Taking the lead in the righteousness - Quran Chapter 2- 148 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-175) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 148 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-175) - درس قرآن

Taking the lead in the righteousness

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.)

وَلِكُلٍّ وِجْهَةٌ هُوَ مُوَلِّيهَا فَٱسْتَبِقُوا۟ ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ أَيْنَ مَا تَكُونُوا۟ يَأْتِ بِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ جَمِيعًا.

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍقَدِيرٌ (148

148.  And each one hath a goal toward which he turneth; so vie with one another in good works. Wheresoever ye may be, Allah will bring you all together. Lo!  Allah is Able to do all things.

148.  Wa li-kullinw-wijhatun huwa muwalliihaa fastabiqul-khayraat.  ‘Ayna maa takuu-nuu ya’-ti  bikumUllaahu jamii-‘aa.   ‘InnAllaaha ‘alaa kulli shay-‘in- Qadiir.

Commentary

Khayraat – (good works), khayr is its singular. Besides Alms and Charity, it is used also for each type of good works. Every such work, which is performed according to the Divine’s Law and cause of doing that work is only to please God Almighty, that is included in khayraat.

After stating about making the separate groups and selfishness of the people of the Scripture, Holy Qur’an instructed them about the Straight Path and described that the Truth is only one, which was bestowed to all. But the former nations failed to keep it. Appointing Ka’-bah (the Square Building at Mecca) as Qiblah is not out of the basic questions of the religion that it would be considered as “the standard of the Right and the Wrong”. Every nation has its own Qiblah and every nation worships by turning towards its own Qiblah. Actual thing, which is to be understood and performed, is “khayraat” which means good works. So, everyone should try to lead in it from one another and take it for the religion’s actual foundation.

The People of the Scripture used to take part in bigotry and stubbornness by surpassing one another. They did not use to incline towards the Truth, always put the doubts into the hearts of the Muslims, and remained on the front line in the mischief and conspiracies. These people used to produce confusions in the customary questions being careless from the teachings of their religion. If they did not find any other thing, then they used to go ahead by putting the question of Qiblah before them. Although, this matter is not too much important that much precious time be wasted in its discussion. Deem the Qiblah as from the Order of God Almighty, which depends upon time and expedience. The real thing is to lead in good works.

If the nation’s gathering will be on the righteousness and the people will include the goodness in their lives, then God Almighty will gather them on a Centre, the entire misunderstandings will end and mutual enmity will go to end.

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/LqOsU2rNkY8

The People of the Scripture and Messenger of Islam - Quran Chapter 2- 146 & 147 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-174) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 146 & 147 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-174) - درس قرآن

The People of the Scripture and Messenger of Islam

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.)

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَعْرِفُونَهُۥ كَمَا يَعْرِفُونَ أَبْنَآءَهُمْ وَإِنَّ فَرِيقًا مِّنْهُمْ لَيَكْتُمُونَ ٱلْحَقَّ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ (146

ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَاتَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُمْتَرِينَ (147

146.  Those unto whom We gave the Scripture recognize (this Revelation) as they recognize their sons. And lo! A party of them knowingly conceals the truth. 147.  It is the Truth from thy Lord (O Muhammad), so be not thou of those waver.

146.  ‘Allaziina ‘aatayNaa-humul-Kitaaba ya’-rifuunahuu kamaa ya’-rifuuna ‘abnaaa-‘ahum. Wa ‘inna fariiqam-minhum la-yak-tumuunal-Haqqa wa hum ya’-lamuun. 147.  ‘Al-Haqqu mir-Rabbika falaa takuunanna minal-mum-tariin.

Commentary

It has been described in this verse that the Children of Israel and the Christians were aware very well by means of their Religious Books that a Prophet (peace be upon Him) will come at the last of all. He (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) will not say anything at His own. Moreover, He will teach likeness of the Revelation of God Almighty. When the Messenger (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) was sent, they found the portents and signs into Him, which had been mentioned in their Scripture. They distinguished very well that He (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) was the last of all Holy Prophets and His teachings were True and Correct. But they denied believing in Him (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) due to enmity, opposite and malice only, and tried to hide the entire foretelling, which did exist in their Heavenly Books, and exposed as they have not recited such foretelling.  

