Section 7: Prayer (Salaat), Q's 36-39

This section discusses specific differences in the prayer between and Sunni and Shia and the reasons behind them. Again, many myths have been spread and exaggerated and inshallah this will make things clearer.

Q36: Why do Shias combine their prayers into three sittings?

Starting with the most common question about Salaat. We often combine our prayers into three sittings. Fajr  before sunrise, Zohr & Asr in the afternoon and then Maghrib & Isha after sunset. Majority of Ahle Sunnah scholars say that the combining of the prayers is only permissible during journeys or in state of danger or war.

However, in Sahih Muslim there are narrations that confirm the Holy Prophet combined his prayers whilst neither in danger nor whilst travelling.

"Ibn 'Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) combined the noon prayer with the afternoon prayer and the sunset prayer with the 'Isha' prayer in Medina without being in a state of danger or rainfall. And in the hadith transmitted by Waki' (the words are):" I said to Ibn 'Abbas: What prompted him to do that? He said: So that his (Prophet's) Ummah should not be put to (unnecessary) hardship." And in the hadith transmitted by Mu'awiya (the words are):" It was said to Ibn 'Abbas: What did he intend thereby? He said he wanted that his Ummah should not be put to unnecessary hardship." (Book 4, No. 1520)

"Ibn 'Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed the noon and afternoon prayers together, and the sunset and Isha' prayers together without being in a state of fear or in a state of journey." (Book 4, No. 1515)

The Holy Quran also confirms the idea of three separate times for prayer, not five:

"Establish regular prayers - at the sun's decline till the darkness of the night, and the morning prayer and reading: for the prayer and reading in the morning carry their testimony." (Surah 17, Verse 78)

The Holy Quran states three seperate prayer times; "sun's decline," "darkness of the night" and "The morning prayer."  It was the sunnah of the Holy Prophet to combine his prayers and is something permissible for all of us. Of course, the reward is greater to try and pray five times during the day as it means we are remembering Allah (SWT) on more occasions, but it is still possible to combine prayers as Shias do. For a more thorough analysis, have a watch of this speech by Sayed Ammar Nakshawani on the same question.


(source: Thaqlain)

Q37: Why don't Shias wash their feet in wudhu as the Ahle Sunnah do?

Shias wipe their feet in wudhu whilst Sunnis tend to wash their feet. The Quranic mandate for how to perform wudhu comes in Surah Al-Maida:

"O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favour to you, that ye may be grateful." (Surah 5, Verse 6)

Shias argue that the verse states to wash the face and hands & arms and then wipe the head and feet. Sunnis would link the washing of the feet along with the face and hands. Various Sunni scholars have reported that during the time of the Holy Prophet, Abu Bakr and Umar, wiping of the feet was how wudhu was performed. The method apparently changed during the rule of Uthman and Ali ibn Abd-al-Malik al-Hindi, in his book Kanz al-Ummal, mentions more than twenty narrations, all narrated by the third caliph, about his new method of performing wudhu. These traditions indicate his responsibility for establishing the new method of washing, rather than wiping.

Some Muslims would argue that the washing of the feet is better than simply wiping, it is more hygienic. However, that doesn't then explain why the same Ahle Sunnah scholars who say you must wash your feet and not wipe, go on to say that it is also permissible to do wudhu by wiping wet hands over your socks or even your shoes. That is probably the least hygienic option of all.

Furthermore, with regard to the more hygienic option, Allah (SWT) is more aware of the advantages and disadvantages of washing versing wiping. Imam Ali (as) once said: "If religion was according to human opinion, the bottom of the foot would be more worthy of wiping, than the top. But I saw the Messenger of Allah wiping the top of his feet." Once again, here's Sayed Ammar Nakhshawani with more detail on this particular question.


(source: Thaqlain)

Q38: Why do Shias include "Aliyun Waliyullah" in the kalima and adhan?

Firstly, the line of "Aliyun waliyullah" in the adhan is not wajib. Most Shia scholars state that is it recommended to recite but not compulsory. For example, the world's leading Shia aalim, Ayatullah Sistani says on his website "Ash hadu anna Amiral Mo'mineena Aliyyan Waliyyullah (I testify that the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali is the vicegerent of Allah (SWT) is not part of either adhan or iqamah. But, it is preferable that it is pronounced with the niyyat of Qurbat (nearness to Allah)"

Numerous Ahle Sunnah books refer to the importance of proclaiming the divine appointment of Imam Ali (as) every time we proclaim the oneness of God and the prophethood of the Messenger. Sunni scholars Tabari and Suleman al-Hanafi al-Qandozi both narrate that Abu Hurairah, of all people, says that the Holy Prophet told him: "It is written on the Divine Arsh that 'There is no God by Allah, the One who has no associate; and Muhammed is my servant and Prophet whom I helped through Ali ibn Abu Talib.'"

Jalaluddin Al-Suyuti, in his book Al-Durr Al-Manthur narrates how Anas ibn Malik said that the Holy Prophet told him that he had seen, on the Me'raj, written on the Arsh: "There is no God but Allah; Muhammed is the Prophet of Allah; I have given him support through Ali." Hence, according to various Sunni scholars, the coupling together of Muhammed (SAW) and Ali's (as) names has been authorised by Allah (SWT) himself in the highest of heavens.

Furthermore, there is even evidence to suggest that the line "Aliyun Waliyullah" was uttered in adhan during the time of the Holy Prophet. Sunni scholar Shakyh Abdullah al-Maraghi al-Misri in his book, Kitab al-Salafa fi Amr al-Khilafa, narrates how a man came to see the Holy Prophet and said:

"O Prophet of God, I have heard a thing which I have not heard before."He (the Prophet) said: "And what is this?" The man replid: "After the shahadah to the risalah, Salman (al-Farsi) bore witness in his adhan a shahadah to the wilayah of Ali."The Prophet said: "You have heard a good thing."

Shias are attacked for supposedly adding a man-made line to the adhan and iqamah about Imam Ali (as) and yet the Ahle-Sunnah gloss over the fact that Umar confessed to adding his own line to the adhan and iqamah. Sunni scholar Malik ibn Anas, reports in his Al-Muwatta: 

"Yahya related to me from Malik that he heard that the muadhin came to Umar ibn Khattab to call him to the morning prayer and found him sleeping, so he said, "Prayer is better than sleep," and Umar ordered him to put that in the adhan for morning prayer."

So whilst Sunnis are happy to include a line added by Umar in their Fajr prayers, they condemn a line about Imam Ali (as) which is written on the Arsh of Allah (SWT) and which was approved by His Messenger. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani has more to say on this subject as well.


(source: Thaqlain)

Q39: Why do Shias pray on a stone, on a piece of earth (a 'sajjdah' or 'turbah')?

When Shias prostrate on a piece of earth it does not in any way imply worshipping of the earth or stone. You are prostrating to Allah (SWT) and him alone - the gesture of prostration is one of humiliation and insignificance before the Creater and it is it done on the earth, then it will have more of an effect than prostrating on a man-made carpet. This is the philosphy behind the sajjdah.

How did the Holy Prophet prostrate? According to Sahih Bukhari:

"Maimuna (wife of the Holy Prophet) narrated: "Allah's Apostle used to pray on a 'Khumra'." (Vol. 1, Book 8, No. 378) A Khumra is a small palm-leaf.

"Abu Said al-Khudri says: "I saw Allah's Apostle prostrating in mud and water and saw the mark of mud on his forehead." (Vol. 1, Book 12, No. 798)

The majority of Shias pray on a stone which is a baked piece of soil from the desert of Karbala, Iraq. It is not considered wajib but Shias prefer to use such sajjdah's because the soil of Karbala is the holiest of all soils. It is the soil that the Holy Prophet held in his hand as he wept and prophesied the death of his youngest grandson. It is the soil under which the third holy Imam Hussain (as) is buried.

If we're going to be accused of being "stone-worshippers," hopefully this explanation provides some clarity on the issue. Besides, as Sunnis pray on carpets, should they be called "carpet-worshippers?" I finish this segment of section 7 with another link to Sayed Ammar Nakshawani who has addressed this in yet more detail. Next time I hope to conclude this section with a further 4 questions.


(source: Thaqlain)

Section 6: The Holy Quran, Q35 - Do Shias believe in a different Holy Quran? Do Shias believe that the Holy Quran is incomplete?

Moving on to discuss the Holy Quran and two very specific questions that often gets asked to Shias. The answer to both queries is a definitve "No!" Shias have been accused of this for centuries, we apparently have a different Quran or feel that there are some missing verses. However, we believe in the same Holy Quran as the Ahle Sunnah, there is only one Holy Quran and no other.

The Ahle Sunnah believe that the Holy Quran was actually compiled and put together into one book during the reign of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan. Shias believe that the Holy Quran was compiled by the Holy Prophet during his lifetime. At Ghadeer-e-Khumm the Holy Prophet announced: "I leave you the book..." How can the Holy Prophet refer to a book if it was not yet in existence?

The Holy Quran is protected from change or human tampering as Allah (SWT) confirms:

"We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)." (Surah 15, Verse 9)

This is a guarantee that the Holy Quran will always be preserved. Unlike any other holy book, wherever you go in the world the Holy Quran is always the same. Unfortunately there are some Shias narrations which suggest that some changes to the text have been made but they are not considered authentic by the majority of Shia scholars and should be disregarded. The sixth Shia Imam, Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (as) declared in a hadith narrated in Usul al-Kafi: "Test the various reports by the Book of God; whatever agrees with it take it, whatever disagrees with it reject it."

Despite a few narrations which suggest changes have been made to the Holy Quran, the overwhelming majority of traditions by renowned Shia scholars all agree that the Holy Quran as not been changed at all since its existence during the time of the Holy Prophet. Al-Shaykh al-Saduq wrote: "Our belief is that the Holy Quran which Allah (SWT) revealed to His Prophet Muhammed (SAW) is (the same as) the one between the two covers (daffatayn). And it is the one which is in the hands of the people, and is not greater in extent than that. And he who asserts that we say that it is greater in extent than that, is a liar."

Ayatullah Abul-Qassim al-Khoei, one of the most influential Shia scholars in the 20th century, teacher to the great contemporary marja, Ayatullah Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani, writes in his Tafsir al-Bayan that to hold a belief in: "...tahriff (corruption of the Holy Quranic text) is nothing more than a delusion and imagination, maintained by those with weak reasoning."

If you chose to continue to focus on the unreliable Shia traditions which suggest that we believe in another version or form of the Holy Quran, then let's turn to some Sunni traditions which (wrongly) suggest that corruption of the Holy Quran has occurred.

For example, according to Umar and Aisha, there were once verses in the Holy Quran that were called the "verse of stoning" and the "verse of suckling" that were subsequently lost from the Holy Quran after the death of the Holy Prophet. According to Sunan ibn Majah: "When the verse of stoning and the verse of suckling descended, they were written on a piece of paper and kept under my pillow. Following the demise of Prophet Muhammed (SAW) a goat are the piece of paper while we were mourning." (Book of Suckling, Hadith 20.20) A goat?!

Then there are Sunni traditions suggesting that the Holy Quran was once longer than it is now. Jalaluddin Al-Suyuti narrates from Aisha in his book, Al-Durr Al-Manthur: "Aisha narrated that during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet 200 verses were recited in Surah Ahzab, but when Uthman collected (the text of the Holy Quran), he only successed in locating the present number of verses (which is 78)."

