THE DIVINE PARABLES 41-49

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  41 of 49  .

(41) SEED GROWING [48:29] Muhammad (SAW) is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of (their) prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, it then becomes thick, and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad SAW till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise).

 

MEANING: Allah confirming the Prophet hood of Muhammad (Peace of Allah upon him) & the sincerity of his companions. As the message grew delightfully & the Muslims became more & stronger,  the disbelievers  were unhappy with the growth, they tormented them, boycotted them & engaged them in wars  in & out until Islam finally became victorious.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  42 of 49  .

(42) RAIN AND PHYSICAL GROWTH [57:20] Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment. 21. Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord (Allah), and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He pleases. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.

 

MEANING: Allah reminds us that we are going to be alive for a short while on Earth therefore we should avoid distractions & remember we will have to meet God for judgement. We should do as many good deeds as possible before we die, so that we can enjoy ourselves in Paradise for Eternity, rather than face perpetual suffering in Hell.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  43 of 49  .

[43] MOUNTAIN THAT HUMBLES ITSELF [59:21] Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect.

 

MEANING: The Noble Quran is so powerful and Allah – The Mighty, The Wise – is to be feared so much that even a mountain [massive as it is] would have been inadequate and would have crumbled under the awesome power of the Quran.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  44 of 49.

[44] DONKEY [62:5] The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Taurat (Torah) (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practice its legal laws), but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books (but understands nothing from them). How bad is the example (or the likeness) of people who deny the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah. And Allah guides not the people who are Zalimoon (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers, etc.).

 

MEANING: Those given the responsibility of implementing the law of Moses [A.S.]. But their failing to implement it is likened to a donkey which carries thick, complicated books, but who does not understand what is in them. They made innovations to the laws due to their wicked character and, therefore, became misguided.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  45 of  49.

(45) WIVES OF NUH, LUTH & FIRAWN.(66: 10) Allah sets forth an example for those who disbelieve, the wife of Nooh (Noah) and the wife of Lout (Lot). They were under two of our righteous slaves, but they both betrayed their (husbands by rejecting their doctrine) so they (Nooh (Noah) and Lout (Lot) ) benefited them (their respective wives) not, against Allah, and it was said: “Enter the Fire along with those who enter!

 

MEANING: It is only Allah that gives guidance, not even the prophets can give guidance to their relatives; associating with pious people is not enough to earn us paradise unless we strive to sincerely believe in Allah & work in righteousness too. Also, the reward  of betrayal of Iman is eternal doom.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  46 of  49.

(46) WIFE OF PHARAOH & MARY; MOTHER OF JESUS (66:11-12).

“11.And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe, the wife of Firaun (Pharaoh), when she said: “My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Firaun (Pharaoh) and his work, and save me from the people who are Zalimoon (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers in Allah). 12. And Maryam (Mary), the daughter of Imran who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (the sleeve of her shirt or her garment) through Our Rooh (i.e. Jibrael (Gabriel)), and she testified to the truth of the Words of her Lord (i.e. believed in the Words of Allah: “Be!” and he was; that is Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary); as a Messenger of Allah), and (also believed in) His Scriptures, and she was of the Qaniteen (i.e. obedient to Allah).

 

MEANING: The wife of pharaoh (firawn) remained a believer despite being the wife of one of the greatest oppressors  in history who tortured her in the worst of manners. This is a message for all Muslims ; that there is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the creator. A woman is not expected to obey her husband if he commands her to disobey Allah  directly or indirectly. Mary; mother of Jesus was declared one of the best women  in the history of humans because of her sublime example of chastity ,Love of the worship of Allah, patience in the face of the adversity of accusation of fornication  etc.

 

 

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  47 of 49  .

[47] IF STREAM OF WATER BE LOST [67:30] Say (O Muhammad SAW): “Tell me! If (all) your water were to be sunk away, who then can supply you with flowing (spring) water?”

 

MEANING: Allah has created fresh water and the rain cycle. Allah challenges the polytheist Arabs by asking them that if their stream became diverted to an underground cavern, then who could supply them with fresh water [this hints at the impotence of the idols that they worshipped].

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  48 of 49  .

[48] PEOPLE OF THE GARDEN [68:17-33] Verily, We have tried them as We tried the people of the garden, when they swore to pluck the fruits of the (garden) in the morning,18. Without saying: Insha Allah (If Allah will).19. Then there passed by on the (garden) something (fire) from your Lord at night and burnt it while they were asleep. 20. So the (garden) became black by the morning, like a pitch dark night (in complete ruins). 21. Then they called out one to another as soon as the morning broke, 22. Saying: “Go to your tilth in the morning, if you would pluck the fruits.” 23. So they departed, conversing in secret low tones (saying), 24. No Miskeen (poor man) shall enter upon you into it today. 25. And they went in the morning with strong intention, thinking that they have power (to prevent the poor taking anything of the fruits therefrom). 26. But when they saw the (garden), they said: “Verily, we have gone astray,” 27. (Then they said): “Nay! Indeed we are deprived of (the fruits)!” 28. The best among them said: “Did I not tell you: why do you not say: Insha Allah (If Allah will).” 29. They said: “Glory to Our Lord! Verily, we have been Zalimoon (wrong-doers, etc.).” 30. Then they turned, one against another, in blaming. 31. They said: “Woe to us! Verily, we were Taghoon (transgressors and disobedient, etc.) 32. We hope that our Lord will give us in exchange a better (garden) than this. Truly, we turn to our Lord (wishing for good that He may forgive our sins, and reward us in the Hereafter).” 33. Such is the punishment (in this life), but truly, the punishment of the Hereafter is greater, if they but knew.

 

MEANING: Proud people were punished by Allah for deciding to harvest their fruits without saying, ‘Insha Allah’ [if Allah wills it]. While they slept, all the fruit disappeared [as it had already been harvested] so that the fields were entirely barren. When it was dawn, the owners decided to gather their harvest in total secrecy. But when they saw their desolate fields, they knew that they had been selfish and avaricious. They began to repent, hoping for even better land. Allah says that He can inflict punishment in the world as he sees fit, but the punishment after death will be far worse – if only souls could see it in this world!

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  49 of 49  .

(49) OVER IT ARE NINETEEN (74: 30-31) 30. Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers of Hell).31. And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire, and We have fixed their number (19 nineteen) only as a trial for the disbelievers, in order that the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) may arrive at a certainty (that this Quran is the truth as it agrees with their Books i.e. their number (19 nineteen) is written in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) and the believers may increase in Faith (as this Quran is the truth) and that no doubts may be left for the people of the Scripture and the believers, and that those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) and the disbelievers may say: “What Allah intends by this (curious) example ?” Thus Allah leads astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And none can know the hosts of your Lord but He. And this (Hell) is nothing else than a (warning) reminder to mankind.

 

MEANING:

The main subject matter of  this parable is the number (19 nineteen).Allah made the number nineteen(19) a trial for the unbelievers as they would keep wondering about it , ridiculing it, rather than take heed, it gives certainty & confirmation of the message of the Qur’an to the people of the book & it strengthens the believers in faith because the true believers accept whatever Allah says & have no doubt about it.

