Tafseer Surah Qadar: What’s Better Than 1000 Months?

August 11, 2009 – 12:30 pm

This is post #25 in our series on Tafseer of Juz ‘Amma (click the link to see all posts in this series).

Reason of Revelation

The Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) told the companions about a man of the previous nations; a man who lived and fought jihad for over 1000 months (roughly 83 years, 4 months). (In case you didn’t know, the previous nations lived longer than us–like Prophet Nuh (alayhi salaam), who did da’wah for nearly 1000 years.)

The companions were amazed, and they said: how can we compete with him?

And subhanallah, this is a gem. Look at the companions. They prioritized and competed for the akhirah. Subhanallah to the point that, they don’t just try to do “some good deeds before I die;” not enough. They competed with each other–but even that was not enough. Rather, they competed with all of the Muslims, ever, starting from the time of Prophet Adam, until the Day of Judgment.

We need to really look at ourselves and see, how much are we like them? Or are we just vying for bigger houses, better cars–more dunya?

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By Ilm Seeker | Posted in Arabic, Islam, Qur'an, Tafseer | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (8)

Tafseer Surah Abasa: What Really Matters?

August 4, 2009 – 4:49 pm

imperial crown

It’s not dunya status that matters. Allah teaches us this again in Surah Abasa–it’s the one with taqwa.

This is post #24 in our series on Tafseer of Juz ‘Amma (click the link to see all posts in this series).

How would you feel if someone you love corrected you, in public, in front of everyone else? Would you feel condemned, or criticized? Would you take it more seriously than someone you don’t like criticizing you?

And what if Allah, the Lord of the Universe, criticized you … in public?

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By Ilm Seeker | Posted in Akhlaaq, Islam, Qur'an, Tafseer | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (2)

Say: O You Kafiroon …

June 18, 2009 – 3:58 pm

Note: This is post #20 in our series on Tafseer of Juz ‘Amma (click the link to see all posts in this series).

In Surah Kafiroon, Allah says:

قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا الْكَافِرُونَ
لَا أَعْبُدُ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ
وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ
وَلَا أَنَا عَابِدٌ مَّا عَبَدتُّمْ
وَلَا أَنتُمْ عَابِدُونَ مَا أَعْبُدُ
لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ

Translation: Say, “O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you worshippers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.” [Surah Kafiroon]

The mushrikeen (polytheists) of Mecca tried many, many different techniques to get the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) to stop spreading Islam.

Before this ayah was revealed, they decided to make a pact with him. They said, “Look, how about this–you worship our gods for one year, and we’ll worship your God for one year.” And to sweeten the deal: “And, we’ll go first.”

And they applied the Broken Record technique. Whenever the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) would try to speak to them about Islam, they would only repeat this.

And he, salallahu alayhi wa sallam, refused.

Those of you who are wondering why–although it seems on the surface like a fair trade, it’s not. Allah does not forgive shirk, worshipping other than him; not even a single sujood, or a single du’a, none of it is acceptable.

So clearly, this is not a contract the Messenger of Allah could engage with. So he refused.

And he refused.

And he refused.

Then, the Mushrikeen said, “ok, how about this–just speak highly of our gods, and we’ll do the same for you.” A smaller compromise.

And whenever people approached them, they would say, “Well, we’re trying to compromise (like we’re the good ones in this deal–even though we kill our daughters and murder on whims and …), but he’s not agreeing.”

So the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) went to the ka’bah.

The Ka'bah, the House of Allah

Mushrikeen were there. And in front of everybody he said:

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By Ilm Seeker | Posted in Da'wah, Ibadah, Islam, Salaah, Tazkiyyah | Tagged , , , | Comments (11)

Indeed, We Gave You Al-Kawthar

May 26, 2009 – 3:31 pm

Note: This is post #16 in our series on Tafseer of Juz ‘Amma.

Indeed, We gave you Al-Kawthar.

