Ayah 1: Alif, Laam, Meem:

• These are Haruf Muqatta’at. The disjointed letters.
• They appear in 29 surahs. That means there are 29 surahs that start with these types of letters. The disjointed letters.
• They have no meaning. There is no need to delve deeply into the matter or trying to guess what they mean.
• They simply attract attention to the listener. Alert the listener.
• The ayah that follows these letters, exalts the Quran.
• In a way it proves the miraculous nature of the Quran. To prove that the Quran is not imitable. Cannot be imitated.
• These letters are unmatched secrets of Allah (swt) and the Quran. Their meaning is known only to Him.
• No Arab writer or poet could ever match these letters.
• As one scholar puts it: the best man has been able to make from soil is brick, tiles or other structures that seem to be quite sophisticated. But from soil Allah created man. He created life from that same soil. Which if all of mankind got together and tried to do, could never ever do. Similarly although man uses these same Arabic letters, he can never make of them what Allah has made of them, and that is the Quran.
• Comparing Allah’s work and man’s work is just not possible.

Ayah 2: This is the Book of Allah, there is no doubt about it. It is a guidance to God fearing people: 

• There is no doubt in it.
• It negates doubt.
• It contains immense knowledge and certain truth.
• It is a guidance to benefit both lives. Here and the hereafter.
• It distinguishes falsehood from Truth.
• The first original copy or version is in heaven, not here in the dunya, in this world. It is with Allah (swt), Lawhi Mahfooz.
• One copy is with the Angels.
• One copy is with us, down here.
• The copy that the Angels have is the copy we have.
• Guidance for those that adopt Taqwah (God-consciousness) A feeling that saves a person from sinning)
• It is 100% correct, factual, with absolutely no doubt. It is undoubtedly from Allah (swt).
• There are two types of guidance:
• Hidaya Ilmi: (Hidaya Irshad): having knowledge
• Hidaya Amali/Tawfeeq: those who study and have knowledge, but also implement the knowledge.
• More Taqwa (God-consciousness) leads to more guidance which leads to more Taqwa which then leads to more guidance, so on and so forth.
• The more a person fears Allah (swt) the more they will benefit from the Quran.
• Guidance is in the hands of Allah (swt)
• Make dua for contentment and Taqwa. This Book is for those who have Taqwa and piety.
• Quran is a guidance for those people who really want to protect themselves.
• Fear of God is yearning for the correct path in life.

Ayah 3: Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them: 

• Those who believe in the unseen with their hearts, tongue and actions.
• The key aspect of Faith is believing in the Unseen, which we cannot see or witness.
• This is the faith that distinguishes a Muslim from a non-believer.
• Al-gayb (The Unseen) refers to: Allah (swt) Himself, Angels, the Books, the Day of Judgement, Decree, Qadr, Resurrection after death, the Messengers/Prophets, Heaven, Hell.
• This is for those who believe in these Unseen. Belief in this Unseen, Al-Gayb, means having faith in such matters, that are based on absolute confidence in the Messengers and Allah (swt), despite the fact that we have not seen them with our own eyes. This is where the real test actually lies. Believing in something we have not experienced ourselves.
• This belief in the Unseen is differentiates man from animal.
• Those who have unshakeable certainty in the hereafter.
• To benefit from the Quran, it is essential to believe in it and then follow it, by practice and obedience to Allah (swt).
• Prayer is the first and continuing sign of practical obedience. Even a few hours after one embraces Islam, the Adhan calls for prayer (salat), and it is evident immediately whether or not profession of faith is genuine. So get up and go pray when the Adhan is called.
• Believers worship none other than Allah, the Almighty. They never debase themselves by worshipping anything or anyone else.
• Don’t abandon prayer (salat), because abandoning prayers is abandoning practical obedience.
• So establish prayers: On time, facing the Qibla (the Kaaba), have the intention, have proper Wudu ( ablution), manner of prayers in accordance to Sunnah, don’t rush your prayer, pray with humility and tranquility.
• Another pre-requisite to benefit from the Quran is that man should spend from what has been provided to him. Spend from what Allah (swt) has provided for you.
• Meaning recognize that all we have is from Allah. All that we own and possess is a gift from Him. Recognizing this brings humility. As well mercy to the weak and poor.
• Don’t be stingy, don’t be a worshipper of money either. We should not flinch from making financial sacrifices for the sake of Allah (swt).
• And “spending” doesn’t mean just money.
• Spending can be from a variety of things that you have: wealth, food, time, skills, knowledge, talents, etc.
• Life is an opportunity for cooperation with all.
• Spend on others.
• Wealth can be spent in the following ways:
  • Zakat (required) obligatory expenditures.
  • Sadaqah (charity) recommended expenditures.
  • Nafaqath Lazmi (spending on which is a responsibility) For example: a husband spending on his wife and kids, etc.
• When spending:
  • There should be no extravagance
  • There should be no stinginess
  • Should be done in moderation. Should be just, fair and moderate.
• Spending in itself draws a person closer to Allah (swt)
• In the end remember, Allah (swt) is the Provider. He is the One Who has given you every little thing (tangible and intangible) that you possess. He is the one Who has provided you, so that we can be a mean to help others.
• Charity does not decrease your wealth.
• Keep giving, Allah (swt) will give you more.
• This reminds me of a saying or quote I saw somewhere that went something like this: I screamed at God for not helping that poor beggar out on the street. But maybe God is screaming me for not helping that beggar out on the street.

Ayah 4: Who believe in the Book (the Quran) We have sent down to you (Muhammad (saw)) and in the Books/revelations before you, and firmly believe in the HereAfter:

• Prophet Muhammad (saw) was given both the Quran and the Hadith. Therefore we cannot disconnect the two.
• Yaqeen: is belief with conviction.
• Belief in the Afterlife. This means that man is answerable to Allah (swt), for all his conduct in this world and that the world will come to an end at a given hour that only Allah (swt) knows. And that when this world ends Allah (swt) will bring into being another world in which He will resurrect all humans even born on Earth. He will gather them, examine them, their conduct, and grant each one a just and fair reward for his actions.
• Linking the present life to the next life.
• It makes us realize that we were created for a purpose, we were created for the next life. Its an affirmation that full justice is definitely to come.
• Belief in the hereafter inspires us to do good with full confidence of Allah’s justice and mercy.
• To realize that this world is just a testing arena.

Ayah 5: Those are upon the right guidance from their Lord and it is those who are the successful:

• Ilm and Amal. Knowledge and actions.
• Falah: success. Falah: also used for a farmer. For a farmer puts in a lot of hard work for his farm to be successful. For him reap the benefits, he puts in a lot of hard work, before he sees the fruits.
• Similarly for us to be successful, we must put in a lot of hard work. A lot of hard work here in this world. There is no ultimate success in this world. This world is for us to work hard so that we can reap the benefits by attaining Jannah. Jannah in complete and ultimate success. If we work hard here.
• A Muttaqi (one who adopts Taqwa) has 6 qualities:
• Belief in the unseen:
  • Establishes Salat (Prayers)
  • Spends from the Rizq, provisions from Allah (swt)
  • Belief in the divine Books
  • Belief in Quran and Sunnah
  • Belief in the Day of Judgement

Ayah 6: Indeed those who are disbelievers, it is same for them whether you warn them or don’t warn them, they will not believe:

• So those who don’t meet the above six requirements/qualities.
• This is a group of people who have knowledge but do not implement it. Opposite of the Muttaqi. This group disbelieves in the message of Prophet Muhammad (saw). Doesn’t matter if you try to warn them about the severe punishment. They have the knowledge but will still deny it.
• Allah is giving reassurance to the Messengers. There is nothing wrong with the messengers or the message they bring. Allah is almost telling the messengers: Don’t worry it’s not your fault. There is nothing with the warning/message that you are trying to convey to the people.
• Instead there is something wrong with the receivers that reject it.
• Warn them, or don’t warn them, it’s all the same, they will not believe.
• The messengers were very gentle in their manners of bringing the message.
• “Prophethood is very similar to motherhood” Allama Iqbal. This is meant to say that both mothers and prophets are the well wishers, they warn with gentleness and with love. Love for their nation.
• Doctors, mothers, etc are messengers in their own. They bring a message, give advice, warnings etc. They do their part. From there on it is up to the kids, the patients, the nation to listen and act accordingly.

Ayah 7: Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. And for them is a great punishment:

• Allah (swt) has sealed their hearts and their ears as a consequence of their decision to reject faith, as a consequence of their deliberate choice to follow the wrong path and not the path of Allah (swt).
• So the light of Hidaya (guidance) will not enter them because a seal has been placed on their hearts. These people will understand, they hear the speech, they hear the words, but the message is not being absorbed.
• Their hearts, eyes and ears are sealed. They will not benefit because they do not want to.
• They actually don’t think they need to change.
• And because of their denial and rejection, a great severe and intense punishment is in store. Physical, mental punishment and torture. An Everlasting Intense Fire.
• For example: Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab during the times of Prophet Muhammad (saw), knew that he (saw) was truthful with the message he brought them. But their (Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab) egos prevented them from accepting the message.
• The Jews of Madinah were the same way.
• Hell is huge. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: A stone was thrown in Hell, it took 70 years to reach the bottom.
• The heart is like a machine, if you don’t use it, it gets rusted. Similarly the heart is sealed if you don’t use.
• Following desires and wishes out of arrogance hardens the heart.
• Don’t miss the warnings. Remain openminded and openhearted. Be humble and accepting.
• Kufr (denial, disbelief): The types of Kufr are matters of the heart. They will not be written on people’s faces. Therefore we should not judge anyone, because we do not know what is inside a person’s heart. We don’t know when the heart will change or turn.
• Kufr Akbar: (Major disbelief)
  1. Denial
  2. Doubt and suspicion
  3. Arrogance
  4. Turning away ( too distracted by world to learn the truth)
  5. Hypocrisy ( Claim to believe but deep down do not, only show to the world)
• Kufr Asghar: (Minor disbelief)
  • Ingratitude
• Different manifestations of Kufr are: making fun of Islam (the beard, the hijab, prayer), disliking what the Prophet Muhammad (saw) came with, believing that any other person can be obeyed in place of Allah (swt), judging by other than the law of Allah (swt)

Ayah 8: And of the people are some who say ” We believe in Allah and the Last Day,” but they are not believers:

• We should check which category we fall into ourselves.
• This description of hypocrites can apply to all generations.
• Recognize these different groups and types of people by their signs.
• They would say with the tongue that they believe, but with the heart.
• This is not true Imaan (Faith)
• Must have the 3 levels of Imaan. Recognize and study the levels. The requirements. True Imaan is through tongue, through the heart and through actions.
• The Munafiq (The Hypocrites) claim to be believers, but are actually not.
• Making verbal claims and statements are not sufficient. The heart and tongue should coincide. We should say on the tongue what is the heart. We should not self-contradict.
• Hypocrisy is the worst disease. These people say things that are not in their hearts and think they can get away with it. This is double standard.
• Say what is in your heart, because of course Allah (swt) knows it, nothing is hidden from Him. The hypocrites forget this.

Ayah 9: They think to deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive not except themselves and perceive it not:

• They, the hypocrites, try to deceive Allah (swt), but cannot. This is self-delusion.
• In reality they are just deceiving themselves. Digging a hole for themselves. The ultimate loss is for themselves.
• They are oblivious and careless of the matter and don’t realize they are just fooling themselves. Nobody else.
• They are trying to deceive Allah and the believers.
• These people delude themselves into thinking that their hypocritical behavior will profit them, when in fact it will prove harmful both in this world and in the next.
• Whoever tries to deceive another person, someone who is not deceived, has actually deceived just himself.
• Believers should not worry about the schemes and plots of they hypocrites.
• Be cautious and guard yourself from these people. But at the same time, don’t harm them, and don’t lose hope in them.
• A hypocrite might be able to fool people for a while, but that won’t last long. They will have to eventually face and answer to Allah (swt)

Ayah 10: In their hearts is a disease, so Allah has increased their disease, for them is a painful punishment because they (habitually) used to lie:

• Hypocrisy is a disease. A disease of the heart. It’s a spiritual disease of the heart.
• Allah (swt) does not punish immediately. But instead allows the hypocrites to indulge in their hypocrisy and exult in the success of the ruses.
• They say with their tongue what is not in their hearts.
• True faith is that which is shared between the heart and the tongue.
• This feeling of “success” intensifies their hypocrisy.
• Two things can penetrate the heart, eat away at the heart, and lead to fading/extinguishing of Imaan:
  • Desires
  • Doubts
• Just like any disease if you don’t cure it or fix it, it will spread and get worse. So in this case, the consumption of desires and doubts will worsen.
• The cure for doubt is: knowledge. Knowledge from the Quran and Sunnah.
• Look for cures, be in the company of righteous people, increase your knowledge.
• Hypocrites have too much love for themselves and this world/dunya, so they don’t want to accept the need for a cure.
• There is a painful punishment for those who do not find the cure.
• Recognize the 3 signs of a Hypocrite:
  1. When he speaks, he lies
  2. When he promises, he breaks the promise
  3. When he is entrusted, he breaks trust.
• Nafaqatun: Lizard’s hole. Has 2 openings. If danger on one side, lizard escapes from the other side. Hypocrites similarly have friends who are believers and friends who are disbelievers. If one relationship goes sour, he can run to the other.
• Nafaqah: a desert mouse/lizard.
• One of the qualities of a hypocrite is also that they proclaim and mention their good deeds and proclaim their righteousness.
• So we must look at ourselves and ask- Do I have any of these traits? Do I have any discrepancy between what is in my heart and what is in my speech?
• Leave/Stop lying! It’s a major sin. Even as a joke, its wrong. Its a misrepresentation of the truth. It damages the Imaan. Allah does not guide the transgressor or the liar. A mumin cannot be a liar. False promises, false praises, joking, exaggeration, etc. –> all of these are lies. Doesn’t matter how big, small, white or black etc! All wrong
• We must check our daily lives–> while buying, selling, studying, etc, to see if we are lying in any possible way.
• Let’s make the promise to stop lying, starting now!

Ayah 11: And when it is said to them, “Do not cause corruption on the earth,” they say, ” we are but reformers.” :

• In the world wrong is made to look pretty. False marketing an image.
• They are told don’t make corruption in this world.
• Their reply: was that we are just doing reform.
• They, the hypocrites actually think and believe that their wrong actions were good.

Ayah 12: Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive it not:

• Allah (swt) says be aware.
• They don’t even realize it. They neglect to see the details and consequences of their actions.
• They display righteousness in the open for people/world to see, but spread corruption in secret.

Ayah 13: And when it is said to them, “Believe as the people have believed,” they say, “Should we believe as the foolish have believed?” Unquestionably, it is they who are the foolish, but they know it not:

• They, the hypocrites, are being asked/told to become muslims. To submit and to believe. But they think that those people who honestly and sincerely embraced Islam, those who exposed themselves to all kinds of trials and persecutions, risks and dangers, were foolish.
• They thought of Islam as the religion for the meek and poor people of society.
• They make this statement to belittle the believers.
• The believers were willing to sacrifice everything.
• Hypocrites didn’t want to sacrifice or “lose” out on the dunya. They didn’t like being invited to the Deen, Quran, the salat.
• Hypocrites looked at donation, at sacrifice, as foolish and as a loss.
• Hypocrites loved just themselves. And would like to pass judgement on others, and on the believers. They had a rebellious attitude. The believers to them seemed foolish for giving up and sacrificing what they had in this world for Islam.
• In reality it is they (the Hypocrites) that are the foolish ones and they don’t even realize it.

Ayah 14: And when they meet those who believe they say, “we believe,” but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, “Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers.”:

• When the hypocrites meet the believers they say, we believe.
• But they are actually cowards deep down inside. Not actually loyal to anyone.
• They would mock the believers.
• Satan- means rebellion, refractory, headstrong. A term used for both humans and jinn. Satanic characteristics
• In this case it refers to the influential leaders of that time who were in opposition and hostile towards Islam.
• Shayateen: Evil misguided leaders who are setting wrong trends.
• They hypocrites were two-faced and cowardly. They would say to the Muslims that they believe with them, for protection. But then they would say otherwise to the Jews, their allies. Together the two (hypocrites and Jews would scheme)

Ayah 15: But Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression while they wander blindly:

• Allah (swt) is the one who actually mocking them. He gives them time.
• Everyone, each one of us is being tested. Everyone is given time. Time to repent and mend our ways.
• They, the hypocrites wander blindly. Allah has left them to just wander aimlessly because of their transgression and denial. Until the Day when He picks them up like wandering unaware feeble mice.
• Allah (swt) gives people respite.
• The hypocrites would be harsh and rude in their ways and speech.
• This time that we get is a sunnah of Allah (swt).
• So put Allah first when making decisions.
• On that Day, the hypocrites will be given some light when trying to cross the bridge. But this light will be taken away. They will be invited towards heavens, but will not be let inside. This will be their punishment for what they have done here in this world.
• The two qualities that hypocrites lack:
  • Good manners
  • Understanding of the Deen

Ayah 16: Those are the ones who have purchased error (in exchange) for guidance, so their transaction has brought no profit, nor were they guided:

• This trade is of no benefit.
• They bought error for the price of guidance.
• Some say they don’t study Quran because then they have to live by it. These people are only deceiving themselves. They prefer misguidance over guidance. They don’t want to change, to learn, or to improve themselves. They don’t want to obtain guidance.

Ayah 17: Their example is that of one who kindled a fire, but when it illuminated what was around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness so they could not see:

• The example is of people having light and then going back to darkness.
• Examples are given to us to make us understand concepts better. Parables are to help us understand better.
• So the example is of a person who lit a fire. Meaning a person who wanted to understand Deen/Quran/Islam. This could also mean the Prophet Muhammad (saw) because he came with a message (the light).
• People had the desire to learn, but didn’t have the desire to learn, understand and actually implement what they were learning. So that light was extinguished, it was taken away.
• Their intention was corrupted. They approached the message with deviated hearts. Internal light therefore was taken away.
• So light was lit, because people expressed the desire to learn the message (the light) but then Allah took that light away, leaving them in the darkness of kufr.
• Why? Why weren’t the hypocrites benefitting in the company of prophet Muhammad (saw)?: Because they had no true internal light of Imaan. Of true belief. So it doesn’t matter how bright the external light is. If someone is so engrossed and engulfed in this life, this world, Allah (swt) takes away the light of guidance from them.
• Allah (swt) sent many blessings to them: messengers, messages, etc. But the hypocrites always looked for faults. So Allah (swt) took away the blessings. He took away their inner light.

Ayah 18: Deaf, dumb, blind- so they will not return (to the right path):

• They have eyes, ears, tongues but will not be able to hear, see or speak the truth. All doors and faculties have been closed.
• Because inside they are still deceptive.
• Allah (swt) doesn’t allow His Deen to become an object of mockery. So He closes the door.
• When a person has a true yearning- with open eyes, mind and heart- it is only then Allah (swt) opens the doors of guidance for him/her.

Ayah 19: Or is it like a rainstorm from the sky within which darkness, thunder and lightening. They put their fingers in their ears against the thunderclaps in dread of death. But Allah is encompassing of the disbelievers:

• This is their condition: when they hear the Quran they place their fingers in their ears and turn away from the Quran and its commandments. They are frightened by its warnings and promises. So they try to avoid the Quran as much as possible.
• They dislike the Quran as much as one who dislikes hearing thunder during a rainstorm and so they put their fingers in their ears in fear.
• Some hypocrites know the truth and some of them doubt it.
• Instead of listening they put their fingertips in their ears, in fear of death.
• The revelations would scare them. They would fear that its about them.
• Those who were guilty, would get anxious and defensive.
• Kafireen is used when hypocrites are being described.
• Hypocrisy is a type of kufr. When the heart is filled with disbelief.
• Hypocrisy: When Imaan at the level of the heart is missing.
• Its not enough to just, talk, dress and act like a believer, Allah (swt) looks at your heart and deeds. Not your outer appearance. People want to look picture perfect on the outside. But its no use if the heart has no adornment of Imaan.
• We don’t always see and realize their own mistakes and faults.
• We must look at and check ourselves!
• Instead of looking to get “certified” by others, strive to get the approval of Allah (swt).
• So by thrusting their fingers into their ears, they temporarily deceive themselves into believing they can escape the catastrophic end awaiting them.
• But they can’t, because Allah (swt) encompasses them.

Ayah 20: The lightening almost snatches away their sight. Every time it lights ( the way) for them, they walk therein; but when darkness comes over them, they stand still. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent:

• The lightening snatches away their sight.
• The example is that they (the hypocrites) would not participate in difficult things like battle.
• First parable refers to those hypocrites who disbelieved completely but had become Muslims merely for worldly interests and gains.
• Second parable refers to those prone to doubt and hesitation or whose faith was weak; they believed in the truth but to the extent of exposing themselves to the hardships for the sake of Islam. Not enough to make sacrifices.
• The “violent rainstorm” alludes to Islam, which came to the world as a blessing.
• “pitch dark clouds, thunder and lightening” refer to the trials, tribulations and difficulties which confronted the Islamic movement, which was because of those who opposed Islam.
• The last part of the parable portrays a state of mind of hypocrites. They move a little when the circumstances seem a little favorable, but when the difficulties are presented, or when they are told to do something that goes against the desires; they area alarmed and come to a stop.
• If Allah wanted he could have made them totally deaf and blind. Because these faculties are being used for wasteful, bad and useless things. But its not Allah’s way to deprive anyone of sight and hearing while he is still willing to see and hear. So he allowed them to keep their sight and hearing to an extent, if they were prepared to see and hear the Truth.
• We should make ourselves sincere. Pursue the Deen for the approval of Allah (swt) only.

Ayah 21: Oh mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous:

• Everyone was created for the same purpose. Everyone before us, now, and then those after us. All of us are here on earth to worship. We all have the same purpose, to submit to Allah (swt)
• To respect, love, fear, worship Him. Only Him. And Him, the most.
  • Mathlub: he is the only One you need. We need Him. Be dependent on Him. Desire His pleasure.
  • Maqsood: To please Him. That’s our objective. All deeds are for Him.
  • Mahboob: to love Him. More than any one else on earth.
• It’s Allah’s right, because He created us, all of us, all before us, and all after us.
• So worship Him only.
• He brought us from nothing to something.
• Worship of Allah (swt) will only benefit us. Not Him. He doesn’t need us, we need Him. To save ourselves, to protect ourselves from the Hellfire, we need Him. He is our  best well-wisher. He made us, created us, He love us, He wants the best for us. He is the creator (khaliq) and owner (malik).
• He provides us with every single thing.
  • Maqloob: do good, our focus should be Allah.?
• In Surah Talaq ayah 2- Allah (swt) says- whoever fears Allah, Allah will make a way out for him.
• Tests and trials- Allah created man, put him through tests, trials, tribulations and calamities. When he turns to Allah and has faith in Allah, and doesn’t blame other people, then Allah (swt) will show him the way.
• Taqwah and Ibadah go hand in hand.
• Two types of worship
  • General: every word and action that Allah (swt) likes, bring us close to Him.
  • Ritual: prayers, Hajj, etc.
• Ubudoo: enslave yourselves completely in worship, as His slaves.

Ayah 22: It is He Who has made for you the earth a bed and sky as a ceiling and sent down from the sky, rain and brought forth thereby fruits as provision for you. So don’t attribute to Allah equals, while you know (that there is nothing similar to Him):

• Allah (swt) is reminding us that He made the sky a ceiling. Who else could make it? Who else could create it? Clouds, the sky, etc. They bring peace to our eyes. Its a mercy from Allah (swt). Every time we look outside, up at the sky. Earth is a bed spread out for us, a resting place, comfortable. Even though earth is constantly moving.
• There are no pillars hold up the sky, the earth.
• These are blessings we see everyday. Yet because we see them everyday, all the time, we forget the Creator and take these things for granted.
• The system is placed so carefully and meticulously for us here. If one of the parts of this system should fail life would not exist. And this is something we overlook or fail to realize. Who keeps this all going for us?
• Fruits, rain, produce, etc. All provision provided to us by Allah (swt), when no else can provide for us.
• Water. Rain. Its the essence of life. Its vital and its a phenomenon. Water sustains life.
• When we realize this is all done and created for us by Allah (swt), then worship and devotion should all be for Him, exclusively.
• How can one even consider to set up equals with Him?
• How can one set up and worship equals to Him, when He is the one Who created those others in the first place? They are creations just like you and I and He created them. How can they be equal to Him?
• The most Ihsan to us is from Him. He brought us into existence, from nothing. Provided for us, gave us Islam, the Deen, the Quran. He has given us peace from above and below. For us to be happy and content. To enjoy.
• So do not commit shirk by setting up rivals or equals with Him.
• Setting equals to Him doesn’t necessarily mean worshipping smthg else. But it can be very subtle as having more faith or reliance on a person than Him. Pinning hope on someone besides Him. Fearing someone besides Him. All these can be very subtle.
• To reject the truth, after know it, is a greater crime than not knowing it.
• Become the abd of Allah (swt), become His slave. A grateful slave.
• Do not become an abd of shaytan.

Ayah 23: And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon our servant (Muhammad) then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful:

• The Prophet Muhammad (saw) was a very grateful slave of Allah (swt). He worshipped out of gratitude to Allah (swt). And our worship should be as per sunnah. We worship based on need, but Prophet Muhammad (saw) worshipped based on gratitude!
• He (saw) was the servant of Allah, the highest honor a person can attain.
• This ayah is saying that if you doubt the Quran, bring/produce something like it. Anything even comparable like it. This was repeatedly reiterated in other verses, throughout the Quran. This is a challenge. A remarkable challenge made with certainty. Because if any of the Arabs could take up the challenge they would have right away without a moment of hesitation. But they could not.
• And the challenge remains open for all and anyone who thinks they can reproduce anything to match the Quran. But nobody has, nobody can and nobody ever will.
• Allah (swt) sent miracles to nations according to their needs.
  • Musa (as): magic was the popular during his times, so Allah (swt) allowed him to part the Red Sea, his staff to turn into a snake and then back again into a staff, etc.
  • Isa (as): medicine was progressing during his times, so Allah (swt) made him capable of healing.
  • Muhammad (saw): Arabic was an eloquent language during his times, so Allah (swt) sent the Quran his nation, to challenge them.
• Other ayahs that bring up this challenge: Surah Hud, Tur, Israel, Yunus, Baqarah.

Ayah 24: But if you don’t-and you never will be able to- the fear of the Fire, whose fuel is mean and stones, prepared for the disbelievers:

• The body is made up of fat, hair, bone (phosphorus burns faster), and all of these things will be fuel for the Hellfire.
• Sulfur: speed of burning, foul smell and smoke it produces, clings to human flesh, hottest.
• So deniers of the message and messengers–> a great Fire is being prepared for them.
• Fire that has reached severe intensity fueled by stones and men. Its nothing like that fire of this world that is kindled with wood.
• Quran is the greatest proof that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is the messenger of Allah (swt). Not only because he could not read, but also because the Quran has remained unchanged for 1400 years.

Ayah 25: And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens (in paradise) beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with a provision of fruit therefrom, they will say, ” This is what we were provided with before”. And it is given to them in likeness. And they will have therein purified spouses, and they will abide therein eternally:

• Jannah consists of fruits, rivers, lush gardens, etc. Fruits will not be exotic looking. They will not be unfamiliar in appearance. But the taste will be beautiful, delicious and very different.
• So much diversity and variety in the world. We can’t even imagine. Take humans for example, we look the same from the outside but each and every single one of us different in so many countless ways. And that’s just humans. This truly shows the vastness of Allah’s creativity and knowledge.
• Yet, this vast, multitudinous, diversified and inexhaustible universe goes back to a basic single cell which is made up of the same constituent parts.
• And we have purified spouses. Purified from the inside and the outside. Relationships with your spouse will be purified. Clean and free from any deficiencies. They will be cleansed before entering Jannah. Their hearts will be cleansed. None will grow old or cranky. No illnesses, no grudges, no fatigue.
• And they will reside with their spouses in Jannah for eternity. Forever. Will never have to leave. This is “vacation” that will never ever end. It will be a place of eternal rest and peace. No such concept as 24/7 there. Its eternal there.
• This dunya, this world is not Jannah. Stop trying to make it Jannah. Aim for the real Jannah, which comes after.
• The place of work is here in this world. In this life. Discipline yourself here to enjoy Jannah later.
• Work hard here. Rest forever there.
• We must suffer one of two pains: either the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.

Ayah 26: Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example- that of a mosquito or what is smaller that that. And those who have believed know its the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, “What did Allah intend by this example?” He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient:

• Those who don’t want to understand the Quran and are not motivated by the urge to seek the truth become engrossed in asking superficial questions about the Quran. They draw erroneous conclusions. They are thrown further and further from the truth. On the other hand, those who seek the truth and possess true perception, penetrate through these superficialness and perceive the gems of wisdom. This appreciation makes their hearts attest that such wisdom could be of no other source but Allah (swt).
• Parables is a way of teaching us. Allah will never set a parable without a purpose. They contain wisdom and they explain the Truth.
• Objectors would say that if the Quran was truly a revelation by Allah (swt), it would not contain lowly and trivial things like- flies, gnats, spiders and mosquitos. That these things are so insignificant, why are they in the Quran. Objectors approach the Quran only to look for faults.
•  And so Allah (swt) says that He has no problem mentioning such “small” things like a mosquito here. That He is not shy to mention such “insignificant” examples.
• These examples will help people understand. They are for us to take lesson from. We must look at the intention of the examples. We should look to see why the example (s) is given, not what example is actually used.
• In Surah Hajjah V. 73: the example of a fly is given there to make people understand an important concept.
• The examples are given to make people understand a concept.
• Let’s also not forget that Allah is the Supreme Creator. The Creator of everything big or small. He has given life to each and everything, something no human can ever do. He gives life to the biggest things and to the tiniest things as well. So nothing He creates is insignificant. Because He gives life.
• Focus on the greatness of Allah (swt) here, not on the size or the example of a mosquito.
• Allah (swt) mentions that He is not shy to mention the mosquito as an example, or even something more smaller or more insignificant than it. Or even something above it (like a fly, or the parasite that sits on top of a mosquito)
• Few interesting facts about a mosquito:
  • A mosquito itself can be one of the most deadliest animals on earth, has caused death and is still causing death.
  • It has 100 eyes on its head
  • It is of female gender
  • Has 48 teeth
  • 3 hearts
  • 6 knives in its nose.
  • Wings beat at 300-600 beats per second.
  • Secretes an anesthetic like substance when penetrating our skin.
  • Does not like all blood types
  • Has a microscopic organism/parasite that sits on top of it.
• Back in the day, when people would hear and understand an example in the Quran, they would cry. Sound knowledge is not given importance anymore, because people are busy pursuing worldly things.
• Allah (swt) doesn’t shy away from saying what is truth. We too should not shy away or be reluctant to tell the truth. We should share what we learn from the Quran. If it penetrates your heart, share it.
• We talk about a number of things every day. Where is the Quran in the list of things we talk about?
• Those who accept the truth, they live by it. They spread it, they share it. When you are convinced of it, you should share it. We should develop the confidence in accepting and sharing the truth.
• When sharing knowledge or the truth: It should be: based on knowledge, truthful, intention should correct, manner in sharing should be correct.
• The believers know the truth is from Allah (swt). Disbelievers would question, look for faults and look down upon the Quran. The disbelievers would cross limits.
• If we too as students don’t understand; we should not reject or ignore. We should make dua to understand. Ask questions respectfully and research. We don’t follow blindly, we are allowed to ask questions to better understand or for clarification. But respectfully.
• Intention to learn should clean, rightful to want to understand Deen. With an open and clean heart. We should modify ourselves to be unbiased and receptive of the Quran and Deen.
• To obtain guidance:
  • Consult with Quran and Sunnah
  • Ponder upon the creation and the universe
  • Make dua. When in doubt, don’t spread it around and make a big issue out of it. Make dua and ask Allah (swt) for guidance.
  • Hang out with righteous people so that you can implement correct things by learning and seeing them do the same.

Ayah 27: Who break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and cause corruption on earth. It is those who are the losers:

• Surah Al-Araf, verse 72
• Our covenant with Allah, is that we recognize Him as Rabb/Lord, the one supreme being.
• That is the promise, the agreement we all made at the time of creation. It is a weighty pledge.
• Spreading mischief on earth are the transgressors: The Faasiq.
• The traits of the Faasiqeen (the transgressors):
  • After the binding agreement of the contract, they break it. They break the promise/agreement. They break the boundaries of halal and haram set by Allah.
  • Sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined: such as families and relatives, the Deen, people in need, etc.
  • Cause corruption on Earth: wastage of food and water and other resources, cause pollution, GMO, artificialness in everything, etc.
• We follow desires blindly. List of faasid on Earth are endless. Tangible and intangible, faasad.
• Who is the loser in the sight of Allah? The one who breaks boundaries that are set by Allah.
• We all made a covenant with Him, we should not break it.
• Fulful your promise to Allah, He will fulfill His promise to you.
• We should not cut/sever ties with relatives. We can easily come up with many reasons to sever ties with our relatives. It can be difficult. But by developing  vastness, a big heart, will make it easy to forgive them, and maintain ties with them. So we should forgive them, forget the grudges and move on. Have a big heart.
• How can we not forgive our own God-given blood relations, and then expect Allah (swt) us to forgive us for our countless sins?
• “Whoever is pleased with wanting more wealth, whoever wants to live longer, then he should keep good relations with his relatives.” (Sahih Bukhari)
• Keep trying to do good, to your family and Allah’s special support will be with you. No matter how bad the family is, no matter how bad the relatives treat you.
• The fasiqun are the sinners that sever the ties and discard them.

Ayah 28: How can you disbelieve in Allah when you were lifeless and He brought you to life; the He will cause you to die, then He will bring  you back to life and then to Him you will be returned:

• He gave you life, when you were nothing, nonexistent.
• He takes away life, by bringing you death and holding you responsible in the grave.
• He brings you back again so that you can return to Him for the awarding of perfect recompense.
• He is in control of it all.
• So then, even after knowing all that how can we disbelieve?
• *This one verse is like the book of life. The whole entire story of man’s existence is mentioned here in this one ayah.
• So, how after knowing all this, can you still disbelieve in Him?

Ayah 29: It is He who created for you all of that which is on Earth. Then He directed Himself to the heavens and made the 7 heavens, and He is knowing of all things:

• We are warned against disbelief and rebellion against God. If man turns away from Allah (swt), he will be left in the darkness of error and ignorance. What good will come out of deviation from the truth?
• Allah (swt) created all and everything for us. All of it. We should understand the value of it all. We should be grateful for it. For His Mercy. He made this earth for us. To live in, to grow in, to see, to travel in, to be comfortable in, to ponder upon.
• Man should use the tools Allah has given him on this earth. Don’t become a slave to those tools.
• We don’t control when we were born and when we will die. So why then do we think that we can control the few days that we are here on this earth? Why are we so non-serious about the limited time we have left here? Why are we so non-serious about the tests we are be given here?
• Invest in the Akhirah, the hereafter.
• Be Loyal and submissive, to Allah (swt)
• Don’t be lost in and with creation. The moment we are exposed to a blessing there should be a response, a reaction of constant gratitude.

Ayah 30: And mention ( O Muhammad) when your Lord said to the Angels, ” Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority. They said: Will you place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?” Allah said,” Indeed, I know that which you  do not know.” :

• What the Quran tells us here with its practical consequences, is of far greater value than knowledge derived by unearthing bones and potter and piercing together scattered fragments of info.
• Malak in Arabic means message.
• Khalifah or vicegerent is not entitled to do what he pleases, but is obliged to carry out the will of his master.
• In these ayahs, we are told about the history of the creation of mankind. Starting with the creation of the father of the mankind Adam (as).
• So that we can understand our position here.
• Angels are the creation of Allah that we cannot see. Allah (swt) created them from light, for His worship and obedience, day and night.
• Before humans there was already a creation on Earth that had caused a-lot of mischief and bloodshed. And now Allah (swt) was going to bring another creation. The creation of humans. A successive creation after the previous one.
• Vicegerent: one who is delegated some power on behalf of a sovereign, a position of authority.
• Khalifah: here is not used as a title or authority, in this situation, for Adam (as). Khalifah means- comes after another, someone to replace. Behind that of another. A deputy from Allah (swt), working for Allah (swt)
• He is not a representative of Allah (swt)
• Therefore it means humans are successors. Deputies from Allah (swt), to carry out commands of Allah (swt). Allah has handed the earth’s affairs to man. To use and develop all that is in it to carry out Allah’s mission.
• Humans come in generations one after another.
• They succeed the creation before them. Ex: the jinn, because the jinn were inhabitants of the Earth before humans.
• Angels are obedient, intelligent, and they glorify Allah (swt). They don’t eat, sleep, marry or disobey. They have intellect and understanding. There are different types of angels as well. Angels do not have free will.
• Humans have free will. Humans can choose and will be accountable for their choices.
• Khalifah can mean Adam (as) himself, or the progeny after Adam (as)
• So the angels responded. They were not objecting to Allah’s plan of creating humans on earth. They were simply asking (not in a bad or disrespectful way). They were asking and giving their humble opinion. They were truly concerned. Angels have insight. They had seen jinn (previous creation) spread mischief and corruption, shed blood. And so the angels were curious.
• Allah (swt) is not asking for their permission, nor is He consulting with the angels. He was just informing them.
• The angels response was that: we already praise and glorify You, and we already obey You. (so why another creation, that will cause blood shed and corruption?)
• Allah (swt)’s response was that He knows what they do not know.
• Tasbih:
  • proclaim glory
  • to exert oneself earnestly and energetically
• Taqdis:
  • celebrate
  • proclaim holiness
  • to purify
• Allah (swt) knows that there are good and bad people. He gave us intellect to make choices. Even as we look around and see the Ummah in trouble, with so much blood shed and corruption. We cannot ignore that there is good in the world too. There are those that are good, righteous and repenting. We must look at life from different perspectives. Even its hard to do so. Even when the bad and negative seem so overwhelming.
• If despite all the bad, evil, shaytan, nafs/desires, temptations that exist in this world- there still remain righteous people who obey and worship Allah (swt), then they are the best and will go to Jannah.

