Holy Qur’an. That is to say; every rich person should keep with him only to fulfill his lawful necessities and the remaining should be distributed in to the deserving persons.

It is revealed that neither the money will be collected in a few hands due to acting upon this command, nor poverty will increase. Moreover the person, who works hard, will never die of starving. This is the method of correction of the financial ruins and poverty which is held with none.  

            

 LESSON # 256 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Invitation Of Meditation

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –219d & 220a    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

Thus Allah maketh plain to you (His) revelations, that haply ye reflect- Upon the world and the Hereafter.

Kazaalika  yubayyi-nullaahu  lakumul- ‘aayaati  la- ‘allakum  tatafakkaruun.  Fiddunyaa  wal- ‘Aakhi-rah.

Lesson

We have read in the previous lesson that Allah Almighty has taught us the straight and clear ways, which after assuming; we can make the form of the world better and strong. We can annihilate the anti-human things like poverty, adversity, starving, restlessness and despair. We can finish the poverty of the poor. If it can be done so, then the time of strikes, riot and rebellion, and quarrels cannot come. Everybody will be able to get employment according to his spirit and capability after working hard. Business and industry will be developing elegantly.

The orders of God Almighty are in front of us. Delay is only from our side that we should start the work with complete consideration. There are many other benefits in addition to the worldly advantages, which are called “the advantages for the Hereafter”. To understand them depends upon consideration. However being in a clear form of these orders in the mankind needs special attention of the person and he should know its advantages with care. Till now the benefits of these commands have been revealed with the experience, and this thing is surely helpful for consideration.

Which orders have been revealed by the God Almighty for our betterment and guidance, “Whether those are for the purpose that we should not draw our attention upon them? Should we behave them like unlawful negligence and carelessness? Should we mock at them? Not at all; the Orders of Allah Almighty are Guarantor of human welfare and wellbeing, bring prosperity and comfort in the world, become cause of reward and victory on the Day of Resurrection, the human beings will fell in the well of darkness due to remaining ignorant from them. And he will get Light due to adopting them.

How the life should be passed in the world? How the provision should be arranged for Hereafter? This entire has been mentioned in these Orders. The person can enjoy the real human life only after understanding and acting upon them. God Almighty invites us again and again to meditate in His Speech (the Holy Qur’an), and claims that due to acting upon the commands of God Almighty your Doomsday will be fit as well as your this world will also be arranged.  

  

LESSON # 257 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Improving The Orphans’ Lot

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 220b    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

And they question thee concerning orphans. Say: To improve their lot is best.

Wa  yas- ‘aluunaka  ‘anil-yataamaa.  Qul  ‘islaahul-lahum  Khayr.

Lesson

‘Al-yataamaa – (the orphans) it is plural of Yatiim which means the orphan, (the boy or girl whose father or mother or both have expired). After the death of child’s father the orphan-hood becomes more mercy-able for him/her.  

‘Islaahun – (to improve the lot) each type of physical, financial and moral arrangement comes in it. Here it concerns particularly with the financial improvement of the orphans.

This verse was revealed as reply to the question of those companions’ (Sahaaba) (may Allah be pleased with them), to whom the responsibility of orphans was given to bring them up. Some people did not use to care in the property of the orphans. Upon that occasion this verse was revealed, “Wa  laa  taqrabuu maa-lal  yatiimi  illaa  billatii  hiya  ‘ahsan” (Don’t go near the property of orphans except for their betterment). Due to this verse, those persons who were guardians of the orphans, frightened and separated totally their expenses. Now there was another problem due to separating the expenses, that, which thing was prepared for the orphans, if some of it remained in balance that was spoiled. In this care there was being some loss of the orphans. So they raised doubts about it in the court of the Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) that “which system will be better for the expenses of the orphans”? Should their expenses be kept totally separate or be included in our calculation/account?

It has been replied in this verse that actual purpose is “to improve their lot” manage at your own as it may be possible, intention and will should be only to improve their lot and do better for the orphans, wishing the expenses are separated or included.

Number of children like this is in sufficient quantity in the society who has been deprived from the kindness of their parents during child-hood. Strength of the orphans increases very much during the time of warfare. They do not have ability to get sound advantages properly out of their goods, wealth and property. It is very necessary to look after them; otherwise it is much possible that they will go astray or be damaged. The people who take their responsibility for looking after and training, they should use their wealth and property with great care and honesty.

Now a days fostering the orphans and execution of the orphanage has become a regular pas-time business. Bosses of some institutes use the orphans as tool for their unlawful aims. They disgrace economically, socially and morally very much. Strict threat is for like these persons. 

The Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) has forced much for training and looking after the orphans and declared abundant reward and remuneration for it.  

LESSON # 258 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Instructions Concerning Orphans

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 220c    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

And if ye mingle your affairs with theirs, then (they are) your brothers. And Allah knoweth him who spoileth from him who improveth. And had Allah willed He would have overburdened you. Surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.

Wa  ‘in-  tukhaalituu-hum  fa- ‘ikhwaanukum.  Wal-laahu  ya’- lamul-mufsida  mi- nal- muslih.  Wa  law shaaa- ‘al-laahu  la- ‘a’ –natakum.  ‘Innal-laaha  ‘Aziizun  Hakiim.

Lesson

We have recited the question of the Companions (Sahaabah) (may Allah be pleased with them) concerning orphans. In reply Allah Almighty commanded with complete detail that improving the lot of orphans is best in reward and remuneration. Their position is like your brothers. Then formality with them is of what sort? The purpose is to improve the lot and correction of the orphans’ wealth and property, so one should do as he seems better. If any person thinks that there is some more advantage in separating their accounts, then he should do so. But if he considers that the orphan will remain in gain due to mutual business, then nothing is wrong also with it. After all, they are your religious brothers.

The orphans are considered as extremely despised and humiliated in the old cultures and besides this several present nations, but Islam has told by saying them ‘ikh-waanukum (your brothers) that there is no difference between you and them being a mankind. They should be dear to you as your own brothers are dear to you. They have the right to improve themselves. None should stand in their way. Moreover they should be helped to achieve their goals as one brother helps the other. So you should keep in view their correction and betterment in each condition, and for it you can adopt any method which you like. God Almighty knows the secrets of everybody’s heart and understands that who spoils and who improves.

After it God Almighty also commanded that if Allah Almighty wished, a strict order might be given too, which you had to do, because He is Mighty, Wise. But He did not do so because He understands the advisability of each order. He doesn’t order which may be difficult and heavy.

LESSON # 259 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

To Wed The Idolatresses

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 221a    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

Wed not idolatresses till they believe.

Wa  laa  tankihul-mushri-kaati  hattaa  yu’-minn.

Lesson

‘Al-mushri-kaati – (the idolatresses) this word has been derived from shirk which means ascribing plurality to Allah Almighty, that is to say the woman who includes any other person or thing in the virtues of G0d Almighty. This word has been used in its vast and common meanings. Every infidel woman is included in this order. It is not necessary that she should be only idolatress. To wed any non-Muslim woman is unlawful according to the theologies of spiritual guides (Imam) Maalik and Shaaf-‘aii, but it is unlawful to wed each non-Muslim woman near to the scholars of Hanfii theology in accord with common rule, but it is lawful to marry any woman from Jews or Christians (because they belong to the heavenly religions). Its permission exists formally in the Divine law of the religion.

God Almighty has forbidden the Muslims to marry the idolatresses in this verse. Further explanation of this order is as under:-

1.        To wed any disciple of a worshipper of fire (woman of the sect of Magi), Sikh and Hindu women is not right.

2.       It is lawful to marry any woman from Jews or Christians (because they belong to the heavenly religions) but not better. Hadrat Umar (may Allah be pleased upon him) has disliked it. Instigation and stress exists also in the Sayings of the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) to marry any religious woman only.

3.      The woman who seems as she belongs to the heavenly religion from her style, but if it is known through investigation afterwards that her Faith is not of the people who belong to the heavenly religions, then it is not just to wed her too.

In short it is not lawful to marry any that woman who is not Believer. Islam has not banned in the chain of marriage with any race, colour or caste etc, but restricted for the Believer and correct Faith only. The basic reason of it is that the relationship of husband and wife is perfect love and friendship. Deep relation is necessary between both of them. It is compulsory for the accomplishment of husband and wife successfully for life that the wife should not be denier of the universal laws of her husband namely Oneness of God and Belief in the last Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). If this relation doesn’t exist between them then it is quite impossible to pass their lives successfully in each aspect, and the bigger badness than it affects the education, religion and future of their children. Their father pulls them toward himself and the mother toward herself. The result is clear.

The husband will decide the matters of his domestic life in the light of this faith. The wife will think according to her own faith. The quarrel and vigorous contradiction will remain always between them. It will affect badly their children and their future will ruin. So it is ordered that ‘Wed not idolatresses till they believe” to escape yourselves from the results of too much destruction. This restriction also exists in the Jews and the Christians religiously. However it is another thing if they don’t act upon it.  

 LESSON # 260 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Status Of A Muslim Bondwoman

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 221b    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

And lo! A believing bondwoman is better than an idolatress though she please you;

Wa  la-‘amatum-mu’-minatun  khayrum-mim-mushrikatinw-wa  law  ‘a’-jabat-kum.

Lesson

In the first part of this verse it has been told that marriage with any idolatress woman is unlawful. Now Allah Almighty commands that if any idolatress woman has all the beauties and qualities, apparently she has each type of attraction, but while she has not the light of belief then she would not have any allurement for the Muslim. Comparatively if any Muslim woman doesn’t have blessings like freedom, she is better to be wed a Muslim man.

There may be some reasons to like any idolatress or non-Muslim woman, for instance she may be rich, she may have a lot of wealth and property, she may be beautiful and elegant, she may be well educated, she may belong to a higher family/dynasty, she may be unraveled, she may be excellent and worthy, she may have all qualities which should be in a complete woman, but all these characteristics of an idolatress woman are valueless in front of a Believer woman still the basic principles of the life of this idolatress woman are wrong.

Converse to her, many reasons may be found to dislike a believing bondwoman. For example she may be ugly, poor or illiterate and maidservant/female slave. But despite all these things she is superior to the idolatress near Allah Almighty due to her belief. So it has been commanded to prefer this type of woman for wedding.

The life of husband becomes difficult automatically if he weds any idolatress woman. Difference of opinion and dispute in each matter, contention in domestic affairs, difference of opinion in the matter of children’s education and civilization, this type of strife affects badly not only upon the husband but there is risk to affect also upon the children. The children don’t find the straight path in front of them. The father teaches them according to his religion whereas the mother advises them some other thing.

However if any Muslim bondwoman is wedded then these types of difficulties and entanglements will not be faced. Because the children will remain anyhow Muslims, and being a Muslim is better than infidelity and ascribing plurality to Allah Almighty, wishing they are children of a bondwoman. Now a day still the reproach of slavery has been finished from the world due to remedies of Islam. There is no slave male or female now. So this verse strengthens only the restriction which has come in the first part of the verse about marriage with any idolatress and infidel woman.

