Category: Uncategorized

Aayat Zaffar Din’s journey from learning the art to turning it into an entrepreneurial venture is an example of how dedication, hard work pays rich dividends.

She started her journey from making little birthday cards for loved ones to making logos and posters for brands. Hailing from south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, Aayat says that graphic designing is not so digemari banyak orang among people in Kashmir, definitely not a career option, but I want to change that notion through my work It was during the COVID peak when Aayat started her journey by launching the merk ‘Paper Ink by Aayat’

“I always wanted to be a graphic designer and the COVID lockdown period gave me a chance to work on it, I was always keen on art and crafts since I was a kid as I am sure most of the designers would say same thing,” she says.

“From my childhood, I was in love with colors and I still am, it is because of this fact that I choose this field,” she said adding that “I was overwhelmed by the love and support everybody on the internet was showering me with, I may not have a lot of followers, and that should definitely not define your merk or your work. It is the love and support which I think, is all that is driving me to do this.”

After completing her high school in 2016 at Unison World School, Dehradun, India. She was awarded a Jury Award for her project in Graduation and an Excellence Award as well.

” I did my Bachelors in Communication Design, it helped me a lot, during my studies I have many people who knew about the design international and helped me with it, my teachers helped a lot,” she said adding that “I learned about what design really means and what are ways in which I can further craft it into my career,” says Aayat

What further made her choose Pearl Academy for pursuing her Bachelor in Communication Design in 2016.

n the Quran, Allah (swt) says: “Help one another in acts of piety and righteousness. And do not assist each other in acts of sinfulness and transgression. And be aware of Allah. Verily, Allah is severe in punishment” (Quran 5:2).

“[Prophet], have you considered the person who denies the Judgement? It is he who pushes aside the orphan and does not urge others to feed the needy.“(Quran 107:1-3)

“Goodness does not consist in turning your face towards East or West. The truly good are those who believe in God and the Last Day, in the angels, the Scripture, and the prophets; who give away some of their wealth, however much they cherish it, to their relatives, to orphans, the needy, travelers and beggars and to liberate those in debt and bondage; those who keep up the prayers and pay the prescribed alms; who keep pledges whenever they make them; who are steadfast in misfortune, adversity and times of danger. These are the ones who are true, and it is they who are aware of God”. (Al Quran 2:178)

Indeed, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred; and forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and wrongful transgression. He admonished you that you may take heed. (Al Quran 16:91)

“Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Self-Sufficient, Most Forbearing.” (Quran 2:263)

And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways. And Indeed, Allah is with those who are of service to others. (Al Quran 29:70)

Indeed, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good. (Al Quran 16:129)

The reward of goodness is nothing but goodness. (Al Quran 55:61)

O ye people! fear your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and created therefrom its mate, and from them twain spread many men and women; and fear Allah, in Whose name you appeal to one another, and be mindful of your duty to Allah, particularly respecting ties of relationship. Verily, Allah watches over you. (Al Quran 4:2)

Those who spend in prosperity and adversity, and those who suppress anger and pardon men; and Allah loves those who do good. (Al Quran 3:135)

And who is better in faith than he who submits himself to Allah, and he is a doer of good, and follows the religion of Abraham, the upright? And Allah took Abraham for a special friend. (Al Quran 4:126)

Some Hadith

Narrated Mu’awiyah ibn Hayadah: I said: “Apostle of Allah! To whom should I show kindness?” He replied: “Your mother, next your mother, next your mother, and then comes your father, and then your relatives in order of relationship.“

(Sunan Abu-Dawud 5121)

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.”

Closed Doors And The Illusions That Blind Us
My 22 month old sought to exercise his independence. After climbing out of his car seat, he wanted to shut the car door like a big boy, so I stood there watching over him. Realizing that if I left him to shut the door, his little head would have gotten slammed in the process, I lifted him away, and shut the door myself. This devastated him, and he broke down in tears. How could I prevent him from doing what he so badly wanted to do?
Watching the incident, a strange thought crossed my mind. I was reminded of all the times this had happens to us in life—when we want something so badly, but Allah does not allow us to have it. I was reminded of all the times we as adults felt this same frustration when things just wouldn’t work out the way we so desperately wanted them to. And then suddenly, it was so clear. I had only taken my son away from the door to protect him. But he had nomor idea. In the midst of his mourning, he had nomor idea that I had actually saved him. And just as my son wept in his naivety and innocence, so often we too bemoan events that have actually saved us.
When we miss a plane, lose a job, or find ourselves unable to marry the person we want, have we ever stopped to consider the possibility that it may have been for our own good? Allah tells us in the Quran: “…But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.” (2:216)
Yet it is so difficult to look beyond the surface of things. It takes great strength to see beyond the illusions, to a deeper truth—which we may or may not understand. Just as my son could not understand how my depriving him of what he most wanted at that momen was in fact my looking out for him, we are often just as blind.
As a result, we end up staring indefinitely at the closed doors of our lives, and forget to notice the ones that have opened. When we can’t marry the person we had in mind, our inability to look beyond may even blind sight us from someone who is in fact better for us. When we don’t get hired, or we lose something dear to us, it’s hard to take a langkah back and notice the bigger picture. Often Allah takes things away from us, only to replace them with something greater.
Even tragedy may happen in this way. One can imagine few calamities more painful than the loss of a child. And yet, even this loss could happen to save us and give us something greater. The Prophet said:
If the child of a servant (of Allah) dies, Allah says to His Angels: ‘Have you taken the child of My servant?’
The Angels reply: ‘Yes.’
Allah says to them: ‘Have you taken the fruit of his heart?’
They reply: ‘Yes.’
Then Allah says to them: ‘What did my servant say?’
The Angels reply: ‘He praised Allah and said: ‘To Allah do we return.’
Allah tells them: ‘Build a home for my servant in Paradise and call it Baytul Hamd (the House of Praise).’ [Tirmidhi]
When Allah takes something as beloved from us as a child, it may be that He has taken it in order to give us something greater. It may be because of that loss, that we are admitted into paradise—an eternal life with our child. And unlike our life here, it is an everlasting life where our child will have nomor pain, fear, or sickness.
But in this life, even our own sicknesses may not be what they seem. Through them Allah may be in fact purifying us of our sins. When the Prophet was suffering from a high fever, he said: “No Muslim is afflicted with any harm, even if it were the prick of a thorn, but that Allah expiates his sins because of that, as a tree sheds its leaves.” [Bukhari]
In another hadith the Prophet explains that this applies even to sadness and worry. He says: “Whenever a Muslim is afflicted with a hardship, sickness, sadness, worry, harm, or depression – even a thorn’s prick, Allah expiates his sins because of it.” [Bukhari]
Or consider the example of poverty. Most people without wealth would never consider that a possible blessing. But for the people around Qarun, it was. Qarun was a man who lived at the time of Prophet Musa who Allah had endowed with such great wealth, that even the keys to his wealth was itself wealth. The Qur’an says: “So he came out before his people in his adornment. Those who desired the worldly life said, ‘Oh, would that we had like what was given to Qarun. Indeed, he is one of great fortune.’” (28:79)
But Qarun’s wealth had made him arrogant, ungrateful, and rebellious against Allah. Allah says: “And We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. And there was for him nomor company to aid him other than Allah, nor was he of those who [could] defend themselves. And those who had wished for his position the previous day began to say, ‘Oh, how Allah extends provision to whom He wills of His servants and restricts it! If not that Allah had conferred favor on us, He would have caused it to swallow us. Oh, how the disbelievers do not succeed!’” (Qur’an, 28:81-82) After seeing the fate of Qarun, the same people became grateful that they had been saved from his wealth.
But perhaps there is nomor better example of this lesson, than in the story of Musa and Al-Khidr that we are told about in Surat Al-Kahf. When Prophet Musa was traveling with Al-Khidr (who commentators say was an angel in the form of a man), he learned that things are often not what they seem, and that the wisdom of Allah cannot always be understood from the surface. Al-Khidr and Prophet Musa came upon a town whereupon Al-Khidr began to damage the boats of the people.
On the surface, this action would seem to have been harmful to the poor owners of the boats. However, Al-Khidr later explains that he was in fact protecting the people, and saving the boats for them. Allah tells us in the Qur’an: “[Al-Khidhr] said, ‘This is parting between me and you. I will inform you of the interpretation of that about which you could not have patience. As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working at sea. So I intended to cause defect in it as there was after them a king who seized every [good] ship by force.’” (18:78-79)
In damaging the boats, Al-Khidr was actually protecting the people by making the boats undesirable to the king who had been seizing them by force. And sometimes in life, that’s exactly what happens. In order to save us, something is taken away from us, or given to us in a way we don’t want. And yet to us—as it did to a 22 month old boy—it looks only like a closed door.

Working all day long but not getting healthy diet? Starting with a cup of coffee? Gearing up with snacks plus coke in break? But did you know all this simply make you less productive plus efficient.

Eating at the wrong time the wrong quantity of meal
So how you can increase your productivity? Eating at the wrong time with overburdened work life plus few sleeping hours increase your waist plus make you fall in the fat body list. Islam has given healthy diet plans with a scheduled life to help us in becoming healthy plus happy.

Try to start your day early with a healthy diet plus eat the least amount of food before sleep.

Focus on the Diet
Always eat in your senses, focus on your food not on TV or cellphone. Eat less plus chew more as it would reduce the chances of gaining fat.

Always eat variety of food rather than eating only red, white meat or vegetables.

What Quran says about the Diet?
Quran says in Surah Taha, verse 81:

“Eat plus drink, but avoid excess.” [20:81].

“And He enforced the balance. That you exceed not the bounds; but observe the balance strictly, plus fall not short thereof.” [55:7-9]

Our beloved Prophet PBUH said,
“No human being has ever filled a container worse than his own stomach. The son of Adam needs nomor more than a few morsels of food to keep up his strength, doing so he should consider that a third of his stomach is for food, a third for drink plus a third for breathing” [Ibn Maja].

Why some foods are restricted in Islam?
According to the Quran, the only specifically prohibited foods are meat of animals that die by themselves, blood, pig meat or any other food devoted to other than Allah.

Muslims consume halal (legitimate) foods, including fruit, vegetables, plus eggs.

Consumption of meat Muslims consume must come from a slaughtered halal animal. Milk plus dairy products are halal, whatever the ingredients, cheese can be halal. There are issues that not all meat sold as halal is in fact so careful source is important.

Haram (forbidden) foods involve pork, crustaceans, blood, plus non-halal animal additives including the gelatin or suet, alcohol plus any ingredient foods containing alcohol.

