Angel Jibr'il: The Ruh Al-Qudus

The name of the four angels of Allah (swt) i.e. Jibril, Mikail, Israfil, and Izrail all mean the same thing. Jibr, Mik, and Israf all mean "worshipper" while il in their names is a constant like Abdul in Abdul-Rahman. Where Abdul means "slave of", il means "of Allah".

Jibril has been entitled Ruh Al-Qudus for bringing down the miracle of Qur'an. He is one of the messengers of Allah, and the only one who interacted with human beings i.e. Prophets. Refuting one messenger equals refuting all. Besides Jibril this is true of all Prophets as well. If one rejects Prophet Isa (Jesus) then he has rejected all prophets, if one rejects prophet Musa (Moses), or Haroon (Aaron), or Yaqub (Jacob), any from the chain of prophets beginning from prophet Adam, he will be considered equal to have refuted the entire chain. Muslims believe in the complete chain right to the very conclusion, the seal of Prophethood at Prophet Muhammad sal allahu aleyhi wa a'aleyhi wasallam. Believing in Ruh Al-Qudus i.e. Jibril; therefore, is a critical component of belief because he is the link between Allah and the prophets, the medium of communication between them. 

Ruh Al-Qudus means the Trustworthy Spirit. Jibril's missions to descend with the Word of Allah were conducted on Allah's Command and not of his own will. Allah's Messengers; therefore, are both angels and men and all of them should be acknowledged by the Believers unless they wish to invoke Allah's fury. Mika'il also descended with Allah's Message to some prophets, which is why the Jews considered him a friend, but his real work is to make winds and weather by Allah's Command. The work of carrying out Allah's revelation to the prophets is basically Jibr'il's. In the Qur'an, Allah has mentioned Jibr'il and Mika'il together to highlight the equal importance of Jibr'il and Mika'il and the rejection of one causes the rejection of the other. 

By refusing to believe in Jibr'il; therefore, it is clear that one invokes the fury of Allah.

References

Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 1, p.304-306, Darussalam Publications

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. 

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 ...

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.

Surah Ash-Shu'ara (The Poets) Review

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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.

Al-Kahf recitation by Mishary Rashid for Habibi Halaqas

I hope you enjoy watching this beautiful compilation of gorgeous caves from around the world, mashAllah, that I compiled for Habibi Halaqas for their Surah Al-Kahf video. More videos to come, inshAllah. Mishary, indeed, has a mesmerizing style of recitation. 

Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave): "The Regret Is Not Ours"

As I begin to read the meaning of the introductory verses of Surah Al-Kahf, the foremost instruction I get from Allah is that you should not feel sorry for the idolators i.e. the disbelievers for what they do. This has been instructed to Prophet Mohammad (saww) to convey to his Ummah that was awestruck at the disbelievers of the time. They were saddened, depressed, and often angered because of the idol worship and remarks of disbelief on the Oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Prophet Mohammad (saww). However, since we know that Islam and the Word of Allah is for all times, we can apply the same instruction on ourselves and know that we are not to regret for the ones who do not believe, our duty is only to convey the message of truth.

فَلَعَلَّكَ بَـخِعٌ نَّفْسَكَ عَلَى ءَاثَـرِهِمْ إِن لَّمْ يُؤْمِنُواْ بِهَـذَا الْحَدِيثِ

Perhaps, you would kill yourself in grief, over their footsteps, because they believe not in this narration.) meaning the Qur'an.

أَسَفاً

in grief

Some beautiful words of advice from Tafsir Ibn Kathir: 

"Do not feel sorry for them, just convey the Message of Allah to them. Whoever goes the right way, then he goes the right way only for the benefit of himself. And whoever goes astray, then he strays at his own loss, so do not destroy yourself in sorrow for them."

Let's apply that to our daily life. There are so many people around us who fall into the category of disbelievers. We know of the non-Muslims who do not believe and we have read infinitely about them. I talk of the Muslims who are disbelievers!

There are friends and relatives around us who disbelieve in the accountability to Allah on the day of judgement. There are those who indulge in various types of shirk i.e. asking religious deities and spiritual entities for their worldly needs, wearing stones and amulets and believing that they would guard them. 

Furthermore, there are those who are ignorant to the word of Allah and make bold claims. I got to hear from a relative, "Covering the head is nowhere in the Quran," and "Interest is legal".