When this verse revealed, at that time the slaves and bondwomen were present. At the same time it was admonished that there were some social harms also to wed any Muslim bondwoman. But those are less than the badness and intricacies which grow due to wedding a non-Muslim life partner (woman). Today also we can understand from it that Islamic thought is the best to produce married relationships and connections. It should be kept in mind about the matter of bondwomen that their children will be slaves till the time they are not the children of the master of bondwoman. The children of free woman will remain independent, desiring their father is from any kind, and it is final that now a day bondwomen and slaves are not held.     

 LESSON # 261 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Marriage With Idolater

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 221c    of  286, Section – 27 (Part - 2)

And give not your daughters in marriage to idolaters till they believe. And lo! A believing slave is better than an idolater though he please you. These invite unto the Fire, and Allah inviteth unto the Garden, and unto forgiveness by His Grace, and expoundeth thus His Revelations to mankind that haply they may remember.

Wa  laa  tunkihul-mushrikiina  hattaa  yu’-minuu.  Wa  la-‘abdum-mu’-minun- khayrum-mim-mushrikinw-wa  law  ‘a’-jabakum.  Ulaaa-‘ika yad-‘uuna  ‘ilan-Naar.  Wallaahu  yad-‘uuu  ‘ilal-Jannati  wal-mag-firati  bi-‘iznih.  Wa  yu-bayyinu  ‘aayaatihii  lin-naasi  la-‘allahum  yatazakkaruun.

Lesson

laa  tunkihu – don’t marry (your daughters with idolaters), here Muslim men are being addressed that “don’t give your daughters in marriage to idolaters”. This order is not being delivered direct to the women that ‘do not wed idolaters’. Reason is clear that marriage of the girl/woman is arranged always through her father or patron/guardian.

‘ilan-Naar – towards the Fire, that is to say they call towards the faiths and acts, end of which is Hell.  

‘ilal-Jannati  wal-mag-firati - unto the Garden, and unto forgiveness, namely God Almighty induces towards Belief and Islam, and Admonishes to adopt the way of life which leads to the Paradise and forgiveness.

bi-‘iznih - by His Grace, ‘izn means power, intention and sanction.

It was commanded to the Muslims in the first part of the verse, “Wed not idolatresses till they believe” though you like them very much. Now it is being ordered in this part, “Give not your daughters in marriage to idolaters till they believe”. Scholars have explained that if the husband has rejected Islam then his wife will not remain any more his life partner. Their marriage which was till now lawful will unlock automatically immediately. And this woman can wed any Muslim after completion her Iddat. It has also been explained that if the husband and wife (both) were already Infidel and now the wife has become Believer then there is no form of remaining wedlock except that the husband also embraces Islam.

Now it has been cleared again that though the idolater please you much, in each condition a Muslim slave is better than a non Muslim, because which results of marriage  with idolater declare, those are very frightful. The idolaters will preach much worse and that will become cause of throwing you in to the Fire of Hell. 

 LESSON # 262 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Fact About Menstruation

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 222a    of  286, Section – 28 (Part - 2)

They question thee (O Muhammad)   concerning menstruation. Say: It is an illness, so let women alone  at such times

Wa  yas-‘aluunaka  ‘anil-  mahiiz.  Qul  huwa  ‘azaa,  fa’-tazilun-nisaaa-‘a  fil-mahiiz.

Lesson

Mahiiz – (menstruation), mahiiz is that blood which comes to the women each month. It is also called monthly course and menses. It is an illness. Other nations of the world have determined it too as foul blood as well as medical specialists claim that it is detective blood. According to color, smell and particles this blood is also different from the normal blood. It has extremely fury.

fa’-tazilu- (so let women alone) this word has been derived from ‘A’-tazaal which means here “remain away from that woman for the process of intercourse with her”.

Reason for revelation of this verse is that during the times of Last Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) the worshippers of fire and the Jews used to think impure to eat and drink foods made by the women during the period of menses at one side. Some people didn’t think legal to keep women in their houses during this period. Hindus still don’t eat things made by them during menstruation. On the other side Christians didn’t use to avoid intercourse during these days.

Companions (God Almighty may be agreed upon them) asked Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) about this matter. Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) called it worse inflation and deflation and said neither too much hatred is needed not to let the woman remain in their houses and think as impure meal made by their hands, nor should be so much negligence that not to avoid from intercourse but straight way is that avoid from the process of intercourse in this condition and in addition eating, drinking and living together is lawful.

Holy Qur’an is a perfect Code for life. It gives advises and orders in all the departments of life which belong to human being and naturally in it mankind not only eats, drinks and sleeps with one another (husband and wife) but their sexual appetite, desire of having children and desire to make special connections are also produced. So Holy Qur’an gives proper orders for them.

Other nations selected exaggerated way. Holy Qur’an told that during this period just sexual contact is prohibited. Other things like sitting and standing, eating and drinking do not have any connection with it. These all acts are lawful.

Azaa – (illness) Holy Qur’an called the menstruation as impureness. Its other meanings are pain and trouble. It is possible that because of that pain and trouble, the intercourse is forbidden in these days. Today medically it is proved that in these days connection can be reason of different diseases. Doctors also prevent from it.

LESSON # 263 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

After The Days Of Menstruation

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 222b    of  286, Section – 28 (Part - 2)

And go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loveth those who turn unto Him, and loveth those who have a care for cleanness.

Wa  laa taqrabuu-hunna  hatta  yat-hurn.  Fa-‘izaa  ta-tahharna  fa’-tuu-hunna  min  hay-su  ‘amara-kumul-laah.  ‘Innal-laaha  yuhibbut-Tawwaa-biina  wa  yuhibbul-Muta-tahhiriin.

Lesson

‘At-Tawwaa-biina – (who turn unto Him), it aims all those people who whenever are wrong by chance, afterward they renounce solemnly and become much ashamed.

‘Al-Muta-tahhiriin – (who have a care for cleanness), it signifies particularly towards those persons who remain away from their wives (ignore the act of intercourse) during their days of menstruation (until they are cleansed).

In the former lesson the Holy Qur’an had determined the menstruation as illness and nastiness. It has been told in this verse that whenever this foul blood stops and the woman cleanses then it is lawful to sleep together (intercourse process is permitted). This lawful act should be done natural and with the lawful method. It should not be done with un-natural method.

We have learnt in the previous lessons that Allah Almighty has kept sexual attraction between the male and female, and with the sensual process although both persons get enjoyment but this enjoyment is not the last aim. Real aim and result of the relationship between husband and wife is attainment of children. Forgetting it if any person wants to get enjoyment from any other method then it will be quite unlawful.

It has been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an that the nation of Prophet Lot (peace be upon him) had fallen in sodomy. The Prophet (peace be upon him) made them to understand but they didn’t agree entirely, and at last God Almighty ruined them with His anguish and made them example for forthcoming breeds/people. So it should be kept in mind that if the human beings will indulge in that sin again then His agony may come again upon them.

In the last Holy Qur’an says that Allah Almighty likes those persons who turn unto Him, who renounce solemnly, become ashamed due to their wrong and abstain from committing any error/sin in future. So if any person has committed this sin in the past, then he should do the repentance at once, God Almighty will forgive him. Allah Almighty likes those people who remain cleansed.

LESSON # 264 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Status Of The Wife

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 223a    of  286, Section – 28 (Part - 2)

Your women are a tilth for you (to   cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will,

Nisaaa-‘ukum  harsul-lakum;  fa’-tuu  harsakum  ‘an-naa  shi’-tum;

Lesson

Hars – (agricultural land, farm), that piece of land is called hars where seed is sown and vegetable, grain and vegetation are gotten as though the wife is the source of producing children and increasing your breed/race.

Allah Almighty has cleared in this verse about true position of the wife in connection with wedding relationship. That is to say, the wife is like a farm for her husband, and as the farmer he keeps his farm very precious supposing it as his very big wealth, watches and guards it, earns grain from it, likewise the husband should also consider his wife as his very great fortune. He should watch and guard her, and get children from her.  

As though it is proved that near Islam the real purpose of intercourse is only attainment of the children. Even its other aspects like demand of sensual pleasure have not been ignored too. It has also been evident that control over this production (birth control) is not a natural issue, because which stupid farmer would be that who sows the seeds but doesn’t want the crop, uproots the plant before its growth. Then this matter also enlightens that as the farmer prays for pity rain from God Almighty, discloses his wish to bud and blossom the crop, like this the husband should also pray for getting virtuous children from God Almighty.

Allah Almighty Has admonished very much quoting the example of tilth (farm). Would that the human beings may think upon this instance and make happy these relations lastly with reliance of their lives.  

‘An-naa  shi’-tum – (as you wish), ‘an-naa means ‘where’, it is also used for the meanings of ‘when, just as’. How the Holy Qur-‘an has advised about this matter pointing it with wisdom that there is no restriction on the method and time. But it has been forbidden to destroy one’s strength and race adopting the un-natural method. More detail will be discussed in the next lesson (last part of this verse). 

   LESSON # 265 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Care For The Next Life (Doomsday)

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 223b    of  286, Section – 28 (Part - 2)

And send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah. And know that ye will (one day) meet Him. And give glad tidings to believers, (O  Muhammad).

Wa  qaddimuu  li-‘anfusikum.  Wattaqul-laaha  wa’-lamuuu  ‘annakum-mulaa-quuh.  Wa  bashshiril-Mu’-miniin.

Lesson

It has been clarified earlier that our life doesn’t finish after death, but enters in to a new era, and its comfort or vexation depends there upon those deeds which we do in this world. Good or bad reflection of this life’s deeds and acts lies down in the shape of that life’s success or failure. This world is the place of test and examination. We have to make provision for future enduring hardness and troubles here. That Day of Resurrection is the place to get reward or punishment for the deeds done by us during this life.

The relations between male and female had been mentioned in the previous lesson, and it was told that the real purpose of husband and wife’s sensual meeting is gain of children and breed. Now it has been reminded in this part of the verse positively that “Do something regularly for your future and don’t drown in the worship of sexual pleasure entirely at that very time of sensual pleasure’s engagement. Moreover make your pleasures also the obedience and worship, and it can be made if you consider making the result better at the time of doing each work”. 

It has been emphasized again and again to have fear of God Almighty that the human should keep in mind Allah Almighty during every condition of life, like during sitting, standing, sleeping, awaking, eating and drinking etc. He should proceed on straight path escaping from abundance and Deflation. In the end God Almighty commands His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) to give glad tidings of good rewards to the Believers, who have following qualities:

1.   Keeping the words Qaddimuu  li-‘anfusikum (send (good        deeds) before you for your souls) in mind a Believer has the concept of his future. He doesn’t make the pleasure and lust his ‘required’. But he keeps in foresight better results and end.

2.        It is the aim to tell the order of ‘Ittaqul-laaha repeatedly that the Muslim has to become an incomparable mankind remaining under the limits of God fearing and abstinence. The world will envy looking him.

3.   Mulaa-quuh – (you will ‘one day’ meet Him) It is being reminded at the very time of mentioning the sexual matters that finally you will have to be present in the Court of God Almighty. Cautious! Don’t do so act due to which you would have to feel ashamed.    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

LESSON # 266 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Use Of Wrong Oaths

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 224    of  286, Section – 28 (Part - 2)

And make not Allah, by your oaths, a hindrance to your being righteous and observing your duty unto Him and making peace among mankind. And Allah is Hearer, Knower.

