Tafseer Semester 3 1-27-06 Sura ali imran 200 ayahs vs 286 in sura baqara Virtue of sura ali imran They are mentioned side by side with sura baqara often. Hadith - prophet encouraged the companions to read these two often. They were called the two lights and they will intercede for the one that reads them on the day of judgment. Comparison with baqara: 1. both start with alif lam meem Then sura baqara begins this is a book in which there is no doubt. And then it goes into a description of different believers. However in ali imran, it goes into more detail about the book. Also, in sura ali imran, it talks about Christians whereas in baqara talked about the children of Israel. Why did ali imran talk about Christians? Some interpreters say the first 83 ayahs are talking about the delegation of najaran (they were the ones who refused to accept islam and the prophet asked them to bring them their families and pray against each other. 60 men including 14 of their leaders and 3 chiefs. They prayed in the masjid. The prophet prayed in the masjid, to a different qibla with their own religion. Sheikh says we need this sense of tolerance – we are living here with a majority of non muslims yet we do not have tolerance. Then the prophet offered them islam and they responded we accepted islam before you and the prophet said no you didn’t and then the dialogue started. 3:1. A. L. M. 3:2. Allah. there is no god but He,-the living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. What does ayah 1 mean? We already took it – there are 4 opinions. Ayah 2 is like ayat al kursi. It includes these beautiful names of Allah. Some scholars say these ayats have the most beautiful name of Allah, whether it be “Allah” or “al hay al kayoom” 3:3. It is He who sent down to Thee (step by step), In truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, As a guide to mankind, and He sent down the Criterion (of Judgment between right and wrong). 3:4. Then those who reject Faith In the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted In Might, Lord of Retribution. How is it described? 1) it was sent in truth and 2) it confirms that books were sent before it. This is why Allah mentions Torah and Injeel. What is the Criterion? The Quran. Why is it repeated again? Because it’s not enough to say we believe in God, you have to accept the Quran as a criterion. 3:5. From Allah, Verily nothing is hidden on earth or In the heavens. 3:6. He it is who shapes you In the wombs As He pleases. there is no god but He, the Exalted In Might, the wise. You could discuss ayat 5 for hours or just seconds. Ayat 6 is a response to the Christians. Who created Isa? Isa had a form so who gave it to him? You have to admit that there is a God, something put Isa where he was. 3:7. He it is who has sent down to Thee the Book: In it are verses that are entirely clear; They are the foundation of the Book: others are not entirely clear (allegorical). but those In whose hearts is a deviation follow the part thereof that is not entirely clear (allegorical), seeking Al-Fitnah (discord), and searching for its Ta’weel (hidden meanings), but no one knows its Ta’wil (hidden meanings) except Allah. and those who are firmly grounded In knowledge say: "We believe In the Book; the whole of it is from Our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding. Allah is saying there are two types of ayats. Clear and unclear (mutashabi). What does this mean? Do you know by looking which ayats are clear and unclear? What about the other ayat that says “all the ayats are muhkum (clear)” – and then in another ayat “all the ayat are similar.(mutashabihat)” How do you understand this?
All the ayats are clear, all of them are understandable. When you say “all the ayats are mutashabi (similar)” – means all the ayats are from Allah. when you have the ayat that says “some are clear and some are mutashabi” scholars differed. Some said that some are clear meaning they have ahkam or law are clear and the mutashabi are ambiguous like the names of Allah or Allah rose over the throne.” “in whose hearts is deviation follow the part thereof that is not entirely clear seeking al-fitnah and searching for its hidden meanings” – it’s like when people come to you and say the Quran says those who believe in the last day and such will be saved so how can you say they are kuffar. These are people seeking deviation. However, there is such a thing as “ta’weel” – it means to understand or find the hidden meanings or to apply something in an unapparent way however there needs to be an evidence. Allah said to iblees “what prevented you from prostrating to what I created with my hands” – some people say that Allah does not have hands. We say they did ta’weel, however this is nonsense. Or like when the shia say “Allah commands you to slaughter a cow” refers to Aisha, this is taweel but complete nonsense. When sura nasr was revealed “so glorify your lord and seek forgiveness” – aisha reports that after this was revealed, the Prophet (saw) used to read extra istighfar in his ruku’ and she described it as at’wala which is the same thing – she means implementation of the meaning of this. 3:8. "Our Lord!" (They say), "Let not Our hearts deviate Now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us Mercy from Thine own Presence; for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure. 3:9. "Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather Mankind together against a Day about which there is no doubt; for Allah never fails In His promise." This dua is great – learn it in arabic and say it often. This is similar to the dua that the Prophet did most often “oh Allah you are the turner of hearts so turn my heart to you” or something like that. So Allah promised to gather us on the day of resurrection. Allah promised many things. 3:10. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them whatsoever against Allah. They are themselves but fuel for the Fire. 3:11. (Their plight will be) no better than that of the people of Pharaoh, and their predecessors: They denied Our Signs, and Allah called them to account for their sins. for Allah is strict In punishment. These are the two things that cause people to deviate – money and children. In other ayats, Allah says that money and children are the adornment of this life. Also, in another ayah Allah says what was it you busied yourself with? Money and children. They are themselves fuel for fire – remember the fire whose fuel is men and stones. Why did Allah mention the people of Pharoah in particular. In general you should take a lesson from people before you. In the time of Pharoah, who would have thought he would have ended in ruin. When Musa was brought to him, pharaoh asked “why doesn’t he have bracelets of gold?” meaning why doesn’t he have money. 1-28-06 3:12. Say to those who reject faith: "Soon will ye be vanquished and gathered together to Hell,-an evil bed indeed (to lie on)! Reason for revelation, after the battle of badr, after the Quraish was defeated even though the muslims were less, they went back to medina and the jews said “don’t be so happy because you defeated an ignorant people and if you fought some real men, you’ll see what would happen.” – so Allah revealed this ayat to tell that group of jews. This does not talk about all disbelievers all the time. In general, this is the case, though – the ayat is saying that eventually, all kuffar will be defeated. However, this ayat was specifically revealed for this group. 3:13. "There has already been for you a Sign In the two armies that met (in combat): one was Fighting In the cause of Allah, the other resisting Allah. these saw with their own eyes Twice their number. but Allah doth support with His aid whom He pleaseth. In This is a warning for such As have eyes to see." Who are the two armies – muslims and Quraish – this is talking about the battle of badr. “they saw them with their own eyes twice their number” – this ayat has many interpretations. the Quraish saw the muslims twice their number. Does it talk about the muslims seeing the Kuffar? No, it says twice and remember the kuffar were 1k and the muslims were 300, or three times. So it is talking about the kuffar seeing the muslims as twice their number in order that they would be afraid of the muslims. But there are many interpretations of this phrase. This is a lesson for those who understand, the jews who wanted to retreat and a lesson for the muslims who don’t want to fight. 3:14. Fair In the eyes of men is the love of things They covet: women and children; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. such are the possessions of This world's life; but In nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).
All these things are desired. Scholars say that this ayat starts with women because they are the “ropes of the devil” – look at the advertisements on tv. Women are used to sell products because men are attracted to it. 3:15. Say: shall I give you glad tidings of things far better than those? for the righteous are Gardens In nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy); and the good pleasure of Allah. for In Allah.s sight are (all) His servants,The pleasure of Allah is the greatest of these. It is better than anything that Allah is pleased with you. In jannah, after we are given all these things, Allah will ask us if we want more and we’ll say “what more could we want” and Allah says “I will be pleased with you and never after be displeased. 3:16. (Namely), those who say: "Our Lord! we have indeed believed: forgive us, then, Our sins, and save us from the agony of the Fire;"Does this mean that all you have to do is say it? No remember that belief necessitates actions. 3:17. Those who Show patience, Firmness and self-control; who are true (in word and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of Allah.; and who pray for forgiveness In the early hours of the morning. The word Qunut is used here - Remember all the meanings of Qunut – the ones who stand in prayer, the ones who are humbled, etc etc. Sahr, the last hours of the night which are the darkest. this is why magic is called sihr – it is done in concealment. 3:18. There is no god but He: that is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. there is no god but He, the Exalted In power, the wise. Allah, the angels, those with knowledge who stand firm on justice all bear witness to la ilaha ilallah. Remember to take this into account as part of the dialogue with the Christians of najaran. Allah himself is testifying to his own self being worthy of worship. There are some hadith that says Allah testified to this before he created the Creation. This ayat goes to the superiority of the angels and the people of knowledge that they also testify to the oneness of God. 3:19. The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will): nor did the people of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of Each other, after knowledge had come to them. but if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift In calling to account. There are 2 qira’a here. Ayat 18 says “there is no God but he, the exalted in power, the wise, the religion of Allah is Islam”. The other Qira’a, ayat 19 is new and beings with “the religion with Allah is Islam.” Before Islam, the religions can be judged on their own merit. After this ayat, the religion with Allah is Islam. Why does it say “whoever disbelieve in a Sign of Allah”? why not just disbelieve in Allah? This is a reminder to the Christians that Isa is a sign of Allah. Also, Mohammad is a sign of Allah. It’s not the same as disbelieving in God, it’s like rejecting the signs of God that are supposed to bring you to religion. 2-3-07 Submission: 3:20. So if They dispute with thee, say: "I have submitted My whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me." and say to the people of the Book and to those who are unlearned: "Do ye (also) submit yourselves?" if They do, They are In right guidance, but if They turn back, Thy duty is to convey the Message; and In Allah.s sight are (all) His servants. Allah said “aslamtu” – one of the meanings of the word Islam means to submit. Who else said in Quran “I have submitted” – Ibrahim, also balqees the wife of suleman. Say to those who are given the scripture – means Jews and Christians. And also to the illiterate – refers to the arab. It says here the your duty is only to convey the message – you can’t make people believe. 3:21. As to those who deny the Signs of Allah and In defiance of right, slay the prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to them a grievous penalty. These are ayats are talking about bani Israel. They are the ones that rejected the ayats of Allah and killed the prophets. Why did Allah say killing a prophet “without right.” – is there an instance where you could kill a prophet rightfully? No, this is for emphasis. Also, Allah is saying the killing a prophet is disbelief. Remember elsewhere that making fun of a prophet is blasphemy.