Allah says, in Surah Al-Kauthar:

إِنَّا أَعْطَيْنَاكَ الْكَوْثَرَ
فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ
إِنَّ شَانِئَكَ هُوَ الْأَبْتَرُ

Translation: Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], al-Kawthar. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]. Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off. [Surah Kawthar, verse 1-3]

Many of you know the hadith where the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) was napping under a tree, and he woke up, smiling; and he said, Allah revealed to me this surah.

Interestingly, the ‘ulama have discussed this–is it possible that Allah sends revelation in a dream? The answer is, surprisingly, no; of the 6-7 ways, the most common is through Jibreel (alayhi salaam). Even here, there’s no indication that the surah was revealed through a dream–perhaps Jibreel (alayhi salaam) came to the Prophet once he had woken, and revealed it to him. (For more information, check our posts on Route 114: Uloom Al-Qur’an)

In verse 1, Allah says: Inna ‘ataynaaka al-kawthar. These two words allude to an enormous giver, giving an enormous gift. Allah could’ve just said: ataytuka al-kawthar; but that would’ve been weak, human speech. Instead, he uses inna–emphasis, and refers to himself in the “royal we” (something we have in English, too).

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By Ilm Seeker | Posted in Islam, Qur'an, Tafseer | Tagged , , | Comments (3)

Tafseer of Surah Duhaa

May 7, 2009 – 1:24 pm

Note: this is our 12th post in our series on Tafseer of Juz ‘Amma.

Islam is about social service and shukr (thankfulness).

Insha’Allah in this post, we’re going to discuss three points:

  1. The close relationship between Allah and His prophet
  2. A glimpse of Paradise
  3. A core theme of social services in Islam

The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) received revelation prior to Surah Duhaa. Then for a while, nothing. Umm Jameelah, the wife of Abu Lahab, came to him and said: “I hope your shaytaan has finally left you.” Because the Arabs used to say, if someone was really good at something, that they had a shaytaan helping them. (No doubt like some of the musicians today.)

Still nothing came. The people began to talk … and they said, maybe his Lord has left him. Maybe He has abandoned him.

And so Allah revealed:

In Surah Duhaa, Allah says:

وَالضُّحَى
وَاللَّيْلِ إِذَا سَجَى
مَا وَدَّعَكَ رَبُّكَ وَمَا قَلَى

Translation: By duhaa (the morning brightness after Fajr), and [by] the night when it covers with darkness, your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muúammad], nor has He detested [you].

[This hadith is found in Bukhari and Muslim, and is quoted in Tafseer ibn Katheer]

This shows us two things: first, that the people knew when revelation came; that it was a big deal, and everybody knew about it. And second, the immense love of Allah for His prophet. How close their relationship–that even something as small as this stress, Allah revealed verses on behalf of the prophet, to reassure him. Subhanallah!

What’s more, Allah swears by duhaa–by the brightness of the day right after the sun has come up–and by the night, as it covers up the day with darkness. (This shows the greatness of these creations–that Allah swears by them. Who would deny these things? Nobody!)

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By Ilm Seeker | Posted in Islam, Islamic Work, Qur'an, Tafseer, Tazkiyyah | Tagged , , , | Comments (5)

Tafseer of Surah Al-’Ala

April 27, 2009 – 3:10 pm

Note: This is post #9 in our series on Tafseer of Juz ‘Amma.

The Taj Mahal, a HUGE palace.

Surah Al-’Ala is one recited quite often; the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to recite it in Witr, and in Jumu’ah, and in ‘Eid; and on days when Jumuah and ‘Eid coincide, people would hear it in ‘Eid, then again a few hours later in Jumu’ah. This indicates the great importance of Surah Al-’Ala.

One thing you probably didn’t know about this surah–when we say “Subhanna rabbiy al-’alaa” in sujood, that comes from this verse–because the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) commanded us to do so. This is where it comes from!