Wa  laa  taj-‘alullaaha  ‘urzatal-li-‘ay-maanikum  ‘an-tabarruu  wa  tattaquu  wa  tus-lihuu  bay-nan-naas.  Wallaahu  Samii-‘un  ‘Aliim.

Lesson

‘Urzatan – (aim), this word is also used for hindrance and shield/target. Here it means hindrance only.  

Samii-‘un – (Hearer), God Almighty Hears all the talks of human being as well as each creature. So the mankind should think before speak every matter.    

‘Aliimun – (Knower), Allah Almighty Knows better the states and conditions of the human. So he should keep purity and sincerity in his intention each time.

Tabarruu – (treat with kind), this word has been derived from the word Barr, which means goodness.

Whenever the persons used to displease upon any other, they used to make God Almighty, by their oaths that they would neither go toward him nor speak with him and nor try to make a truce between them with whom he has quarreled, even that if the displeasures had been between the near relatives, and then these oaths used to become pretence for leaving many good deeds. At the very time if any body used to say, “Why did you leave to do these acts?” then they used to feign that they had made the oath for this action.

Even it was also worse to leave the good actions, what it had become bad that using the name of Allah Almighty, the Great they used to grow the situation of escaping from the good deeds. This verse is signifying towards this matter and it is being ordered that “don’t do so in future and if any body has sworn already then it is sufficient to break that oath and expiate. The scholars have also disliked often swearing in abundance and without any necessity, because due to this reason the name of Allah Almighty is devalued, and it is also not good to call the name of God Almighty for the bad deeds.

Allah Almighty is Great, Glorious and Owner of the entire universe. His Name has also Grandeur and Grace. It is very bad to make witness so much High and Excelled Name upon the bad deeds. Then it is worst to use His name for defense for not doing the good acts. Allah Almighty doesn’t prevent from good actions, so this excuse is quite meaningless. The name of God Almighty should never be used for oath for the likewise deeds, and if any person has already sworn erroneously then he should break it and expiate.    

                                                        

LESSON # 267 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

False Oaths

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 225    of  286, Section – 28 (Part - 2)

Allah will not take you to task for that which is unintentional in your oaths. But He will take you to task for that which your hearts have garnered. And Allah is Forgiving, Clement.

Laa  yu-‘aakhizu-kumul-laahu  bil-lagwi  fiii  ‘ay-maani-kum  wa  laakiny-yu-‘aakhizu-kum- bimaa  kasabat  quluubu-kum.  Wallaahu  Gafuurun  Haliim.

Lesson

Bil-lagwi  fiii  ‘ay-maani-kum – (your unintentional oaths), false oaths means the oaths which are spoken either unintentional due to ignorance or those slip from the tongue only due to malice, and adulteration of a lie enters into them without intention. Learned men have told that there are many kinds of false oaths. Their relation may be also with past events as well as with the habit that the person uses to swear without reason, swear in each affair. The scholars have strongly disapproved this act.

Gafuurun – (Forgiving), Allah Almighty is Great Forgiving. Due to His this Dignity He forgave the punishment against the false oaths like these.   

Haliim – (Clement), it also means Mild, Patient and Merciful. God Almighty is Great Clement. Taking His Position into account He doesn’t punish for false oaths too. Moreover He postpones the punishment so that the mankind may get the chance of repentance. .

It was stated in the previous verse, “And make not Allah, by your oaths, a hindrance to your being righteous and observing your duty unto Him and making peace among mankind”. These kinds of oaths haven’t any value. For example if someone says, “By God I shall never go to the mosque for prayer”. It is a false oath because Allah Almighty orders to offer prayers in the mosque. And this fellow is using His name refraining from this act.

Now it is being commanded in this verse, “that oath is reliable which is sworn whole heartedly”, not that which is sworn habitual or false and emphasizing it.

Unintentional oaths are pardonable. The aim is that he should expiate against the broken oaths and should abstain from the false oaths like these in future. Islam doesn’t like this type of childishness and lowness.   

     LESSON # 268 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Beginning Of Divorce

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 226 & 227    of  286, Section – 28 (Part - 2)

226. Those who forswear their wives must wait four months; then, if they change their mind, lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 227. And if they decide upon divorce (let them remember that) Allah is Hearer, Knower.

226.  Lillaziina  yu’-luuna  min-nisaaa-‘ihim  tarabbusu  ‘arba-‘ati  ‘ash-hur.  Fa-‘in-faaa-‘uu  fa-‘innallaaha Gafuurur-Rahiim. 227.  Wa  ‘in  azamut-talaaqa  fa-‘innallaaha Samii-‘un  ‘Aliim.

Lesson

Yu’-luuna – (who forswear), this word is derived from ‘iilaa which means forswear. Idiomatically its object is to swear living separate from the wife. It was common custom in the Arabians that whenever they became rage, they forswore remaining separate from their wives.  

 Talaaq – (divorce), according to law disconnecting the mutual relations entirely between husband and wife is called ‘divorce’, repudiation. Different methods about divorce were customary in the world before Islam. There was no restriction or responsibility in the matter of divorce between Jews. Whenever any person wished, he got rid of his wife writing a divorce letter only. The wife could wed another husband at the same time. Comparing this freedom the Christians chose very difficult manner. They kept no accommodation for husband and wife to be separate, except that the wife becomes guilty of fornication. The same condition is of the Indian religion. The divorce is still unlawful for them till today. On the contrary Islam adopted the way of temperance.

It was mode of Arabians that after forswear, which was a kind of divorce near to them, used to become free from paying the expenditures of his wife, performing other duties and responsibilities for her. Islam corrected this rule and told that forswear is not equal to breaking marriage, but it is only the beginning. Islam has determined length of time for meditation and consideration and period for this long time kept four months, which is quite sufficient for this purpose that the husband may think with cool heart on all aspects and this important matter of separation from his wife.

Islam has put its permission that if the husband feels faithfully that if his life partner either doesn’t cooperate with him or doesn’t fulfill his lawful desires, then he should divorce her, despite it that they pine away their entire lives, remain displeased from one another. It is better that they should be disconnected.                  

LESSON # 269 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Term (‘Iddat)

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 228a    of  286, Section – 28 (Part - 2)

Women who are divorced shall wait, keeping themselves apart,   three (monthly) courses. And it is not lawful for them that they should conceal that which Allah hath created in their wombs if they are believers in Allah and the Last Day.

Wal-mutallaqaatu  yatarab-basna  bi-‘anfusi-hinna  salaasata  quruuu’.  Wa  laa ya—hillu  lahunna  ‘any-yaktumna  maa khalaqallaahu  fiii  ‘ar-haa-mihinna  ‘in-kunna    yu’-minna  billaahi  wal-Yawmil-‘Aakhir.

Lesson

‘Al-mutallaqaatu – (the divorced women), each that woman who has been divorced, is called mutallaqah. According to the religious laws it aims only those wives, who are free, adult and act of intercourse has been performed with them, not those women who are lawful bondwomen, minor and who have not been touched with any adult male.

Yatarab-basna  bi-‘anfusi-hinna – (they shall wait, keeping themselves apart), for instance it should not be so that hither the husband divorced her wife and thither she wedded any other husband. Likewise this relation will become just a game.

Salaasata  quruuu-‘in – (three (monthly) courses), literal meaning of qur’ is only a specified period but here it means menstruations.

Maa khalaqAllaahu – (which Allah has created), the thing which is in the womb, that is to say; if she is pregnant then she should not conceal her pregnancy.

It has been mentioned in this verse that if the husband has divorced her wife then that woman should not marry immediately another husband. Moreover she would have to wait not less than three (monthly) courses. There are many advisabilities for example; the husband gets chance of consideration and meditation with cool heart. On the other side belief regarding pregnancy becomes matured. Like this the children of one person can’t get the other. So it is duty of the woman that she should disclose which is in her belly.

This term is called ‘iddat in the Divine law of Religion. As though two lessons have been commanded here:

1.   It is reasonable to wait for a specified period after divorce. 

2.   If she is pregnant then she should not conceal but disclose it. There are uncountable moral and social advantages in these both orders.  

The matters which are being discussed continuously regarding divorce in this part of Holy Qur-’an, demand our special attention, because in the present epoch the divorce has become a joke in the world. A few women would be in the West who don’t get divorce, and they are tyrannized in the East but are not divorced. There is a dire need to publicize this temperate teaching of Islam now a day.           

                      LESSON # 270 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Return & Position Of Husband And Wife

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 228b    of  286, Section – 29 (Part - 2)

And their husbands would do better to take them back in that case if they desire a reconciliation. And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them. And Allah is Mighty, Wise.

Wa  bu- uulatuhunna  ‘ahaqqu  bi-raddihinna  fii  zaalika  ‘in  ‘araaduuu  ‘islaahaa.  Wa la-hunna  mislullazii  ‘alayhinna  bil-ma’-ruuf,  wa  lir-rijaali  ‘alayhinna  darajah.  Wallaahu  ‘Aziizun  Hakiim.

Lesson

Zaalika – (in that case, in it), that is to say in the term/period of three months.

‘Ahaqqu  bi-raddihinna – (they have more rights to take them back). This proves from it that the husband should not take quite last decision till the time he can delay and it is better if they both (husband and wife) establish themselves again from the beginning, and the time of their separation doesn’t come forever.   

The Divine law of Islam has kept it lawful only as remedy at the time of necessity and last proposal. It has neither been induced positively to divorce, nor is it liked without need. The words “ ‘Abgazul-mubahaat” have been used in one Hadith out of the Sayings of Last Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) which means ‘most disliked deed near God Almighty out of fixed lawful acts by Him’ i.e. the divorce. So after meditation and consideration the husbands would do better to take them back in that case if they desire reconciliation. They can cancel the divorce. Technically it is called looking back (towards marriage).

After permitting return (to wife) Allah Almighty has also admonished that the divorce should only be abolished if both the life partners remain in peace and truce with one another in future, and it should not be the purpose to torture the woman. Although the husband can cancel the divorce legally, but his good behavior doesn’t relate to the law, moreover it depends only on his courtesy and good intention. So the human should adopt passage of good outward and natural behavior.

Then it is told that as the men have rights over the women, like this the women also have rights over men. It has been intimated to the world, “you should not deem that only the men have rights over the women, as well as they also have rights over men. However the man has some degree above the woman in excellence and merit. This excellence and virtue of the man is due to his wisdom and power. These all orders are from God Almighty which we have to admit because He is most Mighty and Wise.

                LESSON # 271 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Revocable Divorce – Cancellation Of Revocable

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 229a    of  286, Section – 29 (Part - 2)

Divorce must be pronounced twice and then (a woman) must be retained in honour or released in kindness. And it is not lawful for you that ye take from them aught of that which ye have given them; except (in the case) when both fear that they may not be able to keep within the limits (imposed by) Allah.