God Almighty is causing to produce certainty and confidence to His Last Messenger Muhammad (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) that the People of the Scriptures; whether believe or do not believe in You, whether they hide the foretelling about your Prophet-hood or disclose, whether they deem Your Qiblah as right or wrong, the Right is in all conditions Right and You are the True Messenger (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him). The entire Commands are sent by Us (Allah Almighty) towards the Prophet (peace be upon Him). Permanent Qiblah of the Muslims will remain Ka’-bah (the Square Building at Makkah). So You should not remain in any doubt or hesitation. 

It has been known also from this verse that the foretelling was held in the former Heavenly Scriptures about coming of the last Messenger (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him). The People of the Scriptures knew Him already and recognized Him just like a father can recognize his children from many children and he does not feel any difficulty in recognizing his own child.

Sorrow on the People of the Scriptures that they found all tokens of Messenger-hood in the Last Messenger, Muhammad (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him), their hearts provided them evidence but till now, they do not embrace Islam being apart entirely from the religious persecution.

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/mGhc7Kl5R-0

Obstinacy of the People of the Scripture - Quran Chapter 2- 145 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-173) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 145 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-173) - درس قرآن

Obstinacy of the People of the Scripture

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.)

 وَلَئِنْ أَتَيْتَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ٱلْكِتَٰبَ بِكُلِّ ءَايَةٍ مَّا تَبِعُوا۟ قِبْلَتَكَ وَمَآ أَنتَ بِتَابِعٍ قِبْلَتَهُمْ وَمَا بَعْضُهُم بِتَابِعٍ قِبْلَةَ بَعْضٍ وَلَئِنِ ٱتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَآءَهُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَكَمِنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ إِنَّكَ إِذًا لَّمِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ (145

145.  And even if thou broughtest unto those who have received the Scripture all kinds of portents, they would not follow thy qiblah, nor canst thou be a follower of their qiblah; nor are some of them followers of the qiblah of others. And if thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, then surely thou will be among the evildoers.

145.  Wa la-‘in ‘ataytal-laziina ‘uutul-Kitaaba bi-kulli ‘Aayatim-maa tabi-‘uu Qiblatak. Wa maaa ‘anta bi-taabi-‘in- Qiblata-hum. Wa maa ba’-zuhum- bi-taabi-‘’in-Qiblata ba’-z. Wa la-‘inittaba’-ta ‘ahwaaa-‘ahum-mim-ba’-di maa jaaa-‘aka min-al-‘ilmi, ‘innaka ‘izalla-minaz-zaalimiin.

Commentary

In this verse, stubbornness and bigotry of the Children of Israel has been mentioned. Allah Almighty commands: O Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him)! If you will show them the entire portents of Your Prophet-hood, produce before them all proofs about the Truth of Ka’-bah as Qiblah, even then, they will not be ready to admit it as Qiblah. Moreover, on the basis of opposite, jealousy, enmity, stubbornness and bigotry, they will stand firm on their ancient Qiblah. And because We have bestowed You the Excellent and the Prophet Abraham’s (peace be upon Him) Qiblah, so You (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) don’t have any need to agree to their ignoble Qiblah. Due to the cause of ending the leadership of the Children of Israel, You have been given a permanent and worldwide Qiblah. So the People of the Scripture have become hopeless from this matter that you will admit their Qiblah any time.

It has been described also that the People of the Scripture don’t find themselves followers of one Qiblah. So how can they expect that He (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) will agree upon their Qiblah. At the end, the Messenger of Islam (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) has been duly warned that after knowing about the final decision of God Almighty that the actual Qiblah is only Ka’-bah, if He (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) will admit and determine their Qiblah then He will be included into the unjust people too. Although, no Messenger of God Almighty (peace be upon Him) ever stains with any sin but it is intended to tell the Muslim nation from this warning that it is very heavy sin to follow any false religion. Even in this matter, nobody can be favored whether he has most superior rank near 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). https://youtu.be/0NudyczF9-8

Importance of The Square Building at Mecca - Quran Chapter 2- 144b (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-172) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 144b (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-172) - درس قرآن

Importance of The Square Building at Mecca

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.)

