Philosophy in changing the direction of worship - Quran Chapter 2- 143b (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-169) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 143b (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-169) - درس قرآن

Philosophy in changing the direction of worship

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

‘A-‘uu-zu  Billaahi minash-Shay-taanir- Rajiim. 
(I seek refuge in God from Satan the outcast.)

Bis-Millaahir-Rah-maanir-Rahiim.
(In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful.)

وَمَا جَعَلْنَا ٱلْقِبْلَةَ ٱلَّتِى كُنتَ عَلَيْهَآ إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَن يَتَّبِعُٱلرَّسُولَ مِمَّن يَنقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ  (143  b

143b.  And We appointed the qiblah which ye formerly observed only that We might know him who followeth the Messenger, from him who turneth on his heels.

143b.  Wa maa ja-‘alnal-Qiblatal-latii kunta ‘alayhaaa ‘illaa li-Na’-lama many-yattabi-‘ur-Rasuula  mim-many-yanqalibu ‘alaa ‘aqibayh.

Commentary

Li-Na’-lama – (that We might know) the word “‘ilm”  (knowledge) is used here only for distinction, identification and recognition.

It was the blessed habit of the Messenger of God Almighty Muhammad (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) that in which matter there was no instruction from God Almighty, in that matter, He (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) used to choose the manner of former Prophets (peace be upon Them), for instance; the prayer had become duty to offer, but there was no clear command available regarding Qiblah. Messenger of Allah Almighty used to offer prayers by turning towards the Temple of Jerusalem, which was the Qiblah of the Children of Israel. It is known clearly from the words of this verse also ‘Wa maa ja-‘alNaa’ that in the beginning to face unto the former Qiblah was with the sanction of God Almighty. When He (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) flew from Makkah to Madina, even then, the Temple of Jerusalem (Bayt ul Muqaddas) remained Qiblah too. But after a period of nearly sixteen months, God Almighty commanded to change the Qiblah and Ka’-bah (The Square Building at Makkah) was appointed as Qiblah of the Muslims.

God Almighty commands in this verse: The purpose to keep the Qiblah to Bayt ul Muqaddas (the Temple of Jerusalem) was temporarily for a short time so that the Obedient and the Violent may be separated”. 

The Idolaters of Makkah were not convinced for reverence of the Qiblah as the Temple of Jerusalem. So it was a clear sign of embracing Islam in Makkah that every individual has to offer his prayers turning towards the Temple of Jerusalem. Near to the Jews and the Christians of Madinah, the Temple of Makkah had no honor. So in Madinah it became the sign of embracing Islam that the prayer should be offered facing towards the BaytUllaah (Ka’-ba), the Temple at Mecca. Here upon, it became easy to make a distinction among the Muslims and the Non-Muslims.

If the Temple of Makkah were Qiblah (BaytUllaah) instead of the Temple of Jerusalem (Bayt ul Muqaddas) during the life in Makkah then probably, the people of Makkah might consider it as a kind of flattery and they might embrace Islam due to their own country’s Qiblah instead of taking this religion as the Order of God Almighty. Thus Islam is pure from all these objects. Teaching of the religion is not for favor of any particular nation or race. Islam has come for the entire world and its teachings are for the entire nations forever.

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). https://youtu.be/lSwuyTdRSKM

Muslims are a Middle Nation - Quran Chapter 2- 143a (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-168) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 143a (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-168) - درس قرآن

Muslims are a Middle Nation

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

‘A-‘uu-zu  Billaahi minash-Shay-taanir- Rajiim. 
(I seek refuge in God from Satan the outcast.)

Bis-Millaahir-Rah-maanir-Rahiim.
(In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful.)

 وَكَذَٰلِكَجَعَلْنَٰكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِّتَكُونُوا۟ شُهَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا (143  a

143a.  And thus We have appointed you a middle nation, that ye may be witnesses against mankind, and that the Messenger may be a witness against you.

143a.  Wa kazaalika ja-‘alNaa-kum ‘Ummatanw- Wasatal-li-takuunuu shuha-daaa-‘a ‘alan-naasi wa yakuunar-Rasuulu ‘alaykum Shahiidaa.

Commentary

Wasatan – (Moderate; temperate) it means that Muslim nation is on right straight path. It has no crookedness, abundance or deficiency. Teaching of Islam is self-control in behavior. Followers of Islam are the temperate. They are appointed on acceptance of the middle path by giving up all kinds of increases and decreases.

