The Shade, the Manna, and the Quail

The Shade, the Manna, and the Quail

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 2003, p.233-236)

(The Gathering of the Manna (Manna Ioroli) by James Tissot)

“And We shaded you with clouds, and sent down on you Al-Manna and the quail, (saying): “eat of the good lawful things We have provided for you,” (but they rebelled). And they did not wrong Us but they wronged themselves.” [Surah 2. Al-Baqarah 57, Al-Quran)

            During the days when the Children of Israel used to roam in the deserts, in hardship, Allah (swt) blessed them with countless, miraculous favors. Clouds, better and cooler than the ones we know (commented by Ibn Jarir), used to shade them from the sun. As they roamed the wilderness, a sweet, nutritious truffle-like food called the Manna used to rain down on them like snow. They used to collect it in baskets, enough to last for the day. Manna from the Heaven was different from that which we have, it was whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. This collection was a daily chore, because the Manna used to spoil the next day. On Friday; however, they collected for two days because of observing the Sabbath the next day when nobody left to gather food or any other purpose.

According to Prophet Muhammad (saww), “Kam’ah (truffles) is a type of manna, and its liquid is a remedy for the eyes.” (Fath al-Bari 8:14).

 

Terfeziaceae, the sweet fruit-like, desert truffles are scientifically classified as fungus (Zur and Roth-Bejerano, 2008). is called Kama in Arabic and is sold as two varieties: (1) Khalasi (oval, black skin, ivory-pink interior), and (2) Zubaidi (cream colored). It generally grows in desert areas.

The Israelites would also catch Salwa (quails), as much to last for the day, along with collecting Manna. Scholars unanimously agree that the Salwa (bird) in Paradise is about the size of a sparrow, and bears resemblance to the quail. The catching routine was similar to the collection of Manna, i.e. they caught quails every day for the day’s share and on Friday they caught enough to last for the Sabbath.

Briefly mentioning, the Sabbath was the seventh day of the week, Saturday, and was a day of rest and religious observance among Jews and some Christians (“Sabbath,”, 2012).

Allah (swt) speaks in the Quran about the ungratefulness, the rebellion, and disbelief of the Children of Israel despite witnessing and prospering from these miracles.

References

Sabbath. (2012). Dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sabbath

Zur, V.K. & Roth-Bejerano, N.R. (2008). Desert Truffles. FungiMag.com. Retrieved from http://www.fungimag.com/Truffle-Issue-08-articles/desert-truffles.pdf

Demand to see Allah: Miraculous Death and Resurrection of Children of Israel

Demand to see Allah: Miraculous Death and Resurrection of Children of Israel

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 2003, p.231-233)

After the incidence of the worship of the golden calf, and killings ordered as a trial from Allah to seek repentance, The best among the Children of Israel; seventy men, i.e. the considerably better off in belief, asked prophet Musa (a.s.) to see Allah publicly as proof of His existence.

Prophet Musa (a.s.) had returned from his 40 nights of meeting with Allah (swt), and after the trial of the killings, he showed the Children of Israel the Tablets on which he had written the Tawrah. The words had been revealed to him from Allah (swt). The people refused to believe that they were Allah’s commandments and demanded to see Allah (swt) before their eyes. They did not take Prophet Musa’s (a.s.) word for it and inquired why Allah (swt) could not speak to them as he spoke to the Prophet.

This brought Allah’s wrath and anger upon them. They were struck by a bolt of lightning, some of them, while others watched, and all of them. Prophet Musa (a.s.) was devastated at their death and cried in supplication to Allah (swt), questioning why He killed the best of the Children of Israel and what would he tell the rest of the population that awaited. Allah (swt) is the All Knowledgeable, He revealed to Prophet Musa (a.s.) that the 70 men who were electrocuted were also guilty of worshipping the calf. Next, Allah (swt) began to show the miracle of His Mercy. He started bringing the men back to life, one by one, so each one got the chance to witness the resurrection.

