Topics in my daily commentary before Tarāwīḥ - Complete

I have been invited by the Northcliff Masjid to give a brief explanation every night of what will be recited in the Tarāwīḥ Ṣalāh. Since I am making points of what I am speaking, I thought I may as well record them in a blog post as I progress. If Allāh wills, I shall update this post daily, instead of separate posts, as these are points and not full commentaries. I may also write a point about which I never had time to speak on.
سليمان الكندي
Twitter: @sulayman_Kindi

1. First Night – 1st Juz and 1st Quarter of Juz 2
• Relationship between Ramaḍān and revelation.
• Distinction between complete revelations and revelation over 23 years – ʾInzāl and Tanzīl
• The first letter of the Qurʾān “bi” is a conjunction and this is the essence of the entire Qurʾān – joining the Creator and His creation.
• ʾal-Fātiḥāh – Opening Chapter.
• ʾal-Baqarah – The Cow, insincere questions and lead one astray.
• Similarly all knowledge is not useful – sorcery of Babylon
• Sorcery continued to the time of the innocent Prophet, Sulaymān (Solomon) and to this day.
• Opposite of knowledge – Allāh declares two groups idiots – those who criticise the Ṣaḥābah and those who question the command of Allāh i.e. change of Qiblah.
2. Last 3 quarters of 2nd Juz and 1st half of Juz 3
• Piety is whatever Allāh defines it to be. Qiblah is wherever He decrees.
• Contemporary attitude of Muslims of emphasising deeds and neglecting correct belief needs to be tended.
• The moon, Islāmic calendar. Revive this Sunnah in one’s personal capacity by using the Islāmic date where possible.
• Enter Islām in its entirety, desire of ʿAbdullāh bin Salām to maintain some Jewish habits. We do not pick and choose what part of religion sorts us. Submit completely.
• Allāh has decreed three divorces maximum. Attitude of people who still live together out of shame “what will people say” are is if they elevate the view of people above the command of Allāh. This defect in belief is worse than the adultery they commit.
• Allāh chose the first king of Israel and mentioned his qualities of knowledge and good physique. The Sunnah is balance between religion and world, or rather guarding your body and world in order to serve religion.

3. 2nd half of Juz 3 and 1st three quarters of Juz 4
• The family of ʿImrān.
• Maryam, daughter of ʿImrān, born in response to supplication of her mother.
• Dedicated to service in al-Masjid al-ʾAqṣā, where her uncle, Zakārīyyā was inspired by her receiving out of season fruit by divine means, to supplicate for a son, despite his age and wife’s barren state.
• Yaḥyā granted to him, plus with piety, Prophethood, Allāh naming him, and naming him uniquely. It is recommended to name children different from common names.
• ʾĪsā son of Maryam who never touched a man. No Prophet after him until Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم, will return at Damascus.
• Plot of the Jews. Early example of psychological warfare in trying to discredit Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم.
• Qurʾān’s prophecy true to the letter. Allāh has struck the Jews with disgrace (expelled from every land) except when people extend a rope unto them (America).
4. Last quarter of Juz 4 and full Juz 5
• Chapter on woman, Islām gave women dignity, specifically the right to formally inherit.
• Polygamy mentioned in context of protecting women. It is not an obligation, but questioning the command of Allāh and opposing the Sunnah of Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم reveals defective faith, most serious.
• Inheritance stipulated by Allāh.
• Funeral expenses and debts to be settled first. Bequest is maximum a third of remainder.
• Ṣalātul Khawf – if Allāh desires congregational prayer behind a single leader even on the battle field, what then of us in peace time?
5. Juz 6
• Origin, Sunnah and how to make Nabeezh (date extract juice). Not strictly Tafseer, but the congregation seemed more interested in my beverage than my Tafseer.