‘At-talaaqu  marrataan:  fa- ‘imsaakum-bima’-ruufin  ‘aw tasriihum-  bi- ‘ihsaan.  Wa laa  yahillu  lakum  ‘an-    ta’-khuzuu  mimmaaa  ‘aatay-tumuuhunna  shay- ‘an  ‘illaaa  ‘any-yakhaafaaa  ‘allaa  yuqiimaa Huduudallaah.

Lesson

Fa- ‘imsaakum – (then (a woman) must be retained), namely to retain that wife who has already been divorced once.  

Bima’-ruufin – (in honour, according to the Divine Rule of religion), its detail can be gotten from the religious law books.

Bi- ‘ihsaan – (in kindness) removing tense and unpleasant condition which had become object of divorce. Dishearten, scorn or lowering the woman down should not be the purpose.

Maaa  ‘aatay-tumuuhunna  shay- ‘an – (taking from the women aught of that which you have given them), common Commentators have explained it as the amount of kindness (Maher) but some Scholars have extended it as entire that wealth and goods which the husband has given to her wife i.e. ornaments and clothes etc.

It was custom before Islam that the husband used to divorce her wife many times as he wished, but then he used to revoke from it. This verse revealed to remove this evil and told that revocation can be only after divorcing two times. He has been empowered up to two divorces that if the husband wishes during the time of term (‘iddat), then either he can retain her according to rule or leave her with kindness. But after the expiry of term (‘iddat) revocation doesn’t remain more. However if they both agree, they can re-marry. And if he has divorced at the third time, then there is no chance of re-marry too, till the time that woman doesn’t live in any other husband’s home and that husband either doesn’t die or divorce her.

Sometimes the husband divorces in anger, and then he also oppresses to snatch that entire wealth or goods which he has given to her wife till now. In the days of ignorance this rule had been spread more in the Arabians. Here this cruel principal has been prohibited and declared that amount of the kindness (Maher) etc which you have already paid, can not get back now.     

Mean of ‘imsaakum-bima’-ruufin  and tasriihum-  bi- ‘ihsaan is that if the husband revokes then he should remain and live with honour and kindness, and if he wants to bid her good-bye then also he should see her off with comfort and nicely. It means that stress of kindness and good behavior is in all conditions.  

LESSON # 272 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Khula’ – Kind Of Divorce By Wife

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 229b    of  286, Section – 29 (Part - 2)

And if ye fear that ye may not be able to keep the limits of Allah, in that case it is no sin on either if the woman ransom herself. These are the limits (imposed by) Allah, transgress them not. And whoso transgresseth Allah’s limits, such are wrongdoers.

Fa-‘in  khiftum  ‘allaa  yuqiimaa  Huduudallaahi,  falaa  junaaha  ’alayhimaa  fiimaf-tadat  bih.  Tilka  Huduudullaahi  falaa ta’-taduuhaa.  Wa  many-yata-‘adda  Huduudallaahi  fa-‘ulaaa-‘ika  humuz-zaalimuun.

Lesson

Reason of revelation of this verse is that a woman came in the court of Last Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) and requested that he was displeased from her husband. She did not want to live in her husband’s house. Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) asked about its reason. She answered, “My husband does neither neglect in performing my rights and nor I have any objection on his manners and customs. But I naturally hate him. I don’t want to see his figure. If I would not have the fear of Islam, then I wish to spit on his face”. The Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) caused to return the kindness (Maher) and divorce her.

It has been commanded by Allah Almighty in this verse to the Muslims that if they have fear that the husband and wife are displeased from one another, and they may not live together, then there is no sin for them if they become separate. The woman can set free herself from marriage paying her wealth to her husband and the husband can get back that wealth. The name of this particular form of divorce (desirous of which is the woman) is called Khula’ (kind of divorce which is a right of the woman to let free from marriage). Instructions about Khula’ are available in the books of ‘the religious laws’ in detail.

It is evident from this verse that Islam commands us in each matter for correction and betterment of our families, domestic affairs and social relations. If a man is displeased from his wife and considers it difficult to remain together with his wife then he can get freedom from her. Like this if the wife thinks that it is impossible to live in her husband’s home then she also can get freedom from her husband. Purpose of this is only correction of affairs in each form, making the marriage relations better as it may be possible somehow or other. In the last it has been warned that these are the limits and conditions (imposed by) Allah, so transgress them not because transgressing these limits is very big sin. Islam desires that the world’s society should be established on goodness and God fearing. Nobody should tyrannize or oppress any other person. These limits are called Huduudullaah.

LESSON # 273 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Form Of Reconciliation - From Divorce

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 230    of  286, Section – 29 (Part - 2)

And if he hath divorced her (the third time), then she is not lawful unto him thereafter until she hath wedded another husband. Then if he (the other husband) divorce her it is no sin for both of them that they come together again if they consider that they are able to observe the limits of Allah. And these are the limits of Allah; He manifesteth them for people who have knowledge.

Fa-‘in-  tallaqahaa  falaa  tahillu  lahuu  mim- ba’-du  hattaa  tankiha  zawjan  gayrah.  Fa-‘in  tallaqahaa    falaa  junaaha  ‘alay-himaaa ‘any-yataraaja-‘aaa  ‘in  zannaaa  ‘any-yuqiimaa  Huduu-dallaah.  Wa  tilka  Huduudul-laahi  yubayyi-nuhaa  liqawminy-ya’-lamuun.

Lesson

mim- ba’-du – (thereafter), it means after the third divorce.

Tankiha – (she has wedded), this word has been derived from Nikaah which means marriage. It has been commanded in this verse that after the third divorce the divorced woman will not remain lawful for her first husband till the time she doesn’t wed any other person and get divorce from her second husband. Here the word “tankiha” has not been used for the idiomatically meaning as wedding, but it has been used here for its original and literal meaning as ‘intercourse’, because only understood meaning of the marriage has already come out from zawjan,  so the aim from the word tankiha is to declare intercourse and that is its literal meaning.

‘in  zannaaa – (if they consider), that is to say; if they have intention and reliance that thereafter they might be live together with correction and beauty.

It has been stated in this verse that if the husband doesn’t reconcile after first two divorces then now at the third time namely after the two divorces three months are sufficient for set them make a truce, meditation and consideration. After the third divorce the husband can not revoke the divorce of that woman who was his wife earlier. Moreover it is not possible that they wed again except in case that the woman wed any other person after passing the term (‘iddat) period (three months) and after intercourse, that second husband either divorces her with his pleasure or goes to death, and three months/four months & ten days respectively of the term (‘iddat) period expires.     

It has already been mentioned that Islamic Divine Law doesn’t like the divorce certainly, so restrictions of various sorts have been applied in this matter, and it has been instructed, “Meditate and understand thoroughly before divorce”. Islam provided many opportunities so that they may concord again, but after expiry of all these stages, while the divorce has been finalized, then now there is no chance of concession. Now the husband can’t get back again his wife easily.  

                                                                               

                 LESSON # 274 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Re-marry After Divorce, Halaalah

Marriage With Divorced Wife

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 230    of  286, Section – 29 (Part - 2)

Lesson

Islam is a natural religion and complete Rule under practice for the entire life of human being. It shows the way of acquiring betterment and welfare for the life in this world and Hereinafter. Islam contains completely upon the entire sections of human life. There is none problem of the life solution of which it doesn’t explain and there is no direction, commands about which it doesn’t issue.

Collective life of the mankind begins from family. If the family life is successful and the relationship between husband and wife are in well condition then it is evident that every person will find oneself in a very good atmosphere. He may be able to do his work with good manner. The children will find superior models for themselves and they will follow their elders on the straight path at the time of their maturity. So Islam makes better the family life of a Muslim. The husband and wife have central position in the dynasty. If there are good relations and mutual cooperation between them, then each child of that family will go ahead upon the way of improvement step by step easily. But if the relationship between husband and wife is in worse condition and they are disunited due to their thoughts and deeds, then it is much difficult for them to move forward collectively, and their misunderstanding will prove fatal also for their children.

Islam is also apprised this side of human nature and determines lawful to the divorce in case of pressure. If any person wishes to divorce, then he should do so after deep meditation. If the woman feels lamentation due to her husband’s behavior, then she may also be gotten released. But the Divine Law of Religion has imposed some orders and restrictions to realize the importance of married relationships of man and woman, for instance if the husband has devised firm resolve of divorce and doesn't reconcile during the period of ‘iddat (term) after the second divorce, moreover he divorces her wife third time, then he can’t re-marry with her after it. If he wants to re-wed then its condition is very harsh. That is to say; any other person would have to wed the divorced woman, do the act of intercourse with her and then either divorce her with his will or he dies, and then thereafter she has to complete her ‘iddat period. This remarriage is called literally Halaalah. But after this Halaalah the re-marriage can only be done in this form while both of them establish according to the orders of Allah Almighty, because they both have to think about paying the rights of one another, and have to believe in it. Otherwise situation of the destruction of one another’s rights and their mutual quarrels will come again. And they both will fall in sin.

Holy Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) has cursed those men in one Hadith out of his Sayings, who make it (divorce) their profession, because a man weds a divorced woman for the purpose that he will divorce her again, so that her first husband may re-marry this above-mentioned woman.

Sorrow that we, the Muslims didn't recognize the rights of these questions and made the religion droll. Which restrictions were imposed by the Divine Law of Religion on divorce, didn't care for them. As and when we wanted, we divorced without thinking. Whenever the anger subsided, we gained our wits, began to lament and we chose unlawful forms of Halaalah. All this badness grew due to carelessness from the religion, ignorance, foolishness and not respecting the problems.  

LESSON # 275 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Behavior With The Wives

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 231a    of  286, Section – 29 (Part - 2)

When ye have divorced women, and they have reached their term, then retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. Retain them not with the object of hurting them in order that ye transgress (the limits). And he who doeth that hath wronged his soul.

Wa ‘izaa  tallaqtumun-nisaaa-‘a  fabalagna  ‘ajalahunna  fa-‘amsikuu-hunna  bi-ma’-ruu-fin  ‘aw  sarrihuu-hunna  bi-ma’-ruuf.  Wa  laa  tumsikuuhunna  ziraaral-lita’-taduu.  Wa  many-yaf-‘al zaalika  faqad zalama nafsah.

Lesson

‘izaa  tallaqtum – (When you have divorced), here it signifies about that once or twice divorced which may be inclined, after which there is still chance of inclination. 

‘ajalahunna – (their term), it aims that the period of their term is near to end, but has not yet ended. Otherwise meaning of ending of the term period will be that now there is no chance for inclination.

This rule has been mentioned in this verse that as and when a husband divorces his wife once or twice and he has not yet divorced at the third time, then he can incline before third divorce if he wants, and if he doesn't wish to incline then he should divorce third time. Or if he remains silent then after the completion of term it will be considered automatically that he doesn't want to incline and he has finished his relation intentionally with his wife. But it is compulsory that which path will be adopted by the husband out of these two manners, that should be according to the Rule and suitable as per the Divine’s Law of Religion. That is to say; if he wishes to retain his wife then he should return with respect and nobility, and if he wants to disconnect his relation then he should send her wife back from his home with honor and politeness. In short both the forms should be suitable in accord with law and compliments. It should not be so that he inclines to vex and tease his wife, and likewise put her intentionally under his ban.

