Characteristics of Holy Qur’an - Quran Chapter 2- 185b (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-217) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 185b (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-217) - درس قرآن

Characteristics of Holy Qur’an

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.)

هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ (185  b)

185b.  Guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong).

185b.  Hudal-linnaasi  wa  bayyinaatim-minal-hudaa  wal-furqaan.

Commentary

To manifest the excellence of the blessed month of Ramadan Allah Almighty explained in the beginning of this verse that Holy Qur’an was begun to reveal upon the Last Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) in this month. Now three characteristics of Holy Qur’an have been explained as under:

1.   Hudan (guidance) –Holy Qur’an is spring of guidance for the entire humankind. Every individual can get to know the Straight Path to reach the Creator and the object destination of life only through this Scripture. Every source of guidance other than Holy Qur’an misleads. Except it, every path will be the path of straying and deviation. Only Holy Qur’an is the Scripture which can guide unto the Straight Path. Aggregately to pass the human life successfully, Holy Qur’an provides all those principles and codes regarding its all aspects, which indicate towards the Straight Path and the aimed destination. It has been mentioned in this verse Hudal-linnaas (guidance for the whole mankind). For more details of the word ‘guidance’ please study Lesson # 9 from Holy Qur’an (STRAIGHT PATH).

2.   Bayyinaatim-minal-hudaa – (clear proofs of the guidance) Holy Qur’an has so explained the entire principles and codes of guidance that these have become completely clear, easy, simple and light, and every individual can understand them easily because excellence of Holy Qur’an is ‘bayyinaat’ (clear proofs). So the principles of Holy Qur’an relate to common sense, simple and practicable. Nothing is against the wisdom and no principle is impracticable.

3.   Al-furqaan – (the Criterion (separator of right from wrong), it is the third excellence of Holy Qur’an that the people who recite this Sacred Scripture, correct decision power grows into them. They become capable to make a distinction between true and false, just and absurd, truth and a lie, faith and infidelity, correction and quarrel, obedience and rebellion, worship and refusal. They can distinguish among good and bad. So ‘Al-Furqaan’ (the Criterion (of right and wrong) is also the characteristic of the Holy Qur’an.

The book like this, which has these three characteristics, if Her every command is not the Message of life for humankind, then what is this? Its each command has been filled with countless auspiciousness, blessings and wisdom.

Would that the Muslims get it understood themselves, as well as cause to understand also to the world. If we are unable to spread the Word of Allah Almighty in every corner of the world then it would be dishonesty in the Trust.

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/4kEwIoqWLZk

Excellence of the Month of Ramadan - Quran Chapter 2- 185a (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-216) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 185a (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-216) - درس قرآن

Excellence of the Month of Ramadan

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.)

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ (185   a)

185a.  The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur‘an,

185a.  Shahru  Ramazaa-nallazii  ‘unzila    fiihil-Qur-‘aanu-

Commentary

Ramazaan (the month of Ramadan) this word has come out from the word Ramaza, literal meaning of which is severity of sunlight and heat. It is ninth month of Islamic Calendar. Islamic year runs with lunar system instead of solar system and the lunar months use to exchange during different seasons. So the month of Ramadan also comes in the different seasons and the person, who fasts, enjoys every season.

Allah Almighty has explained in this verse specialty and the cause of fasting during the month of Ramadan i.e. the Revelation of Holy Qur’an during this Holy Month.

Holy Qur’an was revealed in fact by degrees and completed in about between twenty three years. But its revelation had begun during this Holy Month of Ramadan. At first, primary five verses of Surah ‘ALAQ-96 (The Colt) were revealed upon the Last Messenger of God Almighty Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) in the Cave of Hiraa in this month. It has come in the Sayings of the Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) also that the entire Holy Qur’an was revealed from “the Tablet of the Safe” (Loh-E-Mahfooz) upon the Sky of this world during “the Night of Power” (Lay-la tul Qadr) of the month of Ramadan, and then it used to reveal by degrees on the Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him). This Night of Power (Lay-la tul Qadr) is a sacred and blessed night during the month of Ramadan. In the Word of Allah Almighty, it has been commanded about this night that it is better than one thousand months.

