Bismillah 

Most of us born in a muslim household and also those who reverted to Islam, we tend to forget to mention Islam as our greatest favour and blessing.
It has become so obvious that we don't really see how many other billions of people living currently are in disbelief and how many billions died in disbelief and how many other billions or trillions or more than that who will come later on and die as disbelievers.

Do we really show gratitude for this blessing of being chosen to believe in Allah ? 
The heaviness which prophet Ibrahim carried this one blessing guided his steps in this world, remember when he said in surah Ibrahim 
"And why should I not rely on Allah when he has guided me to the right path ? " 
Look at his attitude, He knew the favour bestowed upon him showed how loving and merciful Allah was towards him.

To Allah belong the best examples, let's try and think about it this way 
In this modern world of financial stability being the thing we chase day and night, if someone comes and gives you this very very huge amount, that it clearly dictates that you will never lack financial means to anything.
Will you ever doubt that person, regardless of what he does or ask you to do ? 
My guess is NO, .... Lets us ask ourselves WHY ? 
My answer is because they gave us what we really value to be the greatest gesture/reward, hence our minds tells us then they will always be on our side regardless.


Therefore, we are not lucky to be Muslims today nor are we that clever to be able to see truth from false except that it is Allah who choose us .
As He says in His wise book :

'Had it not been for Allah's grace and mercy'.......I just can't get enough of this. 
The sweetness of these words just envelope me with love and serenity. 
'Had it not been for Allah's grace and mercy'......I want these words to reverberate in my head all day long
'Had it not been for Allah's grace and mercy'......I want these words etched on my soul
'Had it not been for Allah's grace and mercy'......I would have been a heap of pain and suffering
'Had it not been for Allah's grace and mercy'......I would have had no purpose, no life
'Had it not been for Allah's grace and mercy'......I would have been nothing
'Had it not been for Allah's grace and mercy'......I would most certainly be one of the losers
Ya Rabbi! With your grace and mercy, lead us onto the straight path which leads to You and Your mercy. Ameen

Aamiin.
SubhanALLAH! Your words touched me deeply. JazakAllahu khayr.
I want to have these verses permanently carved in my heart... 2:64

I can feel this ayah talks to me directly. Every time i go back and forth on Allah’s way, i see his mercy as he brings me back. Had it not been for his grace, i would’ve certainly been of the losers who disobey Allah, wrong themselves, lose the connection with their souls and live a life of distance from Allah

So very true. I feel the same way. Alhamdullilah

Ayat 59-73

Ayat 59-73 Allah reminds the Israelites how they were not just ungrateful at the same time extremely disrespectful, and they had the audacity to mock Allah is so many ways, that again in the presence of a Prophet. They ridiculed Allah's orders, tried to humiliate Allah's messenger. 

They received the blessings and rejected saying those were not good enough. Yet Allah granted what they wanted through His prophet. 

Amidst all these in Ayat- 62, Allah mentioned those among the nation who followed Allah's command and they have nothing to fear. 

This is the similar situation today. Non-believers and a portion of us who identify as believers, we fail to recognise Allah's blessings. We complain. Yet Allah continues our sustenance. And among us there are still people who are grateful servants of Allah. May Allah allow us to be from of the grateful ones.

#Week1 #QuranicCalendar #Yaqeen #Certainty #Iman #Faith  #Hajj #Tilawat #Recitation #Reverts #Arabic #Tafsir #Commentaries #QuranInAYear 

One of our reflection prompts this week (Week One of Qur'an in a Year) is 'How do we believe in Allah SWT without seeing Him?'

As a recent revert (March 2022) who was coming from a position of near-atheism, I worried greatly for a while about how it would ever be possible to truly believe in God. But little by slow, Allah SWT, the Gentle and All-Aware, has manifested His presence and care in my life, time and time again. 