 وَحَيْثُ مَا كُنتُمْ فَوَلُّوا۟وُجُوهَكُمْ شَطْرَهُۥ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ لَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ بِغَٰفِلٍ عَمَّا يَعْمَلُونَ (144  b

144b.  And ye (O Muslims), wheresoever ye may be, turn your faces (when ye pray) toward it. Lo! Those who have received the Scripture know that (this Revelation) is the Truth from their Lord. And Allah is not Unaware of what they do.

144b.  Wa hay-su maa kuntum fawalluu wujuuhakum shatrah. Wa ‘innal-laziina ‘uu-tul-Kitaaba laya’-lamuuna ‘an-nahul-haqqu mir-Rabbihim. Wa mAllaahu bi-gaafilin ‘am-maa ya’-maluun.

Commentary

It was described previously that the Children of Israel and the Christians used to consider themselves on the religion of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him) and say that they were from their children so they were not needy of embracing any new religion. Holy Qur’an proved that they were saying wrong; after providing correct knowledge about Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him).

Moreover, He was steady on pure Unity and was sacred from the polytheism. If the Jews and the Christians say themselves followers of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him) then they should choose the Straight Path as explained by Islam; leaving all other paths. They should hold the Law of good acts and Oneness fast because it was the religion of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him).

After it, Holy Qur’an commands that due to the supplication of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him), the Last Messenger of God Almighty; Muhammad (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) was sent in this world and this nation (Muslim) stood firm due to His (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) teachings. So the spiritual and community centre of this nation will be the same as of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him), that is to say; Ka’-bah (the Square Building at Mecca). Baytul Muqaddas was only temporary Qiblah. Ka’-bah is appointed as the Qiblah of the Muslims. Wherever will be the Muslims, whether in the journey or at home, whether in the city or in jungle, whether in forest or in the desert, whether in the vicinity of Inviolable Place of Worship (Masjidi-Haraam) or in the surroundings of Baytul Muqaddas, it means that in all conditions they will turn unto Ka’-bah for prayer.

Along with it, God Almighty commanded also: O Muslims! Don’t care from the People of the Scripture. “Lo! Those who have received the Scripture know that (this Revelation) is the Truth from their Lord. And Allah is not Unaware of what they do”. And now if they produce doubts intentionally, then God Almighty will punish them severely because He knows their 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/y0Ahs447uJg

God’s Last Messenger’s longing - Quran Chapter 2- 144a (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-171) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 144a (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-171) - درس قرآن

God’s Last Messenger’s longing

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.)

 قَدْ نَرَىٰ تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَلَنُوَلِّيَنَّكَ قِبْلَةً تَرْضَىٰهَا فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ  (144  a

144a.  We have seen the turning of thy face to heaven (for guidance, O Muhammad). And now verily We shall make thee turn (in prayer) towards a qiblah which is dear to thee. So turn thy face toward Inviolable Place of Worship.

144a.  Qad naraa taqalluba waj-hika fis-samaaa’; falaNuwalli-yannaka Qiblatan- tarzaahaa. Fa-walli wajhaka shatral-Mas-jidil-Haraam.

Commentary

Qiblatan- tarzaahaa – (toward a qiblah, which is dear to Thee), Qiblah, (Centre of attention, purpose of which is: turning towards the direction or place for worship). It has already been explained earlier. Tarzaahaa (which is dear to you), it indicates towards The Square Building (Ka’bah) at Mecca which was constructed by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him) and that was the favorite place of worship for the entire Arabs. 

Wajhaka – (Thy face), literal meaning of this word is face only or the mouth but the entire body is included in it. Here it means attention, wish, liking and fondness.

‘Al-Mas-jidil-Haraam – (Inviolable Place of Worship) Respectable and Glorious Mosque, that is to say; The Greatest Mosque at Makkah in which the Building of Ka’-bah is situated. First Drawing of the Present Building of this Mosque was prepared during the time of Caliph Mehdi Abbasi. There are large and magnificent courtyards on its four sides. This Building has forty one doors, six Minarets and one hundred fifty small and large Domes.  It is called Masjidil-Haraam (Inviolable Place of Worship). Waging a war or going for hunting in its limits is forbidden (unlawful).