There are israeliat that say that the jews killed 70 prophets in one day and they went on trading in the market as if nothing happened. Also, they tried to kill Isa, they tried to kill Mohammad. Also, there are hadiths of the prophet that say that the jews killed their prophets. Many ayats talk about it – it is clear that the jews are the people that used to kill their prophets. 3:22. They are those whose works will bear no fruit In This world and In the Hereafter nor will They have anyone to help. This is just for those who disbelieve. 3:23. Have you not seen those who have been given a portion of the Book? They are invited to the Book of Allah, to settle their dispute, but a party of them turn back and decline (the arbitration). Who has been given a portion of the book? Jews and Christians. What dispute? They dispute over the status of jesus, as well as many other things. And do they turn away? Yes, look at the jews of medina and the Christians of najaran. Also, if they were given a portion of the book, this means they have knowledge. But knowledge alone is not enough, you have to apply it. Iblis has knowledge, many of the Christians and jews know the truth. This is why Allah often says “if only they knew” – do they know? Yes, usually, but it means application of knowledge. Also don’t turn away from being asked to settle things according the Quran – if you have knowledge, you should apply it. 3:24. This because They say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days": for their forgeries deceive them As to their own religion. They invent things in their own religion. Remember elsewhere in Quran Allah says “have you gotten a promise from Allah or do you know something about Allah. 3:25. But How (will They fare) when we gather them together against a Day about which there is no doubt, and Each soul will be paid out just what it has earned, without (favour or) injustice? Allah is the only God 3:26. Say: "O Allah. Lord of power (and Rule), Thou givest power to whom Thou pleasest, and Thou strippest off power from whom Thou pleasest: Thou enduest with honour whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest: In Thy hand is all good. Verily, over all things Thou hast power. This is a great ayah. Don’t think we are ever safe from the Qadar of Allah. 3:27. "Thou causest the night to gain on the Day, and Thou causest the Day to gain on the night; Thou bringest the Living out of the dead, and Thou bringest the dead out of the Living; and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest, without measure." This is a response to those who say there is no God or that Jesus is God. God also brings the believer from the disbeliever and vice versa. Also, Allah 3:28. Let not the believers take for friends or helpers unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, In nothing will there be help from Allah. except by way of precaution, that ye may guard yourselves from them. but Allah cautions you (to remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah. Does this mean you cannot have friends at work with Christians or jews? No it doesn’t refer to natural friendship, it means religious companionship. Also, Allah does not help the disbelievers in religion. The exception is fear – then you can do it. The exception is also discussed in sura nahl for the one that needs to protect himself. The religion came to protect life. What is this this verse revealed about? ??? And Allah warns you about himself. Remember that Allah can punish you for this. 3:29. Say: "Whether ye hide what is In your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it all: He knows what is In the heavens, and what is on earth. and Allah has power over all things. You cannot lie to Allah. You cannot hide your alliance with disbelievers. But also, Allah can see your intentions generally. You cannot hide. How do you understand this with the ayah in Baqara that says “whether you conceal or reveal you will be held accountable” – there are levels of doing bad unsuccessfully – there are thoughts, intentions, persistent actions. This was discussed before. 3:30. "On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done, and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. but Allah cautions you (to remember) Himself. and Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him."
Remember that you will be held accountable for everything. Also, look you will be held accountable for evil actions too. 3:31. Say: "If ye do love Allah, follow Me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." This was one of the hardest ayats on the companions – this was also called “the ayat of the trials” – why? Because it’s very easy to claim you love Allah, but do you really do it? Does Allah love you. Anybody can claim it, but do they know if Allah loves you. The fact that this is a requirement is what makes it hard on companions. That they have to love Allah to the point where Allah loves you. It’s not the same as being a fan of a celebrity or something. This is a proof that we have to follow the sunnah of the messenger. And you shouldn’t say things like “oh if only the prophet were here, we’d do so and so” because we have the sunnah of the prophet laid out before us. And it’s not like being with the prophet can help you to escape hardship in following the prophet. Hudaifa said in the battle of khandak and the prophet said “who will go investigate the kuffar. He will be my companion in paradise.” He repeated it 3 times and nobody answered. Then the prophet said “o hudaifa, will you investigate the kuffar” and hudaifa said to the people he was telling this story to “since he said my name, I knew I had to respond.” 3:32. Say: "Obey Allah and His Messenger.: but if They turn back, Allah loveth not those who reject Faith. Means the person who rejects the sunnah 100% in everything is a kafir. 2-4-07
The chosen one
Ayat 33 and 34 Prophethood are not according to your choice. Allah chose prophet. Who is imran: father of maryam. Shia says Imran is abu talib (ie Ali) to prove Ali was prophet. In previous ayats, Allah says chosen religion Islam. And if they accepted then say submit then this ayat that Allah choose the prophet. It is not like up to us to decide which prophet we like which we don’t and choose to follow based on that. Story of Maryam Wife of imran, Imran was from children of Israel. Imran was noble man. Once imran wife was pregnant she said I will devote what is in my womb. Lesson 1. Always have pure intention. Muarram means liberated in Arabic. Dedicate that to your service. She won’t be liberated. But the true liberation was praying. Ayat 35 When she delivered the baby, she said oh I delivered the female baby. Allah says female is not liked male. In this ayat Allah is telling us that male and female are not equal}. Allah saying man like women is not correct. We asked fairness but not equal rights. All admits there are differences so who determines? Allah. Maryam mother, Prayed for maryam to have seek refuge from Shaitan. She asked dedicated for service. Even if she had a female she did not give up. She keep praying. Ayat 37:
Allah accepted Maryam supplication Lessons: Always ask Allah ST. She was raised as righteous. She was not touched by man. Care of Zakariya. Her maternal uncle. The father of Yahya. (prophet) Every time she entered Miharb to visit her, he found her supplied with substance. (Here is prophet is wondering from where she get substances). Yahya was prophet so he was better. Her mother (wife of imran) was seed. We don’t have evidence that mother of maryam was alive when Isa was born.. She told Zakariya that she is provided from Allah. True reliance is do your job and wait for result. Allah is provider. Don’t think you work and job provided you. You can loose it anytime. Allah provided you. Zakariya invoked to grant someone from You, a good offspring. Zakariay was old yet Allah accepted his Dua. Angles ….. Lessons:
1. 2. 3.
Mother of Imran pray and Allah responded to him Zakariya prayed while standing and Allah responded to him. Angles were send. prayer is important.
Hasuran means “Who does not marry or dedicated to Ibaadat also. Prophet among the righteous. Zakariya ask for son and Allah gave him prophet and nobel. Allah mercy. When we ask we ask for highest thing. Highest level in Paradise. Yahya : means living. In other, his name was given as yahya. Martyrs are living not dead. So it was indication that he will die as martyr. So Allah gave a prophet, martyr, son. Ayat 40 and 41 He asked how can I have a son when I am old. And my wife is barren. ….In this ayat probably Allah is telling him or angles telling him… Lesson: Keep remembering Allah ST. Ayat 42 and 43 Back to story of marayam Based on this ayat ibn hazm says she is prophet. But the correct opinion is that she is not based on the ayat that “Allah send prophet in man”. It does not matter whether she was a prophet or not. But ti is when people use it to prove something to disbelievers. She deserves reward because she was pious women. You reward is because of the Ibadah Aqnuti (Qunut word) : Submit with obedience. She is rewarded so you need to thank. So she was asked to pray. Thank Allah ST. Who is best of women ?
Question wrong. Each live in different times. If Maryan is proven as prophet than definitely she is better. Ayat 44 There is no way to know without Allah permission. Who was disputing to take care of Maryam ? Priests . Until they drew a lot Whatever, you do Allah has a plan. Allah will take care of children. Except her and Prophet SAW we haven’t heard anyone asking to take care of child.
2-10-07 3:45. Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth Thee glad tidings of a word from him: His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held In honour In This world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah. What does it mean that Isa was a word from Allah? Does it mean wahi? No, that is like every other prophet. This word refers to how Isa was created – by the word of Allah, be and he was. What is the meaning of Messih in Arabic? It means the one who wipes. You purify by wiping. Isa, the son of Mary. Musa the son of Imran, most people are named for their father. Isa is named as the son of his mother to remind the people he is born from God’s word. How was he held in honor? He was a prophet. – this is also how he is near to Allah. Miracles of Isa listed here: he is born of a word, and he is messiah, and he spoke in the cradle (next ayah). 3:46. "He shall speak to the people In the cradle and In maturity. and He shall be (of the company) of the righteous." Do people usually speak in the cradle? No. This is another miracle of isa. What did he say ? “I am the slave of Allah” etc. it’s mentioned in sura maryam. The babies who spoke as a child: Isa One lady was going to be thrown in the trench – the baby said “you are of the believers so don’t fear other baby was the story of jurayj – he was accused of committing adultery with a woman. She commited adultery with the shepherd but the people accused jurayj. The baby was born and said “the shepherd is my father” – this is the story of when jurayj was praying and his mother called him three times and he didn’t answer and she said “may my son not die without seeing the faces of prostitutes.” The Prophet told the companions in sahih muslim about a woman from the past who was nursing her baby and an old man passed by and an old man passed by and the woman said “oh Allah make my baby like him” and the baby left the milk and said “o Allah don’t make me like him.” A woman was going to be thrown into the fire by pharaoh and her baby said Sura yusuf: the witness of yusuf – interpreters said that the witness who testified and said to look at whether the front or the back of his shirt is torn. This was a baby who said it. 3:47. She said: "O My Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He willeth: when He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is! Nowadays, people are chosen for showing more of their bodies, but she is being chosen for her purity. What do we learn from this? even when the doctor says there is no hope or no chance, remember that Allah does what he wills. Also, we should remember to be pleased with whatever Allah decrees. 3:48. "And Allah will teach Him the Book and Wisdom, the Torah and the Injeel, What is “the book”? does it refer to injeel? No this is mentioned later. This is probably talking about teaching Isa to write. This was significant because not a lot of people to write. Allah is saying he will make Isa learned. Al-Hikmah? Means wisdom, means Prophethood, means the Sunnah. 3:49. "And (appoint him) an apostle to the Children of Israel, (with This message): "'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, In that I make for you out of clay, As it Were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah.s leave: and I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah.s leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store In your houses. surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;
He was sent to the gentiles – this is in the bible too. He made a bird out of clay. This is done by Allah’s will, yet this is a miracle because others cannot do it. Isa was given medicinal miracles because the romans were proud of medicine. Just like Musa to the magicians and Mohammad (saw) to the arabs who were proud of their language. So list all the miracles of Isa:
3:50. "'(I have come to you), to attest to the Torah which was before Me. and to make lawful to you part of what was (Before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. so fear Allah, and obey Me. 3:51. "'It is Allah who is My Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a way that is straight.'" Is ayah 51 actually in the bible? Yes it is and if you can’t find it you need to. 3:52. When Jesus found unbelief on their part He said: "Who will be My helpers to (the work of) Allah." said the disciples(alhawariyyun): "We are Allah.s helpers: we believe In Allah, and do Thou bear witness that we are Muslims. Why did the jews still not believe? Because they disbelieved in their prophets. 3:53. "Our Lord! we believe In what Thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger. then write us down among those who bear witness." What was revealed? Injeel. 3:54. And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah. What did they plot? To kill Isa. Allah plotted too – it’s the same word. But can we say that Allah has the same negative attribute as they do? Can we call Allah a plotter or a deceiver? No, but we can say that Allah is the best of those who plot and we can say that Allah deceives the disbelievers. It says so in the Quran. These are the kinds of attributes that we apply to Allah only with conditions. Similarly, does Allah mock people? We only mention this with condition – this is mentioned in sura baqara 2-11-07 3:55. Behold! Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take Thee and raise Thee to Myself and Clear Thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow Thee superior to those who reject Faith, to the Day of Resurrection: then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute. It’s not actually “take thee,” the word is death. So does it mean the Isa died? Many scholars said it means that Isa slept. Another opinion is that _________. A third opinion is that Isa was caused to die for some time and then he was raised. Whatever it is, you cannot interpret this as Isa died on the cross because the crucifixion was denied specifically in sura nisa. Add this to the list of miracles of Isa. The muslim belief is that he will descend to Damascus and be a follower of Mohammad, and there will be no religion except Islam. Second part – “and I will make those who follow superior to those who disbelieve” – some scholars said this means the Christians will be superior to the jews. But do Christians follow him? no, they deviated. So shouldn’t it mean the Muslims are superior? No it doesn’t mean all the time, and also remember that the Muslims were superior once. “and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute” – what does this mean? That he will come back to dispute about the belief in his divinity. 3:56. "As to those who reject Faith, I will punish them with terrible agony In This world and In the Hereafter, nor will They have anyone to help." 3:57. "As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in full) their reward; but Allah loveth not those who do wrong." What about the punishment in this world? Is it apparent? You will always find it. The true belief is that Isa was a prophet. 3:58. "This is what we rehearse unto Thee of the Signs and the Message of wisdom." 3:59. The similitude of Jesus before Allah is As that of Adam; He created Him from dust, then said to him: "Be". and He was. This is the answer to the Christian emphasis on the divinity of jesus. Remember also, these ayats were all revealed to debate the Christians of najaran. They are all still relevant today. The Christians today study logic and rhetoric and debate. It is not enough to to
go to Christians and say I am right you are wrong. The Prophet didn’t do that – he debated him. And arguments are outlined right here in the Quran. 3:60. The truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt. 3:61. If any one disputes In This matter with thee, Now after (full) knowledge hath come to thee, say: "Come! let us gather together,- Our sons and your sons, Our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie!" The mubahala: means the curse of God. The sheikh says that nobody does this anymore until in recent times. Even then, sheikh says this is not something that is recommended until the matter has been clarified and the debate has progressed – it is helpful in dawah but it should be used in the end. It always works. In this case, the Christians of najaran did not do this. they ran away from it and they agreed to pay jizya. 2000 cloth. 1k in safar and 1k in _____. 3:62. This is the true account: there is no god except Allah. and Allah.He is indeed the Exalted In power, the wise. 3:63. But if They turn back, Allah hath full knowledge of those who do mischief. What is worse than those who disbelieve? 3:64. Say: "O people of the Book! come to common terms As between us and you: that we worship none but Allah. that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah." if then They turn back, say ye: "Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah.s Will). Call to a just word: This is a great ayat – people ask you to come to find common ground. You should agree to this and say this is what we’re offering, the belief in one God that existed from the beginning. And then if they turn away, it means they are the deviators. Also, all of the 10 commandments are in the Quran, except for making the Sabbath holy. 2-17-07 3:65. Ye people of the Book! why dispute ye about Abraham, when the law and the Gospel were not revealed till after Him? have ye no understanding? Allah is addressing the jews and Christians here. What is their dispute over Abraham? Whether he was a jew or a Christian – they both claim him, yet their revelation came after him. It’s like debating the nationality of a companion – they all lived and died way before these countries were established. It’s important to know the context of this dispute. It happened in najaran – when the Christians came, the jews of medina disputed with them over this issue. (look in notes last week or last sura – the Christians and jews disputed over something – they both said the other is on nothing and the Quran said they are both right!) 3:66. Ah! ye are those who fell to disputing (Even) In matters of which ye had some knowledge! but why dispute ye In matters of which ye have no knowledge? it is Allah who knows, and ye who know not! Many lessons from this, but we’ll stick first to the context of this sura. Here, Allah is asking rhetorically – if you even argue about things you know, how are you going to dispute over things you don’t know! Allah is blaming the people of the book for disputing over things they didn’t know. “it is Allah who knows and ye know not” – Allah will always answer the fault with the correct answer – this is the style of the Quran. So here, Allah is saying Abraham was not from the mushrikeen or from the jews or Christians. Who are the mushrikeen here? It also means the Christians – Allah is saying that the Christians are commiting shirk by worshipping jesus! 3:67. Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but He was true In Faith, and bowed His will to Allah’s (which is Islam), and He joined not gods with Allah. 3:68. Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, As are also This Messenger and those who believe: and Allah is the Protector of those who have Faith. Who followed Abraham at his time? Very few people. And who follow him now? Muslims since we don’t join anything with Allah. When we say abrahamic faith(s), it is wrong, there is not more than one abrahamic faith, there is just one Abrahamic faith. How can you say these religions are different yet they are all the religion of Abraham? There is just one. Also Allah is saying the Prophet Mohammad is following Ibrahim.
Evil Wish 3:69. It is the wish of a section of the people of the Book to lead you astray. but They shall lead astray (Not you), but themselves, and They do not perceive! How did they want to lead you astray – it says so in sura baqara – it says the people of scripture are envious that the prophet are not from their people. They knew they were deviant so they wanted people to deviate with them. It is from the nature of people that they want you to do what they’re doing. The people who play sports want other to play sports, etc. ** find this ayah in sura baqara – it will be a test question. 3:70. Ye people of the Book! why reject ye the Signs of Allah, of which ye are (Yourselves) witnesses? Sheikh likes these ayats very much – look at the way Allah speaks to the disbelievers. Allah did not say from ayat #1 you disbelieve in me and you’re going to hell. He spent so much time going over it again and again and reminder after reminder that they are disbelieving when they should not. Compare it with our situation – what have we done to remind the Christians and jews? We just denounce them and that’s that. Nobody wants to work step by step the way Allah does. Here Allah is saying they were given the truth in revelation so why didn’t they believe in it? 3:71. Ye people of the Book! why do ye clothe truth with falsehood, and conceal the truth, while ye have knowledge? Yet another verse directed to the people of the book. How did the jews and Christians mix truth with falsehood? By compromising their beliefs. Look at modern Judaism and Christianity, they are totally different from how they used to be. 3:72. A section of the people of the Book say: "Believe In the morning what is revealed to the believers, but reject it at the end of the day; Perchance They may (themselves) turn back; This was a very wicked plot from the people of the book. Sheikh says he sees it happening even nowadays and some muslims don’t even know about it. Some of them decided to believe in the Muslims in the morning and then we’ll revert in the evening so that the muslims might feel bad that other people are not finding truth in their religion. Why should it make you feel bad? Don’t you know you’re on the truth? Does it matter what other people say about it or whether they accept it? Besides, maybe this is a plot from the kuffar. Ultimately, only Allah can guide people, you have nothing to do with it. 3:73. "And believe no one unless He follows your religion." say: "True guidance is the guidance of Allah. (Fear ye) Lest a Revelation be sent to someone (else) like unto that which was sent unto you? or that those (Receiving such revelation) should engage you In argument before your Lord?" say: "All bounties are In the hand of Allah. He Granteth them to whom He pleaseth: and Allah careth for all, and He knoweth all things." This is like the ayah in sura baqara “do you tell them about what you know of your religion..” – when the jews talked about facts in their book that asserted that Mohd is the prophet – other jews said don’t reveal these facts because they will be used against us. Understand first – the bounties are for Allah to give to who he wills. Understand second – the religion of Allah is not a game that you play – it’s not about winning or losing vs. other people. Submit! Understand third – you cannot deceive Allah. Why lie? 3:74. For His Mercy He specially chooseth whom He pleaseth; for Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded. What was the mercy? One meaning is Allah sent the Prophet as a mercy to mankind – sura luqman. Another meaning – guidance is a mercy 3:75. Among the people of the Book are some who, if entrusted with a Qintar, will (readily) pay it back; others, who, if entrusted with a single dinar, will not repay it unless Thou constantly stoodest demanding, because, They say, "There is no call on us (to keep Faith) with these ignorant (Pagans)." but They Tell a lie against Allah, and (well) They know it. * Qintar means a large amount of wealth. It’s easy to pay back a small amount of money, it’s much harder to pay back a large amount. Dinar is a single gold coin. * Allah is saying that not all the jews and Christians are the same. Some are trustworthy and some are not. This applies to muslims too. * Scholars discuss the meaning of the word dinar. Divide it into two words – deen and nar, depending on what you do with your money!!
* what is this about “there is no call on us to keep faith with these ignorant pagans” – some jews and Christians say it is in their books! Even today, muslims are saying this about disbelievers – they say it is okay to take the wealth of disbelievers and they forget the prophet stayed behind in mecca just to pay his debts to disblievers. 3:76. yes, whoever fulfills his pledge and fears Allah much; verily, then Allah loves the pious. There are many stories of people who saw the trustworthiness of Muslims and even tested them on purpose to see if they would keep the extra money. Remember, many things that happen are a test to you from God. 2-18-07 3:77. As for those who sell the Faith They owe to Allah and their own plighted word for a small price, They shall have no portion In the Hereafter: nor will Allah (Deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment, nor will He cleans them (of sin): They shall have a grievous penalty. This ayat applies to the Christians who denied the prophecy of mohd. What small gain did they get? They got positions and wealth. Who will have no portion of the hereafter? The disbelievers. Jews and Christians both sold Islam for a small gain although this ayat is about Christians. Allah is saying that whatever you gave up , it is a very small gain compared to the hereafter. “nor will Allah speak with them” – does Allah speak? Yes. Among the characteristics of Allah’s voice is that all will hear it the same near and far. What is the greatest pleasure of the hereafter? To look on the face of Allah. And the greatest punishment is to be deprived. 3:78. There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (as They read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and They say, "That is from Allah," but it is not from Allah. it is They who Tell a lie against Allah, and (well) They know it! One of the major sins is to say about Allah that which you don’t know. The end of the ayat “and they know it!” – does that mean if you don’t know it’s a lie, you can tell a lie against Allah? Just because you didn’t know, does that make it not a lie? If you commit shirk and you didn’t know does that make it ok? No. this is merely from the style of the Quran – that if you know it and you still do it, it’s even worse! But saying something that yo don’t know about God is always a lie. 3:79. It is not (possible) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom, and the prophetic office, should say to people: "Be ye My worshippers rather than Allah.s": on the contrary (He would say) "Be ye rabanniyun of Him who is truly the Cherisher of all: for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." Who said to worship me? Pharaoh, but was he given a book? No. so who is this talking about? What the crhistians say about Jesus. It is not possible that Jesus would say “worship me” What is rabbanniyun – worshippers Bukhari wrote that “Alim al-rabani is the one who teaches principles before he moves to details” 3:80. Nor would He instruct you to take angels and prophets for Lords and patrons. What! would He bid you to unbelief after ye have bowed your will (to Allah In Islam)? Is there any doubt after this ayat that Christians are disbelievers? Also, the question here is rhetorical. 3:81. Behold! Allah took the Covenant of the prophets, saying: "take whatever I give you a Book and Hikmah; then comes to you an apostle, confirming what is with you; do ye believe In Him and render Him help." Allah said: "Do ye agree, and take This My ISSRI (covenant) As binding on you?" They said: "We agree." He said: "Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses." When did Allah take the covenants from the prophets? When they were chosen to be prophets. What is it? “take from the book and hikma” – what is hikmah here? It could mean prophethood, it could mean sunnah, it could mean wisdom. “there will come to you a messenger” – who is this talking about? Mohd bc he was sent to All mankind and the other apostles were sent to their own people. And part of the covenant is to follow mohd. This is why when the P saw Omar with a page from the torah, he said “if musa were alive today, he would have no choice but to follow me” – also it shows that thte prophets knew that another was coming. Here, issri means covenant. Why would Allah bear witness on them? The greatness of this matter – it is a really big deal.
