Surah
58, Al-Mujaadila (The Pleading Woman), 22 Verses & Surah 59, al-Hashir (The
Exile), 24 Verses & Surah 60, Al-Mumtahina (She that is to be examined), 13
Verses & Surah 61, As-Saff (The Ranks), 14 Verses & Surah 62, Al-Jumu'a
(Friday), 11 Verses & Surah 63, Al-Munaafiqoon (The Hypocrites), 11 Verses
& Surah 64, Al-Taghaabun (Mutual Disillusion), 18 Verses & Surah 65, At-Talaaq
(Divorce), 12 Verses & Surah 66, At-Tahrim (The Prohibition), 12 Verses
10 Surahs to be covered in
Chapter 28. Starting with Surah 58, Al-Mujaadila (The Pleading Woman), which
was revealed at Madina with 22 verses in 3 sections.
Surah 58, Al-Mujaadila (The
Pleading Woman)
Section 1: The law of 'Zihar',
verses 1-6
"Allah hath heard the saying of
her that disputeth with thee (Muhammad) concerning her husband, and complaineth
unto Allah. And Allah heareth your colloquy. Lo! Allah is Hearer, Knower. Such
of you as put away your wives (by saying they are as their mothers) - They are
not their mothers; none are their mothers except those who gave them birth -
they indeed utter an ill word and a lie. And lo! Allah is Forgiving,
Merciful." (Verses 1-2)
"Lo! those who oppose Allah and
His messenger will be abased even as those before them were abased; and We have
sent down clear tokens, and for disbelievers is a shameful doom On the day when
Allah will raise them all together and inform them of what they did. Allah hath
kept account of it while they forgot it. And Allah is Witness over all
things." (Verses 5-6)
Verses 1-6 deal with and abolish the law of Zihar that existed in the
Arab world before the advent of Islam. This law allowed a husband to
effectively divorce himself from his wife for any reason by announcing "you are to me as the back of
my mother." These verses were revealed when Khula bint Thalaba,
wife of Aws ibne Thamit, had complained to the Holy Prophet that her husband
had put her away for no good reason. The law meant that the husband was no
longer bound to support his wife or children, neither was his wife permitted
from leaving the house or seeking another husband. This law was abolished in
these verses with a penalty prescribed for the husbands who turn repentant
against it.
Section 2: Secret counsels
against the Prophet, verses 7-13
"Hast thou not seen that Allah
knoweth all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth? There is no
secret conference of three but He is their fourth, nor of five but He is their
sixth, nor of less than that or more but He is with them wheresoever they may
be; and afterward, on the Day of Resurrection, He will inform them of what they
did. Lo! Allah is Knower of all things." (Verse 7)
"O ye who believe! When ye
conspire together, conspire not together for crime and wrongdoing and
disobedience toward the messenger, but conspire together for righteousness and
piety, and keep your duty toward Allah, unto whom ye will be gathered. Lo!
Conspiracy is only of the devil, that he may vex those who believe; but he can
harm them not at all unless by Allah's leave. In Allah let believers put their
trust." (Verses 9-10)
"O ye who believe! when it is
said unto you, Make room! in assemblies, then make room; Allah will make way
for you (hereafter). And when it is said, Come up higher! go up higher; Allah
will exalt those who believe among you, and those who have knowledge, to high
ranks. Allah is Informed of what ye do. O ye who believe! When ye hold
conference with the messenger, offer an alms before your conference. That is
better and purer for you. But if ye cannot find (the wherewithal) then lo!
Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." (Verses 11-12)
Verse 7 discourages any secret meetings
against the Holy Prophet which were often undertaken by the Jews of the time
who would conspire against the Holy Prophet. Those that did were merely being
misled by Shaitan (verses 9-10). Verses 11-12 encourage the idea of learning and
seeking knowledge to try to obtain a higher rank towards Allah. In verse 12 it is highly encouraged for the
believers to offer charity before meeting and speaking with the Holy Prophet.
Section 3: Befriending the
enemy, verses 14-22
"Hast thou not seen those who
take for friends a folk with whom Allah is wroth? They are neither of you nor
of them, and they swear a false oath knowingly. Allah hath prepared for them a
dreadful doom. Evil indeed is that which they are wont to do.
