IMPORTANCE OF THE QUR’AN

Rights of the Qur’an:

1. Believe
a. Obligatory to believe that the Quran is the word(s) of Allah SWT.
b. To have no doubts in the heart about Islam
2. Recite
a. Read and Recite repeatedly with correct pronunciation.
b. Pray Salat; prevent from great sins.
3. Understand
a. Know meaning when reciting; mandatory.
b. Cannot act upon it without knowing what it means.
4. Action
a. Do good deeds and abstain from sins.
5. Preach
a. Convey the message to others.
b. It is also a Sunnah.

Qur’an = “The Recitation”

Iman-e-Mufassal (detailed declaration of faith) – “I have faith in Allah and His Angels, His Books and His
Messengers, and the Day of Judgement and that all good and evil and fate are from Almighty Allah and it
is sure that there will be resurrection after death.”

Iman-e-Mujmal (summary of declaration of faith) – I have faith in Allah as He is known by His Names and
attributes and I accept all His commands.”
TAFSEER

Explanation of the quran

[Link]

1. Quran by Quran – Quranic verses providing an additional explanation of what is already

mentioned in the Quran. (important things are mentioned multiple times in the quran e.g. salat
and zakat)
2. Quran by Sunnah – interpretation of the Quranic verse was provided by the prophet (s)
3. Quran by Aathaar – interpretation by sahabah due to their knowledge of wahi and the Arabic
language aka ‘sayings of the sahabas’
4. Quran by Language – compilation of dictionaries to understand Arabic grammar and meanings
of verses
5. Quran by Opinion – by using above 4 steps.

90 Makkan Surah’s and 24 Madni Surah’s. (every scholar says differently)

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It is the everlasting and living miracle of God’s final prophet, not only because it has been free from
distortion, but also due to its inimitable eloquence, beauty, and style. The Quran has said that it is a
guidance for those who fear God.1 The Quran itself challenges people to bring its like, even a single
surah, if they can,2 asserting that they will never be able to do so.3

In the Quran, God Almighty has stated:

َ‫إِنَّا نَحْ نُ نَ َّز ْلنَا ال ِّذ ْك َر َوإِنَّا لَهُ لَ َحافِظُون‬

“Indeed We have sent down the Reminder, and indeed We will preserve it.”

The importance of the Quran is best comprehended once we have established a good understanding of
the purpose of this Holy Book. All the prophets that have been sent by God hold one reason as their
objective and mission, that is, the guidance of mankind. With each prophet and apostle, the commands
and instructions God has sent with the previous messenger would be completed, as were the books that
were revealed to each prophet. Hence, the purpose of each Holy Book can be stated as such:

 Verification and completion for the books that came before it.
 Guidance for humanity

Prophet Muhammad has said the Quran is better than everything and that its superiority over other
books is akin to the superiority of God over His servants.14 Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq ( ‫)جعفَ ُر الصّادق‬,
َ the sixth
Shiite imam, has also said that the Quran is God’s pact with His servants; therefore, it is worthy that
every Muslim individual looks at his pact and reads [at least] fifty verses of it every day.15
Another very important point that confirms the importance of the Quran is that reciting it has great
reward and has been likened to listening to God. Another reason learning and reciting the Quran is so
important for believers ( ‫ ) ُمؤ ِمنون‬is that it contains almost everything that needs to be known, believed in,
performed, and refrained from in one’s life.

The Qur’an teaches the 5 principles of Islam known as Uṣūl al-Dīn ( ‫)أُصو ُل الدين‬, aka the pillars of Islam:

 Tawḥīd or Tawheed( ‫)تَوحيد‬: Monotheism

 Nubuwwah ( ‫)نُبُوَّة‬: Prophethood
 Ma‘ād ( ‫) َمعاد‬: Resurrection
 ‘Adl ( ‫)عَدل‬: Justice
 Imāmah ( ‫)إما َمة‬: Imamate

As well as the fundamental beliefs in Islam:

 God
 The angels
 The prophets
 The Holy Scriptures
 The Unseen
 The hereafter
 Resurrection Day (Qiyamah)

It also teaches us certain Islamic laws that are mentioned in the Qur’an and clarified by the Prophets:

 Prayer or salat ( ‫ص ٰلوة‬َ )

 Charity or zakat ( ‫َكوة‬ٰ ‫)ز‬
 Hajj (‫)ح ّج‬
َ
 Fasting ( ‫صوم‬
َ )
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WAHI
The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬over a period of 23 years through the Angel
Hazrat Jibrail (A.S.). It was revealed in portions between 610 – 632 AD. and immediately written and
memorized by the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬and his Sahabah’s. The revelations are known as “Wahi” which was
derived from the term “awha” which translates to ‘inform secretly’.

