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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comWelcome back to BeQuranic — where we don't just read the Qur'an, we try to live it.Today is Tafsir Thursday, and we're catching up on the second half of Surah al-Waqi‘ah — from verse 58 to 74. These verses shift from describing people of the Hereafter to presenting a powerful series of reminders from nature.The tone changes. Now Allah is asking us — ref…

Welcome back to BeQuranic!Today is Tajweed Tuesday, and that means it's time to dive into the recitation and rules of the Qur'an — not in a complicated, academic way, but in a practical way that helps us all recite with confidence, clarity, and fluency.This week's Ayat of the Week comes from Surah al-Waqi‘ah, verses 68 to 74. It's a shorter passage than usual, which means we can take our time and really focus on perfecting our Tajweed.Practice Tips* First, slow down and get your articulation correct.* Then repeat until you're smooth and fluent.* Read with intention, not just mechanically. This is Qur'an — the speech of Allah. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comThis week on Tafseer Thursday, we explored a powerful and sobering section of Surah al-Waqi‘ah — verses 41 to 56 — where Allah describes the fate of Ashab al-Shimal, the people of the left. These are the individuals who will receive their records in their left hands on the Day of Judgment — a sign of loss, disgrace, and eternal regret.Allah asks with a …

Welcome back to Road to Hajj — where we explore the rituals of Hajj, their meanings, and the mysteries behind them.Tonight, though, we're going to take a step back from the rituals themselves. Instead, we're diving into an incredible historical moment — one that didn't just shape the Hajj… it changed the course of Islamic history forever.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.This moment happened on the last night of Hajj, 1,447 years ago.It was the spark that led to the Hijrah — the Prophet's migration to Madinah. And as we know, the Hijrah wasn't just a journey; it was the turning point. So important, in fact, that the Companions later decided to mark it as year one in the Islamic calendar.To really appreciate what happened that night, we need to rewind the story a bit — back two years before the Hijrah.Rewinding to the Nights of MinaAs you may know, during Hajj, the pilgrims spend the 11th, 12th, and 13th nights of Dhul-Hijjah in Mina. Even today, that practice continues.But let's go back to the 11th year of Prophethood, a couple of years before Islam had a home in Madinah.Every year during Hajj, tribes from across Arabia would travel to Mecca. And every year, the Prophet ﷺ would walk among them, calling people to Islam.But that year, something was different.The Prophet wasn't just doing da'wah — he was also searching for a tribe that would adopt and protect him. Why? Because just a year earlier, in the 10th year of Prophethood, the Prophet ﷺ had lost his greatest worldly protector — his uncle Abu Talib.Abu Talib, the chief of Banu Hashim, had shielded the Prophet from the worst of Quraysh's violence. While others like Bilal, Sumayyah, and Abdullah ibn Mas'ud were tortured — often brutally — the Prophet was relatively protected due to Abu Talib's status.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.But when Abu Talib passed away, his successor was Abu Lahab — a man who refused to support or protect Rasulullah ﷺ.With no protection left in Mecca, the Prophet ﷺ went to Ta'if, hoping its people might offer refuge. But they rejected him and humiliated him.Eventually, he returned to Mecca under the protection of Mut'im ibn ‘Adi, a nobleman from another tribe. It was only temporary — the Prophet knew he couldn't count on Mut'im forever.So he started reaching out to other tribes.He approached Banu Kindah, a once-powerful tribe. They were interested… but they wanted power. They asked, “If we support you, will we be rulers after you?” The Prophet ﷺ replied, “That's not for me to promise — that is for Allah to decide.”Their intentions weren't sincere, so he moved on.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.A Small Encounter with Big ConsequencesAnd then — walking through Mina — the Prophet ﷺ noticed a small group: just six young men.He asked them, “Who are you?”They replied, “We are the Khazraj.”The Prophet asked, “The same Khazraj who live near the Jews in Yathrib?”They said, “Yes, we are from Yathrib.”That caught the Prophet's attention.You see, the people of Yathrib had lived alongside the Jews for generations. They were familiar with the concept of prophethood, scripture, and divine revelation. And, at that time, Yathrib was suffering from ongoing tribal conflictbetween two Arab tribes — the Aus and the Khazraj. Many of their elders had been killed. The city was fractured, desperate for unity.The Prophet ﷺ spoke to them about Islam — with the same sincerity and passion he had shown the big tribes.And something clicked.They didn't pledge allegiance that year, but they said:“Let us return to our people and speak to them. If it's good, we'll come back to you next year.”Year 12 of Prophethood: Bay‘at al-‘Aqabah (1)The next year, 12 people came back — most from Khazraj, some from Aus. They met the Prophet at night during the days of Mina and pledged allegiance.This was the first Bay‘at al-‘Aqabah — named after the valley near Jamrat al-‘Aqabah, where the meeting took place. Today, that area has changed, but back then it was where the Hajj tents stood.This first pledge was spiritual — they promised:* Not to associate partners with Allah* Not to steal or commit zina* Not to kill* To obey the Prophet in goodnessAfter that, they requested the Prophet ﷺ to send someone back with them to teach them Islam.The Prophet chose Mus‘ab ibn ‘Umayr — a young, eloquent, wise man from Mecca. Mus‘ab went to Yathrib and taught, preached, built the foundation for what was to come.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Year 13: Bay‘at al-‘Aqabah (2)A year later, they came again — this time, with 75 people.It was the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, 13 years after revelation began.They came by night, secretly, when all the other pilgrims were asleep. This time, they didn't just want to learn Islam. They invited the Prophet ﷺ to migrate to their city, to Yathrib.They said:“It is unfair for us to be living in peace while our Prophet is being persecuted. Join us. Let us protect you.”The Prophet ﷺ said:“If I migrate to you, this pledge must not be just religious. It must also be political. You must defend me like you defend your own families.”One of them asked:“When Islam succeeds, will you leave us and return to Mecca?”The Prophet ﷺ replied:“Your blood is my blood. Your destruction is my destruction. We are one.”And one by one, all 75 pledged their allegiance. Then they all heard a loud scream from the middle of the desert.Rasulullah ﷺ said:“That scream you just heard — that was the scream of Iblis. He is furious that Islam has found a way out of Mecca.”The Road OpensFrom that point, the Prophet ﷺ began advising Muslims to migrate, one group at a time. Quietly, Muslims left Mecca and made their way to Yathrib.Eventually, the Prophet ﷺ himself made hijrah. He left Mecca a few months later, in Rabi‘ al-Awwal, and arrived in Yathrib — soon to be renamed al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.This moment changed everything.Islam went from being an oppressed minority to a rising force of justice — spreading across Arabia, and soon, to much of the world.That night — the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1,447 years ago — in the small valley of Mina, the road to hijrah began.It wasn't part of the Hajj rituals —But it was written into the destiny of this Ummah.That's all for tonight's episode of Road to Hajj.Thanks for reading BeQuranic! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!Welcome back to BeQuranic. Today is Tuesday, which means it's time for Tajweed Tuesday!We'll start by reading our ayat of the week, then we'll break them down together and go through some of the Tajweed rules hidden within. This week, we're looking at Ayahs 57 to 67 from Surah al-Waqi‘ah.Let's begin with isti‘aadhah:أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِNow let's dive into the Tajweed breakdown:نَحْنُ خَلَقْنَاكُمْNotice the qalqalah on the letter qāf in khalaqnā. That bouncing sound is key. Don't read it flat—bounce it slightly: khalaqā, not khalak.خَلَقْنَاكُمْ فَلَوْلَا تُصَدِّقُونَThe mīm sākin in khalaqnākum is followed by a fā, which is not from the gunnah letters (mīm or bā). So this is iẓhār shafawī—read it clearly without nasalisation.أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تُمْنُونَIn tum, the mīm is followed by a mīm—so this is idghām mithlayn (or mutamāthilayn), meaning a full merge with gunnah (nasal sound). Stretch it for two counts.In tumnoon, the mīm is followed by a nūn. Since nūn is not one of the special mīm rules (mīm or bā), you treat this as iẓhār shafawī again—read it cleanly.أَأَنْتُمْ تَخْلُقُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْخَالِقُونَTake care with the double hamzah in a'antum. Don't rush it. Open your mouth clearly: a-a.And again, when reading heavy letters like khā and ṣād, open your jaw. Don't round your lips. It's khā, not khō. The heaviness comes from the back of the tongue, not the lips.أَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تَحْرُثُونَWe see the same rules here. The mīm sākin in tum is followed by a non-gunnah letter, so it's iẓhār again.Also, look out for any madd letters with a wave (~) on top—that means a long madd of four counts.لَوْ نَشَاءُ لَجَعَلْنَاهُ حُطَامًاIn nashā'u, the madd sign indicates a long madd of four counts.وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُولَىIf you ever see a hamzah followed by an alif, wāw, or yā', that's called madd badal. For example:* آمَنَا (āmanā): hamzah + alif* إِيمَانًا (īmān): hamzah + yā'* الْأُولَى (ūlā): hamzah + wāwEven though these technically aren't madd ṭabī‘ī, in the riwāyah of Ḥafṣ (which most of the world follows), we read them with two counts—just like madd ṭabī‘ī.وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُولَىPay attention to:* The mīm mushaddadah in ʿalimtumunna. That shaddah means wājib al-ghunnah—a strong nasalisation for two counts.That's a quick overview of the Tajweed gems from this week's ayat. Now that we've broken them down, I want you to go back and recite them again—slowly and deliberately.Break long ayahs into smaller parts. Master each part, smoothen it out, then combine. Take your time. If you make a mistake, pause, go back, fix it—then move forward with confidence.Let's read it again together, slowly and carefully. Then you can practise on your own.