Shahiidun – (Witness) this word is origin of the words Shaahid and Shahaadah. Shaahid means witness and Shahaadah means Evidence. Technically this word is used for the killed, martyred in the path of God Almighty. In this verse, its meaning may also be taken as ‘Watching’.

Excellence and superiority of Muslim nation has been declared in this verse. God Almighty commands: O Muslims! As your Qiblah is the most excellent than other Qiblahs, like this; We have bestowed you merit over all other nations, and your Messenger (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) has been selected most superior over all other Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon Them).

It has come in the Sayings of the Messenger of Allah (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) that on the Judgment Day, when all previous nations will be asked about their acts, at that time; the Muslim nation will testify the claim of previous Prophets (peace be upon Them) in the light of the teachings of Holy Qur’an and witness that these all Prophets (peace be upon Them); were sent unto their nations and they conveyed them Message of Allah Almighty. But these people did not agree to their Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon Them).

The Muslim nation has been prepared in the both capabilities of model; individually and collectively for the entire world. Every nation of the world should rise and turn to the state of this standard. Auspicious Personality of the Blessed Messenger Muhammad (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) has capability of being an example and model roll for the entire Muslims. This lesson results from above mentioned verse also that we should establish ourselves as model roll for other nations of the world. We should save ourselves from moral lowness in all respect and choose never the path which lessens our recognized position. To achieve this object; we must keep the pattern of God’s last Messenger (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) in view before us always. Being a middle nation we should save ourselves from all kinds of abundance and decrease so that we may be able to keep the honor of the title of “A Middle Nation”.

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). https://youtu.be/WIdzmA-SZ4c

The greatest Temple for Muslims - Quran Chapter 2- 142 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-167) - درس قرآن

 Quran Chapter 2- 142 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-167) - درس قرآن

The greatest Temple for Muslims

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

Praise be to Allah, Who is Sufficient for us. And, glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon His last Messenger Muhammad and chosen servants. 

Fa-‘uu-zu  Billaahi minash-Shay-taanir- Rajiim. 
(So, I seek refuge in God from Satan the outcast.)

Bis-Millaahir-Rah-maanir-Rahiim.
(In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

 سَيَقُولُ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ مِنَٱلنَّاسِ مَا وَلَّىٰهُمْ عَن قِبْلَتِهِمُ ٱلَّتِى كَانُوا۟ عَلَيْهَا قُل لِّلَّهِ ٱلْمَشْرِقُ وَٱلْمَغْرِبُ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ (142

142.  And the foolish of the people will say: What hath turned them from the qiblah which they formerly observed? Say: Unto Allah belong the East and the West. He guideth whom He will unto a straight path.

142.  SA-YAQUULUS-SUFA-HAAA-‘U  minan-naasi maa wallaahum ‘an- Qiblati-himul-latii kaanuu ‘alayhaa. Qul-Lillaahil-Mashriqu wal-Magrib. Yahdii many-yashaaa-‘u ‘ilaa Siraatim- Mustaqiim.

Assalaam o Alaikum wa RahmatUllaahi wa BarakaatuHuu

Commentary

 ‘As-Sufa-haaa-‘u  minan-naas – (the foolish of the people) Sufa-haaa is plural of the word safiah that means childish, low, stupid, foolish. So aim from ‘As-Sufa-haaa-‘u  minan-naas is; the people who protest and criticize the Commands of God Almighty. Here, the indication is towards the Children of Israel.

Qiblah – The thing which is in front, that is to say, the direction and place turning towards which; the prayers are offered and worship is done, namely Center of Attention, side and direction to turn for worship. The Qiblah of the Children of Israel was the Temple or the City of Jerusalem. Till the time the Messenger of Allah Almighty (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) remained in Makkah, He used to turn His face unto Jerusalem. After migration, He continued that Qiblah. But He used to desire over and over to make His Qiblah to the  Ka’-bah (The Square Building at Mecca), which was constructed by the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him). But He (may glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) was waiting for the Command of God Almighty. At last, He (may glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) was commanded to change the Qiblah after migration to Madinah, passing there sixteen or thirteen months.