• Allāh does not like gossip. Speak good or keep silent. Matters of public concern (government corruption), the oppressed, are different matters.
• Prohibition of interest. Opposite of interest is wholesome trade. But it would be necessary to know Islāmic regulations of trade, e.g. Tamlīk – taking possession.
• Help each other in good deeds. The point is the deed. Do not focus on the defects of the other party.
• Allāh replaces lax nations with others who will serve Him. This pattern has been repeatedly observed in Islāmic history.
6. Juz 7
• Christians wept at hearing the Qurʾān, why are our hearts so dead?
• Prohibiting that which is good. Just as evil as permitting evil. Usurpation of Allāh’s right of legislation.
• When pagans were confronted about their baseless customs such as not allowing certain camels to be used, they responded that their ancestors did the same. Such an attitude of preferring custom over Islām is found amongst some Muslims.
• “We only live in this world” pagan materialism prevalent in society today.
• Allāh consoled Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم when he was saddened at the words of the unbelievers and said they in fact dispute Allāh’s signs. Shows firstly that Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم had human emotion but still persevered in his mission. Secondly, sometimes an attack is not at us personally, but at the broader mission.

7. Juz 8


• The distinction of Halaal and Haraam directly linked to the August Name of Allah. What we eat has major impact on our spiritual development. In fact this is the first command to man - tree in Paradise.
• Verse 124, only place in the Qurʾān where “Allāh” is mentioned immediately after “Allāh”. Place of accepted supplication according to some.
• Pagans would pile up sacrifices for idols and Allāh. Take care that idol pile is complete but not bother if pile meant for Allāh spilt into the idol pile. Do we have same attitude in short cuts in religion?
• The variety of fruits, in fact all of creation are signs of Allāh’s handiwork. There has to be an Intelligent Designer, the Creator!
• Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم is utterly free of those who split into sects. Consider how contemporary Muslims split on the most trivial of issues, and in fact define themselves on single issues, let alone become codified sects.
• Reward for virtues multiplied ten-fold, but for “he who brings” i.e. preserves his virtue and does not destroy it or lose his faith.
• Punishment for evil is merely equal or forgiven.
• Plains of ʾAʿrāf most likely for people of equal virtue and sin, not entitled to immediate entry into Paradise or Hell.
• When Satan was questioned as to his rebellion he replied with arrogance, “I am better than him.”
• ʾĀdam (peace be upon him), reacted with humility to his error, “O our Lord! Indeed we have wronged ourselves.”

8. Juz 9
• The magicians of Pharaoh summoned to confront Mūsā (peace be upon him).
• Accepted truth when presented.
• So immediate that they fell into prostration as if flung down.
• Despite threat of amputation and crucifixion.
• They had been materialist, had the guts to demand a reward from a tyrant like Pharaoh, now their focus was on the Hereafter.
• Ungrateful Israel blamed Mūsā عليه السلامfor their afflictions, are we willing to bear a little loss for the command of Allāh?
• Mūsā عليه السلامchose 70 elite for his meeting with Allāh. Islām commands consultation, but this does not equate to mob rule.
• Israel saw so many miracles yet remained rebellious and rude to their Prophet. We love Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم without seeing manifest miracles.
• The people of the Sabbath who tried to deceive Allāh.
• The Pledge of the souls extracted from ʾĀdam’s عليه السلام back

9. Juz 10
• When you encounter a hostile force remember Allah much. One point is that we should remember Allah in all circumstances and another is the balance between material and spiritual effort.
• Prepare whatever means possible to confront the enemy.
• Allah united the hostile Arab tribes. Not even Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم could have achieved that on his own. Following the basic Sunnah teachings of unity (greeting, standing in straight rows) is superior to fancy conferences etc.
• Allah announced Arabia as preserve of Monotheism. Saudis allowed unbelievers to trap her sacred soil.
• Belief of Sahaabah superior to Quraysh custodianship of Kabah. Belief superior to deeds. Saudi transgressions not justified by apparent services.
• They desire to extinguish Allah’s light, but He sent a Messenger to complete it. Sunnah essential to victory.
• Excuses of hypocrites to avoid sacrifice.
• Mocking religion is the way of hypocrite.
10. Juz 11
• Good and bad Bedouins, like all races.
• The first Muslims, our obligations and debt to them.
• Masjid built for wrong reasons.
• Allah bought the lives of the believers in exchange for Paradise…. The kind way Allah speaks to us. He owns our life to start with but says He buys it from us in exchange for Paradise.
• Pious company essential to personal piety.
• Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم extremely hurt at what hurts and zealous for our welfare. How do we treat his rights?
• Unbelievers facing drowning turn to Allah and then forget him. Similar to our condition today.
• Pop star recitation of the Quraan focusses on tune and ignores rules of recitation. If we ignore the pause, then “Do not let their statement grieve you. All honour belongs to Allah,” becomes, “Do not let their statement, that all honour belongs to Allah, grieve you.”
• By sparing Nineveh, city of Yunus (Jonah), Allah granted Islam great saints, scholars and warriors from that region.

