Important Announcement: We Are Shifting This Blog Over to Patheos

Hi guys!

It’s been a long time! I realize that I haven’t blogged in 2 months-but no, I have not abandoned blogging. I’ve just been busy preparing for my exams. Insha Allah, within a few weeks, I will be free and will start blogging again.

Okay, so I have a very important announcement to make. I’ve been requested by Patheos.com to write for them (which is great, considering their larger audience), and I have happily accepted this offer.

Now, what’s going to happen for you is that the current blog address (https://quranalyzeit.wordpress.com) is going to remain operative, but from 1^st November 2014, it would redirect you to my new Patheos blog (link below). So, you may want to continue using the current address to reach on my blog.

Moreover, I have exported all my blogs found here to Patheos. Therefore, you would be able to access the same content and more, over there.

If you have subscribed to this blog by email, you would continue receiving an email whenever I publish a new blog from Patheos. However, if you’re following this blog through your WordPress account only, I would request you to subscribe through email now, if you want to be notified whenever a new post goes up.

The new blog address is: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/quranalyzeit

Thanks for your continued support! Hope to resume our conversations over at Patheos!

Peace be with you & yours.

 

Musings on the Purpose of Fasting

As Ramadan nears its end, I’ve learned something amazing from one of Yasmin Mogahed’s blogs.

In chapter 2, verse 185, God tells us that “The Quran was revealed in Ramadan, and so we should fast therein.” But it is only when we question and ponder over the Quranic commandments do we realize the wisdom behind them. We should think, “Why, what is the relationship between the two?”

I just did, and was hit by an amazing insight.

 

See, our abstinence from food and drink is, but a symbolical gesture.  It symbolizes life in general – the greater abstinence of abstaining from detrimental things that the Quran warns against! Fasting is supposed to firm our resolve in doing just that, once Ramadan has passed away. We could take it as a hands-on training period to develop Taqwa (God-consciousness).

But, fasting only holds purpose when we’re able to relate the two things mentioned in the above verse, when it reminds us of a higher purpose. It is, but a means to an end, and not an end in itself as many Muslims make it out to be.

 

And yet, the Iftar symbolizes that abstaining from the detrimental things seems difficult only in the short-term. In the long term, you will be provided with all that you’ve yearned for – a metaphor for paradise.

Indeed, as the Quran says, there are signs for those who give thought. ❤

 

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Related article: 3 Things You Should Avoid This Ramadan To Make It More Spiritually Meaningful!

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Uniting Under a Common Word

Those who were given the Scripture did not divide, until there had come to them the Clear Evidence. Quran, 98:4

But they were not ordained, except to 1) serve God, 2) being devoted to His System, 3) inclining to truth, and that they 4) establish connection (Salat), and 5) contribute towards purity/growth (Zakat). Such is the establishing religion. Quran, 98:5

Do you see any mention of the trivialities in the description of the establishing religion over which sects erupt, fueling hatred & violence? Instead of fighting over differences, Muslims should build upon the foundation of Islam as outlined above, and simply agree to disagree on secondary issues.

Unity is what makes us strong. Who cares whether you place your hands on your belly or on your chest, while praying?

We mustn’t be penny wise, pound foolish. It is extremely important to open our eyes to the bigger picture, folks.

For a detailed analysis, read: United Sects of Islam

Lailatul Qadr: A Different Interpretation

Within traditional Islamic thought, it is believed that the Lailatul Qadr (The night of Power) was the night in which Prophet Mohammad first received divine revelation. Therefore, it is considered to be a “holy” night during which God forgives everyone, accepts all prayers, and is the night in which the destiny of people for the coming year is decided.

Revealingly, this interpretation has almost no basis in the Quran. The Quran only talks about Lailatul Qadr in Ch 97, calling it a night of peace, which is better than a thousand months. However, even if we take the traditional interpretation at its face value, we come across the following problems:

1) If God really accepts all prayers in this night, then why don’t our prayers get answered? For years, Muslims have been praying for Palestine! Why, then, does the situation only deteriorate?

2) Human beings are provided with freewill, and that’s the whole purpose of revelation! There is no point of a test if the outcome has already been decided by God. This is unjust, while God is just.

3) The Quran says that it is a night of peace. What sort of peace? External peace or spiritual peace? If it’s external, then is there such a night in which there is no disharmony whatsoever, with no bloodshed, and every human being fully clothed and well fed? There isn’t.

