God has sealed their hearts and ears & their eyes are covered

God has sealed their hearts and ears & their eyes are covered

Surah ‘Al-‘Baqarah (The Cow) – Chapter – 2)

Stage – 1, Verse – 7 of 286, Section – 1 of 40 (Part - 1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Allah has sealed their hearts and their hearing, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be an awful doom

KhatamAllaahu ‘alaa quluu- bihim wa ‘alaa sam-‘ihim.- wa ‘alaaa ‘absaarihim gishaa-wah. Wa lahum ‘azaabun ‘aziim.

Lesson

Khatama - (Sealed, stamped), it aims the result, which is produced due to constant refusal and opposition of the Truth. The purpose to seal anything is that nothing may enter from outside and nothing may go out from it, which has been sealed. For example; if the heart has been sealed, then neither the Truth can enter into it and nor the boldness can remain in the heart so that it may declare the good as agreeable.

Quluu-bihim - (Their hearts). This word is plural of Qalb. It does not mean here that the Heart is a piece of flesh, but it is the will-power, which is centre of the wisdom, the sense and the intention.

Sam-‘ihim - (Their hearing), Sama’ means - power of hearing, and it aims “their ears”.

‘Absaarihim - (Their eyes), it is plural of basar, which means  Power of looking.

Ghishaawatun – (Covering), its origin is gashi-yun, which means  “to cover, to hide”. Hear it aims: that covering of ignorance over eyes, which although looks the Tokens of the Truth, but even then, it resists accepting the facts.

      In the world, this universal law is containing that whenever any power is not brought into use regularly or it is not activated, then at last, it gives up its functionality. The same condition is of the powers of observing and understanding. If those are kept un-functional constantly, then this natural Rule of Allah is enforced here too that they will leave the function of seeing and understanding the Truth. Enforcement of the same Law has been described in this verse.

 

       Sealing of the hearts, hearing and covering the eyes of any body by Allah begins, whenever any person adapts the infidelity intentionally and persists on it. Every person is given the right nature by Allah and it includes the use of thinking power in the signs/Portents of God. But whenever the mankind misuses his considering powers and devises to follow the Devil, turning away his direction from the teachings of Messenger (Peace be upon Him), then he goes out of the chain of kindness of The Prophets (peace be upon Them) and the Support of God gives him up.

Now he supposes that going astray is the straight path.

      It is evident that result of eating the poison becomes cause of bodily death, just like this; changing one’s direction from the Commands of God intentionally, becomes cause of spiritual death. As we have learnt earlier that the life of mankind does not finish after death, but there will be a second life also, which will be consequence of this life. Constantly disobeying in this life will appear in the form of a big agony as punishment.             

 

 Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Believers will Succeed but Disbelievers fail

Believers will Succeed but Disbelievers fail

Surah ‘Al-‘Baqarah (The Cow) – Chapter – 2)

Stage – 1, Verses – 5 & 6 of 286, Section – 1 of 40 (Part - 1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the successful.

‘Ulaaa-‘ika ‘alaa hudam-mir-Rabbihim wa ‘ulaaa-‘ika humul-Muf-lihuun

Lesson

‘Al-Muf-lihuun – Those who succeed. This word is built from ‘Falaah’, which means, ‘happiness, prosperity, profit and safety.’ But literally ‘Falaah’ means, ‘amputation’. Probably agriculturist or farmer is so called ‘Fallaah’ because he ploughs the land, sows the seed, which comes out from the earth in the shape of a young plant. As per Arabic language, this word has vast meanings. All kinds of worldly success and Hereafter have been mentioned in it collectively. All scholars agree to this meaning of this word that there is no better word in Arabic language except ‘Falaah’ to declare all kinds of success. He will be called ‘Muflih’ (succeeded), who finds success after getting upper hand on all kinds of difficulties and hindrances.

         In ‘Surah ‘Al-Faatihah’ (The Opening) we made request humbly to God for guidance towards the Straight Path. As reply to that request we received a Message, which we have recited in the previous lessons. After that, some signs have been explained about the persons, who achieved Guidance:

•        Belief in Omniscient besides this natural world

•        Establishing worship to disclose the relation practically with God.

•        Spending for the sake of God from that, which He has bestowed upon the people

•        Belief in that, which revealed upon the Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon Him), in Holy Qur’aan, and admit Him as the Spiritual Guide for all.

