Monday, June 25, 2007

June 21st: Surat An-Nour (part 4)

Surat An-Nour (53-end)

Verse 53:
- “wa aqsamu billahi jahda aymanahum…”: They swear by Allah their strongest oaths

- “la in amartahum layakhrujun…”: that if only you would order them, they would leave

- “Qul: la tuqsimu ta3atun ma3roofah…”: Say: "Swear you not; obedience is known.

- “inna ALlaha khabeerun bima ta3maloon”: Verily, Allah knows well what you do.

Verse 54:
- “qul atee3u Allaha wa atee3u arrasool…”: Say: "Obey Allah and obey the Messenger

- “fa in tawallaw…”: but if they turn away

- “fa innama 3alaiyhi ma 7ummila wa 3alaykum ma 7ummiltum”: he is only responsible for the duty placed on him (conveying the Message and fulfilling the trust) and you for that placed on you (accepting that, and venerating it and doing as it commanded.)

- “wa in tutee3oohu tahtadu”: If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance, because he calls to the straight path.

- “wama 3ala arrasuli illal-balaghul mubeen”: The Messenger's duty is only to convey (the Message) in a clear way.

Verse 55:
- “wa3ada Allahu allatheena aamanoo minkum wa3amilu assali7at…”: Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds

- “layastakhlifannahum fil ard…”: that He will certainly grant them succession in the land

- “kamas-takhlafa allatheena min qablihim..”: as He granted it to those before them

- “wala yumakinnana lahum deenahum allthee irtada lahum..”: and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion which He has chosen for them

- “wala yubaddilannahum min ba3di khawfihim amna…”: And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear

- “ya3budoonani la yushrikoona be shay2a…”: if they worship Me and do not associate anything with Me

- “waman kafara ba3da thalika fa 2ula2ika hum al-fasiqoon”: But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the rebellious.

Verse 56:
- “wa aqeemu assalata wa ataw azzakata wa atee3u arrasula la3allakum tur7amoon”: And perform the Salah, and give the Zakah and obey the Messenger that you may receive mercy.

Verse 57:
- “la ta7sabanna allatheena kafaru mu3jizeena fil ard…”: `do not think, O Muhammad,' that: the disbelievers can flee from Allah. No, Allah is able to deal with them and He will punish them most severely for that.

- “ma2wahumu annaru wala bi2sal maseer”: Their abode (final destination, place of rest) shall be the Fire -- how terrible the consequences will be for the disbelievers, how evil a place to stay in and how awful a place to rest!

Verse 58: Another command.. The Times when Servants and Young Children should seek Permission to enter
- “ya ayyuhal latheena aamanu..”: O you who believe!

- “liyasta2thinakumu allatheena malakat aymanukum wallatheena lam yablughu al7uluma minkum…”: Let your slaves and slave-girls, and those among you who have not come to the age of puberty ask your permission

- “thalatha marrat”: on three occasions

- “min qabli salatil fajri, wa7eena tada3oona thiyabakum min ath-thaheera, wa min ba3di salatil 3siha2…”: before the Fajr prayer, and while you put off your clothes during the afternoon, and after the `Isha' prayer.

- “thalthu 3awratin lakum…”: (These) three (times) are of privacy for you

- “laysa 3alaykum wala 3alayhim juna7un ba3dahunn, tawwafoona 3alaykum ba3dukum 3ala ba3d…”: other than these times there is no sin on you or on them to move about, attending to each other.

- “yubayyinu Allahu lakum al-ayat wallahu 3aleemun 7akeem”: Thus Allah makes clear the Ayat to you. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Verse 59:
- “wa itha balagha al-atfalu minkum al-7uluma…”: And when the children among you come to puberty

- “falyasta2thinu..”: then let them (also) ask for permission

- “kamas-tha2thana allatheena min qablihim…”: as those senior to them (in age) ask permission

- “kathalika yubayyinu Allahu lakum ayatih…”: Thus Allah makes clear His Ayat for you

- “wallahu 3aleemun 7akeem”: And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Verse 60:
- “wal qawa3idu min annisa2i allati la yarjoona nika7an..”: And the Qawa`id among women who do not hope for marriage

- “fa laysa 3alayhinna juna7un an yada3na thiyabahunna ghara mutabarrijatin bizeenah..”: it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment

Meaning, they do not have to cover themselves in the same way that younger women have to.

- “wa an yasta3fifna khayrun lahun..”: But to refrain is better for them. Not removing their outer garment, even though that is permissible for them, is better for them.
- “wallahu samee3un 3aleem…”: And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.


Verse 61: Eating from One's Relatives' Houses
- “laysa 3alal a3ma 7araj, wala 3alal a3raji 7araj, wala 3alal mareedi 7araj, wala 3ala anfusikum…”: There is no restriction on the blind, nor any restriction on the lame, nor any restriction on the sick, nor on yourselves

- “an ta2kulu min buyootikum…”: if you eat from your houses

- “aw buyooti aba2ikum aw buyooti 2ummahatikum..”: or the houses of your fathers, or the houses of your mothers

- “aw buyuti ikhwanikum aw buyuti akhawatikum…”: or the houses of your brothers, or the houses of your sisters

- “aw buyuti a3mamikum aw buyuti 3ammatikum…”: or the houses of your father's brothers, or the houses of your father's sisters,

- “aw buyuti akhwalikum aw buyuti khalatikum…”: or the houses of your mother's brothers, or the houses of your mother's sisters

- “aw ma malaktum mafati7ahu..”: or (from that) whereof you hold keys

- “aw sadeeqikum..”: or (from the house) of a friend

- “laysa 3alaykum juna7un an ta2kulu jamee3an aw ashtata…”: No sin on you whether you eat together or apart

-Hadith: a man said to the Prophet , "We eat but we do not feel satisfied.'' He said: (Perhaps you are eating separately. Eat together and mention the Name of Allah, and He will bless the food for you.)

