Session 28
Chapter 58: The Women Who Dispute (Surah Al-Mujadilah) - [Recitation]
(22 verses – revealed between 4th and 5th year of Hijrah in Madinah)
In the Name of Allah, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Verses 1 - 6
Allah had indeed heard the woman who disputed with you (Prophet) regarding her husband1 and her plea to Allah. Allah indeed hears both of your contentions, as Allah is Hearing, Seeing! (v1)
Those of you (men) who resort to zihar2 against your wives, your wives are not your mothers. Nobody is your mother except who gave you birth. What they say is hateful and a lie! But Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving! Those who invoke zihar on their wives, and wish to go back on their words should free a captive (raqabah) before they can resume contacts. You are being advised to do this and Allah is aware of what you do. (v2-3)
But if you do not have the means, then fast for two consecutive months, before you can touch each other. But if you are unable, then feed sixty needy people. Such guidance is for you to demonstrate your faith in Allah and His Messenger. These are limits3 set by Allah; whereas if you disbelieve, there is serious consequences! Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger will be brought low just like those before them who were humbled. For the disbelievers, there is humiliating consequence! It is the Day when Allah raise them together and inform them of their conducts. Allah records their deeds while they forget! Allah witnesses all things! (v4-6)
Verses 7 - 11
Do you not comprehend that Allah knows everything that is in the heavens and the earth? There is no secret counsel of thee where God is not the fourth, or of five where God is not the sixth, or less or more where God is not present wherever they may be. God will inform them what they did on the Day of Resurrection! Allah is the Knower of all things! Do you see them who are forbidden to hold secret counsel that they return to what they are forbidden from? They hold counsel in secret for sin, hostility and disobedience to the messenger. When they come to you (Prophet), they greet you with words that Allah does not use to greet you and then say to themselves, “Why does not Allah punish us for what we say?” Hell is sufficient for them – they will burn in, an evil destination! (v7-8)
O Believers! When you confer in private, do not give each other instigation for sin, hostility or disobedience to the messenger but give mutual counsel for goodness (ber-re) and responsible behavior (taqwa). Be mindful (attaqu) of Allah Who will gather you all. Secret counsels come from the Shaitan who wish to cause grief to the believers but he cannot hurt them without Allah’s permission. Believers should rely on Allah! (v9-10)
O Believers! When you are asked to make room in your assemblies, do make room. Allah will make room for you. When you are asked to rise, do rise. Allah will elevate you, by degrees, who achieve faith and who are given knowledge. Allah is Aware of what you do! (v11)
Verses 12 - 22
O Believers! When you wish to seek counsel from the Prophet, offer something of charity before such consultation. It is better for you, and it purifies (your intention)! But if you do not have the means, then Allah is Ever Forgiving, Merciful! If you do not do so and Allah has relented, then worry not but maintain your worship (salat), help the needy (zakat) and always obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah is fully Aware of what you do! (v12-13)
Have you seen those who makes friends with those with whom Allah is displeased? These people are neither of you nor of them. They swear with falsehood while they know! Allah will bring about severe consequences for them – it is pure evil what they do! They seek shelter under their (false) oath and push people away from Allah’s guidance. They will face a humiliating consequence. Neither their wealth nor their children will give them protection from Allah – they will have company in the Fire, a place to be confined! (v14-17)
On the Day that Allah will resurrect them, they will swear as they swear to you now and they think they will have some excuses. Unfortunately, they just lie! It is the Shaitan who has gained mastery over them and makes them forget the remembrance of Allah. They are the party of the Devil and the Devil’s party can never be successful! Those who opposed Allah and His Messenger, they will be humiliated! Allah had already prescribed, “I shall prevail – I and My Messengers!” Allah is Powerful, Mighty! (v18-21)
You will not find a community who believe in Allah and the Hereafter loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they be their fathers, sons, brothers or relatives. These are the people in who hearts Allah has impressed faith and strengthen them with a Spirit (ruh) from Himself! He will make them enter the Garden with flowing streams – Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him! These are the Party of Allah – the Party Allah attains success! (v22)