CONCLUSION

Anyone who opens his/her heart  or whose heart is not totally closed to the truth, to the Guidance provided  by ALLAH in the Qur’an must become a believer if he or she is not already one . Those sinners who end up in Hell cannot blame God for their calamity. They were warned to follow the Truth , to believe and then work righteously, but they did not believe or do good deeds. They followed the desires of their own ‘self’ [‘nafs’]. They failed to follow Allah’s Guidance. The parables in the Qur’an are a part of Allah’s Guidance! So follow the messages contained in the Parables before it is too late. The complete  videos are also available through this link  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWQlbG-lybo&list=PL9228B2D56ADDAC1E

 

 

 

 

 

THE DIVINE PARABLES 31-40

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  31 of 49  .

(31) PARABLE OF THE LAMP/LIGHT [24:35-36] Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as (if there were) a niche and within it a lamp, the lamp is in glass, the glass as it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east (i.e. neither it gets sun-rays only in the morning) nor of the west (i.e. nor it gets sun-rays only in the afternoon, but it is exposed to the sun all day long), whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself), though no fire touched it. Light upon Light! Allah guides to His Light whom He wills. And Allah sets forth parables for mankind, and Allah is All-Knower of everything. 36. In houses (mosques), which Allah has ordered to be raised (to be cleaned, and to be honoured), in them His Name is glorified in the mornings and in the afternoons or the evenings,

 

MEANING: Allah is the ‘Nur’ [Light] of the heavens and the earth. Those who believe are guided to this Nur by righteousness. The light of iman [belief] shines in the houses where Allah is remembered [the believers’ houses].

THE  DIVINE PARABLES 32 of 49  .

(32) MIRAGE [24:39]  As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it to be water, until he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing, but he finds Allah with him, Who will pay him his due (Hell). And Allah is Swift in taking account.

 

MEANING: The deeds of unbelievers are not worth anything in the Hereafter, just like the mirage of water in the desert is not actual water. Unbelievers think they are correct. Disbelievers are therefore deceived by Satan into believing that they will be admitted into Paradise even though they disbelieve.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  33 of  49

. (33) DEPTHS OF DARKNESS [24:40] Or (the state of a disbeliever) is like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed with a great wave topped by a great wave, topped by dark clouds, darkness, one above another, if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allah has not appointed light, for him there is no light.

 

MEANING: Unbelievers are enveloped in total metaphorical darkness. They are not guided by Allah’s Light and therefore do not believe, do righteousness and end up in Hell.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  34 of 49.

(34) SPIDER [29:41] The likeness of those who take Auliya (protectors and helpers) other than Allah is as the likeness of a spider, who builds (for itself) a house, but verily, the frailest (weakest) of houses is the spiders house; if they but knew.

 

MEANING: Polytheists give themselves false consolation when they worship idols. They believe that they are worshipping beings of great power but, in fact, they are wasting time in their delusions and flimsy consolation.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  35 of 49  .

(35) PARTNERS [30:28] He sets forth for you a parable from your own selves, – Do you have partners among those whom your right hands possess (i.e. your slaves) to share as equals in the wealth We have bestowed on you? Whom you fear as you fear each other? Thus do We explain the signs in detail to a people who have sense.

 

MEANING: Allah is telling us that the same way we don’t treat slaves exactly like ourselves (even though we have to be just to them at the same time), the same way, we don’t share our wealth  equally or  same way we don’t share our spouses  with our slaves, the same way we  don’t  fear our slaves as we fear the noble or powerful among us. How can we then share gods with Allah. Allah deserves to be feared alone, that no deity should be shared or  associated with Him. The same way we do not share our might, nobility & resources, wealth etc. with our slaves, Allah will never allow us to engage in activities that will lead to or mean sharing His dominion with any deity.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  36 of 49  .

(36) COMPANIONS OF THE CITY [36:13-32] And put forward to them a similitude; the (story of the) dwellers of the town, (It is said that the town was Antioch (Antakiya)), when there came Messengers to them.14. WhenWe sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: “Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers.” 15. They (people of the town) said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies.” 16. The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 17. “And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message).”18. They (people) said: “For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us.”19. They (Messengers) said: “Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it “evil omen”) because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifoon (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah). 20. And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: “O my people! Obey the Messengers; 21. “Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 22. “And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 23. “Shall I take besides Him aliha (gods), if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? 24. “Then verily, I should be in plain error. 25. Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!” 26. It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): “Enter Paradise.” He said: “Would that my people knew! 27. “That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!” 28. And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor doWe send (such a thing). 29. It was but one Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 30. Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 31. Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them.32. And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. And indeed We have put forth for men, in this Quran every kind of similitude in order that they may remember. 28. An Arabic Quran, without any crookedness (therein) in order that they may avoid all evil which Allah has ordered them to avoid, fear Him and keep their duty to Him. [39: 27-28]

 

MEANING: Allah’s messengers were sent to preach Islam in a city but the citizens threatened to stone them and punished them, thinking that they were evil. The messengers said, “You’re the ones that are evil – how can you call guidance an ‘evil’. You have yourselves exceeded all limits to evil?” One believing citizen from the farthest part of the city came running and exhorted his fellow citizens to follow the messengers, making the following points: i] obey the messengers because they don’t want money or any other reward from you ii] messengers themselves have received Guidance from Allah and are spreading this iii] worship Allah because only Allah created you iv] you will go back to Allah for judgement v] why should I worship idols, statues who could not save me, either by fighting Allah or interceding with Allah on my behalf, if Allah decides to punish me vi] if I were to be an idolater, I would really be on the wrong path. Allah forgave this man and told him to enter Paradise. He still cared for his fellow citizens and wished that they could somehow find guidance. Allah sent no more messengers to that place. There was a massive volcanic eruption and the citizens became embalmed in ashes. Allah grieves for those who deserved punishment because they mocked messengers. This was not the first incident to happen. Many generations before them were destroyed for the same reason. All of them will be taken to task by Allah on the Day of Judgement.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  37 of 49  .

(37) CREATION & RECREATION.(36: 77-81).

77. Does not man see that We have created him from Nutfah (mixed male and female discharge semen drops). Yet behold! He (stands forth) as an open opponent.78. And he puts forth for Us a parable, and forgets his own creation. He says: “Who will give life to these bones when they have rotted away and became dust?” 79. Say: (O Muhammad SAW) “He will give life to them Who created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of every creation!” 80. He, Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, when behold! You kindle therewith.81. Is not He, Who created the heavens and the earth Able to create the like of them? Yes, indeed! He is the All-Knowing Supreme Creator.

 

MEANING: Allah reminds us forgetful humans that He created the universe from nothing (He simply said be; & it is), he further created  Adam from earth, then subsequent human creation from a humble beginning of male & female discharges. Is He, who could create from nothing in the first place not going to be able to create from something in the second place? Which is easier?

 

 

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  38  of  49.