- “fa itha dakhltum buyuta…”: But when you enter the houses

- “fasallimu 3ala anfusakum ta7iyyatan min 3indillahi mubarakatan tayyibatan..”: greet one another with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good

-We are commanded to say salam when we enter a place even if it’s empty, the angels will respond.

- “kathalika yubayyinu Allahu lakumul ayati la3allakum ta3qiloon”: Thus Allah makes clear the Ayat to you that you may understand

Verse 62: Asking Permission to leave
- “Innamal mu2minunal latheena 2amanu billahi warasulihi..”: The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger

- “wa itha kanu ma3ahu 3ala amrin jami3in…”: and when they are with him on some common matter

- “lam yath-habu 7atta yasta2thinooh…”: they go not away until they have asked his permission

- “innal latheena yasta2thinoonaka…”: Verily, those who ask your permission

- “2ula2ikal latheena yu2minoona billahi warasulihi…”: those are they who (really) believe in Allah and His Messenger

- “fa ithasta2thanooka li ba3di sha2nihim…”: So if they ask your permission for some affairs of theirs

- “fa2than liman shi2ta minhum…”: give permission to whom you will of them

- “wastaghfir lahum Allah..”: and ask Allah for their forgiveness

- “inna Allaha ghafurun ra7eem”: Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.


Verse 63: The Etiquette of addressing the Prophet
- “la taj3alu du3a2a arrasuli baynakum kadu3a2i ba3dakum ba3da…”: Make not the calling of the Messenger among you as your calling one of another

- “qad ya3lamu Allahu alltheena yatasallaloona minkum liwatha..”: Allah knows those of you who slip away under shelter.

- “falya7thar allatheena yukhlifuna 3an amrihi…”: And let those beware who oppose the Messenger's commandment.

- “an yuseebahum fitnatun aw yuseebahum 3athabun aleem”: lest some Fitnah should befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.

Verse 64:
- “ala inna lillahi mafissamawati wal ard…”: Certainly, to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth

- “qad ya3lamu ma antum 3alayh…”: Indeed, He knows your condition

- “wa yawma yurja3una ilyhi..”: and the Day when they will be brought back to Him

- “fa yunabbi2uhum bima 3amilu…”: then He will inform them of what they did.

- “wallahu bikulli shay2in 3aleem”: And Allah is All-Knower of everything.


Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists, and we ask Him to help us achieve perfection. The end of the Tafsir of Surat An-Nur, to Allah be praise and thanks.

Monday, June 18, 2007

June 14th: Surat An-Nour (part 3)

Assalamu alaikum wrahmatullah,

this week we covered verses 35-52 of Surat An-Nour, here's a quick summary:

Verse 35:
- “Allahu nurus-samawati wal ardh…”: Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.

- “Mathalu noorihi…”: The parable of His Light…

- “kamishkatin…”: as (if there were) a niche.

- “feeha misba7…”: and within it a lamp.

- “almisba7u fee zujajah…”: the lamp is in clear glass

- “azujajatu ka2annaha kawkabun duriyy…”: the glass is as if it were a shining bright star made of pearls…

- “Yuwqadu min shajaratin mubarakah…”: lit from a blessed tree

- “zaytunatin…”: an olive tree

- “la sharqiyatin wala gharbiyyah…”: neither of the east nor of the west
-means, it is not in the eastern part of the land so that it does not get any sun in the first part of the day, nor is it in the western part of the land so that it is shaded from the sun before sunset, but it is in a central position where it gets sun from the beginning of the day until the end, so its oil is good and pure and shining.

- “yakadu zaytuha yudhee2u walaw lam tamsashu nar…”: whose oil would almost glow forth (by itself), though no fire touched it.

- “nurun 3ala nur…”: Light upon light.

- “yahdillahu linoorihi man yasha2…”: Allah guides to His Light whom He wills.

- “wa yadribullahul-2amthala linnasi wallahu bikulli shay2in 3aleem”: And Allah sets forth parables for mankind, and Allah is All-Knower of everything.

Verse 36:
- “fee buyutin athina Allahu 2an turfa3a…”: In houses which Allah has ordered to be raised

- “wa yuthkara feeha ismuh..”: in them His Name is remembered.

- “yusabbi7u lahu feeha bilghuduwi wal asali rijal.”: Therein glorify Him in the mornings and in the evenings.

Verse 37:
- “Rijalun la tulheehim tijaratun wala bay3un 3an thikr Allah wa eeqam assalati wa 2eeta2i zzakati…”: Men whom neither trade nor business diverts from the remembrance of Allah nor from performing the Salah nor from giving the Zakah

- “yakhafoona yawman tatawallabu feehil qulubu walabsar”: They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned.)