•        Belief in the Scriptures, Manuals and Guidance revealed prior to Holy Qur’aan.

•        Belief in the certainty of the Hereafter, rewards and punishment according to the deeds of this life.

       Now it has been described in this verse that these pious persons are actually on Guidance of God. “These depend on guidance from their Lord and these are the successful”. It is the prosperity of this life that guidance became their fortune and they got a complete and the best Code of life. And they molded their lives according to the custom and succeeded in all respect. Success in the Hereafter means that they will get full rewards of their deeds.

       Before Islam, the Arabians were very poor. Camel-driving was their occupation. They had neither wealth, nor regular Army and nor sufficient quantity of eatables/drinkable. But when they embraced Islam and acted upon the teachings of Holy Qur’aan whole heartily, then they succeeded in all fields of life. The earth kissed their feet and the sky threw upon them auspiciousness and kindnesses. God Almighty gave them all, which was promised by Him. Today if we mold our lives according to the teachings of Holy Qur’aan, this promise of success is for us too. And we shall succeed also in this life as well as on the Doomsday.

As for the disbelievers, whether  thou warn them or thou warn them not it is all one for them; they believe not.

‘Innal-laziina kafaruu sawaaa-‘un ‘alay-him ‘a.’anzartahum ‘am lam tunzirhum laa yu’-minuun.

Lesson

Kafaruu – who deny the Truth, who refuse, who disagree. According to the Divine Law of Religion he is infidel, who opposes and denies the Truth, who does not believe in God and His Messenger (peace be upon Him).

        Where Allah Almighty has explained the success and ecstasy of  persons who depended on His guidance and succeeded, there, it is also necessary to be discussed the consequence and condition of the infidels so that difference among the two may be cleared and the rank of pious and abstinent individuals be enlightened.

       From this verse, now it is the beginning of the mention about those people, who are totally opposite to the Believers, enemies of Islam, spend their energy, wealth and time against Islam. These people resist due to their infidelity despite the presence of so clear proofs. Ability to accept the Truth is being weak due to successive opposing and continuous denial, and at last it goes to end entirely. In this condition, frightening them or not from agony, is equal for The Messenger (peace be upon Him).

       Main desire of The Messenger (Peace be upon Him) was admission of the entire people in Islamic circle. In this verse, the fact has been cleared before The Messenger (peace be upon Him) that these people have destroyed their power of recognizing and believing in the Just.

       “Whether thou warn them or thou warn them not it is all one for them; they believe not.” It is an announcement and declaration against the result of their chained enmity and refusal. This information is not in the form of a final Decision. Allah Almighty has put the virtue of accepting the Truth in every individual. But the people who oppose the Truth due to their personal benefits, miserly, Misleading or bad society, they waste slowly and gradually their power of accepting the Truth. So it is our duty that with the power of seeking the Truth, which we have in our hearts naturally; we should remain in search of Just and Truth. We should publicize the teachings of Truth and convey the Message of Truth to the servants of God with wisdom and in a graceful manner, so that, fear of God and softness may be produced in their hearts. The persons, who have only a little ability to accept the Truth, we should reach them with possible sources.   

                          

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Belief in the Revelations and the Hereafter

Belief in the Revelations and the Hereafter

Surah ‘Al-‘Baqarah (The Cow) – Chapter – 2)

Stage – 1, Verse – 4 of 286, Section – 1 of 40 (Part - 1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

And who believe in that which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee,

Wallaziina yu’-minuuna bi-maaa ‘unzila ‘ilayka wa maaa ‘unzila min-qablik.

Lesson

       Fourth praise of pious is mentioned in this verse. Namely these people believe in all Heavenly Books and Written Revelations.

As though, two things have been explained in this verse:

1.        Having faith in the teachings and instructions of Holy Book revealed unto Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon Him) whole heartily.

2.        Believing in it that the Scriptures revealed unto the Prophets, came prior to the last Messenger (peace be upon them), were Just and from GOD.

      Now it is clear also that in Holy Qur’aan, only the Scripture revealed unto last Prophet and the Scriptures revealed unto the Prophets, prior to the last Prophet (peace be upon them), have been described. Neither there is any mention about any prophet after the last Messenger (peace be upon Him) and nor any holy book after the Holy Qur’aan. So, it is understood that no prophet will come after the last Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon Him), otherwise, it would have been mentioned here.