3:82. If any turn back after this, They are perverted transgressors. Did any of the prophets turn away? No, but if they did, they would have been transgressors. 3:83. Do They seek for other than the Religion of Allah.-while all creatures In the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His will (Accepted Islam), and to Him shall They all be brought back. What is the religion of Allah? Islam, but really, the religion of all prophets. All the creatures willingly and unwillingly – which creature was unwilling to submit? Iblis. 3:84. Say: "We believe In Allah, and In what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and In what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: we make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow Our will (in Islam)." (al-asbat – 12 tribes) We make no distinction? Similar to what ayat? Find it. 3:85. If anyone desires a Religion other than Islam never will it be accepted of him; and In the Hereafter He will be In the ranks of those who have lost. The P said “a christian or jew does not hear about me and does not believe except that he is in the hellfire” 3:86. How shall Allah guide those who reject Faith after They accepted it and bore witness that the Messenger was true and that Clear Signs had come unto them? but Allah guides not a people unjust. This ayat confirms the justice of Allah. What more do you want that you were given guidance and refused to follow it. This also shows the sunnah of Allah – whoever looks for guidance sincerely it will find it. 3:87. They are those whose recompense is that on them rests the curse of Allah, of His angels, and of all mankind;3:88. In that will They dwell; nor will their penalty be lightened, nor respite be (Their lot);3:89. Except for those that repent (Even) after that, and make amends; for Verily Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. If you repent, Allah will except your repentance. Look at the mercy of God – after you were guided and given clear proofs and then rejected it, Allah is still willing to accept your repentance. The P welcomed Ikrimah, khalid ibn walid, and many others who fought against him but repented. 12-24-07 3:90. But those who reject Faith after They accepted it, and then go on adding to their defiance of Faith,- never will their repentance be accepted; for They are those who have (of set purpose) gone astray. This is similar to the ayat from last week that talks about a group of people who said “let’s believe in the day and then disbelieve in the night” - this deen is not a game. There was a scholar who mentioned that a group of muslims accepted Islam and then renounced Islam and then a few of them were killed at the opening of Mecca. One of them used to write the wahi for the messenger – he used to change what was written and he would say “mohd does nto know what I’m writing” but the revelation came and he was exposed. Now, if someone accepts islam sincerely right before he dies, is it accepted regardless of what he did? Yes, but this ayat means they will never come back to Islam – why? Because they increased in disbelief - it’s what they wanted yet they increased in disbelief. Allah will never deprive someone from guidance if they want it. Abdallah ibn saad ibn abi sard – he apostated and the Prophet (s) ordered for him to be killed and Othman interceded for him and it was accepted. Was his repentance accepted? Yes. 3:91. As to those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- never would be accepted from any such As much gold As the earth contains, though They should offer it for ransom. for such is (in store) a penalty grievous, and They will find no helpers. It shows that given the chance, you would want to give up everything for it. This is a common theme for people on the day of judgment. They will be asked if they would give it all up and they would say yes.
3:92. By no means shall ye attain al-birr (righteousness) unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth Allah knoweth it well. Al-birr is a very high rank of righteousness that every believer would want to obtain. We say al-bara al-walidati. Means you’re dutiful to your parents. So here it’s talking about a very high amount of dutifulness to your Lord. This ayat was revealed when Omar went to the Messenger and said “I heard an ayat and I want to apply it. I got a piece of land from Khyber Abu dahda – had land with about 600 palm trees – he was sitting with the prophet when antoehr man came and started complaining to the prophet and said “I own a bunch of palm trees and someone else owns one in the middle\ ____, one of the students of ibn masood went to a man who was deaf blind and dumb and prepared the best food and gave it to him. the people said “what are you doing, what a waste – he doesn’t even know what he’s eating” and the student said “if he doesn’t’ know, Allah knows” Remember, we’re dealing with Allah, we’re not doing good so that the people will say look at the big donor. This is why Allah says “of truth, Allah knoweth it well” 3:93. All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for itself, before the law (of Moses) was revealed. say: "Bring ye the law and study it, if ye be men of truth." Some scholars said the reason for revelation was when some jews came to the prophet and asked him some challenging questions to see if he was really a prophet . one of them was “what did yaqoob forbid for himself” – and Allah answered “all food was lawful to the children of Israel except what the children made unlawful for themselves”. So that means that everything used to be halal and then yaqoob forbade some things. So are we bound by the rules of the jews and Christians of old? Yes and No. Islam came to confirm what was in the past. So whatever does not contradict our religion, we take it. The point of this ayat is that Allah is blaming the jews who claim to believe in yaqoob (this is why they are called the children of Israel – yaqoob was Israel), to say to them, bring the Torah. Can we apply this now? What if you said to a jewish person, bring the torah and we’ll do what it says? No, the books have been changed. So why does Allah tell the prophet to do this? because in this case, they were lying about what is in the torah, not following what was changed in the torah. 3:94. If any, after this, invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, They are indeed unjust wrong-doers. If you lie against the prophet, it is a major sin. Whoever lies against Allah, this is one of the greatest sins. This is the initial problem – when the jews and Christians changed the books, they just wanted some worldly gain, they were lying against Allah in exchange for a small gain from this world. But greater than this is to associate worship with Allah. 3:95. Say: "Allah has spoken the truth: follow the Religion of Abraham the monotheist; He was not of the Pagans." Allah has spoken the truth in what? In what? In everything – would Allah never speak the truth? But specifically here, Allah has spoken the truth about yaqoob and the Quran. Based on this ayat, people say that everytime we recite the Quran, we can say “sadaq’Allahu al-azim” but this was not the sunnah of the Prophet (saw). Ibrahim was not of the pagans. This is a reply to everybody, the jews Christians and even the pagan arabs who claimed to follow ibrahim. 3:96. The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka: full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings: Bakka = kabah “all kinds of beings” is alamin like in fatiha does not mean all kinds of people, it means jinn animals, etc. So kabah is not just for people, it’s for all kinds of beings. The Prophet was asked “what house was built for the worship of Allah first, he said kabah. Second? He said aqsa” – based on this ayat, it was ibrahim who built the kabah first! Since the kabba was built in the context of mentioning ibrahim. Conventional wisdom is that adam built the kabah. Al-hajjaj ruined the kabah in the ummayad dynasty and it was rebuilt. If the kabah was destroyed again today say through and earthquake, then we could rebuild it again, no problem.
3:97. In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the station of Abraham; Whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny Faith, Allah stands not In need of any of His creatures. What is the maqam ibrahim? the place he stood when he built the kabah. This ayah emphasizes that it’s the muslims who follow ibrahim. “whoever enters it attains security” – this is also an order for Muslims that no harm should come to those who go to kabah. All mankind owes a hajj to Allah – what if a Christian applies for a hajj visa, he will be denied. That is because his hajj will not be accepted, you have to accept Islam first. “but if any of you deny faith” – does this mean that whoever does not go to hajj is a disbeliever? No it means that whoever denies the requirement of Hajj is a disbeliever. This is a response to the jews who say they follow ibrahim yet they deny the pilgrimage of Ibrahim. 3:98. Say: "O people of the Book! why reject ye the Signs of Allah, when Allah is Himself witness to all ye do?" The jews used to give the signs of the prophet to the arabs and when the prophet came they disbelieved. Allah is asking them why they reject the signs. Do not think you can get away with it. Allah is watching over you. During the time of Musa, the punishment used to come right away, so how could you disbelieve. However, they still did. Not, it is just Allah that watches over you. 3:99. Say: "O ye people of the Book! why obstruct ye those who believe, from the path of Allah, seeking to make it crooked, while ye were yourselves witnesses? but Allah is not unmindful of all that ye do." What does this mean? Who is deceiving who. It was the jews who told people that they were not Muslims and that the prophet mohammad was not really a prophet. So one method of the disbelievers was to believe in the day and then disbelieve in the night. This is another method. The same methods are being used then and they are being used now. 3:100. O ye who believe! if ye listen to a faction among the people of the Book, They would (indeed) render you apostates after ye have believed! This is a general meaning but the ayat has a specific context. The aws and khazraj were looking for a specific answer from the jews who said that this man is not a prophet from Allah. So Allah is telling these arabs not to listen to the jews. Listening to the people of the scripture means in religious things. The Prophet said “do not turn into disblievers after me by killing each other” 3:101. And How would ye deny Faith while unto you are rehearsed the Signs of Allah, and among you lives the Messenger. Whoever holds firmly to Allah will be shown a way that is straight. This is a reminder for all of us. If you want to be steadfast in Islam, we have a way. Allah is saying if you adhere to the book of Allah and the Messenger, then you will remain on belief. How will you believe if you listen to the recitation of the ayats of Allah. One time, the aws called on their supporters from the tribes of jews and the khazraj did the same thing and the prophet (saw) said are you calling for a return to the days of ignorance? We don’t have the prophet today, what do we do? We look to the book and the sunnah of the messenger. 3:102. O ye who believe! fear Allah As He should be feared, and die not except In a state of Islam. This is a very eloquent ayat and it is very difficult for people. Many people say they fear Allah but do they fear Allah as he deserves to be feared? If you are sinning, then are you fearing Allah as he deserves. In Arabic, there is a saying “you obey him totally and you don’t disobey him. you show him gratitude and you never show ingratitude, and you never forget” The Prophet gave the example of the level ihsaan – that to worship Allah as though you see him, and even if you do not see him, you know that he sees you. “and die not except as Muslims” – it is important to live as Muslims but it is more important to die as a muslim. The Prophet reminded us that people will do the work of those who will enter paradise until he is an arm’s length away and then he disbelieves. This is why we ask Allah to have a good ending. The Prophet said “whoever says la ilaha illallah as his last thing will enter paradise”. Shaitan will work very hard at the last moment to get you. If you are a sinner then it will be hard for you at the last day.