So where do the Sunni ulema believe the other 122 verses went? Such traditions are of course nonsense and there won't be a Shia who accuses Sunnis of having a different version of the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran is the same Quran that the Holy Prophet left behind and that Allah (SWT) says He will protect and preserve. Any tradition that suggests otherwise - Shia or Sunni - should be rejected as false.

Next time I will be answering some questions about prayer (Salaat) and in the meantime I would highly recommend a view of this lecture by Sayed Ammar Nakshawani who speaks in more detail about today's question.


(Source: Thaqlain)

Section 5: The 12th Imam, Q's 30-34

This section deals with the 12th Imam, Imam Mahdi (as) who Shias believe is the last of the 12 Holy Imams and descendent of the Holy Prophet. He is currently the hidden Imam, under Allah's (SWT) protection who we believe will one day return to earth to restore order in the world with Allah's guidance.

Q30: Who is Imam Mahdi (as)?

The Shia belief in the Mahdi (as) is not some unorthodox or unconventional belief. All of the three Abrahamic faiths, including Islam, believe in the concept of a messiah, or one who shall return. Shias are quite clear as to who this person is, whilst Sunnis have as yet, not defined who it will be.

However, looking through traditions in the Al-Kutub Al-Sittah‎ (the six authentic books of the Ahle Sunnah), there are a few which confirm who the messiah could be. Sunan Tirmidhi narrates that the Prophet said "The world will not come to pass until a man from among my family, whose name will be my name, rules over the Arabs."

Sunan Abu Dawood narrates: "Even if only a day remains for the Day of Judgement to come, yet Allah (SWT) will surely send a man from my family who will fill this world with such justice and fairness, just as it initially was filled with oppression."
Furthermore, in another narration it is even more specific: "The promised Mahdi will be among my progeny, among the descendants of Fatima." This is also reinforced by Sunan ibn Maajah: "The promised Mahdi will be among my family."

Ahle Sunnah scholars also narrate that not only will there be this Mahdi, but he will return with Prophet Isa (Jesus). It has been narrated that Prophet Isa will pray behind the Mahdi upon his return.

"Jabir b. 'Abdullah reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) say: "A section of my people will not cease fighting for the Truth and will prevail till the Day of Resurrection." He said: "Jesus son of Mary would then descend and their (Muslims') commander would invite him to come and lead them in prayer, but he would say: No, some amongst you are commanders over some (amongst you). This is the honour from Allah for this Ummah." (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, No. 293)

The only real difference is that Shias believe that the Mahdi is already born, already alive but in occultation. Sunni Muslims believe the Mahdi is still to be born.

Q31: How can a small child become an Imam?

Shias are often criticised for believing in an Imam who was a young boy. Imam Mahdi (as) was a small child when his father, the 11th Imam, Hasan al-Askari (as) was martyred. The critics argue that such a young person would not be able to lead the Muslims and be an infallible guide for mankind.

For non-Shia Muslims, there should be no real surprise about such a belief. The Holy Quran clearly indicated how a child can be guided by God as was the case with Prophets Yayha (John the Baptist) & Isa.

"(We said:) "O John, hold fast to the Book;" and We gave him wisdom right from boyhood," (Surah 19, Verse 71)

Prophet Isa was a baby when he spoke from the cradle. Youth, childhood, even babyhood, is no barrier to receiving revelation or inspiration from Allah (SWT):

"O sister of Aaron, your father was not a wicked person, nor your mother sinful!" But she pointed towards him. "How can we talk to one," they said, "who is only an infant in the cradle?" "I am a servant of God," he answered. "He has given me a Book and made me a prophet, And blessed me wherever I may be, and enjoined on me worship and zakat for as long as I live, And be dutiful to my mother. He has not made me haughty or rebellious. There was peace on me the day I was born, and will be the day I die, and on the day I will be raised from the dead."  This was Jesus, son of Mary: A true account they contend about." (Surah 19, Verses 28-34)

Q32: How can Imam Mahdi (as) still be alive today and be over 1,000 years old?

Again, we should turn to the Holy Quran which clearly states that Prophet Nuh (Noah) lived till he was almost 1,000 years old: 

"We sent Noah to his people, and he lived with them a thousand years minus fifty. Then they were caught by the deluge for they were evil." (Surah 29, Verse 14).

The Holy Quran also states that Prophet Isa didn't die but was raised into heaven. 

"And for saying: "We killed the Christ, Jesus, son of Mary, who was an apostle of God;" but they neither killed nor crucified him, though it so appeared to them. Those who disagree in the matter are only lost in doubt. They have no knowledge about it other than conjecture, for surely they did not kill him, But God raised him up (in position) and closer to Himself; and God is all-mighty and all-wise." (Surah 4, Verses 157-158)

Jesus is still alive and yet Sunnis doubt the Shias for believing Imam Mahdi (as) is alive - despite the fact that Jesus would have been already over 1,000 years old when the occultation of Imam Mahdi (as) began.

Then, of course, there is the Devil, Satan, who was born before Prophet Adam and is still with us - he is a Jinn who has not died. Are we then expected to believe that Allah (SWT) allows Satan to live as long as he likes but cannot prolong the life of his representative on earth, Imam Mahdi (as)?

Q33: How can Shias believe in an Imam you cannot see?

Just because you cannot see something, doesn't mean it cannot exist, otherwise how can we believe in the existence of Allah (SWT)? There are also the angels and jinns. All Muslims believe in angels that they cannot see like Jibraeel (Gabriel) who brought revelation to the Holy Prophet, or the angel of death. Then there's Satan who despite his invisibility, has the power to do us harm; to manipulate and trick us and whisper in our ears as described by Allah in Surah 114 of the Holy Quran.

Yet, when we Shias say we believe in a positive force, authorised by Allah (SWT), and that this force, this hidden Imam, is alive and available to Muslims as a spiritual (if not a physical) guide, we are accused of being crazy and irrational.

Q34: Why do Shias believe that the Holy Prophet and the Imams are infallible?

"I call to witness the star of the pleiades when it has dipped That your companion is not confused, nor has he gone astray, Neither does he speak of his own will. This is only revelation communicated, Bestowed on him by the Supreme Intellect." (Surah 53, Verses 1-5)

The Holy Quran makes it quite clear that the Holy Prophet doesn't speak out of his own desire, Allah (SWT) is vouching for him and who are we to say or believe otherwise? Some Sunni scholars argue that the Holy Prophet was only infallible in religious issues and that in private he made mistakes. Some say he forgot to pray on time or perform correct wudhu. If that was the case, how could we know that the Holy Prophet was giving us correct information if he was an ordinary fallible man? Today, how can we be sure that Fajr is two units not three units? If the Holy Prophet was fallible, maybe he made a mistake or misremembered when communicating the number of rakaats to his companions. The truth is that infallibility goes hand-in-hand with prophethood and with all forms of divinely-inspired religious leadership and guidance.

However, the Holy Quran also mentions other people, besides the Holy Prophet, who are also infallible. Satan is quoted as saying:

"He said, "My Lord, then reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected." [Allah] said, "So indeed, you are of those reprieved, Until the Day of the time well-known." [Iblees] said, "My Lord, because You have put me in error, I will surely make [disobedience] attractive to them on earth, and I will mislead them all. Except, among them, Your chosen servants."" (Surah 15, Verses 36-40)

Who are the "chosen servants?" Jalaluddin al-Suyuti in his book Dur al-Manthur, after the revelation of Verse 33 of Surah 33 - Ayat of Tathir, states that according to the companion and cousin of the Holy Prophet, Abdullah ibn Abbas: "The Messenger of Allah recited Ayat of Tathir and then said: "Thus Me and my Ahlul Bayt are clear from sins."

There are people other than the Holy Prophet who are infallible and sinless. We believe them to be the 12 Holy Imams and Bibi Fatima (as). That concludes this particular section and I'll next be moving on to discuss the Holy Quran and Prayer (Namaaz) inshallah.

Section 3: Imam Ali (as), Q's 22-24

This entry concludes section 3 about Imam Ali (as) and deals with a few questions focusing on the aftermath of the Holy Prophet's death.

Q22: Why did Imam Ali (as) not fight for the leadership after the death of the Holy Prophet?

It is true to state that Imam Ali (as) never took up arms or retaliated against Abu Bakr, Umar or Uthman whilst they were the caliphs of the Muslim world. Some Sunnis have argued that this proves he was not opposed to them and that he was satisfied with them as leaders. However, this is simply not the case.

The main reason Imam Ali (as) did not fight after the death of the Holy Prophet is because he did not want to dived the nascent, infant Muslim community. He did not want innocent Muslims to die in battle, killing each other in order to take power. Historians record how Abu Sufyan even offered him troops but Imam Ali (as) turned him down and criticised his divisive offer.

Imam Ali's (as) caliphate, succession to the Holy Prophet was given from Allah. He was not then expected to go and chase and force people to follow him, it was their job to do so of their own free will. His position of Imamat was not an elected position, he was divinely appointed. Sunni scholar Ali ibn Abd-al-Malik al-Hindi in his book, Kanz al-Ummal, narrates a tradition in which the Holy Prophet told Imam Ali (as): "[O Ali], You are like the Kabah, people go to the Kabah, the Kabah does not come to the people..."

During the rules of Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman, not once did Imam Ali (as) fight in their armies. He also refused to give allegiance to Abu Bakr for at least six months after the death of the Holy Prophet and his wife Bibi Fatima (as). When he did, it was against his will with the threat of force. What was his problem with them to show such resistance?

In Nahjul Balagha, Imam Ali (as), questions how Abu Bakr and others robbed him of his right to the caliphate but he chose to remain quiet. This has been narrated in the famous sermon of ash-Shiqshiqiyya (the roar of the camel) where Imam Ali (as) states:

"Beware! By Allah the son of abu Quhafah (abu bakr)dressed himself with it (the caliphate) and he certainly knew that my position in relation to it was the same as the position of the axis in relation to the hand-mill. The flood water flows down from me and the bird cannot fly upto me. I put a curtain against the caliphate and kept myself detached from it. 

Then I began to think whether I should assault or endure calmly the blinding darkness of tribulations wherein the grown up are made feeble and the young grow old and the true believer acts under strain till he meets Allah (on his death). I found that endurance thereon was wiser. So I adopted patience although there was pricking in the eye and suffocation (of mortification) in the throat. I watched the plundering of my inheritance till the first one went his way but handed over the Caliphate to Ibn al-Khattab after himself." (Sermon 3)

Umar appointed a six-man committee on his deathbed to decide who would be the next caliph. The position was then offered to Imam Ali (as) on the condition that he abides with 1) the Holy Quran, 2) the Holy Prophet's traditions and 3) the laws and regulations, the 'sunnah', introduced by the first two caliphs. Imam Ali (as), as narrated by various Sunni books, refused the offer because he could not accept the third condition. Why would he do that if he accepted the legitimacy of their leadership?

Q23: Why do Shias refuse to accept that the Holy Prophet did not appoint a successor?