If it is referring to internal peace, then is there such a night in which every human being feels profound peace within themselves? Again, no such evidence proves this. In fact, that is exactly why the Ulema are unsure of its precise date.

 

Because of these inconsistencies, I don’t subscribe to this interpretation.

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In my opinion, Lailatul Qadr is not a specific night in Ramadan. Rather, it signifies the general phenomenon of attaining revelation. Thus, the Night of Power occurs when you have that eureka moment; when you understand something from the Quran.

The reason why it’s called the “Night” of Power is because night is considered to be an idle time in Quranic parlance; a time of seclusion (73:6-7). Thus it is advised that the reader ponders over the Quran at night (73:4), and God, in turn, would bestow upon him a profound message (73:5). Attaining this profound message is what the night of Power signifies, and is thus better than a thousand months of ignorance (97:3)! Receiving this profound message then brings us Islam, or peace, which is the ultimate purpose of revelation (97:5).

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What If Some Religious Figures Came Out With Islamic Handphones?

I just hope I don’t live to see the day where there are “Islamic” cell-phones (and other gadgets) in the market, with “Bismillahs” imprinted on them, and their models being inspired by “Islamic” names. Like a Nokia Ya-sin, or a Samsung Kausar.

We already have Islamic banking. Not this, for God’s sake! I might just commit suicide. – Me

6 Convincing Reasons Debunking The Myth of Islam Promoting Hatred of Jews & Christians

Amidst the tragic situation in Palestine these days, a few Muslims seem to have found a way to express their anger and frustration. No, not by constructively doing anything about it, but by bashing Jews and hailing Hitler as a hero! Wrongly equating the actions of the Israeli government with Judaism, they continue generalizing approximately 15 million Jews, painting them all with the same brush!

A few days earlier, as I was browsing through my Facebook news feed, I came across this meme praising Hitler for killing Jews, with the hash tag #Hitlerwasright:

Exasperated as I was, I tried to maintain my composure and very calm-fully responded to this individual that there are many Jews who condemn the actions of the Israeli government, much like us Muslims who condemn the actions of Jihadist terrorist groups, and so it is naïve to generalize all Jews based on the situation in Palestine. Without taking a minute, he responded back to me quoting the Quranic verse that “asks Muslims not to be friends with Jews”, justifying his bigotry through the Quran!

Checkmate? Probably, if I hadn’t known better!

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A common misconception about the Quran is that it promotes hatred of Jews and Christians, and asks Muslims to not be friends with them. Strangely, instead of voicing out against such a misrepresentation of 5:51 (which contains the commandment), some Muslims actually revel in quoting this verse as a means of feeling superior, perhaps. Who needs enemies, when you have such believers? But I guess, that’s the karma of blindly following religious figures.

Here’s the much quoted verse:

O You who have believed! Do not take the Jews and Christians as your allies (Auliya). They are allies of one another. He among you who takes them for allies is one of them. God does not guide the oppressive folks. Quran, 5:51

 

A plethora of lies are sold to the average Muslim to instigate enmity with other faiths, and so I will debunk these points step by step. Point 1 and 2 will explain how the verse above is misrepresented, and 3-6 would expand on further points.

 

1. Aulia is erroneously and inconsistently translated as friends by some translators. However, in Arabic, Aulia is more closely defined as a protector or an ally. It has been used in the Quran to mostly signify that God protects (Wali) the believers through revelation. This is not to be confused with Khaleel, which does mean friend, but is an honor given exclusively to Ibrahim (4:125).

Additionally, Muslims should sincerely ask themselves what they mean when they call their scholars “Maulana”. Are they trying to imply that these scholars are their friends who they hang out with? Hardly! Obviously, by calling these religious figures as Maulana, they mean to imply that these scholars are their protectors – from evil, perhaps.

Keeping the context in mind, it is clear that the verse refers to political allies, and is not about friendship.

 

 

2. The verse, quite specifically, asks Muslims not to take Al-Yahood & Al-Nasaraa as an ally. Now, “Al” in Arabic denotes an address to something or someone specific. If we are to assume that God asks us not to ally with any Jew or Christian, then on the same wavelength, we have to assume that all Arabs are the worst in hypocrisy and disbelief! Yes, it’s a verse in the Quran!

The Arabs (Al-Arab) are worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to ignore the Limits that God has revealed to His messenger. God is Knower, Wise. Quran, 9:97

Except, here the “scholars” would be quick to contextualize things, or else their model of praising Arabs as the “chosen” people and equating Arabic culture with Islam would fall flat on its face! It is an inconsistency in approach, and consistency is the only criteria to judge truthfulness.

