Reflection of Surah al-Anfal and Surah al-Tawbah

Innalhamda lillahee, nahmaduhu wa nasta'eenuhu wa nastaghfiruhu, wa na'oodhu billaahi min shuroori anfusinaa wa min sayyiaati a'maalinaa. Mainyah dihillaahu falaa mudillilahu, wa mainyudlil falaa haadiya lah.

"Alhumdulillah. Indeed, all praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and seek His Help and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from our souls' evils and our wrong doings. He whom Allah guides, no one can misguide; and he whom He misguides, no one can guide."

Wa ashhadu anlaa ilaaha illalaahu, wahdahu laashareeka lahu, wa ash hadu anna muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasooluh

"I bear witness that there is no god except Allah- alone without any partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His 'and (servant) and Messenger.

They ask you, [O Muhammed], about the bounties [of war]. Say, "The [decision concerning] bounties is for Allāh and the Messenger." So fear Allāh and amend that which is between you and obey Allāh and His Messenger, if you should be believers (1) The believers are only those who, when Allāh is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely (2) The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend (3) Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision(4)

(al-Anfal: 1-4)

The qualities required in a true believer and our ultimate goal is continuously forgotten every single day.

What do we pursue first in our life whether be it for studies or other aspects; Dunya or Akhira? What are the Sahaba told when they asked about the booty, which was Halal for them? They are told first make yourselves a good candidate for the blessing. We should take a lesson from this Ayah. Before seeking the pleasure of this Dunya, in the Sahabah’s case the war booty, we should attain Taqwa, mend and maintain our relationship between others, and follow the commands given by Allah and his Rasool (SAWS).

Moreover, we are told to be believers, actual believers. One of the qualities of a real believer is that upon hearing the recitation of the Ayat of the Qur’an their hearts tremble with fear and eyes overflow with tears upon hearing about the consequence of the deeds and the severity of the punishment. When was the last time we trembled upon hearing the Ayat of Allah? Did the fear sent a shiver down our spine (back)?

Another quality mentioned about the believer is that they trust upon Allah. At some point in our lives, we have all had our trust betrayed. There exist few of us who trust anyone completely. The same goes for principles or philosophies. We have trusted them, only to be disappointed. Maybe that is why it is so hard for us to let go of ourselves and truly trust Allah. This is a sad fact. Even though we know that Allah is our Lord and Protector, we have a hard time letting go and allowing ourselves to trust that He will protect us. Let the Ayah in Surah Ale- Imran be a reminder, “If Allāh should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allāh let the believers rely” (Ale-Imran: 160). We have been told that what is for us can't miss us and what is not for us can't hit us.

We have to learn to trust that Allah will take care of us when we obey Him and that He wills withdrawal of His Great Mercy when we disobey him. Every morning the bird goes out to seek the provision Allah has given it, and every night it comes home with it. Allah has promised us our provision. Trusting in Allah means that when we hear a command, we obey it. We recognize that we are limited and that Allah has no limits. He knows what we do not know. We do not try to explain away the commands of Allah by saying that it is for another time or another people. We do not say that what Allah has commanded for us is oppressive. We accept and obey. This is faith and trust. The reward for trusting in Allah is paradise. There is sin in distrusting Him. We need to stop relying on our desires, our minds, and our version of logic and realize that Allah is the one who knows while we know not. Allah is the Wise, and His judgments are wise by default. Allah is the Just and His verdicts are Just by default. We cannot see everything in every issue as Allah can, so why do we insist on believing that our minds can be trusted before or instead of Allah (who is always all knowing and always all wise)?

Moreover, Allah mentions another good trait of a true believer. They fulfill and implement the obligations they are commanded to do, such as praying Salah and giving Zakat. The foundation and difference between believer and disbeliever is Salah and Zakat as mentioned in Surah Tawbah, “But if they repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, then they are your brothers in religion."(Tawbah: 11). Another ayah from the same Surah further shows the characteristics of a believer. “The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakāh and obey Allāh and His Messenger. Those – Allāh will have mercy upon them." (Tawbah: 71)

Salah strengthens the foundations of our faith. It prepares a person to live the life of goodness and in obedience to Allah (SWT), and it builds courage and determination. The Salah performed five times a day eradicates that forgetfulness and heedlessness, and keeps the believer's will and awareness alive. It ensures that the believer constantly turns to Allah and assists him in living in the light of His commandments. The believer who stands in the presence of Allah in order to pray establishes a powerful spiritual bond with Him. The Ayah from Surah Al Ankabut, says that Salah reminds people of Allah and keeps them from all forms of evil. “Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allāh is greater. And Allāh knows that which you do” (Al-'Ankabut: 45). Remember, the last thing that Prophet Mohammad (SAWS) emphasized at his deathbed was Salah. He also said the first thing we will have to answer about on the Day of judgment is also Salah.

With the obligation of Zakah, we are told to forgo the one thing that is dear to our hearts…money. Wealth can either bring accomplishment or achievement for us in this Dunya or Akhira. But by giving Zakat it can be an achievement for both the worlds. Zakat in itself means purity and cleanliness. Zakat is given on set portion from the wealth for the needy and the poor. The criteria for distribution of Zakat is mentioned in Surah al-Tawbah, “Zakāh expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakāh] and for bringing hearts together [for Islām] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allāh and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise” (al-Tawbah: 60). By giving Zakat a man's wealth and along with it his own self becomes purified. The wealth of that person is impure, if he does not take out from the God-given wealth what is due to the poor and the needy. And along with his wealth his Nafs too is impure because it is filled with ungratefulness. His heart is so narrow, he is selfish and such a worshipper of wealth that it pains him to render what is due in return for the Divine favor of bestowing on him wealth in excess of his real requirements. Can it be expected from such a person that he will ever do any good deed to please Allah and will make any sacrifice for the sake of his religion and faith? This is why the heart of such a person is impure as also his wealth which he amasses in this manner. Therefore, to cleanse ones heart Allah has prescribed Zakat.

Hence, a true believer takes care of the Haqq that needs to be fulfilled. He fulfills the Haqq to Allah (SWT), when hearing the Ayat (verses) of Allah he ponders, reflects, accepts and implements. His heart also trembles with the fear of Allah, his punishment, upon realizing Allah’s might, upon realizing the mercy and graciousness of Allah, and upon knowing the wonderful bliss Allah has kept for the believers… Jannathul Firthous. A believer also fulfills the Haqq of the Rasool (SAWS) by following his Sunnah with no deviation or innovation. A true believer further fulfills the Haqq to himself by doing the obligation and saving himself from the eternal suffering of Hell fire. A believer further more fulfills the Haqq to people, by establishing good relationship and giving charity to ensure the wellbeing of others. For these true believers who give up themselves and their wealth for Allah, He promises them in Surah al-Tawbah with good news,

“Indeed, Allāh has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allāh, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’ān. And who is truer to his covenant than Allāh? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment” (Tawbah: 111)

The barter and promise made by Allah is Jannah… the ultimate Darussalam. Verily this is the greatest success one can receive.

May Allah (SWT) give us the Tawfeek and Hidaya to avail this promise and grant us the ultimate success of Akhira, Jannah… Ameen Ya Rabb.

Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika, ash hadu anlaa ilaaha illa anta, astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilaik.

"How perfect You are O Allaah, and I praise You. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance"

Taznim Ismail

Onsite Student

Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verse 261

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allāh is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allāh multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allāh is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

I learnt that Allah SWT is "Waasiun Aleem"- All-Encompassing and Knowing

I was cleaning up yesterday and was really really tired and was drowning in self-pity, thinking who will help me? I have to clean and wash the windows and window nets myself, even If I Am dying. And then I made dua "Oh Allah, help me, make it easy for me". And today I woke up to a thunderstorm and just now saw that all my windows and window nets are sparkling clean! SUBHANALLAH! My Allah helped me, who is “Wasiun Aleem”. All-Encompassing and Knowing “

So we just need to ask Allah, and He listens. Glory be to my Lord!

Sameera Ali

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verse 255

Allāh – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursī extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.

The other night I was reciting ayat-ul-kursi for my daughter’s protection and Allah swt opened the doors of understanding for me. Since my daughter was born the Doctors are doing so many genetic tests but have not been able to evaluate which chromosome out of 46 has a minor deletion… if there is any deletion. They are not able to diagnose yet and they cannot tell how her future turnout to be either , if she will grow out of these delays or she will have other developmental problems in future. I was thinking... How could they tell?

Allah swt says in Ayat-ul-Kursi “Ya`lamu Mā Bayna 'Aydīhim Wa Mā Khalfahum” He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them

“Wa Lā Yuĥīţūna Bishay'in Min `Ilmihi 'Illā Bimā Shā'a” “and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills”

My daughter (Aavisa) is not like this because something went wrong but she is like this because Allah swt destined her to be like this. So there is no point to regret rather it’s time to seek forgiveness and be thankful because it could have been worse. If this is Allah swt’s izn (permission) then I’m grateful ‘Allhamdulillah ala Kulli Haal”(Praise be to Allah in all conditions) May Allah SWT give me the tawfeeq (ability) to earn maximum deeds out of this opportunity and bless her with health. Ameen

“Wa Lā Ya'ūduhu Ĥifžuhumā Wa Huwa Al-`Alīyu Al-`Ažīm” –“and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great”

Now I understand why we read ayat-ul-kursi for protection because most exalted and most supreme is guarding us. Is there any one blessed then us? Alhumdulillah, Alhumdulillah, Allhamdulillahi ala kuli haal (Praise be to Allah in all conditions)

Nosheen Zia

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verse 231

And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them]. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses ofAllāh in jest. And remember the favor of Allāhupon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book and wisdom by which He instructs you. And fear Allāh and know that Allāh is Knowing of all things.

And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them]. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses of Allah in jest. And remember the favor of Allah upon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book and wisdom by which He instructs you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Knowing of all things.

Allah tells us that the Quran and the sunnah are blessings. But do we treat them like blessings? Or do we skim the translation, copy/paste a hadith, and feel as if we have accomplished a big thing? When we think of blessings, we think of cars, homes, families, ipods, etc. Don't we cherish these things? These temporary things? Why, then, do we not cherish the words of our Master? The words of our CREATOR? The feeling of learning each individual word of the Quran is indescribable. Until we do this, how can we expect to cherish this wonderful blessing Allah has given us?

Zara Tariq

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verses 228-232

Divorced women remain in waiting for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allāh has created in their wombs if they believe in Allāh and the Last Day. And their husbands have more right to take them back in this [period] if they want reconciliation. And due to the wives is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. And Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.

Divorce is twice. Then, either keep [her] in an acceptable manner or release [her] with good treatment. And it is not lawful for you to take anything of what you have given them unless both fear that they will not be able to keep [within] the limits of Allāh. But if you fear that they will not keep [within] the limits of Allāh, then there is no blame upon either of them concerning that by which she ransoms herself. These are the limits of Allāh, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allāh – it is those who are the wrongdoers.

And if he has divorced her [for the third time], then she is not lawful to him afterward until [after] she marries a husband other than him. And if the latter husband divorces her [or dies], there is no blame upon the woman and her former husband for returning to each other if they think that they can keep [within] the limits of Allāh. These are the limits of Allāh, which He makes clear to a people who know.

And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them]. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses ofAllāh in jest. And remember the favor of Allāhupon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book and wisdom by which He instructs you. And fear Allāh and know that Allāh is Knowing of all things.

And when you divorce women and they have fulfilled their term, do not prevent them from remarrying their [former] husbands if they agree among themselves on an acceptable basis. That is instructed to whoever of you believes in Allāhand the Last Day. That is better for you and purer, and Allāh knows and you know not.

As I was taking notes and listening to Sr. Taymiyyah expand on these verses, I recalled the several stories of divorce in my community. Divorce rates are as high as 50% - one Imam of a Masjid in my city said in a Khutbah: "For every marriage contract I witness, I also witness a marriage end in divorce." Every time I hear about a Muslim brother and sister's marriage break up, my heart aches. After learning about these verses, I have a better understanding of why divorce rates have become so high in our community (and unfortunately, in some cases, divorce brings out the worst of the person, and much Gheeba and nameema is done by one side or both). When we learn the roles of the husband and the wife, and how they should treat each other, we see that we have strayed from our roles. Sisters' priorities have changed - this society has affected us and our mentalities have become influenced by the so-called "feminist" movement in the West. True feminism (in the true sense) is embodied in the teachings of Islam. However, instead of realizing this, sisters have assumed a different role in marriage, one which "competes" with the husband's. The understanding of equality does not mean that the husband and wife's actions must be EQUAL! Equality is a balance that puts into consideration the INHERIT differences between man and woman (the differences our sisters today think they make them "weaker" in the eyes of society, while in fact, maker her stronger, freer, and more respected because of them). I will end my thought with this: when a brother or sister get into an argument (which is natural in ANY marriage) - often brothers (or sisters even), let their ego be the decision maker, while ISLAM should be the decision maker. If the husband and wife put ISLAM as the authority in decision making, there would be much less conflict and disagreement in most issues that arise. When Allah is your focus and you HUMBLE yourself to Him, your marriage will also be in focus, and will be much more tranquil, the bond will be stronger, and your vision for your life together will become much clearer. May Allah (swt) grant all my sisters and brothers in Islam righteous spouses, and may those who are already married, put Allah first in all their affairs, Ameen

Sara Saker

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verse 224

And do not make [your oath by] Allāh an excuse against being righteous and fearing Allāhand making peace among people. And Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.

When I read this ayah, the word "tuslihu" i.e., you all make peace, makes me stop and ponder for a while. Whenever I thought about good deeds, making peace between people never made the list. I never realized what a beautiful act this is. I regret the times when upon seeing people upset with each other I acted indifferent, always told myself not my problem. Just imagine how many problems that face our community and our daily lives would go away if we just followed this simple command

Irum Maharaj

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verse 223

Your wives are a place of sowing of seed for you, so come to your place of cultivation however you wish and put forth [righteousness] for yourselves. And fear Allāh and know that you will meet Him. And give good tidings to the believers.

I was pondering over this part of this glorious verse Your wives are a place of sowing of seed for you and it made me realize yet again the glory and honor Allah swt bestows on Women! , it made me feel so special and proud to be a Muslim Woman. However, sadly this has been one of the many verses of the Quran that have been misquoted and misunderstood. The solution being "read the Quran with an open mind and you will realize it is the ONLY solution for the problems of mankind"

The word that is used for women is "Harth"- field and not "Hadeeqah" which is a "garden" ,or any other similar word. Interestingly the word "hadeeqah"- is used for such a garden that has walls surrounding it, enclosed garden, a private, enclosed garden; such a garden that is luscious, has a lot of greenery, beautiful and colorful, garden that is fully watered. Such a garden is very "pleasurable" to look at, but the word that has been used here is "Harth"- a field, crop, cultivation- which is not only pleasurable But yields benefit, which needs to be fostered, taken care of ,nurtured. Similarly a wife is not merely an object to satiate ones 'pleasure' but she needs to be loved, taken care of, fostered. This word "Harth" really amazed me it shows the Love and care that Allah swt commands the husband to give to his wife. This verse is telling the men the importance of taking care of their wives- it is a beautiful metaphor telling the men how precious their wives are and that they should take care of her just like the farmer is with his land! And then the fruit that comes forth from this precious land is 'Pious offspring"

Land is the most valuable asset of this world. Innumerable battles have been fought for land. Real estate is of prime importance. In court Over 90% of the litigation is about Land disputes, family vendettas, feuds are mostly about Land. Land is something that generally men Love to acquire, the best real estate you own determines your position in society.

Allah swt in His infinite mercy has compared women to the most valuable asset in this world!

A good land lord is one who takes care of his land, cherishes his land, who protects it, who cultivates it,. Allah swt is telling the Muslim men to cherish their wives and not to abuse them, to encourage the potential within them to develop their talents. A bad land lord is one who neglects his land. Allah swt is commanding the Muslim man : Be good landlords, treat your prized possession with utmost love and care, so that you will yield the best produce- righteous offspring!

Farah Ahamed

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2009

Surah Baqarah Verses 221 and 222

And do not marry polytheistic women until they believe. And a believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even though she might please you. And do not marry polytheistic men [to your women] until they believe. And a believing slave is better than a polytheist, even though he might please you. Those invite [you] to the Fire, butAllāh invites to Paradise and to forgiveness, by His permission. And He makes clear His verses to the people that perhaps they may remember.

And they ask you about menstruation. Say, "It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from whereAllāh has ordained for you. Indeed, Allāh loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves."

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “A woman may be married for four qualities,

for her property, her rank, her beauty, and her religion; so get the religious one and

prosper.” Agreed upon.

The person who places much emphasis on the first three is clearly more concerned with the dunya and only a believer whose focus is the hereafter would consider a woman, whilst placing much emphasis on her deen b/c he is aware that this is the type of woman who will be a guide and support for him in attaining Allah's (swt) pleasure. Sometimes we just want the best of the best, but only in this world. We claim to have faith in Allah SWT and in the heavens and the hellfire, but then why do we cut ourselves short of goodness? Why do we strive with the utmost effort in getting the best in this world, when surely we can strive to have the best in the hereafter. With regards to marriage, perhaps our focus is limited and it is difficult to look deep and beyond this world. Perhaps it is human nature to want immediate gain and satisfaction, but it is the patient one who will be flying high in the end.

Wealth, social status and beauty are all definite plus points, but for where? only for the duniya, which means they are such small and temporary gains, while the woman who carries out the commandments of Allah SWT is the one who will be more inclined towards fulfilling her husband's rights and striving to lead an islamic lifestyle, bringing harmony and tranquility into the home, which for many, equates to a happy and healthy marriage.

It is unfortunate that the person who carries the deen is never viewed as being of much value, and yet is this person who carries the greatest asset anyone could ever want. And this brings us back to the previous ayahs in which it is discussed that some people will ask for only the duniya and those who are wise will make the du'a 'rabbana aatina fidunya hasanah wa fil aakhirati hasanah waqina adhaabanar." So even if we ask for the best in the hereafter in our prayers, it is important that we show this sincerity in our actions and in the choices we make for ourselves.

Knowing that it is far better to marry a believing slave than a polytheistic woman goes to show how big an asset knowledge of the deen is, but yet many of us still undermine this asset and might see it as trivial or unimportant in comparison to the delightful worldly assets. I think that Insha'Allah if we make the hereafter our focus, the duniya will be easily handed to us, because only when we change our focus, will we change our perspectives on matters and then our priorities and soon enough our definition of success is entirely different from what it use to be. And so in choosing a spouse for yourself, marry the one with the deen and indeed you will be most successful!

We know that the Quran was revealed as a guidance to mankind and it is from these verses that we can see to which extent we are guided. Not only are we guided in our social, and personal life, but this includes our intimate affairs as well. For many people, topics relating to sexual conduct of any sort is deemed as inappropriate or taboo, however Allah SWT has mentioned that there is no hayaa in matters of the deen and in knowing the truth. And with that in mind, Allah SWT has left the doors open to engage in talks relating to highly personal and intimate affairs, however we still maintain our proper islamic character by not becoming vulgar in our speech when discussing such topics. SubhanAllah in this second ayah, we can see the hikmah behind Allah's SWT wisdom in every one of His commandments relating to sexual intercourse. It is Allah's mercy upon women that He made sexual intercourse haraam during the time of their menstrual cycle due to the many changes, both physical and emotional that a woman goes through. Not only that, but the fact that a husband is to be understanding of his wife's condition is yet another example of how Allah swt has truly exalted woman and bestowed great mercy upon them, which are amongst the many blessings of Allah SWT which we seem to take for granted. But after discussing these ayahs, hopefully it was an eye opener for all of us in allowing us to see how merciful Allah swt is to His servants for which we need to show gratitude in the best of ways and that is through our obedience to Allah SWT

Nazia Hussain

Onsite Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Sabr- Patience

Sabr is a tool we need in life to succeed and pass all tests and trials of life. Despite the difficulties we have to face have sabr and keep in mind the rewards are with Allah and Allah will not let any of our good deeds go in waste.

Jannah is surrounded by hardships and disliked things where Jahanam is surrounded by pleasures and luxuries of life. Work hard in this life so that we can rest in the hereafter. (Husne Akhlaq class)

Zainab Akbari

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verse 214

Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said," When is the help of Allāh?" Unquestionably, the help of Allāh is near.

Mu'min (believer) and Sabr (Patience)

Patience is a virtue I'll try to explain
A blessing in disguise always to remain

From very deep inside the well of my heart
Peace of body and mind and the will to start

I'm summoned by a call at the dawn of the day
Just giving thanks to Him as I kneel to pray

Endurance is my counsel and faith my guide
The door is open to the struggle inside

With knowledge of certainty, I now can see
The reality of truth, plain as can be

It is charity that gives meaning to life
From the love of my caring in times of strife

Piety and wisdom help me through the day
But always I will return to kneel and pray

For it is patience, the essence of my goal
That enlightens and gives meaning to my soul.
Author: Anonymous/unknown

Umm K.

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verse 219

They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, "In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they should spend. Say, "The excess [beyond needs]." Thus Allāh makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought.

I just had a small reflection to share regarding the ayahs concerning alcohol and gambling. First, I did a presentation on cocaine use and pregnancy in university, and from a study, we learned that alcohol use is co morbid (i.e. when an individual uses alcohol, he/she is more prone to using other drugs as well). Also, after prolonged use of alcohol and other psycho stimulants like cocaine and marijuana, the parts of your brain, which usually respond to natural desires, like food or being with family and friends, increase in their threshold, which is why these natural desires are not pleasurable anymore, and the individual must turn to drugs. Also, from studies I learned that mothers who use cocaine and other drugs put their fetuses and babies in extreme risk and their babies are born with neuropsychological deficits (ex. language problems, low IQ) as well as behavioral deficits (ex. restlessness). Although the mothers know about the risks associated with such drug use, they continue to do so, because as mentioned before, they do not receive pleasure from their babies or interacting with them.

Second, I felt that the personality that was mentioned in Surah Baqarah, in which "he is the most stubborn of disputers",2:204 I feel that that ayahs pertaining to alcohol and gambling are related. This person always wants their own way, and only cares about himself, and will create mischief to attain their goals. Similarly, the person who gambles and is addicted to drugs, will do anything to attain those drugs just to feel good, even if it means disregarding their families and work. Also, when asked to quit drug/alcohol use or gambling, this type of person will usually argue and justify his reasons for indulging in such activities, and when unable to obtain it, he will get into conflicts.

Kashmala Qasim

Onsite Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verses 214 and 218

There is so much to learn from the Quran. It shows us the way of life. These are some lessons that I learnt..
Ayah 214-

Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said," When is the help of Allāh?" Unquestionably, the help of Allāh is near.

We should know that we are put into trials and difficulties just so Allah (swt) can test us, so Allah (swt) can see our abilities, so Allah (swt) can reward us, and raise our ranks. We should always keep in mind that with the Help of Allah we can overcome any trials, and the help of Allah (swt) is always near. Another point about this ayah is that we should not think that the life of a believer is filled with suffering rather it is a reminder that everyone is tested.
Ayah 218-

Indeed, those who have believed and those who have emigrated and fought in the cause of Allāh – those expect the mercy of Allāh. And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

The Mercy of Allah (swt) is our only hope both in this life and in the Hereafter. The Mercy of Allah (swt) is peace and tranquility in the life of this world and salvation in the Hereafter. So we must never lose hope in the Mercy of Allah (swt), rather we must always strive to attain it. How can Allah reward us if we don't put in any effort? You get what you strive for.

