Podcasts about meccans

20.11.24 Join Samar Ahmed and Tariq Bajwa for Wednesday's show where we will be discussing “Children of Gaza” and “Battle of the Ditch” Children of Gaza When we think of children, we picture laughter, smiles, innocence, and endless curiosity. But the words “children in Gaza” bring a much darker reality: cries, orphans, wounds, fear, and young lives surrounded by rubble and weapons. These kids play among ruins, try to learn in bombed classrooms, and never know if they'll see tomorrow or their loved ones again. Join us on today's show as we uncover Execution of Innocence in Gaza—a heartbreaking look at how young lives become the silent victims of war. Battle of the Ditch Battle of the Trench, which took place in 5 AH, or February/March 627 AD, was an early Muslim victory that ultimately forced the Meccans to recognize the political and religious strength of the Muslim community. Join us as we explore the events of the battle and the lessons we learn in fortitude and perseverance. Guests Dr Nabeel Rana - Vascular surgeon and humanitarian Dr Lynne Jones OBE - a British psychiatrist Imam Azeem Ahmad Producers Noorin Ghumman and Tahdia Hasan

Prophet Muhammad was worried about people rebelling against him if he announced Imam Ali as his successor, so he delayed following the message to formalize his succesorship as long as he was allowed to.The wisdom of this showed by how during the hajj. Some companions of the Prophet had suspected the Prophet would announce Imam Ali as his successor at hajj and whenever the prophet would give a sermon that veered towards this topic, they would become agitative and make noise in order to derail the announcement.After the hajj, the Muslims started travelling back towars their home towns, with the Yemenis going south, and the Meccans remaining behind in Mecca, while the prophet and others went north to Medina. At this time Gabriel once again conveyed Allah's command to the Prophet to announce his successor and this time also promised His protection. Perphaps after the groups had split the munafiqeen were in too small a number to cause any trouble, and Prophet Muhammad announced Imam Ali as his successor.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=766.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2uO-I_ZiWo&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Prophet Muhammad wanted to eradicate polythiesm and all practices associated with it, such as doing tawaaf around the kaaba naked. Surah Tawbah was revealed, which included a message that the idolaters should not be allowed near the kaaba after this year. The Prophet first sent Abu Bakr to share this news with the Meccans, but then God instructed him to send Ali instead. The message was that the polythiests would be banished from Mecca after four months, except for those who had treaties that lasted longer. Those who asked for safety would be granted it after being taught about Islam. But shia and sunni views of this even are discussed.Surah Tawbah is the only surah without a bismillah, and it contains many references to the idolaters, and how to treat them. It defined the rules of engagement against those who would fight agains the Muslims and that they should be granted asylum if they seek it.The banishment of kuffar was similar to how governments today determine what speech is harmful and what the accepetable overton window for a soecity is. Even liberal governments have ideologies they don't tolerate.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=746.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7WikQByyik&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Prophet Muhammad destroys all the idols in the Kaaba with Imam Ali's help and washes the images that had been drawn inside.He then introduced Islam to the Meccans, discarding their ideas of nationalism and tribalism, and offered a general amnesty regardless of if they convert to Islam.Prophet Muhammad told Bilal to climb on top of the Kaaba to give the Azaan. Ikrima bin Abu Jahl saw that and made disparraging remarks about it, with a couple other pagans agreeing. They were soon shokced when Prophet Muhammad came over and said "I know what you said about Bilal" and repeated their words verbatim, revealing his miraculous knowledge.The Prophet stayed in Mecca for 19 more days and during that time many prominent Meccans who had initially resisted conversion would end up converting instead of fleeing, including Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl, Suhayl ibn Amr, and Safwan ibn Umayyah.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=691.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_2pklaBlHA&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Prophet Muhammad had promised safety to any Meccan who either remined in their own home during the invasion or went to Abu Sufyan's home.After seeing the Muslim's strenght, Abu Sufyan saw the futility of struggle and urged the Meccans to surrender. Some Meccans remained defiant, notably his wife Hind and Ikrimah, the son of Abu Jahl.After taking over Mecca, Prophet Muhammad granted general amnesty to all Meccans save for about a dozen who had been the most defiant.The Prophet then went to the Ka'bah and destroyed all the idols there.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=687.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUkFpvzwUA4&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Things you'll learn in this episode of Our Prophet:- Meeting between Abu Sufyan and Jewish leaders- How did the Jews convince the Quraysh?- Disgraceful act by the Jews while convincing pagans- Main targets of the alliance, according to Imam Ali- Conditions set by the Ghatafan tribe to join the fight- Details of the coalition forcesJoin us in creating the most comprehensive life story (seerah) of Prophet Muhammad (s). Dedicate episodes in the memory of your loved ones by visiting* https://thaqlain.org/ourprophet.Visit https://app.thaqlain.org and download the first "Knowledge App" from the School of Ahlulbayt.#ProphetMuhammad #PropheticBiography #OurProphetSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/our-prophet/donations

- Celebration of the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, highlighting his significance as the Father of Fatima, brother of ‘Ali, and the greatest prophet. - It also marks the birth anniversary of the Sixth Imam, Imam Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq. - Briefly outlining the life of Prophet Muhammad in three segments: from birth to bi‘that, from bi‘that to hijrat, and from hijrat to wafāt. - It mentions the Meccans' complaints against the Prophet, including his opposition to idol-worshipping and treating believers as equals. - Meccans' strategies included propaganda, socio-economic boycott, and assassination attempts. - The Banu Hashim consistently supported the Prophet. - Discussing the construction of a masjid and the establishment of brotherhood to strengthen the sense of community, emphasizing peaceful co-existence with others. - The various battles and a peace treaty between the Meccans and Medina. - Highlighting the significance of Hajj and Ghadir in the succession plan. Milad-un Nabi 1445 October 2nd, 2023 Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/ Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Prophet Muhammad led the Muslims on a second attempt at Umra, thet qazaa for the last one which they couldn't complete.Rumor spread among the Mushrikeen that the Muslims were weakened, so the Prophet instructed his followers to show extra strength and bravado to dispel that notion.During the Umra:- Meccans removed their idols from the kaba for the Muslims- Muslims stashed their weapons nearby, under guard, in case the Meccans tried to attack them- The Prophet's Uncle Abbas, who had secretly converted to Islam and stayed in Medina, openly revealed his conversion- Bilal, the ex-slave, was instructed to recite the Adhan on top of the kaba, which outraged the class conscious Meccans- The prophet married Maymuna ibnt al-harith, most likely to establish a kinship with some of his fierce opponentsLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=657.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdRc7uHHodo&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Prophet Muhammad had given the garden of Fadak to his daughter Fatima, but after his passing it snatched away from her by Abu Bakr and Umar.This lecture explains: - How Fadak became the Prophet's property - Why he gifted it to Lady Fatima - Fadak was a source of immense wealth, generating enough income to fund an army. - How Umar adviced Abu Bakr to take Fadak away from her, since it would strip Imam Ali of his strength and make people less likely to follow him - Abu Bakr's twisting of Fiqh laws to create an excuse to take Fadak away - Fadak's history of being alternatively taken away from and being given back to the Ahlul Bayt, based on whether the ruler of the time needed to look like he supported the Ahlul Bayt, or if he needed to deprive them of their source of funding.The lecture also describes: - How the Prayer of Jafar al-Tayyar came to be, it being a special gift Prophet Muhammad gave to Jaffer ibn Abi Talib. - During a severe drought, Prophet Muhammad sent gold nuggets from the spoils of Khaybar to the Meccans (who were still pagan) to be distributed among the poorLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=653.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUXztsqZ25w&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

May we receive mercy from Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala and also receive guidance to gather sufficient supplies so that we are safe and comfortable in Mahsyar facing Allah SWT being entered into heaven by Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala without reckoning and also punishment. Surahs mentioned : - Surah Al Anfal 8, verse 1 : [ They ask you (O Muḥammad Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) about the spoils of war. Say, “The spoils are for Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala and the Messenger Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam.” So fear Allah and adjust all matters of difference among you, and obey Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala and His Messenger Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam if you are believers. ] - Surah Al Anfal 8, verse 12 : [ (Remember, O Prophet,) when your Lord revealed to the angels, “I am with you. So make the believers stand firm. I will cast terror into the hearts of the disbelievers. So strike their necks and strike their fingertips.” ] - Surah Al Anfal 8, verse 19 : [ If you (Meccans) sought judgement, now it has come to you. And if you cease, it will be for your own good. But if you persist, We will persist. And your forces—no matter how numerous they might be—will not benefit you whatsoever. For Allah is certainly with the believers. ] - Surah Al Anfal 8, verse 48 : [ But when the two armies sighted each other, he (Satan) turned on his heels and said, “Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed I fear Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala.” ] - Surah Al Anfal 8, verse 67 - 68 : [ It is not fit for a prophet that he should take captives until he has thoroughly subdued the land. You (believers) settled with the fleeting gains of this world, while AllahSubhanahu wa ta'ala's aim (for you) is the Hereafter. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. Had it not been for a prior decree from Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala, you would have certainly been disciplined with a tremendous punishment for whatever (ransom) you have taken. ] - Surah Ali ‘Imran 3, verse 133 : [ And be quick for forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth. ] - Surah Muhammad 47, verse 4 : [ So when you meet the disbelievers (in battle), strike (their) necks until you have thoroughly subdued them, then bind them firmly. Later (free them either as) an act of grace or by ransom until the war comes to an end. So will it be. Had Allah willed, He (Himself) could have inflicted punishment on them. But He does (this only to) test some of you by means of others. And those who are martyred in the cause of Allah, He will never render their deeds void. ] - Surah Al Qamar 54, verse 45 : [ (Soon) their united front will be defeated and (forced to) flee. ] Hadith mentioned : - Sahih al-Bukhari 3984 : Book 64, Hadith 35 Narrated by Abu Usaid: [ On the day of Badr, Allah's Messenger Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam said to us, "When the enemy comes near to you, shoot at them but use your arrows sparingly (so that your arrows should not be wasted). ] - In a book of Mishkat al-Masabih : Book 19, Hadith 169 Chapter: Fighting in Jihad - Section 2 Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawud transmitted that Sayyidinā ‘Ali RadhiAllahu anhu said: [ At the battle of Badr 'Utba b. Rabi'a came forward followed by his son and his brother and cried out, “Who will engage in single combat?” Some young men of the Helpers responded to his call, but when he asked them who they were and they told him he said, “I have no use for you; I want only my cousins on my father's side.” Allah's Messenger Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam then said, “Get up, Hamza; get up, ‘Ali; get up, ‘Ubaida ibn al-Harith.” Hamza went forward to Shaiba, I went forward to al-Walid, and after two blows had been exchanged between ‘Ubaida and ‘Utbah they wounded one another severely; so we turned against ‘Utbah, and when we had killed him we carried ‘Ubaida away. ]

In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory. In part 17, he goes over verses twenty-four and twenty-five: "And it is He, Allāh, who withheld their hands, that of the polytheist Meccans, from you, the Muslims, and your hands from them, the polytheist Meccans, within the heart of Mecca through the peace treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah after He caused you to overcome them through the terms and conditions of the treaty. And Allāh is ever Seeing and Knowing of what you do. They, the polytheists of Mecca, are the ones that disbelieved and they obstructed you, the Muslims, from approaching and entering Masjid al-Haram and also prevented your sacrificial animals from reaching their place of sacrifice in the outskirts of the city of Mecca in the region of Mina. And if it was not for the fact that there existed believing men and believing women living in the city of Mecca that were not able to migrate to Medina whom you did not know, then realize that if there were to be a war with the polytheists of Mecca, that you might trample them, the innocent Muslims, and there would befall you because of them, dishonor without your knowledge as they would have been killed. Thus, if they were not in Mecca, then you would have been permitted to enter the city– but we did not allow this so as to prevent your hands from being tainted with the blood of innocent believers that would have been killed. Thus, the fact that Allah prevented any war to break out at that time, was so that Allah might admit to His mercy whom He willed, most importantly the believing men and women that were in Mecca and could not escape and were incognito in society. If they, this group of Muslims, had been apart from them – that is the polytheists of Mecca, We would have punished those who disbelieved among them with painful punishment."

In this Ramadan series of lectures, Shaykh Saleem reviews Surah al-Fath (48) - The Chapter of the Victory. In part 15, he goes over verses twenty-one and twenty-two: "And He, Allāh, promises other victories that you were so far unable to realize which Allah has already encompassed. And ever is Allah, over all things, competent. And if those Meccans who disbelieve had fought you in Ḥudaybiyyah, they would have turned their backs in flight as they do not want to confront the Muslims. Then they would not find a protector or a helper."

Sunday February 12, 2023 Rajab 21, 1444   This episode looks at how the Meccans reacted to the defeat at Badr as well as the reaction of the Negus (Naj'ashi) of Abyssinia to the news of Muslim victory. The episode also looks at another decisive battlefield victory that occurred at the same time as Badr and what it meant for the Muslim community.

Surah Al-Imran is the 3rd chapter of the Qur'an. The surah titled in English means “The Family of Imran” and it consists of 200 verses.ABOUT THIS SURAH:The name of the Surah is taken from v.33 where the “house” or family of Imran is mentioned. Imran is the father of Maryam who's son is Isa (عليه السلام).From v35-49 it recounts the early life of Maryam and Isa (عليه السلام) his birth and miracles he performed.The surah also covers events related to the battle of Uhud and the battle of Badr, which were two major wars between the Muslims and he Meccans.The first battle was Badr where they were victorious, the second was Uhud where they suffered a defeat. The defeat came at the cost of a group archers abandoned their post to loot thereby creating a vulnerability in their defense that was exploited. The surah comments on this issue of cowardice, attachment to worldly attachment, and hypocrisy.“Do not lose hope, nor be sad. You will surely be victorious if you are true in Faith.” And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].”SURAH IMRAN VERSE 139

Prophet Muhammad saw a dream of the Muslims entering the Ka'bah to worship, and he instructs his followers to begin preparations to go to Mecca. They would go in peace, without arms.The call to go for this pilgrimage turns into an opportunity to expose more of the Munafiqeen as they make excuses to avoid the seemingly dangerous journey.When the Quraysh get word of the Muslims arriving, they panic, fearing that allowing their enemies into the city would make the Meccans appear weak. While they negotiate with the Muslims, the friendly local tribe of Khuza'ah helps the Muslims settle in Hudaybiyyah and even advocates for them to teh Quraysh, reminding them of their oath to allow all pilgrims to the holy KabaLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=608.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXkknql5HqY&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Question 4 - Was Abu Bakr jealous of Ali Ibn Abu Talib? This jealousy is proven through historical events. Two examples: 1- Revelation of Surah Al-Bara'a (Surah Taubah) When the Prophet made treaties, the Muslims went for Hajj the next year of the treaty of Hudebiyah. This first group of Muslims was led by Abu Bakr. However, as the non-Muslim tribes broke the treaty, Allah revealed Surah Al-Bara'a and asked the Prophet to convey the message to the Kufar of Makkah. The Prophet asked Abu Bakr to inform the Meccans when he reaches there. However, Angel Jibrael came from Allah and asked the Prophet to either convey the message himself or someone like him should convey it. Even though Prophet knew what Allah meant, he explicitly asked Jibrael, who should do this work. The angel replied Ali Ibn Abu Talib AS. So the Prophet asked Imam Ali to rush and take the leadership of the Hajj caravan from Abu Bakr and convey this message to Abu Bakr. Once Imam Ali took the charge, Abu Bakr got really angry. Instead of completing the Hajj, he returned angrily to the Prophet and didn't complete Hajj for Allah. According to some narrations, he even didn't say Salam to the Prophet and asked why did he ask Abu Bakr to give over the leadership. If there was no animosity, he could've just continued the Hajj and submitted to the Prophet's saww command. 2- Revelation of the verse about raising houses When this verse was revealed, Abu Bakr pointed towards the house of Syeda Fatima Zehra and Imam Ali AS, asking if this house is included. The Prophet replied that this is the best of those houses. Why would someone ask about some other house than his/her own house when a general verse is revealed? It is just out of curiosity, love, or hatred. We have seen that from the above example, Abu Bakr didn't have love for Imam Ali AS otherwise, he would've continued the Hajj. So the only justification is that he was jealous and wanted to know whether this house is included or not to make him feel better (if not included).

Things you'll learn in this episode of Our Prophet:- Ka'b ibn Ashraf's role in instigating Meccans- Method used by Quraysh to fund the battle- Why did Quraysh bring their women to Uhud?- Incentives given to slaves to fight in the battle- Abbas ibn Abdul Mutallib's letter to the ProphetTo watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OI9d2V6oMg8Help us create the most comprehensive biography of the Prophet of Islam. Dedicate episodes in the memory of your loved ones by visiting https://thaqlain.org/ourprophetSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/our-prophet/donations

Things you'll learn in this episode of Our Prophet:- Who came out from Meccans for the first combat- Whom did the Prophet call to fight with the Meccan leaders?- What happened in the first round of battle?- 2 proofs Imam Ali killed all three Meccan combatants- Why the Prophet cried at the martyrdom of Ubaydah- Verse of the Quran revealed after the first combatTo watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9nl9EkZdvMoHelp us create the most comprehensive biography of the Prophet of Islam. Dedicate episodes in the memory of your loved ones by visiting https://thaqlain.org/ourprophetSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/our-prophet/donations

Things you'll learn in this episode of Our Prophet:- Beautiful prayer by the Prophet on the day of Badr- Prophet's military advice for the Muslims- Amr's keen observation of the Muslim army and Abu Jahl's arrogance- Prophet's logical advice to Meccan chiefs to end the war- How did Abu Jahl convince the Meccans to stay and fight?To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ql3Pm7qkkHgHelp us create the most comprehensive biography of the Prophet of Islam. Dedicate episodes in the memory of your loved ones by visiting https://thaqlain.org/ourprophetSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/our-prophet/donations

Things you'll learn in this episode of Our Prophet:- Details of Abu Sufyan's caravan returning from Syria- Why did the Muslims choose Badr to camp their army?- How did Abu Sufyan mobilise Meccans to go to war?- The prophetic dream of the Prophet's aunt, Atika - Mursad ibn Abi Mursad and the Quranic verse 24:26 on marrying adulterers- Numerical comparison of the two armiesTo watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p6DI9Vp7OtEHelp us create the most comprehensive biography of the Prophet of Islam. Dedicate episodes in the memory of your loved ones by visiting https://thaqlain.org/ourprophetSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/our-prophet/donations

All the Muslim's enemies band together in a final attempt to defeat them.In the year 5 AH, the two banished Jewish tribes ally with the Meccans to mobilizing the masses for the ultimate battle against the Muslims, in what would later be known as the Battle of the Azhab, aka Battle of Khandaq.The Quraysh had been humbled by their constant failure to wipe out the Muslims, and now that Muslims were blocking their trade routs the Quraysh were feeling the pain in their wallets. Abu Sufyan, receptive to the invitation by the Jewish tribes, rallies the Meccans and other Pagan tribes to raise the largest army the Arab peninsula had ever seen so far and they begin marching against Medina.The Muslims in Mecca learn of this, and with Salman Al-Farsi's advice, begin digging a tranch along the city's border.The banished Jews reach out to the one Jewish tribe still remaining in Mecca and convince them to also break their truce with the Muslims (now that a huge army is coming towards the city). The tribe openly reveals that they'll break their covenant, and the Muslims realize they have to guard against enemies both outside and inside Medina.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=574.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAlQEbGoO8U&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Things you'll learn in this episode of Our Prophet:- Who were the first two Medinans to embrace Islam? - The first six Muslims to publically announce Islam in Medina - Role of the Jewish community in facilitating Islam of Medinans - Two main differences between the Meccans and Medinans - How personal interests and feelings obstruct us from the truth - Importance of sense of guilt after sinning - The primacy of logic over personal feelings in IslamTo watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p-w9jmVe1q8Help us create the most comprehensive biography of the Prophet of Islam. Dedicate episodes in the memory of your loved ones by visiting https://thaqlain.org/ourprophet.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/our-prophet/donations

Things you'll learn in this episode of Our Prophet:- Why did the Prophet make dua against Quraysh - Prophet's prayer and its impact on Meccans- Abu Sufyan's request to Prophet for intercession - Are natural calamities always a punishment by Allah? - Important lesson from the Prophet's prayer for rain - Why did Allah remove the punishment despite Meccans' stubbornness To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DWT22rKJDiUHelp us create the most comprehensive biography of the Prophet of Islam. Dedicate episodes in the memory of your loved ones by visiting https://thaqlain.org/ourprophet.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/our-prophet/donations

Things you'll learn in this episode of Our Prophet:- Oath taken by Abu Talib from Bani Hashim- Quraysh's awful ways of harassing the Prophet- Abu Jahl's attempts to assassinate the Prophet- Hamza's response to Abu Jahl and announcement of IslamTo watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oYFbJsFKZGcHelp us create the most comprehensive biography of the Prophet of Islam. Dedicate episodes in the memory of your loved ones by visiting https://thaqlain.org/ourprophet.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/our-prophet/donations

Things you'll learn in this episode of Our Prophet:- One assurance from Allah as the Prophet began public dawah.- Details of the Prophet's invitation at Masjid al-Haram and Mount Safa.- Why was Surah Lahab revealed?- What was the main reason Meccans rejected the message of the Prophet?- How Abu Talib defended the Prophet from attacks.To watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P4J5RwMtwxgHelp us create the most comprehensive biography of the Prophet of Islam. Dedicate episodes in the memory of your loved ones by visiting https://thaqlain.org/ourprophet.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/our-prophet/donations

At the end of the battle of Badr, Abu Sufyan had challenged the Muslims to a rematch a year later. This rematch was known as the Second Battle of Badr, and after seeing how much stronger the Muslims had gotten the Meccans were demoralized and decided to march back to Mecca. And so no battle never actually took place.Around this time period many of the Prophet's multiple marriages took place. Reasons for those marriages included:- Protecting vulnerable Muslim women- Establishing peaceful ties with hostile tribes- Teaching men to free their slave girls and marry them- Promote the spirit of interfaith- Demonstrating how to deal with marital conflict- Testing the believers to see if they would believe the prophet or his wivesLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=532.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK6rRnJFLQQ&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

After the Battle of Uhud:- Quraysh mutilate the bodies of Muslims- Prophet Muhammad sends a reconnissance mission to see if the Quraysh will invade Medina or return to Mecca- Various verses of the Quran are revealed to console the Muslims and instruct them on how to recover from the losses- The Meccans decide to come back to finish off the Muslims, but their army is scared away- Nomadic tribes, emboldened by the Muslim's defeat at Uhud, try to raid the MuslimsKey lessons from the Battle of Uhud:- Do not be naive and assume anyone who claims to be a Muslim is a believer at heart. Uhud exposed the munafiqeen- God's help is guaranteed when Muslims are united and obey the Prophet- Being Muslim doesn't guarantee victory. Believers must struggle and endure hardships to achieve success- Beware of succumbing to material temptations. Love of the world can blind even those fighting alongside the prophetLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=501.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDjeZ57V3VM&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

The Narration is an eighty-eight verse chapter revealed in Mecca.  It takes its name from the twenty-fifth verse in which the Arabic word for narration is used.  The Narration is also a suitable title because the chapter tells a detailed story about Prophet Moses.  Its main theme is the punishment that comes to those who are arrogant and spread corruption.  This chapter and the two preceding it go together to tell the complete story of Prophet Moses.  Polytheism is condemned, and Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is reminded that he cannot make the people believe but nevertheless he must remain steadfast in his mission.Verses 1 – 21 Prophet Moses and PharaohChapter twenty-eight begins with the combination of letters ta, seen, meem.  They are three letters from amongst various combinations of fourteen letters that open twenty-nine chapters of the Quran.  God did not reveal any specific meaning regarding them.  Immediately after these letters we are informed that these verses from the Quran make things clear and understandable.  The story of Prophet Moses and Pharaoh is true beyond doubt.  Pharaoh consolidated his leadership by dividing the people into groups and setting them against one another.  He loved to spread corruption and oppressed one group in particular.  God however wanted to favour those who were oppressed, to make them leaders and establish them in the land, and Pharaoh and Haman, and those like them would then face their greatest fears. Moses' mother was inspired by God.  He made her understand that she should suckle her baby but when the time comes when she is afraid for him she should put him in the river.  She must not grieve or be afraid because God will return the baby to her and he will grow up to be one of His messengers.  A member of Pharaoh's family found baby Moses little realizing that later he would become a source of grief for the evildoers.  Pharaoh's wife was able to convince her husband to adopt the baby and they took him into the family.The following day Moses' mother was bereft but God strengthened her.  She sent Moses' sister to find out what happened.  God had ordained that Moses would refuse to feed from any of the palace wet nurses so Moses' sister was able to tell them about her mother that could feed the baby.  In this way Moses was restored to his mother so she would feel comforted and know that God's promise was true.Moses reached full maturity and was wise and intelligent.  One day when walking in the city he came upon two people fighting.  One was from his own people and appealed to Moses for help.  Moses did help and killed the person with one blow.  He realised that Satan must have had a hand in this and appealed to God for forgiveness.  When forgiven, he promised never to support evildoers.  The next day he came upon the same man fighting and realised he was a troublemaker.  Moses was reluctant to be drawn into another fight but was going to attack the troublemaker who was accusing Moses of being a tyrant.  At that moment a man rushed up to Moses and told him that the authorities were looking for him, possibly intending to kill him.  So Moses left the city.  He was fearful and wary and prayed to God to save him from the wrongdoers.Verses 22 –43 Return to EgyptMoses made his way to Midian.  When he arrived at the waterhole there he found a group of men watering their livestock while two women were standing back fearful of watering their sheep whilst the men were there.  Moses watered the sheep for them and then sat in the shade and prayed to God for assistance.  He asked God for any good thing at all and just then one of the two women returned saying that their father wanted to speak to him and reward him. Moses went with the woman and met her father, Prophet Shuaib.  The old man listened to Moses' story and reassured him.  One of the daughters encouraged her father to hire Moses, and so Prophet Shuaib offered one of his daughters in marriage if Moses worked for him for eight years adding that ten would be better though.  Moses agreed to fulfil one of the terms.And when the agreed upon term had been completed Moses set out to travel with his family.  One night he noticed a fire on the side of a mountain.  He told his family to wait while he went to find the source of the fire and perhaps learn some news or in the very least bring back a flaming branch so that they could light their own fire.  When Moses reached the fire a voice called out to him.The voice seemed to come from the right side of the valley, from a tree.  The voice said, "I am God, Lord of the worlds".  Throw down your staff the voice commanded.  When Moses did so the staff slithered away like a snake.  Moses fled in fear.  God called him back telling him he had nothing to fear.  Moses was then told to put his hand inside his shirt.  When he withdrew it, it was white and shinning.  God informed him that these two things would be signs Moses was to deliver from Him to Pharaoh and his ministers.Moses then told God about the man he had killed and that he feared he would be killed himself if he returned to Egypt.  He also asked that his eloquent brother Aaron be able to accompany him on his mission.  God replied that he would strengthen Moses with his brother, and that they would not be harmed and would triumph.When Moses and Aaron presented themselves before Pharaoh they were accused of trickery and sorcery because they had never seen such a thing before.  Moses said that God knows best who is guided and who will have the best home in the Hereafter.  Arrogantly Pharaoh told Haman to build a high tower so that he could climb up and see this God of Moses, and accused Moses of lying.  Pharaoh and his armies were arrogant, thinking they would never have to face God.  God seized them and flung them into the sea and that was an end to them.  They were the leaders calling only to the Hellfire but on the Day of Resurrection they will have no help.  They were cursed in this world and on the Day of Resurrection they will be despised.  Moses was given the scripture to provide insight, guidance and mercy.   Verses 44 – 50 Prophet Muhammad does not narrate from himselfGod tells Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, that he was not present there on the mountain when He (God) gave Moses the law, nor was he among the people of Midian.  Prophet Muhammad was also not there when God spoke to Moses on the side of Mount Sinai.  You (Prophet Muhammad) had no direct means of obtaining the information of earlier nations; all this is being revealed to you.   You were sent as an act of grace and mercy to warn a people that had never been warned before, that they must take heed and never be able to say that a warner did not come to them.  Now that the truth has come to them they ask why Prophet Muhammad was not given a law like Moses' law.  They call the Torah and the Quran sorcery and refuse to accept either of them.  Ask these disbelievers to bring forth a scripture that is more guiding.  If they do not respond you will know that they only follow their own desires.  God does not guide the wrongdoers.Verses 51 – 61 In MeccaThe disbelievers of Mecca have repeatedly been given the words of the Quran.  Some of those who were given the scripture before the Quran had no trouble believing in it (the Quran), and said that we already believed in One God and were sincerely responding to His commands even before the Quran came.  They will be given their reward twice because they have endured.  They repel evil with good, give in charity from what has been provided for them, and turn away when they hear frivolous speech.  Oh Muhammad you do not decide who will be guided; God guides whoever He pleases and knows which people will accept guidance.  They do not wish to be guided.  They say that if they accept guidance they will be driven from the land.  But God has already given them a sanctuary (Mecca) and provided everything they could possibly need. In your travels you (Meccans) have seen the cities that God destroyed.  And God would never destroy a city or its people without first sending a messenger.  Whatever you have in this world is temporary and that which is with God is better and more lasting.  So why not use your power of reasoning? Is the person who strives for the Hereafter and is rewarded with eternal bliss like the one who merely enjoys a few days of this life and is then punishment in the next?Verses 62 – 70 Polytheists will be left helpless on Judgement DayA Day will come when God will ask, where are the ones you called My partners? Those waiting for punishment will point them out, but the accused will say we did not compel them to obey; they followed their own desires and inclinations.  They will try to invoke their gods but they will not respond, and then they will see the punishment and wished they had followed guidance.  God will ask them how they responded to the messengers but all their previous arguments will seem obscure and they will not be able to talk with one another.  However, those who repented, believed, and acted righteously will be successful.  God creates and chooses, you do not choose for yourselves.  Glory to God, He is far above the partners ascribed to Him.  And God knows what their hearts conceal and what they reveal.  He is God; there is no deity except Him.  All praise in this life and in the Hereafter belongs to Him.  His is the Judgement and everyone will be brought back to Him.Verses 71 – 75 Who can create other than God?Oh Prophet Muhammad, ask them what would happen if God made the night perpetual.  Who other than God could bring light? If God were to make the day perpetual who other than God could bring night? Out of His Mercy God made the night for rest and the day a time in which to seek bounty.  The Day of Judgement will come, and God will ask about the whereabouts of the partners you ascribed to Him.  A witness from every nation will be asked to produce proof of the false deities.  And then they will know that the truth belongs to God and the gods they invented have forsaken them.Verses 76 – 82 The story of QarunQarun was one of Moses' people but he rebelled against them.  God gave him so many treasures that even the keys to open the containers the treasures were kept in would have been heavy for strong men to carry.  The people said to him do not gloat because God does not like those people who gloat.  Use what God has given you to attain a good abode in the Hereafter.  Be good to others as God has been good to you, and do not cause mischief; God does not love the mischief makers.  But Qarun replied all that I have is only because of my own knowledge and ability.  Did he not understand that God has destroyed many people before him, many that were mightier in strength and richer in wealth? But criminals are not always called immediately to account.One day he came out of his house in all his worldly adornment.  Some people wished they had what he had while others said the reward from God is better but we can only attain it with patience and gratitude.  God caused the earth to swallow him and his house.   There was nobody to help him and he was unable to defend himself.  Then the same people who had envied Qarun changed their minds.  They said, we had forgotten that it is God who enlarges provision and it is God that can take it away.  If it was not for God's graciousness He could have caused the earth to swallow us all.  Those who deny the truth will never prosper.Verses 83 – 88 ReassuranceThe home of the Hereafter is for those who seek neither glory nor spread corruption.  The best outcome is for those who are mindful of God.  Those who come to God on the Day of Judgment with good deeds will be rewarded with what is better.  Those who come with bad deeds will be recompensed only to the extent of their bad deeds.  Prophet Muhammad is reassured that he will be brought to the best destination.  God knows that Prophet Muhammad brought guidance to those who were in manifest error.  Prophet Muhammad did not expect the Quran to be revealed but it is a mercy.  Do not help the disbelievers by giving them concessions in their religion and do not let any of them try to turn you away from what has been revealed to you.  Call the people to God and never become one of those who ascribe partners to Him.  Do not call out to any other deity besides Him; none has the right to be worshipped except God. Everything will be destroyed except Him.  The Judgment belongs to God and you will be returned to Him. _______________________________________By Aisha Stacey (© 2018 IslamReligion.com)Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.Used with permission.The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

The events that occurred after the Battle of Badr, which led to the Battle of Uhud:- The Expedition of Qarqarat Al-Kudr, where nomadic tribes started hostilities against the Muslims- The Expedition of Sawiq, where Abu Sufyan led an assault against Medina- The Qaradah Raid, where the Muslims raided a Meccan caravan- The death of Uthman ibn Madh'un, one of the highest companions- The death of Ruqayyah- The assassination of Ka'b ibn Ashraf, a member of the Jewish tribe of Banu Nadhir, for treason (inciting Meccans to war against the Muslims)Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=478.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNR6pPMAOrk&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

While most Muslima and Jewish tribes in Medina were agriculture based, the Jewish tribe of Banu Qaynuqa consisted mainly of craftsmen and blacksmiths, making them highly militarized. The tax-free marketplace, along with the Muslim's conflict with the Meccans (one of Banu Qaynuqa's main customer base) threatened Banu Qaynuqa's financial interests. This led to Banu Qaynuqa violating the peace treaty they had agreed to in the Medinan Charter and secretly start colluding with the Meccans to incite hostilities against the Muslims.Once Banu Qaynuqa began openly violating the peace treaty and began abetting the Muslim's enemies, there was a stand off between them and the Muslims, which led to Banu Qaynuqa's defeat and banishment.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=474.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uJvnpFZu0s&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

The Meccans wanted to bolster their military situation, not okay with the Prophet Muhammad simply relocating to Medina. The Meccans had invested heavily in a caravan led by Abu Sufyan which would let them build up their military.Prophet Muhammad intended to intercept this caravan on it's way back from Syria. However, Abu Sufyan discoveres this plan and devises a scheme to rile up the Meccans and push them to all out war against the Muslims.This lecture includes:- How Imam Ali got the kunya of Abu Turab- Gabriel informing Prophet Muhammad of Abu Sufyan's plan and how the Prophet tested the Muslims' resolve- The prophet's aunt in Mecca having a vision of a calamity affecting the MeccansLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=450.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-iBIU2c3Ms&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

[It is written in the two hundred and ninth page of the book Âmentü Şerhi, written by Kâd›zâde Ahmed Efendî: “In Hell, there is a place called Zemherîr. That is, it is the cold Hell. Its cold is so vehement that it cannot be endured even for a moment. Disbelievers will be tormented by being thrown now into the cold Hell and then into the hot one, and then again into the cold one and then again into the hot one.” It is written in the sixth chapter of the fourth part of the book Kimyâ-yi Sa'âdat, and also in the – 179 –chapter “Calling One's Nafs to Account” at the end of the book Kıyâmet ve Âhıret, which is the Turkish version of the book entitled ad-Durrat al-Fâkhira, by Imâm-i-Muhammad Ghazâlî, that there are cold zemherîr [1] torments in Hell. This fact is also stated clearly in hadîth-i-sherîfs. By attacking Islam through lies and slanders, the enemies of religion say, “Because all Prophets came to hot countries, they always frightened people with fire by saying that fire was the means of torment in Hell. If they had come to the poles, to the cold northern countries, they would have said that the torment would be done with ice.” These disbelievers are both ignorant and stupid. As a matter of fact, if they knew of the Qur'ân and if they had heard of the words of the great men of Islam and if they were a little clever, they would become Muslims immediately. At least, perhaps, they would not be so mean as to write these reckless lies. Our religion both declares that there are also cold torments in Hell, and states that Prophets were sent not only to hot countries, but also to every country on earth, hot or cold alike. The Qur'ân answers the questions asked to our Prophet in accordance with the knowledge and understanding of the people who asked them. Also, it explains the unknown beings in the next world by likening them to the ones which people have seen and known in the world. Since the Meccans had not heard of the poles and of the countries of ice, it would be useless to tell them about the freezing torments of Hell. The existence of such information compatible with this subtlety in the Qur'ân and hadîths causes today's unbelievers to become more confused.] Endless Blıss First Fasicle | Page 179 - 180

Mohammed is known by his biography, the Sira, and his traditions, the Hadith. There is no mention of him in historical records of his day. It is strange that a man could become the first ruler of a unified Arabia and not have any notice by anyone outside of Islam. He is mentioned four times by name in the Koran. Instead, he is frequently referred to by the titles Messenger and Prophet. Islam calls him the final prophet. He was an orphan who became a successful businessman. In his forties he reported that he had visions and heard voices of the angel Gabriel, which brought him the words of the only god of the universe, Allah. The reported words were recorded in memory and written forms were called the Koran. The Koran says in 89 verses that Mohammed is the most perfect man who has lived and that he is the divine human prototype for all of humanity. A brief summary of Mohammed's career is that he preached the religion of Islam for 13 years in Mecca and converted 150 Arabs to Islam. He was a divisive man and the Meccans drove him out of town. He went to Medina and became a politician and jihadist. During the last 9 years of his life, he averaged a jihad event every 6 weeks. When he died in 632 CE, every Arab had converted to Islam due to jihad. Mohammed was the most successful warrior in history. All other military leaders' influence stopped after their death, but Mohammed has inspired war for 1400 years and it continues today. He was also the most successful law giver. His legal code, the Sharia, is the oldest active form of law.

This episode is the second installment in the series ‘The Epileptic Prophet' in which we discuss Muhammad's neurological condition and possible epilepsy. We were joined by Dr. Ali A. Rizvi to help us with his take on this topic based on his experience as a medical doctor specializing in pathology.  We kicked off the discussion by giving a quick recap of the first episode in this series. We then move moved on to talk about Muhammad's postictal psychosis symptoms while he was receiving revelation. We then compared the descriptions of Muhammad's condition in the Islamic literature to the symptoms of contemporary epilepsy patients. Additionally, we listened in on an interview by Dr. Dede Korkut in which he explains psychosis and behavioral changes in epilepsy patients. The conversation then moved on to how Islamic scholars and the Muslim population in general attribute epilepsy to jinn possession. We went through various hadith, Quranic verses, and other Islamic literature that support this idea. We also responded to Farid's assertion that people around Muhammad did not notice or record any accounts of Muhammad having seizure-like symptoms or epilepsy. We presented numerous Quranic verses and hadith in which people thought that Muhammad was crazy, mad, or jinn possessed. Finally, we discussed Muhammad's conditions while receiving revelation. We talked about Muhammad's auditory hallucinations, his convulsive seizures, and his paroxysm. To support our claims we went through a vast number of Quranic verses, Seerah, Hadith, and tafsir and we compared them to the books on Muhammad written by neuroscience experts. A full list of resources referenced in this presentation can be found on the link in the description below.  I urge you to take a listen and also to check out the sources we used.  Epileptic Prophet Part 1: https://youtu.be/WlO4nZUGVf4 YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/ZI16w6Sl3DE Support the show at https://abdullahsameer.com/two-abdullahs Follow Abdullah Gondal on FB at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006615126777 Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:42 A quick recap of part 1 5:07 Post Ictal psychosis of Muhammad 12:48 Pyschosis and behavioral changes - Dr. Dede 17:33 Delusions and how they are directly linked to trauma genies Mairaj - Dr. Abbas. 21:10 Muslim scholars' opinion on the causes of epilepsy - Jinns causing epilepsy? 26:43 Responding to Farid - The black woman was possessed by jins. 33:07 The Shaman healer - Meccans offered medical help 35:00 Did people around Muhammad notice any seizures? - Responding to Farid's claims. 44:16 Ringing bells aura - an explanation by Dr. Abbas. 46:25 Channel announcements 46:45 Ringing, buzzing auditory hallucinations. 50:21 Epilepsy patient describing her personal experiences with ringing bells aura 52:52 Hearing bells and seeing humanoid figures - Dr. Dede 56:35 Farid and ringing bells - secondary generalizations 1:01:46 Islamic Scholar's explanation of Muhammad's symptoms after hallucinations 1:03:25 Dr. Matthew Wood's take on the epilepsy of Muhammad. 1:08:31 Comments from the live chat. 1:13:24 Dr. Abbas explaining seizures 1:16:18 ‘BURAHAA' of revelation 1:17:40  Generalized seizures. 1:22:43 Where are the secondary generalization? - Responding to Farid. 1:31:18 Comments from the live chat 1:35:13 Introducing Ali Rizvi  1:37:28 Dr. Ali Rizvi - symptoms of epilepsy  1:42:00 Is it possible to do a posthumous diagnosis for epilepsy? 1:47:30 Is it possible that trauma contributed immensely to Muhammad's possible epilepsy? 1:52:22 Feverish trembling - Seerah Ibn Kathir. Anxiety and anxiety disorder. 1:57:36 Muhammad's psychosis during the first revelation 1:58:42 Muhammad trembling and red face 2:00:28 Kitab Al Maghazi - Muhammad having convulsions before revelations 2:02:27 Muhammad's condition during revelations - Trembling,

Mother Of all Victims - Folks the Stupid Fake Love Of Hussain and Izza Daari started in 17th century by Aoudh Nawabs has become unbearable to Pakistan economy. The country is totally paralyzed and millions of Tax Payer Money is wasted. This had to stop and Shia taunting of Sunnis is crime. Cousins killed each and no one raised a voice for hundreds of years. Why Pakistanis suffer on this 7th century Arab killing Arabs. This is not Pakistani issue. Stop this non-sense and all such stupidity should be indoor. Read history none of the Meccans were. considered holy back than. It was all for power. Why destroy Pakistan on Arab stupidity. Enough is enough. Use that wasted money fot poors in Pakistan who pay heavy taxes. beyond their income.

Chapter 105 entitled The Elephant consists of five short verses.  It was revealed in Mecca and scholars deduce from its historical background that it was revealed in the very earliest days of revelation.  When Islam was first presented to the people of Mecca they were all non-believers.  Although it was revealed for all people in all times, the Meccans were the first to hear the message.  Yes they believed in God but had put intermediaries between themselves and God.  The early revelations taught the people that God was One; He has no intercessors, partners or associates. The Elephant refers to a very famous incident that took place in the Arabian Peninsula in the same year Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was born.  It demonstrates how God protected the land that was to become the focal point of the last revelation.  It is described briefly because it was an event still clear in the minds of those living in Mecca and the surrounding areas.  The entire city had to be evacuated because of the coming aggression.Various historical reports tell us that the Abyssinians had expelled the Persians from Yemen.  They established their rule there under the Abyssinian governor Abrahah.   He established a splendid and expensive church in his capital because he had witnessed the love and enthusiasm the Yemeni Arabs had for their Holy House at Mecca, and he hoped to entice them away from there and to his capital at Sa'na.  If the Arabs preformed the pilgrimage in Sa'na instead of Mecca, it would divert the economic benefits to Yemen.This did not eventuate and Abrahah was furious.  He formed an army, which included thirteen elephants, with the intention of demolishing the Holy House.  On his expedition he succeeded in defeating all the Arab armies until he reached Mecca.  As Abrahah's armies approached the city, God intervened.  It is said that the lead elephant sat down and refused to move towards the city.  The elephant trainers tried all they could to make the elephant move but he refused.  When he was encouraged to move in a different direction the elephant cooperated but when turned towards Mecca he refused. Verse 1 The Army of the ElephantGod addresses Prophet Muhammad, asking him, have you not seen how your Lord (God) dealt with the Army of the Elephant?  God is asking Prophet Muhammad, don't you remember, don't you realise? The punishment of God is not limited to the Hereafter and this event is an example that God can inflict punishment at any time.  This question also draws the reader's attention to the incident and thus stresses its great significance. This incident was so well known to the Arabs that the year in which it occurred came to be known as the Year of the Elephant, and they used to use it to describe various lengths of time.  It was as if it was their calendar.  For example they would say this thing happened in the year of the Elephant or it happened two years before the year of the Elephant.  And this was also the year in which Prophet Muhammad was born. Verse 2 FutilityNext God abbreviates the well-known story in the form of a rhetorical question.  Did He (God) not cause their treacherous plan to be futile? Any plans made by the People of the Elephant were useless and incapable of achieving their desires because their plans were not God's plans.  Although they set out with a destination and an outcome in mind they were like people lost and wandering, their destination was out of reach.  The Meccans were too weak to face the aggressors but God took it upon Himself to protect His Holy House.  He reduced their nefarious plans to nothing.Verses 3 – 4 Flocks of birdsThe Quran then brilliantly portrays how the aggressors were defeated.  God sent against them flocks of birds that pelted them with pebbles of sand and clay.  Islamic historians say that the birds were of all different kinds, some never seen in that area before.  In addition to this they came from every direction.  Those who could remember the event described the birds as filling all of the sky, as far as they could see.  The birds did not each throw one pebble; they had pebbles in their beaks and in each of their claws and they fell like rain, one after the other.  The pebbles were thrown from such a height that it is said that they went straight through their skulls. This event suggests that God did not want the responsibility for protecting His House to be taken out of the hands of the Meccans.  He directly intervened to repel the aggression by a stronger force.  God was preparing the way for His religion before the birth of Prophet Muhammad and long before he began to spread the message.Verse 5 DevastationThis is followed by a vivid image describing the aggressors as being devoured like dry leaves.  In other translations they are described as looking like the windblown died straw that animals chew on.  After being pelted by the pebbles the army was completely demolished.  God has the power to destroy His enemies with the most unlikely of weapons.AfterwordIslamic historians tell us that Abrahah survived the attack and fled back to Sa'na.  By the time he arrived his body looked as if it was diseased, with wounds everywhere and skin falling off.  Normally when an army is defeated they make plans to avenge that defeat but the condition of Abrahah meant that they were severely afraid to return to the area._______________________________________By Aisha Stacey (© 2017 IslamReligion.com)Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.Used with permission.The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

The title of this four-verse chapter is Quraish which refers to the tribe of Quraish mentioned in the first verse.  The Quraish was the ruling tribe in Mecca at the time of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.  They were a tribe of merchants and were the custodians of the Kaba.  The Quraish was made up of ten main clans including Hashim, the clan to which the Prophet belonged.  The chapter Quraish was revealed in Mecca and has a particularly close association with the previous chapter The Elephant (Al-Fil).  In chapter 105, The Elephant, God defeats the threat to Mecca from the Yemini King Abrahah, thus in Chapter 106, Quraish, the trading and trading journeys carried out by the tribe of Quraish are secure.   In fact, some of the early Muslims regarded these two chapters as one chapter.  However, when compiling the Quran for future generations the scholars of the time set chapters 105 and 106 down as two separate chapters.  Regardless of whether they are one or two chapters there is little doubt that the latter is a continuation of the former. Verses 1 & 2 Safety and securityGod begins this chapter saying, for the convenience of the Quraish, and to secure their winter and summer journeys.  This implies that God destroyed the army of Abrahah for their benefit.  The Meccans relied heavily on the trade with Yemen and therefore if Abrahah had been successful he would either have taken over their business or would have prevented them from entering Yemen.  Thus both the winter and summer trade journeys were secured.  The Quraish sent caravans to Yemen in winter and to Syria in the summer.  They were able to travel throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond in relative peace and security.  They established themselves along the breadth of the two routes and were met with generosity and admiration.The security of the Quraish also meant security for the Kaba, which is the focal point of Islam.  The Quraish were the custodians of the Kaba.   As their position in the land was raised, due to God's favor and their trading expertise, the Kaba became safe from the usual marauding and plundering that took place across the Peninsula.  The Quraish found themselves in an exclusive position with a guaranteed means of sustenance.  This security was a direct result of their custodianship of the Kaba; its sanctity is ordained and preserved by God.  Thus it could be said that for the sake of Islam God destroyed the Army of the Elephant and in doing so secured the future of the Quraish. Verses 3 & 4 Worship and be gratefulSo let them worship the Lord of this house, the Kaba.  He is the One who provides them with food to ward of hunger and provides them with safety to ward off fear.  God reminds the Quraish of the blessings He provided for them.  God provided them with food.  Their land is barren and infertile, they would have starved if God had not provided them with a means by which to feed and support themselves.  The life of the Quraish could have been one of fear and apprehension but God granted them security and allayed their fears.  These two verses serve as a reminder to the Quraish that their custodianship of the Kaba has a great effect on their lives.  It was also an admonition exhorting them to worship God in the way that He expects and deserves.When Prophet Abraham had completed the rebuilding of the Kaba, he prayed that He make this place a city of peace and sustain its inhabitants with the fruits of the earth.  God answered the prayer of Prophet Abraham, however, despite this many of the Quraish were not thankful or grateful to God and still others were polytheists.  It is as if God is saying if you cannot be grateful for all the blessings God has bestowed on you at least show some gratitude for this one huge favor, namely sustenance and security. The Quraish should have been gratefully worshipping their Lord, the Lord of the Kaba, the one who provided them with sustenance and security.  Their land was only a desert but it provided them with a livelihood, and God protected them from all their enemies even their most formidable foe Abrahah.  Instead of being grateful the Quraish persistently spoke and acted against Prophet Muhammad and the message he preached.This chapter is a clear admonition to the Quraish and a warning that God could, if He so desired, destroy them as thoroughly as He had destroyed and humiliated the Army of the Elephant._______________________________________By Aisha Stacey (© 2018 IslamReligion.com)Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.Used with permission.The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