Ayah 31: And He taught Adam the names- all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, ” Inform me of these names, if you are truthful.”:

• Adam- Udma: brownish, beige color. He is an insaan (human), because Insaan (humans) forget.
• Adam (as) was taught the names of all things that have names. Everything.
• Man has been given knowledge that angels don’t have. Imagine if man had not been given this knowledge. What would life be like if we didn’t know the names of objects? How would we communicate?
• For example if someone wanted to discuss a tree or the ocean, you would have to go to the ocean or have the tree in front of you to make your point or statement.
• If we could not use names and symbols, how would human life function?
• Allah (swt) then asked the angels if they could inform/tell Him the names of these things as well. They could not. They admitted this, they admitted their weakness. They accepted humbly that they did not know. They accepted their short comings, glorified and acknowledged Allah (swt)’s greatness.
• They admitted that they know only what Allah (swt) teaches them.

Ayah 32: They said, ” Exalted are You, we have no knowledge, except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the knowing and the Wise.” :

• Angels acknowledge they don’t have knowledge unless what Allah (swt) gives them. This is their humility and respect for Allah (swt)

Ayah 33: He said, ” Oh Adam, inform them of their names.” And when he had informed them of their names, He said, “Did I not tell you that I know the unseen (aspects) of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.” :

• Allah (swt) also knew that the angels believed (in a non arrogant way) that their worship was enough. They thought this, and concealed this thought. But Allah (swt) is aware of how they thought and what they were concealing.
• Demonstration of Adam (as)’s capacity was an answer to their first doubts that the angels expressed. Fear of mischief and disorder through the man’s appointment as vicegerent is only one aspect of the matter. The other aspect is constructive and offsets man’s potentiality for spreading mischief.

Ayah 34: And recall when We ordered the Angels: “Prostrate before Adam, in respect.” They all prostrated except Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became of the Disbelievers:

• Allah (swt) knew what Iblees (shaytan) was concealing in his heart. The hasad (jealousy) that he had for Adam, Allah (swt) knew.
• The angels are literally being told to prostrate toward Adam.  Angels obey all of Allah (swt)’s orders.
• This type of sajdah (prostration) was a gesture of honor and respect. They, the angels, were ordered to do so.
• Interesting how even though man was capable and going to shed blood and spread corruption he was given this honor above Angels. He was given knowledge and freedom of choice.
• And they all obeyed.
• Except Iblees (Satan)
• Angels obeyed, but he (Iblees) rejected. Because he was arrogant. He thought he was better than Adam (as), because Adam (as) was made of clay, he (Iblees) was made of fire.
• Iblees was the father of the jinn. (Abu-ul-Jinn). Because of his outwardly show of constant worship, piety and respect and obedience, he was among the angels. But there was corruption in his heart. There was no light of Imaan inside his heart. His outwardly show was useless. Arrogance was already and always in his heart. He was around the angels, but not OF them. He was of the disbelievers.
• Iblees refused prostration.
• Imagine those of us who refuse to pray altogether.
• There are 2 ways that a human can behave:
  • like the angels
  • like Iblees
• Ibees literally means: thoroughly disappointed, utterly despaired.
• Iblees was not an angel. In the Quran it clearly states he was a jinn (independent species, distinct from angels) (18:50)

Ayah 35: And We said, ” O Adam, dwell, you and  your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in (ease and) abundance from wherever you will. But don’t approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.” :

• So now the test is starting for Adam (as). He is told to go and dwell in Jannah, with his wife. Somewhere in the heavens. But do not approach the tree. (Doesn’t matter “where” in the heavens, doesn’t matter which “tree”.) Shaytan follows them there. Allows them to slip and causes them to eat from the tree. Because of shaytan, they are expelled from the bliss and blessings of Jannah.
• On the DOJ though, people who enter Jannah, will never be expelled.
• The only way to Paradise, is by effectively resisting the enemy who is always trying to drive us off the course of obedience to Allah (swt). Allah (swt) tests us with things around us.
• The tree can represent forbidden things to man on earth. Without forbidden things, how would man be tested?
• Allah (swt) honored both Adam and Hawa.
• Nikaah is an ancient and natural practice.
• She, Hawa was created from Adam (as)’s rib.

Ayah 36: But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that (condition) in which they had been. And We said, “Go down, (all of you) as enemies to one another, and you will have upon the earth a place of settlement and provision for a time.”:

• Shaytan caused them to slip and leave Jannah. Its his mission to lead us all astray.
• He deceives us continuously, by belittling sins and giving us false hopes.
• Here starts the battle between man and Iblees. And it will continue until the end of time.
• Disobedience leads to loss of blessings
• Obedience leads to an increase of blessings
• So now they (Adam and Hawa) were sent down to Earth for a certain amount of time.
• Earth is in a lesser position than Jannah.
• Shaytan traps man, with the temptations of this world
• Our wealth should be in our purses or in the hands of the needy, not in our hearts.
• If its in our hearts, we are too attached to this world. This life is temporary.
• The doors of mercy from Allah (swt) are always open as long as the person is alive.
• The dunya ( this world)  is a tool to get into the next life. Our life term here is brief. It is temporary and passing. It is a transient life used to acquire provisions for the true abode. It is not permanent.

Ayah 37: Then Adam received from his Lord, some words and He accepted his repentance. Indeed it is He, who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful:

• Adam (as) was taught the words of tawbah (repentance) for forgiveness. He said them and Allah (swt) accepted his repentance.
• Allah (swt) teaches us how to do tawbah and then accepts it too.
• Because Adam (as) wanted to seek remission for his sin, from Allah (swt). But he didn’t know the words. In His mercy, Allah (swt) taught him the words, with which he could pray.
• Tawbah on the part of man, signifies that he has given up his disobedience and has returned to submission and obedience to Allah.
• Conditions of accepted Tawbah (repentance):
  • For Allah
  • Regret
  • Leave the sin
  • Don’t return to the sin
  • Do tawbah before death or before the sun rises from the west to east.
• The Quran tells man that the reward for good actions and punishment for the bad ones rests with Allah (swt) entirely.
• The reward for a good act, is due to the grace and benevolence of Allah (swt), its entirely up to Him to reward or not.
• Likewise for a sin, Allah (swt) decides if He wants to pardon us for our sins or not.

Ayah 38: We said: ” Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance- there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve:

• Earth was not created as a place of punishment  for man.
• Man was placed on earth to serve as Allah (swt)’s vicegerent there.
• If man listens and obeys Allah (swt), there will be no fear of the future and no grieve over the past.
• Fear of the future (Khauf)- is always with a person
• Grief over the past (Ya-zunun) grief is temporary

Ayah 39: And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs- those will be the companions of the Fire, they will abide therein eternally.”

• Those who disbelieve will be in the hellfire forever.

Ayah 40: O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you, and fulfill my covenant (upon you) that I will fulfill your covenant (from Me), and be afraid of (only Me).:

Bani Israel: After Adam (as), there were many messengers. Ibrahim (as) was on them too. All the messengers were his descendants. He has 2 sons: Isaac and Ismael. Isaac settled in Palestine and Ismael settled in Makkah. Yaquub (as) is the son of Isaac (as). Yaquub (as) was aka as Israel. Yaquub (as) had 12 sons. One of those sons was Yusuf (as). These 12 sons and their progeny are named the Bani Israel (Children of Israel). Yusuf (as) and the rest of his brothers settled in Egypt. Bani Israel were eventually enslaved by the pharaoh of Egypt. Musa (as) was sent to them as help, to free them. On their way to Palestine, they wandered the desert, the plains of Sinai for 40 years. It was during this time, that Musa (as) and Haroon (as) passed away. They entered Palestine with his student: Yusha B. Nun.  4000 messengers were sent until prophet Isa (as). From Ismael (as) came also Prophet Muhammad (saw). In Madinah, there were 3 Jewish tribes. They had the scriptures and knew about the upcoming prophecy. They were waiting for the last messenger (Prophet Muhammad (saw)) in Madinah.

• So now there is a further division of the people who received guidance from Allah (swt) and how they responded to it. Allah (swt) is telling us that there was another nation that got a messenger, the books, the revelations etc. That this nation got blessings and favors, all like we have. These were chosen people of their time.
• The Jews of Madinah are also being reminded of the favors Allah bestowed on their earlier ancestors, the bani Israel.
• We must look at ourselves when we read about this nation. Not to judge them, but to learn from what happened to them.
• The correct intention of reading the Quran, is to read and learn the lessons, and then look at ourselves. To check ourselves. To derive lessons and reflections for ourselves.
• The Bani Israel is being reminded of their status.
• They are addressed as the children of Israel. Israel- means slave of God. The title was given to Yaquub (as) by Allah (swt).
• Yaquub (as) was the son of Isaac (as) and grandson of Ibrahim (as).
• Progeny = Children of Israel.
• In this ayah, Allah (swt):
  • Reminds them of His favors and blessings on them, so that they can become grateful. The objective to make one being reminded, is to be more grateful and more obedient. Allah (swt) sent them revelations, messengers, worldly benefits, saved them from the pharaoh, sent kings as prophets ( Ex. David and Solomon) etc. 
  • To fulfill the covenant. What they promised Allah (swt) and then Allah (swt) will fulfill His covenant to them. The covenant to believe in the truth, in Allah (swt) and His Messenger, and to specifically believe that he is the last and final messenger.
  • And Allah says : “Fear only Me”
• Some purposes in this ayah are to invite those followers of earlier prophets, who still have some goodness and righteousness, to believe in the Truth preached by prophet Muhammad (saw) and to join hands in promoting the mission he championed. That the Quran and prophet Muhammad (saw) are bearers of the same message preached by earlier prophets.
• What the prophet Muhammad (saw) has brought is neither new or foreign, it is the same message and they are asked to accept it as such. Same religion preached by prophets of Israel.
• The Jews resorted to conspiracies and created doubts, engaged in trickery to oppose the Truth, and tactics to frustrate the mission of prophet Muhammad (saw). They did not want goodness to flourish.
• They would continuously reject the new revelations which confirmed their own.
• They had enjoyed dominance in the Madinah for so long. Dominance by exploiting the rivalry between the Arab tribes and also by being the only literate group there. So the pagan Arabs would turn to them for certain answers. But now Islam came to take this power and dominance and fame that Jewish Rabbis had been enjoying for so long.
• They made religious teaching into a profession.
• The reason for choosing the Children of Israel as an example, is that they alone, out of all the nations, constituted  for 4000 years, the continual embodiment of tragedy from which many lessons can be learnt. The situations of fortune which visit a people, depending on whether they follow or refrain from following the Divine Guidance, were all made obvious/brought to attention in the history of this nation.
• This is to warn the followers of Muhammad (saw), us, to avoid the same pitfalls of the previous followers of earlier prophets. The moral weaknesses, false concepts of religion and numerous errors in religious belief and practice which made inroads (progress) among the Jews.
• It is incorrect to fear someone at the same level that they fear Allah (swt).
• One is surely amazed at how many blessings Allah favored this nation with, and how they repeatedly and persistently they showed their arrogance and ingratitude.

Ayah 41: And believe in what I have sent down confirming that which is already with you, and be not the first to believe in it. And don’t exchange My signs for a small price, and fear only Me:

• And believe in what is sent down in the Quran and what is already with you (meaning the Torah and Injeel)
• The evidence of messenger-ship of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is in the Quran.
• Belief in the Quran means belief of Prophet Muhammad (saw)
• Don’t be the first to disbelieve in the Quran
• The Quraish were the first to disbelieve, but they were not people of the Book or of knowledge.
• The Bani Israel were people of the Scriptures. They should have known better and accepted the truth. They are the ones that were waiting for the final messenger, they are the ones who had knowledge of him coming. But then when he did come, they didn’t want to accept him as the Messenger because they were afraid of losing their leadership.
• Allah (swt) is telling them don’t be the first people of knowledge to reject and disbelieve in the Quran. Don’t be ignorant.
• Allah (swt) is telling them not to exchange His signs fro a small price. Meaning don’t sell the truth for the trivial benefits of this world.
• Whatever one may gain in exchange for the Truth, be it all the treasure in the world, is trivial. The Truth is of supreme value.

Ayah 42: And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know it:

• Don’t mix the truth of the Book with falsehood.
• And don’t conceal the truth either.
• They, Bani Israel, were waiting for the messenger, but didn’t want to accept him when he came, because they were afraid of losing their leadership role in their society.
• They wanted to remain the leaders of their nation. Wanted people to keep coming to them for various matters, questions, for advice and guidance.
• So they would confuse the matter and create fasaad.
• The people of Makkah were not people of the Scriptures. Whenever they had a question or issue about the Scriptures they would go to the people of the Scriptures (the Jews), and ask them about it. For example: when the Prophet Muhammad (saw) came with the message, the people/leaders of the Scriptures were questioned about him. They would not deny it, but would give the people a twisted answer. They would say things like: He (Prophet Muhammad (saw)) was only for the unlettered people and not for “us.” They would say something wrong and twisted of this sort.
• The people of Madinah were greatly under the spell of the Jews. The Arabs were illiterate and in awe of the knowledgeable Jews.
• For example: today people say that Prophet Muhammad (saw) was only for the Arabs. This is Batil (false). So don’t mix false with the truth.
• This is done today with us as well.
• Spreading confusion when knowing the truth- this is really very wrong.
• And this is what the Jews of scripture would do, so that people (illiterate) would keep coming back to them and so that they would continue to remain the leaders.
• Concealing the truth has two connotations:
  • to be silent and not say anything
  • Someone comes to you and asks you the truth and you hide it. If you know the truth and hide it. Doing it deliberately.  For example: you what the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is saying is true but you are purposely concealing it.

Ayah 43: And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow in worship and obedience:

• Three commands are given here:
  • Give Zakat.
  • Establish Salat.
  • Bow down in Ruku.
• The Jews had become negligent with praying and some didn’t even pray at all.
• And they didn’t pay zakat, rather they were making a living out of interest (ribaa)
• Zakat– is the amount given from wealth to those that are eligible. It increases ones wealth in barakah and blessings, and increases reward, and purifies your wealth. Its an obligation.
• Establish Salah. Conditions of Salah (prayer):
  • To have purity, wudu.
  • Perform it on time.
  • Proper attire.
  • Face the Qibla.
  • Pray in the manner that Prophet Muhammad (saw) prayed
  • Have Khushu– humility, submission, and focus.
• Bow down in ruku: perform salat in congregation, its better in congregation.
• Man’s prayers is 27x more rewarding in congregation at mosque, than his prayer at home, alone.
• It is wajib for men to pray in congregation but not for women. For women its better that they are pray at home, but are not stopped from going to masjid.
• Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A blind man came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! I have no one to guide me to the mosque.” He, therefore, sought his permission to perform Salat (prayer) in his house. He (PBUH) granted him permission. When the man turned away, he called him back, and said, “Do you hear the Adhan (call to prayer)?” He replied in the affirmative. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) then directed him to respond to it.[Muslim].
•  Abu-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, “If three men in a village or in the desert, make no arrangement for Salat in congregation, Satan must have certainly overcome them. So observe Salat in congregation, for the wolf eats up a solitary sheep that stays far from the flock.”[Abu Dawud].
• A man’s prayer in congregation is 25 times more rewarding than his prayer at home or in his shop i.e. when he performs his Wudu properly and proceeds towards the mosque with the purpose of performing Salah in congregation, he does not take one step without being raised a degree for it, or having a sin expiated for it till he enters the mosque.  When he is performing Salah, the Angels continue to invoke the blessings of Allah for him and as long as he is in his place of prayer in the state of Wudu they say “O Allah have mercy on him, O Allah forgive him” Bukhari & Muslim
• Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Salat in congregation is twenty-seven times more meritorious than a Salat performed individually.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Ayah 44: Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scriptures? Then will you not reason?:

• When reading and reciting Quran, it should penetrate our own heart first. Practice what you preach first.
• Before advising or ordering, or informing others, look at yourself first.
• Check yourself first.
• And also know what is correct.
• Advise others not to do wrong, but then make sure you are avoiding and not doing that wrong either.

Ayah 45: And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed it is difficult except for the humbly submissive (to Allah):

• So seek help, be patient and establish salah. This can be hard for people except those who are humble and submissive. (Have Khushu)
• If you feel difficulty in keeping righteousness, the remedy lies in prayer and patience.
• Sabr= means to exercise restraint. To keep oneself tied down. Denotes will power. The firm resolve and the control over animal desire which enables man to advance along the path of his choice-the path that satisfies his heart and conscience- in utter disregard of the temptations within and all of the obstacles and opposition without.
• Salah serves as a mirror. Check yourself. Check your khushu.
• Urwa bin Zubair had such strong khushu and focus in his salat, that he said cut the boil off of my foot during salat.
• Are we eager to meet Allah (swt), to meet Him and to talk to Him, 5x a day?
• Remember our meetings with Allah (swt). Remember our eventual meeting with Him.
• Prayer is the link between us and Allah.

Ayah 46: Who are certain that they will meet their Lord and that they will return to Him:

• Salah is the first meeting with Allah (swt).
• The second meeting is meeting Allah (swt) on the Day.
• Remembering that we have to meet Allah (swt), that we will stand in front of Him in the HereAfter and on the Day of Judgement. This should remind us to change our salah and build more khushu.
• Those who are certain and have Yaqeen in their mind that they are going to meet their Rabb and that they are going to return to Him for the final judgement. These are the khashi–een. They are the ones who have submission and khushu. They meet Allah (swt) in their hearts many times a day, before they will actually meet Him on the Day of Judgement.

Ayah 47: Oh Children of Israel, remember my favor that I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds:

• This refers to that period of human history, when, of all the nations, only the Children of Israel possessed knowledge of the Truth which comes from Allah (swt) alone.
• At that time they were entrusted with the task of directing nations of the world to righteousness.
• They were expected to serve God, and to invite the rest of the world to do the same.
• And now, Allah (swt) has preferred us, over others. Over all other creation.
• So have we chosen Allah (swt) over all others as well? Have we chosen to please Him only, over others? Do we seek His approval over all others?

Ayah 48: And Fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be aided:

• Israelites corrupted belief was that since they were related to saints and pious people of the past, that they would be eventually forgiven by the grace of those people. That because of their connection or linkage to those people of piety from the past, Allah (swt) would forgive them due to their association.
• Because they really believed this, it led them to be negligible and become meshed in a life of sins and wickedness.
• These were their false beliefs, thoughts, and ideas.
• On that Day, nobody will be able to save another, unless Allah (swt) allows it.
• That is why we are warned to save ourselves, and prepare for that Day, Now!
• Sacrifice here in this world, Now!
• Send good deeds and actions for that Day, Now!
• Develop khushu in our salah, Now!
• Check ourselves, Now!
• Don’t turn to people to rely on them. It won’t suffice. Turn to Allah (swt) only.
• Make Allah (swt) our friend. Worship Him, fear Him, obey Him, trust Him, have khushu towards Him.
• The Day when divine justice will be served.

Ayah 49: And recall when We saved your forefathers from the people of the pharaoh, who afflicted you with the worst torment, slaughtering your newborn sons and keeping your females alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord:

• The trial was that whether or not, after being taken away and saved from a great calamity miraculously, by Allah (swt); would they be grateful to Him?
• Pharaoh afflicted them with a horrible punishment.
• Bani Israel settled in Egypt, as Yusuf (as) settled there and eventually the rest of his brothers moved and settled there too. In Egypt the people started to lose their ways, their Deen, and eventually became the slave class to the pharaoh. The pharaoh saw them increasing in number and was afraid of their growing population. The pharaoh (Ramsey) made the Bani Israel do a lot of hard work. Exerting labor where they would even die due to the extreme nature of the work. He also began killing all the male sons of Bani Israel.
• Their females were kept alive to be used as slaves and anything else. If they got pregnant, the child would be of Egyptian nation (Coptic).
• A sign of downfall of a nation is when their sons are being wiped out.
• This was all happening because Bani Israel did not hold strongly to the Deen and righteousness and had diverted from the straight, correct path of Allah (swt). They were not doing what they had been originally chosen by Allah (swt) to do. And so, were being treated like this in society.
• This is all being said to remind them, to make them realize how they were tortured and oppressed by the pharaoh and his people.
• This was  great trial from Allah (swt). Trials, big and small, are all from Allah (swt)
• Allah (swt) is reminding them of what their condition was then, and how Allah (swt) eventually saved them from all that.
• The muslim ummah today, is under great trials and tribulations. They are currently undergoing a lot of bloodshed and suffering all around the world.
• Some people see and think this is a conspiracy. But we easily forget that this too is a trail/test from Allah (swt).
• He tests us individually and He tests us as a nation too.
• Why? So that we can wake up from our sleep! So that we realize that we should not try to create Jannah here, because this is not Jannah. Its the dunya, its a temporary world.
• If a disaster strikes you, it can be because of something you did, so stop and check yourself.
• So when man disobeys Allah (swt), he is tested. He is tested, to wake up, now. Before its too late. He (swt) tests us, to wake us up, to elevate our ranks, to prepare us. Because if we cannot handle small difficulties now, how can we handle challenges later.
• Look at the history of the prophets, they were tested the hardest and the most!

Ayah 50: And recall when We parted the sea for you and saved you and drowned the people of pharaoh while you were looking on:

• Musa (as) was sent to save the Bani Israel. To lead them to Palestine. He came to the sea and was standing in front of it. A large body of water.
• Allah (swt) inspired him to hit his staff to the ground–> the sea parted into 2. Each portion became a towering mountain of water. A way was made for them to escape, to be saved. While the pharaoh and his people drowned behind them.
• Pharaoh was arrogant and used to boast about his possessions, about the bodies of water he owned. So Allah (swt) drowned him in the water. The tawbah (repentance) of pharaoh was not accepted.
• We should not be proud and arrogant of the things we have, our possessions.
• This all happened, as they watched with their own eyes. It happened right in front of them. A miracle clearly right before their eyes. They saw their enemies being defeated right in front of them. Drowning right in front of their eyes.
• And this was another favor on them from Allah (swt). Allah (swt) can make anything happen.
• So turn to Him, during challenges, during good times, during all times.
• Rather than turning to people, turn to Him. Because salvation (Najath) comes from Allah (swt).

Ayah 51: And recall when, We made an appointment with Moses for forty night. Then you took (for worship) the calf after him, while you were wrongdoers:

• Now they, the Bani Israel, had left Egypt for a new life, a new beginning. They needed education.
• So Allah (swt) called Musa (as) (Moses) to Mount Tur for 40 nights, to receive education, taleem, the scripture (Torah).
• In order to gain something, you need to leave something. So Musa (as) had to leave his people for a short while to gain knowledge.
• While he was gone, for just 40 nights, the Bani Israel took the calf and started to worship it!
• They had come from Egypt with all their belongings, including alot of gold. A guy from among them came around collecting all the gold, and made a statue of a calf out of it. And the Bani Israel began worshipping this statue of the calf.
• Haroon (as) was among them and told them to stop,  and insisted they not do this. But they would not listen to him, except for a small group that did.
• The right that was meant for Allah (swt), they gave to a calf! To a cow!

Ayah 52: Then We forgave you after that so perhaps you would be grateful:

• Even after such horribleness, Allah (swt) still forgave them!
• If you seek repentance while you are alive, He (swt) is forgiving.
• So repent!
• Allah (swt) even forgave them!
• Forgiveness should make us more humble, grateful and more obedient.

Ayah 53: And recall when We gave Moses the Scripture and criterion that perhaps you would be guided:

• Musa (as) was given miracles. He was given the Book, the criterion. For guidance.
• The real purpose of the Book is for guidance.
• To motivate us.

Ayah 54: And recall when Moses said to his people: ” O my people, indeed you have wronged yourselves by your taking of the calf for worship. So repent to your Creator and kill yourselves. That is the best for all of you in the sight of your Creator.” The He accepted your repentance; indeed, He is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful:

• Basically what is being said here, is that they should be put to death. Those of their own people who made the calf an object of worship and actually worshipped it.
• Musa (as) addresses his people with love. But also addresses their mistake. The mistake that they have wronged themselves, so repent.
• Repent to your Creator who made you something out of nothing.
• Some sins require extra expiation. So for this crime, they were told to kill the guilty party. The ones who were guilty of worshipping the calf. The ones who committed shirk. To separate the ones guilty of this, and kill them. Some say about 70,000 of died/were killed.
• This was a test to them, to kill the guilty criminals. But just as they were about to do this, Musa (as) pleaded with Allah (swt) and this command/punishment was lifted.
• Allah (swt) knows best.

Ayah 55: And recall when you said, ” O Moses, we will never believe you until we see Allah outright,” so the thunderbolt took you while you were looking on:

• After Musa (as) returned from Mount Tur, after Allah (swt) had accepted their repentance, they said they will not believe until they actually see Allah (swt).
• So a thunderbolt was struck on them, while they watched. And it killed them all.
• Hadith Qudsi (meaning is from Allah, but words are of Prophet Sal.)“O My servants, even if the first amongst you, the last amongst you, even if the whole of the human race, and that of the Jinns, become (equally) God-conscious like the heart of a single person amongst you, nothing will add to My Power. O My servants, even if the first amongst you, the last amongst you, the whole human race, and that of the Jinns too become in unison the most wicked (all beating) like the heart of a single person, it will cause no loss of My Power. O My servants, even if the first amongst you, the last amongst you, the whole human race, and that of Jinns also, all stand in one place and you ask Me and I confer upon every person what he asks for, it will not in any way cause any loss to Me (even less) than that which is caused to the ocean by dipping a needle in it.”

Ayah 56: Then We revived you after your death that perhaps you would be grateful:

• When Musa (as) went up to Mount Tur, he was ordered to bring with him 70 elders of Israel.
• When Allah (swt) gave Musa (as) the Book and Criterion, he presented it to the people.
• Some mischief makers began to complain- saying that we can’t believe in something just because Musa (as) had claimed God had spoken to him.
• So for this they were punished.

Ayah 57: And We shaded you with clouds and sent down to you manna and quails (saying), “Eat from good things with which We have provided you,” And they wronged Us not- but they were only wronging themselves:

• Allah (swt) provided them with the shade of the clouds in the Sinai peninsula, where there was no shelter from the heat of the sun.
• They had no tents to protect themselves from the sun. But Allah (swt) protected them with clouds, or else they would have scorched to death.
• Manna and the quails was the natural food, continually made available to them, throughout the 40 years they wandered in the Sinai desert. Manna was like coriander seeds. When the dew fell at night, manna fell with it from above. And quails were made available in abundance to save them from starvation.
• Manna a pure sustenance that could be collected without hardship. Provisions that even affluent people of cities could not acquire was sent from the heavens for them.
• They wronged only but themselves

Ayah 58: And recall when We said, Enter this city, and eat from it whatever you will in ease and abundance, and enter the gate bowing, humbly and say, “Relieve of us our burdens”. We will then forgive your sins for you and We will increase the doers of good (in goodness and reward):

• Allah (swt)’s command was to enter the city with humility. (the city: probably Jerusalem)
• Allah (swt) told them to eat and dwell here as you please. Say Hittaath, with humility as you enter. They were told to say it for forgiveness.
• Instead they changed the word to Hinthathun (which means wheat), Habbah (grain seed), Hintah (wheat seed). 
• Instead of mentioning the words for forgiveness, they mentioned the word for food.
• So they made a mockery of the whole thing. Belittling Allah’s command.
• They were arrogant, rather than being grateful and humble.
• This was a very serious crime.
• They were arrogant of their accomplishment of reaching and entering the city.
• *Do good towards Allah (swt) as if you can see Him.*
• Do good to people even if they don’t do good to you.
• When Allah (swt) gives you victory, you should show humility and gratitude, not arrogance. If a person accomplishes something, do istaghfir and be grateful. Be humble.

Ayah 59: But those who wronged and changed the words to a statement other than that which had been said to them, so We sent down upon those who wronged a punishment from the sky because they were defiantly disobeying:

• So a punishment was sent down. A very serious punishment- either in the form of rain, stone, hail, fire or a plague.
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Plague is a calamity which was sent to Bani Israel or upon those who were before you.  So when you hear that it has broken out in a land, then do not go to that land.  And if plague has broken out in your land then don’t leave that land”
• They were defiantly disobedient and were continuously wronging.
• Don’t change or misinterpret words of Allah (swt). Don’t change His words according to your own desires.
• Bani Israel thought they were the chosen people. That they could do what ever they wanted to because Allah (swt) favored them, and saved them over and over again.
• They thought they were the blessed nation and so could act how ever they wanted and do whatever they pleased.
• This was their arrogance.

Ayah 60: And recall when Moses prayed for water for his people, so We said, “Strike with your staff the stone.” And there gushed forth from it 12 springs, and every people knew its watering place. “Eat and drink from the provision of Allah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.”:

• 12 Springs were made by Allah (swt) so people don’t fight over them.
• Bani Israel were now under Musa (as), they lived in the hot desert for 40 years.
• But because of Musa (as)’s prayers they were given shade, food and comfort.
• They are continuously reminded of their favors and still they disobeyed.
• And then Musa (as) prayed for water for his people. His dua for water, was accepted in the middle of the desert.
• This is a huge blessing
• He had a special honor from Allah (swt)
• He is Wajih, he had a high status.
• He was told to strike the desert ground with his staff.
• Springs of water gushed forward. 12 springs.
• The 12 tribes of Bani Israel are descendants of Yaquub (as) and so now each tribe knew of their drinking place.
• This was for order and discipline. So that nobody would fight over the springs of water. So that they could drink with ease, without being annoyed.
• Eat and drink from what is provided by Allah (swt).
• Musa (as) turned to Allah for his needs, big and small.
• Aisha (ra) said: “Ask Allah, for everything, even its only a shoelace.”
• Allah (swt) listens when you ask, even though He already knows what you want to ask.
• When doubt creeps into  your mind, remember that this dua was answered. Springs of water gushed out in the desert. So make dua, always.
• Prophet Muhammad (saw): “When one of you asks something from Allah (swt) let him be plentiful.”
• Allah (swt) knows everything about you, we need Allah for everything, every single thing. Regardless of anything.
• Who stands in front of a king, and asks for a penny?
• We should have certainty that Allah (swt) removes difficulty. Have Yaqeen.
• A person should not think something is impossible or that he/she will not get what he/she wants. These thoughts are from shaytan, because he puts was-wasa in our hearts.
• Nothing is difficult for Allah (swt). He responds to the dua of the caller.
• When you see signs around you, that is the moment of dua.
• Don’t spread on the earth corruption. By disobedience. That is how it spreads.
• Reasons for Fasaad– taking other peoples rights, increasing sin
• All these result in corruption on earth.
• Misusing resources leads to fasaad.
• If Allah (swt) wanted He could send rain and/or have produced it from the earth. But Allah (swt) granted Musa (as) this miracle to show his nation, that he is their well-wisher.
• (During the time of Prophet Muhammad (saw): When he was in Hudaibiya with 1400 companions- some of them came to him and said ‘we don’t have water’. So he said,”Bring me a bucket.” Then he put his hand inside the bucket and brought it out and there was water flowing from his fingers, and all of his people started quenching their thirst)
• These miracles are sent to the messengers for a reason, to the nations as a proof that the leaders are well wishers of their nation.

Ayah 61: And recall when you said, “O Moses we can never endure one kind of food. So call upon you Lord to bring forth for us from earth its green herbs, and its cucumbers, and its garlic and its lentils and its onions.” Moses said, “Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into any settlement and indeed, you will have what you have asked,” And they covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah upon them. That is because they repeatedly disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were habitually transgressing:

• The Quran is reminding the Jews of Madinah what their forefathers had asked of Moses (as). Imagine if the people, the ancestors/forefathers were like this then, what are their offspring/future generations like? The ancestors were supposed to be knowledgeable people.
• The Jews who lived among the Prophet didn’t really criticize the actions committed by their ancestors.
• Bani Israel are complaining  about the food they have been eating. Complaining that they don’t have the patience to eat the same kind, the same type of food anymore.
• They asked Musa (as) to ask Allah (swt) for a different type of food. Such as onions, vegetables, etc. Something instead of eating the same Mann and Salwa.
• So Musa (as) reprimanded them (scolded and criticized). How could they want something besides what Allah (swt) has sent them? How could they want something of inferior and lesser quality, instead of what Allah (swt) was sending them?
• Mann and Salwa were nutritious and good for the health. Mann had properties of honey. And Salwa was quail, a fresh bird with good and healthy meat.
• So Musa (as) did not make this dua for them. He instead told them you can just go to any city/town to find these ordinary foods you want, there. Go and get it if you want. Meaning go to any other city or go back to Egypt and get these regular ordinary mundane things to eat if thats what you really want.
• And so they were covered in humiliation, poverty, and misery, as they drew the wrath of Allah (swt). Because they were basically denying the ayat of Allah (swt) and were being ungrateful for the blessings and signs around them.
• They would repeatedly disbelieve in the signs, would even kill many prophets.
• They habitually transgressed.
• During the days under pharaoh’s rule: Bani Israel were slaves and deprived in their lives. Their lives as slaves was routine- to eat, sleep, work and repeat. The same cycle over and over again. Habitual. Enslaved and only worried about their lives and the world. And they forgot the purpose of their existence.
• They associated their way of living, with the pharaoh. Even after leaving and being rescued from him, he had left quite an impression on them, from their days in Egypt.
• After being rescued, remnants from their slavery life remained within them. They recalled life in Egypt and pharaoh’s lavish lifestyle, variety of foods, the luxuries, etc. Remembering all this, they got bored of their own food and blessings and wanted more. They wanted a change. They wanted what he had.
• Its ok to ask others to make dua for you.
• Abu Hurairah narrated that he heard the Prophet (saw) say :“from my followers there will enter a crowd 70,000 in number whose faces will be glittering like the moon when it is full.”  A Sahaba got up and said “O Messenger of Allah make dua for me that I am one of them” and the Prophet Sal. made dua for him. Another man got up said “make dua for me too” and the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said “the first one preceded you”
• You can tell a lot from the way a person makes dua. Make dua for the dunya/this world, but put more focus on the Akhira/hereafter. Use the means of the this dunya to attain the Hereafter.
• A person who yearns for the Hereafter will make dua for the Hereafter.  It is not that he doesn’t make dua for this dunya, he does: (Rabbana athina fid-dunya wa fil akhirathi hasana wa kina azab an naar – O Allah grant us goodness in this world and in the Hereafter good and save us from the torment of the Hellfire).
• Bani Israel is asking for fine dining, fine foods, luxurious cuisine of this world. Musa (as) is reprimanding them for this (which is allowed)
• There is nothing wrong with good food, good recipes, but your life should not revolve around it, like an obsession or addiction. Do it, but do it in moderation.
• Think of Jannah, don’t you want a home there. So prepare for it. Do a variety of good deeds to attain Jannah.
• Features of Mann and Salwa:
  • Vegetables are unimportant compared to it.
  • These were Allah’s gifts to them, to eat it. To follow this would be following a divine command.
  • What Allah (swt) gave them was actually more better and tastier then what they were asking for.
  • What Allah (swt) gave them required no effort. No need to work or find it. It was handed to them. Readily and easily available, in abundance. In comparison to the vegetables that they would have to go out and find, required effort.
  • There was no doubt in the purity and lawfulness  of Allah (swt)’s gifts because it was coming directly from Allah (swt). So it was 100% halal.
• If you have a skill or have been chosen for something, don’t do something inferior to it. Meaning for example: If you can write, then write and share and spread the Deen. If you can teach, teach, share and spread the Deen. Don’t waste time in just cooking and cleaning ONLY.
• Muslims today leave their purpose and get involved or indulge in other things, drawing on themselves, the wrath of Allah (swt).

Ayah 62: Indeed those who believe and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabians (before Prophet Muhammad) those among them who believed in Allah and the Last Day, and did righteousness, will have their reward with their Lord. No fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve:

• What really matters in the sight of Allah (swt) is true faith and good deeds, rather than formal affiliation with a certain religious community. True faith and good deeds to his credit is bound to receive reward. Allah (swt) will judge based on merit rather than which religious group one’s name belonged to.
• True belief is what is looked at not your ethnic or tribal or national background.
• The one who did righteous deeds for Allah (swt) and according to the Sunnah.
• Salvation is not just for a certain group (like the Jews think or thought), its for those who believe in Allah (swt), the Last Day, and follow with righteous deeds. Salvation is for them.
• No fear and no grief for them.
• Fear and grief are two emotions that stop a person from doing big things. If a person is afraid or engulfed in his grief he cannot focus on other things so Allah says if a person believes in Him and the Last Day and does righteous actions then he will have no fear nor grief
• No salvation for those who do not follow the way of Prophet Muhammad (saw)- the Sunnah.
• Sabians- their name comes from saba, describing a person who has abandoned the religion of his forefathers. Sabians mentioned here are those of the pre-islamic period who were unhappy with paganism and of worshipping idols and therefore sought to follow the religion and God of Abraham.
• Sometimes they are confused with Sabaism, those who worshipped stars.
• All praise is due to He Who placed in His Book what brings wonder to the minds of creation.