Those people who violate the rights of women and take them again in marriage to trouble them, God Almighty stated about them that doing so they have wronged their souls; they damaged themselves at their own. It’s clear that doing so, their homes might not be remained populated. But these will ruin. They themselves also will remain never in peace and comfort. Their domestic lives will become the spring of distresses and troubles. They both will fail in fulfilling the responsibilities of their children. Therefore destruction and ruin will encamp at their homes. If this person divorces after some period too then any noble woman will never be ready to wed him. It is better for the husband that he should behave his wife with good manner, so that he may live also happily and his wife too.

LESSON # 276 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Clownish Behavior Upon Orders Of God

Making Laughing-Stock The Orders Of Allah

Humour On God’s Revelations

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 231b    of  286, Section – 29 (Part - 2)

Make not the Revelations of Allah a laughing-stock (by your behaviour). And remember Allah’s Grace upon you and that which He hath revealed unto you of the Scripture and of Wisdom, whereby   He doth exhort you. Observe your duty to Allah and know that Allah is Aware of all things.

Wa  laa  tattakhizuuu  ‘Aayaatillaahi  hu-zuwaa,  wazkuruu  ni’-matallaahi  ‘alaykum  wa  maaa  ‘anzala    ‘alaykum-minal-Kitaabi  wal-Hikmati  ya-‘izukum-  bih.   Wat-taqullaaha  wa’-lamuuu  ‘annal-laaha  bikulli  shay-‘in  ‘Aliim.

Lesson

Allah Almighty has warned in this verse, “Make not the Revelations of Allah a laughing-stock (by your behavior)” like that we obeyed only those Orders, which we wished and left those Commands which we thought difficult to be acted upon by us. Moreover, “Abide by the entire Rules completely because your goodness is only in it”.

First stone of the social life is family and the family life, and fundamental point of the family is good relationship between husband and wife. So it will be quite true and just to say that foundation of the entire nation’s social system depends on execution and correction of rights and duties between husband and wife. If the husband pays his wife’s all rights very gracefully and the wife performs also like this in her husband’s rights, then life of all the society will establish on very strong foundations. But if the relations between husband and wife have been disconnected and any dispute has been created between them, then it is sure that the entire society is in danger. So all the persons who like correction, should engage their attention to this side, they should try that the relations between husband and wife remain firm. Islam has pressed especially this side.

It has been proved also from this verse through this command, “Make not the Revelations of Allah a laughing-stock (by your behavior)” , for example; at first divorced and then inclined, and said that either the word divorce was used as laughter and humor or it was spoken by chance in emotion.

There is a lot of wisdom and advisability in these matters of the Divine Law. The human being should think about them and try to reach their depth. Allah Almighty has sent these orders for our guidance and admonition. It is very necessary for us to get advantage from them. God Almighty Knows our intentions. He is Familiar of our ecstasies. There is nothing hidden from Him. To keep the intention pure and settle the matters is very needful for us.

LESSON # 277 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Assent Of The Woman

Woman’s Agreement

Woman's Wish To Re-Marry

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 232    of  286, Section – 30 (Part - 2)

And when ye have divorced women and they reach their term, place not difficulties in the way of their marrying their husbands if it is agreed between them in kindness. This is admonition for him among you who believeth in Allah and the Last Day. That is more virtuous for you, and cleaner. And Allah knoweth; and ye know not.

Wa  ‘izaa  tallaqtumun-nisaaa-‘a  fabalagna  ‘ajalahunna  falaa  ta’-zuluuhunna  ‘any-yan-kihna  ‘azwaajahunna  ‘izaa  taraazaw  baynahum-  bil-ma’-ruuf.  Zaalika  yuu-‘azu  bihii  man-kaana  minkum  yu’-minu  billaahi  wal-Yawmil-‘Aakhir.  Zaalikum  ‘azkaa  lakum  wa  ‘athar.  Wallaahu  ya’-lamu  wa  ‘antum  laa  ta’-lamuun.

Lesson

fabalagna  ‘ajalahunna – (when they reach their term), translation of fabalagna is ‘when they reach’ that is to say; they complete. Meaning of ‘ajalahunna is ‘their term’, specific period, according to Divine Law of Religion which is called ‘iddat.

‘izaa  tallaqtum – (when you have divorced), here it has been addressed state forward to the husbands, but this speech is for the entire nation.

‘azwaajahunna – (their husbands), it means “their those husbands who are liked by the women”, either they wish to wed any new man or the previous husband who have divorced them once.  

Taraazaw – (when) it is agreed (between them). It reveals from this word that ‘affirmation’ and ‘approval/reception’ both are pillars of marriage. It is a separate thing that if instead of husband and wife, their guardians or agents (father or any other patron from any side) do ‘affirmation’ and ‘approval/reception’, and they (husband and wife) admit it. Otherwise if they don’t agree then there is no marriage.

Reason for revelation of this verse is that a woman was divorced by her husband once or twice and didn’t incline during the period of term. When the period of ‘iddat expired, then along with other persons he also sent message for marriage. The woman was agreeing but her brother was in a rage and he stopped her sister’s marriage with her first husband. So then it was revealed in the Holy Qur-’an that pleasure and welfare of the woman should be kept in front, the marriage should be done with her agreement. One’s thought and displeasure shouldn't interfere. However if there is something wrong according to rules, for example; if she wants to wed any other person during her first husband’s term, then surely he has right to stop this marriage.  

                    

LESSON # 278 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Length Of Time For Suckling

Suckling Duration

Time-lag To Suckle The Child

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 233a    of  286, Section – 30 (Part - 2)

Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that   is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No one should be compelled beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child.

Wal-waalidaatu  yurzi’-na  ‘awlaada-hunna  haw-layni  kaa-milayni  liman  ‘araada  ‘any-yutimmar-razaa-‘ah.  Wa  ‘alal-mawluudi  lahuu  rizquhunna  wa  kiswatuhunna  bil-ma’-ruuf.  Laa  tukallafu  nafsun  ‘illaa  wus-‘ahaa.  Laa  tuzaaarra  waalidatum-bi-waladihaa  wa  laa mawluudul-lahuu  bi-waladihii;

Lesson

razaa-‘ah – (length of time for suckling), in the Divine Law of Islam natural length of time for suckling has been fixed two complete years. More duration or less has been left upon mutual willingness between husband and wife. Detail of these orders will be discussed in this and coming lessons.

‘al-waalidaatu – (women having child), it aims the mothers of the children. Either they are in marriage or have been divorced.

It has been narrated in this verse that the mother should suckle the child for two years and this length of time is for those mothers and fathers who wish to complete the duration of suckling. Otherwise it is lawful also to lessen this period, as it will come at the end of the verse. Those mothers come in this instruction too, whose marriage still stands and those who either have been divorced or their term has passed. Difference will be only that the feeding and clothing of the wife is compulsory upon the husband in each condition.

It has been known from this verse that length of time for the mother who will suckle the child or the father who has to pay the charges of suckling to the mother of his child is complete two years. Then it has also been disclosed that the father will have to provide feeding and clothing to the mother of the child in each condition. In the first form she is in his marriage and in the second he has to pay remuneration of suckling the child, and the parents of the child should not anyhow vex each other, for example; either the mother should not refuse to suckle the child without any reason or the father should not get suckled his child separating him from his mother without reason or he should not narrow in paying her feeding and clothing.     

LESSON # 279 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Suckling - Other Rules

Altered Orders About Suckling

Some Other Orders Of Suckling

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 233b    of  286, Section – 30 (Part - 2)

And on the (father’s) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provided that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. And observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do.

Wa  ‘alal-waarisi  mislu  zaalik.  Fa-‘in  ‘araadaa  fisaalan  ‘an  taraazim-min-humaa  wa  tashaa-wurin-  falaa  junaaha ‘alayhi-maa.  Wa  ‘in  ‘arattum  ‘an- tas-tar-zi-‘uuu  ‘awlaadakum  falaa  junaaha  ‘alaykum  ‘izaa  sallamtum-maaa  ‘aataytum-    bil-ma’-ruuf.  Wattaqullaaha  wa’-lamuuu  ‘annallaaha  bimaa  ta’-maluuna  Basiir.

Lesson

‘al-waarisi – (heir), heir means that intimate relative who is lawful heir after the father. 

mislu  zaalik – (incumbent) the like of that, it means that as incumbent (protection of rights) regarding the child’s mother is on the father, like this the incumbent is also on the nearest relative after the father.

It is father’s responsibility to bear the expenses for bringing up his child and when he dies, then it is the order that if the child is owner of wealth/property, then his expenditures will be taken from that wealth, and if he doesn't have any wealth/property, then those persons who are out of his intimate rich relatives, and besides being intimate relatives they are also lawful heirs, then it is their duty to bear the child’s expenditures. Reason for assuming the charges of an innocent suckling child on others, is that the child has not virtue to bring him up himself. Another thing also appears from it that expenses for the lives of poor women, cripple men and minors are incumbent on their relatives.

After that it has also been instructed that if the parents want to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, then it is no sin for them. The mother has more right to bring the child up due to her kindness feelings. So the matters relating to the child have not been left on the opinion of only father. Then it has been cleared too that in some circumstances when it has become necessary to get suckled the child from any other woman, then it is no sin also, provided that she has been paid remuneration.    

      

LESSON # 280 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Term Of The Widow

‘Iddat (Term)

Widow’s Term (‘Iddat)

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 234    of  286, Section – 30 (Part - 2)

And such of you as die and leave   behind them wives, they (the wives) shall wait, keeping themselves apart, four months and ten days. Then when they reach the term (prescribed for them) then there is no sin for you in aught that they may do with themselves in decency. And Allah is Aware of what ye do.

Wallaziina  yutawaffawna  minkum  wa  yazaruuna  ‘azwaajany-yatarab-basna  bi-‘anfusi-hinna  ‘arba-‘ata  ‘ash-hurinw-wa  ‘ashraa.  Fa-‘izaa  balagna  ‘ajalahunna  falaa  junaaha  ‘alay-kum  fiimaa  fa-‘alna  fiii  ‘anfusihinna  bil-ma’-ruuf.  Wallaahu  bimaa  ta’-maluuna  Khabiir.

Lesson

yatarab-basna – (they shall wait, keeping apart), it aims that after the death of husbands, the wives will keep themselves in waiting. Technical name of this period of waiting is ‘Term’ (‘iddat). The woman who is divorced, her term is complete three months and the widow’s term is four months plus ten days. If the widow is pregnant, then her term is until the delivery of her child. To dress, decorate or embellish (make-up) is not lawful for the woman during the days of term.

Other religions of the world did not show any proper favor for the widow. Moreover Hinduism ordered the widow to burn alive in the fire (to be sati). Islam has granted the right to the widow to remain alive with full opportunities and determined this order that the women shall wait, keeping themselves apart, just four months and ten days with effect from the dates of their husbands’ death. She should not draw attention towards her marriage and it’s related other matters. She should not decorate herself during this term. If she feels that she is pregnant, then her term will change, and she would have to prevent herself from re-marriage until delivery.