It has also come in the Sayings that as much as the Holy Qur’an were revealed in the year, that were caused to hear the Angel Gabriel (peace be upon Him) by the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) during the month of Ramadan. In the last year of the outward life of the Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), the Angel of God Almighty caused to hear Complete Qur-‘aan and the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) listened.

Because the Word of Allah Almighty was revealed in the month of Ramadan, so, God Almighty prescribed its fasting to establish its token in this month. This Speech is A Guide Book for the life of human beings and fasting in the month of Ramadan is a source to make the life pure. Those people are blessed who find this month and keep fasting completely, and make their lives nice, they join the group of sobers, God fearing and temperate.

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/pJ8XpUdPWXg

Auspiciousness of the Fast - Quran Chapter 2- 184c (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-215) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 184c (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-215) - درس قرآن

Auspiciousness of the Fast

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.)

 وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِنكُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (184  c)

184c.  And that ye fast is better for you if ye did but know.

184c.  Wa  ‘an- tasuumuu  khayrul-lakum  ‘inkuntum  ta’-lamuun.

Commentary

In this part of the verse, importance, goodness and blessings of the Fasting have been described and told that although, any reasonable excuse may compel the human being to either postpone to keep the fast or pay ransom, even then, the advantages and blessings for keeping fast, which may be gained only during the month of Ramadaan, when someone will keep fasting. Those benefits cannot be acquired from expiation or to be fast “the postponed fast” (kafaarah or Qazaa’). Therefore, it has been admonished that if you understand the virtues, advisability and philosophy of the fasting; then it is better for you to keep the fast and do not try un-necessarily to choose the advantage from the permission of the ransom etc.

Which confirmation of the fasting, its philosophy and necessary commands have been explained in this regard by Allah Almighty during previous verses of this Section, their summary is being presented here again as under:

1.   Fasting is prescribed for every adult Muslim male and female as it is one pillar of Islam out of five pillars. Carelessness, laziness and refusal from it are very big sins. The religious scholars have fixed infidelity to the refusal from the incumbency of the fast.

2.   The fast was prescribed also for the earlier nations; Islam has not invented any new thing.

3.   Purpose of the fast is to grow purity of the soul, abstinence, fear of God Almighty and devotion in the mankind.

4.   Number of fasts is fixed, that is to say; during the month of Ramadaan which sometimes become of 29 days and sometimes 30 days.   

5.   If any individual is sick in the month of Ramadaan and not able to complete the numbers of fasts, he/she is permitted to keep the remaining fasts whenever he becomes healthy.

6.   If any person is traveling during these days, he can complete his fasts also during other days except Ramadaan whenever he is not in journey.

7.   Quantity of the Ransom is fixed equal to feed a beggar for two times. However if any person fasts being entitled these concessions and takes part in the righteousness with his pleasure, that is also much better for him.

The narration of the fasts and its questions has not completed so far. It will remain in flow in this Section. May Allah Almighty bestow us the correct knowledge and deeds, understanding and guidance.

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/ohuEYvfJnEw

Ransom for those who can afford - Quran Chapter 2- 184b (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-214) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 184b (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-214) - درس قرآن

Ransom for those who can afford

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.)

 وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُۥ  (184   b)

184b.  And for those who can afford it there is a ransom; the feeding of a man in need. But whose doeth good of his own accord, it is better for him:

184b.  Wa  ‘alal-laziina  yutii-quunahuu  fidya-tun  ta-‘aamu  miskiin.  Faman- tatawwa-‘a  khay-ran  fahuwa  khayrul-lah.

Commentary

Yutii-quunahuu – it aims “the individuals, who have to spend extraordinary strength for Fasting and to bear the toil of Fast and it becomes very difficult for them, for example; the old people, the pregnant and the mothers, who suckle their infants, the weak and feeble persons etc.

Man- tatawwa-‘a – (that individual, who does good of his own accord, willingly)

It has been discussed in this part of the verse about concession for those people, who have to bear more difficulty and trouble for keeping the Fast. They have been commanded that due to giving up the fasting, they should feed bellyful any beggar or necessitous individual two times daily and the standard of the food should be the same as usually is of their own.