Then there are instances like backbiting, family politics, professional foul play, and open misdemeanors that consequently put us into the states that Allah mentions in Al-Kahf here. 

We are angered, we feel regret for such people, we grieve, and we mourn. This is exactly what Allah instructs us not to do. Our duty is to make a stern and brief correcting statement and then forget about the misdemeanor. Why? Because our job there is done.

Al Kahf Tales

Each Friday there is a great emphasis on the recitation of Surah Al-Kahf i.e. the chapter from the Quran, called "The Cave". It would only be foolish to miss out the brilliant opportunity that Allah (swt) has blessed us with in form of Surah Al-Kahf. It is the very gift that illuminates our lives and allows us to have our sins from the past Friday forgiven. Of course, this cannot be misinterpreted as a ticket to clearing the record of bad deeds so you could commit them again. Al-Kahf contains some very valuable morals through 4 great stories from the past times. There is a message about "Time," conveyed through the story of the People of the Cave, a message of "Knowledge," conveyed through the story of Prophets Moses and Khizr (peace be on them), and a message of "Power," conveyed through the tale of the great warrior ZulQarnayn.

The Importance of Surah Al-Kahf
Besides the gift of our past week's sins being forgiven, Al-Kahf is a shield of protection from the Dajjal, Anti Christ as known to the world. The first ten and last ten ayahs (verses) of Al-Kahf secure a person from the evil of Dajjal.

Why Was Surah Al-Kahf Revealed?
When Prophet Mohammad (saww) announced prophethood and began conveying the Word of Allah to the people, several doubt arose about his authenticity and credibility. This was because they were the dark ages of Arabia and also there had been several accounts of false prophets. 
The Quraysh (the tribe of the prophet) sent 2 men, An-Nadr bin Al-Harith and `Uqbah bin Abi Mu`it, to the Jewish rabbis in Al-Madinah, to ask them about Prophet Mohammad (saww) while describing the Prophet to them and conveying his message to them. The Jews were considered the people of the first Book (Tawrah) and their knowledge about the chain of prophets from Prophet Adam (a.s.) right down to Prophet Moses (a.s.) was considered authentic. They knew what prophets had been like and what knowledge they were to possess when Allah chose them as men of knowledge.
So they set out and when they reached Al-Madinah, they asked the Jewish rabbis about the Messenger of Allah . They described him to them and told them some of what he had said. They said, `You are the people of the Tawrah and we have come to you so that you can tell us about this companion of ours.' 
They (the rabbis) said, `Ask him about three things which we will tell you to ask, and if he answers them then he is a Prophet who has been sent (by Allah); if he does not, then he is saying things that are not true, in which case how you will deal with him will be up to you. Ask him about some young men in ancient times, what was their story For theirs is a strange and wondrous tale. Ask him about a man who travelled a great deal and reached the east and the west of the earth. What was his story And ask him about the Ruh (soul or spirit) -- what is it If he tells you about these things, then he is a Prophet, so follow him, but if he does not tell you, then he is a man who is making things up, so deal with him as you see fit.' 
So An-Nadr and `Uqbah left and came back to the Quraysh, and said: `O people of Quraysh, we have come to you with a decisive solution which will put an end to the problem between you and Muhammad. The Jewish rabbis told us to ask him about some matters,' and they told the Quraysh what they were. Then they came to the Messenger of Allah and said, `O Muhammad, tell us,' and they asked him about the things they had been told to ask.
The Surah was revealed  for the purpose of blessing Prophet Mohammad (saww) with the knowledge of the 3 questions that the Jewish rabbis had put forward and also to console him and the Believers that they shouldn't waste themselves in regret over the disbelief of the idolators and non-believers.

Source:
http://www.theholybook.org/content/category/1/134/2/

Ramadan Diaries: Tafsir: Surah Al-Qadr (The Grandeur)

The Virtues of the Night of Al-Qadr (the Decree)

Allah informs that He sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Al-Qadr, and it is a blessed night about which Allah says,

[إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـهُ فِى لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَـرَكَةٍ]

(We sent it down on a blessed night.) (44:3) This is the Night of Al-Qadr and it occurs during the month of Ramadan. This is as Allah says,

[شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِى أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ]

(The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an.) (2:185) Ibn `Abbas and others have said, "Allah sent the Qur'an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-`Izzah), which is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that occurred over a period of twenty-three years.'' Then Allah magnified the status of the Night of Al-Qadr, which He chose for the revelation of the Mighty Qur'an, by His saying,

[وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ - لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ ]

(And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah 

"When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say,

The Descent of the Angels and the Decree for Every Good during the Night of Al-Qadr

Allah say,

[تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَـئِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ ]

(Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter.) meaning, the angels descend in abundance during the Night of Al-Qadr due to its abundant blessings. The angels descend with the descending of blessings and mercy, just as they descend when the Qur'an is recited, they surround the circles of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and they lower their wings with true respect for the student of knowledge. In reference to Ar-Ruh, it is said that here it means the angel Jibril. Therefore, the wording of the Ayah is a method of adding the name of the distinct object (in this case Jibril) separate from the general group (in this case the angels). Concerning Allah's statement,

[مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ]

(with every matter.) Mujahid said, "Peace concerning every matter.'' Sa`id bin Mansur said, `Isa bin Yunus told us that Al-A`mash narrated to them that Mujahid said concerning Allah's statement,

[سَلَـمٌ هِىَ]

(There is peace) "It is security in which Shaytan cannot do any evil or any harm.'' Qatadah and others have said, "The matters are determined during it, and the times of death and provisions are measured out (i.e., decided) during it.'' Allah says,

[فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ ]

(Therein is decreed every matter of decree.) (44:4) Then Allah says,

[سَلَـمٌ هِىَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ ]

(There is peace until the appearance of dawn.) Sa`id bin Mansur said, "Hushaym narrated to us on the authority of Abu Ishaq, who narrated that Ash-Sha`bi said concerning Allah's statement,

[تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَـئِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ - سَلَـمٌ هِىَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ ]

(With every matter, there is a peace until the appearance of dawn.) `The angels giving the greetings of peace during the Night of Al-Qadr to the people in the Masjids until the coming of Fajr (dawn).''' Qatadah and Ibn Zayd both said concerning Allah's statement, coming of Fajr (dawn).''

Ramadan Diaries: Treasures from the Quran - "Signs & Favors of The Merciful" (part 3)

Each place on this earth, each phenomenon in the universe is reflective of Allah (swt)'s mercy. The way He keeps a balance between things provides us variety, safety, and great benefit. 

 Allah said,[مَرَجَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ يَلْتَقِيَانِ ](He has Maraja the two seas), or let them loose

[بَيْنَهُمَا بَرْزَخٌ لاَّ يَبْغِيَانِ ]

(Between them is a barrier which none of them can transgress.) 

A combined analysis by scholars in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, explains that Allah (swt) has created 2 seas, the fresh water and the salty water seas, and they have a barrier between them so their waters do not mix! 

Not too long ago I came across the photograph and a YouTube video (photo above) that shows a place where salty waters are clashing with fresh (sweet) waters and they do not meet. Observe how their colors are different with the salty one being greyish and dull because of the silt. It is remarkable that marine biologists have discovered that even the life forms in the 2 seas are very different from one another. Different types of fish species with different tasting meats live in the 2 different seas. SubhanAllah!

Now that you think of it, the species of living beings in each sea cannot survive when they are made to enter the other. Allah (swt) is keeping two living habitats separate! There is no physical barrier and yet the two sea worlds do not mix!

Then there's the mention of the treasures that are made under the sea! There are creatures, living beings, under the leagues of the ocean that make precious adornments for us! How can we deny such gifts and not believe in the mercy of the Beneficent?

[يَخْرُجُ مِنْهُمَا الُّلؤْلُؤُ وَالمَرْجَانُ ]

(Out of them both come out pearls and Al-Marjan. ) pearls are well-known. As for Marjan they say it means small pearls. Mujahid, Qatadah, Abu Ruzayn, Ad-Dahhak said it, and it has also been reported from `Ali. It was also said that it means large, precious pearls, this was mentioned by Ibn Jarir from some of the Salaf. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded from Ibn `Abbas who said, "When it rains, the oysters in the sea open their mouths. What falls in them, the drops, turns into pearls.'' Its chain of narrators is Sahih. Since this type of adornment is a favor from Allah to the people of earth, He reminded them of it,

On my trip to Mauritius and Seychelles, two beautiful island countries, I got to see some beautiful treasures of the sea that they sell as jewelry and accessories. In addition to pearls, there are the coral reefs. They are deposits left by living organisms, called corals. on the sea bed and are very, very precious.