(38) ONE MASTER AND SEVERAL MASTERS [39:29] Allah puts forth a similitude: a (slave) man belonging to many partners (like those who worship others along with Allah) disputing with one another, and a (slave) man belonging entirely to one master, (like those who worship Allah Alone). Are those two equal in comparison? All the praises and thanks be to Allah! But most of them know not.

MEANING: If there was more than one god, they would all disagree in their decision-making. For the Universe to run efficiently, all gods would have to be one god i.e. their decisions would have to be unanimous. If these decisions are going to be unanimous, then there is only the need for one god!

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  39 of 49  .

(39) DAUGHTERS FOR ALLAH, SONS FOR THEM. (43: 16-20).

16. Or has He taken daughters out of what He has created, and He has selected for you sons? 17. And if one of them is informed of the news of (the birth of) that which he set forth as a parable to the Most Beneficent (Allah) (i.e. of a girl), his face becomes dark, gloomy, and he is filled with grief! 18. (Do they then like for Allah) a creature who is brought up in adornments (wearing silk and gold ornaments, i.e. women), and in dispute cannot make herself clear? 19. And they make the angels who themselves are slaves to the Most Beneficent (Allah) females. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be questioned! 20. And they said: “If it had been the Will of the Most Beneficent (Allah), we should not have worshipped them (false deities).” They have no knowledge whatsoever of that. They do nothing but lie!

MEANING: Allah is telling them they are unfair people who attribute what they do not like to Allah by referring to the angels as females & not males (who they give preference to over females).In addition they worship them & blame Allah for allowing them to worship them. So, they say that they are committing the sin because Allah has destined that they will commit it instead of accepting that they are doing that out of their own free will, Allah only knew before- hand that they were going to commit sins, but Allah did not force them to commit sins.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  40  of 49

. (40) GARDEN PROMISED TO THE RIGHTEOUS WITH FOUR KINDS OF RIVERS [47:15] The description of Paradise which the Muttaqoon (pious – see V.2:2) have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure) therein for them is every kind of fruit; and forgiveness from their Lord. (Are these) like those who shall dwell

forever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels?

 

MEANING: Just as disbelief cannot be the same as belief, so Hell cannot be the same as Paradise. Whereas Hell is ‘torment most terrible’, Paradise is ‘the greatest bliss’.

THE DIVINE PARABLES 21-30

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  21 of 49  .

(21) GOODLY TREES WITH ROOTS, BRANCHES AND FRUIT [14:24 -25].See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? – A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high).Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember.

MEANING:The ultimate goodly word is the testimony of faith (There is no ”deity” worthy of worship except Allah .The belief in this goodly word  brings numerous benefits to the one who submits to it & works by it. That Muslim (submitter) also in turn becomes beneficial to himself & to all & sundry. Belief and righteousness combined have strong ‘roots’ [roots which yield the produce of good deeds] which will lead the believer to permanent celestial reward.

 

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  22 of 49.

(22) EVIL TREE [14:26 ] And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of earth having no

stability

MEANING:

The ultimate  evil word is the association of any partner in whatever forms shape or fashion with Allah (The uncreated creator).Unlike the goodly word, evil deeds do not have a foundation nor are they beneficial – such deeds will result in their  everlasting perdition.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  23 of  49.

(23) SLAVE VERSUS FREE MAN [16:75] Allah puts forward the example (of two men a believer and a disbeliever); a slave (disbeliever) under the possession of another, he has no power of any sort, and (the other), a man (believer) on whom We have bestowed a good provision from Us, and He spends thereof secretly and openly. Can they be equal? (By no means, not). All the praises and thanks be to Allah. Nay! (But) most of them know not.

 

MEANING: A slave has no free will and, therefore, freedom. A free man is the master of his will and action. Just as these two men are not the same, so disbelief is not the same as belief.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  24 of  49.

(24) DUMB MAN VERSUS ONE WHO COMMANDS JUSTICE [16:76] And Allah puts forward (another) example of two men, one of them dumb, who has no power over anything (disbeliever), and he is a burden to his master, whichever way he directs him, he brings no good. Is such a man equal to one (believer in the Islamic Monotheism) who commands justice, and is himself on a Straight Path?

MEANING:

The status of a righteous believer commanded great respect because he/she obeys Allah, he is just, beneficial .Disbelievers do the opposite, therefore they cannot be the same as believers.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  25 of  49.

(25) WOMAN WHO UNTWISTS HER YARN [16:92] And be not like her who undoes the thread which she has spun after it has become strong, by taking your oaths a means of deception among yourselves, lest a nation may be more numerous than another nation. Allah only tests you by this (i.e. who obeys Allah and fulfills Allah’s Covenant and who disobeys Allah and breaks Allah’s Covenant). And on the Day of Resurrection, He will certainly make clear to you that wherein you used to differ (i.e. a believer confesses and believes in the Oneness of Allah and in the Prophet hood of Prophet Muhammad SAW which the disbeliever denies it and that was their difference amongst them in the life of this world).

MEANING:

The Mufasir, ibn kathir & others say that it referred to a mad  woman in makkah who used to spurn/weave/knit very nice things & many people appreciated her skills & good works; afterwards, she will destroy it by undoing  her good work. This refers to us Muslims, when we work  hard to be righteous & accumulate rewards, then we go back to our sins & destroy all that we had worked hard to build. The Ramadhan worshippers are a good example. They willingly submit to Allah in Ramadhan, they stop all sins (adultery, fornication, alcoholism, not wearing hijab, bribery, pornography, lying, gender mixing etc.) but return to it as soon as Ramadhan is over. They simply spurn or knit or weave beautifully like the mad woman & destroy the good works afterwards.

 

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  26 of 49  .

 

(26) CITY FAVOURED BUT UNGRATEFUL [16:112-113] And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad SAW) which they (its people) used to do.113. And verily, there had come unto them a Messenger (Muhammad SAW) from among themselves, but they denied him, so the torment overtook them while they were Zalimoon (polytheists and wrong doers, etc.).

MEANING:

Lessons are to be learned throughout history of cities which were not grateful for Allah’s Mercy. Also, they rejected Messengers that Allah sent down to guide them. So Allah punished their inhabitants. An example is that of Noah [A.S.] and his people.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  27  of 49.

(27) TWO MEN, ONE PROUD OF HIS POSSESSSIONS AND THE OTHER ABSORBED IN ALLAH [18:32-44] And put forward to them the example of two men; unto one of them We had given two gardens of

grapes, and We had surrounded both with date-palms; and had put between them green crops (cultivated fields etc.).33. Each of those two gardens brought forth its produce, and failed not in the least therein, and We caused a river to gush forth in the midst of them.34. And he had property (or fruit) and he said to his companion, in the course of mutual talk: I am more than you in wealth and stronger in respect of men.” (See Tafsir Qurtubee, Vol. 10, Page 403).35. And he went into his garden while in a state (of pride and disbelief) unjust to himself. He said: “I think not that this will ever perish.36. “And I think not the Hour will ever come, and if indeed I am brought back to my Lord, (on the Day of Resurrection), I surely shall find better than this when I return to Him.” 37. His companion said to him, during the talk with him: “Do you disbelieve in Him Who created you out of dust (i.e. your father Adam), then out of Nutfah (mixed semen drops of male and female discharge), then fashioned you into a man? 38. “But as for my part (I believe) that He is Allah, my Lord and none shall I associate as partner with my Lord. 39. It was better for you to say, when you entered your garden: That which Allah wills (will come to pass)! There is no power but with Allah. If you see me less than you in wealth, and  children. 40. “It may be that my Lord will give me something better than your garden, and will send on it Husban (torment, bolt, etc.) from the sky, then it will be a slippery earth.