This is a crucial question. I simply do not accept those who try to argue that the Holy Prophet did not appoint a successor and just left it for the community to decide. It just does not make sense. The Holy Prophet introduced the religion of Islam to a completely ignorant, backward class of people in the Arab world. He had only 23 years of Prophethood in which he introduced a whole new way of life that went against everything the people believed in. From minute details such as how to eat food or wash to major life events, everything was changed for the people. The idea of worshipping only one God, stopping idol-worship was all introduced and people were extremely resistant to this new religion.

The idea that after all his struggles and achievements, with the guidance of Allah and support of Imam Ali (as), he would simply leave it to the people to decide the next leader is ridiculous. The Holy Prophet never left Madina without appointing someone to take charge of the city in his abscence, how could he leave the Islamic world without appointing a successor or even lay out the rules to how to appoint a successor. It is illogical to believe such a thing.

People try to argue that the Holy Prophet did not leave a will and therefore couldn't have appointed a successor, but of course he tried to write a will in his last days but was prevented from doing so by a group of his companions. As I have mentioned before, Umar was amongst those companions who prevented the Holy Prophet from writing his last public will. Despite that, according to Sahih Bukhari, the Holy Prophet sill managed to order three things on his death bed:

"Narrated Said bin Jubair: that he heard Ibn 'Abbas saying, "Thursday! And you know not what Thursday is? After that Ibn 'Abbas wept till the stones on the ground were soaked with his tears. On that I asked Ibn 'Abbas, "What is (about) Thursday?" He said, "When the condition (i.e. health) of Allah's Apostle deteriorated, he said, 'Bring me a bone of scapula, so that I may write something for you after which you will never go astray.'

The people differed in their opinions although it was improper to differ in front of a prophet, They said, 'What is wrong with him? Do you think he is delirious? Ask him (to understand). 

The Prophet replied, 'Leave me as I am in a better state than what you are asking me to do.' Then the Prophet ordered them to do three things saying, 'Turn out all the pagans from the Arabian Peninsula, show respect to all foreign delegates by giving them gifts as I used to do.' " 

The sub-narrator added, "The third order was something beneficial which either Ibn 'Abbas did not mention or he mentioned but I forgot.'"  (Vol 4, Book 53, No. 393)

How can it be that people who had memorised the entire Holy Quran, forgot the last, dying instruction of the Holy Prophet? According to traditions in Sahih Bukhari, Umar ibn Khattab led the group of companions who prevented the Holy Prophet from writing his last will, defied the Quranic injunction of raising one's voice in front of the Holy Prophet and accused the Holy Prophet of being delirious, of having lost his mind. Then, when the Holy Prophet tried verbally telling them the contents of his will, his final commands, they claim to have forgotten what he said.

Abu Bakr had the foresight to leave a will and appoint a successor, Umar appointed a six-man committee to elect the next leader, but the Holy Prophet? He died without any guidance or will - does that make any sense? The companions knew that the Holy Prophet wanted to write down what he had announced at Ghadeer-e-Khum and they stopped him from doing so.

Q24: Why is Imam Ali's (as) name not mentioned in the Holy Quran?

Whilst Imam Ali's (as) name is not directly stated in the Holy Quran, there are countless verses devoted to the praise of Imam Ali (as) and announcing his position, proving his leadership and Imamat. Ibn Hajar al-Haytami al-Makki quotes the cousin of the Holy Prophet, Abdullah ibn Abbas, saying that he heard from the Holy Prophet that 300 verses of the Holy Quran were revealed specifically in praise of Imam Ali (as).

"Only Allah is your Vali and His Messenger and those who believe, those who keep up prayers and pay the poor-rate while they bow." (Surah 5, Verse 55)

Sunni and Shia commentators of tafsir unanimously agree that the above verse refers to Imam Ali (as), who gave his ring to a beggar while in the state of ruku in the middle of his prayer.

The fact that Imam Ali's (as) name is not mentioned in the Quran does not detract from his status. If we are to go by the number of mentions then consider the fact that the Holy Prophet is only mentioned by name four times in the Holy Quran, whereas Prophet Musa is mentioned 136 times, Prophet Yusuf is mentioned 27 times and Prophet Isa is mentioned 25 times. Are we to then take that to mean they are more important than the Holy Prophet?

What if Imam Ali's (as) name was mentioned in the Holy Quran? Would that change anything? Would it change his opponents' minds about the vailadity and legitimacy of his Imamat? If the statement by the Holy Prophet at Ghadeer Khum: "Of whomsoever I am mawla, Ali is also his mawla," had been in the Holy Quran, would it make any difference? The arguements would still exist about what 'mawla' means and people would still try to deliberately misrepresent and misinterpret it, or simply ignore it. Having Imam Ali's (as) name in the Holy Quran would unfortunately change very little. Allah in his infinite wisdom decided not to refer to Imam Ali (as) by name, but made numerous impilicit or indirect references to him.

Lastly, it is not sensible to make the argument that because Imam Ali's (as) name is not mentioned in the Holy Quran, therefore he was not appointed as a leader after the Holy Prophet. If we extend that further, how do we derive the rest of our religious principles, beliefs and obligations which are not specifically mentioned in the Holy Quran? For example, there is no mention of how many rakats are in the Fajr prayers or in  Maghrib prayers in the Holy Quran, that information has come from the Holy Prophet. Similarly it was the Holy Prophet who announced the status of Imam Ali (as) as his successor.

The sixth Shia holy Imam, Jafar al-Sadiq (as) famously told his companions: "The Quran says to pray Fajr salah but it is the Prophet who tells us that Fajr is two rakats. The Quran tells us to pay Zakat, but it is the Prophet who tells us how to calculate it. In the same way, the Quran tells us to obey the "ulul-amr," the people charged with authority, and it is the Prophet who tells us that they are Ali ibn Abu Talib and the Ahlul-Bayt."

"O you who believe! obey Allah and obey the Apostle and those in authority from among you." (Surah 4, Verse 59)

That concludes section 3 about Imam Ali (as). I hope it has cleared some misconceptions and clarified where we Shias stand on Imam Ali (as). His status has been maligned and degraded by people who are either confused, ignorant or malicious. Not much can be done about the later, but inshallah some will realise why we revere Imam Ali (as) so much and why he is so important. However, I must reiterate that we do not elevate him above the status of  the Holy Prophet. Next time I hope to discuss some questions about the Ahlul-Bayt in general.

Section 3: Imam Ali (as), Q21 - Where is the proof that Imam Ali (as) was appointed by the Holy Prophet?

Continuing questions about Imam Ali (as), here I would like to discuss the event of Ghadeer-e-Khum, when the Holy Prophet announced Imam Ali (as) as his successor. This is arguably the most important question to address. Shias point to the event of Ghadeer-e-Khum after the Holy Prophet's final hajj, in which he announced "Of whomsoever I am mawla, Ali is also his mawla." What was said is undisputed, it is the interpretation which causes a difference of opinion. 

Whilst Shias interpret the word 'mawla' to mean leader and that it was an announcement of Imam Ali's (as) succession to the Holy Prophet, Sunnis interpret the word 'mawla' to mean friend and that the Holy Prophet was simply announcing that Imam Ali (as) was a friend to all Muslims. However, the word 'mawla' has up-to 30 different definitions in arabic, but only one of which translates to 'friend'. Most translate it as 'leader', 'owner', 'guide', 'helper'. In the Holy Quran, the words 'mawla', 'awla', 'wali' are all used to refer to guidance and leadership. For friendship the Holy Quran tends to use the words 'khaleel', 'sadiq' and 'hameem'.

However, whatever concern you have about the interpretation of the word 'mawla', it doesn't make sense for the Holy Prophet to make such an announcement. Before making the announcement, the Holy Prophet ensured that those who had gone ahead were called back and waited for those behind to catch up with him. Over 100,000 people are estimated to have gathered at Ghadeer-e-Khum in the burning desert heat. The Holy Prophet then stood up on a pulpit with Imam Ali (as) and addressed the crowd, asking "Do I not have more authority upon you than you have over yourselves?"
All the people replied, "Yes, surely."
Then the Prophet (SAW) declared: "Of whomsoever I am mawla, Ali is also his mawla."

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Sunni scholar, narrates in his book, al-Isabah, that the Holy Prophet raised Imam Ali's (as) arm in the air and then placed a turban on his head. All in order to declare that he was a friend? Why would the Holy Prophet waste time to do that, didn't the people already know how close he was to the Imam Ali (as)? Why stop everyone in the stifling heat unless you had something important to announce?

Countless Sunni scholars, including Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, in his book Tafsir al-Kabir narrate that prior to stopping at Ghadeer-e-Khum, the Holy Prophet received revelation:

"O Messenger! Make known that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord, for if thou do it not, thou wilt not have conveyed His message. Allah will protect thee from mankind. Lo! Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk." (Surah 5, Verse 67)

It was at this point that the Holy Prophet stopped to make his announcement. How can Muslims believe that the Holy Prophet stopped only to state that Imam Ali (as) was his friend? Would everything the Holy Prophet strived for be rendered null and void if he didn't announce that Imam Ali (as) was his friend? The revelation came with an assurance that Allah would protect the Holy Prophet after making the announcement, because the succession was being confirmed and there were people in the crowd who were going to be upset and rebellious.

Following the proclamation by the Holy Prophet, numerous Sunni scholars (including Jalaluddin Al-Suyuti and Ismail ibn Kathir) go on to narrate that another verse was revealed to the Holy Prophet:

"This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favour unto you, and have chosen for you as religion al-Islam" (Surah 5, Verse 3)

This was the final verse of the Holy Quran, revealed after the announcement of the succession of Imam Ali (as) at Ghadeer-e-Khum. Islam was not complete until the caliphate of Imam Ali (as) was announced, revealed and made clear to the Muslim ummah. Otherwise, you have to believe that the religion was only complete after the Holy Prophet declared Imam Ali (as) to be his friend - rather nonsensical.

Furthermore, after the declaration of Imam Ali's (as) status,  Fakhr al-Din al-Razi and Ahmad ibn Hanbal both narrate that Umar ibn Khattab was amongst the first people to congratulate Imam Ali (as). "Well done ibn Abu Talib! Today you became the master of all believing men and women, 'Ameer al-Mo'mineen!"
This title that Shias use today in reference to Imam Ali (as), that Sunnis like to criticise, was first coined by none other than Umar ibn Khattab.

The event of Ghadeer-e-Khum makes it clear that Imam Ali (as) was the Holy Prophet's successor. Besides that there are other examples from the Holy Prophet's life. Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari narrates in his Tarikh al-Tabari: "The Prophet (SAW) asked three times, at a dinner for his friends and relatives, who will help him in his prophetic mission? On each occasion, only Imam Ali (as) stood up and said he would. Twice the Prophet (SAW) asked Imam Ali (as) to sit down. On the third occasion, the Prophet (SAW) said, "Verily this is my brother, my successor and my caliph amongst you. Therefore, listen to him and obey."
Abu Lahab (the Prophet's paternal uncle) said to Abu Talib (his brother and Imam Ali's (as) father) "The Prophet (SAW) has told you to obey your own son." 

The tragedy is that the majority of Muslims do not understand today what Abu Lahab, an open enemy of Islam, understood on the day of the introduction of Islam in Mecca.

I was going to cover more questions in this entry, but I'll let this question be digested for now before dealing with a few more questions about Imam Ali (as).