Chapter 59: The Gathering (Surah Al-Hashr) - [Recitation]
(24 verses, 4th year of Hijra)
In the name of Allah, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Verses 1 - 7
Everything that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Allah – The Mighty, The Wise! (v1)
It is God Who caused the disbelievers from among the People of the Book to leave their homes in the instance of the first banishment4. You thought they would not leave while they thought their fortress will protect them against Allah. But Allah came to them from a place they least expected and cast fear into their hearts such that they demolished their homes with their own hands and (what remained) by the hand of the believers. Therefore, take lessons if you have eyes! If it had not been decreed from Allah about this exile, they would have been chastised (in other ways) in this life and in the life to come, they will have the chastisement of the Fire! Such consequence is due to their opposition to Allah and His Messenger. Whoever opposes Allah will find Allah severe in retribution! (v2-4)
Whether you (Prophet) cut down the palm trees or leave them standing, it is Allah’s permission; He will humiliate the mischief makers! Whatever Allah restored for His Messenger without any effort from your part, it is because Allah gives authority to His Messenger as He sees fit. Allah is indeed powerful over all things! Whatever (of property) that has been restored to the Messenger, it is for Allah and His Messenger5, the kins, the orphans, the needy, the travelers and not to be taken in turns by the wealthy among you. Whatever the Messenger gives you, accept and whatever he forbids, remain aloof (without grudge). Be responsible to Allah (attaqa) – Allah is indeed severe in retribution! (v6-7)
Verses 8 - 13
It is for the poor (among you, immigrants) who fled, were driven from their homes and possessions while they sought to please Allah and find His blessings and helped Allah and His Messenger. There are the real doer of good (swadikin) – while those who had made their residence in the City (i.e., ansars (helpers) of Madinah) and achieved faith already, they find in their hearts no need for what is given (to the former) and give immigrants preference over themselves, though they may be stricken with poverty themselves. Whoever are saved from the niggardliness of their souls, they attain true success! (v8-9)
These who came afterward (in faith)6 say, “Our Sustainer, forgive us and our fellow believers who have precedence over us in faith and leave no trace of spite in our hearts for those who believe. Our Cherisher, surely You are Compassionate, Endower of Mercy!” (v10)
Have you not seen (the behavior of) the hypocrite? They say to their compatriot from among the People of the Book, “If you are expelled, we will go with you and we will never obey anyone regarding you. If you fought against, we would support you.” Allah bears witness that they are liars! If they are expelled, they will not go with them and if they are fought against, they will not help. Even if they do, they will fail them – in the end they will not be helped. You (believers) incite more fear in their hearts than from Allah – that is because they are a people who do not comprehend! (v11-13)
Verses 14 - 24
They will not fight you as united except in fortified towns or behind protective walls. They have intense internal discord – you think they are united, but their hearts are divided. This is because they are a people who do not understand! Just like their predecessors, they will soon face the evil consequences of their conducts – a chastisement severe! They are like the Devil when he whispers to people, “Disbelieve” but when they do so, he says, “I have nothing to do with you. I fear Allah – the Sustainer of the Universe!” Therefore, in the end they are both find themselves dwelling in the fire – a reward for those who do wrong! (v14-17)
O Believers! Be mindful of Allah (attaqu) and let every soul consider what it sends forth for the future. Be mindful of Allah – Allah knows what you do! Do not be like those who forget Allah and then Allah makes them forget their own souls. This is the real transgression! The companions of the Fire and the companions of the Garden cannot be alike. The dwellers in the Garden are the real achievers! (v18-20)
If We (God) had sent down the Qur’an on a mountain top, the mountain will tremble and break apart for fear of Allah. This is a parable to make you reflect! This is Allah besides Whom there is no other god – the Knower of what is Hidden and what is Seen, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy! This is Allah besides Whom there is no other god - The Sovereign, the Holy, the Source of Peace, the Giver of Security, the Protector, the Mighty, the Compeller, the Possessor of Greatness! Allah is above any partners they assign. This is Allah – the Creator, the Maker, the Shaper. His are the Most Sublime Attributes! Everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies God. God is Mighty, Wise! (v21-24)
