Chapter -2 Summary (Part Two) (L-14)

Chapter -2 Summary (Part Two) (L-14)

Surah ‘Al-Baqarah

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

 (Continued from the last post)

In the twentieth Section of Surah ‘Al-Baqarah, it is commanded that what the actual Goodness is. After this section, up to the section # 26, the matters relating to inheritance, revenge, supplication, fasting, pilgrimage to Makkah, Jehad (to try and strive), sacrifice of wealth in the Way of God have been described including orders and instructions for them.

With effect from section 27, the matters of family and social life have begun, i.e. marriage, divorce, menstruation, Iddat, second marriage, bringing up and looking after the children and Haqq mahr (the money or its value incumbent on the husband) etc.

In section 32, again the matter of Jehad has been discussed. And in the example, war of Saul (peace be upon Him) against Goliath has been described. God Almighty commanded: Victory or defeat does not depend; either on war equipment or decrease and increase of the manpower. Usually small Armies overcome large Armies.

In 34^th Section, there is ‘Aayat ul Kursii, in which many Attributes of Allah Almighty like; the Living, the Eternal etc. have been mentioned. And that there is no compulsion for anyone to accept Islam because its excellence, signs and proofs are obvious.

After that some instructive events in respect of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him) have been discussed here. Up to the section-39, commandments about Alms-giving and charity, abstinence, prohibition from usury and interest, laws and instructions regarding evidence and some principles of trade have been explained.

At the end of this Surah in section-40, summary of Belief and Islam have been described including a perfect supplication. Last words of this supplication are, “Fan-sur-naa-‘alal-Qawmil-kaafiriin” (So give us victory over the disbelieving folk). It is the result of the invitation by Holy Qur-’aan, as though, which nation will grow with the teachings of Holy Qur’aan, by means of such nation,the Law of God will overcome on the infidelity. Consequence of the Believers of God Almighty and infidels has been narrated here that the believers will succeed, whereas the infidels will fail and subdued, as the end of the Surah is; just like its beginning.

 

It should not be forgotten that this abstract is only to show a concept of its subjects. Otherwise, it is impossible for anyone, to summarize the facts and excellence of the Speech of God in a few words.

We should think and care for the Commandments and Instructions of God Almighty, mentioned in this Surah. We should understand its philosophy and grip up our loins to act upon its instructions. Our Lord! Give us knowledge and power for it.

Transliterated Holy Qur’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

   https://youtu.be/MUGCwTNTxLY

Chapter -2 Introduction and Summary (Part One) (L-13)

Chapter -2 Introduction and Summary (Part One) (L-13)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

Suratul-Baqarah is the second Chapter of Holy Qur-‘aan. It was revealed in Madinah. This Surah is the longest Chapter of Holy Qur-’aan. It contains 286 verses and 40 sections. Baqarah means “the Cow”. It has been named, ‘Al-Baqarah because an event in respect of ‘A Cow’ has been described in it.

The most important teachings regarding beliefs and deeds have been included in it. It is stated that Umar (Radi Allaahu ‘Anhu), Companion of Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), took many years to understand this Surah. It does not mean “learning by heart”, but “learning and understanding the Commandments and Instructions mentioned in it”. An abstract of its subjects has been explained as under:

1.   At first, it has been described in this Chapter that Holy Qur-’aan is Guidance for those people who fear Allah Almighty and there is a foundation of abstinence in their hearts.

2.  After hearing the Commandments mentioned in Holy Qur’aan, three kinds of people will grow as it happens in the world in relation to every new movement. First, the Believers, who will have full faith in it. Second, the Infidels, who will oppose it and the third, such Hypocrites, who will show themselves as believers but actually their hearts will deny it.

3.  After that, the first commandment for the entire people is that they should worship Allah only, and the Truth of Holy Qur-’aan has been proved.

 

4.  In the fourth section, Birth of Adam (peace be upon Him) his entitlement as a vicegerent on the earth has been mentioned. Then, from fifth section to onward, recitation in respect of a big dynasty’s life “The Children of Israel” begins. Hundreds of Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon Them) were born in this dynasty. Allah Almighty narrated the circumstances of this dynasty “as a lesson to be taken” and it was also described that this nation did not remain capable of God’s viceroy due to its evil deeds and wickedness.

5.  From section 5 to 15, many incidents of the history of the Children of Israel have been stated; for example, their covenants and agreements, splendor of God on the Mount Sinai, the incident of the Day of Saturday (Sabbath), the event of The Cow, circumstances of slaying the Prophets (peace be upon Them), impure efforts of enchantment, charm and magic, unfair conduct of disgracing the Prophets (peace be upon Them), false faiths about forgiveness and deliverance on the Day of Judgment etc. 

6.  With effect from the section-16 onward, more events and incidents in respect of the Children of Israel, birth of The Last Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) in Arab from the generation of Adam (peace be upon Him) have been explained. Moreover, there is also recitation on The Square Building of Makkah (Masjid ul Haraam). And the higher grades in respect of the Martyrs in the Way of Allah have been explained here.

7.  In section-20, the Signs of the Power of God Almighty have been discussed along with the matters relating to the Forbidden and Lawful things.

Transliterated Holy Qur’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)      https://youtu.be/sg0tBsVVqms

Summary of Qur’aan’s first Chapter (L-12)

Summary of Qur’aan’s first Chapter (L-12)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

Praise be to Allah. He is Sufficient for us. Peace be on His chosen Servants (Prophets and Messengers).

The present era goes through media (electronic as well as print) and novel ideologies. Various thoughts are clothed in new words. And the people run behind every new idea in the hope of finding a solution - peace; but soon they face disappointment.

Muslims have an ideal system with them that can bring Peace and Tranquility to the world but they are not familiar with it themselves. How can they then guide other people? They are among those who feel as in the dark.

Holy Qur-’aan is the Revelation of God Almighty, which was revealed upon The Last Messenger, Muhammad (SallAllaahu Alayhi Wa  Aalihii wassallam).The Sayings of the Prophet (SallAllaahu Alayhi Wa  Aalihii wassallam) are an explanation and commentary on Holy Qur-’aan. There is, into them, Guidance for the human beings in every field of their lives. We should learn the both things (Holy Qur-’aan and the Sayings of the Messenger (SallAllaahu Alayhi Wa  Aalihii wassallam).

‘The Opening’ (Surah Al-Faatihah) is the first Chapter of Holy Qur-’aan. So, it has been named as “the First Surah and The Opening”. This Chapter is just like an abstract of the Holy Qur-’aan. The subjects briefly earmarked in this section, have been explained in The Holy Qur-’aan , hence it is called, the Mother of (Ummul)Qur-’aan, the Foundation/essence of Qur-’aan.

When we recite this Chapter, “The Opening” we admit that all Praises are for Allah, Who is Lord of the entire Worlds. So we should bear it properly in our mind that when He is The Guarantor to fulfill our all necessities, then we should never give up the Straight Path for completion of our requisites at our own. We should never use un-fair means like fraud, deception or telling a lie etc. While we have been assured that completion of our needs is eternal then why would we have to adopt the wrong way for it?

Then we recited that God Almighty is The Beneficent and The Merciful. He showers down His uncountable mercy on every creature of the universe, small or large, without distinction of Muslims or non-Muslims and without sense of the good or the bad. He arranges fulfillment of all our needs. His treasures of Kindness never end. He treats us with kindness and favor in this world and after this world, He will give us place under the shadow of His mercy in the next world too.

Then we learnt that He is Owner of the Day of Judgment. The entire human beings will be standing with humility in the Court of Allah Almighty, holding their conduct sheet in their hands, and will be either granted rewards or punished according to their own deeds. We should fear from that Day and do Good.

After that, we accepted, “we shall worship only that One God, Who is Creator of all things”. We ask Him only for help in our every matter. We return unto Him to solve all kinds of painful problems and difficulties of our life, so that He show us the Straight Path, and we may gain our goal by choosing that Path, so that we may reach our destination. This Path should be of those; upon whom He showered His favor. We also supplicate to save us from the path of those who earned His anger, and went astray. Amen.

Transliterated Holy Qur’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

https://youtu.be/b07X3WXmpF4

The people who earned God’s Anger (L-11)

The people who earned God’s Anger (L-11)

Surah ‘Al-Faatihah (The Opening) – Surah –1), Stage - 1

Verse – 7 of 7, Section – 1 of 40 (Part -1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

7.  Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray.

7.  Gayril-magzuubi ‘alay-him Walaz-zaaalliin.

   

Lesson

In this chapter; the supplication has been described to us: “O our Lord! Show us the Straight Path, the Path of those who deserved Your Favor in the World and in the Hereafter”, (upon whom Your blessings are sent always”. It is commanded in this verse – Supplicate also: “Our Lord! Not the Path of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray”.

Magzuubun – this word is from gazab. Gazab means anger. That is to say, those people who earned anger of God Almighty, who suffered from the wrath and punishment of Allah Almighty due to their evil deeds and agony was sent down on them because they disobeyed the commandments of God Almighty, falsified His Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon Them) and tried to remove the Truth after recognizing, who did not care for Messenger’s admonition. They were victims of anguish and anger of Allah Almighty due to their intentional wicked deeds.

‘Az-zaaalliin – (who went astray), it aims such individuals, who chose the wrong path. This depravity happens when, causes for going the straight path are available but someone adopts the wrong path intentionally”. It is born whenever any individual is entangled in own wishes, either giving up the morality and spiritual power or due to greediness of the wealth, or lying in false traditions and bad habits or attending any bad company.

 

Honorable Commentators (Mufassereen e Karaam) say that complete example of ‘al-magzuubi ‘alay-him, (who earn Thine anger) are the Jews, who earned the anger of God Almighty. Sayings of The Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) are available also to support it. So, this verse is common to justify all of them who used to oppose the truth intentionally, due to their personal badness and wickedness, and the wrath of Allah Almighty was sent down upon them. 

According to religious commentators, apparent instance of ’az-zaaalliin (who go astray) is “the Christians” who, after having belief in a Prophet (peace be upon Him), even then, went astray and involved in ascribing plurality to God Almighty. In addition to them, if any other nation will lose one’s way, that will also be called astray and will be included in the list of ’az-zaaalliin ‘went astray’.

We supplicate from Allah Almighty for blessings to save us from these kinds of people who earned His anger and who went astray, who became victims of practical errors and defective faith.

Aamiin – (So, Be it).

Transliterated Holy Qur’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

https://youtu.be/FSxLbP27U4U

The Path of those who are favored (L-10)

The Path of those who are favored (L-10)

Surah ‘Al-Faatihah (The Opening) – Surah –1), Stage - 1

Verse – 6 of 7, Section – 1 of 40 (Part -1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

6.  The path of those whom Thou hast favoured.

6.  Siraatal-laziina ‘an-‘amTa  ‘alay-him.

  

Lesson 

In the previous verse, we were taught the method of supplication in the Court of God Almighty for showing us the Straight Path. Now, it has been explained about the Straight Path in this verse. The entire matters of guidance and perfect knowledge have been signified in the Holy Qur-’aan. God Almighty has sent down abundant practical patterns {Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon Them)} with His Grace and Kindness for human beings, so that it may be easy to follow them by keeping their chaste lives before us and choosing the right path. Therefore, Allah Almighty taught us supplication that He should run us on the foot-prints of His beloved Servants, whom He has favored.

Mention of the persons, who have been favored, exists in the Verse # 4: 69 (Surah ‘an-Nisaa’). Translation of that verse is, “Whoso obeyed God and the Messenger, they are with those unto whom Allah hath shown favor, of the Prophets and the Saints and the Martyrs and the Righteous. And what a best of company are they indeed.”

The Prophets and The Messengers (peace be upon Them) – are such chosen Persons, whom Allah Almighty has selected to convey His message unto His human creature (mankind). There is no possibility of mistake or error in the teachings of any Prophet (peace be upon Him). Prophet remains innocent and protected from the sins. Many news of the lives of the Prophets (peace be upon Them) have been described abundantly in the Holy Qur’an. Chieftain of the pure class of Prophets is the Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon Them). His all holy Habits and Sayings have been protected in writing. Our success in this life and deliverance on the Day of Resurrection is hidden in obeying the commands of the last holy Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him).

Siddique – (A Faithful Witness of the Truth). Siddique comes at the second position after Prophets (peace be upon Them).  These people achieve very higher grades by following the teachings of The Prophets (peace be upon Them), like Abu Bakr Siddique (Radi Allaahu ‘anhu), the First Caliph of The Last Messenger (peace be upon Him). Siddique is title of Joseph (peace be upon him) along with His Prophet-hood, and Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with Him).     

            

The Martyrs. Those venerable individuals, who are influenced particularly by the teachings of Prophets (peace be upon Them). They have full belief in the promises of God and rewards (after death) of the good works. And they are inclined to such stage that they fall a sacrifice. God Almighty bestows them the eternal life.

The Righteous. Those servants of God Almighty who try wholeheartedly to follow the Prophets (peace be upon Them) with all possible ways. These all great people become example for them who come after them. 

God Almighty commands us in this verse: “The Straight and Right Path is that, on which, the laureate persons went. The success is in following their foot-steps”.

https://youtu.be/CWY-v4IsxMk

Transliterated Holy Qur’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

The Path which is Straight (L-9)

The Path which is Straight (L-9)

Surah ‘Al-Faatihah (The Opening) – Surah –1) –Stage - 1

Verse – 5 of 7, Section – 1 of 40 (Part -1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

5.  Show us the Straight Path.

5.  ‘IhdiNas-Siraatal-Musta-qiim.

After admitting that God Almighty is our Lord, our Master and Beneficent, we promised with Him that we shall be obedient of His commandments and worship Him only. We shall ask Him only for help every time. Now we wish to acquire guidance from our Lord so that we may not err even in forgetting situation, which may be cause of His anger. For this purpose, we need such guidance, with which; we may attain His happiness and pleasure, and which may bring us straight forward unto Him directly.

 

‘Ihdi – show, instruct, admonish. Hidaayah is a very whole word of the Arabic language. There are many things, included in its meanings, for instance:

·         To show the (Straight) Path,

·         To carry towards the Straight Path,

·         To deliver unto the intended destination.

That is to say, it is the supplication that if we do not know the Path, show us that, and those who know about the Path, give them strength to go on that Path, and when we are going straightway, then keep us firm on it, so that we may find our destination and do not remain away from it.

We cannot discover this Path with our knowledge and wisdom. Because our knowledge is limited and wisdom is conch and detective. Therefore, we ask only Him (Allah Almighty) to show us such Path on the basis of His Knowledge, in which, there is no crookedness, no ups and downs, and no fear of stumbling. There should be a complete Code of life, each corner and section of life must have an accomplished foundation for guidance.

We supplicate it in plural tense so that personal relationship of every individual must remain connected with the entire nation. When we worship, worship all, and when we ask for help, ask all, if we pray to show us the Sight Path, pray all. Such teachings of living altogether as a unity, cannot be found anywhere except Islam.

How much this prayer is perfect? “O Allah! Show us the Straight Path”. There is no such time when the mankind does not need to know about the straight path and correct manners. Eating and drinking, writing and reading, buying and selling, performing the jobs to establish the government/state, decision making on the law-suits, it means that there is no such problem for which, a person does not have to find sound guidance. It is the reason that God Almighty has fixed these supplications to be recited in all prayers, so that every person may supplicate morning and evening, day and night, every time for getting guidance from Allah Almighty and power to act in the affairs of human life.

Every religion has instructed to its followers to supplicate for blessings, some people ask for food; some ask for power, some beg for the Light of the heart, some pray that their sins be forgotten. Our Lord has taught us a perfect supplication in which, we have been guided for every field of life.

Transliterated Holy Qur’aan in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Asking for help - (L - 8)

Asking for help - (L - 8)

Surah ‘Al-Faatihah (The Opening) – Surah –1) –Stage - 1

Verse –4b of 7, Section – 1 of 40 (Part -1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful  

4b.  And Thee (alone) we ask for help.

4b.  wa ‘iyyaaKa nasta-‘iin.

Lesson

When the mankind admits that Allah Almighty (God) is his Creator, his Beneficent and his Master, and accepts that he is humble and servant of God Almighty, then, now there is no any way for the servant except it that he should remember Him for all necessities and every time. He should ask Allah Almighty for fulfilling of every necessity.

God Almighty promises in His Last Scripture at many places that if the mankind remains obedient to Lord wholeheartedly, then He will not return him failed or unfortunate. God Almighty fulfills all kinds of necessities of the entire creatures in the whole universe. HE provides food for the hungry, restoration of health to the patient, looks after the Meek and Orphans. He bestows His mercy with open hands day and night. But still no deficiency comes in His pity.

If all the residents of the earth and the skies ask for help according to their personal needs and hopes in accord with their individual manners, Allah fulfills their desires, even then, His treasures don’t become so deficient as a needle dipped in the sea and let it got out. A person out of us may be the richest but he can’t spend lavishly as much. And if he dares to spend; then his treasures will go to end in seconds, and after all, he will also be forced to ask Allah Almighty for help.

‘IyyaaKa  nasta-‘iin - Thee (alone) we ask for help - It is demand of mankind’s poorness and helplessness that he should not ask any other than God Almighty for help to fulfill his necessities. He should seek His support in each painful trial because there is none remover of the difficulties except Allah.

It has come in The Sayings of The Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) that Once, The Messenger of God Almighty (peace be upon Him) said to His companions (may Allah be agreed upon them): Who is of you, who promises that he will never ask any individual? On this, all the companions (May God be agreed upon them) promised: We shall never ask any person except Allah for help. So, they (May God be agreed upon them) never asked for anything from anyone during their remaining life. Some of them did so, that if his whip fell down during riding on the horse or camel, he didn’t say any other to pick it up and give him. But he dropped down and picked his whip himself.

It is the procedure of compliance of our honorable elders. We too can make successful our world and Hereafter, by following them (May Allah be agreed upon them).

“God helps those who help themselves”