41. “Or the water thereof (of the gardens) becomes deep-sunken (underground) so that you will never be able to seek it.” 42. So his fruits were encircled (with ruin). And he remained clapping his hands with sorrow over what he had spent upon it, while it was all destroyed on its trellises, he could only say: “Would I had ascribed no partners to my Lord!” (Tafsir Ibn Katheer). 43. And he had no group of men to help him against Allah, nor could he defend or save himself. 44. There (on the Day of Resurrection), Al-Walayah (the protection, power, authority and kingdom) will be for Allah (Alone), the True God. He (Allah) is the Best for reward and the Best for the final end. (La ilaha ill-Allah none has the right to be worshipped but Allah).

 

MEANING: It is often said that’ money/wealth is the root of all evil’. In this parable, the land-owning man thinks that his worldly possessions are perpetual and he is not sure of the Day of Judgement, thinking that even if a Day such as this would come, his reward is assured. The poor man acknowledges that Allah is the creator of man and is patient in the hope that he, too, will benefit from Allah’s Mercy. He tries to tell the proud man that the gardens can be destroyed at any time: they are only ephemeral. When his possessions were taken from him, the proud man began to lament, but the moral of the story is that none can help one whom Allah decides to punish and none can stop the reward of one to whom Allah gives.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  28 of 49.

(28) THIS LIFE LIKE RAIN, PLEASANT BUT TRANSITORY [18:45 -46] And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah is Able to do everything. 46. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds (five compulsory prayers, deeds of Allah’s obedience, good and nice talk, remembrance of Allah with glorification, praises and thanks, etc.), that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

Meaning: When the world ends, all the money in all the world’s banks is going to be rendered useless. What will count then are one’s deeds -whether good or bad- and these will have the effect of leading one to Paradise or to Hell.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  29 of 49.

(29) FALL FROM UNITY, LIKE BEING SNATCHED UP BY BIRDS, OR CARRIED OFF BY WINDS [22:31] Hunafa Lillah (i.e. to worship none but Allah), not associating partners (in worship, etc.) unto Him

and whoever assigns partners to Allah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far off place.

 

MEANING: The metaphor of idolatry is being expelled from Heaven and being carried away to a place far off the right path.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  30 of 49.

(30) A FLY [22:73-74] O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so listen to it (carefully): Verily! Those on whom you call besides Allah, cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snatched away a thing from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought.74. They have not estimated Allah His Rightful Estimate; Verily, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

 

MEANING: Idols that polytheists worship have no power or authority. Those idols, in their totality, could not even create a fly. If a fly took off part of the stone of an idol, then the idols could not retrieve the material. Similarly, the faith of ‘idolatry’ is weak, whereas belief in the One God is a great strength.

THE DIVINE PARABLES 11-20

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  11 of . 49

(11) ROPE [3:103] And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses,lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided.

MEANING: When the Holy Prophet [Pbuh] came as a Messenger in Arabia, the various polytheist tribes were war-like and on [continually] hostile terms with one another. The religion of Islam unified all these tribes. The religion of Islam is given the metaphor of ‘a rope’, without the help of which these disbelieving tribes would have been condemned to the Fire of Hell.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  12 of 49.

(12) FROSTY WIND [3:117]

The likeness of what they spend in this world is the likeness of a wind which is extremely cold; it

struck the harvest of a people who did wrong against themselves and destroyed it, (i.e. the good deed of a person is only accepted if he is a monotheist and believes in all the Prophets of Allah, including Christ and Muhammad SAW). Allah wronged them not, but they wronged themselves.

 

MEANING: The deeds of unbelievers are of no use to their salvation; their worldly life resembles a bare field, bereft of produce, its crops destroyed by a sharp frost.

 

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  13 of . 49

(13) SPIRTUAL LIFE & DEATH (6: 122)

 

Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and We gave him life (by

knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light (of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which he can never come out? Thus it is made fair seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do.

 

MEANING: Lack of faith in Allah is similar to being dead or being in utter darkness while faith in Allah is the true life in this world & in the hereafter. However, no one can give faith or leaves one to be unguided except Allah. The disbelievers think their actions are fine: they worship gods other than Allah, worship their desires, rule by laws  other than the law of Allah, become slaves to money, fashion, alcohol, sex, etc. Satan beautifies sins for them & they think whatever they doing are good & acceptable to Allah e.g. astrology , fornication & adultery are given better names (boy-friend & girl-friend), legalization of lesbianism, gay, prostitution, abortion, gambling, bribery, dishonesty etc.

 

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  14 of 49.

(14) DOG WHO LOLLS OUT HIS TONGUE [7:176] And had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith but he clung to the earth and followed his own vain desire. So his description is the description of a dog: if you drive him away, he lolls his tongue out, or if you leave him alone, he (still) lolls his tongue out. Such is the description of the people who reject Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). So relate the stories, perhaps they may reflect.

.

MEANING: Those to whom guidance is sent, but they reject it by ignoring it, have only themselves to blame.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  15 of 49.

(15) UNDERMINED SAND CLIFF [9:109-110] Is it then he, who laid the foundation of his building on piety to Allah and His Good Pleasure, better, or he who laid the foundation of his building on an undetermined brink of a precipice ready to crumble down, so that it crumbled to pieces with him into the Fire of Hell. And Allah guides not the people who are the Zalimoon (cruel, violent, proud, polytheist and wrong-doer).The building which they built will never cease to be a cause of hypocrisy and doubt in their hearts, unless their hearts are cut to pieces. (i.e. till they die). And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

 

MEANING: Disbelief has a very tenuous foundation: the unbeliever is never sure of his deeds or what will happen to him in the future, living in constant fear of death. In contrast, those who believe are resolute, putting their faith in being rewarded by God for their good deeds and the situation of God being pleased with them.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  16 of 49.

(16) RAIN AND STORM [10:24 ] Verily the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, so by it arises the intermingled produce of the earth of which men and cattle eat until when the earth is clad with its adornments and is beautified, and its people think that they have all the powers of disposal over it, Our Command reaches it by night or by day and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday! Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, laws, etc.) in detail for the people who reflect.

 

MEANING: Just like the rain, the crops are only temporary, yet the farmer believes them to be permanent. So, too, is the life of this world temporary, though the unbeliever does not think of its end.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  17 of 49.

(17) BLIND AND DEAF [11: 24 ] The likeness of the two parties is as the blind and the deaf and the seer and the hearer. Are they equal when compared? Will you not then take heed?