Chapter 60: She Who is Examined (Surah Al-Mumtahanah) - [Recitation]
(13 verses; revealed between 6th and 7th years of Hijra)
In the Name of Allah, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Verses 1 - 6
O Believers! Do not take My enemy and your enemy as allies. How can you offer them friendship when they deny the truth that has come to you, they drove out the Messenger and you as well simply because you believe in Allah, your Sustainer. If you have come forth to strive (jihad) in My Way and to seek My Pleasure, would you befriend them in secret? I know what you conceal and what you expose. Therefore, whoever does this, he is indeed straying from the Path. (v1)
If they overpower you, they will be your enemy. They will stretch their hands and tongues towards you with evils and they wish that you also disbelieve. Your blood relationships and your children7 will be no use on the Day of Resurrection – God will differentiate between you. Allah sees what you do! (v2-3)
There is for you a beautiful example in Abraham and his followers when they said to their community, “We have separated from you and what you worship besides Allah! We forsake your practices. Enmity and hatred have risen between you and us and will continue until you believe in Allah alone”, except Abraham’s wish for his father, “I will ask forgiveness for you, though I control nothing for you from Allah. O Our Sustainer! On You we rely, to You we turn and to You is our coming back. Our Sustainer! Do not allow us to be an object of trial (mistreatment) from the disbelievers! Forgive us O our Sustainer! You are Mighty, You are Wise!” Again, there is good example for you in them, if you have yearning for Allah and the Afterlife. But if you turn away, then Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praised! (v4-6)
Verses 7 - 11
It is possible that Allah will establish good relations between you and your enemies. Allah is Capable! Allah is Forgiving, Endower of Mercy! Allah does not forbid such relations with those who fight you not in religion, nor drive you out from your homes; you should show kindness and deal with them justly! Allah’s prohibition regarding friendship is only towards who fight you in your religion, expel you from your homes and help others in such expulsions. If you make such people your friends, then are a participant in wrongdoing! (v7-9)
O Believers! When a faithful woman comes to you (seeking protection), assess their condition. Allah knows best their faith. If you find them to be faithful, then do not send them back to the disbelievers! Neither these (faithful women) are lawful for them (their disbelieving husbands), nor are such (disbelieving) men for these (faithful) women! Give them back what they had spent8 and there is no blame if wish to marry them as long as you pay the marriage dues (maher). Do not hold onto your marriage with disbelieving women! You (may) ask for what you had spent, and they can ask for what they had spent. This is a judgement from Allah – He judges between you – Allah is the Most Informed Judge! (v10)
If any whose wife had gone back to their disbelieving relatives and when your opportunity arrives (as a community) compensate such9 for what they had spent for their wives and act responsibly regarding Allah Whom you all believe in! (v11)
Verses 12 - 13
(Prophet) when they (believing women) pledge to you that they - (1) will not assign partners to Allah, (2) will not steal, (3) will not commit adultery, (4) will not kill their children10, (5) will not fabricate lies regarding their hands and feet11, (6) will not disobey you (Prophet) in anything that is good – then accept their pledges and seek Allah’s forgiveness for them. Allah is Forgiving, Endower of Mercy! (v12)
O you who believe! Do not take a community as friend when Allah is displeased with them – they are in despair about the Hereafter12, just as the disbelievers are in despair about the inhabitants in graves! (v13)
Chapter 61: Close Formation (Surah Al-Saff) - [Recitation]
(14 verses in total, Revealed in Madinah – possibly 2nd year of Hijrah)
In the name of ALLAH, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Verses 1 - 8
All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah – The Mighty, the Wise! (v1)
O Believers! Why do you say things that you do not do? It is most distasteful to Allah that you claim things that you do not do, while Allah loves those who fight in God’s cause in close formation, like a solid wall! (v2-4)
(Recall) when Moses said to his people, “Why do you malign me13 when you know that I am Allah’s Messenger to you?” But when they strayed, Allah also made their hearts deviate. Allah does not guide corrupt people! (v5)
