Remember God through the Appointed Days

Remember God through the Appointed Days

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

Stage – 1, Verses –203a  of 286, Section – 25 of 40 (Part - 2)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

And remember Allah through the appointed days.

Waz-kurUllaaha  fiii  ‘ayyaa-mim-ma’-duudaat.

Lesson

‘Ayaa-mim-ma’-duudaat – (some appointed days) ‘ayyaam is plural of the yawm which means ‘a day’ and ma’-duudaat is from ‘adad (number, calculation). These two words indicate towards the 10^th, 11^th and 12^th the dates of Zul-Hijjah. Idiomatically these days are called also as ‘ayyaa-min tash-riiq. Tash-riiq means “to teach; how to sacrifice”. The cattle are sacrificed in these days.

As we have discussed earlier that the entire Pilgrims remain in ‘Arafat with effect from Zuhar prayer till before sunset on 9^th Zul-Hijjah. They begin to return from there till the time of sunset, stay at night in Muzdalfah. Next day (on 10^th Zul-Hijjah) they reach Minaa, which is four miles from Makkah Mo-‘azmah towards north-west. It was a plain field during old times. Now many strong and majestic buildings have been constructed here. During the days of Pilgrimage, the Pilgrims hire these buildings on very high rates and this place remains in full bloom. During these days, very great market is established here. Everything of the world can be purchased from this market. The Pilgrims remain here till evening of the 12^th Zul-Hijjah, perform here many duties and follow the practice of the last Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) relating to the Pilgrimage, for example – sacrifice the animals, shave their heads, throw the small stone balls over the Satans and undress their ‘Ihraam, wear normal dress.

It has been commanded in this verse, “Remember God Almighty as much as you can in these days, engage yourselves in His worship and remembrance. There is a particular form to remember Allah Almighty that every Pilgrim should throw seven small stone balls over the Big Stone (Jumrah ‘Uqbaa) along with saying ‘Allaahu ‘Akbar on throwing every small stone ball on 10^th of Zul-Hijjah.  The correct time for throwing the stone balls starts from the dawn of the day. Likewise; throw seven small stone balls over all the three stones (Sha-yaa-tiin) one by one on 11^th and 12^th of Zul-Hijjah, but on those stones the small stone balls will be thrown when the sun will be going to set. After that, the Pilgrims are permitted to go to Makkah. 

    

As you saw that since the recitation about Hajj and its commands has begun, Holy Qur’an has lain stress on remembrance of Allah Almighty again and again. Thus the best source of satisfaction of the heart and purity of the soul is in remembrance of the God Almighty also. And it has special relation with the Pilgrimage. From all around the world, the people of different races and temperaments assemble here at one place. Difficulties of the journey, troubles of the foreign country, recollection of the native land, separation from the members of the family, these entire are the matters from which, it is sure that every human being can be confused. In the gatherings like these, using harsh words and conflicts with one another is a common thing, but there is no chance of such matters during the Pilgrimage.

God Almighty commanded that the Pilgrims should pay attention on only one thing, forgetting the entire labors and that is “remembrance of Allah Almighty”, obey Him, remain busy in listening and causing to hear His Orders to others, remain engaged in His Praise, forget everything in abundance Praise of God Almighty.              

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

There is in store a goodly portion of that which is earned

There is in store a goodly portion of that which is earned

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

Stage – 1, Verses –202  of 286, Section – 25 of 40 (Part - 2)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

  

For them there is in store a goodly portion out of that which they have earned. And Allah is Swift at reckoning.

‘Ulaaa-‘ika  lahum  nasiibum-mimmaa  kasabuu.  WAllaahu Sarii-‘ul-hisaab.

Lesson

We have recited about two kinds of the people in the previous verses of Holy Qur’an:

 

·         Those individuals who want every kind of success only in the world. Their only aim is to get the wealth and property from their all deeds and devotions. Neither have they faith in the Day of Resurrection, nor in the consequences of the second life. So they beg for fruit of their labor and endeavors in this world. These kinds of people will not get any remuneration, compensation or reward of their actions on the Doomsday.

