Friday Nasiha

Living The Quran

Month of the Quran
Al Baqara (The Cow) - Chapter 2: Verse 185 (partial)

"It was in the month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed: a guidance for mankind and a self-evident proof of that guidance and a standard to distinguish right from wrong."

Fasting was made more attractive due to the fact that it is observed in Ramadan, the month in which the Quran was revealed. This could be a reference to the fact that it was first revealed during Ramadan, or that most of it had been revealed in it. It is a significant distinction since the Quran is the definitive and timeless Book of the Muslim ummah, its guiding light and its reason for existence, the source of its strength and security, from which it has drawn all the enduring qualities and elements that have made it great. Without the gifts that the Quran has given the Muslim ummah, it would have become forgotten history long ago. As a token of thankfulness and gratitude, Muslims observe the fast in the month of Ramadan during which the Quran was revealed.

Compiled From:
"In the Shade of the Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 1, p. 189

Understanding The Prophet's Life

Five deeds to heaven

Abu Dhar, states: 'I asked the Messenger of God [may God bless him and grant him peace] how the servant is delivered from the fire.' and he answered, 'By faith in God.'

'O Messenger of God, is there no deed with faith?'

He Answered, 'That you give in charity what God has put in your possession' - or 'That you give in charity what God has provided you with.'

'O Messenger of God, what if a person is poor and finds nothing to give?'

He said, 'Then let him enjoin justice and forbid wrongdoing.'

'And what if he is unable to enjoin justice and forbid wrongdoing?'

'Then let him assist some simple-minded person.'

'O Messenger of God, what if whatever he did would not help?'

'Then let him assist someone who has been wronged.'

'O Messenger of God, what if he were too weak and unable to help someone who has been wronged?'

'Do you not wish to leave your friend any good? Then let him restrain himself from harming others.'

'O Messenger of God, do you mean that someone will enter Heaven for doing thus?'

He replied, 'Anyone who manages but one of the things I have described will be taken by the hand into Heaven.'

[Bayhaqi, Suhuab al-Iman]

Compiled From:
"The Invocation of God" - Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, p. 37

Cool Tips!

Understanding the Quran

Your understanding of the Qur'an may have various levels and take different forms.

Firstly, that you comprehend its simple, literal meaning, as when you read a book in a language you know, or as an Arabic-knowing person would understand the Qur'an.

Such comprehension must be the bare minimum requirement, the key to all other stages, but it is not enough.

Secondly, that you find out how the learned have understood it, either by hearing their expositions or reading their exegeses and other sources.

Thirdly, that you study and ponder, on your own, to discover and absorb its meaning.

Fourthly, that you discover its meaning by obeying its messages and by fulfilling the duties and mission that it entrusts to you.

Compiled From:
"Way To the Quran" - Khurram Murad