[وَلَهُ الْجَوَارِ الْمُنشَئَاتُ]

(And His are Al-Jawar Al-Munsha'at), meaning the ships that float,

[فِى الْبَحْرِ]

(in the seas),

[كَالاٌّعْلَـمِ]

(like A`lam.) This means, they are like mountains with their great size, and it also refers to the trade and commercial services they make possible, transporting cargo from one area to another and from one province to another. Ships provide various benefits for people, including transporting different types of goods they need. Therefore,

[فَبِأَىِّ ءَالاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ]

(Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both deny)

It appears to be such a normal sight, seeing a ship sailing. You've got to experience it to know what a miracle it is. I was in my teens when we sailed the giant ocean liner "Star Cruise Virgo" from Malaysia to Singapore and back again. We were afloat for 4 days and 3 nights on what seemed a city on water! Standing at the very edge of the ship and looking behind at the huge expanse that it covered, riding the elevators up and down 9 floors of hotel rooms and 3 floors of basement, I was stunned. All that me and my family could do was to marvel at the incredible might of the ocean! What a mighty sea it is that holds such weights afloat! As I watched the propellers break through the waters at all sides and the massive ship sail at full speed ... all that came to mind was the greatness of Allah (swt).

[كُلُّ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا فَانٍ - وَيَبْقَى وَجْهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو الْجَلْـلِ وَالإِكْرَامِ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ]

[يَسْأَلُهُ مَن فِى السَّمَـوَتِ وَالاٌّرْضِ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ هُوَ فِى شَأْنٍ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ]

(26. Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish.) (27. And the Face of your Lord Dhul-Jalal wal-Ikram will remain forever.) (28. Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both deny) (29. Whosoever is in the heavens and on the earth begs of Him. Every day He is (engaged) in some affair!) (30. Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both deny)


And then Allah (swt) tells us, after revising the greatness of such supermassive miracles, that all these would perish and only He Himself would remain.

We look at the great seas and ships and treasures and we mistake them for being eternal because of their grandeur. Remember Titanic? People used to say when the ocean liner was created, "God Himself can't sink this ship." Everybody knows what happened.

In Seychelles, we took a glass-bottomed boat to check out some coral reefs at the base of the sea. Guess what? It was a no show because the Tsunami (the first one) had destroyed them all away!

This is why we ask Allah (swt) for His mercy. He (swt) can create, as well as destroy. 

Ramadan Diaries: Treasures from the Quran - "Signs & Favors of The Merciful" (part 2)

Click to read Part 1

Further in Chapter 55 of the Quran, Surah Ar-Rahman (The Merciful), there is a mention of exotic fruits and flavors that Allah (swt) has gifted to Man. 

We just gobble them up when we find them without sparing a thought about what miracles they hold in their existence. Give this a thought... how is it that each season has its own fruits? How are these changes helping? How do these correlate? 

We get watermelons in the summer when we are in most need of water. Watermelons are largely made of water. As winter arrives, trees bear oranges that are rich in Vitamin C and elements that boost our immunity against cold and flu. Some fruits and vegetables are evergreen, that is, they grow in every season and provide great nutritional value!

How can we deny the Wisdom of our Lord behind this?

(Therein are fruits,) of various colors, taste and scent,

[وَالنَّخْلُ ذَاتُ الاٌّكْمَامِ]

(and date palms producing Akmam.) Allah mentioned the date tree here specifically because of its benefit, both fresh and dry. 

[وَالْحَبُّ ذُو الْعَصْفِ وَالرَّيْحَانُ ]

(And also corn, with (its) `Asf (straw), and Rayhan (green leaves))

Mesmerizing isn't it? The Favors of Allah (swt). It's unfortunate that our eyes do not appreciate looking at such beauty and we're caught up in the glitz and glam of the silver screen and the media. It's a pity that our hearts do not appreciate these gifts that have hidden gifts within them! We are unfortunate to deny them when they're all around us! From the minute we awaken and we smell the fresh coffee brewing in our homes, to the very end when we sip the hot chocolate and go off to sleep, there are Signs and Favors that make life worth living.

Allah said,

[فَبِأَىِّ ءَالاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ]

(Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both deny) meaning, "O mankind and Jinn, which of the favors that Allah has given to you do you deny'' 

The only way we will treasure these priceless gifts of fruits and flavors is to become empathetic and feel the pain and angst of those who do not have them. 