Taking a consistent view, both verses inform us that *some* Arabs (Al-Arab) are worst in hypocrisy and disbelief, and that Muslims should not ally with *some* Jews and Christians (Al-Yahood & Al-Nasaraa). Quite obviously, it is addressing the Jews and Christians at the time of the Prophet, who continuously broke their oaths, stoking the fires of war against Muslims (5:64) and were thus their worst enemies (5:82).

Common sense would suggest that allying with the enemy would be a sure way to lose the war.

 

 

 

3. The Quran constantly reminds Muslims not to generalize Jews, Christians, and others; but to judge them by their actions:

They are not all the same; among the People of the Scripture is a community standing [in obedience], reflecting and reciting the signs of God during periods of the night and they submit.

They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: These are the reformists! Quran 3:113-114

 

God does not forbid you from being kind, and fully equitable to those who do not fight you on account of Religion, and do not evict you from your homelands. God loves those who lead a just, balanced life.

But God does forbid you regarding those who fought you because of your system, and drove you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out. You shall not ally with them. Those who ally with them, then such are the transgressors. Quran, 60:8-9

 

 

4. Even traditional Islam allows Muslims to marry Jews and Christians. Is friendship a more sacred bond than marriage? Then how on earth can the Quran discourage us from befriending them?

 

 

5. Contrary to popular belief, Muslims do not have a monopoly on salvation. In fact, Jews and Christians, much like any other faith, are promised paradise should they “submit to God, do acts of reformation, and expect accountability” (2:62 & 5:69). The very act of claiming sole monopoly on truth and salvation is actually shunned by the Quran, of which, ironically, some Muslims are guilty:

And they claim, “None will enter Paradise unless he is a Jew or a Christian.” This is nothing but their wishful thinking. Say, “Bring your proof if you are truthful.”

Nay, whoever submits his whole being to God, and he is a doer of good to humanity, his reward is with his Lord. Then, no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve. Quran, 2:111-112

 

 

6. The idea of alienating a group of people because of their faith alone is in fact contrary to the Quran, which actually promotes peaceful co-existence among citizens of varying backgrounds:

 

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is deeply conscious of Him. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. Quran, 49:13

 

Conclusion

If anything, Muslims should be the last to generalize people of other faiths. They are vocal on how every Muslim shouldn’t be stereotyped as a terrorist because of the actions of a few terrorist groups seeming to represent “Islam”, yet generalize and put all Jews in one box because of the actions of the Israeli government and the “super rich bankers that control the world.” I condemn fundamentalist Zionists, just how I condemn fundamentalist Islamists. However, I don’t buy the propaganda on both sides of badmouthing every Jew or Muslim because of the extremist actions of some.

Is it not an act of gross hypocrisy of claiming to be misrepresented, but misrepresenting others at the very same time? But perhaps, it is not hypocrisy. Perhaps, it is just a lack of introspection. A trait so many of us ignorantly possess.

Credits: MuslimVillage.com

 

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Back2Quran Ramadan Series: Short Summary of Chapter 11 (Hud)

Chapter theme:

• The theme is based upon the fact that oppressive systems based on corruption are bound to perish. The messengers warned their respective communities, however they were not to listen. Eventually, their oppressive systems collapsed.
• It describes different aspects of societies that were corrupt but the chiefs among them resisted change, perhaps because they could not exploit people under the system which the messengers brought.

 

A very short summary of the chapter can be found in the following verses:

Among the generations before your time, only a few were virtuous enough to discourage disorder in the land. We saved those few, whereas those who continued to violate human rights only pursued material riches. And they were guilty of stealing the fruit of others’ labor (and they were requited). V116

Your Sustainer never unjustly destroys a community (for wrong beliefs alone) as long as its people are reformers, setting right their own, and one another’s condition. V117

Chapter Notes:

• The chapter starts and ends with urging the reader to serve God.
• More than half of the chapter narrates the account of Nooh, Hud, Salih, Ibrahim, Loot, Shoaib, and Musa. This is the second chapter after Ch 7 to follow such a pattern.
• Many commandments resemble those found in Ch 10.
• While chapter 10 was theoretical, Ch 11 outlines the onground reality when you preach God’s system.
• The chapter starts off by asking the reader not to turn away (Tawalla) and ends with asking him to establish connection (Salat). This shows that Tawallao and Salat are opposites, also confirmed in 75:31-32
• Nooh’s son was not noble, and thus Nooh could not save him from the punishment. Lut’s wife was not noble, and this Lut could not save her from the punishment. How on earth can we expect prophets to intercede on our behalf then?

