Revive your heart through Surah al-Hadid’s healing wisdom

<p>This Learning Plan, based on the book <em>The Iron Healing: Lessons &amp; Reflections from Surat al-Hadid,</em> is your gateway to engaging with the profound wisdoms and transformative lessons of this surah. Dive into powerful themes, engage with thought-provoking questions, and discover how these timeless teachings can enrich your daily life.</p>
<p><strong>Topics Covered:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Who is Allah? Exploring His Divine Names and Attributes</li>
<li>The Power of Charity: Investing in the Hereafter</li>
<li>Journey Through the Afterlife: Believers vs. Hypocrites</li>
<li>Reviving the Heart: Finding Purpose in a Materialistic World</li>
<li>Understanding Divine Decree (Qadr) in Daily Life</li>
<li>And more!</li>
</ul>
<p>Learning Plan Editors: M.Sultan and Z. Sultan.</p>
<p>We'd love to hear your feedback: <a href="mailto:learningplans@quran.com" target="_blank">learningplans@quran.com</a></p>

<p>Surat al-Hadid or ‘The Iron’ comes from verse 25 wherein Allah states, “Wa anzalna' l-ḥadīda” (We brought down the iron...). This surah (chapter)  is the first of several chapters that are collectively referred to as Al-Musabbihat, which begin with glorification of Allah.</p>
<h2>Context of Revelation</h2>
<p>Surat al-Hadid is primarily a Madani surah (i.e., revealed after Hijra) and most likely revealed in the time between the Battle of Uhud (3 AH / 625 CE) and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH / 628 CE). During this time period, the Muslims were establishing a state in Madinah and were surrounded by a significant number of hypocrites and treacherous enemies. From one facet, the Muslims were essentially surrounded by diverse groups who shared a hatred of the growing Muslim community.</p>
<h2>Themes</h2>
<p>In order to achieve victory over their enemies, it was necessary for the Muslim community to sacrifice their wealth, time, and energy for Allah. All of these aspects are addressed in this surah. Additionally, this surah delves into themes, such as Allah’s power, the temporary nature of this life, noble acts of worship, and the pillars of iman (faith/belief).</p>
<h2>Breakdown of the Surah</h2>
<p>For the sake of studying the surah, the passages have been divided based on their emphasized themes, despite the perfect flow and intertwined topics connecting the surah from beginning to end.</p>
<p>Verses:</p>
<p>1-6: Allah’s Perfection, Knowledge, Power, and Authority
<br />7-11: Charity and its unimaginable reward; the role of trustees
<br />12-15: Light for the believers, darkness for the hypocrites
<br />16-21: Revival of the heart, the deception of this life, the race to Jannah
<br />22-24: Predestination and free-will, regulating one’s emotions
<br />25-29: The descent of iron, revelation, proofs with all prophets, and a concluding address for all people</p>
<p><strong><strong><img src="https://images.quran.com/the-iron-healing-lessons-and-reflections-from-surah-al-hadid/Allahs-oness.png" alt="" /></strong></strong></p>

Introduction

<p><em>Verse 1: Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah, for He is the Almighty, All-Wise.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 2: To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He gives life and causes death. And He is Most Capable of everything.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 3: He is the First and the Last, the Highest and Most Near, and He has perfect knowledge of all things.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 4: He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days, then established Himself on the Throne. He knows whatever goes into the earth and whatever comes out of it, and whatever descends from the sky and whatever ascends into it. And He is with you wherever you are. For Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 5: To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. And to Allah all matters are returned.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 6: He merges the night into day and the day into night. And He knows best what is hidden in the heart.</em></p>
<h2>Allah’s Divine Names and Attributes</h2>
<p>In these opening ayat of Surat-al-Hadid, Allah describes Himself in a number of ways:</p>
<ul>
<li>The All-Powerful, All-Wise</li>
<li>The Creator and Master of the heavens and the earth</li>
<li>The One who gives life and causes death</li>
<li>Al Awwal - The First
<ul>
<li>There is nothing before Him</li>
<li>He is our First priority in life</li>
<li>He is the First to always know everything - including your happiness and grief, your hopes and dreams, as well as the trials you face and the relief that will follow</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Al Akhir - The Last
<ul>
<li>As explained in Surat Al-Qasas, 88, “Everything is perishable except Allah Himself”</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Knowledgeable of Everything, All-Seeing
<ul>
<li>He has perfect knowledge of everything - from every atom, to every drop of water, to every being’s breath, to every celestial body in space</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Reflecting on these verses, which emphasize Allah’s power, authority, and knowledge, helps us understand who Allah is and provides us with spiritual and psychological comfort.</p>
<h3>However, understanding who Allah is should not simply exist within us as theoretical knowledge. Rather, it should inspire us towards clear action in the form of humble submission to His commands and doing tasbih (proclaiming His perfection).</h3>
<h2>What is tasbih?</h2>
<p>This surah begins by informing us that whatever is in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah (ie. proclaims His perfection). The word used in this verse, sabbaha (from the word tasbih), is in the past tense, indicating that this glorification has existed long before we ever came into the picture.</p>
<h3>Tasbih should be understood in the literal sense and is not limited to living beings. Rather, it includes everything, from every atom and molecule, to plants, animals, angels, and celestial bodies.</h3>
<p>While the majority of creation humbly submits to Allah, out of recognition of who He is, humans and jinn have been given the choice to submit or to rebel. In acting upon our knowledge of who Allah is, and therefore engaging in tasbih, we are aligning ourselves with the rest of the universe, “...which recognizes the reality of the Creator, His power, and His Wisdom in all things…</p>
<h3>…The more you believe and live upon tasbih (saying SubhanAllah, Glory be to Allah), the more you’ll find its blessings and protection and guidance in everyday life, and undoubtedly in the afterlife”.</h3>
<p>The Prophet also told us: “Whoever says, <em>'Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi</em>,’ (Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him) one hundred times a day, will be forgiven his sins even if they were as great as the foam of the sea” (<a href="https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6405" target="_blank">Sahih al-Bukhari 6405</a>).</p>
<h2>Implementing these verses</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>Reflect:</strong> How can one live upon the Name of Allah Al-Awwal (The First, before whom is nothing)?</li>
<li><strong>Reflect:</strong> Take a minute to consider the fact that Allah is “with you wherever you are” (57:4). Allah is aware of you. Allah is a witness over you. Allah is protecting you. Allah is guiding you. Allah is blessing you. Allah is responding to you. Think of this frequently in the first person and it’ll change your everyday experience. How should this impact your actions?</li>
<li><strong>Action Item:</strong> How can you incorporate tasbih into your everyday practice? Tip: Try to pair it with an action you already do, for example, walking to school or running errands.</li>
</ol>

Who is Allah?

<p><em>Verse 7: Believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad, peace be upon him), and donate from what He has entrusted you with. So those of you who believe and donate will have a mighty reward.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 8: Why do you not believe in Allah while the Messenger is inviting you to have faith in your Lord, although He has already taken your covenant, if you will ever believe.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 9: He is the One Who sends down clear revelations to His servant to bring you out of darkness and into light. For indeed Allah is Ever Gracious and Most Merciful to you.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 10: And why should you not spend in the cause of Allah, while Allah is the sole inheritor of the heavens and the earth? Those of you who donated and fought before the victory ˹over Mecca˺ are unparalleled. They are far greater in rank than those who donated and fought afterwards. Yet Allah has promised each a fine reward. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 11: Who is it that will lend to Allah a good loan which Allah will multiply ˹many times over˺ for them, and they will have an honourable reward?</em></p>
<h2>How can I purchase paradise?</h2>
<p>While you cannot purchase paradise directly, you can purchase it through true submission - believe in Allah, do good deeds, and give charity.</p>
<h3>Any wealth you have in this world is a test from Allah, and you are considered trustees over that wealth. Whatever was transferred to you, from any source, you are commanded to use it for the sake of Allah and you will be held accountable for how you received it and how you spent it.</h3>
<p>As for those who spend their wealth or the sake of Allah, they are promised a great reward. On the other hand, those who withhold their wealth, pursue it excessively, and use it for evil, then their wealth is a source of punishment for them.</p>
<p>Therefore, each of us is encouraged to donate for the sake of Allah in proportion to how much you believe that everything belongs to Him, that provision comes from Him, and that whatever you give – He replaces.</p>
<h2>How much should I give in charity?</h2>
<p>The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us that every good deed is beneficial and that no good deed should be belittled. We are given the example of a man who donated one dirham (silver coin), when he only had two dirhams in total. The sincerity required to give away half of his wealth meant that his reward was higher than a man who gave one hundred thousand dirhams but had much more than that.</p>
<p>Therefore, in charity and all good deeds, we are all encouraged to do our best. Allah has perfect knowledge of our circumstances and rewards us for our sincerity and intentions.</p>
<h2>What is a good loan?</h2>
<p>People often struggle to give charity because they believe it will result in financial loss. In these ayat however, Allah is referring to charity as a qard hasanat (good loan) and in doing so, is encouraging us to reframe our mindset.</p>
<h3>Sincere charity is an investment that will be replaced and compensated by none other than Allah Himself!</h3>
<p>Additionally, Allah informs us that we can be rewarded 70, 700, or even millions of times for a single act of charity. This means that even a single penny could be worth millions of good deeds. What an incredible business opportunity!</p>
<p>If you are looking to grow your investment portfolio with Allah, keep in mind the following requirements of a qard hasanat:</p>
<ul>
<li>Be sincere and truthful in your intention</li>
<li>Seek Allah’s pleasure without showing off or care for human praise or recognition</li>
<li>Ensure that the wealth you give has been attained from halal sources</li>
</ul>
<h2>Implementing these verses</h2>
<ol>
<li>How are you currently investing your wealth for the purposes of this life and the hereafter? What additional opportunities can you take advantage of in order to ‘purchase’ paradise financially?</li>
<li>What comes to mind when you think of Allah rewarding each individual based on their sincerity as well as their best efforts?</li>
<li>What are some examples of good deeds the believer should sincerely want to do but is unable to? For example, a young person who wishes to have more money so that he or she can give it as charity?</li>
</ol>

Charity & Sacrifice

<p><em>Verse 12: On that Day you will see believing men and women with their light shining ahead of them and on their right. ˹They will be told,˺ “Today you have good news of Gardens, under which rivers flow, ˹for you˺ to stay in forever. This is ˹truly˺ the ultimate triumph.”</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 13: On that Day hypocrite men and women will beg the believers, “Wait for us so that we may have some of your light.” It will be said ˹mockingly˺, “Go back ˹to the world˺ and seek a light ˹there˺!” Then a ˹separating˺ wall with a gate will be erected between them. On the near side will be grace and on the far side will be torment.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 14: The tormented will cry out to those graced, “Were we not with you?” They will reply, “Yes ˹you were˺. But you chose to be tempted ˹by hypocrisy˺, ˹eagerly˺ awaited ˹our demise˺, doubted ˹the truth˺, and were deluded by false hopes until Allah’s decree ˹of your death˺ came to pass. And ˹so˺ the Chief Deceiver (ie., the devil) deceived you about Allah.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 15: So Today no ransom will be accepted from you ˹hypocrites˺, nor from the disbelievers. Your home is the Fire—it is the ˹only˺ fitting place for you. What an evil destination!”</em></p>
<h2>The bridge over hellfire</h2>
<p>On the Day of Judgement, people will be required to cross over the Sirat (the bridge over hellfire). To assist them while crossing, Allah will grant the believers a light. Both the speed at which they cross, and the amount of light they are given, will be based on their level of good deeds.</p>
<p>ʿAbdullāh bin Mas’ud (a great companion of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) described this scene as follows:</p>
<h3>“… Some of them will have a light as large as a mountain, some as large as a date tree, some as big as a man in the standing position. The least among them has a light as big as his index finger, it is lit at times and extinguished at other times.” (Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Jarir)...Shaykh Salman Al-ʿOdah said: Strong iman (faith/belief) is like a source of light that makes clear to you the path of goodness in this life and then lights the path of the afterlife towards Paradise”.</h3>
<p>Therefore, we are instructed to purify our intentions and maximize our good deeds so that we do not face the same plight as the hypocrites.</p>
<h2>The state of the hypocrites on the Day of Judgement</h2>
<p>The hypocrites are disbelievers who claim to be Muslim and may even display outward signs of Islam. However, they do not actually believe. The Quran describes them as “liars, arrogant, grandiose, useless in reality, enemies to the believers, people to be cautious of, cursed by Allah, and promised a punishment…”</p>
<p>Since hypocrites displayed outward signs of Islam, but internally disbelieved, they will initially be given a light on the Day of Judgement. However, their light will not last.</p>
<h3>“…Just as their “light” in this life was an illusion, the light given to them in the afterlife is also an illusion. This “light” will be based on their treatment of the Truth, thus it will be extinguished as a result of their hypocrisy”.</h3>
<h2>The characteristics of the hypocrites</h2>
<p>After their light is extinguished, the hypocrites will call out to the believers, asking them to share their light. The hypocrites will say to the believers, ‘Were we not with you?’</p>
<p>The believers will respond that the hypocrites were indeed with them, physically, in the dunya (previous worldly life). The hypocrites were present with the believers during prayers, pilgrimages, and may have even participated in some of the expeditions. Despite their physical presence, the hypocrites also fell into a number of questionable actions. Table 1, below, outlines the difference between the internal and external actions of the hypocrites versus the believers:</p>
<p><img src="https://images.quran.com/the-iron-healing-lessons-and-reflections-from-surah-al-hadid/hypocrites-vs-believers.png" alt="" /></p>
<h3>While people may be able to deceive others, and even themselves, in this life, Allah knows the reality that exists inside their hearts. “Being Muslim in disguise does not provide good to anyone, in this life or the next. Showing off to others does not provide good to anyone, in this life or the next. The two parties – believers and hypocrites – will separate in the afterlife based on their submission to the truth, not on disguises”.</h3>
<h2>True justice exists in the hereafter</h2>
<p>In this life, criminals can seek refuge in wealth and political power. However, in the hereafter, no ransom – of wealth, status, lineage, or otherwise – will be taken. Each person will bear the burden of their own deeds.</p>
<p>“What better home exists for the hypocrites than the Fire, and what better home exists for the believers than Paradise?”</p>
<p>So, hold tight to the Truth and obey Allah. Whenever you experience or witness heinous crimes, know that Allah is All Powerful and Just. The eternal home awaits everyone.</p>
<h2>Implementing these verses</h2>
<ol>
<li>Our goal should be to strengthen our light in this life and the hereafter. Take a moment to reflect on the following: What motivates you? What are your life circumstances? How can you use the overlap between these two areas to build your light?</li>
<li>Righteous company does not guarantee your success in the hereafter. However, it is still important because it influences your thoughts, beliefs, and actions. How does your social circle help or hinder your Islamic efforts?</li>
<li>In these verses, we are taught that the hypocrites fall into temptations. While everyone sins, it is imperative for a believer to actively work towards reducing their pitfalls. What can you do to eliminate or minimize different types of temptations?</li>
</ol>

The Afterlife

<p><em>Verse 16: Has the time not yet come for believers’ hearts to be humbled at the remembrance of Allah and what has been revealed of the truth, and not be like those given the Scripture before—˹those˺ who were spoiled for so long that their hearts became hardened. And many of them are ˹still˺ rebellious.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 17: Know that Allah revives the earth after its death. We have certainly made the signs clear for you so perhaps you will understand.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 18: Indeed, those men and women who give in charity and lend to Allah a good loan will have it multiplied for them, and they will have an honorable reward.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 19: ˹As for˺ those who believe in Allah and His messengers, it is they who are ˹truly˺ the people of truth. And the martyrs, with their Lord, will have their reward and their light. But ˹as for˺ those who disbelieve and reject Our signs, it is they who will be the residents of the Hellfire.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 20: Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. This is like rain that causes plants to grow, to the delight of the planters. But later the plants dry up and you see them wither, then they are reduced to chaff. And in the Hereafter, there will be either severe punishment or forgiveness and pleasure of Allah, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 21: ˹So˺ compete with one another for forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers. This is the favor of Allah. He grants it to whomever He wills. And Allah is the Lord of infinite bounty.</em></p>
<h2>Has the time not yet come?</h2>
<p>Verse 16 begins with an admonishment and one of the most powerful reminders for introspection in the Quran. Allah asks us -</p>
<blockquote><a href="https://quran.com/57/16">57:16</a></blockquote>
<p>From this verse, we are confronted with the question:</p>
<h3>Has the time not yet come?</h3>
<p>Has the time not yet come for you to consistently pray, fast, exemplify Islamic character, abandon sinfulness, etc.? Has the time not yet come for you to fulfill the obligation of [insert act of worship here]? Has the time not yet come for you to abandon [insert habitual sin here]?</p>
<h3>Has the time not yet come for you to read, research, and see the signs of Allah? You said you would read the articles, discuss the videos, and engage in serious conversations in order to find the truth of life…If you were to die after all these missed opportunities, during which you prioritized trivial matters, what would you say to Allah?</h3>
<p>If not now, then when?</p>
<h2>Allah can revive lifeless hearts</h2>
<p>Every spring, Allah brings the earth back to life. This miracle is meant to serve as a reminder that our hearts can also be brought back to life after their spiritual death.</p>
<p>Just like the rain nourishes the earth, the Quran nourishes our souls.</p>
<p>Similarly, the rain, just like the Quran, cannot be man-made or pursued without Allah’s Mercy.</p>
<h3>Therefore, if you are seeking guidance, turn back to Allah and engage with the Quran, for “…the cure for the hardened heart is dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and the greatest dhikr is The Qur’an”.</h3>
<h2>Types of believers</h2>
<p>In verse 19, Allah describes two types of believers, namely the siddiqun (the truthful) and the shuhada (martyrs).</p>
<p>The siddiqun are the best of the followers of the Prophets because they:</p>
<ul>
<li>Refrain from what Allah has prohibited and fulfill what He has commanded.</li>
<li>Have great ambition, aiming for the highest levels of paradise and aspiring to be amongst the closest to Allah.</li>
<li>Have complete Yaqin (conviction in the truth) in the Quran and the Prophets.</li>
</ul>
<h3>“Ibn al-Qayyim (renowned medieval Islamic scholar) said: The adjective “siddiq” was given to the greatest of people after the prophets and messengers, to Abu Bakr al-Siddiq and his daughter Aishah al-Siddiqa”.</h3>
<p>In this verse, the shuhada (martyrs) are specifically referring to those who die in battle while defending Islam. However, in a <a href="https://sunnah.com/abudawud:3111" target="_blank">hadith</a>, the Prophet said that the general category of shuhada includes those who die from:</p>
<ul>
<li>Plague</li>
<li>Drowning</li>
<li>Stomach disease</li>
<li>A woman who dies from childbirth</li>
</ul>
<p>Alongside to the siddiqun and the shuhada, those who have the highest levels of paradise include those who loved each other for Allah’s sake and the companions of the Quran.</p>
<h2>The reality of the Dunya</h2>
<p>Allah compares the life of this world to a lush green field that eventually withers, leaving only dust behind. Similarly our lives are characterized by growth and maturity followed by loss of strength and death.</p>
<p>This parable is meant to teach us that life is fleeting. The temptations of this world, with its promise of fulfillment and instant gratification, have only increased. Today, the temptation to waste one’s life with trivial games, entertainment, and social media is staggering. However, those who take the warnings of this verse seriously can free themselves from the shackles of this world.</p>
<p>“Saʿid b. Jubayr (renowned student of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) said, ‘The deceptive enjoyment is for those who do not use this life to seek out the hereafter, but those who seek out the afterlife will have something much greater than any enjoyment of this world’”.</p>
<h3>These ayat leave us with an important question: With the lifespan that Allah has given you, with your talents, with your time, what are you racing towards?</h3>
<h2>Implementing these verses</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>Action Item:</strong> “Write a letter to yourself from the grave. Now that the opportunity to do good deeds has ended, what do you wish you would have done? What needs to change now?”</li>
<li>Allah instructs us to contemplate on the wonders of nature so that we can strengthen our understanding of our faith. <strong>Action Item:</strong> Set aside some time each week to go outside and reflect.</li>
<li><strong>Reflect:</strong> “How honest are you in general and as a believer?”</li>
<li><strong>Reflect:</strong> If you were to advise a friend, what would be your top three suggestions on how to avoid over-consumption of entertainment? How can you now implement these suggestions in your own life?</li>
<li><strong>Reflect:</strong> Consider the top 5 things you’re racing towards in life. How do these goals align with seeking Allah’s pleasure and reaching Paradise?</li>
</ol>

Revival of the Heart

<p><em>Verse</em> 22: No calamity ˹or blessing˺ occurs on earth or in yourselves without being ˹written˺ in a Record before We bring it into being. This is certainly easy for Allah.</p>
<p><em>Verse</em> 23: ˹We let you know this˺ so that you neither grieve over what you have missed nor boast over what He has granted you. For Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful—</p>
<p><em>Verse</em> 24: those who are stingy and promote stinginess among people. And whoever turns away ˹should know that˺ Allah ˹alone˺ is truly the Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.</p>
<h2>What is qadr?</h2>
<p>Qadr (divine decree or predestination) is one of the six articles of faith. It refers to the belief that “Allah is sovereign over the universe, knows all things before they happen, and decrees them into existence with limitless power. At the same time, Allah delegated will to human beings to test their deeds, culminating in the Day of Judgment” (<a href="https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/predestination-vs-free-will-in-islam-understanding-allahs-qadr" target="_blank">Yaqeen Institute, 2017</a>).</p>
<p>Qadr does not imply determinism, which is the belief that “all matters are fully determined, including human actions” since this would negate the concept of free will. Rather, we believe that there are matters outside of our control, for which we will not be questioned, and matters within our control, such as our life choices, for which we will be questioned.</p>
<h2>Belief in qadr can transform your mindset</h2>
<p>Recognizing that some matters are beyond our control and are entrusted to Allah, the Almighty, should bring us a sense of comfort and peace.</p>
<h3>In every situation we should ask ourselves, ‘How would Allah like me to react to this?’ Ikrimah (RA) said, ‘Everyone gets happy and gets sad, but you should turn your happiness into gratitude (to Allah) and your sadness into sabr (patience) [Tafsir al-Baghawi, <a href="https://quran.com/57:22" target="_blank">57:22</a>].</h3>
<p>Similarly, Al-Baghawi (RA) writes, ‘O son of Adam, what is the matter with you that you experience extreme grief for something you didn’t get (in this world) that wasn’t meant for you, or so extremely elated with happiness for something that will part from you when you enter the grave?’</p>
<p>Therefore we are taught that in both happiness and sadness, hardship and ease, we should remember Allah, practice emotional regulation, and perform extra good deeds. Above all, the question is not about what happened to you, but how you responded to it.</p>
<h2>Implementing these verses</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>Reflect:</strong> How can belief in qadr benefit a Muslim emotionally and mentally during times of difficulty and times of ease?</li>
<li><strong>Reflect:</strong> “A young man says, “I don’t pray my five prayers because it’s not qadr (it wasn’t decreed for me).” What’s wrong with this statement and why can’t the Muslim “blame qadr” for their disobedience to Allah?”</li>
</ol>