Let’s dive into some of the tafseer. Read More »

By Ilm Seeker | Posted in Islam, Qur'an, Tafseer | Tagged , , , | Comments (10)

Tafseer of Surah Lahab

April 21, 2009 – 11:11 am

Note: This is post #7 in our series of Tafseer of Juz ‘Amma.

A blazing inferno. Who wants to end up like that?

Most of us know Surah Lahab. It’s one of the first one Muslim children learn these days. We’re going to breeze through the tafseer, then dive into one of the miracles, and finish up with some Arabic analysis.

Allah says:

تَبَّتْ يَدَا أَبِي لَهَبٍ وَتَبَّ
مَا أَغْنَى عَنْهُ مَالُهُ وَمَا كَسَبَ
سَيَصْلَى نَاراً ذَاتَ لَهَبٍ
وَامْرَأَتُهُ حَمَّالَةَ الْحَطَبِ
فِي جِيدِهَا حَبْلٌ مِّن مَّسَدٍ

Translation:
May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he.
His wealth will not avail him or that which he gained.
He will [enter to] burn in a Fire of [blazing] flame
And his wife [as well] – the carrier of firewood.
Around her neck is a rope of [twisted] fiber. [Surah Lahab, verses 1-5]

Reason of Revelation

This verse was one of the first revealed in Mecca. You can find the full details in Tafsir ibn Kathir. The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) was told to proclaim the message; so he went up on a mountain.

In those days, when the Arabs attacked, they attacked right at Fajr time, when the most people were sleeping. If anyone saw this, they would get up on a mountain and say “waaaaaaaaaaaah subaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaah,” like “woe to you from an evil that’s coming in the morning.”

So the Prophet got up on the mountain, and he called each of the tribes, one by one, by name. And when they had all gathered–check this out–he said “If I told you all that the enemy was going to attack you in the morning, or in the evening, would you all believe me?” and they said “we’ve never experienced a lie from you.”

So he (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Verily, I am a warner (sent) to you all before the coming of a severe torment.”

And this was it! The chance for everyone to become Muslim, Mecca becomes conquered, Islam gets an established base and spreads out of Arabia …

… and Abu Lahab, the uncle of the Prophet, said: “Have you gathered us for this? Tabba lak (may you perish).”

And Allah revealed Surah Lahab.

Points to Consider

  • Syed. Abu Lahab was “syed,” (in the broad sense), that is, from the family and clan of the Prophet (not that he was a direct descendant of the Prophet). And he is doomed to Hellfire! So what does that mean for all the syeds out there? Are you still so sure you’ll be saved just for being a relative of the Messenger of Allah? Wake up! You need to pray and fast and pay zakah and make Hajj, just like anyone else.
  • Tabbat is a curse. It appears twice in the first ayah–at the beginning, as if it’s a curse, and at the end, as if it’s a statement of reality–that he is cursed.
  • Carrier of Firewood. There are two opinions on what this means: One is that the wife of Abu Lahab used to enflame people. “Oh did you hear what so-and-so said about you?” “Oh do you know what that other person did?” To make them hate each other; like she carries the wood to fan the fire. The other opinion is that she used to carry thorns and put them in what pathways the Messenger of Allah used to walk, so he’d be harmed.
  • A Necklace of Fire. Hellfire is enough of a punishment–but on top, she’ll be given a necklace of fire. Why? Because she had a beautiful necklace, and she pawned it at a fundraiser so she could use the wealth to harm the Messenger of Allah. So glad tidings O you people who donated for the sake of Allah! Insha’Allah for sure you will get something good, if Allah rewarded giving something bad with something in Hellfire.

The Miracle in Surah Lahab

If you notice, Allah dooms Abu Lahab to Hellfire in this surah. Now, the mufassireen point out an interesting point–at any time, Abu Lahab could have accepted Islam–even as a fake-out. And he could have said “Hey guys, I’m Muslim now, how come the Qur’an is claiming I’m in Hellfire?” And that would’ve caused great fitnah.

But he never did.

And Allah knew that he wouldn’t.

And so, we see even in this small, oft-repeated surah, one of the miracles of the Qur’an.

Some Arabic Analysis

  • Tabba/Tabbat (تَبَّتْ) is a curse. It means “may you lose everything and perish.”
  • Abi Lahab? Just like we discussed in the second post about rabbuka and rabbika, whether you say “Abu Lahab” or “Abi Lahab” or “Aba Lahab,” it’s the same name. Just different grammatical tense.
  • Triple Possessive Case: Yahd is mudaaf; abi is mudaf ilayh (hence it’s majroor), and also mudaaf to lahab (which is mudaf ilayh and majroor). If you didn’t understand that, don’t worry.
  • Kasaba (كَسَبَ) means “what he accumulated.” Ibn Abbas (radiallahu ‘anhu) says that he accumulated is wealth, and children, and honour, and status; but none of those will help him in the Hereafter.
  • Sayaslaa (سَيَصْلَى) is future-tense; it means he (Abu Lahab) will be thrown into.
  • Naaran thaata lahab: This construct is difficult to explain, so forgive me if it’s not the easiest thing to understand. If I said “I saw a man dhuw lihyatin,” it means I saw a man who has a beard; or literally, “the owner of a beard.” If I said “I saw a man dhaa lihyatin,” i.e. an adjective construct, it means “I saw a bearded man.” Here, Allah says: naaran thaala lahab, meaning “the fire possessing flame,” or “the flaming fire.” It’s a description of the qualities of that fire. Tafseer ibn Katheer mentions a fire of blazing flames, painful and severe.

Wallahu ta’ala ‘alam, that’s Surah Lahab in a nutshell. If there are any questions, comments, or corrections, please post them in the comments.

Also, I cannot think of any action items related to this surah; so it’s up to you! Whatever you think of, post it in the comments! Insha’Allah you will get a copy of the ajar of anyone else who performs that action.

Action Items Contributed

Try and do at least one of the following:

  • Donate something small for the sake of Allah. Buying gifts for family members is sadaqah too; so why not buy something nice–a watch, a necklace, etc. for your family member. Insha’Allah you’ll get one, too, in Jannah! (Even more motivation to buy what you’d love for yourself!)

References:

By Ilm Seeker | Posted in Arabic, Islam, Qur'an, Tafseer | Tagged , , , | Comments (18)

The Beginning of Revelation

April 13, 2009 – 9:12 am

This is the first post in our series of Tafseer of Juz ‘Amma.

The entrance to Cave Hira

Although the story is well-known amongst the Muslims, we will recap the story of the first revelation: Surah Iqraa (also known as Surah ‘Alaq), revealed in Mecca.

Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal (rahimahullah) relates from ‘Aisha (radiallahu ‘anhaa) that the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam), for six months before revelation, would see true dreams that would happen the next day–day after day after day, for six months.

Seclusion became beloved to him. He used to go to Cave Hiraa to worship Allah, alone, for a period of days and nights.

One night, alone, in the dark, a man he didn’t know appeared to him in the cave. The man said: Iqra (read). He (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, I cannot read (being illiterate, salallahu alayhi wa sallam).

So the man grabbed him, and squeezed him until he felt like he would die. Then the man said: Iqra. He said: I cannot read.

So the man grabbed him, and squeezed him again, until he felt like he would die. Then the man said: Iqra. He said: I cannot read!

Then the man recited:

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ
خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ
اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ
الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ
عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ

Translation:
Recite in the name of your Lord who created.
Created man from a clinging substance.
Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous.
Who taught by the pen.
Taught man that which he knew not. [Surah Iqraa, verses 1-5]

It was the angel Jibreel (alayhi salaam), coming with the first revelation.

The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) fled home to his wife, Khadijah (radiallahu ‘anhaa), and told her what happened. He said, “I feel as if I have gone mad.” And she said “Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your relatives, you speak the truth, you help the poor and the destitute, you serve your guests generously, and you help the deserving, calamity afflicted people.”

They went to her cousin, Waraqa, who was a scholar of the religion of that time (one who followed the true Islam, worshipping Allah alone); he affirmed that the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) was indeed a prophet, and that the people would exile him, as they did to all prophets; he said “If I remain alive till that day (when they begin prosecuting the messenger of Allah) then I would firmly support you.” But he died before that time came.

(Note: statements of the Prophet have been paraphrased to make them easier to understand.)

This story is well-known; so we’re going to dive into some points insha’Allah you may not have heard (or realized!) before.

  • True dreams. True dreams are the sign of a believer–and for the anbiyyah (prophets), ALL of them received true dreams during the night, that would occur precisely the next day exactly as they saw them. This was preparing the Messenger of Allah for what would come–showing Allah’s support of him.
  • Mountain-Climber. The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) was strong and fit–fit enough to climb a big, tall mountain, all by himself, with no ropes or hooks or anyone to see if he falls and gets hurt!
  • Fear and pain. Imagine if you’re in a dark place, and a man comes out of nowhere and tells you to recite. It’s frightening! And what’s more, Jibreel squeezed him, so much so that the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) thought he was going to die! Some ‘ulama say that this pain was a preparation for revelation.
  • Think. Allah says “Iqraa”–read! Unlike other religions, Islam is not about shutting down your brain. Quite the opposite!
  • Illiteracy. The messenger of Allah was illiterate–he couldn’t read or write. Despite this, Orientalists claim he wrote the Qur’an, THE best work of Arabic language ever. Allah praises him, because this is a miracle–an unlettered man reciting the most amazing book; not by building up his skill on small successes, but suddenly, WHAM! And nobody could write anything close to it.
  • The good qualities of the Prophet prior to Islam. Khadijah mentioned five points that he used to do even BEFORE Islam:
    • Keeping good ties with his relatives.
    • Speaking the truth (and not lying).
    • Helping the poor and needy.
    • Serving guests generously.
    • Helping those whom calamities struck.

    These are qualities we should all strive for!

  • The Role of Khadijah as a wife. From the first revelation, she supported the Messenger of Allah. Even after her death, he used to visit her relatives and friends, and spoke well about her–so much so that ‘Aisha once said “Why do you remember an old woman so much, when Allah has given you better than her” (i.e. ‘Aisha herself); the Prophet replied: “Khadija was such-and-such (i.e. recounting the support she gave), and from her (alone) I had children.” [Hadith 1 and Hadith 2 in Bukhari].
  • Islam Survived to the time of the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam). The Prophet himself used to worship Allah! As did Waraqa! So from the anbiyyah who came before (most recently, ‘Isa alayhi salaam) the true message survived to a small extent, albeit to a few of the people (the majority of people in that time, in that area, were mushrikeen).
  • Difference of Opinion. Once upon a time, there was difference of opinion as to what the first revelation was; today, there’s consensus that this is it–the first five ayaat of Surah Iqraa.

Wallahu ta’ala ‘alam.

Action Steps:

  • Memorize the first five ayaat of Surah Iqraa. It’s only five ayaat, each 4-5 words. Spend a few minuets and just DO it, wallahi it’s very easy! Insha’Allah next post (tomorrow), we’ll do some in-depth grammar of these five ayaat.
  • Resolve to speak the truth and never to lie again. It’s a good quality, and one of the Messenger of Allah even BEFORE revelation! So no more excuses–just do it.
  • Fill out the rating-widget below. Let us know how this post is fitting your expections.
  • Comment on if this post meets your requirements. We started this series in consultation with YOU, the readers; and we moved in the direction that YOU, the readers, wanted; how did it play out? Let us know so we can improve, insha’Allah!

References:

By Ilm Seeker | Posted in Islam, Seerah, Tafseer | Tagged , , , | Comments (21)