Law of necessity in Islam
Allah says in Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 173:

“He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, plus that which has been dedicated to other than Allah . But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is nomor sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving plus Merciful” [2:173].

Thus the above verse states that forbidden things can be consumed if there is some emergency, or in a necessity, or if a person is dying from hunger. Therefore, those products can be taken not intentionally but in necessity. In Shariah law this is the “law of necessity”: “everything that is necessary makes the illegal permissible.” Indeed Islam is the easiest religion plus Allah is the most merciful.

Allah has forbidden the food which has been hunted during the pilgrimage. Allah has explained this in Quran, in Surah Al-Maidah, verse 1:

“O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur’an] – hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram. Indeed, Allah ordains what He intends” [5:1].

Prohibited methods of slaughtering
An animal which is killed using the following methods is prohibited:

• beaten to death
• died due to falling
• killed by being smitten by horn
• eaten by wild beast
• Struck to death

Allah has given the detailed explanation of prohibiting ways of slaughtering in Surah Al-Maidah, verse 3:

“Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and [prohibited is] that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience. This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful [5:3].”

List of foods mentioned in Quran and their benefits

• Game of Sea
  Game of water is permitted which Quran has mentioned in Surah Al-Maidah, verse 96:

“Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers, but forbidden to you is game from the land as long as you are in the state of ihram. And fear Allah to whom you will be gathered” [5: 96].

• Food hunted by hunting animals and bird
  Animals which are hunted by trained birds and animals are permitted. Allah says this in Surah Al-Maidah, verse 4:

“They ask you, [O Muhammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, “Lawful for you are [all] good foods and [game caught by] what you have trained of hunting animals which you train as Allah has taught you. So eat of what they catch for you, and mention the name of Allah upon it, and fear Allah .” Indeed, Allah is swift in account” [5:4].

• Food of People of the Book
  Jewish and Christian food is permissible for Muslims, and Islamic food is lawful for Jews and Christians alike. Allah has also mentioned this in Surah Al-Maidah, verse 5:

“This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers. And whoever denies the faith – his work has become worthless, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers” [5:5].

All of the verses and Hadiths and their description say that Islam has given detailed explanation about food and has classified food into halaal and haram categories. Thus, to be the healthy person we should follow and consume the right food in the right amount.

Pendirian Imam al-Asy’ari Masalah Istiwa’

Dengan nama Allah Tuhan Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang. Segala pujian ke atas Junjungan Mulia Rasulullah SAW yang menjadi panutan (uswatun hasanah) bagi kita umatnya.

Dalam tulisan kali ini, aku senang untuk membawakan mengenai ungkapan Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Asy’ari mengenai masalah istiwa’.

Allah SWT sudah berfirman didalam al-Quran:

الرحمن على العرش استوى

Ertinya:
“Allah Yang Maha Pemurah, beristiwa’ di atas Arasy.” (Thaha: 5)

Kata Imam al-Asy’ari didalam kitabnya al-Ibanah ‘an Usul al-Diyanah:

إن قال قائل : ما تقولون في الاستواء ؟ قيل له: نقول: إن الله عز و جل يستوي على عرشه استواء يليق به من غير طول استقرار

“Jika seseorang bertanya, bagaimana pendapat anda mengenai istiwa’? Maka katakanlah kepadanya, sebenarnya Allah SWT beristiwa’ di atas ‘Arasy-Nya sesuai bersama dengan kemuliaan-Nya bersama dengan tanpa menetap.”

Sebenarnya ucapan ini tidak memiliki tujuan untuk menentukan arah atau tempat bagi Allah SWT. Tetapi, soalan yang dikemukakan oleh seseorang kepada Imam al-Asy’ari itu, sekadar idamkan jelas mengenai pendirian Imam al-Asy’ari, mirip ada beliau bersikap tafwidh (tidak mentakwil atau mentafsir) atau menyita jalur takwil.

Maka, daripada ucapan Imam al-Asy’ari yang sudah dinukilkan di atas, difahami daripadanya bahawa beliau tidak menyita jalur takwil pada ayat tersebut. Beliau pilih untuk bersikap tafwidh, iaitu tidak mentakwilnya. Ini kerana para ulama didalam kalangan Ahli Sunnah berpendapat bahawa ayat tersebut adalah termasuk ayat mutasyabihat, yakni ayat yang tidak diketahui makna yang sebenarnya melainkan Allah SWT.

Dengan sebab itu jugalah, pada awal tulisan beliau sudah menyatakan mengenai perkara istiwa’ ini:

وأن الله تعالى استوى على العرش على الوجه الذي قاله وبالمعنى الذي أراده استواء منزها عن الممارسة والاستقرار والتمكن والحلول والانتقال لا يحمله العرش بل العرش وحملته محمولون بلطف قدرته ومقهورون في قبضته .

Ertinya:
“Allah beristiwa’ di atas ‘Arasy adalah seperti yang sudah Dia firmankan dan bersama dengan makna yang dikehendaki-Nya. Allah beristiwa’ bersama dengan tanpa perlu latihan, tanpa menduduki tempat, tanpa mengalami penurunan dan berubah tempat. Allah tidak dipikul oleh ‘Arasy, lebih-lebih ‘Arasy dan malaikat yang memikul ‘Arasylah yang dipikul bersama dengan rahmat dan kekuasaan-Nya. Mereka tunduk di bawah kekuasaan-Nya.

Ungkapan beliau “tanpa menduduki tempat” dan “tanpa menurun” menunjukkan bahawa Allah tidak bertempat dan berarah seperti makhluk. Dan beliau pilih untuk bersikap tafwidh tanpa mentakwil ayat Istiwa’. Sesungguhnya bersikap tafwidh (tidak banyak berkata mengenai ayat mutasyabihat) adalah sikap para salafussoleh.

Kesimpulannya, tidak benar kecuali dikatakan bahawa Imam al-Asy’ari condong kepada fahaman Allah bertempat di atas ‘Arasy. Oleh yang demikian, pendirian Imam al-Asy’ari didalam persoalan istiwa’ ialah beliau bersikap tafwidh dan tidak mentakwil, apatah kembali menentukan bahawa ‘Arasy adalah tempat bagi Allah SWT.

Mariam Khan Reporting Live 13th July 2018 Written Episode, Written Update on TellyUpdates.com

The Episode starts with Aayat lying to Mariam about a medicinal gift for Aijaz, that would make him strong. Mariam imagines and gets glad. She sees OT and recalls Majaaz. She says I have to go back home. Aayat says I have leg ache, sit here, I will consult a doctor and get medicines. She asks the nurse to prepare for the tests. Nurse says we did all the arrangements, just get her. Zain and Mahira sit for engagement. Meher asks Mahira to forward her hand. They see Mahira wearing some ring. Madiha asks what’s all this. Mahira says I was trying some rings and this got stuck. Meher says I have practice to remove unwanted things. She taunts Mahira and removes the ring off her finger. Rifat says the ring which Zain will make you wear won’t get off all life.

Zain and Mahira exchange rings. Everyone claps and hugs them. Aayat asks are you afraid, you are a coward, not brave like your dad. Mariam says I m not scared. Aayat says then just do as I say. Mariam agrees. Omkar gets Gauri for examination. Doctor checks Gauri. He says she will fine, its normal chest pain, you can get these tests done. Gauri says its good you didn’t say anything to Majaaz. They come to the lab and wait outside. Doctor checks Mariam. Mariam says I m not scared, its so much fun. Madiha looks for Mariam. She tells Majaaz that Mariam isn’t here. They all look for Mariam. A lady makes some drink fall on Majaaz and says sorry. He says its fine, I will go and wash it up. Mariam gets scared seeing the injection. Aayat says be habitual to bear pain. She asks are you scared, you said you aren’t afraid, this is your last test, it will decide if you win or lose. Mariam refuses. Aayat says you are a coward. Mariam says I won’t quit the game.

She gets the injection and screams. Omkar says it was Mariam’s voice. Aayat says you are so brave, we shall leave now. Mariam sees Omkar and Gauri. Aayat pinches her and stops her from saying anything. Aayat says we came to get surprise gifts, we came here as I had some leg pain. Omkar asks why did yo hurry and left Mahira’s engagement. Mariam says I didn’t tell mum and dad about it. Aayat says I want to make everyone happy. Mariam asks Gauri is she fine. Omkar says yes, she is fine. Aayat says I know you can’t trust me, but I respect you the same way. She takes Mariam with her. Madiha says Aayat has taken Mariam along. Majaaz says Mariam will be around. Aijaz says what, I don’t trust Aayat. Rifat asks what happened. Mariam comes home. Madiha runs and hugs her. Majaaz asks where did you take Mariam. Aijaz asks how dare you take Mariam along. Mariam says surprise, see what gift I got for you. She shows the gifts for everyone. She says Aayat was hurt, so we had to go to doctor, don’t scold her please. Aayat says its all my bad luck, everyone gets upset with me. Majaaz says never mind, Mariam go and have food, Aayat you take some rest. Aayat stares at Mariam. Madiha asks Mariam what’s this mark. Mariam says that’s…. Aayat signs nomer to her.