نَحْنُ خَلَقْنَاكُمْ فَلَوْلَا تُصَدِّقُونَأَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تُمْنُونَأَأَنْتُمْ تَخْلُقُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْخَالِقُونَنَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمُ الْمَوْتَ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَعَلَىٰ أَنْ نُبَدِّلَ أَمْثَالَكُمْ وَنُنْشِئَكُمْ فِي مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَوَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُولَىٰ فَلَوْلَا تَذَكَّرُونَأَفَرَأَيْتُمْ مَا تَحْرُثُونَأَأَنْتُمْ تَزْرَعُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الزَّارِعُونَلَوْ نَشَاءُ لَجَعَلْنَاهُ حُطَامًا فَظَلْتُمْ تَفَكَّهُونَإِنَّا لَمُغْرَمُونَبَلْ نَحْنُ مَحْرُومُونَṢadaqallāhul ‘Aẓīm.For Qaswa students:I know we had Eid break over the weekend and missed Madrasah on Saturday, but our Qur'an journey doesn't pause. We don't take breaks from learning the words of Allah.So make sure to practise these ayat, smoothen your recitation, and get ready for Tafsir Thursday—and of course, Madrasah on Saturday. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Road to Hajj—a short, practical overview of the Hajj journey. This series isn't about deep fiqh or academic detail. It's about following the footsteps of the Hujjaj and reflecting on the wisdom behind each ritual.Today is the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, and we're continuing our reflections on the Jamarāt—the symbolic stoning of Shayṭān.Picking the PebblesLet's start with a practical question: Where do you get the pebbles?They can come from anywhere. Many Hujjaj pick them from Muzdalifah simply because it's convenient—there are plenty of pebbles there. Today, many Hajj packages even provide pre-packed bags of stones.But what size should the pebbles be?Should they be large enough to ‘hit Shayṭān hard'? No.The Prophet ﷺ taught us to choose pebbles the size of a chickpea—not too big, not too small. He warned against ghuluw, extremism in religion.“Nations before you were destroyed because of extremism.”(Sunan an-Nasā'ī)This small choice—of picking a modest-sized pebble—teaches us something profound:Islam is the middle path.Avoiding ExtremesWe don't go to extremes in rituals, nor do we abandon them completely.There are traditions that are hyper-ritualistic—rules upon rules on how to wash, eat, pray. And there are others that are hyper-spiritual—saying rituals don't matter, only love does.But Islam?Islam values both.We pray—but not in a way that hardens the heart.We fast—but it's meant to soften us, make us more generous.We do rituals—but they should lead to character.This balance is seen in the Prophet's ﷺ response during Hajj.When companions told him they had done certain rites out of order, he said:“No harm. Just complete what's left.”No stress. No harshness. Just sincerity.The Pebble as a MirrorThe pebble isn't just a stone—it's a mirror.What kind of Muslim are you becoming through these rituals?Do your prayers make you more patient?Does fasting make you more empathetic?Does Qur'an soften your heart or just sharpen your tongue?The Prophet ﷺ once said:“A Muslim sleeps with a full stomach while his neighbour goes hungry? He is not truly a believer.”That's the balance we need—rituals with meaning, not just mechanical motions.Unfortunately, today we often see the opposite.People who pray, fast, and go to ‘Umrah regularly—but have no hesitation to slander, to accuse, or to divide the community over minor ritual details.Even during Ramadan and Eid, we argue about moonsighting, declaring others deviant.We forget: The hands in prayer matter less than the state of the heart.The Prophet's ExampleWhen companions went to Sayyidah ‘Ā'ishah (رضي الله عنها) asking about the Prophet's worship, they were amazed. Some said, “We must go even further.” One said, “I'll pray all night.” Another said, “I'll fast every day.” Another said, “I'll never marry.”When the Prophet ﷺ heard this, he was displeased. He said:“I am the most God-conscious of you. Yet I pray, and I sleep. I fast, and I break my fast. I marry. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me.”The lesson?Balance.Closing ReflectionsEven our scholars during the Ottoman era noted:The early generations weren't obsessed with ritual details like the exact level of water for wudu'. They were more concerned about purifying the heart—removing envy, arrogance, love of the world.So what does the chickpea-sized pebble teach us?Don't go to extremes.Don't neglect the heart.Let the ritual transform you.May Allah guide us to the middle path.May He purify our hearts as we perform these beautiful rituals.And may this Hajj make us better people—not just better worshippers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Road to Hajj, a simple overview of the Hajj rituals and a light reflection on the meanings behind them. This isn't meant to be a comprehensive fiqh guide — just an easy companion for those wanting to connect deeper with the journey.Today is the 11th of Dhul Hijjah. The hujjaj are now spending most of the night — if not all of it — back in Mina, the city of tents. It's sunnah to stay the whole night, but wajib to remain for at least half of it.Now Mina isn't a place of intense rituals. There's no specific dhikr or du‘a you're required to do. The main challenge here, honestly, is managing basic needs — especially toilets. You've got limited facilities and a massive number of people.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.But what should we be doing in Mina?Allah tells us in the Qur'an:فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمْ مَنَاسِكَكُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا ٱللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا“When you have completed your rites, remember Allah as you used to remember your forefathers — or with even greater remembrance.” [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:200]The Arabs in Jahiliyyah used to sit around their tents in Mina talking about how great their ancestors were — telling tales of glory and lineage. Allah says: that's not the point. Don't just talk about the greatness of those who came before. Remember Allah instead.We see this same thing today in our Ummah. “Oh, we had amazing scholars in the past… Muslim scientists… Al-Khawarizmi, Ibn Sina, so on…” That's wonderful — but what are we doing now?So while in Mina, do dhikr. Be in remembrance. Don't just glorify the past — contribute to the present.From the 11th, 12th, and optionally the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the hujjaj will be doing the stoning at the Jamarat. On the 10th, they only stoned the largest one — Jamrat al-‘Aqabah. But on the 11th and 12th, they now go to all three: the small, middle, and large pillars.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.What's the story behind this?It goes back to Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام.On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, when he was on his way to fulfil the dream and sacrifice his son Ismail, Shaytan tried to intervene. At three different points, Shaytan appeared to him, whispering doubts:“You've done enough. You've sacrificed so much. You built the Kaaba. You passed all your tests. Why are you doing this? Why would Allah ask this of you?”At each of those three points, Ibrahim picked up seven small stones, threw them in the direction of Shaytan and said:Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.And he moved on.Three times — three locations. That's why we have three Jamarat.This wasn't just symbolic. There's a deeper lesson here:When Shaytan comes to you with doubt, with temptation — don't just pray. Move.Ibrahim didn't stay in place. He changed location. He physically moved away from the source of temptation.And we are taught the same thing in our tradition. If you find yourself in a place that leads you to sin, change your place. Remove yourself from toxic environments, from harmful friends, from dangerous routines.The Prophet ﷺ said:المرءُ على دِينِ خَليلِهِ، فليَنظُرْ أحدُكم مَن يُخالِلُ“A person is upon the religion of his close companion, so be mindful who you befriend.” [Tirmidhi]Even in spiritual matters — like nightmares — the Prophet ﷺ told us: if you wake up terrified, don't just make du‘a. Turn to your left, blow lightly three times, and change your sleeping position. Don't stay in the same spot.Again — you're taught to move.So this action of stoning the Jamarat teaches us two powerful lessons:* Shaytan won't stop after the first try.He'll come back, again and again, with new angles and new whispers.* If you persist in dhikr and take real action, he'll eventually stop.The whispering of that particular sin will fade — as long as you remain steadfast.Be aware of your surroundings. Be conscious of your mental state. If you know you fall into sin when you're alone, change that habit. Call a friend. Go to the masjid. Be around better people. You're not expected to win against Shaytan on sheer willpower alone. He's had millennia of practice.Ibrahim taught us that — when Shaytan whispers, you say Allahu Akbar, and then… you move.May Allah protect us from the whispers of Shaytan, and guide us to environments and companions that bring us closer to Him.Ameen.Thanks for reading BeQuranic! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Road to Hajj.This isn't a comprehensive Hajj guide — just a simple, day-by-day overview of what the hujjaj do, with some reflections on its deeper meaning.Today is the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah — Yawm an-Nahr — the Day of Sacrifice. This is the peak of the Hajj journey.To understand this day, we look at the story of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام, starting from the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, Yawm at-Tarwiyah — the day of pondering. That's when he began to reflect deeply on a troubling dream: that he was slaughtering his son.By the 9th, Yawm ‘Arafah, the meaning became clear to him. He shared the dream with his son, Prophet Ismail عليه السلام, asking what he thought.And Ismail replied:يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِي إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ“O my dear father, do as you're commanded. You'll find me, inshaAllah, from among the patient.” [Surah as-Saffat, 37:102]So now we arrive at the 10th — the day they went out to fulfil the dream. But Prophet Ismail asked: let's do this further away from home, in Mina. He didn't want his mother, Hajar, to hear any cries or pain.So they walked together — about five kilometres — from Makkah to Mina.And when the moment came… when Ibrahim was ready to place his son's head on the rock, when both father and son surrendered completely to Allah — Allah called out:قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَا“You have fulfilled the vision.” [Surah as-Saffat, 37:105]Allah stopped the sacrifice. He didn't require it. He never did.Because Islam isn't a religion that demands suffering to please God.Prophet Ibrahim lived in a time when it was common across cultures and religions to sacrifice lives to appease the gods. Blood offerings were the norm. But this — this was something different.Allah was teaching a lesson — not just to Ibrahim, but to all of humanity.He doesn't want your pain. He wants your heart.Even though Ibrahim was willing to go through with it — and Ismail was ready to be sacrificed — Allah intervened. He replaced the son with a ram.And Allah says in the Qur'an:لَن يَنَالَ ٱللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but what reaches Him is your taqwa.” [Surah al-Hajj, 22:37]That's what Allah wants — your sincerity, your consciousness