Omar Suleiman

Quran 30 for 30 - Day 7 - Al Anaam and Al A'raaf June 12, 2016 Juz 8 Of the disbelievers Allah says, even if the angels came with the truth they will still disbelieve. Allah doesn’t force people into disbelief. People who challenge you in your faith are there to strengthen you. NO matter what we show to a person who is misguided, if they insist upon it they will not be guided. Verse 116 If you were to follow the majority of those on they will misguide you. Allah is saying don’t follow the majority, they aren’t necessarily correct. Allah wants to strengthen the believers as they are a minority. Allah will open the hearts of those Allah wishes to guide and those who insist upon misguidance, their hearts will be constricted. This is what happened to Umar Ibn Al Khattab. His heart opened to the deen of Islam. When Allah wishes good for the person h grants them guidance. Verse 133 “And you Lord I free of need…. If Allah wills he can do away with you…” Allah does not need us, he can easily replace us. We should be grateful for receiving guidance. We are privileged. Sacrifice at the time in Makkah in the early days of Islam was a form of Ibadah. Allah reminds that HE (swt) is the possessor of Vast Mercy especially for those who still have not accepted Islam, so do not continue is disbelief. Verse 161 – 163 “Say that My Lord has guided me to the straight path…” Ibrahim (as) is mentioned again, who built the kaaba, that was built for One Allah. Remind them of that so they may stop using the kaaba to worship multiple gods. “Prayer and sacrifice” – these two are equated. To mention Ibrahim is to insist upon monotheism. Everything is for Allah alone. Suratul A’raaf Suratul An’aam – establish the warnings Suratul A’raaf – talks about the consequences for not heeding the warnings? The first ten verses speak about the regret of the people once they have been punished. They lament over their inability to follow guidance. Verse 12 They turned away from guidance only because the messenger was not from their tribe. It wasn’t because they didn’t believe in the message or didn’t believe Islam was the guidance. They followed their ego. Just the same as shaytan said – “I am better than him.” The first racist in the world was Shaytaan – do not follow him! Abu Jahal couldn’t accept it! The surah draws parallels with Shaytaan and the disbelievers of Makkah. Shaytaan blames Allah for leading him astray but Allah has given us intelligence to choose between right and wrong. Allah tells the story about Adam and Hawa eating from the tree and the deception of Shaytaan. But while Adam and Hawa (as) turned back to Allah, shaytan remained steadfast in his arrogance. Shaytaan lead them astray through ingratitude. This is the way Shaytaan gets to us all, beware of his deception. Verse 27 “O children of Adam, don’t let shaytan…” Don’t let shaytan deceive you the way he deceived your parents – Always turn back to Allah. “All praise to Allah who guided us to this and we would not have been able to find guidance if not for Allah…” The believer is ALWAYS grateful! Juz ends off with the conversations between people of hellfire and people of Jannah and their respective rewards.