The first revelation was in 610 AD. In the month of Ramadan brought down to Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬in Ghaar-e-
Hira with ‘Surah Al Alaq/Iqra’ that tells humanity to ‘read’ and learn the true ways of the world which is
Islam.

The last revelation was in Arafat after Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬performed Hajj.

Many Prophets after that were blessed with the Divine Guidance and Revelations:

 Ibrahim  Ṣuḥuf [‫صحُف‬

ُ ] (pages/ scrolls)
  Musa  Torah (Tawrāh ‫)تَوراة‬
 Dawood  Psalms Zabūr (‫)زَبور‬
 Isa  Injeel (Gospel ‫)إِجيل‬
 Muhammad  Quran

The Quran is divided into 30 para’s and 114 chapters called “Surah’s” which translates to ‘degree/step’.
It is compiled of “Ayahs” which are the ‘signs of Allah’. All the Surahs except the last 35 are divided into
sections known as “Ruku” by subject/topic.

The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬used to get exhausted after receiving Wahi’s due to the immense power bestowed by
Allah (S.W.T.). Some of his symptoms were hearing ringing sounds, having cold precipitation, becoming
heavy.

After the Revelations, Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬used to summon his literate companions & dictated the wahi and
asked them to recite it back to confirm its correctness. These writers were called “Kitabat-e-wahi” or
the ‘writers of wahi’. These texts were written on thin stones, wood of palm trees, bones of camels and
goats, leather and even leaves. There was no compilation at this stage and was later arranged with the
help of Hazrat Jibrail (A.S.).

Types of Wahi:

 Wahi-e-Matlu: Words of Allah (SWT); can be recited during prayer (with proper dictation) e.g.,
Quran.
 Wahi-e-Ghair Matlu: Words of Prophet (‫ ;)ﷺ‬cannot be recited during prayer e.g., from Hadith.

Forms of Wahi:

1. In dreams (in sleeping positions) – e.g., Ibrahim (A.S.) for sacrificing Isma’eel (A.S.)
2. Direct to the heart – e.g., For Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬
3. Angel Jibrail in human form
4. Angel Jibrail in Angel form
5. Behind the curtain – e.g., Musa (A.S.) when he asked to see Allah or when he entered the grave
and saw Paradise.
6. Without curtain – e.g., Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬Miraj revelation (transported from Haram to Masjid Al Aqsa)
7. (Ringing Sounds)

Kitabat-e-Wahi:

The famous writers during the period of Prophet PBUH were:

 Hazrat Abu Bakr

 Zaid bin Sabit
 Usman
 Ali
 Zubair
 Ibn Masood
 Hazrat Khadija

Needs of Wahi:
To explain the divine Books and understand Allah SWT. Illuminate wisdom and save humans from false
philosophical theories.

COMPILATION OF THE QURAN

First Khalifa; Abu Bakr

After the decease of Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬, a false prophet called ‘Musailma’ emerged. Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.)
waged war against him in the ‘Battle of Yamamah’ where 70 Hafiz of the Quran were martyred.

Hazrat Umar (R.A.) realized after the battle that the number of Hafiz were very low and were constantly
decreasing. At this point, he felt the necessity to retain the Qur’an in a much more permanent form. He
suggested to Abu Bakr (R.A.) that the Qur’an, aside from also being memorized, should also be written
as a compiled version. Abu Bakr was hesitant of this suggestion since it was originally the duty of
Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬to compile the Qur’an and provide it to the people of Islam. However, Umar (R.A.) argued
and persisted that it was a necessary action until Abu Bakr was convinced.