·         Who believe in Allah Almighty, in the Day of Resurrection and second life, don’t pray; only for worldly magnificence as reward of their goodness, they performs also the works with which their world and the Hereafter (both) may be arranged.  They will remain in comfort during the Hereafter as well as in this world. As though, they keep their both lives at their own places. Neither they sell the Hereafter for earning the world and nor seek the Hereafter leaving the world. Moreover they wish the success in both (the world and the Hereafter). They are eager to be saved from the Fire of Hell. And they don’t entangle in those deeds for escaping from it which may cause to put them into the Hell.

 

The result of these second kind of people has been mentioned in today’s verse. That is to say, “the good remuneration will be bestowed as recompense of these individuals’ good acts”. They will be kept away from the Hell as they wish. They will be forgiven on mistakes and errors. The room will be made for them in the Paradise and they will see that after the life of the world, there is another life also in the Hereafter. Wealth and valuables of the world are nothing against the tastes of that life. Facilities, honor and dignity of the world; all are casual and transitory but comparatively; the blessings of Paradise will be everlasting, peaceful and comfortable.  `   

Saying the word Sarii-‘ul-hisaab God Almighty has warned those people who don’t believe in the Hereafter and pray only for the world, that Allah Almighty is Swift at reckoning. The Hereafter is not at much distance. On that Day, they will see that how much they remain in loss due to begging remuneration of their acts only for the world, forgetting the Hereafter. On the other side, God Almighty has pacified those people with this sentence, who believe in the Doomsday, and wish to get the success of this world as well as the Day of Resurrection. They have been told that they will get the entire remuneration of their good deeds. So, they should remain steadfast on their passage. At first, God Almighty has mentioned the world and then recitation about supplication of the Hereafter has been stated. That is to say, Islam is not against the world, and moreover it desires that the works of the world should be performed with the concept of the Hereafter.

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

Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the Doom of Fire

Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the Doom of Fire

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

Stage – 1, Verses –200b & 201  of 286, Section – 25 of 40 (Part - 2)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

But of mankind are those who say: “Our Lord! Give unto us in the world,” and they have no portion in the Hereafter.

Fa-‘minan-naasi  many-yaquulu  Rabbanaaa   ‘aatinaa  fid-dunyaa  wa   maa lahuu  fil-‘Aakhirati   min  khalaaq.

Lesson

 

Some people in the world are found on which, lust of the world is so overcoming that they deem only it their perfect object. According to them; greatest success is; getting material benefits more and more, accumulate a heap of gold and money, collect the wealth, influence and riches. They become blind in its quest. These desirous persons sacrifice their Hereafter and good end in this effort after falling into the trap of greediness and avarice.

Those people are involved in this disease who are mean in morality, impure in affairs, selfish in their behaviors, deniers of the Doomsday and insane for the casual advantages. They look only the nearby profits always and ignore the durable results. They remain desirous of such thing in every deal from which they may gain fruit immediately. They have no strength of patience and endurance. So they become too much cheerful in this effort and try that if they worship, beg from God Almighty or do any good work even in it, they wish to reap worldly advantage.

They call Allah Almighty only for the purpose that He should pile for them wealth and complete their material necessities. They take part in Jihad only for getting booty, perform the Pilgrimage only for folding up the commercial benefits, offer prayers and pay the poor-due to acquire confidence of the people and gain profit unlawfully from it. Near to them; the Paradise and blessings of the Hereafter are nothing. They suppose the Resurrection Day as a useless faith. They think that the indisputable Life after death will never happen. They don’t believe in reward or punishment against good or bad deeds. The life is only in this world according to them and the success is only the worldly success.

They are involved in open straying. They have chosen the manner of infidelity and hypocrisy. While it is the fact that this world is only abridged part of our successive lives. Remaining and forever life will become our fortune only after death. That life will be fruit of our good or bad acts which we shall do in this world. The life of Hereafter is eternal, unchangeable and without end. Real success is that life’s rest and success. We should strengthen our worldly life in such way, that it becomes stairs of success for our future lives (of the Hereafter).       