Quran 30 for 30 - Day 6 - Al Maida and Al Anaam June 11, 2016 Juz 7 The end of Suratul Maidah and beginning of Suratul An’aam (Makki Surah). Laws of Shariah continue and ends with story of Isa (as). Verse 82 (Al Maaidah) Praises those Christians who recognize the truth as they hear it. “A person who believed in Isa (as) and then believed in Muhammad (saw) will have two rewards” Verse 89 Breaking of oaths Verse 93 Intoxicants, gambling and sacrificing to other than Allah, casting arrows and trusting Shayateen should be avoided! Immediately after this prohibition Allah says there is no blame on those who believe for what happened in the past. Verse 94 – 100 Laws of hunting, ihram and prohibitions Allah makes permissible the game of the sea. “Its water is pure and its animals are pure.” Unlike for the Jews. Don’t persist in excessive questioning – you could make things haram for you. All the food was haram for Bani Israel except that which they made haram for themselves. Food – Everything is Halaal unless proven Haraam. Verse 105 – 108 Allah clarifies wills and inheritance Verse 109 – end The table spread? May Allah send a table spread with food? Isa (as) followers asked for this as a gift from Allah (swt) – Isa (as) made dua for this and Allah granted it. Musa (as) followers were ungrateful after Allah (swt) sent manna and salwa to them from the heavens. Isa (as) glorifies Allah and denies telling the people that they should worship him as god. Allah knows this but this is part of bearing witness. Isa (as) is the victim as those who made this claim against him. Surah Alan’aam revealed all at once! Along with Jibreel (as) accompanied by 70000 Angels! It went from the heart of Muhammad (saw) to heart of Ibn Masud all at one as well. This Surah spells out Allah’s oneness, longest and first of the Makki Surahs. All praise is due to Allah! Allah is stressing is Tawheed. And also stresses His (swt) creation. Allah is the only one worthy of worship. How many generations were destroyed before them (the people of Makkah)? Shubuhaat and Shahawaat (Pride and desires) veil them from the truth. Nothing will unlock their hearts. Not miracles, not difference in revelation etc. Allah addresses Muhammad (saw) and says that the prophets before him were mocked as well. Verse 22 Speaks about judgement day and those who worshipped other than Allah. Allah will gather them and they will be questioned about those they worshipped and about the claims they made against those who brought the truth. They also denied resurrection. Asaateerul Awalleen – Fiction of the people who came before (an insult to Muhammad (saw). The people of the book for the most part believe in life after death. Verse 36 – Verse 42 Allah mentions the animals and plants use their natural instincts to worship Allah by running their course, who are you to deny Allah with such arrogance! Verse 43 --- Do not be deceived by this world! Turning yourself away from guidance turns you away from good – enjoy the world… Aakhirah is not for you! Be pleased with Dunya, it does not last forever. Surahtul An’aam also focuses on Ibrahim (as) and his natural inclination towards Allah. Verse 74 --- People of the book and People of Makkah both honor Ibrahim (as). So Allah tells us the story of Ibrahim following his inclination to worship one Allah. After seeing the stars and the moon and the sun….it’s not possible for these things to be Allah. Verse 80 – 82 Ibrahim (as) was divinely inspired with the argument that he used. Elevated Ibrahim (as) from his people and protected him against them. Ibrahim (as) is the embodiment of Monotheism. Allah mentions many prophets and says that they were never on any path but motheism and tawheed. “The vision perceive him not, but Allah perceives all vision…” Just because you don’t see Allah, Allah sees everything! Verse 108 – 110 Don’t insult those who worship others when you call them to believe in Allah! It won’t be productive. Be beautiful and gentle and use wisdom.