Abu Bakr then called upon Zaid bin Sabit to collect all the Quranic verses. Zaid bin Sabit began a
commission (committee) or around 20-25 companions who were Hafiz in the Quran. They set out
together to collect the verses from every bits and places; they took verses from stones, leaves, leather,
wood, people (memory, Heard directly from Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬, etc.

After the Qur’an manuscript was created, it was in the custody of Abu Bakr (First Khalifa) and then after
his decease was passed down to Umar (Second Khalifa) and then to Hafsa (R.A.) who the widow of
Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬. The copy that Hafsa (R.A.) had was called ‘Mashaf al Hafsa’.

Third Khalifa; Usman

During the reign of the Third Khalifa, it was noticed that in the newly created Muslim regions, the Quran
was recited differently (mostly by the non-Arabs). Anas (R.A.) asked Usman to remove these differences.
Usman (R.A.) acquired the original copy of the Quran from Hafsa (R.A.) (Mashal Al Hafsa) and Appointed
Zaid bin Sabit and 3 other companions to makes copies of it.

He instructed that they follow the original “Quraish” dialect in the copies. Copes were also to be read
aloud in Prophet (‫’)ﷺ‬s masjid to prove and confirm its exactness. The copies were to be distributed to
the Capital cities of Muslim states with the instruction that only the given copy must be used to make
further copies. Usman (R.A.) also added that any false copy created was to be burned in fire.

Usman was thus known as “Jami al Quran” or the ‘One who brought Muslims together to a uniform
reading of the Qur’an’.
 HADITH AND SUNNAH
Six Important Hadith Books:

1. Sahih Bukhari
2. Sahih Muslim
3. Sunan Abu Dawood
4. Jami al-Tirmidhi
5. Sunan Al-Sughra (Sunan Al-Nisai)
6. Sunan Ibn Majah

History & Importance of Hadith

Prophet (‫’)ﷺ‬s Hadiths are his saying and Sunnah are his actions. Sunnah can be translated to ‘manner of
action’, ‘rule of conduct’, ‘mode of life’.

Forms:

 Verbal Teachings - Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬used to repeat important information 3 times and then listened
it back from whom he was speaking to.
 Practical Demonstration – e.g., Ablution, salah, fast, hajj.
 Letters - Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬sent letters to kings and rulers e.g., Zakat, taxes, etc.
 Silent Approval – by Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬to the action or practice of someone else. Because if
something were wrong, he would point it out immediately.

Types of Hadith 1:

 Hadith Qudsi – words that contain Allah’s speech aka ‘Divine Hadith’ that is not part of the
Qur’an.
 Hadith Nabawi – words that contain what Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬spoke.

Types of Hadith 2:

Shahih (authentic) – trustworthy narrator

Hasan (good) – similar to sahih but maybe not well known narrator

Da’eef (weak) – narrator lies

Maudu’ (fabricated) - false

Purpose of Hadith & Sunnah

 To explain Quranic verses or add to them. They are secondary to the Quran.
 To present new rules for topics where the Quran is silent.

Compilation of Ahadith
[Link]
 SURAH AL-BAQARAH

Al-Baqarah is the second and longest chapter of the Quran.

AL-BAQARAH (the Cow) has been so named from the story of the Cow occurring in this Surah (vv. 67-73).
It is only used as a title to indicate that this subject is also present in this Surah and other topics are also
exist.

Though it is a Madani Surah, it follows naturally a Makki Surah Al-Fatihah, which ended with the prayer.
The last verses (284-286) of this Surah which were revealed at Makkah before the migration of the Holy
Prophet to Al-Madinah have also been included in it.
[NOTE: Makki surahs are surahs that were revealed to Prophet Muhammad when he was in Makkah. Madani surahs are the
ones that were revealed to him when he was in Madinah.]

THROUGHOUT THE SURAH

Ask for Guidance. Fatihah begins with this. “Know that you know nothing” I know more than you. You
will get benefit if you are open to gaining knowledge.

Madni surah; Jewish Era; they prided their knowledge and had many books; read and write and
research. “Ummi” – unlettered, referred to the Makkans with this; did not know the alphabets or read
or write.