After they were alive, Prophet Musa (a.s.) asked them to take the Book of Allah (swt) i.e. the Tawrah and carry out the commandments. They said, ‘No’. The prophet inquired about the matter. There are two opinions about why they refused:

(1) They felt that by witnessing the miracles they were compelled (coerced, forced) to believe, so they did not have to fulfill the commandments, and

(2) They were required to follow the commandments, so that no responsible adult is free of such responsibilities. Although they had witnessed the tremendous calamities (the killings) and incidents, this did not acquit them from carrying out the commandments.

Allah (swt) sent some angels and made them topple the mountain over them.

Worship of the Calf and the trial for repentance.

Worship of the Golden Calf and the trial for repentance

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 2003, p.228-230) 

Prophet Musa (a.s.) was summoned by Allah for a period of 40 days (30 days during Dhul Qa ‘dah and first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah), after being rescued from Fir ‘awn, to be enlightened and blessed with the Tawrah, the criteria for right and wrong. 

Meanwhile, the Children of Israel began worshipping the calf. Upon returning, prophet Musa (a.s.) announced to them the severity of their error. They realized the wrong and regretted and turned to Allah for repentance. 

Allah’s command to the Children of Israel was that their repentance would be to slay by the sword every person (wrongdoer, who worshipped the calf) without being concerned about whom they kill. Prophets Musa and Harun (Aaron) (a.s.) were unaware of who was guilty and who was innocent. 

When prophet Musa (a.s.) received Allah’s command, he ordered those who had confessed their guilt to sit down and those who hadn’t to arm themselves with knives and stand. A great darkness overshadowed them as they began killing and 70,000 were dead when the dark lifted. 

Allah, the Most Merciful, had forgiven them all, those who died and those who lived. The killing was a great trial for seeking repentance. 

The Light On Sirat

Imagine being stranded on a bridge, without a light, under which there is a bottomless pit and you are dead sure there is a fire ablaze down there. The bridge would sound familiar to anyone who has read the Quran, or was paying attention while an elder or a scholar was speaking, and has come across the word Sirat. It is the very bridge that each human being has to cross on the Day of Judgement. There's a catch to it, a deal, which like any other has a profit and loss scenario. If you've been a Believer, a brilliant one, you shall pass. If you have been anything otherwise, your chances are slim. As I moved on with reading the tafsir of Surah Al-Baqarah I discovered the meanings of the verses that expose the traits of hypocrites and how they would be the ones stranded on the Sirat without a light. Conclusion: doom!

Allah (swt) has spoken of the strength of faith and belief as a light for those who believe and as a fierce thunderclap for hypocrites who turn a deaf ear and give a blind eye to guidance when it comes to them. Hypocrites, unfortunately, come from within Muslims themselves and they are all around. They can be identified from their deviant deeds. Words of faith do not effect them, they will listen to goodness for hours and days but remain unchanged, and furthermore they will manipulate the words of goodness to create doubts, conspiracies, innovations, and confusions. 

"Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind." - 22:46

A strong faith, a powerful Islamic lifestyle, and a knowledgeable voice are characteristics of a believer. One can develop them and use them to counter the confusions such as sectarianism, innovation, manipulation of Islamic meanings, and etc. created by hypocrites. A powerful Muslim's words and deeds shock the hypocrites because faith stuns disbelief. It strikes like a powerful bolt of lightning that blinds the deviant sights of disbelievers and hypocrites with which they see the world. It mutes the words of conspiracy and innovation. 

Hypocrites, therefore, are folks at a loss.

For such folk there is serious bad news because they will either have no light with them on the Sirat because they were staunch disbelievers, or their light will be very small and would go off if they have been hypocrites with faulty beliefs. Poof!

"They (the believers) will pass on the Sirat according to their deeds. The light that some people have will be as big as a mountain, while the light of others will be as big as a date tree. The people who will have the least light are those whose index fingers will sometimes be lit and extinguished at other times." - At-Tabari 23:3179

"Rabbana Atmim-lana Noorana"

"Our Lord! Keep perfect our Light for us."