Actual Qiblah of the Muslims is the Inviolable Place of Worship at Makkah called Ka’-bah, which was the Qiblah of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him). Only for some time, Bayt ul Muqaddas (the Temple at Jerusalem) was determined as Qiblah for a trial. The Children of Israel used to reproach, “While the Divine of Muslims is different from us and is conformity to the religion of Abraham (peace be upon Him) then why they fix upon our Qiblah? The Messenger of God Almighty (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) used to wish that the Square Building (Ka’-bah) should be appointed as Qiblah by the Order of God Almighty, so that we may offer prayers turning toward the Masjidil-Haraam. He (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) used to look toward the sky over and over; waiting for the revelation by means of the Angel (peace be upon Him). Such condition is being stated in this verse.

God Almighty fulfilled this desire of His Last Messenger (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) and commanded: And now verily We shall make thee turn (in prayer) towards a qiblah which is dear to thee. So turn thy face toward Inviolable Place of Worship. When it was ordered to change the Qiblah, at that time, He (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) was offering congregational Zuhar Prayer. Two Rak-‘at of the prayer had been completed, while their faces were toward the Temple of Jerusalem. During the prayer, He (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) and His followers were commanded and they turned their faces towards Ka’-bah (the Square Building) and completed remaining two Rak-‘ats of their prayer. That Masjid of Madinah, in which this prayer was offered, is called Masjid Qiblatayn.

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/GlZoDTke_QA

Belief is not wasted - Quran Chapter 2- 143c (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-170) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 143c (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-170) - درس قرآن

Belief is not wasted

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.)

وَإِن كَانَتْ لَكَبِيرَةً إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمَا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِيُضِيعَ إِيمَٰنَكُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِٱلنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌرَّحِيمٌ (143  c

143c.  In truth it was a hard (test) save for those whom Allah guided. And it is not Allah’s purpose that your faith should be in vain. For Allah is Full of Pity, Merciful towards mankind.

143c.  Wa ‘in- kaanat lakabiiratan ‘illaa ‘alal-laziina hadAllaah. Wa maa kaanAllaahu liyuzii-‘a ‘iimaanakum.  ‘InnAllaaha bin-naasi la-Ra-‘uu-fur-Rahiim.

Commentary

BaytUllaah, (the Square Building), The Temple at Makkah is the most sacred place in the world. It is the oldest and holy place of worship among the Mosques and Temples of the world. Due to native reliability, it was the most respectable place as the Arabians used to consider it. But the prayers were offered turning unto the Temple of Jerusalem (Bayt ul Muqaddas) during the life of the last Messenger of God Almighty (may glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) at Makkah. It was a big trial for the patriot Arabs. It was much arduous and heavy burden for those people to make the Qiblah to the Temple of Jerusalem. The Arabians and the Qureysh were Speakers of the religion of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him). So they used to respect the Ka’-ba also, the Temple at Makkah, and dislike to deem the Temple of Jerusalem (Bayt ul Muqaddas) as Qiblah.

God Almighty commanded that this test and trial was not heavy for those people, who were shown Guideline by Allah Almighty and they were aware of its philosophy. They took it as that the Prophet of God Almighty, Muhammad (may glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) has been sent as Prophet for the entire world. To make Qiblah to Bayt ul Muqaddas did not astonish them. But they leaned before Allah Almighty without any kind of dispute and came out with great success in this trial.

When again, the BaytUllaah (Masjidul-Haraam), the Temple of Makkah was determined as Qiblah, then many people had doubt that whether the prayers offered during turning unto Bayt ul Muqaddas have been wasted, and particularly those Companions of the Holy Prophet (may glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him), who had died before the change of Qiblah, remained in the loss. God Almighty cleared their doubt and commanded that the actual thing is obedience. Bayt ul Muqaddas was also appointed as Qiblah by Our Commandment. So, the people, who used to offer their prayers; turning unto that Qiblah, will not be given loss for their any good act. Future reward of their good works is still firm. Allah Almighty is most Kind and Merciful over the human beings. He does not waste any goodness of any individual.

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/qZpIynNAEAY