Taqwa – attempt to protect oneself? It is for those who wish to get guidance from Allah and are afraid of
falling into sin.

If you believe in the unseen, you will abide with Salah. They don’t break it.

Do not ridicule old revelations. Show respect on other Wahi. Like Taurat, Injeel, etc. Respect but don’t
believe. Sabr + Taqwa. Believe what is sent to you and to those before you.

Doubt + Guidance + Taqwa (fear of God) + Iman + Kuffur/Disbelief are in the heart. That’s why Allah
seals the heart and then their hearing.

Great punishment vs Painful Punishment

--

“East and West belong to Allah”. Wherever you turn, you will find your way to Allah. Initially Qibla was
Masjid-al-Aqsa. Jews + Christians. SubhanAllah = perfection.

“Be and it is”.

VERSE #117 PARA 2

Ayat al ‘Birr’. It is one of the longest verses (ayaat) of the Qur’an. Al-Birr means Real Virtue or Goodness.

The four conditions of success on the Day of Judgment mentioned in Surat al-‘Asr are:

(1) having real faith (iman),

(2) doing righteous deeds (al-‘Amal al-Salih),
(3) exhorting one another to truth (Tawasi bil-Haq), and
(4) exhorting one another to patience (Tawasi bil-Sabr).

Ayat al-Birr is an exposition of three of these four conditions.

Ayat al-Birr discusses this iman in detail to include:

(1) Faith in Allah

(2) Faith in the Hereafter
(3) Faith in Angels
(4) Faith in the Books
(5) Faith in the Prophets

What is real Virtue?

(1) fulfilling the rights of fellow human beings (Huqooq al-‘Ibad) by having mercy and sympathy
toward them, and by actually spending on them for the sake of Allah (SWT)
(2) fulfilling the rights of Allah (Huqooq Allah) through prayers (salah) and obligatory charity (zakah),
and
(3) fulfilling and honoring human relations including all types of business and social contracts.

VERSE #284 - #286 PARA 2

284: “To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. Whether you show what
is within yourselves or conceal it, Allah will bring you to account for it. Then He will forgive whom He
wills and punish whom He wills, and Allah is over all things competent.”

This is the first fundamental principle of Islam. That God is the Sovereign of the heavens and the earth
and all they contain, and that it is improper for man not to bend himself in obedience and service to
God.

There are two important points to note: First, that man is individually responsible to, and answerable
before, God. Second, that the Lord of the heavens and the earth, before Whom man is answerable, is
All-Knowing. Thus, nothing is concealed from Him, not even intentions and thoughts which lie hidden
deep in the hearts and minds of people.

The ayah also talks about Allah’s absolute authority. He is not bound by laws framed by others which
might limit Him to operating in a certain manner. He is an absolute sovereign and has the full power
either to punish or pardon people.
285: ” The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the
believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying],
"We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear, and we obey. [We
seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination."

Distinction of the books made by Jews even though Allah commanded us to believe is all the books.

This verse outlines what one is required to believe in and what should be the distinguishing
characteristics of one's conduct. They consist of the following: belief in God, in His angels, in His Books,
in all His Messengers (instead of some rather than others), and in the fact that ultimately one will have
to stand before God's judgement. These are the five fundamental articles of faith in Islam. Having
accepted them, the only proper attitude for a Muslim is to cheerfully accept and follow whatever
directives he receives from God. Instead of exulting in his moral excellence he should be humble and
should constantly seek God's forgiveness and mercy.

286: “Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of]
what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. "Our Lord do
not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord and lay not upon us a burden like that
which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord and burden us not with that which we have no ability to
bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory
over the disbelieving people."

Pardon our previous sins and pardon those that we may do. And cover our sins from others. Give us
huge protection from the people who disbelieved. Lesson of Bani Israel?

Man's answerability to God is limited by the extent of his ability. If a man does not have the ability to do
a certain thing, God will not take him to task for not having performed it. In the same way, if it is really
beyond a man's ability to abstain from something, God will not blame him for having failed to abstain
from it. It should be noted here that man will not be the final judge as to whether he had the ability to
do something or not. Such judgement will be made by God alone.