Ayah 63: And recall when We took your covenant (O Children of Israel, to abide the Torah) and We raised over you the mount, “Take what We have given you with determination and remember what is it it that perhaps you have become righteous”: 

• Reminders are for people of the Book.
• Bani Israel are being reminded what was said to their forefathers.
• Reminding them to recall when Allah (swt) gave them the Torah.
• And then they broke the covenant.
• That they threw the Ayah behind them, like it was nothing. Nothing important.
• So Mt. Tur was raised over them. Uprooted over them like an umbrella. Like a dark cloud, that could easily fall onto them.
• So it is being told to them to hold onto what is in the Torah, hold on to it and take it seriously. Hold on to its teachings. Its not just a textbook. Its not just any book.
• (And the same should be remembered for the Quran today.)
• Give it, its special place in your heart and your mind.
• Don’t be heedless, don’t forget about it. Don’t treat it like a decoration piece.
• Remember what is in it.
• **Revise it, remember it, note it down, have someone remind you, read it over and over again. Repetition with tongue and actions.
• A firm covenant was taken from Bani Israel, to hold onto the Book and to act upon it.
• When Musa (as) brought the Torah, and told them to adhere to its teachings, they didn’t take it seriously. So they were struck dead and then brought back to life.
• Musa (as) would tell them over and over again, again and again. But they continued to refuse.
• That’s when the mountain was held over them, literally. And it was told to them, that if they did not obey and adhere, that Mount Tur would fall on to them.
• Allah (swt) has the power to do anything.
• Sometimes you need firmness with certain people. Sometimes words are just not enough to get your point or message across to people. Sometimes some force needs to be used. Which was the case here.
• Bani Israel were not mature yet as a nation. Strict measures such as this, were needed.
• Hold onto the book with firmness. There should be repetition with it. Continuous connection with it. Consistently. Because the heart is constantly changing.
• The Quran is nourishment for the soul. To attain Taqwah, it is important to have a strong constant and continuous connection with the Quran.

Ayah 64: Then you turned away after that. And if not for the favor of Allah upon you, and His mercy, you would have been among the losers:

• Even after the mount was held over them, they turned away and forgot again.
• They were reprimanded, that they forgot!
• Allah (swt) gave them respite, He gave them time.
• He gave them yet another favor. He had mercy on them. Gave them time to repent.
• Some did, some didn’t.
• And if it wasn’t for this Mercy from Allah (swt), they would be among the losers.

Ayah 65: And you had already known about those who transgressed among you concerning the sabbath, and We said to them, ” Be apes, despised.”: 

• Saturday. It was laid down that the Israelites should consecrate that day for rest and worship. They were required to abstain from all worldly acts, including cooking. It was strict.
• A violation of Sabbath was to be punished by death.
• When moral and religious decadence spread, openly desecrated Sabbath lead to some even trading and commerce in broad daylight.
• For the Muslims its Friday. For the Jews its Saturday. For the Christians its Sunday.
• But the Muslim are not required to abstain from all work on Fridays.
• Bani Israel were business minded. Worked hard, and so much that it was hard for them to even take one day off.
• But on Sabbath the Bani Israel would totally cut themselves off from work.
• A group of them lived by the sea.
• It happened to be that on Saturday was when the most fish would come to that area near them.
• So a day before they would put out a net, to catch the fish of Saturday. That way they would not miss out on the plenty of fish that would come on Saturday and not be accused of “physically working themselves.”
• So they found a loophole. They deceived the Deen. Through trickery and deceit. Or so they thought.
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: Don’t do what the Jews did, that they made the things that Allah made haram upon them, halal upon themselves.”
• So the result of this trickery  and deception was that they were disfigured physically to look like apes.
• They had a sound mind and the intellect of  humans, but looked like apes on the outside. Their faces had been distorted.
• This led to total embarrassment and humiliation for them. It lasted 3 days and then they died.
• They had taken the words and commands of Allah (swt), and misinterpreted it.
• And this happens still today.
• For example:
  • People call usury/Ribaa trade, and make it halal upon themselves.
  • They say that hijab is in your heart and that you don’t have to actually wear it on your head.

Ayah 66: And We made it a deterrent punishment for those who were present and those who succeeded (them) a lesson for those who fear Allah:

• This is an example in front of them.
• Them becoming apes was an example for the masses and general public.
• A lesson for all those around them. And for future generations.
• Its also a lesson for the Muttaqeen, a warning to them.
• Oh Allah, I seek refuge in you, from a heart that does not fear.

Ayah 67: And recall when Moses said to this people,” Indeed Allah commands you to slaughter a cow.” They said, “Do you take us in ridicule?” He said,” I seek refuge in Allah from being among the ignorant.” :

• They were told to slaughter a cow.
• Bani Israel had love for the cow in their hearts.
• When they lived as slaves in Egypt, they were influenced by the people of pharaoh. The people of pharaoh worshipped the cow and considered it divine. This problem, this belief crept into the hearts of the Bani Israel.
• This love for the cow needed to be taken out of their hearts.
• And so they responded to this command by saying- Are you making a mockery of this? Are you making fun of us?
• Musa (as) did not fight back. Musa was not mocking. But he simply said, ” I seek refuge in Allah from being among the ignorant.”
• Bani Israel did not take this command seriously, and laughed it off.
• But these words, this command was not of a laughing matter.

Ayah 68: They said, “Call upon your Lord to make clear to us what it is.” Moses said,” Allah says- It is a cow which is neither old nor virgin, but median, between that, so do what you are commanded.” :

• Bani Israel were prone to disobedience. Out of arrogance and a care free attitude. They would disrespect the prophet and make things difficult for him.
• They asked specifically what kind of cow.
• At first they were told to slaughter just any cow.
• By wanting specifics they not only kept prolonging the obedience of the command, but also were making harder for themselves.
• Now the command was a specific type of cow.
• They didn’t respect Allah (swt) or His messengers. They were never satisfied with the commands of Allah (swt).
• Musa (as) felt hesitant, having to return to Allah (swt) each time for the details that they asked about.
• We should learn from this, and obey what we are told with out too many unnecessary questions and delay.
• The description of the type of cow given here in this Ayah should have been enough for them to obey. But it wasn’t and they kept asking and prolonging.

Ayah 69: They said, “Call upon your Lord to show us what is her color,” He said, “He says, ‘It is a yellow cow, bright in color-pleasing to the observers.'”:

• Now they were asking about the color of the cow.
• Allah (swt) said that it should be a certain color and bright.
• Bani Israel was just making excuse after excuse, just put off obeying the command.
• They were also making it harder for themselves. At first they were told to sacrifice just any cow, now they had to find the specific type, age and color. Their options were being narrowed. Making it difficult for themselves to find.

Ayah 70: They said, “Call upon your Lord to make clear to us what it is, Indeed all cows look alike to us. And indeed we, if Allah wills, will be guided.”:

• Now more details are being asked. Such as what kind of work it does, etc.
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: If they had not said InshaAllah, they would not have been guided.
• Allah (saw) wanted them to slaughter the cow with their own hands they formerly worshipped.
• This was a way to test them. And this was indeed a hard test for them.
• The more details they asked, the narrower/less the options became for them.

Ayah 71: He said, “He says, ‘It is a cow neither trained to plow the earth nor irrigate the field, one free from fault, with no spot upon her,'” They said, “Now you have come with the truth.” So they slaughtered her, but they could hardly do it:

• After numerous questions about descriptions, specifics, details etc, they finally told Musa (as): ok now you have come with the Truth.
• Asking too many irrelevant questions when it comes to the Deen, is not liked. The Deen is easy and has been made easy for us.
• For them it was slightly harder.
• Don’t ask questions that are going to make complications for you, unnecessarily.
• Prophet Muhammad (saw)-said: From the beauty of a person’s Islam is that he leaves what is not relevant to him.
• Prophet Muhammad (saw)-said: Allah has disliked 3 things for His people:
  • he said/ she said- talking about people
  • wasting wealth
  • asking too many questions
• So then Bani Israel finally slaughtered a cow. Even though they came quite close to not doing it at all.

Ayah 72: And recall when you slew a man and disputed over it. But Allah was to bring out that which you were concealing:

• A man from among them (the Bani Israel) was killed. They were disputing over who had committed the murder. The dispute was becoming intensified.
• This was the reason the command to slaughter the cow was made in the first place. To expose the murderer.
• If a person does something in hiding, Allah (swt) can reveal it. Never do something wrong in secret, because Allah (swt) can reveal at anytime.

Ayah 73: So, We said,” Strike the slain main with part of it.” Thus does Allah bring the dead to life, and He shows you His signs that you might reason:

• So the man that was murdered was brought back to life, only to reveal his murderer and then died again.
• This was a reminder to them, that they too will be brought back to life again on the Day of Judgement.
• This shows that as soon as they did what Allah (swt) had commanded (sacrifice the cow), their problem was solved. The murderer was revealed. The dispute was over.
• The slain person was restored to life long enough to reveal the killer.
• By taking a part/piece of the slaughtered cow and stroking it on the murdered man, and seeing him brought back to life, showed Allah’s power.
• The notion that the cow possessed any holiness or sanctity was shattered. For if the cow had any power, any supernatural power, some calamity should have visited them as a consequence for slaughtering it.
• But no calamity took place. Instead, killing the cow, obeying Allah’s command, was beneficial because it revealed the killer of the man, by bringing the man back to life.
• Killing the cow was to test their faith and obedience.

Ayah 74: Then your hearts became hardened after that, being like stones or harder. For indeed there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them that split open and water comes out and there are some of them that fall down in fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do:

• Their attitude still did not change! And their hearts were hardened.
• Even after seeing a man come back to life after the slaughtered cow was thrown on him, they did not want to accept the truth and obey.
• This was a clear sign, and they should have repented upon seeing that sign from Allah (swt). They should not have continued to question the messenger so much.
• A person whose heart hardens, also loses the desire to be good, to do good, to spread good.
• Signs around us should draw us towards Allah (swt), as Prophet Muhammad (saw) would. Signs such as the ones they saw should soften the heart right away making them obedient.
• But this was not the case with the bani israel.
• Droughts, rain, eclipse, wind, earthquakes, etc. These are all signs, that should draw us closer to the Supreme being.
• Signs around us constantly should drive us closer to Allah (swt), to remember Him, worship Him and to obey Him. These signs should remind us about the reason we are here. This is feature of a soft heart.
• Don’t speak too much without remembering Allah (swt).
• Furthest from  Allah are the hard-hearted.
• The hard hearted, are those who see strong winds, lightening, thunder, earthquakes etc. and just dismiss them as natural calamities, rather than signs.
• The King of Abyssinia was presented with the Truth, and he began to weep.
• There are some stones from which rivers gush forth, split open and water comes out of the them. Some fall (landslides) out of fear of Allah (swt). Rocks fall out of fear of Allah (swt)
• But a person who seeing all these signs, still does not accept the Truth, has a heart harder than stones. Stones are harder then iron, because even iron can melt in heat. But stones are harder.
• Bani Israel are being reproached. After seeing so many signs, they still didn’t believe.
• Some people are worse than rocks.
• Cures for the hardened heart:
  • Recite and ponder over the Quran, reflect on it
  • Think of the greatness of Allah
  • Be kind to those who are the weaker members of the society
  • Visit the sick
  • Remember death
• We should be like rivers, spreading goodness
• Shaitan puts thoughts in our heads when we are helping and doing good: “that person is using you” or “that person is so and so”
• Mumin is positive, doesn’t matter if people call you a loser, know that Allah is watching

Ayah 75: Do you hope that they will accept your message when some of them would listen to the word of God then, having understood them, knowingly distort it?:

• People of Madinah were living with the Jews for a long time. They had heard from them that a messenger would come. The Jews said: when he comes, he is going to be the last messenger, and we will fight the disbelievers here in Madinah.
• But when the jews were told to believe in the Prophet Muhammad (saw) when he came, they would not believe or accept him. why? Because he (prophet Muhammad (saw))  was from bani Ismael and not Bani Israel. He was from a different race, lineage.
• They didn’t believe in him out of arrogance.
• And so the people of Madinah began to doubt themselves. They thought that if the Jews (the people of the Book) weren’t believing and accepting Muhammad (saw) then “are we not right in believing in him too?”
• So here Allah is saying to the believers, don’t expect them (the Jews) to believe. They changed even their own book. They distorted the Torah. They tampered with it and would misquote it.
• So don’t have hope for the Jews to believe, they won’t believe in Muhammad (saw). They want to just follow their own desires. They didn’t even listen to their own messenger Moses. So more the reason they will not accept or follow Prophet Muhammad (saw).
• So don’t lose heart if they don’t accept you or accept the Truth like the believers.
• It’s not necessary that the one who has knowledge also has guidance, which is the case with the Jews.
• Some people don’t want to change their lifestyle accordingly to the Quran, because they find it difficult. And so they make excuses.
• Faith and belief in God requires a straightforward and receptive nature. It requires one to be truly caring and sensitive, sincere and fearful of Allah. Having all this then prevents one from even considering to distort the words of Allah. ( a huge crime)

• the Hypocrites from among the bani Israel. They would say they are Muslims. But in reality they were not.
• So they (the Hypocrites) would say to the believers, in their faces, that they are believers as well.
• But when they were all alone the Jews would ask these Hypocrites: did you tell the believers about the truth and what Allah has told us about the last and final messenger?
• The signs of the Last messenger were in their Books. ( Torah and Injeel)
• Sometimes some of the Jews would actually tell the muslims what was actually and truthfully written in their books. And then some jews would question each other: why are you telling the Muslims? Don’t share it because then you will be questioned in front of Allah.
• There is no intelligence in deceiving others.

• Allah Know everything, what you conceal and declare.

• 2 major groups:
  1- The learned who knew The scripture. They would distort the Scriptures and exploit the ignorance for material and worldly gains. In order to remain influential and in power.
  2- Didn’t have knowledge of the scripture. This group was illiterate and did everything based on magical or wishful thinking and superstition.
• The masses depended on the learned people who knew Scriptures. They would just listen and obey blindly. They didn’t know the book. They lived a life of false hopes. and wishful thinking
• We are told the condition of Bani israel in detail so that we check ourselves.
• How many people today; know the Quran, study the Quran, learn the Quran? etc.
• We live in false hopes, thinking we just need to follow wishful thinking and we will be fine. We live thinking that we don’t need to learn and study and know the Quran.
• The unlettered are the ones who don’t know the Book.
• We should: know the words, recite them correctly, know the meanings, understand it in the context, and then implement the words.
• The goal of this class is: implementation.

• They, the Jews, would fabricate and change the words of Allah and then they would say its from Allah. In order to exchange it for a small price here in this world. In order to earn some gain in this world. Woe to them for whatever they earn by doing this.
• They changed the Book, confusing the religion for others and would also consume their wealth by charging them (those who didn’t have knowledge)  for this knowledge.
• This was unjust and worst than stealing or theft.
• Wael is a valley in Hell through which flows excretions and pus.
• Wael is harsh punishment.
• Highest status in this world is still very small compared to the Akhirah.
• It is extremely disliked that a person use the Deen or teach the Deen as a means of gaining Dunya, for personal gain or fame.
• Their writing became a means of destruction for them.
• Writing can be a good thing too. It can be a sadaqah jariya.
• Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn.

• They would claim, without any basis or logic that they were immune to punishment. That regardless of how much they deviated and disobeyed and sinned, they were not going to be punished.
• They had wishful thinking. Their thinking  was that they would go to the Hellfire for just a few days and then after that they would go to Paradise forever.
• Their concept about the Akhirah was incorrect.
• They (the Jews) say: we worshipped the calf for 40, so for that we will be in hellfire for just 40 days.
• But this is just their assumption.
• They were ascribing to Allah what He didn’t promise.
• So Allah refutes their statement: where is this promise? (a rhetorical question, sarcastic)
• This is just their guesswork, with no basis for this claim.

• The claim they made in previous ayah is false.
• Who ever is does bad and is engrossed in the sin, no matter where he is from, will have a terrible outcome
• 2 types of sin:
  1-sin can be done out of ignorance- if repented hope to be forgiven
  2-another sin- who doesn’t repent, and keeps doing it over and over again in vicious circle. and then the sin has encompassed him
• Who ever earns evil, shirk and kufr, and doesn’t repent, then for them is Hellfire forever.
• We learn that evil is earned and that sinners go on believing what they are earning is right, that go on continuing to sin, until becoming engulfed and so engrossed in their sins that their whole is overcome by it and they live for nothing else.
• And so they will abide in hell eternally.

• Here Allah mentions Jannah for the righteous and ones who do righteous deeds. Need actions not just Imaan.
• Meaning belief/Imaan is followed by deeds and good actions that are worthwhile.

• Allah ordered Bani Israel dont worship anyone else but Allah, give Zakah, be good to parents, to relatives, to poor, to needed.
• Humility and servitude- 2 forms of Ibadah
• How can we do Ihsan (utmost good) to our parents?: by spending on them, speaking good to them, body language, through speech, actions and wealth.
• Khullu lilahi husna: style and content for speech to the good.
• Ayah #85- what makes people believe in one part of the book and accept another part of it? for convenience, and for their desires,
• Reminders through Bani Israel’s events is not just a history lesson for us. It is to educate us so that we can derive lessons for ourselves.
• So we should ask ourselves: Are we repeating history?
• So a covenant was taken by the messengers to the people.
• Firstly: Do not worship anything anyone else, only worship Allah, because He has the full right of that. That is exclusively His right. Every messenger has given this same message to his nation.
• Secondly: Do utmost good towards parents: through words, actions, by being a genuine well wisher to your parents, kind words and kind speech, be gentle with them. Don’t even say “uff” speak to them with respect, through the tongue first. Be humble to them, speak to them with humility. Be kind to them in an exceptional way. Without any arrogance. Don’t speak with an attitude or some “look” on your face of annoyance. Make dua for our parents. These parents were chosen for us. Allah placed love in their hearts for us. They have been through many difficulties to make us comfortable. Spend on them. Spend your wealth on them if they are in need. Their right is mentioned right after the right of Allah. A lot of people do good outside of their home, but they neglect their own parents. This is injustice. They deserve your time and your wealth, your love and respect, your attention. Even jihad in the way of Allah is after righteousness towards parents. Be their genuine well wishers. Be grateful towards your parents. Talk and listen to them with respect. Even if they are repeating something, anything for the 5th time, listen to them, respectfully. Maintain ties with them. Share with them. Do whatever you can to be good to them, because you can never really pay them back for raising you and taking care you while you were young.
• Thirdly: After the parents, are the close relatives. Be good to them. Ties of kinship, up to and down 4 generations, fosters and in-laws as well. through words, actions, help them, maintain ties.
• Fourthly: Be good to orphans. Weak members of the society. They have done nothing for you, but they still have a right to your good. A child who has not reached puberty and has lost his/her father= orphans. Don’t consider them a burden. Reach out and help them. It is the responsibility of those who have wealth to look out for those who don’t have it. Don’t oppress or shun them.
• Fifthly: And the needy. Those who don’t have jobs, or sick, or emotional state of illness ( depression for example). Recognize these types of people and help them.
• These groups all deserve Ihsan. Ihsan is degree above what is expected of you. Ihsan is: Better than just good.
• Sixthly: Speak to people in a beautiful manner. Style and words/speech. Content and style is beautiful. Speech, meaning general conversation and when conveying the Deen. Mind your tone of voice, don’t be too loud or overpowering. Don’t be pretentious either. Don’t be harsh. Speak to people at their level.
• Seventh: establish prayer. Be devoutly obedient.
• Eighth: Give Zakat.
• And so these were commandments given to them. This teaches us that Allah’s religion has been one and same throughout history. Islam confirms and endorses the fundamentals of all the previous religions.
• They turned away, except for a small group of them. They refused. This shows us the arrogance of the Jews. That even though their commandments in the covenant they made with Allah were the same that Islam was confirming now, they were still denying and refusing to believe and accept Islam.
• Let’s ask ourselves; how many of us implement these commandments ourselves? Some of us care a lot about needy or orphans, but forget parents. Some give a lot to charity and the poor but don’t pray. We must implement all, not just a few here and there.

• Allah is going on to point out more contradictions in the Jews between what their current attitude is and what they have promised.
• Shedding some one else’s blood is like shedding your own blood.
• Don’t evict each other from your homes.
• Jewish tribes came to Madinah believing that this is where the last messenger would come.
• Three jewish tribes were: Banu Nadir, Bani Qaynuqah, Banu Querida.
• In Madinah there were also the Arabs who were mushrikeen living there. The 2 native Arab tribes were Aws and Khazraj. These two tribes were also bitterly rivaling each other.
• The jewish tribes had a lot of dis-unity among each other which is similar to the state of muslims today.
• And so rather than getting along and uniting together the tribes allied with the Arab tribes/mushrikeen. For temporary gain of the dunya/world.
• Banu Querida allied with Aws.
• Bani Qaynuqah  and Nadir allied with the Khazraj.
• A civil war took place between Aws and Khazraj which included the jewish tribes that allied with them, which meant they were killing each other (Jew killing a Jew) and expelling each other from their own homes. And this is what Allah had told them NOT to do. And this was in complete violation of their covenant with Allah. (This is all about 5 years before the Prophet’s migration to Madinah.)

• The covenant that was made with the Bani Israel had 4 clauses:
  • 1: Don’t shed blood, don’t kill one another
  • 2: Don’t evict or expel one another from your homes
  • 3: Don’t cooperate in sin and transgression
  • 4: Give ransom and free the captives.
• They violated the first 3 commands, but they implemented the last command. Religious leaders from the bani israel would get together and refer to the Torah. They would say that they have to gather money to free the captives.
• They obeyed one command, to show to the world that we are so kind and well wishers for our people and captives. But this was for worldly fame and gain.
• Why do you fight them and then go pay their ransom? their answer was: this is what the Torah told us to do.
• But why fight them in the first place? They answered: Because we had to show our alliance with the tribes. We had to stand with our allies.
• So basically they believed in part of the scriptures and not other parts.
• What about the first 3 commandments that they disobeyed?
• Shedding blood is great crime.
• Allah is not unaware of you do.
• He knows what you know and what you actually implement.
• And the recompense is disgrace in the life of this world, and this did happen to them. Allah gave them humiliation when He granted Muhammad (saw) power over them.

• 3 jewish tribes of Madina would form alliances with the Arabs of the lands. Aws or the Khazraj. So that during battles, they would end up fighting each other.
• They traded the afterlife for this dunya and its worldly things. For material gain and fame.
• They would hold on to certain teachings and let go of others.
• It was their love of this world that made them accept parts of the book and reject other parts of it.
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Hasten the good works before the advent of tribulations like pieces of dark nights i.e. before that time comes when a man will get up as a believer in the morning and end the day as an unbeliever or end his day as a believer and wake up in the morning as a unbeliever
• When a person is ready to sell their religion for this world- it is due to fitnah
• They start Compromising in terms of Deen
• They leave the hereafter and prefer this world
• The punishment will not be lightened for them nor will they be aided.
• It is said that the people in the Hellfire will come and call upon the guard of Hellfire, Maalik and say “O Maalik, let your Lord put an end to us” and he will say “Indeed you will remain”.  Then these people will go to the other guards in the Hellfire and they will say to him “Supplicate your Lord to lighten for us a day from the punishment. (Ghafir v. 49)
• They will want a little bit of break, but they will not get even a moment/day of a break from the fire.
• Why? because it will be too late by then.
• We cannot be so lost in this dunya that we compromise in the DEEN.
• We think we can do whatever we want here. But at the end of this behavior comes, punishment that will not be reduced or lessened

• Torah was given to Musa. Torah was a very significant book very similar to the Quran. The non-corrupted version is very similar to the Quran.
• Allah is reminding the bani israel that they were not left alone. That books and messengers and messages were sent to them so that they would believe.
• But they would not believe.
• But whenever they would come to you with things your hearts didn’t desire, when they reminded you about what you didn’t want to hear, you acted arrogantly. (saying: don’t want to talk about the akhirah, the afterlife or the Deen) they didn’t want to pay attention to it.
• Bani Israel were trying to finish off all avenues of guidance.
• They killed Yaya, and Zachariah and tried to kill Isa, and Muhammad (saw)
• They were not willing to listen to the advice sent to them and were willing to kill those who were advising them
• Why do we say ‘No’ to those who try to advise us? Because we don’t think we need to change. Arrogance makes us think this way.

• Bani Israel would say, that we already have a lot of knowledge in our hearts. That we don’t need these new messages coming through these messengers. They would say this to justify their refusal of Islam.
• Or maybe its that their hearts were just wrapped and could not understand the messages, they didn’t find it appealing. Their hearts were covered, encased
• This can happen among close relatives. A communication gap.
• When a person continuously rejects the truth, they are moved away from Allah’s mercy. They become desensitized. Very little Imaan is left in them. Then good doesn’t look that good anymore, and evil looks attractive. That’s when they start doing all the wrong and sinful things.
• People always respond with the phrase that “the intention matters” or “when Allah wants me to be guided, I will be guided.” These are all just excuses. This is them walking in the footsteps of Iblees/shaytan.
• ?Qulubuna gulf: say that we have enough knowledge, due to arrogance. And also don’t want to understand because there is a like a veil on their hearts.
• So because the Jews had initiated the refusal of Islam and belief, Allah was then rejecting them by depriving them of His beneficial guidance

• They knew that the last final messenger would have special help from Allah.  They recognized him very clearly. But then when Prophet Muhammad (saw) actually came to them, they denied.
• So at one point they were making dua that the last messenger would come to them. and then when he finally came, they denied him.
• So Allah’s curse is on them.
• A Book that testifies that truth that was in the Torah.
• Why do you believe was revealed to you but disbelieve in that which is similar to it?
• Disbelieving in the Quran is the equivalent of disbelief and denial of the books they have/had in their own very hands.

• The hatred and animosity in them is so bad
• They were angry and held a grudge: Why had the Messenger come from the Arabs and not from their own tribes? This was their arrogance.
• They didn’t want any good coming to anyone else but themselves. Selfish and arrogant mentality.
• Throughout history they have tended to look at their own race as separate and superior to all others.
• They have also been portrayed throughout history to be mischievous trouble-makers.
• And so they earned wrath upon wrath.
• A person’s arrogance is what hinders them from accepting the truth.
• Jealousy also prevents a person from accepting the truth
• Truth should be accepted from wherever it comes, don’t let the arrogance get the better of you.
• Fadl is a blessing from Allah, the Quran is a Fadl/blessing from Allah
• Acknowledge the blessing, and accept the blessing. Be involved in what you are learning, spiritually.
• Arrogance and jealousy makes the heart sick
• And so they have traded their souls. They have sold themselves for the denial of God.
• So for that they will have a humiliating punishment in this world and the next.

• Bani Israel (the Jews) would say: we are only gonna believe in the Torah.
• They would claim that whatever their own Prophets brought was enough for them. They rejected Muhammad (saw) and Isa (as). They rejected these last prophets.
• But the Quran was only confirming what was already in the Torah.
• But they were so arrogant.
• They rejected the truth because of what was already with them, meaning family traditions, or practices that were practiced for many generations. Blindly following it without any Quran or sunnah reasons in those traditions or rituals.
• And so it is asked: If you say that you only believe in the Torah, then why did you kill prophets? Because that was forbidden in your book.
• Allah is refuting their claims, and questioning their beliefs and acts.
• Their contradictions.
• They would believe some parts and refuse other parts.
• The real crime is going against the truth.
• The greatest quality is to accept the truth, when it reaches you, then you are the one Allah loves.

• The expression here means, they are completely filled with the love of the calf, they have completely absorbed the love of the calf so much so that you can’t take it out. Its deep that you can’t take it out. So much that even when the mountain was raised above them they refused to obey

  The Quran; Confirm it, Understand it, Implement it
• Mt Tur was raised above them and they were told to hold on to the Book, abide by the teachings. The teachings of the Torah. Abide and hold onto it. This is what was told to the Bani Israel at the time of Musa (as). Hold onto it with strength.
• They were told this and Listen. They would say, we hear and we disobey. Their reason for rejection: was that because their hearts were filled with something else.
• They were told to live and adhere and accept and believe the Torah.
• Listen so you can obey.
• They heard the truth but their actions proved that they were disobeying. This was their attitude.
• “actions lend validity to words”.
• “Actions must be harmonious with words in order for the words have meaning or value whatsoever”
• Their hearts were filled with love of the calf. Love of the calf had penetrated them and was running through their veins. Because of their denial of obeying Allah.
• This love of the calf was infused in their hearts. The love of the calf had penetrated, settled and intoxicated their hearts, just like water is absorbed in the body.
• They didn’t want to leave the calf.
• So how wretched and evil is your faith if you are believers. Sound Imaan doesn’t require you to worship a calf, so what kind of Imaan is this that is ordering to you worship a calf? Meaning you are not believers. You have denied the Truth.
• Jews of Madinah in the presence of Muhammad (saw) here are being addressed and told about what their ancestors did. Jews of Madinah were not the ones who worshipped the calf, but their ancestors had done this and the Jews were very proud of their ancestry. They were very proud of their lineage.
• Today, why don’t we pray on time, stop backbiting, lying, stealing, and cheating? Because there is something that we love that has settled in our hearts to prevent us from obeying Allah. It captivates them so much that they forget to pray and obey Allah.
• We all have a sort of calf that has penetrated our hearts. It has captivated our hearts. Our own personal sort of IJIL (calf), where we become engrossed and worship it. We become obsessed with it.
• For example: our job makes us workaholics, children, their own self image, our homes, drugs, etc.
• And this all prevents you from obeying Allah. How wretched is this.
• A person who sides with a wrongdoer, due to traditions or lineage, is still a wrongdoer himself. Even if he didn’t do the wrong himself.
• Both have committed crime
• Strong believer is more better, more beloved to Allah, than the weak believer.
• Have belief in Allah’s planning.
• It had only been days since Moses left them and thats how long it took them to start worshipping the calf.

Ayah 97: Say, “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel – it is [none but] he who has brought the Qur’an down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], by permission of Allah, confirming that which was before it and as guidance and good tidings for the believers.”

Ayah 104: Oh you who have believed, say not [to Allah ‘s Messenger], “Ra’ina” but say, “Unthurna” and listen. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment:

• Believers are being addressed here by Allah. We are being addressed here.
• We claim to be believers, this is our quality
• Addressing some one by a good quality of theirs, makes them listen more. This shows added respect and love.
• Take what is going to be said seriously. What is going to said next, is part of Imaan.
• The following command is part of Imaan. If you don’t follow this command you are then falling short of your command.
• Don’t say to your Messenger: Raa’ina
• Raa’ina = Raa’i = ر ع ى

  1.Supervision

  2.To look after someone or something

  3.To take care of someone or something, look after the needs of the other

  4.To look after a living creature (animal or something) – Feeding/Protecting from harm (like a shepherd has to feed and protect his animals)• Raa’ina is like “excuse me”, “pardon me” (used when you have missed what the other person has said or misunderstood the other person)• A slight twist to the expression Raa’ina could give it a very abusive meaning in the Hebrew meaning :Ra’eena : Foolishness, stupid. Also it gives the meaning of donkey•Believers are being told don’t use Ra’ina as others say Ra’eena and especially do not address the Prophet Muhammad (saw)  with this expression
• Ra’ina: (from Muhraa-at: Root letters: Ra aein, ya): Muhraa-at means taking care or paying attention to living creatures. Ra’ee means shepherd. to supervise, guard and pay attention, to look after.
• so when someone had question they would go to Prophet Muhammad (saw) and say: Ra’ina– listen, pay attention to us, consider our situation. This was said by the Sahabah (the Prophet’s companions) and this was acceptable and fine. .
• For example today we say: I beg your pardon, excuse me, please repeat what you said we missed what you said.
• This word also is associated with some equality. Meaning that you usually use this word when addressing someone of your equal.
• But when the jews would try to get his attention, they would instead tweak the word in a very subtle way and say: Muhammad, rahEENa,- they would call him oh shepherd. their intention was wrong. They would say this to insult him, to ridicule or to make fun of him in a very subtle way. It was an abusive word in the Hebrew language. They would distort it. They would twist it to mean something derogatory.
• The word they would change it to a word that came from the roots: Ra, Aein, Nuun. Ra-uuna: thoughtlessness, foolishness. Ra-in: means foolish.
• The Jews would say “Ya Muhammed, Ra’eena”. They would change or twist the word to insult the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and out of jealousy. The word “Raee” means “O Shepherd” and this was to insult and defame him. Ra’eena was a bad word in their language meaning : “Listen, you do not hear” or “oh you foolishness one”
• They were using the word in a derogatory way.
• The companions were not using it in a derogatory way.
• The Jews were being exposed for distorting it, but in this ayah the believers are being addressed. Not the Jews.
• Allah (swt) knew what they were doing, He knew their intention.
• So here we are being told don’t use this word anymore, because the Jews are distorting it. Don’t address Prophet Muhammad (saw) with this word now.
• Instead say: Unzurna: (from roots: Nuun, zaa, raa): Nazarah: means to see, or to wait. Unzurna: bear with us, give us a little time. It means please look at us. Its not as course as Ra’ina. And it cannot be easily distorted like Ra’ina.
• Raa’ina is like “excuse me”, “pardon me” (used when you have missed what the other person has said or misunderstood the other person).  A slight twist to the expression Raa’ina could give it a very abusive meaning in the Hebrew meaning : o Ra’eena: Foolishness, stupid. Also it gives the meaning of donkey.
• Believers are being told don’t use Ra’ina as others say Ra’eena and especially do not address the Prophet Muhammad (saw), with this expression
• Keep in mind that Allah is addressing the believers here. Even though He is exposing the Jews, Allah is not calling the Jews bad or evil people. He is just saying, you who believe, believers, change this word, because this word can be easily distorted.
• The Ra’ina was not being used improperly by the companions and it is not a bad word. But the word was being easily distorted by the Jews.
• So Allah tells us to not use that word. Allah doesn’t just stop there though. He didn’t say don’t use this word and thats it, figure the rest out on your own. He didn’t just leave us hanging like that. He said don’t use this word and then gave us an alternative.
• We should be careful when we speak. Avoid ambiguous words and expressions. Be careful of what words we choose. Avoid words that are gonna cause problems. Don’t use insulting words. Use clear words.
• And also listen when someone is speaking. Listen to obey. Listen carefully the first time so you don’t have to make them repeat again.
• So instead say: Unzurna, an alternative is given by Allah.
• So we are told not to do smthg but also given an alternate word.
• Disobeying Allah leads to a painful punishment.
• This also teaches us that we shouldn’t just go around doing dawah by telling people not to do this and that. “Don’t do this” “Don’t do that”, It can be very harsh to some people at times. But give alternatives. “Don’t do this, but do that.”
• Give alternatives, advice, guidance to the right alternative. Sometimes we say to our family and kids: don’t do this don’t do that. Without alternatives. This should not be the case, we should give alternatives when teaching or telling them not to do certain things.
• For disbelievers is a painful punishment. Message is going against the desire of the disbelievers. So they start using vulgar words for the person inviting to the message, they resort to character assassination of the person inviting to the message.
• When a fight erupts among children do the tarbiyah of your own child first.

Ayah 105: Neither those who disbelieve from the People of the Scripture nor the polytheists wish that any good should be sent down to you from your Lord. But Allah selects for His mercy whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty:

• The enemy doesn’t want any good for you in the dunya ( this world) and the akhirah (the hereafter).
• They don’t like it to comes down to you from Allah (swt).
• Because of jealousy.
• But it doesn’t matter, because Allah chooses who He wills, for His mercy.
• Its ok if there is an entire nation that doesn’t like Muhammad (Saw) and his message, it doesn’t matter. Allah decides who would be the prophet.
• For example: why did that person talk to me this way? this doesn’t matter, its all test. and that’s why we were put on this earth
• We are being tested by and through other people.
• People will judge, will try to pull you down, will show resentment. But remember its all with Allah.
• All bounty is with Allah.
• Nobody can cause you loss, unless Allah wants that loss to come your way.
• On the authority of Abdullah bin Abbas, who said: One day I was behind the Prophet and he said to me: “Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allah; if you seek help, seek help of Allah. Know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.
• So…. everything has been written.
• Any person’s hassad (envy or jealously) cannot come to hurt you unless Allah wants
• If you see someone with something you want, stop wanting for that good thing to be taken away from that person, rather think its from Allah, and ask Allah for it directly.
• If we have good thoughts about Allah, He deals with us accordingly. And vice versa
• Keep asking Allah for His Fadl (bounty), continuously.

• Jews didn’t like that Muhammad received the Quran. They questioned: Why wasn’t he from our lineage? Why was he not from the bani Israel?
• So they would spread lies about him, would create doubts in the mind of believers. They were jealous.
• They would not benefit from it from themselves and would not let others benefit from it too.
• They wanted that blessing to be taken away from him somehow.
• This was their hassad (envy, jealousy) towards them
• One of their objections was: Why are their differences in the Torah and Quran? why are commandments that come down in Quran that abrogate a previous one (s) from the Torah? How come you Muslims don’t follow all the commands in the Torah? Why does a command come down and another to abrogate the previous one?
• The jews would question this: Why is this happening?
• So Allah answers that: He doesn’t make something to be abrogated or forgotten unless He brings something similar or better than it.
• Abrogations happened in the time of Prophet Muhammad (saw).
• Nansakh: Naskh: to delete, abolish erase. To transcribe, Or can mean to replace.
• Naskh: technically this means: Lifting of a religious ruling on the basis of a later religious verdict.
• Nasikh is abrogation and Mansukh is what is being abrogated.
• Naskh : 3 types:
  • 1- Abrogation of the verse without the ruling. Verses that are no longer part of the Quran, but the ruling is still possible. Verse is removed but ruling still applies. For example- verse regarding stoning to death for adultery was in the Quran, but was later abrogated, but the ruling and command is still valid, from a Hadith. (This also used to be in the Torah, but they never abided by it). Muslims still implement this command. Even though it was abrogated from the Quran.
  • 2- Abrogation of the ruling with out the verse. Meaning verse is still recited, in the Quran, but ruling is abrogated. Ruling doesn’t apply. For example: Iddah– widow waiting period was one year, but now we know its 4 months and 10 days, a certain verse abrogated by another. This is to show Allah can do whatever He wills. Both verses are still recited. But the ruling for one verse doesn’t apply. (One year waiting period for Iddah)
  • 3- Abrogation of the ruling and verse. Verse is not in Quran, and ruling is also not applied, because it was replaced with another ruling. For example; foster child Hadith of Ayesha (Ra). “To consider the child as a foster child, 10 sucklings is necessary”. It was in the Quran and the command applied. But later on this Ayah was lifted and the command also does not apply anymore.    It was abrogated to 5 sucklings. It was 10, it became 5.
• Nansakh = ن س خ3 literal meanings.
  • 1. To erase/delete, to abolish (generally translated as to abrogate)
  • 2. To transcribe, to copy (also used to ascribe)
  • 3. To replace (to remove one thing and bring another) Over here it means : “We abrogate” – 1st and 3rd meaning are applicable here
• Wisdom behind abrogation is to show that Allah can do what He pleases. To show the gradual implementation of the Quran.
• Command of alcohol came down in 3 steps:
  • 1st : more loss and less benefit
  • 2nd: Do not approach Salah while in a state of drunkenness
  • 3rd: it was made haraam
• Minds of muslims were being prepared gradually.
• A test to see who will obey and not obey. The reward is greater.
• Main reason behind Naskh/abrogation is obedience to Allah
• He is able to whatever He wants.