Section 3: Imam Ali (as), Q's 16-20

It's been absolutely ages since I last posted on here, over 4 months. However, inshallah I plan to complete the series this Ramadhan. In Section 3 I will attempt to answer some of the common questions about a very divisive figure in Islam. Venerated by most Muslims, nevertheless, Imam Ali (as) divides opinion and there are a lot of mistruths and lies about him and about the Shia viewpoint about him. He is a great figure in Islam, the Holy Prophet's cousin and true successor. The Shia-Sunni split revolves around the succession to the Holy Prophet and the treatment towards Imam Ali (as).

Q16: Do Shias worship Imam Ali (as)?

This is arguably the greatest fallacy about Shias. We absolutely do NOT worship Imam Ali (as). Imam Ali (as) himself tells us to worship Allah and how he alone is worthy of worship in his very first sermon in Nahjul Balagha:

"Praise is due to Allah whose worth cannot be described by speakers, whose bounties cannot be counted by counters and whose claim (to obedience) cannot be satisfied by those who attempt to do so, whom the height of intellectual courage cannot appreciate, and the height of human understanding cannot reach; He for whose description no limit has been laid down, no eulogy exists, no time is ordained and no duration is fixed. He brought forth creation through His Omnipotence, dispersed winds through His Compassion, and made firm the shaking earth with rocks." (Sermon 1)

Imam Ali (as) is the most eloquent exponent of Allah's existence and his unity. There exists other groups, chief amongst them the Nuzairis who do worship Imam Ali (as), and though they may describe themselves as Shia, they are not considered true followers of the traditional Shia beliefs. We Shias worship Allah alone and we love Imam Ali (as). We take great pride that Imam Ali (as) was the first male to worship Allah after the Holy Prophet, the first to bow down in prayer behind the Holy Prophet in worship of Allah.

The Nuzairis and their like have abandoned true Islam by attributing divinity to Imam Ali (as). Too many Shias have turned a blind eye or even praised the Nuzairis but their beliefs are un-Islamic and something which Imam Ali (as) would reject. "Two kinds of people will be damned on my account. Those who form an exaggerated opinion about me and those who underestimate me because they hate me." (Nahjul Balagha, Saying 116)

Q17: Do Shias believe that Imam Ali (as) is superior to the Holy Prophet?

Yet another ridiculous and false accusation. Some try to accuse Shias of positioning Imam Ali (as) above the Holy Prophet and that the Holy Quran was intended for the Imam Ali (as) but mistakenly given to the Holy Prophet instead. Complete nonsense. Imam Ali (as) spent his life protecting the Holy Prophet, fighting and defending the cause of Islam.

Imam Ali (as) was only 12 years old when the Holy Prophet received revelation from Jibraeel. Are we meant to believe that the angel mistook a 40 year old man for a 12 year old boy? Imam Ali (as) willingly slept in the bed of the Holy Prophet to act as a decoy when the Holy Prophet's life was in danger. He slept there on the night of Hijra so the Holy Prophet could migrate to Madina safely. "And of mankind is he who would sell himself, seeking the pleasure of Allah; and Allah hath compassion on (His) bondmen." (Surah 2, Verse 207) 

After the Holy Prophet, Imam Ali (as) was the most superior and greatest being created by Allah (SWT), but he was in no way superior to the Holy Prophet.

Q18: Why do Shias believe Imam Ali (as) to be superior to the first three caliphs?

This fact has been backed up by numerous Sunni scholars. Ahmed ibn Hanbal has said "There is no companion about whom as many merits are reported as Ali ibn Abu Talib." Sunni scholar Ali ibn Abd-al-Malik al-Hindi in his book, Kanz al-Ummal, narrates a tradition from the Holy Prophet, in which he was asked to name his favourite companions. When he omits the name of Imam Ali (as), he is asked "But what about Ali? To which the Prophet (SAW) replied: Look at this man, he asks me about my own self."

The hadith references the ayat of Mubahila in the Holy Quran: "And whoso disputeth with thee concerning him, after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, say (unto him): Come! We will summon our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then we will pray humbly (to our Lord) and (solemnly) invoke the curse of Allah upon those who lie." (Surah 3, Verse 61). All historians acknowledge that the Holy Prophet took Imam Hasan (as) and Husain (as) as his 'sons', Bibi Fatima (as) as the representative of 'women' and Imam Ali (as) as his self. (Sahih Muslim, Book 31, No. 5915)

The reason why Imam Ali (as) is considered superior to the first three caliphs, and indeed anyone else (except the Holy Prophet) was because he wasn't just a companion. He was a self of the Holy Prophet, "nafs al-Rasoolallah."

Q19: Why do we call ourselves "Shia" or "Shias of Ali?"

The word "Shia" in arabic simply means follower, friend, partisan. It is used twice in the Holy Quran with reference to Prophets of Allah.

"Verily among the followers (Shia) was Abraham" (Surah 37, Verse 83)
"And he entered the city at a time of carelessness of its folk, and he found therein two men fighting, one of his own followers (Shia), and the other of his enemies; and he who was of his followers asked him for help against him who was of his enemies. So Moses struck him with his fist and killed him. He said: This is of the devil's doing. Lo! he is an enemy, a mere misleader." (Surah 28, Verse 15)

Numerous Sunni scholars including Ahmed ibn Hanbal, Ibn Hajar al-Haytami and Abu Nu`aym all narrate the the Holy Prophet said "Glad tidings, O Ali! Verily you and your companions, your Shia, will be in Paradise."

Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, despite declaring that Shias are liars and deviants in his book Al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, narrates a tradition from Abdullah ibn Abbas who says that "When the verse "Those who believe and do righteous deeds are the best of creation" (Surah 98, Verse 7) was revealed, the Holy Prophet said to Ali: "They are you and your Shia. O Ali! (on the Day of Judgement), you and your Shia will come towards Allah well pleased, and your enemies will come angry with their head forced up."
Ali said: "Who are my enemies?"
The Prophet (SAW) replied: "He who disassociates himself from you and curses you. And glad tiding to those who reach first under the shadow of al-Arsh on the Day of Resurrection."
Ali asked: "Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?"
He replied: "Your Shia, O Ali, and those who love you."

Allama ibn Hajar Asqalani, narrates the following tradition of the Holy Prophet: "The parable of Ali is like a tree, in which I am the root, Ali is the branch, Hasan and Husain are the fruits and the Shia are the leaves."

There is no mention of "Sunni" or "Ahle-Sunnah wal Jamaah" in the Holy Quran. The term "Shia" has been around since the time of the Holy Prophet and is a title of distinction used in the Holy Quran. We are proud to be followers of Imam Ali (as).

Q20: Why do you give such importance to the father of Imam Ali (as), Abu Talib?

Some Muslims not only criticise Imam Ali (as), but they also attack his father, Abu Talib. Many people claim that he was a non-Muslim and recent BBC2 documentary on the life of the Holy Prophet, presented by Rageh Omaar, claimed that he died a non-believer. However, this is simply not true.

For starters, he conducted the nikkah ceremony of the Holy Prophet with Bibi Khadija (as). He was married to Fatima bint Asad, who was an early convert to Islam. If he was a non-Muslim, then his wife would've been obliged to divorce him if he was a non-believer, but she remained married to him until his death.

The Holy Prophet's grandfather, Abdul Muttalib died when he was 8 years old. The Holy Prophet was subsequently looked after by his uncle, Abu Talib until he was 25 years old, and he remained under Abu Talib's care until his death in 619 AD, when the Holy Prophet was 49 years old. The Holy Prophet was protected by an alleged non-believer for over forty years?

"O you who have believed, do not take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do you wish to give Allah against yourselves a clear case?" (Surah 4, Verse 144)
"O you who have believed, do not take your fathers or your brothers as allies if they have preferred disbelief over belief. And whoever does so among you - then it is those who are the wrongdoers." (Surah 9, Verse 23)

If Abu Talib was a non-believer and yet looked after the Holy Prophet, wasn't the Holy Prophet ignoring a command of Allah? The fact that the Holy Prophet took refuge with and guidance from Abu Talib shows that he was a Muslim.

"Did He not find you an orphan and take care of you? Did He not find you perplexed, and show you the way?" (Surah 93, Verses 6-7)

Allah (SWT) took care of the Holy Prophet through Abu Talib, would he allow a non-believer to raise his last messenger? Not only that, there is no evidence that Abu Talib rejected the concept of the oneness of God, rejected Islam or even worshipped idols. He was a Muslim who followed Allah and the Holy Prophet. Thanks to him, Islam was allowed to spread and thrive, there would've been no Prophet without Abu Talib. That's why he is important.

Next time I will address more questions about Imam Ali (as), dealing with the important issue of the succession of the Holy Prophet. Inshallah the wait will not be too long.

Ramadhan Day 30 - Quran, Chapter 30

Surahs 78-114

Wow, we are finally here - the last day of Ramadhan and the final Chapter of the Holy Quran. When I started this endeavour at the beginning of the month, I never imagined how meaningful and powerful it would be. The Holy Quran is a miraculous book with so much depth and wisdom. I feel as if I have only touched the surface of its knowledge.

Chapter 30 covers the last 36 Surahs of the Holy Quran. As we get near the end the Surahs are very short with 3-5 verses and one or two important messages. We start with Surah 78, An-Naba (The Announcement). This Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 40 verses in 2 sections.

Surah 78, An-Naba (The Announcement)

Section 1: The great announcement, verses 1-30

"Whereof do they question one another? Of the Great News, Concerning which they are in disagreement. Nay, but they will come to know!" (Verses 1-4)

"Have We not made the earth an expanse, And the high hills bulwarks? And We have created you in pairs, And have appointed your sleep for repose, And have appointed the night as a cloak, And have appointed the day for livelihood." (Verses 6-11)

"Lo! the Day of Decision is a fixed time, A day when the trumpet is blown and ye come in multitudes, And the heaven is opened and becometh as gates, And the hills are set in motion and become as a mirage." (Verses 17-20)

"Lo! hell lurketh in ambush, A home for the rebellious. They will abide therein for ages." (Verses 21-23)

"Everything have We recorded in a Book. So taste (of that which ye have earned). No increase do We give you save of torment." (Verses 29-30)

The "Great News," in verse 2, refers to the Imamat of Imam Ali (as) and more specifically the concept of Imamat in general. At all times, on Earth there must be a representative of Allah and that is no-one other than the Imam of our time, the 12th Holy Imam. In subsequent verses the process of creation demonstrates the evidence of divine plan and purpose which shall culminate in resurrection after which a new world will come into being.

Section 2: Everyone shall receive what he has sent forth, verses 31-40

"Lo! for the duteous is achievement - Gardens enclosed and vineyards, And mates, maidens beautiful, And a full cup." (Verses 31-34)

"On the day when the angels and the Spirit stand arrayed, they speak not, saving him whom the Beneficent alloweth and who speaketh right. That is the True Day. So whoso will should seek recourse unto his Lord." (Verses 38-39)

"Lo! We warn you of a doom at hand, a day whereon a man will look on that which his own hands have sent before, and the disbeliever will cry: "Would that I were dust!"" (Verse 40)

From verse 38, none shall have the right to address Allah to seek blessings or address others to convey His blessings save those whom He gives permission (the Holy Prophet and his Ahlul-Bayt). The belier of Allah, His prophet and his Ahlul-Bayt will find no place to escape. He will neither live nor die. He will wish that he could be reduced to nothingness, but even that would not be possible.