Therefore, when a man does good deed, he will definitely be rewarded for it and when he does a bad
deed, he will also definitely be punished for it. Likewise, if there is an action that a man has no part it,
neither by intent nor practical action, then he will not be rewarded or punished.

There is a prayer in this verse that makes dua to Allah to not give them severe tests and hardships that
were faced by those who came before us. And so, Allah states that it is His law that those who follow the
righteous path will face these tests as a means to confirm their patience and belief. While the believer
works hard to prove his truthful nature, he should also pray to Allah SWT to make his path easier for him
and that the hardships does not make him go astray.

These prayers were revealed on the occasion of the Ascension of the Prophet, a year before his
migration to Madinah. During this time there were many conflicts between Islam and disbelievers
throughout the Muslim nations, making lives of Muslims very difficult. Thus, Muslims were told to pray
during those hard times to strengthen their hearts and not allow their feelings to break their belief in
Islam.
VERSE #177 PARA 2

“Virtue does not lie in turning your faces to the East or to the West. The truly good are those who believe
in Allah and the Last Day, the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, despite their love for it, give
away their wealth to their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, and to travelers and beggars and
to set slaves free, and who establish salat and pay zakat; those who honor their contracts when they
make them, and are steadfast in misfortune, adversity, and times of danger. It is these who are truthful,
and it is these who are righteous” ((al-Baqarah, 2:177).

[Link]

What is Goodness?

Before the Prophet (‫’)ﷺ‬s migrations to Makkah from Madinah. At first the People of Madina used to use
Masjid-Al-Aqsa as their Qibla while the Makkans used Ka’bah as their Qibla. Then the Makkans migrated
to Madinah the mahajir faced a test to see if they could change their Qibla despite their respect for the
Ka’bah. They did not complain and complied with the ways of the Makkans. Then Allah commanded that
the official Qibla be changed to the Ka’bah for all Muslims.

The purpose of the Qiblah was to set a uniformity for all Muslims to pray towards a singular direction.

--------

The fourth point about Ayat al-Birr is to know the background and context under which it was revealed
in order to get an insight into its message. Ayat al-Birr was revealed following the incident of Tahweel al-
Qiblah or changing of the direction of Qiblah from Jerusalem to the Ka’ba in Mecca. Till such time that
the Prophet (SAW) was at Mecca, he used to pray facing the Ka’ba toward the North. In this position,
while he was facing Ka’ba, he was also facing Jerusalem, because Jerusalem lay further up north. After
the hijrah, and while in Medina, the Prophet (SAW) prayed for about a year and a half facing Jerusalem.
It is possible that the Prophet (SAW) was directed by Allah through al-Wahy al-Khafi (revelation that is
not a part and parcel of the Qur’an) to face Jerusalem during prayers performed in Medina. It is also
possible that this decision was taken on the basis of a personal ijtihad made by the Prophet (SAW), which
was duly acknowledged by Allah (SWT).

However, while facing Jerusalem in prayers, the backs of those who prayed were toward the Ka’ba in
Mecca, because of it being situated at the south of Medina. This became a test for the companions of
the Prophet (SAW) who had migrated from Mecca. It burdened their feelings. They belonged to the
progeny of Ismail (AS) and Ibrahim (AS). The Ka’ba was dear to them not only because of its religious
origins, having being initially built by Adam (AS), but also because of its racial and ethnical links with
their forefathers—Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS). However, it is obligatory upon all Muslims to follow the
commands of the Prophet (SAW), and the companions did so, despite their being put to a big test. Nearly
a year and a half after the hijrah, an ayah was revealed directing the Prophet (SAW) to change his Qiblah
from Jerusalem to al-Masjid al-Haram (al- Ka’ba) in Mecca.

Ayat al-Birr was then revealed to explain to the people that righteousness did not merely comprise of
praying toward a particular direction but real virtue and piety had to do with real faith and a host of
other good deeds.

--------
“Birr” translates to ‘Real Goodness’ (also virtue, piety, righteousness, and charity). Angels brought Wahi
to the Prophets. Also can be translated to ‘Peace’. After doing good, a man feels good or peace in his
heart; after doing bad, a caller In our hearts sends a warning.