Verse 38:
- “liyajziyahumu Allahu ahsana ma 3amiloo…”: That Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds…Meaning that their evil deeds will be overlooked.

- “wa yazeedahum min fadhlih…”: and add even more for them out of His grace. Meaning that Allah will even multiply their good deeds.

- “Wallahu yarzuqu man yasha2u bighayri 7isab.”: And Allah provides without measure to whom He wills.


Verse 39: Two Parables of Disbelief
- “wallatheena kafaroo a3maluhum kasarabin biqee3ah…”: As for those who disbelieved, their deeds are like a mirage in a vast flat land

- “ya7sabuhu atham2anu ma2a..”: The thirsty one thinks it to be water

- “7atta itha ja2ahu lam yajdhu shay2a…”: until he comes to it, he finds it to be nothing

- “wawajada Allaha 3indahu…”: but he finds Allah with him

- “fawaffahu 7isabah”: and Allah reckoned his actions and gave him his due

- “wallahu saree3ul 7isab”: and Allah is swift/quick in taking account.

1) This is the parable of the righteous works of a disbeliever, they are like a mirage.
The disbeliever thinks that he is doing something good and that he has achieved something, but when Allah judges him on the Day of Resurrection, and brings him to account and examines his deeds, he will find that nothing has been accepted at all.

Verse 40:
- “aw kathulumatin fee ba7rin lujjiyyin…”: Or like the darkness in a vast deep sea

- “yaghshahu mawjun min fawqihi mawjun min fawqihi sa7ab…”: overwhelmed with waves topped by waves, topped by dark clouds

- “thulumatun ba3dhuha fawqa ba3d…”: layers of darkness upon darkness

- “itha akhraja yadahu lam yakad yaraha…”: if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it!

- “wa man lam yaj3al Allahu lahu nouran fa malahu min nour”: And he for whom Allah has not appointed light, for him there is no light

2) This is the parable of the heart of the disbeliever heart is so dark and just has darkness upon darkness.


Verse 41:
- “Alam tara anna Allaha yusabbi7u lahu man fissamawati wal ardh”: didn’t you see how Allah is glorified by remembrance from everything that is in the heavens and the earth

- “wattayru saffatin…”: and the birds with wings outstretched

- Meaning, while they are flying they glorify their Lord and worship Him with the glorification with which they are inspired and to which they are guided.

- “kullun qad 3alima salatahu watasbee7ah…”: meaning, He has guided every creature to its own way of worshiping Allah

- “wallahu 3aleemun bima yaf3aloon”: and Allah is All-Aware of what they do

Verse 42:
- “wa lillahi mulku assamawati wal ardh wa ila Allah almasseer”: And to Allah belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and to Allah is the return (on the day of judgement).

Verse 43: The Power of Allah to create the Clouds and that which comes from Them
- “alam tara anna Allaha yuzjee sa7aban…”: See you not that Allah drives the clouds gently

- “thumma yu2allifu baynahu…”: then joins them together after they have been scattered

- “thumma yaj3alhu rukama…”: then makes them into a heap of layers, He piles on top of each other.

- “fataral wadqa yakhruju min khilaleh..”: and you see the rain come forth from between them

- “wa yunazzilu min assama2i min jibalin feeha min barad…”: and He sends down from the sky, from mountains in it of ice..this is a metaphor for the clouds in the sky that bring down the hail.. they are great as mountains.

- “fa yuseebu bihi man yasha2…”: and strikes therewith whom He wills

- “wa yasrifhu 3amman yasha2…”: and averts it from whom He wills

-Allah lets the blessing of rain/ the punishment of hail reach whomever He wills, and it will not reach whoever He wills.

- “yakadu sana barqihi yath-habu bil absar”: The vivid flash of its (clouds) lightning nearly blinds the sight.


Verse 44:
- “yuqallibu Allahu allayla wannahar..”: Allah causes the night and the day to succeed each other

- “inna fee thalika la3ibratan li2ulil absar.”: Truly, in this is indeed a lesson for those who have insight.

Verse 45: Allah's Power in His creation of the Animals
- “wallahu khalaqa kulla dabbatin min maa2…”: Allah has created every moving creature from water

- “faminhum man yamshee 3ala batnihi..”: Of them there are some that creep on their bellies (like snakes)

- “waminhum man yamshee 3ala rijlayn…”: and some that walk on two legs (like humans)

- “wa minhum man yamshee 3ala arba3…”: and some that walk on four (like cattle)

- “yakhluqul Allahu ma yasha2…”: Allah creates what He wills

- “Inna Allaha 3ala kulli shay2in qadeer”: Verily, Allah is able to do all things

-So everything was created from water, yet look at the vast differences of species that exist.


Verse 46:
- “laqad anzalna ayatin mubayyinatin wallahu yahdee man yasha2u ila siratin mustaqeem”: We have indeed sent down manifest Ayat. And Allah guides whom He wills to the straight path

Verse 47: The Treachery of the Hypocrites and the Attitude of the Believers
- “wa yaqooluna 2amanna billahi warrasuli wa ata3na..”: They say: "We have believed in Allah and in the Messenger, and we obey,''

- “thumma yatawalla rafeequn minhum min ba3di thalika…”: then a party of them turn away thereafter

- “wa ma 2ula2ika bilmu2mineen..”: such are not believers..those are the hypocrites who say what they don’t believe.