Umm K.

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verse 214

Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said," When is the help of Allāh?" Unquestionably, the help of Allāh is near

I wrote about this ayah yesterday as well and today I have the urge to write about it some more. I have pondered upon it all day. This morning, during group session, as I shared the lessons I had learned from this ayah, I became aware of the bond that this ayah has helped me forge with those who have passed. Allah chose them to struggle in His way, through their struggle He preserved His Deen for us. He required us to pray five times a day that He would bless us the way He blessed them. Each and everyone of them contributed in their own way and today we enjoy the fruits of their labor. I ask myself am I worthy of their legacy? Have I made enough efforts to learn about them and teach my children about them. They are the superstars that my children should be talking about instead of some clown on TV. I have to work harder all of us have to work harder to bring their stories back to life again.

Irum Maharaj

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verse 214

Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said," When is the help of Allāh?" Unquestionably, the help of Allāh is near.

A dear friend once told me that once I start studying the Quran I will experience moments that I will cherish forever. These will be moments that will connect me to the Quran and make me return to it over and over again. I experienced one such incident during class today. You see, I have not been wearing the hijab for very long, only a few months. Some of my family members do not approve of it and have been hoping that it is just a phase that will pass soon, but no one had said anything to me about it as yet. During this morning's break in class I was talking to someone who is very dear to me, and they told me how much they disliked my hijab. I was about to open my mouth to respond to them when all of a sudden I heard takbeerat from my computer. Class was starting, I was surprised, it was five minutes early. I decided to stay quiet and walked away to my computer. As I opened my Juz I noticed I was crying. The lesson started, I tried my best to stay focused but I kept on drifting away and then we reached ayah 214, through my tear filled blurry eyes I read:
"Or do you think you will enter paradise while such trial has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until even their messenger and those who believed with him said, "When is the help of Allah?" Unquestionably the help of Allah is near".

I stopped taking notes and soaked in every word that Sr. Taimiyah was saying, she talked about the hardships that the previous generations of believers have suffered because of their faith, the boycott in Makkah, the physical and mental torture! And here I was, crying, only because someone used some harsh words with me. I felt comforted as if a dear friend was holding my hand and showing me the way. I felt as if this ayah was sent down just for me, to keep me steadfast. I felt humbled by the legacy of those who have passed, their courage and strength made me feel stronger. I pray that I can prove myself worthy of Jannah as they proved themselves worthy of it. Ameen

Irum Maharaj

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2010

Surah Baqarah Verse 214

Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said," When is the help of Allāh?" Unquestionably, the help of Allāh is near.

Gold is something that all people vie for in this dunya but for the gold to shine, it has to be burnt in a crucible to get rid of the dross, the same goes for diamonds they too need to be chipped. Similarly man needs to be tested, knocked and shaken for his true worth to shine!, people who have everything in life.. become complacent, arrogant, callous but people who have gone through a lot in life, become humble, sensitive and they eventually become loved by all… Like Gold! We hear these everyday clichés of such people “she has a heart of gold”, ‘she has sterling qualities”

This was how it was with the prophets and the righteous people..They were tested the most and they were the most beloved to Allah swt. I would like to share a parable that I read….

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.
One day a small opening appeared.
He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours
as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole.
Then it stopped, as if it couldn't go further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly.
He took a pair of scissors and
snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon.
The butterfly emerged easily but
it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch it,
expecting that any minute the wings would enlarge
and expand enough to support the body,
Neither happened!

In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life
crawling around.
It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness
and haste did not understand:
The restricting cocoon and the struggle
required by the butterfly to get through the opening
was a way of forcing the fluid from the body
into the wings so that it would be ready
for flight once that was achieved.

Sometimes struggles are exactly
what we need in our lives.
Going through life with no obstacles would cripple us.
We will not be as strong as we could have been
and we would never fly.

Remember whatever test you go through in life ‘the help of Allah is indeed near”- It is a promise of Allah! And the promise of Allah is True! Rejoice!

Farah Ahamed

Online Student
Taleem Al Quran 2009