11. Juz 12
    • Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم said that Surah Hud and its associates gave him white hair. It may be the burden of, “Be steadfast as you have been commanded.”
    • The most beloved deed unto Allah is that which one is constant upon even if it be small.
    • The unbeliever son of Nuh (alayhis salaam) – family have rights, but Allah’s right takes precedence. Testify the truth even if it is against family.
    • Shu’ayb (alayhis salaam) preached to Madyan, city of unscrupulous traders.
    • Two of their statements bear thought – are we the same? Do we say to the scholars, “Who are you to tell us what to do with our money,” “If not for your followers then you would have seen what we would have done to you.” Numbers mean more than Allah?
    • Stories of the pious strengthen the heart. Read! Make them your heroes, not atheist celebrities.

 

12. Juz 13
    • Surah Yusuf revealed when unbelievers tested Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم , he only tells tales of ancient Arabian which we know, he will not know how Israel came to Egypt.
    • “The most excellent story” in the Quran with many subtle points.
    • Accusation against the slave Yusuf (alayhis salaam), yet minister looked at evidence not the word of noble wife.
    • Once Yusuf  عليه السلامhad his brothers under his authority, he neither denied the facts nor harped on the wrongs, but subtly referred to the problem Satan caused amongst them.
    • He is prophet but asks for death as Muslim just as Ibrahim عليه السلام asked for safety from idolatry.

 

13. Juz 14
    • Devils try and overhear speech in heavens which is why fortune tellers sometimes get something right. Trend of going into prophecies, Nostradamus, most harmful to one’s faith and leads to involvement in dark forces.
    • Even the Devil at the moment of being cursed knew that he can still turn to Allah and ask of Him.
    • Cure for sorrow – remembrance of Allah and prostration.
    • Plants, animals, celestial system day and night artwork of the Creator.
    • Even before the prohibition of wine, the subtle indication of the Quraan that it’s excluded from “good sustenance” was enough for many Muslims to start abstention.
    • When Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم was accused of copying the Quraan from Christian monk, Allah’s response was factual, not emotional – the monk was non-Arab incapable of the fluent Arabic of the Quraan.

14. Juz 15

• The Isrā (journey to Jeruslaem) and Miʿrāj (ascension to Heavens)


• At this glorious moment Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم is referred to as “slave” not by lofty titles.


• To be a slave to anyone is humiliation, but the highest dignity for the believer to be the obedient slave of Allāh.


• To not be extremely miserly nor so generous that you end up in need. Another example of the path of moderation which is the hallmark of the Sunnah.


• Do not approach adultery/fornication. Reminiscent of Adam not to approach the tree. Basic principle of the forbidden. Stay away from what leads to it, not only the actual deed.


• The Sleepers (youth) of the Cave. Youth also take the lead in religious matters.


• Important to recite these ten verses for protection from Anti-Christ, just as the youth were protected.


• We sometimes go into intricate theories on these matters and omit the teachings we supposed to (recite ten verses).


• Two forms of divine punishment – instant, full out, wipes out nations and slow, grinding punishment witnessed over period

15. Juz 16

• Ẓul Qurnayn, ancient king who conquered the world. His story ties in with the Anti-Christ facet of Sūrah al-Kahf, in that the Gog and Magog whom he imprisoned will be released after the appearance of slaying of Anti-Christ.


• To be a slave to anyone is humiliation, but the highest dignity for the believer to be the obedient slave of Allāh.