Quran 30 for 30 - Day 5 - Nisaa & Al Maida June 10, 2016 Juz 6 Beginning of Suratul Maidah This surah has a different time period, post Hudaybiah (Treaty), Muslims now in power after turning back to Allah. In a place of success, authority and victory. So Allah reminds them of humility. The prophet (saw) is now sending letters to the rulers of the world. So Surah Maidah details the etiquette of dawah. The maturity of the laws are also shown. This Surah also talks to the followers of Isa and Maryam. Allah addresses the Muslims and mentions the importance of fulfilling contracts. Allah says the grazing livestock are halaal for us. And there should be no hunting while in the state of Ihram. Muharram, Thul Qa’dah, Thul Hijja, Rajab and the sanctity of these sacred months. Verse 3 The prohibition of eating dead animals, blood and the flesh of swine and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. That were killed with a violent blow or strangled. A lot of laws regarding what’s allowed to eat. Verse 5 All good things have been made lawful for us. Always start with the name of Allah. Allah also made marriage to the women of the people of the book halaal for the muslims. Verse 7 Remember the favour of Allah (swt) and the covenant we took with Allah, addressing the Muslims. We hear and obey! If we connect this to the previous Ayat – If the heart is corrupted then the person will undoubtedly find loopholes in the law. Allah gives us these laws and reminds us to be mindful of Him. Fear Allah. And don’t let your hatred of people keep you from being just – Because you are in a state of power doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be just. Allah mentions rewards for those who do and those who disobey. Remember Allah’s favour – Allah protected the believers form the enemies and the hypocrites. And then Allah reminds us of Bani Israel – broke their covenant with Allah and fell into the punishment of Allah. We should not deviate! And then Allah reminds us of the Christians – they deviated from the covenant. We should not be like them! Muhammad (Saw) is reviving the covenant that was brought to the people of Musa and Isa. Allah guides those who are pursuing his pleasure and take us from darkness to light and upon the straight path. Allah takes us to the story of Musa (as) in Verse 20 – Remember the favour of Allah – Allah had blessed them with position. Musa (as) is about to enter Jerusalem with his people. “Oh my people enter the holy land…” They turned their backs on Jerusalem they did not want to fight. After seeing the army of Firawn drown miraculously. They still do not realize that Allah is truly in charge and only He (swt) grants victory. Allah reminds the believers not to make the same mistake! And they then entered Makkah with grace, justice and mercy, having no fear and maintaining justice!!!!! The children of Adam (as) – Qaabil and Haabil. Allah only accepted the one sacrifice and out of envy the one brother turned in envy and hatred he killed his brother. He should have turned to Allah instead. Verse 39 “Whoever turns back to Allah after transgression, Allah will forgive him….” The dominion of the entire heavens and earth belongs to Allah. We are never in a position act unjustly. We should always judge justly – Bani Israel were entrusted with the scripture and they were unjust. DO NOT be selective in punishment. The Quran is a criterion over the books that came before! Allah will replace nations if they turn away from the covenant with people who will worship and love Allah and Allah will love them.

Quran 30 for 30 - Day 4 - Al Nisaa June 9, 2016 Surah An Nisa verses 24 onward Includes spiritual admonishes and legal rulings. Verses 26 – 28 (Summary of the purpose of Islamic law) “Allah wants to make clear for you...” “Allah wants you to succeed” Allah admonishes the people of the book their faults but also highlights the good they did so we can do good too. Allah also wants to forgive us. “Allah’s mercy precedes his anger” “Allah want to lighten your difficulties” Allah doesn’t burden us beyond our scope. The law has been legislated to make things easy for us, for e.g.. Restricting us from alcohol (harmful effects). Verse 34 – “The abused verse” (or ‘the verse of abuse’) Procedure of resolving conflict with one’s spouse. Why an abused verse? Prophet (saw) is the Quran and he never beat any of his wives even though he may have reached divorced– does not mean to beat or strike (rather strike an example) – People abuse this verse saying wife beating is allowed! Verse 36 onwards – focuses on different things other women’s laws. “And worship Allah and do not associate anything with him….” General rules of Ihsan are imparted, showing excellence to everyone: starting with one’s parents and ending with the stranger. “When we bring upon every nation a witness and we bring you as a witness upon all of them…” Why is it important that Rasul (Saw) is a witness for all mankind? Abdullah Ibn Masood (ra) recited to Rasul (saw) Surah Nisaa until he reached verse 41 “When we bring upon every nation a witness and we bring you as a witness upon all of them…” Rasul (saw) urged him to stop and began crying because he realized the Amanah he was given as an intecessor. May Rasul (saw) not be a witness against us. Verse 43 – “Do not approach the prayer while intoxicated….” Legislation of tayammum is introduced as well Verse 48 “And indeed Allah does not forgive association with him but he forgives everything else for whom he wills…” Allah forgives everything except for shirk – May Allah forgive all our sins. Verse 58 “Allah commands you to render trust…” Give back trust to those who are due and Judge between the people with justice. “Oh you who believe…Obey Allah, the messenger and those who have been granted authority over you…” If you have been granted authority over people, be just and turn to the Quran and Sunnah Verse 64 “No, by your Lord they do not truly believe until they make you the final judge…” First few Juz – Allah mentions people going astray for desires and pride. Here Allah says desires should conform to what Rasul (saw) has judged and as for pride they agree with the prophet (saw) snuffing their pride. Verse 75 Battle has a noble purpose – For the sake of Allah – protecting the weak and oppressed. Verse 79 “Whatever has come to you of good, is from Allah…” When good comes to you Thank Allah, when bad happens to you acknowledge that you are to blame, do not blame Allah. Verse 82 “Do they not contemplate the Quran or do they have locks on their hearts…” Take responsibility for your spiritual shortcomings and worldly failures Verse 87 Third consecutive “Allahu la ilaha illa hu…” Allah warns of the day of judgement ‘Laa rayb’ Verse 102 Long verse detailing Salatul Khawf – How to pray in battle “When you finish the prayer remember Allah standing, sitting and while you lie on your side…” “Indeed Salah has been decreed upon the believers within its specified times…” Even in battle, prayer should be prayed on time. Verse 116 Shaytan is an enemy, promises to lead us astray. Verse 123 It is not by your wishes that you enter Jannah. Always exert effort in good deeds. Verse 135 Allah is JUST, so should we be just and firm witnesses for Allah (swt) Allah finally warns the hypocrites and the disbelievers – Allah does not want to punish us. Allah is all-knowing of all that we do.