Next comes Surah 79, An-Naazi'at (Those who drag forth), which was revealed at Mecca and has 46 verses in 2 sections.

Surah 79, An-Naazi'at (Those who drag forth)

Section 1: There is a lesson in the fate of the Pharaoh, verses 1-26

"By those who drag forth to destruction, By the meteors rushing, By the lone stars floating, By the angels hastening, And those who govern the event, On the day when the first trump resoundeth." (Verses 1-6)

"On that day hearts beat painfully While eyes are downcast (Now) they are saying: Shall we really be restored to our first state Even after we are crumbled bones? They say: Then that would be a vain proceeding. Surely it will need but one shout, And lo! they will be awakened." (Verses 8-14)

The swearing by the angels and the other forces and elements in nature in verses 1-6, highlight the true sense of gravity of the act - the Day of Resurrection. Verses 1-3 refer to the preparatory work before any divine will takes effect which sets in motion that which is willed. Verses 4 and 5 refer to the administration or operation of the consequences of the divine will. The forces working in the universe operate in harmony under the laws made by the creator.

All hearts will be in agitation and all eyes will be cast down: the hearts of the righteous to see the beginning of the fulfilment of their Lord's promise with their eyes cast down in humble modesty and obedience; the hearts of the disbelievers for fear of His just punishment in utter humiliation and shame for their past arrogance and insolence. The beliers of the inevitable day of resurrection used to say that death was the end of all things and their rotten bones and limbs would never be restored again. On the day of resurrection they will indeed be in a terrible loss; indeed they will go to perdition. 

Verses 15-26 speak of the fate of the Pharaoh at the time of Prophet Musa and how he belied the message of Allah and was duly punished for his behaviour and refusal to accept the unity of God.

Section 2: The doom, verses 27-46

"Are ye the harder to create, or is the heaven that He built? He raised the height thereof and ordered it; And He made dark the night thereof, and He brought forth the morn thereof." (Verses 27-29)

"But when the great disaster cometh, The day when man will call to mind his (whole) endeavour, And hell will stand forth visible to him who seeth, Then, as for him who rebelled And chose the life of the world, Lo! hell will be his home.

But as for him who feared to stand before his Lord and restrained his soul from lust, Lo! the Garden will be his home." (Verses 34-41)

On the Day of Judgement man will be fully aware of what he used to strive for in the life of the world. He will not only remember every detail of his deeds but also clearly see the fire of punishment. The eternal punishment will be given to those who had wilfully and persistently disobeyed Allah and transgressed all bounds. The punishment will not touch those who had repented and have been forgiven; and those who are guilty of minor sins through human frailty, their good deeds will be weighed in the balance against their bad deeds. Those who feared the punishment, paid heed to Allah's warnings and restrained their souls from lust, will dwell in paradise.

Moving on to Surah 80, Abasa (He Frowned). This was revealed at Mecca and has 42 verses in 1 section.

Surah 80, Abasa (He Frowned)

Section 1: The day of requital, verses 1-42

"He frowned and turned away Because the blind man came unto him. What could inform thee but that he might grow (in grace) Or take heed and so the reminder might avail him?

As for him who thinketh himself independent, Unto him thou payest regard." (Verses 1-6)

"Man is (self-)destroyed: how ungrateful! From what thing doth He create him? From a drop of seed. He createth him and proportioneth him, Then maketh the way easy for him, Then causeth him to die, and burieth him; Then, when He will, He bringeth him again to life. Nay, but (man) hath not done what He commanded him." (Verses 17-23)

"But when the Shout cometh On the day when a man fleeth from his brother And his mother and his father And his wife and his children, Every man that day will have concern enough to make him heedless (of others).

On that day faces will be bright as dawn, Laughing, rejoicing at good news; And other faces, on that day, with dust upon them, Veiled in darkness, Those are the disbelievers, the wicked." (Verses 33-42)

Verse 1-12 were revealed at the time when a blind man approached the Holy Prophet whilst he was in discussion with some of his companions. The blind man wanted to learn the Quran and the Holy Prophet invited him to sit down and join the discussion. Some of the companions did not like the interruption and one of them "frowned and turned away" from the blind man. That person is criticised by Allah for being too proud. Verse 4 asserts that it is more likely that a poor man on account of his will to learn may grow in his spiritual development more than a wealthy leader who was proud of his possessions, referred to in verse 5, it was he who frowned in anger.

The rest of the Surah tells of the creation and lifespan of man and then the subsequent resurrection. The believers shall appear with faces radiant, happy and joyous. The wicked will appear with faces, sorrowful, with dust on them.

Next is Surah 81, At-Takwir (The Overthrowing) which was revealed at Mecca and contains 29 verses in 1 section.

Surah 81, At-Takwir (The Overthrowing)

Section 1: The Day of Judgement, verses 1-29

"And when the stars fall, And when the hills are moved... And when the girl-child that was buried alive is asked For what sin she was slain... And when hell is lighted, And when the Garden is brought nigh, (Then) every soul will know what it hath made ready." (Verses 1-3, 8-9 & 12-14)

"Oh, but I call to witness the planets, The stars which rise and set... That this is in truth the word of an honoured messenger, Mighty, established in the presence of the Lord of the Throne, (One) to be obeyed, and trustworthy; And your comrade is not mad." (Verses 15-16 & 19-22)

"This is naught else than a reminder unto creation, Unto whomsoever of you willeth to walk straight. And ye will not, unless (it be) that Allah willeth, the Lord of Creation." (Verses 27-29)

Verses 1-14 tell of the signs of the approach of the Day of Judgement. It will be a time when the laws governing the creation will cease to function. The sun which is the source and support of all the physical life on the earth will lose its existing condition. The physical forces and the laws governing matter will break up with the "folding up" of the sun, but the souls will survive the material destruction. They will be sorted out into three classes as mentioned in Surah 56, Verses 7-10.

Verses 15-22 speak of the position of the Holy Prophet and how he was sent as the messenger of Allah. On the earth he came to be known as the most trustworthy and the most truthful person ever lived among the people of his birth place so that they could have no reason to belie his message. Allah spoke to the people through him.

Moving on to Surah 82, Al-Infitaar (The Cleaving). This Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 19 verses in 1 section.

Surah 82, Al-Infitaar (The Cleaving)

Section 1: None shall be able to help the other, verses 1-19

"A soul will know what it hath sent before (it) and what left behind. O man! What hath made thee careless concerning thy Lord, the Bountiful, Who created thee, then fashioned, then proportioned thee? Into whatsoever form He will, He casteth thee. Nay, but ye deny the Judgment." (Verses 5-9)

"Lo! there are above you guardians, Generous and recording, Who know (all) that ye do.

Lo! the righteous verily will be in delight. And lo! the wicked verily will be in hell; They will burn therein on the Day of Judgment." (Verses 10-15)

"Again, what will convey unto thee what the Day of Judgment is! A day on which no soul hath power at all for any (other) soul. The (absolute) command on that day is Allah's." (Verses 18-19)

An indirect guidance may be inferred from verse 6, that man should not sin under the belief that the great charitable disposition of his Lord would protect him from the just punishment. The bounties of Allah should make man grateful which he can manifest by using his faculties to choose the right path and follow it all his life, but the disbelievers turn away from the right path and deny the Day of Judgement. Verse 19 confirms that no soul shall have power to do anything for another. Personal responsibility will be fully enforced. Authority belongs to Allah. He will allow whom He pleases to intercede on behalf of any one the authorised intercessor finds suitable.

Rapidly moving to the next Surah, 83, Al-Mutaffifin (Defrauding). It was revealed at Mecca and has 36 verses in 1 section.

Surah 83, Al-Mutaffifin (Defrauding)

Section 1: Everyone's record is preserved, verses 1-36

"Woe unto the defrauders: Those who when they take the measure from mankind demand it full, But if they measure unto them or weight for them, they cause them loss." (Verses 1-3)

"Nay, but the record of the vile is in Sijjin - Ah! what will convey unto thee what Sijjin is! - A written record. Woe unto the repudiators on that day!" (Verses 7-10)

"Who, when thou readest unto him Our revelations, saith: (Mere) fables of the men of old. Nay, but that which they have earned is rust upon their hearts. Nay, but surely on that day they will be covered from (the mercy of) their Lord." (Verses 13-15)

"Nay, but the record of the righteous is in 'Illiyin - Ah, what will convey unto thee what 'Illiyin is! - A written record, Attested by those who are brought near (unto their Lord). Lo! the righteous verily are in delight." (Verses 18-22)

"Lo! the guilty used to laugh at those who believed, And wink one to another when they passed them; And when they returned to their own folk, they returned jesting; And when they saw them they said: Lo! these have gone astray. 

Yet they were not sent as guardians over them. This day it is those who believe who have the laugh of disbelievers, On high couches, gazing. Are not the disbelievers paid for what they used to do?" (Verses 29-36)

The defrauders are those who try to cheat their fellow man by giving short measure or weight of that which they owe. On the Day of Judgement, the defrauders shall have to answer for every act of theirs which they did to violate the commands of Allah. Those who have been cheated may not know the loss they suffered but the all-knowing Lord knows everything. The record of the wicked is preserved in Sijjin - a register from where nothing can ever escape.

In reference to verse 14, the Holy Prophet has said that the heart of man, as created by Allah, is pure, but every time he does an ill-deed, it marks a stain on his heart. If he does not repent and thereafter live a righteous life, the stains deepen and spread more and more until the heart is sealed. On the Day of Judgement, those with blackened, tarnished hearts shall not receive the light of the glory of Allah (verse 15).

Illiyin is a place where the record of the righteous is kept. On the day of judgement a witness will be called for every people and the Holy Prophet will be called as witness over all these witnesses. The witnesses are the Holy Prophet, the prophets of Allah and the Imams of the Ahlul-Bayt all of whom always preached goodness and invited people to follow the right path. For the Holy Prophet to be a witness over all the witnesses, it means that he has been present since the very beginning of creation as confirmed by him when he said: "I was the prophet of Allah when Adam was yet in the process of creation." 

Next up is Surah 84, Al-Inshiqaaq (The Splitting Open). This Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 25 verses in 1 section.

Surah 84, Al-Inshiqaaq (The Splitting Open)

Section 1: The Day of Reckoning, verses 1-25

"Thou, verily, O man, art working toward thy Lord a work which thou wilt meet (in His presence). Then whoso is given his account in his right hand He truly will receive an easy reckoning And will return unto his folk in joy.

But whoso is given his account behind his back, He surely will invoke destruction And be thrown to scorching fire." (Verses 6-12)

"What aileth them, then, that they believe not And, when the Qur'an is recited unto them, worship not (Allah)?

Nay, but those who disbelieve will deny; And Allah knoweth best what they are hiding. So give them tidings of a painful doom, Save those who believe and do good works, for theirs is a reward unfailing." (Verses 20-25)

Although the life of this world is sometimes full of toil and misery for the believers, yet they strive hard to follow the right path because they are convinced that there is a Day of Resurrection when they shall receive a great judgement from Allah. The disbelievers of the Day of Reckoning shall also come before Allah but without the hope of salvation. The wicked will cry for death and annihilation, but they will neither live nor die. In the life of this world they were, in utter neglect of the hereafter, imagining that they would not be called upon to account for their evil deeds. That is simply not the case.