(Recall) when Jesus, son of Mary, said, “O Children of Israel! I am indeed a Messenger from Allah for you, affirming the Torah that came before me and giving the good news of a Messenger who will come after me, who will be called Ahmed.” But when he came with clear reasonings, they said, “This is nothing but sorcery.” Who is more wrong than he who forges lies against Allah while be is invited to Islam. Allah does not guide unjust people! These people desire to put out the Light of Allah, while Allah will perfect the Light, thought the deniers may dislike it. (v6-8)
Verses 9 - 14
It is God Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the True Religion so that God may make it prevail over all other religions – even if the polytheists dislike it! (v9)
O Believers! Shall I show you a trade that will deliver you from painful chastisement? It is that you believe in Allah and the Messenger, strive hard in Allah’s directives with your wealth and your lives – this is better for you, if you knew! God will forgive your sins, let you enter the Garden with flowing streams, and give you wholesome living in the Garden of Perpetuity – this is the grandest of achievement! (v10-12)
Yet more blessings that you love – help from Allah and a victory close at hand – such are the good news for the believers! (v13)
O Believers! Be helpers to Allah, just as Jesus, the son of May when he addressed his disciples, “Who will help me regarding Allah?” The disciples said, “We are the helpers of Allah.” Thereafter a party of the Children of Israel believed while another party disbelieved. God aided the party that believed against its enemy, and they prevailed.14 (v14)
Chapter 62: The Congregation (Surah Al-Jumuah) - [Recitation]
(11 verses in total, Revealed in Madinah – possibly first year of Hijrah)
In the name of ALLAH, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Verses 1 - 11
All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah – the Sovereign, the Holy, the Mighty, the Wise! – Who raised a Prophet among a people who are illiterate, reciting for them the messages, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and the wisdom. Yet before they were in clear misguidance – they and others among them who are yet to join. God is Mighty, Wise! This is a grace from Allah granting it to whom He pleases! Allah’s grace is immense! (v1-4)
Those who were entrusted with the Torah but did not follow it are like an ass that carry books. Evil are the people who reject the message of Allah! Allah does not like people who are unjust! Say, “O Jewish People, if you think that you are favored by Allah to the exclusion of other people, then invoke death to prove that your claim is true.” But they will never invoke death for fear of what they have done in the past. Allah knows the unjust. Say, “The death from which you desire to flee will overtake you and you will be sent back to the Knower of Unseen and Seen – God will then inform you of what you did.” (v5-8)
O Believers! When you are called to prayer on Friday, harken to remember Allah and leave you daily occupation. It is better for you if you knew! But once the prayer is complete, disperse in the land, seek bounty from Allah and remember Allah much so that you may be successful! Say (Prophet) to them who when they see entertainment or merchandise to trade, they break away and leave you standing (in prayer), “What is with Allah is better than entertainment and merchandise. Allah is the best of Providers!” (9-11)
Chapter 63: The Hypocrites (Surah Al-Munafiqun) - [Recitation]
(11 verses in total, Revealed in Madinah – possibly 3rd year of Hijrah)
In the name of ALLAH, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Verses 1 - 11
When the hypocrites come to you, they say, “We bear witness that you are the Messenger of Allah.” Allah knows that you are His Messenger. Allah also bear witness that the hypocrites are liars! They hide under their oaths and turn people away from Allah’s path – evil is what they do! It is because they disbelieved after having faith and their hearts became sealed such that they fail to understand. (v1-3)
If you see them, their appearances please you and when they speak, you find their speech worth listening. But they are like a stick of wood, clad with garments – an enemy to you, so beware! May Allah destroy them – how they turn back! If they are urged, “Come! Allah’s Messenger will seek forgiveness for you – they turn their heads and continue provoking others – filled with arrogance and pride! Therefore, it is the same whether you ask forgiveness for them or not, Allah will never forgive them. Allah does not guide corrupt people! (v4-6)
These are the ones who say, “Do not support those who are with the Messenger so that they may abandon him,” but the treasures of the heavens and the earth belong to Allah, while they perceive not. They also say, “When we return to Madinah, those who are powerful will drive out those who are weak,” but power and might belong to Allah, His Messenger and the believers and the hypocrites do not know! (v7-8)