Al-Hakim 2:495

Make sure it is the mountain you head for and not just the date tree. 

How I Overcame The Post Ramadan Writer's Block

The Writer's Block is a pet peeve of the devil himself, especially when you are writing for a good cause. The post-Ramadan writer's block had been doing an annoying dance on my nerves lately. Last night, at about Isha time when all was said and done, I ransacked my mind for fresh ideas. Alhamdulillah, they came and I spent the day today getting the resources together.

The past previous months have coaxed me into thinking more about the workings of the Muslim family, relationships, and how a family unit can function effectively. I was at a restaurant, waiting for a pizza in a never ending line, when a major fight broke out between two Muslim families because of some young adult boys who chose to misbehave. 

"Don't you give me the look, now!" The boy, about 17 or 18 years of age, shouted at his mother.
The mother, in an undertone, asked him to hush.

"Who're you telling to keep quiet?" The boy raged, "I will not keep quiet, I will not shut up, you shut up, you always give me that look."

The mother, louder this time, asked the boy to sit back down at the table. 

"No! I will not sit down!"

A man, apparently his father, came in to intervene all the way from his place in the waiting line. He asked him what the problem was and he ridiculed his mother.

"She always does this! She gives me the look! What are you going to do, hit me?" He glared at his mother.

This is when an appalling thing happened. The mother withdrew a toothpick from its holder on the table, and poked it multiple times like a dagger on her son's shoulder. He still didn't shut up!
That was when I saw the void that needs to be talked about. The distances in relationships, the mannerisms, the lack of personal connections. So I'd be putting together some thought-provoking articles. Hopefully, if my editorial team at Productive Muslim.com agrees, I shall be contributing the articles to their website.
Secondly, I had been meaning to put together an entire bunch of entries in Ramadan about soul searching, inner reflections, connecting with oneself and eventually finding Allah (swt)'s good will by connecting with Him. It is obvious that these entries will focus a lot on self-help issues.

Fortunately, I found out that Yasmin Mogahed's new book 'Reclaim Your Heart' touches a lot of such issues that can help serve the purpose. I'd be purchasing the book to benefit from it, inshaAllah. These articles would hopefully be coming up on Sisterly Yours, inshaAllah.
A third series that I am estimating, inshaAllah, is about women exclusively. I intend to attend 'Complicated? - A to Z Of Women's Modern Fiqh', a seminar by Al-Maghrib which aims at explaining the modern stance of a Muslim woman in the global community. The issues discussed in the introductory summary of the seminar are very practical and elaborate. There are always doubts in one's mind pertaining to the role of a Muslim woman and how much liberty she can enjoy. There are issues of socialization, public speaking, participation in the community, and many more.
I feel that as a writer for the Muslim youth, I definitely need to attend this seminar in order to understand my own scope and flexibility under the light of Quran and Sunnah.
Conclusively, I figured that when writer's block strikes it is best to gather resources which inspire creativity. The blankness is natural because of work overload, emotional stress, and exhaustion. Good books, good speakers, good movies, and websites are a refreshing feed of information that has the potential to become one good creative write.

Ramadan Has Flown By

The blessed month has flown away as if on wings. I have fasted, prayed, and I have made duaas. I wish I could have done more than what I did in terms of quality and quantity but my mother is struggling with health issues and I had to divert most of my attention towards her and medical procedures. I had wished to "reclaim my heart" as Yasmin Mogahed's new book talks about. I had wished to dive into the depths of my mind and soul to heal wounds, troubleshoot problems, and simplify life. I wasn't able to begin that process.

My Dua'a List - Reposted

In Ramadan Diaries 2010, I wrote down a beautiful list of Dua'as alhamdulillah. I was inspired to write down a Dua'a List from Amirah Mauthoor's Ramadan e-book "Recharge Your Faith." I ensured that I cover every aspect of my life and called upon Allah (swt) using His 100 names, each one relative to the dua'a I was calling him for. I am sharing the dua'a list because often we forget what we should be asking Allah (swt) for. 