3:103. And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah, and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts In love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs Clear to you: that ye may be guided. Very great ayat. How do you hold fast to the rope of Allah? What is it? This is a metaphor. Many scholars said it is the Quran. Some said it is the jama3. “be not divided” – Allah has commanded us against it. So anything that divides us is forbidden. “remember Allah’s favor” – can you count them? “you were enemies and he joined your hearts in love” – we will never be united on anything except religion – not nationalism, not racism, nothing else, only religion will ever unite us. “brink of a pit of fire” – shirk in their lifetimes. They were saved from it with Islam. 3:104. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity. Al-maruf = all that is good. al-munkar = all that is bad. Who determines what is good and evil? Only Allah. Many people commit atrocities in the name of what they believe is good. These days many people don’t care about good or evil, only their own materialistic existence. The true success is not material life. The ultimate success is in afterlife. 3:105. Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: for them is a dreadful penalty,The Prophet said we will be divided. Does that mean we’re okay with it and just go ahead with divisions? No, we will be divided by the Qadr of Allah but we still work towards what is good. The Christians are divided amongst themselves even though they were given a clear sign of the prophethood of Isa. 3:106. On the Day when some faces will be (lit up with) white, and some faces will be (in the gloom of) black: to those whose faces will be black, (will be said): "Did ye reject Faith after accepting it? taste then the penalty for rejecting faith." Does that mean black faces are bad? No it’s not skin color, it has to do with darkness and light. 3:107. But those whose faces will be (lit with) white,- They will be In (the light of) Allah.s mercy: therein to dwell (for ever). Paradise is Allah’s mercy – it was said when hellfire and paradise feuded, Allah said to paradise “you are my mercy” go to the last ayat of sura hud for the comparison between the people of hellfire and the people of paradise.
3:108. These are the Signs of Allah. we rehearse them to Thee In truth: and Allah means no injustice to any of His creatures. ayats of Quran as well as many things are the ayaats (signs) of Allah in truth – do not doubt the Quran. Allah means no injustice – some people say why bother if Allah has destined me to hellfire. respond – Allah does no injustice. Whoever enters hellfire it will be from his sins and whoever deserves paradise, it will be by Allah’s mercy, none of us deserve paradise. 3:109. To Allah belongs all that is In the heavens and on earth: to Him do all questions go back (for decision). 3-03-07 3:110. Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing In Allah. if only the people of the Book had Faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have Faith, but Most of them are perverted transgressors. “you ARE the best” – this is the correct meaning of kuntum here – who is the best nation? Nation of the prophet Muhammad (saw) – and what does that mean – does it mean all muslims or just the companions of the prophet or what? What about when Allah says to the children of Israel “we have preferred you over all nations” – means at that their time. However, when the jews were the chosen nation, they said other nations were below them. We don’t say this. Also, we say we are the best nation with conditions – meaning that we enjoin the good and forbid evil. If we do not do this, then we are not the best of nations. What is good? that which pleases Allah. What is evil? That which gives you a sin.
One of the interpretations of this is that Allah is saying to the muslims that they are the best of nations because they obey Allah. Do we do this ? do we deserve to say we are from the best of nations. At the time of the prophet, the companions took the lead and enjoined the good and forbade the evil. Today, the world is suffering and the muslims do not take charge. In a hadith, the muslims will be the majority of the people of paradise. In another hadith, there are 120 rows in paradise, and the muslims are 80 rows. That means 2/3. in another hadith, the prophet said to the people “you are ¼ of the people of paradise, and the people said Allahu Akbar, then the prophet said “you are ½”. In another hadith, 70 thousand will enter without reckoning. The prophet asked for more and Allah answerd him, with every thousand, another 70 thousand. 4.9 million people enter Jannah without reckoning. This is a beautiful style of dawah. “if only the people of the book had faith, it would have been best for them” – also it means that the Christians and jews are not believers. 3:111. They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance; if They come out to Fight you, They will Show you their backs, and no help shall They get. What does it mean? Isnt’ there mass killing today? The context of this ayat is the time of the Messenger. 3:112. Shame is pitched over them (Like a tent) Wherever They are found, except when under a Covenant (of protection) from Allah and from men; They draw on themselves wrath from Allah, and pitched over them is (the tent of) destitution. This because They rejected the Signs of Allah, and slew the prophets In defiance of right; This because They rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds. Scholars say the sunnah of Allah is that the disbelievers are humiliated, despite their wealth and fame, etc, and their true humiliation will be in the hereafter. What Covenant is this talking about? It means Jizya – if the non-muslims pay jizya, they are not to be humiliated. “They draw on themselves wrath from Allah” – how? By disbelieving and rejecting the prophet. “this is bececause they rejected the signs of Allah” – means the prophet. Did they kill the prophets? In the Arabic, this verb came in the present tense – it refers to when they tried to kill the prophet. It says kill the prophets “in defiance of right” – is there any appropriate time to kill a prophet ? no, Allah is emphasizing how horrible the act is. So in this ayah, how many violations of the children of Israel? Like 4-5 3:113. Not all of them are alike: of the people of the Book are a portion that stand (for the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and They prostrate themselves In adoration. Who is this talking about? Specifically, it means people like abdallah ibn salam and ubayy ibn kaab – rabbis who became muslim. But generally, not all non-muslims are the same. There are those who when you lend them money, they can be entrusted. This is in sura ali imran. 3:114. They believe In Allah and the Last day; They enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and They hasten (in emulation) In (all) good works: They are In the ranks of the Righteous. 3:115. Of the good that They do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right. It means they will be rewarded for what they do in this life. It doesn’t mean they go to jannah. prophet said “among the people who get a double reward are the people of the scripture who became muslim” – it’s like they follow two prophets. 3:116. Those who reject Faith,- neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah. They will be companions of the Fire,- dwelling therein (for ever). Nothing will save them on the last day. Allah will ask them if they would give it all up to be saved and they will say yes. Allah will answer them that He asked them to do something much less. 3:117. the parable of What They spend In the life of This world may be likened to a wind of “sir” (which brings a nipping frost): it strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls: it is not Allah that hath wronged them, but They wrong themselves. The meaning of “Sir” is the cold which is so cold that it burns. Imagine the one who worked the whole month for a paycheck and the day before it comes, they hear that it’s not coming. This is very different from the one who worked for it.
3-4-07 3:118. O ye who believe! take not as advisors those other than your own, They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: what their hearts conceal is far worse. we have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom. What does this mean? Take not advisors? – it means from religion. Does it mean if you’re the leader, can we hire non-muslims as advisors? When is it okay to ask the help of non-muslims? The prophet asked a non-muslim to be a guide in hijrah 1 – when it is not in matters of religion (he didn’t ask the guide whether he should make a hijrah. 2 – when it does not impact the entire nation 3 – you don’t take the help of any non-muslim unless he is trustworthy Omar (ra) did not hire a non-believer as a scribe citing this ayat. Because the scribe writes opinions for the muslims. Even though we don’t normally understand this ayat this way, it was the opinion of Omar and he was a wise man. Omar’s understanding is appreciated but it not necessarily correct. We may say that Omar did not take him as an advisor in this matter because it is a matter that involves the public. What about building the masjid? Is it a matter of public or individual concern. The ummayyads had Christian architects that were brought to medina. Omar didn’t like that abu musa had a Christian scribe but he didn’t ask him to fire him. 3:119. Ah! ye are those who love them, but They love you not,- though ye believe in all the scriptures. when They meet you, They say, "We believe": but when They are alone, They bite off the very tips of their fingers at you In their rage. say: "Perish In your rage; Allah knoweth well all the secrets of the heart." How do we love them? We love them as part of our humanity. As muslims we love all humans, but we hate their disbelief. What is the sign that we love them? Don’t we want them to be muslim? Why are they enraged? They don’t like to see the muslims following their religion. 3:120. If aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, They rejoice at it. but if ye are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you; for Allah Compasseth round about all that They do. Is this the right way to think of people? That if something good happens to people, we grieve and if something bad happens, we celebrate? This is a sign of pure hatred. Not the least harm will their cunning do to you – means all comes from Allah. Remember, when the man who put trash on the P got sick, was the P happy that it happened to him, or did he go and visit him? 3:121. Remember that morning Thou Didst leave Thy household (early) to post the faithful at their stations for battle: and Allah heareth and knoweth all things: This ayat is about the battle of uhud – even if you didn’t know this, you know it’s not badr because at badr they weren’t expecting fighting. Remember at battle of uhud, some people didn’t want to fight and they stayed in their house. The majority wanted to fight so the P agreed to fight. Later in that battle, 1/3 of the troops under the leadership of abdallah ibn ubai. What did Allah reveal about this? next ayat. 3:122. Remember two of your parties Meditated cowardice; but Allah was their protector, and In Allah should the faithful (ever) put their trust. Jabir ibn abdallah said “___” something about battle and fleeing. 3:123. Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible Little force; then fear Allah. Thus may ye Show your gratitude. Remember that everything is from Allah, they should not have fled because Allah is the one that gives victory. Know the two gropus that fled because he’ll ask us about it – look in the book. Banu haritha and banu “saloom?” – look this up. 3:124. Remember Thou saidst to the Faithful: "Is it not Enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (Specially) sent down? Now, Allah is talking about Badr – in the previous ayat, Allah reminds the people who fled from uhud that Allah helped them in Badr, and now Allah is talking about how he helped them at Badr.
Notice the progression – Allah says “don’t take the non-believers as advisors” and now Allah is talking about military issues – it shows the importance of not taking the disbelievers in military issues. In badr, the muslims:kuffar were 3:1. in uhud the ratio was the same and the number was bigger. When did the P say this to the Muslims? “is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with 3k angels”? badr. So why aren’t there angels now? It is the sunnah of Allah that if you sincerely believe, Allah will help you. The children of Israel were given something similar – the tabut. 3:125. "Yea, - if ye remain firm, and act aright, Even if the enemy should rush here on you In hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels Making a terrific onslaught. See the importance of patience. In badr, the muslims knew they were angels – some said their horse’s hooves did not touch the ground. Some say they had marks 3:126. Allah made it but a Message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no victory except from Allah. the Exalted, the Wise: Don’t we need to apply this to ourselves today? Don’t we need the assurance in our hearts from Allah? So why not victories? Allah answers this right away – “there is no victory except from Allah” 3:127. That He might cut off a fringe of the unbelievers or expose them to infamy, and They should then be turned back, frustrated of their purpose. This is up to Allah. 3:128. Not for you is the decision: whether He turn In Mercy to them, or punish them; for They are indeed wrong-doers. What is the context of this ayat? Uhud now. This was when the Prophet was injured and bleeding and the ring of his helmet was penetrating his helmet and his teeth were broken and he said “how can people be successful when they have done such to their prophet?” and Allah responded with this. Look at the mercy of Allah – the leader of the kuffar – khalid ibn walid became muslim. Abu sufyan became muslim. Guidance is from Allah, not the Prophet. 3:129. To Allah belongeth all that is In the heavens and on earth. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth and punisheth whom He pleaseth; but Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. Emphasis of the fact that the matter rests with Allah. 3-24-07 END OF FIRST EXAM 3:130. O ye who believe! devour not usury, doubled and multiplied; but fear Allah. that ye may (really) prosper. What kind of riba is this? riba al-fadl, where you give 100 and get 200 back. It says doubled and tripled – forget sunnah and other ayats for example. Does this ayat just say that only riba that is doubled and tripled and so on is forbidden? What is your riba is just a little bit, not doubled, is this permitted? There is nothing implied by it but it is just the style fo the Quran where Allah mentions the norm or what people are doing in order to remind you of the cruelty of people’s actions. In this case, that riba ends up doubling and tripling debt. (the style is similar to the Quran in the ayats where Allah says, “you kill the prophets while you know” – does that mean it’s ok to kill the prophets out of ignorance? – no it’s a stylistic thing) Also, riba of quality is not mentioned here, gold for gold, etc. Does that mean it’s allowed? No. Other ayats: Also, remember what Allah said about riba in sura baqara – Allah made trade lawful and riba unlawful. Are any conditions or exceptions made? No, All types of riba are forbidden. Also “the one who consumes riba will be resurrected like the ones that are possessed by devils.” Also say to the ones who consume riba and warn them of a war between them and Allah. Even the people of jahiliya knew that riba was haram – when they rebuilt the kaba, they did not take money from riba and even ran out of money. Even people today forbid usury at 20% - why? They know it’s injustice.