There are so many examples. I'll write here about two of them. God wiling:

Help during Hajj
******
I made Hajj last year, Alhamdulillah. I didn't sleep much and I got sick too. Not uncommon! But I could often sense that, even though I was often too tired to think straight, Allah SWT was physically guiding me to what I needed most at the time, whether it be a seat on the ground that allowed me some back support, or whether it be medical care or even a local brother who helped me with a wheelchair for tawaf! I was able to complete everything I needed to do for Hajj, Alhamdulillah, but that's because my Rabb gave me everything I needed just as I needed it.

A Ramadan Stretch Goal: Reciting a Juz a Day
*****************
Learning to read the Arabic script has been an ongoing challenge. As of late last year I still could recite only a few ayat at a time before I would get mentally tired. 

Around that time I began making a du'a that Allah SWT make the Qur'an the spring of my heart and the light of my chest. I recited the du'a for a few weeks and then forgot about it.  

Then I found some learning materials online that improved my ability to read the script and to understand some of the grammatical structures and vocabulary in the Qur'an. And as of Sha'ban, I found myself making an intention to recite a juz a day during Ramadan. And Alhamdulillah, Allah SWT opened the way for me to be able to do just that. Was it tough at times? Yes! Was my tajwid good? No. Did it take me a long time to recite one juz a day? Yes, but the time I needed got shorter each day. Did I connect with the Qur'an in a way I never had before? Absolutely. 

Long story short, a lot of that 'impostor syndrome' feeling is gone now. I still need good English translations to be able to understand the meanings of the ayat and each surah as a whole, and I have a few favorite tafasir (commentaries) that I rely on as well. But I see this recent Ramadan experience as nothing short of miraculous. 

I just remembered the other day that I had been making that du'a, and even though I eventually forgot to keep making it, Allah SWT answered it.

Du'aa
****
May Allah SWT grant tawfiq (success) to all of the participants in Qur'an In A Year and may He shower baraka and noor (increase and light) into the lives of the QuranReflect team, Shaykh Saeed, and everyone who's participated in bringing this initiative to us. Barakallahu fikhum.

May Allah bless you and your words. Jazakallah khair for this reflection, and for sharing your story 🤍

> Yes, but the time I needed got shorter each day. Did I connect with the Qur'an in a way I never had before? Absolutely.

This part is comforting as someone who's currently stumbling across the letters of Quran. As I'm still finding my rhythm with tajweed, it reassures me that progress doesn't have to be dramatic to be real.
Day by day, I trust that this small consistency will grow into something deeper. Inshallah, one day I won't just be reciting the words, rather, I'll feel them settle in my heart.

May Allah continue to bless you in your journey and writing ❤️

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful,

I had read a few translations of the Qur’an several times during my teenage years. I was marvelled by the science of the Qur’an. Yet, I didn’t really contemplate about the Prophets peace be upon them all, the Day of Judgment and death.  I believe I had not ‘experienced’ much about life and especially I had not suffered much loss during my youth. 

Then one day, it was as though the Qur’an was ‘forced upon me’ by Allah through our Qur’an group ‘Quran Crew’; for Muslim women a small but growing group who come from various parts of the world. I realised then Guidance and invitation to the Qur’an only comes from Allah. It is Allah only who can open a person’s heart. 

In my early days of contemplating the Qur’an with our taddabur group, I had forgotten my books (that I habitually carry) whilst travelling. I had my children’s iPad and I felt the urge to read whilst as a passenger in the car. I saw some ‘kindle books’ and decided to look for a book. I found ‘The Book of Aphorisms’ or ‘Kitab Al Hikam’ by Ibn Ata Illah (an esteemed scholar from Egypt and praised by Ibn Taymmiyah). 

The cover was relatively unappealing but something drew me to this book and as I turned the pages I read the following:

'When Allah unfolds a realm of knowledge for you, get rid of the feeling that you are not qualified for that in terms of deeds. He opened up  that for you because He wanted to make Himself known to you. Don’t you know that the knowledge was His presentation for you, while the deeds were yours for Him and, of course, your presentation will be zilch compared to that of Him.'  (Pg 5).