They make a shelter of their oaths and turn (men) from the way of Allah; so
theirs will be a shameful doom. Their wealth and their children will avail them
naught against Allah. Such are rightful owners of the Fire; they will abide
therein.
On the day when Allah will raise them all together, then will they swear unto
Him as they (now) swear unto you, and they will fancy that they have some
standing. Lo! is it not they who are the liars?" (Verses 14-18)
"Thou wilt not find folk who
believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and His
messenger, even though they be their fathers or their sons or their brethren or
their clan. As for such, He hath written faith upon their hearts and hath
strengthened them with a Spirit from Him, and He will bring them into Gardens
underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide. Allah is well pleased
with them, and they are well pleased with Him. They are Allah's party. Lo! is
it not Allah's party who are the successful?" (Verse 22)
Verses 14-20 admonish those who turn against the
Holy Prophet and Allah, especially those who obstruct others from coming to the
true belief in God. Verse 22 lays down the basis by which a true
believer is distinguished from a hypocrite. The highest degrees of faith
referred to in this verse can only refer to the Holy Prophet and the
Ahlul-Bayt.
Next up is Surah 59, Al-Hashr
(The Exile). This Surah was revealed at Madina and has 24 verses in 3 sections.
Surah 59, Al-Hashr (The Exile)
Section 1: The banishment of
the disbelievers, verses 1-10
"He it is Who hath caused those
of the People of the Scripture who disbelieved to go forth from their homes
unto the first exile. Ye deemed not that they would go forth, while they deemed
that their strongholds would protect them from Allah. But Allah reached them
from a place whereof they recked not, and cast terror in their hearts so that
they ruined their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers.
So learn a lesson, O ye who have eyes! And if Allah had not decreed migration
for them, He verily would have punished them in the world, and theirs in the
Hereafter is the punishment of the Fire. That is because they were opposed to
Allah and His messenger; and whoso is opposed to Allah, (for him) verily Allah
is stern in reprisal." (Verses 2-4)
"That which Allah giveth as spoil
unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His
messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer,
that it become not a commodity between the rich among you. And whatsoever the
messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it).
And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.
And (it is) for the poor fugitives who have been driven out from their homes
and their belongings, who seek bounty from Allah and help Allah and His
messenger. They are the loyal." (Verses 7-8)
"Those who entered the city and
the faith before them love those who flee unto them for refuge, and find in
their breasts no need for that which hath been given them, but prefer (the
fugitives) above themselves though poverty become their lot. And whoso is saved
from his own avarice - such are they who are successful." (Verse 9)
Verses 2-4 refer to the Jews of Bani Nadir who
accepted the status of the Holy Prophet following the Battle of Badr and agreed
to leave him alone. After a short while they were joined by the hypocrites who
managed to convince them to try to kill the Holy Prophet. After a failed
attempt the Holy Prophet exiled them from their location. At first they
resisted, but after a Muslim army seige they soon left their location. The
hypocrites neither supported them during the seige nor migrated with them away
from their town. However, as verse 4 states, the punishment will still
exist for those who oppose the Holy Prophet, not just in during his lifetime,
but beyond also - those Muslims who disobeyed the Holy Prophet's commands will
be dealt with along the lines of this verse.
When the disbelievers were
exiled, their property left behind became the property of the Holy Prophet as
they were not spoils of war. The Holy Prophet is then free to distribute it as
he sees fit and was usually given to the poor or those who had migrated from
Mecca to escape tyranny and oppression (verse 8). Verse 9, refers to the ansars who accepted Islam when it was opposed
by the pagans of Makka, and who invited the Holy Prophet to settle down in
Madina and become their leader. When the confiscated land and property of Bani
Nadir was divided, and the major portion was given to the muhajirin, there was not the
least jealousy on the part of the ansar,
although there were poor among them also. They rejoiced in the good fortune of
their brothers.