When the Children of Israel knew about the change of Qiblah, they persecuted in opposition of it. They criticized of various sorts that formerly, they used to offer their prayers turning towards the first Qiblah (the Temple at the City of Jerusalem), which was the Qiblah of the old times Prophets (peace be upon Them). What happened with them now that they have left that Qiblah, they have made the Ka’-bah as their Qiblah. Some of them used to say that it has been done due to jealousy and enmity of the Children of Israel.

The Holy Qur’an replied their objections, “O Messenger! Tell them that we have not changed the Qiblah due to jealousy or bigotry, but it has been changed with the Command of Allah Almighty.

The East or the West, every direction is of Allah Almighty. Everything of each direction is in His Control and Knowledge. Guidance is with Him also. He bestows with His Guidance and Message to whom He desires.

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).  https://youtu.be/xGJ4dPHCXIc

Summary of First Part - Quran Chapter 2- Summary (Pt-1, Stg-1) (L-166) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- Summary (Pt-1, Stg-1) (L-166) - درس قرآن

Summary of First Part

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

BisMillaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds that we have completed First Part of the Holy Qur’an; lesson by lesson with the Mercy and Favors of God Almighty. Now we are going to discuss the summary of all its lessons so that object of the Holy Qur’an may be understood in a few words.

It was stated in the introduction of Surah ‘Al-Baqarah (The Cow) that main topic of this Surah is to teach the Muslims; which may grow sound character and behavior into them after this learning. By following their religion and morality, they may get utmost success and victory of this world and the Hereinafter. It was necessary to teach them about pure religion and code of good morality that difference between religions, customs and beliefs be effaced of all the nations and religious sects which exist in the world, their weaknesses be disclosed and they be taught about the Straight Path.

At first, it has been explained about the necessity of inspiration and revelation in the First Part of Holy Qur’an and stated that this Scripture is a revealed Holy Book. The individual, who will accept Its teachings and obey its commandments, will find the Straight Path and will succeed.

Then it was described that three types of people will grow in reply to the Holy Qur’an:

·       Those people, who will accept the teachings of Holy Qur’an and will be bound on its orders/instructions, they will get every kind of success.

·       Those, who will oppose it strictly and will keep enmity with its Believers, these Infidels will be entitled to suffer heavy doom and anguish.

·       Those people who will belong to above both groups, Muslim in the Muslims and Infidel in the Infidels (Hypocrites), they will get painful doom.

Then, after advising the Infidels and the Hypocrites, their attention is drawn towards the Law of Allah Almighty and has been told that only those individuals criticize the Revelations, who have three types of diseases in their hearts:

•        Weak faith

•        Feeble nature

•        Mean wisdom

After that, it is commanded that the Religion is filled in the nature of mankind. So it is compulsion of the human being to incline unto the Revelations of God Almighty. Accordingly, when Prophet Adam (peace be upon Him) was appointed as Caliph (Vicegerent) and then was sent on the earth, He (peace be upon Him) remained confused. God Almighty revealed some Words on Him, which became cause of satisfaction of His heart (peace be upon Him).

Then light is thrown on the necessity of the Holy Qur’an. In this subject three defects of the Jews have been narrated:

•        Doctrinal

•        Practical

•        Administrative

And they have been informed that they had involved in evil deeds and misconduct, so the Sovereignty was snatched from them. After this, it has been stated that they cannot do the work of invitation and command to be mingled with the Muslims too. Under this subject, wrong beliefs and false-loving of their people, scholars and rich men have been mentioned.

Then, it has been explained that the Children of Israel are not able to become gentle public as the Muslims. So the Muslims have been instructed that they should discontinue their relationship with them.

After that, remembrance of the prayer of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him), construction of  Ka’-bah (the House of Allah) (the Temple at Makkah), Divine Mission of the last Messenger of God Almighty; Muhammad (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him), His morality, good manners, courtesy and Muslim Ummah (nation) has been explained.

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).   https://youtu.be/pdEEENAoc7s

Only own deeds will be useful - Quran Chapter 2- 141 (Pt-1, Stg-1) (L-165) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 141 (Pt-1, Stg-1) (L-165) - درس قرآن

Only own deeds will be useful

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

BisMillaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

 تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُم مَّا كَسَبْتُمْ وَلَا تُسْـَٔلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ (141

141.  Those are a people who have passed away; theirs is that which they earned and yours that which ye earn. And ye will not be asked of what they used to do.

141.  Tilka ‘Ummatun-  qad khalat. Lahaa maa kasabat wa la-kum-maa kasabtum. Wa laa tus-‘aluuna ‘ammaa kaanuu ya’-maluun.

