Other aims of the Fast - Quran Chapter 2- 185e (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-220) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 185e (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-220) - درس قرآن

Other aims 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.)

 وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْوَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ (185  e)

185e.  And (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful.

185e.  Wa  litukmilul-‘iddata wa litukab-birullaaha ‘alaa maa hadaakum wa la-‘allakum tashkuruun.

Commentary

  

Great aim of fasting is fear of God (abstinence) as it has been discussed earlier in the verse 183, (Lesson # 212). Now in the last part of this verse other three purposes of the fasting have been described.

Litukmilul-‘iddata (you should complete the period), it means that the disabled people may keep the fasts during other times besides the month of Ramadan and complete the calculation of that month. It is the Grace and Kindness of Allah Almighty that if any individual couldn’t fulfill his duty in time and might not execute the command at due time, then he is given further chance so that he may fulfill the Command of God Almighty and may acquire His pleasure, though fulfillment of the commands of the Divine is necessary. Advantage may be reaped from the facilities but the Commandment cannot be ignored.

LitukabbirUllaaha (that you should magnify Allah), the purpose is to sing the songs of magnificence and greatness of Allah Almighty, by acting upon His bestowed Guidelines. It is Mercy of God Almighty also that He has shown us the Straight Path with His wisdom and knowledge, the individual, who goes that path, remains safe from every calamity and distress. The mankind should try to raise up the prestige, the name and the religion of Allah Almighty, remain busy to magnify the religion day and night, and try to get delight of Allah Almighty every time, elevate His name in the East and the West, so that no nation may remain deprived of the guidance.

La-‘allakum tashkuruun (peradventure you may be thankful), the third aim of the fasting is that, we should thank God Almighty on His blessings and be grateful to Him for His favors. The meaning of thankful for blessings of Allah Almighty is that, we should use those blessings in the determined manner. We should not disdain and be ungrateful for the facilities, which have been provided to us by Allah Almighty. Moreover, we should use the powers, virtues, blessings and abilities, given by Him, in good and correct manner.

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/KWaqlY1iPiQ

For mankind, God desires ease - Quran Chapter 2- 185d (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-219) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 185d (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-219) - درس قرآن

For mankind, God desires ease

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.)

وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ (185  d)

185d.  And whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number on other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you;

185d.  Wa  man-  kaana  mariizan  ‘aw  ‘alaa  safarin  fa-  ‘iddatum-min  ‘ayyaa-min  ‘u-khar.  Yuriidullahu  biku-mul-yusra  wa  laa  yuriidu  bikumul- ‘usr.

Commentary

  

This reality has been disclosed in this verse of the Holy Qur’an that the Natural Religion i.e. Islam is very easy and simple. Islam does not desire severe hardships, arduous labors or impracticable worships. Moreover, much capacity and countless facilities have been kept in Islam. Weak and pressed people have been conceded. There is none such command in the Divine Law of Islam in which consideration regarding circumstances, age, health, season and other compulsions and difficulties of the human being would not have been kept before.

It was commanded in the previous verse that whosoever of you exists during the month of Ramadan, should fast. Perhaps it might be considered by some individuals that the entire people have come under this command and there is no concession for the excusable persons. So now this command has been repeated that those individuals who are ailing or in journey, they can keep fasting during any other month instead of the month of Ramadan and can obtain pleasure of God Almighty.

It has been known also by us from this verse that although, apparently the commands of Divine are felt some more arduous and difficult but in fact, those are for success, promotion and easiness of the Straight Path, because God Almighty has no enmity with us that He would have commanded us difficult. But He is our Creator, Worshiped and the Most Beneficent. He keeps regard in every condition for easiness and facility. His every command is for our advisability of life and prosperity.

The Commands, to which we suppose difficult, in fact, those are easy too. We consider them difficult due to our own laziness and comfort. Really we have never heard till today that whether any individual has died due to the fasts of Ramadan or somebody has become sick? In spite of this, we have observed that the individuals have recovered from illness due to fasting, and then what will let you say about the spiritual power?

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/gg5E84BqwvM

Obligatory of a Fast Quran Chapter 2- 185c (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-218) - درس قرآن

Quran Chapter 2- 185c (Pt-2, Stg-1) (L-218) - درس قرآن

Obligatory of a 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.)

   فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ (185   c)

185c.  And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month.

185c.  Faman-  shahida  min-kumush-Shahra  fal-yasumh.

Commentary

  

It has been described in this part of the verse that the individual who remains living till the month of Ramadan, must fast. Concession is only for the sick and the passenger. This commandment is due to owing the excellence of the month of Ramadan, which is being discussed once again, as an abstract.

Having a fast is a tradition in every nation of the world, for example; on the day of Ashurah (10^th of the first lunar month), Prophet Moses (peace be upon Him) and His nation got freedom from the cruelty of Pharaoh. So the fast of that day was begun in the Children of Israel. The Law of Fasting exists also in the Christians.  Concept and custom of fasting does exist in the Indians and other nations too. Details are different but the reality is present.

Fasting has countless virtues. It puts good effects on the health and spirit. The rich are well-informed about the poor practically. Equation grows among the people who eat bellyful and the people who suffer starving, Spiritual powers develop with it. Sensual wishes are controlled. God fearing becomes strong in the mankind, for example; if there is season of summer, every living thing feels severe thirst. The cold water exists in the house, nobody is there to see the Faster, but he doesn’t drink the water.

This all is because the respect of the Commandment of Allah Almighty has settled down in his heart. Now no other power can defeat the individual and while according to the Command of God Almighty, he has made own habit to give up the legal, lawful and pure desires during the month of Ramadan through fasting, then he won’t feel any difficulty in giving up the illegal, unlawful and bad habits. This is the moral cleanliness, of which, the purpose of fasting is to grow.

It has come in the Sayings of God’s Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) that if a faster does not give up telling a lie, absurd talks and useless deeds, God Almighty does not care for his leaving to eat and drink. Though, the real purpose of fasting is to correct the morality. If the manners are not corrected, then there is no advantage of the fasting. It is the obligation upon the Muslims that due to so much virtues and importance of the fasting, we should keep a fast every year in this month, respect the month of Ramadan and create physical, spiritual and moral characteristics into us, so that the purpose of the Revelation of Holy Qur’an is fulfilled, and the month of Ramadan is proved as the real festival and token of the Revelation of Holy Qur’an.

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/oIohBlnki3k

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