  

And of them (also) are those who say: “Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the Doom of Fire.”

Wa  minhum-many-yaquulu  Rabbanaaa   ‘aatinaa  fid-dunyaa  hasanatanw-wa  fil-‘Aa-khirati  hasanatanw-wa  qinaa  ‘azzban-Naar.

Lesson

In the above mentioned verse recitation was about the individuals who desire only the world (money, gold, wealth and property). As they don’t deny from Allah Almighty, don’t believe entirely in the Hereafter also. Their begging, prayers and requests remain limited only for improvement of this material world. Their intention of worship is only to reap the advantage of the world. God Almighty told about the punishment for them that they will not gain any kind of future reward of virtues on the Doomsday because what they wish and for which they try, they will get in the world. Now while, they have gotten their object in the world then anything will not come into their hands during the Hereafter.

 

In this lesson, it has been stated about those Believers who have sound thought and right character, who believe in the Hereafter, near to them the Day of Resurrection and punishment on errors will surely happen. So their sight is not only on the world but that is also on the Doomsday. So, they don’t want the world only; turning from the Hereafter and don’t do those works; with which they may reap advantage only for the world but reward for the Hereafter is removed. They consider about the good results in the matters, behaviors and social lives.

It has been disclosed from the word hasanatan that the Believer is the Seeker of the Good and the Excellence of the world as well as the Hereafter. In the world, he begs for power to do good acts. He demands strength and ability for good actions and deeds through prayers and worship, and begs for good fruit of his good acts in the Hereafter. He desires to take the both (the World and the Hereafter) with him. He does higher courtesy and fine affairs, and makes provision for the Hereafter, and prays from God Almighty, “Guard me from the Fire of Hell, make room for me in the Paradise and bestow me the success”. It is a standard of the best individual that he keeps in view the world and the Hereafter in his life and the affairs of his life, and fears from the Doom of the Hell.

Bear in mind that Islam has compared the world and the Hereafter, not coped the religion and the world. Blessed are those individuals who pass their lives likewise decorating along-with their Hereafter.    

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

Completion of Devotions of Hajj

Completion of Devotions of Hajj

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

Stage – 1, Verses – 199 & 200a of 286, Section – 25 of 40 (Part - 2)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Then hasten on from the place from where the other people return, and ask forgiveness of Allah. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Summa  ‘afiizuu  min  hay-su  ‘afaazan-naasu   wastagfiRUllaah. ‘InnAll-aaha  Gafuurur-Rahiim.

Lesson

Before Islam, the Quresh were guards of the Inviolable Place (BaytUllaah) during the period of ignorance and they used to say themselves Hams due to this reason. The common people used to stay in the Field of ‘Arafat during the days of Pilgrimage. But the Quresh used to remain in Muzdalfah because Muzdalfah is within the limits of Haram and ‘Arafat is out of its limits. They used to suppose that it was against their dignity and honor to proceed out of the limits of the Haram and contrary to the religious virtue to meet the public there. Holy Qur’an refuted their false conception. Allah Almighty has removed here these two main mistakes in which the world remained involved always, today too many people are involved in it after so much improvement.

·         National distinction and the racial superiority is nothing. The entire mankind are equal and uniform in the Court of Allah Almighty. If there is anything valuable in the Sight of Allah Almighty, that is fear of God and abstinence. So equation is compulsory, and it will be possible at that time when all national and racial distinctions are removed and the people of every race and color are dealt with equal behavior.

·         Destruction and ruin of the nations begins at the time when relationship among educated persons, the people of higher level and the public does not remain. They stop meeting with one another, while the educated people need strength and energy for their help. But when they will break their relation with the common people, will not mix up with them, then gradually they will be ruined automatically. And it should not be forgotten that the public needs guidance and the antidotes every time. When they will not have any Guide then they will go astray. Even then there will be no difference between them and animals.

Allah Almighty says in this verse that the entire people will live at one place and return from that place. As though, there will be no distinction and difference among them. Allah Almighty commands also: Beg for pardon of your sins. Renounce and beg for mercy and forgiveness. Promise that you will remain away from wrongdoings. Allah Almighty will forgive your sins and faults. He is the Forgiving and the Merciful.