O Believers! Do not let your wealth and your children distract you from the remembrance of Allah. Whoever does that will become a loser! Spend from what God had given you before death comes to one of you and you say, “Our Sustainer! Why did You not give me more time so that I could have given in charity and become one of those who do good deeds?” But Allah does not give respite to a soul once its term is due. Allah is fully Aware of what you do! (v9-11)
Chapter 64: Loss of Bargaining (Surah Al-Taghabun) - [Recitation]
(18 verses in total, Revealed in Madinah – 3rd year of Hijrah)
In the name of ALLAH, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Verses 1 - 10
Everything that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah – His are the dominions and His are the praises! He possesses power over all things! He it is Who created you all – but some of you are disbelievers while others are believers. Allah sees everything that you do! He created the heavens and the earth for a purpose and shaped you with a construct for goodness. To God is the ultimate return! (v1-3)
God knows what is in the heavens and the earth and what on hides or expresses. Allah is the Knower of the secrets of the hearts! (v4)
Have you not heard the narratives of those of the past who disbelieved? They faced the evils of their conducts, and a painful consequence awaits them. This is because when their messengers came to them with revealing arguments, they said, “Will a mortal guide us?”. They denied and turned away while Allah is above all needs. Allah indeed is Self-Sufficient, Praised! The disbelievers think that they will not be resurrected. Say (Prophet), “Yes indeed, by my Sustainer God, you will be resurrected. You will then be informed of what you did; that is easy for Allah!” (v5-7)
Therefore, believe in Allah, His Messenger and the Light by which God reveals. The Day when God will gather them all – a Day of Gathering, a Day of no bargaining - whoever believes in Allah and do good, God will remove their evils and grant them entry into Gardens with flowing streams – to live there forever, a great achievement! Whereas, those who disbelieved and rejected Our Messages, they will be residents of the Fire – to live there, what an evil place to live! (v8-10)
Verses 11 - 18
No calamity ever falls except with Allah’s permission. Whoever believe in Allah, Allah guides their hearts. Allah is Ever Aware of all things! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger but if you reject, then our Messenger is only entrusted to deliver the message clearly that there is no god but Allah. Let the believers rely on Allah! (v11-13)
O Believers! Among your spouses and your children, there are enemies of you;15 so beware! But if you overlook their offences, forbear and forgive, then you will find Allah Forgiving, Merciful! Your wealth and your children are only a trial but with Allah is the grand reward! Therefore, be mindful of your duty to Allah as much as you are capable – hear, obey and spend – it is better for your souls. Whoever refrain from the meanness of their own selves are
the truly successful ones. If you set aside a good portion for Allah, Allah will double it for them and forgive them. Allah is Thankful, Forbearing, Knower of the unseen and seen, Mighty, and Wise! (14-18)
Chapter 65: The Divorce (Surah At-Talaq) - [Recitation]
(12 verses - revealed in Madinah – during 6th year of Hijrah)
In the Name of Allah, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Verses 1 - 5
O Prophet! When anyone intend to divorce their wives, they should wait until the prescribed period16, something you should calculate carefully and act responsibly regarding Allah, your Sustainer. Do not force your wives out of your houses and they should not leave on their own either – unless one has done openly a gross immoral act. These are the guidance and limits that Allah have established and whoever violate such limits set by Allah have indeed done injustice to their own souls. Perhaps Allah will bring about a change in their condition that you may not even conceive! (v1)
Once they have reached the prescribed period, stay together honorably and with goodness or separate honorably and with goodness. Secure two good witnesses from among yourselves and let them bear witness with equity for Allah’s sake. Anyone who act responsibly regarding guidance from Allah, He will deliver a way out for such people and give them sustenance from sources they can’t even conceive! Whoever put their trust on Allah, He is sufficient for them! Allah always attains His purpose – as Allah has ordained measures for everything! (v2-3)
To overcome doubts about the prescribed period, the time is three months for women who had either stopped menstruating or have not had their menses yet, while for pregnant women it is until they give birth. If you fulfil your duty to Allah, Allah will make things easy for you! This is Allah’s command revealed to you. If you keep your duty to Allah, Allah will remove your evils and enlarge your reward! (v4-5)
Verses 6 - 12
Give them accommodation according to your means and in your household and do not harass them to cause them pain. If they are pregnant, provide for them until they give birth and if they agree to suckle the baby, then give them their provisions and practice goodness to each other. If you can’t reach agreement, then someone else can suckle the baby. If Allah has provided you in abundance, then spend in abundance and if Allah has restricted your provisions, then provide out of what He has been given you – Allah does not burden a soul beyond what He has given it and Allah brings about ease after difficulty! (v6-7)
Many cities and communities that rebelled against the commandments of Allah and His Messengers were called to account for their conducts severely – God chastised them with a stern reprisal so that they can taste the consequences of their evil conducts and their end was a total loss! Allah as prepared for them severe reprisal; so be mindful if you are a people who understand and who believe. Allah has already sent down the Reminder and a Messenger who recited the messages of Allah clearly to you so that God may deliver those who believe and do good from darkness into the light. Again, those who believe in Allah and do good deeds, Allah will make them enter the Gardens with flowing streams, a place to live forever. Allah has indeed apportioned a goodly sustenance for them! (v8-11)
Allah is the One Who created the seven heavens and of the earth likewise. God’s commands comes to them so that you may recognize that Allah’s control is over all things and Allah envelopes all things in His knowledge! (v12)
Chapter 66: The Prohibition (Surah Al-Tahrim) - [Recitation]
(12 verses - revealed in Madinah – during 7th year of Hijrah)
In the Name of Allah, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Verses 1 - 7
O Prophet! Why do you abstain from something (haram) for yourself while Allah has made it lawful (halal) for you? Do you seek to please your wives? Allah is Ever Forgiving, Merciful! Allah has allowed you all to expiate your oaths (in such cases) – Allah is your Patron, being All Knowing, Wise! (v1-2)
When the Prophet confided with one of his wives, she informed others of it and Allah made the matter (of disclosure) known to him (Prophet) – some part of it, while excluding other details. When he (Prophet) questioned her of it, she said, “Who told you of this?” and the Prophet replied, “I was informed by the One, the Knowing, the Aware!” If you both (wives of the Prophet) repent, then your hearts are really inclined to Allah but if you back each other up against him (Prophet), then (know that) Allah is his Patron as well as Gabriel and righteous believers and further aided by angels as well. (v3-4)
Perhaps your Sustainer God, if he (Prophet) were to divorce you, give him in your places wives better than you – being a Muslim, faithful, conforming, humble, in love, abstaining – a widow or a virgin. (v5)
O Believers! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones with angels guarding – strong and stern – never disobeying Allah in what they are commanded and always executing as expected. O Disbelievers! Make no excuse this Day – your reward is based on what you did! (v6-7)
Verses 8 - 12
O Believers! Turn to Allah with a sincere repentance. Perchance your Sustainer God will remove from your evil deeds and allow you to enter the Gardens with flowing streams on this Day when Allah will not abase the Prophet and those who believe with him. They will say, having lights in front of them and on their right hands, “Our Sustainer God, may you make our lights most perfect and grant us protection. Indeed You possess power over all things.” (v8)
O Prophet! Strive (jahidi) against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and remain firm against them – their resident will be Hell and it is an evil dwelling place! (v9)
For the disbelievers, Allah presents examples of the wives of Noah and Lot, who acted hypocritically against their righteous husbands, who could not do nothing to protect them against Allah and (the wives) were commanded, “Enter the Fire with other entrants.” While an example for the believers is the wife of Pharaoh as she said, “My Sustainer God, may You build me a house with You in the Garden and protect me from Pharoah and his corruptions, and save me from unjust people.” (Another example is) Mary, the daughter of Amran who maintained her chastity and We (God) breathed Our Spirit (ruh) into her womb, and she affirmed the Word17 from her Sustainer God, God’s scriptures and was deeply devoted to God. (v10-12)
***Excerpt from on-going translation of the Qur’an – Removing the Middleman Series, by Rashed Hasan. Copyright by Author***