• Outstanding feature of Maryam (Mary) was her concern for her chastity, to the extent that she warns off the angel who is in a man’s form, not recognising what he is.


• Everyone to cross over the bridge over Hell. Some deeds take forms of vehicles or affect speed of crossing. Prepare.


• Allāh manifests His love for some of the pious through people loving them. Some are severely tested.


• How Mūsā (Moses, peace be upon him) recognised that H was indeed speaking to Allāh.


• Time and place are creations of Allāh. Allāh is above comparison to creations.


• Mūsā (Moses, peace be upon him) dragged out his response solely to extend the conversation with his most beloved Allāh.

16. Juz 17

• The perfect system of the heavens and the earth is proof of monotheism. Many gods would have caused conflict and break down.


• Allāh’s arguments are factual and logical.


• Man is created hasty. The few commands such as funeral in which haste is commanded we delay in. Allāh loves thought before action. Effects of technology – elimination of the attribute Allāh loves, that email or text must be answered NOW! Push the button NOW!


• The entry of outlying tribes into Islām was deemed unimportant, but was a warning of the eventual conquest of Makkah. Let us regard our minor victories today as consolation for Allāh’s coming help.


• Syria mentioned as blessed throughout the Qurʾān.


• Makkah to be solely for worship without distraction, to the extent that Allāh answered the Duʿāʾ of ʾIbrāhīm (Abraham, peace be upon him) to sustain Makkah, by having an angel take land from Syria and place it outside, where Ṭāʾif is today. Even the fruit and climate of Ṭāʾif were not tolerated as distractions in Makkah, how then what the Saʿūd do?


• Makkah is the only place where evil intentions are accountable. Tread carefully.

17. Juz 18

• Sūrah an-Nūr, the foundation of Islāmic etiquette and civilisation.


• Sexual purity, modesty, greeting, rights of privacy.


• The story of Marthad bin Abī Marthad al-Ghanawī (may Allāh be pleased with him) – filthy women are for filthy men. Parents who allow their children to roam freely should not expect them to acquire pure spouses.


• Ten verses declare our Mother, ʿĀishah (may Allāh be pleased with her) to be pure, yet the Shīʿah Rawāfiḍ agree with the accusations of the hypocrites that she is an adulteress.


• On this the 17^th night of Ramaḍān, Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم sat in the mud of Badr praying for a victory through which we are Muslims today. How sad that we know nothing of his biography and everything of sports players and movie stars.

18. Juz 19

• The importance of correct company. Uqbah bin Abī Muet entered Islām, but reneged because of his friend Ubayy bin Khalaf.


• Let us not imitate those who make their personal desires their gods.


• Pharaoh countered Mūsā (Moses, peace be upon him) with his past favours upon. Mūsā (Moses, peace be upon him) acknowledged them but did not allow that to detract from the tyrant’s disbelief and oppression. Till today governments and corporations distract us with fig-leaf good to hide many evils.


• Sulaymān (Solomon, peace be upon him) was a king and prophet yet he condescended to listen to a bird’s excuse before reaching a conclusion.


• Sulaymān (Solomon, peace be upon him) did not only say that which we quote, “This is from the bounty of my Lord,” but added, “To test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful.”


• The very same thing or condition can be a punishment or blessing based on how we react to it.

19. Juz 20

• Allāh intended to compensate the oppressed Israel. Allāh answers the imploring of the oppressed even if he be an unbeliever. Do not oppress even unbelievers whether politically, financially, labour etc.


• One facet of Pharaoh’s doom being sealed was him consulting with Hāmān. Conversely the Queen of Sheba consulted wise men and was guided.


• The modesty of the future wife of Mūsā (Moses, peace be upon him), as if she “walked upon modesty”


• Mūsā (Moses, peace be upon him) was appointed prophet but requested his brother as well. He recognised his own shortcomings and was willing to share in the honour of the greatest of enterprises. Some today will not share business with own family.


• “You do not guide whom you love, but Allāh guides whom He wishes to…” Guidance is no accident. Be grateful.


• Qārūn said he acquired his wealth from his own acumen not from Allā Many have this attitude.

20. Juz 21

• Prayer should be influencing our conduct and character.


