Surah Al-Imran: (continued)

• Deen over Dunya
• Never will you attain good (reward) until you spend in way in the Allah (swt), from that which you love. We cannot attain piety until we do this.
• Israel-Yaqoob (as)
• All food was lawful for the Children of Israel except what Israel (Yaqoob) (as) made unlawful or impermissible for himself, for personal reasons. But according to the Torah, all was permissible for them. They, the children of Israel would make up wrong things, by saying so and so was not lawful, etc.
• Sadaqah-Allah (swt): Allah (swt) has spoken the truth.
• The angels built the Kaaba, then Prophet Adam (as) came and rebuilt it and then after him, Prophet Ibrahim (as) rebuilt it. Years later, during Solomon’s times, Masjid Al-Aqsa was created and people started to face it. Prophet Muhammad (saw) came to correct this and redirect everyone back to facing the Kaaba in Makkah.
• Standing place of Prophet Ibrahim (as), his footprints are left there. Where he stood in obedience. In Makkah. Near the Kaaba. His footprints are left behind for he was standing there for so long.
• Learn submission and humility from Prophet Ibrahim (as). He sacrificed sleep and rest to build the house of Allah (swt).
• Allah (swt) is pleased with those who visit the House of Allah (swt).
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) said rush to the obligation of Hajj, because we don’t know when and what may become an obstacle. Don’t delay it, do it if you can. The earlier the better.
• Hajj is a form of worship in that a person gives up a lot of what he loves.
• It’s an obligation to do at least once
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) says that Allah (swt) says: that if a person is healthy, has ample means financially, and 5 years go by and he/she doesn’t visit His House in Hajj or Umrah, than he/she is depriving himself.
• By going, a person becomes closer to Allah (swt). Allah (swt) washes away his/her sins.
• We should ask for: Oh Allah give me joy and comfort in worship of You.
• A small minor incident can change a person’s heart. A person’s faith. We should remain strong and firm in our faith. There are and will be a lot of threats to our faith. Remain strong.
• Division among believers is a very Bad thing.
• We are a nation, an Ummah (the whole community, nation of Muslims). We have been chosen to convey the Quran to others. To connect. We are the best nation.
• Reflect in what our time is being spent on: Savoring the world, food, home, kids, wealth, clothes, etc. Is this what Allah (swt) sent us down here to do? To waste away our time on worldly enjoyment and unencessity? Think, where is my time going? Where is my life going?
• Learn and understand the knowledge of the Deen, of the Quran. So that we can spread it to others.
• Allah (swt) has given us the Quran. To learn it, to understand it and to implement it.
• Our job is to pass it along. To pass along the message. If we don’t, it will be taken away from us. So spread it, share it.
• The Battle of Badr: 315 muslims vs. 1000 enemies. The Muslims were victorious in this battle.
• Think about it. Why not give up that 2200 square feet of this world’s haram, (for instance: a home that we probably got through Usury, Interest, Ribaa) for a garden promised by Allah (swt) that will be as wide as the heavens and earth, for the righteous.
• Do not weaken yourself in faith, in Iman. Do not grieve. Look around, there are always people around you who suffer loss equal or more than yourself. And they are able to get back on to their feet. So can you.
• We feel weak because of our sins.
• When we fail at something, it is a test from Allah (swt).
• Allah (swt) strengthens us through loss and failure.
• We are not supposed to and should not say: If we had or had not done this, this or that would or would have happened. Because everything happens by the will of Allah (swt), no matter what. So be content with that.
• Forgiveness and mercy from Allah (swt) are better than whatever we accumulate in this world.
• Recite and understand the Book.
• Don’t flee death, be prepared for it. It will come one day for all of us. But prepare yourself in this world, during the little time that we have here. Prepare for the Day, so that we may be granted Jannah.
• Jannah is priceless.
• Life of this world is enjoyment of delusion.
• Beauty in this world decreases. After time it starts to wither away. In every form. Every blessing here in this world decreases: age, beauty, health, wealth, time, etc.
• But in Jannah, it will all increase. It’s the best reward. Aim for it.
• Don’t put this Book away and pursue worldly gains. Don’t forget this Book for the dunya (for this world)
• Last Ayahs of this surah are the most beloved by Allah (swt). Ayah 190-194. Prophet Muhammad (saw) would recite these ayahs, and wept until his beard was wet. We must understand and reflect on these ayahs.
• We must be patient. Compete with each other in patience.
• Remain connected and united with each other.
• Let death meet you in a state of Iman.
• Battle of Uhud: lesson learned was that because of love wealth and this dunya, muslims suffered loss in this battle.
• A Mohsin gives charity in hard times, easy times, healthy or ill, in all conditions. He controls his anger and forgives those who wrong him.
• Protect yourself from the traps of this world/dunya.

Surah An-Nisa: (The Women)

• Hadith ( saying of Prophet Muhammad (saw): A snake will emerge from Hellfire and will wrap around the neck of the one who is stingy to his relatives. This person has excess, excess pride, and has stinginess. And will not give to his relatives. A relative has the right (the Haq) over the extra and excess wealth that we have.
• For double reward: give sadaqah to your relatives, in need.
• First condition of marriage is if a man will be just to his wife. Marry her if you can be just to her, only.
• Men, have been give permission (Not commanded) to marry multiple women. So marry only what you can handle. In life too, take on what you can handle only.
• Give bride gifts (Mahr) graciously, and happily. If a man marries a woman, promises Mahr and doesn’t give it to her after marrying her, he will meet Allah (swt), as a fornicator. As someone who committed zinna (adultery).
• Shares of inheritance have laws. Allah (swt) has made laws for this.
• Ayahs 12 and 13 talk of how much/shares go to who, after death.
• Debt must be paid off first. Even if heirs are well of, they should still get their shares of inheritance.
• We must make a will.
• Men must not look at the private parts of men and women must not look at the private parts of women.
• Ayah 23 speaks of which women are prohibited for marriage by men. Something all women should know.