of Him. Not the meat. Not the blood. Not the spectacle.So what does this teach us?Islam isn't about suffering. It's not a religion that glorifies pain. It doesn't ask you to harm yourself to prove your devotion. It's not a masochistic faith.Yes, life includes hardship. Yes, we're tested — sometimes with ease, sometimes with pain. But it's not the pain that earns us reward. It's how we respond.Are we grateful in times of ease? Are we patient in times of trial?And more importantly — do we strive to improve our condition?Islam doesn't teach us to glorify suffering. It teaches us to alleviate it — in ourselves, and in others.If you're tested with wealth, you're expected to use it to help those in need.If you're tested with poverty, you're encouraged to work, strive, and lift yourself and your community.And that's why many acts of worship in Islam are built around economic responsibility.Take zakat — you can only give it if you've saved and earned beyond a certain threshold.Or Hajj — it's only fard on those who are financially and physically able, and who can leave enough behind for their families.Islam encourages productivity. It sees wealth as a tool for good — not something to be ashamed of.As the Prophet ﷺ said to ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās:نِعْمَ الْمَالُ الصَّالِحُ لِلرَّجُلِ الصَّالِحِ“How excellent is good wealth in the hands of a righteous man.” [Musnad Ahmad]So today, as we remember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail, we reflect not just on obedience — but on the mercy of Allah.Even when both father and son were ready for the ultimate sacrifice, Allah said: That's enough. I wanted your heart, not your hurt.Imagine that moment. For a father, it's easier to suffer himself than to see his child in pain. For a child, especially one so young, nothing matters more than his own life — yet Ismail was willing to give it up for Allah.That's the essence of devotion.But Allah said no. He honoured them, preserved their story, and replaced the act with one that the ummah continues today — the udḥiyah.So when we celebrate Eid al-Adha, we're not just barbecuing meat. We're remembering a powerful lesson: that true devotion lies in taqwa, not torment.That is Yawm an-Nahr — the Day of Sacrifice.May Allah accept our qurban, our efforts, and our devotion.Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Road to Hajj — a simplified walk-through of what the hujjaj do each day of the Hajj journey.Now is Maghrib of the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah.In the day, the hujjaj spent the most important day of the year — the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah — at ‘Arafah. From Dhuhr to Maghrib, they stood in du‘a during wuqūf, the core act of Hajj. It's the day when most du‘as are answered and the most people are forgiven in the whole year.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.From Dhuhr to ‘Asr, many hujjaj make du‘a in their tents, and then as the sun softens, they come out and continue under the open sky. As Maghrib arrives, the emotional energy intensifies — the tears, the hands raised, the hearts laid bare.After sunset, they begin making their way to Muzdalifah. This journey — part of the wājib acts of Hajj — is done slowly and calmly. The Prophet ﷺ walked this path, holding the reins of his camel, al-Qaswa, making sure it moved gently.When they reach Muzdalifah, there's no specific ritual beyond remembrance — dhikr, istighfār. Allah says in the Qur'an:ثُمَّ أَفِيضُوا مِنْ حَيْثُ أَفَاضَ النَّاسُ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللَّهَ“Then depart from where the people depart and ask Allah for forgiveness…” [Al-Baqarah 2:199]So the hujjaj arrive, pray Maghrib and ‘Isha combined and shortened (Jam‘ wa Qaṣr), and then they rest. Not in tents or hotels — just on the bare earth, under the stars.It's what I call a five billion star experience.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Sleeping under the sky in Muzdalifah is powerful. You look up and see constellations with no city lights to drown them out. It's humbling. It strips you of your comforts, your titles, your privilege. Everyone sleeps on the same ground. No one steps aside for you. If someone needs to walk past, they walk over you. It's raw. It's real. It's levelling.And it reminds you of Yawm al-Qiyāmah. When we rise from our graves, there will be no resumes, no status, no CVs — just us and our deeds.But there's something deeper about these stars. Allah swears by them in Surah al-Wāqi‘ah:فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِ، وَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظِيمٌ، إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ“But nay, I swear by the setting of the stars — and indeed, it is a great oath if you only knew — that this is indeed a noble Qur'an.” [Al-Waqi‘ah 56:75–77]Why does Allah link the stars to the Qur'an?Think about it. If you don't know anything about stars, they're just beautiful lights in the sky — awe-inspiring, but directionless. But if you study them, they become a map. The Southern Cross, Orion's Belt — suddenly, you know which way is north, south, east, west.Similarly, the Qur'an. If you just listen, it's beautiful — the rhythm, the words, the recitation. But if you dig deeper, if you study it, reflect on it, it becomes a guide.At first glance, it might feel like a beautiful mess — one moment you're reading about the muttaqīn, the next about the disbelievers, then suddenly it jumps to stories of Prophet Adam, Bani Isra'il, then to Ibrahim.It's not structured like a typical book. But when you peel back the layers, you start seeing the divine cohesion. The structure. The flow. And how each story, each verse, is placed exactly where it needs to be.So the stars and the Qur'an — both are majestic, both guide. But only if we take the time to look deeper.Muzdalifah is that reminder.It tells us: slow down. Strip away the noise. Reconnect with the basics. Sleep under the stars. Reflect. Ask yourself: Who am I without all the labels? What matters when I'm lying on this ground beneath the sky?That's the essence of Hajj — a return to humility. To truth. To submission.So that's Muzdalifah — not glamorous, but glorious.We'll rest here until Fajr. After that, we'll make our way to Mina for the next major part of Hajj — the Jamrah.InshaAllah, we'll talk about that tomorrow.Thanks for reading BeQuranic! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Road to Hajj – a short series giving you a simple, practical overview of the Hajj journey. This isn't a deep dive or fiqh breakdown, just a companion to help you reflect on what each day of Hajj means.Today is the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah — the Day of ‘Arafah.Let's quickly recap: yesterday, on the 8th, the hujjaj doing Tamattu‘ re-entered ihram. Those performing Ifrād or Qirānwere already in ihram. Depending on their package, many hujjaj moved to Mina, but some may have gone straight to ‘Arafah for logistical reasons. That's okay — going to Mina on the 8th is sunnah, not a requirement.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.So what's special about today?The Day of ‘Arafah is the core of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Al-Ḥajju ‘Arafah” — “Hajj is ‘Arafah.”If you miss the wuqūf — the standing at ‘Arafah — your Hajj is invalid.Wuqūf simply means to remain at the plains of ‘Arafah anytime between Dhuhr on the 9th and Fajr on the 10th. Whether you're in a tent, under an umbrella, or just standing in the open — if you're present in ‘Arafah during that window, you've fulfilled the rukun.Most hujjaj will pray Dhuhr and ‘Asr combined and shortened — two rak‘āt each. After the prayer and a brief khuṭbah, the real focus begins: du‘ā. This is the day to pour your heart out to Allah.The Prophet ﷺ made du‘ā from Dhuhr until Maghrib. In fact, this is the only day where du‘ā takes precedence over everything — even Ṣalāh. This is the day when Allah frees more people from Hellfire than any other day.And it's powerful. If you're there, you'll see millions standing shoulder to shoulder, crying, whispering, begging Allah for mercy, for forgiveness, for guidance, for whatever is in their hearts.It truly feels like a rehearsal for Yawm al-Qiyāmah — the Day of Judgment.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.But here's something that surprises people: even at Hajj, not everyone's experience is the same. Some are in VIP tents with buffet spreads and private toilets. Others are in basic tents. Some have no tents — just an umbrella and the open sky.You might think: “Wait, isn't Hajj supposed to make everyone equal?”But even on Yawm al-Qiyāmah, there's no absolute equality. Some will be under Allah's shade. Others will be in distress. What separates us there is not money — it's our deeds.So just because someone is in a five-star tent today doesn't mean they're in a five-star place on the Day of Judgment. And just because you're under the sun now doesn't mean you're far from Allah's shade then.Let that sink in.Now, the most recommended du‘ā today is what the Prophet ﷺ recited most on this day:لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌLā ilāha illa Allah, waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu 'l-mulku wa lahu 'l-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay'in qadīr.For those of us not at Hajj this year — don't miss out.The righteous from the tābi‘īn would still honour this day. They would fast, and from ‘Asr to Maghrib, they would intensify their du‘ā. Let us do the same. Wherever we are, use these hours to reconnect with Allah. It's the best day of the year to ask.Lastly — why is it called ‘Arafah?It goes back to Prophet Ibrāhīm عليه السلام. On the 8th — the Day of Tarwiyah — he saw the dream of sacrificing his son. He spent the day reflecting: Is this really from Allah? What does it mean?On the 9th — the Day of ‘Arafah — he understood. He knew. ‘Arafa means “to know.” He approached his son, told him the vision, and both father and son submitted to Allah's will.So this day is about realisation. It's about recognising our purpose. Knowing who we are: servants of Allah.Today is the day we remember what we were created for. To obey. To serve. To return to Him — purified, humbled, and changed.May Allah accept the Hajj of all our hujjaj.And for those of us not there — may Allah write Hajj for us soon, and accept our deeds this ‘Arafah.Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.Thanks for reading BeQuranic! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIt's Tafsir Thursday—and not just any Thursday. Today is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of ‘Arafah, the greatest day of the year.If you're fasting today—may Allah accept it from you! The Prophet ﷺ said that fasting on this day wipes away two years of sins: one past, one future. Incredible reward for just one day.And if you're not fasting? Don't worry—t…

Welcome back to Road to Hajj — your practical companion for the blessed days of Hajj.In today's episode, we explore 8 Dhul-Hijjah, also known as Yawm at-Tarwiyah — the Day of Preparation. While it might sound unfamiliar to some, it's one of the key transitional days leading into the main Hajj rites.