 

MEANING: ‘Blind’ and ‘deaf’ are metaphors for the unbelievers, who cannot see the Truth and will not listen to the Truth. ‘See’ and ‘hear well’ are metaphors for the faculties of the believers on whom the Truth makes a vivid impact. ‘Truth’ may be defined as, ‘Belief in one God, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, the decree of good and evil, and life after death.’

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  18 of 49  .

(18) FOAM PASSING AWAY AS SCUM. (13:17) He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure, but the flood bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface, and (also) from that (ore) which they heat in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, rises a foam like unto it, thus does Allah (by parables) show forth truth and falsehood. Then, as for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth parables (for the truth and falsehood, i.e. Belief and disbelief).

 

MEANING: This refers to the encounter between the truth & falsehood, believe & disbelieve. It is the sunnah of Allah that any encounter between them, the truth will always be victorious over falsehood & the truth is always  beneficial & the falsehood is not beneficial(the scum of the flood & the gold smith) .

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  19 of 49.

(19) GARDEN OF JOY [13:35 ]

The description of the Paradise which the Muttaqoon (pious – see V.2:2): have been promised! –

Underneath it rivers flow, its provision is eternal and so is its shade, this is the end (final destination) of the Muttaqoon (pious – see V.2:2), and the end (final destination) of the disbelievers is Fire. (See Verse 47:15)

MEANING: Those who believe and do good will enjoy perpetual reward, but the disbelievers will end up in Hell.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  20  of 49  .

(20) ASHES BLOWN ABOUT BY THE WIND [14:18 ] The parable of those who disbelieve in their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a stormy day, they shall not be able to get aught of what they have earned. That is the straying, far away (from the Right Path).

 

MEANING: It is impossible to collect the ashes which a furious gale blows in all directions. Likewise, the kafirs will not get any reward because their good deeds have dispersed to such an extent through disbelief that they lose everything.

THE DIVINE PARABLES 1-10

THE DIVINE PARABLES: INTRODUCTION

The Qur’an uses many literary devices to convey its messages & its moral principles, among them are parables. The term “mathal” in Arabic, means parable or similitude. The word  “Parable” is from Greek & means “comparison”.

“And indeed We have put forth every kind of example in this Qur’an, for mankind. But, man is ever more quarrelsome than anything” [18:54]

Qur’anic parables are lessons & moral wisdom which make it easier to understand the truth for guidance  & righteousness by way of encouragement & warning.

“Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect” [59:21]

“And these similitudes We put forward for mankind; but none will understand them except those who have knowledge (of Allaah & His Signs)” [29:43]

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  1 of 49 .

(1)MAN WHO KINDLED A FIRE [2: 17-18]

Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see. They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the Right Path).

 

MEANING: It refers to the staunch hypocrites (who in reality are unbelievers) but pretend to be muslims. They think that they are doing the right thing by remaining unbelievers secretly in their heart  & they also get benefits from the muslim state because of what they profess outwardly [these  2 states of their mind are represented by the fire giving them light] but, in fact, they have lost their senses because they have deliberately diverted themselves away from the worship of the One True God – Allah.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  2 of  49.

(2) RAIN-LADEN CLOUD [2:19 -20]

Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder, and lightning. They thrust their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap for fear of death. But Allah ever encompasses the disbelievers (i.e. Allah will gather them all together).

The lightning almost snatches away their sight, whenever it flashes for them, they walk therein, and when darkness covers them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Certainly, Allah has power over all things.

 

MEANING: It refers to the less staunch hypocrites; who juggle in & out of iman & nifaq. The rain laden cloud  may refer  to the overpowering  attribute of Allah or /&  the revelation of Allah to mankind while the darkness & thunder refer to the challenges & responsibilities  human beings who claim to believe will face. The lightening is the commandments of Allah, when obeyed, then we will benefit from it as represented by the light (guidance, peace in this world & the hereafter).The hypocrites are afraid to die, fearful of the meeting with Allah on the Last Day because of their unstable believe. Though, the hypocrites know the truth, they try to avoid the challenges  & responsibilities that come as a result of  believe so, they  try to shut out reality by blocking their ears, but Allah’s doom is always around them.

 

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  3 of 49 .

(3)THE PARABLE OF THE MOSQUITO (2: 26)

“Verily, Allaah is not ashamed to set forth a parable even of a mosquito or so much more when it is bigger (or less when it is smaller) than it. And as for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but as for those who disbelieve, they say: ‘What did Allah intend by this parable?’ By it He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He leaves to go astray only those who are Al-Faasiqoon (the rebellious, disobedient to Allaah”

MEANING: It is a response to the allegations of the  unbelievers  who rejected  & attempted to ridicule the Qur’an by sarcastically wondering what Allah intended by such examples using tiny creatures. In fact, as tiny as these creatures may be, there are many lessons we can learn from their nature & life activities (as seen in numerous science documentaries about bees, spiders etc.). As small as these creatures are, they can cause havoc to huge creatures e.g. humans (remember the story of the affliction caused to Namrud by such small creature) etc. This is further explained by another parable & verse of the Qur’an [22:73] O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so listen to it (carefully): Verily! Those on whom you call besides Allah, cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snatched away a thing from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought.

 

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  4 of 49 .

(4) GOAT/SHEEP-HERD [2:171] And the example of those who disbelieve, is as that of him who shouts to the (flock of sheep) that hears nothing but calls and cries. (They are) deaf, dumb and blind. So they do not understand.

 

MEANING: The sense organs of the unbelievers will not lead them to believe in Allah, no matter how much one tries, as their ability to use their instincts, sense organs & intellect  have been rendered useless by their refusal to believe. Guidance has different levels e.g. the instincts like among the insects birds, fishes etc. who make beehives, spider webs , travel long distances & do many wonderful things without necessarily possessing advances sense organs & special intellect like human beings, another level of guidance is that based on our advanced sense organs as seen in other bigger creatures & human beings. However, our senses can fail us  sometimes e.g. human beings may see a mirage in a desert , then hasten towards it thinking it is water but our intellect eventually make us realise it is a fluke. Our eyes are unable to see without an external light. The intellect is a higher level of guidance which is given to humans to differentiate between right & wrong. However, the intellect also makes mistakes: therefore it needs to function within the perimeter of divine revelation to be fully guided to what the uncreated creator(ALLAH) desires.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  5 of 49 .

(5) TOWN/HAMLET IN RUINS [2:259] Or like the one who passed by a town and it had tumbled over its roofs. He said: “Oh! How will Allah ever bring it to life after its death?” So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: “How long did you remain (dead)?” He (the man) said: “(Perhaps) I remained (dead) a day or part of a day”. He said: “Nay, you have remained (dead) for a hundred years, look at your food and your drink, they show no change; and look at your donkey! And thus We have made of you a sign for the people. Look at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh”.When this was clearly shown to him, he said, “I know (now) that Allah is Able to do all things.”

MEANING.

Allah  created all the first time & has the power to recreate all again. Those who are raised up from their graves on the Day of Judgement will have no recollection of time or space [which are features exclusive to this ephemeral world] i.e. they won’t be able to say precisely how long they have lain dead, nor will they be able to judge distances.