Birr has to do with the inner satisfaction, spiritual pleasure, and happiness that one gets in doing a good
deed; an act of charity. It is the internal sense of security, peace, and satisfaction that is actually the
essence of the word Birr. Two types of actions: 1. Animalistic instincts (hunger, thirst) 2. Need to satisfy
soul/spirit; the latter is Birr.

It is derived from the root letters baa-raa-raa. The word Barr, meaning land, is also derived from the
same root letters. The word for sea or ocean is Arabic is Bahr. (as how man is uneasy on sea due to its
hazardous nature and only in peace when he reaches land)

Al-Birr consists of the following requirements:

 Iman (Tauheed > Aakhirah > Risalah)

o FAITH IN ALLAH
 iman in Allah (SWT) or Tawheed, iman in the Hereafter, “iman bil-
Risalah”/Institution of Prophethood [iman in the Angels, iman in the Books, and
iman in the Prophets – (involves Angel Jibril bringing down the Books
(scriptures) by way of revelations to the Prophets for the purpose of providing
guidance to mankind.)].
 The reason why iman in Allah (SWT) and iman in the Hereafter are mentioned
before iman in the institution of Prophethood is because belief in Allah (SWT)
and in the Hereafter is what purifies one’s intention and motivates one to
become righteous and virtuous.
 A deed is really virtuous, when it is done only to please Allah (SWT) and not to
please anyone else and the reward of which is only sought in the Hereafter, and
not in this world. If the reward of the good deed is sought in this world, then it is
not the Birr that Allah (SWT) would like and accept.
o FAITH IN THE HEREAFTER
 Numerous ayat of the Qur’an and ahadith speak of life after death.
 How the soul goes into a rest or sleep beyond the mortal world after its decease
to wait till the Day of Judgement
 It is significant to note the two-thirds of the Qur’an, which was revealed in
Mecca speaks mainly of the concept of al-Akhirah and of al-Ghayb (the unseen).
 A fundamental part of faith is to believe in the unseen
 Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬often emphasized that every man should save himself from Hellfire
since he would be unable to do so. He compares dying to a form of sleeping and
then waking up on the Day of Resurrection to receive rewards for good deeds
and punishment for the sins.
 Making moral choices in the world do not bring immediate harm, they will only
be judged by Allah on the last day and will receive what it deserves on the Last
Day
  Belief in the Hereafter is a belief in universal and divine justice. It is testimony to
the fact that human life on earth is not without purpose or value or order, and
that good works that seem to go unrewarded shall certainly be rewarded.
o FAITH IN THE INSTITUTION OF PROPHETHOOD
 Belief in Angels because they brought down Wahi to the Prophets.
 Believing in the Angels is an essential part of believing in a world that is beyond
human perception. It is what distinguishes the way humans perceive the world
and understand it from the way animals do. Animals perceive the world through
their senses and instincts, while man believes in a world that lies beyond the
reach of his perception.
 To believe in the Books and the Prophets means to attest, without reservation,
to the truth, honesty, and integrity of all the revealed Books and all the
Prophets and messengers God commissioned to deliver them at various times of
human history. This leads to a belief in the unity of the human race, serving God
alone, abiding by one and the same religion and adhering to one universal
divine order. This outlook has a profound effect on the personality of the
believer, who is seen as custodian of the heritage of God’s messengers and
divine message.
 The manifestation of al-Birr was practically demonstrated by the Prophets and