Quran 30 for 30 - Day 3 - Ale Imran and Nisaa June 8, 2016 Ale Imran part 2 and Surah An Nisa Bani Israel was condemned in Surah Baqarah – we should avoid their actions they followed so we don’t follow their fate. We should not reject revelation. “Oh you who believe fear Allah or be conscious of Allah….” “And do not die except in a state of submission to him.” “Cling to the rope of Allah…” Theme revolves around guidance of the Quran to the Prophet (saw). Our nation should unite around the book of Allah. Always remain productive in the work of Allah and free oneself from personal agendas, desire and pride. What makes us the best nation is that we enjoin what is good and forbids what is evil and we believe in Allah alone. Focus on what has made the successful succeed. Allah addressed the believers and says that their success at badr was about them fulfilling their covenant to Allah and so they were successful. At Uhud they fell in their covenant so they should becareful, rush to Allah’s forgiveness. Those who are righteous enjoin good and forbid evil and rush toward good deeds. This relates to the battle of Uhud – because the believers turned away because they thought the prophet (Saw) was killed, and it wasn’t about Rasul (SAW) it is about Allah always! And Allah rewards those who are grateful, so don’t turn away no matter what. The archers were tested along with the believers at the Battle of Uhud, but Allah has already forgiven them. Allah did not tell you this about your weakness to distress you, it is being brought to your attention so that you take lesson from it. SubhanAllah! Allah will always forgive so long as you turn back to Him (swt). “If Allah aids you, then who is it that can overcomes you and if Allah forsakes you and who will support you after that. So upon Allah let the believers place their trust…” Rasul (saw) would awake for Tahajjud and recite the last ten verses of Ale Imran. “Allah responded to them, that I do not cause the deeds of anyone to go to waste…” Surah An Nisa The chapter about women – many issues are covered regarding women and family life. Ale Imran – Spiritual admonishment end of the surah also establishes gender equity An Nisa- Practical issues – how to deal with orphans, widows. Establishes legal implications. The verse of polygyny was established to deal with the problem of widows and orphan girls. But not restricted to that time, though one must be just.

