Lesson 3: Al Baqara: A 6-7

Ayah 6-7

Tafseer:

6. Indeed, those who disbelieve – it is all the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them – they will not believe.

These are the 2^nd group of people from Surah Al Fatiha – those who earned Allah’s anger.

They are those who disbelieve in everything that Prophet (saw) brought. They don’t believe in Allah nor the Day of Judgment.

It is same for them whether you warn them or not warn them about the end, it will not make any difference to them. They won’t believe. Guidance is in hands of Allah.

7. Allāh 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 has set a seal upon their hearts; hence they are not able to get the guidance. Also has seal over their hearing, they can’t hear when Quran is being recited, also their eyes has a covering, they can’t see the signs hence they can’t reflect.

Consequently they’ll get a great punishment, in its intensity and its time.

This message is for the polytheists in Makkah, the Jews in Madina and after that everyone. Knowledge came to them yet they disbelieved.

Prophet (saw)’s character was a proof that he was a real prophet. Yet they were not able to recognize.

Heart is like a machine, if we stop using it. It will become rusty and stop working. The kaafir stop using their faculties.

Allah has sealed their hearts because of their actions. They do not want guidance themselves

[Surah Saff: 5] – “... And when they deviated, Allāh caused their hearts to deviate. And Allāh does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.”

This is the result of their actions, Allah has given these faculties (of hearing, seeing and reflecting) but as revenge due to His anger He has taken away these faculties from them.

[Jasiya: 23] - Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allāh has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allāh? Then will you not be reminded?

Accept this message to show gratitude that you recieved it.

Kinds of Kufr:

1) Major disbelieve – anyone who does this is taken out from the fold of Islam

· Kufr of rejection/ denial. Person disbelieves in Allah and then His messengers and books

· Kufr due to arrogance. Know this is the truth but he refuses.

· Kufr due to doubt and suspicion

· Kufr of turning away

· Kufr of hypocrisy

2) Minor disbelieve – doesn’t take one out of fold of Islam

· Kufr of ingratitude

[Hadith] - "Whoever has three things discovers the sweetness of Iman: that Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than all else, that he love another only for the sake of Allah Most High, and that he hate to return to kufr (disbelief) as he would hate to be thrown into fire." [Bukhari & Muslim]

Lesson 2 – Surah Al Baqara: Ayah 1-5

Tafseer:

AL BAQARA - Surah # 2 – Introduction

· Prophet (saw) said : “Do not turn your houses into graveyards for Satan runs away from the house in which Surah Al-Baqara is recited” [Muslim]

· Prophet (saw) said: “Read Surah Al Baqara for indeed its reading is a blessing. Leaving it is a source of regret. And falsehood cannot overcome it/ sorcerers cannot tamper with it”

· These two Surahs (Al Baqarah and Ale-Imran) are called “Zahrawain”- The two lights on Day of Judgment and they will come as 2 clouds and shade the believers who recite them. They’ll come like in 2 lines of birds, or like umbrella.

· This is the longest surah of Qur’an, covers approx. 2.5 Juz, has 286 verses and it’s a Madini Surah. Revealed after the migration of Prophet (saw) to Madina

· The literal meaning of Al-Baqara is The Cow as there is a mention of a cow in the chapter. Although a part of it was revealed in Mecca, it is a Madina Surah as a major portion of it was revealed in Madina.

Ayah:

1. Alif, Lām, Meem.

Huroof Muqatta’at – disjointed letters. Written together but read separately.

· [Ibn Taimiyyah – a scholar, he said]: “Arabs are being reminded that Quran is composed in their same language – Arabic but the Quran is inimitable”. Nobody can change it not anything is similar to it. Quran is Miraculous.

· [Abu Bakr]: “Every book has a secret and Allah’s secret in this book is Huroof Muqatta’at - these letters”

None but Allah knows the true meaning of these letters. There have been many theories advanced but these are just theories. No one can say with certainty because Allah did not tell us.