Continuing with the final chapter, next comes Surah 85, Al-Burooj (The Constellations). It was revealed at Mecca and has 22 verses in 1 section.

Surah 85, Al-Burooj (The Constellations)

Section 1: Quran secured in the guarded tablet, verses 1-22

"By the heaven, holding mansions of the stars, And by the Promised Day." (Verses 1-2)

"(Self-)destroyed were the owners of the ditch Of the fuel-fed fire, When they sat by it, And were themselves the witnesses of what they did to the believers. They had naught against them save that they believed in Allah, the Mighty, the Owner of Praise, Him unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is of all things the Witness." (Verses 4-9)

"Lo! they who persecute believing men and believing women and repent not, theirs verily will be the doom of hell, and theirs the doom of burning." (Verse 10)

"Nay, but it is a glorious Qur'an. On a guarded tablet." (Verses 21-22)

The "mansion of the stars," or constellations refer to the 12 signs of Zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. The "promised day," is the Day of Judgement which will inevitably come to pass.

The "guarded tablet" is not a physical entity as mentioned in Surah 56, Verses 77-79. Imam Ali (as) narrates the story that verses 4-9 refer to. A Prophet was sent to the people of Abyssinia who were ruled by the King Zu Nawas. The King asked the people to worship him alone as God. He arrested any companion of the Prophet who preached the message of the unity of God. A huge pit of fire was prepared and the King announced that any believer in the Prophet and Allah should jump into the pit. The companions, along with the Prophet jumped into the pit, but all were saved by Allah's command. The persecutors who inflicted cruelty on men for their faith in Allah deserve to be punished in the fire of hell.

Next comes Surah 86, At-Taariq (The Morning Star), which was revealed at Mecca and has 17 verses in 1 section.

Surah 86, At-Taariq (The Morning Star)

Section 1: Man reminded of his origin, verses 1-17

"No human soul but hath a guardian over it. So let man consider from what he is created. He is created from a gushing fluid That issued from between the loins and ribs. 

Lo! He verily is Able to return him (unto life) On the day when hidden thoughts shall be searched out. Then will he have no might nor any helper." (Verses 4-10)

"Lo! this (Qur'an) is a conclusive word, It is no pleasantry.

Lo! they plot a plot (against thee, O Muhammad) And I plot a plot (against them). So give a respite to the disbelievers. Deal thou gently with them for a while." (Verses 13-17)

On the Day of Resurrection, when all created beings will be brought back to life, all our actions, motives, thoughts of this life, however secret, will be brought into the open, for reckoning and in that severe test no advantage of this life will have any force or ability to help the examinee in any way.

Verses 13-17 refer to the Quraysh who wanted to thwart the growth of Islam. It will be so in all ages. Allah will not allow the hypocrites and the disbelievers to succeed in their evil designs to distort or corrupt the true religion of Allah. God gives respite to them in every age so that whosoever among them sees the light of true guidance and follows the true guides, chosen by Allah, may turn repentant to Him and save himself from the eternal punishment.  

Moving on to Surah 87, Al-A'ala (The Most High). This Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 19 verses in 1 section.

Surah 87, Al-A'ala (The Most High)

Section 1: He who purify's his self is successful, verses 1-19

"We shall make thee read (O Muhammad) so that thou shalt not forget Save that which Allah willeth. Lo! He knoweth the disclosed and that which still is hidden; And We shall ease thy way unto the state of ease." (Verses 6-8)

"Therefor remind (men), for of use is the reminder. He will heed who feareth, But the most hapless will flout it, He who will be flung to the great Fire Wherein he will neither die nor live.

He is successful who groweth, And remembereth the name of his Lord, so prayeth, But ye prefer the life of the world Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting." (Verses 9-17)

Verses 6-8 confirm once more that the Holy Prophet only followed the command of Allah and could not make any mistakes. If he did then the people would have an excuse not follow him. He was, at all times, protected by the will of Allah.

The effectiveness of the reminder about Allah, depends upon the capacity of those who hear it. The cases where reminder produces positive benefits and where it does not, are mentioned in verses 10 and 11. When the message of Allah is proclaimed, it creates positive response in those in whose hearts is the fear of Allah, which those who run away from it, reject and belie it prepare their own ruin. They will be thrown into the fire of hell where they will neither die nor live.

Next is Surah 88, Al-Ghaashiya (The Overwhelming). This Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 26 verses in 1 section.

Surah 88, Al-Ghaashiya (The Overwhelming)

Section 1: The Overwhelming event, verses 1-26

"Hath there come unto thee tidings of the Overwhelming? On that day (many) faces will be downcast, Toiling, weary, Scorched by burning fire, Drinking from a boiling spring, No food for them save bitter thorn-fruit Which doth not nourish nor release from hunger." (Verses 1-7)

"Will they not regard the camels, how they are created? And the heaven, how it is raised? And the hills, how they are set up? And the earth, how it is spread? Remind them, for thou art but a remembrancer, Thou art not at all a warder over them." (Verses 17-22)

Verses 2-7 describe the conditions in which the disbelievers, the transgressors and those who opposed the true servants of Allah in this world will live forever. Verses 8-16 describe the state of bliss in which the righteous will live forever.

As evidence of Allah's mercy to mankind a few signs have been referred to, which are full of meaning, design and goodness to man. The camel, a domesticated animal, serves the dwellers of the desert in many ways. The blue sky high above us is a source of many bounties mankind receive for sustenance. The mountains not only stabilize the earth but also store water, moderate climate, provide stone for many purposes. The earth is a globe, yet it seems to be spread out before us in plains, valleys, hills and deserts. The Prophet of Allah is sent to teach, preach and guide the people, but not to force people to adopt the right path.

Next Surah is no. 89, Al-Fajr (The Dawn). This Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 30 verses in 1 section.

Surah 89, Al-Fajr (The Dawn)

Section 1: The soul at rest, verses 1-30

"By the Dawn And ten nights, And the Even and the Odd, And the night when it departeth, There surely is an oath for thinking man." (Verses 1-5)

"As for man, whenever his Lord trieth him by honouring him, and is gracious unto him, he saith: My Lord honoureth me. But whenever He trieth him by straitening his means of life, he saith: My Lord despiseth me.

Nay, but ye (for your part) honour not the orphan And urge not on the feeding of the poor. And ye devour heritages with devouring greed." (Verses 15-19)

"But ah! thou soul at peace! Return unto thy Lord, content in His good pleasure! Enter thou among My bondmen! Enter thou My Garden!" (Verses 27-30)

Only the "thinking man" can understand and appreciate the evidences mentioned in verses 1-4. The dawn is the glory of the daybreak when light overtakes night. The ten nights are understood to be the first 10 days of Zilhajj, the sacred period of pilgrimage. Even and odd suggest contrasts but they follow each other in regular succession. Lastly, when this world, comparable to the darkness of night, passes away or vanishes, the light of the eternal hereafter will be seen. 

Many verses of the Quran, make it clear that the large means of sustenance given to a particular man is a trust he holds to distribute them among the needy, the poor and the orphans, but more often he becomes selfish and prefers to spend it on his own lusts, luxuries and enjoyments. The desire and inordinate love for more and more worldly possessions develops a morbid tendency in man to own everything by hook or by crook on account of which he destroys social harmony and discipline.

The righteous will be welcomed to a life free from pain, sorrow, doubt, struggle, desire and disappointment. They will be at rest, in peace, in a state of complete satisfaction. This stage of soul is the final stage of bliss.

Rapidly continuing through the Surahs of the final chapter, we are now at Surah 90, Al-Balad (The City). Surah 90 was revealed at Mecca and has 20 verses in 1 section.

Surah 90, Al-Balad (The City)

Section 1: The two highways, verses 1-20

"We verily have created man in an atmosphere: Thinketh he that none hath power over him? And he saith: I have destroyed vast wealth: Thinketh he that none beholdeth him?" (Verses 4-7)

"Did We not assign unto him two eyes And a tongue and two lips, And guide him to the parting of the mountain ways?

But he hath not attempted the Ascent - Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - (It is) to free a slave, And to feed in the day of hunger. An orphan near of kin, Or some poor wretch in misery, And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity." (Verses 8-17)

Allah gives man His bounties to try him. He who bestowed them on him can take them away. The man who thinks that none has power over him and he can do what he likes forgets that on the day of reckoning Allah will punish him for his arrogance, disbelief and transgressions.

Allah has given us not only the faculties implied in the eyes, the tongue and the lips, but also given us the judgement to distinguish between good and evil so as to choose the right way by following the thoroughly purified guides He has appointed. The difficult path of virtue is described as the unselfish service in the cause of Allah. Freeing the bondmen, feeding the hungry orphans and looking after the poor are some of the virtues mentioned in verses 13-16. To practice such virtues man must have patience which implies self-restraint and constant reliance upon Allah, along with compassion and kindness towards fellow beings.

Next is Surah 91, Ash-Shams (The Sun) which was revealed at Mecca and has 15 verses in 1 section.

Surah 91, Ash-Shams (The Sun)

Section 1: Purifying the soul, verses 1-15

"By the sun and his brightness, And the moon when she followeth him... And a soul and Him Who perfected it And inspired it (with conscience of) what is wrong for it and (what is) right for it.

He is indeed successful who causeth it to grow, And he is indeed a failure who stunteth it." (Verses 1-2 & 7-10)

The sun is our main source of light and energy on Earth. The moon follows or acts as substitute to the sun for illuminating our world with reflected light and therefore may be called the sun's vicegerent. Verses 7-8 refer to the soul of man, with its capabilities and faculties, endowed with the power of distinguishing between good and evil, right and wrong. Then the conclusion is stated in verses 9-10 that he who purifies himself achieves success; and he who corrupts it fails and becomes a loser.

Surah 92, Al-Lail (The Night) comes next and was revealed at Mecca. It has 21 verses in 1 section.

Surah 92, Al-Lail (The Night)

Section 1: None has done any favour to God, verses 1-21

"And Him Who hath created male and female, Lo! your effort is dispersed (toward diverse ends)." (Verse 1-2)

"Lo! Ours it is (to give) the guidance And lo! unto Us belong the latter portion and the former.

And lo! unto Us belong the latter portion and the former. Which only the most wretched must endure, He who denieth and turneth away. Far removed from it will be the righteous Who giveth his wealth that he may grow (in goodness)." (Verses 12-18)

"And none hath with him any favour for reward, Except as seeking (to fulfil) the purpose of his Lord Most High. He verily will be content." (Verses 19-21)

Man's aims in life are diverse. These aims may be broadly divided into two classes, good and evil. He who runs after the pleasures of the temporary life of this world, unmindful of the eternal happiness of the hereafter, is striking a bad bargain. He will be a certain loser on the day of reckoning. On the other hand he who does not transgress the bounds laid down by Allah and does not lay his hands on unlawful gains and possessions but bears hardships patiently and willingly shall attain salvation in the hereafter.

Allah in His infinite mercy has provided guidance to His creatures through His book and religion, messengers and guides (Imams of the Ahlul-Bayt). By the help of the faculties Allah has given man, he must use his freedom of choice and follow the right guidance. Those believers most devoted to Allah who have safeguarded themselves against evil and spent their wealth in the way of Allah to purify themselves much reward is due onto them from Allah in the hereafter.