The revelation of this Book (the Qur’ân) is from Allâh, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

2. 
   Verily, We have sent down the Book to you (O Muhammad SAW) in truth: So worship Allâh (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allâh’s sake only, (and not to show-off, plus not to set up rivals with Him in worship).
3. 
   Surely, the religion (i.e. the worship plus the obedience) is for Allâh only. And those who take Auliyâ’ (protectors plus helpers) besides Him (say): “We worship them only that they may bring us near to Allâh.” Verily, Allâh will judge between them concerning that wherein they differ. Truly, Allâh guides not him who is a liar, plus a disbeliever.
4. 
   Had Allâh willed to take a son (or offspring or children), He could have chosen whom He pleased out of those whom He created. But glory be to Him! (He is above such things). He is Allâh, the One, the Irresistible[].
5. 
   He has created the heavens plus the earth with truth. He makes the night to go in the day plus makes the day to go in the night. And He has subjected the sun plus the moon. Each running (on a fixed course) for an appointed term. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving.
6. 
   He created you (all) from a single person (Adam); then made from him his wife [Hawwa’ (Eve)]. And He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs (of the sheep, two, male plus female; of the goats, two, male plus female; of the oxen, two, male plus female; plus of the camels, two, male plus female). He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation in three veils of darkness, such is Allâh your Lord. His is the kingdom, Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turned away?
7. 
   If you disbelieve, then verily, Allâh is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful (by being believers), He is pleased therewith for you. No bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, so He will inform you what you used to do. Verily, He is the All-Knower of that which is in (men’s) breasts.
8. 
   And when some hurt touches man, he cries to his Lord (Allâh Alone), turning to Him in repentance, but when He bestows a favour upon him from Himself, he forgets that for which he cried for before, plus he sets up rivals to Allâh, in order to mislead others from His Path. Say: “Take pleasure in your disbelief for a while: surely, you are (one) of the dwellers of the Fire!”
9. 
   Is one who is obedient to Allâh, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter plus hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allâh’s Signs plus Verses).
10. 
    Say (O Muhammad SAW): “O My slaves who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism), be afraid of your Lord (Allâh) plus keep your duty to Him. Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this world, plus Allâh’s earth is spacious (so if you cannot worship Allâh at a place, then go to another)! Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning.[]”
11. 
    Say (O Muhammad SAW): “Verily, I am commanded to worship Allâh (Alone) by obeying Him plus doing religious deeds sincerely for Allâh’s sake only plus not to show off, plus not to set up rivals with Him in worship;
12. 
    “And I am commanded (this) in order that I may be the first of those who submit themselves to Allâh (in Islâm) as Muslims.”
13. 
    Say (O Muhammad SAW): “Verily, if I disobey my Lord, I am afraid of the torment of a great Day.”
14. 
    Say (O Muhammad SAW) “Allâh Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only plus not to show-off, plus not to set up rivals with Him in worship.”
15. 
    So worship what you like besides Him. Say (O Muhammad SAW): “The losers are those who will lose themselves plus their families on the Day of Resurrection. Verily, that will be a manifest loss!”
16. 
    They shall have coverings of Fire, above them plus covering (of Fire) beneath them; with this Allâh does frighten His slaves: “O My slaves, therefore fear Me!”
17. 
    Those who avoid At-Tâghût[] (false deities) by not worshipping them plus turn to Allâh in repentance, for them are glad tidings; so announce the good news to My slaves,
18. 
    Those who listen to the Word [good advice Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh) plus Islâmic Monotheism, etc.] plus follow the best thereof (i.e. worship Allâh Alone, repent to Him plus avoid Tâghût, etc.) those are (the ones) whom Allâh has guided plus those are men of understanding (like Zaid bin ‘Amr bin Nufail[], Salmân Al-Fârisi plus Abû Dhar Al-Ghifârî). [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, Vol. 12, P. 244]
19. 
    Is, then one against whom the Word of punishment justified (equal to the one who avoids evil). Will you (O Muhammad SAW) rescue him who is in the Fire?
20. 
    But those who fear Allâh plus keep their duty to their Lord (Allâh), for them are built lofty rooms; one above another under which rivers flow (i.e. Paradise). (This is) the Promise of Allâh: plus Allâh does not fail in (His) Promise.
21. 
    See you not, that Allâh sends down water (rain) from the sky, plus causes it to penetrate the earth, (and then makes it to spring up) as water-springs plus afterward thereby produces crops of different colours, plus afterward they wither plus you see them turn yellow, then He makes them dry plus broken pieces. Verily, in this, is a Reminder for men of understanding.
22. 
    Is he whose breast Allâh has opened to Islâm, so that he is in light from His Lord (as he who is non-Muslim)? So, woe to those whose hearts are hardened against remembrance of Allâh! They are in plain error!
23. 
    Allâh has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Qur’ân), its parts resembling each other in goodness plus truth, oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin plus their heart soften to the remembrance of Allâh. That is the guidance of Allâh. He Guides therewith whom He pleases plus whomever Allâh sends astray, for him there is nomer guide.
24. 
    Is he then, who will confront with his face the awful torment on the Day of Resurrection (as he who enters peacefully in Paradise)? And it will be said to the Zâlimûn (polytheists plus wrong-doers, etc.): “Taste what you used to earn!”
25. 
    Those before them belied, plus so the torment came on them from directions they perceived not.
26. 
    So Allâh made them to taste the disgrace in the present life, but greater is the torment of the Hereafter if they only knew!
27. 
    And indeed We have put forth for men, in this Qur’ân every kind of similitude in order that they may remember.
28. 
    An Arabic Qur’ân, without any crookedness (therein) in order that they may avoid all evil which Allâh has ordered them to avoid, fear Him plus keep their duty to Him.
29. 
    Allâh puts forth a similitude: a (slave) man belonging to many partners (like those who worship others along with Allâh) disputing with one another, plus a (slave) man belonging entirely to one master, (like those who worship Allâh Alone). Are those two equal in comparison? All the praises plus thanks be to Allâh! But most of them know not.
30. 
    Verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) will die plus verily, they (too) will die.
31. 
    Then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will be disputing before your Lord.
32. 
    Then, who does more wrong than one who utters a lie against Allâh, plus denies the truth [this Qur’ân, the Prophet (Muhammad SAW), the Islâmic Monotheism, the Resurrection plus the reward or punishment according to good or evil deeds] when it comes to him! Is there not in Hell an abode for the disbelievers?
33. 
    And he (Muhammad SAW) who has brought the truth (this Qur’ân plus Islâmic Monotheism) plus (those who) believed therein (i.e. the true believers of Islâmic Monotheism), those are Al- Muttaqûn (the pious plus righteous persons – see V.2:2).
34. 
    They shall have all that they will desire with their Lord. That is the reward of Muhsinûn (good-doers – see V.2:112).
35. 
    So that Allâh may remit from them the evil of what they did plus give them the reward, according to the best of what they used to do[].
36. 
    Is not Allâh Sufficient for His slave? Yet they try to frighten you with those (whom they worship) besides Him! And whom Allâh sends astray, for him there will be nomer guide.
37. 
    And whomsoever Allâh guides, for him there will be nomer misleader. Is not Allâh All-Mighty, Possessor of Retribution?
38. 
    And verily, if you ask them: “Who created the heavens plus the earth?” Surely, they will say: “Allâh (has created them).” Say: “Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allâh, if Allâh intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm, or if He (Allâh) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?” Say : “Sufficient for me is Allâh; in Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must put their trust[].”
39. 
    Say: (O Muhammad SAW) “O My people! Work according to your way, I am working (according to my way). Then you will come to know,
40. 
    “To whom comes a disgracing torment, plus on whom descends an everlasting torment.”
41. 
    Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Qur’ân) for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his ownself, plus whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his (own) loss. And you (O Muhammad SAW) are not a Wakîl (trustee or disposer of affairs, or keeper) over them[].
42. 
    It is Allâh Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, plus those that die not during their sleep. He keeps those (souls) for which He has ordained death plus sends the rest for a term appointed. Verily, in this are signs for a people who think deeply.
43. 
    Have they taken others as intercessors besides Allâh? Say: “Even if they have power over nothing whatever plus have nomer intelligence?”
44. 
    Say: “To Allâh belongs all intercession. His is the Sovereignty of the heavens plus the earth, then to Him you shall be brought back.”
45. 
    And when Allâh Alone is mentioned, the hearts of those who believe not in the Hereafter are filled with disgust (from the Oneness of Allâh (<><>) plus when those (whom they obey or worship) besides Him [like all false deities other than Allâh, it may be a Messenger like ‘Iesa (Jesus) ­ son of Maryam (Mary), ‘Uzair (Ezra), an angel, a pious man, a jinn, or any other creature even idols, graves of religious people, saints, priests, monks, etc.] are mentioned, behold, they rejoice![]
46. 
    Say (O Muhammad SAW): “O Allâh! Creator of the heavens plus the earth! All-Knower of the Ghaib (unseen) plus the seen. You will judge between your slaves about that wherein they used to differ.”
47. 
    And those who did wrong (the polytheists plus disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh), if they had all that is in earth plus therewith as much again, they verily, would offer it to ransom themselves therewith on the Day of Resurrection from the evil torment, plus there will become apparent to them from Allâh, what they had not been reckoning[].
48. 
    And the evils of that which they earned will become apparent to them, plus they will be encircled by that which they used to mock at!
49. 
    When harm touches man, he calls to Us (for help), then when We have (rescued him from that harm and) changed it into a favour from Us, he says: “Only because of knowledge (that I possess) I obtained it.” Nay, it is only a trial, but most of them know not!
50. 
    Verily, those before them said it, yet (all) that they had earned availed them not.
51. 
    So, the evil results of that which they earned overtook them. And those who did wrong of these [people to whom you (Muhammad SAW) have been sent], will also be overtaken by the evil results (torment) for that which they earned, plus they will never be able to escape[].
52. 
    Do they not know that Allâh enlarges the provision for whom He wills, plus straitens it (for whom He wills). Verily, in this are signs for the folk who believe!
53. 
    Say: “O ‘Ibâdî (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds plus sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allâh, verily Allâh forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful[].
54. 
    “And turn in repentance plus in obedience with true Faith (Islâmic Monotheism) to your Lord plus submit to Him, (in Islâm), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped.
55. 
    “And follow the best of that which is sent down to you from your Lord (i.e. this Qur’ân, do what it orders you to do plus keep away from what it forbids), before the torment comes on you suddenly while you perceive not!”
56. 
    Lest a person should say: “Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allâh (i.e. I have not done what Allâh has ordered me to do), plus I was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth! i.e. Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), the Qur’ân, plus Muhammad SAW plus at the faithful believers, etc.]
57. 
    Or (lest) he should say: “If only Allâh had guided me, I should indeed have been among the Muttaqûn (pious plus righteous persons – see V.2:2).”
58. 
    Or (lest) he should say when he sees the torment: “If only I had another chance (to return to the world) then I should indeed be among the Muhsinûn (good-doers – see V.2:112).”
59. 
    Yes! Verily, there came to you My Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) plus you denied them, plus were proud plus were among the disbelievers.
60. 
    And on the Day of Resurrection you will see those who lied against Allâh (i.e. attributed to Him sons, partners, etc.) their faces will be black. Is there not in Hell an abode for the arrogant ones?
61. 
    And Allâh will deliver those who are the Muttaqûn (pious – see V.2:2) to their places of success (Paradise). Evil shall touch them not, nor shall they grieve.
62. 
    Allâh is the Creator of all things, plus He is the Wakîl (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian, etc.) over all things.
63. 
    To Him belong the keys of the heavens plus the earth. And those who disbelieve in the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, such are they who will be the losers.
64. 
    Say (O Muhammad SAW to the polytheists, etc.): “Do you order me to worship other than Allâh O you fools ?”
65. 
    And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad SAW), as it was to those (Allâh’s Messengers) before you: “If you join others in worship with Allâh, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, plus you will certainly be among the losers[].”
66. 
    Nay! But worship Allâh (Alone plus none else), plus be among the grateful.
67. 
    They made not a just estimate of Allâh such as is due to Him. And on the Day of Resurrection the whole of the earth will be grasped by His Hand[] plus the heavens will be rolled up in His Right Hand. Glorified is He, plus High is He above all that they associate as partners with Him!
68. 
    And the Trumpet will be blown, plus all who are in the heavens plus all who are on the earth will swoon away, except him whom Allâh will. Then it will blown a second time plus behold, they will be standing, looking on (waiting)[].
69. 
    And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord (Allâh, when He will come to judge among men) plus the Book will be placed (open) plus the Prophets plus the witnesses will be brought forward, plus it will be judged between them with truth, plus they will not be wronged.
70. 
    And each person will be paid in full of what he did; plus He is Best Aware of what they do.
71. 
    And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups, till, when they reach it, the gates thereof will be opened (suddenly like a prison at the arrival of the prisoners). And its keepers will say, “Did not the Messengers come to you from yourselves, reciting to you the Verses of your Lord, plus warning you of the Meeting of this Day of yours?” They will say: “Yes, but the Word of torment has been justified against the disbelievers![]”

Patience is a value highly esteemed in Islam. The word “patience” often appears in the Quran and Hadith as an important teaching for Muslims. Let’s explore the significant benefits of patience in Islam.