[Hadith] - Reciting one letter of the Quran brings you 10 virtues. Alif-Laam-Mim is not one word but 3 letters.

2. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allāh

This Qur’an is a book that has no doubts in it. It is an honored book; it is a great book with high status. Read this book with contentment it will give you peace at heart.

§ Its 1^st original copy is in Lawh ul Mehfooz, in the 7^th Heaven. It is a preserved tablet. It is at the top most place.

§ 2^nd copy is with the angels [Abasa: 12-16].

§ 3^rd copy is with us. Shouldn’t you feel honored? A copy that is with the angels is with you.

Raib – is a doubt that makes you restless. There is no doubt in it and there is no other book in the world which can make this claim. This book is the only authentic book in the world.

This is a claim that cannot be made by any author on the earth whether dead or alive.

Quran is guidance - هُدًى

It is a book that came to guide the Muttaqeen. They are those who save themselves from the sin fearing punishment of Allah. Allah gives knowledge to everyone but the one who adopts this guidance is the one who is Muttaqee i.e. one who has Taqwa (consciousness of Allah). People have hidaya irshad (knowledge) in front of them, but the hidaya tawfeeq (implementation of the knowledge) comes from a person with in himself if he desires it.

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

Qualities of Muttaqeen:

A) They believe in the unseen. They believe with their heart, say it with tongue and prove in their actions. Unseen = Things that we should believe in that are unseen ex. Resurrection after death.

B) They establish their Prayer - Salah. They pray according to Prophet (saw) - Sunnah, pray on time, with proper attire, with proper ablution – wudhu. Pray while giving each position its right and pray with tranquility. Praying five times regularly.

C) They spend from whatever they get from Allah. They spend the wealth they have in way of Allah. Spend whatever they possess whether its wealth or knowledge or anything.

Have a balanced life and spend in the balanced way giving right to all your relatives, family, needy, poor etc. Everything we have is from Allah SWT. We can show our gratitude by spending what Allah gave us in His way.

[Hadith] – Prophet (saw) said: “Sadaqa (Charity) does not reduce our wealth”

4. And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].

More qualities of Muttaqeen:

D) They also believe in what was revealed upon prophet (saw). Believe in everything that was revealed to Prophet (saw) included both: 1) Qur’an 2) Hadith/ Sunnah

E) They also affirm that the previous books were revealed by Allah i.e. Torah, Injeel, Zaboor. Islam is the only religion that accepts all the previous books and messengers. They believe in Ibrahim (as)’s leaflets, Dawood (as)’s Psalms (The Zaboor), Injeel and Torah - the Book of the Jews, the Book of the Christians.

F) They are certain that the Day of Judgment is coming. Believe without doubt. To believe in Dunya (world/life) only will lead to destruction.

5. Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.

· it. They were on guidance in Dunya - had knowledge + implementation (guidance).

· This is the key to success. Success you get after putting some effort.

· Complete success = he who is removed from fire and admitted to jannah (no ultimate success in dunya)

· Person works hard in dunya, they are on guidance therefore their Dunya is successful and so is their Akhirah. One who has achieved Paradise – (Jannah) has got success.

· In dunya everything has limits, happiness/sorrow has limits. Hereafter is limitless. Jannah’s vastness is as vast as the heavens and earths. There is no end to happiness, there will be no change. There is no boredom in Jannah.

Recap Surah Baqara Ayah 1-5

· When Iman comes to you, it beautifies you from inside. It purifies you from inside. It is important to have and it is purely for your own sake.

· Ibadah: firstly establish prayer – it teaches you discipline, punctuality, patience, focus, humility, unity, organization, purification. Our Ibadah are not just rituals they also build our character

· Zakah: giving and sharing with others, purification

· Saum: fasting gives us patience because one is controlling his biggest desire that is hunger. It teaches discipline.