• Majority of the people of the scriptures wanted the believer to turn back to Kufr. To disbelief. They didn’t like so many people embracing Islam and so would create doubts in the minds of the Muslims.
• When someone becomes serious about the Deen, some of the people that are around this person, don’t like it. When someone changes for the better, it makes those around them not look good.
• Shaytan has a plan, tries to trap people through various avenues.
• So the people of the Scriptures were envious.
• Bani Israel were jealous that Prophet Muhammad (saw) was given the truth and was not of their lineage.
• Didn’t like the progress of Islam —> and so they would spread doubts
• Today, at times people become jealous that you are studying the Deen. So they create obstacles in your way.
• For a believer Imaan is the most precious thing and those jealous want to take that Imaan away from the believer. The believer’s reaction to this is and should be to remain calm. Believers are told to pardon and overlook this jealousy and obstacles created by the others. The believers reaction should not to become angry and take matters into his own hands, etc.
• Be patient. choose your words wisely. Improve your own character.
• In Madinah there was a lot of hidden opposition during Prophet Muhammad (saw)’s times. Just overlook it.
• Don’t meet evil with evil.
• Overlook it, forbear and forgive.
• Ignore for a while. Don’t let the situation get out of control. Be prepared from opposition, but don’t let it get to you. Don’t react negatively to it.
• Look at the situation differently to avoid anger, emotions, fighting etc.
• Pardon it, remain calm and move on.
• Until Allah delivers His command.

• Jews and Christians would say that only Jews and only Christians would enter Jannah (Paradise). They would boast about this.
• So they would say: become jew or christian, rather than a Muslim, or else you won’t enter Jannat.
• But this was their claim and they did this to create doubts in the minds of the believers.
• So proof of their claim is demanded. Give evidence, show the proof from Quran and Sunnah.
• When someone tries to create doubt in your mind, ask for the proof and evidence. Don’t be persuaded so easily. Is it in the Quran and Sunnah?
• When you don’t know the Quran and Sunnah yourself it is very easy to be derailed.

• But rather, who ever submits his face, his thinking, his mind, in Islam to Allah.
• And is a Mohsin: the one who follows the best way, of Sunnah and does these actions to please to Allah. Then this person’s reward is with Allah. with Ikhlas (sincerity). Does deeds beautifully in the way of Sunnah and solely to please Allah.
• Actions at the level of excellence.
• Husn- beauty
• Sunnah is implementation of the Quran, therefore we must also study the Sunnah.
• Those who do the good beautiful deeds will be rewarded, regardless of their ancestry, title, nation or background.
• for example: Prophet Muhammad  (saw) would preform 4 rakats of Sunnah before Asr prayer. If you come along and say I wanna be a Mohsin and do 5 rakats instead.
• That is not a Mohsin. That is not the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (saw). We need to be aware of the Sunnah.

• The Jews were saying that the Christians were not upon the truth, on no solid evidence. They are not on anything solid in Deen.
• The Christians said the Jews are not upon anything. They don’t have any solid evidence for their beliefs, because the Jews denied Isa (as).
• The Jews didn’t believe in the legislation brought by Isa (as). So they were saying that the Christians were not right.
• But even though both recite the divine revelation meaning Torah and Injil. Both follow the Scriptures.
• Even those who don’t have knowledge of the Scriptures would say the same things as those who did have the Scriptures ( meaning the Jews and Christians)
• Someone from among the Jews (the followers of Musa (as)) told the Christians that he doesn’t believe in Jesus (Isa a.s.)
• Yah-hud: refers to the Jews. (From Ha, wow, daal) Hah-dha: means to repent. It is said they repented for the worship of the calf. So they are called Yah-hud.
• Nasara: refers to the Christians. ( From: Nuun, Saad, Ra). They called themselves this because they claimed to be from Nazareth or because they claimed to be the Ansar of Allah.
• Someone from among the Christians said that Jews don’t have a DEEN or proof and that he doesn’t believe in Moses.
• Allah explained the disputes, hatred and stubbornness that the People of the Book have towards each other.
• Muhammad bin Ishaq reported that Ibn `Abbas said, “When a delegation of Christians from Najran came to the Messenger of Allah , the Jewish rabbis came and began arguing with them before the Messenger of Allah . Rafi` bin Huraymilah said, `You do not follow anything,’ and he reiterated his disbelief in Jesus and the Injil. Then a Christian man from Najran’s delegation said to the Jews, `Rather, you do not follow anything,’ and he reiterated his rejection of Musa’s prophethood and his disbelief in the Torah. So Allah revealed the Ayah
• If you think about it, Christians were closer to the truth, because they believed in Moses And Jesus. The Jews denied Jesus.
• So the Christians were more upon the truth until came Prophet Muhammad (saw). At that time they were told to follow Muhammad (saw).
• The Jews on the other had already rejected Jesus (as) and they rejected Muhammad (saw)
• Both recited the Scriptures and still yet they talked like this. They both had knowledge and still talked like this.
• The ones who didn’t have the book or revealed Scriptures, meaning the Arabs of that time, the Mushrikeen, the polytheists they would say things like this too, but they didn’t have knowledge. They didn’t have divine revelation yet.
• So what is being highlighted here is that why are both groups saying similar things. One group ( consisting of Jews and Christians) had Scriptures, and had knowledge while the pagans/Polytheists/Arabs didn’t. But both were proclaiming the same things.
• Knowledgable and the ignorant are saying the same thing.
• They both didn’t like each other, they were enemies to each other.
• This is the way the people of Knowledge were bickering with each other.
• So Allah will judge about what they used to differ about, on the Day. He will decide between them about what they are arguing about.
• So Jews and Christians will never be our true true allies.
• Our first true ally is Allah, and then the believers (the muslims), the believing men and believing women.
• People should not look at us and think: that this is what happens when you become a muslim or person of knowledge. This would defame islam. We should watch our behavior. We need to become serious when we study the Quran. Hold onto the teaching. Hold onto Quran and sunnah on a daily basis.
• We shouldn’t become such persons so that when others see us, they say: we should not become like this person of knowledge because this is what happens.

• Who is more wrong doing, meaning there is nobody more wrongdoing, who prevents the mentioning of Allah’s name in the mosques. The mosques of Allah. Mosques are given honor, because Allah is remembered there.
• Striving to ruin the house of Allah, is the greatest wrongdoer in the sight of Allah.
• Many people came and tried to destroy the Kaaba.
• Check ourselves and our intentions and feelings when we step into any masjid-
• Criteria should be FEAR OF ALLAH. Do not humiliate anyone or cause anger to anyone in the mosque.
• Example- there was  a Bedouin who urinated in the mosque, the sahabas (companions) tried to send him away but Prophet Muhammad (saw) let him finish and then explained to him that the mosques were places of remembrance of Allah.
• Masjid is place of sajdah and taleem. For the remembrance of Allah.
• Causing destruction in the mosque is NOT allowed: tangible and intangible ways.
• Enter with care and fear, with humility. Enter with respect. Should not go to masjid for personal gain.
• Know the etiquettes of entering the masjid. (The Book of Manners- Dar-ur-saalam, chapter 11)
• There are levels of wrong actions.
• There is a wrong doer and then there is the worst wrong doer.
• For them is destruction here and in the hereafter.

• To Allah belongs the east and west. He owns it all.
• The place of Sun setting and the sun rising and all that is in between.
• Must honor the masjid, but everything belongs to Him.
• So wherever you go, Allah knows of you.
• His rules apply everywhere.
• Allah is not bound to a certain direction. He restricted to either direction.
• So wherever you turn is the Face of Allah, meaning His knowledge is everywhere.
• Don’t abandon prayers bc you are not 100% sure of direction of Qibla.
• Allah is everywhere in His knowledge. But He is above, His Arsh. He is not here and there. But He is aware of Everything.
• Obey Him wherever you are, east or west.
• Muslims were facing Jerusalem and then command to turn to Kabaa, when Muslims did this Jews were angered and they doubted the Quran.
• But we are forgetting that the Allah is everywhere, whether you turn to Jerusalem or Makkah. But the test was in the facing Kabaa, when told to do so. That was His order.
• So wherever you try to figure out the way of the Qiblah as best as possible. Try to determine the right direction of the Qiblah. IF you really cannot, then you can pray in whichever direction. But do your absolute best to find this out.

• Why would He make someone from that He owns, from that He has created, His own child? Doesn’t make sense. How can they say that He has a son?
• For example: You cannot say that you and the pen you hold in your hand are related. Just because its yours doesn’t mean its your offspring. There is no relation in this, it doesn’t make sense biologically, physically in any way.
• He is exalted, He owns everything. and ALL are obedient to Him
• Allah greatly dislikes when they say He has taken a child.
• Jews would say that Ezra was His son.
• Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Allah said:– ‘The son of Adam tells a lie against Me and he hasn’t the right to do so; and he abuses me and he hasn’t the right to do so. His telling a lie against Me is his saying that I will not recreate him as I created him for the first time; and his abusing Me is his saying that Allah has begotten children, while I am the self-sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, Who begets not nor was He begotten, and there is none like unto Me.”
• Qanituun: humility and consistency and calmness.
• Humble and continuous

• He is the creator, He is the originator. So He doesn’t need offspring or companions.
• Allah doesn’t need people or their help. He doesn’t need support. He doesn’t need anybody.
• He made it from nothing. He brought it without copying or having a prototype. Without a model.
• It’s all His idea.

• People of Makkah wanted to confirm Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood, by wanting a clear sign from Allah. They would say, why doesn’t Allah just speak to us directly?
• They made demands: like various demands or words of people before. Like nations before.
• Their hearts resembled the people before. They were making demands like Bani Israel made to Moses. Like in Surah Bani Israel: 91-93, which is a list of the specific demands of theirs.
• These were signs of their arrogance.
• Every era has the same kind of people, with same reactions
• Same statements, same hearts, same actions, same demands.
• When hearts are united, people are united physically.
• Hearts have to be cleansed to come together.
• The signs are quite clear.
• These ayat, the Quran will benefit those who have true faith in their hearts. Not doubt.
• What ever is in your hearts shows in your words and actions.

• Whatever Prophet Muhammad (saw) brought is the truth. He is only a warner. He is not responsible for their outcome. He was sent with the Truth.
• Quran and Hadith. The sunnah of Muhammad (saw).
• His duty is of notification.
• He is a warner and bringer of glad tidings. Well wisher.
• Glad tidings for those who do good. Good makes you happy and makes you want to do more.
• He (saw) wanted the desire that everyone accept the truth. But he (saw) is being reassured that you can not get everyone to accept. It’s not under your control.

• Jews and Christians will not approve of you until you follow their religion.
• Real guidance is only from Allah. Its not from a specific person
• If you Prophet Muhammad (saw) and those after him, after gaining knowledge follow their (jews and christians) desires, then there will be no helper or protector for you
• Live by the knowledge we are given.
• Guidance is not that you include yourself in a specific group.

• All those to whom We have given the Book.
• Part of Imaan is to recite the Quran with its true right: pronouncing words correctly, know the meanings, to have understanding of the text, and to follow by implementation of what is being recited.
• Imaan decreases according if a person decreases in any of the above three parts of tilawat, recital of the Quran.
• Recite the Quran, if you feel your Imaan is going down.
• 3 types of reciting:
  • 1. Tilawah Lafhdiya- recitation
  • 2. Manawiya- understanding text and meanings of the Quran
  • 3. Amaliyah – implementing the Quran and confirming it.
• You are losing out, you are the loser, who does not give the haqq, the right, to reciting the Quran.
• The real loss is the loss of Akhirah.
• Loss of Dunya is trivial.
• Islah- Reformation

• Bani Israel were chosen above others, he preferred them over the rest of the worlds. they were given honor and were for a special mission. to accept and spread and call others to the truth
• But they forgot their role.
• Allah reminds them that he favored and blessed them so much. No other nation had prosperity and enjoyed as much as they did. They got numerous favors.
• gave them religious authority to call others, NOT to be arrogant and to look down on others.
• They thought they got this honor was bc they belonged to lineage of Yaquub.
• But being given preference is not due to lineage.
• So Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (saw) lineage from Ismael (as)
• We must remember our blessings as well
• we should help one another in remembering blessings. remind each other.
• dont drain your energy due to negativity

• even if a person were to give the earths weight in gold, it will not be accepted. lineage will not help, no intercession will be useful.
• 2 types of intercession ( wasila through which a benefit is gained and harm is prevented); 1: khaas/khubra; specific/great:  Prophet Muhammad (saw) will intercede and ask Allah to start the judgment on the DAY. People will be suffering and in distress on that day, before the accounting begins. they will go from messenger to messenger asking them to start the account. each person will be concerned about himself only. so Prophet Muhammad (saw) will fall in prostration, Allah will teach him some words, Allah will ask him to intercede and it will be accepted. 2:Ahm: general: intercession of righteous people for some people. Quran and angels can also intercede on certain ppl too. for the Kufr there will be No intercessors though. Allah has to be pleased with the intercessor and the one being interceded. Allah has to allow the intercession to even take place. then only then their will be intercession.
• SO Allah says send ahead good actions, and dont just depend on intercessors. DOnt rely on them!
• Fear that Day, bc nobody will come to help another unless Allah allows.
• we should know more about that Day. through Quran and Sunnah
• Put in maximum effort to put in good deeds for that Day. make sacrifices. dont look at deeds as small or trivial.
• Allah is advising the bani Israel, and we are listening to it, reading it, so we should take this same advice and understand and learn from it.

• Now we are reminded of Prophet Ibrahim (as). and how he was tested.
• Nation failed tests, but this man passed his so many tests alone.
• Allah tested him. in many ways.
• Ibrahim is mentioned 25 times. He was sent after Noah in area of Iraq. first time mentioned here.
• many commands were given to him. ex: salat, give charity, purification, rituals of Hajj. he was tested in all these ways. 33 commands were given to him.
• actions and ways of worship.
• prophets see true dream. given instructions through dreams from Allah.
• he fulfilled the orders. Allah certified that he passed all the tests.
• Ibrahim (as) tests were harder than bani Israel.
• every nation recognizes Ibrahim. they looked up to him.
• He was very soft hearted and self less.
• so when he is told he would be the leader, he quickly asks about his nation, his progeny. Muhammad (saw) was from his progeny.
• Allah responds that His promise is not for the wrongdoers and disbelievers, regardless of this lineage.
• prepare for the akhirah through the tests we are given.
• Trials will come to the believers to purify them. until no sin is left when they die.
• Allah tests his slave in this dunYa. which draws us closer to Allah. this is purification for us. but doesn’t mean we should want trials and tribulations. we should ask for protection from trials and tribulations, but if we are tested with them, we should be mindful, and we should be patient and positive.

• place of Kaaba was selected by Allah. It used to be dry barren area in the desert.
• Ibrahim (as) was chosen to make this House.
• Allah made it a place of security and safety for his progeny. safe sanctuary made by Allah. He has declared it a sacred place.
• follow the rituals of Ibrahim (as): tawaf, prayed the 2 rakats in the haram area. follow his footsteps.
• rock on which his footprints have been preserved or the places that he visited when he performed Hajj. from over 4000 years ago.
• sacrificing smt for Allah, leaders his nearness to Allah.
• Ismael helped him make the Kaaba. ( so bring your family and kids in doing good things)
• can only do tawaf around the Kaaba
• those places (anywhere) where Allah is remembered, should be kept clean.  ( in tangible and intangible) maintain them. make them welcoming.

• Prophet Ibrahim asks Allah to provide them safety in this city and with fruits.
• Whoever disbelieves Allah will provide them with temporary benefit, very little here, but then they will be forced or thrown into the hellfire punishment on the Day.
• use the benefits and blessings of this dunYA to attain akihrah

• Ibrahim (as) making the foundations and Kaaba with Ismael and even then still asking Allah to accept this deed.
• dont assume that our deeds will be accepted.
• intention and method should be correct in hopes that our actions get accepted.

• Ibrahim (as) has vastness and visionary dua. He repeatedly mentioned his progeny in his duas.
• make duA for righteous descendants. make collective duA.
• make dua for beneficial knowledge. etc.
• and make Tawbah. continuously

• They Ibrahim and ismael are making dua for messenger from the people, his nation his progeny, for Muhammad (saw),who came 2500 years later
• they made dua that the messenger will recite Allah’s ayah, and will teach them Allahs book and teach them the wisdom.
• this is what this course is: recite the book, understand the book, to learn to act according to the right ways, purifying the soul.

• The creed and way of Ibrahim. Pure tawheed. His way was the way of being a loyal slave of Allah. He called himself Hanif. Unswerving. His way was the way of loyalty, honesty and sincerity. he fulfilled his obligations to Allah. He never turned away from obedience to Allah. He alway followed the commands of Allah. He never backed away. He never associated anyone with Allah.
• Allah liked the way of Ibrahim. Prophet Muhammad (saw) was told to follow this way too.
• Ibrahim was willing to leave his homeland, his father, ready to thrown into the fire, all for the sake of Allah. All to please Allah. He made the right choices each time. Even when the entire nation was against him.
• Ibrahim held onto the truth. He was confident bc he was holding onto the truth. Truly sensible and intelligent was he.
• *Please the Creator even if it means displeasing the creation. *
• Don’t displease the Creator to follow the creation.
•  only the foolish ones would be averse and turn away from Ibrahim’s ways. Reasons for foolishness: lack intellect or understanding, lack of knowledge.
• Today we call and label the ones who sacrifice for the Deen is the foolish one. But here in the Quran, it says that the foolish ones are the ones that walked. Hypocrites think that the ones who follow the straight path are the foolish ones.
• Ibrahim used his intellect, he pondered and reflected and came to the right conclusion. About Allah. Allah chose him. He took him as a friend. His name is preserved. He has been given a great rank. HIs dunya was good and his hereafter will be good too.
• The way a person in the worldly, will be determine the way he is in the hereafter. They way we do things here, will determine our state in the afterlife. Being ahead in righteous goods here, will help in the hereafter.

• When he was told to submit, he said i have submitted. Immediately. Complete reliance, trust and loyalty.
• What is our reaction when we are commanded to do this?? we come up with many many excuses, questions, reasons, thoughts, etc.
• There are so many commands that we know of, but do NOT implement. we are disobedient in this sense.
• for example: getting up for fajr. we wait till last minute until we wake up. We need to remember we are not getting up to benefit Allah, it is to benefit us.
• Ibrahim did not delay his obedience and his submission.
• Deen is about trusting Allah. Allah knows best. He doesn’t want you in trouble. He knows what is best for you.  So lower yourself and rely on Him.
• Think long-term, long term benefits- this is truly the intelligent human being.
• Dont make decisions based on short term or immediate benefits.

• Ibrahim advised, taught and reminded his children, progeny, nation to do the same way. He advised them to submit as he did. He always cared and was concerned for his people. he never forgot about others.
• Yaqub advised his children to do the same as Ibrahim advised.
• Firstly he (Yaquub) addressed his children lovingly. Don’t be harsh with your kids, don’t associate Deen with Harshness. Should do it with added affection.
• Secondly he says that Allah chose this Deen for you. Not I, not my father, not my forefathers. It is Allah who chose it for you.
• So don’t die unless you are muslim. Hold onto it until your last breath.
• We should be grateful for being muslim. remain muslim wherever you are in terms of actions and statements, in terms of way of life. privately and publicly.
• Imam Ahmed was on his death and this was hardest moment of anyone’s life, Sakarathul mauth, he kept on saying “Not yet ,Not yet” his son asked him Why you said this , he said “Satan came and said now your free from me, you can relax” so Imam Ahmed said “Not yet”- Satan is after a person till the last moments of ones life. we should make duA that our end is good.
• If you live as a Muslim you will die as a Muslim.The way a person leads his life that is the way he will die.
• What are you thinking of before you sleep and when you wake up.

• Jews say that Yaqub asked us to remain jewish. They just make up what their forefathers supposedly said.
• So they are questioned: were you witness when he was about to die and what he said to his sons.
• Bani Israel just wanted to do what they wanted to do. So they fabricated that Yaquub advised them to remain jewish. Which his not true, they weren’t even there with him on his death bed.
• Yaquub was advising his sons to obey and worship just one God, Allah.
• Important to teach children, through words and actions. Must show them and tell them. Don’t just tell your kids, to believe so and so. Must show them in your daily life. so that they see and remember your lifestyle to carry it onwards.
• Ismail was Yaquubs paternal uncle. Paternal uncle is similar to the father. That is why Ismail is mentioned here too. plus he was muslim too.

• this nation has passed on. they will get what they earned
• You will be held accountable for what you earned. Not for what they earned.
• Forget associations with “special” families, people, lineage etc. not important. Will not help in the hereafter.
• you will not be able to take from you account of deeds to give to others. to help other on the Day. Cannot happen. It will be just your own actions that you will be yours.
• Prophet sal said “ 3 things follow a person to his grave, wealth, relatives and deeds, first two come back and only his deeds remain”
• Dont live life on wishful thinking. send ahead deeds for the hereafter now. keep sending.

• Human nature to think we or me is right. Some say all religions are right. just go with which ever way.
• So some say be jewish or christian and you will be rightly guided.
• But Allah is saying no, rather. He is refuting them. And He is giving them an alternative. He is saying that Ibrahims way was the Hanif. That was the correct way. SO be muslim. He did not associate any partners with Allah. he did not commit shirk.

• Believe what was sent to the prophets of Bani Israel, the books, the miracles, the correct and originals of Torah and Injil, to Musa and Isa. we believe in all them without making any distinction. we dont distuigish between any of them.
• We are muslims. We are the ones who submit to Allah.

• Believe in Prophet Muhammad, and his teachings.
• If they believe what you believe then they are guided.
• But if they turn away, and split, then no worries, Allah will suffice you.
• Ibrahim was not jew or christian or mushrikeen. He submitted to Allah.

• SO adopting the Deen, as part of the lifestyle. it shows on the outside. They are recognized as muslims as part of their identity
• Sibghah- a color that has been adopted, dyed color. the die attaches to the clothing. It becomes it, it becomes that color. Similarly we are dyed in the color Deen, and it is manifested in them. Allah is addressing all of us to color ourselves in the color of the Deen of Islam. shown in various aspects of our life.
• knowledge and implementation are keys to making this happen.
• this has nothing to do with actual colors: green or black.
• Its about lifestyle choices. Religiosity doesn’t mean to forget the world
• Follow the path of Deen, follow Prophet Muhammad (saw) who adopted this way. He is the best example.
• submit to just Him.

• Do you argue about concerning Allah.
• He is your Lord and our Lord.
• and you have your deeds and we have our deeds.
• be confident when practicing Deen. if you don’t know an answer to critical questions, say you don’t know, and move on.
• we must more sincere and loyal to Allah.

• So they would say Ibrahim and the descendants were either all christians or Jews.
• But Torah and Injil were reveled after Ibrahim. so that doesn’t make sense.
• But Allah says they are muslim. So who is right, you or Allah? Who knows more, you or Allah?
• Whatever Allah has said is the truth.
• Who is more unjust than the one who hides the books, testimony: (Torah injil, or that Allah is one.) message from Allah..?
• Testimony is also referring to the declaration of shahadah.
• If we know the truth we should spread it.

• The nation has passed on. Their efforts will not benefit us and vice versa. They will be accounted for what they earned.
• We will not be asked about what our forefathers did.
• We will be asked about what we did. About what we earned here.
• We will be asked about: our knowledge, implementation of the knowledge, what we did with our youth, our time, our blessings, our free time, our wealth.
• Best people are those who see them are reminded of Allah.
• So think how can we remind others about Allah.
• Verbally and Non verbally even.

• Prophet Muhammad (saw) before migration, he would face the Kaaba and Bait ul Maqdis. He would stand in a certain to face both from Makkah. It was possible from there. But not from Madinah.
• Then in Madinah. The Jews would face Bait-ul-Maqdis. So Allah commanded Prophet to do the same. So Prophet (saw) faced it for about 16 months. But this commandment was later abrogated. Because another ayah was brought to replace it.
• Prophet (saw) was waiting for the command to change qibla back to Kaaba.
• Foolish- lack of knowledge and lack of intellect.
• Allah is warning that when the change of qibla comes, there will be chaos and upheaval from the foolish. They will object even though they have knowledge.
• Allah is reminding that some people will object but dont give these foolish any importance.
• To Allah belongs the East and West. and whatever is in between. This should be the answer to the objectors.
• And He guides whom He will to the straight path.
• To face the Kaaba is to walk on the straight path.
• All messengers Qibla/faced Kaaba.
• Jews and Christians qiblah was also the Kabah. According to Ibn Taimiya,They were also commanded to face Kabah but they themselves started facing baithul Maqdis
• Jews faced the Bait ul Maqdis, So changing qibla meant power was shifting from them to Prophet Muhammad (saw)
• Non serious attitude towards Deen raises objections. Dont pay attention to peoples objections. Let them be and ignore. You do what you need to do in terms of going towards the Deen.
• Allah does not teach us to refute arguments/objections with arguments. It instead is connected to the fact that this is Allah’s decision. Period.

• Middle Umma. We are the middle Umma.
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) passed his Deen onto us, now we are responsible to pass it on to those after us. so we are in the middle. We should means of guidance, spreading the message to others.
• Hadith-Nuh will be called on the Day of Resurrection and will be asked, `Have you conveyed (the Message)’ He will say, `Yes.’ His people will be summoned and asked, `Has Nuh conveyed (the Message) to you’ They will say, `No warner came to us and no one (Prophet) was sent to us.’ Nuh will be asked, `Who testifies for you’ He will say, `Muhammad and his Ummah.’) At this the Muslims will witness the fact tha Nuh Alai did convey the message to his nation.
• Changing of Qibla was a test to see who would follow Prophet Muhammad (saw) and who would turn away completely.
• these were tests after tests. Believers were tested over and over. First told to leave their home in Makkah, then told to face Bait-ul Maqdis, then told to change qibla again. This was a test from Allah.
• we should make due that Allah protects our hearts from changing or turning away from the Deen. Quranic and masnun dua- pg 23 dua no. 5
• Allah wanted to make evident who would obey the last Messenger and who wouldn’t. this was the test.
• Allah reminds that He would not allow your previous Salat or Imaan go to waste though, before changing of qibla.
• There are over 70 branches of faith. The highest is to bear witness that ˜There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (la ilaha illAllahu Muhammadur Rasulullah). The lowest is the removal of harm from the road. Modesty is also of faith.” (Abu Dawud)
• So Salat is also part of Imaan.
• Iman has 70 branches and Salah is one of the branches of Iman and that is why Iman is called Salah here. •    Another reason why it is called Iman is to show the importance, to make Muslims realize the importance of Salah, that if a person doesn’t pray – then he has no Iman. Salah distinguishes between Kufr and Iman

• Prophet Muhammad (saw) knew that the qibla would change back to Kaaba. But he waited for the command from Allah before doing so. He didn’t take it upon himself to change it. He didn’t just follow his wishes and desires. He waited for Allah to command it.
• The command came to face Kaaba. for Prophet Muhammad (saw)
• Then it was commanded that the rest of the believers face Kaaba as well. and this is required especially during Fardh prayer. Not so much for naFl prayer. There are a few exceptions: plane, sick/paralyzed. IF you realize you are facing wrong direction during prayer, should change to correct direction even while praying. Do not need to make up past prayers if accidentally prayed in wrong direction.
• Hadith—Imam Al-Bukhari reported that Al-Bara’ bin `Azib narrated: “Allah’s Messenger offered his prayers facing Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) for sixteen or seventeen months, but he wished that he could pray facing the Ka`bah (at Makkah). The first prayer which he offered (facing the Ka`bah) was the `Asr (Afternoon) prayer in the company of some people. Then one of those who had offered that prayer with him, went out and passed by some people in a mosque who were in the bowing position (in Ruku`) during their prayers (facing Jerusalem). He addressed them saying, `By Allah, I bear witness that I have offered prayer with the Prophet facing Makkah (Ka`bah).’ Hearing that, those people immediately changed their direction towards the House (Ka`bah) while still as they were (i.e., in the same bowing position). This masjid is called Masjid Qiblatain. It has 2 Mihrab- One facing Jerusalem and the other facing Makkah.
• Another Hadith It is reported in the Sahihayn (Al-Bukhari Muslim) that Ibn `Umar narrated: While the people were in Quba’ (Mosque) performing the Fajr (Dawn) prayer, a man came and said, “A (part of the) Qur’an was revealed tonight to Allah’s Messenger and he was commanded to face the Ka`bah. Therefore, face the Ka`bah. They were facing Ash-Sham, so they turned towards the Ka`bah.
• People of book towards the Kaaba was not wrong bc it was mentioned in their books.

• So even if you came with the Book with all the proof and evidence, they will still not believe.
• You will not follow their qibla and they will not follow yours. and they will not follow each others. (jews and christians)
• There are some matter in which you cannot compromise. such as the facing of the Qibla. bc facing the same qibla the kaaba is form of unity of the nation of muslims. creates discipline and unites the muslims.
• Bani Israel denied the messages of their messengers. their desires became more dominant than the divine knowledge.

• Jews recognized the Prophet as they would recognize their own kids, sons, children. but a group of them hid the truth, after knowing, bc they wanted authority. Bc they were afraid they would lose power.

• The truth is from Allah, so dont doubt

• race towards good all good.
• remind yourself what is the focus of your life.
• remember Allah in all phases or stages of your life. Happy or sad.
• Qibla is the center.

• Qibla is a way to remember Allah. so face it. so whenever you go anywhere remember Allah. that should be your focus.

• qibla creates steadfastness, create a direction, remember for us.
• and so that others cannot argue against  you. so that they see your firm and focused, disciplined in your faith and direction
• benefits of one focus, one qibla direction.
• So that people won’t spread negative propaganda about you
• so that Allah can guide us
• So that
• So much emphasis was placed on this Hukm because:1.    People wont have a argument against you. Saying that one time you are following one Qiblah and the other time another.2.    Allah completes His blessing upon the believers3.    And He guides MankindThese are the benefits of one central place.

• so just like a messenger was sent as a favor, so was the qibla, sent as a favor for you. (for us) to unite us all.
• The goal is one- to please Allah.
• give the haqq of the recitation.
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) illiterate taught to an illiterate nation- taught words, understandings and how to implement it all.

• Be in groups that remember Allah, bc other groups will be a waste of time and we will be remorseful for this time we wasted, on the Day of Judgement.
• Bukhari : Abu Hurrairah narrated that the Prophet (Sal.) said that Allay says in a Hadith e Qudsi :I am according to my slaves concept of me (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him).  I am with him when he remembers Me.  If he remembers Me in his heart I remember him in My heart. If he remembers me in a gathering, I remember him in a gathering that is better than his.”(gathering of Angels”
• We should show on our selves that our Master takes care of us. We should be grateful to Him, and acknowledge His favors. It shows in our actions, our expressions, our speech, etc.
• Remember Allah and He will remember you: Dhikr,(remembering Him), performing/establishing Salat (and all the requirements of Salat), reciting the Quran ( rights of the recitation- articulating the words correctly, understanding the words, implementing the words), being around righteous ppl, reminding others about Allah, starting any deed anything with bismillah, remember who you are doing everything for ( for Allah), wake up for Tahajjud,
• Remember Allah by obeying Allah. He will remember you by forgiving you.

• Believers are addressed. Quality of Imaan is the best quality. Bc he has recognized Allah, and then he do righteous acts and deeds.
• Be grateful that you even have Imaan. so we are being addressed so we should listen
• ***Seek help with patience and prayer*** Patience is required for prayer.
• This world is a test, and we will be tested continuously. hardships lead to worry, anxiety and grieve.
• sabr: to hold yourself back from temptations.
• Need sabr to implement other things.
• the one who wants patience, Allah gives him/her patience.
• reward for the patience: Allah’s support is with that person.
• Patience is sign of a person’s Imaan. Because: this person will not complain and find faults. Has certainty that Allah is with him, and he relies on Allah only. Realizes that there is wisdom in hardships too. realizes that there might be some good from this trial tribulation or calamity.
• A person who has been given patience, that is a huge gift from Allah.
• tests most definitely come, you can’t run away from them.
• Prophet Sal said “there is much good bearing with patience that which you dislike and victory comes with patience and with hardship comes away out and with difficulty comes ease”
• Allah is with you with everyone, knows of them, know what they are doing saying thinking etc.
• Allah is also specifically with the believers, and as a supportive help to the believers.
• and “with” in a intangible sense. (bc physically He is above His throne)
• Salat aids in developing more patience. Prophet Muhammad (saw) would rush to salat.
• Sajdah: best time to makes specific dua, this is time we are closest to our Creator. so do dua in sajdah. talk to Allah.
• **cannot recite quran in sajdah, but can recite all masnuun duas*** best time is during tahajjud.

• Do not say someone is dead who was killed in the way of Allah, when rather they are actually alive. they are martyrs.
• Prophet (Sal.) said in a narration by Muslim: The souls of the martyrs are inside green birds and move about in Paradise wherever they wish. Then, they take refuge in lamps that are hanging under the Throne (of Allah). Your Lord looked at them and asked them, `What do you wish for’ They said, `What more could we wish for while You have favored us with what You have not favored any other of your creation’ He repeated the question again. When they realize that they will be asked (until they answer), they said, `We wish that You send us back to the earthly life, so that we fight in Your cause until we are killed in Your cause again,’ (because of what they enjoy of the rewards of martyrdom). The Lord then said, `I have written that they will not be returned to it (earthly life) again.)
• Death: generic, complete death that comes to all living beings. Specific death to the martyr is different. their souls are dealt with differently. they are said to be alive. they are in between life and death. these are matters of the unseen.they are not alive like us. but they are not dead like the ones who have died. but the their state is in the middle. burzakh is where their soul is. body is buried and the soul is returned to the grave for questioning. thats all we really know
• You can divide death into 2 types1.    Generic Death- Complete death2.    Specific death – death comes to the martyr but it’s a different death , their soul is dealt with differently – apparently they have died but in reality they are alive.What kind of life is it?It is not like our life•    Basically there is life, death and something in the middle.•    Something in the middle- Is for the martyrs and you cannot perceive this.This is called life of the barzakh- when a person dies his soul is taken to Barzak and what happens to this soul we do not know. Allah knows BestAfter a martyr dies his soul goes to Jannah.
• Martyr experiences joy. their death is special.
• Who is a Martyr?Prophet Sal said “Who fights so that the way of Allah is exalted is fighting the way of Allah’A person who dies due to a stomach ailment, while giving birth is also a martyr. The actual martyr mentioned here is one who dies while fighting to exalt word of Allah.
• Allah determines who these people are. Their reward is very great.
• these are levels of a martyr: plague, drowned, collapsed building, during labor, jihad, **fights so that the word of Allah is exalted**, protecting wealth and family
• Martyr: has to be a believer, has patience, one who is happy with the creed of Allah.

• Here we will be tested: in 5 matters:
  • some thing of Fear- fear in real life or paranoia, fear in the mind or fear in the real world. ex: spiders, insects, future, condition of world, jinn, death, whispers of shaytan,
  • Hunger: stomach being empty, urge to eat, need to eat, some want to eat all the time, some dont want to eat, times of drought, no food at home, no cooked food, no money to get food, dont have wallet, have to stand in line to get the food, or someone has an illness or allergies and can’t handle certain foods.
  • loss of wealth: no sales, theft, no profit. included in this is cash, objects, animals,
  • Lives: diseases, death, fatal illnesses,
  • Fruits: earth not producing enough vegetation, or not accessible. Means children too.
• Give good news, glad tidings, to these people who are patient in these times.

• So to who ever disaster strikes, they said that they have to return to Allah.
• In times of difficulty: there are 4 levels to handle a difficult situation:
  • Becomes angry and starts cursing. This is a serious wrongdoing. not the way of a believer
  • Sabr: Control emotions and controls the tongue.
  • Ridah, pleased with the decree of Allah. Heart is at peace. Thinks there is good in this situation.
  • shukr: To be grateful. this is the highest level.
• ،اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا، (No Muslim is struck with an affliction and then says Istirja` when the affliction strikes, and then says: `O Allah! Reward me for my loss and give me what is better than it,’ but Allah will do just that.)