Verse 48:
- “wa itha du3oo ila Allahi warasulihi liya7kuma baynahum..”: And when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them

- “itha fareequn minhum mu3ridhoon”: a party of them refuses and turns away.


Verse 49:
- “ wa in yakun lahumul-7aqqu ya2tu ilayhi muth3ineen”: But if the truth is on their side, they come to him willingly with submission

Verse 50:
- “afee qulubihim maradun am irtabu…”: Is there a disease in their hearts Or do they doubt The Prophet?

- “am yakhafoona an ya7eefa Allahu 3alayhim warasuluhu..”: or do they fear that Allah and His Messenger should wrong them in judgment

- “bal 2ula2ika hum atthalimoon”: no, it is they themselves who are the wrongdoers.

Verse 51: on the other hand look at what the believers do…
- “innama kana qawla almu2mineena itha du3oo ila Allahi warasulhi liya7kuma baynahum..”: The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allah and His Messenger, to judge between them

- “an yaqoolu sami3na wa ata3na…”: is that they say: "We hear and we obey

- “wa 2ula2ika humul mufli7oon”: And such are the successful

Verse 52:
- “wa man yuti3 Allaha warasoolahu…”: And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger

- “wa yakhsha Allaha…”: fears Allah..from the past sins one has committed

- “wa yattaqihi…”: and has Taqwa of Him in being careful not to commit anymore sins

- “fa 2ula2ika huml fa2izoon”: such are the successful in this world and the next one.


wassalamu alaikum,
Dana

Monday, June 11, 2007

June 7th: Surat An-Nour (part 2)

Surat Annour (verse 21- 34 )

Verse 21:
- “ya ayyuha Allatheena aamanu la tattabi3oo khutuwat Ashaytan…”: This aya is calling those who believe in Allah and His messenger, it’s telling them not to follow the footsteps of Shaytan (like listening to the story of al-ifk and then spreading it)..

- “wa man yattabi3 khutuwat Ashaytan…”: and whoever follows the footsteps of shaytan

- “fa innahu ya2muru bil fa7sha2i walmunkar…”: then he commands ugliness and evil deeds.

- “wa lawla fadlu Allahi 3alaykum wara7matuhu..”: and if it wasn’t for Allah’s grace and mercy…

- “ma zaka minkum min a7adin abada…”: not one of you would have ever been pure from sin…but by His mercy He facilitated the road to repentance…

- “wa lakinna Allaha yuzakee man yasha2..”: But Allah purifies whom He wills..meaning that Allah guides whomever He wills to repent and He accepts this repentance. So Allah purifies us by His generosity and mercy…

- “wallahu samee3un 3aleem”: and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.. meaning that He hears what we say and He knows our intentions, He knows who deserves to be guided and who deserves to be misguided.

Verse 22:
- “wala ya2tali ulul fadhli minkum wass3ah…”: and let not those amongst you who are blessed with wealth…

- “ an yu2too ulil qurba wal masakeena wal muhjireena fee sabeel Allah..”: swear not to give their relatives, the poor, and those who left their homes for Allah’s cause.

- “walya3foo walyasfa7oo…”: and let them forgive this sin and forget the bad that was committed towards them and return back to giving…

- “ala tu7iboona 2an yaghfira Allahu lakum…”: don’t you love for Allah to forgive you for forgiving the person who has wronged you…

- “wallahu ghafoorun ra7eem”: meaning that Allah is ever-forgiving, ever-merciful.
This Ayah was revealed concerning As-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, when he swore that he would not help Mistah bin Uthathah after he said what he said about `A'ishah, as we have already seen in the Hadith. When Allah revealed the innocence of the Mother of the believers, `A'ishah, and the believers were happy and content with the outcome of this incident, and those believers who had talked about the matter repented, and the prescribed punishment had been carried out upon those on whom it was carried out, then Allah started to soften the heart of As-Siddiq towards his relative Mistah bin Uthathah. Mistah was the cousin of As-Siddiq, the son of his maternal aunt, and he was a poor man with no wealth except whatever Abu Bakr spent on him. He was one of those who had migrated for the sake of Allah. He had invented the lies and the slander, but then Allah accepted his repentance from that and the prescribed punishment was carried out on him. As-Siddiq was known for his generosity and he did favors to his relatives and strangers alike. When this Ayah was revealed: As-Siddiq said, "Of course, by Allah, we love -- O our Lord -- that You should forgive us.'' Then he resumed his spending on Mistah and said, "By Allah I will never stop spending on him.'' This was to counteract what he had said previously, "By Allah I will never spend on him.'' This proves that he deserved to be called As-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him and his daughter.


Then Allah warned those who accuse pure chaste women of sin…

Verse 23: this aya is a warning and threat to the ones who accuse chaste women (especially the mothers of the believers)
- “inna allatheena yarmoonal mu7sanatil ghafilatil mu2minati…”: Verily, those who accuse chaste believing women...

- “lu3inoo fiddunya wal akhirah…”: They have been cursed out of Allah’s mercy in this life and in the hereafter…

- “wa lahum 3athabun 3atheem.”: and for them will be a great torment.

Verse 24:
- “yawma tashhudu 3alayhim 2alsinatuhum wa 2aydeehim wa 2arjuluhum bima kanu ya3maloon”: On the Day when their tongues, their hands, and their legs will bear witness against them as to what they used to do.

Verse 25:
- “yawma2ithin yuwafeehum Allahu deenahum Al-7aq”: On that Day Allah will pay them the recompense of their deeds in full

- “waya3lamoona anna Allaha huwal 7aqul mubeen”: and then they will know that Allah is the manifest truth. That His punishment and reckoning are real.

Verse 26:
- “alkhabeethatu lil khabeetheena walkhabeethoona lil khabeethat. Wattayibatu littayyibeena watayyiboona littayyibat…”: evil women are for evil men and evil men are for evil women. And righteous women are for righteous men, and righteous men are for righteous women.

- “2ula2ika mubarra2oona mimma yaqooloon”: such (good people) are innocent of (every) bad statement which is said about them.

- “lahum maghfiratun”: for them is forgiveness, they are forgiven because they were accused of lies (it’s a purification process for their hearts).

- “wa rizqun kareem”: and honored provision.) meaning, with Allah in the Gardens of Delight. This is also a promise for Aisha to be the Prophet’s wife in jannah.

Seeking Permission and the Etiquette of entering Houses…

Verse 27:
- “ya ayyuha latheena 2amanoo la tadkhulu buyootan ghayra buyootikum”: O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own…

- “ 7atta tasta2nisoo wa tusallimoo 3ala ahliha”: until you have asked permission and greeted those in them

- “thalikum khayrun lakum”: that is better for you

- “la3allakum tathakkaroon”: in order that you may remember

One should seek permission three times, and if permission is given, (he may enter), otherwise he should go away.

Verse 28:
- “fa 2in lam tajidoo feeha a7adan…”: and so if you don’t find anyone at home.

- “fa la tadkhulooha 7atta yu2thana lakum…”: so be patient and do not enter until you have been given permission

- “wa in qeela lakum irji3u farji3u”: and if it is said to you go back, so then go back

- “huwa azka lakum”: that is better and purer for you

- “wallahu bima ta3maloona 3aleem”: and Allah has knowledge of what you do

That was regarding homes that are occupied.. how about homes that abandoned?...

Verse 29:
- “laysa 3alaykum juna7un…”: There is no sin on you

- “an tadkhuloo buyootan ghara maskoonnatin…”: that you enter houses uninhabited.. (so here you don’t have to ask permission)

- “feeha mata3un lakum…”: (when) you have any interest in them.. or need..
-like you want to stand in the shade, or shelter yourself from a storm, etc.

- “wallahu ya3lamu ma tubdoona wama taktumoon”: and Allah knows what you reveal and what you conceal. Meaning that if you enter this home to commit a sin then Allah knows it…

Verse 30:
- “wa qul lilmu2mineena yaghuddoo min absarihim..”: and tell the believing men to lower their gazes. Meaning not to look at anyone who is not a mahram…because one look can plant a seed of desire, lust and love in the heart…

- “wa ya7fathoo furoojahum…”: and protect their private parts. Since looking provokes the heart to evil, Allah commanded (the believers) to protect their private parts just as he commanded them to protect their gaze which can lead to that

- “thalika azka lahum”: That is purer for them. means, it is purer for their hearts and better for their commitment to religion, as it was said: Whoever protects his gaze, Allah will illuminate his understanding, or his heart.

- “inna Allaha khabeerun bima yasna3oon”: Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do

Verse 31: The command of Hijab
-“wa qul lil mu2minati yaghdudna min absarihinna wa ya7fathna furoojahunna…”: and tell the believing women to lower their gaze, and protect their private parts (from being seen and from committing sin)

meaning, from that which Allah has forbidden them to look at, apart from their husbands. [Some] scholars said that it is permissible for women to look at non-Mahram men without desire, as it was recorded in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allah was watching the Ethiopians playing with spears in the Masjid on the day of `Id, and `A'ishah the Mother of the believers was watching them from behind him and he was concealing her from them, until she got bored and went away.


And the women have an added special command…

- "wala yubdeena zeenatahunna illa ma thahara minha…”: and not to show off their adornment except that which is apparent.. meaning the face and hands which are apparent.

- “wal yadribna bi khumurihinna 3ala juyoobihin…”: and to draw their veils that they use to cover their heads all over their chests

- “wa la yubdeena zeenatahunna illa libu3oolatihinna..”: and let them not show their adormnets except to their husbands

- “aw aba2ihinna a2 aba2i bu3oolatihin…”: or to their fathers or the fathers of their husbands…

- “aw abna2ihin aw abna2i bu3oolatihin, aw ikhwanihin, aw bani ikhwanihin aw bani akhawatihin”: or their sons, or the sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or the sons of their brothers, or the sons of their sisters.
-These are all people that a woman cannot marry..(mahram) but a woman should still not make a display out of herself infront of them..

- “aw nisa2ihin..”: meaning the Muslim women.
-Because non-Muslim women cannot be trusted.. as Muslim women have been forbidden from describing each other to men..

HADITH: (No woman should describe another woman to her husband so that it is as if he is looking at her.)

- “aw ma malakat aymanuhunna..”: or their slave girls, even if they are not Muslim. (slave girls do not exist now)

- “awittabi3eena ghayri 2ulil irbati mina rijali…”: men who have no desires.. mentally challenged.. etc.

- “awitifli allatheena lam yathharoo 3ala 3awratinnisa2…”: or children who are not aware of the nakedness of women.

- “wala yadribna bi arjulihinna liyu3lama ma yukhfeena min zeenatihin…”: And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment

- “wa tooboo ila Allahi jamee3an ayyuhal mu2minoona la3allakum tufli7oon”: And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.

Verse 32: The command to marry
- “wanki7ul ayama minkum…: And marry those among you who are single..meaning help them get married

- “wassali7eena min 3ibadikum wa 2ima2ikum…”: and the pious of your servants and maidservants

- “in yakoonoo fuqara2a yughnihimu Allahu min fadhlih..”: If they are poor, Allah will enrich them out of His bounty.

- “wallahu wasi3un 3aleem”: And Allah is All-Sufficent, All-Knowing. This is a promise for the ones who marry to stay chaste and to please Allah that He will make them happy and He will provide for them

Verse 33: The command to keep chaste if one cannot marry
- “wal yasta3fif allatheena la yajidoona nika7an…”: And let those who can’t find the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste

- “7atta yughniyahum Allahu min fadhlih..”: until Allah enriches them of His bounty

- “wallatheena yabtaghoonal kitaba mimma malakat aymanukum..”: And such of your servants as seek a writing (of emancipation)

- “fa katiboohum in 3alimtum feehim khayra..”: give them such writing, if you find that there is good and honesty in them

- “wa aatoohum min mali Allahi allathee atakum..”: And give them something (yourselves) out of the wealth of Allah which He has bestowed upon you

- “wala tukrihoo fatayatikum 3alal bigha2i”: And force not your slave-girls to prostitution

- “in aradna ta7asunnan..”: if they desire chastity

- “li tabtaghoo 3aradal 7ayati dunya..”: in order that you may make a gain in the goods of this worldly life.

- “wa man yukrihunna fa inna Allaha min ba3di ikrahihinna ghafoorun ra7eem”: But if anyone compels them, then after such compulsion, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

---Prostitution is a major sin and forcing someone to commit it is another sin. However, if one is forced into committing prostitution then Allah (swt) is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful to those who are being forced.

Verse 34:
- “walaqad anzalna ilaykum ayatin mubayyinat…”: And indeed We have sent down for you Ayat that make things clear

- “wa mathalan minallatheena khalaw min qablikum…”: and the example of those who passed away before you

- “wa maw3ithatan lil muttaqeen”: and an admonition for those who have Taqwa.

Friday, June 1, 2007

May 31st: Surat An-Nour (part 1)

Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah,

This week we started the tafseer of surat An-Nour. Here's a quick summary of what was covered:

About the Surah:
1- It’s a Medinan Surah
2- Contains a lot of guidelines for Muslims and everyone should learn it.
3- Discusses social manners such us lowering our gaze, how we should seek permission before entering someone’s house or room, chastity, etc.
4- It also mentions some of the punishments required by sacred law for some sins, such as adultery.


The name:
-It’s called surat An-nour because of all the guidelines that it has, they light up our path in this life and make it easier.
-It’s also called An-nour because of the aya that says “Allahu Nourus-samawati wal-ardh”.

Reasons for revelation:
1- It was narrated that a woman called “Um Mahzoul” used to be an adulteress, and a man amongst the Muslims wanted to marry her. He approached the Prophet (s) and told him, then Allah (swt) revealed the verse “the adulteress shall only marry an adulterer or an idolater.” Verse #3

2- One of the companions “Helal bin Umayyah” came to the Prophet and accused his wife of committing adultery. The Prophet (s) told him, you either bring proof or you will be punished for what you say, the man said: Oh Prophet of Allah, what if one of us saw his wife with another man and has no other proof? By Allah, I am speaking the truth, and Allah will reveal what will save me from punishment. So then the verse was revealed: “And those who accuse honorable women but bring not four witnesses…”

3- Al-Ifk: The crime that took place at the time of the Prophet (alayhi assalatu wassalam), when some people accused his chaste and pure wife Aisha of adultery. Allah (swt) revealed verses 11-20 to prove her innocence.


__________________________________________________________________

Note: In the transliteration of the verses, I used the number 7 to refer to the letter "haa" in Arabic, as in the word "hubb" meaning love. And I used the number 3 to refer to the letter "ain" in Arabic as in the word "Arabi". And I used the number 2 to refer to the letter hamza in Arabic as in the word "Iqra2" meaning read.

Verse 1:
-“Suratun anzalnaha”
This is a great surah that we have revealed onto you oh Muhammad (s)
- “wa faradnaha”: We made what’s in it of guidelines an obligation
- “wa anzalna feeha ayatin bayyinat”: we have revealed in it clear and important guidelines.
- “laalakum tathakkaroon”: That you may take heed. And now Allah (swt) starts telling us those guidelines…

Verse2:
-“azzaniyatu wazzani fajlidoo kulla wa7idin munhama mi2ata jaldah”: The adulterers (both man and woman, who are not married) should be whipped 100 times as a punishment for them from this ugly crime/sin.

-“ wa la ta2khuthkum bihima ra2fatun fee deen Allah”: and don’t let your pity for them withhold you from the command of Allah, so don’t whip them lightly because of the mercy in your hearts, or whip them a less number than Allah wants.

-“in kuntum tu2minoona billahi wal yawm al-Akher”: This is if you believe in Allah and in the last day. This is said to encourage the people to do this because of their faith. Don’t pity adulterers because their crime is a lot greater than the mercy you feel.

-“wal yashhad 3athabahuma ta2ifatun min almu2mineen”: meaning, and let a group of the believers attend and witness this punishment while it’s going on. This is so the people who are punished will be even more ashamed of what they did and it will help them not go back to it again.

Verse3:
-“Azzani la yanki7u illa zaniyatan aw mushrikah”: The adulterer will not marry except an adulteress or an idolatress. Meaning that it doesn’t suit an adulterer to marry a chaste woman, he only deserves to marry the one who is like him or even worse than him. Either an adulteress or an idol worshiper.

-“wassaniyatu la yanki7uha illa zanin aw mushrik”: meaning that it doesn’t suit the adulteress to marry a chaste believer, but she should marry the one who is like her or even worse than her (the idol worshiper).

-“wa 7urrima thalika 3alal-mu2mineen”: and adultery has been forbidden for the believers, and the aya could also be addressing that it’s haram for a believer to marry an adulterer.

Now we move on to the next guidelines…

Verse 4:
-“wallatheena yarmoon al-mu7sanat”: Meaning the ones who accuse their wives or chaste women of adultery.
-Notice the use of the word “yarmoon” whish usually refers to throwing stones… here Allah uses this word because this is what this act is similar to.
-Also notice that the word “mu7sanat” refers to someone who is chaste. So the verses are not talking about someone who is openly doing everything that’s bad. Because there’s no punishment for someone who accuses such a person…

-“thumma lam ya2too bi arba3ati shuhada2”: and then they didn’t bring along 4 other witnesses to testify to seeing the same thing.

-“fajlidoohum thamaneena jaldah”: so whip each one who claims this 80 lashes, because they have accused the innocent and spread rumors.

-“wa la taqbaloo lahum shahadatan abada”: and don’t ever accept their testimony. This is to increase their punishment, so not only are they punished physically but they are also humiliated in the community. This is as long as they are insisting on their lie and they are not backing off.

-“wa 2ula2ika hum al-fasiqoon”: and indeed those are the evil-doers. This is because they have committed a huge sin. So not only is this person whipped, but they are also never to testify and they are considered a fasiq. A fasiq is someone who has gone outside of obedience to Allah.

Verse 5:
-“illa allatheena taboo min ba3d thalika”: Except for those who repent and regretted what they have done.

-“wa asla7u”: and they have corrected their wrong by not committing the same sin again.

-“fa inna Allaha ghafoorun ra7eem”: and so here Allah is telling us to accept their repentance, and to allow them to testify and to trust them again, because Allah has forgiven the one who repents. However, the physical punishment must still be carried out.

Next guideline:

Verse 6:
-“wallatheena yarmoona azwajahum”: and the ones who accuse their wives of committing adultery…

-“wa lam yakun lahum shuhada2 illa anfusuhum…”: and they have no witnesses besides themselves.

-“fashahadatu a7adihim arba3u shahadat billah”: his testimony will take the place of 4 witnesses.

-“innahu lamin assadiqeen”: He will actually testify 4 times and restate that he is telling the truth.

Verse 7:
- “wal khamisatu anna la3nata Allahi 3alayhi in kana minal kathibeen”: And in the fifth testimony he will say: may Allah curse me if I am lying.

Verse 8:
-“wa yadra2u 3anhal-3athaba”: and the punishment for this accusation is lifted from the wife if…
-“an tashhada arba3a shahadatin billahi innahu laminal-kathibeen”: she swears or testifies 4 times that her husband is lying in what he says.


Verse 9:
-“ wal khamisata anna ghadaba Allahi 3alayha in kana minas-sadiqeen”: she will testify a fifth time saying: May Allah’s wrath be upon me if he is telling the truth.

Verse 10:
-“wa lawla fadhlu Allahi 3alaykum wa ra7matihi”: meaning and if it wasn’t for Allah’s mercy your situation would have not been concealed. Meaning that Allah knows the truth, and if one lies then they will not be punished in this life but they will be punished in the hereafter.

-“ wa anna Allaha tawwabun 7akeem”: this is an exaggeration of Allah’s acceptance for repentance.. meaning that He accepts it even in this bad situation. And Allah is Hakeem, He is wise and He is giving us this wisdom through those guidelines.

If these guidelines weren’t revealed, then in such a situation, the husband who doesn’t have witnesses would be punished for this accusation. Even though it would seem that he is truthful because he is disgracing himself by making this accusation. And if the husband’s testimony was enough then the woman would be punished for adultery and not have a chance to defend herself. Yet Allah (swt) here gives both husband and wife the chance to prove what they are saying...


The next verses talk about “Al-Ifk”:
Verse 11:
-“inna allatheena ja2oo bil ifki”: the ones who have brought about the “ifk”…the “ifk” is the worst lie, or the worst accusation. And it is the accusation of our mother Aisha may Allah be pleased with her.

-“3usbatun minkum”: meaning that they are a group from amongst you oh Muslims. And the head of the them was the biggest hypocrite at the time “Ibn Salool”

- “La ta7sabuhu sharran lakum”: this part of the aya is addressing the household of sayyidna Abu Bakr, it’s telling them, don’t think that this is a bad thing.