Then it is said that actual ransom of leaving one fast is to feed two times to any poor person for one day. But if any individual increases the quantity of the food, that is to say; if he feeds more than one poor individual or keeps the standard up of the food to a higher level, then it is much better for him. He will be rewarded surely for this goodness and kindness. His next world will also be dressed.

Islam emphasizes to alms-giving, charity, liberality, kind behavior and good conduct every time, everywhere and in every condition but during the month of Ramadaan, its importance increases. So before or at the end of this month, the Alms “Fitr” is paid. That is an important ring of this chain also, so that, none of the Muslims should remain hungry.

The Messenger of God Almighty Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) was very much liberal and generous. But it has been known from His (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) Sayings that He (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) used to become too much generous and liberal like fast dust storm.

We should follow the foot-prints of our Great Leader and Guide, the Last Prophet of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) and take part in liberality and generosity surpassing one another. Perception of hunger of the hungry and poverty of the poor will increase if someone keeps fasting. So it is necessary that this perception should remain alive during prosperity and independence, and the poor deserving people should not be forfeited from the help and support of the prosperous people.

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/ubBDo3afUfw

Concession for them who are sick or on a journey - Quran Chapter 2- 184a (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-213) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 184a (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-213) - درس قرآن

Concession for them who are sick or on a journey

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.)

 أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَٰتٍ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُممَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ  (184  a)

184a.  (Fast) a certain number of days; and (for) him who is sick among you, or on a journey, (the same) number on other days;

184a.  ‘Ayyaamam-ma’-duudaat.  Faman-  kaana  minkum-mariizan  ‘aw  ‘alaa safarin-  fa-‘iddatum-min  ‘ayyaamin  ‘ukhar.

Commentary

 ‘Ayyaamam-ma’-duudaat – (a certain number of days), it has been described in this part of the verse that the Muslims would have Fast for a certain number of days, for example; the month of Ramadan during each year, which have sometimes 29 days and sometimes 30 days.

Fixation of this length of time was very necessary for organization of the nation so that nobody may change the numbers of the days for fasting or leaving the Fast according to his will. Moreover, the Fasting is prescribed for the entire Believers that they all should fast on the same particular time and for the same particular duration to perform this blessed duty. One advantage of the month of Ramadan is also that fasts come in different seasons and every individual gets chance of fasting in the summer and the winter.

One aspect comes out of it that number of prescribed fasts is not too much long. Neither it is that one should fast for the entire year and nor for half or one fourth of the year, but only one month is prescribed in a year.

Time and duration was determined. But some concession was given to the people, who cannot fulfill its limitations and conditions. Whenever these people get rid of their compulsions, they can fast, which were left during the month of Ramadan, during any other month.

First of all, those people have been exempted from fasting, who are ill and unable to Fast due to their illness. There are different kinds of illness. Moreover, besides this, the difference of seasons and age also effects. Here, it aims the illness, which creates problem to keep fasting and that illness would be too much severe that the individual cannot keep fasting. Divine’s law of religion didn’t tell the name of illness but it has been left on the sincerity and truthfulness of the Muslims and on the opinion of a skillful doctor.

Besides the patients, the travelers have been given concession also. These both kinds of people i.e. the patient and the traveler will have to complete their number of fasts during any other time in the year. But they should try to complete the left over fasts as soon as possible. Nobody knows that when the life and the time will 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/Ls0DS1jDDvA

A Fast is prescribed for believers - Quran Chapter 2- 183 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-212) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 183 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-212) - درس قرآن

A Fast is prescribed for believers

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.)

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (183

183.  O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil)-

183.  Yaaa-‘ayyu-hallaziina  ‘aamanuu  kutiba  ‘alay-kumus-Siyaamu  kamaa kutiba  ‘alallaziina  min-qablikum  la-‘alla-kum  tatta-quun.

Commentary

  ‘As-Siyaamu – (act of Fasting, abstaining from eating and drinking for a particular time), this word is plural of Sawm (Fast). As per Divine’s law of the religion, act of Fasting means to abstain from drinking, eating and sexual friendship or enjoyment with effect from the dawn to sunset.

Fasting is prescribed for the Muslims during the month of Rama-dhaan. In the Sayings of the last Messenger of God Almighty (glory, grace, blessings and peace be upon Him) it has been emphasized again and again to be saved from the sins at the time; one is fasting, that is to say, back-biting, indecent talks, shamelessness, bad tempering etc.