Patience in the Quran
Drawing Closer to Allah
The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153) teaches the importance of patience:

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”

This verse reminds us that when we are patient in facing trials and difficulties, we draw closer to Allah SWT. Patience is a way to strengthen faith and fortify our relationship with the Creator.

Great Reward
Allah SWT also promises a great reward for those who are patient. In Surah Az-Zumar (39:10), Allah says:

“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without measure.”

This is a joyous promise from Allah to those who choose to be patient in facing life’s challenges. This immeasurable reward will be granted in the hereafter.

Baca juga: Doa Agar Dimudahkan Segala Urusan, Rezeki, dan Kesehatan

Forgiveness and Mercy of Allah
In Surah An-Nahl (16:96), Allah emphasizes that He will grant forgiveness and mercy to those who are patient:

“And whatever good they do – never will it be removed from them. And Allah is Knowing of the righteous.”

Patience in facing various life challenges is a testament to our obedience to Allah, and in return, Allah will bestow His forgiveness and mercy.

Benefits of Patience in Daily Life
Overcoming Life’s Trials
We all face trials in life, be it financial problems, health issues, or relationship struggles. With patience, we can better overcome these challenges. Being patient allows us to take wise steps in dealing with problems, without rushing or excessive emotion.

Improving Social Relationships
Patience also plays a significant role in our social relationships. In everyday life, we interact with a variety of people who have different backgrounds and opinions. By being patient, we can maintain harmonious relationships with those around us, creating a peaceful and respectful environment.

Self-Control
Patience helps us control ourselves. When we feel angry or frustrated, patience teaches us to reflect on our actions and avoid impulsive or harmful behavior to ourselves and others.

Baca juga: Inilah 5 Cara Agar Selalu Istiqomah di Jalan Allah

Self-Improvement
Being patient gives us time to reflect on and improve our weaknesses. It’s an opportunity to develop ourselves and become better individuals.

Exemplary Stories from Hadith
Hadiths are sources of Islamic teachings that also underline the importance of patience. Here are some exemplary stories from Hadiths:

Patience in Life’s Trials
In a Hadith narrated by Ahmad, Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

“Know that patience is at the first strike of a calamity.”

In this Hadith, the Prophet reminds us that patience is first tested when we face a calamity. It is a crucial peristiwa to be patient and face it with a sincere heart.

Patience in Worship
In a Hadith narrated by al-Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.”

In the context of worship, such as prayer, fasting, or charity, patience is key. Even though it may sometimes feel burdensome, continually performing worship with patience is a way to draw closer to Allah.

Patience in Social Relationships
In a Hadith narrated by Tirmidzi, Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

“A believer does not maintain good relations with his brother unless he is patient with his brother’s bad traits.”

This Hadith teaches the importance of patience in maintaining social relationships. Sometimes, others may have bad traits, but with patience, we can maintain good relations.

Patience in Islam has great benefits, not only in drawing closer to Allah and attaining rewards but also in facing life’s trials, improving social relationships, controlling oneself, and self-improvement. In our daily lives, we can take inspiration from the verses of the Quran and Hadiths to live a better life with patience.

In all our actions, whether in worship or social interactions, let us always remember the value of patience taught by Islam. With patience, we can face all of life’s trials with a calm and sincere heart, making ourselves better and earning blessings from Allah SWT.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

إِنَّهُمْ فِتْيَةٌ آمَنُوا بِرَبِّهِمْ وَزِدْنَاهُمْ هُدًى

innahum fityatun amanoo birabbihim wazidnahum hudan

Indeed, they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance.

(Surah Al-Kahf, Quran 18:13)

My dear brothers and sisters, youth, elders- the Prophet (pbuh) was once sitting with his most beloved companions, Abu Bakr and Omar and Ali and ‘Uthman. And he said,

وَدِدْتُ أَنِّي قَدْ رَأَيْتُ إِخْوَانَنَا – “I wish I could see my brothers.”

And they all started looking around and they asked him,

أَلَسْنَا إِخْوَانَكَ – “Are we not your brothers?“

And the Prophet (pbuh) replied, أَنْتُمْ أَصْحَابِي وَلَكِنْ إِخْوَانِي الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِي وَلَمْ يَرَوْنِي – “You are my companions, but my brothers are the ones that will come after me and they will believe in me, even though they have not seen me.”

Those are my brothers. So that’s us that he’s talking about. That’s us. We are the brothers and sisters of the Prophet (pbuh) that he wants to see. SubhanAllah. He wants to see us bring about good. He wants to see us in Jannah. He wants to see us on the Day of Judgment, as a part of his nation, as a part of his Ummah. Today I would like to talk about one segment of this ummah that is on everyone’s minds and that is our youth, our young people.

I remember growing up in Houston, Texas and we would hear khutbah after khutbah about how the youth are misguided. The youth have nomer direction. We need to guide the youth. And honestly, it was depressing to hear that, “oh, the youth are misguided.” It’s actually pretty depressing to hear that every Jummah after Jummah, Friday after Friday.

It’s important that we empower our young people and that we give them a positive message and role models to look up to. Both role models from the past and role models from the present. The Prophet (pbuh) was a positive person. He was an optimistic person. Our book, the Quran- what does it start with? It starts with الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ – it starts with all praises are due to Allah. This is an optimistic message. This is a positive message.

A lot of times we see things going on in the fasilitas and we see things going on here and there and in the community. And we start to become cynical and we start to become negative, when in actuality, there is so much to be positive about. In the past 60 years, there was nomer Islam in this country or Islam was at a very small footprint in this country, starting with the slaves that were brought over here forcefully. But in the past 50-60 years, SubhanAllah, there’s Muslims in every corner. There are large numbers of Muslims in every major city, SubhanAllah.

I taught at an Islamic school in the U.S. Virgin islands (in the middle of the Caribbean.) Who would have thought that there’s a large enough Muslim population for there to be an Islamic school in the middle of the Caribbean? SubhanAllah, and that’s only happened in the past 50-70 years. So there’s so much to be positive and so much to be optimistic about actually, but we have to sometimes look at the bigger picture.

So, what does the Quran tell us about young people?

If you look at the examples that are given to us of the prophets, they were not old people. They were young people. So some of you might be thinking, “well, I’m past that age, now I’m old. So what does this have to do with me?” Well, the responsibility of the elders is to direct, to guide, to advise, to have mercy, to allow the young people to make mistakes. And it’s the young people’s job to be the torchbearers for our next generation- to be the generation that brings Islam forward in this country and in this world. That is the responsibility of the youth. And that’s a huge responsibility. I know it sounds like such a huge thing.

Let us look at the examples from the Quran-

The first example that comes to mind is the story of Yusuf (as). As a young boy, he is betrayed by his own brothers. He doesn’t start off life on the right foot. He’s just a young boy and his brothers have dumped him in the middle of the jungle in a well, but does he lose hope? Does he lose patience? No, he is resilient. His belief in Allah remains strong. That is why he eventually, even after being sold into slavery, even after being put into prison for many years and forgotten, eventually he rises to the top of the entire government of Egypt. He gets to the top and the king places him in the highest position. He has all the power. Whatever he wants to do, he can do. He rises there, SubhanAllah! What a story.

We look at the story of Ibrahim (as). He was a young boy when he questioned the ways of his father’s forefathers and questioned his own father. Even though his father threatened him, that “if you continue questioning, I’m going to beat you up,” he still questioned and eventually he left and he became a Prophet of Allah.

If we look at Ismail (as), he was a teenager and his father came to him and said, “Allah says I have to sacrifice you.” And what did he say? He said, “if Allah is telling you this, O Father, then go ahead. Do what you have to do.

سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ

satajidunee in shaa Allahu mina alssabireena

You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.”

(Surah As-Saffat, Quran 37:102)

you will find me patient. I will be patient. I will do what needs to be done.”

If you look at the example of Maryam (as) – she has to confront her people with this baby. Everyone’s wondering, where did this child come from? And she has to confront her people all by herself. Everyone has left her side. Everyone is accusing her of wrong doing and she has to bring this child SubhanAllah. Can you imagine what she must have felt? “Through those nine months, what’s going to happen to me? What are the people going to say to me?” But Allah tells her to take a vow of silence and she comes forward. She puts her trust in Allah and the baby speaks. Subhan Allah. The child, Isa (as), speaks.

All of these examples that the Quran gives are of young people. Young people are our greatest resource. I don’t think anyone doubts that, but it’s important that we emphasize them and we maintain positivity and optimism, and that we push and we encourage them and we give them as many opportunities as they need. And that we work together for that.

We look at the story of the people of the cave, Surah Al-Kahf. The surah that we are encouraged to read every Friday, you have the story of the people of the cave. Allah says, إِنَّهُمْ فِتْيَةٌ آمَنُوا بِرَبِّهِمْ وَزِدْنَاهُمْ هُدًى – Allah explicitly says they were young people who believed in their Lord, وَزِدْنَاهُمْ هُدًى and so we increased them in guidance. As a result of them being youth, we increase them in guidance. We increase them in the support that they had, even though they had nomer support amongst their people, even though they had to stand up against the ruler and they had to face the persecution and the discrimination. They did it, even though they were young people. And so Allah protected them. Allah gave them refuge because they placed their trust in him. So those are some of the stories from the Qur’an that many of us have heard, but we need to realize that these were young people that were doing. They were the resource of the ummah. They were the resource of Islam.