Next comes Surah 93, Ad-Dhuha (The Morning Hours). It was revealed at Mecca and contains 11 verses in 1 section.

Surah 93, Ad-Dhuha (The Morning Hours)

Section 1: The Prophet promised to be blessed to his heart's content, verses 1-11

"Thy Lord hath not forsaken thee nor doth He hate thee, And verily the latter portion will be better for thee than the former, And verily thy Lord will give unto thee so that thou wilt be content." (Verses 3-5)

"Did He not find thee an orphan and protect (thee)? Did He not find thee wandering and direct (thee)? Did He not find thee destitute and enrich (thee)?

Therefor the orphan oppress not, Therefor the beggar drive not away, Therefor of the bounty of thy Lord be thy discourse." (Verses 6-11)

Verse 3 Allah clearly states that the Holy Prophet can never be forsaken, unlike the Christian belief towards Jesus. The verse was revealed to put an end to the mischievous speculations of the enemies of Allah and the Holy Prophet. 

Verses 6-8 refer to the divine protection arranged for the Holy Prophet when his father Abdullah died before he was born and his mother died when he was only six years old. His grandfather Abdul Muttalib died two years later. Thereafter his uncle Abu Talib loved him, protected him and brought him up as his own son. Verse 7 also implies that the knowledge the Holy Prophet possessed was perfect because he never acquired knowledge from any mortal but was taught by Allah Himself. 

The next Surah actually follows on from Surah 93, it is only split by Bismillahir rahmanir rahim. Surah 94, Al-Inshira (The Consolation) was revealed at Mecca and has 8 verses in 1 section.

Surah 94, Al-Inshira (The Consolation)

Section 1: Prophet ordained to appoint one in his place, verses 1-8

"Have We not caused thy bosom to dilate, And eased thee of the burden Which weighed down thy back; And exalted thy fame?" (Verses 1-4)

"So when thou art relieved, still toil And strive to please thy Lord."  (Verses 7-8)

Verse 1 means to expand the breast or heart to gain knowledge from Allah. It means absolute perfection in wisdom, guidance and mercy only next to Allah. Verses 2-3 refer to the Holy Prophet asking Imam Ali (as) to be his support and vicegerent and ease some of the Holy Prophet's burden. Through verse 7 the Holy Prophet is asked to establish the imamat of Imam Ali (as) when he completes the duties of conveying the divine guidance to mankind, so as to continue it forever. In verse 8 Allah expresses His will that the Holy Prophet should return to his Lord after carrying out His commands (this follows on from Surah 5, Verse 67).

We are now down to the last twenty Surahs of the Holy Quran. Surah 95, At-Tin (The Fig) was revealed at Mecca and has 8 verses in 1 section.

Surah 95, At-Tin (The Fig)

Section 1: Man created in the best stature, verses 1-8

"By the fig and the olive, By Mount Sinai... Surely We created man of the best stature Then we reduced him to the lowest of the low, Save those who believe and do good works, and theirs is a reward unfailing." (Verses 1-2 & 4-6)

A lot of these smaller Surahs towards the end of the Quran start with the names of things and events used as symbols of knowledge which is only known by Allah. Here it starts in the name of figs and olives. Fig is the most approved of fruits and the most nutritious, quick of digestion, having nothing redundant, and a very useful medicine. In its early state, it is nothing but tiny seed, insipid and often full of worms and maggots, but after full growth it is one of the finest, most delicious, and most wholesome fruits in existence.

There is no fault in Allah's creation and there is no stigma of original sin. To man Allah gave intelligence, faculties of observation, judgement and action with free will and discretion. As the chosen representative of Allah man was exalted higher than the angels. Allah's creation is so perfect that there is no room for any change or alternation. If man follows after evil, rebels against Allah and uses his freedom of choice and action to violate the laws made by Allah he is abased to the lowest possible position. Those who retain the innate purity by realizing Allah's unity, submit to the laws of Allah and lives a righteous life in this world, an unending life of bliss is their reward.

Next comes Surah 96, Al-Alaq (The Clot), the Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 19 verses in 1 section.

Surah 96, Al-Alaq (The Clot)

Section 1: The Prophet commissioned to preach, verses 1-19

"Read: In the name of thy Lord Who createth, Createth man from a clot.

Read: And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous, Who teacheth by the pen, Teacheth man that which he knew not." (Verse 1-5)

"Lo! unto thy Lord is the return. Hast thou seen him who dissuadeth A slave when he prayeth? Hast thou seen if he relieth on the guidance (of Allah) Or enjoineth piety? Hast thou seen if he denieth (Allah's guidance) and is froward? Is he then unaware that Allah seeth?" (Verses 8-14)

Verse 1 was the very first recitation of the Holy Quran by the Holy Prophet when it was first revealed to him by angel Jibrail. He was commanded to recite that which he already knew - it was the beginning of the gradual revelation. The mention of pen in verse 4 implies reading, writing, books, study and research. Verse 5 refers to the growth of knowledge in man whose origin is humble but he learns more and more day by day by means of faculties granted to him by Allah. With the growth of knowledge, particularly in the spiritual realm, his consciousness and awareness also develop. 

Verses 8-14 are generally applicable to perverse disbelievers who not only rebel against Allah's law, but also prevent others from following it. In particular these verses refer to Abu Jahl, an inveterate enemy of Islam, who used to insult and persecute the Holy Prophet and those who followed his teaching.

Moving on to Surah 97, Al-Qadr (The Power), this was revealed at Mecca with 5 verses in 1 section.

Surah 97, Al-Qadr (The Power)

Section 1: The Night of Qadr

"Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Predestination." (Verse 1)

"The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees. (The night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn." (Verses 3-5)

This oft-recited Surah in our daily prayers talks about the revelation of the Holy Quran on Laylatul Qadr. The whole Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet in this night but he used to recite or convey to the people only such passages or verses as he was commanded by Allah through Jibrail. It is known as gradual revelation. We do not know the exact night in Ramadhan and hence perform amaals from the 19th night onwards an all the odd nights until the end of Ramadhan.

Next comes Surah 98, Al-Bayyina (The Evidence). This Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 8 verses in 1 section.

Surah 98, Al-Bayyina (The Evidence)

Section 1: Quran, the clear evidence, verses 1-8

"Those who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture and the idolaters could not have left off (erring) till the clear proof came unto them, A messenger from Allah, reading purified pages Containing correct scriptures." (Verses 1-3)

"And they are ordered naught else than to serve Allah, keeping religion pure for Him, as men by nature upright, and to establish worship and to pay the poor-due. That is true religion. Lo! those who disbelieve, among the People of the Scripture and the idolaters, will abide in fire of hell. They are the worst of created beings." (Verses 5-6)

The people of the book referred to are the Jews and the Christians who were freed from their false beliefs when the Holy Prophet, whose advent was clearly foretold in the Torah and the Bible, brought the final book of Allah, the Quran, in this world. The people of the book strayed from the true teachings of Musa and Isa. The polytheists and the pagans did not believe in any scripture. When the Holy Prophet came with clear evidence (his life, his character and his teachings) to them, all of them had an opportunity to believe in Allah and follow His religion, Islam.

The Jews and the Christians were commanded through their scriptures to worship Allah, sincerely devoted only to Him. The people of the book were in a better position than the pagans to recognise the truth of Islam, because they had been prepared for religion of Allah by the revelations sent down on their Prophets; but, when the clear evidence came in the Holy Prophet, they rejected it. To reject truth is the worst sin a man, endowed with the ability to discriminate between right and wrong and to use his free will, can commit. Therefore it will necessarily bring its own punishment, because such a person is the worst of creatures.

Nearing the 100th Surah mark with Surah 99, Az-Zalzala (The Earthquake). Surah 99 was revealed at Mecca and has 8 verses in 1 section.

Surah 99, Az-Zalzala (The Earthquake)

Section 1: Everyone shall see his own deeds, verses 1-8

"That day she will relate her chronicles, Because thy Lord inspireth her.

That day mankind will issue forth in scattered groups to be shown their deeds. And whoso doeth good an atom's weight will see it then, And whoso doeth ill an atom's weight will see it then." (Verses 4-8)

On the Day of Judgement, the earth will divulge all the events that ever took place on her. The present order will pass away, but the deeds done therein, even the most secret, will be made known when Allah will give the command. The smallest deed, good or bad, will be taken into account for reward or punishment. No one will be deprived of the fruit of any good deed done by him, nor spared the punishment for the evil deed committed by him.

We reach the 100th Surah of the Holy Quran: Al-Adiyat (The Chargers). It was revealed at Mecca and has 11 verses in 1 section.

Surah 100, Al-Adiyaat (The Chargers)

Section 1: Man's ingratitude to God, verses 1-11

"Lo! man is an ingrate unto his Lord And lo! he is a witness unto that; And lo! in the love of wealth he is violent.

Knoweth he not that, when the contents of the graves are poured forth And the secrets of the breasts are made known, On that day will their Lord be perfectly informed concerning them." (Verses 6-11)

The disbeliever, by his conduct, proves the charges of selfishness and ingratitude levelled against him, because he rejects truth and wages war against the truthful. Dead bodies from the graves, and closely guarded secret plots and evil thoughts from the breasts of the resurrected men will stand forth before Allah on the Day of Resurrection. Allah's knowledge is all-encompassing at all times. On the Day of Judgement His knowledge will make manifest all secrets long forgotten or blotted out from the memory of mankind; and the books of their deeds will make known whatever they did in the world before the seat of judgement.

Moving beyond 100 to Surah 101, Al-Qaari'a (The Calamity) which was revealed at Mecca. It has 11 verses in 1 section.

Surah 101, Al-Qaari'a (The Calamity)

Section 1: Deeds weighed, verses 1-11

"The Calamity!

What is the Calamity? Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Calamity is!

A day wherein mankind will be as thickly-scattered moths And the mountains will become as carded wool." (Verses 1-5)

"Then, as for him whose scales are heavy (with good works), He will live a pleasant life. But as for him whose scales are light, A bereft and Hungry One will be his mother, Ah, what will convey unto thee what she is! - Raging Fire. (Verses 6-11)

A tremendous stunning noise will be heard before the Day of Judgement. The whole of the present order of existence will be overthrown. All our present landmarks will be lost. It will inaugurate a new existence of true and permanent values, in which every human deed will have its just recompense as if weighed in balance, as stated in verses 6-9.

Continuing with Surah 102, At-Takaathur (Competition) which was revealed at Mecca. It has 8 verses in 1 section.

Surah 102, At-Takaathur (Competition)

Section 1: Exuberance engages men, verses 1-8

"Rivalry in worldly increase distracteth you Until ye come to the graves. Nay, but ye will come to know!" (Verses 1-3)

"Nay, would that ye knew (now) with a sure knowledge! For ye will behold hell-fire. Aye, ye will behold it with sure vision. Then, on that day, ye will be asked concerning the bounties." (Verses 5-8)

Exuberance engages man, diverting him from the real object of life - to remember and turn towards Allah. By the time of death it too much time has been spent on worldly affairs, it shall be too late for Allah's blessings. "The bounties" refers to the Holy Prophet and the Ahlul-Bayt.

Next comes Surah 103, Al-Asr (The Declining Day) which was revealed at Mecca. It contains 3 verses in 1 section.