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  6 of  49.

(6)GRAIN OF CORN [2:261] The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures needs, All Knower.

 

MEANING: The magnificent reward of spending in the way of Allah exclusively for His sake. Ibn Abbas reported that the messenger (peace be upon him) related from ALLAH (Hadith Qudsi); Verily Allah has recorded the good deeds  & evil deeds.” Whoever intends to do a good deed but does not do it, Allah records it with Himself as a complete good deed; but if he intends it & does it, Allah records it with himself as  (10)ten good deeds, up to 700(Seven hundred) times or more. But if he intends to do an evil deed & does not do it Allah records it with himself as a complete good deed; but if he intends it & does it, Allah records it  as one single evil deed.”(Bukhari & Muslim)

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  7 of 49 .

(7) HARD, BARREN ROCK [2:264] O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men, and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day. His likeness is the likeness of a smooth rock on which is a little dust; on it falls heavy rain which leaves it bare. They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

 

MEANING: Rain falls on a garden (fertile land/ believers) and the plants of the garden grow bigger (reward) similitude for believers who do charity for the sake of Allah. But the hypocrites who do it for the sake of show off & not for Allah; have no rewards, rather their deeds are washed away. The rock (non -fertile /disbelievers) signifies their strong hypocrisy covered with a little dust (little Iman).

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  8 of 49

(8) GARDEN ON A HEIGHT. (2: 265) And the likeness of those who spend their wealth seeking Allah’s Pleasure while they in their own selves are sure and certain that Allah will reward them (for their spending in His Cause), is the likeness of a garden on a height; heavy rain falls on it and it doubles its yield of harvest. And if it does not receive heavy rain, light rain suffices it. And Allah is All-Seer of (knows well) what you do.

 

MEANING: Those who spend seeking exclusively the pleasure of Allah & to strengthen their souls. They have sincerely submitted, patient on the acts of worship & they are like a fertile land willing to accept/absorb whatever amount of water  is given to it; it still tries to continue striving  in the cause of Allah & achieving good results & getting huge rewards whatever the situation.

 

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  9 of . 49

(9) GARDEN BURNT DOWN AT OLD AGE. (2:266) Would any of you wish to have a garden with date-palms and vines, with rivers flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruits for him therein, while he is stricken with old age, and his children are weak (not able to look after themselves), then it is struck with a fiery whirlwind, so that it is burnt? Thus, does Allah make clear His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses) to you that you may give thought.

 

MEANING: we  should  never rely on other than Allah for our success/sustenance  in this world & the hereafter, we should not be arrogant  &  commit not major sins simply because we think we have acquired so much good deeds; because all our good deeds/wealth may be wiped away by committing major sins.

 

THE  DIVINE PARABLES  10 of 49.

 

(10)CREATION OF JESUS & THAT OF ADAM.(3:59) Verily, the likeness of Iesa (Jesus) before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: “Be!” – and he was.

MEANING: Allah’s response to one the questions the Christian deputation from  Najran asked the prophet (peace of Allah be upon him). Allah shows that the creation of Jesus was not different from that of Adam because he simply commanded both of them to be & they were. It  further proved to them that the miraculous birth of Jesus by Mary without a father does not justify referring to him as god or a part of trinity. Furthermore, if Jesus can be referred to as god on account of having a mother but not a father, then eve(hawwah) could also be a god because she was created from the rib of Adam (?? a father) without a mother. In fact, we should refer to Adam as the greatest begotten son of god or  the biggest god because Allah created adam with his own hands & he had neither a father nor a mother. (Allah) said: “O Iblees (Satan)! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands. Are you too proud (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high exalted?” Q 38:75.The insinuations of the Christians that God almighty is the biological father of Jesus is indeed an insult to the uncreated creator  as refuted by Allah.”Had Allah willed to take a son (or offspring or children), He could have chosen whom He pleased out of those whom He created. But glory be to Him! (He is above such things). He is Allah, the One, the Irresistible.(39:4) & “He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have children when He has no wife? He created all things and He is the All-Knower of everything.6:101.To further remove doubts in the mind of all that Allah is not the biological father of anyone, He did not refer to Himself as father in any of His beautiful names & attributes despite the closeness in Arabic between the word(Lord “Rabb” & Father “Abb”).

CRESCENT & STAR: UNISLAMIC SYMBOL, REMOVE IT

☪ *CRESCENT & STAR: UNISLAMIC SYMBOL, REMOVE IT.2 of 2*

As regards *what Muslims think about the moon and the stars, we believe that they are part of the creation of Allaah, and as such can neither benefit nor harm people, and they do not have any influence over events on earth*.
Allaah has created them for the benefit of mankind, *“They ask you (O Muhammad) about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage…” [2:189]*.Ibn Katheer said,: “From them (the new moons) *they may know the times for repaying loans, the ‘iddah (waiting period) of their women [after being divorced or widowed] and the timing of their Hajj (pilgrimage)*… Allaah has *made them signs to mark the times when Muslims should start to fast and break their fast*[the beginning and end of Ramadaan]…” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).Al-Qurtubi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his commentary on this aayah: *“This explains the wisdom behind the waxing and waning of the moon, which is to avoid any confusion in appointed dates, dealings, oaths, Hajj, ‘iddah, fasting, breaking fasts, length of pregnancy, rentals and other matters that concern mankind”*.Similar aayah are  *‘And We have appointed the night and the day as two aayaat (signs). Then, We have made dark the sign of the night while We have made the sign of day illuminating, that you may seek bounty from your Lord, and that you may know the number of the years and the reckoning…” [17:12]*.‘It is He *Who made the sun a shining thing and the moon as a light and measured out its (their) stages, that you might know the number of years and the reckoning…’ [ 10:5]*.
Counting the new moons is easier than counting days.” (See Tafseer al-Qurtubi).
*Allahu Akabar, the whole essence is to give rhythm to the lives of Mankind*. With regard to the stars, the scholars of Islam say that *Allaah created these stars for three reasons: to adorn the heavens, to drive away the devils (shayaateen) and as signs for navigation*. (Saheeh al-Bukhaari, Kitaab Bad’ al-Khalq),.“It is He Who has set the stars for you, so that you may guide your course with their help through the darkness of the land and the sea…” [ 6:97].“And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps, and We have made such lamps (as) missiles to drive away the shayaateen (devils), and have prepared for them the torment of the blazing Fire.” [67:5]
*IS THE CRESCENT MOON STILL THE SYMBOL OF ISLAM? MA SHA ALLAH, RESOUNDING NO*.It is quite easy for us to say to Non-muslims that Islam forbids symbolic idolatry  & that the crescent moon & star symbol  have no meaning & no significance to Islam, that we  do not worship the Moon & Star, that we worship only one God who is unseen and has no symbols. *And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostate to Allah , who created them, if it should be Him that you worship. Q41:37*.As true as this is, maybe we have also contradicted ourselves by *undue and unnecessary attachment to the crescent moon and star introduced by the ottoman empire when it was running the show on behalf of Islam & Muslims.
🏿 *As real Muslims who are supposed to correct their errors when they realise it, the most  honourable way to  effectively convince ourselves & non-Muslims who often accuse of worshipping The moon God is to remove it from the minarets of our Masaajid, calendars, charts, publications, flags of Muslim countries, changing the international logo of the red crescent , OIC organisation of Islamic ountries  etc.*Charity, they say, begins at home. IMADAWAH says it begins with You. CRESCENT & STAR: UNISLAMIC SYMBOL, REMOVE IT & STOP PROMOTING IT.
*Request Da’wah* *or ask Question(s) via* *Whatsapp:+27623805003.* *www.imadawah.com.* *(Dawah Without Borders)* *DON’T FORGET TO SHARE.*