It has been described in the physiology that the best treatment to remove the physical diseases is Fasting. In addition to it, self-control and military life grows in the human being. As though, the Fasting is spiritual remedy on one side, and to correct the physical powers and to cure the diseases on the other side. 

‘Alallaziina  min-qablikum – (the people before you), the Fasting has been found in every religion and nation of the world in any form. It had very special importance in the Divine’s law of the religions of Prophets Abraham, Moses, Jesus and other prophets (peace be upon them). So indicating towards the ancestors, God Almighty commanded that ‘Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you’. Intention is that the individual, who keeps Fasting, should abstain from fulfilling his lawful and physical wishes till a particular time.

La-‘alla-kum  tatta-quun – (so that you may ward off evil). God Almighty has commanded also even about the purpose of the Fasting, that is to say; the Fasting is hence prescribed, so that the filth and dirt of the spirit may be removed, the fear of God and the abstinence is grown. As physical health becomes fit due to abstinence from the use of harmful things, likewise; the spiritual ability of the human being develops due to abstinence from the entire injurious to spirit and morality habits. This characteristic is called ‘Fear of God’ and piety. Second purpose of the Fasting as mentioned in this Section is gratefulness, which will be discussed later in the forthcoming verses.

The Fasting is the best useful recipe for health and spirit, individually as well as collectively. We should perform this duty extremely with honor and punctuality. Apparently, there is much labor and difficulty in Fasting but if we see its advantages, we shall feel that these difficulties have no position comparing to its benefits.

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/EGqLGsY3E3Q

Changing the Will - Quran Chapter 2- 181 & 182 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-211) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 181 & 182 (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-211) - درس قرآن

Changing the Will

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.)

   فَمَنۢ بَدَّلَهُۥ بَعْدَمَا سَمِعَهُۥفَإِنَّمَآ إِثْمُهُۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُبَدِّلُونَهُۥٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ (181

فَمَنْ خَافَ مِن مُّوصٍ جَنَفًا أَوْ إِثْمًا فَأَصْلَحَ بَيْنَهُمْ فَلَآ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (182

181.  Then whoso changeth (the will) after he hath heard it-the sin thereof is only upon those who change it. Lo! Allah is Hearer, Knower. 182.  But he who feareth from a testator some unjust or sinful clause, and maketh peace between the parties, (it shall be) no sin for him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

181.  Famam-baddalahuu  ba’-da  maa  sami-‘ahuu  fa-‘innamaaa  ‘is-muhuu  ‘alallaziina  yubad-diluunah.  ‘InnAllaaha  Samii-‘un  ‘Aliim. 182.  Faman khaafa  mim-muusin-janafan  ‘aw  ‘isman-  fa-‘as-laha  baynahum  falaaa ‘isma  ‘alayh.  ‘InnAllaaha Gafuurur-Rahiim.

Commentary

In this verse, those people have been warned who were present near the individual who was going to die at the time of bequeath, that if they will make any changes in the Will of the individual, who has died, then its sin will be upon them. It is possible that some people may try to make changes in the Will for their own benefits and then producing the changed Will may fulfill their wishes. The ignorant people, who don’t know the facts will apparently consider it error of the individual who has bequeathed or the person who commanded decision on the Will that he has disinherited to a rightful person. This verse has cleared the compulsion of the both persons i.e. the individual who has bequeathed or the individual who commanded decision on the Will. And it has been told that the real guilty are those persons who have given false evidence and wrong testimony, and changed the Will, gave wrong statements and provided false proofs.

To change the Will, there is only one form mentioned lawful according to this verse that, if any individual feels that the testator has disinherited someone unjust or sinfully, and the bequest has been distributed unlawfully, guided against the Law of Lord Almighty or bequeathed with sin and unjust, for instance; he has bequeathed to spend the property for the purpose, which is legally forbidden, now in these forms, the witness and the judge are allowed to advice the heirs correctly, make peace among the parties, and get the Will be changed. It shall not be sin for them. So it is found that the real thing is; the righteousness and the act of sincerity.

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/HfXjE6oxu_o