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Passage Breakdowns:

Passage 1 (1-24)

• The chapter starts off by reminding the reader to not serve anyone besides God. This sets the tone for the chapter.

 

• Since every creature on this Earth depends on God for sustenance, It can provide abundantly for everyone if we implement It’s laws. However, we must be honest in our approach because God knows our innermost thoughts. We must not profess belief, rather apply it.

 

• It is God’s mercy that His Law of Requital does not grasp the oppressors instantly: He gives them time to mend their ways. However, the oppressors deem this delay as a sign that they are not going to be held accountable for their actions, and thus oppress people to gain power. Furthermore, they complicate God’s system by changing it to their benefit, giving them an additional tool to oppress people though religion, and thus disregard their souls.

 

• Moreover, they wonder why the messenger does not possess treasures or show them ‘angels’. That is where the fundamental problem lies: They equate spiritual abundance to accumulation of material possessions.

 

• The attitude of these people is that if a trial comes to them, they abandon all hope in god and reject it. However, if that trial is removed, they are boastful about it as if they themselves were the ones to remove it. This shows their very self-centered approach to life!

 

• Passage ends by asking: Can the blind and seeing be equal? Or can the deaf and listener be equal? Then how could they receive similar treatment?

 

Passage 2 (25-49)

• Narration of the account of Nooh: How he tried to reform his community but was met with rejection.

 

Passage 3 (50-60)

• Narration of the account of Hood: How he tried to reform his community (Aad) but was met with rejection.
• I believe, Aad represents the religious part of a society that invents dogmas and exploits people for their own benefit.

 

Passage 4 (61-68)

• Narration of the account of Salih: How he tried to reform his community (Thamud) but was met with rejection.
• Unique aspect is the ‘she camel’ metaphorically used to represent the poor working class people. It focuses upon the exploitation of these people in a society by restricting them land and it’s produce which should be available to every citizen.
• Thamud seem to have placed great hopes in Salih which means that he was a respectable and honored person among them. However, that was quickly to change after he preached against their oppressive system.

 

Passage 5 (V69-83)

• Narration of the account of Ibrahim and Loot: How Loot tried to reform his community but was met with rejection.

 

Passage 6 (V84-95)

• Narration of the account of Shoaib: How he tried to reform his community but was met with rejection.
• This focuses on trading justly and equitably. Systems that cheat others eventually collapse.

 

Passage 7 (V96-100)

• Narration of the account of Musa: How he tried to reform his community but was met with rejection.
• Firaun represents a tyrant dictator who exploits people. Musa’s encounter with Firaun is the ultimate and holistic challenge against an unjust society.

Passage 8 (101-124)

• God did not wrong these communities, but they were wronging themselves! Ultimately, they collapsed.
• God’s law of requital never fails.
• Do not follow your forefathers blindly!
• Had God willed, He would have made you one community. Do not divide yourselves over the interpretations of the Quran, like Musa’s people did.
• Stand firm as you are commanded, and be moderate in all your actions.
• Do not be intimidated by the oppressors.
• Establish connection with God (Salat)
• The accounts of messengers are given to firm your resolve.
• Labor in God’s cause, and disregard others.
• Serve and put your trust in Him alone.

 

 

Back2Quran Ramadan Series: Short Summary of Chapter 10 (Younus)

What this project is: This Ramadan, rekindle your spirituality and relationship with God by reading the Quran in a language you understand! To facilitate those who find reading the Quran for the first time daunting, we, at Quranalyze It, will be posting short chapter summaries to get you acquainted with the basic theme and content of a particular chapter. It is important to note, however, that these summaries are no substitute to reading the Quran, and should be used as a bridge towards the Quran, or as an additional tool.

If you like the idea behind this project, and would like to read the summaries of the subsequent chapters in the coming days, then subscribe to our blog to receive an email whenever we publish a new summary. Please read, and share it far and wide!

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With chapter 10 starts the A.L.R series that continues until chapter 15. These chapters are very spiritual and persuasive in nature, having similar themes. I would recommend reading these short 5 chapters in one go!

