Surah Shurah (42) 21/05/2016

With the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merci

Sura 42 (Shura-Consultation)

The Quran a light

Verse 52: “And thus have We, by Our Command, sent inspiration to thee: thou knewest not (before) what was Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Qur’an) a Light, wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily thou dost guide (men) to the Straight Way,-”

We learn here that the term Ummi Prophet (Unlettered Prophet) given to Muhammed (SAW) was due to him not being conversant in scripture and faith prior to Prophethood. However, with the coming of the Quran, this changed and he became the bearer of the light that was to illuminate the world and take people from the depths of darkness to light. It is also worthy to note that the inspiration of the Quran is here referred to as “Ruh” a life giving inspiration and also a “Nur” both highlighting the important objectives of the final message guiding people to the Straight Way.

Continues tomorrow…Insha Allah

Salaam/Peace

Surah Shurah (42) 20/05/2016

With the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merci

Sura 42 (Shura-Consultation)
The principle of Shura (consultation) enjoined

Verse 38: Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance;
The title of this Sura takes its name from the term “Shura” (Consultation) mentioned in this verse. The instruction to believers is to apply the principle of consultation in their daily affairs in dealing with one another. The lexicon highlights the use of this root word as a method that extracts honey from wax and also riding something to ascertain its full capability. Thus the term Shura imples discussion that synthesizes information gathered into a final product and the same tested through tough discussion aimed at deriving the best decision. It is important to note that this advice is given listed between Salah and Charity highlighting the success is dependent on a mind spritually attuned in duty to Allah while also firmly linked to societal need.
The instruction to apply Shura was also given to the Prophet (SAW) in running the affairs of state. See Sura 3 Verse 159.
Continues tomorrow InshaAllah…
Salaam/Peace

Surah Shura (42) 19/05/2016

With the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Sura 42 (Shura-Consultation)

Righteous values

Verse 36-37: Whatever ye are given (here) is (but) a convenience of this life: but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting: (it is) for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord: Those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive;

The righteous values mentioned here are basic and fundamental. Treating life as a journey not an end. Trusting in our Creator, avoiding sins and controlling our anger by understanding and overlooking the shortcomings of others.The mention of avoiding the “greater” sins is also mentioned in Sura 53 Verse 32.

Cross reference – Sura 4 Verse 31: If ye (but) eschew the most heinous of the things which ye are forbidden to do, We shall expel out of you all the evil in you, and admit you to a gate of great honour.
The teaching in this verse is contrary to what we are taught. In this verse we are told to focus on protecting ourselves from the things forbidden – the big things which are few and achievable for all, the other weaknesses and evils (small weaknesses) will be automatically disappear as promised in this verse.

Continues tomorrow…

Salaam/Peace

Surah Shura (42) 18/05/2016

With the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Sura 42 (Shura-Consultation)

Allah provides in a sustainable way

Verses 27-28: If Allah were to enlarge the provision for His Servants, they would indeed transgress beyond all bounds through the earth; but he sends (it) down in due measure as He pleases. For He is with His Servants Well-acquainted, Watchful. He is the One that sends down rain (even) after (men) have given up all hope, and scatters His Mercy (far and wide). And He is the Protector, Worthy of all Praise.

We often pray for many things… money, cars, mansions, status, etc. However, had Allah provided for all our material desires these could lead to our self inflicted destruction. As a result He provides for us in due measure with balance and meaningful propose. The balance that we observe in the natural environment bears testimony to this. Allah provides for it in due balance and the result thereof is perfect harmony. If Allah had to provide for us based on our insatiable desires and greed, imbalance and catastrophes would result. However what we receive is just right, enough for ourselves as well as to share with others to create the balance as we see exists in nature.

Continues tomorrow…

Salaam/Peace

Surah Shura (42) 17/05/2016

With the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Sura 42 (Shura-Consultation)

Calling to the universal message

V15: “Now then, for that (reason), call (them to the Faith), and stand steadfast as thou art commanded, nor follow thou their vain desires; but say: “I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us (is the responsibility for) our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (our) Final Goal.”

The instruction provided is to hold fast to the commandments of Allah (SWT) and invite others to it. A clear distinction is required separating human wishes and desires from the ultimate Truth. Furthemore we are instructed to provide the clarification presented through the Quran but without compelling anyone to follow the path prescribed by Allah. The final decision is that of Allah (SWT).

Cross reference – Sura 16 Verse 64: And We sent down the Book to thee for the express purpose, that thou shouldst make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe.

Continues tomorrow…
Salaam/Peace

Surah Shura (42) 16/05/2016

With the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Sura 42 (Shura-Consultation)

Continuity of the message through history

Verse 13: “The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah – the which We have sent by inspiration to thee – and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him).”

Here we learn that the messengers of Allah were all given the same religion or pathway (shariah) and provided a continuous teaching through time. We are told not to separate ourselves into sects but retain the sublime link with similar purpose and teaching. Cross reference Sura 23 Verses 51-52: “O you messengers… and verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other). But people have cut off their affair (of unity), between them, into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself”

Continues tomorrow…

Salaam/Peace

Surah Shura (42) 15/05/2016

With the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Sura 42 (Shura-Consultation)
Dealing with differences
Verse 10: Whatever it be wherein ye differ, the decision thereof is with Allah: such is Allah my Lord: In Him I trust, and to Him I turn.
Differences if not dealt with lead to diputes and ultimately disunity. Resolving differences is never easy but ultimately necessary. However, the manner of resolving differences if left to human devices are unlikely to succeed and may even undermine the truth. The verse makes it clear that the final decision (Hukm) is Allah (SWT)’s. Furthermore it is also clear that the role of unalterable law maker is that of Allah (SWT).
Cross reference – Sura 5 Verse 48: To you (O Muhammed) We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee.

In the above verse we see that this was also made plain to the Prophet (SAW) to use the Quran as his criterion for decision making and so too, it continues to be the principle for our times.

Continues tomorrow…

Salaam/Peace