When the term of widowhood will end, then there is no objection in sending the message for re-marriage. Here it has been addressed the entire nation, that is to say; there is no sin or objection for keeping lawful to re-marry like this matter. It has also cleared that if any person does something unlawful, which is against the precepts of religion, then it is others’ duty that they should challenge him according to their spirit and power. Otherwise it will be sin also for them. So they should look in to the matter that after the term of widowhood, which act will be done by the woman, that should not be out of the Divine Law and custom. Remember! God Almighty is full Aware about your deeds. Your all actions (good or bad) will be reckoned on the Day of Resurrection and you will be rewarded or punished according to your character roll.    

     LESSON # 281 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Message For Re-Marriage

Indication To Re-marry

Re-Marriage - Messaging For

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 235    of  286, Section – 30 (Part - 2)

There is no sin for you in that which ye proclaim or hide in your minds concerning your troth with women. Allah knoweth that ye will remember them. But plight not your troth with women except by uttering a recognized form of words. And do not consummate the marriage until (the term) prescribed is run. And know that Allah knoweth what is in your minds, so beware of Him;   and know that Allah is Forgiving, Clement.

Wa  laa junaaha  ‘alaykum  fiimaa  ‘arraztum-  bihii  min  khitbatin-nisaaa-‘i  ‘aw  ‘aknan-tum  fiii  ‘anfusikum.  ‘Ali-mal-laahu  ‘annakum  satazkuruuna-hunna  wa  laakillaa  tuwaa-‘iduu-hunna  sirran  ‘illaaa  ‘an-taquu-luu  qawlam—ma’-ruufaa.  Wa  laa  ta’-zimuu  ’uqdatan-Nikaahi  hattaa  Yablugal-Kitaabu  ‘ajalah.  Wa’-lamuuu  ‘annal-laaha  ya’-lamu  maa fiii  ‘anfusi-kum fah-zaruuh..  wa’-lamuuu  ‘annallaaha  Gafuurun  Haliim.

Lesson

It has been told in this verse that if the widow or divorced woman has been passing her period of term, then there is no vexation in it that any man establishes intention in his heart to wed her. But he should not bring it on his tongue or if he talks about it then he should use only the recognized form of word. It is unlawful to disclose one’s will to marry her clearly. A weakness of the human is being commanded here, that is to say; if the woman is liked by any person and she has lodged in his heart, then that person surely brings her mention on his tongue. So it is warned that it is not lawful to promise for marriage openly or secretly during her this duration of grief. Do not plight your troth before end of the prescribed term.  

LESSON # 282 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Divorce Before Touching

Divorced While Not Yet Touched

Before Touching - Divorce

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 236    of  286, Section – 31 (Part - 2)

It is no sin for you if ye divorce women while yet ye have not touched them, nor appointed unto them a portion. Provide for them, the rich according to his means, and the straitened according to his means, a fair provision. (This is) a bounden duty for those who do good.

Laa  junaaha  ‘alaykum  ‘in  tallaqtumun-nisaaa-‘a  maa  lam  tamassuu-hunna  ‘aw  taf-rizuu  lahunna  fariizah.  Wa  matti-‘uu- hunn.  ‘Alalmuusi-‘i  qadaruhuu  wa  ‘alalmuqtiri  qadaruh.  Mataa-‘am-bil-ma’-ruuf.  Haq-qan  ‘alal-Muhsiniin.

Lesson

maa  lam  tamassuu-hunna – (the women to whom) you have not yet touched, it aims ‘not yet having sex’ and ‘not yet performed the act of intercourse’ with the women.

matti-‘uu- hunn – (Provide for them), this word has been derived from mataaa’, that is to say; provide them expenditure and necessities of life. The religious scholars refer it particularly toward dress.

It has been ordered in this verse that if the portion (maher) was not appointed at the time of marriage and married without pureness, then the portion (maher) will be set after that. However, if the wife has been divorced before touching (before having Sexual intercourse with her) then portion will not be necessary. But it is compulsory for the husband that he should give something to the woman.

After the divorce, whatever is to be provided to the woman, that will be set according to means of the husband. If the husband is rich, then he should give her a reasonable amount, and if he is distressed then whatever is in his power, he should pay his divorced wife. It has also been urged by increasing the word bil-ma’-ruuf that they should not be narrowed or troubled by their husbands in paying the provision. Moreover it should be according to the customs. Ease of the husband and necessities of the wife should be kept in mind while providing the provision.

In the last it is told that ‘this is a bounden duty for Muhsiniin’ (those who do good), that each Muslim should behave well with each person. But in the matter of a woman they should set these things more gracefully. 

LESSON # 283 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Divorce And Appointed Portion

Appointed Portion And Divorce

Divorce And Portion (Maher)

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 237    of  286, Section – 31 (Part - 2)

If ye divorce them before ye have touched them and ye have appointed unto them a portion, then (pay the) half of that which ye appointed, unless they (the women) agree to forgo it, or he agreeth to forgo it in whose hand is the marriage tie. To forgo is nearer to piety. And forget not kindness among yourselves. Surely Allah is Seer of what ye do.

Wa  ‘in- tallaqtumuu-hunna  min- qabli  ‘an-tamassuu-hunna  wa  qad  faraztum  lahunna  farii-zatan- fa-nisfu  maa  faraz-tum  ‘illaaa  ‘any-ya’- fuuna  ‘aw  ya’-fu-wallazii  bi-yadihii  ‘uqdatun-Nikaah.  Wa  ‘an-ta’-fuuu  ‘aqrabu  litaq-waa.  Wa  laa  tansawul-fazla  baynakum.  ‘Innallaaha  bimaa ta’-maluuna  Basiir.

Lesson

Some more orders regarding the divorced woman and payment of her appointed portion have been mentioned in this verse. If the portion (maher) was appointed at the time of marriage tie, and the time of divorce comes before touching the wife, then half of the appointed portion will be paid compulsorily. But the woman herself or the person in whose hand is the marriage tie, if they excuse entire portion or some part of it, then it is another thing.

After that it has also been told that if the husband overlooks then it is more reasonable near to piety, because God Almighty bestowed him greatness and authorized him to keep remaining the marriage tie or divorce her wife. If the husband doesn't pay even half of the portion now and divorces her without touching, then it is not reasonable near to God fearing. Any kind of failure didn't exist from the side of his wife. As though these became four forms of divorce and portion:

·       Neither the portion is appointed, nor did husband touch his wife. In this form he should pay some reasonable amount to his wife.

·       The portion was appointed but he did not touch her. Now half of the appointed portion will be paid by him.

·       The Portion was appointed and he committed also a sexual intercourse. He will pay complete appointed portion.

·       The Portion was not appointed but he committed intercourse. In this case he would have to pay the similar portion (Maher Misl).

 LESSON # 284 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Punctuality In Offering Prayers

Be Guards Of Prayers

Prayers - Regularity

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 238 & 239    of  286, Section – 31 (Part - 2)

238.  Be guardians of your prayers, and of the midmost prayer, and stand up with devotion to Allah. 239.  And if ye go in fear, then (pray) standing or on horseback. And when ye are again in safety, remember Allah, as He hath taught you that which (heretofore) ye knew not.

238.  Haafizuu  ‘alas-Salawaati  was-Salaatil-wustaa;  wa  quu-muu  lillaahi  qaanitiin. 239.  Fa-‘in  khiftum  fa-rijaalan  ‘aw  rukbaanaa.  Fa- ‘izaaa  ‘amin-tum  fazkurullaaha  kamaa  ‘alla-makum-maa  lam takuu-nuu  ta’-lamuun.

Lesson

Haafizuu  ‘alas-Salawaati – (Be guardians of your prayers), that is to say; regularize your prayers in time. The scholars have categorized three stages of prayer’s punctuality:

First stage – the prayers should be offered in time, without leaving duties and even obligations (Faraz and Waajib).

Second Stage – body of the person, who is going to offer prayer, should be clean and pure, humility and spiritless should be in his heart, he should care fully for the practices (sunnahs) of the Prophet Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace of Allah Almighty be upon him) and mustahibbaat (good works).

Most Superior Stage – while offering the prayer he should deem that he is looking Allah Almighty and he would have this perception also that God Almighty is looking the devout.   

‘As-Salaatil-wustaa – (the midmost prayer), aim of this central middle prayer is the ‘Asr Prayer, which is offered between the afternoon (Zuhar) prayer and after sunset (Magrib) prayer. Some scholars consider it as the prayer before sunrise (Fajar prayer). 

qaanitiin – (to stand up) with devotion, this word has been derived from qanuut which means benediction, supplication, prayer, humility, begging, submission and obedience.

The rights and claims of the wives were being mentioned in the previous verses, and the same discussion will run again ahead. Some orders about prayer have come in the middle. It appears from this discussion that the matters regarding society and its affairs, rules and morality are not separate from the worship. The rights of God Almighty and the rights of His servants (human beings) are going side by side in the Divine Law.

Between the orders regarding divorce, it can also be the reason of mentioning the order about prayer that the mankind should not forget the worship of his Creator (Allah Almighty), while he is busy in the worldly matters and mutual disputes.  

It has been emphasized strongly about the midmost prayer (‘Asr), because the mankind remains busier in the worldly works at this time (after the afternoon). So attention is drawn to this side that “Do not forget God Almighty while you are engaged in the worldly matters. Moreover continue His mention and worship also”. Here some orders regarding prayers during peace and war have also been explained. If there is a time of battle and fear from enemy then you should offer prayer with signs only while either you are foot soldiers or you have conveyance (riding horse etc).

   LESSON # 285 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Bequeath For The Widow

Bequest Of The Widow

Widow - Arrange To Give Her Something

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse – 240-242    of  286, Section – 31-32 (Part - 2)

240.  (In the case of) those of you who are about to die and leave behind them wives, they should bequeath unto their wives a provision for the year without turning them out, but if they go out (of their own accord) there is no sin for you in that which they do of themselves within their rights. And Allah is Mighty, Wise. 241.  And for divorced women is a provision in kindness. A duty for those who ward off (evil). 242.  Thus Allah expoundeth unto you His Revelations so that ye may understand.

240.  wallaziina  yutawaffawna  minkum  wa  yazaruuna  ‘azwaa-janw-wasiy-yatal-li-‘azwaajihim-mataa-‘an  ‘ilal-hawli  gayra  ‘ikh-raaj.  Fa-‘in kharajna  falaa junaaha  ‘alaykum  fii  maa fa-‘alna  fiii  ‘anfusihinna  mim-ma’-ruuf.  Wallaahu  ‘Aziizun- Hakiim. 241.  wa  lil-mutallaqaati  mataa-‘um- bil-ma’-ruuf.  Haqqan  ‘alal-Muttaqiin.  242.  Kazaalika  yubayyinul-laahu  lakum  ‘Aayaatihii  la-‘al-lakum  ta’-qiluun.

Lesson

wasiy-yatal-li-‘azwaajihim – (they should bequeath to their wives), these are last verses of this Surah regarding affairs and matters of marriage between husband and wife. God Almighty commanded in it that the husband can produce another facility for his wife, who is being widow due to his forthcoming death, that he should bequeath his heirs for his wife a provision for the year without turning her out and she has right to get concessions.