• Debate with dignity when engaging the Christians and Jews, do not be harsh and emotional.


• Language is a sign of Allā Evolutionists cannot adequately explain why language came into existence.


• Idolater who arranged for entertainments to distract people from listening to the Qurʾān. A simple sports game can distract Muslims from the massacre of Muslims abroad.


• Advice of Luqmān. Uniquely here – walk moderately and do not raise your voice, like a donkey.


• Tahajjud linked to high stages of Paradise.


• The promise that Rome and Persia would be conquered seemed fantastic at the time. It was a joke to the hypocrites and a test which the believers affirmed.

21. Juz 22

• Marriage of Zayd bin Ḥārithah and Zaynab bint Jaḥsh (may Allāh be pleased with both).


• No formal adoption in Islām


• Zayd only Companion mentioned by name in Qurʾān


• Do not impose on the time of a host, leave suitably early.


• Allāh does not feel shy over the truth. Some people create false shyness e.g. explaining laws related to puberty with their children.


• Salutation upon Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم a simple act with much reward and builds relationship with him.


• Ancient Yemen prosperity lost due to ingratitude.


• Upper and lower classes to exchange blame in Hereafter. Significantly the lower classes mention the conspiracy of the upper classes. Despite several mention in the Qurʾān there are those who deny conspiracy.


• With true knowledge comes true fear and awareness of Allāh.


• Do not seek justice from Allāh, seek mercy. If we were apprehended for our crimes only animals would remain on earth.

22. Juz 23
• Ḥabīb, the carpenter saw Paradise before his soul left.
• Those who say only Prophets preached before Islām not correct.
• Perfect system of plants, cosmic system, day and night signs of the Creator.
• Our origin is a drop of sperm, how can we be arrogant.
• All humanity descendants of Nūḥ (Noah, peace be upon him). Fanciful theories of descendants of Cain = Gog and Magog have no shred of reality.
• Admirable qualities of both father Ibrāhīm (Abraham, peace be upon him) and son Ismāʿīl (peace be upon him) demonstrated in stories of the youth.
• Remembrance of Allāh attracts His mercy - Yūnus (Jonah, peace be upon him).
• Cut off that which distracts of His remembrance - Sulaymān (Solomon, peace be upon him) and his horses.
• Idols are intercessors to Allāh? However logical and sincere an argument might seem, it is irrelevant when contradicting the command of Allāh.

23. Juz 24

• “O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of Allāh’s mercy…”


• Verse which gives hope. The honour of being addressed as Allāh’s slave.


• The two groups of the Hereafter. Work towards being in the group of Paradise, not Hell.


• The ultimate manifestation that Allāh is the Ever-Living King of kings, when He calls out, “To whom does sovereignty belong to today?” and there is non to reply.


• The Egyptian believer who spoke the truth in Pharaoh’s court. “The most virtuous Jihād is to speak a word of truth to a tyrant ruler.” - Ḥadīth.


• Tafwīḍ - handing one’s affairs to Allāh’s will, does not negate using whatever means one can whilst focusing on Allāh and accepting whatever result He decrees. Peace of heart in Tafwīḍ.


• Call unto Me I shall reply unto you, importance of Duʿāʾ.


• ʾĀd boasted, “Who is more powerful than us?” same as contemporary powers.


• Allāh’s reply is equally applicable to today’s powers, “Did they not see that He who created them is more powerful than them?”

24. Juz 25

• Some of the pious have been drawn to Allāh simply because He loves them, others are required to exert and thus gain His guidance.


• Allāh dispenses sustenance as He wills, all cannot be rich.


• All Duʿāʾ bear a common theme of drawing attention to the Hereafter and Allāh, thus travel Duʿāʾ, “…and indeed we are moving towards our Lord.”


• Consider how Duʿāʾ is so worded it is equally applicable to travelling on donkey or spacecraft. Had these not been divine or divinely inspired they would have applied to 7^th Arabia and been redundant today.


• Neither the heaven (gate where our good deeds enter) nor the earth (which testifies when to the good we did on it) weep for Pharaoh. They weep for the pious believer though.