Theme:

1. The theme of Chapter 10 very much resembles the theme of chapter 6 and is primarily focused over monotheism vs polytheism, with numerous arguments to convince the reader to avoid dogmas and come towards the source (God).
2. Another theme is the Quran: how people reject it without truly investigating it, it’s divine origins because it confirms your conscience, how people demand the messenger to change it, and being patient while it is being revealed.
3. Outlines the many shortcomings of man in approaching God: asking for supernatural miracles, being ungrateful, and insincerity.
4. Critical thinking and reasoning for yourselves is also another prevalent theme
5. Shows two realms, the physical realm and the spiritual realm. Those who seek to attain only material possessions ignore their soul, and thus eliminate any chance to attain bliss.

Chapter Notes:

1. Ch 10 mentions Quran for the second time by explaining how we can compare the guidance of Quran to other discourses claiming to guide people to a higher truth (10/31-42). Only Quran truly encapsulates the human condition. This is the first passage detailing Quran’s proof (From Introduction to the Quran: An Existential Reading by Farouk Peru)
2. Has two calls to mankind.
3. Freedom of belief is strongly advocated in this chapter.
4. Narrates the account of Musa, Nooh and Younus (briefly).
5. Urges people to ponder over the universe and within themselves to attain signs, instead of asking for supernatural miracles.

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Passage breakdowns:

Passage 1 (1-10)

• The chapter starts off by questioning the reader: Why is it an astonishing thing that a messenger has come to you from amongst yourselves? Jealousy is an enemy of truth.
• How God operates in the universe is outlined.
• Only those who don’t expect accountability and are satisfied with the worldly glamor are heedless of God’s signs. These people will never truly attain bliss.
• While those who acknowledge God’s signs and continuously reform themselves will make themselves worthy of bliss, continuously thanking and praising God for it.

Passage 2 (11-25)

• It is God’s mercy that His Law of Requital does not grasp the oppressors instantly. He gives them time to mend their ways.
• When affliction falls upon humans, they immediately turn to God. However, when that affliction is removed, they become ungrateful and plot against God’s commandments as if they had never called God.
• When God’s signs/verses are conveyed to those who don’t expect to be held accountable, they ask you to alter the Quran to conform to their desires, or that you bring a new book altogether! However, the messenger is not allowed to do this.
• These folks serve those who bring neither harm nor benefit, and expect them to be intercessors. However, all this is in vain.

 

• Mankind was united, but they differed. If it were not for freewill, God would have judged their disputes immediately!
• And they ask the Messenger to come forth with signs, while all the Signs belong to God! (Signs are what you witness within yourself, not externally)
• First call to mankind: Your rebellion is against yourself! Enjoyment of the worldly life with disregard of Eternity, is but a fleeting delight.
• Metaphors on how the worldly life is so temporary.
• God calls you towards the abode of peace! And he guides those who will to be guided to the straight path.

Passage 3 (26-56)

• Those who do good will attract more goodness (law of attraction). No trace of misery or humiliation will fall upon them.
• While those who do commit evil will live a life of misery and humiliation.
• On the day of accountability, the “idols” people had worshiped would disapprove of their service!
• God controls everything, not the “idols” people serve. How, then, are you so deluded?
• The majority of people follow nothing but conjecture. And it is God’s law that those who drift away from reason will never acknowledge.

 

• This Quran is not something that can be fabricated as it confirms what you already possess (your conscience). Therefore, there is no doubt that it from the Sustainer of the Universe.
• If you can, produce 10 chapters in similitude of Quran to challenge its divine authenticity.
• But people reject the Quran, before even investigating it sincerely.
• If they reject you, simply part ways. You are not accountable for them.
• Those who do not reason can never be guided.

 

• God does not oppress people, but people oppress themselves (freewill).
• For every Ummah is a messenger who judged things in justice and never oppressed.
• Every community determines its own rise and fall. When the time comes, they can neither delay, nor hasten the requital

Passage 3 (57-71)

• Second call to mankind: There has now come to you Enlightenment from your Sustainer, and a healing for all that troubles your hearts; and guidance and grace to all who embrace it. This guidance is better than acquiring material possessions.
• Do not invent lies about God, saying this food is lawful and that is unlawful when no such ordinance has been passed.
• Whatever good or evil you do is recorded.
• Let not their utterances grieve you. God will honor you.
• And they say God has taken a son/favorite.

Passage 4 (72-74)

• Briefly mentions the account of Nooh and how his people rejected him

Passage 5 (75-93)

• Narrates the account of Musa and how Firaun rejected him. However, at the time of death, Firaun suddenly seemed to acknowledged Musa’s system but that was too late! As a sign, his body was saved (currently in the Cairo Museum).