Section 2: The deceptive
character of the hypocrites, verses 11-17
"Hast thou not observed those who
are hypocrites, (how) they tell their brethren who disbelieve among the People
of the Scripture: If ye are driven out, we surely will go out with you, and we
will never obey anyone against you, and if ye are attacked we verily will help
you. And Allah beareth witness that they verily are liars. (For) indeed if they
are driven out they go not out with them, and indeed if they are attacked they
help them not, and indeed if they had helped them they would have turned and
fled, and then they would not have been victorious." (Verses 11-12)
"(And the hypocrites are) on the
likeness of the devil when he telleth man to disbelieve, then, when he
disbelieveth saith: Lo! I am quit of thee. Lo! I fear Allah, the Lord of the
Worlds. And the consequence for both will be that they are in the Fire, therein
abiding. Such is the reward of evil-doers." (Verses 16-17)
Verses 11-12 describe how the hypocrites
infiltrated the Bani Nadir Jews with deceptive promises. When the time came
they were the first to retreat and run away against the Muslim army. There
ideas and works came from Shaitan. Shaitan tempts man in all sorts of ways and
allures him with seductive promises and alliances to delude him to deny Allah
and goodness and to disobey His laws and deviate from the right path. There
will be a dire end for him and his followers.
Section 3: The believers
exhorted, verses 18-24
"O ye who believe! Observe your
duty to Allah. And let every soul look to that which it sendeth on before for
the morrow. And observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is Informed of what ye
do. And be not ye as those who forgot Allah, therefor He caused them to forget
their souls. Such are the evil-doers." (Verses 18-19)
"If We had caused this Qur'an to
descend upon a mountain, thou (O Muhammad) verily hadst seen it humbled, rent
asunder by the fear of Allah. Such similitudes coin We for mankind that haply
they may reflect." (Verse 21)
"He is Allah, than Whom there is
no other Allah, the Knower of the Invisible and the Visible. He is the
Beneficent, Merciful. He is Allah, than Whom there is no other Allah, the
Sovereign Lord, the Holy One, Peace, the Keeper of Faith, the Guardian, the Majestic,
the Compeller, the Superb. Glorified be Allah from all that they ascribe as
partner (unto Him). He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper out of naught, the
Fashioner. His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the
earth glorifieth Him, and He is the Mighty, the Wise." (Verse 22-24)
Verses 18-19 exhort the
believers to not be like those who forget Allah. Verse 21 mentions that had the Quran been sent
down upon a mountain, it would be turned to rubble but its sheer glory. Verses 22-24 describe some of the attributes of
Allah - providing us with the fundamental basis on which we can have a glimpse
of the glory of Allah.
Moving on to Surah 60, Al-Mumtahina
(She that is to be examined). The Surah was revealed at Madina and has 13
verses in 2 sections.
Surah 60, Al-Mumtahina (She
that is to be examined)
Section 1: Friendship with
enemies of God, forbidden, verses 1-6
"O ye who believe! Choose not My
enemy and your enemy for allies. Do ye give them friendship when they
disbelieve in that truth which hath come unto you, driving out the messenger
and you because ye believe in Allah, your Lord? If ye have come forth to strive
in My way and seeking My good pleasure, (show them not friendship). Do ye show
friendship unto them in secret, when I am Best Aware of what ye hide and what
ye proclaim? And whosoever doeth it among you, he verily hath strayed from the
right way." (Verse 1)
"Your ties of kindred and your
children will avail you naught upon the Day of Resurrection. He will part you.
Allah is Seer of what ye do." (Verse 3)
"Our Lord! Make us not a prey for
those who disbelieve, and forgive us, our Lord! Lo! Thou, only Thou, are the
Mighty, the Wise. Verily ye have in them a goodly pattern for everyone who
looketh to Allah and the Last Day. And whosoever may turn away, lo! still
Allah, He is the Absolute, the Owner of Praise." (Verses 5-6)
The command to avoid contact with the enemies of the truth is the basis of the
doctrine of tabarra as stated in verse 1. There cannot be
any friendship with the enemies of Islam, even the pleas of children or
relatives will not be accepted on the Day of Judgement. In verses 5-6, the enemies of
Allah are the enemies of the believers. Therefore the believers must cut
themselves off from them, unless they repent and submit themselves to Allah.
The believers must put their trust in Allah and seek His protection from
becoming so weak as to tempt the disbelievers to try to attack and destroy
them.
Section 2: Friendly relations
with the others allowed, verses 7-13
"Allah forbiddeth you not those
who warred not against you on account of religion and drove you not out from
your homes, that ye should show them kindness and deal justly with them. Lo!