Either the woman is divorced or she becomes widow due to fate of God Almighty, either the portion has been appointed or it was not cleared at the time of marriage, in each condition Islam teaches good behavior, forgiveness, overlook and goodness. After it the share of the women in heritance and term were appointed. Now there is no need to act upon this verse.    

LESSON # 286 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Don’t Go In Fear Of Your Lives

Death Is Beyond Question

Fear Of Death

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –243    of  286, Section –32 (Part - 2)

Bethink thee not (O Muhammad) of those of old, who went forth from their habitations in their thousands, fearing death, and Allah said unto them: Die; and then He brought them back to life. Lo! Allah is a Lord of kindness to mankind, but most of mankind give not thanks.

‘Alam  tara  ‘ilallaziina  kharajuu  min  diyaarihim  wa  hum  ‘uluufun  hazaralmawt.  Fa-qaala  lahumullaahu  muu-tuu: summa  ‘ah-yaahum.  ‘In-nallaaha  la-Zuu-Fazlin  ‘alan-naasi  wa  laakinna  ‘aksaran-naasi  laa yash-kuruun.

Lesson

‘Alam  tara – (have you not seen? Did you not bethink?), this method of addressing is chosen in Arabic language at those times when attention is drawn towards any known and much big happening. Here it does not mean to see only with sight, but purpose is to think, meditate and consider with deep thought, and whenever the word ‘ilaa comes with it, then it also aims to teach any lesson from this particular event.

‘allaziina  kharajuu – who went forth (from their habitations), it signifies towards the children of Israel, who had left their homes due to fear of death, and the natives of Arab did know very well this important happening.

This verse signifies towards a very old event, that the children of Israel, who were in thousands, had left their native country due to fear of death (cause of which was either they considered plague or attack of enemy). Neither they believed in fate, nor stood up against the enemy with weapons, moreover went forth with cowardice to save only their own lives. But their running away in this manner did not become useful for them, and they could not escape from the claws of death.

After seven days one of the Prophets of God Almighty (peace be upon him) prayed for them, and then Allah Almighty brought them back to life, so that they forswear for future and may know that the relation of death and life is in the hands of Some Other Life. Allah Almighty blesses the mankind. The people can not count His favors. They should be very grateful to God Almighty every moment.    

  

LESSON # 287 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

A Goodly Loan

Lend To God Almighty

Loan Which Is Increased Manifold

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –244-245    of  286, Section –32 (Part - 2)

244.  Fight in the Way of Allah, and know that Allah is Hearer, Knower.    245.  Who is it that will lend unto Allah a goodly loan, so that He may give it increase manifold for him? And Allah straiteneth and enlargeth. And unto Him ye will return.

244.  Wa  qaa-tiluu  fii  sabiilil-laahi  wa’-lamuuu  ‘annallaaha  Samii-‘un  ‘Aliim. 245.  Man-zallazii  yuqrizullaaha  Qarzan  Hasanan  fa—yuzaa-‘ifa-huu  lahuuu  ‘az-‘aafan-  kasiirah.  Wallaahu  yaqbizu  wa  yab-sut.  Wa  ‘ilayhi  turja-‘uun.

Lesson

‘Aliim – (Knower), it denotes that Allah Almighty knows the intentions of heart and announcements by tongue of those persons who try and strive in His Path and who don’t.

Qarzan  Hasanan – (goodly loan) the loan, after which neither the debtor would be troubled, nor kindness would be shown, nor revenge would be taken and nor the debtor would be despised. In broad terms, it signifies also, each that amount which is spent in any respect of the religion. Here it aims the amount spent in fight (Ji-haad). The Arabs called every act of good remuneration as goodly loan and every act of bad remuneration as bad loan. Though, due to spending the wealth in Fight (Ji-haad) in the Way of Allah is returned many times more in the Hereafter, so this act of spending is determined by Holy Qur’an as goodly loan (Qarzan  Hasanan).

fa—yuzaa-‘ifa-huu – (so that He may give it increase), it means ‘to increase the future reward and remuneration of this action’. Infinitive mood of this word is ‘Az-’aaf  (to increase manifold).

Allah Almighty cleared by mentioning about a nation in the previous verse that control of life and death is only in His hand. So, you shouldn't run away due to fear of enemy. Now it is being ordered clearly for fighting in the Way of Allah (Ji-haad) that “Fight in the Path of Right Religion against its enemies”.

Arms and equipment, tools and other things are required for war (Ji-haad). So, God Almighty ordered those people who have power to afford it that they should spend their wealth whole heartedly. Allah Almighty will return their sacrifice by increasing it many times (manifold) in this world as well as on the Day of Resurrection. They should never think that due to spending the money in the Way of God Almighty they will become poor.

LESSON # 288 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Story of Prophet Saul (peace be on him)

Refrain From Fighting

Why Should We Not Fight

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –246 of  286, Section –32 (Part - 2)

Bethink thee of the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, how they said unto a Prophet whom they had: Set up for us a king and we will fight in Allah’s Way. He said: Would ye then refrain from fighting if fighting were prescribed for you? They said: Why should we not fight in Allah’s Way when we have been driven from our dwellings with our children? Yet, when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, all save a few of them. And Allah is Aware of evildoers.

‘Alam  tara  ‘ilal-mala-‘i  mim- Baniii-‘Israaa-‘iila  mim- ba’-di    Muusaa.  ‘Iz qaaluu li-nabiyyil-lahumub-‘as  lanaa Malikan-nuqaatil  fii  Sabiilil-laah.  Qaala  hal  ‘asaytum ‘in- kutiba  ‘alaykumul-qitaalu  ‘al-laa tuqaatiluu.  Qaaluu  wa maa  lanaaa  ‘allaa nuqaatila fii  Sabii-lillaahi  wa  qad ‘ukhrijnaa  min-diyaarinaa wa    ‘abnaaa-‘inaa.  Falammaa kutiba  ‘alay-himul-qitaalu tawallaw  ‘illaa  qaliilam-minhum.  Wallaahu  ‘Aliimum-biz-zaalimiin.

Lesson

It has been pointed also in this verse towards an important tale of the history of Israel’s Children. After some times of departing Prophet Moses (peace be upon Him), the Children of Israel gathered in the temple of Jerusalem being confused from the attacks of King Goliath and other enemies, and being helpless from each side. Perhaps this reign was of the Prophet Samuel (peace be upon him). They requested the Prophet of God Almighty (peace be upon him) to appoint for them a commander-in-chief, under whose supervision they may fight. He (Prophet Samuel (peace be upon him) said, “I’m afraid that if it is ordered to Fight (do ji-haad), then would you not refrain from fighting”? They assured that they would fight in Allah’s Way when they had been driven from their dwellings with their children. But when the time for fighting came, they all turned away save a few of them.  

LESSON # 289 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Prophet Saul (peace be on him) As King

Selection Of C-in-C

Kingdom Of Saul (peace be upon him)

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –247a of  286, Section –32 (Part - 2)

Their Prophet said unto them: Lo! Allah hath raised up Saul to be a king for you. They said: How can he have kingdom over us when we are more deserving of the kingdom than he is, since he hath not been given wealth enough?

Wa  qaala  lahum  Nabiy-yuhum  ‘innallaaha  qad  ba-‘asa  lakum  Taaluuta  Malikaa.  Qaaluuu  ‘annaa  yakuunu  lahul-mulku  ‘alaynaa  wa  nahnu  ‘a-haqqu  bil-mulki  minhu  wa  lam  yu’-ta  sa-‘atam-minal-maal.

Lesson

Taaluuta – (Saul son of Kash), after Prophet Moses, Saul (peace be upon them) has been recognized as very great and first king of the children of Israel. His reign is told from 1028 BC to 1012 BC. He (peace be upon him) belonged to Bin-Yaamiin Tribe, which had a customary grade. Any king was never chosen out of that dynasty. Neither they were too much wealthy nor rich.

Evil-minded Jews criticized this (Saul’s) appointment as king that He (peace be upon him) has not been given enough wealth. He is a poor person. How can a poor person be a king for us (the rich people)? They thought that sovereignty and leadership is the inborn right of the rich-men.

It is not only resting over the Jews. The materialist nations made always these types of wrong principles, and they deemed the government as bondwoman of the house of rich persons. While this concept is infinite foolish and un-justly, so Allah Almighty declared with clearness this wrong concept of the Jews in His last Scripture for warning of coming breeds, so that nobody may remain in misunderstanding in future, and no nation should suppose the wealth and riches as standard of leadership and exaltation.  

After it if any nation or group imagines the riches as cause of superiority even then, that nation or group would have to face the same punishment which has already been tolerated by the Jews, because the Law of Nature doesn't change.   

            LESSON # 290 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Characteristics Of A Governor

Qualities Of Commander-in-Chief

Special Marks Of A King

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –247b of  286, Section –32 (Part - 2)

He said: Lo! Allah hath chosen him above you, and hath increased him abundantly in wisdom and stature. And Allah bestoweth His sovereignty on whom He will. And Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.

Qaala  ‘innallaa-hastafaahu  ‘alaykum  wa  zaadahuu  basta-tan-fil-‘ilmi  wal-jism.  Wallaahu  yu’-tii  mulkahuu  many-yashaaa’.  Wallaahu  waasi-‘un  ‘Aliim.

Lesson

It was mentioned in the first part of this verse that Prophet Samuel (peace be upon him) proclaimed on behalf of Allah Almighty that He has raised up Saul (peace be upon him) to be a king for the children of Israel. But they criticized this selection due to vanity of their richness, that while he (peace be upon him) was not richer than them, then how could he be their king?

Prophet of God Almighty (peace be upon him) stated following qualities fixed by Allah Almighty for sovereignty and leadership:

·         Allah has chosen him because He has bestowed him wisdom abundantly.

·       Stature of Saul (peace be upon him) is more powerful comparatively than all of them.

basta-tan-fil-‘ilmi – (he has been  given wisdom abundantly), ‘ilm means knowledge about facts and to recognize the secrets. There are uncountable meanings hidden in this one word, all kinds of sciences and arts are included in it, particularly sciences about ruling and governing the world.  

‘al-jism – (stature), aim is that Saul has more ability regarding strength, power and is more reliable respecting stature than all of you. The person who would have more powers of both (knowledge and stature, he would be able to get preference and leadership over others.

mulkahuu – (His sovereignty), it’s object is that actual Sovereignty is of Allah Almighty and this Authority is in fact for Him, Who is Alone.

>>>   Sarwari zeba faqat ‘Us Zaati Bay Hamtaa ko hae

           Hukmaraan hae ik Wuhii, baaqi butaani ‘Aazrii

Now it is Allah Almighty’s especial Favor and Mercy that He gives in charge the service of governing the people to the person, who is most deserving and worthy out of His servants.   

LESSON # 291 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Token Of Kingdom

Ark – Peace Of Reassurance

Remnant (Relics) Of Prophets’ House

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –248 of  286, Section –33 (Part - 2)

And their Prophet said unto them: Lo! The token of his kingdom is that there shall come unto you the ark wherein is peace of reassurance from your Lord, and remnant of that which the house of Moses and the house of Aaron left behind, the angels bearing it. Lo! Herein shall be a token for you if (in truth) ye are believers.