Having read this, I was astounded I had recently had miracle encounter with a sister from another part of the world and together we formed a taddabur group. I struggled against this responsibility. Afterwards, shortly I discovered Quran Reflect. For four years, I have been turning the pages of the Qur’an deeply contemplating on most days. I consider this nothing but a miracle and the Generosity of Allah towards me. I also know there are beautiful stories from mankind of how they discovered the Qur’an. All coming to the conclusion that this is truly the Mercy of Allah. 

Yet, the Qur’an carries responsibility and the responsibility of action, adherence and trust upon Allah. It’s not a gift to be taken without huge gratitude, a gratitude that must be given every single day. 

I was once in my tajweed class and I was struggling and my teacher from Egypt she told me ‘ask Allah for help, ask Allah to make it easy’ so I had this habit to ask Allah to make things easy and I realised I should do the same when applying the Qur’an to make it easy. For often the soul will struggle against the temptations of this world. 

I must contemplate always this gift, this invitation to follow and show my gratitude by implementing the Qur’an and always being in awe of Allah and always remembering He indeed is the Most Gracious and ever so Merciful. Yet, I need His help to follow. 

This ayah in a good way frightens me. I know if I am sincere with Allah, He will be with me. So I ask for His help to guide me with His Blessed Book.

Shauma Hayyu Syakura​ may the Qur’an be our companion in this world, for it to be our companion in the barzakh and on the day of judgment and we are elevated through the quran and we are forgiven because Allah guided us to love His words and to heed them. All praise is due to Allah Lord of the worlds, and I am grateful to Allah that you are striving and keep that striving and may you feel the sweetness of striving that you cannot be without the Qur’an, Allahumma Ameen 🤲🏻♥️

The fruit that a plant bears depends on the seed that we sow.When allah provides us with seeds,we have to nurture and water it in a good fertile soil so that it produces lot and lot of fruits,flowers and seeds.

Throughout our lives Allah is constantly planting seeds of faith in our life and calling us to also plant seeds of faith in the lives of others, on an ongoing basis.

Remember —a farmer who plants good quality seeds,in a highly fertile soil generously will get a great crop.

TO REAP GREAT BENEFITS

*the soil(heart) has to be fertile with faith.
We should make our heart clean and pure to reap good harvest.

*good watering and light is required to yield good crop.
      With Allahs mercy and light,when a fertile heart receive rain of benefial knowledge,it grows abundantly.
 
*we can produce more and more crops by sowing the seeds from our own crops.If the root is strong and deep,we can reap crops in plenty and in good quality .

             Likewise for each good deed that we do with strong faith and sincerity,we get a great harvest eventhough we may not see it now.Once seed is sown allah will make it grow and allah increases it,and we continue to reap the benefits.SUBHANALLAH

🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

*The weeds and parasites growing around the crops if not checked and rooted out, from to time, it is likely that they’ll take over and kill the crops.  

Similarly, the faith and righteous deeds must be cleared of the weeds of hypocrisy and innovation.May Allah protect us all....
 
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah the Exalted says: Except for fasting, for it is done for my sake and I will reward it.

Source: Sahih Muslim 1151, Grade: Sahih


Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

None gives charity from what is good, for Allah only accepts what is good, but that the Merciful takes it with His right hand. Even if it is a date, it is nurtured in the hand of the Merciful until it becomes greater than a mountain, just as one of you nurtures his young horse or camel.

Source: Sahih Muslim 1014, Grade: Sahih

SUBHANALLAH....
ALHAMDULILLAH...
May Allah help us to remember that whenever we are giving sadaqa,it goes directly to Allahs right hand.May Allah pour his mercy upon us to race to earn his immense pleasure....Aameen.

Allahu akbar kabeera
Walhamdulillahi kaseera
Wasubhanallahi bukrathan wa aseela.....


# spend
# charity
# good deeds
# Allah increases

2: Surah Al Baqara (The Cow/Heifer)
Get to know the Surah that angels descend to the sky for when it is recited.
Early Madani (among the first to be revealed to the Prophet after Hijra)
It was named after the story of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) and his people regarding the cow
Contains the last verse of the Quran to be revealed to the Prophet (2:281)
It has 286 verses, and is the largest Surah in the Quran. 
Has been highly praised by the Prophet (ﷺ); Holding on to Surah Al-Baqarah is a blessing upon blessing. Abandoning it is regret, as Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said.
The opening verses of Surah al-Baqara clarify that the Qur’an is here to guide us, but we can only access that guidance if we are sincere in striving for righteousness.
Summary of some of its topics:
The 3 broad categories of Mankind
It covers every aspect of theology - from the 5 principles of Islam to the 6 Articles of Faith.
This Surah emphasizes ways to attain Guidance, true righteousness, and Ethics of the Muslim ummah
This surah cites sixteen different issues concerning Jewish dissent all through their long history as documented in the Torah. Bani Israel was chosen to be a model nation under God’s guidance, so they can show how to follow divine guidance to all of humanity. That was their responsibility and there is a long discourse on how Allah gave them that responsibility, but they transgressed. 
As Muslims, we should look into our hearts and the essence of our religion and live it with sincerity and true faith. 
Detailed laws of Islam related to every area of life, such as Fasting, Hajj, Marriage, Divorce, Warfare, and Criminal law; in between which Allah stresses the importance of Taqwa.
The surah concludes with rulings on Charity as the foundation of the Islamic Economy & the biggest cardinal sin in finance (interest)
9 Logical themes of Al-Baqara.
Theme 1: The 3 audiences of the Quran (2: 1-27)
Allah (SWT) divides the audience of the Quran into three groups: 
Believers: The people who have faith and engage with the Quran (2: 1-5)
Disbelievers: The people who completely reject it (2: 6-7)
Hypocrites: The people who claim to have faith but they don’t have faith (2:8-20).
Allah (SWT) informs us that these three groups have always existed (2: 21-27).

Theme 2: Creation of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ)- The father of Mankind (2: 28-39)
Here, Allah mentions the story of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ), his creation, Shaitan’s rebellion and how Adam & his wife ended up on earth. Just as Adam was chosen for the responsibility of being God’s vicegerent on earth as humanity spread out, it was important not to have just one person to take over this responsibility, but an entire nation.
Theme 3: Children of Israel- The old nation (2: 40-123)
This Surah discusses the negative attitude of the Jews in Madina towards the message of Islam, and their history, both ancient and recent. Such incidences of their habitual transgressions in this surah include:
After being saved from Pharaoh & his people, the parting of the sea, worshiping of the calf and their repentance (2: 49-54).
After being revived from death; their arrival at the town and what has been provided to them from the earth; the sabbath and the punishment they received (2: 55-66)
Their encounter with Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) on the sacrifice of the cow (2: 67-77)
The people of the book (Jews, Christians, Sabeans) and their disbelief (2: 78-123).
Story of later generations of Bani Israel including the war between Prophet Dawud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) & Jalut (2:243-252)

Theme 4: Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ)- Father of the new nation (2: 124-141)
Allah (SWT) talks about Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him.
The tests of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) & how he upheld them (2: 124-126)
The building of the Kaaba and the dua’s of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ). As he built that house he prayed for a prophet to come, and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the answer to that prayer. (2: 126-129)
The legacy of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ): his submission to Allah and that of his sons and the descendants of Yaqub (2: 130-134)
The believers (the new ummah, Jews & Christians) regarding the religion of Ibrahim (A.S) (2: 135-141)

Theme 5: The new nation: Change of the qibla (2: 142-150)
Of this Surah is the command for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to change his prayer direction from Jerusalem towards the Kaaba. The nation of believers is now new, and they will be put to the test. 

Theme 6: The New Nation: Muslim Ummah & their trials ahead (2: 151-177)
What is interesting to note is that Allah tells us the story of Adam, whom He tested, but Adam failed the test, then was redeemed. Then the story of the Children of Israel who were also tested, but they also failed the test, and they have a chance to be redeemed. Allah then mentions the story of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ), who passed all the tests he went through, then finally the Ummah of believers and the tests they will go through: So the sequence of the stories in this Surah is father, nation, father, nation.
The rightly guided remember Allah, are patient and prayerful (2: 151-158)
Those cursed by Allah conceal the clear proofs sent to them (2: 159-160)
Shaitan: is the enemy of Mankind & the disbelievers; 
Forbiddance of eating dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine & animals sacrificed for those other than Allah (2: 161-167)
True righteousness and what it entails (2:177)

Theme 7: Laws of the New nation (Trials of the believers- 2:178-203)
What are we to be tested with? The Surah continues with new laws for the Muslim nation in an incredible systematic order. Some of which include the prescription of: 
Legal retribution (2: 178-179)
Wills & bequest for parents and close relatives when death approaches (2: 180-182)
Fasting and the limits set by Allah (2: 183-187)
Prohibition of bribery and corruption (2:188)
Jihad (2:189-195)
Hajj & Umrah (2:196-203)
Taking care of Orphans (2:220)
Prohibition of marrying the polytheist (2:221)
Marriage, Divorce, the widow & the limits set by Allah (2: 222-242)

Theme 8: Guidance & Greed (2: 204-283)
Greed and money matters in one of the longest parts of the Quran.
Halal income and how to spend it (2: 204-216).
Fighting in the sacred months (2: 217-218)
Wine & Gambling (2:219)
The etiquette of charity (almsgiving & Kind speech) (2:261-274)
Islamic Economics and money matters (2:275-283)

Theme 9: Prayer for securing our faith (2:284-286)
A dua’ asking Allah not to put a burden on us, like that which was placed on the people before us, because they were not able to carry that burden, and to forgive us if we forget or make mistakes.

The Prophets mentioned in Al Baqara 
Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ): Creation of man (mastery of language, speech, eloquence & intellect) and his descending to earth. A reminder that the best of people also make mistakes, but in humility, they acknowledge their mistakes and repent. Shaitan's arrogance blocked him from the path of guidance and led him towards Hellfire. 
Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) & the Children of Israel: The favors bestowed upon them by Allah & their transgression.
Sulaiman (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) & the jinns: Allah declares that Sulayman (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) was a believer and it was the devils who disbelieved. Sulaiman was blessed with every worldly privilege, but he did not allow any of these blessings to distract him from the purpose of life. 
Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ): The father of Islamic monotheism,  Building of the Kaaba; His legacy, that of his sons (Ismail & Ishaq) and their descendants
Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) living up to the legacy of his grandfather Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) and passing it down to his children.
Dawud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ): His battle with the army of Jalut -  a reminder that success lies in following the guidance of Allah, even if only a minority of people follow it.
Parallels with Suratul Fatiha
In Al Fatiha, we asked Allah for guidance. Suratul Baqara starts with setting the ground that the Quran is a book of guidance in which there is no doubt. Whoever wishes for guidance will find it in the Quran
Suratul Baqara also ends with a Dua asking Allah not to burden us with more than we can bear on our path to attaining righteousness and guidance.

Reading these two surahs and listening to them in taraweh over the last few days has reminded me just how special they are

Alhamdulilai Robilialamin, the beauty and the joy of endless tranquillity lies with Allah and this verse resonates with me on the need to hold on to Allah and be steadfast as none but him can change any situation in your life as He alone should be call  the miracle himself by all standard....May He continue to guide us aright from now till the end of time: Amin kunfayakun. 

✨ سورة البقره ~ آیت نمبر:30

✨' اور ياد کرو جب فرمایا تمہارے رب نے فرشتوں سے میں مقرر کرنے والا ہوں زمین میں ایک نائب/خلیفہ '

- یہاں فرشتوں سے نہ مشورہ کیا جا رہا ہے اور نہ اجازت طلب کی جا رہی ہے بلکہ اللہﷻ کو نہ کسی کی اجازت کی ضرورت ہے اور نہ ہی مشورہ کی، پس وہ جو چاہے کرے۔ 

یہاں دو چیزیں غور طلب ہیں
1: خلیفہ کسے کہتے ہیں؟
2: انسان ہی کو منصب خلافت کیوں دیا گیا؟ کیا اللہ کو مخلوق کی کمی تھی؟ نہیں، تو پھر؟

- خلیفہ وہ ہوتا ہے جو کسی ملک میں اس کے نائب ہونے کی حیثیت سے اس کے احکام  کے مطابق عمل کرائے۔ اس منصب کے لیے ظاہر ہے کسی ایسی مخلوق کی ضرورت تھی جو قابلیت، علم، عقل و فہم، اور قوت میں محدود نہ ہو۔ جو ان سب میں محدود ہو اور جس کی محدودیت کا یہ عالم ہو وہ اس پاک ذات کا خلیفہ/ نائب کیسے بن سکتا ہے جس کا علم، ارادہ، احکام اور اختیار غیر محدود ہے۔ اگر اللہ کی ساری مخلوقات کا جائزہ لیا جائے پرندے، جانور، کیڑے مکوڑے یہاں تک کہ پانی کی مخلوقات کا بھی تو سب اپنے اپنے علم و فہم میں محدود ہیں۔ وہ صرف وہ جانتے اور کرتے ہیں جتنا اللہ نے انہیں بتا اور سکھا دیا ہے۔ لیکن انسان اللہ کی وہ مخلوق ہے جو ابتداء میں کمزور بھی ہے اور جاہل بھی ہے لیکن اس میں بے انتہا قابلیت، علم،  عقل و فہم کی وہ قوتیں رکھ دی گئیں ہیں جن کی حد نہیں۔ اس لیے تمام تر مخلوقات میں صرف انسان ہی اس منصب کا اہل ہے۔

✨ عارف کامل اسماعيل حقی فرماتے ہیں:

انسان مختلف عناصر سے مرکب ہے۔ اس کی صورت کا تعلق عالمِ محسوس سے ہے اور اس کی روح کا تعلق عالمِ غیب ملکوتی سے ہے۔ صورت اور روح کے علاوہ اس میں ایک پوشیدہ قوت ہے جو انوارِ ربانی کے فیض(عنایت الٰہی و جذبۂ باطن) کو قبول کرنے کی استعداد/ قابلیت رکھتی ہے۔ اچھی تربیت سے وہ عالمِ محسوس سے ترقی کرکےعالمِ غیب تک رسائی حاصل کرتا ہے اور رسالتِ مآبﷺ کی سچی پیروی سے اس پر عالمِ جبروت و عظموت (عظمت و کبریائی) کی راہیں کھلتی ہیں۔ وہ الہیِ نور جو اس اطاعت و پیروی کی برکت سے اسے حاصل ہوتا ہے اس سے وہ جمال و جلال کے انوار و تجلیات کا مشاہدہ کرتا ہے۔ *فَسُبْحَانَ اللهِ اَحْسَنِ الخَالِقيْنَ*۔ انسان کو جو صرف خاق کا پتلا سمجھتے ہیں کاش اس حقیقت پر غور کریں تاکہ ان میں اپنے بلند مقام پر پہنچنے کی تڑپ پیدا ہو۔ یہ وہ ذرہ ہے جس کے سامنے آسمان کی رفعتیں سرنگوں(شرمندہ) ہیں اور یہ وہ قطرہ ہے جس میں سمندروں کی گہرائیاں ہیں۔

~ تفسیر ضیاء القرآن 

#انسان
#قرآن