Commentary

We have already learnt in this verse, which has passed in the previous lessons; and is being repeated here to warn the Children of Israel and the Christians. Their wrong beliefs have been rejected with the proof of common sense in it.  

The People of the Scripture were very much proud of it that they were from the generation of the Prophets (peace be upon Them), who were strongly Accepted Servants of God Almighty. So they would not be punished due to their sins. Also the good acts of their Reverends would be useful for them and they would be forgiven freely and easily. So, they do not feel any particular need to be saved themselves from the sins and to incline unto the goodness.

Due to influence of this wrong belief, they used to consider that their sins and the matters against the religion were correct. And they did not use to distinguish among good and evil in their daily routine works and dealing. They used to think also that they were on the path, upon which, their reverends were standing already, so they have no need to believe in the last Messenger, Muhammad (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him). 

Allah Almighty adjudged conclusively that their wrong religious trends were null and void and commanded that He knows well about those people who have passed away. They were steadfast on the foundation of Unity. Neither they were Jews and nor Christians. They were only of Allah Almighty leaving all others.

Their goodness cannot be useful for you or any other individual. Only that goodness is useful for any person or nation which they earned. Good acts of a person can neither save any other and nor harm. So, Having trust in the acts of others is stupidity.

When a nation sits down, by having trust in the inheritance of their Reverends only and by leaving to do good acts, it becomes impossible for that nation to live, to acquire success and betterment. Many nations have been ruined and destroyed due to this misunderstanding. Our Lord! Keep us on the true religious trends and bestow us strength to do good acts.

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).  https://youtu.be/U9CizBEQ1K8

Concealing the Truth - Quran Chapter 2- 140 (Pt-1, Stg-1) (L-164) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 140 (Pt-1, Stg-1) (L-164) - درس قرآن

Concealing the Truth

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

BisMillaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

 أَمْ تَقُولُونَ إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِۦمَ وَإِسْمَٰعِيلَوَإِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَٱلْأَسْبَاطَ كَانُوا۟ هُودًا أَوْ نَصَٰرَىٰ قُلْ ءَأَنتُمْ أَعْلَمُ أَمِ ٱللَّهُ وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّن كَتَمَ شَهَٰدَةً عِندَهُۥ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ بِغَٰفِلٍعَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ (140

140.  Or say ye that Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know best, or doth Allah? And who is more unjust than he who hideth a testimony which he hath received from Allah? And Allah is not Unaware of what ye do.

140.  ‘Am taquuluuna ‘inna ‘Ibraahiima wa ‘Ismaa-‘iila wa ‘Is-haaqa wa Ya’-quuba wal-‘Asbaata kaanuu Huudan ‘aw Nasaaraa.  Qul ‘a-‘antum ‘a’-lamu ‘aMillaah. Wa man ‘azlamu mimman-katama shahaadatan ‘indahuu minAllaah. Wa mAllaahuu bi-gaafilin ‘ammaa ta’-maluun.

Commentary

In this verse, the Children of Israel and the Christians have been replied for another misunderstanding and self-invented beliefs. They had thought that their Reverends, the Prophets Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob (peace be upon Them) and Their children were either followers of Jewish religion or the Christianity, namely (I seek shelter of Allah Almighty) they had fallen in the sectarian groups also.

God Almighty commands: O the People of the Scripture! You may consider how much you wish by changing the forms of the Truth and distorting the incidents but it is fact that these all Reverend persons and Prophets (peace be upon Them) remained standing themselves on the pure religion of Oneness of God; and as well as they preserved others to remain on it. It is called Islam. Your knowledge is neither more than God Almighty and even nor is equal to Him. Moreover, your knowledge has no comparison to His knowledge. You use to hide the Truth intentionally. You have received Holy Books, which testify that the religion Islam is Rightful. The Prophets Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob (peace be upon Them) were perfect Believers and the followers of Unity; that is to say; Islam. It has been written in your Scriptures also that in the end times, a Rightful Messenger (Muhammad - glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) will come. Knowingly you are hiding this Real and True revelation, and who will be crueler than him who hides the rightful verse?

We have known from this verse that hiding the Truth and real facts is the greatest sin in the Court of Allah Almighty. We should save ourselves from it.

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). 

https://youtu.be/yPZ-tdA1imk