Allah loveth the just dealers. Allah forbiddeth you only those who warred
against you on account of religion and have driven you out from your homes and
helped to drive you out, that ye make friends of them. Whosoever maketh friends
of them - (All) such are wrong-doers." (Verses 8-9)
"O ye who believe! When believing
women come unto you as fugitives, examine them. Allah is Best Aware of their
faith. Then, if ye know them for true believers, send them not back unto the
disbelievers. They are not lawful for them (the disbelievers), nor are they
(the disbelievers) lawful for them. And give them (the disbelievers) that which
they have spent (upon them). And it is no sin for you to marry such women when
ye have given them their dues. And hold not to the ties of disbelieving women;
and ask for (the return of) that which ye have spent; and let them (the
disbelievers) ask for that which they have spent. That is the judgment of
Allah. He judgeth between you. Allah is Knower, Wise." (Verse 10)
"O ye who believe! Be not
friendly with a folk with whom Allah is wroth, (a folk) who have despaired of
the Hereafter as the disbelievers despair of those who are in the graves." (Verse 13)
However, continuing from the
first section, having friendships with disbelievers who cause no harm or are
not enemies is permitted in Islam. Verse 10-12 then discuss the marriage between a
believing woman and disbeliever as null and void. If such marriages take place
then they can be broken and the dowry returned to the man. Those women who
turned to the Holy Prophet and declared allegiance should be accepted into the
folds of Islam as long as they had followed certain rules (verse 12). Verse 13 then states that is only the disbelievers’
despair about those in the graves.
Surah 61, As-Saff (The Ranks)
is next. It was revealed at Mecca and contains 14 verses in 2 sections.
Surah 61, As-Saff (The Ranks)
Section 1: Jesus prophesies the
advent of the Holy Prophet, verses 1-9
"O ye who believe! Why say ye
that which ye do not? It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that ye say that
which ye do not." (Verses 2-3)
"And when Jesus son of Mary said:
O Children of Israel! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah unto you, confirming that
which was (revealed) before me in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a
messenger who cometh after me, whose name is the Praised One. Yet when he hath
come unto them with clear proofs, they say: This is mere magic." (Verse 6)
"Fain would they put out the
light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light however much
the disbelievers are averse. He it is Who hath sent His messenger with the
guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it conqueror of all
religion however much idolaters may be averse." (Verses 8-9)
Not practicing what you preach
as was displayed by those who fled the battlefields of Uhud and Khandak has
been condemned by Allah in verses 2-3. Verse 6 confirms that Prophet Isa was sent as
a messenger of Allah only to the children of Israel. He foretold the arrival of
the Holy Prophet as has been stated in the Bible (see earlier chapter for
references).
Verses 8-9 refer to the Divine Light of Allah
that continues to guide and enlighten at all times. This light is
inextinguishable. The light will progress to ultimate triumph over all
religions and will illuminate the whole world upon the arrival of the 12th Holy
Imam.
Section 2: Believers exhorted
to fight in the way of God, verses 10-14
"Ye should believe in Allah and
His messenger, and should strive for the cause of Allah with your wealth and
your lives. That is better for you, if ye did but know. He will forgive you
your sins and bring you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, and pleasant
dwellings in Gardens of Eden. That is the supreme triumph." (Verses 11-12)
"And (He will give you) another
(blessing) which ye love: help from Allah and present victory. Give good
tidings (O Muhammad) to believers." (Verse 13)
Once again Allah states how
important it is to strive and fight in the way of God with ones wealth and
self. Allah has promised much reward and victory, if not in this world, then
definitely in the hereafter.
Rapidly moving onwards to the
next Surah, 62, Al-Jumu'a (Friday), which was revealed at Madina. It has 11
verses in 2 sections.
Surah 62, Al-Jumu'a (Friday)
Section 1: The Prophet raised
from among the illiterates, verses 1-8
"He it is Who hath sent among the
unlettered ones a messenger of their own, to recite unto them His revelations
and to make them grow, and to teach them the Scripture and wisdom, though
heretofore they were indeed in error manifest, Along with others of them who
have not yet joined them. He is the Mighty, the Wise." (Verses 1-2)
"Say (O Muhammad): O ye who are
Jews! If ye claim that ye are favoured of Allah apart from (all) mankind, then
long for death if ye are truthful. But they will never long for it because of
all that their own hands have sent before, and Allah is Aware of evil-doers.
Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Lo! the death from which ye shrink will surely
meet you, and afterward ye will be returned unto the Knower of the Invisible
and the Visible, and He will tell you what ye used to do." (Verses 6-8)
The Holy Prophet was only
illiterate in the sense that he was not taught by any mortal. Verse 1 attests to the absolute purity of the Holy
Prophet and he was taught the book and the wisdom from Allah alone. His message
was for the whole world as confirmed in verse 2 "along
with others of them who have not yet joined them."
The Jews who disbelieved in the
Holy Prophet have been openly challenged to embrace death if what they follow
is correct in verse 6. However, even though they fail this challenge, death
will come to them all as it will come to every living soul (verse 8).
Section 2: Friday prayers,
verses 9-11
"O ye who believe! When the call
is heard for the prayer of the day of congregation, haste unto remembrance of
Allah and leave your trading. That is better for you if ye did but know." (Verse 9)
"But when they spy some
merchandise or pastime they break away to it and leave thee standing. Say: That
which Allah hath is better than pastime and than merchandise, and Allah is the
Best of providers." (Verse 11)
The Holy Prophet has said: "Friday is the best of all
days of the week. Good done on Friday earns many rewards, while invocations
made are accepted." The
believers are admonished not to get distracted by involvement in amusement and
worldly gain at the cost of their duty to Allah. Once when the Holy Prophet was
offering the Friday prayers, a caravan entered the town singing, beating drums
and playing musical instruments. According to Jabir, save twelve persons
including Jabir, everyone who was in the congregation standing behind the Holy
Prophet left the masjid and ran to witness the merry-making caravan and
transact business with them. Thrice did the people behave like this, then verse 11 was revealed.
Following on from that, next
comes Surah 63, Al-Munaafiqoon (The Hypocrites). After numerous mentions and
accounts about the hypocrites, they finally get a Surah dedicated to them.
Revealed at Madina, it has 11 verses in 2 sections.
Surah 63, Al-Munaafiqoon (The
Hypocrites)
Section 1: The hypocrites,
verses 1-8
"When the hypocrites come unto
thee (O Muhammad), they say: We bear witness that thou art indeed Allah's
messenger. And Allah knoweth that thou art indeed His messenger, and Allah
beareth witness that the hypocrites indeed are speaking falsely. They make
their faith a pretext so that they may turn (men) from the way of Allah. Verily
evil is that which they are wont to do, That is because they believed, then
disbelieved, therefore their hearts are sealed so that they understand
not." (Verses 1-3)
"And when it is said unto them:
Come! The messenger of Allah will ask forgiveness for you! they avert their
faces and thou seest them turning away, disdainful. Whether thou ask
forgiveness for them or ask not forgiveness for them is all one for them; Allah
will not forgive them. Lo! Allah guideth not the evil-living folk." (Verses 5-6)
The hypocrites have been
discussed and condemned throughout the Holy Quran and here they are
specifically highlighted. The testimony of the hypocrites, among the companions
of the Holy Prophet, to his Prophethood is stated in this verse as a fact, yet
Allah bears witness that they are liars, because their verbal acclamation was
not in accord with what was in their hearts. There are no bigger hypocrites
then those who claimed to be Muslim and yet defied the commands of the Holy
Prophet after his death, culminating into the tragedy of Karbala.
Section 2: Let not wealth and
issues divert, verses 9-11
"O ye who believe! Let not your
wealth nor your children distract you from remembrance of Allah. Those who do
so, they are the losers. And spend of that wherewith We have provided you
before death cometh unto one of you and he saith: My Lord! If only thou wouldst
reprieve me for a little while, then I would give alms and be among the
righteous. But Allah reprieveth no soul when its term cometh, and Allah is
Informed of what ye do." (Verses 9-11)
Material items are fleeting
sources of enjoyment and Allah warns us here, not to let them distract us from
our true purpose and from following Allah in the proper manner. Everything we
have is a blessing from Allah so it is compulsory to spend at least some it in
the way of Allah, for the welfare of others. We are reminded that death comes
suddenly and allows no time to amend.
Next is Surah 64, At-Taghaabun
(Mutual Disillusion). This Surah was revealed at Madina and has 18 verses in 2
sections.
