Surah An-Nisa: (Continued)

• Must respect and honor a fellow believer. Don’t advise or criticize in public to disrespect or dishonor someone. Don’t publicize their errors, unless there are concerns that oppression is hurting someone else.
• Don’t compare the prophets, by exalting one above the other. There is no need for us to make the comparisons. Each prophet of Allah (swt) is special.
• The people thought they killed prophet Jesus (as), but in actuality they did NOT.
• When Allah (swt) decides to return prophet Jesus (as) to this Earth, everyone will believe in him. Because by then everyone will be muslim. No other religion will exist besides Islam.
• It is said that prophet Jesus (as), will return to east Damascus, on a white minaret. This is how/where he will descend. He is described as reddish, medium height, face illuminated. He will kill Dajjaal (the false messiah, the deceiver). He will be muslim. He will die, and the Janazah (Islamic funeral prayer) prayer will be prayed over him.
• Allah has forbidden Riba (Interest, usury). Jews changed this to fit them.
• We should be always grateful for ALL of Allah (swt)’s blessings.
• Allah (swt) has sent many messengers to guide us. Greater than 300. Some stories of the prophets He has told us, and some He has not.
• Allah (swt) spoke to prophet Musa (as), directly.
• Every messenger was to bring good news and to warn the people. So that people cannot argue that they did not know of the message. So they will not be able to say that they were never told of the message or never warned.
• The Quran is Allah (swt)’s knowledge. It is the reality. It is the truth.
• Every truth, every detail, every lesson that the Messenger Prophet Muhammad (saw) is teaching us is the Truth from Allah (swt). For example: how to pray, etc.
• Quran plus the Sunnah are key*
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) cannot hear us, cannot hear our duas or wishes. To say that he can is excess. This is like increasing his status from human to god. And he is not god. Our salams are conveyed to him, but he himself cannot hear us.
• Don’t say “three”. Meaning there is no trinity. It’s incorrect. There is no son, no holy ghost of Allah (swt). These don’t exist and are untrue.
• Be aware of being excess and going beyond in religion.
• The prophets were happy and very content with the status of being servants of Allah (swt). We don’t need to exalt them any higher.
• Are we, ourselves, happy with being servants of Allah (swt). Are we happy obeying and worshipping Allah (swt).
• Quran is the clear light, turn to it. It will dispel your confusions, fears, doubts, gloom, depression etc. Consult the Quran to guide you and provide solutions.
• Quran has solutions for the real life situations. It’s not philosophy, it’s not theory, its not just a spiritual uplift. It’s a practical guide.

Surah Maidah: ( The Table Spread)

• Hatred for someone, even if they have wronged you, should not lead you to transgress.
• Do not cooperate in sin and aggression . Don’t make halal what Allah (swt) made haram*
• Ayah 3 explains which meat/animals and they ways they were killed.
• If person is dying, only then may he/she eat a little of what is prohibited (for example pork) to stay alive. Just to survive.
• Allah (swt) says that He has completed the religion for us. So if it was not part of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (saw) during those/his days, than it is not part of the religion/Deen of Islam. We cannot add or subtract anything.
• Deen is complete. We don’t need to revise, review or change it in any way.
• It is already perfect. No space or need for new changes or innovations in it.
• The first thing to get corrupted is our stomach. That is why we should eat what is only lawful and those things that are good for us.
• Name of Allah (swt) should be mentioned when sacrificing the animal. If Allah (swt)’s name is not mentioned then it is not halal/allowed for us to eat.
• Ayah 6 speaks of method of Wudu (ritual of washing before prayer). As you do wudu, you wash yourself. And watch as the water is falling from your face, nostrils, nose, eyes, etc. Think that these are your sins being washed off of you. Sins of your face, nose, arms, head/hair, feet are falling off.
• Don’t find wudu a burden, it’s a blessing from Allah (swt). It’s a way for our sins to fall off of us.
• Jews think they are the chosen and untouchables.
• After prophet Jesus (as), there were no prophets until prophet Muhammad (saw), 600 years later.
• We must try our best in everything we do and then rely on Allah (swt) for His help.
• We cannot rely on our own strength and ability. We must make the intention and take the first steps. And then trust Allah (swt). Be sincere in your efforts and intentions.
•  Bani Israel crossed the sea, escaped Pharoah with prophet Musa (as). They were to return to their land after crossing the sea. They were told that now you must fight some strong people in your land to re-enter. Prophet Musa (as) told them to enter and fight. They, Bani Israel, refused, said, “No, we will not fight.” They told prophet Musa (as) to and just go and fight along with his own Lord. Prophet Musa (as) became frustrated with such disobedience and asked Allah (swt) to pardon him, because he didn’t know what else to do to convince them. Allah (swt) then forbade the Bani Israel from this land for forty years. For being disobedient, they wandered the desert. They were homeless in the desert. For 40 years. An entire generation was replaced in these 40 years. After that they entered the land/city and were victorious against the enemy.
• Sometimes there are hurdles, tests and struggles in the way. Allah (swt) gives these us to test us.
• Fear Allah (swt), concerning our thoughts too. Because our thoughts can also lead to bad and evil actions and sins.
• Ayah 32 speaks of the preciousness of life. Saving one life for Allah (swt), is like saving all of mankind.
• Punishment stealing something is to cut off their hand, so that they will not continue it. It’s also a lesson for other people around. The punishment is very severe, so that others around will not follow the thief in stealing. So that others will also NOT steal. A thief is not a believer, when he is stealing. No iman (faith).
• Allah (swt) curses the thief who steals even an egg.
• We must check ourselves. How do we acquire things?
• The one who repents for a sin, is like he did not commit it.
• Ayah 42, Allah (swt) does not like those who listen and watch falsehood** Things that are far from reality.
• The flesh and blood that has been nourished on haram wealth, will not enter Jannah. (unlawful wealth)
• Books revealed are meant for implementing. Not to just be read. If you believe in the Quran, you must abide by it. Must implement it. By words and actions. It should be a part of our lives. When the law/commandment is clear in the Book/ in the Quran, it must be abided and obeyed.
• Leaving the commandment is being ignorant
• Jews and Christians are allies of each other
• Our ally is none, but Allah (swt), and His Messenger (saw)
• Do not fear the blame of a critic. Strive in the cause of Allah (swt).
• Even Angels befriend the worshippers of Allah (swt). (It is said that some people are pegs of the masjid-meaning they attend masjid regularly. Angels become part of the company of these people/pegs, who attend regularly. Angels become their companions. And if one day these pegs/people are missing, the Angels come looking for them. They even go visit these people and help them if they are in need)
• Dont befriend people who ridicule your religion.
• The last third of the night: Allah (swt)’s hands are open and stretched.
• It is not possible that someone leaves something for the sake of Allah (swt), and that Allah (swt) does not provide this person with something even better in its place.
• The most intense of people in animosity towards the believers will be the Jews.
• The nearest of them in affection to the believers will be the Christians ( because among them are monks and priests, who are not arrogant)