Why is riba haram? You are taking money from money. The people did not work for their money? But what if it’s fair for someone to give someone money? Then be partners where you give someone money and be partners with them. One day the economic system will collapse because it is based on illusion. The Prophet forbade riba and he said riba is beneath my feet and the first one he forbade was the riba of his uncle. 3:131. Fear the fire, which is repaired for those who reject faith: How do you fear Allah? By turning to him, and you fear fire by avoiding falling in fire. So you do what you can to avoid being thrown to it. Do you fear Allah or do you fear the fire? Both, here fearing Allah entails that you fear the fire. “which is prepared for the disbelievers” – why did Allah create the fire? To punish the disbelievers. So does that mean that all the people who are in fire are disbelievers? No. from this ayat, we can understand that only the ones who are in fire forever are disbelievers. 3:132. And obey Allah and the Messenger. that ye may obtain mercy. Mercy is a general term and is interpreted in many ways. One of them is paradise. So Allah mentions fire and then paradise. Obeying Allah and the prophet is mercy on its on - that’s why the prophet was described as a mercy to mankind. How is he a mercy? When you obey him, you will have a better life. That is shown and manifested in people who, regardless of money and status, they are not in mercy. The true mercy is in obedience. 3:133. and march forth in the way which leads to forgiveness from your Lord, and for paradise whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,There are deeds that cause you to be forgiven – prayer, hajj, etc. rush to those! March forth in the way. Don’t we rush to entertainment? When you rush forth, compete for the deeds, Allah will forgive you. What if a car dealership was giving out free cars? You would rush forth and get it. How big is paradise? The least of kingdoms in paradise will be like 10 times what the heavens and earth (or what the greatest king on earth had) Where is hell if paradise is as big as all the heavens and earth? This question was asked by heraclius (through that messenger that met the prophet but converted afterwards so he’s not a sahaba) to the prophet. When the prophet read his letter he said “subhanallah, where is the day when the night comes and where is the night when the day comes?” 3:134. Those who spend (freely), whether In prosperity, or In adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon people;- for Allah loves those who do good;The prophet was asked “what is the best of charity?” and he said “when you fear poverty and you wish for riches. Also you spend from what you love, not what you don’t love. You can give in the sake of Allah if you have a million dollars, what about if you have only one hundred dollars. Remember hwo the companions gave – whenever it was needed, they gave whatever. Omar gave half, etc. Who restrain anger – the prophet said the true strength is not in the man who wrestles others, the true strength is the one who controls himself. If you ponder on this, you will see that the one can make himself strong with weapons, etc. Pardon people – means when you have power to take vengeance on people and in that situation you let them go. Ponder on these 3 qualities? Do you have them or even one of them? This is what Allah loves in people. 3:135. And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except Allah.- and are never obstinate In persisting knowingly In (the wrong) They have done. Remember what ibn masoud said that the hypocrite commits a sin and treats it like a fly bothering him where the mumin thinks of his sin as a mountain about to fall on him. The prophet said “you will never reach a level where you benefit Allah with your prayer or harm Allah with your sin” – so remember Allah, do not brag about your prayer, and ask forgiveness for your sins. Who are those whose repentance will not be accepted, they are the ones who are persistent in their sins and when the angel of death comes, they say ok now we repent. It’s not ok to sin and keep sinning – when you are reminded you should repent and leave your sins.
3:136. For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath,- an eternal dwelling: How excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)! Again the beauty of paradise and the style of the Quran. Sheikh says that rivers underneath does not mean underground it means that your house is above a river. rivers without banks of milk and honey. This is the reward for those who strive in the cause of Allah. 3:137. Many were the ways of life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth. 3:138. Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah. 3:139. So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: for ye must gain mastery if ye are true In Faith. Exaplanation of ayat 137 is in ayat 139. when did the muslims lose heart? In uhud. So go back to ayat 137 – “many similar ways were faced before you.” This is the way of Allah, he does not grant victory the first time or everybody would believe. This is also from the story of heraclius where abu sufyan said one battle for us and one battle for them. The muslim is always strong – do not lose heart. Look what happened to the people of Ad and Lut. 3-25-07 3:140. If a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. such days (of varying fortunes) we give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyrwitnesses (to truth). and Allah loveth not those that do wrong. 3:141. Allah.s object also is to purge those that are true In Faith and to deprive of blessing those that resist Faith. 3:142. Did ye think that ye would enter heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (in His Cause) and remained steadfast? Allah is reminding the believers that entering paradise is not easy. You have to pay the price. Here it means jihad and patience. 3:143. Ye did indeed wish for death before ye met him: Now ye have seen Him with your own eyes, (and ye flinch!) The companions used to wish for death because of what’s after death, the reward from Allah. Allah is here reminding them that they used to wish for it yet now they are complaining. In mecca, the companions used to ask the Prophet if the could fight back and P said no. so now when they get to fight back, some of them ran away. Is death an actual manifestation that they saw? No it means they were confronted with death 3:144. Muhammad is no more than an apostle: many were the apostle that passed away before Him. if He died or were slain, will ye then turn back on your heels? if any did turn back on His heels, not the least harm will He do to Allah. but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve him) with gratitude. There was the rumor that Mohd got killed and people got upset. Why? He is just a messenger. There are people today who wish the prophet was with us today. Why? Do you guarantee that you will follow the prophet if he was here? Do you follow the prophet now? Do you implement his sunnah today? When the P died, abu bakr told the companions whoever worships Allah, Allah is every living and whoever worshipped mohd, mohd is dead. If you turn back on your heels (from the battlefield or from the sunnah of Allah). 3:145. Nor can a soul die except by Allah.s leave, the term being fixed As by writing. if any do desire a reward In This life, we shall give it to him; and if any do desire a reward In the Hereafter, we shall give it to Him. and swiftly shall we reward those that (serve us with) gratitude. Death is only from Allah so accept it. The greatest tragegy inflicted on the Muslim Ummah is the death of the Prophet Mohd but this is not a reason to retreat from the cause of Allah. Nobody will die before their fixed time. Ali (ra) “what of the two days am I fearing, the day that did not come or the day that already came?” (get this from someone else). 3:146. How many of the prophets fought (in Allah.s way), and with them (fought) ribbiyun? but They never lost heart if They met with disaster In Allah.s way, nor did They weaken (in will) nor give in. and Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast. What is the meaning of ribbiyun – some say scholars some say regular people.
This ayat is here to console the companions that this is nothing new. This has happened before and it’s happening now and it will happen again. So don’t lose heart. In jihad you need patience and this entire life is jihad. 3:147. All that They said was: "Our Lord! forgive us Our sins and anything we may have done that transgressed Our duty: establish Our feet firmly, and help us against those that resist faith." They are doing jihad yet they are still acknowledging their sins. If you die shahid you get jannah, yet they are still asking for forgiveness. Make our feet firm – running from the battlefield for no reason is one of the major sins. Either you will be victorious or martyred so there is no reason to run away. 3:148. And Allah gave them a reward In This world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. for Allah loveth those who do good. What is the reward of this world? It means victory but really it could be all sorts of things. 3-31-07 3:149. O ye who believe! if ye obey the Unbelievers, They will drive you back on your heels, and ye will turn back (from Faith) to your own loss. 3:150. Nay, Allah is your protector, and He is the best of helpers. Although this ayat was specifically revealed concerning the battle of uhud, the scholars said that the meaning is in the generality of the ayat, not the specificity of the context. Does this ayat mean that you should break the speed limit or else you will turn back on your heels? No it means obeying the disbelievers in matters of religion. 3:151. Soon shall we cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that They joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire: and evil is the home of the wrong-doers! One meaning is that Allah will cause the disbelievers to fear, so you have no reason to be afraid or turn away. The Prophet (saw) said that one of the qualities he was given was that his enemies will fear him. However, there are means to victory, there are laws that Allah put into the world. The boiling point of water, the heat of the summer, the cold of the winter, etc. You cannot expect victory simply by calling yourself Muslim. You have to do according to the laws Allah has put out for the earth. 3:152. Allah did indeed fulfil His promise to you when ye with His permission were about to annihilate your enemy,-until ye flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you In sight (of the booty) which ye covet. among you are some that hanker after This world and some that desire the Hereafter. then did He divert you from your foes In order to test you but He forgave you: for Allah is full of Grace to those who believe. This is still about the battle of uhud. the prophet promised that they would be victorious if they obeyed. They disobeyed just one order and were made to lose the battle. Look at today, we practically live in disobedience of God. How can we expect any kind of victory in anything. is ok okay to desire from this world? Yes, but if you desire worldly gain over the hereafter, then it’s a problem. How is that relevant here? The archers left the hill in order to claim their share of the hereafter. how many tests from uhud? before the battle, some people didn’t go the command of the prophet they were tested with the booty. when the muslims were killed by the kuffar after they left their position – were they steadfast? Allah forgave them. Imagine if Allah would not forgive one sin. What could we say about ourselves. 3:153. Behold! ye were climbing up the high ground, without Even casting a side glance at any one, and the Messenger In your rear was calling you back. there did Allah give you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for (the booty) that had escaped you and for (the ill) that had befallen you. for Allah is well aware of all that ye do. What distress that Allah give the believers?