Welcome to Road to Hajj, a practical podcast series designed to help pilgrims—especially those travelling from Australia—navigate their journey to the House of Allah. This is not an academic deep dive, but a step-by-step companion for anyone wanting to be better prepared, both spiritually and practically, for the days of Hajj.

Here's a smooth, podcast-style version of your transcript with a clear structure, natural flow, and a catchy title:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIn this special session, I walk a group of youth through the meaning, rituals, and spiritual significance of Hajj—starting with a mock Hajj and ending with a powerful reminder about the sincerity of our journey to Allah.

Khutbah at Iqro' Centre Jumuah PrayerToday happens to be the fifth Friday of the month — normally a week off from delivering the khutbah. But when I dropped by Iqro' Centre this afternoon aand the imam, a dear friend of mine, saw me in the prayer hall, he asked if I could give the sermon. And honestly, how could I say no?So here it is: lessons from the life of Prophet Ibrahim, drawn from verses 124 to 129 of Surah al-Baqarah. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comAssalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and welcome back to BeQuranic.Today is Thursday, the 2nd of Dhul-Hijjah, 1446. That means we've officially entered the best 10 days of the year — the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah.Just as the last 10 nights of Ramadan are the most sacred nights — containing Laylatul Qadr — the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah are t…

Great! Here's a refined and structured version of your Tajweed Tuesday + Ayat of the Week script for BeQuranic – Week 3 of Term 2, 2025 (covering Surah Al-Wāqiʿah, verses 27–40). This version improves clarity, flow, and consistency, while keeping your teaching voice and intent intact.Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,Welcome back to BeQuranic. Today is Tuesday, and that means it's Tajweed Tuesday.Apologies—we didn't get a chance to upload Ayat of the Week earlier, so in today's session, we'll combine both. We'll recite this week's portion of Surah Al-Wāqiʿah, and then break down the Tajweed rules within it.Recitation TipWhen you're practicing:✅ Focus on smooth articulation✅ Pause after each ayah and correct your mistakes✅ Don't rush – Tajweed is about beautifying the Qur'an, not racing through itWrap-UpThat's all for this week's Tajweed Tuesday! Keep practicing these ayat from Surah Al-Wāqiʿah (27–40) and try to observe the Tajweed rules we've just gone through.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comWelcome back to BeQuranic.Today is Thursday, which means it's time for Tafsir Thursday — where we reflect on how to live the Qur'an in practical, everyday ways. At BeQuranic, we're not diving into academic depth or technical tafsir debates. Instead, we focus on action:BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work,…

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,Welcome back to Be Qur'anic!It's Tuesday, and that means it's time for Tajweed Tuesday, where we break down the recitation and pronunciation rules from the Ayat of the Week.This is Week 2 of Term 2, and we're continuing with Surah al-Wāqiʿah, focusing on verses 10 to 26. Don't worry — although that's 16 ayat, the verses are short and rhythmically structured, which makes them ideal for learning Tajweed.Let's begin with Isti‘ādhah:أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيمThis is not part of the Qur'an but an instruction from Allah — “When you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge in Allah from Shayṭān.” So make sure we recite it with presence and proper tajweed, not rushed.Key Tajweed Highlights1. Al-Madd (Elongation)We notice several types of madd in these verses:* Madd Aṣlī (natural elongation): e.g., Was-sābiqūna — stretch it for two counts.* Madd Muttasil : Look for wavy signs — these must be stretched to 4 counts.2. Gunnah (Nasalisation)Whenever you see nun mushaddadah or meem mushaddadah, like in:* Muqarrabūn or Waḥūrun ‘īnThere's wājib al-ghunnah — nasal sound for two counts.Pinch your nose slightly — you should feel it vibrate.3. Idghām (Merging)For tanwīn or nūn sākinah followed by letters of Yarmalūn, you'll often get:* Idghām bighunnah (merging with nasalisation), e.g. ‘alā sururin mawḍūnah* If it's followed by a non-Yarmalūn letter like sīn, we get ikhfā' (partial hiding), as in qīlan salāman.4. Ikhfā' (Partial nasal concealment)Found when nūn sākinah or tanwīn is followed by certain letters (like zāy, sīn, ṭā).Example:* Yanzifūn — here, nūn is hidden and flows into the sound of zāy with ghunnah.5. Qalqalah (Bounce or echo)Letters like qāf, ṭā, bā, jīm, dāl when sākina produce a light bounce.E.g., lā yuqaddarūn — give the qāf a light bounce.Important Letter-Specific Reminders* Raw (ر) should be heavy (tafkhīm) when it has a fatḥah or ḍammah, and light (tarqīq) when it has a kasrah.* Ṣād (ص) is a heavy letter. Don't round your lips. The heaviness comes from lifting the back of your tongue, not your lips.* Ḍād (ض) — sides of the tongue should press against upper molars. Avoid turning it into a “dal”.* ‘Ayn (ع) — constrict the middle of your throat, not the top or bottom.* Hamzah (ء) — is a glottal stop, don't stretch or squeeze it.Common Symbols* A small circle above a letter means don't pronounce it — it's a silent or dropped letter.* A wavy line (tilde shape) means long madd — usually 4 to 6 counts.* A small alif means elongation for 2 counts — usually madd aṣlī.Practice AdviceDon't rush through all 16 ayat at once. If you're just starting, take it one ayah at a time:* Smooth out each word.* Pay attention to the makhraj (point of articulation).* Use a mirror or record yourself to check your pronunciation.* Once you're confident, try reciting the entire section with correct tajweed.For example, start with:Was-sābiqūna as-sābiqūn. Ulā'ikal muqarrabūn…— repeat until you're flowing smoothly with the right pace and rules.That's it for Tajweed Tuesday!Keep practising the ayat, and take note of these Tajweed points as you recite.See you on Thursday, inshaAllah, for Tafsir Thursday, where we'll explore the meanings behind these powerful verses from Surah al-Wāqiʿah.Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,Welcome back to Be Qur'anic.Today we're continuing with our Ayat of the Week for Term 2 of 2025, where we're diving into the powerful and reflective verses of Surah al-Wāqiʿah.This week, we'll be reciting from ayah 10 to ayah 26. That might sound like a lot—16 ayat—but don't worry. Surah al-Wāqiʿah is known for its short, rhythmic verses, which makes it easy to recite and reflect upon.Let's begin, as always, with istiʿādhah — seeking protection from Shayṭān — and then proceed to the recitation.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comAssalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.Welcome to Be Quranic. It's Thursday, which means it's time for Tafsir Thursday — where we dive into the meanings and lessons behind our Ayat of the Week.We're now in Term 2 of 2025, and this term, we'll be studying Surah al-Wāqi‘ah — the chapter that follows Surah al-Rahmān, which we explored last term. As usu…