My Ramadan Deficiency

It's the 5th of Ramadan already! Time flies, except of course when one hour is left for Iftaar.

I must say I haven't been very good with keeping my Ramadan diary this year. My doctor diagnosed me with a big vitamin D deficiency and an elevated H. Pylori in my stomach which means increased acid levels, basically. Also, my mother's health hasn't been keeping very well. So, mashaAllah, I feel pretty heroic with fasting this year. I pray that Allah grants everybody the strength and stamina to fast and worship, ameen.

Ramadan fasts in my part of the USA are a good 16 hours starting from 4:30am and ending at about 8:30pm. I'd say I'm handling the duration pretty well, but my productivity level is very, very low, like that vitamin D. I had some goals set straight before the month began, but they aren't coming along very well because I'm so preoccupied with difficulties.

Nevertheless, there is always time to revamp because this is a matter not between me and the world but between me and Allah. And He is the Most Understanding. So, I'm revising my goals, making them a bit more easier this Ramadan.

Ramadan Goals:

• Memorizing the 100 names of Allah
• Read most of the Tafsir of Surah Baqarah
• Read as much Quran as I can
• Compile a good variety of recipes in the Ramadan Kitchen

Ramadan Eve: Welcoming Ramadan Kareem

My mind is turning back pages in time ... to a couple of years ago when I lived in my home country Pakistan in Karachi, the City of Lights. The night of the new moon ... the Ramadan moon ... used to be a night of great festivity. I was usually found, during the day, running the last minute Ramadan shopping lists with my mother. The most fresh item to grab just on the eve of Ramadan was mithaai, the sweet treats for Sehri, the pre-fasting meal.

The eve would begin with the typical moon sighting drama where some seriously far flung, remote areas of the country would suddenly bear witness of having sighted the new moon. Whereas, the awesome Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman would still be engaged in sighting it with his buddies of the Hilal Committee.

At times, announcements would take a really long time to confirm the moon sighting! I remember once everybody got the breaking news at around midnight, the nation had missed a Taraweeh, and my mother was suddenly in the panic mode! The housemaid was being woken up, the watchman was being stirred alive, and seher preparations had just jolt started! Ah! Those were the days!

All cellular phone networks would get jammed because people were sending Ramzaan Mubarak texts around the country to their family and friends. Phone lines would all become engaged because everybody was busy calling up the entire planet.

The men of the house would shower, put on their "special" kurta pajama/shalwar, douse Itar and get ready for Taraweeh prayers at their local mosques. The women would be busy arranging their kitchens which would boil, bubble, broil, grill, and fry traditional delicacies for Iftar and Seher meals for the net 30 blessed days.

Outside, the bakers and confectioners would be all ready with their huge bubbling cauldrons of oil, frying up rolls, samosas, jalebi, imarti, and what not!

I must mention my wonderful girlfriends who always got busy planning Iftaar menus, Iftaar cum dinner reunions, and Eid preparations on endless phone calls, text messages, and even between lectures at college.

The spirit of Ramadan is brilliant in the USA too but having spent 24 years of my life in Karachi, Pakistan, the festive connection of the heart is always missing.

Ramadan Festivities Begin

Masjids distributing Ramadan calenders and taraweeh arrangements, open air cauldrons bubbling with ghee, sweet jalebis frying, shelves of mouth-watering sweet treat mithaai, bakeries packed with rushing Ramadan shoppers, frozen rolls, samosas, and patties selling away, store shelves emptying like crazy, and fast food joints advertising their suhoor and  iftaar deals ...

That's how I remember Ramadan from two years ago in Karachi. 

 

Today was my Ramadan shopping day and seeing the festivities at one of the Indian stores, in courtesy of Ramadan, brought the feel and spirit of the season rushing to me. When it comes to food, there are traditional favorites that gain popularity. There are popadums, the sugary red sherbet, and sweet treats!

I took my time absorbing the festivities, not as vibrant as Karachi, because what follows ahead is a month of intense worship and also intense physical exertion in the kitchen and around the house, because all work would be on an empty stomach.