 

      The Prophets came prior to Muhammad (peace be upon them), are many in numbers. Names from some of them have been mentioned in the Holy Qur’aan, remaining Prophets are signified only. Believing in Prophets (peace be upon Them) means that from Adam to the Last Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon Them), as much Prophets came, entire those Prophets (peace be upon Them) were sent by GOD. And they used to teach the people according to their times. From previous heavenly Books, four Scriptures have been mentioned in Holy Qur’aan:

 

1.                Manuals of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him)

2.                Torah of Prophet Moses (peace be upon Him)

3.                Psalms of Prophet David (peace be upon Him)

4.                Gospel of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon Him)

 

       Messenger of ALLAH (peace be upon Him) illustrated the series of prophets by a simile of a palace and said, “Every Prophet fitted a brick of His time to build this palace. At last Jesus (peace be upon Him) came and fitted a brick in the palace of prophet-hood. The people came, looked this ‘Building’ and praised but in addition said also that there is a gap of one Brick. Would that, the remaining Brick be fitted on its place. I am that ‘last Brick’, now there is no need and space of any brick for this palace of prophet-hood.”

 

       All those Prophets of GOD (peace be upon Them) produced the Truth always before their nation that: LORD of the worlds is only one ‘ALLAH’. Now Holy Qur’aan commands its believers that they should believe in all of them. Nobody can find anywhere this kind of superior example regarding acceptance of tolerance and the Truth.

And are certain of the Hereafter.

Wa bil-‘Aakhirati hum yuuqinuun.

Lesson

‘Aakhirati – means “the next life coming after death”. ‘Ad-Daarul- ‘Aakhirah and Yawmul- ‘Aakhirah have been mentioned too in Qur’an.

Yuuqinuun – (they believe). Belief is the Knowledge, which has been manifested by the proof too much that no room for doubts and suspicions has remained.

      This world is of striving. That is to say; this is the life after which the time of practice expires. The world coming after this life is the place of consequences in which every person will be rewarded or punished according to his every act and deed, he did in this world. There is no doubt that we get retaliation in terms of events in this world but sometimes people are not rewarded or punished fully. The individuals with Good deeds are deprived from getting rewards and wrongdoers are saved from punishment. Still the justice demands that any act of any person should not be left without retaliation. So God has fixed a Day on which every living being will get its reward or punishment in full against every act. Hence, believing in a sustainable future of this world for reward and punishment is an important component of a true religion.

       It is obvious also that this world has strong association with the Hereafter. That life will be the result of our deeds, we do in this world. So it is the attribute of sobers that they get satisfaction before starting any work; that the work, they are going to do, is not against the heavenly teachings and guidance of GOD in terms of the future and the result.

     GOD ALMIGHTY has given us full liberty of selection and power of choice for deeds and acts. We have many ways to reach the destination. But we have to choose the path about which GOD has guided us. If the belief regarding the end of this world, rewards or punishments according to good or bad deeds - remains before us every time, then it is sure that we shall remain firm on the path of Truth and temperance. We should mould our lives according to the principles of Holy Qur’aan, so that we may obtain much pleasant results from it and we may succeed in the both worlds. The individual, who has not faith in liability of his acts, calculation of good and bad deeds and their results, he will never correct his acts and deeds.                          

  

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Establishing worship and spending from that, bestowed by God

Establishing worship and spending from that, bestowed by God

Surah ‘Al-‘Baqarah (The Cow) – Chapter – 2)

Stage – 1, Verse – 3b of 286, Section – 1 of 40 (Part - 1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

And establish worship

Wa yuqiimuunas-Salaata

Lesson

Yuqiimuuna - Establish, Set up, Settle (oneself in a position), Place (someone) in a position, Prove the truth of (an event), Cause people to accept (a belief)

                                    

‘As-Salaata - Literal meanings of this word are, “prayer, blessing; benediction”.

    Establishing prayer means that “the individual should offer the prayer with entire terms and restrictions as well as fall prostrate along with others too, to perform this duty. In the phrase of Divine Law of Islam ‘as-Salaah is used for a particular worship that is called Prayer. Name of this worship is kept ‘as-Salaah because maximum part of this worship comprises on blessings. In this worship along with Tongue, Heart and outward parts of Body also ask for blessing.