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.Welcome back to Be Qur'anic. Today is Tuesday, and that means it's Tajweed Tuesday.Every Tuesday during the term, we'll break down the tajwīd rules found in the Ayat of the Week. For Term 2, we're exploring Surah al-Wāqi‘ah. This week, we're focusing on verses 1 to 9.Let's begin.1.Isti‘ādhah and BasmalahA‘ūdhu billāhi min ash-shayṭānir-rajīmDon't rush through isti‘ādhah. This is a direct command from Allah: “When you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge in Allah.”Say it with presence, intention, and correct articulation.Bismillāhir-Raḥmānir-RaḥīmMany rush through the basmalah, but according to some scholars — like Imam al-Shāfi‘i — it is part of the Qur'an. Recite it properly, honouring each rule.2.Verse 1 – إِذَا وَقَعَتِ الْوَاقِعَةُ* Iẓā – contains a mad aṣlī (natural elongation), read it with 2 harakāt.* Waqa‘ati-l-Wāqi‘ah – notice the bouncing of the letter qāf and the correct emphasis on ‘Ayn. Maintain equal length in iẓā and wāqi‘ah.3.Verse 2 – لَيْسَ لِوَقَعَتِهَا كَاذِبَةٌ* Laysa li-waqa‘atihā – contains a mad aṣlī.* Qaf is a bouncing letter, qalqalah.* Kādhibah – the letter dhāl should have the tip of your tongue touch the edges of your front teeth, not the flat part. Don't confuse it with zāl (ز).4.Verse 3 – خَافِضَةٌ رَافِعَةٌ* The tanwīn at the end of khāfiḍah meets the letter rā – and rā is part of Yarmalūn. This is idghām bilā ghunnah – a full merge without nasal sound.* Read it: khāfiḍatur rāfi‘ah, not khāfiḍatun rāfi‘ah.5.Verse 4 – إِذَا رُجَّتِ الْأَرْضُ رَجًّا* Iẓā – again, mad aṣlī.* Rujjatil-arḍu – the ḍād with ḍammah causes the lips to round forward, not because of the letter itself, but due to the vowel.* Rajja – ends with tanwīn followed by shaddah. This is a mad ‘iwāḍ — elongate it two harakāt when stopping.6.Verse 5 – وَبُسَّتِ الْجِبَالُ بَسًّا* Bussat – pay attention to the shaddah on the sīn. Pronounce both sīn with clarity.* Jibāl – elongate the alif for 2 harakāt.* Bassā – another mad ‘iwāḍ, elongate 2 harakāt when stopping.7.Verse 6 – فَكَانَتْ هَبَاءً مُنْبَثًّا* Kānat – the tā is an aspirated letter, release a slight puff of air without turning it into a sīn.* Habā'an – look out for the mad followed by tanwīn.* Habā'am munbaththā – this is idghām bi-ghunnah: the tanwīn is merged with mīm, resulting in a nasal sound (ghunnah) and read with 2 harakāt.* Munbaththā – the thā should be light and pronounced with the tip of the tongue just between the teeth.8.Verse 7 – وَكُنتُمْ أَزْوَاجًا ثَلَاثَةً* Kuntum – here, the nūn sākinah meets tā. Tā is not part of Yarmalūn, so this is ikhfā', a partial merge with nasalisation. Shape your mouth for tā but pronounce the ghunnah clearly.* Azwājan thalāthah – another ikhfā'. The tanwīn at the end of azwājan meets thā, a non-Yarmalūn letter.9.Verse 8–9 – فَأَصْحَابُ الْمَيْمَنَةِ مَا أَصْحَابُ الْمَيْمَنَةِ* Fa-aṣḥābu-l-maymanah – the ṣād is not a lip letter. Don't purse your lips when reading it. The thickness comes from the back of the tongue rising.* Elongate the ā in aṣḥābu as it is part of the mad aṣlī.* Be careful not to elongate unnecessarily when stopping. If there's no mad letter, just stop naturally.Final TipNot all stops require elongation. Only stop with mad if there's a mad letter (like alif, wāw, or yā' with sukun and matching vowel before it). Otherwise, keep your stop natural and clean.That wraps up this week's Tajweed Tuesday on verses 1–9 of Surah al-Wāqi‘ah. Keep practising your recitation with attention to these tajwīd rules.InshaAllah, I'll see you on Thursday for Tafsir Thursday as we unpack the meanings and reflections from these verses.Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.Welcome back to BeQuranic!We are now in Term 2 of 2025, and this term we'll be diving into a powerful and reflective surah — Surah al-Waqi‘ah.Each week, you'll receive three episodes to support your journey:* On Mondays, we'll begin with a recitation of the Ayat of the Week* On Tuesdays, it's Tajweed Tuesday, where we explore the tajweed rules found in the weekly verses* On Thursdays, we'll end the week with Tafsir Thursday, discussing the meanings and life lessons from what we've readThis term will take us on a 9-week journey through Surah al-Waqi‘ah, moving verse by verse to reflect and connect deeply with the Qur'an's message.Let's begin Week 1 with the first nine verses of Surah al-Waqi‘ah.A‘ūdhu billāhi minash-shayṭānir-rajīmBismillāhir-raḥmānir-raḥīm[Recite ayat 1–9 here clearly and with tajweed]That concludes our first reading of Surah al-Waqi‘ah, verses 1 to 9 — the perfect way to kick off Term 2.InshaAllah, join us again for Tajweed Tuesday, where we'll break down the pronunciation and tajweed rules for these verses.Until then,Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Community Reminder (Approaching Elections):* Elections and politics are a part of religion, not its totality. Avoid extreme labels like calling someone “kafir” or “Zionist” based on their voting preferences.* Voting is a personal ijtihad; choose candidates based on community benefit, not solely candidate's religion. After elections, we remain a united community.Reflections on Islamic History & Political Islam:* Islam as a religion spread peacefully, while the political expansion involved battles for geopolitical necessity, not forced conversion.* Historical examples: Syria took 500 years to become majority-Muslim, Egypt 300 years. Religious freedom was respected (e.g., Coptic Christians under Muslim rule).Surah Al-An'am (92 onwards): Key Insights* Verse 92: Qur'an affirms past scriptures and original monotheism (e.g., Ka'bah built by Ibrahim). Warns Makkah and expands universally.* Verses 93-94: Greatest wrongdoings include inventing lies against Allah (claiming false revelation) and arrogance. At death, all worldly status and protections vanish; only righteousness remains.* Verses 95-97 (Nature's Signs):* Allah brings life from death (and vice versa); creation showcases His continuous power.* Linguistic precision: verbs (fi'il) express temporary or active events; nouns (isim) denote permanence/stability—used perfectly to describe natural phenomena.* Encourages contemplation of nature (night/day cycle, celestial navigation).Spiritual Reflection (Importance of Salah):* Prayer is foundational, preventing immorality. Regular prayers create ongoing accountability with Allah.* True prayer transforms behaviour; superficial prayers do not reflect genuine belief.Final Reminders (Shawwal & Sunnah Fasting):* Recommended to combine intentions for fasting in Shawwal (e.g., Monday/Thursday, white days).* Ladies permitted to combine missed Ramadan fasts with sunnah Shawwal fasts, respecting scholarly differences.Key Actionable Points:* Vote responsibly, avoiding divisiveness.* Reflect regularly on the spiritual impact of your daily prayers.* Engage actively with nature for spiritual insight.* Take advantage of sunnah fasting opportunities in Shawwal. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Reflecting on our Tafseer of Surah Al-An'amAlhamdulillah, it's great to be back together after Eid. Eid Mubarak to everyone—I hope your Eid is joyful and filled with blessings. May Allah accept all our deeds from Ramadan and grant us the opportunity to experience an even more meaningful Ramadan next year.Tonight, we continue our tafseer of Surah Al-An'am, picking up from Ayah 90, where we paused before Eid. Our aim now is to complete the remaining eleven pages, covering roughly a page each week. Once we finish this surah, I plan to go back and complete the last four surahs from Juz 'Amma, after which we'll pick a new topic or maybe start studying a classical text together, inshaAllah.As usual, we start our session with a beautiful recitation of Ratib Al-Haddad, reconnecting spiritually and setting a tranquil mood for our discussion.Today, we look at the prophets mentioned in Surah Al-An'am—Ibrahim, Dawud, Sulaiman, Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa, and Harun—and see how Allah uses their stories to comfort Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during his own times of difficulty. Each prophet faces unique challenges: Dawud and Sulaiman experience tests of gratitude (shukr), while prophets like Ayyub, Yusuf, and Musa endure tests of patience (sabr).The story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) especially resonates deeply because it closely parallels the struggles faced by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Both prophets experience rejection from their closest family members yet achieve eventual success through patience and reliance upon Allah.We also discuss the special role of Sayyidina Ali, highlighting how Ali supports Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from the earliest days. It's important to have balanced love: loving Ali deeply doesn't require us to dislike Abu Bakr or Umar. In fact, Ali himself names his children after these companions, reflecting their strong bond of brotherhood and mutual respect.Allah instructs us explicitly in this surah to follow the guidance and examples of these prophets and companions. Their lives serve as practical guides that help us navigate our own challenges.Tonight, we also discuss the unique authenticity and preservation of the Qur'an. Unlike previous scriptures, which undergo alterations and corruption, the Qur'an remains meticulously preserved through memorisation and oral transmission. I often share this remarkable aspect of the Qur'an during interfaith dialogues at the university, surprising many who learn how deeply Muslims engage with their scripture—even memorising it without necessarily understanding its language fully.Finally, we emphasise a crucial point: true belief in the Hereafter (Akhirah) directly leads us to safeguarding our prayers. Prayer is a key indicator of our faith and our belief in the life to come. Now, as Ramadan has ended, let's strive to maintain our dedication to prayers, proving our sincere belief in the Akhirah.May Allah enable us to internalise these reflections, strengthen our connection to the Qur'an, and bless our ongoing journey. See you all next week, inshaAllah! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Eid Khutbah ReflectionsAlhamdulillah, today was Eid, and it was truly beautiful to see everyone gathered to celebrate after a month of Ramadan. I began with the traditional Takbīr, praising Allah, and sending peace upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.One important thing I really wanted everyone to remember today is that Islam is a religion of balance. Ramadan was a month of hard work, sacrifice, late-night prayers, and giving up things we enjoy—all for Allah's sake. But today, Eid, is a day Allah Himself has given us to celebrate and enjoy, as a reward for all our effort.I also reminded everyone about the blessings we got from Ramadan. Those hadiths really stood out to me:• “Whoever fasts Ramadan with sincere faith, hoping for reward from Allah, all their past sins will be forgiven.”• “Whoever prays at night in Ramadan with sincere faith, hoping for reward, their past sins will also be forgiven.”Reflecting on these hadiths made me realise again just how much mercy Allah shows us, giving us chances to start fresh every year.I also urged everyone, including myself, not to leave behind what we learned and practised in Ramadan. We all picked up new habits—whether it's extra prayers, reading more Qur'an, or giving charity. If we just choose even one of these good deeds and hold onto it throughout the year, imagine how much better our lives would be when the next Ramadan arrives.Something that deeply touched my heart today was reminding everyone about the real success that comes in the next life. I quoted the verses from Surah al-Hāqqah about those who will joyfully receive their book of deeds in their right hands on the Day of Judgement. May Allah make us all among them.I also made sure we took a moment to thank everyone who helped during Ramadan. Volunteers, those who cooked and provided food, and people who organised activities—they were truly amazing. We asked Allah to reward everyone abundantly, repeating the dua: “Allahumma at'im man at'amana” (“O Allah, feed those who fed us”).Finally, it was important to me today that we don't forget our brothers and sisters around the world, especially in Palestine, who are struggling. We asked Allah sincerely to grant them victory, relieve their suffering, provide them with sustenance, healing, patience, and strength.Eid is definitely a day of joy and celebration, but also reflection and gratitude. Let's remember this beautiful balance and carry the spirit of Ramadan forward throughout the year, InshaAllah.May Allah accept from all of us and bless our community always. Eid Mubarak! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Introduction: Ramadan Reflections• Approaching the end of Ramadan, reflect on the month:• Choose one good habit to carry forward into the next 11 months.• Examples: Regular jama'ah prayers, sunnah prayers, daily Qur'an recitation.• Community announcement:• Potluck iftar tomorrow.• Eid prayer details shared.Surah Al-An'am (Ayahs 85-90): Prophet Ibrahim's Example• Emphasis on Ibrahim's logical arguments and reliance on revelation.• Allah took ownership of Ibrahim's logical reasoning, emphasizing the importance of logic and reason in Islam.Prophet Ibrahim's Family Legacy (Ayahs 85-88)• Allah gifted Ibrahim righteous progeny (Ismail, Ishaq, Ya'qub, Dawud, Sulaiman, Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa, Harun).• Allah states:“This is how we reward the Muhsinun (excellent people).” (6:84)• Parenting lessons from Ibrahim's example:• Deep concern for children's faith (Iman).• Priority is not worldly success but preserving Islam across generations.Practical Parenting Tips from Ibrahim's life:1. Frequent Dua for Children:• Ibrahim continually made dua for guidance and protection against shirk, even though his son was already a prophet (Ismail).2. Family Involvement in Ibadah:• Built the Ka'bah alongside Ismail; engage children in worship, prayers, Quran.3. Quality Family Time:• Regularly spent meaningful time with Ismail, strengthening their bond.• Importance of reducing screen distractions to nurture genuine relationships.4. Individual Differences Among Children:• Mentioned diverse prophets: Dawud & Sulaiman (rich, powerful), Ayyub (tested by hardship), Yusuf (from hardship to power), Musa (leader), Harun (supporter).• Each child may excel differently; the common priority is Iman and character.Community Responsibility and Da'wah (Ayah 89)• Diversity in Da'wah Approaches:• Da'wah methods should adapt culturally and contextually (e.g., historical Indonesian wayang, contemporary methods).• Emphasized local language and culture to effectively convey Islam's message.• Servitude to Islam (Ayah 90):• Serving Islam is a privilege; Islam benefits us, not vice versa.• Allah doesn't depend on specific individuals; replacements will come if one steps away.• Reminder: Always be humble and grateful for the opportunity to serve.Significance of Dua: Ibrahim's Long-term Vision• Dua of Ibrahim answered thousands of years later through Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).• Dua is an act of worship; outcome and timing are Allah's domain.• Importance of ongoing dua for future generations' guidance.Conclusion & Practical Takeaways:• Carry forward Ramadan habits into daily life.• Emulate Ibrahim's parenting:• Frequent dua for children's Iman.• Family-centered worship and activities.• Understand and nurture individual strengths.• Serve the community humbly, recognizing it as a divine gift, not a burden.• Maintain a deep commitment to dua for lasting family guidance.Eid Announcement:• Eid prayer: Neil MacDougall Park, open-air (following Sunnah), welcoming everyone.• Takbir: 8:00 am | Eid Prayer: 8:30 am.May Allah accept all our Ramadan efforts and grant steadfastness for us and our progeny. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction: Differing Ramadan Dates• Acknowledgment of differences within Muslim communities regarding Ramadan dates (27th vs. 28th).• Encourages practical approach: worship on both nights to ensure Laylat al-Qadr is covered.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction: Laylat al-Qadr (27th Night)• Traditionally regarded as most likely night for Laylat al-Qadr.• Personal anecdote from student days in Egypt, highlighting importance and special nature of the 27th night.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction: Eid Announcement & Reminder• Eid: Announced for Monday at Neil MacDougall Park, Como.• Importance of Eid Prayer outdoors—emulating prophetic practice:• All encouraged to attend (men, women, children).• Prophet ﷺ conducted Eid prayer in an open field, not a masjid, allowing everyone (including menstruating women) to join the gathering.Upcom…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction: Last 10 Nights & Extra Effort• 25th night, odd night—potential Laylatul Qadr.• Encouraged extra spiritual effort:• Qur'an recitation, prayer, charity, du‘a.

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.Welcome to BeQuranic.Today is Tuesday, the 25th of Ramadan.As always on Tuesdays, we've got Tajweed Tuesday, where we break down the Tajweed rules in the Ayat of the Week.This week, we are covering ayahs 56 to 61 of Surah Al-Rahman.Usually, we begin with the theory, and then apply it to the ayat.But this week, I want to do things a little differently.Since we've now completed the rules of Nun Sakin and Tanwin — which is one of the largest areas of Tajweed (aside from mudūd, or elongation) — I thought we could go straight into the application.We'll read the ayat, and then revisit and deep dive into the rules of Ikhfā', particularly focusing on examples we didn't fully cover last week.There are subtle but important differences between types of Ikhfā' — and these details help us beautify our recitation even more.So, get your mushaf out.Let's open up and read together — Surah Al-Rahman, ayat 56 to 61:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction: Covering All Bases in Ramadan• Although tonight (24th night) is even for some, it's odd for others.• Due to differences in moon sighting, don't risk missing Laylatul Qadr—perform extra worship on every night of the last 10 nights.