May Allah help us all, ameen.

Fear is the Core of Iman and Knowledge

This is very common. People acquire knowledge of the Quran, Allah (the Exalted)'s Divine Word, and the Hadith (blessed words of Prophet Mohammad (peace on him and his progeny)) but they still are not able to become role model Muslims. People pray 5 times a day like an exercising ritual, brilliant sit ups, but cannot deliver the essence of their prayers in their lives. The missing element, I realized while reading the tafsir (Quran's meaning), is the fear of the Lord Himself. You cannot achieve perfection in faith and knowledge unless you embellish your heart with the fear of Allah.

Started Surah Al-Baqarah

Earlier today I was very depressed and frustrated because household chores have been keeping me from resuming my reading of Quran's tafsir (meaning). I decided to make time by utilizing the spare "breathing minutes" that I get I between chores. It's tough but it's high time and I am calling for desperate measures. I have a 10 volume tafsir set to complete.

The Beginning of Al-Baqarah

Today I read the introductory verses of Surah Al-Baqarah. It is a surah (chapter of the Quran) that was revealed in Madinah and there are multiple ahadith (sayings of Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings on him and his progeny) which highlight its virtues. 

• Recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah gets one's house rid of Shaytan (the Devil)
• Recitation of the first 4 verses, verses of Ayat Al-Kursi, it's following 2 verses, and the last 3 verses will protect one's house and one's family from the devil.
• Surah Baqarah and Surah Al-e-Imran will intercede for those who memorize them and will shield them on the day of Judgment.

The tafsir also elaborated that:

• The Quran, like its Author, Allah (swt), is a doubt-free Book without faults and flaws.
• Only Allah chooses whom to guide or misguide.
• Guidance only comes to those who seek it and who avoid the wrong/harmful in order to be guided.
• Only the muttaqeen (who have taqwa (the will to avoid/fear)) are rightly guided.

Reading continues, inshaAllah ...

Productive Ramadan Tips

Productive Ramadan is one of the best websites you can stay tuned in to in order to plan effectively for the Ramadan season. I couldn't help but adore their wonderful tips that they've put up. They have started with the advice of having sincere intentions. This implies that one is not fasting to follow a social norm or to impress somebody. Proactive planning is essential, as with all goal setting. Here, they've mentioned how keeping a Ramadan diary with effective tools like the Productive Ramadan Taskinator can help you stay on track. There is an emphasis on not missing the Suhoor. It is simply foolish to act macho and skipping the most important meal.

Ramadan Diaries 2012, inshaAllah

Ramadan is fast approaching, like a train, and we're almost at the railroads. The deal is, what type of an encounter shall we have? Shall we collide head on, caught off guard, or we shall be ready to board it properly and enjoy the journey? inshaAllah, if we're prepared we'll make the most of it. I, for one, am highly impatient about Ramadan because it's this immensely beautiful month when I can really feel the closeness to Allah, no kidding. I am no mystic, no saint, but I do feel that I am able to connect with Him and my prayers are so, so better. I have sought the ultimate solution to make the most of this month. I have taken a break from my MBA courses.

There were concerns about my decision because, as Pakistani families think, time is running out and I have to graduate before Armageddon hits us! However, I was pretty firm about it, mashaAllah ... for once my decision making did not falter. That's how it is in Allah's matters. I feel that with my attention focused on Ramadan alone and not racing with time to complete assignments and class discussions, I shall be able to live the spirit of the beautiful season, inshaAllah. I wish to start a nice Tahajjud routine, followed by some seriously dedicated reading of the Tafsir, and shall top it with some more extra prayers during the day.

I do have a theme for this year's Ramadan Diaries. I am aiming at overcoming the horrors of my mind, inshaAllah. They've been created by Shaytan, who else? Since he shall take a hike to Hell as usual during Ramadan, I wish to conquer those fears and bury them away forever. I feel I must let go, and there is no better time than Ramadan to turn over a new leaf.

Stay with me ...