     After belief in the Unseen second good manner of the temperate is being mentioned that “they establish worship regularly.” Prayer is the best source of leaning before GOD, declaring one’s devotion, producing deep connection with ALLAH, and arranging unity and discipline among entire people of the nation. The prayer is the most superior act to all bodily worships. And it is the best method of declaration about belief and Oneness of GOD. An individual has many advantages in it like code of morality, medically and materially as well as collectively, the nation has social advantages.

      All Muslims, after being pure and clean, stand in a row behind the spiritual guide (Imam) five times a day turning towards the temple of Makkah (Masjidul Haraam). They promise for brotherhood among them and devotion, standing in front of ALLAH. By this worship, hearts of all participants (worshippers), who stay collectively in a line, become sacred from impurity, envy and selfishness. Mutual friendship, love and equality increases with it. The participants of this collective prayer perceive and help in one another’s trouble and distress etc. The person stops committing sins and shamelessness.

      Passion of obey to commander grows by establishing this method of worship. The nation learns the lesson of punctuality and regularity. So in the raising days of Islam, success of Muslims was due to their establishment of worship. Infamous people who were not under any sovereignty, became a disciplined nation by establishing prayers and proved themselves model of unity.

     It is Hadith from the last Prophet (peace be upon Him), “the prayer is the only difference among Muslim and Infidel”. We should observe ourselves in the light of this Saying that, which society do we belong to? In another Hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon Him) said that the prayer is ascension of the Believer. He will be unlucky, who does not want to reach this higher rank.

     Prayer is a worship which is useful i.e. in moral and spiritual, individual and collective matters. Therefore, it is determined a pillar of the religion.           

And spend of that We have bestowed upon them

Wa mimmaa razaqnaahum yun-fiquun

Lesson

RazaqNaahum - We have bestowed upon them. These are two words, “We have bestowed” and “upon them”. The word, “RazaqNaa” has vast meanings in Arabic Language. All types of favors and blessings come in it whether that is external as wealth, health, children etc. or internal as knowledge, wisdom and understanding etc. In the rewards of GOD, wealth is a great grant. It is evident from this verse that everything is granted by Allah and which gifts are rewarded to the mankind, all are bestowed due to HIS kindness.

yun-fiquun – They spend. Third attribute of those persons, who fear from GOD heartily - is being narrated in this part of the verse. That, whatever GOD has bestowed upon them, they spend out of it in reasonable and needful situations, for just and useful purposes. It is a great sacrifice, to spend the wealth for the sake of Allah. There are many people who perform only physical worship but do not like to spend any penny. This kind of avarice is dangerous in this world and for the Day of Resurrection.

Whenever friends, relatives and parents of any person turn to him for help in their needs, at that time he displeases them and the stingy denies. And then a difference comes in his business, because they give up co-operation with him. Besides this, when there is no custom for support of any needy, orphans and helpless people in the society and expenditure in public welfare, correctness of the national affairs and defense extensions are stopped, then all the people are entangled in trouble and resultant, personal wealth goes to end.

On the Doomsday it will be the consequence of frugality that if love of wealth settles down in the heart and at the time of death, the soul of mankind leaves body, it remains very much restless due to the love of the wealth and this unreasonable love appears as snakes, scorpions and Fire in the form of wrath. So, Allah has taught the mankind to sacrifice their property for their religious as well as worldly success. And like that, they should spend from His given strengths, abilities and qualifications to serve the humanity.

It is our duty not to withdraw from serving the common people with our all struggles, strengths, abilities and wealth, and we should participate whole heartily according to our ability. This is the best for the nation, the country and for every individual. 

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Guidance for them who ward off and believe in the Unseen

Guidance for them who ward off and believe in the Unseen

Surah ‘Al-‘Baqarah (The Cow) – Chapter – 2)

Stage – 1, Verses – 2b & 3a of 286, Section – 1 of 40 (Part - 1)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

A guidance unto those who ward off (evil)

Hudal-lil-Muttaqiin

Lesson

Hudan – Guidance, Path of Knowledge, Equipment for moving on the path, strength and power to reach the destination. These all things are included in the meanings of ‘Guidance’. We have learnt explanation of this word in the first Chapter “The Opening” (‘Al-Faatihah). 