And when ye have completed your devotions, then remember Allah as ye remember your fathers or with a more lively remembrance.

Fa-‘izaa  qa-zaytum- manaasika-kum  faz-kuRUllaaha  kazikrikum-   ‘aabaaa-‘akum  ‘aw   ‘ashadda  zikraa.

Lesson

Qa-zaytum – (you have completed) this word has been derived from the word Qazaa which means ‘to obey, to have completed, to carry out’ particularly after adoration (worship).

Ma-naasika-kum – (devotions of the Pilgrimage) ma-naasik means those customs and worship which belong to the Pilgrimage. In addition to ma-naasik these are also called Sha-‘aaa-‘ir (the Signs). This peculiar character is used only for Hajj Devotions.

It was a rule during the period of ignorance that the Pilgrims used to remain assembled in the Field of Minaa up to three days (10^th, 11^th and 12^th of Zul-Hijjah after completion of the Pilgrimage, mention about their tribes and ancestors, talk about their greatness-es and virtues. They used to assert proudly their dynasty magnificence. What is the advantage of mentioning grandeur of the ancestors?

Allah Almighty gives excellence and grandeur to the human being; He is the Creator of the entire creatures, the Lord for bringing up, bestowing the wisdom, understanding and knowledge, intelligence, philosophy, nobility and greatness, so all kinds of praises and admiration should be peculiar for Him only. Except Him, singing songs of grandeur and greatness for any other individual or thing and grading them as the worshiped is equal to plurality.  

As you see that from where the recitation regarding the Pilgrimage has begun, from there, it has been pressing on equation, fear of God Almighty, control on passions, humility and purification of the soul continuously. It is being preached again and again for the remembrance of God Almighty, worship, repentance and begging mercy or grace. All people are commanded to wear one kind of dress at the time of entering the limits of Haram. Then some lawful works are forbidden, which might intervene in this pathway. Many pleasant and favorite matters have been forbidden. It has been commanded to say at every step “Lab-baika  Allaahumma  Lab-baika  Lab-baika  Laa  Shariika  laka Lab-baika  ‘Innal  Hamda  wan-na’-mata  Laka  wal-Mulka  Laa Shariika laka”  

(Here I am, O Allah! Here I am, here I am – there is no partner for You, Here I am. Verily all praise for You, and every bounty is from You, and all dominion is Yours – You have no partner). It has been admonished to remember successive God Almighty. This characteristic of the worship is found only in Islam. 

 

We should listen to these orders, commands and instructions of Allah Almighty with close attention, act upon them, modify our lives, abstain from unlawful and illegal things, elevate His mention, invite the people towards the right path, grow God-fearing in ourselves, and establish an example becoming live pattern of advisable acts and good manners for the nations of the entire world.   

    

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

Remember God as He has Guided you

Remember God as He has Guided you

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

Stage – 1, Verse – 198b of 286, Section – 25 of 40 (Part - 2)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

But when ye return from ‘Arafat, remember Allah by the Sacred Monument.

Fa-‘izaaa  ‘afaztum min ‘Arafaatin  fazkurUllaaha   ‘in-dal-  Mash-‘aril-Haraam.

Lesson

‘Afaztum – (you return) this word has come out from the word ‘Afaazah which means ‘Walking in multitudes and coming back’. Technically it signifies “returning from ‘Arafat to Muzdalfah”.

 

‘Arafaatin – (‘Arafat) the road which leads to the east from Makkah  towards Taif, there is a plain field in the area of several miles situated twelve miles from Makkah Mo-‘azmah. That is called ‘Arafat. There is a hill in this plain also, which is called ‘Arafat too. Its height is two hundred yards from the earth level. During the entire year this field remains vacant but on the ninth Zul-Hijjah it becomes in full bloom on arrival of the Pilgrims.