Divine Decree

<p><em>Verse 25: ​​Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and with them We sent down the Scripture and the balance ˹of justice˺ so that people may administer justice. And We sent down iron with its great might, benefits for humanity, and means for Allah to prove who ˹is willing to˺ stand up for Him and His messengers without seeing Him. Surely Allah is All-Powerful, Almighty.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 26: And indeed, We sent Noah and Abraham and reserved prophethood and revelation for their descendants. Some of them are ˹rightly˺ guided, while most are rebellious.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 27: Then in the footsteps of these ˹prophets˺, We sent Our messengers, and ˹after them˺ We sent Jesus, son of Mary, and granted him the Gospel, and instilled compassion and mercy into the hearts of his followers. As for monasticism, they made it up—We never ordained it for them—only seeking to please Allah, yet they did not ˹even˺ observe it strictly. So We rewarded those of them who were faithful. But most of them are rebellious.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 28: O believers! Fear Allah and believe in His Messenger. And˺ He will grant you a double share of His mercy, provide you with a light to walk in ˹on Judgment Day˺, and forgive you. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.</em></p>
<p><em>Verse 29: ˹This is so˺ that the People of the Book ˹who deny the Prophet˺ may know that they do not have any control over Allah’s grace, and that all grace is in Allah’s Hands. He grants it to whomever He wills. For Allah is the Lord of infinite bounty.</em></p>
<h2>What is the purpose of revelation?</h2>
<p>Allah sends down revelation so that we may be guided and successful. Additionally, revelation is meant to establish balance and therefore justice in the world. “…While justice should align with moral and ethical standards, above all, it must be correct and pleasing to Allah.</p>
<h3>Social justice without the Source of Justice falls short and can lead to sinfulness and great harm for society.</h3>
<p>Revelation is one type of bayyinat (clear proof), which are sent for the purpose of making “the truth accessible for those whose hearts are sincere and minds are intellectually receptive.”</p>
<p>The Prophet said: ‘There has never been a Prophet amongst the prophets who was not bestowed with a sign (i.e., proof) amongst the signs which were bestowed (on the earlier prophets). Human beings believed in those signs, and verily I have been given revelation (the Qur’an), which Allah revealed to me. I hope that I will have the greatest following on the Day of Resurrection’ (<a href="https://sunnah.com/muslim:152" target="_blank">Sahih Muslim 152</a>).</p>
<h2>The Greatest Messengers</h2>
<p>The ulul ‘azmi min al- rusul (greatest messengers of firm resolve) are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him)</li>
<li>Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him)</li>
<li>Musa (Moses, peace be upon him)</li>
<li>Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him)</li>
<li>The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)</li>
</ul>
<p>In these ayat, Allah informs us that while some of the descendants of Prophets Nuh and Ibrahim are guided, the majority reject the truth. This highlights for us an important principle in Islam:</p>
<h3>Guidance (and by extension sin) is not inherited from one’s ancestors. Each person has the choice to accept or reject the truth and will be judged according to their sincerity and good deeds.</h3>
<h2>The Injil (Gospel)</h2>
<p>Allah sent the Injil (Gospel) to Prophet Isa (peace be upon him). This book was not preserved and was instead changed and corrupted, with many of the original teachings lost or intentionally omitted. From the Islamic perspective, anything mentioned in the New Testament or Old Testament, is either confirmed to be true in the Qur’an and authentic hadith, rejected if it contradicts the Qur’an and hadith, or we remain silent about it if it’s not referenced in our sources and has no conflict with the overall message of the final revelation.</p>
<h2>The Descent of Iron</h2>
<p>In verse 25, Allah informs us that He sent down iron for the benefit of mankind. Throughout history, iron has played an important role in the development of objects necessary for livelihood, such as coins, tools and farming equipment. Today, iron is used across various industries, such as transportation, technology, and energy. Further, iron is an essential mineral required for our growth and survival, and it cannot be produced by the body on its own.</p>
<h3>The blessings of Allah are meant to bring us closer to Him. Moreover, we should use these blessings in order to support our fellow Muslims and advance causes that are pleasing to Allah.</h3>
<h2>Live upon tasbih</h2>
<p>This surah begins with tasbih (glorification of Allah) and concludes with the statement, ‘Allah is the Lord of infinite bounty.’</p>
<p>What is the connection between these two verses?</p>
<p>Those who live upon tasbih, as mentioned in the first verse, will be granted more of His fadl (grace) in this life and the next.</p>
<h3>“This ummah was honored with the final message – a miraculous, timeless, and preserved message – that was delivered through the great Messenger of mercy, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”.</h3>
<p>When we recognize the favor of Allah upon us, in that He guided us to this faith, our hearts should humbly submit and our tongues should actively engage in glorifying Him.</p>
<p>May Allah make us from amongst His honored servants.</p>
<h2>Implementing these verses</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>Reflect:</strong> What are you personally doing to support the causes of truth?</li>
<li><strong>Reflect:</strong> What are some of the greatest benefits you’ve taken from this surah?</li>
<li><strong>Action Item:</strong> In Section 2, you were encouraged to find ways to incorporate tasbih into your everyday practice. Were you successful? If not, what steps can you take to achieve your goals?</li>
</ol>
<p>#AlHadidLessons #TheIronHealing</p>
<p><em>For the full book and other works by Imam Sulieman Hani, click</em> <a href="https://a.co/d/9abGBzy" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a>.</p>

Revelation & Truth

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The Iron Healing: Lessons & Reflections from Surah al-Hadid

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