messengers of Allah (SWT) who were the models of real virtue and piety. They
were the best human beings of their times, having the most balanced
personalities.
 All the practices told by Allah should be done in exactness. No more and no less.
 Huqooq Al Ibad
o fulfilling the rights of fellow human beings; kindness and sympathy
o having mercy and sympathy toward them and by actually spending on them for the sake
of Allah (SWT)
o “He who is deprived of kindness is deprived of good.”
o Charity is also a social value that strengthens the bonds of love and trust within the
family unit, the vital nucleus of society, and preserves the dignity of its members.
o Islam abhors begging and encourages people to maintain their honor and dignity.
o Charity to: Relatives, Orphans, Miskeen (who does not beg), wayfarers /travellers,
Slaves, Muslims in Debt,
 Huqooq Allah
o fulfilling the rights of Allah
o through prayers (salah) and obligatory charity (zakah) since He is their Creator,
Sustainer, and Master
o Prayer, an act of total submission and dedication to God, epitomizes the entire Islamic
outlook on life. Pray 5 times a day.
o Prayer combines the activity of all three elements in an integrated act of worship
dedicated completely to the adoration and glorification of God almighty. The bodily
movements of standing (qiyam), bowing (ruku’) and prostration (sujood), and the
recitation of Qur’anic verses and other prescribed text and the deliberated reflection
required on that, and exclusive devotion to God, unite beautifully during prayer in a
 unique and splendid combination. Maintaining this standard in the performance of
prayer is a reminder and a fulfillment of the essence and purpose of Islam as a whole.
o Zakat is a social tax instituted by Allah (SWT), as a token of the entitlement of the poor
to a share in the wealth of the rich.
o “Zakat” = ‘to increase’, ‘to purify,’ and ‘to bless’
o 2.5% of all wealth
o Zakat [involuntary] is different from Charity (Charitable spending) [voluntary]
o Important to do both Salah AND Zakat
o While salah is the means to gain spiritual strength (soul), zakah purifies and increases
one’s wealth. Mentioned around 80 times in the Quran
 Fulfilling business transactions, marriage contracts, promises, and all other trusts.
o Fair dealings and Honesty
o everyone is born a believer in the true and natural faith (fitrah) and that it is the
person’s parents who uproot him from the natural faith and transform him into a Jew, a
Christian or a Zoroastrian.
o A conscious, true, and righteous believer understands the depth and magnitude of this
pledge that he makes with Allah (SWT). This pledge is also reflected and reasserted in
the two testimonies of faith (shahadatain): “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad
is His Messenger.” Fulfilling pledges and contracts is absolutely imperative.
o It goes without saying that the contracts and transactions that have to be honored are
only those which are lawful and permissible. It is indeed sinful to deal with anything that
Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW) have declared forbidden or undesirable.
o Breach of lawful contracts may be either intentional or unintentional. If intentional =
lying = sin (munafiq/hypocrite)
 Patience and Steadiness
o exercise patience and endurance in times of calamities, hardships, adversities, conflicts
and dangers.
o sabr means to hold or to tie includes patience, perseverance, endurance, fortitude,
forbearance, and self-control.
o 3 categories
 sabr ‘ala al-ta’a – patience in obeying Allah (SWT)
 hardships in salat, siyam (fasting)
 should be carried out despite being difficult.
 sabr ‘an al-ma’siyyah – patience in abstaining from the forbidden
 refrain from haram
 sabr ‘ala al-ibtila – patience in the face of adversity
 Bearing afflictions, trials, and tribulations with patience, perseverance,
and steadfastness