25. Juz 26

• “…I do not know what will be done to me or to you…” Clearly Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم did not know the future and the unseen except that which was revealed to him.


• [The above comment almost earned me a physical assault in the Masjid. So much for Muslim tolerance!]


• Unlike some religions which deified their prophets, we draw a line between love, respect and obedience to Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم without associating divine attributes to him.


• The people of ʿĀd thought that the cloud was to relieve their drought but it was the instrument of their destruction. Good and bad is what Allāh says it to be.


• Some people who heard Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم mocked him whilst others increased in faith. Same circumstances, different result, guidance is from Allāh.


• “Reconcile between your brethren” directed at third parties. The two conflicting parties should not be abandoned to stew in their dispute.

26. Juz 27

• “I have not created Man and Jinn except to worship Me.”


• Worship is for our benefit. Allāh is not in need of us.


• Generally fruit is mentioned before meat in the Qurʾān. Arabs used to implement this subtlety, although not a command. Today dieticians say the same.


• Suspicion does not equate to fact and destroys society. Same as rumours (emails) spread without checking source.


• Worldly classes and races to terminate, but the three classes of Hereafter are forever. Work to enter the real Upper Class.


• Earlier Companions superior to latter, but all are lofty. Strive to assist good when it is most fragile and in need.

27. Juz 28

• ʿĀishah (may Allāh be pleased with her) could not hear the woman complaining to Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم when she was just there, but Allāh heard. He is All-Hearing. Also when in need, others might intentionally not hear us, but He does!


• Consideration when sitting in a gathering. Even someone whom you sit next to in the bus is your neighbour (companion of the side) with rights accountable at Resurrection, even if not Muslim.


• A temporary law, compulsory charity before entering the gathering of Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم. This was due to the difficulties the hypocrites caused, and make them pause before coming. ʿAlī (may Allāh be pleased with him) was the only person who managed to act on this before it was revoked. Today Muslims take Islāmic scholars, literature etc cheaply because they get these free, but value secular speakers and media and pay hefty fees.


• The Jews of Qurayzhah betrayed the Muslims and would only fight behind their fortifications due to cowardice. Compare the heavy armaments, and fortifications against Ghazzah.


• Spend in good while living, you will never return. Reward for bequests much lower.

28. Juz 29

• “to test you which of you are best in deeds.” Not most in deeds. Of course quantity assists to practice with quality.


• He who recites salutations on Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم is blessed 10 fold. He who abused him is cursed in al-Qalam 10 fold.


• The stingy people of the garden blamed each other. Typical human trait instead of owning up to responsibility.


• All friends and family will abandon us at Resurrection. Why sin for their sake?


• We shall gaze upon the countenance of Allāh!


• “We do not want your compensation or even gratitude.” Sincerity, good to people even when we are not appreciated, because it should be for Allāh, not people.


• Classes of people in Paradise as personified in their drink – drink floating for convenience vs. servants honouring them vs. Allāh granting drink.

29. Juz 30

• He who controls his ego will have Paradise as his abode.


• “He frowned” at the blind man who interrupted when he was busy. Sometimes we have to tolerate naïve but sincere people who do not realise the bigger picture.


• “What has deceived you in regards your Noble Lord?” ʿUmar (may Allāh be pleased with him) used to weep and reply, “Your forbearance, O my Lord!”


• Woe unto those who demand full measure but short-change others.


• Rust accumulates and blackens the heart when we sin.


• The unbelievers pass by us and mock us, whether attire, prayers or just for being Muslim. They will be mocked in the Hereafter.


• ʿAbdullāh bin Thammār, the Yemeni boy who sacrificed his life for truth.


• The most virtuous - ʿAbū Bakr (may Allāh be pleased with him).


• A full understanding of Sūrah al-ʿAṣr is sufficient for one’s guidance according to ʾal-ʾImām ʾash-Shāfiʿī.


• ʾan-Naṣr – actually the funeral announcement of Muḥammad صلى الله عليه و سلم, “When one of you is afflicted with calamity, let him remember the calamity of [losing] me, for indeed that is the greatest calamity that could afflict a [true] believer.”