Surah 64, At-Taghaabun (Mutual
Disillusion)
Section 1: Belief in the
Apostle and the Light sent down, enjoined, verses 1-10
"He it is Who created you, but
one of you is a disbeliever and one of you is a believer, and Allah is Seer of
what ye do. He created the heavens and the earth with truth, and He shaped you
and made good your shapes, and unto Him is the journeying." (Verses 2-3)
"So believe in Allah and His
messenger and the light which We have revealed. And Allah is Informed of what
ye do. The day when He shall gather you unto the Day of Assembling, that will
be a day of mutual disillusion. And whoso believeth in Allah and doeth right,
He will remit from him his evil deeds and will bring him unto Gardens
underneath which rivers flow, therein to abide for ever. That is the supreme
triumph." (Verses 8-9)
Allah created man pure and good, but because of the freedom of action granted
to him evil crept in. He has given free-will to man to distinguish those who
not only remain pure and good but also rise higher and higher in rank. In
addition to pleasing physical charm, Allah has given man special aptitudes,
faculties and capacities which can raise him the level of perfection. "His
messenger and the light," refers to the Quran, the
Holy Prophet and the Ahlul-Bayt as has been discussed in previous chapters.
Section 2: A loan to God, is
multiplied in its return, verses 11-18
"O ye who believe! Lo! among your
wives and your children there are enemies for you, therefor beware of them. And
if ye efface and overlook and forgive, then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Your wealth and your children are only a temptation, whereas Allah! with Him is
an immense reward. So keep your duty to Allah as best ye can, and listen, and
obey, and spend; that is better for your souls. And whoso is saved from his own
greed, such are the successful" (Verses 14-16)
"If ye lend unto Allah a goodly
loan, He will double it for you and will forgive you, for Allah is Responsive,
Clement, Knower of the Invisible and the Visible, the Mighty, the Wise." (Verses 17-18)
Our wealth and children have
been sent as a test, at all times our intention should be towards Allah. Giving
charity is a double blessing. It blesses the giver and also the receiver. The
blessing from Allah for such an act is duly rewarded in the hereafter.
The penultimate surah of
Chapter 28 is Surah 65, At-Talaaq (Divorce). As with other topics, this has
been discussed in detail in prior Surahs as well. This Surah was revealed at
Madina and has 12 verses in 2 sections.
Surah 65, At-Talaaq (Divorce)
Section 1: Laws controlling
divorce, verse 1-7
"O Prophet! When ye (men) put
away women, put them away for their (legal) period and reckon the period, and
keep your duty to Allah, your Lord. Expel them not from their houses nor let
them go forth unless they commit open immorality. Such are the limits (imposed
by) Allah; and whoso transgresseth Allah's limits, he verily wrongeth his soul.
Thou knowest not: it may be that Allah will afterward bring some new thing to
pass." (Verse 1)
"Then, when they have reached
their term, take them back in kindness or part from them in kindness, and call
to witness two just men among you, and keep your testimony upright for Allah.
Whoso believeth in Allah and the Last Day is exhorted to act thus. And
whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for
him." (Verse 2)
"And for such of your women as
despair of menstruation, if ye doubt, their period (of waiting) shall be three
months, along with those who have it not. And for those with child, their
period shall be till they bring forth their burden. And whosoever keepeth his
duty to Allah, He maketh his course easy for him." (Verse 4)
"Lodge them where ye dwell,
according to your wealth, and harass them not so as to straiten life for them.
And if they are with child, then spend for them till they bring forth their
burden. Then, if they give suck for you, give them their due payment and
consult together in kindness; but if ye make difficulties for one another, then
let some other woman give suck for him (the father of the child)." (Verse 6)
"Let him who hath abundance spend
of his abundance, and he whose provision is measured, let him spend of that
which Allah hath given him. Allah asketh naught of any soul save that which He
hath given it. Allah will vouchsafe, after hardship, ease." (Verse 7)
The laws of divorce are
discussed in this section. The Holy Prophet has said: "Of all things permitted by
law, divorce is the most hateful in the sight of Allah." It has
been advised to take time over the act of divorce and it is
not permissible to simply announce it three times and the marriage is
over. Divorce is not allowed whilst the woman is menstruating or whilst she is
pregnant. Sufficient provision has to made for the divorced woman and any
children. Please also read the previous chapters on this topic.