They hear the prophet was dead Fearing for your own life Thinking you would lose the war booty Everytime Allah tests you, thank Allah and remember three things: 1) it could be worse (the prophet could be dead) 2) thank Allah because the trouble is in this life. What counts is what happens in the hereafter. 3) As long as the trouble is not in religion, it’s tolerable. You can lose anything, all your money, family etc. as long as you have your religion. 3:154. After (the excitement) of the distress, He sent down calm on a band of you overcome with slumber, while another band was stirred to anxiety by their own feelings, Moved by wrong suspicions of Allah.suspicions due to ignorance. They said: "What affair is This of ours?" say thou: "Indeed, This affair is wholly Allah.s." They hide In their minds what They dare not reveal to thee. They say (to themselves): "If we had had anything to do with This affair, we should not have been In the slaughter here." say: "Even if you had remained In your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death"; but (All This was) that Allah might test what is In your breasts and purge what is In your hearts. for Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts. When you’re overcome with slumber, it means you have security. When yo’ure on the battlefield yo’ure scared, but if you can sleep, then you have security, it’s a blessing of God. And if ever you’re afraid, remember that in sura baqara, Allah said that he will test us with only a “part” of fear. Don’t ever think you could have avoided death by taking a different route, etc. Death is decreed for us, and it will come for us no matter what we do. 3:155. Those of you who turned back on the Day the two hosts Met,-it was Satan who caused them to fail, because of some (evil) They had done. but Allah has blotted out (Their fault): for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Forbearing. How do you reconcile that Satan caused them to fail? Allah allowed satan to whisper to them. The prophet said “the good is in your hands, but I don’t attribute evil to you.” Forebearance > forgiveness. 4-1-07 3:156. O ye who believe! be not like the Unbelievers, who say of their brethren, when They are travelling through the earth or engaged In fighting: "If They had stayed with us, They would not have died, or been slain." This that Allah may make it a cause of sighs and regrets In their hearts. it is Allah that gives life and death, and Allah sees well all that ye do. This is a continuation in the previous ayats that you need a firm belief in the divine decree. Death will catch you no matter what. Ali said “which day am I more afraid of, the day that is predestined or the day I haven’t seen yet? The day that is predestined cannot be avoided and the day that has not yet come cannot harm me.” Allah is saying don’t let fear of death prevent you from going to jihad. If death was written, you will die whether you go or not. It is Allah that gives life and death so it is not your decision or going to jihad that gives you death, but in the end, do not have the incorrect belief that death happened because of so and so, it is from Allah. 3:157. And if ye are slain, or die, In the way of Allah, forgiveness and Mercy from Allah are far better than all They could amass. So let’s say you did go and get killed, is there anything better than dying as a martyr? You will get forgiveness from Allah, mercy from Allah, and enter paradise. Yahya ibn maeen was on his deathbed, he was asked, what do you wish and he said “empty house and a high chain of narrators.” What does this mean? He wants to worship Allah without distractions and he wants a high chain of narrators to worship Allah with the hadiths. 3:158. And if ye die, or are slain, Lo! it is unto Allah that ye are brought Together. What’s the difference between dying or being killed – either way, you’re going to Allah. So the point of these three ayats is not to fear death, because it is Allah that determines death, being killed in jihad makes you a martyr, and you will go to Allah no matter how you die anyway. 3:159. It is part of the Mercy of Allah that Thou dost Deal gently with them Wert Thou severe or harsh-hearted, They would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for ((Allah)'s) forgiveness for them; and consult them In affairs (of moment). then, when Thou hast taken a decision put Thy trust In Allah. for Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).
It is from the Mercy of Allah that the P was made the mercy of mankind. The P was the best of mankind, yet he was lenient and gentle. What are the factors of love and hate? There are four things: 1) beauty in creation 2) beauty in manners 3) bringing something good 4) preventing something bad (like saving your life). You can see all these four things in the P. As Hassan said, you were created as though you created yourself, free of all shortcomings. So the companions loved the P for many reasons, but especially his manners. Consulting them: did the P need to consult the people? Wasn’t he better than them? Trusting in Allah 3:160. If Allah helps you, none can overcome you: if He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? In Allah, then, let believers put their trust. Trustworthiness of the prophets 3:161. It is not for any prohet to illegally take a part o the booty and whosoever deceives his companions over the booty, he shall on the Day of Judgment, restore what He misappropriated; then shall every soul receive its due,- whatever it earned,and none shall be dealt with unjustly. This is a lesson to you. As a leader, it is up to you to take more responsibilities. Also, on the day of judgement, you will get what you earned. Remember kirkirah, the slave that stole the cloak from the booty. 3:162. Is the man who follows the good pleasure of Allah like the man who draws on Himself the wrath of Allah, and whose abode is In Hell?- a woeful refuge! 3:163. They are In varying Gardens In the sight of Allah, and Allah sees well all that They do. The prophet mentioned that paradise is many levels, each of them is like between the earth and the sky based on your actions. Similarly, hell is many levels. 3:164. Indeed, Allah did confer a great favour on the believers when He sent among them an apostle from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the ayats, and purifying them, and instructing them in book and sunnah, while before that tey had been in manifest error. This is one of the greatest ayats of the Quran. What favor did Allah bestow on us? Just look at the people of jahiliya, and look at the muslims who have abandoned their faith. You can see the mercy of God manifest on the people that follow him. And how much do we appreciate the prophet? Ibn al qayyum wrote a book with 44 benefits of saying salat and salam on the Prophet (saw). 4-07-07 3:165. What! when a single disaster smites you, although ye smote (your enemies) with one Twice As great, do ye say?"Whence is this?" say (to them): "It is from yourselves: for Allah hath power over all things." The ayat is a question – sometimes in translation you see “what is the matter with you?” – that is implied, not actually in the ayat. This is an amazing ayat because you see the weakness of the human being. In the battle of uhud in particular, 70 muslims were killed. that by itself is a disaster. The companions asked how could this happen. They have the prophet and the companions of the prophet, so how could they be defeated? So Allah gave them the answer – this is from yourselves. And what does it mean you smote your enemy twice as great? It was talking about badr – this is from the miracle of Allah. This is the nature of the human being – we are more upset with the loss than we are happy with our success. Like if you get a big promotion and then you get a traffic ticket fining you less money, you will get more upset than you were happy about the promotion. The prophet taught us how to cope with this – in matters of dunya, look to those that have less than you. In matters of deen, look to people who are more than you. So the lesson is simple – if you rely on Allah and do your job, then you will see results. Ask yourself why in the world today, Muslims are oppressed and a minority and even when they are a majority, they fight each other? It is because they do not obey Allah. If even the companions would be affected by a mistake, why do we think we are immune to it. 3:166. What ye suffered on the Day the two armies Met, was with the leave of Allah, In order that He might test the believers,-
And there was a reason – don’t think that all these are a punishment from God. It is an opportunity to be patient. And there was a lot of courage heroism and nobility. If not for the disaster you might not have seen these things. Anas ibn nadr, the cousin of saad ibn muath. When the muslims were running away, he said “oh allah, I am sorry for what the believers are doing, and I disown myself from what they are doing.” Saad tried to stop him and said what are you doing and anas said “leave me saad, I smell paradise closer than uhud.” he died with 80 wounds on his body. His sister recognized him by his thumb. Another companion had his hand paralyzed. Similarly yusuf (as) was tested and this was so that people could know his value. 3:167. And the Hypocrites also. these were told: "Come, Fight In the way of Allah, or (at least) drive (the foe from your city)." They said: "Had we known that fighting would take place, we should certainly have followed you." They were that Day nearer to unbelief than to Faith, saying with their lips what was not In their hearts but Allah hath full knowledge of all They conceal. If it’s true that they did’nt think fighting would take place, they would have gone anyway. The truth is that they loved their life and didn’t want to fight. “nearer to unbelief than faith” – this means that the hypocrites are people that sometimes you find them with the disbelievers and sometimes you find them with the believers. Scholars derived a ruling that the hypocrite is someone who’s iman is unstable. 3:168. (They are) the ones that say, (of their brethren slain), while They themselves sit (at ease): "If only They had listened to us They would not have been slain." say: "Avert death from your own selves, if ye speak the truth." The hypocrites are talking about the people that died at uhud. Allah answers them with challenging them to avert their own death. If you realize you can’t prevent your own death, what makes you think that people would have been safe from hiding with you? 3:169. Think not of those who are slain In Allah.s way As dead. Nay, They live, finding their sustenance In the presence of their Lord; In another ayat, they are alive yet you perceive it not. Abdallah ibn amr ibn haraam, the father of jabar, the night of the battle came to his son jabar – he said I saw a dream and I think I will be killed first thing. So he gave him instructions to take care of things and then it happened that way that his father was killed the way he said, first thing. The prophet saw him and said “Allah spoke to your father without a veil and said to him oh slave what do you want and he said I want to go back and be killed again for you. And Allah answered him with this is not for you, it is predestined that you will not go back once you die.” 3:170. They rejoice In the bounty provided by Allah. and with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (Martyrs) glory In the fact that on them is no fear, nor have They (cause to) grieve. 3:171. They glory In the Grace and the bounty from Allah, and In the fact that Allah suffereth not the reward of the faithful to be lost (in the least). The reward of the martyrs cannot be imagined. They are given intercession for 70 of their family, they are married to the wives of paradise, etc etc. 3:172. Of those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger, Even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward;Remember the companion who had his wedding night and then heard the call to jihad and left and then was martyred. The angels washed him. 3:173. Men said to them: "A great army is gathering against you": and frightened them: but it (only) increased their faith: They said: "For us Allah sufficeth, and He is the best disposer of affairs." Who said to who? The hypocrites said to the believers. Refer to the previous few ayats. The great army = quraish in particular. From this, we can understand that when you are doing good and people try to stop you, it is a sign of hypocrisy. so you have to rely only on Allah – you only win battles because Allah is with you. Remember in hunayn the believers were arrogant. Malik inscribed this in his ring “hasbunallah wa na3ma wakil” 3:174. And They returned with Grace and bounty from Allah. no harm ever touched them: for They followed the good pleasure of Allah. and Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.
Malik was asked why he inscribed it in his ring and he said “because of what comes next” – “and they returned with grace and bounty from Allah” 3:175. It is only the evil one that suggests to you the fear of His votaries: be ye not afraid of them, but fear me, if ye have Faith. So if you really believe in Allah, then you shouldn’t fear anyting accept Allah. It is shaitan that puts fear in your heart. So is it a sin to fear the lion? You should rely on Allah despite the natural fear. Fear can turn you to disbelief – what if you believed that the stone could harm you thus you pray to it. 4-8-07 3:176. Let not those grieve Thee who rush headlong into Unbelief: not the least harm will They do to Allah. Allah.s plan is that He will give them no portion In the Hereafter, but a severe punishment. People were sad to see hypocrites not fight and people ran away. This shows you the compassion of the prophet – he wanted guidance for everybody. Secondly, Allah is saying that they will not harm Allah. Third, Allah is saying that guidance is from Allah. 3:177. Those who purchase unbelief at the price of Faith,- not the least harm will They do to Allah, but They will have a grievous punishment. Allah is saying the same thing here in a different way. In this ayat, there is an indication that sinning requires you to pay a price, a cost. How much does it cost you to go to the masjid? 3:178. Let not the unbelievers think that our postponing their punishment is good for them. we grant them respite that They may grow In their iniquity: and They will have a shameful punishment. Don’t let the disbelievers think that just because Allah is not punishing them that they are in the clear. Allah will punish them. Notice also the repetition of 3 ayats here: a severe punishment, a grievous punishment, and a shameful punishment. 3:179. Allah will not leave the believers In the state In which ye are now, until He separates what is evil from what is good nor will He disclose to you the secrets of the Unseen. but He chooses of His Messenger. (for the purpose) whom He pleases. so believe In Allah. and His apostles: and if ye believe and do right, ye have a reward without measure. What state were they in? What does it mean that allah will not disclose the secrets of the unseen and then he states that he chooses of his messengers? What is the relationship between the two. It is to suggest that the prophets know something of the unseen. Also remember it is not the qualifications of the messengers, it is the choices of Allah. 3:180. And let not those who are stingy with the gifts which Allah hath given them of His Grace, think that it is good for them: Nay, it will be the worse for them: soon shall the things which They covetously withheld be tied to their necks like a twisted collar, on the Day of Judgment. to Allah belongs the dominion (inheritance) of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is wellacquainted with all that ye do. How will it be worse for me to give away money? Won’t it be better for me to keep it for myself? On the day of resurrection, you will have tied to your neck what you were stingy about. Who’s stingy? Islamically, the one who is stingy is the one who pays zakat. Abu dharr had a different understanding – he said that nobody can save any money based on this ayat and another ayat in sura tauba. What does it mean to say to Allah belongs dominion of the heavens and earth? Isn’t enough to say Allah just owns it? That’s what it says in other ayats. What it means is a reminder that we will one day leave this earth. That Allah will keep it and we will leave us. When you say that it belongs to Allah, the understanding is incomplete because you do have some temporary ownership. This reminds us that one day we will leave it. 3:181. Allah hath heard the taunt of those who say: "Truly, Allah is indigent and we are rich!"- we shall certainly record their word and (Their act) of slaying the prophets In defiance of right, and we shall say: "Taste ye the penalty of the Scorching Fire! Who said this? that Allah is poor and we are rich? The jews said it. When/what proof? When they heard the ayat “who will lend Allah a goodly loan” they laughed and said this. It shows the bad manners that people of the book show with God and the Prophet. 3:182. "This is because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent on before ye: for Allah never harms those who serve Him."
3:183. They (also) said: "(Allah) took Our promise not to believe In an apostle unless He showed us a sacrifice consumed by Fire (from heaven)." say: "There came to you apostles before me, with Clear Signs and Even with what ye ask for: why then did ye slay them, if ye speak the truth?" This shows how rebellious and resentful the jews were. Also how they treated their prophets. Also, as a debating tactic, you don’t always just give people what they want. Would it have done any good to show them a sacrifice? Don’t waste your time. 3:184. Then if They reject thee, so were rejected apostles before thee, who came with Clear Signs, Books of dark prophecies, and the Book of Enlightenment. The prophet told us the hadith about the prophet who will come on the day of judgment with not even one follower. 4-14-07 3:185. Every soul shall have a taste of death: and only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. only He who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): for the life of This world is but goods and chattels of deception. This is an undisputed fact. Why does Allah mention this over and over. Mohd said “keep mentioning death” because people are always ignoring this reality. What if they remember death, what will happen? What if you knew you would die tomorrow? Wont you pray more, wont you be busy? You saw the picture of the grave, that’s where you will spend most of your time on this earth, what have you done to prepare for it? You work hours and hours and most of yoru day to build a house you will live in for 50 years. What about your grave that you will spend hundreds of years in? what have you prepared for it? Once you cannot do any more good deeds, that’s when you’re ready to die. Some of the companions were like this. Ali said “even if I knew I was going to die tomorrow, I could not increase my good deeds.” Another companion said “even if I saw heaven and hell with my own eyes, I could not increase my deeds more.” Some said that khidr is still alive (who is that?) and this is the proof that he has tasted death. You mostly find among the sufi that khidr is still alive. Mohd said “if this life is like the wing of a mosquito, Allah will not give a disbeliever even one sip of water” – this life is goods and chattels of deception. All this entire life is not worth one minute in hellfire. the prophet gave the example of the man who was most fortunate in this life and he will be dipped one second into hellfire and he will have forgotten all happiness he had in this life. And the lowest of people in this life will be dipped in paradise for one second and asked if had ever suffered any calamity and he said no. So does that mean we don’t enjoy this life? Since the enjoyment of this life is just deception? No, it means you don’t hold it in your heart. If you think the focus of this life is just to enjoy, then you missed the point. And when you do enjoy life, you remember that it’s temporary. 3:186. Ye shall certainly be tried and tested In your possessions and In your personal selves; and ye shall certainly Hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the scripture before you and from those who ascribe partners to Allah; but if you persevere patiently, and have taqwa, then verily, that will be a determining factor in all affairs. We will all be tested. The quran says tested in your money and your property and yourself. These are the things that people love. What about your children? Don’t you love your children more than you love yourself? Yes, but not everybody has children. But don’t think we wont be tested in them. This is from the wisdom of the Quran. You will hear hurtful and harmful things from the jews/Christians and disbelievers. We hear hurtful things about the prophet from these people. Don’t ask “oh why are these things happening to me?” – remember that early muslims had it harder. People were killed just for believing. The prophet had filth poured over his head. You respond to the test by doing what you can to change the world and then pray to Allah. 3:187. And remember Allah took a Covenant from the people of the Book, to make it known and Clear to mankind, and not to hide it; but They threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! and vile was the bargain They made! There is a huge duty on the scholars of muslims. This is why the prophet said “whoever conceals the knowledge he knows, he will have a rain from fire on the day of judgment”. Imam ahmad was tortured to death. Can you imagine Al-I3zz abd as-salam – the ruler of the time made a truce with the crusaders and the deal was against muslims. He came out and said that ruler should be kicked out. He was taken and handcuffed and kept inside. The muslim ruler told the Christian king what he did
and the Christian king said if this was a priest from us, we would wash his feet and drink the water. Also the people were saying to izm abd as salam why don’t you ask him for forgiveness, why don’t you kiss his hands? He responded, wallahi if he kissed my hands I wouldn’t be pleased with him. then the ruler let him go and he left saying “I don’t want to live in a land ruled by a person like this.” Ibn taimiyya died in prison – why was he imprisoned? Because of a fatwa he gave about a divorce (talaqx3 = 1). History has not been kind to brown-nosing scholars. History remembers the people who stood up for what they believed in. 3:188. Think not that those who exult In what They have brought about, and love to be praised for what They have not done,think not that they are rescued from the punishemnt. for them is a penalty grievous indeed. At the time of the prophet, when he went for battle and the hypocrites remained behind, etc. Muslims and hypocrites lie about the accomplishments. People eat dates at the time of maghrib so that people think they were fasting, etc. etc. don’t think people have done good for themselves by acquiring the praise of people. This is like 3:189. To Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and Allah hath power over all things. HW: memorize these 10 ayats. 3:190. Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding,When these 10 ayats were revealed, the prophet asked aisha for permission to stand and pray and then he cried and say woe to those who read these ayats and did not reflect on them. What signs? Signs of the creation of the heavens and earth. They tell you many things. About the creation, about Allah, etc. Allah swears by the “position of the stars” – why is that? The light you see comes from a position where the star is no longer there, it has since moved. How amazing is that? Allah swears by the “position” of the star. 3:191. Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation In the heavens and the earth, (with the thought): "Our Lord! You have not created this without purpose! glory to Thee! give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire. Who are the men of understanding? They are not the ones who have good grades and high jobs, they are the ones who remember Allah all the time. Some people take the ayat literally, they stand up and praise Allah and then sit down and praise Allah, etc. the ayat means all the time. And how many hours do you spend remembering Allah? In every generation, we remember Allah less. We have all sorts of time-saving tools, but that time is ultimately lost because we don’t spend it remembering Allah. All these things were created with reason. Ponder over the creation of Allah. 3:192. "Our Lord! Verily, whom you admit to the fire, truly Thou coverest with shame, and never will wrong-doers find any helpers! Who is the truly disgraced, not the one who is put in jail, not the one who has lost his station in life. The disgraced is the one who is put into the fire. They will ask for help but they will not be helped. 3:193. "Our Lord! we have heard the call of one calling (Us) to Faith, 'Believe In the Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! forgive us Our sins, Blot out from us Our evil deeds, and take to Thyself Our souls In the company of the Righteous. What a beautiful dua. The prophet said “woe to the one who recited these and did not reflect it?” – what about the one who didn’t recite it at all? 3:194. "Our Lord! grant us what you promised unto us through your messengers, and save us from disgrace on the Day of Judgment: for you never break Thy promise." 4-15-07 3:195. And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: "Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be He male or female: ye are members, one of another: those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, and suffered harm In My Cause, or fought or been slain,- Verily, I will Blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath;- a reward from the presence of Allah, and from His presence is the best of rewards." So did this happen or it will happen? Did Allah already respond to their dua or will it happen in the future? One answer is that it is happening and it is assurance for the companions. Another answer is that there is no time for Allah – past present and future is all the same. Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you – this is a promise from Allah. Don’t despair the results of your work. Also this is a clear sign that there is no superiority of a male over a female.
Isn’t everything from Allah? Why is this mentioned – to show you that rewards from Allah are not the same as rewards from people. Look at the reward from Allah, it is much more than you deserve. 3:196. Let not the free disposal of the unbelievers through the land deceive you 3:197. Little is it for enjoyment: their ultimate abode is Hell: what an evil bed (to lie on)! How could you be deceived? You could think that the disbelievers have been blessed by God because they are right and you are wrong. 3:198. but, for those who fear their Lord, are Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath; therein are They to dwell (for ever),- a gift from the presence of Allah. and that which is In the presence of Allah is the best (bliss) for the Righteous. Remember what ibn hazm said – you should not seek a price for your soul greater than paradise. 3:199. And there are, certainly, among the people of the Book, those who believe In Allah, In the Revelation to you, and In the Revelation to them, bowing In humility to Allah. They will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserable gain! for them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is swift In account. Who are these people of the book? Ubai ibn kaab, etc. it applies to people today – they are jews and Christians and they hear about Islam and then they become Muslims. 3:200. O ye who believe! Endure and be more patient, and be steadfast on ribat, and have taqwa of Allah, so that you may be successful What is ribat? Sheikh had it translated as “gurading the lands” which is from a hadith where the prophet said the reward of the ribat for the one who guards the lands, but really it refers to something else. Also there is the hadith where it’s like “the fire will not touch 2 eyes – the one who cried from fear of Allah and the one that guarded the lands” – but at the time of the prophet all they had was medina, so what does it mean? It means the one who is steadfast in prayer, is eye is looking for the next prayer as soon as the prayer is completed.