The Path Surrounded by Walls

"Your religion has so many restrictions."

"Muslim (Muslim women, specially) are so captivated."

"The Shariah is such an enslavement."

AHEM!

I hear that a lot, we all hear that a lot. But then the theological perspectives of the modern world elaborate that religion introduces a discipline in the 'Law of the Jungle', the immense social chaos. Then why double standards when the Islamic Law (Shariah), as sent down by the Almighty Himself, is the universal code of discipline? That's a question.

I am reading the exegesis (Tafsir), the elaborated meaning, of the Quran and I have begun with the Surah (chapter) Al-Fatihah. It mentions the ideal way a Believer should supplicate i.e. make dua'a and contains the words: Sirat Al-Mustaqeem which mean the rightly guided path. 

Ibn Kathir has included a Hadith reference (the words of Prophet Mohammad (saww)) which elaborates on the meaning and ideology of Sirat Al-Mustaqeem (the straight path). I know what Rasool Allah (the Messenger of God) meant when he said there are closed doors on either side of the straight path. There are so many worldly temptations ... music, boyfriends, missing prayers, alcohol, gambling, and so much more ... that literally pulls you towards themselves. I have opened some doors ... music for instance. It was addictive, it provided the illusion that lyrics are conveying what I felt. I recall reading in the Quran, a warning about poets who recited delusional stories to deviate people from their paths. I am connecting that with the lyrics of music. The songs I was listening to were reinstating the negativity in my life. For instance, I harbored the negativity in my heart that nothing will ever be good in life. The Gothic poetry very conveniently approved that negativity. "Sweet dreams are made of these ... who am I to disagree?... Travel the world and the seven seas ... everybody's looking for something ... some of them want to use you ... some of them want to be used by you ... some of them want to abuse you ... some of them want to be abused ..." sang Marilyn Manson. Sheer delusion ...

Closing that door was difficult but it happened. I am happily music-free and I have more promising poetry ... that of the Quran ... flowing through my mind now. 

InnAllaha ma'as Saabireen 

Allah is with those who are patient

So the doors can be closed, if you accidentally crossover. And they are for the better. 

May Allah grant each one of us the strength to stay on the Sirat Al-Mustaqeem and close the forbidden doors if we ever crossover, ameen.

I Have Wronged So Greatly

Ya Rabb! 

My heart is heavy,

For I've wronged so greatly.

But my feet grow lighter as I tread,

Towards Your limitless Mercy.

I have heard of Your Greatness,

Your Ways of Blessing souls.

Hope's ablaze in a sinner's heart,

While darkness unfolds.

I have wronged so greatly,

I've forgotten who I was.
Steadfast I walk towards You,
Repentance, my healing cause.
I'm hurt, O, Allah!
Hurt beyond all measures.
You know the reasons, You know so well,
Yours are all great treasures.

From those treasures, O, Allah!
Bless the sinful heart of mine.
Grant me Your utmost Mercy,
Excel me in my purpose, divine.
I have wronged so greatly,
But my hope, from You, is strong.
Astaghfirulllaha wa atoobu ilayik
Goes on my heart's song.

SPEED - A Dua'a to Him Who Settles All Affairs

Life is a mad rush. There are academic, household, physical, and emotional demands that make a person keep running one of those hamster wheels that do not stop unless the hamster is exhausted. I, for one, have also considered picking up some of those 5 hour energy drinks they advertise on television but kept myself from doing so because of the obvious risk of cancer! Coffee works, but fails after reaching its crescendo. Dua'a is the only thing that will get me through, I know.

Allah (swt) is Powerful over all things. His supremacy overrules time itself. Nobody is to question His beginning and end because there are none. I cannot imagine infinite beginning and infinite end, can you?

He will pull back the dimension of time altogether when the world would come to an end, it's called the End of Times for the same reason. So, He has this limitless store that He can grant me from. I ask for speed.