Section 2: The Prophet takes
out people from darkness to light, verses 8-12
"A messenger reciting unto you
the revelations of Allah made plain, that He may bring forth those who believe
and do good works from darkness unto light. And whosoever believeth in Allah
and doeth right, He will bring him into Gardens underneath which rivers flow,
therein to abide for ever. Allah hath made good provision for him.
Allah it is who hath created seven heavens, and of the earth the like thereof.
The commandment cometh down among them slowly, that ye may know that Allah is
Able to do all things, and that Allah surroundeth all things in
knowledge." (Verses 11-12)
The last Surah of Chapter 28 is
Surah 66, At-Tahrim (The Prohibition). This Surah was revealed at Madina and
has 12 verses in 2 sections.
Surah 66, At-Tahrim (The
Prohibition)
Section 1: Warning to the
Prophet's wives, verses 1-7
"O Prophet! Why bannest thou that
which Allah hath made lawful for thee, seeking to please thy wives? And Allah
is Forgiving, Merciful. Allah hath made lawful for you (Muslims) absolution
from your oaths (of such a kind), and Allah is your Protector. He is the
Knower, the Wise.
When the Prophet confided a fact unto one of his wives and when she afterward
divulged it and Allah apprised him thereof, he made known (to her) part thereof
and passed over part. And when he told it her she said: Who hath told thee? He
said: The Knower, the Aware hath told me. If ye twain turn unto Allah
repentant, (ye have cause to do so) for your hearts desired (the ban); and if
ye aid one another against him (Muhammad) then lo! Allah, even He, is his
Protecting Friend, and Gabriel and the righteous among the believers; and
furthermore the angels are his helpers.
It may happen that his Lord, if he divorce you, will give him in your stead
wives better than you, submissive (to Allah), believing, pious, penitent,
devout, inclined to fasting, widows and maids." (Verses 1-5)
These verses refer to Hafsa and
Aisha, the two wives of the Holy Prophet who caused him the most distress due
to their unwarranted actions. Verse 1 refers to when the wives became jealous
of him eating honey at the house of his wife Zaynab. They used to complain the
he would come back with and offensive smell due to the honey and so the Holy
Prophet vowed to stop eating honey. Verse 2 was then revealed telling the Holy
Prophet that he did not need to make such concessions.
Verses 3-5 refer to Aisha and Hafsa who were
envious and jealous to the point of sickness against the Holy Prophet's refined
and high-minded wives. Once Hafsa came to know about a very personal matter
concerning the Holy Prophet which he thought should not be made public,
therefore he asked her not to publish it. But she at once rushed to her friend
Aisha and whispered an amended version to her. Hafsa who betrayed confidence
and Aisha who encouraged the betrayal were commanded to turn in repentance to
Allah.
Section 2: Repentance earns
forgiveness, verses 8-12
"O ye who believe! Turn unto
Allah in sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your
evil deeds and bring you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, on the day
when Allah will not abase the Prophet and those who believe with him. Their
light will run before them and on their right hands; they will say: Our Lord!
Perfect our light for us, and forgive us! Lo! Thou art Able to do all
things." (Verse 8)
"Allah citeth an example for
those who disbelieve: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot, who were under two
of Our righteous slaves yet betrayed them so that they (the husbands) availed
them naught against Allah and it was said (unto them): Enter the Fire along
with those who enter.
And Allah citeth an example for those
who believe: the wife of Pharaoh when she said: My Lord! Build for me a home
with thee in the Garden, and deliver me from Pharaoh and his work, and deliver
me from evil-doing folk; And Mary, daughter of 'Imran, whose body was chaste,
therefor We breathed therein something of Our Spirit. And she put faith in the
words of her Lord and His scriptures, and was of the obedient. (Verses 10-12)
Verses 10-12 compare and
contrast the fate of the unfaithful women (wives of Prophet Nuh and Prophet
Lot) and the faithful women (Asiya and Mary). Everyone will be judged on piety
alone, not status. Therefore the wife of a Prophet can be condemned whilst the
wife of a disbeliever and enemy of God can be truly blessed and exalted.
That finally concludes Chapter
28 of the Holy Quran. Later today inshallah, I shall continue with Chapter 29
and cover Surahs 67-78!
Thank you for reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment