Surah Al-Baqarah: (continued)

• We must prepare for the Day of the Judgement. It will come, and that’s a guarantee, it’s inevitable.
• Ayah 255 (Verse 255): is the Ayat-ul-Kursi (verse of the Throne). It is the greatest ayah (verse) of the Quran. 5 names and 20 attributes of Allah (swt) are mentioned here. This ayah is the means of protection from the shaytan (the devil, evil) all night long. When recited before going to bed/sleep, it is the guard of Allah (swt) and protects us all night long, until Fajr (dawn prayer)
• Allah (swt)- a very blessed name
• We must try to limit going out at night.
• Saying Bismillah (in the name of Allah): before doing or starting something, protects from the shaytan. For example: when entering the bathroom, beginning a meal, beginning of sexual intimacy. It is a protection for ourself from the influence and interference of shaytan.
• *One of the best forms of remembering Allah (swt) (forms of Dhikr) is: La-illaha-illAllah (There is no god, but Allah). If we die while remembering to say this we shall end up in Jannah, inshaAllah (Allah willing). It is a very powerful and very heavy form of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Try to say this from your heart.
• Allah’s Kursi (throne) spreads so big over the heavens and the earth that its like a ring in a desert.
• Subhanallahi wa bihamdhi subhanallahi al-azeem- very liked and very heavy forms of Dhikr.
• Taghut- were false gods. We must always reject that which is wrong
• Prophet Ibrahim (as) was friend (Kaleel) of Allah (swt).
• Even if the world tries to tell us something is right, that which Allah (swt) has said is wrong, we must reject it. For example: matters of Hijab, Quran, praying, fasting, etc. We must reject that which is untrue, to be a friend of Allah. Allah will protect and guide His friends.
• Spending in the way of Allah (swt), for the Deen of Allah (swt), and not expecting any return in this world, is like planting a seed which grows seven spikes. Each spike has 100 grains. Which means a reward of 700x, in the Afterlife. So spend selflessly in the way of Islam.
• Riyah- means to show off. Deeds done to show off, to people, to the world, will not be accepted by Allah (swt).
• Maan- reminding of a favor. Causing hurt to people when giving charity. This is wrong and will not be accepted by Allah (swt).
• Charity, even if small will be rewarded as much more if done for Allah (swt), and Allah (swt) only.
• Whatever blessings we do have, we should benefit others with these. Especially if we have extra.
• If you are grateful, Allah (swt) will bless you with more.
• Humans are like channels, what comes into the channel must go out in order for more to come in and not get clogged. ( In terms of money and wealth)
• Therefore we must give. Charity is very important. We should all try very hard to cut down on what we want, and spend more on those who are in need.
• Shaytan will threaten us with poverty when we take a step towards the way of Allah (swt) (for example: when giving charity) Shaytan will order us to commit evil deeds, instead of giving charity or doing good deeds.
• Charity in itself ultimately increases our own blessings in the form of wealth, health, skills, etc. When we give in the way of Allah (swt), He gives/blesses us with more.
• We must strive hard to protect our good deeds. Our deeds are precious, more precious than this world. They, our deeds, must be kept secret between ourself and Allah (swt). Don’t show them off!!
• Give in Charity what you would want for yourself. Good things, the best for Allah (swt).
• Give charity, sadaqah, in secret. Give whenever the opportunity arises. Don’t miss the chances.
• Believers that give charity, will be free of fear on the Day of Judgement.
• Ayah 275- starts the discussion of Interest (Ribaa). He who gives a loan and takes back more than what was lent, is like being driven mad by the shaytan. It is like being possessed by the shaytan.
• There is so much impurity in Interest (Ribaa)
• He who continues to deal with interest even after knowing about it will be a companion of the Hellfire.
• The more a person deals (giving or receiving) with Interest, in any shape or form, and seems like he/she is financially gaining from it, he/she is actually in great loss.
• Cursed are those that give and receive Interest. (Ribaa)
• Ayah 282 is the longest ayah in the Quran. It deals with transactions and making contracts.
• Ayah 285 and 286: It is said about these last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, that they are sufficient for him/her. Sufficient for his/her protection, etc. These two Ayah were given to Prophet Muhammad (saw)
• Every command in Allah (swt)’s Deen is doable. He doesn’t obligate us to do something that we are not capable of handling.
• The most difficult test of our life is our deen.

Surah Al-Imran:

• Madinah sura. Imran was the father of Mariam (as) (Mary). The family of Imran: Imran, Saint Anne, Mariam, Isa (Jesus)
• The enjoyments and treasures, the wealth, etc. of this world are of NO value. Because if these things had even the worth of a mosquito, then Allah (swt) would not give the kafir (unbeliever, the one who hides the truth) even a sip of water… ( Very important to reflect on this**)
• This reminds us how NOT valuable the worldly things really are.
• Be moderate in seeking worldly things. If our goal is dunya (this world) and just dunya, we will suffer in the end. If the goal is Akhirah, the Hereafter, we will have to let go and sacrifice things in this-worldly life.
• Those who will be saved from the Hellfire: the patient, the true/honest, the obedient, those who spend in the way of Allah (swt), those who pray the Tahajjud (night prayer)/ Fajr prayer.
• To those who argue with you answer: I have submitted myself to Allah (swt).
• Think and reflect and remind yourself: How has Allah chosen me, how has Allah (swt) blessed me?
• Story of the wife of Imran: She pledged to Allah (swt), that with whatever she was pregnant with. She delivered a daughter- Mariam (as) (Mary) (By this time, Imran had already passed away)
• The real protection is from only Allah (swt). Rely only on Him.
• Mothers become so concerned with fears and protection of children that they start to neglect their duties to Allah (swt) and others. For example: negligence of prayers, husband etc.
• Zachariah (as) cared for Mariam (as). He was her guardian and teacher. Upon seeing that Mariam (as) had been blessed with a miracle. He too asked Allah (swt) for a child, even in his old age. Allah (swt) blessed him with a son Yaya (John) (as). A very chaste prophet.
• Mariam (as) was chosen above the women of the worlds.
• Prophet Isa (Jesus) (as) never called people to worship him. He called them to obey, to the worship of Allah (swt). But they, the people refused. Except for his disciples. Only 12 came forward to follow and help prophet Isa ( Jesus) (as).
• The example of prophet Jesus (as) is like prophet Adam (as). Adam (as) was made from dust. He too, had no father.
• Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) (as) was not a Jew or a Christian. He was inclined toward the truth. A follower of the truth.
•  The time to repent is now. Before death!
• Allah (swt) sent us here, on this earth to collect our deeds. Not money, not wealth.
• Think about it. Think about when it will all be over. When it will all come to an end. Think about where we will be after it all ends. Where we will be, for eternity.