· Hajj: journey through difficulty, makes you discipline, makes you social, live in difficult circumstances

· All these ibadah helps you to live with others, share with others. Makes personality complete.

· Relation with others must be based on the principle of giving and not getting. First you should give and then take.

· These basic qualities make you Muttaqee.

· Muflihoon: only after putting an effort.

Lesson 1 : Surah Al Fatiha

Verse 1-7

Tafseer:

Background

• Surah Al Fatiha is a Makki Surah (i.e. revealed before Hijra of Prophet (saw))
• 5th surah to be revealed in Chronology
• It was the first Surah (Chapter) that was revealed completely
• The first 3 verses glorify Allah and the rest of the ayats (Verses) are a prayer/dua (Invocation)
• We recite surah Fatiha 17 times in our salah daily. It is the most recited Surah.

• This is the greatest Surah of the Qur’an
• Al-Fatiha literally means ‘The Opening’

o Because it is the opening of the Quran
o Prayer opens with Surah Al-Fatiha
o It is the opening of the door to guidance itself

Names of Fatiha

Al Fatiha, Al Asas (Foundation), Ummul Kitab (Mother of the book), Ummul Qur’an (Mother of the Qur’an), Saba’ al-Masani (7 oft repeated verses), As-Salah (the prayer), Al Shifa (Healing), Al Ruqya (Remedy), Al Hamd (All Praise), Fatihatul Kitab (Opening of the book)

Virtues of Surah Fathiha

Hazrat Abu Saeed ibn Al-Mu’alla radiyallahu anhu said,
"While I was praying in the Masjid, the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam called me. I did not answer him then, but went to him afterwards and explained that I had been praying, whereupon he asked me whether Allah Ta’ala had not said, ‘Respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you.’
adding, ‘Let me teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur’aan before you leave the Masjid.’ He then took me by the hand and when we were about to go out I reminded him of his promise to me that he would teach me the greatest Surah in the Qur’aan. He said, Surah Fatihah which is the seven oft-repeated verses in the Mighty Qur’aan which has been given to me."

*** *** ***

Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reported that when Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam once asked Ubayy ibn Ka’ab radiyallahu anhu, what he recited in his prayers. He replied Umm-ul Qur’aan (Surah Fatihah) the Holy Prophet proclaimed,
"By Him in whose dominion my soul is, nothing like it has been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, or the Qur’aan and it is seven of the oft-repeated verses in the Mighty Qur’aan which I have been given."

*** *** ***

VERSES:

1. In the name of Allāh, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Begin recitation with Seeking refuge from Satan
Evidence – Surah 16:98
When we start to do anything good Satan tries to hinder us. We need Allah’s help

o Allah starts by saying بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ. In the Name of Allah the most forgiving the repeatedly Merciful.
o This is the traditional opening of the Quran
o To invoke His Mercy
o It is His Book, so we start with His name
o Prophet Sal said “Any act which is not started with Bismillah is devoid of blessings”

• Prophet taught us to start every deed, every act with بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ


2. [All] praise is [due] to Allāh, Lord of the worlds

Everything that Allah has given us, Alhumdulilah for it. All Praise for Allah. Praise Allah in every circumstance. This praise for Allah is out of Love, Respect and Gratitude to Allah. It is because He is the Lord of the worlds. He is the planner, he is maintaining everything.

He is the Creator [Khaliq], Owner [Malik] and Planner [Mudabbir]
Level of praising humans (Madh) and Allah’s praise (Hamdh) is not the same.

Allah praise for Allah for everything we asked for and we got and what we didn’t ask for and He still gave us, for ex. our faculties, our parents. He also provides provision for us when we are in the womb of our mother.

When he saw some bad he said” Alhamdullilah Ala Kulli Hal”- “Praise Be to Allah on all conditions”


3. The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful

He is Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem. His Lordship is based on Mercy and compassion

Rahman - in a broader sense means His Mercy encompasses all of mankind whether we deserve it or not. He is Ar-Rahman for everybody whether you are a believer or not Allah will give whom He wants.

Raheem - Allah is repeatedly and especially merciful for the believers. (Superlative)


4. Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.

Allah is the owner of the Day of Judgment. That Day He’ll have complete authority.
It’s a Day when deeds will be accounted. Everything is in the hands of Allah. Instead of relying on people we should rely on Allah. Turn to Allah, prepare today for that day.

Maalik = Owner and Malik = Sovereign. In this world there are kings & rulers, on the Day of Judgment ONLY ALLAH IS THE OWNER
Refer: [Surah Ghafir: 15-17] [Surah Inshiqaq: 6]


5. It is You we worship and You we ask for help

We should only worship only Him Alone. Worship out of Love and Respect.

This is manifested through our actions, through our Ibadaat for ex. Salah - We put the most prominent part of our body to the level of our feet [by prostration].
We are created to do His ibadah.
Everything is Glorifying Allah.The one who recognizes Allah; he is the one who turns to Allah. It is our choice. Man is created weak, we always depend on others. We should ask Allah for our needs.

Worship is not complete without Dua – they go side by side
Prophet (saw) and the sahabas turned to Allah in EVERY Situation.


6. Guide us to the straight path –

1st Dua Allah has taught us. Guidance is in Allah’s hands.

We are asking Allah to show us the way and give us the Tawfeeq (ability) to implement the knowledge to keep us on the path

There are two types of Guidance:
1) Hidaya Irshad/ Bayaan = Guidance that leads to knowledge
2) Hidaya Tawfeeq = Allah gives the guidance to implement the knowledge. A person gets when he asks for it. Leads to actions.

In this dua when we say “Guide us to the straight path” we are asking for the knowledge as well as implementation to that knowledge. Also asking Allah to show us the way, make us steadfast on the way and also lead us to the destination i.e. Jannah. It is the path of Allah, path of knowledge.


7. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.

What is Siratal Mustaqeen?
Path of Deen/Islam, Quran, Path of Knowledge

Definition of Siratal Mustaqeen - 3 Categories:
1. The way of those whom you favored
2. Not those who have earned your wrath
3. Not those who went astray

1st category = those who are bestowed with Allah’s favor.

[Nisa: 69] – Allah has bestowed His favor upon the Prophets, the Truthful ones, Martyrs and the Righteous ones.
Truthful are those like Abu Bakr (Ra), Martyrs are those who give up their lives for Allah, Righteous are those who obey Allah and follow Prophet (saw).

They got the blessing of Deen, Islam. They are the ones upon the guidance. They have knowledge and action. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Allah. Make dua to be like them.

2nd category = those who have earned Allah’s anger. They have Ilm (knowledge) but they did not apply it. Example – people of Nuh (as), Aad, Samood, Qaroon

3rd category = those who are astray. They have no knowledge and no practice.


Recap of Surah Al Fatiha

• Why is this surah given this name?
This name is given because it is the opening of the Qur’an. It is the foundation of Qur’an.

• Any act that is begin with Bismillah, that act is blessed by Allah.

• Al Hamd - This praise is done due to Allah’s perfection. Out of love and respect. Alhumdulilah for those things that He has given us without us asking Him. Ex: water, oxygen. Our survival depends on many different things. He created others for us, but created us for His worship.

• Allah is the Rabb of All the worlds - world of mankind, jinn, animals etc. He is sustaining everything. He is managing this whole Universe. His lordship is based on mercy and compassion. Allah’s planning is not in vain.

• Why Day of Judgment is called Day of Recompense? Yaum-ad-deen?
Because that day the good will be returned with good and bad with bad. Everything will be recompensed. Only Allah will have authority on that day alone. Every single person from the beginning till end will be brought forth that day.