Quran 30 for 30 day 2 - Al Baqara and Ale Imran June 7, 2016 End of Surah Baqarah beginning of Ale Imran is a connection The quran will intercede on the day of Judgement These two surahs will shade the believer like a cloud – argue on your behalf on the day of judgement. Emphasize guidance. Ale Imran – 1st section revealed early in Madinah – Muslims have just fought off their opressors so Allah shifts the believers focus. Al Hayy Al Qayyum – Names of Allah (Ayat Al Kursi) (Two greatest names of Allah) The quran is for those who are conscious of Allah. This surah also addresses the People of the Book – all the revelations before were a guidance before they were changed. But the Quran is now the criteria for all those who have Taqwa. Allah addresses the hypocrites – those with crookedness in their hearts. They focus on ambiguous verses and interpret it according to their desires and to cause corruption on earth. Allah addresses the believers- people of knowledge accept every verse as it is all from Allah. We don’t escape any ruling. The heart is ready to receive revelation – it can bear any ruling of the Quran. The law is not too burdensome. The theme of dua still exists through these first three surahs. The focus is the purity of the heart and maintaining sincerity as well as remembering the aakhirah often and meeting Allah. The desires are not strong enough to take them away from Allah Allah addresses the disbelievers- Allah has the best reward with him. They disregard this for their own desires. There are things more beautiful that what you desire over pleasing Allah. Unrestricted desires leads to a person fall into hypocrisy. Allah clarifies that the way to HIM has always been Islam (submission to Him alone in the way that he orders you to submit with his guidance). The people of the book only differed out of animosity and pride – desire and pride leads people astray. Allah addresses them – the likeness of Jesus (as) is just like that of Adams (as) – Allah said “BE” and they came into being. Warning to the people of the book to accept truth and not be deluded. Allah calls them to guidance. Some of them accept and some will turn away. To the muslims – we do not want any element of Deen to be rejected we should believe in all prophets. We accept the entire body of revelation and divine guidance and so distinguish ourselves. Allah will not guide those who insist on misguidance. Can’t attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love.

Lesson from Surat Al Baqara: Don't let your desires delude you. June 7, 2016

Quran 30 for 30. Al Fatiha and Al Baqara summary. June 6, 2016 Ramadan is the month of Quran. Al Fatiha and Al Baqarah Fatiha (Umm Al Kitaab) – Opening of Quran is a supplication for guidance. Prophet (saw) “Dua is essence of worship” Asking Allah for guidance Baqarah – Ain Surah Fatiha we asked for guidance and then in this surah Allah responds that this book has guidance. Allah gives us reasons why we should believe in him in surah Baqarah – stories of how to seek guidance, what guidance is, how to be sincere, reasons we fall from guidance. Always be sincere Allah will be with you. The Quran is a book wherein there is NO DOUBT. Always seek refuge from Allah. Allah speaks about 3 people: Those who believe in Allah and accept guidance Those who purposely turn away from guidance and their hearts eyes and ears are sealed Those who are hypocrites who use guidance for their own good (material/worldly benefit). Story of Adams (as) – fell from guidance (due to simple desire) and was guided again – (Repentance). Follow Allah’s guidance and there will be no fear upon you nor shall you grieve. Iblis guided Jinn – lost guidance (pride) much harder to return to Allah. Firawn – a man who insists upon pride and put it before everything including divine guidance. Bani Israel – Insist on desire, some may turn to Allah again others insist upon their desire until it hardens the heart much like firawn Sulaiman (as) - had access to desires and a great kingdom! He (as) remained close to Allah, a beacon of guidance. Ibrahim (as) – Abrahamic way is unique from all the children of Adam. The way of Deen. Representing everything a person would want to achieve in becoming close to Allah. “Oh Allah send from amongst them a messenger that would recite upon them its verses……” Guidance – Quran Implementation of that Guidance – Rasul (saw) Allah places purification before knowledge – purification first from desires Qiblah is switched to the Kaaba. Allah has prescribed upon you fasting as it was prescribed upon those before you so that you may attain taqwa. Fasting is supposed to bring guidance into your life. Guidance comes in Ramadaan – by gaining piety, glorifying Allah and being grateful. Thank Allah for guidance. “When my servant asks of me I am near to him, I answer the call of the caller when he calls upon me…..” Rushd – guidance in your actions (Rashidoon – guided) Enter into Islam (submission) entirely – do not follow the footsteps of Shaytan and Firawn. Rather follow Ibrahim, Moosa, Rasul (saw) Allah does not burden you beyond your scope. Every soul will have what is within its scope. Fatihah starts with dua for guidance Baqarah ends with dua to be kept firm upon that guidance

We're here! Starting Ramadan! Some tips to get it right

The busy Muslim's guide to navigating the rules of fasting in Ramadan. May 8, 2016