Muttaqiin – This word is Plural of Muttaqii, which means Temperate, Abstinent and Sober, who fear from GOD in their hearts, who live in abstinence, who do their work with care. One incident of Sayyidina Abi bin Ka’ab (Radi-ALLAAHU-An-hu) is being written here for explanation of the word Taqwaa (Piety).

 

       Once Sayyidina ‘Umar (Radi-ALLAAHU-An-hu) asked from Sayyidina Abi bin Ka’ab (Radi-ALLAAHU-An-hu) about the meanings of Muttaqii (the Temperate). He replied, if you pass through a forest which is full of thorns and shrubs, what will you do? He answered, “I shall fold up my clothes, so that the skirt of my garment may not involve with thorns. Sayyidina Abi bin Ka’ab (Radi-ALLAAHU-An-hu) said, “This is the fear of GOD”.

      Now it is known that the Guidance of Holy Qur’aan is better for those people who want to reach their destination keeping themselves safe from the thorns of the forest of this world i.e. sins.

 

      There are two types of mankind. Some have fearless temperament. They become so thoughtless that without thinking anything they plunge into every work. Some are those who think before starting any work with care. Now it is revealed that the people who live a careful life, they reap advantage of Guidance. Color of piety may be seen into these kinds of people easily. Muttaqii (The Abstinent) will reach the top with the teachings of Holy Qur’aan and the following virtues will grow into them.

      This Noble Book, “The Holy Qur’aan” has been revealed for guidance of the entire world. And it is addressing all the people of the entire world, but practically only those persons will acquire advantage from this Scripture who seek and need to know the truth. Every work needs some basic elements for starting the work, for example; feet to walk, eyes to look, so; for obtaining Guidance from Holy Qur’aan, fear of GOD is necessary in the hearts. The sun shines in the entire universe. But those people, who have lost their power of vision, for them, lights are useless. If the earth is salty, rain will prove nothing on it. It is important to keep the piety in our hearts that we should settle our accounts ourselves. Once Sayyidina Umar (Radi-ALLAAHU-An-hu), “Prior to it, that anyone else calls your account, you should check the account yourself.                            

Who believe in the unseen

‘Allaziina yu’-minuuna bil-Gaybi

Lesson

‘Allaziina - Those people who.

                         

yu’-minuuna - believe, have faith. Belief means ‘to admit the Truth with tongue, have faith in it with heart and devise personal acts and deeds according to it. Who becomes a believer, he comes in peace. It is the Belief, which is reliable in the Divine law of religion.

Gaybi – it means “the World, which is higher than this outward world, the information about which, can only be known through the Prophet (Peace be upon Him). For example:

Nature and virtues of GOD, Angels, Paradise and Hell, the Day of Resurrection, accounts of good manners and the evils (sins), rewards and punishment as per own acts etc. and the Belief in the Unseen may not be perfect without having faith in the Prophet (Peace be upon Him).

 As it has been stated above that Holy Qur’aan is Rule of Guidance for those people only, who wish to reap advantage from it being extremely sincere and with sacred intention, who have ability and excitement to live with care and look after at their own. And they have ambition to pass their lives with chastity and cautiously.

In this verse, first attribute of sobers has been described which will come into them with the Guidance of Holy Qur’aan. And that is the thing, which they believe in the Unseen, Body of which is higher than senses outward.

Without belief, the heart remains unsatisfied, restless and unstable, because without its existence - doubt, hesitation, whim and suspicion make room in the hearts. But a believer does not frighten in stress and strain, in the painful calamity and trial. But he gets encourage because he believes that he has biggest support and strong trust. And he gains from it happiness of his brain, satisfaction of the heart and comfort of his soul. This faith in the World of Unseen is essence of the religion and soul of belief. Without this faith, belief cannot be matured. 

 We have prepared ourselves to get Guidance from Holy Qur’aan and joined the people who have fear of GOD. Now we should produce good manners in ourselves according to the teachings of Holy Qur’aan. We should believe and act on all the facts without hesitation which have been commanded through Holy Qur’aan, which have come to us through the last Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him).

Our Lord! Bestow us power, resources and strength so that we may ward off evil and become Your real slaves.         

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)