Fulfill relationships with: Allah, Oneself, With people

It is the foundation of true faith. Without true goodness, there is no true faith.

3 companions who wanted to achieve peak righteousness.

SURAH AZHAB
VERSE #21

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the
Last Day, and remembers Allah often.”

It is better for you to follow Prophet of Allah (PBUH( for he is the beast leader of all mankind. E.g.,
Fatima RA came to him with blisters in hand and nothing to eat and the Prophet had nothing to offer so
he told her Takbeer e Fatima. He who wants to meet Allah (and has hope in him) and in the Last Day and
wishes to be closer to Allah must follow Prophet for he is the best leader.

VERSE #40

“Muḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and seal [i.e.,
last] of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.”

Although the Prophet is the best leader, he is not the father of any man among you. He had a son
Ibrahim AS with his wife Maria AS. Ibrahim AS died in his lap and the Prophet said: “O Ibrahim! Verily
your departing pains us” but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last Prophet. There will be none after
him. That’s why he married various times so that he could leave as much sunnah behind as possible and
indeed Allah is aware of all things.

VERSE #56

“Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have
believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.”

Allah and all his angels send their blessings upon Prophet and you should too ask for blessings upon him
and say salam/salute to him. It automatically means submitting to him and his commands.

VERSE #57

“Indeed, those who abuse Allah and His Messenger - Allah has cursed them in this world and the
Hereafter and prepared for them a humiliating punishment.”

Those people who cause pain to Allah and his Prophet are cursed by Allah in this world and in the
hereafter and Allah has prepared for them a very severe punishment.

Benefits of Reciting Durood Shareef:

1. One single Durud = 10 times blessings + 10 sins forgiven + increase in status 10 times
2. Should be given on Fridays
3. Whenever Propher is mentioned, should recute surud
4. It is a purifier
5. Complete compensation of all sins
SURAH HUJRAT
VERSE #1

Don’t put yourself ahead of Allah and his Prophet

All those of you who have belived, you should not put your agendas and desires before the teachings of
Allah and his Prophet. Your agendas must always be in compliance with what Allah and his Messenger
has taught. Don’t make yourself a priority. None of you have iman until he submits to whatever
revelation I come with and be cautious of Allah for indeed he listens and is All knowing.

VERSE #2

About respect – and teaches respect; not to raise your voice above him

Those of you who have faith don’t be louder than Prophet. Quran – voice of Prophet

When someone comes to you with a hadeeth saying you are wrong, then do not debate; be quiet
whether you like it or not and accept it or not because it is a hadeeth. You do not want to be the one
dismissing what the Prophet said.

Don’t be casual with Prophet Muhammad since he is someone whose hand/praise continues (Allah and
Angels continuously send durud on him).

The Muslim community is like a huge family and the father figure among you is Muhammad. So Allah
teaches you and gives you families therefore you should always respect Muhammad.

Muhammad was a best friend, a father, husband, nephew and much more but none of them addressed
him by their relation; he was always addressed as Rasool.

One risalah came all these relations had to be reconsidered. Any disrespect will remove all your good
deeds in life.

Some people have naturally loud voices but that is no excuse when addressing to Prophet Muhammad.

VERSE #3

Taqwa; consciousness of Allah; No doubt

And those of you who have held their voices (lower) in the prescense of Propher are those who have
been tried and tested for taqwa. Taqwa here is love for Prophet. Speaks on behalf of Allah showing
respect to Prophet means showing respect to Allah.
MAKKI PERIOD OF THE LIFE OF HOLY PROPHET

1. Birth of the Holy Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬

570 AC in Makkah
Father : Abdullah (died before birth)
Mother : Amina (died at the age of 6)
Grandfather : Abu Muttablib (died at the age of 8)
Uncle : Abu Talib…
Foster Mother : Bibi Haleema (arab custom)
2. Attack of Abraha on Kaaba before birth of Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬
Year of Elephant
Army on Elephants
Birds with stones were sent to kill them
Abraha was the ruler of Yemen
Marched upon Kabah, Makkah to destroy it
3. Death of Parenths
4. Journey to Syria with uncle
Agre 12 w/ Abu Talib
Christian Monk : Bohira Rahib
Recognized him at Basra for his signs of Prophet
5. Trade to Syria and marriahe with H Khadija
Age 25
Rich widow. K visited Syria to sell her goods. Very impressed. The Slave maisrah accompanies
Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬
K Age 40
6. Dispute of Hajr e Aswad
Age 35
All tribes of Quraish went to the renovation of Kaba
Dispute for placement of Hajr e Awad
Places stone on sheet carries by every leader then placed it himself
7. Revelation of First Wahi (with Witness Warqa bin Nofil)
Cave hira for meditation

3rd Quiz – Friday. Objective.

Assignment – Friday (after quiz) MCQ’s 20. 20mins. Design it. Topics?
ISLAMIC CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

Definition

Culture and civilization are deeply linked with each other, both are the base of religion, faith, way of life,
customs, traditions, ideas, life hereafter, moral values, manners, social and ethical values, law, dress,
food, ideology and concept of other religion. every culture is based on its religious values.

Elements of Islamic civilization:

1. Dealing with outside the non Muslim

2. Internal peace.
3. Uniformity and equality.
4. Economic prosperity.