Mistakes are to Learn From - On Missing Fajr

Missing my Fajr prayer this morning, going horribly wrong after a dedicated struggle, was like falling into a gutter hole while running an Olympian marathon. It was clearly Shaytan's work when I woke up at 4:30am and, in a delusional frame of mind, switched off my 5:30am alarm.

Mistakes are to learn from and a person who does not accept his or her mistakes, can never learn. I have come across several individuals who are in active denial of their mistakes. They do not grieve about what they have done wrong, but they find excuses to justify the cause of the wrong they have committed.

I do not wish to be one of those, so I acknowledge my mistakes and humiliate myself for a long time about going wrong. That's the way to do it. If I embarrass myself in front of myself, I would be more accountable for my wrong.

Jumaah Approaches

The blessings of Jumaah begin as Thursday's sun sets and the moon rises. It's Thursday afternoon, as I type this, and it's pretty dreary so I would appreciate Jumu'ah's blessings as dusk falls, insha'Allah. This time I have decided to get a head start on the Surah Al-Kahf recitation 

Are You Ready?

This year's Ramadan would be a bigger challenge than last year's because it's coming up in July which means it would be the peak of summer season, roughly. Summers in North America are about wild thunderstorms, tornadoes, power outages (may Allah forbid!), and the heat waves. Graciously, it would be the schools holiday month so the school / college goers will have the ease of staying in the shade. For folks working outdoors, may Allah help you more, ameen!

It is not too early to be speaking of Ramadan because the more you prepare the merrier. Before you know it, two months would fly by and the Ramadan moon will be shinning in all its glory, calling upon Muslims all around the globe to commemorate 30 days of eternal peace, worship, and gaining huge merits, God Willing inshAllah.

I have been writing the Ramadan Diaries (a blogging series) for the past 2 years and in its wake, Sisterly Yours was born. This Ramadan would be the 3rd anniversary of Ramadan Diaries mashAllah. So I am rummaging through my brain and soul for a special theme. When I started in 2010, the first theme was Repentance, followed by Productivity in 2011. 2012 should be something different, obviously.

I am going to let Ramadan act like a 'spiritual fix' - I borrowed that word from Sh. Navaid Aziz's series - for me. I'd let the 30 blessed days cleanse the junk in my brain. There is a lot of negativity, phobias, delusions, and all sorts of nonsense piling up in there. I'd do a soul search this Ramadan, inshAllah, and everybody is welcome to join me on the adventure.

Stay tuned for more on Ramadan Diaries 2012.

Typing about this at nearly midnight is the most inappropriate, considering I haven't prayed my Ishaa prayers yet, but I just need to get this out.

Prophet Suleyman a.s. (Solomon)'s Dua'a

This morning during my Quran reading, I discovered a beautiful dua'a recited by Prophet Suleyman aleyhessalam (a.s.). It calls upon Allah, thanking Him for His gifts given to Prophet Suleyman (a.s.) which were the ability to communicate with and command armies of jinn and animals. He had been awarded a high rank and profound knowledge by Allah. He is also thanking Allah for the gifts that his parents were blessed with and is pleading to be included among the pious servants. 

Make good use of these words to thank your Creator for what He has gifted you and your parents with and seek His blessings to secure a good rank among the best of people, inshAllah.

May Allah forgive my sins and those of who repent whole-heartedly.

Ameen.

Surah Ash-Shu'ara (The Poets) Review

Get This Wallpaper at SY Design Studio

Today at Fajr, I completed the reading of Surah Ash-Shu'ara with its translation, mashAllah. I couldn't figure out Allah's Wisdom behind naming the Surah "The Poets" until I got to the very end. Of course, the detailed meaning I will discover when I read the exegesis (Tafseer), inshAllah. The Surah was revealed to Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings on him and his family (salAllahu alehy wa'aleyhi wasallam - saww) to command him that it is not his duty to grieve over the failure of the disbelievers to embrace the truth i.e. Allah's message and His Book - The Quran, because a prophet's work is only to voice Allah's command and make it clear to all who hear. Allah narrates the fate of various disbelieving nations who ignored the call of their Messengers, sent by Allah, and hence met severe doom.