The Pilgrims reach Minaa till afternoon on eighth of the Zul-Hijjah and on the next day, on ninth Zul-Hijjah at the time of rising the sun, they travel towards ‘Arafat, they reach ‘Arafat at the time of afternoon. Till the time of Asar (before sunset) the Pilgrims have to remain there. This stay is called Wuquuf. The presence in this plain is the most important duty of the Pilgrimage. The entire period should be passed in begging mercy or grace, repentance, penitence and remembrance of God Almighty during the stay in the Field of ‘Arafat. While the sun is near to set, then the Pilgrims should depart unto Muzdalfah (the Sacred Monument). Zuhr and 'Asr prayers are offered in the afternoon jointly in the Nimrah Masjid of ‘Arafat on that day, and Maghrib and ‘Ishaa’ are offered after returning to Muzdalfah at the time of ‘Ishaa’.

‘Al- Mash-‘aril-Haraam – (the Sacred Monument) Mash-‘ar

means the sign or emblem and the word Haraam discloses its dignity. It is that particular place which is situated between the two hills of Muzdalfah. However, the entire Muzdalfah is called “the Sacred Monument” (Mash-‘aril-Haraam).

Muzdalfah – It is at the distance of six miles from Makkah. There exists a direct pathway from Minaaa to ‘Arafat and the Pilgrims proceed to ‘Arafat from that way on ninth Zul-Hijjah. But on return from ‘Arafat it is prescribed to use the other pathway. The Muzdalfah is situated on that pathway. The Caravans of the Pilgrims stay here at night and pass their entire time in the Masjid over the hill, offering prayers, worshiping, begging for mercy, repentance, penitence and remembrance of God Almighty.

There are three Duties to be observed compulsorily of the entire acts of Pilgrimage:

1.             Wearing ‘Ihraam (Garment of Hajj)

2.           To be present in ‘Arafat on ninth Zul-Hijjah which is called Wuquuf also.

3.           Going round the Holy Shrine (Tawaaf of The Square Building) – it is the most important action from the three acts. It has been told in this verse that when you return from ‘Arafat, Remember Allah Almighty during the stay at Muzdalfah begging mercy, repentance and remain busy in worshiping God Almighty.   

Remember Him as He hath guided you, although before ye were of those astray.

Waz-kuruuhu  kamaa hadaakum.  Wa  ‘in- kuntum-min- qablihii la-minaz-zaalliin.

Lesson

‘Az-zaalliin – (the Ignorant) this word is plural of Zaal which commonly means “the astray people”. But it is used for the indolent; careless and negligent also.

Zikr means remembrance, recitation, memory; prayer; talk and mention. Here it means the worship of Allah Almighty.

It has been told in this verse: Remember and worship God Almighty in the manners which have been commanded by His Last Messenger Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). It is the most serious sin “to invent the methods of worship at one’s own and to establish the new forms ignoring the Sayings of the Prophet” (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). It remained heavy attack of Satan to mislead the world and the people of the world that he puts them into disorder from the Straight Path to self-invented ways. The people were involved in uncountable customs, traditions and false beliefs during the period of the Ignorance too. They used to suppose that their self-invented particular methods may be the cause of closeness to God Almighty. But this verse of Holy Qur’an has refuted completely these depravities and misunderstandings.

Holy Qur’an has cleared by using the word ‘Az-zaalliin that till the time; the mankind will not get guidance from the Light; sent by Allah Almighty, make not His Revelation one’s own torch of the path and doesn’t settle His revealed Teachings as the foundation of one’s own actions, he will remain ignorant and astray. Whether he tries to seek any path with his full endeavor, invents many ways of worship of various sort, thinks the forms of the prayers, but all these things will bring him unto straying. The real method is only one, which is commanded by God Almighty. So, every self-made plan by any individual’s will is false and acting upon it will bring towards the deviation.

Holy Qur’an is the best Guide to reach the destination. The Words mentioned in This Holy Book are commanded by God Almighty Who is the Wise, the Discerning, the Present, the Inspector, the Mild, the Philosopher, the Creator and the Lord Almighty. He knows well our necessities, for it; He shows us the Pathway with His Vast knowledge, which is Easy and Straight. We should believe in that Path as reliable; and leave all other manners invented by the human beings.  

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