MUSJIDUL HAQ

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Encyclopedic Facts about The Holy Quran

The result of obeying the nafs or carnal desires.

There is no doubt that your nafs or carnal desires invite you to nothing but destruction and that is the main reason that you fall into a pit of sin and transgression. The basis of all sin is through this evil animal desire within you. The misguidance of everyone is through these desires. If you allow yourself to be misguided through the nafs, then you will certainly leave this world empty handed and also eventually loose your religion as well.

 

In surah Qasas, verse 50 the Quran declares:

فَاِنۡ لَّمْ یَسْتَجِیۡبُوۡا لَکَ فَاعْلَمْ اَنَّمَا یَتَّبِعُوۡنَ اَہۡوَآءَہُمْ ؕ وَمَنْ اَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ اتَّبَعَ ہَوٰىہُ بِغَیۡرِ ہُدًی مِّنَ اللہِ ؕ اِنَّ اللہَ لَا یَہۡدِی الْقَوْمَ الظّٰلِمِیۡنَ ﴿٪۵۰﴾

 

Then if they accent not your saying, know you that they only follow their own desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his own desires separate from the guidance of Allah. Undoubtedly Allah guides not the unjust people.

 

In other words when these people refuse to accept guidance and neither can they place anything in reply to this guidance, then it clearly proves that these people have no intention of accepting Islam. They only follow those ideas and thoughts which they themselves make up and whenever they find something which is against their personal wishes, they refuse to accept it. How can people ever hope to achieve guidance and salvation?

The Divine Wish of the Almighty is to guide those who wished to be guided and not those people who make their carnal desires their personal method of calculating what is good and what is bad.

 

The punishment for their mockery.

In Surah Ahqaf, verse 26, the Quran declares:

وَّ زُرُوۡعٍ وَّ مَقَامٍ کَرِیۡمٍ ﴿ۙ۲۶﴾

And cornfields and nice houses.
وَّ نَعْمَۃٍ کَانُوۡا فِیۡہَا فٰکِہِیۡنَ ﴿ۙ۲۷﴾

And comforts wherein they were free from care.
کَذٰلِکَ ۟ وَ اَوْرَثْنٰہَا قَوْمًا اٰخَرِیۡنَ ﴿۲۸﴾

We did thus, and We made another people to inherit them.
فَمَا بَکَتْ عَلَیۡہِمُ السَّمَآءُ وَ الْاَرْضُ وَمَا کَانُوۡا مُنۡظَرِیۡنَ ﴿٪۲۹﴾

And the heavens and the earth did not shed tears for them, nor were they given respite.

 

In other words, the Almighty had given these people ears to listen and to see the Divine Wonders around them, they were given eyes and they had also been given a heart to ponder over all of these things. However, none of these things proved beneficial to them. They continued to oppose Islam and the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him in a state of blindness, deafness and like insane people.

 

Finally, in spite of having all of these faculties, they were surrounded by the Divine Punishment of the Almighty and they could not be able to remove any of this. In other words, the punishment which they mocked at was the punishment which finally overtook them. Because they were in power in government, they became boastful and blind with pride and deaf to the oppression around them. They closed their ears to the dire warning of the Almighty and all of these was because of their mocking the signs of the Almighty.

 

They have continued to walk on the path of pride and misguidance making their carnal desires their guide. How is it possible for such people to accept guidance and who actually do not wish to listen to guidance and who are adamant on misguidance and following their personal desires.

 

In the Quran it is mentioned that who would guide those who have become misguided through their own behavior. They will certainly have no helpers. These are those people who have been left in their own personal path of darkness which they have chosen for themselves. There is no power after this, to be able to bring them back to guidance and salvation.

 

Unfit children.

In Surah Maryam, verse 59, the Quran declares:

فَخَلَفَ مِنۡۢ بَعْدِہِمْ خَلْفٌ اَضَاعُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاتَّبَعُوا الشَّہَوٰتِ فَسَوْفَ یَلْقَوْنَ غَیًّا ﴿ۙ۵۹﴾

Then after them came those degenerate who wasted prayer and followed their lust then soon they will encounter a valley of the hell.

 

This was the state of the misguided people in the past. As for those who are misguided in the present time, they only enjoy the joys of this world and follow their carnal desires and forget about worshiping the Almighty and salah which is a very important duty are completely ignored by these people. Some have even come to state where they complete a Fard act and some accept a certain action as Fard, but do not complete this Fard. Some have performed it, but have ignored the important rules and regulations which go with these duties.

 

All of these people will their different stages of punishment and retribution in the hereafter. They will see the result of their misguidance and what severe punishment they will have to face. Some will be placed in a terrible valley in hell which is known as “Ghay”.

The word “desires” in this context signify those wishes and desires which keep a person away from the worship of Allah and also make him not perform his salah.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali May Allah have mercy upon him has mentioned that the building of deluxe houses and mansions and using such modes of transport which makes others look in wonder and wearing such clothing which makes a person stand out from others all of these actions are actions which are considered as following ones personal desires. (Tafseer Qurtabi).

 

Action prove knowledge.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Yahya bin Ma’az Razi May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that action is a testimony for knowledge. Understand is like a container. In the same way, intelligence and common sense takes one towards guidance. Following ones carnal desires is a transport of sin and transgression and immense wealth is a covering of those who are boastful. The world is a bazaar of the hereafter. Through this world, one can also purchase the hereafter and can also achieve destruction in the hereafter.

 

In one hadith the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “The intelligence and wise person is that person who is able to decrease his nafs or carnal desires. He also satisfied with just enough to survive and he performs all actions for a time after his death.” In other words, whatever he does in this world, he performs those actions so that he can be comfortable in the hereafter.

 

Following shariah.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amar bin Al Aas May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “None of you can be a true believer until and unless his carnal desires become (subservient to him) and (he does not follow) the religion which I have brought.”

 

Imaan is not the name of following your personal wishes.

Actual religion is when you follow whatever Islam has commanded. In other words, a believer awakes in the cold to perform his salah. When it is very hot, a believer would complete his fasting. At the same time, a person will never wish to give away his wealth to anyone, however, a true believer would happily give away his wealth in zakah. In other words, no matter how difficult it may appear to others, yet a believer would happily fulfil all the laws of Islam and would experience immense happiness when doing this. In one hadith it is mentioned that no one can become a true believer until he does not make his personal wishes and desires subservient to the rules and regulations of Islam.

 

The reward for pious deeds.

In the Quran it is mentioned that those people who hope to meet the Divine Creator, he is someone who should adopt good deed and actions. In another juncture in the Quran, in surah Haa Meem, the same dire warning has also been sounded.

 

Basless allegation.

In Surah Nur, verse 4, the Quran declares:

وَالَّذِیۡنَ یَرْمُوۡنَ الْمُحْصَنٰتِ ثُمَّ لَمْ یَاۡتُوۡا بِاَرْبَعَۃِ شُہَدَآءَ فَاجْلِدُوۡہُمْ ثَمٰنِیۡنَ جَلْدَۃً وَّ لَا تَقْبَلُوۡا لَہُمْ شَہٰدَۃً اَبَدًا ۚ وَ اُولٰٓئِکَ ہُمُ الْفٰسِقُوۡنَ ۙ﴿۴﴾

And those who blame chaste women, then bring not four witnesses flog them with eighty stripes and never accept any evidence of theirs, and it is they that are the disobediant.

 

The true believer.

In Surah Al Hujraat, verse 15, the Quran declares:

اِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُوۡنَ الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا بِاللہِ وَ رَسُوۡلِہٖ ثُمَّ لَمْ یَرْتَابُوۡا وَ جٰہَدُوۡا بِاَمْوٰلِہِمْ وَ اَنۡفُسِہِمْ فِیۡ سَبِیۡلِ اللہِ ؕ اُولٰٓئِکَ ہُمُ الصّٰدِقُوۡنَ ﴿۱۵﴾

 

The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then, have never doubted and have struggled with their possession and their persons in the way of Allah. It is they who are truthful.

 

In Surah Ale Imran, verse 133 to 136, the Quran declares:

وَسَارِعُوۡۤا اِلٰی مَغْفِرَۃٍ مِّنۡ رَّبِّکُمْ وَجَنَّۃٍ عَرْضُہَا السَّمٰوٰتُ وَالۡاَرْضُۙ اُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِیۡنَ﴿۱۳۳﴾ۙ

And run towards the forgiveness of your Lord, and to such a paradise whose width covers all heavens and earth is already prepared for those who are pious.
الَّذِیۡنَ یُنۡفِقُوۡنَ فِی السَّرَّآءِ وَالضَّرَّآءِ وَالْکٰظِمِیۡنَ الْغَیۡظَ وَالْعَافِیۡنَ عَنِ النَّاسِؕ وَاللہُ یُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِیۡنَ﴿۱۳۴﴾ۚ

Those who spend in the path of Allah in prosperity and adversity and who restrain anger and who pardon men. And virtuous people are dear to Allah.
وَالَّذِیۡنَ اِذَا فَعَلُوۡا فٰحِشَۃً اَوْ ظَلَمُوۡۤا اَنْفُسَہُمْ ذَکَرُوا اللہَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُوۡا لِذُنُوۡبِہِمْ۟ وَمَنۡ یَّغْفِرُ الذُّنُوۡبَ اِلَّا اللہُ ۪۟ وَلَمْ یُصِرُّوۡا عَلٰی مَا فَعَلُوۡا وَہُمْ یَعْلَمُوۡنَ﴿۱۳۵﴾

And those who, when they have committed indecency or wronged their own souls, beg forgiveness for their sins remembering Allah, and who forgives sins save Allah? And do not persist knowingly in what they have done.
اُولٰٓئِکَ جَزَآؤُہُمۡ مَّغْفِرَۃٌ مِّنۡ رَّبِّہِمْ وَجَنّٰتٌ تَجْرِیۡ مِنۡ تَحْتِہَا الۡاَنْہٰرُ خٰلِدِیۡنَ فِیۡہَاؕ وَنِعْمَ اَجْرُ الْعٰمِلِیۡنَ﴿۱۳۶﴾ؕ

For such the recompense is their ‘Lords forgiveness and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath, they shall remain for ever therein, and what an excellent reward is for workers.

 

Again in the same Surah, in verse 191, it is mentioned:

الَّذِیۡنَ یَذْکُرُوۡنَ اللہَ قِیٰمًا وَّقُعُوۡدًا وَّعَلٰی جُنُوۡبِہِمْ وَیَتَفَکَّرُوۡنَ فِیۡ خَلْقِ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرْضِ ۚ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ ہٰذَا بٰطِلًا ۚ سُبْحٰنَکَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ﴿۱۹۱﴾

 

Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides, and contemplate in the creation of heavens and earth; (saying) “O our Lord! You have not made it in vain, Hallowed be You, You save us from the torment of the Hell.

 

In Surah Nisa, verse 65, it is mentioned:

فَلَا وَرَبِّکَ لَا یُؤْمِنُوۡنَ حَتّٰی یُحَکِّمُوۡکَ فِیۡمَا شَجَرَ بَیۡنَہُمْ ثُمَّ لَا یَجِدُوۡا فِیۡۤ اَنفُسِہِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَیۡتَ وَیُسَلِّمُوۡا تَسْلِیۡمًا ﴿۶۵﴾

 

Then O beloved! By your Lord, they shall not be Muslims until they make you judge in all disputes among themselves, then they find not any impediment in their hearts concerning whatever you decide, and accept from the eve of their hearts.

 

In surah Al Mu’minun, verse 1 to 11, it is mentioned:

قَدْ اَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُوۡنَ ۙ﴿۱﴾

Undoubtedly, the believers reached to their goal.
الَّذِیۡنَ ہُمْ فِیۡ صَلَاتِہِمْ خٰشِعُوۡنَ ۙ﴿۲﴾

Those who beseech in their prayers.
وَالَّذِیۡنَ ہُمْ عَنِ اللَّغْوِ مُعْرِضُوۡنَ ﴿ۙ۳﴾

And those who turn away from vain talk.
وَالَّذِیۡنَ ہُمْ لِلزَّکٰوۃِ فٰعِلُوۡنَ ۙ﴿۴﴾

And those who are active in paying poor-due (Zakat).
وَالَّذِیۡنَ ہُمْ لِفُرُوۡجِہِمْ حٰفِظُوۡنَ ۙ﴿۵﴾

And those who guard their private parts.
اِلَّا عَلٰۤی اَزْوٰجِہِمْ اَوْ مَا مَلَکَتْ اَیۡمٰنُہُمْ فَاِنَّہُمْ غَیۡرُ مَلُوۡمِیۡنَ ۚ﴿۶﴾

But from their wives or lawful handmaids who are the property of their hand for (in their case) they are not to be blamed.
فَمَنِ ابْتَغٰی وَرَآءَ ذٰلِکَ فَاُولٰٓئِکَ ہُمُ الْعٰدُوۡنَ ۚ﴿۷﴾

Then whoso desires anything more than these two, they are the transgressors.
وَالَّذِیۡنَ ہُمْ لِاَمٰنٰتِہِمْ وَعَہۡدِہِمْ رٰعُوۡنَ ۙ﴿۸﴾

And those who regard their trusts and their covenant.
وَالَّذِیۡنَ ہُمْ عَلٰی صَلَوٰتِہِمْ یُحَافِظُوۡنَ ۘ﴿۹﴾

And those who keep watch to their prayers.
اُولٰٓئِکَ ہُمُ الْوٰرِثُوۡنَ ﴿ۙ۱۰﴾

They are indeed the inheritors.
الَّذِیۡنَ یَرِثُوۡنَ الْفِرْدَوْسَؕ ہُمْ فِیۡہَا خٰلِدُوۡنَ ﴿۱۱﴾

Who shall inherit the Paradise, they shall abide there in.

 

In surah Al Furqan, verse 63 to 67, it is mentioned:

وَ عِبَادُ الرَّحْمٰنِ الَّذِیۡنَ یَمْشُوۡنَ عَلَی الْاَرْضِ ہَوْنًا وَّ اِذَا خَاطَبَہُمُ الْجٰہِلُوۡنَ قَالُوۡا سَلٰمًا ﴿۶۳﴾

And the bondmen of the Most Affectionate are those who walk on the earth modestly and when the ignorant address them, they say, ‘peace’.
وَالَّذِیۡنَ یَبِیۡتُوۡنَ لِرَبِّہِمْ سُجَّدًا وَّ قِیٰمًا ﴿۶۴﴾

And those who pass the night for their Lord in prostration and standing.
وَالَّذِیۡنَ یَقُوۡلُوۡنَ رَبَّنَا اصْرِفْ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَہَنَّمَ ٭ۖ اِنَّ عَذَابَہَا کَانَ غَرَامًا ﴿٭ۖ۶۵﴾

And those who request, ‘O Our Lord’, avert from us the torment of the Hell; undoubtedly, its torment is inseparable.
اِنَّہَا سَآءَتْ مُسْتَقَرًّا وَّ مُقَامًا ﴿۶۶﴾

Undoubtedly, that is a vile place of abode!
وَالَّذِیۡنَ اِذَاۤ اَنۡفَقُوۡا لَمْ یُسْرِفُوۡا وَلَمْ یَقْتُرُوۡا وَکَانَ بَیۡنَ ذٰلِکَ قَوَامًا ﴿۶۷﴾

And those who when they expend neither exceed the limit nor they are straitened and remain in between the two on the middle path.

 

It is said that the ‘ibaadur Rahman’ or the true servants of Allah are those who walk softly on earth. When stupid people speak to them, they seek the Divine Protection of the Almighty. Whenever they spend anything, they so with absolute justice and equality.

 

Backbiting and false accusation.

In Surah Al Qalam, verse 10 to 13, it is mentioned:

وَلَا تُطِعْ کُلَّ حَلَّافٍ مَّہِیۡنٍ ﴿ۙ۱۰﴾

And hear not any such one who is a big swearer the mean.
ہَمَّازٍ مَّشَّآءٍۭ بِنَمِیۡمٍ ﴿ۙ۱۱﴾

One who taunts a lot, going around with slander.
مَّنَّاعٍ لِّلْخَیۡرِ مُعْتَدٍ اَثِیۡـمٍ ﴿ۙ۱۲﴾

Forbidder of good, transgressor, sinful.

 

The robber and the thief.

In Surah Al Ma’idah, verse 33, the Quran declares:

اِنَّمَا جَزٰٓؤُا الَّذِیۡنَ یُحَارِبُوۡنَ اللہَ وَرَسُوۡلَہٗ وَیَسْعَوْنَ فِی الۡاَرْضِ فَسَادًا اَنۡ یُّقَتَّلُوۡۤا اَوْ یُصَلَّبُوۡۤا اَوْ تُقَطَّعَ اَیۡدِیۡہِمْ وَ اَرْجُلُہُمۡ مِّنْ خِلٰفٍ اَوْ یُنۡفَوْا مِنَ الۡاَرْضِ ؕ ذٰلِکَ لَہُمْ خِزْیٌ فِی الدُّنْیَا وَلَہُمْ فِی الۡاٰخِرَۃِ عَذَابٌ عَظِیۡمٌ ﴿ۙ۳۳﴾

 

The only recompense of those who fight against Allah and His Messenger and wander about in the land making mischief is this that they all should he slain or he crucified or their hands of one side and the feet of the other side be cut off or be sent far away from the land This is their disgrace in the world and in the Hereafter for them there is great torment.

 

In the same surah, verse 38, it is mentioned:

وَالسَّارِقُ وَالسَّارِقَۃُ فَاقْطَعُوۡۤا اَیۡدِیَہُمَا جَزَآءًۢ بِمَا کَسَبَا نَکٰلًا مِّنَ اللہِ ؕ وَاللہُ عَزِیۡزٌ حَکِیۡمٌ ﴿۳۸﴾

 

And whoso the man or the woman is a thief, then cut off their hands, the recompense for what they have done, a punishment from Allah And Allah is Dominant, Wise.

 

Bribery.

In Surah Al Baqarah, verse 188, it is mentioned:

وَلَا تَاۡکُلُوۡۤا اَمْوٰلَکُمۡ بَیۡنَکُمۡ بِالْبٰطِلِ وَتُدْلُوۡابِہَاۤ اِلَی الْحُکَّامِ لِتَاۡکُلُوۡا فَرِیۡقًا مِّنْ اَمْوٰلِ النَّاسِ بِالۡاِثْمِ وَاَنۡتُمْ تَعْلَمُوۡنَ﴿۱۸۸﴾٪

 

And do not eat up unjustly the property of each other among yourselves and nor’ convey their cases to the authorities for devouring unlawfully some portion of the property of the people knowingly.

 

The world and the manner of earning a livelihood.

In Surah Al An’am, verse 70, it is mentioned:

وَ ذَرِ الَّذِیۡنَ اتَّخَذُوۡا دِیۡنَہُمْ لَعِبًا وَّ لَہۡوًا وَّ غَرَّتْہُمُ الْحَیٰوۃُ الدُّنْیَا وَ ذَکِّرْ بِہٖۤ اَنۡ تُبْسَلَ نَفْسٌۢ بِمَا کَسَبَتْ ٭ۖ لَیۡسَ لَہَا مِنۡ دُوۡنِ اللہِ وَلِیٌّ وَّلَا شَفِیۡعٌ ۚ وَ اِنۡ تَعْدِلْ کُلَّ عَدْلٍ لَّا یُؤْخَذْ مِنْہَا ؕ اُولٰٓئِکَ الَّذِیۡنَ اُبْسِلُوۡا بِمَا کَسَبُوۡا ۚ لَہُمْ شَرَابٌ مِّنْ حَمِیۡمٍ وَّ عَذَابٌ اَلِیۡمٌۢ بِمَا کَانُوۡا یَکْفُرُوۡنَ ﴿۷۰﴾٪

 

And leave those alone who have made their religion a mockery and play thing and the worldly life has deceived them and admonishes them with Quran, so that a soul may not be caught on account of its doings. It shall have neither helper nor intercessor beside Allah. And if it gives every compensation for itself, it shall not be accepted from it. These are they who have been caught on their doings. For them is a drink of boiling water and painful torment, there recompense for their infidelity.

 

In surah Ra’ad, verse 26, it is mentioned:

اَللہُ یَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَنْ یَّشَآءُ وَیَقْدِرُ ؕ وَفَرِحُوۡا بِالْحَیٰوۃِ الدُّنْیَا ؕ وَمَا الْحَیٰوۃُ الدُّنْیَا فِی الۡاٰخِرَۃِ اِلَّا مَتٰعٌ ﴿٪۲۶﴾

Allah increases the provision for whom He will and also He straitens, and the infidels were strut with the life of the world. And the life of the world is nothing in comparison to the life of the Hereafter but to pull on for some days.

 

In surah Luqman, verse 33:

یٰۤاَیُّہَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوۡا رَبَّکُمْ وَاخْشَوْا یَوْمًا لَّا یَجْزِیۡ وَالِدٌ عَنۡ وَّلَدِہٖ ۫ وَ لَا مَوْلُوۡدٌ ہُوَ جَازٍ عَنۡ وَّالِدِہٖ شَیْـًٔا ؕ اِنَّ وَعْدَ اللہِ حَقٌّ فَلَا تَغُرَّنَّکُمُ الْحَیٰوۃُ الدُّنْیَا ٝ وَلَا یَغُرَّنَّکُمۡ بِاللہِ الْغَرُوۡرُ ﴿۳۳﴾

 

‘O people! Fear your Lord and have apprehension of the day when no father will be of any avail to his son and not any serviceable son will be able to provide any benefit to his father. Undoubtedly the promise of Allah is true, therefore let not the life of this world deceive you concerning Allah.

 

Proper measurement.

In surah Al Mutaffafin, verses 1 to 6:

وَیۡلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِیۡنَ ۙ﴿۱﴾

Woe is to those who give short measure.
الَّذِیۡنَ اِذَا اکْتَالُوۡا عَلَی النَّاسِ یَسْتَوْفُوۡنَ ۫﴿ۖ۲﴾

Those who, when they take by measure from other, take it full.
وَ اِذَا کَالُوۡہُمْ اَوۡ وَّزَنُوۡہُمْ یُخْسِرُوۡنَ ﴿ؕ۳﴾

But when they give by measure to others or weigh to them, they diminish.
اَلَا یَظُنُّ اُولٰٓئِکَ اَنَّہُمۡ مَّبْعُوۡثُوۡنَ ۙ﴿۴﴾

Do not these people imagine that they are to be raised?
لِیَوْمٍ عَظِیۡمٍ ۙ﴿۵﴾

On a mighty day.
یَّوْمَ یَقُوۡمُ النَّاسُ لِرَبِّ الْعٰلَمِیۡنَ ؕ﴿۶﴾

The day when all persons will stand before the Lord of the Worlds.

 

In Surah Al Anfal, verses 27, 28, it is mentioned:

یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا لَا تَخُوۡنُوا اللہَ وَالرَّسُوۡلَ وَتَخُوۡنُوۡۤا اَمٰنٰتِکُمْ وَاَنۡتُمْ تَعْلَمُوۡنَ ﴿۲۷﴾

‘O believers! betray not Allah and Messenger and nor commit defalcation in your trusts knowingly.
وَاعْلَمُوۡۤا اَنَّمَاۤ اَمْوٰلُکُمْ وَ اَوْلٰدُکُمْ فِتْنَۃٌ ۙ وَّاَنَّ اللہَ عِنۡدَہٗۤ اَجْرٌ عَظِیۡمٌ ﴿٪۲۸﴾

And know that your wealth and your children are all a trial, and with Allah is the great reward.

 

Deceit.

In surah Baqarah, verse 254, the Quran declares:

یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡۤا اَنۡفِقُوۡا مِمَّا رَزَقْنٰکُمۡ مِّنۡ قَبْلِ اَنۡ یَّاۡتِیَ یَوْمٌ لَّا بَیۡعٌ فِیۡہِ وَلَا خُلَّۃٌ وَّلَا شَفٰعَۃٌ ؕ وَالْکٰفِرُوۡنَ ہُمُ الظّٰلِمُوۡنَ﴿۲۵۴﴾

 

O Believers! Void not your charities by boasting of your favours conferred and injuring, like him who spent his wealth for showing to people and believes not in Allah and Last Day. Then the example of him is like that of a smooth rock on which is dust of earth; now a heavy rain fell upon it leaving it a bare stone. They shall have no control on anything of what they have earned and Allah guides not the infidels.

 

To cause harm.

In surah Baqarah, verse 263, the Quran declares:

قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوْفٌ وَّمَغْفِرَۃٌ خَیۡرٌ مِّنۡ صَدَقَۃٍ یَّتْبَعُہَاۤ اَذًیؕ وَاللہُ غَنِیٌّ حَلِیۡمٌ﴿۲۶۳﴾

 

To speak kind word and to forgive is better than that; charity followed by injury. And Allah is above want, Clement.

 

Deceit and deception.

In surah Nahl, verses 45 to 47, the Quran declares:

اَفَاَمِنَ الَّذِیۡنَ مَکَرُوا السَّیِّاٰتِ اَنۡ یَّخْسِفَ اللہُ بِہِمُ الۡاَرْضَ اَوْ یَاۡتِیَہُمُ الْعَذَابُ مِنْ حَیۡثُ لَا یَشْعُرُوۡنَ ﴿ۙ۴۵﴾

Do then, those who devise evil plans not fear that Allah may sink them in the earth, or the torment may come to them from whence they know not?
اَوْ یَاۡخُذَہُمْ فِیۡ تَقَلُّبِہِمْ فَمَا ہُمۡ بِمُعْجِزِیۡنَ ﴿ۙ۴۶﴾

Or that He may seize them while going to and fro, because they can not tire Him.
اَوْ یَاۡخُذَہُمْ عَلٰی تَخَوُّفٍ ؕ فَاِنَّ رَبَّکُمْ لَرَءُوۡفٌ رَّحِیۡمٌ ﴿۴۷﴾

Or that He may catch them by a process of slow wastage. No doubt, your Lord is very Kind, Merciful.

 

In surah Nisa, verse 32, the Quran declares:

وَلَا تَتَمَنَّوْا مَا فَضَّلَ اللہُ بِہٖ بَعْضَکُمْ عَلٰی بَعْضٍؕ لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِیۡبٌ مِّمَّا اکْتَسَبُوۡا ؕ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِیۡبٌ مِّمَّا اکْتَسَبْنَ ؕ وَسْـَٔلُوا اللہَ مِنۡ فَضْلِہٖ ؕ اِنَّ اللہَ کَانَ بِکُلِّ شَیۡءٍ عَلِیۡمًا ﴿۳۲﴾

 

And covet not that whereby Allah has made one of you excel over the other. For men there is share from their earning, and for women there is share from their earning. And ask Allah for His Grace. Undoubtedly, Allah knows every thing.

 

Back biting and bad feeling.

In surah Al Hujraat, verse 12, the Quran declares:

یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوۡا کَثِیۡرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ۫ اِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ اِثْمٌ وَّ لَا تَجَسَّسُوۡا وَلَا یَغْتَبۡ بَّعْضُکُمۡ بَعْضًا ؕ اَیُحِبُّ اَحَدُکُمْ اَنۡ یَّاۡکُلَ لَحْمَ اَخِیۡہِ مَیۡتًا فَکَرِہۡتُمُوۡہُ ؕ وَاتَّقُوا اللہَ ؕ اِنَّ اللہَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِیۡمٌ ﴿۱۲﴾

 

‘O believers! Avoid most suspicions, verily some suspicion is a sin and do not look out for faults and do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abominate it. And fear Allah, Verily Allah is Oft Returning, Merciful.

 

Various instructions of the Quran.

1. Do not kill and destroy your family because you fear poverty. The Almighty gives sustenance to every living creature.
2. Do not approach adultery. It is indeed a very action and a most evil path.
3. Do not kill that person whom Allah has forbidden you to kill.
4. Do not unjustly approach the wealth of orphans. Do so with justice until they reach maturity.
5. Keep your promises. There is no doubt that you will be questioned about your promises and you will have to answer for these promises.
6. Make sure that when you measure or weight any item, do so with justice.
7. Do not run after something which you have no knowledge of. There is no doubt that you eyes, your ears and your heart will be questioned about their actions.
8. Do not walk on the earth with pride and boast. Even if you do this, you are still helpless in splitting the earth or reaching as high as the mountain.
9. Make sure that you show gratitude to the Almighty and when you do so, do not think that you are fully thanking the Almighty but in reality, you are actually doing you own self a favour.
10. Do not make partners with Allah as this is indeed a serious crime and sin.
11. We have ordered people to be kind to their parents. His mother has been kind to him while he was been breast fed. Hence, a person is ordered that he be kind to his parents.
12. Establish the salah and command what is good. Prohibit what is evil and whatever difficulty reaches you, you should display patience.
13. Do not turn your back to someone who is speaking to you.
14. Do not walk boastfully on the earth. The Almighty certainly does not like those who have self conceit and people who have a high regard for themselves.
15. Keep your state in an average state.
16. Keep your voices low. The worst of sounds is the sound of a donkey which screams at the top of its voice.
17. Always bear in mind the Divine Punishment of the Almighty. Always fear that momentous day when even a father will not be able to help his son. On day, even a son will not be able to ransom his father.

 

There are five rights which the people of Imaan have and which they should fulfill according to the Quran.

1. One should sincerely believe in the Quran as a book which has come directly from the Almighty. One should display immense respect for the Quran. One should believe internally and also display this belief externally. If there is any doubt in Quran, then certainly the Imaan of a person would cease to exist. Do not be like those who saw the Quran and then began to have doubts about it.

When we do not accept the greatness of the Quran. When we do not wish to read and study the Quran. When we do not ponder on the Quran. When we do not make the guidance of the Quran the method of our living standard. Then, we are certainly in deep trouble. Did the Quran not take us from darkness into light. We were a people who were steeped in sin. Our hearts were full of rust.

 

If we wish to achieve success in both worlds, if we wish to remove the dust from around our hearts, then we have to remember death in abundance and we have to recite the Quran as much as possible. This has been mentioned in the Bahiqi shareef and many other books of Ahadith. The Quran has mentioned that the hearts of many people have become rusty with disbelief and doubt and one of the quickest methods of removing this is the abundant recital of the Quran.

 

There is no doubt that the Quran is indeed a book which will be able to bring the entire creation towards Allah and towards guidance. It is also a book which should be memorized as soon as possible.

 

In the hadith shareef it is mentioned that he who has received the gift of the Quran and in spite of this, he considers something else greater in gift as the Quran, he has certainly not understood the Quran.

 

2. The Quran should be recited with sincerity and its words and meaning should be carefully studied and pondered upon. This should not be done only once, but throughout ones life. This message has also been given in the Quran. We have been commanded to recite this in sequence and in its proper manner and method. The quality of a true believer has been described as that person who continues to recite the Quran. At the same time, we should make great effort to study the proper pronouncement of the Quran. In other words, we should make an effort to learn proper Tajweed. We should recite the Quran everyday. We should en-devour to read the Quran with a good voice and make sure that we display inner and outer respect.

 

3. We have been commanded to study carefully the words and message of the Quran. Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali May Allah have mercy upon him has mentioned that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him once stated that, “The Ulama never tire of the Quran and more and more recital of the Quran does not decrease their joy and (spiritual) happiness”.

 

In fact, the more you read the Quran, the more you will enjoy its recital. None of the immense knowledge which is to be found in the Quran will ever decrease. This is the reason that people have always been invited to study the words and message of the Quran. The Quran also admits that it was revealed in the Arabic language so that people could understand. In like manner, the Quran explains that the Quran has been reveal with open examples and similitudes so that it becomes easier for people to understand the Quran.

 

The Quran also teaches us that it was revealed in such a manner so that people would be able to ponder on its amazing message.

 

The Quran also admits that it was revealed to be easy for those who study its message. It then asks whether there are people who would take advantage of this. In another place in the Quran, it is mentioned that the Quran was revealed so that people would truly ponder on its message and guidance. This Quran was revealed on the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him so that it becomes warning for those who are wise and intelligent. It also mentions that those who do not ponder upon the message of the Quran are certainly people who act as if there is a seal on their hearts.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ghazzali May Allah have mercy upon him mentions the statement of a certain saint who states that, “I complete one Quran every Friday. One Quran during the month and one Quran during the year. I have also endeavored to complete one Quran which has taken me thirty years and still until now, I have not yet completed it. (In other words, this is when a person studies every word and letter of the Quran).

 

The Quran also advises the Muslims that there should certainly be a group from among them who should leave their homes so that they can go and study the Quran. The Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “Those of you who were good in the days of ignorance, they are also good now in Islam on condition that they create within themselves the capability of understand the religion.”

 

In fact, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas May Allah have mercy upon him was one of those blessed people whom the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him made a special dua for so that he could understand Islam even more. The Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him made dua for him so that the Almighty blesses him with understanding Islam and also with the knowledge of the Book.

 

4. One of the important points to bear in mind is that there should be practice after studying. Bear in mind that reading, studying and pondering on the Quran means that one should practice upon the Quran. The Quran has not been revealed that we only recite the Quran even though one is rewarded for every letter. The important fact is that the Quran has been revealed as a book of guidance as well. Hence, if we do not practice on the Quran, then we are missing a very great point of why the Quran was sent to the world.

 

In fact, there are many people who read the Quran but refuse to practice on the message of the Quran, what benefit would such people achieve? In fact, it has been mentioned that those people who do not decide their matters in accordance to the Quran, they are indeed kaafirs, misguided oppressors and sinners of the highest degree.

 

In the hadith shareef, it is mentioned that those who consider what is haraam in the Quran to be halal, in reality, they do not believe in the Quran. (Tirmidi shareef). In another report it is mentioned, “None of you can be a true believer until and unless his inner feeling (or thoughts and actions), is not according to what I have brought, (meaning the Quran).”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ghazzali May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that there are many people who recite the Quran and still insist on speaking lies even though the Quran has cursed those who speak lies! In other words, these people are actually placing curse on themselves. In like manner, the issue of consuming usury. If people insist on eating this, yet the Quran has cursed this action, where will this person end up? In fact, a person like this is actually creating a war between himself and the Almighty. In like manner, a person who reads the Quran and yet robs on the scale is actually someone who is inviting the curse of the Quran.

 

The Quran also explains that those who have received guidance, they have also been blessed with common sense and through this, their piety also increases.

 

It was a habit eminent souls like Hadrat Sayyiduna Uthman Ghani and Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud May Allah have mercy upon them that they used to study ten verses of the Quran at a time. Until and unless, they did not understand and practice upon the message of these ten verses, even though they were people who understood the language, they never proceeded further. They used to admit that they had understood the knowledge of those verses and also how to practice on those verses. This is the reason that it took them so long to merely study one single surah of the Quran. (Al Atqaan).

 

Another message from the hadith shareef is that the Quran will either be a testimony on your behalf (in other words in your favour) or it will be evidence against you. (Musnad Imam Ahmed). He has also mentioned that the munaafiq in this ummah will be those who will recite the Quran in abundance but will not practice on its message or they will recite the Quran not with the purpose of practicing on it. The Quran also asks these people why do they continue to say something which they themselves do not do. This is mentioned in surah As Saff.

 

One of the greatest reasons for the poverty and destitution which we find around us is because in general Muslims have ignored the teaching and the message of the Quran. In fact, when we look at surah Al Ma’idah there is a verse which is addressed to those who hold fast to the Taurah and Injeel that if they continue to hold fast to the Taurah and Injeel, they will be blessed with sustenance from above and below. Obviously, this was addressed to those before the revelation of the Quran.

 

In fact, riches and wealth will be revealed to them from below and above. Yet, the Almighty knew full well that with the arrival of the Quran, both of these revealed books will be abrogated by the Quran. However, in spite of that, He mentioned to people before the Quran to hold fast to the Taurah and Injeel because they were revealed books. Imagine the state of the Quran which will be the only Divine Book applicable until the day of Judgement? If the Muslims hold fast to this book, imagine the treasures that will be revealed to them! Imagine the blessing which is in store for people who sincerely read and practice on the Quran?

 

5. One has to pass the message of the Quran to others.

One of the important principles mentioned in the Quran is that it is a message to the whole of mankind and that its message should be given to everyone. In other words, people should made aware of the Quran. This warning is given in surah Ebrahim.

 

In another message in surah Al An’am, it is mentioned that the Quran has been sent as a warning to the Muslims and to all those who have received its message.

 

In the Quran, the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has been commanded to deliver the message of the Quran which has been revealed upon him. There is no doubt that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him certainly did complete his mission and it is now the duty of Muslims in every age to continue this mission. Another important quality of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him which is mentioned in the Quran is that he is the blessed Prophet who has been commanded to teach others the Quran, to purify them and to teach them the wisdom of the Quran. Again, when we see the blessed lives of the blessed Ashaab, certainly, the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him did complete his mission.

 

During the era of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him, this task was completed by him and those whom he had deputized to perform this task. Later on, this became the duty of the Ulama to complete this task. As for reciting the Quran, this duty has been placed on the entire ummah. There are three groups in this regard. The first is the ummah which has been commanded to recite the Quran, the second are the Awliyah who are able to purify the inner souls of people and the third group are the Ulama who have been given the task of educating the Muslims about the Quran. All three qualities were given to the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him and as we have mentioned, he certainly completed his mission.

 

There are many reports which we can present that indeed the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him conveyed the message of the Quran to many people. On the occasion of Hujjatul Wida, he also informed his blessed Ashaab to inform those who were not present on this occasion. He also commanded the blessed Ashaab to convey his blessed message even if it was only a single verse. This proves that no one is free from this duty. In fact, this duty does not only remain the duty of the Ulama but it remains the duty of every Muslim to convey the message of the Quran. When they hear that someone is reading the Quran incorrectly, they should correct that person. This is also a form of propagating the Quran.

 

Those who understand the meaning of the verses, should educate others about it. The Ulama should also make the effort to create more and more people who will convey the message of the Quran. In fact, the message of the Quran should be given to the entire world. In surah Baqarah, Ale Imran and Nahl, this important message is clearly given. The message is that whatever has been received, should also be conveyed to others. This is also a pact which was taken with the Almighty. It is mentioned that those who convey the message of the Quran are indeed on truth from their Lord. The word ‘naas’ in the Quranic verse clearly makes it clear that the message of conveying the Quran is not only to Muslims, but the whole of mankind.

 

We have to see whether as Muslims, we are carrying out this important duty. As for those who understand the message of the Quran and yet refuse to convey it to others, have been described as a donkey who merely carry a burden but nothing else. In other words, even if you place an entire library on a donkey, the donkey will still remain a donkey and nothing else. This message has been mentioned in surah Jumu’ah.

 

Allamah Iqbal has mentioned that, “we have become disgraced because we have ignored the message of the Quran and yet we blame the whole world for this. Why do we insist on being a mere droplet like a piece of dew when under our arms we have the Quran which will always remain alive.”

 

There is no doubt that through the Quran, many nations gained prominence and many nations became disgraced for ignoring the Quran. There were people in the past who were respected for being Muslims while present day Muslims have become disgraced even though they hold the Quran in their hands!

 

Muslims should ponder carefully on the message of the Quran.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Moosa Ahs’ari May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “the Quran is like a heavy rain. When it falls on a suitable ground, from there crops and grass appears. When it falls in a place with a deep crevice, people are able to drink the water and also able to water their crops. When it is a mountainous area, there are no crops which appear and no water is saved from which people can take advantage of.”

 

This is the example of those people who have achieved Islamic education and understanding of Islam. He has achieved knowledge and taught others as well. At the same time, it also gives us the example of that person who paid no attention to Islam and he did not accept the guidance of the Almighty. This is the message which I was sent with.” This report appears in the Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim shareef.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “Be merciful on people, (others) will be merciful to you. Pardon the mistakes of other, the Almighty will pardon your sins. That people will indeed be destroyed whose action and words are not the same and destroyed are those who force others to accept their opinion”. This is mentioned in the Musnad of Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ahmed bin Hambal May Allah have mercy upon him.

 

As a matter of fact, there is also danger to those who deliberately refuse to understand and accept the Quran. In surah Mohammed, this has been described as the behavior of the munaafiqs. May Allah protect us from this ignominy. Another group of people are those people who when they hear the words of the Quran, they start to ask what new thing has been revealed. They do so in a state of nifaaq. In other words, they have no sincerity of listening or obeying the Quran.

 

In fact, in surah Al A’raf, it is mentioned that there are many man and jinn who have been created to enter the fire of hell because even though they may have a heart, but they refuse to understand the Quran.

 

Hadrat Sayyidah Asma May Allah have mercy upon her narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “In the grave you will also be tested like the fitnah of Dajjal. Each one of them will ask the person as to what he used to say about this person. The person who is blessed with Imaan was say that this is the Prophet of Allah who brought to us clear and apparent testimony and we had accepted his message. We had brought Imaan on him and followed him. This person will then be told to sleep peacefully as a bride sleeps and they will also inform him that they knew he was a believer. As for the munaafiq, he will say that   does not know anything about this person and whatever people said about him, they used to also listen to these things.” (Bukhari and Muslim shareef).

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Darda May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that they were with the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him when he looked up at the sky and he mentioned, “The time has come close when knowledge will be taken away from people and nothing will be on their scale (of deeds). Hadrat Sayyiduna Ziyad bin Labeed Ansari May Allah have mercy upon him inquired, ‘How will knowledge be taken away from us when we read the Quran and will continue to read the Quran and we also make our womenfolk and our children read the Quran?’ The Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him replied, ‘O Ziyad! it is extremely strange. I considered you as being among the Fuqaha of Madina. Ponder awhile! What benefit does the Taurah and Injeel give to its readers?’” This is reported in the Trimid shareef.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ayesha May Allah have mercy upon her narrates that when the 164^th verse of surah Baqarah was revealed on the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him which is:

اِنَّ فِیۡ خَلْقِ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرْضِ وَاخْتِلٰفِ الَّیۡلِ وَالنَّہَارِ وَالْفُلْکِ الَّتِیۡ تَجْرِیۡ فِی الْبَحْرِ بِمَا یَنۡفَعُ النَّاسَ وَمَاۤ اَنۡزَلَ اللہُ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مِنۡ مَّآءٍ فَاَحْیَا بِہِ الۡاَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِہَا وَبَثَّ فِیۡہَا مِنۡ کُلِّ دَآبَّۃٍ۪ وَّتَصْرِیۡفِ الرِّیٰحِ وَالسَّحَابِ الْمُسَخَّرِ بَیۡنَ السَّمَآءِ وَالۡاَرْضِ لَاٰیٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ یَّعْقِلُوۡنَ﴿۱۶۴﴾

 

Verily, the creation of heavens and earth and coming of night and day alternately, and the boat that sails in the river for the benefit of the people, and that which Allah sends down of water from heaven, and revives the dead earth thereby and scatters all kinds of beast therein, and the change of winds and the cloud that is obedient between heaven and earth, in all of them, necessarily there are signs for the wise people.

The Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him declared, ‘Destruction is for that person who has recited this verse and did not ponder and study it.” This narrates is mentioned in the Sahih of Ibn Habban.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Seed Khudri May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “Such a group will emerge from this ummah in front of whom, you will think nothing of your salah. They will recite the Quran, but the Quran will not go below their throats. They will clearly leave the religion like an arrow which goes through a target. (When you look) at the target, no sign of blood even appears on it.” (Bukhari and Muslim shareef).

 

In another narration, it is mentioned that they will read the Quran with immense beauty. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar May Allah have mercy upon him considered them as the worst of creation.

In the Muslim shareef, there is a report from Hadrat Sayyiduna Jabr May Allah have mercy upon him that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him used to utter the following words every time in the Khutbah. These were, “After (praising the Almighty), the best of Books is the Book of Allah and the best of paths is the path of Mohammed (Peace and Salutations be upon him. The worst of action is Bid’ah and every Bid’ah is misguidance.” (Obviously, the Ulama have already explained the different facets of Bid’ah and we should look at these words in that context).

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Saeed bin Malik May Allah have mercy upon him reports that when the Quran was revealed on the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him he continued to recite it for a lengthy period. The blessed Ashaab then requested him to educate them about it and he mentioned that this Quran is a clear and open Book. Ibn Abi Hatim has reported this with a Sanad Hasan. He has also recorded from Mas’udi and he reported from Qasim that whenever the blessed Ashaab experienced certain confusion they asked the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him to explain and in reference to this, the verse in surah Zumar was revealed which clearly indicates that the Quran is a most unique zikr and each verse is inter connected with the other verse.

 

In this manner, as they continued to ask him for further elaboration, certain other verses of the Quran was revealed to explain this.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ma’az bin Jabal May Allah have mercy upon him used to always advice people nearly every day, “The Almighty is the Most Just. The people of evil thought and intent will certainly be destroyed. After, much fitnah will arise. There will be an increase in wealth and riches. The Quran will be opened and the believer, the munaafiq, the females and the children will recite it.

 

There is also a possibility that among (there will be people) who will say that he has recited the Quran and I do not believe that people will accept my opinion until I do not create a new thing. Protect yourself from Bid’ah, protect yourself from the filth of (those who consider themselves) as super intellectual. There is also a possibility that there might be a moment when a munaafiq may say something truthful. Accept that which is correct wherever you may find it. Truth is a pillar of light.”. This has also been recorded in the Abu Daud shareef.

 

Imam Bahiqi has recorded from Hadrat Sayyiduna Urwah bin Zubair May Allah have mercy upon him that once Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar May Allah have mercy upon him wished to record the Hadith (during the time when the Quran was been revealed). Obviously th blessed Ashaab disputed with him on this. Hadrat Sayyiduna Umar May Allah have mercy upon him then make Istikhaarah for nearly a month. He, (the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him), then mentioned, “I remember the history of nations before you. They used to write certain things and only relied on this (writing of theirs), they kept aside the Book of Allah. I will certainly never allow anything to be mixed with the Book of Allah.”

 

Meeting the Quran on the day of Judgement.

It is reported that when the grave is opened, the Quran will meet the person as a thin and frail person. It will then ask the person, “do you recognize who I am?”. The person will reply in the negative. The thin and frail person will then reply, “I am your companion the Quran who kept you thirsty when it was hot and kept you awake at night. Every trader has a hope with his business wealth

 

and today, you are under the shadow of this (the Quran). A crown of regalia will be given to him in his right hand and in his left hand, an invitation to enter Jannah will be given. On his head, a crown of eminence and respect will be placed. His parents will be adorned with silk clothing. The people in the world never gave this person any status or position. They, (the parents), will ask surprisingly as to what is the reason that they are being adorned with this clothing. They will be told, “You child had acquired knowledge of the Quran”. Their son will then be told, “Continue to recite the Quran and continue to elevate your journey in Jannah and as long as he recites the Quran, his status will also be increased. (Musnad Imam Ahmed May Allah have mercy upon him from Hadrat Sayyiduna Buraydah May Allah have mercy upon him).

 

A poet has mentioned, “Without the Quran you are not a lion but a fox. The one who is poor (inspite of reading the Quran), in reality, he is not poor but the true king. When you busy yourself with the zikr of Allah, you become free of all wordily concerns.”

 

Certain terms in the Quran.

 

Allah:

This name is used for the Almighty. This is also considered as His individual Name. The rest of his Names are considered as Names which describe his Divine Attributes. As for those who consider that this name “Allah” has been extracted from another word, they maintain that this Name has been extracted from the word Ilaaha. There are two implications to this. The first is that it implies that Divine Being to whom all worship is performed. The second is that it implies to that Divine Being who is the only Being entitled to be worshipped. In other words, no other being is to be worshipped but Allah.

 

Imaan.

It is extracted from the root word. “Aman”. It signifies the fact that you have certainty in the words which are being told to you by someone. At the same time, you believe that the person who is giving you this information is also truthful. In other words, when you say that you have accepted Imaan or brought Imaan, it implies

 

that whatever you have brought Imaan on, you do not refute or belie that person or that message. The meaning of bringing Imaan on the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him also implies that you believe in Allah according to what he has taught you. At the same time, a person is satisfied with the Divine Pleasure of the Almighty above all other pleasures. No other mission in life is above this. Nothing can be sacrificed for this. In surah Baqarah, it is also mentioned that those who are believers, certainly increase in their love for Allah. Those who believe in Allah, their Helper is the Almighty and it is the Almighty who brings people from darkness to light.

 

It means that when a person starts to walk on the path of misguidance and darkness, it is the Almighty who shows him the path to light and guidance. It is through the Divine Grace of the Almighty that the actual essence of life becomes apparent to all which is to serve and worship the Almighty.

 

The people of true Imaan are those people who when they hear and listen to the Zikr of Allah, their hearts begin to tremble. When the signs of Allah are mentioned in front of them, their Imaan also increases. They have complete trust in their Lord. They establish the salah and whatever the Almighty has given them in wealth or riches, they do not hesitate to spend in the path of Allah. These are the people who are the true believers. There is no doubt that they indeed have a very lofty status with their Creator. They will indeed be pardoned and they will be given the sustenance of Jannah.

 

Islam.

It is based on the scale of If’aal. The implication is to become a Muslim to obey and follow. There is no doubt that the religion with Allah is indeed the religion of Islam. In other words, with Allah, there is only one single road which leads to Him and which is the proper road of guidance. A person should accept His Divine Being and completely surrender himself to the Almighty.

 

At the same time, a person must not create his own path, but should sincerely follow the path of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him. This path or thought is considered as Islam. He must also have complete certainty that besides the path of Islam, there is no other path and that he is not permitted to use any other path. Although there are people who believe in other paths or religion or have created their own religions, all of this is nothing but treachery to the Almighty.

 

In the Quran, it is also asked as to how can these people actually choose another path besides Islam when everything in the heavens and on earth obey and worship the Almighty and are subservient to the Almighty.

 

In other words, the religion of all creation is actually Islam which is obedience to the Almighty. Yet, there are such stupid people who even though they live in this world, they would choose another path besides Islam. If a person chooses any other path besides Islam, this would never be accepted of him either in this world or the next. In the hereafter, he would certainly be among the losers.

 

At the same time, those to whom the light of Islam has become apparent, they will never allow themselves to choose any other path besides the path of Islam. When a persons chest has been opened to the truth, there is no doubt in his mind about the truth and certainty of Islam. In fact, whatever obstacles or problems he may face, even these things do not restrict him from accepting the truth of Islam and the path of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him.

 

The person has absolute certainty that whatever is the case, the path of Islam is the only true path and that he needs to walk on this path alone. That is the reason that when a person becomes a true Muslim, he does not experience any doubt in the message of Islam and whatever is destined by the Almighty for him, he gladly accepts it. Whatever beliefs are found in the Quran and Sunnah, whatever rules and regulations are found in it

 

he gladly accepts all of this. He has this firm conviction that this is what his heart desires to accept without question. He does not look at what advantage can be given to him by another person besides the religion of Islam. He firmly believes that all advantages can only be attained through Islam. He also believes that all other paths are paths which he has been protected and saved from.

 

Deen.

This word has been used in different contexts in the Arabic language. Firstly, it has been used to signify power or overpowering. It has been used to signify ownership or rule. It has been used to describe politics or laws and to place ones decision another.

 

The second meaning is one of obedience, servitude or complete followance. The third meaning is that habit or path which a person travels. In surah Fat’h, verse, 28, the Quran declares:

ہُوَ الَّذِیۡۤ اَرْسَلَ رَسُوۡلَہٗ بِالْہُدٰی وَ دِیۡنِ الْحَقِّ لِیُظْہِرَہٗ عَلَی الدِّیۡنِ کُلِّہٖ ؕ وَ کَفٰی بِاللہِ شَہِیۡدًا ﴿ؕ۲۸﴾

It is He Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth that he may make it prevail over all other religions And Sufficient is Allah as witness.

 

In Islam, the word “deen” in Arabic is considered as that path or road which a person is certain about and then decides to follow this path voluntarily. In other words, the person sincerely believes that the path which was brought by the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him is a path which more superior to any other path. At the same time, whatever other path exist or whatever other rules and regulations exists in the world at that time, all those rules and regulations are under the control and authority of this one path.

 

Hence, when Islam arrived in the world, all previous religious laws were cancelled and the only law which existed was the law of Islam. This can be compared to the institution of Jizyah which is given by those who lives under Muslim authority. In other words, when the non Muslim wishes to live under Islamic rule and law, he needs to pay the Jizyah which signifies that he is under Muslim protection.

 

Aakhirah.

This is referred to as “Aalime-e-Aakhirah or Aalime-e-Baqa”. This signifies that life which one would experience after ones dies.

 

Another reason that it is called Aakirah is because it occurs after death. At the same time, in the Quran, this word is used to technically imply a wide variety of meaning. They are as follows:

 

1. One of the foremost is that a person does not live in this world without accountability. He has to answer for all his actions in front of the Almighty.
2. The existence of the world is not forever. It is only confined to a certain specific time and then it will end.
3. After this world, the Almighty has created another world. At the same time, in this world, whoever lived from the time of Nabi Adam peace be upon until the day of Judgement will be once again brought back to life. All of them will then give an account for their actions in this world. All of them will also be rewarded or punished as per their actions.
4. It is the Divine Grace of the Almighty that whoever has done good will enter Jannah and through His Divine Justice, whoever has done evil will enter the fire of hell.
5. Another important lesson to be learnt from all of this is that success is not that success which is considered as success in this world. True success is when a person is successful in front of the Almighty and true failure is when a person fails in front of the Almighty.

 

Establishment of salah.

The meaning of “iqaamah” is to stand straight or to establish something. When the Quran speaks about the establishment of salah, it signifies not only that one needs to complete this with all the conditions attached to it but it is also establishes a certain system within the believers which they need to complete. Whether it is within the masjid, in congregation, in Jumuah

, all of these need to be fulfilled punctually at their prescribed time. There has to be an Imam or khateeb so that it impresses upon people the behaviour of going to the masjid.

 

In like manner, when we speak about establishing religion and making sure that it becomes established, the same would be implied.

 

When it is established then people will continue to practise upon it and at the same time, this religion becomes a set of rules which overpowers all other system of rules and regulations.

 

Amaanah or Trust.

The Quran speaks about the fact that this trust (which is Islam, Imaan etc) was given to the mountains and earth to bear but they were not prepared to carry this trust and became fearful (thinking that they would not be able to fulfil this trust).

 

In this context, the word Amaanah would mean khilaafat. According to the Quran, this was then given to mankind.

 

Aalam-e-Barzakh.

The meaning of Barzakh is a barrier between two objects. The life which is in between this world and the hereafter is referred to as Aalim-e-Barzakh. In the Quran it is mentioned that when the kaafirs will be questioned by the Angels in this world, they will say that they are completely innocent. Yet, the Angels will inform them that the Almighty had certainly been aware of all of their actions from the time of their creation. In this world, the disbelievers will clearly come to know of their ultimate destination which is the fire of hell.

 

In the hadith shareef, the word “Barzakh” has been used to describe the “grave”. This is the place where the souls will reside. Bear also in mind that barzakh does not only mean the grave in its physical sense. The grave is merely a symbol of Barzakh. There are many people who will die and will never be buried. Some died because they were killed by wild animals and then eaten, some died in the ocean or rivers and their bodies were never recovered.

 

The barzakh of all of these people will be where they have died and to be found. In other words, a person who died in the ocean and his body was never found, his Barzakh will be in that spot. In like manner, a person who was eaten by a wild animal. His Barzakh will be in the stomach of that wild animal etc. As we have said, Barzakh is the name of another world in which a person will live in after death and before the day of Judgement.

 

We also come to understand from this explanation that the soul does not die.

 

It continues to survive. If one wants to see an example of this in the world, the dream world is a perfect example. A person may seem to be in one place, but his soul is able to travel all over the universe. When he awakes, the soul immediately returns to his body. There is immense punishment for those who did not accept the truth of Islam. As for those who were true Muslims, there is immense reward. The Ulama have mentioned that the grave is an object which would welcome the true believers like a mother welcomes her child. As for the disbeliever, it would squeeze him to such a degree that his ribs would appear on opposite sides.

 

Ummah Wusta or the middle Ummah or the most eminent.

The meaning of ummah is a group, a path or tariqah, a time period and it would include all those people who have the same beliefs in common. As for the middle ummah, it would signify those people whose beliefs and various other attributes are middle or medium in nature. The Quran also describes this ummah as the most exalted of ummah.

 

One of the reasons is because this ummah will be a witness against the other nations. This is also the blessed quality of the Ahle Sunnah wa Jamaah. When we look at the Shia, they hate the blessed Ashaab and respect the Ahle Bait while the Khaariji hate the blessed Ahle Bait and respect the Ashaab. The Ahle Sunnah wa Jamaah love both the blessed Ahle Bait and the blessed Ashaab. In other words, they are free from extremities in their beliefs.

 

Taqwah.

In Arabic, this would imply safeguarding yourself from something or to keep yourself safe from all those things which may create fear. The Quran explains that Taqwah means to protect yourself from all sin and transgression.

 

The Quran explains that the Quran is a guide for those who are pious. However, it only stands to reason that if you truly seek guidance, then it means that you need to also be pious. The person needs to create this attribute within himself. He should be able to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong. He should protect himself from bad and strive to do good. Therefore, one of the most important request of the Quran is to achieve piety or Taqwah.

 

As for those people who refuse to do anything of this nature and continue to live in the world like wild animals thinking that whatever they are doing is correct and proper, they should not blame the Quran when they unable to be guided by the Quran. After all, when the sun is bright, it cannot be blamed because a blind person cannot see its brightness.

 

Taubah or repentance.

This implies to refrain from sin. To turn away from sin. It implies all those actions which enables a person to stay away from sin. When we say that a certain person has made dua, it would imply that a certain person has turned to the truth and returned to the path of serving the Almighty. It also implies that the Almighty now looks at His servant with Divine Grace.

 

Ibaadah.

It implies servitude and serving. There are three implications in this word.

1. The first is that the servant becomes grateful to the Almighty and continues to make dua to the Creator and he continues to bow down in front of the Creator.
2. The second is that the person has chosen the life of strictly serving the Almighty who is his true Owner. He does not choose anything or any action himself and trusts in the Almighty. He is also not the slave of any other ordinary human either in speech or in action.
3. The third is that a person swears to strictly obeying the Divine Commands of the Almighty and not his own personal actions or laws. In the Quran, this fact is mentioned whereby the Almighty clearly states that He has created man and jinn strictly for His ibaadah.

 

In surah Yaseen, verse 60 and 61, the Quran declares:

اَلَمْ اَعْہَدْ اِلَیۡکُمْ یٰبَنِیۡۤ اٰدَمَ اَنۡ لَّا تَعْبُدُوا الشَّیۡطٰنَ ۚ اِنَّہٗ لَکُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِیۡنٌ ﴿ۙ۶۰﴾

‘O children of Adam, Had I not made covenant with you that you should not worship the devil (Satan), verily he is your manifest enemy.
وَّ اَنِ اعْبُدُوۡنِیۡ ؕؔ ہٰذَا صِرٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِیۡمٌ ﴿۶۱﴾

And that you should worship Me. This is the straight path.

 

In surah Al Mu’min, verse 66, the Quran declares:

قُلْ اِنِّیۡ نُہِیۡتُ اَنْ اَعْبُدَ الَّذِیۡنَ تَدْعُوۡنَ مِنۡ دُوۡنِ اللہِ لَمَّا جَآءَنِیَ الْبَیِّنٰتُ مِنۡ رَّبِّیۡ ۫ وَ اُمِرْتُ اَنْ اُسْلِمَ لِرَبِّ الْعٰلَمِیۡنَ ﴿۶۶﴾

 

Say you, ‘I have been forbidden to worship those whom you worship beside Allah since clear signs have come to me from my Lord and I have been commanded to submit myself to the Lord of the worlds.

 

It is therefore necessary that from the time a person becomes mature and has common sense, he should strictly only worship the Almighty and no one else. He should also strive to obey the Divine Commands of the Almighty and live his life in this fashion. This is not confined to only a specific time but includes every moment of a persons life in this world.

 

At the same time, it also means that whatever a person does in the world, his every action should be as an ibaadah to the Almighty. Another important aspect of how to be able to live ones complete life in ibaadah is to look at the important guidance which has been given to us by the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him. He has mentioned that the basis or foundation of all action is upon the niyah or intention. In other words, when you make the intention of helping a poor person because this is what Islam teaches you, this act itself would become a form of ibaadah. When you look at your parents with respect, this is also a form of ibaadah. When you go to work so that you can earn an income and serve the poor and needy, this is also a form of ibaadah. It is said that one the day of Judgement two people would be commanded to be taken to hell. One of them will walk slowly accompanied by the Angels and he will continue to look back.

 

The other will rush towards hell and this would even surprise the Angels. The Almighty (who is aware everything) will then ask the Angels to find out the reason for their behaviour. The first person will admit that whatever the Almighty had prescribed for him in punishment, he is certainly deserving of this because he was not a good person on earth. However, even at this final moment, he still has certainty that the Divine Grace of the Almighty will call him back so that he can enter Jannah.

 

The other will mention that he is certainly entitled for punishment as decreed by the Almighty. However, he is aware that since this is the last and final Command of the Almighty, he had made the intention that even if he has to enter the fire of hell, he has made the firm intention that he will certainly obey the last and final Command of the Almighty. In other words, the niyah of the first was his firm conviction on the Divine Grace of the Almighty and the niyah of the second was that no matter what happened, he was prepared to obey the Final Command of the Almighty.

 

It is mentioned that when this takes place, the Almighty will allow both of them to enter Jannah. Therefore, there is no doubt that one can stay in the ibaadah of the Almighty on a twenty four basis and fulfil the reason for your creation. After all, we see in the Hadith shareef that when a person goes to sleep with the intention of performing his Faj salah and does not do so for some reason, he is still recorded as someone who had performed his Fajr salah.

Jihad in the Path of Allah.

In surah Hajj, verse 78, the Quran declares:

وَ جٰہِدُوۡا فِی اللہِ حَقَّ جِہَادِہٖ ؕ

“And strive in the path of Allah as is due for striving.”

The meaning of the word Jihad is to strive, to make effort etc. Another important point to bear in mind is that the person against whom one is striving or making an effort is also powerful. When the words used are ‘in the path of Allah’, it means that one should strive against all those powerful forces which obstruct one from the path of Allah and obstruct one from achieving the Divine Pleasure of the Almighty.

 

It also implies that one should make the serious effort of defeating all those forces which obstruct one on this path. At the same time, if needs be, one should be prepared to sacrifice ones life on this path or one should be prepared to give ones life on this path. One of the greatest obstacles on this path is the Nafs-e-Ammaarah or ones carnal desires. This is something which tries to make a person lose his way and also tries to make a person move away from the path of Allah.

 

Zikr.

The word Zikr in the Quran has been used to the describe the Book of Allah. This is the book which has been given to us as set of advice. All the previous books including the Quran has been referred to as Zikr. In the Quran in surah Hajr, the Quran also explains that this Zikr has been revealed by the Almighty and the Almighty is the Protector of this Zikr. The actual meaning of zikr is “to remember or to give advice, or make another remember”. In the Quran, it is mentioned that those who have Imaan or those who have brought faith, their hearts become content with the Zikr of Allah.

 

It is also mentioned that indeed the Zikr of Allah is a contentment for the hearts. There is no doubt that Zikr and the recital of the Quran brings contentment to the heart. It removes the evil whisperings of the satan and brings peace to the heart of true believer. One one side, the Divine Being of the Almighty and His Divine Existence brings fear and awe in the heart of a believer and on the other side, the heart also experiences immense joy and happiness when it hears about the immense Divine Grace of the Almighty. The broken heart then becomes attached to the Almighty. The Nur from this action then removes all the stress and worries of a person.

 

Iqbal explains, “I wish to reveal something very truthful to you. This Quran is certainly something else besides a Book. When it descends upon a person, it creates another human being. When the life of a person changes, the world itself changes. The Book of Allah certainly possesses both internal and external excellences. It is alive and will remain alive and it is a Book which speaks to us.

 

The various translations of the Quran in Urdu and the uniqueness of Kanzul Imaan.

We will present a few examples of the translations of the Quran in the Urdu language so that the immense status of Kanzul Imaan will become apparent. Obviously, it is not possible to precisely translate this into English, however, the basic import will certainly be conveyed. We will also come to realise from this brief explanation the reason that the Ulama of the Ahle Sunnah wa Jamaah emphasis the need to read the translation of the great Imam.

 

We will begin with the Bismillah.

1. I begin with the Name of Allah. (Shah Abdul Qadir).
2. I begin with the Name of Allah. (Abdul Maajid Daryabadi).
3. Allah in Whose Name I begin. (Sayyidi Ala Hadrat May Allah have mercy upon him).

 

In other words, all of these translators of the Quran have actually gone against their own word. They claim that they are beginning with the Name of Allah but do not do so. It is only Ala Hadrat May Allah have mercy upon him who clearly begins with the Name of Allah.

 

Verse (1).

In surah Ale Imran, verse 142, the Quran declares:

اَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ اَنۡ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّۃَ وَلَمَّا یَعْلَمِ اللہُ الَّذِیۡنَ جٰہَدُوۡا مِنۡکُمْ وَیَعْلَمَ الصّٰبِرِیۡنَ﴿۱۴۲﴾

 

Are you in this supposition that you shall enter the paradise and yet Allah has not tested your warriors

 

1. And till now, Allah is unaware of who among you will fight. (Shah Abdul Qadir).

 

2. Even though until now, the Almighty has not yet come to know who are the mujaahids among you.

 

The above mentioned verse has been translated in the same manner by idiots like Fatah Mohammed Jaalandhari, Abdul Maajid Daryabadi, Deputy Nazeer Ahmed and Ashraf Ali Thanwi including Mahmudul Hasan. In other words, these ignoramuses have without any hesitation attributed the quality of ignorance to the Almighty. In other words, as far as these idiots are concerned, the Almighty is that Diving Being who is completely unaware of who is going to fight and defend Islam and who is not going to perform this important duty.

 

Sayyidi Ala Hadrat May Allah have mercy upon him on the other hands, chooses his words very carefully. He translates the same verse as follows: “And till now, the Almighty has not yet tested the Ghazis among you.”

 

In this translation, there is no disrespect shown to the Almighty and no defect is attributed to His Divine Being. When one looks at the translations of the above ignoramuses, it is no wonder that one of them had mentioned that the “Almighty has the power to speak lies.” Since ignorance (ma’azzalah) was possible for His Divine Being as they claim in these translations, then obviously, they would not hesitate to attribute ignorance to His Divine Being!

 

Verse (2).

 

In surah Anfal, verse 30, the Quran declares:

وَاِذْ یَمْکُرُ بِکَ الَّذِیۡنَ کَفَرُوۡا لِیُثْبِتُوۡکَ اَوْ یَقْتُلُوۡکَ اَوْ یُخْرِجُوۡکَ ؕ وَیَمْکُرُوۡنَ وَیَمْکُرُ اللہُ ؕ وَاللہُ خَیۡرُ الْمٰکِرِیۡنَ ﴿۳۰﴾

 

And (O beloved Prophet)! Remember, when the infidels were plotting against you, to confine you or to slay you or to drive you forth. And they were plotting their own and Allah was devising His Own secret plan and Allah’s plan is the best.

 

1. Shah Rafee’udeen, Mahmudul Hasan, Ashraf Ali Thanwi and Deputy Nazeer Ahmed have all translated this verse in the following manner:

 

They were deceiving and Allah was also deceiving and the best of deceivers is Allah. (ma’azzalah).

 

In his translation, the idiot Ashraf Ali also uses the word ‘mia’ after the Divine Name of the Almighty, thereby reducing the Almighty to a mere creation. How is it possible that any person would even consider that the Almighty can deceive his creation? Again, the act of deception is certainly an evil act, yet, these people had no hesitation in attributing this quality to the Almighty. As for the great Imam, he translated this Divine act of the Almighty as “a secret plan”. From these translations, we can clearly understand the manner in which these people think of the Divine Creator.

 

Verse 3.

In surah Duhu, verse 7, the Quran declares:

And He found you completely immersed in His Love, therefore gave way unto Him.

 

Shah Abdul Qadir, Abdul Maajid, Deputy Nazeer Ahmed, Ashraf Ali among others have translated this verse as follows:

 

“And He found you misguided, and gave you a way (or showed you the path).”

 

Look at the translation of the great Imam and these people. If a Prophet is misguided, who will show the path of guidance to the ummah? Another important point to bear in mind is that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him is the leader or the Imam of the Prophets. A few verses prior, the Quran declares:

“And undoubtedly, soon your Lord shall give you so much that you shall be satisfied.”.

 

In this verse, the Almighty is clearly informing His beloved Prophet that He will be blessed with immense Divine Grace and Benediction and these people are claiming that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him is misguided!

 

These people had refused to understand that if the Prophet of a nation was misled or misguided, who would be able to guide that nation. In fact, in surah Najam, these kufr of these people is clearly been refuted. In this surah, in verse 2, the Quran declares:

 

Your companion neither went astray nor (is he) misled.

 

When the Almighty is clearly declaring that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him is not misguided or is astray, how can He declare in another verse that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him is misguided or has gone astray? There are many diverse meaning to the word “Daal”. Yes, one of the meaning of this word is also ‘misguided or misguidance’ as well as other meanings, yet such was the state of their ignorance that when they were translating this verse, they completely ignored who they were describing in this verse. If they had any intelligence, they would have looked carefully at other verses and the message of this surah prior to using the word “misguidance”. But obviously, since they must have believed in someone else as a Prophet, they felt no hesitation is using the word ‘misguidance’ to describe the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him.

 

Verse 4.

Insurah Fatah, verse 1 and 2 the Quran declares:

Undoubtedly, We have granted you a clear victory. That Allah may forgive the sins of those before (you) and of those after (you) on account of you (or through you) and may complete His favours upon you and may show you the straight path.

 

As usual, people like Shah Abdul Qadir, Shah Rafee’udeen, Ashraf Ali Thanwi, Deputy Nazeer Ahmed, Abdul Maajid Daryabadi translated this verse in the following manner:

 

“Without doubt, we have given you a great victory. Therefore, the Almighty had forgiven you, your past sins and your future sins.”

 

Again these ignoramuses have clearly gone our of their way to make sure that the Muslims consider their Prophet as a sinful Prophet. In other words, they must believe that this is a Prophet who has been sinful in the past and that he will also commit sins in the future. What type of confidence are they creating in the minds of the Muslims for their Prophet? It is the belief of the Muslims that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him and all the Prophets are sinless or Masum. Obviously, these people and their followers do not think in this fashion.

 

If we look at the translation of the great Imam, we will see that he made sure that when translating this verse, the first and foremost thing he kept in mind was the dignity of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him. There are also numerous reports which clearly testify to the fact that it is through the wasila or medium of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him that peoples sin and transgression will be pardoned. However, these people have completely ignored all of these reports and have tried to prove to the Muslims that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him is a sinful Prophet. Again, we are led to believe that perchance, they had their own “prophet”.

 

One notes that when people translate into another language, they translate certain words as per the general and common meaning of that word. Yet, they forget to understand that there are many diverse meaning to one single word even in the target language. In fact, it is the responsibility of the translator that when he chooses a word to translate, he should use an appropriate word. After all, he is either looking at the Quran or the Ahadith. In fact, if one chooses any ordinary word or a simple apparent word, this can be done by any Tom Dick or Harry. People forget their position when they are translating.

 

When we look at the translation of the great Imam and the translation of others, we will clearly come to realise that these people certainly did not understand and comprehend the actual soul and inner meaning of certain Quran words, hence the confusion and the disrespect displayed by these people. In fact, one can safely say that these people actually misinterpreted and altered the meaning of the Quran. In fact, by committing a simple word for word translation of the Quran into another language, they became guilty of insulting the Almighty and His Prophets.

 

In fact, one can say that by this stupidity of theirs, they became guilty of making something which was haraam into halaal. They also became guilty of attributing an evil description like “ignorance” to the Almighty. In this manner, they themselves became misled and also opened the door of misguidance to others as well. In fact, by making such translations, they also invented a weapon which was used against the Muslims by the Jews, Christians and other heretical groups. In fact, many Hindus and other non Muslims have publicly made it clear that the Creator of Muslims is actually guilty of deceit. Hence, people should become intelligent and stay away from the religion of Islam.

 

As we have mentioned, certainly these people were nothing else but the agents of the West and their intent was to sow discord among the Muslims and many of them succeeded in this kufr when we look at their translation of the Quran. This is the reason that the Almighty sent blessed individuals like the great Imam to the world so that he could protect the pure and pristine teachings of Islam as explained in the Ahle Sunnah wa Jamaah.

 

Such is the brilliance of the great Imam that he was able to explain a wealth of knowledge in either one or two words while previous scholars could only explain this in a few lines or a few paragraphs. This was a gift given to him by his Divine Creator. This is the reason that when we look at the translation of the great Imam, we begin to have more love and respect and awe for the Divine Creator, for His blessed Prophets and for mankind in general. (Raza-ul-Mustafa Azami).

 

A few points explaining the greatness of the Quran.

One of the stark differences between objects which are invented by man and what is created by the Creator is that others can copy what a human has invented. If a certain country invents a very powerful bomb or rocket, tomorrow, another country can create something even more powerful or even more sophisticated. Yet, the entire world put together, can never be able to copy or invent something which has been created by the Almighty. People have invented planes which can fly in the air even though it has a large mass, yet, until today, no one has been able to create a small object like a fly.

 

Another important point to bear in mind is that a miracle is something which the intellect of a human cannot comprehend or understand. This is also used to describe a Mo’jizah or a Karaamat. When he removed his blessed hand from his clothing, it shone like a bright light. This was a miracle which was displayed by Nabi Moosa peace be upon which the magicians in the court of Pharaoh could not challenge or answer. When we look at the miracles of Nabi Esa peace be upon him where he was able to cure the blind, the leper, bring the dead back to life, all of these miracles are actions which even the greatest of physicians have never been able to copy or emulate.

 

Until the day of Judgement, even if all of mankind got together, they would never be able to create a book like the Quran. In fact, from the very beginning, the Quran has challenged man to bring even a small surah or verse like that which is found in the Quran. Some of the greatest masters in the Arabic language have come an gone and yet, until today, no one has been able to answer this challange.

 

The greatness of the Quran proven from the Quran.

In surah Qaf, verses 1 and 2, the Quran declares:

 

Qaf. By the glorious Quran. But rather they wondered that there has come to them a warner from among themselves. And the infidels said, ‘this is a strange thing.’

In surah Haa Meem Sajdah, verse 41, the Quran declares:

اِنَّ الَّذِیۡنَ کَفَرُوۡا بِالذِّکْرِ لَمَّا جَآءَہُمْ ۚ وَ اِنَّہٗ لَکِتٰبٌ عَزِیۡزٌ ﴿ۙ۴۱﴾

Undoubtedly, those who denied the reminder when it came to them,(they refused to accept it), and undoubtedly it is an esteemed Book.

 

In surah Shu’rah, verse 1 to 9, the Quran declares:

Ha-Mim. Ain-Seen-Qaf. Like wise reveals to you and to those before you, Allah the Honourable. The Wise. For Him is whatever is in the heaven and whatever is in the earth. And He is the Exalted, the Grand. It is well night that the heavens may rend from above themselves and the angels sanctify their Lord with His praise and beg forgiveness for the people of earth. Hearken, Allah, He is the Forgiver, the Merciful.  And those who have taken others as patrons beside Allah, they are under the sight of Allah and you are not responsible for them.

 

And likewise We revealed to you a Quran in Arabic so that you may warn thereby the mother of all towns the Meccans and those who live around it and you may warn them of a Day of Assembly wherein there is no doubt. A party is in the paradise and a party is in the Hell.  And had Allah willed He would have made them a people of one faith, but Allah admits into His mercy whomsoever He pleases. And as for the unjust, they have neither any friend nor any helper. Have they taken others as patrons beside Allah? But it is Allah, He is the Patron and He will give life to the dead and He can do every thing.

 

There is no doubt that those who refute and refuse the believe in the truth of the Quran will only accept the truth of the Quran when they see the terrible punishment which is in store of them. Yet, it will be too late for them. At the same time, the Quran also explains that those who have pure Imaan they certainly find in easy to accept the truth of the Quran. In surah Maryam, verse 97, the Quran declares:

فَاِنَّمَا یَسَّرْنٰہُ بِلِسَانِکَ لِتُبَشِّرَ بِہِ الْمُتَّقِیۡنَ وَ تُنۡذِرَ بِہٖ قَوْمًا لُّدًّا ﴿۹۷﴾

So We made this Quran quite easy in your tongue that you may give glad-tidings to the God fearing and you may warn thereby a contentious people.

 

In spite of the fact that the Quran clearly states that the Quran has become easy for the believer to accept, those who are stubborn in their disbelief and kufr, they will never accept the Quran.

 

The blessed words of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him in this regard.

 

1. Hadrat Sayyiduna Sa’ad bin Waqqas May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “The best among you is who who learns the Quran and teaches.” Imam Asim states that Mas’ab then held his hand and made him sit at a certain place and then mentioned to people who were present, ‘this is indeed the best Qari of the Quran’. (ibn Maja).

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ghazzali May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that one, Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ahmed bin Hambal May Allah have mercy upon him saw the Almighty in a dream and asked, “O Allah! which is the best manner of achieving Your closeness?’ The Almighty declared that it was through reciting the Quran.

 

He then asked, ‘Is it through understanding it or without understanding it?’ He was told, ‘whichever manner you recite it, either through understanding it or not understanding it.’

 

2. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Zarr Ghifaari May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him had stated, “O Abu Zarr! To learn one verse of the Quran in the morning is better for you than reading a hundred rakah of (nafil) salah. In the morning to learn a single chapter of knowledge whether it is practised upon or nor is better for you than a thousand rakah.”

 

The Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has also stated that, “Whoever teaches anyone the Quran, he has become the master of that person. The person who acquires knowledge will not disgrace his teacher and will not try to supersede his teacher.” (Kanzul Ummaal).

 

3. Hadrat Sayyiduna Khalid bin Ma’daan narrates that the Angels send blessing upon the teacher of the Quran and the student until the surah is complete. If someone starts the surah in the morning and completes two verses (of the same surah) in the evening, the Angels continue to make dua for that person from the morning until the evening. (Sunan Daarimi).

 

4. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Umaamah May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “Who learns a single verse of the Quran, then that one verse on the day of judgement will appear in front of him smiling and in immense joy.

 

5. Hadrat Sayyiduna Ubaid Mulaiki May Allah have mercy upon him who was blessed with the company of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him once declared, “Do not place your back on the Quran and recite it as it should be rightfully recited during the day and night. During the day, recite the Quran with a loud voice and in a proper manner. Ponder upon (what you are) reading so that you may be successful. Do not immediately seek reward (for this), you will certainly receive reward for it. (Mishkaat from Bahiqi).

 

6. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “Explain the meaning of the Quran and follow its amazing (message). There are also limits in its wonderful and amazing rules and regulations.” (Bahiqi).

 

7. Hadrat Sayyiduna Aanis May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “Whoever seeks knowledge of the past and present, should ponder carefully on the Quran.” (Kanzul Ummaal).

 

8. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “When certain people sit in the masjid to recite the Quran and learn the Quran, then peace and tranquillity descends upon them. The Divine Grace of the Almighty engulfs them. The Angels surround these people. And whoever has desisted from this through some action of his, his family would not be able to take him further.” (abridged). (Tirmidi shareef).

 

Some have translated the word “sakeenah” as Divine Grace. Some have translated it as a respect and status. Imam ibn Hajr May Allah have mercy upon him has translated this word as meaning ‘angels’.

 

9. The Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “That person should be your Imam who knows the Quran the most.” (Nisaa’i shareef).

 

10. The Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “To read the Quran from memory carries a thousand rewards and to look at the Quran as recite it, carries two thousand rewards. (Mishkaat from Bahiqi shareef).

 

Allamah Teebi May Allah have mercy upon him has explained that to look at the Quran, to pick it up, to kiss it, to ponder upon its meaning and to understand what one is reciting is only possible when one is looking at the Quran, hence its reward is double.

 

The same has been explained by Hafiz ibn Hajr May Allah have mercy upon him. Some has said that if all of this can be attained by reading from memory, then obviously, it is better because the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him used to also read from memory. Mullah Ali Qair May Allah have mercy upon him has mentioned that whichever surah creates fear and humility in a person (that) surah is better for him. Hadrat Sayyiduna Aanis May Allah have mercy upon him has also mentioned that looking at the Quran also improves one’s vision and eyesight. (Kanzul Ummaal).

 

Important point on the greatness of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him.

The previous Prophets went in search of their Divine Message. They were also called to a certain spot or area and given the Divine Book in their era, but the Quran is the most supreme of revealed books and was revealed on the most supreme of Prophets. This is the reason that wherever the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him went, the Quran was revealed to him at that spot.

 

Whether it was in Madina shareef or Mecca shareef, wherever the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him found himself, the Quran was revealed in that city. Someone states, “There is no doubt that the Kaleem (Moosa) was a beloved servant of Allah, but there is certainly a difference between a Beloved and a Kaleem. He went to fetch the Divine Message of Allah, while the Divine Message of the Almighty appeared in the blessed house of the Beloved”

 

The one who recites the Quran and teaches it.

The Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him once mentioned to Hadrat Sayyiduna Al May Allah have mercy upon him, “O Ali! recite the Quran and teach it. For each letter you will receive ten rewards and if you pass away in this manner, you will receive the status of a martyr. (At the same time), the Angels will appear at your grave in such a manner as they appear in front of the Baitullah in large numbers.”. (Kanzul Ummaal. 1/531).

 

Note.

In certain parts of the Quran, the Quran is described as the verses of the book and in certain parts of the Quran, it is described as the verses of the Quran. What is the difference between this.?

 

The Ulama have explained that the word “kitaab” is extracted from the word “kitaabat” which is something recorded and the word signifies ‘something which is recited’. This implies that its recorded letter and words as well as its recital are acts of immense reward. In other words, to look at it also acquires reward and to recite it also acquires reward. In fact, such is the benefit of the Quran that every letter carries with it ten rewards. This has already been explained by the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him. He has mentioned that Alif Laam and Meem carries thirty rewards even though, Muslims do not understand the meaning of these letters.

 

Some saints have mentioned that in actuality, Alif is three letters, Laam in is three letters and Meem also three letters. In other words, one would achieve ninety rewards by reciting these letters. This is besides reciting it in salah which carries another hundred reward when one stands and read the Quran. (Imam Husain May Allah have mercy upon him as recorded in Tambeehul Ghaafileen. 133).