Surah 103, Al-Asr (The Declining Day)

Section 1: To preach truth and endurance, verses 1-3

"By the declining day, Lo! man is a state of loss, Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance." (Verses 1-3)

According to Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (as), "the declining day" refers "to the age when the living Imam of the Ahlul-Bayt, Muhammad bin Hasan al Mahdi al Qa-im, will be commissioned by Allah to administer the society of all human beings under the law of Allah prescribed in the religion of Islam."

Onto Surah 104, Al-Humaza (The Traducer). It was revealed at Mecca and has 9 verses in 1 section.

Surah 104, Al-Humaza (The Traducer)

Section 1: One who amasses wealth, verses 1-9

"Woe unto every slandering traducer, Who hath gathered wealth (of this world) and arranged it. He thinketh that his wealth will render him immortal. Nay, but verily he will be flung to the Consuming One." (Verses 1-4)

Piling up wealth, by not spending it in the service of those who need it, is another vice condemned in this Surah. The miser imagines that his wealth can prolong his life or protect him from punishment. The slanderer shall be thrown into the fire. It is the fire of the wrath of Allah, kindled by Him, "the Consuming One," therefore shall not be extinguished by any one or any thing. The fire will not only scorch the body but also destroy the soul. It will cover them all over.

We are now down to the last ten Surahs of the Holy Quran; starting with Surah 105, Al-Fil (The Elephant). This Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 5 verses in 1 section.

Surah 105, Al-Fil (The Elephant)

Section 1: The fellows of the Elephant, verses 1-5

"Hast thou not seen how thy Lord dealt with the owners of the Elephant? Did He not bring their stratagem to naught, And send against them swarms of flying creatures, Which pelted them with stones of baked clay, And made them like green crops devoured (by cattle)?" (Verses 1-5)

This Surah narrates the story of the Christian army led by Abraha who came to Mecca on elephants with the intention of destroying the Holy Kaaba (prior to the birth of the Holy Prophet). When the army entered Mecca, a large swarm of birds flew in from the seacoast and pelted the army with "stones of baked clay," killing them all. As their bodies were left on the ground, soon they were consumed by the Earth and the cattle feed on the soil.

There are two lessons from this narration. Firstly, the pagans of Mecca were forewarned that as the Holy Prophet was superior to the Kaaba, Allah, who protects whatever is His own, shall protect him from all their evil schemes. It is also a warning to men in all ages that if a man intoxicated with power comes out to defeat Allah's holy plan, he cannot prevail against Allah.

Next comes Surah 106, Quraysh which was revealed at Mecca and has 4 verses in 1 section.

Surah 106, Quraysh

Section 1: The protection of the Quraysh, verses 1-4

"For the taming of Qureysh. For their taming (We cause) the caravans to set forth in winter and summer. So let them worship the Lord of this House, Who hath fed them against hunger and hath made them safe from fear." (Verses 1-4)

The Quraysh, among whom the Holy Prophet was born, was a tribe held in great esteem, as the guardians of the Kaaba, by the Arabs. They were the descendants of Prophet Ibrahim through his son, Prophet Ismail. The custody of the sacred shrine of the Kaaba enabled them to obtain covenants of security from the rulers of neighbouring countries on all sides on account of which they travelled to Syria in summer, and to Yemen in winter, to carry out their trade. This honour and advantage they owed to their position as servants of the sacred house. They owed it to Allah. It was therefore right and fitting that they should worship Allah alone and accept as true the religion of Allah, Islam, brought by the Holy Prophet.

Moving on to Surah 107, Al-Maa'un (Almsgiving). The Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 7 verses in 1 section.

Surah 107, Al-Maa'un (Almsgiving)

Section 1: He who cares not for prayer and withholds alms, verses 1-7

"Hast thou observed him who belieth religion? That is he who repelleth the orphan, And urgeth not the feeding of the needy.

Ah, woe unto worshippers Who are heedless of their prayer; Who would be seen (at worship) Yet refuse small kindnesses!" (Verses 1-7)

Those who treat the helpless with contempt and lead arrogant selfish lives will meet a great punishment in the hereafter. More so for those who go on to forbid or discourage others from performing any acts of charity. True worship does not consist in the mere form of prayer, without the heart and mind being earnestly applied to seek the pleasure of Allah. In Islam prayer is not a ritual.

We now get to Surah 108, Al-Kawthar (Abundance), which is the shortest Surah of the Holy Quran. It was revealed at Mecca and has 3 verses in 1 section.

Surah 108, Al-Kawthar (Abundance)

Section 1: The abundance given to the Prophet, verses 1-3

"Lo! We have given thee Abundance; So pray unto thy Lord, and sacrifice. Lo! it is thy insulter (and not thou) who is without posterity." (Verses 1-3)

After the death of the Holy Prophet's son as a baby, he was mocked by some for not having a male heir. This Surah was revealed to give glad tidings to the Holy Prophet that abundance of unbounded grace, wisdom and knowledge, mercy and goodness, spiritual power and insight, and of progeny has been given to him. The Holy Prophet has said:"Kawthar is a stream of super excellence, exclusively belonging to me. Only the righteous believers (among my followers) will be allowed to drink from it. Ali shall distribute the water from it to them. On the Day of Judgement I will see some of my companions driven, like cattle, away from Kawthar. It will be announced that they are those who, after my departure from the world, deviated from the true religion and introduced innovations (based upon conjecture) to corrupt the faith." In verse 3 it is said that the enemies of the Holy Prophet and the Ahlul-Bayt will be lost in oblivion. It is a divine prophecy.

Next comes Surah 109, Al-Kaafiroon (The Disbelievers), which was revealed at Mecca with 6 verses in 1 section.

Surah 109, Al-Kaafiroon (The Disbelievers)

Section 1: One's religion to one's self, verses 1-6

"Say: O disbelievers! I worship not that which ye worship; Nor worship ye that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which ye worship. Nor will ye worship that which I worship. Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion." (Verses 1-6)

Some of the leading disbelievers of Mecca had proposed to the Holy Prophet a compromise between Islam and their ancient faith such as they conceived it, so that their idols might also have an honourable mention in the adoration of the worshippers. The Holy Prophet resisted all appeals to worldly motives, and stood firm to his message of eternal unity of Allah. This surah breathes a spirit of uncompromising abhorrence to idolatry but at the same time confirms that no force will be enacted on anyone to believe in the Holy Prophet's message (verse 6).

With five more Surahs left to go, we have no. 110, An-Nasr (Divine Support). This Surah was revealed at Mecca and has 3 verses in 1 section.

Surah 110, An-Nasr (Divine Support)

Section 1: God's help brings multitudes to God's religion, verses 1-3

"When Allah's succour and the triumph cometh And thou seest mankind entering the religion of Allah in troops, Then hymn the praises of thy Lord, and seek forgiveness of Him. Lo! He is ever ready to show mercy." (Verses 1-3)

The pagans of Mecca opposed and persecuted the Holy Prophet from the very start of his mission. After migrating to Madina, gradually all the people of Arabia rallied round him and the bloodless conquest of Mecca was the conclusion of his patient and constant striving in the cause of Allah. People hastened to offer their allegiance to the religion of Allah. Delegations flocked from near and far to offer obedience to the Holy Prophet. The expansion of Islam is the most miraculous of all miracles. Polytheism yielded to monotheism.

Next we have Surah 111, Al-Lahab (The Flame), which was revealed at Mecca and has 5 verses in 1 section.

Surah 111, Al-Lahab (The Flame)

Section 1: Abu Lahab cursed, verses 1-5

"The power of Abu Lahab will perish, and he will perish. His wealth and gains will not exempt him. He will be plunged in flaming Fire, And his wife, the wood-carrier, Will have upon her neck a halter of palm-fibre." (Verses 1-5)

Abu Lahab, the uncle of the Holy Prophet, was a bitter and fierce opponent of Islam. He made it his business to torment the Holy Prophet; and his wife, Umm Jumail, sister of Abu Sufyan, took pleasure in carrying thorny bushes and strewing them in the sand where she knew that the Holy Prophet was sure to walk barefooted, because of which she is referred to as the bearer of the wood. Abu Lahab used to persuade the people to throw stones at the Holy Prophet, whenever he passed the streets of Mecca, by telling them that he was a mad man. The two hands he used to throw stones at the Holy Prophet are cursed. A week after the battle of Badr, Abu Lahab perished, consumed with grief and his own fiery passions. The angel of death strangled his wife with the rope she used to wear around her neck. On the Day of Judgement the fire of punishment like a rope of iron strongly twisted will be put on her neck.

We not get to the three Khuls - the last three Surahs of the Holy Quran, all seeking protection from Allah. Surah 112, Al-Ikhlaas (Sincerity) is probably the second most recited Surah of the Holy Quran in our daily prayers. It was revealed at Mecca and has 4 verses in 1 section.

Surah 112, Al-Ikhlaas (Sincerity)

Section 1: Unity of God, verses 1-4

"Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him." (Verses 1-4)

The spirit of the absolute unity of Allah is the foundation of the structure of the religion of Allah, Islam. This Surah, which explains the unity of Allah, was revealed to give an idea of what the Holy Prophet preached. Anthropomorphism, the tendency to conceive God in the terms known to man, creeps in at all times and among all peoples. Nothing or no being can be separated from the infinite supreme being nor was there anything or being from which He was separated. So neither He begets nor was He begotten. Therefore there cannot be any being like to Him.

The penultimate Surah of the Holy Quran is Surah 113, Al-Falaq (The Dawn), which was revealed at Mecca and has 5 verses in 1 section.

Surah 113, Al-Falaq (The Dawn)

Section 1: Seeking protection of God, verses 1-5

"Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the Daybreak From the evil of that which He created; From the evil of the darkness when it is intense, And from the evil of malignant witchcraft, And from the evil of the envier when he envieth." (Verses 1-5)

This Surah is a prayer for seeking divine protection from fears proceeding from visible as well as invisible, known as well as unknown, physical as well as spiritual forces emanating due to interaction of laws created by Allah. As everything is a creation of Allah, nothing has the unchecked power to hurt man if he or she seeks Allah's protection and takes refuge with Him.

Finally we get to the last Surah of the Holy Quran. Surah 114, An-Naas (Mankind). It was revealed at Mecca and has 6 verses in 1 section.

Surah 114, An-Naas (Mankind)

Section 1: Seeking refuge aginst the Jinn and the men, verses 1-6

"Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, The King of mankind, The god of mankind, From the evil of the sneaking whisperer, Who whispereth in the hearts of mankind, Of the jinn and of mankind." (Verses 1-6)

The prayer of the previous Surah, al-Falaq continues in an-Naas. Man is asked to seek refuge with Allah from the power of evil of Shaitan and his followers among jinn and men who secretly whisper evil and then leave people to rebel against Allah and go astray. For their emancipation and liberation Allah sent His messengers and Prophets in every age. Therefore material and spiritual purification is not at all possible unless man turns to his supreme Lord.

That concludes Chapter 30 and with it the Holy Quran. What a month it has been and what an experience of writing up each and every chapter, each and every day for the past 30 days. I can honestly say that it has taken over my life. In that time I have only touched the surface of the knowledge that is contained in the Holy Quran. There is a lot more to come inshallah.

Thank you all for reading - I don't know how many still are!

EID MUBARAK!