And if we look at the companions of the Prophet (pbuh), Ali (ra) was the first Muslim male to accept Islam. How old was he? He was eight years old. Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) was in his twenties. ‘Uthman (ra) also in his early twenties or late teens. They were all very young. Subhan Allah.

After the Prophet’s (pbuh) death, even before he died, he appointed Osama as the leader of an army and Osama was 19 years old. 19 years old, and he was leading an army. There were people that were much more experienced than him that he was leading. But the Prophet (pbuh) entrusted him. After the Prophet (pbuh) died, people said, “well, you know what? We shouldn’t put Osama. He is not experienced, he’s young.” And Abu Bakr (ra) said, “how can I remove Osama when the Prophet (pbuh) has put Osama in this position? How can I remove him?” And so he led the army and he succeeded.

So those were the examples of the companions. They went far and wide. They could have stayed in Medina but it is because of their sacrifices that they were young and they could go out and they could spread the message of Islam that many of us today, we are Muslim because of their sacrifices. So those were the companions of the Prophet (pbuh).

If we look today, still we find young Muslims. Mohammed Ali, the boxer, he was 24, after he won the championship and the Vietnam war came about and he was drafted and he refused to be drafted into the army. And as a result, what happened? They took away all of his titles. They took away all of his titles and from 24 to 28, lost four years of peak boxing years. Those were the years where you make the most money. You have all your titles in those four years, he lost all four of those years. He sacrificed them. Subhan Allah.

Malcolm X was in his twenties when he became a leader and when he became the face of his community. Even today we have, Subhan Allah. sister Ilham. She’s a Somali American in the legislation and the state representative in Minnesota.

So it’s important for us to encourage our young people to follow these role models and to continue to do good, especially when times are tough. Because all the examples- Yusuf (as), Ibrahim (as), Maryam (as), the people of the cave. All of these people. It was not easy for them. It was actually very difficult for them. They had to go through trials and tribulations. No one said it was going to be easy.

Allah tells us, “Did you think that you would say you believe and you would not be tested?” Yes. There will be a test, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Allah promises us in Surah Ash-Sharh, Quran 94:5 – فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا – that with every hardship, with every difficulty there comes ease. It’s one of the only verses that is recited twice in a row. إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا – remember that with difficulty there comes ease.

One of the things that’s important for us to remember, because someone might say, “young people, they’ve lost their respect. They don’t respect their elders.” This is where I remind everyone of the hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) when he says,

لَيْسَ مِنَّا مَنْ لَمْ يَرْحَمْ صَغِيرَنَا وَيُوَقِّرْ كَبِيرَنَا – “He is not one of us who does not have mercy on our young and does not respect our elders” . (Jami-at Tirmidhi)

He is not amongst us, who does not respect the elders and does not have mercy on youth. So Prophet (pbuh) put these two groups of people together. The first thing he said was, “respect your elders, respect them. They lived longer than you. They have experience, they have wisdom. Respect them, respect what they have to say. Even if you disagree, respectfully disagree with etiquette. And if you have nothing good to say, then stay silent and just accept it.“

The Prophet (pbuh) says that, “whoever doesn’t do this, they’re not from us.” Then we also have to remember the second half of this hadith, what did he say?

“O Prophet of Allah. Forgive them. Pardon them, seek forgiveness for them, and consult them.” Isn’t that amazing? When someone makes a mistake what do you say? Well, “I don’t want to listen to your advice because you’ve made a mistake.” But still, even though they made a mistake, Allah commands the Prophet (pbuh), “No, consult them, still take their advice.” Even though young people might have made mistakes in the past, we can still take their advice and we can take their consultation.

This is something that even Omar (ra) did. He used to take Ibn Abbas to all of his meetings. Omar is this 50 year old man and Ibn Abbas is barely out of his teens. He’s 19-20 and he takes him along to all of his meetings and he consults with him that, “what is your idea? What is your advice? What do you think? You’re young, but what do you think?” That is the way the Prophet (pbuh) taught his companions to be. That is the way he taught his Sahaba to be, to take advice from everyone, even if they’re much younger because they can give you a perspective that you’ve never heard before.

As I was saying, it starts at the home that parents should make sure that they consult with their children. They should see what their children have to say. They should not shame and humiliate their children in front of others. A lot of time as parents, we fall into that. We shame or humiliate our children in front of other people. We cannot do that. That’s not a part of mercy. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “if you don’t have mercy, you’re not from us.”

Similarly, children will have to respect what your parents have to say. You have to respect. You have to hear them out. You can’t interrupt them. You can’t shout at them. You can’t get angry at them and break things or shout at them or whatever. You have to respect what they have to say. If you disagree, you have to disagree in the best of ways, in the most respectful way. And if you can’t manage to do that, then you stay silent. You don’t say anything. So it starts at the home. If the home is good, then the whole community is good. But if the home is bad, then the whole community turns bad. The home is the heart of the community.

The second thing that people say is, “well, what can I do with my children or with my youth?” There’s a lot of things that go on, but you actually have to go out of your way to ask someone. Ask the imam, ask the community members, go on the website, there’s so many ways for you to find out what’s going on.

So we ask Allah, that He guides us, that He guides our youth, that He guides our elders, that He guides our children, that He guides our parents, that He guides our grand parents. That He blesses us and that He forgives us for our shortcomings. We ask Allah that He helps us to follow the way of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). We ask Allah that He guides our community, that He helps our community, that He protects our community. We ask Allah that He accept our good deeds. Ameen.

عِبَادَ اللّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

Servants of Allah. Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

اُذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ يَذْكُرْكُمْ واشْكُرُوهُ يَزِدْكُمْ واسْتَغْفِرُوهُ يَغْفِرْ لكُمْ واتّقُوهُ يَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ مِنْ أَمْرِكُمْ مَخْرَجًا

وَأَقِمِ الصّلَاة

Remember Allah, the Great – He will remember you. Thank Him for His favors – He will increase you therein. And seek forgiveness from Him – He will forgive you. And be conscious of Him – He will provide you a way out of difficult matters.

And, establish the prayer.

Ala-Maududi
(2:62) Whether they are the ones who believe (in the Arabian Prophet), or whether they are Jews, Christians or Sabians – all who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and do righteous deeds – their reward is surely secure with their Lord; they need have nomer fear, nor shall they grieve.[80]

80. The context of the verse makes it clear that it is not attempting to enumerate in detail all the articles of faith in which one should believe, or all the principles of conduct which one should follow in order to merit reward from God. These matters are mentioned elsewhere, in their appropriate places. The aim of the verse is merely to repudiate the illusion cherished by the Jews that, by virtue of their being Jews, they have a monopoly of salvation. They had long entertained the notion that a special and exclusive relationship existed between them and God. They thought, therefore, that all who belonged to their group were predestined to salvation regardless of their beliefs and actions,. whereas all non-Jews were predestined to serve as fodder for hell-fire.

To clarify this misgiving the Jews are told that what really matters in the sight of God is true faith and good deeds rather than resmi affiliation with a certain religious community. Whoever has true faith and good deeds to his credit is bound to receive his reward, since God will judge people on the basis of merit rather than on the grounds that a man’s name happens to be listed in the world as a member of one religious community or the other.

Ala-Maududi
(2:256) There is nomer compulsion in religion.[285] The Right Way stands clearly distinguished from the wrong. Hence he who rejects the evil ones[286] and believes in Allah has indeed taken hold of the firm, unbreakable handle. And Allah (Whom he has held for support) is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

285. Din here signifies the belief about God embodied in the above ‘Verse of the Throne’ and the entire system of life which rests upon it. The verse means that the system of Islam, embracing belief, morals and practical conduct cannot be imposed by compulsion. These are not things to which people can be yoked forcibly.
286. Literally taghut means anvone who exceeds his legitimate limits. In the Qur’anic terminology, however, it refers to the creature who exceeds the limits of his creatureliness and arrogates to himself godhead and lordship. There are three stages of man’s transgression and rebellion against God. The first stage is that one acknowledges in principle that obedience to God is right, but disregards it in practice. This is fisq (transgression). The second stage is that one not only disobeys but also rejects obedience in principle, and thus either refuses to become the subject of anyone at all or adopts someone other than God as the object of pelayanan and devotion. This is kufr (infidelity). The third stage is that one not only rebels against one’s Lord but also imposes one’s own will (in disregard of the Will of God – Ed.) on God’s world and God’s creatures. Anyone who reaches such a point is termed taghut and nomer one can be a true believer in God unless the authority of such a taghut (evil one) is rejected.

Sadaqah is mentioned in the Qur’an multiple times in its chapters.

In surah two, verse thirty-three Allah says: “And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity, plus bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship)”. From the Qur’an we learn that giving is simply worth “the reward with their Lord: on them shall be nomer fear, nor shall they grieve” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:274).
And He has made me blessed wherever I am plus has enjoined upon me Prayer plus Zakah as long as I remain alive. (Surah Maryam 19:31).
Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds plus grants abundance, plus to Him, you will be returned” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:245).
You will not attain to piety until you spend of that which you love” (Surah Al’Imran, 92).
And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you plus he says, “My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity plus be among the righteous.” (Surah Al-Munāfiqūn, 10).
Charitable men plus charitable women who have loaned Allah a good loan—it will be multiplied for them, plus for them is a generous reward. (Surah al-Hadid, 18).

Return on Investment 700%
This verse tells metaphorically the reward for charity. Giving one dollar to Sadaqah brings multiple rewards. The Sadaqah has a positive effect on the recipient as one dollar is transferred sequentially to the benefit of others.

The verse tells us that everything we offer has the ability to increase 700 times. This means that the return on investment is 700%.

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains.

And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing plus Knowing. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 261).

1. 
   O Prophet (Muhammad SAW)! Keep your duty to Allâh, and obey not the disbelievers and the hypocrites (i.e., do not follow their advices). Verily! Allâh is Ever All­Knower, All­Wise.
2. 
   And follow that which is inspired in you from your Lord. Verily, Allâh is Well­Acquainted with what you do.
3. 
   And put your trust in Allâh, and Sufficient is Allâh as a Wakîl (Trustee, or Disposer of affairs).
4. 
   Allâh has not put for any man two hearts inside his body. Neither has He made your wives whom you declare to be like your mothers’ backs, your real mothers. [Az­Zihâr is the saying of a husband to his wife, “You are to me like the back of my mother” i.e. You are unlawful for me to approach.][], nor has He made your adopted sons your real sons. That is but your saying with your mouths. But Allâh says the truth, and He guides to the (Right) Way.
5. 
   Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allâh. But if you know not their father’s (names, call them) your brothers in faith and Mawâlîkum (your freed slaves). And there is nomor sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend. And Allâh is Ever Oft­Forgiving, Most Merciful.
6. 
   The Prophet is closer to the believers than their ownselves[], and his wives are their (believers’) mothers (as regards respect and marriage). And blood relations among each other have closer personal ties in the Decree of Allâh (regarding inheritance) than (the brotherhood of) the believers and the Muhajirûn (emigrants from Makkah, etc.), except that you do kindness to those brothers (when the Prophet SAW joined them in brotherhood ties). This has been written in the (Allâh’s Book of Divine) Decrees (Al­Lauh Al­Mahfûz).”
7. 
   And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad SAW), and from Nûh (Noah), Ibrâhim (Abraham), Mûsa (Moses), and ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). We took from them a strong covenant.[]
8. 
   That He may ask the truthfuls (Allâh’s Messengers and His Prophets) about their truth (i.e. the conveyance of Allâh’s Message that which they were charged with). And He has prepared for the disbelievers a painful torment (Hell-fire).
9. 
   O you who believe! Remember Allâh’s Favour to you, when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [i.e. troops of angels during the battle of Al­Ahzâb (the Confederates)]. And Allâh is Ever All­Seer of what you do.
10. 
    When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harbouring doubts about Allâh.
11. 
    There, the believers were tried and shaken with a mighty shaking.
12. 
    And when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease (of doubts) said: “Allâh and His Messenger (SAW) promised us nothing but delusions!”
13. 
    And when a party of them said: “O people of Yathrib (Al­Madinah)! There is nomor stand (possible) for you (against the enemy attack!) Therefore go back!” And a band of them ask for permission of the Prophet ( SAW) saying: “Truly, our homes lie open (to the enemy).” And they lay not open. They but wished to flee.
14. 
    And if the enemy had entered from all sides (of the city), and they had been exhorted to Al­Fitnah (i.e. to renegade from Islâm to polytheism) they would surely have committed it and would have hesitated thereupon but little.
15. 
    And indeed they had already made a covenant with Allâh not to turn their backs, and a covenant with Allâh must be answered for.
16. 
    Say (O Muhammad SAW to these hypocrites who ask your permission to run away from you): “Flight will not avail you if you flee from death or killing, and then you will enjoy nomor more than a little while!”
17. 
    Say: “Who is he who can protect you from Allâh if He intends to harm you, or intends mercy on you?” And they will not find, besides Allâh, for themselves any Walî (protector, supporter, etc.) or any helper.
18. 
    Allâh already knows those among you who keep back (men) from fighting in Allâh’s Cause, and those who say to their brethren “Come here towards us,” while they (themselves) come not to the battle except a little.
19. 
    Being miserly towards you (as regards help and aid in Allâh’s Cause). Then when fear comes, you will see them looking to you, their eyes revolving like (those of) one over whom hovers death, but when the fear departs, they will smite you with sharp tongues, miserly towards (spending anything in any) good (and only covetous of booty and wealth). Such have not believed. Therefore Allâh makes their deeds fruitless, and that is ever easy for Allâh.
20. 
    They think that Al­Ahzâb (the Confederates) have not yet withdrawn, and if Al­Ahzâb (the Confederates) should come (again), they would wish they were in the deserts (wandering) among the bedouins, seeking news about you (from a far place); and if they (happen) to be among you, they would not fight but little.
21. 
    Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad SAW) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day and remembers Allâh much.
22. 
    And when the believers saw Al­Ahzâb (the Confederates), they said: “This is what Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) had promised us, and Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) had spoken the truth, and it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allâh).
23. 
    Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allâh [i.e. they have gone out for Jihâd (holy fighting), and showed not their backs to the disbelievers], of them some have fulfilled their obligations (i.e. have been martyred), and some of them are still waiting, but they have never changed [i.e.they never proved treacherous to their covenant which they concluded with Allâh] in the least[].
24. 
    That Allâh may reward the men of truth for their truth (i.e. for their patience at the accomplishment of that which they covenanted with Allâh), and punish the hypocrites if He will or accept their repentance by turning to them in Mercy. Verily, Allâh is Oft­Forgiving, Most Merciful.
25. 
    And Allâh drove back those who disbelieved in their rage, they gained nomor advantage (booty, etc.). Allâh sufficed for the believers in the fighting (by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels). And Allâh is Ever All­Strong, All­Mighty.
26. 
    And those of the people of the Scripture who backed them (the disbelievers) Allâh brought them down from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) a kelompok (of them) you killed, and a kelompok (of them) you made captives.
27. 
    And He caused you to inherit their lands, and their houses, and their riches, and a land which you had not trodden (before). And Allâh is Able to do all things.
28. 
    O Prophet (Muhammad SAW)! Say to your wives: If you desire the life of this world, and its glitter, Then come! I will make a provision for you and set you free in a handsome manner (divorce)[].
29. 
    But if you desire Allâh and His Messenger, and the home of the Hereafter, then verily, Allâh has prepared for Al­Muhsinât (good­doers) amongst you an enormous reward.
30. 
    O wives of the Prophet! Whoever of you commits an open illegal sexual intercourse, the torment for her will be doubled, and that is ever easy for Allâh.
31. 
    And whosoever of you is obedient to Allâh and His Messenger SAW , and does righteous good deeds, We shall give her, her reward twice over, and We have prepared for her Rizqan Karima (a noble provision Paradise).
32. 
    O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allâh), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.
33. 
    And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform As-Salât (Iqamât­as­Salât), and give Zakât and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh wishes only to remove Ar­Rijs (evil deeds and sins, etc.) from you, O members of the family (of the Prophet SAW), and to purify you with a thorough purification.
34. 
    And remember (O you the members of the Prophet’s family, the Graces of your Lord), that which is recited in your houses of the Verses of Allâh and Al­Hikmah (i.e. Prophet’s Sunnah legal ways, etc. so give your thanks to Allâh and glorify His Praises for this Qur’an and the Sunnah). Verily, Allâh is Ever Most Courteous, Well­Acquainted with all things.
35. 
    Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allâh in Islâm) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islâmic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allâh), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allâh has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allâh has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord Allâh), the men and the women who give Sadaqât (i.e. Zakât, and alms, etc.), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadân, and the optional Nawâfil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allâh much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc. for more than 300 times extra over the remembrance of Allâh during the five compulsory congregational prayers) or praying extra additional Nawâfil prayers of night in the last part of night, etc.) Allâh has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).

(4:3) If you fear that you might not treat the orphans justly, then marry the women that seem good to you: two, or three, or four.4 If you fear that you will not be able to treat them justly, then marry (only) one,5 or marry from among those whom your right hands possess.6 This will make it more likely that you will avoid injustice.

Notes

4. Commentators have explained this in the following ways:

(i) There is the view of ‘A’ishah who says that men tended to marry orphan girls who were under their guardianship out of consideration for either their property, beauty or because they thought they would be able to treat them according to their whims, as they had no one to protect them. After marriage such men sometimes committed excesses against these girls. It is in this context that the Muslims are told that if they fear they will not be able to do justice to the orphan girls, then they should marry other girls whom they like. (This interpretation seems to be supported by (verse 127 )of this surah.)

(ii) The second view is that of Ibn ‘Abbas and his disciple ‘Ikrimah who expressed the opinion that in the Jahiliyah period there was no limit on the number of wives a man could take. The result was that a man sometimes married as many as ten women and, when expenses increased because of a large family, he encroached on the rights either of his orphan nephews or other relatives. It was in this context that God fixed the limit of four wives and instructed the Muslims that they may marry up to four wives providing they possessed the capacity to treat them equitably.

(iii) Sa’id b. Jubayr, Qatadah and some other commentators say that while the Arabs of the Jahiliyah period did not approve of subjecting orphans to wrong, they had no concept of justice and equity with regard to women. They married as many women as they wanted and then subjected them to injustice and oppression. It is in this context that people are told that if they fear perpetrating wrongs on orphans they ought to be equally worried about perpetrating them on women. In the first place they should never marry more than four, and of those four, they should marry only as many as they can treat fairly.

Each of the three interpretations is plausible and all three may possibly be correct. Moreover, the verse could also mean that if a person does not find himself able to treat orphans in a fair manner, then he might as well marry the women who are looking after those orphans.

5. Muslim jurists are agreed that according to this verse the maximum number Of wives has been fixed at four. This conclusion is also supported by traditions. It is reported that when Ghaylan, the chief of Ta’if, embraced Islam he had nine wives. The Prophet (peace be on him) ordered him to keep only four wives and divorce the rest. Another person, Nawfal b. Mu’awiyah, had five wives. The Prophet (peace be on him) ordered him to divorce one of them. (For the relevant traditions see the comments of Ibn Kathir and Qurtubi on this verse – Ed.)

This verse stipulates that marrying more wives than one is permissible on the condition that one treats his wives equitably. A person who avails himself of this permission granted by God to have a plurality of wives, and disregards the condition laid down by God to treat them equitably has not acted in good faith with God. In case there are complaints from wives that they are not being treated equitably, the Islamic state has the right to intervene and redress such grievances.

Some people who have been overwhelmed and overawed by the Christianized outlook of Westerners have tried to prove that the real aim of the Qur’an was to put an end to polygamy (which, in their opinion, is intrinsically evil). Since it was widely practised at that time, however, Islam confined itself to placing restrictions on it. Such arguments only show the mental slavery to which these people have succumbed. That polygamy is an evil per se is an unacceptable proposition, for under certain conditions it becomes a ethical and social necessity. If polygamy is totally prohibited men who cannot remain satisfied with only one wife will look outside the bounds of matrimonial life and create sexual anarchy and corruption. This is likely to cause much greater harm than polygamy to the ethical and social order. For this reason the Qur’an has allowed those who feel the need for it to resort to polygamy. Those who consider it an evil in itself may certainly denounce it in disregard of the Qur’an and may even argue for its abolition. But they have no right to attribute such a view to the Qur’an, for it has expressed its permission of polygamy in quite categorical terms. Indeed, there is not the slightest hint in the Qur’an that could justify the conclusion that it advocates abolition of polygamy. (For further elaboration see my book, Sunnat k A’iniHaythiyat, Lahore, 3rd edition, 1975, pp. 307-16.)

6. This expression denotes ‘slave-girls’, i.e. female captives of war who are distributed by the state among individuals. The purpose of this verse is to tell men that if their financial circumstances do not permit them to support a free woman as their wife then they may marry a slave-girl (see verse 25 below); if they consider it necessary to have more than one wife and it would be difficult for them to treat their free wives equitably they may resort to slave-girls, for here the burden of obligations is lighter by comparison. (For further injunctions regarding slave-girls seen. 44 below.)

What Allah says about the Quran in the Quran

• There is no doubt in this Book (2:2).
• Allah has taken the responsibility to explain it (75:19).
• Allah says He has revealed the Quran and He will protect it (15:9).
• Allah’s revelation to the Prophet (PBUH) is written in the Quran (6:19). There is no verse in the Quran which says that Allah’s revelation to the Prophet (PBUH) is outside the Quran.
• Momineen are asked to obey the revelation from Allah (7:3).
• The Prophet (PBUH) was asked to obey the revelation sent down on him (10:109).
• The Prophet (PBUH) was asked to follow the Quran (75:18).
• Allah required the Prophet (PBUH) to follow the blessed Book sent down on him (6:155).
• The Prophet (PBUH) used to judge matters according to the revelation sent down on him (5:48).
• Those who do not judge matters according to what Allah has revealed are Kaafirs (5:44).
• In the Quran, Allah has completed His message and no one can change anything in it (6:34, 6:115).
• The Quran encompasses the message of earlier revelations (5:48). So, the truth of earlier revelations is now contained in the Quran.
• In it there are no contradictions (4:82).
• Allah has called the Quran “Tibyaanan li Kulli Shaiyin (16:89)”. This means it explains everything.
• Allah gives many verses on a particular topic over and over again (6:105, 17:41). This means that we have to collect all the verses on a topic in order to understand it fully. This is the Divine method of understanding the Quran.
• The Prophet (PBUH) was required to solve all human differences through the Quran (16:64).
• The Prophet (PBUH) was required to admonish and remind people through the Quran (50:45).
• The Quran itself is light (5:15). So, it is not dependent on another source of light.
• This light (i.e., the Quran) has been given so that human beings, using this light, can travel safely on the path of life (6:122).
• Allah undertook the responsibility to collect the Quran (75:17). [The logical conclusion from this verse is that the Quran was collected and put together by the Prophet (PBUH). Allah decided the sequence of Surahs and verses and no one else besides the Prophet (PBUH) could have received the direction from Allah on how to put them together. There is no verse in the Quran asking the Prophet (PBUH) to delegate this extremely important responsibility to anyone else.]
• Whatever difference human beings have, the decision is with Allah (42:10). [Since Allah’s decision is contained only in the Quran, it is logical to believe that it has the power to serve as the constitution for the entire world, creating a universal brotherhood. The tipe implemented by the Prophet (PBUH) is a proof of this.]

These are some of the verses, which clearly establish what the position of the Quran should be in the life of Muslims.

Parents are precious, plus they give so much to their children. As Muslims, we are persistently commanded to do two things, worship Allah alone plus treat our parents with respect plus kindness.

Our mothers plus fathers devote much of their time plus energy to raising their children. There are countless stories of immigrant parents, for example, leaving their home countries to give their children a chance at a better life.

Below are Islamic sayings about parents demonstrating the importance of the child-parent relationship.

Our Duty
“And worship Allah plus do not set up any partners with Him. And treat the parents with moral excellence.”

Surah An-Nisa 4:36

Their Right to Demand
Narrated Abu Umamah: A man said, “Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) what rights can parents demand from their children?” He replied, “They are your Paradise plus your Hell.”

Al-Tirmidhi – Hadith 1277

Look at Your Parents with Mercy
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him plus his family) said:

“Every righteous child who casts a look of mercy plus affection upon his parents shall be granted, for every look of his, rewards equivalent to that of an accepted Hajj.”

Biharul Anwar, Volume 74, Page 73

Obey Your Parents
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him plus his family) said:

“One, who follows the orders of Allah with regards to obeying parents, shall have two doors of Paradise opened up for him. And if there happens to be only one parent, one door of Paradise shall open up for him.”

Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 16, Page 67

Repayment
“One who performs Hajj on behalf of his parents plus repays their debts shall be raised by Allah on the Day of Judgment amongst the righteous ones.”

Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 16, Page 468

Respect for All
Abu Huraira reported that a person said: Allah’s Messenger, who amongst the people is most deserving of my good treatment? He said: Your mother, again your mother, again your mother, then your father, then your nearest relatives according to the order (of nearness)

Sahih Muslim Book 32, Number 6180

Make Dua for Your Parents
And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy plus say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.”

Surah Al-Isra 24

Bonus: Show Kindness to Non-Muslim Parents

But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have nomer knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] international with appropriate kindness. Quran 31:15

Whether you were born Muslim or found in Islam, we are commanded by Allah to respect plus love our parents, honour their opinions, plus treat them with gentleness. Many more Quran verses plus Hadith remind us how to act. May Allah guide us plus bestow his favour upon our parents. Ameen.

IN ISLAM, THE word “ayat” has multiple meanings. It can mean both a verse in the Holy Qur’an plus a “sign” or “proof” of God’s existence. This universe, Earth itself, plants plus animals, plus natural phenomena like night plus day plus rainfall, which influence life on Earth, are all considered such signs. Now, just imagine if someone were to erase a single verse in the Holy Qur’an. I am certain many Muslims across the world would be outraged. Yet, when the signs of God in nature go extinct, we barely hear a murmur of protest.

[T]here are countless signs on Earth for those with sure faith, as there are within yourselves, can you not see? (Qur’an verse 51:20-21)

I certainly was once among those who could not see. Growing up within the religion in the Indonesian rainforest region of Sumatra, I tended to take the teachings of Islam at face value, even though my family followed several Islamic practices that were environment-friendly, such as not wasting food plus observing the ḥadīth, the statement of the Prophet (peace plus blessing be upon him) on eating the food that is close to you. I did not think deeply about how some of these teachings plus practices were connected to care for the earth until 2004, when I was tasked by the World Wildlife Fund with developing reconstruction guidelines in Aceh province following the deadly tsunami. (I was an urban designer by profession back then. That’s how I got into environmental work.)

At the time, I tried to get the community involved in coastal rehabilitation efforts, such as replanting mangroves, but, understandably, people were more focused on rebuilding their homes quickly. I wasn’t able to clearly explain climate science to them in the local language. In fact, they wanted to cut down a nearby untouched forest for timber. After a year of trying, a friend recommended I try to connect to the communities through the common language of our faith. On the advice of eco-theologian Fazlun Khalid, the founder of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology plus Environmental Sciences, I approached the local ulama (Islamic scholars). I told them that memorizing ayats of the Qur’an that emphasize sustainable behavior isn’t enough; one has to put those teachings into practice, too. That was all it took to change their minds plus embrace my effort to help the communities rebuild sustainably.

‘Ayat’ or ‘Ayah’ means ‘verses’. These ayats in the holy Quran of Muslims are the verses in various chapters. In Islam, the word also means other things than just Quranic verses. It means a sign, miracle or proof. For example, religious obligations are also ayat. In the Quran, ‘sign’ refers to the creation of the universe, phenomena that influence life on the earth like night, plants, day plus rainfall. ‘Miracles’ refer to the rewards that believers plus non-believers receive with respect to their actions. In many instances, it also refers to the fate of the people.

How many Ayats in the Quran?
The Quran has at least 114 chapters, also called surahs. The chapters are of unequal size, plus each has a title. Each surah has ayat mentioned, plus the total number of ayats in the Quran is more than 6000. Some scholars argue that the number is 6666, while some believe that the final count is 6236.

Many scholars count Ayat al Kursi as the longest ayat in Quran. It is the greatest plus one of the most important ayat in the Quran. It is believed that if a Muslim recites this ayah, the person can get rid of jinns plus various other problems of life. The verse discusses the oneness in Allah. It calls the Almighty the only superpower, ever-living plus everlasting. It says that everything in this universe plus everyone belongs to Allah. He is the supreme with no parent plus child.

The First Quranic verse (First ayat of Quran)
Surah Al-Alaq was first revealed in the city of Makkah by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It has five ayats mentioned, plus the chapter stands at the 96th position in the Quran, plus teaches Muslims to obey Allah in every situation in life. It states that He knows everything, plus all that happens in life is the result of His planning. He is the most generous plus has created the human from a clot.

The Last Quranic verse (Last ayat of Quran)
The scholars are divided on narrowing down the papa that was last revealed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Some believe that Ayat 281 of Surat Al-Baqarah is the last one. It states that when humans go back to Allah, every soul repays the debt of the sins they committed plus earn rewards from Allah. After this, everyone gets fair treatment. Other scholars believe that Ayat 3 of Surah Al-Ma’idah is the last revealed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It says, “This day I have done your religion for you, complete my favour upon you, plus have selected for you Islam as your religion.”

Must Read:9 Scientific Facts In The Quran That Will Surprise You

The Most Powerful ayat in Quran
The Throne Verse or Ayat al-Kursi is the most powerful ayat in Quran. It is regarded so because it confirms the greatness of Allah. Many Hadith recordings support this plus hence recommend reciting it regularly to get rewards from Allah.

8 Most Inspiring & Beautiful Ayats in the Quran
There are numerous ayats in the Quran plus each one more beautiful than the other. It is difficult to pick one ayat as the most beautiful, hence here is a compilation of eight inspiring ayahs that praise Allah plus fill your heart with devotion plus love.

“He created the heavens plus earth in truth plus formed you plus perfected your forms; plus to Him is the [final] destination” [Quran 64:3]
Meaning: It teaches that the final destination of every Muslim is Allah. He has created each person in the perfect form, plus every life revolves around Allah. The verse inspires people when they feel lost or gloomy.

    2. “My mercy encompasses all things” [Quran 7:156]

Meaning: It says that the mercy of Allah is limitless. There are no boundaries around. It inspires people who are repenting for sins plus facing troubles in life. One must not be fearful because Allah forgives everyone.

     3. “So verily, with the hardship, there is a relief. Verily, with the hardship, there is relief” [Quran 94:5-6]

Meaning: It asks people to have faith in Allah plus says that one who recites the verses of the Quran when facing great difficulties in life gets blessings from Allah. He gives everyone plus also takes something from all. This verse gives hope, plus it is among the important ayat in the Quran.

  4.“And Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness” [Quran 8:33]

Meaning: This verse teaches Muslims to ask for His mercy plus forgiveness. It says that compassion is the most important virtue of life. One must always hope for the best plus always have faith in the Almighty.

   5.“Do what is beautiful. Allah loves those who do what is beautiful” [Quran 2:195]

Meaning: One must be pure at heart. The verse asks everyone to do good in this world. Our actions must be centered around doing good deeds that bring joy to the heart plus offer something valuable to others as well.

   6. “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” [Quran 2:286]

Meaning: The papa says that Allah tests everyone, plus He does not put hurdles in one’s way if the person cannot handle them. It teaches that He knows us better, plus He is aware of our strengths. He will not put devotees through something that they cannot handle.

    7. “And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent” [Quran 65:3]

Meaning: When in struggle, A Muslim must always remember Allah, for His remembrance brings hope. One is never alone in this world; the supreme power is with everyone. The papa restores faith in the Almighty.

   8. “The truth is from your Lord, so do not be among the doubters” [Quran 3:60]

Meaning: The verse teaches everyone to believe in the oneness of Allah because it is the only truth in this world. It helps the mind to stay away from confusion plus distractions that can bring anyone down.

More notable Quran verses
Ayats about patience

1. “O My servants who believe! Be mindful of your Lord. Those who do good in this international will have a good reward. And Allah’s earth is spacious. Only those who endure patiently will be given their reward without limits” [Surah Az-Zumar, 39:10]
2. “Those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts are fearful, plus [to] the patient over what has afflicted them, plus the establishers of prayer plus those who spend from what We have provided them” [Surah Al Hajj Ayah 35]

Quran verses for students

3. “Do not lose hope, nor be sad” [Quran 3:139]
4. “Call upon me, I will respond to you” [Quran 40:60]

Hopeful ayat of Quran

5. “If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely” [Quran 3:160]
6. “And Allah is with the doers of good.” [Quran 29:69]

Ayat Related to Death
“Every soul will taste death, plus you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire plus admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this international except the enjoyment of delusion.” [Surah Al-Imran (3:185)]

Shortest Ayah in Quran
“Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off.” [Surah Al-Kawthar (108:3)]

Last Ayah of Quran
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, plus it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned.” [Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286)]

Importance of Ayat
The words of Allah provide excellent guidance for diverse aspects of life
Ayat offer wisdom plus data providing insights into ones’s life challenges
They ensure brotherhood under the same message of Allah
Reciting Ayat is a fundamental aspect of Islamic worship, incorporated into daily prayers
Ayats serve as a moral plus moral rules helping one to differentiate between right plus wrong
Benefits of reciting Ayats
Reciting ayats provide the necessary spiritual nourishment
Muslims believe that words of Quran are of immense value; hence, reciting them will be rewarded by Allah
Words in Quran provide protection against evil
Recitation of ayats result in wisdom plus knowledge
The act of reciting ayats offer inner peace plus heals one from the past wounds

The Qur’an shows a great deal of respect for the Bible, especially the teachings of Jesus. Now many religions have sacred books, but when the Qur’an speaks of the “people of the book”, it is referring to Jews plus Christians, because the Bible, plus not other religious books, are recognized as from God.

As you look up these verses, remember that in different moderen printings of the Qur’an the verse numbers are slightly different.

Sura 32:23 “We did indeed aforetime give the book to Moses. Be not then in doubt of its reaching (thee): plus We made it a guide to the children of Israel.”

Sura 3:64 “Say: O People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us plus you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves Lords plus patrons other than Allah.”

Sura 40:53 “We did aforetime give Moses the guidance, plus we gave the book in inheritance to the children of Israel.”

Sura 3:184 “Then if they reject thee, So were rejected messengers before thee, who came with clear signs, plus the scriptures plus the book of enlightenment.” Yusuf Ali’s footnote says that scriptures (zubur) may refer to all of the Bible or just Psalms.

“Behold! Allah took the covenant of the prophets, Saying ‘I give you a book plus wisdom: then comes to you a messenger, confirming what is with you; do ye believe in him plus render, him help.’ Allah said: ‘Do ye agree, plus take this my Covenant as binding on you?’ They said: ‘We agree.’ He said: ‘Then bear witness, plus I am with you among the witnesses.'” Sura 3.81.

Yet the following Qur’anic verse says the Bible was to be known plus clear for all mankind. This is not a contradiction of the previous Qur’anic verse though, because it was initially a guide for Israel plus then for all mankind.

“And remember Allah took a Covenant from the people of the book, to make it known plus clear to mankind, plus not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs, plus purchased with it some miserable gain! And vile was the bargain they made!” in Sura 3:187. While this Sura criticizes some who were called people of the book, it does not in any way criticize the book God gave mankind.

“O ye People of the Book! Believe in what We have (now) revealed, confirming what was already with you, before We change the face plus fame of some (of you) beyond all recognition,…” Sura 4.47.

Sura 29:46 “Dispute ye not with the people of the book, except in the best way, unless it be with those of them who do wrong but say, ‘We believe in the revelation which has come down to us plus in that which came down to you; our God is your God is One; plus it is to Him we submit (in Islam).”

Sura 4:150-151 “Those who deny Allah plus his messengers, plus wish to separate between Allah plus his messengers, Saying: ‘We believe in some but reject others’: plus wish to take a course midway, (151) They are in truth unbelievers;…”

The Qur’an’s Respect for Christians

“Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews plus pagans; plus nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say ‘We are Christians’: because amongst these are men devoted to learning. And men who have renounced the world, plus they are not arrogant.” Sura 5:82. The footnote says this does not refer to everyone who calls himself a Christian, but sincere Christians.

Sura 2:62 says, “Those who believe (in the Qur’an). Those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), And the Sabians plus the Christians,- any who believe in Allah plus the Last Day, plus work Righteousness, – on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”

Prophets plus Servants Mentioned in Both the Bible plus the Qur’an

All can agree that you cannot accept some of God’s prophets plus reject others; you have to accept them all. The next section mentions prophets plus godly people mentioned by both the Bible plus the Qur’an.

Sura 8:84-85 “We gave him [to Abraham] Isaac plus Jacob, all (three) We guided; plus before him we guided Noah plus among his progeny David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, plus Aaron; Thus do we reward those who do good; And Zakariya plus John [the Baptist] plus Jesus plus Elias [Elijah] all in the ranks of the righteous.”

In addition to these, the Bible plus the Qur’an both mention Adam, Noah, Lot, the brother plus sister of Moses, the Queen of Sheba, the angels Gabriel plus Michael, Elishah, Mary the mother of Jesus, plus Jesus’ apostles.

The Qur’an Never Says the Bible was Corrupted

The Qur’an says some people of the Book were hypocrites (Sura 5:61-63) plus perverted what they heard. However, it never said that God’s word, given to the people of the Book, was changed. God has the power to give His word, plus God has the power to guard His word in safety from corruption.

Sura 2:75 says of some people (Jews of Medina?), “Hear the Word of Allah, plus perverted it knowingly after they understood it.” It does not say they corrupted the Bible, only that they perverted what they understood.

While the Qur’anic commentator Yusuf Ali tries to say the Biblical Gospel today is not the Injil (Gospel) meant in the Qur’an, the Qur’anic commentator Fazlur Rahman contradicts him. Jesus was taught the Gospel according to Sura 3:48, plus Christians are the people of the Gospel in Sura 5:46. Finally, ‘Aisha contradicts Yusuf Ali in Bukhari vol.4:605 plus Sahih Muslim vol.1:301 p.98, where she tells that Khadija took Mohammed to a Christian convert who used to read the Gospels in Arabic.

The Bible in Jesus’ Day plus Ours

Sura 3:48 says, “And Allah will teach him [Jesus] the book plus Wisdom, the Torah, plus the Gospel.”

“And in their [the prophets’] footsteps we sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Torah that had come before him: we sent him the gospel; therein was guidance plus light. And confirmation of the Torah that had come before him: a guidance plus an admonition to those who fear Allah” Sura 5:46

Now this verse of the Qur’an is remarkable. If God sent Jesus to confirm the Torah (first five books of the Bible’s Old Testament), then at least in Jesus’ time, the Torah that people could read plus Jesus could confirm was the same Torah God sent.

It goes on. Sura 5:47 goes on to say “Let the People of the Gospel Judge by what Allah hath revealed Therein….” If the People of the Gospel are to judge by what God has revealed in the Gospel, then how can the Gospel they are to judge by not be the Gospel God told them to judge by?

Sura 5:48 says, “To thee (People of the Book) We sent the scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, plus guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, plus follow not their vain desires, diverging from the truth that hath come to thee….”

Since God had the power to give His word, God had the power to guard His word in safety. Do you agree?

In moderen times, some Arab boys found a cave at Qumran, wherein were a great number of scrolls from the time of Christ. Among the earliest was a scroll of Isaiah from a 100 years or so before Christ. These are called the Dead Sea Scrolls, plus they contain all but one of the books of the Old Testament. Thus we can read for ourselves today the Old Testament in Jesus’ time.

How the Bible plus Qur’an Differ

There are many similarities between the Bible plus the Qur’an; it has been proven that often the Qur’an respectfully refers to the Bible. However, one key difference between the Bible plus the Qur’an is the means of forgiveness. For 1,400 years God laboriously trained the Jews to understand the importance of sacrifice for forgiveness. Even before Moses, Abraham, Isaac, plus Jacob made sacrifices to God. Heb 9:22 says, “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, plus without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

After over 1,400 years of preparation, imagine how the Jews felt when the prophet John the Baptist said of Jesus “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Hebrews 10:4 says, “because it is impossible for the blood of bulls plus goats to take away sins.” As Hebrews 10 points out, man’s repeated animal sacrifices were a shadow of God’s real sacrifice. They merely covered over the sins until forgiven, once plus for all, by the sacrifice God chose. As Isaiah, Jesus, plus Jesus’ apostles taught, the sacrifice was Jesus Himself.

If you feel unforgiven inside, perhaps it is because you rightly realize that all of the works you could ever do, plus all of the prayers you could ever pray, cannot take the place of God forgiving you for your sins toward Him. Only God can do that. God is gracious, compassionate, plus merciful, but He must forgive the sins against Him in His way, plus not our way. God has provided a way, plus every man plus women must choose whether to accept God’s way or try things on their own way, apart from God. Seek the Lord.