Wa  qaala  lahum  Nabiyyu-hum  ‘inna  ‘aayata-  Mulkihiii    ‘any-ya’-tiyakumut- Taa-buutu  fiihi  sakiinatum-mir-Rab-bikum  wa  baqiyyatum-mimmaa  taraka  ‘Aalu-Muusaa  wa  ‘Aalu- Haaruuna  tahmilu-hul-malaaa- ‘ikah.  ‘Inna  fii  zaalika  la- ‘aayatal-lakum  ‘in- kuntum- Mu’-miniin.

Lesson

‘At- Taa-buutu – (Ark), Chest containing tables of the law of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), original Scripture of Torah and sacred relics of the Prophets from the children of Israel . The name of this box is also Taa-buuti Sakiinah. It was the greatest national inheritance for the children of Israel. They used to keep it with them every time even during journey and war. They used to consider it as very auspicious and place it in front specially during war so that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta-‘aala might bestow them victory with its blessings.

Prophet Samuel (peace be upon him) appointed Prophet Saul (peace be upon him) as King of the children of Israel by the Order of Allah Almighty. In that case He (peace be upon him) also told for their satisfaction that outward token of his kingdom is your that blessed Ark which was snatched by Goliath from you. You will get back that Ark during the rule of Saul (peace be upon him).

It has been known from the history that from the time when the Palestinians had snatched this Ark from the children of Israel, they could never live with comfort. Wherever (in any place or city) they used to keep it, either any contagious disease used to burst or any calamity used to come there. At last they decided being frustrated that they should get rid of this Ark. So they loaded this Ark in a bullock cart and drove it without any Cart-man. The Angels (peace be upon them) of God Almighty brought it at the Saul’s door (peace be upon him). After looking this token the children of Israel believed in the kingdom of Saul (peace be upon him).

It has also been declared from the history that this Ark remained in possession of the children of Israel till the reign of Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) (220 BC). He (peace be upon him) kept it in the Solomon Haikal of the Temple of Jerusalem after its erection. After that it did not appear. The children of Israel think that till now it is burial in the bottom of the foundation of Solomon Haikal. 

LESSON # 292 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Physical Test Of Army

Pass Through An Ordeal

Ordeal Of Crusaders

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –249a of  286, Section –33 (Part - 2)

And when Saul set out with the army, he said: Lo! Allah will try you by (the ordeal of) a river. Whosoever therefore drinketh thereof he is not of me, and whosoever tasteth it not he is of me, save him who taketh (thereof) in the hollow of his hand. But they drank thereof, all save a few of them.

Fa-lammaa  fasala  Taa-luutu  bil-junuudi, qaala  ‘innal-laaha  mubtaliikum-bi-nahar.  Faman-shariba  minhu  falaysa  minnii.  Wa  mal-lam  yat-‘amhu  fa-‘innahuu  miniii  ‘illaa manig-tarafa  gurfatam- bi-yadih.  Fa-sharibuu minhu  ‘illaa  qaliilam-minhum.

Lesson

Nahar – (canal), a river from which the army had to pass through. The name of this river is stated as Jordan River. Name of Hashmiite Government of the Eastern Jordan is also related to this river. It flows from north to south and drops down in to the Dead Sea.  

man-shariba  minhu – (whosoever drinks out of it), it means that the person who will drink water from this river bellyful, he will be disobedient and he will be expelled from my group.

gurfatam- bi-yadih – (in the hollow of his hand), that is to say; there will be permission only to drink the water quantity of which should not be more than a hollow of the hand for wetting  the dry lips and quenching the thirst.

When the Saul (peace be upon him) set out with the Jews’ army to fight against Goliath, Allah Almighty fixed for them a test, which was that nobody would drink the water bellyful of Jordan River in the way.

No command and order from God Almighty is without advisability and wisdom. Surely any use and advantage is hidden for human being in each order and restriction. So it was not only a test but there were many advantages in this restriction respecting their health and character, which they could not understand at that time. However they knew it very soon.     

LESSON # 293 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Defeat And Victory Doesn’t Depend On Majority

Allah Is With The Steadfast

Sometimes Little Company Overcomes

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –249b of  286, Section –33 (Part - 2)

And after he had crossed (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: We have no power this day against Goliath and his hosts. But those who knew that they would meet Allah exclaimed: How many a little company hath overcome a mighty host by Allah’s leave! And Allah is with the steadfast.

Falammaa  jaawaza-huu  huwa  wallaziina  ‘aamanuu  ma- ‘ahuu,  qaaluu  laa  taaqata  lanal-yawma  bi-Jaaluuta  wa  junuudih.  Qaalal-laziina  ya-zunnuuna  ‘annahum-  mulaaqul-laahi,  kam-min-  fi- ‘atin-qaliilatin  galabat  fi- ‘atan- kasiiratam-  bi- ‘iznillaah.  Wallaahu  ma-‘as-Saabiriin.

Lesson

Jaaluuta – (Goliath), he was commander of Palestinian Army against the Jews. This person was Giant stature and muscular youth. His strength, power and stoutness have been mentioned in the Holy Torah with detail. It is told that his height was ten feet. He used to remain in iron dress from his head to feet. A heavy shield used to remain in his hand.  

When Prophet Saul (peace be upon him) started journey with his Believer Associates towards Goliath, first of all He warned them that they should not drink water from the river in the way more than a hollow of a hand, otherwise they will be separated. It was, they drank water bellyful except a few persons out of them, and they could not remain able even to walk.

When this little company reached opposite the enemy, looking their scarcity in numbers these servants of Allah Almighty said, “How shall we face so much big army”? But they also exclaimed with complete faith and strong belief, “No! Victory will be ours’; usually it has happened in the history that little companies have overcome mighty hosts by Allah’s leave”.

Decision of victory and defeat doesn't exist with the number of Armies, but it depends on support from God Almighty and strength of hearts. The persons who don’t leave the skirt of patience and firmness, Allah Almighty co-operates with them.

Perseverance is a very great power. With the aid of remaining firm in the field of action, God Almighty helps the persons from invisible sources and embraces them success.

God helps those who help themselves.

LESSON # 294 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Patience And Making Foothold Sure

Endurance And Steadiness

Forbearance And Perseverence

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –250 & 251 of  286, Section –33 (Part - 2)

250.  And when they went into the field against Goliath and his hosts they said: Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance, make our foothold sure, and give us help against the disbelieving folk. 251.  So they routed them by Allah’s leave and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him of that which He willeth. And if Allah had not repelled some men by others the earth would have been corrupted. But Allah is a Lord of Kindness to (His) creatures.

250.  Wa  lammaa  barazuu  li-Jaaluuta  wa  junuudihii  qaaluu  Rabbanaaa  ‘afrig  ‘alaynaa  sab-ranw-wa  sabbit  ‘aqdaamanaa  wan-surnaa  ‘alal—Qawmil-kaa-firiin. 251.  Fa-hazamuuhum-  bi- ‘iznil-laahi,  wa  qatala  Daawuudu  Jaa-luuta  wa  ‘aataahullaahul-  Mulka  wal- Hikmata  wa  ‘allamahuu  mimmaa  yashaaa’.  Wa  law-laa  daf- ‘ullaahin-naasa  ba’-zahum- bi-ba’-zil-lafasadatil- ‘arzu  wa  laa-kinnal-laaha  Zuu-Fazlin- ‘alal- ‘Aalamiin.

Lesson

Daawuudu- (David), David (peace be upon him), who was son of Yasii was a Prophet of God Almighty during 1024 BC to 963 BC. Recitation in the Holy Qur-‘an about him is at sixteen places. He was a young soldier in the Army of Prophet Saul (peace be upon them), till that time neither he had proclaimed about his prophet-hood, and nor he had yet been appointed as king.

When the Army of Prophet Saul reached opposite Goliath’s Army, Goliath challenged the servants of God Almighty due to his personal strength and power. The Believers never trust in their abundance of manpower or ability of their personal force. So they requested for endurance from Allah Almighty and prayed for making them foothold sure.  

It was primary time of Prophet David (peace be upon him). He was a part of the Army of Saul (peace be upon him). Goliath was killed with his hands and the truth-lover Army got victory and success. It is the Practice of God Almighty that He repels and defeats some men by others, and doing so He removes badness and quarrels from the earth.

LESSON # 295 FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Last Signs

Previous Tokens

Past portents

BAQARAH – 2 (The Cow)

Verse –252 of  286, Section –33 (Part - 2)

252.  These are the portents of Allah which We recite unto thee (Muhammad) with truth. And lo! thou art of the number of (Our) messengers.

252.  Tilka  ‘Aayaatullaahi  nat-luu-haa  ‘alayka  bil-haqq.  Wa  ‘innaka  laminal-Mursaliin.

Lesson

bil-haqq - (with truth), it aims that earlier stories and portents are caused to hear the Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) without decrease and increase. Bringing this word it has also been cleared that Holy Qur-‘an doesn't change the stories from good to bad like other Scriptures.

minal-Mursaliin – (out of the number of messengers (peace be upon them), it is evident from this word that the recognized position of Messenger Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) is also like other Messengers (peace be upon them). Neither the Messenger/Prophet is Self-Creator (God) and nor demi-god. Indeed the Holy Qur-‘an uses the sound words for escaping from ascribing plurality to Allah Almighty.

It also clears from this verse that as Prophet David (peace be upon him) was given knowledge and wisdom by Allah Almighty, likewise the Messenger of Islam (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) has also been exalted with these blessings by Him (Allah Almighty).

Allah Almighty has told in this verse that previous tales, which We cause to here the Messenger (Muhammad) (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him), these are quite true. There is no doubt in these stories. There are uncountable advice in these stories, which are useful like beacon for future nations and races. Allah Almighty signifies to His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) about coming out of thousands people of the children of Israel from their houses, dying suddenly and then coming back to life with the Order of Allah Almighty, assaulting over them by Goliath, their request for making king for them, Prophet Saul’s (peace be upon him) becoming king, giving him (peace be upon him) greatness in knowledge and stature, returning of Ark, coming out by Saul (peace be upon him) opposite to Goliath, killing the Goliath by David (peace be upon him) and bestowing him (peace be upon him) sovereignty and wisdom by Allah Almighty. God Almighty informs His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) about all these matters and we have advice in these stories.

God Almighty also commanded His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him), “You are out of the number of (Our) messengers” and its clear proof is that “We (Allah Almighty) inspired up to you (Muhammad) past portents” and signs, and these stories are used to reveal only towards the Messengers (peace be upon them). While neither you (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) have read these stories in any book, nor listened from any person, but reach you through revelation of God Almighty.  

Mention of uncountable happenings regarding earlier nations and Prophets/Messengers (peace be upon them) exists in the Holy Qur-an. Recitation and signs of their conditions are present hither and thither in each Surah.

It is not intended anywhere to write history and biography from these statements, but root cause is warning and advice. It is our duty that we should correct our present in the light of the events of previous nations and meditate for future. If we would not do so, then it would be our limitless negligence and stupidity.  

  Transliteration in Roman Script & English Translation of Holy Qur’an written by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore and Paraphrase collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated by Muhammad Sharif)