• Dua is a form of worship. First dua that Allah taught us: “Guide us to the straight path”. We should seek help with Allah for everything but especially ‘siraat al-mustakeen’. He has given us food, water etc without asking. But to get guidance we have to ask Allah for it. Its just not knowing the knowledge, you have to walk upon it and then reach the destination. 1) knowledge 2) action 3) result

• Allah bestowed his favor of Islam to the Nabiyeen, Siddiqeen, Shuhada and Saliheen. They got the knowledge and implement on it. This is the straight path.

• Wrong path: those who had the knowledge but didn’t apply and those who didn’t had any knowledge. This is the opposite of straight path. Don’t go on this path, it will earn Allah’s anger and will lead you astray. If a person deviates from the right path, that person will be lost. And never come back.

• Aameen – ‘O Rabb accept this from us’. Blessing of saying Aameen after surah Al Fatiha, is that the angels are saying Ameen too along with you and all your sins will be forgiven.

Al Qur'an

لَوۡ أَنزَلۡنَا هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ عَلَىٰ جَبَلٍ۬ لَّرَأَيۡتَهُ ۥ خَـٰشِعً۬ا مُّتَصَدِّعً۬ا مِّنۡ خَشۡيَةِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَتِلۡكَ ٱلۡأَمۡثَـٰلُ نَضۡرِبُہَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

"Had We sent down this Qur'an on a mountain, verily, thou wouldst have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah. Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect". [Surah Al Hashr: 21]

-* Qur’an is a revelation of the Lord of the Worlds.

-* Angel Jibreel (as) brought it down on the earth by Will of Allah. Jibreel (as) is known as a Holy spirit, Ruh Al Quds

-* It was revealed upon the heart of Prophet Muhammad (saw).

-* It was revealed in an Arabic language. Allah made Qur’an easy to understand.

-* It came down in the form of Surah’s (Chapters). Ayahs (Verses) form together Surah’s

-* Qur’an was revealed in stages gradually. it was to strengthen the resolve of Prophet (saw), to reassure him (saw) and to console him.

-* The Qur’an was revealed in the blessed month of Ramadan. During the last 10 nights of the Laylatul Qadr.

-* It was revealed to Guide Mankind. [Ibrahim: 1]

-* Firstly Sahaba were the direct recipients of the Qur’an and then All of the mankind

-* Qur’an is upright; there is no doubt in it, no faults.

-* Names of the Qur’an
o Al Quran = One that is read a lot.
o Al Kitab = The Book
o Al Furqan = Distinguishes between truth & falsehood, tawheed from shirk etc
o Al Dhikr = Remembrance
o At-Tanzeel = Revelation

-* Quran is blessed, it is the greatest blessing anything anyone can have.

-* "And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be not divided among yourselves" [ Ale Imran: 103]
Qur’an is a rope of Allah: One part is with Allah and the other part is in your hand. It connects you directly to Allah. Rejoice and hold on to it, if you leave it you’ll be destroyed, if you hold on to it then it is means of salvation in the world and the hereafter.

-* You should live the book, study the book, it should be with you all the time, carry with you all the time

-* People of Qur’an are the chosen ones and they are people of Allah

-* [Hadith] - The best among you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it. Mercy surrounds them, angels join the gathering and Allah remembers them in His gathering of angels.

-* [Al Mujadilah: 11] = "Allāh will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees"

Orientation Day

Taleem Al Qur'an English 2009

Orientation Day: Jan 19th 2009

Welcome to Al Huda Institute

The purpose of gaining knowledge is to get the pleasure of Allah, to be admitted in Paradise and to be saved from Hell. Islam brings peace, guidance and everything that you need. Purify your intention.

• At the end of the course, we want to be better than when we began

• Hadith - When Allah wishes good for you, then He bestows understanding of Deen to you

• Hadith – The best among you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it.

• Qur’an is a great treasure. Achieve it. Grasp it.

• Make firm purpose and resolution to leave everyday better than we came in the morning

• Shaytan will come and stop you through fear, doubts, and obstacles from you getting this treasure and to prevent your connection with Allah.

• Take your family along with you through this journey of Qur’an. Knowledge increases with sharing.

• He is loved by Allah who learns and implements the knowledge of Allah.

• If you study the deen of Allah, you know your reward is with Allah.

• Hadith - The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “The expert of the Qur’an is with the honorable scribes (angels) and the one who recites Quran with a stutter, with difficulty will get a double reward”

• If you value Allah’s Kalaam (His Speech) and efforts then Allah values you and your efforts.



Ustaza: (Farhat Hashmi)

Welcome to the journey of Qur’an

It is our first duty to learn about our Creator- Allah, and how will we do this?? Through Qur’an, the words of Allah.

Quran is Kitaabun Mubarakun – it is a Blessed Book, full of Barakah, full of benefits. It is a Key to Success. Blessed will be the ones who hold it.

• Write down your intentions in the cover page of your Quran that you can see regularly and always be reminded of your intentions and your wish.


Shamsa Malik: (Institute In-charge)

Allah has chosen you for this noble cause – studying of Quran
Blessed people, say SubhanAllah to be in this environment
This is a hard journey, make dua for steadfastness


Taimiyyah Zubair: (Word Analysis Teacher)

Welcome to Al Huda to explore the world of Quran

Vision of Al Huda – Qur’an for All. In every hand, in every heart

"Learn, act and convey the knowledge.”

Why is it important to understand Qur’an in Arabic?
- Because Allah chose this language, Arabic can convey meanings that no other language can convey
- Miracle of Qur’an is realized only through this
- In Translation, meaning is lost
- To know what the strongest interpretation of the verses are

Focus of Word Analysis:
- Analyze word grammatically
- Looking at word linguistically
- Look at word contextually


Sophia Awan: (Course In-charge)

Subjects in Taleem al Quran-

1. Proper recitation and Tajweed of Qur’an
2. Arabic Writing
3. Translation and Word-to Word
4. Tafseer
5. Aqeedah
6. Fasting, Hajj, Zakah etc
7. Heroes of Islam
8. Seerah
9. Study of Religion
10. and many more!!!


Aisha Altaf: (Tafseer teacher)

Welcome O Seeker of Knowledge
May Allah bless this journey of ours and put Barakah in it
Whatever people collect, gather, hoard… Quran is the best thing that one can collect/ gather
*Qur’an needs to be Valued!!*

To gain anything, you have to give something.

If you have something precious and valuable, your enemy tries to snatch it away from you. Here your enemy is the Shaytan, since you got the opportunity to study the Qur’an, to gain knowledge.

Knowledge is in 2 parts:
1. Knowledge itself
2. The etiquettes of knowledge

Abdullah bin Mubarak said: “Adab is 2/3rd of knowledge”

Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge

1. Sincerity – is it for Allah?
2. Concentration – focus in class
3. Silence – Internal and External (ex. Thoughts)
4. Perceive the knowledge – listen to it, ask questions
5. Ponder and reflect – take out lessons for yourself
6. Express the knowledge that you gain – express though speaking or writing to family and friends
7. Have correct attitude – “Your attitude determines your altitude”
8. Benefit from the resources around you – scholars, internet, books etc.
9. Love those who are around you – respect, care for them, don’t have grudges


Objectives of Learning Qur’an – what are we trying to achieve

2 ways to achieve the task:

1. just do it, in any way or form
2. excel in a task, do in the best possible way with Ihsan


Goals

o To understand the meaning of the Qur’an – directly from Mushaf. Giving justice to it.

o Prioritize the Qur’an – give the importance that it deserves

o To inculcate Taqwa in our hearts within ourselves – to fear Allah and be pious.

o Connect to Allah – Because Allah is the Greatest, He is the ONE who created us from nothingness, He sent us the Messenger Prophet (saw), He is the ONE who got us out of darkness’s, He created man so that we Worship HIM

o Qur’an is His Speech – Kalaam Allah

o To develop a balance personality