CRESCENT & STAR: UNISLAMIC SYMBOL, REMOVE IT

☪ *CRESCENT & STAR: UNISLAMIC SYMBOL, REMOVE IT.1 of 2*

✝✡The Christians have the *cross, the Jews have the star of David & the Muslims have the crescent moon & star, right?* That is what we grew up to know.
*What is the origin of the crescent moon & star?*
*What does it symbolize or mean?*
*How & when did it become associated with the faith of Islam?*
*Is it a valid symbol for the faith?*
☪The crescent moon and star symbol actually pre-dates Islam by several thousand years.Information on the origins of the symbol are difficult to ascertain, but most sources agree that *these ancient celestial symbols were in use by the peoples of Central Asia & Siberia in their worship of sun, moon, and sky gods*.  There are also reports that the crescent moon & star were used to *represent the Carthaginian goddess Tanit or the Greek goddess Diana*. The city of Byzantium (later known as Constantinople and Istanbul) adopted the crescent moon symbol. According to *some reports, they chose it in honour of the goddess Diana*. Others indicate that it *dates back to a battle in which the Romans defeated the Goths on the first day of a lunar month*.In any event, the *crescent moon was featured on the city’s flag even before the birth of Christ*.
The early Muslim community did not really have a symbol. *During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Islamic armies & caravans flew simple solid-coloured flags (generally black, green, or white) for identification purposes*. In later generations, the *Muslim leaders continued to use a simple black, white, or green flag with no markings, writing, or symbolism on it*.
It wasn’t until the *Ottoman Empire that the crescent moon and star became affiliated with the Muslim world*.When the Turks conquered Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453, they adopted the city’s existing flag and symbol. *Legend holds that the founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman, had a dream in which the crescent moon stretched from one end of the earth to the other.Taking this as a good omen, he chose to keep the crescent and make it the symbol of his dynasty*.
5⃣There is speculation that
*the five points on the star represent the five pillars of Islam, but this is pure conjecture*.For hundreds of years, *the Ottoman Empire ruled over the Muslim world.  After centuries of battle with Christian Europe, it is understandable how the symbols of this empire became linked in people’s minds with the faith of Islam*.(See Al-Taraateeb al-Idaariyah by al-Kittaani, 1/320).
☪ *This emblem, commonly recognized as the symbol of the Islamic faith, has actually acquired its association to the faith by association, rather than intent* because there is no basis for it in the Quran , authentic hadeeth or the  best 3 generations (salafu saliheen). *The faith of Islam has historically had no symbol, and many real Muslims refuse to accept what is essentially an ancient pagan icon; but many artificial Muslim countries boast & brandish the crescent moon & star on their flags wanting to symbolise and identify with Islam with it*. ☪Many ignorant Muslims also brandish *the crescent moon & star on the minaret of masaajid, books, charts, calendars etc. thinking it is indeed a symbol of Islam*. Islam & the crescent moon & star have become so entwined in the popular imagination of *non-Muslims that it’s lead some to believe that Muslims worship a moon god (blasphemy), which isn’t true. Muslims worship Allah; the one & only uncreated creator*.
This leads to the question of alternatives.
*What other “symbols” represent the faith?*.Other symbols used to represent Islam include the arabic word Allah, the testimony of faith, takbir, basmala  written on the black banner, colour green.
*Is it necessary to even have a  symbol?.The evidence based symbol of  the Islamic  faith is largely abstract and it is the proclaimation of the kalimatu shahadah LAILAHAILAALLAHU MUHAMMADU RASOOLULAH*.There is no basis in sharee’ah for taking the crescent or star as a symbol of the Muslims or Islam. *CRESCENT & STAR: UNISLAMIC SYMBOL, REMOVE IT & STOP PROMOTING IT*.
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VIRTUES, MYTHS & INNOVATIONS OF SHA’BAAN

*VIRTUES, MYTHS  &  INNOVATIONS  OF SHA’BAAN*.

✅Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): *“When Sha’baan is halfway through, do not fast.”*.Abu Dawood (3237); Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.
Exceptions are:
1⃣ –One who habitually fasts e.g. Mondays & Thursdays, may do it even after halfway through Sha’baan. Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): *“Do not anticipate Ramadaan by fasting one or two days before it, except a man who fasts regularly, who should observe his usual fast.”* Bukhaari.
2⃣– ‘Aa’ishah (radiallahuaniah): *“Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to fast all of Sha’baan & fast all of Sha’baan except a little.”* Bukhaari.” The second phrase is an explanation of the first, pointing out that by “all” what is meant is *“most”.This indicates that it is permissible to fast after halfway through Sha’baan, but only for one who joins that to what came before the halfway point*.
3⃣ – One who is making up missed Ramadaan fasts. Al-Nawawi  said in al-Majmoo’ (6/399): Our companions  said: *it is not correct to fast on the “day of doubt” just before Ramadaan, and there is no difference of scholarly opinion on this point…But if a person fasts it to make up a missed day or to fulfill a vow, or as an expiation, that is acceptable, because if it is permissible to observe a voluntary fast on that day, it is more likely to be permissible to observe an obligatory fast… and if a person has to make up a day from Ramadaan, then he has to fast it, because the time left for him to make it up has become very short*.
❌There is no saheeh marfoo’ report that speaks of the virtue of the middle of Sha’baan.Some maqtoo’ reports (reports whose isnaads do not go back further than the Taabi’een) have been narrated from some of the Taabi’een, and there are some ahaadeeth, *the best of which are mawdoo’ (fabricated) or da’eef jiddan (very weak)*.If a person wants to *pray qiyaam on this night as he does on other nights – without doing anything extra or singling this night out for anything – then that is OK. The same applies if he fasts the day of the  15th of Sha’baan because it happens to be one of the ayyaam al-beed,(13,14,15) of the month, Monday or Thursday that he usually fasts*.So long as he is not seeking extra reward that has not been proven (in the saheeh texts). *One of the popular hadiths about virtues of  Sha’baan  that is very odd & extremely weak is this: “When Rajab began, the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha‘baan, and let us reach Ramadan.” See proof of its weakness in this link* www.islamqa.info/202017

*Some Muslims celebrate the middle of Sha‘baan, fasting on that day and spending that night in prayer (qiyaam)*. There is a hadeeth concerning that which is not saheeh, hence the scholars regarded celebrating this day as an innovation (bid ‘ah). *They observe a salah called  al-Salaat al-Alfiyyah, which is one hundred rak‘ahs in which Soorat al-Ikhlaas is recited ten times in each rak‘ah, offered in congregation.Some pray six rak‘ahs on the so called Laylat al-Nisf  with the intention of warding off calamity, having a long life and being independent of people, and reciting Ya-Seen and offering du‘aa’ in between that* — there is no doubt that this is something that has been introduced into the religion and is contrary to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Al-Nawawi said: The prayers of Rajab & Sha‘baan are two reprehensible innovations. al-Sunan wa’l-Mubtada‘aat, p. 144  Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan (the 15th of Sha’baan) is like any other night, and there is no sound report from the Prophet  to indicate these.

*No one should single out a specific time for doing an act of worship unless that has been prescribed in sharee’ah because all acts of worship are tawqeefi*. Tap link for proofs www.islamqa.info/en/147608.
Is it true that more souls are taken during Sha’baan & that the annual decree of people’s deaths is written in Sha’ban. ? NO
Is 15th of  Sha’baan the night  in which the fate of every one is decided for the next year? NO.
What does the special night mentioned in surah Dukan mean? 15th of sha’baan  or  Laylatul  Qadar? Tap link for proofs www.islamqa.info/154850
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PREPARING FOR RAMADHAN

*PREPARING FOR  BLESSINGS 2 of 2*.

5⃣Seeking knowledge in order to be able to follow the rulings on fasting
6⃣Hastening to complete any tasks that may distract the Muslim from doing acts of worship.
7⃣Sitting with one’s family members – wife and children – to tell them of the rulings on fasting and encourage the young ones to fast.
8⃣Preparing some  authentic  Islamic books which can be read at home or given to the imam of the mosque to read to the people during Ramadaan.
9⃣Fasting some of the month of Sha’baan in preparation for fasting Ramadaan. *‘Aa’ishah (radiallahuaniah) said: The Messenger  (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ……… And I never saw the Messenger  (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) complete a month of fasting except Ramadaan, and I never saw him fast more in any month than in Sha’baan. Bukhaari*.
Usaamah ibn Zayd said: I said: *O Messenger of Allaah, I do not see you fasting in any month as you fast in Sha’baan? He said: “That is a month that people neglect between Rajab and Ramadaan, but it is a month in which people’s deeds are taken up to the Lord of the Worlds and I would like my deeds to be taken up when I am fasting.” Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.*
1⃣0⃣Reading Qur’aan  Salamah ibn Kuhayl said: *It was said that Sha’baan was the month of the Qur’aan readers.When Sha’baan began, ‘Amr ibn Qays would close his shop and free his time for reading Qur’aan*.
Abu Bakr al-Balkhi said: The month of Rajab is the month for planting, the month of Sha’baan is the month of irrigating the crops, and the month of Ramadaan is the month of harvesting the crops. He also said: The likeness of the month of Rajab is that of the wind, the likeness of Sha’baan is that of the clouds and the likeness of Ramadaan is that of the rain; whoever does not plant and sow in Rajab, and does not irrigate in Sha’baan, how can he reap in Ramadaan? This is how our Prophet and the early generations of the ummah were in this blessed month.
🤝For maximum benefit; Request  from  IMADAWAH  *a free Ramadhan diary for you & your family NOW ! or download it from these links*
http://quranproject.org/Download-The-Quran-Project-Ramadhan-Diary-2015-598-d (Adults) http://www.amuslimhomeschool.com/2014/05/kids-ramadan-journal-download.html (Children).
*At imadawah, we hope & pray that these tips will make RAMADHAN AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GREAT REWARDS & ATTAINING JANNAH RATHER THAN THE COMMON/WRONG FEELING THAT IT IS A BURDEN THAT WE HOPE TO QUICKLY GET RID OF*
Request “Da’wah” *or  ask Questions(s) via  whatsapp:+27623805003DON’T  FORGET TO SHARE.* *www.imadawah.com.(Dawah Without Borders)*.

PREPARING FOR RAMADHAN

*PREPARING  FOR  BLESSINGS 1 of 2*.

Many people misunderstand the true nature of fasting, and they make it an occasion for eating & drinking, making special sweets and staying up late at night & watching shows on satellite TV. They make preparations  for  that long before Ramadhan, lest they miss out on some food or prices go up. They prepare by buying food, preparing drinks and looking at the satellite TV guide so they can choose which shows to follow and which to ignore. *They are truly unaware of the real nature of fasting in Ramadhan; they take worship and piety out of the month and make it just for their bellies & their eyes*. Others are aware of the real nature of fasting in the month of Ramadaan, so they start to prepare from Sha’baan, and some of them even start before that. *Among the best ways of preparing for the month of Ramadaan are:*
1⃣ *SINCERE REPENTANCE* This is obligatory at all times, but because of the approach of a great and blessed month, it is even more important  to hasten to repent from sins between you and your Lord, and between you and other people by giving them their rights, so that when the blessed month begins you may busy yourself with acts of worship with a clean heart and peace of mind. Allaah says :  “And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”. [24:31]  Al-Agharr ibn Yasaar (radiallahuanihu) ;Prophet  (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “O people, repent to Allaah for I repent to Him one hundred times each day.” Muslim.
2⃣ *DU’AA’ (SUPPLICATION)*
It was narrated from some of the salaf that they used to pray to Allaah for six months that they would live until Ramadaan, then they would pray for five months afterwards that He would accept it from them. The Muslim should ask his Lord to let him live until Ramadaan with a strong religious commitment & good physical health, and he should ask Him to help him obey Him during the month, and ask Him to accept his good deeds from Him.
3⃣ *REJOICING  AT THE APPROACH OF THE BLESSED MONTH* The arrival of Ramadaan is one of the great blessings that Allaah bestows upon His Muslim slave, because Ramadaan is one of the occasions of good in which the gates of *Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed. It is the month of the Qur’aan and of decisive battles in the history of our religion*. “Say: ‘In the Bounty of Allaah, and in His Mercy (i.e. Islam and the Qur’aan); —therein let them rejoice.’ That is better than what (the wealth) they amass” [10:58]
4⃣ *DISCHARGING THE DUTY OF ANY OUTSTANDING OBLIGATORY FASTS* Abu Salamah said: I heard ‘Aa’ishah (radiallahuaniah) say: I would owe fasts from the previous Ramadaan and I would not be able to make them up except in Sha’baan. Bukhaari.  Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) said: From her keenness to do that in Sha’baan it may be understood that it is not permissible to delay making them up until another Ramadaan begins. Fath al-Baari (4/191).
For maximum benefit in the coming Ramadhan; *Request  from IMADAWAH free Ramadhan  diary for you & your family NOW*! or download it from these links
http://quranproject.org/Download-The-Quran-Project-Ramadhan-Diary-2015-598-d (Adults)

http://www.amuslimhomeschool.com/2014/05/kids-ramadan-journal-download.html (Children)
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