Passage 6 (94-103)

• If you have some doubts pertinent to the book, you are encouraged to ask folks who seem to have more knowledge than you.
• The community of Younus was an exception, in the sense that they adopted belief holistically which benefited them.
• If God had willed, every human would have believed. How, then, can you force people into accepting your faith?
• He places confusions in the minds of those who do not reason.
• If you want signs, ponder over the universe.

Passage 7 (104-109) – A summation of the entire chapter.

• You have been commanded to set your purpose towards Deen as a monotheist and never associate others with God.
• Whoever guides himself guides for his own benefit and vice versa.
• Obey what is revealed to you and be patient until God’s judgment comes towards you.

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Back2Quran Ramadan Series: Short Summary of Chapter 8 (Anfaal)

What this project is: This Ramadan, rekindle your spirituality and relationship with God by reading the Quran in a language you understand! To facilitate those who find reading the Quran for the first time daunting, we, at Quranalyze It, will be posting short chapter summaries to get you acquainted with the basic theme and content of a particular chapter. It is important to note, however, that these summaries are no substitute to reading the Quran, and should be used as a bridge towards the Quran, or as an additional tool.

If you like the idea behind this project, and would like to read the summaries of the subsequent chapters in the coming days, then subscribe to our blog to receive an email whenever we publish a new summary. Please read, and share it far and wide!

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This chapter is one of the most misunderstood chapters in the Quran. In popular opinion, this chapter is what fuels Jihadists to wage war against the “infidels”. But in my opinion, this chapter seeks to fight these very people who act as “agents of God” seeming to make His path crooked (8:47), and initiating great chaos in the land (8:73). A pivotal commandment of this chapter is to fight until there are no tribulations in the Deen of Islam (8:39): this is to fight the Jihadist groups who misrepresent Islam all over the world and fuel Muslimophobia!

Until verse 52 (75% of the chapter), the fighting seems to be verbal (debate) because of the context. For example, “they won’t reason for themselves”, “God will reveal to you a criterion to judge between right and wrong”, and the backlash from traditionalist folks that “their deen has deluded them” etc. If these dialogues fail, then the subsequent command is to fight a war against the people who create havoc in the land (V 52 onwards). However, if they incline to peace, then you incline to peace too!

Chapter Notes:

•Ch 8, like Ch2-5, is very practical and “hands on”.

•It has 6 calls to believers and 2 calls to the Nabi.

•Defines who Momineen are (8:2 and 8:74)

•Out of anything you acquire as a bonus (not restricted to war booty), 20% is to be spent in a charitable cause.

•The chapter theme is entirely about fighting in the cause of God, and spending resources in His way to eliminate chaos from the land.

•It repeatedly enjoins unity; for without unity, you cannot fight the aggressors who will always be in greater numbers.

•The chapter makes a very vital point: God does not change the condition of a nation until they change themselves. All the time spent in supplications should rather be utilized in initiating practical change.

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Passage Breakdowns:

Passage 1 (V1-14) – Who are the Momineen and how God helps them.

• Anfaal (surplus) is for God and the messenger (to ensure a stable society). This helps in attaining Taqwa, and improving relationships between one another.
• Momineen are defined: 1) They are those whose skins shiver when they witness God’s signs. 2) When God’s signs are rehearsed to them, their faith increases. 3) They trust God (Have faith in His laws) 4) They establish a connection with God. 5) They spend in charity.
• These folks receive protection from God and an honorable provision, as God takes them out from their “false systems”. Some of the “Momineen”, however, are reluctant to make such a big change. These people argue after the truth has been clearly conveyed to them, as if they were staring at death.
• Do not be afraid of large groups of resistance. Truth prevails.
• God helps the Momineen by descending thousands of Malaika (a multitude of positive reinforcing emotions). A sense of peace prevails in the hearts of Momineen and God sends down revelation (maa) that washes away the whisperings of Shaitan and firms your resolve.

Passage 2 (V15-30) – 5 call to believers

• First call to believers: Turning your backs when you meet the aggressors in opposition is strongly condemned.
• Second call to believers: Obey God and His messenger, and do not turn away while you know it is the truth. The worst creatures in the sign of God are those who do not reason.
• Third call to believers: Respond to God and His messenger (by engaging with the message). This will give you life (spiritually) and your heart will attain peace.
• No matter how few you are, if you fight for a just cause, God will strengthen you.
• Fourth call to believers: Never betray God, His messenger and people who trust you.
• Your wealth and family are, but trails (Never forget to look at the bigger picture).
• Fifth call to believers: If you revere God, he will reveal to you a criterion to judge between right and wrong, and will protect you.

Passage 3 (V31-44) – Defines the people we are supposed to fight.

• When you meet those in opposition, they say: We can fabricate a message like this, it is nothing but mythology of ancient people.
• These people hinder you from Masjid al Haraam, although they are not its guardians. Its guardians can only be the Muttaqeen (Saud family, anyone?).
• And their connection with the system of Islam is nothing but vanities and amusement.
• These folks spend to hinder people from the path of God.
• Say to these people: If you seek a ceasefire, your sins will be forgiven. Otherwise, you will be destroyed like the nations of old.
• Fight these people until there are no tribulations in Deen (as these folks distort Deen – for ex. Jihadist groups)
• Out of anything you receive (Anfaal), 20% is to be spent in charity, if you believe in God.
• If you remain united, the opposition will appear fewer in number.

Passage 5 (V45-51) Sixth call to believers and the allegations by hypocrites

• Sixth call to believers: Whenever you meet people in opposition, remain united and obey God (His verses) to emerge successful. Do not be like those who only seek to show off and hinder people from the path of God.
• The hypocrites will say to the Momineen: Their Deen has deluded them.

Passage 6 (V52-63) – Guidelines on Fighting

• Those who belie God’s Signs are equated with the nation of Firaun who conceal God’s signs for material gains. These are termed the worst of creatures who never honor their oaths and treaties.
• God never changes the condition of a nation until they first change themselves (What you do is what you will get – Impartial divine law)
• When you go to war with them, set an example for the proceeding generations to take lessons from.
• Whatever resources you can muster to fight these oppressive folks, muster.
• However, if they incline to peace, you incline to peace too!
• If resorting to peace is their strategy to deceive you, then God will help you. What you need to do is always remain united.

Passage 7 (V64-69) – First call to Nabi

• First call to the Nabi: God is sufficient for you and the believers.
• Urge your followers to fight the oppressive people. Because of your unity, you will overcome armies much larger your size.
• It is beyond the dignity of a Nabi to hold captives except in warfare. Don’t let material gains hinder you from doing right. Otherwise, you will face retribution.
• On the contrary, consume what is good and lawful.

Passage 8 (V70-75) – Second call to Nabi

• Second call to Nabi: Convey to the captives in your possession – If your intentions are pure, God will provide you something far better than what has been taken from you. However, if your intentions are treacherous, then you will receive no help from God.
• Those who believe, migrate, strive with their wealth and their selves, and those who support this cause practically are protectors of one another. These people are the real Momineen.
• And those who are ungrateful are protectors of one another. Unless you fight them, there will be great chaos in the land.

 

Back2Quran Ramadan Series: Summary of Chapter 7 (Aa’raaf)

What this project is: This Ramadan, rekindle your spirituality and relationship with God by reading the Quran in a language you understand! To facilitate those who find reading the Quran for the first time daunting, we, at Quranalyze It, will be posting short chapter summaries to get you acquainted with the basic theme and content of a particular chapter. It is important to note, however, that these summaries are no substitute to reading the Quran, and should be used as a bridge towards the Quran, or as an additional tool.

If you like the idea behind this project, and would like to read the summaries of the subsequent chapters in the coming days, then subscribe to our blog to receive an email whenever we publish a new summary. Please read, and share it far and wide!

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“Adam”, because of his selfish desires, fell from the “heaven” that the earth once was. This chapter, quite uniquely, has 4 calls to Bani Adam (those who seek to attain that state once again) and by example of previous communities, shows how messengers brought a reformation program but the political and religious heads completely rejected them, again because of their own selfish desires.

Some additional notes:

• The emphasis in this chapter is not on individuals, but communities (Ummahs).
• Emphasis on reformation (Islah).
• It repeatedly warns the reader not to take Shaitan as an ally.
• Advocates reasoning in all matters. Those who blindly follow are deemed as cattle.
• First chapter to have a lengthy discourse on Musa and his people.
• First chapter to mention Nooh, Hood, Salih, Loot, Shoaib – each outlining a segment of the society that these messengers went to reform.
• Second chapter to expound on Adam after Ch 2.
• Seems to echo chapter 11 (same theme).

Here are some excellent thoughts on Chapter 5 from the book Introduction to the Quran: An Existential Reading by Farouk Peru:

1. Ch 7  focuses on the state of *adam* and uniquely has calls to bani *adam*. It uses the stories of the messengers as a means for us o understand how to attain this state. It then closes with the use of revelation to attain this knowledge.

2. Ch 7 is the only chapter with calls of ‘oh children of *adam*’. This call is for people who seek to achieve the status of *adam* before he fell , to be in the garden. Ch 7 has four calls to the children of *adam* (7/26, 7/27, 7/31 and 7/35) which should give a strong indication of its theme.

3. Ch 7 has a second phase of adam’s story from 7/172. Therefore adam’s story brackets almost the entire chapter. It would therefore be good to read these stories of quranic personalities from the perspective of adam.

4. Ch 7 Vs 199-206 ends with our daily struggle with shaitan or forces of alienation and our interaction with revelation. This shows the place to start this project is to engage with revelation. Vs 203-204 echo 6/105-107 which talk about attaining insight from the Lord.

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Passage Breakdowns:

Passage 1 (1-10)

• You must not harbor doubts about the book, for it needs conviction (attained by reasoning, nonetheless!) to implement it. Obey what is revealed to you, and don’t take others as protectors.
• Immediately introduces the reader to the annihilation of previous communities because of their oppression. Those who do good attract good, and vice versa. This should set the tone for the chapter.
• Outlines the ungratefulness of human beings: how God made us vicegerents of this earth, and how we pay back by initiating oppressive systems.

Passage 2 (11-26)

• The narration of how Adam fell is introduced to outline how every problem on this earth stems from arrogance and selfishness (Shaitan).

Passage 3 (27-36)

• First call to Bani Adam: God has revealed to you Libaas (usually translated as garments) that covers you from evil and as a source of elegance and protection. So, adopt the Libaas of Taqwa (taking guarding against evil). That is best for you (Libaas, of course, being a metaphor for your spiritual outlook.)
• Second call to Bani Adam: Let not Shaitan tempt you as he tempted your Father, Adam. He stripped them off of their Libaas by creating false desires in him. So, be wary of Shaitan. (This is the most defining verse of the chapter which includes the overall theme of it!)

• God never commands people to commit injustice/immoralities. On the contrary, he commands justice. In addition, he commands you to devote yourself at every institution that submits to God’s laws (Masjid) and that you remain dedicated to Him alone in Deen.
• Third call to Bani Adam: You are allowed to take your Zeenat (means of comfortable living, perhaps?) from every Masjid. Just don’t be extravagant.
• There are some who might forbid you from taking this Zeenat, however God allows it. What God forbids is that you commit injustices/immoralities, other evils, and that you associate authorities with God.
• Fourth call to Bani Adam: There has come to you a messenger from yourselves, clarifying God’s signs to you. If you believe and reform yourself, you will live a life of bliss (attain that garden on Earth).

Passage 4 (37-53)

• Details the result of the communities that failed to build paradise on Earth.

Passage 5 (54-58)

• Call to your Lord being humble. He does not like the transgressors.
• Do not spread corruption on the land after it has been reformed.
• Communities can revive if they adhere to God’s laws.

Passage 6 (59-64)

• Narrates the fall of the community of Nooh because of their transgression.

Passage 7 (65-72)

• Narrates the fall of the community of Hood because of their transgression.

Passage 8 (73-79)

• Narrates the fall of the community of Salih because of their transgression.

Passage 9 (80-84)

• Narrates the fall of the community of Loot because of their transgression.

Passage 10 (85-102)

• Narrates the fall of the community of Shoaib because of their transgression.

Passage 11 (103-171)

• Narrates the fall of the community of Musa because of their transgression.

Passage 12 (172-206)

• You will not be questioned what others used to do. Individual accountability.
• Do not follow Shaitan.
• Whoever chooses to guide himself is for his own benefit and vice versa.
• Those who do not reason are like cattle, and even further astray!
• Some communities who choose to guide themselves will uphold justice. The communities that belie our revelations will eventually destroy themselves in time.
• The Prophet did not know what will happen in the future.
• Do not set up authorities with God.
• God is a protector to those who reform.
• Pardon those who differ, and uphold justice.
• Do not seek miracles, attain conviction by reasoning.
• Be humble when you call upon God, and pay heed to the Quran in order to attain mercy.
• Do not be proud to serve God. Instead, work in harmony with the universe and submit to His laws.