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.Welcome to BeQuranic.Today is Monday, the 24th of Ramadan.That means tonight will be the eve of the 25th of Ramadan.And Rasulullah ﷺ said in a very well-known hadith:“Search for Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights, on the odd nights.”So tonight is one of the last ten odd nights – it could be Laylatul Qadr.InshaAllah, let's make the most of this night.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction: Laylatul Qadr and Its Importance• Tonight (23rd night of Ramadan) is an odd night, possibly Laylatul Qadr.• Prophet ﷺ:• “Whoever is deprived of the good of Laylatul Qadr has been deprived of all good.”• Analogy:• If offered 1000 months' salary for working just one day without knowing the exact day, no one would miss it. Similarly, Laylatul…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction: Importance of Worship in Uncertainty• Tonight is the 22nd night of Ramadan, an even night.• In Perth, due to differing start dates of Ramadan, some Muslims consider tonight the 21st.• Reflection:• While confident in your own calculation, always worship as though you might be wrong, ensuring no opportunity for Laylatul Qadr is missed.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction: Significance of Tonight• Tonight is the 21st night of Ramadan, an odd night and also the eve of Friday, increasing the likelihood of Laylatul Qadr.• Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that when an odd night aligns with Friday, it creates نور على نور (light upon light), enhancing the night's virtue.• Practical Advice:• Sleep 15 minutes later o…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction• Tonight marks the beginning of the last ten nights of Ramadan, a crucial period to seek Laylatul Qadr, a night better than a thousand months.• Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised seeking this night in the last ten, especially the odd nights.Maximising Laylatul Qadr• Virtue of Jama'ah Prayers:• Isha in Jama'ah: Equivalent to half a night of worship.• Fajr in Jama'ah: Equivalent to a full night of worship.• Completing Taraweeh with Imam: Equivalent to another full night of worship.• By combining these acts, rewards multiply significantly, potentially surpassing 2,500 months (~200 years) of worship every year.• Recommended Dua:اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني(“O Allah, You are pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.”)• Al-Afuw vs Al-Ghafur:• Al-Ghafur: Forgiveness, sin remains recorded but punishment removed.• Al-Afuw: Pardoning, sin is completely erased as if it never occurred.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Significance of Angels in Laylatul Qadr• Countless angels, led by Jibril (AS), descend, filling Earth completely.• Reason for the name “Al-Qadr”:• Refers to divine decree and also “constriction,” signifying the vast number of angels leaving no space empty.• Angels witness worship, du'a, and ibadah, making this night incredibly blessed.Du'a & Decree (Qadar)• On Laylatul Qadr, Allah announces the year's decree to the angels from the Lauh Mahfuz (Preserved Tablet).• Du'a acts like submitting appeals before final decree is given to angels, emphasizing the power of sincere supplication.• Although divine decree is predetermined by Allah, dua shows the angels the power of supplication.Tafseer of Surah Al-An‘am (Verses 63–64): Gratitude and Returning to AllahVerse 63: Turning to Allah in Hardship• Allah asks rhetorically, “Who saves you from darkness and danger on land and sea?”• When faced with calamities, humans instinctively turn to Allah (تضرعاً وخفية), humbly and privately begging for relief.• People often promise gratitude (شكر) if Allah saves them.Reflection on Levels of Worship (Imam al-Ghazali):1. Fear-based Worship: Avoiding Jahannam, like a slave obeying a harsh master.2. Reward-based Worship: Seeking Jannah, like a businessman looking for profit.3. Gratitude-based Worship: Pure gratitude and love towards Allah, the highest level, exemplified by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who worshipped extensively out of thankfulness.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comWelcome to BeQuranic – today is Thursday, the 20th of Ramadan.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction:• Tonight marks the 19th night of Ramadan, approaching the last 10 nights—the time to seek Laylatul Qadr, as recommended by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.• Brief reflection on the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. Prayers requested for the innocent victims, and for an end to injustice and genocide.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comKey Themes and Concepts:1. Manifestations of Allah's Mercy (Rahmah):• Allah's Rahmah is demonstrated through His forgiveness.• Humans commit sins primarily due to a lack of self-control (Jahalah), not ignorance.• True repentance (Tawbah) involves acknowledging the wrongdoing, rectifying the error, and sincerely intending to not repeat it.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.2. Making Up Missed Worship (Qada):• If prayers (Salah), fasting, or Zakat were missed, they must be made up.• Calculation of missed Salah doesn't require precision; an estimate (ballpark figure) suffices.• Method suggested: Regularly pray additional Qada prayers after daily obligatory prayers. During Ramadan, Taraweeh prayers can also count toward Qada prayers.• Allah completes and forgives sincerely intended Qada that remain unfinished at death.3. Balancing Worship and Social Life:• Islam discourages isolating oneself from society for the sake of making up missed prayers or worship.• Worship and daily life can coexist without the need for complete isolation.4. Understanding of Ayat (Verses):• Allah repeats reminders through different angles and perspectives (multiple verses addressing the same topic) to foster deeper understanding.• Rejection of clear signs and reminders characterises criminals (Mujrimin).5. Rasulullah ﷺ as the “First Muslim”:• Not chronological but emphasising being foremost in dedication and sincerity.• Encouragement to excel spiritually and to always strive for the highest reward.

Tajweed Tuesday – The Hidden Sound of Ikhfa!Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh!Welcome back to Be Quranic—it's Tajweed Tuesday! This week, we're diving into Ikhfa, one of the biggest Tajweed rules. We'll also break down the ayat of the week, which is Surah Ar-Rahman, verses 46 to 55. If you missed the recitation, check out Sunday's post!Quick Recap of Past LessonsBefore we get into this week's new rule, let's go over what we've learned so far:• Tajweed is about perfecting our recitation by understanding letter rules and stopping points.• Types of errors:• Major (Lahan Jali) – changes meaning (serious issue!).• Minor (Lahan Khafi) – affects beauty but not meaning.• Mad Asli (natural elongation) – Stretching vowels correctly (Alif, Waw, Ya).• Wajibul Ghunnah – The nasal sound in Nun and Mim Shaddah.• Nun Sakin & Tanwin rules:• Idhar (clear pronunciation) – When Nun meets throat letters.• Idgham (full merging) – When Nun disappears into Yarmaloon letters.• Iqlab (switching sound to Meem) – When Nun Sakin meets Ba.New This Week: Ikhfa – The Half-MergerThis week, we focus on Ikhfa, which literally means “hiding.” It happens when a Nun Sakin or Tanwin meets one of 14 specific letters (not Idgham, not Iqlab, not Idhar).How do you read Ikhfa? Instead of a full merger (where the Nun disappears), you blend the Nun sound into the next letter while shaping your mouth for that letter.Example:• Ikhfa with Fa → Nuhasuffala (your mouth is shaped for “Fa,” but the Nun sound is still present).• Ikhfa with Ta → Tantasiran (your tongue is positioned for “Ta,” but the Nun sound is hidden).• Ikhfa with Sheen → In sha Allah (the Nun sound is softly blended).It's not a full Idgham (merger), but not a clear Idhar either—it's the in-between!Tajweed Breakdown of the AyatAs we recited Surah Ar-Rahman (46–55), we spotted:✅ Ikhfa in action – Nun Sakin blending into letters like Fa, Kaf, Zay, Ta, Sheen.✅ Idhar (clear pronunciation) – When Nun meets a throat letter (e.g., Min Istabraq).✅ Madd rules – Stretching for four harakats where marked.✅ Iqlaab – Small Meem above a Nun Sakin, meaning it turns into a Meem sound.✅ Qalqalah (bouncy letters) – The usual suspects: ق ط ب ج د.Final Thoughts & What's Next?We've now covered all four of the Nun Sakin & Tanwin rules!