Prophets Moses and Aaron, peace be upon them (aleyh'salaam - a.s.)

Allah reminds Prophet Mohammad (saww) about how Prophet Moses (a.s.) confronted difficulty in bringing up a revolution against the tyrant Pharaoh. He asked Allah for a brother who would aid his struggle and he was blessed with the companionship of Prophet Aaron (a.s.). A conversation between the arrogant Pharaoh and Prophet Moses (a.s.) follows which reflects how strong a believer needs to be when facing a disbeliever who claims to be God. Then comes the incidence of Prophet Moses' (a.s.) staff (asa'a) turning into a snake when all the magicians of the city were made to confront him with their spells. They all bore witness that it was a miracle of Allah - the One God Who had sent Moses (a.s.) and not the Pharaoh - the self-proclaimed god.

Following the idea that only the brave believers are aided by Allah's miracle, the Surah progresses to revise the incidence of Prophet Moses (a.s.) making an escape from Pharoah's land with his band of followers of the religion of Allah. When confronted by the Red Sea (as historians say) Prophet Moses (a.s.) was commanded by Allah to go ahead and the sea divides into two ... allowing the believers a safe passage while Pharaoh and his men are drowned!

Prophet Abraham (a.s.)'s Story and Signs For Disbelievers

The next that follows is a conversation between Prophet Abraham (a.s.) and the idol-worshipers against whom he was inspired by Allah to revolt. The prophet reasons with the ignorant ones about their foolishness in worshiping statues that could neither harm nor benefit and the people respond with the most illogical of reasoning. 

Prophet Noah (a.s.)'s Story

There is a mention of the story of Prophet Noah (a.s.) and how he, too, as a believer was mocked at and threatened of being stoned when he invited people to the Word of Allah. Once again, Allah wrote doom for the disbelievers and the great flood wiped off their existence, becoming a sign for all who disbelieve to remember.

Story of Prophet Hud (a.s.) and the Disbelievers of Aad

The People of Aad were a prosperous nation. Giant-like they built huge fortresses and lived like tyrants, cruel attackers. They had been blessed by abundant foods and water and thrived prosperously. However, they did the ultimate sin of Shirk as they built idols for worship. Prophet Hud (a.s.), like other prophets, warned these ignorant fools of their folly but to no avail. Ultimately, Allah narrates how He sent a mighty storm to destroy them.

The People of Thamud (Samood), Prophet Saleh (a.s.) and the Earthquake

The People of Thamud are mentioned next. They were those who carved homes and structures in mountains and enjoyed prosperous lives. But they did not follow the Commands of Allah and followed the wrongdoers. Prophet Saleh (a.s.) tried to reason with them and deliver Allah's message but they gave him a deaf ear. Ultimately, they met a terrible end as Allah sent a terrible earthquake that buried them under stone and rock. They were discovered thousands of year later by archaeologists ... as if it was Allah's Will to preserve them for the world to see.

The People of Lut, Prophet Lut (a.s.), and the Deadly Rain

The People of Lut had adopted homosexuality instead of the lawful life partners that Allah had given them. Prophet Lut (a.s.) was another trusted Messenger who tried to beat some sense into them but to no use. Their deadly end was a storm that rained down stones on them, wiping them from the face of the earth. 

Prophet Shuya'ab's People

There is also a mention of the wrongdoers towards whom Prophet Shuya'ab (a.s.) was sent. I have yet to read in detail about the people of Prophet Shuay'ab, but the crux of what I read in the Surah is that they were unjust in their financial and routine transactions. They wronged people with abuse and with corruption. Prophet Shuya'ab (a.s.) forewarned them but like all other prophets he too received a deaf ear. Eventually, they too were destroyed by Allah's wrath.

Conclusion

Allah speaks to Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) in this Surah and commands him not to grieve about the fate of the people once he has delivered the true message to them. The Quran is the whole truth, the complete word. If disbelievers turn deaf, dumb, and blind then they should be left to suffer the punishment that Allah has designed for them.