-“bal huwa khayrun lakum”: indeed it is something good for you. Because this matter was so important that sayidna Gibreel was sent especially by Allah to reveal those verses that will prove our mother’s innocence.

-“lukil imri2in minhum ma iktasaba minal-ithm”: to each one in the group of liars a punishment for their sin for as much as they participated in it.

-“wallathee tawalla kibrahu minhum”: and the one who started this accusation and helped spread this rumor “Ibn Salool”

-“lahu 3athabun 3atheem”: will have a great punishment in hellfire on the day of judgment.

Verse 12:
-“lawla ith sami3tumoohu”: when you heard this “oh believers” when you heard these lies about your mother…

-“thannal-mu2minoona wal mu2minati ba anfusihim khayran”: if only you assumed good and did not believe the rumor and pass it on. Because a Muslim shouldn’t believe anything bad about his brother/sister. Here Allah (swt) is scolding the Muslims for taking part in this ugly crime. It’s telling them to put themselves in our mother’s place… wouldn’t they assume good about themselves and refute the lies? And if they think that they are pure and they refute lies from themselves, wouldn’t our mother who is more pure be more eligible for this?

One of the companions “Um ayoub” told her husband” did you hear what people are saying about Aisha?. He said: yes and it’s all lies, would you do that Umm Ayoub?, and she said: No!, by Allah I wouldn’t!. So he said: And Aisha is better than you.

- “wa qalu hatha ifkun mubeen”: this is telling the believers that they should have said that this is a clear lie.. as soon as they heard it.


Verse 13:
- “lawla ja2u 3alayhi bi 2arba3ati shuhada2”: if only the accusers had brought 4 witnesses for what they say…

-“fa ith lam ya2tu bishuhada2”: and if they couldn’t even bring witnesses

- “fa 2ula2ika 3inda Allahi hum al-kathiboon”: so those are the liars, the corruptors… in this aya there is a scolding for whoever heard of the ifk and didn’t refute it as soon as they heard it.

Verse 14:
- “wa lawla fadhlu Allahi 3alaykum wa ra7matihi fiddunya wal akhirah”: and if it wasn’t for Allah’s abundant generosity over you in this life and the next life.
- “lamassakum feema afadhttum feehi 3athabun 3atheem”: you would have gained a great punishment because of your participation in spreading the rumors of ifk.
Yet through Allah’s mercy He has concealed you in this life and forgiven those who repented in the next life.

Verse 15:
- “Ith talaqawnahu bi alsinatikum”: you ask about it with your tongues and then you say so and so told me so and so…
- “wa taqooloona bi afwahikum ma laysa lakum bihi 3ilm”: and you say what has no truth in reality, in fact it’s purely a lie.
- “wa ta7saboonahu hayina”: and you think that it’s a small thing, no big deal...
- “wa huwa 3inda Allahi 3atheem”: and the truth is that to Allah it’s one of the worst and greatest crimes. This is not only because it’s about our mother Aisha, but in general it’s a great sin because you are ruining your Muslim brother/sister’s reputation.

So if we look back, Allah is scolding the people about three things in this aya:
1) asking about it
2)Talking about it
3) thinking it a small matter

Verse 16:
- “wa lawla ith sami3tumoohu qultum ma yakoona lana an natakallama bihatha”: here Allah is blaming all the believers, He’s telling them…that you should have denied it as soon as you heard it and say: we shouldn’t allow our mouths to talk about something like this or repeat it to anyone…
- “Sub7anak hatha buhtanun 3atheem”: …sub7an Allah, how can this be said about our pure and innocent mother, the wife of the Prophet (s) this is a clear crime and lie.
-We’re supposed to say “subhanAllah” when we see something out of the ordinary that surprises us or shocks us.. and this is one of those situations.. how could anyone say this about our mother, subhanAllah! What a shock, of course it’s a lie!

Verse 17:
- “ya3ithukum Allah an ta3oodoo limithlihi abada”: Allah reminds you and advises you not to ever do something like this again.
- “in kuntum mu2mineen”: if you were truly believers. Because true iman will keep one away from sin.

Verse 18:
- “wa yubayinu Allah lakum Al-ayat”: Allah is making those guidelines clear for you.
- “wallahu 3aleemun 7akeem”: Allah is All-Knowledgeable, All-Wise and knows what will help His creation to stay on the right path.


Verse 19:
- “Inna allatheena yu7iboona an tashee3a al-fa7ishata”: the ones who love to spread such rumors.
- “ fillatheena aamanu”: about the believers.
- “lahum 3athabun aleem fiddunya wal akhirah”: they have a painful punishment in this life by getting the penalty for it in this life (lashes), and a painful punishment in hell fire.
-This verse is addressing the hypocrites who started the rumor because they wanted to harm the Prophet (s).
- “wallahu ya3lamu wa antum la ta3lamoon": meaning that Allah knows people’s intentions, He knows the truth in their hearts and you don’t know.

Verse 20:
- “wa lawla fadhlu Allahi 3alaykum wara7matuhu wa anna Allaha ra2oofun ra7eem”: If it wasn’t for Allah’s mercy, He would have made them perish.
-Note here that the aya doesn’t tell us the answer to “lawla” because of how bad it is.. it’s so bad that it shouldn’t be mentioned.

wassalamu alaikum,
Dana