“The Day of Distinction (Yawm al-Furqan): Reflections on Faith, Sacrifice, and Victory”Introduction: 17th Ramadan – Yawm al-Badr• Significance: The 17th of Ramadan marks the historic Battle of Badr, the greatest military victory of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.• Ramadan has historically been a month of significant victories:• Battle of Badr (2 AH)• Conquest of Makkah (Fath Makkah) (8 AH)BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Why Badr Matters• Known in the Qur'an as Yawm al-Furqan (Day of Distinction), clearly differentiating truth from falsehood.• Sahaba who participated (Ahlul Badr, 313 companions) are ranked highest among companions.• Guaranteed paradise (Hadith: “Do as you please; you have been forgiven.”)• Prophet ﷺ honoured them with special recognition even in funeral prayers (six takbirs instead of four).• Angels who participated were also the highest-ranking angels, led by Jibreel (AS).Historical Context: Prelude to Badr• Migration (Hijrah) forced Muslims to abandon homes, wealth, and possessions in Makkah.• Quraysh confiscated Muslim properties, using these resources for lucrative trade caravans (Rehlat ash-Shita'i was-Saif).• Muslims aimed to reclaim their rightful property by intercepting a Qurayshi caravan led by Abu Sufyan, triggering events leading to Badr.From Caravan Raid to Full-scale Battle• 313 Muslims set out initially to intercept a lightly guarded caravan, not expecting battle.• Quraysh gathered 1,300 soldiers, heavily armed, under leadership of Abu Jahl, aiming to decisively crush Muslims.Intervention by Shaytan (Iblis)• Quraysh initially hesitant to leave Makkah undefended due to fear of attack from Banu Bakar tribe.• Shaytan appeared disguised as Suraqah ibn Malik of Banu Bakar, assuring Quraysh of safety, urging them to fight.• Quranic Reference: (Surah Al-Anfal) highlighting how Shaytan deceived and encouraged Quraysh to battle.Thanks for reading BeQuranic! This post is public so feel free to share it.Strategic Decisions and Divine Support• Prophet ﷺ strategically positioned Muslims at wells, guided by advice from companion Hubab ibn al-Mundhir.• Muslims experienced miraculous comfort:• Peaceful sleep despite imminent danger.• Gentle rain provided stability, comfort, and firm ground.• Quraysh, by contrast, experienced discomfort:• Heavy rain, causing fatigue and difficult terrain.Prophet's ﷺ Prayer and Trust in Allah• Prophet ﷺ spent the night in fervent du'a:• Notably repeating “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum” (O Ever-Living, O Sustainer).• Made urgent du'a, recognizing critical significance: “If this small group is destroyed, Islam itself will vanish.”• Encouragement from Abu Bakr comforting the Prophet ﷺ, assuring him of Allah's help.The Battle: Angels Descend• Muslims arranged strategically (in straight lines), introducing new disciplined military tactics unfamiliar to Arabs.• Jibreel and angels appeared, visibly fighting alongside Muslims, terrifying Quraysh.• Shaytan (in form of Suraqah) fled upon seeing angels, declaring: “I see what you see not; I fear Allah.”Outcomes and Consequences of Badr• Decisive Victory: Muslims achieved overwhelming victory.• Quraysh lost over 70 key leaders (e.g., Abu Jahl, Umayyah ibn Khalaf).• Muslims had minimal casualties (~14 martyrs).• Islam recognized as a significant force across Arabian Peninsula for the first time, marking the beginning of its rise.Lessons & Reflections from Badr• Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah): Trusting Allah fully despite overwhelming odds.• Sincerity and Sacrifice: Muslims left everything behind purely for Allah's sake.• Unity in Diversity: Prophet ﷺ strategically utilized companions' diverse backgrounds (Muhajirin & Ansar) for strength.• Recognition of True Heroes: Encouraged knowing Sahaba (e.g., Mus'ab ibn Umair, Ali ibn Abi Talib, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib) as genuine role models, over fictional or superficial heroes.Practical Takeaways:• Tonight's Remembrance: Emulate Prophet's du'a:• Recite “Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum”, seeking Allah's aid for personal and collective struggles.• Reflect deeply on the legacy and lessons of Badr.• Renew personal commitments towards Islam, inspired by Sahaba's exemplary courage and sacrifice.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Conclusion: Honouring Ahlul Badr• Recognize the importance of commemorating and honouring our Islamic heritage.• Tonight, spend extra effort in worship, remembrance, and reflection on the spirit of Badr.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction: Passing the Halfway Mark• Tonight is the 16th night of Ramadan. We now begin reciting Dua Qunut in Witr.Tafseer of Surah Al-An'am (Verses 49–54)Verse 49 (Recap):• Those who reject Allah's signs will experience severe punishment, even from a slight “touch” of torment.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Verse 50: The Prophet's ﷺ Humanity and Limits of Knowledge• “I do not claim to have the treasures of Allah, nor do I know the unseen, nor am I an angel.”• Rasulullah ﷺ clarifies three important points to the Quraysh:1. No worldly wealth guaranteed from following him.2. Limited knowledge of the unseen (Ghayb).3. Human nature, not angelic, making him relatable as a role model.Levels of Ghayb (Unseen Knowledge):• Ghayb Nisbi (relative unseen): known to some, not to others (e.g., something behind a person's back).• Ghayb revealed to the Prophet ﷺ: through revelation or special events (Isra' wal Mi'raj).• Ultimate Ghayb: known exclusively by Allah.Significance:• Prophet ﷺ never spoke about the unseen without divine guidance, demonstrated by his silence when awaiting revelation (e.g., Surah Al-Kahf incident).Prophetic Lesson on Saying “InshaAllah”:• Prophet ﷺ taught to always use “InshaAllah” sincerely when referring to future plans. It should not be misused as a subtle refusal or insincere promise.

Assalamualaikum,Welcome to BeQuranic. Today is 16th of Ramadan which means we have officially crossed the half-way mark of this blessed month. Make sure that we make good use of the remaining days and increase our acts of worship.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Our ayat of the week for Week 6 this term is Surah ar-Rahman 46 - 55. These ayat contains 204 letters. Rasulullah told us that every letter is rewarded with 10 hasanat and that would make this passage 2040 hasanat. And that is when you recited it in normal months. But in Ramadan our deeds are multiplied. So the simple act of reciting a few ayat of the Quran brings immense reward in this blessed month.Practice and don't forget to log your time for Tilawa-thon. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comIntroduction: Ramadan Midway CheckpointTonight marks the 15th night of Ramadan, halfway through the blessed month—a perfect opportunity for self-reflection. Are we improving spiritually, or are we letting distractions pull us away?On the 17th of Ramadan, we commemorate the Battle of Badr (Yawm al-Furqan), the decisive victory distinguishing truth from falsehood. Historically, two great victories—Badr (military) and Fath Makkah (political)—occurred during Ramadan, though the Prophet ﷺ commanded the breaking of fast during battle to maintain strength, highlighting their humanity despite immense faith.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Tafseer of Surah Al-An'am (Verses 45-49)Verse 45 (Recap):• Allah assures victory to His messengers and faithful followers while cutting off the disbelievers.Verse 46-47:• Allah asks rhetorically: “If He were to take away your sight, hearing, and seal your hearts, who besides Allah could restore them?”• Significance of the Heart: In Islam, the heart is the spiritual centre, governing intention, intellect, and emotional states. Modern science affirms the heart's independent neural activity, reinforcing this profound Qur'anic concept.• Allah repeatedly delivers the same core message (tawhid and accountability) from different angles—intellectually, emotionally, gently, or sternly—to appeal to different aspects of human nature. Humans require repeated reminders (“Sacred Monotony”) for genuine improvement.“Sacred Monotony” Explained:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comAlhamdulillah, we continue our reflections on Surah Al-An'am, verses 42 to 45, during the 14th night of Ramadan.Tonight, Allah introduces the concept of istidraj, the subtle test where apparent blessings—like wealth, health, and power—actually lead people further away from Allah. Nations before us received messengers and reminders through hardships. If hardships failed to humble them, Allah sometimes granted them even greater worldly success, making them feel invincible—only to seize them suddenly, leaving them utterly confused and destroyed.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Fir'aun (Pharaoh) exemplifies istidraj. He was granted immense power, wealth, health, and advanced technology (evident from Egyptian architecture and engineering achievements). Instead of gratitude, these blessings made Fir'aun arrogant, ultimately leading him to claim divinity. His argument was that continuous worldly success meant Allah approved of him. However, Allah was giving him more rope to intensify his punishment—a powerful warning against equating worldly success with divine approval.Events in life—whether blessings or hardships—are fundamentally neutral. What truly matters is how we respond. Gratitude transforms blessings into true gifts, while arrogance or ingratitude turns them into punishments.Historically, the Muslims achieved miraculous victories not due to their numbers, but through sincerity, humility, and reliance on Allah. For instance, the Battle of Badr (17th Ramadan) saw angels assisting a vastly outnumbered Muslim army. Likewise, the Battle of Khandaq was won without direct combat—Allah alone defeated the enemy through a fierce sandstorm. Even the conquest of Mecca was peaceful.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comAssalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh! Welcome back to BeQuranic's Tafseer & Taraweeh podcast. Alhamdulillah, tonight is the 13th night of Ramadan. We continue our reflections on Surah Al-An'am, resuming from verse 41.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Allah reminds the Quraysh—and us—that in moments of desperation, we instinctively turn only to Him. Even Abu Jahl, one of the Prophet's greatest enemies, made dua to Allah at the Ka'bah for victory just before the Battle of Badr—ironically asking Allah to grant victory to the righteous, unaware he was sealing his own defeat.Allah then speaks about how previous nations were tested with trials and calamities so they might humble themselves. Difficulties are a sign from Allah, an opportunity to pause, reflect, and correct our paths. When hardship comes, it's either a purification of sins or a means of elevating our ranks spiritually, bringing us closer to the example of the Prophets who faced the greatest trials.However, not everyone responds positively. Some, like Fir'aun, become even more arrogant, their hearts hardened by difficulties instead of humbled by them. Events in life aren't inherently good or bad—it's how we respond that defines them. A hardship can be a blessing if we respond with patience, and a blessing can become harmful if we respond with arrogance or neglect Allah.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.com