• s

• safa and marwah are symbols of Allah.
• there used to be idols on top of each mountain and these idols used to be worshipped. so when doing Saee the companions were reluctant thinking it would be wrong. But doing Saee is not wrong bc it represents when Hajr was left in desert with his son Ismael. Ibrahim and Sara( known to be one of the most beautiful in the world) left for Egypt, they had no kids. the king would try to extend his evil hand towards Sara. his hands would be paralyzed when trying to do so. so king realized was not an ordinary woman. so he gave them gifts. including a maid- Hajr. so it was advised Hajr marry Ibrahim to have kids. she had Ismael. there was up and down between the two women, so Allah told Hajr and Ismael to be left in the desert.
• Story of Ibrahim AlaiIbrahim alai was from Ur- Iraq. His nation did not accept his teachings and he was compelled to leave. and when Ibrahim alai and Sarah went to Haran- border of Syria and turkey, people didn’t obey so they left to EgyptThe journey through time starts when the Prophet Ibraaheem, peace be upon him, felt constrained living with his idol-worshipping people in Iraq. So, he moved to Palestine along with his wife Sarah and nephew Loot, peace be upon them; Allaah said which means, “And Loot believed him. (Ibraaheem) said, ‘Indeed, I will emigrate to (the service of) my Lord. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.’” (Al-‘Ankaboot: 26)Ibraaheem, peace be upon him, stayed for sometime in Palestine, then moved to Egypt and stayed there for a while. Sarah was the most beautiful woman in the world at timeThere, him and his wife Sarah endured a trial on account of the unjust ruler of Egypt. The Ruler wanted her. Sarah and Ibrahim alai made dua.When the ruler tried to touch Sarah ,His hands froze, he learnt his mistake and he asked Sarah to make dua
• He did this 3 times.After this happened, he realized Sarah was not an ordinary women and he gave her gifts.However, Allaah protected Sarah from the harm and abuse of such a tyrant, and was even given Haajar, an Egyptian female-slave, as a present. This was the beginning of another story more relevant to the ritual of Hajj and the building of the ancient House.
• Ibraaheem, peace be upon him, returned to Palestine again. His wife Sarah, who was barren, advised him to marry her female-slave Haajar in hope of a birth of a child. Consequently, Haajar gave birth to Ismaa’eel and Sarah, later, gave birth to Is-haaq. As is in the nature of women generally, Sarah then felt jealous of Haajar and could not even bear to see her in front of her. She told Ibraaheem, peace be upon him, about her feelings and that was the reason of his migration with Haajar and Ismaa’eel, peace be upon them all, to Makkah. Allah commanded them to leave and He fulfilled Allah’s commands.
• Ibraaheem settled Haajar and Ismaa’eel, peace be upon them, there in an uncultivated land where there were no plants, water or other people, and intended to leave for Palestine once again. So, Haajar followed him and said, “Ibraaheem! Are you going to depart and leave us in this valley where no people live and with nothing for subsistence?” She repeated the question but he did not answer her, so she asked him, “Did Allaah order you to do so?” He replied, “Yes.” She said, “Then, He will not let us perish.” Ibraaheem, peace be upon him, then departed and supplicated to Allaah: “Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.” (Ibraaheem: 37)
• Allaah answered Ibraaheem’s, peace be upon him, supplication after Haajar and her baby, Ismaa’eel, experienced very difficult moments and the baby was on the verge of dying. Loneliness and the lack of food and drink almost killed the woman and her child if it had not been for the grace of Allaah and His mercy; indeed, no one who prays to Him is turned away disappointed and no one whom Allaah looks after is abandoned.
• It is from these testing moments that the story of Allaah’s House begins, along with the story behind the (ritual of the) Muslims walking back and forth between As-Safa and Al-Marwah every time they perform Hajj or ‘Umrah or make Tawaaf around the Sacred House. From here, as well, starts the story of Zamzam, the cool, refreshing water that is a cure for illnesses by the will of Allaah.
• The story is worthy of our concern and attention; worthy of being remembered whenever people walk between Safa and Marwah doing Sa’i, and whenever they drink Zamzam. Hajj should not be a mere religious ritual in which people imitate their ancestors without knowledge, insight or guidance. The story in full is as follows:
• Ibn `Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated (on authority of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): “The first lady to use a girdle was the mother of Ismaa’eel (Ismaa’eel), peace be upon them. She used a girdle so that she might hide her tracks from Sarah. Ibraaheem, peace be upon him, brought her and her son Ismaa’eel, while she used to nurse him, to a place near the Ka’bah under a tree, above the location of the well of Zamzam, at the highest place in the mosque. During those days, no one dwelt in Makkah nor was there any water. He settled them there and placed near them a leather bag containing some dates and a small water-skin containing some water; Ibraaheem, peace be upon him, then set out homeward. Ismaa’eel’s mother followed him saying, “O Ibraaheem! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything (at all)?” She repeated the question to him many times, but he did not look back at her. Then she asked him, “Has Allaah commanded you to do so?” He replied, “Yes.” She said, “Then He will not neglect us,” and returned while Ibraaheem, peace be upon him, proceeded onwards and on reaching the Thaniyyah (a mountain trail) where they could not see him, he faced the Ka’bah and raised both hands in supplication to Allaah, saying: “Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.” (Ibraaheem: 37) Ismaa’eel’s mother continued suckling Ismaa’eel, peace be upon them, and drinking from the water. When the water in the water-skin was used up, she became thirsty and her child also became thirsty. She started looking at him (i.e.,Ismaa’eel) tossing in agony; she left him for she could not endure seeing him (like that) and found that the mountain of As-Safa was the nearest mountain to her on that land. She (climbed up and) stood on it and started looking at the valley keenly so that she might see somebody, but she could not see anyone. Then she descended from As-Safa and when she reached the valley, she tucked up her robe and ran in the valley like a person in distress and trouble, till she crossed the valley and reached Al-Marwah mountain where she stood and started looking, expecting to see somebody, but she could not see anyone. She repeated that (pacing between Safa and Marwah) seven times.”  Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam added, “For this reason, people walk (do Sa’i) between them (Safa and Marwah). When she reached Mount Marwa (for the last time) she heard a sound and said, ‘Hush!’ (addressing herself). She then listened attentively and heard the voice again and said, ‘You have made me hear you; have you got something to help me with?’ (She then found) an angel at the spot of Zamzam, digging the earth with his heel (or his wing), until water sprung forth. She started to make something like a basin around it, using her hands in this way, and started filling her water-skin with water by her hands, and the water was flowing out even after she had scooped some of it.”Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam continued to say: “May Allaah bestow mercy on Ismaa’eel’s mother! Had she let the Zamzam (flow without trying to control it) (or had she not scooped from that water to fill her water-skin), Zamzam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the earth.” The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam further added: “Then she drank (water) and nursed her child. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid of being neglected, for this is the place of the House of Allaah, which will be built by this boy and his father, and Allaah never neglects His people.’ The House (the Ka’bah) at that time was on a high place resembling a hillock, and when torrents came, they flowed to its right and left. She lived in that way till some people from the tribe of Jurhum, or a family from Jurhum, passed by her and her child, as they (the Jurhum people) were coming through the way of Kadaa’. They settled in the lower part of Makkah from where they observed a bird flying round and round. They said, ‘This bird must be flying around water, though we know there is no water in this valley.’ They sent one or two messengers who discovered the source of the water, and returned to inform them of the water, so, they all went (towards it).”
• remember the sacrifice of Hajr.
• rewards from efforts or any good will not be wasted. Be patient.
• symbols of Allah: masjid, the adhan, quran, etc.

• Hiding knowledge is wrong, and entails the curse of Allah. they are far from Allah’s mercy and cursed by the angels as well.
• The Jews had the books, but they hid certain things. Whatever went against their personal motives, they would conceal it. They would conceal things that benefitted others.
• If you see someone doing some thing wrong, you see it, you should correct them. Dont avoid correct it out of laziness.
• Don’t hide knowledge due to stinginess. This is selfishness. Allah disapproves of this.
• Concealing knowledge is very wrong.
• Some dont like to share, out of sheer selfishness and laziness. they think, how is this gonna help me? this is the wrong attitude.
• There are exceptions to this. Sometimes revealing all the information is not necessary and might confuse the listener or make things worse for them. So in these case you must use your wisdom and tell them only what is needed to be told.
• For example: you have a good recipe. sharing it would help someone else cook it and easily. you should share it. (people these days are stingy in this matter too)
• It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:”The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Whoever is asked about knowledge that he has and he conceals it, will be bridled on the Day of Resurrection with reins of fire.’
•  Share and educate anyone who comes to you, regardless of them being muslim or not. Share what ever knowledge you can.
• A man travelled a long distance to meet Imam Malik and for some questions he said I don’t know.He being a scholar.The punishment mentioned for those who hide knowledge is grave. On the contrary,Allah and the angels, even an ant in the hole and fish in the sea make dua for those who teach good

• If someone realizes they had knowledge and didn’t share it. Then must do tawbah ( with all proper conditions of the tawbah). SO repent.
• Conditions for repentance:
  • 1.    Ikhlaas i.e. sincerity
  • 2.    Remorse over the sin committed
  • 3.    Leave the sin
  • 4.    Not returning to the sin
  • 5.    To make tawbah before the time before the time of the acceptance ends i.e. death or before the sun rises from the west

• Curse upon those who die in state of kufr. As a disbelievers. Curse of Allah, angels, and other people.
• The one who denies Allah’s existence, His books, His angels, etc. will be cursed.
• Dying in this state will lead to deprivation of Allah’s mercy.

• No reprieve
• punishment will not be lightened for them.
• Unless they properly repent.

• Those things people who take other things for gods. Have given them names. They mean nothing. its a fabrication. It doesn’t mean that these become god.
• There is no other god besides Allah. He is the entirely Merciful and the especially merciful.
• Must make mention of these attribute and show people the signs of His Mercy. worship Him, acknowledge Him.
• We have everything bc of His mercy. Our bodies, our health, wealth, etc. All bc of His mercy.
• There is mercy in all the commands He has given us.
• This Deen is based on ease.

• alternating of day and night. Any two days are not the same. Things are constantly changing. So does each day.
• Ships carry things on water, and ship things that benefit people. A lot of the trade takes place on ships and we benefit from this.
• And He sends down rain from the sky, that brings life to things that are lifeless.
• And He spread and created creatures of all different types, that are crawling and moving etc.
• And the changing of direction of the winds.
• And the clouds held above in the skies, between the sky and earth
• These are all signs for people who will understand, that He is the one and Only God. He is the Greatest.
• All these signs are mentioned for us to realize that He created all this beauty from nothingness.
• How can we not realize His Oneness.
• Think of the temperature of the rain water, its clean and not to cold or hot, not harsh. Think of how storms and hurricanes are diverted from places they are heading.
• Weight of one cloud is: 1.1 milion pounds like 100 elephants
• Intellect: 2 types:
  • Aql Rushd: you really get the point, have really used your senses. When you see the signs around you, this reminds you of Allah’s mercy.
  • Aql Izhrakh: only sees things superficially, not realizing the amazement. You see something, take a picture and move on. Not really pondering.
• All of these signs point to His Greatness.
• No human being is Ilah. No human has this power or might. Of making the world like He did.

• And from the people are those who take another person or creation as a rival of Allah. They start loving this thing or person as they should actually love Allah (smt).
• But those who believe are strong in their love for Allah.
• When you got lost in creation, without understand who the Creator is, you are then in darkness.
• Believers dont get lost in the creation, appreciate and tolerate towards the creation, but are not lost in the creation. They love Allah more. And love Him in all situations, good or bad.
• Believers are not seasonal in their love for Allah. It doesn’t change, or end, or lessen. It doesn’t fluctuate, it remains constant.
• Allah’s being doesn’t decline.
• Beauty can decline, a job can become insufficient, a toy can get old, But Allah doesn’t change. He doesn’t decline in any form.
• Believers love Allah more than anything else in every situation. They wake up and go to bed remembering Allah.
• You can love other things of course, but it should not cross limits, or surpass your love and obedience to Allah.
• When people see the punishment thats when it will be too late. Thats when they will realize that all love should be for Allah.
• There is a void in the heart that cannot be removed except with the company of Allah.
• The emptiness of the heart cannot be filled with anything else but with the company and remembrance and love for Allah.
• We take and take from Allah, but give our love to someone else? He gives and gives, and we worship others? this is wrong. this is injustice.
• And so the punishment is very severe.

• Nobody will come to assist another. leaders will disassociate themselves from their followers. The corrupt leaders will cut off relations with them, on the Day.
• They will see the punishment.

• the people will say if only we had one more chance to go back to earth, we would disassociate ourselves from them the leaders, like they have or are doing to us now ( on the Day)
• People are willing to make crazy sacrifices for each other. For things they portrayed as their god.
• But on the Day this will all be useless.
• Allah will show them their deeds, and they will regret.
• And they will be in hellfire forever. Will not be able to leave Hell.

• All of mankind is addressed here to eat from that which is lawful/halal.
• Mustahib: liked
• Eat whatever is lawful and good.
• Conditions:
  • It should be halal, and not filthy. not haraam.
  • the way it is earned should lawful
  • It should be thayyib, clean, pure and tasty.
• The Prophet (saw) never criticized any food he was presented with.
• Whatever a person eats affects their actions, conduct and performance. that is why is important to know what to eat. and eat lawful clean foods.
• and dont follow the satan

• And do not declare things haram or halal on your own. Its only if Allah has commanded it.
• Dont make things that are haram, halal and vice versa
• There are 3 possiblities
  • 1.    Allah has said something- responsibility of a person is to convey it forward
  • 2.    Allah has not said a certain thing is halal or haram-  But a person fabricates a lie
  • 3.    A person is not sure what Allah has said-  In this case a person must be quite about this.
• Even messengers dont have the authority to alter what is haram and halal. They didn’t have the right to declare anything lawful or unlawful.
• Do not follow the footsteps of Satan, Dont speak without knowledge. Dont make things halal and haram
• exercise caution when using the haram too.

• Following forefathers is forbidden when it is not good for you in the long run, no logic or no reasoning behind it. and when they have no knowledge of the Deen.
• Parents are to be respected, along with the elders. They are to be honored and respected. Obey them if they invite you to good. But when they are inviting you to what goes against the Deen, then you do not blindly obey them. then you are not obliged to obey them. Be cautious. You dont need to follow them. You dont need to obey them.
• Dont use the excuse that we are just following our forefathers, our ancestors, etc
• Ibrahim (as) broke the idols that the nation was following. The people realized that the idols could not save themselves from being broken. But then they said we are just doing what the forefathers are doing.

• When someone who is calling out to people towards guidance, its like calling out to cattle, it doesn’t make sense to them. Its just sounds that the people hear. With no effect on them.
• They have the faculties but they don’t use them to understand. they don’t understand the language of true guidance.
• They are blind, deaf and dumb.
• They are just following those before them blindly.

• Here the believers are being addressed here specifically.
• Obey Allah in regards to All matters.
• Eat from the good things. He provides us with a variety of foods, He gave us taste buds on our tongues to enjoy the foods, this is the mercy of Allah. This command is only beneficial for us for our lives and health.
• These benefit us through: preservation of progeny and preservation of intellect, preservation of human life.
• Eat from clean and pure  and halal things. And be grateful.
• Halal of two types:
  • Its a produce of this earth. In itself it is clean and pure from the earth. ex: apple
  • Its earning should be halal. ex: if you buy an apple with haram earnings, then apple too is not halal.
• Everything we have been given us from Allah. Our provision, our wealth, our money to buy food, etc.
• Allahumma inni ala zikri wa husni Ibadatik- Prophet Sal taught this Dua to Muad ibn Jabal to never leave this supplication after Fard salah.
• A persons intake affects: their spirituality, their body, and how they deal with others.
• If there is death in a family Prophet sal said to eat “Talbina”. “The talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5325)].When a person has energy he can fight grief.
• Mu’adh (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) took hold of my hand and said, “O Mu’adh! By Allah I love you, so I advise you to never forget to recite after every prayer: “Allahumma a’inni ala dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika (O Allah, help me remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner).”

• dead animals that: dies naturally, falls from a height, dies from a fight, blood doesn’t flow out of body, not slaughtered by Some one from the kitaab-
• Dead Animals
  • 1.    That animal that dies a Natural death
  • 2.    Not slaughtered but killed by any other way if it has died by falling, strangulation, gored to death by another animal
  • 3.    Animal is slaughtered but blood is not spilt- still inside the animal.
  • 4.    Animal is slaughtered but not by a Muslim or Slaughtered by people of book but by an atheist or Magian etc.
• Prophet (Sal.) said : “We have been allowed two dead animals (fish and locusts) and two bloody things (liver and spleen)” – Ibn’Maaja & Ahmed
• Flowing blood is haram.
• Flesh of a swine. Not just he meat of the swine, but every part of the swine. Certain worms live in this creature. that cannot be killed even after cooking it. we are discovering this now. But Allah – has known about this and therefore has forbidden.
  • This is the whole of the pig, its fat, its blood etc.  Even if your food is fried in lard it is unlawful
  • The swine lives and breeds filth (if you eat it you are inclined to absorb its nature)
  • It carries 60 infections
  • One female mates with 10 pigs at one time
  • The female pig eats its own children. No maternal feelings.
  • The male pig mates with one female and offers her to others. No sense of belonging.
  • Pigs are omnivores. Eat dead insects, eat excreta and eat even their own kind
  • They are carnivores also. They are very aggressive.
  • Pigs don’t sweat so they roll in mud to keep them cool. They have worms in their flesh.
• MINHAJAL MUSLIM VOL 2 pg 462-478
• Conditions of Slaughter
  • 1.    Name of Allah is mentioned- Bismillah Allahu Akbar
  • 2.    Blood is spilt
  • 3.    Slaughtered by Muslim or people of book
• There are exceptions. If there is a dire or extreme circumstance, for ex fearing for their life or health, life and death. then smt that is haram can be eaten just to survive. that once.
• Islam is a Dheen of Ease. If you are in a condition of starvation and lawful food is not at hand, then you are allowed to eat what is unlawful. Allah Has given this Exception to eat this because He is Ar Raheem and He doesn’t want a person to die without eating anything in a dire circumstance
• fixing what we eat, eating from what is halal and clean and pure, is form of Ibadah

• Those who hide what is from Allah, and exchange it for a small price of this world. They will eat a fire in their bellies.
• They will be put in the fire and will not be purified.
• To hide the truth is haram. And what earned about that is haram too.
• You shouldn’t share knowledge only for a payment. sharing should not become conditional, that for example you will only share or teach knowledge for a wage. If he chooses not to take wage, it is better.
• Truth should be spread far and wide for everyone. People conceal the truth for a small price, for worldly benefit.
• Reasons behind hiding and not sharing the truth and knowledge is: stinginess and greediness.
• To conceal and limit knowledge is a grave crime.

• They exchanged forgiveness for punishment. they have purchased misguidance with guidance and punishment instead of forgiveness.

• To argue about the book is also a crime

• Its not enough just to face a direction, to follow a ritual. Not just facing east and west. ( mentioned also because these directions were sacred to jews and christians too)
• True righteousness is not just in that
• Ayat-ul-birr. presents an overall picture of Islam. From this ayah. A person can understand what Islam is. a comprehensive picture of Deen. We learn about creed, articles of faith, about zakat, salat, conduct, aqeedah, imaan, worship, dealings.
• True Righteousness is: the one who believes in Allah: to believe that He exists, in His being, to believe in all His attributes, to completely trust and obey Him.
• Al-Baar- is the righteous person: the one who believes in Allah, and the Last Day, (all that will occur after death: grave, resurrection, accounting, the scales, hell and heaven), and contentment, understands it and accepts it, and starts preparing for it., the Book, the Angels, the Prophets, gives wealth ($, food, clothing, land, assets), gives wealth inspite of love for it. gives wealth due to love for Allah, gives wealth to relatives ( reward for spending on relatives is double)
• Ibrahim alai said to Allah “Show me how you will give life after death..he had Iman but he wanted to satisfy his heart.These believers have that contentment and belief that the Day of Judgment is coming.
• By no means shall you attain Al-Birr, unless you spend of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it wellWhen this ayah was revealed. Abu Thalha gave his whole garden- which was his most dear possession, immediately he gave in Charity. Prophet sal suggested to distribute among his relatives.Spending on relatives is a part of Iman.When you spend in spite your love for it- You get the love of Allah.
• (Sadaqah (i. e., charity) given to the poor is a charity, while the Sadaqah given to the relatives is both Sadaqah and Silah (nurturing relations), for they are the most deserving of you and your kindness and charity
• Give to those who are needy. If orphans are more needy than relatives, then give to the needy and orphans.
• Abu Hurairah narrated – Prophet (Sal.) said: The Miskin is not the person who roams around, and whose need is met by one or two dates or one or two bites. Rather, the Miskin is he who does not have what is sufficient, and to whom the people do not pay attention and,thus, do not give him from the charity
• dinar of 4 types: poor person, to free slave, spend in the way of Allah, spend on your family. (best of them is the one you spend on your family)
• Traveller: even if they are rich in their own home. Spending on traveling companions,
• must give, by giving them the benefit of the doubt. do not shun or repel the ones who ask. Dont say to them- they have a made profession of begging. give them benefit of the doubt, talk to them with kind words. dont use hurtful words even after giving.
• To ask to increase his wealth is to ask for embers!!!
• give zakat; 8 categories of Zakat. establish salat.
• fulfill any promise, oaths, or vows made with Allah.
• promises made with people (muslim or non muslim):
• and the one who endures with patience in difficulty and hardships. Stops his nafs from showing a negative reaction. During poverty, at times of set back, at times of extreme hardship, at times of extreme difficulty. For example: who is verbally abusive to you.
• real Imaan is in the heart.
• BIRR +  SIDQ+TAQWA. ONE WHO WANTS TO BECOME RIGHTEOUS MUST IMPLEMENT THE COMMANDS OF ALLAH AND A PERSON WHO CAN DO THIS IS A ONE FOR FEARS ALLAH- ONLY THEN HE CAN IMPLEMENT THESE COMMANDS,

• blood money is acceptable. ( amount should be reasonable to the rate of the land where they live)
• this is talking about intentional murder or killing
• the man who has murdered, should be taken into account, not someone else. No matter what the status of the person. the one who commits the crime is held into account. The slave for the slave, the woman for the woman even.
• If the The murderer is forgiven/pardoned, instead blood money is taken in compensation, and the family members have overlooked the murder ( aqhee), and forgive him and dont take his life. and let the matter be done, follow-up should be in a beautiful matter. this is allowed. but all the heirs or family members must agree on this together.  Cannot take the life of murderer and the blood money. Have to take one or another. not both.
• Blood money has to be given in Ihsan way. in a good way.
• Blood money is 100 camels. free woman is 50 camels. for aborted child it is 5 camels.
• Male relatives from paternal side should be the ones helping in collecting the blood money.
• ( the option of Blood money used to not be in option during the times of Jews. or even times of christians they had to just forgive)
• The reason behind this statement is that before the advent of Islam in Medina (the Jewish tribe of) Banu An-Nadir invaded Qurayzah (another Jewish tribe) and defeated them. Hence, (they made it a law that) when a person from Nadir kills a person from Quraizah, he is not killed in retaliation, but only pays a hundred Wasq of dates. However, when a person from Quraizah kills a Nadir man, he would be killed for him. If Nadir wanted (to forfeit the execution of the murderer and instead require him) to pay a ransom, the Quraizah man pays two hundred Wasq of dates ﴿double the amount Nadir pays in Diyah (blood money)
• This is a mercy from Allah. The case is resolved in the Dunya
• this is all beautiful way out of difficult situations.
• responsibility of the state to make sure this happens.
• the one who abuses this or transgresses this: then for him is a painful punishment
• Law for the JewsSa`id bin Mansur reported that Ibn `Abbas said, “The Children of Israel were required to apply the Law of equality- Qisas was wajib upon them in murder cases and were not allowed to offer pardons (in return for blood money). Allah said to this Ummah (the Muslim nation): Allah had mercy on this Ummah by giving them the Diyah which was not allowed for any nation before it. The People of the Torah (Jews) were allowed to either apply the penal code (for murder, i.e., execution) or to pardon the killer, but they were not allowed to take blood money. The People of the Injil (the Gospel – the Christians) were required – Obligatory to pardon (the killer, but no Diyah was legislated). This Ummah (Muslims) is allowed to apply the penal code (execution) or to pardon and accept the blood money.This was burdened some in both case for the Jews and Christians.Allah is saying He has removed this burden from you.
• we should be a “no problem” personality, settle a problem and move on.

• This retribution, this Qisas, or the payment option. this will show people what can happen. This will prevent others from doing it again. This will preserve life. This will prevent the murderer from doing it again and prevent others from doing it.
• Through Qisas Allah is stopping the persistence of wrong doings.
• in this command there is life.
• issue of abortion: to abort a fetus in whose body a soul has entered is wrong. Its a serious crime. If the life of mother is in jeopardy that is an exceptional case. But if aborted for other non serious reasons, then this is murder too, and blood money needs to be given. If when after 120 days – a woman aborts her fetus- similar punishment. It is not allowed or right to abort fetus 4 months after of age of fetus.

• Writing of the will is not for the heirs. bc they already have a share. will legally already inherit from you
• A will can be written for disbelievers as well. But they would not get any share in inheritance.
•     Inheritance is what a person leaves behind and fixed shares of the inheritance for deserving recipients were legislated by Allah. Eg if a person does not make a will then all his money will go to heirs.•    Where as in a will (which a person makes before he dies) you can give 1/3 of your wealth to anybody except the Heirs. Eg to a masjid•     “Aqrabeen”Some far relatives who do not have a share in his inheritance he can bequest an amount to such a person. That is why this ayah is Maqsoos- in specific situations it is applied.
• should write the will when you are alive.
• Ibn’Umar said that Allah’s Messenger said : It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to Will to stay for two nights without having his Last Will and Testament written and kept ready with him
• cannot compromise what your heirs have a right to.

• the one who changes the will after hearing it, is sinful
• dont manipulate, but it can be fixed.
• dont deprive someone of their right.

• But if he fears that there is some wrong doing or injustice, and corrects it, then there is no sin upon him.
• If the person has died, advise their heirs. if the person is alive, advise him about the wrong before he dies. and get his approval to
• change the will, if needed to do so. especially if you are in the position to give this advice.

• Believers are being addressed. We are being addressed.
• It has been made Fard by Allah. He has made fasting fard as it was made fard on the people before us too.
• So that we may become Allah conscious. Not to lose weight, not to just remain hungry and thirsty.
• It is an important command.
• Life of a believer is similar to a fast
• to abstain from what Allah has forbidden, and do what He has commanded.
• We are trained in this month of fasting: to be patient, to refrain from wrong things, build tolerance, to bear difficulties.
• eating drinking and sexual intimacy. – must stay away from these desires during the hours of fasting. If someone can stay away from these desires can be productive in life. can be disciplined and attain great achievements later in life. Will have no problem from staying from unlawful things in the rest of their life.
• Prophet Sal. said “Whoever does not give up his lying speech and acting on those lies and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting).Bukhari
• Leave wrong ways, leave wrong speech, etc.
• This month is for the Development of taqwah. To Focus on Allah.
•  A time when we are Starving stomach but nourishing the soul.

• For the sick (fasting would increase the sickness, or would not be able to do smt to reduce the sickness such as taking their medications)(unwell in a such a way, that fasting would result in death) (In these cases it is not allowed, even Haram to fast.) Allah has given the allowance to not fast.
• and the travelers: are allowed to not fast. Or are allowed to break their fast during journey if it becomes too difficult. It is not part of Birr/piety to fast while traveling.
• the ill or those traveling: Can make up the fasts later, after Ramadan. Doesn’t need to be done consecutively.
• So those who are able to fast with difficulty: they are not sick or not traveling. But for example they are old, or are pregnant, or breastfeeding. these are not illnesses but they are difficulties in fasting for these people. For these people they should give ransom, fidya (feeding of poor person). These people dont have to make up the fasts later.
• Some say this part of the ayah has been abrogated. ( the fidya portion) bc fasting is the best option
• Scholars have two connotations – 3rd Category1.    You already have the strength / ability to fast but in-spite of that you choose not to, out of difficulty- not referring to a traveler or sick person. This includes an old man, pregnant woman, they can fast but they do it with difficulty- THIS IS THE 3RD CATEGORY ( IST WAS SICK 2ND WAS TRAVELLER). He can leave the fast and give fidya- feed one poor person.2.    Some say this is not referring to a third category rather this part of the ayah is mansooq- abrogated. Mu`adh commented, “In the beginning, those who wished, fasted and those who wished, did not fast and fed a poor person for each day.” Al- Bukhari recorded Salamah bin Al-Akwa` saying that when the Ayah: وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُمِسْكِينٍ
• (…those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day).) was revealed, those who did not wish to fast, used to pay the Fidyah (feeding a poor person for each day they did not fast) until the following Ayah (2:185) was revealed abrogating the previous Ayah. It was also reported from `Ubaydullah from Nafi` that Ibn `Umar said; “It was abrogated.” As-Suddi reported that Murrah narrated that `Abdullah said about this Ayah:
• (…those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., a person who is or old), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person for every day that they missed a fast.
• At the same time, Allah still tells us that although the choice has been given to us i.e. Fasting or Fidya, it is better for us to Fast. Prophet (Sal ) reported that Allah SWT said in a Hadith e Qudsi: “all the deeds of Adam’s son (and daughters) are for them except Saum which is for me and I will give the reward for it.”
• fasting is better than fidya. Best option is to make up the fast. Making them up in Dhul Hijjah is a great deed.
• The menstruating females should try to make the fasts later. that is the best option.

• This month is superior because the Quran was revealed in this month.
• revelation came in 23 years. revealed gradually.
• excellence  Of The Month Of Ramadan is mentioned.•    Allah chose to reveal the Quran in the month of Ramadan.The Quran was revealed from Lawhe Mahfooz to the lowest or first heaven. It was revealed upon the heart of prophet sal in Ramadan.It was not revealed in its entirety in Ramadan. The Process Began in ramazan.It was revealed on the Night of Qadr in ramadan. Refer to surah Qadar.The month is excellent. The night it was revealed is also virtuous- the quran was revealed in this month and night.
• Quran itself:
  • guidance, •    وَبَيِّنَـتٍ
  • And clear proofs. This Quran is clear , its ayat are lucid, obvious.
  • Not ambiguous.•    الْفُرْقَانِ=ق ر ف =  to distinguish, to differentiate
• its required if the  moon has been sighted to start fasting in Ramadan.
• Prophet sal said “Do not fast for the month of ramazan until you sight the moon or complete the number of 30 days”
• And if you are traveling or sick, should make them up later. The leniency though still remains for the sick and the traveler but you must keep count and fast in a later month, any other month.
• Allah wants ease for us, He doesn’t want for us hardship.
• Reported by Imam Ahmed : Prophet Sal said :“Treat the people with ease and do not be hard on the.  Give them glad tidings and do not fill them with aversion”
• When Ramadan is completed, then declare Allah’s greatness (on Eid), by doing takbeer.
• And be grateful. with gratitude comes more obedience.

• And when His servants ask about Allah, tell them : “I am near”
• Dua: conditions of dua to be accepted
  • with a truthful sincere heart
  • with humility
  • with fear
  • with the obedience of Allah
• Muslim recorded that the Prophet said(The supplication of the servant will be accepted as long as he does not supplicate for what includes sin, or cutting the relations of the womb, and as long as he does not become hasty.) He was asked, “O Messenger of Allah! How does one become hasty” He said, (He says, `I supplicated and supplicated, but I do not see that my supplication is being accepted from me.’ He thus looses interest and abandons supplicating (to Allah).
•  Allah will grant your dua in either of the 3 ways :
  • 1.    When you supplicate, either your supplication will be granted eg When Musa alai made a dua his dua was answered instantly.
  • 2.    It will be saved for you in the hereafter.
  • 3.    An evil or calamity will be turned away from you.
• belief in Allah and His obedience, results in acceptance of your Dua and living life beautifully.
• there are many ways to live life:
  • according to nafs and your desires: they are like livestock. enslaved to your desires.
  • according to people: according to majority. so you forget who you are, and live for others
  • according to the Sunnah: this person will spend his life in the best manner. true liberation lies in the obedience of Allah.
• truly living life in a beautiful way, lies in the obedience of Allah.
• the Freedom of man is in following Allah and people who follow their own desires are enslaved to Shaitan

• Al-Bukhari reported this Hadith by Abu Ishaq who related that he heard Al-Bara’ say, “When fasting Ramadan was ordained, Muslims used to refrain from sleeping with their wives the entire month, but some men used to deceive themselves. Allah revealed:﴿عَلِمَ اللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَخْتانُونَ أَنفُسَكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَعَفَا عَنكُمْ﴾(Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you (accepted your
• Before the rule was to only have sexual relations with wife between maghreb and Isha. and most were not able to do so. So this rule was changed and they were forgiven for breaking this rule previously
• The people found this difficult and then Allah revealed this Ayat 2:187.  This Ayat contains a relief from Allah for the Muslims by ending this practice that was observed in the early years of Islam.
• like clothing protects each other ( husband and wife), nikaah protects us in many ways as well. (husband and wife)- we are clothing for them, they are clothing for us.
• Husband and wife cover up each others deficiencies. hide each others flaws, and should support each other. very important to communicate to each other, but hide each others flaws and secrets from the public.
• Many people give very high expectations to marriage. Which sets them up for disappointments.
• Respect each other
• Marital secrets are important. Unless there is some harmful or abuse or oppression happening in the marriage, secrets in the marriage must remain inside the marriage. Should not be public information. A lot of marriages go down hill because couples dont understand this.
• Both need each other.
• Having intimate relations with spouse is an act of worship.
• We learn 2 things here•
  • Having intimate relations is a type of Ibadah- worship ,But what is allowed is to be within the boundaries of Islam – if you perform something lawfully there is reward in it and if you do something unlawful you are punished.•
  • One of the purposes of Marriage is to have children- they should desire children. Allah is saying “Seek children”
• eat and drink when the night and day are distuingishied. From the light of fajr til the blackness of the night.
• Prophet Sal. said : Suhur is a blessed meal.  Hence do not abandon it, even if one just takes a sip of water.  Indeed, Allah and His Angels send Salah (Blessings) upon those who eat Suhur.
• when person makes intention to make ithikaf, must refrain from sexual intimacy with your wife, eating and drinking.

• taking a bribe and giving it, both unlawful
• Usurping the wealth of another saying it is yours and you take it to court and you bribe the judge to rule in your favor this is haram and stealing will come under this. The worst form is bribing
• Consuming  the wealth of a orphan unjustly- he is filling his abdomen with fire!!
• This ayah is coming after fasting and ramzan…The purpose of Fasting is to adopt taqwa and when a person understands this he will not look at the wealth of people. He will not have that greedy eye for another’s wealth.A person who is doing all this wrong and he is still fasting, he hasn’t understood the purpose of fasting. Fasting teaches us many lessons- the will to sacrifice , consideration for others.•    Fasting teaches us self- restraint, self-discipline, self control. Fasting is a rigorous training in order to hold yourself within the framework of Islam throughout the year.

• MINHAJUL MUSLIM VOL 2 pg 74
• CLOSER THAN A GARMENT- muhammad al jibal
• article: marriage isn’t for you. , tips on how to be a successful wife, tips on how to be a successful husband.

• Arabs lived in the desert, saw the changes in the moon, each night. new moons.
• The changes of the moon are a great sign of Allah.
• No humans, nobody on earth can control the moon. It is only under the control of Allah. Nobody else can change it.
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) was asked things sometimes not directly related to Deen. and the moon was was asked about.
• some would start associating superstition with the moon. Because sometimes people get lost with the creation and forget the Creator.
• So Prophet (saw) was asked about the changes of the moon.
• So Allah told him to say that these are changes in time, appointed times for Hajj. (ramadan has already been mentioned)
• So even the companions pondered and reflected on signs in the universe.
• Determining time ( increasing and decreasing of moon) benefits for both dunya and akhirah. For determining Hajj and for all other ibaadat (like fasting, giving zakat annual, day of Eid, Iddah of the widow and divorce, expiation for accidental murder-fasting two months consecutively) , and for worldly business matters as well.
• Calendar based on the moon, is natural, creates ease. Lunar calendar.
• There is no specific seasons for ibaadat. its all according to the lunar calendar.
• They used to think: If in Ihram and had to return home before completing it,and if smt came between head and the sky (such as door frame) than Ihram would be nullified. so they would enter from the back of the house so to protect their Ihram. ( this was all the ritual and beliefs with no real grounds)
• SO they are told to enter your homes through the correct doors. Enter homes through the front door, not back door. Do things correctly. It won’t nullify your Ihram.
• piety is in the one who fears Allah.
• ( a person entered through the door- doing things correctly)
• Doing things right shows intelligent.
• Be correct, be proper, be clear, be straightforward.
• To be successful, Fear Allah. Taqwah is necessary .

• Fight in the way of Allah. Fight to exalt the word of Allah. But don’t transgress.
• Prophet Sal said “He who fights so that the word of Allah is elevated, exalted is fighting in the way of Allah”
• everything is NOT fair in love and war. don’t transgress. don’t cross limits.
• At times of warfare too, must be patient and don’t transgress limits.
• Allah does not love those who cross limits and transgress.
• Dont kill children, mutilate bodies, wrongfully take war booty, dont kill women, monks, elderly. etc, many rules and regulations when it comes to fight in war.
• The Prophet SAS when he sent his troops for battle he always advised them “Do not behave treacherously and do not take war booty without right, and do not mutilate (cut peoples ears noses etc), nor kill children”
• Al-Hasan Al-Basri stated that transgression (indicated by the Ayah), “includes mutilating the dead, theft (from the captured goods), killing women, children and old people who do not participate in warfare, killing priests and residents of houses of worship, burning down trees and killing animals without real benefit.”
• Prophet sal also forbade the killing of women, children, the elderly and monks in a monastery”- Because these people are not harming you, so you should not harm them either.

• Expel them from where they expelled you. Meaning Makkah.
• Kufr of Makkah did not allow prophet Muhammad (saw) to bring and spread the word of Islam.
• islam gave freedom of thought and speech to people. Before this people who were physically mentally and spiritually enslaved. masses were enslaved this way.
• But Islam changed all that. Changed all these tribal norms.
• At the Farewell Hajj there were more than 100,000 Muslims and these Muslims were hidden before because they didn’t have a choice and didn’t declare their faith because they would have been persecuted
• Dont fight in the masjid ul haram. But if they fight you there than kill them.
• Fighting was allowed there only for Prophet Muhammad (saw) at that time, not anymore.

• Then if they stopped killing, Allah is most forgiving to them.
• At the conquest of Makkah Prophet SAS.  forgave people – Wahshi chewed on the liver of Hamza Rali. but Prophet Sal. still forgave him, he forgave Abu Jahal and many others.
• Allah is Most Forgiving and He will forgive their past sins and He will cover them with His Mercy – for disbelievers who repent after they have fought disbelievers in Battle eg like Hind, Abu sufyan, Khalid Ibn Walid, Ikrimah Ibn Abu Jahl- DON’T DESPAIR OF ALLAH’S MERCY.
• if a person repents and dies as a believer, Allah can and will forgive them, so we cannot judge them.

• If they are going to aggressors or the oppressors than you are allowed to fight back.

• The Sacred months;1. Muharram 2.    Zul Qa’daha 3.    Zul Hajj 4.    Rajab
• Dont fight in the sacred months, but if they initiate than you can fight them.
• Qisas is retribution. hurumath- violation.
• if a sacred month is violated. And if a place is violated. – then you can take revenge. in retaliation. for all violations there is retribution.
• take revenge but don’t be unjust.
• Dont initiate transgression. Dont be emotional even in the most extreme situations.
• Learnings•    Do not initiate transgression•    Do not be emotional even extreme situations •    Keep within the limits•    The one who violates something sacred you are allowed to retaliate •    If someone wants to repent then forgive them•    Have patience and Imaan•    If someone is oppressing you and you cant do anything back, then have patience and Imaan- this is the importance of having Yakeen in Akhira•    Sometimes you have the authority to take revenge but you don’t and forgive instead – this strengthens the ties of Islam eg Like the Prophet sal at the time of Conquest of Makkah- he had authority but he chose to forgive.•    In forgiving there is benefits of the Dunya and the Dheen

• Spend in the way of Allah. Not doing so, is like throwing yourself into destruction. Because the wrong doings and teachings will be spread and made rampant. selfishness will be widespread. And that would  be your fault, bc you are not spending and promoting the Deen of Allah.
• Spend in the way of Allah so that others and you will Both benefit.
• Important to educate the masses.
• The money that we have, how much goes towards Deen. think about it. most usually is spent on us. to make us happy. this is selfishness.
• (Think about Christian missionaries go door to door. They work, earn and use that salary to travel and promote christianity.)
• We don’t own this cause, we think it’s somebody else’s job to do this. we think: why should I do it.
• by being stingy when promoting the word of Allah, we are throwing ourselves into destruction.
• reward is very great for promoting His Deen, spreading the word.

• Complete Hajj and Umrah. When you make the intention. Complete it. Complete it well. Complete it sincerely,correctly, properly, Complete it for Allah.
• But if you cannot complete it after the wearing the Ihram. For various reasons: visa, traffic, flights, etc. : You dont have to make it up again (difference when missing fasts). But you should make up by giving a sacrifice (sacrifice an animal). If can’t find an animal to sacrifice for this, giving ransom?
• if someone cannot complete Hajj or Umrah, you dont have to go back to make it up.
• Dont shave/cut your heads until the animal has been reached the place of slaughter/sacrifice. Reached the place of slaughter (In Mina) and sacrificed on the right time. at the time of Eid. 10th.
• You will not shave your head till the animal reaches the place of sacrifice Place of slaughter has 2 meanings•    Place : Mina- where the animal is sacrificed.•    Time : the animal is sacrificed at the prescribed time- day of Eid and the day after that- Yaumun Nahr and the day after that
• But if you are sick or ailment of the head- then shave head, but must also give a ransom has to be given ( fasting for 3 days, or charity by feeding 6 needy people, or sacrificing one goat)
• Expiation for cutting hair before sacrifice (1 of 3 options)•
  • Fasting for 3 days•
  • Charity : providing food for 6 needy persons •
  • Ritual sacrifice (1 goat)
• Hajj thamattu: hajj and umrah in one journey. Umrah before Hajj here. in this journey. (what we did) go into and out of Ihram twice.
• Hajj Thamattu•    Umrah and Hajj in one journey•    This Umrah is performed before Hajj•    You make the Intention for Hajj thamattu and performs Umrah•    Then come out of Ihram and enjoy the time till Hajj•    When the days of Hajj come wear Ihram again and perform Hajj•    This time period between Umrah and Hajj when the person is not in Ihram is called Thamattu•    For this type of Hajj sacrifice is necessary, if not fasting is required for 3 days of Hajj.
•  Cannot fast on 9th and 10th of Dhul Hijjah
• If a person cannot afford a sacrifice or cannot find a sacrifice the expiation is •
  • Fast 3 days during days of Hajj up to 7th of Zul Hajj•
  • Or  Fast the Days of Thashreeq (Ayam-Thashreeq i.e. 11th, 12th and 13th of Zul Hajj)•
  • Cannot fast on the day of Eid- Yaumun Nahr and on 9th of Arafat•
  • Additionally fast 7 days on his return home•
  • That is a total of 10 fasts
• Hajj Qiraan: hajj and sacrifice required.
• Hajj Ifrad: only Hajj, sacrifice not required. this is done by residents. No need to do sacrifice of the animal for this type of Hajj.
• Pg 105- Minhaj ul muslim v2

• sacred months.- Shawwal onwards is when you can make the intention for Hajj. Not during ramadan.
• Hajj is in the well known months•
  • Shawwal•
  • Zul Qada•
  • Zul Hajj
• Intention•    If a person leaves on 1st of Shawwal then this will be considered as Hajj for him.Hajj is considered to be Hajj from Shawwal.•
• If he leaves home on Ramadhan and makes intention then it is not a valid intention for Hajj
• Hadith“Hasten going for Hajj for none of you know what will happen in the future
• The Prophet (S) also said, “Whosoever dies without performing Hajj while he is not under some difficult circumstances – whereby it’s impossible to go for Hajj – or is not allowed to leave because of an unjust ruler, or is chronically sick – or seriously sick during the Hajj season – then let him die if he wants as a Jew or a Christian.” [Related by ad-Daarimi and al-Bayhaqi]
• A person if he can afford it must hasten to perform it.
• In the state of Ihram certain things are not allowed:
  • no sexual relations-husband and wife are not halal for each other during Ihram. (they will have to perform Hajj again, finish the rituals, will have to slaughter an animals, also will have to give fidya as if shaved head due to ailment.)
  • no disobedience- backbiting, lying, gossiping, looking at wrong things, no sin
  • no disputing, no arguments.
• many opportunities to do good during hajj. Focus on acts of goodness when leaving for Hajj, aside from the rituals and requirements.
• Take the necessary provisions with you. Take enough supplies with you.: some clothing, cash, food, mode of transportation, etc.
• best provision is to take: taqwah with you.
• Hadith Ibn `Abbas said, “The people of Yemen used to go to Hajj without taking enough supplies with them. They used to say, `We are those who have Tawakkul (reliance on Allah).’.  And then Allah revealed this Ayat above.
• it is allowed to take profit or trade during hajj, should not be the main intention. Main intention should be hajj, and along side comes trade or profit, that is ok. it is allowed.

• On the 9th they head to Arafat. then head to Muzdalifah for Maghreb and ISHA, for dhikr and rest..spend the night here. before going back to Mina.
• Why is Arafat called Arafat?1.    A plain in the hills, it is high, above and it is visible from far and therefore it is called Arafat2.    Adam and Hawwa Al. when they were separated and sent from Paradise to the Earth, this is where they met3.    Ibrahim Al. prayed to Allah “Wa-arina manasikana” to show him the rituals of Hajj and Allah sent Jibreel Al. to teach him how to perform the rituals and when Jibreel Al. did he asked Ibrahim Al. Ma-arafatha – “did you understand?” and Ibrahim Al. replied araftoo “yes, I have understood”4.    Ifradh is to acknowledge and at Arafat you acknowledge – you recognize reality, you recognize the greatness of your RabbIt is said that the 1st and the 4th are the stronges
• Sleeping (Prophet SAS. slept that night – in following the Sunnah is a form of worship)•    After Fajr he stood for a long time in the zikr of Allah.
• Stopping at Muzdhalifa is a right of Hajj- it is wajib, you cannot go directly to Mina after Arafat
• be grateful for all that Allah has taught, guided us,

• •    Quraish were addressed. They were the keepers of the Kabah and for this reason they thought themselves high in status and esteem and the Ahkam of hajj were not for them •    When they made their intention and left to perform Hajj, they would stop near Muzdalifa in the Haram and not proceed to Arafat where everybody is standing •    The Reason for not going to Arafat because they wanted to exalt over others.•    They wouldn’t stop at Arafat and they thought these commands were not for them- as they were the keepers of Kabah that they should stay in Haram.•    Status does not matter in the eyes of Allah.  Everyone is equal in His eyes and His prescribed rituals are for everyone•    Allah refutes this claim in this Ayat
• Jabir Rali said  “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) then set out and the Quraish did not doubt that he would halt at Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram (the sacred site) as the Quraish used to do in the pre-Islamic period. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), however, passed on till he came to ‘Arafah and he found that the tent had been pitched for him at Namira. There he got down till the sun had passed the meridian..” and he went to Arafah then in the evening he left Arafat and went to Muzdalifa and he remained the night there.

• when completing Hajj and its rites, still remember and be grateful to Allah. dont forget Him.
• Sa`id bin Jubayr said that Ibn `Abbas said, “During the time of Jahiliyyah, people used to stand during the (Hajj) season, and one of them would say, `My father used to feed (the poor), help others (end their disputes, with his money), pay the Diyah (i.e., blood money),’ and so forth. The only Dhikr that they had was that they would remember the deeds of their fathers. Each tribe would be talking about what their fore fathers did, showing-off to the other and to boast- this was during the time of Hajj.

• DuA really tells what you are inside. What you really feel inside.
• Only asking for dunYA is wrong. keep the akhirah in mind always when making duA.
• Our Lord give what is good in this world and good of the akhirah. Janet .
• Prophet Muhammad ( saw) would recite this duA during Tawaf.
• This was the most recited Dua by Prophet Sal.He would also recite it from the Yemini corner of the Masjid-al-Haram to the Hajrul Aswad (Black Stone)

• Those who did evil and those who did good, will get accordingly
• Allah is swift in taking account.

•  Prophet. Sal said “The days of Tashriq are days of eating, drinking and Zikr (Remembering Allah)
• Stoning is also a part of Zikr because when a person stones he says: Bismillah Allahu Akbar”
• The specific Zikr that is to be done during these days is Prophet Sal said “Performing the tawaf around the Kabah between Safa and Marwa , doing Saee, and stoning the pillars(Ramy) are part of establishing the zikr of Allah
• Can leave Mina after 2 days or 3 days. but stay due to Taqwah, of Allah, not to show off to others.
• •    There is no sin on you if you leave on the 12th– what matters is your Taqwa of Allah and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good and obey Allah (fear Him), and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him.)-
• Prophet sal said: “Mankind will be gathered o­n the Day of Judgment, barefoot naked, uncircumcised,”Aisha rali she asked the Prophet Sal “If people are naked will they look at each other? Prophet sal said” No because each person will be so worried about his own self that he will not have time to look at another person”
• focus of on Allah.
• remain in the humility of Hajj after returning home too.
• this journey is taken for the way of Allah.
• remember nothing is in your control.

• Two types of people:
  • Dunya- only oriented. Who lives for this world and this worlds success only. one who loves and focuses on the world only, double faced, selfish, causes corruption in the world, faSad, quarrelsome, picking fights, wanting attention, mis-use authority, speech will amaze you in this worldly life. They make you speechless when you hear them. They capture the minds and hearts of people when they speak. They know a lot about the world. They claim and swear to be your well-wishers and sincere advisors. But when smt does not go according to their way, their eloquence and beautiful speech, attitude changes dramatically. Khasm is a disputant, one who argues, become intense in fighting. Become fierce in opposition and willing to go to any level to get benefit/win and not lose. Demands his rights. Allows deception and lies to get what he wants. In their hearts is a disease of hypocrisy. This is a hypocrite. Will eloquently gain popularity but misuse that power after winning a positions, corrupt peoples minds, tangible and intangibly. They make dua for only this world. They spread disorder in the world. They are selfish. destroys crops and animals. doesn’t care about long term health of people. They increase in sin. self centered, looks to only benefit self. (So think how am I like this? Am I like this? do I spread Fasad, too?) – spreading information irresponsibly, gossiping, wasting resources such as water- letting water run while brushing teeth when it could be off, we should be mindful of not spreading faSad. Sufficient for such a person is Hellfire. hellfire will break their ego. Hellfire is evil place to end up. Check ourselves, how are we outside the home compared to how we are inside the home. The most hated in the sight of Allah is the one who is most quarrelsome, who fights and arguments a lot.
  • Akhirah-oriented person. The one who lives for the akhirah. The live here in this world but their heart is for the akhirah. HereAfter oriented. make duA for both here and there. Good of this dunya and good of the akhirah. doesn’t comprise the Deen. Submitting and selling one self to Allah. sacrificing for Him, changing certain habits to please Allah. To attain pleasure and approval of Allah. He is kind to His servants. Look at the sahAbah for these examples. look at ourselves what have we given up and sacrificed for the pleasure of Allah.
• Shaitan is a clear enemy for us. Open hatred towards humans.
• Al-Hasan Al-Basree said: If the shaytaan looks at you and sees that you are consistent in an act of obedience to Allaah, he will try to come to you again and again. If he sees that you are persistent in your actions (despite his efforts) he will tire of you and leave you. But if he sees that you are one day like this and one day like that, he will have high hopes in you.

• It is said to fear Allah.
• Greatest sin to be displeased when hearing: Fear or turn to Allah.
• No blind obedience of creations.
• Not breaking the ego is a mean of increasing the sin, increasing the sin leads to…
• dont delay in admitting mistakes. accept our mistakes.

• The one who sells self, everything for the approval, and seeking the pleasure of Allah.
• He gives himself for the sake of Allah: his happiness, his sleep, his comfort, his energy for the sake of Allah.
• For.ex; qiyaam ul layl- sacrifice sleep. to study quran- sacrifice time and part of your life,
• When a person gives them self for the pleasure of Allah, hoping for the reward from Allah.
• compromising rest and comfort for Allah. sacrifices comfort for the sake of Allah.
• Allah is MOSt affectionate and kind to the servants and worshippers.
• This person guards the Deen, and doesn’t sell the Deen for the world.
• Service to Deen is like taking care of a child. thats how important and of a priority it is.
• If smt hurt the Deen or hinder in the way of it, it was like hurt of their own child. (the sahabaH)— these are the real heroes. (The Companions of the Prophet-book)
• prefer Allah’s approval over ours.
• believer puts his own pleasures in the background.
• What are we willing to sacrifice?

• Enter completely and wholly into islam. Dont be a hypocrite. Be like prophet Ibrahim (as).
• Entering Islam is not a part time job.
• Dont follow the footsteps of shaitan. He is a clear open enemy to you . He openly showed his hatred. So dont listen to him. dont be his friend. ( eating and drinking with left hand, is works of shaitan. looking around during salat is from shaitan. doing anything with left hand is from shaitan.)
• Our life should be hidden and openly for Allah.

• If you slip after clear proofs (quran and sunnah) have come to you. Know that Allah is mighty powerful and wise.
• dont deviate, dont move away from moderation. Dont adopt the wrong path, causing you to slip.
• Dont slip to extremes even during doing good deeds. (praying all night long, praying all year long, etc.)
• remain moderate.

• matters will be decided that Day.
• at the end we will all be returned to Him, for accounting .
• there is no way out of the Day.
• avoid slipping.

• Ask the Bani Israel. Prophet Muhammad (saw) is being told to ask them.
• cannot make amendments or modifications in Deen to fit your own life. Must sacrifice and accept it as is.must be grateful and value the blessings that come our way
• how many signs have we given them. the nine signs including the torah.
• They themselves will admit themselves the signs: including the 12 springs, splitting of the sea, manna and salwa, etc.
• they received truth the guidance. they will disbelieved. they still denied.
• and so their example is a great lesson for us today.
• We today have the teachings of Muhammad (saw) and the Quran. these are our blessings. and we still ignore and leave it. just as the Bani Israel did.
• so who ever rejects the truth after the warning has come to them, then in this is a severe punishment.
• Bani Israel’s biggest crime/denial was denying Prophet Muhammad (saw). they didn’t accept him as a messenger and his message.

• Glitter and glamour of this dunya causes people to slip and forget about the truth.
• Beatified is the life of this world. it consumes a person. They throw the ayah behind their back and are consumed by this world. this life.
• Disbelievers loved this world this dunYA. it overshadowed their hearts and minds.
• paradise cannot be created here. People have tried and failed. they attempt and fail, and even commit suicide. And they enjoying their lives here, they ridicule the believers. They mock them. But fear of Allah benefits you here and in the HereAfter. Death comes to everyone, rich and poor, hungry and famous.
• The hearts should not dwell in this world.
• Bad and good things happen all the time.
• When bad things happen here, it should not affect the believer too much bc the believer knows that this world is temporary, that this life is temporary and it will all end, including whatever bad and hurtful things that happen here.
• So nothing of this dunYa pulls you down. you look forward. It doesn’t consume you.
• The believer is then able to move forward sacrifice more and more for Allah, for the akhirah.
• true life is the life of the Akhirah. That is the eternal life. True blessings will not end, expired or spoil in Jannat.
• Choices are always limited in this world. they will not be there. there will be no limitations there.
• Allah gives to those He wills without account.
• Janaat is the place of rest, not here.
• Those who are consumed by this world will make fun and ridicule the believers. but on the Day they, the believers will be above them the disbelievers in ranks.
• Those who lived their lives to please Allah will be ranks above on the Day of judgement. they will be preference.
• We are all being tested in different ways. sometimes we see that those who have no imaan and have no taqwah have been “blessed” with many provisions and rizq from Allah. and maybe vice versa for some one who truly a believer and has true imaan. But this is all different forms of tests from Allah.
• Akhirah the rizq will only be for believers.
• prophet Muhammad (saw) said: The area occupied by a whip ( size of a whip) in Jannah is better than all the world and everything in it.

• Beginning of Mankind used to be all one religion.they were all on guidance.
• As population grows groups and differences form.
• So Then Allah sent messengers prophets to bring glad tidings and to warn the disbelievers. gentleness along with firmness. To different areas. to different groups all over the world.
• Differed due to jealous animosity among groups. due to egoless and stubbornness. due to arrogance.
• These differences are a test too.
• divine revelation game to every nation. the Book came to every group and nation.
• Allah really guides those who want to know the truth.

• Did you think you will enter Jannah when people before you faced so much trials, hardships and test, until they were shaken, their hearts were shaken, to the point that the messenger and those who believed would ask: when will help come?
• Think about the hardships that the companions and heroes of that time went through. For their religion they suffered. And what do we do? do we think we will just walk into Jannah without even being tried at all.
• The believers will be definitely be tested!
• The help of Allah is near.
• path leading to Jannah is surrounded by bad difficult things. And the path leading to hellfire is surrounded by desires.
• reflection leads to action: The quran is for action.

• The sahabah are asking prophet Muhammad (saw): about the wealth and where to spend it.
• The companions were among the best people to walk on this earth. They were so loving of the prophet Muhammad (saw), would seek knowledge. They sold themselves for the approval of Allah.
• Abdullah ibn Abbas Rali said “I have not seen a group better than that of the companions of the prophet Sal those who were interested in the Dheen and who were extremely loving with the Prophet and who despite having close relationship with him questioned very little, they used to observe, listen carefully, seek knowledge and only when there was something difficult they would ask”
• They asked a total of 13 questions. Because all other things were irrelevant and unnecessary to ask and know.
• So they are asking about voluntary charity.
• the answer came from Allah. He valued the questioned and so answered it for them, in the Quran.
• So spend this voluntary charity, extra NaFL amount, any amount: on parents, close relatives, orphans, needy, the travelers.
• Its FARD obligation to spend on wife and children, there is no question about that. Therefore that is not mentioned here in this Ayah. It is already understood that first priority and obligation to spend is on wife and kids.
• So spend this extra charity on parents and relatives even if they are well off, to strengthen the ties of kinship/relationships.
• Spend from any good. whatever good you have. and whatever you can give. little or a lot. anything: wealth or some other way, time, sharing knowledge with them, encouragement, showing direction, any good deed. small or big.
• to the orphans.
• Spend on the needy and very needy. and the traveler.
• Whatever good that you do for them, Allah knows it.
• Prophet Sal said “Save yourselves from the hellfire even with half a date, if you do not find half a date, with a good pleasant word
• Prophet Sal said “do not look down upon any good”
• Even when a man feeds his wife.
• Prophet Sal said to Sad ibn Abi Waqqas “Whatever you spend for Allah’s sake you will get reward for it even for the morsel of food which you put in your wife’s mouth”
• Wife of Abdullah bin Masud said Allah’s messenger Said ‘O group of ladies give in charity even if you have to sell ornaments. She says I went to Abdullah bin Masood and said “You are a poor man and the prophet has asked us to give charity , you got to the Prophet SAS and ask him whether this thing can be an alternative for charity if so it is well, if not I will give in charity to others instead of you”
• •    Zaynub Sathafiya his wife was a wealthy woman and Abdullah bin Masood was a poor man and he didn’t work so his wife was spending on him and his children.•    Abdullah bin Masood told her to go and ask the Prophet SAS•    On her way she met a woman of the Ansar who was also troubled with the same thoughts•    They went together and they met Bilal Rali and they told him to ask the Prophet SAS “if looking after the Husband and nourishing the children can be an alternative to charity or not”•    Prophet SAS said “Those two will get the reward of the relationship and also for the charity”•    They will get double reward. Reward for Silah Rahem and Charity•    Muslims at that time were conscious Muslims they were looking for ways to do good.
• They lived conscious lives, looking for ways to maximize in terms of reward with Allah.
• Even when you get up to start cooking for your family, make the intention to do this as a deed to hope for reward from Allah. Do it, to please Allah.
• sincerity and methodology matters in these cases.

• It prescribed upon you, decreed upon you: The fighting.
• It is not they ( the sahabah)  disliked the commandment, they disliked fighting bc there was fear of losing life in it. bc now you have to get up and possibly fight and lose your life.
• *So perhaps you hate smt that is good for you. and perhaps you like smt that is bad for you.*
  • When we leave something for the sake of Allah, He will reward/compensate you something equal or something better than that.
• When muslims migrated to Madinah, fighting was made farD on them. Some need to do it. It was not farD on ALL of them, it was obligatory on some of them. That some need to do it. while Makkah they had no authority , but in madinah they did, so they were obligated to fight if needed, during their authority there in madinah. SO if enemy has attacked, they would need to fight back.
• When would Qithaal be Fardh Ain?Conditions
  • •    The person has authority and power – physically and monetarily
  • •    It should be under one leader
  • •    When the enemy attacks, in that case fight back in defense
  • •    When a person has a certain skill that no other person has, he should offer his services to the army
• On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both. Guard over that which benefits you, seek Allah’s Assistance, wa laa ta’jiz (don’t lend yourself to things devoid of benefit, and this could carry many meanings), and if something befalls you, then don’t say ‘If I only would have done such and such,’ rather say, ‘Qaddarallaahu wa maa shaa’ fa’al’ (Allaah ordained (this) and He does what He wills),for verily the phrase ‘If I would have’ makes way for the work of Shaytaan.”
• Accept the decisions and decree of Allah, and be pleased with it. having good thoughts of Allah, is correct worship. have a Good supposition of Him.
• Luqman and son were delayed from reaching the city. The city was burning with smoke. They were delayed bc his son fell and harmed himself. SO there was goodness in this difficulty they faced when his son fell down. Indeed with difficulty there is ease. at the same time. not necessarily after.
• smt very good might happen at the same time a very bad thing happens. Look at this way, that with that harm/loss came a benefit/gain/good too. Its all about perspective. Look at it this way.

• Ibn Abu Hatim reported that Jundub bin `Abdullah said: Allah’s Messenger assembled a group of men under the command of Abu `Ubaydah bin Jarrah. When he was about to march, he started crying for the thought of missing Allah’s Messenger. Consequently, the Messenger relieved Abu `Ubaydah from command, appointed `Abdullah bin Jahsh instead, gave him some written instructions and commanded him not to read the instructions until he reached such and such area. He also said to `Abdullah: «لَا تُكْرِهَنَّ أَحَدًا عَلَى السَّيْرِ مَعَكَ مِنْ أَصْحَابِك». (Do not compel any of your men to continue marching with you thereafter.)
• This took place in 2nd Hijra in the Month of Jamadul Ukhra.
• When `Abdullah read the instructions, he recited Istirja` [saying, `truly! to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return’; and refer to (2:156)] and said, “I hear and obey Allah and His Messenger.” He then told his companions the story and read the instructions to them, and two men went back while the rest remained. Soon after, they found Ibn Hadrami (one of the disbelievers of Quraysh) and killed him not knowing that that day was in Rajab or Jumadi Ukhra (where Rajab is the Sacred Month). The polytheists said to the Muslims, “You have committed murder in the Sacred Month.” Allah then revealed this ayah: [يَسْـَلُونَكَ عَنِ الشَّهْرِ الْحَرَامِ قِتَالٍ فِيهِ قُلْ قِتَالٌ فِيهِ كَبِيرٌ] (They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months. Say, “Fighting therein is a great (transgression)…”)
• Mushrikeen made a big deal out of this matter. They did not like that the muslims fought in this holy month. The muslims and returned and asked prophet Muhammad (saw) about what they had just done, by killing in this “sacred” month.
• killing should not be justified but look at the Fitnah and other wrong committed by the mushirkeen.
• fitnah is greater than killing
• to kill in the sacred month is a sin. but there are greater sins too- such as: hindering from way of Allah, disbelief in Him and the sacred mosque, driving out muslims from their homes, fitnah is worse than killing,
• And they, the disbelievers, will continue to fight you until they can turn you away from your Deen. And if you revert back to old ways away from the DEEN, and you die as a disbeliever, your past good deeds will be useless. Dying as a disbeliever after being a believer, invalidates your good deeds done as a believer in the past.

• Those who have emigrated and done Jihad.
• fighting on the battle field with a weapon is only one kind of Jehad and allowed under certain circumstances with certain requirements. Must be done in the correct way otherwise it is just Zulhm that you are doing.
• Jihad against naFS, against shaitan, against enemy
• Jihad can be through pen to defend Allah and His Deen,
• they hope for the Mercy of Allah. And Allah if forgiving and Merciful
• He teaches us the good things, gives us the guidance and tawfeeq to do it, and the accepts our good deeds from us. He is Merciful

• Prophet Muhammad (saw) was asked now about wine and gambling. smt that dulls the intellect and easy money.
• In these two things were great sin.
• temporary benefits. Some and few benefits in the two.
• But The sin in these is greater than their benefit.  Loss is greater than the benefit.
• Losing when gambling can lead to suicidal thoughts.
• Being intoxicated can lead to you doing things that are horrible and sinful.
• 80 lashes is the punishment for drinking it.
• Spend from you what have in excess. after completing or spending on what is obligatory. then spend it on good and charity.
• Allah made these Ayah so that you can think and ponder.
• (Start with yourself and grant it some charity. If anything remains, then spend it on your family. If anything remains, then spend it on your relatives. If anything remains, then spend it like this and like that (i.e., on various charitable purposes)

• Allah knows who wants to spread corruption from the one who reforms.
• if Allah really wanted to put you in difficulty He would and He surely can. but He made things easy for us.
• purpose of mixing and taking care of orphans should be good and righteous.

• Purpose of marriage, relationship of husband and wife.
• Fulfill natural desires, provide peace and comfort for one another, have children, grow righteous children.
• basis of marriage should be Deen.
• Abu Hurairah reported that Prophet Sal. said:“A woman is chosen for marriage for four reasons: her wealth, social status, beauty, and religion. So, marry the religious woman” ( this should be looked for in both man and wife)
• Husband and wife start a journey together. Must have a mutual understanding. Share same principles and values.
• Deen and Akhlaq are the main things to look for in a spouse, everything else becomes secondary. Dont reject this proposal.
• Men should not marry polytheistic woman, and vice versa. Bc in this case, one will have to compromise their belief. there will always be difference, major differences. So dont marry them until they believe.
• deen should not be compromised.
• believing slave woman is better than a polytheist. unlettered and uneducated believing woman is better than a polytheist woman of status and education.
• Wali’s are addressed to not give their women to polytheistic men.
• There is no Nikaah without a wali from the women. male relatives from the father’s side.
• Dont marry your women to men who are just absorbed in the dunYA and have no imaan. this is like throwing away your hereafter into the hellfire.
• Prophet sal said “May Allah bless the man who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up his wife and who, if she refuses to get up, sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah bless the woman who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up her husband and who, if he refuses, sprinkles water on his face.” (Ahmad)—— how would this be possible if one spouse is not a believer or have imaan.
• each others good deeds will be useless, bc one ( the non believing spouse, the polytheist spouse) will not go to Jannah, after this life.
• Prophet sal said that Allah said “Allah the Most High says: ‘O son of Adam! As long as you supplicate to Me and hope in Me, I will forgive you what you have done. O son of Adam! If your sins were to reach the lofty regions of the sky, then you ask Me for forgiveness, I would forgive you. O son of Adam! If you were to come to Me with enough sins to fill the earth, but you met Me not associating anything with Me I would bring you the like of it of forgiveness.”[Sahih al-Bukhari, vol: 8, no: 319]
• Allah will forgive all sins except shirk.
• Shirk like the mushrik of Makkah of those days.
• A woman of the book: should believe in the scripture, she should be chaste.
• marriage with a mushrik is a great loss in the dunYa and akhirah. there will be differences and conflicts and problems: in terms of cleanliness, in terms of eating halal and haram, in regards to raising children, in regards to waking up for prayers, etc.

• Jews were extreme in their relations when it came to menstruating women and wives. They would not eat what they cooked or touched, would separate their beds during this time of the month etc.
• Christians were the opposite. it was not an issue for them at all. during menstruation.
• So Sahaba/companions came to ask prophet Muhammad (saw) about this matter.
• Shyness should not prevent you from understanding your Deen properly.
• Aisha Rali said “Blessed are the women of the Ansar.  Shyness did not stand in their way seeking knowledge about their religion.
• So menstruating time is close to hurt. She is in a state of hurt, down, hormonal changes. bodily changes, etc. This is difficult time for the woman. It is hard for the men to be around the woman who is emotional and moody.
• So it is told do anything with women, at this time, except for sexual intercourse.
• 2 meanings of Nika1.    Legal contract2.    Sexual Relations
• After they have purified themselves, after the blood is done flowing. and they  have done ghusl. Then men came approach them from where the blood flows.meaning sex through the vagina. and not other ways. Meaning oral and anal intercourse is NOT allowed. this is what Allah has commanded. approaching from the anus is not allowed. and this is how homosexuality started.
• Allah loves those who do tawbah and purify themselves. Dont approach your woman from a place where excretions are eliminated.
• (…as Allah has ordained for you.) this refers to Al-Farj (the vagina), as Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid and other scholars have stated. Therefore, anal sex, oral sex and masturbation are prohibited.  They are all Haram in Islam.
• Allah loves those who keep themselves CLEAN.

• women are compared to a field. A field is big deal, and it is a big deal responsibility to maintain and take care of it.
• children are big responsibility.
• Intention should be to have children.
• field/farm is different from a garden or park.
• farmer must go there to the field and work hard to maintain and take care of it. He can’t just walk in enjoy it, stroll through it and pluck it and then walk out. This is not what women are, they are farms. must work hard to maintain it.
• fasting, Ihram, Ithikaf, menstruation, post natal bleeding.: these are the times. when you cannot approach your wife.
• can approach with different positions but must be though the vagina.
• Dont get lost in your spouse. Dont forget your meeting with Allah. Dont get lost in yourselves in your entertainment and desires.

• Dont misuse the name of Allah. Dont need to make oaths all the time, just to show off.
• dont make an oath that you will not do acts of righteousness.
• Do not take oaths and prevent yourself from good, dont use Allah’s name this way.
• To swear to do acts of righteousness eg. I swear By Allah I will fast

• He will hold you accountable for vain and unintentional oaths, but He will hold you accountable for what was in your hearts.
• deeds done out of forgetfulness. will be forgiven.
• He knows the state of your heart. He knows it is always changing.

• Ila: when a man swears not to have sexual relations with his wife. they have a limit of 4 months. cannot be more than 4 months. Must come to a decision by then. Cannot wrong a woman, by extending this longer, bc this deprives a woman too. If the husband leaves and doesn’t return after this, she can go to get her marriage annulled.
• If they return to normal relations, come out of this oath by then, then Allah will accept their tawbah. he should resolve matter.
• If he decides to divorce her after these 4 months. then the proper steps should be followed. ( ayah 229)
• But if 4 months pass and they dont resolve this, man and wife are separated. and must decide if there will be divorce.
• divorce is given or taken. It doesn’t just happen.

• And if divorce is decided. Then Allah is all hearing and All knowing.

• Divorced women must wait 3 menstrual cycles. If menopause has hit and there are no menstrual cycles, then she must wait 3 months in that case.
• And if the woman is pregnant, she should not conceal the pregnancy and must let it be known.
• And if it discovered that she is indeed pregnant, then the Iddah period will be til the child is delivered.
• So she cannot remarry before that. Until the child is born.
• For widow the waiting period is 4 months and 10 days.
• For a slave woman it is 2 months.
• For a case a Khullh ( when the woman returns maHr or pays fldya or ransom to be divorced)- it is 1 month.
• The woman should not conceal or hide what is in her womb.
• If the man wants to reconcile during this time, he may ( as long as it is the 1st or 2nd divorce- revocable divorce)
• If it is the 3rd irrevocable divorce, he cannot reconcile.
• In the Iddah period if the man decides he wants to reconcile, then he may. But for the right reasons, not just bc he wants to trouble or her the wife.
• the men are a degree above in rank over the women.: in physical strength, intellectual power, mans responsibility to earn and spend on the wife and children, it is the not the responsibility of the woman to earn for the family.
• certain rights for women:
• the man has been made the leader with the greater responsibility and therefore he has authority. That is why he can decide divorce as well.
• It doesn’t mean that he is closer to Allah than her.
• Divorce is not smt takes place in normal cases, it happens in unusual circumstances.
• Believer should not overcome with emotions.
• Relationship should not be severed all of sudden, certain steps should be followed. IF the relationship is going to end, must be thought out first before ending. Thats why there are certain steps that need to be followed in order to do so.
• TalAQ ar rajiah- revocable. twice.
• After the third time, this is the final one and is irrevocable

• So either retain her or release her with goodness.
• ending of the relationship is like a bone separating from the body.
• The end of the relationship is worse and harder for the woman. more painful for her.
• Dont take from the woman anything you have given her: gifts big or small or Mahr.
• If the marriage has not been consummated- and maHR has been appointed. So basically nikaah happened but she had not moved into her husbands house yet. and divorce happens. He must give her half of the Mahr that was decided.
• If now the woman doesn’t want to stay with husband, she feels she can’t give him his rights, but he won’t give her divorce, than she can buy the divorce, meaning she will return the Mahr ( basically a ransom or FIDya) to her husband and this will get her divorced from him. Idaaah period in this case is 1 month.
• Her Rights: he must give her Mahr, take care of her needs, spend on her, fulfill her physical needs as well.
• His right: that she will obey him in the approving matters bc he has authority over her, she must guard his secrets, she must fulfill his physical needs.
• Zhulm is to deny each other their rights. This is transgressing. And Allah is watching. it is not going unseen.
• Not spending on wife and kids is zhulm. This is injustice.
• Being rude and indecent to husband is wrong and injustice too.
• Being just is nearer to righteousness.
• Should not pronounce divorce over small petty issues.
• The pronouncing of divorce must be done in stages, not all 3 times in one go.
• first pronunciation of divorce, has 4 months of waiting period. this is the Iddah, and then marriage is dissolved.
• Idaah spent in husbands home. after the end of it, she moves out and can get proposals from other men.
• Rujuh during this 2 times its revocable. \
• IdaAH has to be done during 3 times of divorce.
• there is no blame on her if she ransoms her self, forgoing the maHR.
• Back in the times of Prophet, if a man who gave divorce 3 times all in one go, would be considered divorced from his wife, irrevocably and he would be lashed as well. Bc he was making a mockery of the verses of Allah. this was done so people would take this as a joke.
• One opinion is that the 3 are counted at 3. another opinion is that pronouncing divorce 3 times in one go, that is considered one time.
• It is not allowed for a woman to demand divorce without a justification or valid reason- if she does, than the scent of Jaanah will be forbidden for her.
• husband does not have rights over her wealth, unless through mutual understanding they are sharing the wealth. But if she works that is her own income. not her husbands.

• So after the 3rd divorce the husband and wife are unlawful each other. He cannot reconcile with her, and cannot marry her again.
• If the wife now goes and marries another man, consummates this marriage and then these two get divorced or he dies. She may then return to the first husband and reconcile. Then they can get re-married.
• IF the wife doesn’t have sexual relations with the second husband, meaning has not consummated the 2nd marriage, and then gets divorced. She may not reconcile with the first husband.  Bc she never consummated with the 2nd husband.
• The second marriage should be a genuine marriage and not involve any deception or trickery to find a loophole or smt. and the divorce that is given in the 2nd divorce should be a genuine one. Hallalah. The purpose of this second marriage should not be to make her halal for the first/former husband. There should be no such arrangement or agreement beforehand.
• Bc the one who does actually do this for the wrong intentions and reasons. For trickery and deception, etc. these persons is- Cursed!
• If the first husband and wife can reconcile and not deny each others rights, and think that they can make it work this time. Without the same old fighting and disagreements and problems from before, then they can reconcile and remarry after she has consummated and divorced the 2nd husband. If not, dont remarry each other.

• Divorce is to be given when the woman is in the state of purity. No menstruation is happening. Not during menstruation. And also when no sexual relations have been established. She will remain at her husbands house during the Idaah period.
• Iddaah period starts from the day husband announces the divorce. for 3 menstrual courses.
• If husband reconciles before the last cycle is over, than it is fine. If no reconciliation happens, woman/wife will leave her husbands home. and she is now considered to be a divorced woman.
• And when she is leaving, let her leave gracefully.
• And dont keep her to trouble her or harm her. to transgress against them.
• And dont make a mockery of the verses of Allah
• Remember Allah’s favors upon us. Everything we have is a blessing from Him.
• Blessings in the form of the Quran and Sunnah.
• Be positive. Keep connection with Quran strong. Maintains peace within the home.
• Breaking of family unit is not liked by Allah.

• After the divorce, and after the Idaah is over. and no reconciliation has occurred during the Iddah period. Woman is now at her parents home. Now then the husband wants to reconcile, he may propose to her. As long as this is the 1st or 2nd divorce between them (revocable divorce)
• Sometimes family members interfere and dont let this happen, bc of anger, arrogance etc. Even though the woman wants to remarry him again. This remarrying should not be prevented, bc it is allowed. It is more pure and more better for her to do this.
• Wali will still have to be very much part of this marriage though. She cannot just give herself in marriage.
• Also the woman cannot be forced or pressurized by family and parents to marry someone she doesn’t want to.
• she must be consulted first.
• a virgin shall be asked and she should approve the nikkah. By her staying silent is her sign of approval/giving permission to a marriage/nikaah.
• Allah knows and we know not
• After the 3rd divorce the Idaadh period is not spent at her husbands home, bc this divorce is now irrevocable. She finishes her Iddaah period at her parents home. and after that she is free to marry another man but not the recently just divorced husband. Let say he wants to reconcile even after this 3rd divorce. it only be done so after she marries someone else, divorces/widowed by him, then she can remarry her first husband.
• Idaah restrictions: She cannot marry anyone else. she behaves like a married woman- meaning she will dress up. This time is determine if she is pregnant. Also this time is given for the woman to adjust bc it is difficult.
• If man pronounces divorce during her pregnancy, her Idaadh is over after she gives birth. It ends with her delivering her child.

• Mothers may breastfeed their children up to two complete years. two complete lunars. Its not Fardh though. meaning if she wants to she can nurse up to 2 years, or less if she wants to. Its up to her.
• When the mother is nursing, the father of the child is required to feed her and clothe her during this time. Her needs are greater at this time.
• Dont deprive each other of each others’ rights. Father should not deny these necessities to the mother of the child, bc he knows she will “figure” things out for her new child. Dont make things difficult for her and dont deprive of the necessities. Also moms should not make crazy demands either. Ask for just necessities.
• Spending on the child is a responsibility of the father (her husband). it is not up to the mother or the wife to go out and work and support the child. It is not her obligation to spend on the child from her own money. she can do it if she wants but she is not required to do so.
• And if they both agree mutually to wean off the child that is ok. Meaning if nursing is becoming too hard or too expensive, they can mutually agree to wean child off.
• If they wish that a substitute nurse the child, that is fine too. As long as a proper and mutually agreed payment is given to the wet nurse.
• Know that Allah is seeing what you do.

• the case of the widow. The widows must wait 4 months and 10 days according to lunar calendar. this is the waiting period. widow can not marry in these days. bc if she is pregnant signs will show. fetus starts moving at 16 weeks. and if she is pregnant, she cannot marry until she delivers the child.
• a woman cannot mourn a dead person for 3 days, unless its her husband. She can mourn husband for 4 months and 10 days. no waling or screaming but must recluse to home and quietly mourn at home. Cannot re-marry until waiting period is done. to have space and time to recover. TO adjust to this big change in her life. cannot be proposed during this time. IDDAH: period: nikaah not allowed, adornment not allowed (Because a wife should adorn and dress up for husband and husband only), should not leave husbands home during this time ( allowed to leave for necessity only, but come back and spend the night in her husbands home) (ex: doctors appt, bank and court matters, children, groceries, etc especially there is no else to take care of these things.) going back to work depends on the case specifically.
• After the Iddaah period, there is no blame if the widow decides what to do in terms of doing things for herself or accepting a marriage proposal. as long as she does it properly. meaning its ok if she wants to do certain things to handle herself. as long as she does it properly. she is not forced to marry a person after if she doesn’t want to. she has a say in this.
• Zaynub (daughter of Umme Salamah) said of the pre-Islamic era that when the woman’s husband died she would go to seclusion and would wear the worst clothes she had.  She would refrain from wearing perfume or any adornments  till a year passed.  She would then come out of seclusion and would be given dung that she would throw and this would mark the ending of her Iddah.  Then an animal would be brought out – a donkey, a sheep or a bird then some blood would be drained from it  usually resulting in its death ”

• after Iddaah, she may marry again. bc she may have kids.
• it can be hinted that a man wants to marry her during the Iddaah period, but a proper marriage proposal not allowed at this time.
• or even if he has it in his heart to marry her, there is nothing wrong with that.
• But dont meet them secretly and make a promise to do this during the Iddaah period of the woman. ( this means a divorce and widowed) bc this will disturb her mourning period. And the mans mind might change too. so dont promise this to her during that time.
• No nikkah during iddaah period. No marriage proposals during this time.
• Allah knows what is in your hearts, so Fear Him. Be cautious. He is the One Who will take you to account.  regardless of if you show or dont show wants in your heart.
• Keep a constant check on your heart.
• Important to know the names and attributes of Allah.

• No blame if you divorce woman with whom the marriage was not consummated.
• man is not a criminal is this case.
• even if mahar was not decided, divorce can be given too. But give the woman a gift of compensation. according to your/the man’s capability. Or half of what was decided of the mahar.
• nobody should be forced into a marriage or stay in a marriage. divorce is allowed. with compensation.

• if he gives the mahar in full instead of Half. or the woman foregoes the mahar in full or half, both is better and closer to taqqwah. This is because Islam encourages us to be giving and generous. (meaning in the case that two are married and no consummation occurred and divorced is stated).
• even at this time, a difficult time, we are encouraged to give and be generous.
• dont forget the graciousness between you two and the two families. dont forget the good things, dont forget the good times, before the divorce. keep doing good. dont get wrapped up in the matters of this divorce. dont forget your farD.
• Dont remind others of your favors, this invalidates your good deeds. your charities. if you have done iHsan upon someone, you did it for Allah.

• And protect and maintain your prayers, and in particular the Asr prayer.
• AsR prayer: missing the aSR is like missing all your family and money. This is the prayer that can easily be missed bc it is in the middle or end of the day.
• And stand obediently.
• Prophet SAS. said :Whoever prayers the two cool prayers fajr and Asr will enter Jannah
• In a narration by Bukhari Prophet SAS. said :You will people will see your Lord as you see this full moon and you will have no trouble in seeing him so if you can avoid missing a prayer before sunrise and a prayer before sunset, then do so ( fajr and maghreb)
• Evidence that Asr prayer is the middle prayer”Prophet Sal said during the battle of Ahzab, They (disbelievers) busied us from praying the Middle prayer- the Asr prayer, he further said May Allah fill their hearts and houses with fire”Imam Ahmad reported that `Ali narrated that Allah’s Messenger said during the battle of Al-Ahzab (the Confederates): They (the disbelievers) busied us from performing the Middle prayer, the `Ar prayer, may Allah fill their hearts and houses with fire.
• Guard all 5 prayers, especially asrR, stand with humility in front of Allah.  with love and respect.

• If you cannot stand on the battlefield, or there is no safety on ground due to danger or animal. You may perform prayer while moving or riding.
• there is no allowance to leave the salat altogether though.
• must consciously remember Allah during Salat. what is the point of salat if you dont remember Him.
• Allah has given us so much, and best thing He has given us in knowledge of what we did not know before. we knew nothing before.
• so we should acknowledge this and ask for more knowledge with humility. make Dua for more knowledge.
• Ibn Taimiya made dua “Allahumma ya muallima ya Ibrahim Allimni wa yamufahhima Sulaiman Fahhimni” He was asking for both Knowledge and understanding•    When a person is grateful Allah increases the knowledge

• widow was told not to leave the husbands house. can leave as long as it was approved.
• this was abrogated

• and for the divorced woman a duty

• use our facilities to understand Deen.
• Allah clearly His signs and ayats for us to understand.
• He has given us intellect. We should use this intellect.
• we must become more akhirah oriented due to all this.

• Prophet Muhammad (saw) being addressed.
• Have you wondered, thought about those who left their homes. they abandoned their homes. Some say these were people from the Bani Israel. Some say they are people of another nation. But Allah knows best who these people were.
• But more important to know why this is being mentioned here.
• SO they left their homes. Thousands of them. In many thousands.
• Left due to a fear. Fear of death.
• we are invited to reflect on this. Life and death are in the hands of Allah.
• we go home for comfort and safety. But it must be a big deal for this many people to leave their homes. Must have been a great fear.
• left home due to unusual circumstances. Fear of death. ( enemy, plague, etc. could have been one of these reasons)
• Allah said to them, you die! so whatever they were running from, it still came to them. they still died even though they were running from fear.
• If Allah doesn’t permit, it won’t happen. Whatever Allah wants to happen will happen.
• After death He brought them back to life.
• Allah grants bounty and grace upon whomever He wants, to all mankind, to all people.
• He saves them from calamities.
• He is full of Fadl. But most people dont show gratitude. Majority people are not grateful
• Life and death are in the hands of Allah. Cannot run away from death.
• Prophet Sal. said : “if a Plague breaks out in a land that you are in do not leave to escape it and if you hear of it in a land do not enter it”Bukhari & Muslim
• Surah Imran v 26.
• When a person is grateful He increases our blessings.

• Muslims migrated to Madinah and were in a better islamic state there.
• Background: When the Muslims were in Mecca they wanted to fight the Mushriq who were persecuting and oppressing them – but they were asked not to as their number was small and they were weak.  However, when they migrated to Madinah and had their own state etc they were commanded to fight.
• previous story mentioned to encourage believers to fight. Dont fear death, bc it will come when it is supposed to come. you can’t hide from it.
• In Makkah they ( the believers) didn’t have to fight, bc they had no authority there. But in Madinah the believers now had authority and the help of the Ansar. so they were told and commanded to fight now, for the Deen.
• know that Allah is all knowing and hearing.
• Dont fight for the wrong reasons. Know that He knows your reasons for fighting. He knows your intentions.
• HE always knows what is in your hearts. Always.
• He knows everything

• Who will loan Allah a beautiful loan? A loan that He will definitely return.
• He doesn’t need anything
• Sadaqah in the way of Allah
• A beautiful loan:
  • ikhlas, sincerity for the approval of Allah
  • wealth should be halal and pure
  • should be given willingly, with the likeness from the heart
  • given to the right place, truly for the cause of the Deen. Spreading the truth, in justice.
  • Spending should not be followed by reminding and causing injury.
  • Spending without seeking any favor of the Dunya.
• So that Allah will multiply it many folds
• Sadaqah does not decrease wealth.
• Wealth decreases when Allah wants it to decrease.
• Giving in the way of Allah, is like a transfer of funds to the Akhirah. You will reap the benefits there.
• Loan- meaning that it will be definitely returned. Bc it is Allah who will be the Returner.

• 300 years after Musa, 1000 years before Isa.
• After Musa, bani Israel remained on straight path for a while. but they soon started to slowly deviate.
• When they (Israelites) committed the evil that they committed, Allah caused their enemies to overwhelm them (The Amalekas) , and many fatalities fell among them as a consequence.
• Shamweel ( Samuel)- bani israel’s prophet. – they said to him, that send to us a king so that we can fight.
• Shamwil called the Children of Israel (to Allah) and they asked him to appoint a king over them so that they could fight their enemies under his command (as Samuel was old at this time). The kingship had also ended among them.
• Their Prophet said to them, “What if Allah appoints a king over you, would you fulfill your vow to fight under his command”
• They agreed to fight as their land had been confiscated and children had been taken
• Dont fight for kids and wealth and homes. Fight in the way of Allah, for the Deen of Allah.
• Dont fight for worldly reasons, for land, or property.
• To defend Land, children if it is in the sake of Allah it is allowed but if it is to take over land and to take over resources this is not for the sake of Allah
• So you asked for fighting, it became a farD, a command, and then you left it the command. This is injustice, this is Zhulm.
• Zulm is of 2 types:
  • To leave the obligatory, to not fulfill them
  • To indulge in the haram
• A vow cannot change decree. Nazr making a vow cannot change destiny But Dua changes destiny
• SO a few fought, and the rest turned away.

• From one of the tribes was Musa and Haroon.
• messengership came in the tribe: Bani Lawib.
• Bani Yahuda: had leaders from this trip.
• Talut was from descendant of Benjamin which was the youngest of the tribes.
• children of bani Israel had grudge against Yosuf and Benjamin.
• So when Talut was sent to them as king and leader. they questioned it. How can he be the king, he is from Benjamin tribe.
• they thought he was not worthy of being king,: that it should be from them.
• Talut came from this tribe ( tribe of Bin Yamin, benjamin) he did not have leadership nor was he from lineage of prophets•    Talut was the youngest member and smallest of the tribes of Benjamin and not a descendant of the house of kings among them, which was exclusively in the offspring of Yahudha (Judah).
• Bc Talut had no wealth. So their complain was that Talut not a descendant of the House of Kings and he was poor.
• In Islam leadership is not inherited.  It is based on merit
• Allah increased him in knowledge and physique  and gave him kingdom ship. Allah can give to whomever He wills.
• Musa Al. Harun Al. and Samuel belonged to the Tribe of Levi Banu Lavi- Messenger hood came from this tribe•
• Another Tribe Bin yamin didn’t have any say or authority in society

• The Amalekites when they seized the land of Bani Israel they seized the Tabut from them
• The box will be returned to Bani Israel under the rule of Talut— this would be a sign.
• So prophet said a sign that Talut is your king, the Tabut/chest will come back to you.
• Ibn Abbas said that the box contained Moses’ staff and the remnants of the Tablets, the original copy of the Torah and a pot of manna which meant a lot to them.•    Tablets of the Tawrah, staff of Musa alai, his shoe and Harun alai’s turban•    Quran is silent what this Tabut contained- Quran mentions there is Sakina-peace and it has some relics in it and it will be carried by the angels
• Ibn `Abbas said, “The angels came down while carrying the Tabut between the sky and the earth, until they placed it before Talut while the people were watching so the people believed in the Prophethood of Samuel and accepted Talut as their king and obeyed him.
• tablets, staff, shoe, of Musa, and turban of Haroon. were inside the chest.
• and in this is sign. If you are a believer you will believe this.

• Talut went out with his army of about 70K.
• he told his people, that Allah will test you. with a river. That you can sip from it, but dont drink from it. it is forbidden. just take a little to satisfy a little that is all. dont drink too much.just to quench thirst. this was the test.
• Here the test was – of a riverwhich flowed between Jordan and Palestine, i.e. , the Shari`ah river, according to Ibn `Abbas and others. He continued, So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me;) meaning whoever drank from the rived shall not accompany Talut
• those who passed the test, were just 300 in number. their thirst was quenched
• Those who didn’t pass, their thirst was not quenched even though they drank so much.
• the ones who passed, had another fear, another test, that they were low in number 300, against the enemy.
• peoples levels of imaan is different. peoples levels of patience is different too.
• but the small group overpowered the large group.
• they were successful due to: patience and Allahs permission.
• Allah will definitely test our patience. And He is with those who are patient.
• check ourselves when we are tested.

• give us great patience to fight the enemy
• They made duA.
• make this duA when we face opposition, peer pressure, or distracted to be disobedient by shaitan

• David was a regular soldier in the army of Talut. But he killed Jalut. and Allah gave him the kingship and prophethood.
• David was given: coats of Armor, beautiful voice, taught Psalms, could mold Iron, etc.
• Dawud Al. (David)who was in the army of Talut  killed Jalut (Goliath) the leader of disbelieving army. Allah gave Dawud Al. kingship (he became the king of the Bani Israel) and wisdom
• Talut promised who ever killed Jalut, would marry his daughter and would share his kingship and authority
• Talut kept the promise to David.
• later the kingship was transferred to prophet David in addition to be granted prophethood by Allah.
• Allah Gave Him kingship and Prophet Hood and knowledge of worldly affairs all of this was collected in one person •
• This was the golden age of Bani Israel- they reached the heights of prosperity during the Dawud alai

• these are verses recited. from Allah in it is the truth and Haqq. the Ayat are made clear. so that we know the right way of life.
• Allah maintains balance. When nation deviates or disobeys it is removed and replaced with another.
• and you ( prophet Muhammad saw) indeed are from the messengers.
• When Prophet Sal migrated to Medina, Bani Israel did not accept his  Prophet hood but Allah is saying “Indeed you are from the messengers”
• Many Messengers came and From Sal is One of the messengers.

• Some messengers are preferred over others, in nearness to Allah, number of followers, the message,
• some are possessors of determination- Noah, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad (saw)
• Those messengers, some of them exceed others. different ranks
• IsRA v 55
• They were of different levels. Companions were also of different levels.
• Muslim Umma has been preferred.
• Al-Imram v 110.
• Some possess more rizq than others: land money, food, fruits, kids, etc
• There will be different degrees on the Day.
• one hundred levels of Jannat. Prophet sal said “the Jannah is of a Hundred levels in between every level the difference is like the distance between the heavens and the earth”
• actions, ikhlas and sincerity- will be how we are put in the different levels of Jannat.
• Muhammad (saw) saw the different prophets at different levels during the mirage.
• S. Araaf 143.
• they are at different degrees.
• Prophet sal said “When you hear the Muezzin reply to him in the same way and there after send salawath on me and whoever sends salawat on me Allah will shower him 10 times with mercy and thereafter ask Allah to grant me waseelah- it is a stage in Jannah reserved for only one person and I hope that it is me, whoever asks Allah to grant me waseelah I will intercede for him”
• Prophet Muhammad (saw) will intercede for some people. He is given a special rank in Jannah.
• Muhammad (saw) last and final messenger for all of mankind. – He was given the Quran, the greatest miracle given to any messengers.
• Isa (as) was given pure spirit. Was able to heal and talk as a baby.
• There are differences between nations, people and they will differ and dispute and argue etc, for a reason.
• differences can lead to fighting and killing. Bc we all have been sent down to be tested.
• people get persistent in their wrong ways and don’t want to change.
• many messengers came with same message, but the followers differed and disputed.
• Allah does not force, He gives us choice. we can accept or reject.
• He increases rank of those who believe.
• Why is this ayah placed over here, after Mentioning Talut, Jalut and the Messengers?•    When the Muslims migrated from Makkah to Medina they faced different types of people •    Muslims thought that those who had the book will support them – this wasn’t the case•    Religious groups opposed them•    Muslims are told indirectly – the Messengers are there, but there can be differences in the followers so you should stick to the truth, and be focused on what you have to do•    In Medina religious fights also took place due to religious differences
• There was a Fight between a Muslim and a Jew .The Muslim took an oath “By him who has preferred Muhammad over all people” the Jew said “By Him who has preferred Musa over all people”. The Muslim raised his hand and slapped the Jew. This matter was reported to Prophet Sal by the Jew and Prophet sal said “Do not prefer me over Musa”
• Meaning don’t argue that my messenger is better than your messenger, etc. this is for Allah to decide.
• We dont rank them, He (Allah) gives them rank.

• Oh believers. we are being addressed.
• To spend from what Allah has given us.
• We dont have much time. 60, 70, 80 years?
• Spend before that Day comes!
• No friendship or intercession will be possible that Day, unless Allah allows. You will not be able to pay someone or call someone to help you on that Day.
• Friends in some cases will become enemies on that Day. Except for the righteous.
• So send ahead smt for that day.
• Skills, knowledge, money, talent, time, smt.
• Sadaqah will come in the form of shade on the Day
• 7 types of people that will be shaded under the Arshe of Allah on that Day:
  • Heart attached to masjid
  • two people who love each other who love each other for the sake of Allah
  • A young person spent youth in worhsipping
  • gives charity in secret so that the right hand doesn’t know what left hand has spent
  • remember Allah alone and eyes shed tears.
  • Just ruler.
  • person who is invited and tempted to sin by a woman but resists.
• Sadaqah prevents calamity.
• Prophet Sal said “A man said “My wealth, My wealth but really he owned only 3 parts of his wealth, what he ate until it finished or what he dressed with until it wore out and whathe gave out as alms and it ran out(finished)….anything other than those is a left over for people”- People will inherit it
• The Prophet PBUH said:“If a human dies, then his good deeds stop except for three: a Sadaqa Jariah (continuous charity), a beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him”. Narrated by Muslim.
• Those who disbelieve they are the unjust, the wrong.

• Greatest Ayah in the Quran
• Imam Ahmad recorded that `Ubayy bin Ka`b (Great Mufassir of the Quran, one of the Sahabas who possessed great knowledge) said that the Prophet asked him about the greatest Ayah in the Book of Allah, and `Ubayy answered, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” When the Prophet repeated his question several times, `Ubayy said, “Ayat Al-Kursi.” The Prophet commented,«لِيَهْنِكَ الْعِلْمُ أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ، وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، إِنَّ لَهَا لِسَانًا وَشَفَتَيْنِ، تُقَدِّسُ الْمَلِكَ عِنْدَ سَاقِ الْعَرْش»(Congratulations for having knowledge, O Abu Al-Mundhir! By He in Whose Hand is my soul! This Ayah has a tongue and two lips with which she praises the King (Allah) next to the leg of the Throne.)
• Two of Allah’s grand names are mentioned here. Ya Hayyul Ya Qayyum. Duas with these names, will not be rejected.
• A guard will stay with him all night long, shaytain will not come to him- when reciting before sleep.
• Reciting it after every Fard prayer- nothing will protect him from Jannah except death.
• Prophet sal said “Whoever recites it at the end of a fard prayer he is under Allah’s care till the next prayer commences”
• Al-Bukhari recorded in his Sahih from Abu Hurayrah, who said, “Allah’s Messenger assigned me to keep watch over the Sadaqah (charity) of Ramadan. A person sneaked in and started taking handfuls of foodstuff. I caught him and said, `By Allah, I will take you to Allah’s Messenger.’ He said, `Release me, for I am meek and have many dependents and am in great need.’ I released him, and in the morning Allah’s Messenger asked me, `What did your prisoner do yesterday, O Abu Hurayrah’ I said, `O Allah’s Messenger! He complained of being needy and of having many dependents, so I pitied him and let him go.’ Allah’s Messenger said, `Indeed, he told you a lie and will be coming again.’ I believed that he would show up again, for Allah’s Messenger had told me that he would return. So, I watched for him. When he (showed up and) started stealing handfuls of foodstuff, I caught hold of him again and said, `I will definitely take you to Allah’s Messenger.’ He said, `Leave me, for I am very needy and have many dependents. I promise I will not come back again.’ I pitied him and let him go. In the morning Allah’s Messenger asked me, `What did your prisoner do last night, O Abu Hurayrah!’ I replied, `O Allah’s Messenger! He complained of his great need and of too many dependents, so I took pity on him and set him free.’ Allah’s Messenger said, `Verily, he told you a lie; he will return.’ I waited for him attentively for the third time, and when he (came and) started stealing handfuls of the foodstuff, I caught hold of him and said, `I will surely take you to Allah’s Messenger as it is the third time you promised not to return, yet you returned.’ He said, `Let me teach you some words which Allah will give you benefit from.’ I asked, `What are they’ He replied, `Whenever you go to bed, recite Ayat Al-Kursi- Allahu la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum, till you finish the whole verse. (If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you, and no Shaytan will come near you until morning.’ So, I released him. In the morning, Allah’s Messenger asked, `What did your prisoner do yesterday’ I replied, `O Allah’s Messenger! He claimed that he would teach me some words by which Allah will grant me some benefit, so I let him go.’ Allah’s Messenger asked, `What are they’ I replied, `He said to me: Whenever you go to bed, recite Ayat Al-Kursi from the beginning to the end, Allahu la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum. He further said to me: (If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you, and no Shaytan will come near you until morning.’ (One of the narrators) then commented that they (the Companions) were very keen to do good deeds. The Prophet said, `He spoke the truth, although he is a liar. Do you know whom you were talking to, these three nights, O Abu Hurayrah’ Abu Hurayrah said, `No.’ He said, `It was Shaytan.”
• Shaitan also tells the truth sometimes.
• pg 79 Wayyiyaka nastaeen
• Greatest surah is Surah Fatiha
• This is the greatest ayah.
• He Alone should be loved and respected. Ever living and sustainer of ALL existence.
• He is established on His own. Free of wants, worthy of All praise. Not in need of anything from His creations at all. needs nothing and nobody. Established perfect Himself.
• He doesn’t get drowsiness, and sleep doesn’t over take Him. It doesn’t even reach Him. He doesn’t rest, bc He doesn’t NEED rest.
• Nothing comes in His way. He doesn’t lose authority. He is not overwhelmed and overtaken by any defect or weakness.
• *Trees lose the leaves so that they can survive the winter*
• There is no decline of Allah.
• To Him belongs whatever is on earth and the heavens.
• Prophet sal said “there is no space equivalent to the width of four fingers in the sky except one would find an angel mentioning Allah either, standing, bowing or prostrating”
• This Ayah is an introduction to who Allah is.
• All is His dominion. SO then worship only Him.
• He is Rabb of this world and of the akhirah.
• 3 conditions for a confirmed Intercession•    Allah’s permission of it•    Allah being pleased with the one who is interceding•    His approval on behalf of whom intercession is sought
•  Even Prophet sal can Only intercede with Allah’s permission
• Allah does not forget anything. He knows the past and the future. He knows everything
• When Pharoah questioned Musa alai “What is the case of former generations?” Musa alai replied “The knowledge thereof is with My lord in a record, My lord neither errs nor does He forget”
• Khizar and Musa on the boat when a bird comes to take sip from the body of water they were in. Khizar said: The sips are like the knowledge we have compared to that of Allah’s
• Prophet sal saw the throne of Allah- it is the ceiling of Paradise•    The throne is the largest creation of Allah in size- Allah did not create anything bigger than it•    The 7 heavens and the earth in comparison to the Kursi are like a ring thrown in the desert
• He is the most High and most great and most grand. none is more powerful than Him.
• Allah says : “Oh man you have been given but very little of knowledge”

• There is no compulsion in acceptance of the Deen. of islam.
• Islam doesn’t force anyone to enter into Deen. Nobody can force you to become or be muslim.
• But once you enter, into Deen, you must obey the rules and laws of Allah.
• Right course is clear from the wrong. Through the Quran and Sunnah.
• So who ever denies all false deities/taghut and believes in Allah, has grasped the most trustworthy handhold, that will not break.
• Dua in Difficulty- Allahu Allahu Rabbi La ushriku bi Shaia- Allah is my Rabb and I do not associate  anything with Him
• Wa iyyakah nasteen Page 101
• Those who are saved from the traps of Shaytan, they believe in Allah.

• He (Allah) brings them out of darkness and into light.
  He (Allah) is the close protecting friend of those who believe.
• Make dua- Ihdinas sirathal Mustahkeem
• and those who disbelieve their friends are Taghut. they take people away from the light and put them towards the darkness. Those are the companions of the Hellfire and will reside there forever, eternally.
• Attain the friendship of Allah. If you leave this, Shaitan guides you to destruction.
• How can we gain the love of Allah? Allah loves….

• NamRUD argued with Ibrahim, he was king and considered himself god.
• Ibrahim said God is one who gives life and causes death
• NamRud would argue that he could do the same
• namRud is an example of Tagut. ( false gods, false dieties)
• Tagut are anything or anyone that deviate you away from worshipping and serving Allah, anything that makes you transgress, anything that asks you to obey smt besides Allah.
• Back then people would obey their kings blindly
• NamRud thought he controlled everything,
• Ibrahim said Allah cause the sun to rise from East, so he challenged NamRud to bring it from the West. And he was dumbfound and confused. Bc he couldn’t
• Allah doesn’t guide the unjust and wrong people
• Ibrahim spoke to the ruler of that time, similar to they Musa had to speak to pharaoh.
• Ibrahim did not accuse or point out the wrong things of the kings ways. He simply told and called him towards Allah.
• There is wisdom and ways to invite people towards Allah

• There was a person – Uzair (as) passed by a town that was in ruins.
• He asked how will this town be revived?
• Allah brings people to life from death.
• they were dead for 100 years. and then Allah resurrected them.
• He asked how long do you think you were dead- they replied- probably for a day or two.
• But it was actually 100 years they were dead. bc time is different when you die.
• Look at the food and drink that has spoiled and become rotten.
• look at the donkey, which is a sign. how the bones are put together, and then flesh is put on those bones. So this is a clear sign.
• These are all signs that Allah is in control of ever single thing.
• Once you learn to trust and completely believe in Allah He himself opens the doors of knowledge and wisdom for you so as to further deepen your faith. You gradually take to understanding the real truth.  •    This is the difference between Allazeena Amanoo and Allazeena Kafaroo.  Nimrod had the truth but he would not believe nor surrender, he went further into darkness•    This Prophet, when it became clear to him said اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ  “I know Allah has power over everything.”  Not that he didn’t know but it strengthened his conviction.

• Ibrahim asked how do you give life to the dead ones?
• Allah asked do you not believe it?
• But Ibrahim wanted to see with his own eyes
• So he was told to take 4 birds, teach and train them. and then cut up slaughter the birds, mix up their pieces and place them on 4 different mountains. then call them and they will come to you in haste.
• And they will come forth!
• And know that Allah is exalted in might and wise.
• Be truthful and humble when seeking guidance.
• There is no ilah worth seeking and worshipping besides Allah.
• Check your hearts. What are ways that we can come closer and be loved by Allah? how can we earn His love:
  • Being patient- during good times and bad. in any situation. when it comes to praying, reading quran, coming to class, studying, dealing with people, worshipping. Allah loves you when you are patient in all of these and more.
  • Those who try to attain purity: keep yourself clean physically, tangibly. In the intangible sense- filter your thoughts, no negative or bad thoughts, speech, clean hearts,
  • Those who trust Him above everything else.
  • Mohsin- those who do Ihsan.
  • Muttaqeen: those who are Allah conscious.

• the example of those who spend from what they have. From wealth, food, time, items, etc.
• In the way of Allah. To spend for the Deen of Allah. for the spread of the message.
• To promote the teachings of Allah through writing can be spending in the way of Allah.
• spent to attain approval of Allah.
• Sabeel- path or method towards to Allah.
• Sabeel-ul-Mumineen.
• Example of the believer that spends, is like the example of a person who sows a seed/a farmer.
• A farmer sows seed. A seed that grows 7 spikes. each spike has 100 grains. total of 700 grains. reward for the person who gives sadaqah.
• planting one grain that produces so much more from the earth.
• spending in the way of Allah is like planting a seed into the ground. Its gone and you dont see it anymore. you dont know where it went. But Allah knows and He will not forget. He will not forget what you gave.
• What you sow is what you reap.
• one seed results in 700 grains. depending on the purity and methodology of the seed.
• And Allah can double or multiple this reward even more if He wills. It is up to Him how much He wants to increase the reward.
• He is abundant in ALL things. and He is knower of All things.
• His will is dependent on His perfect wisdom.
• Spending on people, you get a smile and thank you.
• Spending on the way of Allah, nobody will see it. its in the ground, nobody knows. But Allah knows. And HE will reward you for it.
• When a person spends on the propagation of the dheen there is more reward — there is more reward than spending on individuals
• Spend for Him. Don’t expect from people, expect from Allah.
• Bukhari/MuslimProphet Sal. said : “He who gives in charity which he legally earned even the size of date, on the Day of Resurrection and Allah accepts only that which is pure.  Allah accepts with His right hand and fosters it like one of you fosters your mare until it becomes as big as a mountain
• Prophet Sal. said : “Whoever donates something for Jihad and remains in his home he will get a reward of 700 dirhams for every dirham he gives”(This is the example of one who is unable to serve the cause himself but supports the cause)“Whoever participates in jihad and also donates in the cause of jihad Allah multiplies it 700,000”
• Prophet Sal. said Allah said ( Hadith-e-Qudsi )”Whosoever intends to do a good deed but does not do it, Allah records it with Himself as a complete good deed; but if he intends it and does it, Allah records it with Himself as ten good deeds, up to seven hundred times, or more than that. But if he intends to do an evil deed and does not do it, Allah records it with Himself as a complete good deed; but if he intends it and does it, Allah records it down as one single evil deed.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim
• Spend in the way of Allah, happily, correctly, freely.
• If you dont, you will spend it on smt else that is trivial that will have no reward or short lived effect.
• Spend
• Usman Rali, came up to Prophet Sal. and said : Upon me is the provision for one who has no provision in the battle of Tabuk and he equipped the Muslims with 1000 camels and apart from that he also gave 1000 dinars in the way of Allah. Prophet Sal. prayed for Usman rali and said “this day whatever Usman does there is no blame on him”-Prophet sal said this out of happiness when he was moving the Dinars with his hand

• Those who spend in the way of Allah.
• Issues will occur. problems will happen. So be aware of these issues.
• Shaitan will come to you to waste your deeds.
• Dont remind people of your favors on them. Dont hurt them, dont look down on them, dont remind them, that you gave them or helped them etc.
• Dont mention what you have done to make them feel ashamed and to hurt them.
• This is wrong and so dont do it!
• If you did it for dunYA dont expect reward in the hereafter.
• Dont waste these deeds. Dont waste what you give.
• Dont remind and hurt though words or even actions etc.
• be secure and confident that you are giving what you are giving for Allah, and it is safe and secure with Him. So dont be worried about you give. Give and forget about it. Because Allah will never forget it. There will be no fear concerning you and you will not grieve.
• You have a gold bracelet and you have fears that it will break, get lost etc. but when you spend it in the way of Allah, there’s no fear in the dunya and also at the time of death as you are content
• Give for the sake of Allah, give and then think He will take care of me.
• Allah’s help is with you as long as you are helping others.
• Also they will have no fear on the Day of Judgment- Those who spend in the way of Allah will be under the shade of Allah’s throne
• This person will be content at the time of death because everything he did was for the sake of Allah
• What causes grief and sorrow is when a person starts thinking of what other people do to you e.g. if they don’t acknowledge what he has done for him
• Prophet Sal. said : There are 3 people whom Allah will not even look at on the Day of Judgment and there are 3 people who will not enter Jannah.  The 3 people who will not enter Jannah are :
  • 1.    The dragger of Lower Garments out of pride- walks with a lot of pride
  • 2.    The one who is addicted to wine- sells things, by promising false things. false oaths.
  • 3.    The one who reminds of what he gave- with speech or action

• A good word and forgiveness is better than charity that is followed by a hurtful word.
• sometimes you dont have anything to give when you are asked. so if needed to refuse, to do so in a kind matter. in nice words. Dont hurt them with your words. regardless of how persistent they get. Even if they ask you rudely. and protect their honor, dont discuss their issues or them asking with others.
• Allah is self sufficient and tolerant.
• Dont depend on people, Allah is the One who has everything.
• Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) related that Allah, the Most Blessed and High, said: O son of Adam, spend, I will spend on you. The right hand of Allah is full and overflowing. Ibn Numair said: Overflowing and nothing would diminish it, by overspending day and night.
• the Ihsan should be done for Allah and only for Him. Regardless of how the person you are giving to, treats you badly. or wrong.

•  dont spend to show off. its a feature of hypocrisy
• smooth rock with dust collecting. and moss and vegetation grows on it.
• it starts to rain heavily, change on of circumstances, and washes everything away from the rock.
• So maybe smt hurtful is said the donator. and the donator becomes angry and reminds of the favor of giving. like a heavy rain downpour.
• and because of this, the efforts, the sadaqah is washed away. its all gone. bc of how the donator just behaved.
• The rock is washed away clean
• This is similar to the one who spends and then wastes it, bc they showed off.
• Their efforts are wasted.
• Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.
• Dont invalidate your charity by showing off. By trying to impress people. This goes against Imaan.
• Dont show off.
• Its like someone who wears transparent clothing- you can see through, the reality of the person can be seen.
• reminding, causing injury, shows off- after giving- this persons imaan is probably not sounds or strong.
• Ria is minor shirk.

• Those who spend seeking approval from Allah
• Spend willingly with the contentment of the heart.
• this is like a garden on high ground. very productive and fertile.
• even giving a little or what you can, even this is rewarded.
• can’t give a million, give a 1 cent.
• Allah wants to see the sincerity in how and what you spend.
• Do it for Him and only Him. from whatever you have.

• loses life time investment when he needed it most
• a person puts in a lot of effort, which becomes a beautiful garden.
• but then shaitan comes and ruins his intention.
• and so all that he has done and cultivated is all wasted and useless
• Hit with a whirlwind tornado and is burned.
• By showing off, you waste ALL of this effort.
• sometimes people/parents/family etc. remind you of the favors they did on you for you.
• This is wasting all that favors, all those deeds, all those actions, all good is wasted. bc you are showing off!
• especially in the last moments of your death. at old age. weak. time period is about to end. be careful at the time.
• Dont say or do anything at all times to invalidate what good you did, your good deeds.
• thus Allah makes His verses clear so that you contemplate, ponder and reflect!
• Reported by Abu Hurairah – Prophet Sal. Said : (A man said, “Tonight, I shall give charity.” He went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to an adulteress. The next morning the people said that alms were given to an adulteress. The man said, “O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I gave my alms) to an adulteress. Tonight, I shall give alms again.” He went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to a rich person. The next morning (the people) said, “Last night, a wealthy person was given alms.” He said, “O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I gave alms) to a wealthy man. Tonight, I shall again give charity.” So he went out with his charity and (unknowingly) gave it to a thief. The next morning (the people) said, “Last night, a thief was given alms.” He said, “O Allah! All the praises are for You. (I have given alms) to an adulteress, a wealthy man and a thief.” Then, someone came to him and said, “The alms that you gave away were accepted. As for the adulteress, the alms might make her abstain from adultery. As for the wealthy man, it might make him take a lesson and spend his wealth that Allah has given him. As for the thief, it might make him abstain from stealing.”) ( Bukhari)
• give with out strings attached.

• Believer, us, being addressed here.
• This following hokum is smt we need to follow and act on
• Spend on from the good things that which pure and halal and clean.
• Which you have earned.
• Spend on others, not just yourself.
• And from that which has been produced from the earth. Spend from the produce of the earth. vegetables and produce.
• Spend where you need to spend.
• Dont give Zakat from the corrupt part, rather give from the Thayyib
• Never will you gain what you love, until you spend from what you have been given and love.
• Dont give defective and vile things, for you wouldn’t take it yourself either. Dont give things that are of no use.
• Unless there is nothing else. Give from your best and clean and pure things.
• Allah is free of need.
• Think about what you are giving. Dont give things that are bad, waste, useless. Dont give things that will be a burden on that person. dont give impractical things. Give to increase love. Give things that will make others happy.
• Think before you give. Think about what you give.
• Prophet sal said: “Whoever wishes to be delivered from the fire and enter the garden should die with faith in Allah and the Last Day and should treat the people as he wishes to be treated by them” (Sahih Muslim 4546).
• treat people the way you would want to be treated. what you like for yourself, you should like for others.
• Anas relates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]
• do good in any situation

• Shaitan whispers negative things to you. to be extravagant or stingy. Orders you to be extravagant on yourself and be stingy when spending on others.
• Spending:
  • Forgives sins
  • Cooling Allah’s anger
  • Calamities are averted.
  • contentent at times of grief and sorrow
  • Ample and abundant reward
  • shade under throne of Allah, on the Day of Judgement
• Spending in the Way of Allah:
  • Promote the Deen
  • Those who are needy and close relations
  • spending in acts of obedience: Hajj.
  • Spending for benefit of humanity
  • for higher objectives, and not just for worldly life comfort.
• Spending in the way of shaytan:
  • extravagant spending on own personal desires.
  • wasting wealth
• Shaytain makes spending on useless and extravagant things beautiful and pleasurable.
• Ask ourselves in the past month. What went in the path of Allah and what went in the way of shaytaan.
• Allah gives wisdom to whom He will. To make right decisions.

• Allah gives wisdom to whom He will. To make right decisions
• for wisdom
  • make dua
  • company of wise people,
  • lessons from life experiences. if you made a mistake in the past, you learn from it.
• Hikmah- understanding of Deen. Quran and Sunnah.
• Authentic knowledge—> application—> speech that is truthful/honest—> sound intellect = FiQh of Deen (understanding of Deen)
• Prophet sal said “There is no envy except in two instances: a person whom Allah has endowed with wealth and he spends it righteously, and a person whom Allah has given Hikmah and he judges by it and teaches it to others.)This was also collected by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, An-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah.Allah’s statement

• Allah knows what and how you spend your money. To who, where, how etc.
• Allah has record of all of this.
• for the wrongdoers there are no helpers.
• Zhulm is to put things where they dont belong. opposite of Hikmah
• All deeds we do are in the knowledge of Allah. He knows of it all.
• A person should not let go of any good they do.
• Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said (that Allah said), “Vowing does not bring to the son of Adam anything I have not already written in his fate, but vowing is imposed on him by way of fore ordainment. Through vowing I make a miser spend of his wealth.”
• Vowing doesn’t change your destiny.
• Making a vows that are conditional is not liked. If they are made, a person must fulfill it.
• Instead of making vows, just give sadaqAH.
• sadaqh averts trials and Allah’s anger.
• it is better to secretly give to the poor. Better to spend in the way of Allah secretly…
• “Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace, had said, “Sadaqa extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire; it appeases Allah’s anger and averts evil. And even a smile in your brother’s face is sadaqa.”
• In some situations you can’t give secretly, but you should still give. this might inspire others to also give. this is good. Ex. giving food.

• Nobody can be forced into guidance. You can only advise them about Deen.
• Guidance is in the hands of Allah. You can only advise and inform. Allah controls who He will guide.
• Allah’s will is based on His perfect wisdom
• And whatever you spend is good for yourselves. Who ever does righteousness is for your own soul.
• And the saying (of the Prophet, peace be upon him):”You will see your Lord as you see the full moon; Nothing will impair your view of Him; And if you are able to keep the dawn prayers and the mid afternoon prayers, do it.” (Agreed upon it by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

• And the saying (of the Prophet, peace be upon him):”You will see your Lord as you see the full moon; Nothing will impair your view of Him; And if you are able to keep the dawn prayers and the mid afternoon prayers, do it.” (Agreed upon it by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
• **When you spend your intention behind it should be to see Allah “O Allah I want to see you”***
• pleasure of seeing Allah, there is no greater pleasure.
• deprived of that is being deprived of the greatest blessing.
• Prophet sal used to make a Masnoon dua“O Allah I ask You such blessings and comfort that does not end, and such coolness of the eyes that does not cease, and contentment upon what You have decreed, and a happy and cool life after death; and the bliss and pleasure of seeing Your Countenance; and the craving desire to meet You without harmful detriment and trials that lead astray.” (page 50)

• Those who are engrossed in the work of Deen.
• companions of Prophet were about 400 in number. they lived in the masjid. Ashabus Suffa were around 400 in number. They had left their homes and migrated to Medina to be with the Prophet sal to study with him. They were mostly from Makkah- Muhajireen from Makkah. He took them in battle with him too. they were like a standing army too.
• Other sahabas too spent a lot of time studying from Prophet sal e.g. Abu Bakr rali , but he couldn’t commit the same way due to other responsibilities the way Abu Huraira did. Abu Huraira was one of the Ashabus Suffa ,  he stayed in Medina and he embraced Islam late he then committed his entire time studying from the Prophet Sal. sometimes would faint out of hunger, bc he was so engrossed in studying Islam. He narrated more than 5000 hadith.  This was his contribution to the world of knowledge.
• the ones who left their homes to pursue the knowledge and spread the Deen. they become needy bc they have left everything for the Deen to learn it and spread it.
• So spending on students of knowledge of Deen.

• dont remind people of your favors on them.
• True prosperity comes with spending and giving wealth.
• Give in the way of Allah. bc Allah can reward and give like no other can give.
• He gives us opportunities to give and spend.

• We should develop the character of giving and sharing and well wishing
• RiBA involves taking from another, more than that was given. to grow, to increase. fixed rate of increase is time bound that the creditor gets from borrower.
• wealth that we possess is from Allah. So other people also have a right upon it. so we should spend on others. We have to share it.
• Sadaqah and Riba are opposites.
• Those who consume interest will not be able to stand. BC shay tan is beating them into insanity.
• They who consume say that trade is like Riba, this is not true.
• Prohibition of Riba
• Any loan that brings profit.
• This increase is time bound- it is within a time frame e.g. you loan a person $1000( this is the principle) over a certain amount of time eg. for 5 months and say you have to pay $200 to me with 5% increase – this principle, percentage and time – this equals to Riba
• increase acquired without any effort.
• In ribA there is no risk involved, its a fixed income
• Hadith on Riba (usury) narrated by Bukhari & MuslimAbu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said,“Allah’s Messenger salla allahu `alaihi wa-sallam said, ‘Avoid the seven great destructive sins.’ The people inquired, ‘O, Allah’s Apostle! What are they?’ He said, ‘To join others in worship along with Allah, to practice sorcery, to kill the life which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause (according to Islamic Law), to eat up Riba (usury), to eat up an orphan’s wealth, to give back to the enemy and fleeing from the battlefield at the time of fighting, and to accuse, chaste women, who never even think of anything touching chastity and are good believers.’”
• Abu Hurairah reported that Prophet Sal. said I came across some people in the night in which I was taken to the heavens. ( Isra wal Mi’raj)Their stomachs were like houses wherein there were serpents, which could be seen from the front of the stomachs. I asked: O Gabriel! Who are these people? He replied these are those who devoured usury. Ahmed / Ibn Majah
• Al-Bukhari recorded that Samurah bin Jundub said in the long Hadith about the dream that the Prophet Sal. had.He said : “This night (Night of Mi’raj) I saw two men who came to me and brought me to a sacred land and we started walking. We reached a river -the narrator said, “I thought he said that the river was as red as blood”- and found that a man was swimming in the river, and on its bank there was another man standing with a large collection of stones next to him. The man in the river would swim, then come to the man who had collected the stones and opened his mouth, and the other man would throw a stone in his mouth and turned him back to the place where he was earlier. I asked him what is that I have just seen going on.  He replied, he is the one who used to take interest.”
• Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Apostle, peace be upon him, said,“Riba is seventy types, the least of which equals one having sexual intercourse with his own mother!” (Ibn Majah)
• Allah’s Apostle, peace be upon him, said,“One dirham of Riba that a man devours, while knowing it is Riba, is more severe (in crime) than thirty-six acts of fornication (or adultery).” (Ahmad)
• Those who devour and eat from Riba and justify it, they will not be able to stand, except one who stands like someone who has been beaten into insanity by Shaytan. Its like consuming intoxicants. talking and walking doesn’t make sense. This covers the intellect. This is how they will be on the Day and they will behave illogically in the dunYA as well.
• State of insanity.
• Thats because they are saying that trade and interest are the same. this is insane.
• Allah has allowed trade and forbidden interest. it cannot be halal in any way.
• The verses that prohibiting interest are true and will not change. will not be abogorrated
• who ever takes the warning and stops from being involved interest. and makes taw bah. His affair rests with Allah,. upto Him to forgive him or not.
• But if you return to interest after you know that Allah has prohibited it, they will reside in Hellfire forever.
• Trade:
  • there is effort,
  • investment. wealth is involved.
  • Time, intelligence, skills, is involved. risk and fear of loss in trade.
  • No fixed profit. transaction is carried out it is settled. profit is gained once. Buy a shoe and thats it , transaction done. pay for what you purchased.
  • mutual understanding and consent.
  • Profit could be less or more, acquired through effort.
  • physical and mental activity involved.
  • economic trade in society, creates job opening
• Interest:
  • only wealth involved, no effort. No intelligence, skills or time is used.
  • fRee of risk, give money once and constant income coming fixed profit.
  • matter is not settled, constant gaining of profit. constantly receiving profit. forced to pay the interest amount.
  • regardless of profit amount, no effort involved. breeds laziness,
  • free time, no mental or physical activity involved.
  • circulation of wealth stops in society. not beneficial for economy. many become jobless

• Riba is declared forbidden.
• wealth acquired through it is has no barakah.
• charity from Riba will not be accepted.
• staying away from Riba. and then charity given from ribA free wealth will bring more barakah and blessings
• So take Allahs advice and warning
• we should be well wishers, help others, share the wealth.
• We learn our dheen is based upon well wishing, compassion and love, recognizing others needs, not exploiting their needs at the time of difficulty•    The Muslim Ummah is one body- if one part feels pain the while body feels pain, they go hand in hand side by side•    When a society is based on Riba it leads to selfishness and benefitting from others difficulties
• Giving Riba is selfishness and injustice.
• Charity is a selfless act
• Increase sadaqah and eliminate sadaqah
• If we dont help each other, than people will indulge in Riba.
• People take loans to satisfy a need for e.g. for education, for a wedding. Islam says at times of need help each other. ‘Like for your brother what you like for yourself”. If everyone starts giving charity people will have enough to survive – enough to fulfill their basic necessitates
• Allāh destroys interest and gives increase for charitiesProphet sal said ‘Even though interest be much it leads in the end to penury –destitution”
• At the time of Umar Rali – there was no one to give Sadaqa too. Everyone was ready to give and everyone had enough to fulfill their needs to survive

• Those who do righteous, establish prayer, give Zakat.
• For them their reward is with Allah.
• There will be no fear concerning them and they will not grieve
• Zakat is fulfilling a duty that is given to us by Allah. to attain Allahs pleasure. its for the needy of the society, leads to promotion imaan, more brotherhood, more connected to the society.
• RiBa leads to displeasure from Allah. takes advantage of the needy people of society, based on disobedience, leads to greed, mistrust, concentration of wealth in the hands of few,
• engaging in Riba doesn’t save you from fear and grieve. Doesn’t bring you happy, content or prosperity. brings you greed but no peace. Doesn’t bring you true peace.
• prayer prohibits wrong doing
• taking and giving Riba are both unlawful. cursed are both. bc both are supporting this system of Riba.
• Allah’s Apostle, peace be upon him, said,“Allah curses the one who accepts Riba (usury and interest), the giver of it, the two witnesses of it, and the one who writes it.” (At-Tirmithi)

• give up your duty of interest. leave it. Leave what ever of it is left.
• Context of AyahAt the time of Prophet Sal there were 2 tribes Banu Thaqif and Banu Makhzum.Zayd bin Aslam, Ibn Jurayj, Muqatil bin Hayyan and As-Suddi said that this Ayah was revealed about Bani `Amr bin `Umayr, a sub-tribe of Thaqif, and Bani Al-Mughirah, from the tribe of Bani Makhzum, between whom were outstanding transactions of Riba leftover from time of Jahiliyyah. When Islam came and both tribes became Muslims, Thaqif required Bani Al-Mughirah to pay the Riba of that transaction, but Bani Al-Mughirah said, “We do not pay Riba in Islam.” `Attab bin Usayd, the Prophet’s deputy on Makkah, wrote to the Messenger of Allah about this matter. This Ayah was then revealed and the Messenger of Allah conveyed it to `Attab, O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (from now onward), if you are (really) believers.
• This took place after the conquest of Makkah
• Prophet sal told them from today taking and giving of Riba is not allowed
• When these verses were revealed at the time of Hajjathul Wida- the Prophet sal said :”All cases of riba during the time of Jahiliyya are annulled and are under my feetThe First Riba I annul is the riba of Al Abbas-(The prophet Sal’s uncle) because Al Abbas rali used to give loans on interest”- If anyone had to give any interest to Al Abbas rali he wouldn’t do it from this day onwards
• Prophet completely outlawed Riba. after this ayah revelation.
• and he started in his own home and family first!

• And if you dont do what you are told to do .
• Then be informed of war against you from Allah and His messenger.
• But if you repent, then you can have your principle. You can have that back without any increase
• Thus you dont do wrong. meaning dont ask for interest
• Nor are you going to be wronged- you can have just your actual wealth back without interest in top

• And if the person cannot repay and is in financial hardship, give a delay or respite. And that is the best charity if you all knew.
• Lender:
  • should give the loan happily
  • if loan not returned on time, give extension, seeking the countenance of Allah
  • If borrower can’t return it at all, then write it off as charity/ sadaqah and forgive the loan.
• HadithImam Ahmad recorded that Sulayman bin Buraydah said that his father said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah say,«مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَة»(Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will gain charity of equal proportions for each day he gives.)
• Whoever removes a worldly hardship from a believer, Allah will remove one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection from him. Whoever grants respite to (a debtor) who is in difficulty, Allah will grant him relief in this world and in the Hereafter. Whoever conceals (the fault of) a Muslim in this world, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah will help a person so long as he is helping his brother.”[Reported by Muslim (4867)].
• I also heard the Prophet say,«مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَة»(Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will earn charity multiplied two times for each day he gives.) I said, `O Messenger of Allah! I heard you say, `Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will gain charity of equal proportions for each day he gives.’ I also heard you say, `Whoever gives time to a debtor facing hard times, will earn charity multiplied by two times for each day he gives.’ He said,«لَهُ بِكُلِّ يَومٍ مِثْلُهُ صَدَقَةٌ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَحِلَّ الدَّيْنُ، فَإِذَا حَلَّ الدَّيْنُ فَأَنْظَرَهُ، فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِثْلَاهُ صَدَقَة»(He will earn charity of equal proportions for each day (he gives time) before the term of the debt comes to an end, and when the term comes to an end, he will again acquire charity multiplied by two times for each day if he gives more time.)”
• Whoever gives time to his debtor, or forgives the debt, will be in the shade of the Throne (of Allah) on the Day of Resurrection.)” in another narration it is mentioned – he will be the First person under Allah’s throne
• Narrated Rabi bin Hirash: ‘Uqba bin ‘Amr said to Hudhaifa, “Won’t you relate to us of what you have heard from Allah’s Apostle ?” He said, “I heard him saying, “When Al-Dajjal appears, he will have fire and water along with him. What the people will consider as cold water, will be fire that will burn (things). So, if anyone of you comes across this, he should fall in the thing which will appear to him as fire, for in reality, it will be fresh cold water.” Hudhaifa added, “I also heard him saying, ‘From among the people preceding your generation, there was a man whom the angel of death visited to capture his soul. (So his soul was captured) and he was asked if he had done any good deed.’ He replied, ‘I don’t remember any good deed.’ He was asked to think it over. He said, ‘I do not remember, except that I used to trade with the people in the world and I used to give a respite to the rich and forgive the poor (among my debtors). So Allah made him enter Paradise.” (Bukhari)
• Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “A man used to give loans to the people and used to say to his servant, ‘If the debtor is poor, forgive him, so that Allah may forgive us.’ So when he met Allah (after his death), Allah forgave him.”  (Book #56, Hadith #687)
• Prophet sal said“if someone of you gives a loan and he (borrower) sends a present to him or carries him upon a beast (a mount), do not ride on it , nor accept it unless it was prevalent between them previous to it”
• Imam Abu Hanifa would not sit on the shade of the wall of the person he gave the loan – he did not want to take any benefit for it would be Riba he was so careful

• Remember that we  will all return to Him one day.
• And we will be paid for every thing we earned.
• All efforts will be rewarded.
• knowledge, children, what you do with your hands, wealth given in the way of Allah. – these are ways of earning. they all require effort.
• Every soul will be compensated for what it earned.
• We need to make zakat and sadaqat common in society
• when we give loans, give in a good way, and dont accept any favors from them. dont expect any gifts for favors for that loan
• create ease for others.
• society should be based on prosperity and selfishness.
• Hazrat Abu Hurairah r.a. reported that the Prophet  said: A time will certainly come over the people when none will remain who will not devour usury. If he does not devour it, its vapour will overtake him. [Ahmed,Abu Dawood,Nisai,Ibn Majah]
• We see in the time of Prophet sal initially the verses on spending came down and verses on riba was revealed much later on- that time sadaqa was common in society and naturally riba was reduced until finally Allah revealed the ayah on the prohibition of riba. At this all the Muslims left it. As peoples Iman reduced and they went away from Quran and sunnah then they went to their wrong ways. At this the prophet sal predicted the above hadith.•    We find that Riba is Haram in both Quran and Sunnah
• What is that situation where there will be an exceptional case on taking Riba?•    E.g. we can eat Haram foods in necessity not desiring and not transgressing.
• If luxury item, cannot take or give Riba for it.
• If there is a necessity and there is no other halal option, and that you would die with out, than maybe it is ok, but Allah is the judge
• taking a loan for studies is wrong too. work and study. dont take a loan, bc this is luxurious.
• same thing goes for weddings. getting married doesn’t require of loans or lots of money.
• Need- Cannot take Riba- not legitimate reason e.g. to take a loan to have a luxurious wedding, loan on interest to study, to buy a latest model car, to buy a bigger house. Satan threatens you with poverty. Beware…
• Necessity- CANNOT take Riba unless there is no other halal way and this person is dying he can take riba, Allah will forgive him Allahu alam
• Luxuries- CANNOT TAKE  OR GIVE RIBA
• jumping into Riba is like quicksand , you go down very quickly
• And fear a Day when you will be returned to Allāh. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be treated unjustly.

• Paying off debts. Very important and significant
• Hadith The Shaheed is granted seven special favours from Allah. He is forgiven (his sins) at the first drop of his blood. He sees his place in Paradise. He is dressed in the clothes of Iman. He is married to the Hoor al-‘Ain (beautiful women of Paradise). He is saved from the punishment of the grave. He will be protected from the great fear of the Day of Judgment. A crown of honor will be placed on his head, one jewel of which is better than the whole world and what it contains. He is married to seventy-two of the Hoor al-‘Ain (beautiful women of Paradise), and he will be able to intercede for seventy members of his family.” [Saheeh – Related by Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Hibbaan]•    The Shaheed is granted seven special favours from Allah. He is forgiven (his sins) at the first drop of his blood. He sees his place in Paradise. Except when he has a debt on him- then his sins are not forgiven.
• Every sin of a Shaheed is forgiven except debt” [Related by Muslim from Ibn ‘Amr]•    Forgiveness is delayed until the debt is paid off
• Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 37, Number 488r:Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa:Once, while we were sitting in the company of Prophet, a dead man was brought. The Prophet was requested to lead the funeral prayer for the deceased. He said, “Is he in debt?” The people replied in the negative. He said, “Has he left any wealth?” They said, “No.” So, he led his funeral prayer. Another dead man was brought and the people said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Lead his funeral prayer.” The Prophet said, “Is he in debt?” They said, “Yes.” He said, “Has he left any wealth?” They said, ”Three Dinars.” So, he led the prayer. Then a third dead man was brought and the people said (to the Prophet ), Please lead his funeral prayer.” He said, “Has he left any wealth?” They said, “No.” He asked, “Is he in debt?” They said, (“Yes! He has to pay) three Diners.’, He (refused to pray and) said, “Then pray for your (dead) companion.” Abu Qatada said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Lead his funeral prayer, and I will pay his debt.” So, he led the prayer.
• When a person takes a loan it should be documented and witnesses should be present.
• Believers are addressed here. A command to be obeyed
• A contract, a loan, time bound, price to be given, in what form, everything pertaining to it should be documented.
• Everything should be documented. All should be written. as a contract. Not just verbal.
• for example when you take a job, and the wage agreed that you will be paid. this is all written down.
• MaHr should also be written down too. Or the rent.
• Mahr is also included in Dhain (Mahr Muajjal with ع) Mahr given at the time of Nikah – given on the same day and no blame on the person if he doesn’t write it down?
• Mahr Muajjal (with a ء) This is given after a certain amount of time.  So this should be recorded- the amount and time should be written down (eg. the person says he would give it after a year or 2 years etc.)
• writing guards your wealth, and prevents difficulties from arising
• And allow the third person between the creditor and debtor to write it down. A Scribe. not the creditor or debtor.
• Scribe: writes the contract of debt. he should write it with complete fairness, and justly
• A admonition for the scribe: if someone asks you to write and scribe, should not refuse. don’t be stingy in this regard. share this skill or knowledge,
• Also if you know how to write today, should share this skill. and use it for good. in the way of Allah. the ability to write is a blessing.
• and if the scribe wants a wage for this, that is fine, he can charge for it. pay him, thats fine.
• importance of documentation.
• If the husband passes away before he gives the Mahr, then the first thing that will be taken out of his wealth will be the Mahr and given to the wife
• So it is an admonition for the scribe that if someone asks him to write he should write
• Because Allah has given him knowledge and the advantage of how to write so he should benefit others out of gratitude that Allah has given him this blessing
• Note : The pen was the first creation of Allah
• Value the tools given to us by Allah. use it for what He has given it to us for. Respect the tools
• Scribe is advised to write.
• Debtor (borrower) is the one who will dictate. The one in debt. So that he knows how much he has to pay. the one taking the loan should fear Allah. He should not leave anything out of it. make it accurate. dictate completely with justice. don’t leave out important matters. Be fair and be just.
• dont reduce the contract dictation: terms should not be ambiguous.
  • in terms of count/quantity: so if loan is 100, dont write 95
  • in terms of quality: wheat or dates, or corn. grade a b c. type of quality.
  • its kind: different kinds should be documented. different types.
• If Debtor lacks intellect or business sense, or is spendthrift or weak ( mental or age), doesn’t understand business contracts, or can’t dictate himself due to speech, or language issues: then in this case, his guardian should dictate. (relative, family member, interpreter, lawyer, anyone he trusts)- this person should dictate the same, just, fair and fearing Allah.
• Prophet sal said “Whoever does not write down and what is owed to him is wasted then there is no reward for him”
• And bring witnesses: 2 men. – adult, men, muslim.
• If there are not 2 men available than a man and 2 women can be the witnesses- all adults.
• women are emotional dependent on others usually. so if one forgets or makes a mistake, the other can correct or support. so that the witnessing can be done with accuracy, and that not all burden of witnessing is not on one person.
• they should be fair, just and trustworthy, and you are content with them.
• It is not necessary that scribe be muslim. But witnesses should be muslim.
• Matters to do with family life/lineage/sucklingOne woman’s testimony is enough
• Proof During the time of Prophet Sal a young couple got married and an unknown black woman came up and said “this marriage is not lawful because I breastfed both this man and this woman”.  Prophet Sal. did not even call the young man or woman but immediately annulled the marriage.  This shows that ONE WOMAN’S testimony was accepted and no further witnesses were required.
• financial transactions are usually the field of the men. They usually have more knowledge in this stuff.
• Witnessing and testifying is a burden so Allah has lightened the burden for women.
• We should be pleased about it instead of complaining.  Islam has made it comfortable for the woman so  that she has a companion to help her share this burden. women go through a lot fluctuations through out their life.
• Stages that a woman goes through in life
  • •    Menstruation
  • •    Pregnancy
  • •    Childbirth
  • •    Post natal depression
  • •    Menopause
  • •    Sometimes miscarriage
• Prophet Sal. said: The best of witness is the ones who comes forth with his testimony before he is asked and the worst of witness is the one who gives his testimony before being asked
• Prophet Sal. said :The best of people are of my generation and then those who follow them and those who follow them and after that. meaning- they will give their testimonies before they are asked.
• Dont be weary to write any of it. big or small. write everything bc it will create ease later on.
• Writing it and calling two witnesses- it is more fair and just to do this. will eliminate mistrust and dishonesty, doubt, etc.
• Leave that which you in doubt. avoid the doubtful things. To lead a life of contentment.
• For immediate transactions, where the loan and transactions is completed right then and there, and its done. In these cases its ok not to write down the loan or transaction, here in this case.
• If a person harms a believer, Allah will harm him. So, be careful not to harm anyone.
• Let no scribe or witness be harmed. Bc if you do, that is grave disobedience. You are causing loss to yourself.
• Fear of Allah keeps a person straight. Taqwah leads a person to implement the knowledge they have, from Allah.
• Fear of Allah that converts knowledge into action.

• and if you are traveling and you can not find a scribe and witnesses for the loan.. Then the borrower should give the creditor a deposit or pledge. In this case contract doesn’t need to be written down.
  • Rahin: the one who gives the rahan, the debtor the borrower.
  • Murtahin: the one who keeps the Rahan. the one who keeps the pledge.
  • Rahan: the thing that is given in exchange for the amount. The pledge the deposit.
  • Marhun bihi: the amount that is taken in exchange for the rahan. The Loan.
• Debtor should deliver his trust, the debt. Rohan is a guarantee that you will pay the loan back. but if the two trust each other, than can skip the deposit if they want to. that is up to them.
• cases a deposit can be taken:
  • while on journey
  • at home, but no scribe available
  • lender wants more assurance, even with the contract written down.
  • when on journey, contract and deposit can be made.
• If the Rahan is used wrongfully, that is interest (Riba)
• Who ever conceals a testimony or evidence, his heart is indeed sinful.
• Allah is most knowing, He knows everything. This is what keeps us straight. Knowing that He knows everything, that He is watching you.

• To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. All that is discovered or that is not discovered. Known or unknown, big or small. tangible or intangible. Whatever is there. It ALL belongs to Allah. There is so much that we cannot even count it or even see it. Cannot even imagine how much there is. Its beyond our scope.
• If we haven’t even explored all of it, how can we know it. We don’t know so much, so we have no authority.
• He is the Creator and Master. And it All belongs to Him. Everything follows His command. Nobody else created them. He did, only Him.
• Leaves falling, gravity, sun moon, winds, clouds, rain etc, etc, etc.
• It all follows His will, functions according to His will.
• We have been given temporary freedom, temporary free will and free choice. We have been given some temporary control. To be tested.
• Whatever we have right now, is temporarily given to us to be tested.
• Nothing remains forever: weather, people, earth etc.
• We dont decide when we are born and we won’t decide when we die.
• So do what Allah wants us to do between brith and death.
• We are only getting closer to our time of death.
• So what did you do with the freedom you were given?
• He wants us to be most loyal to Him, because to Him we belong.
• Whether you show or hide it, Allah will bring you to account. He will show you your deeds. Whatever is in your heart. Nothing is hidden from Him. All of them, how much, when what, quantity and quality. All will be taken into account. And then He will punish and forgive whom He wills.
• Nobody can escape this.
• This is the reality.
• We all have to return to Him for Judgement
• Become sincere to Him, more than anything else. have most intense love for Allah. Fear his retribution the most.
• We should not misuse the freedom we have been given. Don’t misuse the youth and time and strength and wealth that we have.
• Actions and the heart will both be taken into account.
• The Sahaba’s reaction•    The Sahaba were not like us.  They reveled in the Quran.  They read, applied and reacted to it.  So when this Ayat was revealed they found it difficult.  They came to the Messenger white and shaken with fear and fell to their knees as they could not bear it.  “When we do wrong, we try to correct ourselves, but what about our hearts, there are so many evil thoughts and we try to keep it in check, but still sometimes the thoughts come anyway.”“Is Allah going to punish us  for our thoughts” they asked   “In that case we are perished because most of us have so many evil thoughts that we would prefer to die rather than utter them.  We all have Wasswasa”.
• Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said,  this ayat 284 was revealed to the Messenger of Allah , it was very hard for the Companions of the Messenger . The Companions came to the Messenger and fell to their knees saying, `O Messenger of Allah! We were asked to perform what we can bear of deeds: the prayer, the fast, Jihad and charity. However, this Ayah was revealed to you, and we cannot bear it.’
• The Messenger of Allah said,«أَتُرِيدُونَ أَنْ تَقُولُوا كَما قَالَ أَهْلُ الْكِتَابَيْنِ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ: سَمِعْنَا وَعَصَيْنَا؟ بَلْ قُولُوا: سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِير»(Do you want to repeat what the People of the Two Scriptures before you said, that is, `We hear and we disobey’ Rather, say, `We hear and we obey, and we seek Your forgiveness, O our Lord, and the Return is to You.)When the people accepted this statement and their tongues recited it, Allah sent down afterwards 285 and when they did that, Allah abrogated the Ayah [2:284] and sent down the Ayah 286
• Shaityan is constantly causing doubts and wasswasa, thoughts in our minds. to deter us.
• He attacks the heart that has the treasure of Imaan.
• Prophet Sal. said :“Allah has forgiven my Ummah, the thoughts that come in their hearts as long as they don’t talk about it and as long as they don’t act upon it”
  • Unintentional Thoughts may come and go from him, dont let them get to you.. dont verbalize them, dont act upon them, show remorse for the thoughts, dont act upon them and do constant isthagfir- Allah will forgive.
  • Intentional Thoughts: accountability on the firm intention that we make.
  • When we make an intention and dont make it happen due to fear of Allah- that thought is forgiven.
  • If you leave the thought due to fear of people- than that thought may be accountable.
  • If you leave acting upon a thought, not for people or for Allah, but leave it bc you change your mind and dont implement it- not accountable for that.
  • Thinking wrong, making wrong intention- possible accountability for this.
• 4 types of people:
  • a person who is granted wealth and knowledge. Spends in in the right way, has knowledge, good and right intentions. Best reward for this person.
  • grants knowledge, but no wealth. Sincere in his intention. If he had wealth he would spend it in the right ways. rewarded as the first person
  • Grants wealth but no knowledge. so he wastes his wealth without knowledge. He is of the worst status
  • to whom a person who has no knowledge or wealth.-if I have had wealth like the third person. his punishment will be like the third person.
• “When two Muslims combat each other with the sword, the killed and the killer both are doomed to Hell!” A companion asked why the one who was killed suffers the same fate as the killer and the Prophet replied: “Because one longed (intended) to murder the other.” agreed upon
• We cannot judge and must never do so. Because we dont know what others are going through. You dont know the background, you dont know what is in their hearts. worry about yourself and your own heart and your own actions.
• We judge others, bc we are not judging ourselves and holding ourselves into account. We dont self evaluate. we neglect ourselves.
• Umr Rali said :“Take account of your deeds / actions / intentions before you are taken to account”
• Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s Apostle saying. Verily Allah created Mercy. The day He created it. He made it into one hundred parts. He withheld with Him ninety-nine parts and sent its one part to all His creatures. Had the non-believer known of all the Mercy which is in the Hands of Allah he would not lose hope of entering Paradise and had the believer known of all the punishment which is present with Allah he would not consider himself safe from the Hell-Fire.” Volume 8. Book 76. Number 476 Bukhari
• So the one part of mercy that we see between people is that one part of mercy that Allah has sent down to people
• Allah will call a believer in seclusion and Allah will show his deeds — sin after sin after sin until the person thinks if he will be destroyed.  Then Allah will say “I covered it in the dunya and today I will forgive this”  and hopefully even those thoughts hidden in a person’s heart.
• Allah’s mercy 99 times more than anyone …. even our own mother!

• Prophet sal said“Whoever recites the last two verses of Surah Baqarah at night they will suffice him”
• Prophet sal said“I was given the final verses of Surah Baqarah from a treasure trove beneath the throne, no prophet before me was given them”
• memorizing the last 3 verses, so we can recite during prayer.
• Virtues of the last 2 Ayats Of Surah BaqarahMuslim recorded that `Abdullah said, “When the Messenger of Allah went on the Isra journey, he ascended to the Sidrat Al-Muntaha in the sixth heaven, where whatever ascends from the earth ends at, and whatever descends from above it ends at.The Messenger of Allah was then given three things: the five prayers, the last Ayat in Surat Al-Baqarah and forgiveness for whoever did not associate anything or anyone with Allah from his Ummah.”
• Earlier we mentioned the Hadith regarding the virtues of Surat Al-Fatihah from Ibn `Abbas which stated, “While the Messenger of Allah was with Jibil, he heard a noise from above. Jibil lifted his sight to the sky and said, `This is a door that was opened just now in heaven, and it was never opened before.’ An angel came down through the door to the Prophet and said, `Receive the good news of two lights that you have been given and which no Prophet before you was given: the Opener of the Book (Al-Fatihah) and the last Ayat in Surat Al-Baqarah. You will not read a letter of them, but you will be granted its benefit.”’ This Hadith was collected by Muslim and An-Nasa’i, and this is the wording collected by An-Nasa’i.
• The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from Allah. and so have the believers.
• 4 requirements of Imaan: Belief that: ??
• If you realize that you will be accounted for all your actions and everything you do etc. You become restless. Wanting to make the most of the time we have been given.
• How will we spend our time- to please Allah. In order to know how to do this, you need to study the Quran and Sunnah. this will change you profoundly. Taqwah and conviction is needed!
•  Belief in Allah and the His angels, His books, His messengers
• We made no distinction between the messengers. We believe in all messengers that Allah has sent. And make no distinction between them of their message.
• The messengers and the believers say: we hear and we obey
• What we learned in Surah Baqarah: ( Canopy or tent of the Quran)
  • Aqa’id
  • Ayat-ul-Qursi
  • Salah
  • Hajj
  • Rulings on fasting
  • Rights of parents, women, close relatives orphans, needy, travelers etc
  • Spending in the way of Allah
  • Dealings with others- Muamalath
  • Marriage,  divorce, iddah
  • Qisaas
  • Stories of the Prophets
  • Our responsibility as Ummathun Wasath – to convey the message
• Prophet Sal. said : “The leader of all speech is the Quran. The best of speech is Quran. The pinnacle of Quran is Surah Al-Baqara and the pinnacle of Al Baqara is Ayat-al-Qursi.
• Why Ghufranak?•    Because the person who is under the burden of sins he is sincere and one word is enough for him – Forgive, pardon –  Ghufranak – cover my sins
• Narrated Abu Said:The Prophet mentioned a man from the people of the past. and told his story saying: “Allah had given him wealth and children. When his death approached, he said to his sons, “What kind of father have I been to you?” They replied, “You have been a good father.” He told them that he had not presented any good deed before Allah, and if Allah should get hold of him He would punish him.’ “So look!” he added, “When I die, burn me, and when I turn into coal, crush me, and when there comes a windy day, scatter my ashes in the wind.” The Prophet added, “Then by Allah, he took a firm promise from his children to do so, and they did so. (They burnt him after his death) and threw his ashes on a windy day. then Allah commanded to his ashes. “Be,” and behold! He became a man standing! Allah said, “O My slave! What made you do what you did?” He replied, “For fear of You.” Nothing saved him then but Allah’s Mercy (So Allah forgave him).”
• TO Him is our final destination
• The real certification will happen on the DofJ. The ones who are given entrance into Jannah.

• Allah doesn’t burden us with more than we can handle, or bare.
• There is flexibility in our Deen.
• Those who are old, young, sick, traveling, poor are given certain flexibilities.
• Who ever earns good will be recompensed for it. and who ever earns evil will be punished for it.
• Our Lord, don’t impose blame on us, if we forget or make a mistake
• Khatha’ is done out of ignorance without knowledge or without intention
• Prophet sal said “his Ummah was not responsible for their Mistakes which were done out of ignorance, for the things that they forget and for the things that they were forced to do
• And O Lord, lay not a burden on us that you laid on those before us. ( meaning the Jews and the christians)
• Dont take our blessings away from us because of our sins.
• Sometimes we feel hard hearted. Do Istaghfir!! that is the cure for that
• And Dont deprive us of your mercy
• And dont burden us with that we cannot bare.
• and Pardon us.
• and forgive us
• and have mercy upon us.
• You are our protector.
• we ask you for help. so help us against the disbelieving people.
• Ameen.
• (Oh Allah make us people of the Quran)
• A part of this Hadith is also supported by other Hadiths. For instance, Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Umamah Al-Bahili said that he heard the Messenger of Allah say,”Read the Qur’an, because it will intercede on behalf of its people on the Day of Resurrection. Read the two lights, Al-Baqarah and Al `Imran, because they will come in the shape of two clouds, two shades or two lines of birds on the Day of Resurrection and will argue on behalf of their people on that Day
• An-Nawwas said,”The Prophet set three examples for these two Surahs and I did not forget these examples ever since. He said:(They will come like two clouds, two dark shades or two lines of birds arguing on behalf of their people.)It was also recorded in Sahih Muslim and At-Tirmidhi narrated this Hadith, which he rendered Hasan Gharib.