Allah (swt) may be testing these unfortunate people for their patience or punishing them for a wrong, He knows best. But whatever is the case, if we are of the 5% people who enjoy 3 meals a day and clean water, we should be thankful to Him and should beg for His mercy so He may not test us with hardship.

Another way to seek Allah (swt)'s mercy in our lives is to please Him by easing the suffering of His people. Who are the people? All humankind, without the labels of religion, cast, creed, race, or ethnicity. 

When you fast, do not only do it to enjoy the Seher and Iftaar goodies. Do it to show your love for your Lord, and to feel the misery of those who suffer the hunger throughout their lives until death takes it away. Then... seek mercy.

Be grateful and shed tears of gratitude and of seeking mercy that you are not standing in one of those lines waiting to get a bowl of bland tasting supplement food to keep your stomach acid from eating up your body from the inside.

Ramadan Diaries: Treasures from the Quran - "Signs & Favors of The Merciful"

It's unfortunate how we sit up high in tall buildings, drive sleek cars, and eat at expensive diners and comment about the signs of how Man has prospered in arts and sciences. Yet, we take for granted the Signs that are larger than life and that display themselves every second of our lives, by the Will of our Creator, to aware us about His greatness.

Allah (swt), as we acknowledge Him, is the Most Merciful (Ar-Rahman). He has Himself spoken to us about the favors that He's gifted to us and in Chapter 55: Ar-Rahman, He is pointing out the signs that He wants us to see around us so we turn only to Him in our appeal for mercy. 

I am a visual adventurist, as I sometimes mention in my prose, and I appreciate the Signs that the sky alone show me. The breaking of dawn, the burning of the sun and its moderation as it begins its descent towards the horizon where is sinks, the colors of twilight as it spreads on the canvas of the sky to welcome the night, the new moon's rising, its growth to become a full beauty, and of course the eclipses. 

Allah (swt) speaks of these in Ar-Rahman: 

The sun and the moon (run) on fixed courses.) They move in their orbit in perfect succession, according to precise calculation that is never delayed nor disturbed. And the heaven He has raised high, and He has set up the balance. In order that you may not transgress the balance. And observe the weight with equity and do not make the balance deficient.

I am also a NASA fan and that is entirely because of my obsession with the grandeur of the universe that Allah (swt) has stretched above our heads. Ibn Kathir, in his exegesis, quoted various other verses of the Quran in which Allah (swt) has elaborated the Signs of the universe and the changing of the skies. 

It's a beauty how each heavenly body, the sun, moon, planets, meteors, asteroids, comets, and etc. are all afloat in an orbit and a gravitational force holds them together according to the weight they carry. What a perfect balance!

[لاَ الشَّمْسُ يَنبَغِى لَهَآ أَن تدْرِكَ القَمَرَ وَلاَ الَّيْلُ سَابِقُ النَّهَارِ وَكُلٌّ فِى فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ ]

It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit.)(36:40)

[فَالِقُ الإِصْبَاحِ وَجَعَلَ الَّيْلَ سَكَناً وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ حُسْبَاناً ذَلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ ]

((He is the) Cleaver of the daybreak. He has appointed the night for resting, and the sun and the moon for calculating. Such is the measuring of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.) (6:96)

NASA Earth image of a volcano going off


When you look at the images of the Earth taken from outer space, specially when a space shuttle is zooming past the diverse terrains after breaking into the earth's stratosphere for landing, you can actually tell that the giant mountains have been placed like pegs to keep the land balanced.

[وَالاٌّرْضَ وَضَعَهَا لِلاٌّنَامِ ]

(And the earth He has put down (laid) for Al-Ana'm.) Allah raised the heavens and put down, or laid, the earth and balanced it with firm mountains, so that it would be stable for its residents that live on it, i.e. the various types and kinds of creatures, different in species, shape, color and language.


We need a reminder here that why should we be seeking mercy after reviewing the list of such Signs of greatness?

Whirlpool created by Japan Tsunami 2011

Recall what happens when Allah (swt) disturbs these Signs for us to show us His disappointment. Think what solar and lunar eclipses do to the waves of the oceans and what they do to our lands.

Think about what happens when the very mountains that hold the land stable, errupt in massive molten fires that rip the lands apart!

And what happens when the heavenly bodies deviate from their orbits and hit the lands.

Think of what the Creator can do if He wills. You will realize why you wish for mercy in Ramadan!