This is a short, eight-verse chapter revealed in Mecca; its title, The Opening Up or The Expansion is taken from the first verse.  It was revealed shortly after the previous chapter, The Forenoon and is a continuation of the reassurance and encouragement given there to Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.  It gives us a glimpse of God's love for Prophet Muhammad and explains the measures He has taken out of concern for His messenger.  There are also the glad tidings that relief will soon be upon Prophet Muhammad. Delivering the message caused a great change in Prophet Muhammad's life; the same society that had previously held him in great honour suddenly turned hostile.  He was used to being treated with respect and now was being showered with abuse.  With every step he faced new difficulties.  Although Prophet Muhammad did get used to the new conditions the initial stages were very discouraging.  Consequently this and the chapter before it were sent down to console and embolden him.Verse 1 Illuminating Prophet Muhamad's pathProphet Muhammad was troubled; there were many obstacles put in his way and the difficulties of his mission weighed heavily on his heart.  He felt as though he needed help and God provided this comforting discourse.   God addressed his beloved messenger saying, "Have we not expanded your breast?" God put Prophet Muhammad's mind at ease in regards to the message and his mission.  God illuminated his path, and facilitated his journey.  He reassures Prophet Muhammad that He is with him through every difficulty.  God, in just a few words, explains that Prophet Muhammad has been blessed with guidance and light, and submission has been made easy thus there is no need for distress and worry.Verses 2 & 3 Lightening Prophet Muhammad's burdenJust as God expanded Prophet Muhammad's chest in such a way that nobody else had ever felt such relief; now He relieves the burden weighing Prophet Muhammad down so badly his back is beginning to feel as if it would crack, in a way devised especially for him.Relief came in the form of lightening Prophet Muhammad's heart and filling him with guidance so that the way to fulfil his mission became clear.  The revelation of the Quran helped him to understand and explain the truth of the message so that it was no longer a burden weighing down on him but it was light and becoming lighter.Verse 4 Exaltation of Prophet MuhammadAt the beginning of Prophet Muhammad's mission, the Meccans, who refused to heed his call, tried everything they could to defame him.  This however only made his name spread further afield.  God exalted Prophet Muhammad above those on earth and in the entire universe.  His reputation became very high when his name began to be spoken whilst coupled with the name of God.  There is no God but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.  This degree of exaltation is granted to no other human being now, in the past or in the future.  The fact that Prophet Muhammad was chosen for the task of spreading God's message is an exaltation that cannot be aspired to by anyone else.God has decreed that century after century, generation after generation; millions of people across the globe will honour the name of Muhammad, Messenger of God.  They honour him with prayers for peace and blessings.  By exalting Prophet Muhammad's name God was demonstrating his love for him. Verses 5 & 6 Ease after every hardshipGod informs Prophet Muhammad that these bad times will not last forever.   An amazing amount of ease will be associated with every hardship.  These two verses fill the hearts of humankind with gratitude and hope.  As God eases Prophet Muhammad's burden with these words of comfort so too does He ease the pain we feel.  The pain and heaviness of Prophet Muhammad's heart is not comparable to the pains of humankind as we go through our trials and tribulations, but God treats us all with kindness and teaches us lessons in the way He dealt with His messenger.Incredible ease will only arrive, after you go through some difficulty.  Scholars suggest that God was preparing Prophet Muhammad for the difficult journey of fulfilling his mission but also telling him that victory was assured.  According to Arabic grammar these are two sentences describing one hardship.  With every hardship comes two eases, both of them amazing and able to overpower or erase the difficulty or hardship.  The bad times do not last forever, indeed the way hardship and ease are mentioned together suggests that difficulties are not present without ease being close behind.   Verses 7 & 8 Longing for God and seeking solace in HimGod tells Prophet Muhammad that when he has finished the difficult work that consumes him by day he will then be able to do what he has been longing to do.  Worship God.  This devotion and dedication to your Lord will provide you with comfort and fortify you to face any difficulties that may arise the next day.  There are scholars who believe that this also refers to Prophet Muhammad's death.  When his great work was completed he was able to do what he has wanted to do the whole time.  Be with God and worship Him._______________________________________By Aisha Stacey (© 2017 IslamReligion.com)Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.Used with permission.The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

Chapter 79 is titled The Extractors.  It is named from the Arabic word in the first verse, naziat.   This word is most often translated as angels, particularly the angels charged with extracting the souls from the dead.  The Extractors is one of the short chapters, only 46 verses, found towards the end of the Quran and was revealed in Mecca.  The Meccans of the time emphatically denied the Resurrection thus The Extractor's subject matter confirms the Day of Resurrection as  strenuously  as the previous chapter number 78, The Great News.   The Meccans however did not deny the existence of the angels; therefore God swears by the angels that the reality of the Day of Resurrection cannot be denied.Verses 1- 5 An OathAn oath, by God, on those angels who tear out the souls destined for Hell.  And those angels that gently remove the souls destined for Paradise.  Also by those angels who glide about as if swimming and those who charge swiftly, eagerly competing with each other to carry out God's commands.  And the angels that organise each matter according to God's decree. Verses 6 – 14 A severe warningOn the Day of Resurrection there will be a loud blast of a trumpet or horn that will be followed by a second blast.  The first blast from the trumpet will destroy the earth and everything on it while the second will herald humankind rising up from their graves.  The hearts of those who denied the Resurrection will tremble and pound with terror.  Their eyes will be downcast.   In Mecca at the time they were asking each other, ‘Will we really be returned to the earth alive even though our bones have decayed?' Mockingly they describe the Resurrection a losing return, a useless restoration.  God then warns them sternly that it will be a single sound and they will find themselves alive once more all standing together upon an open plain.  It is inevitable and cannot be diverted by denial, escape or mockery.Verses 15 – 25 Moses and PharaohGod called out to Prophet Moses in the sacred valley known as Tuwa.  Go to Pharaoh, Moses was told, for he has transgressed beyond all bounds.  Ask him if he wants to repent and purify himself? Offer to guide him towards God by showing him a great miracle.  Moses turned his stick into a serpent but Pharaoh denied the miracle and turned his back on the offer to be guided to faith. Pharaoh hastily gathered his people together.   He proclaimed to them that he was the most exalted Lord; he was the supreme and most high.  God seized him for punishment in this life and in the Hereafter; for setting himself up as a deity, for his oppression of the people and for his denial of Moses' offer.  This is a lesson and a warning for anyone who fears God and stands in awe of Him.Verses 27 – 33 God the CreatorGod asks a question to humankind.  What is harder to create, you or the heavens? The universe was built high and in perfect proportion.  The darkness of night spreads over the earth as if it was a canopy and in the day time the sun is brightly glowing in the sky.  God created the earth with water sources, vegetation of all kinds and mountains set firmly in the ground.  All these things were provided for the benefit of humankind and all living creatures.Verses 34 – 41 A permanent abodeThe great disaster will strike.  The Day of Resurrection will arrive and every person will remember exactly what he or she has done.  Hell will be on view for all to see.  It will become the home of those who have transgressed, rebelled or preferred the life of this world.  Paradise however will become the home and refuge of all those were righteous, those who restrained themselves from base desires and those who feared this momentous Day.Verses 42 – 45 And they asked about the HourThe disbelievers of Mecca asked Prophet Muhammad about the Hour.  Although they did not believe in the Resurrection or the afterlife they asked this question over and over.  When will it come they ask but Prophet Muhammad is not able to answer them.  Only God knows the answer.  To Him belongs the ultimate knowledge.  Prophet Muhammad's message and waring will only benefit those who fear the coming of the Day.Verse 46 A lifetime is but a momentWhen the Day of Resurrection commences, humankind will feel as if they had only been in this life for the evening of a day or a part of the morning.  Those who have ruined their afterlife will wonder how they could have done so in such a short time._______________________________________By Aisha Stacey (© 2017 IslamReligion.com)Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.Used with permission.The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

This twenty eight verses chapter was revealed in Mecca.  Meccan chapters tend to concentrate on teaching the basics of Islam.  They focus on the Oneness of God and the consequences of ignoring the message.  The first 15 verses give an account of a discussion by a group of jinn after they heard a recitation of the Quran.  This chapter shows us how the Islamic faith appears to those from a different world.  The disbelievers of Mecca had previously accused Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, of learning his new faith from the jinn.  Here we see that this is clearly not correct.  We are given an accurate description of the jinn and many of the ideas and superstitions that surround them are shown to be false.  The final part of the chapter is addressed to Prophet Muhammad.Verses 1 – 7 Some jinn accept IslamGod revealed to Prophet Muhammad that a group of jinn listened to his recitation of the Quran.  They returned to their own society and described the recitation as wondrous, saying that it called to what is true and sensible by distinguishing between right and wrong.  Those who listened believed in it and reported such to the others of their kind.  They declared that they would never again associate anything with God. This chapter puts this response to the unbelievers of Mecca who also listened to the recitation of Quran yet failed to believe in it.  Those of the jinn who listened immediately embraced a true untainted faith.  They said that the recitation exalted God and further stated that He had neither partner nor offspring.  At the time many Arabs believed that the angels were God's daughters through marriage to the jinn but the jinn emphatically deny this. The jinn declare that some of their number said shocking things about God even though they believed no one would ever have the audacity to tell lies about God.  But now that they had heard the Quran for themselves they realised that those ideas were false.  In the past some people had sought protection with some of the jinn but this only led them further away from the truth and increased them in sin.  Some humans and some jinn thought that God would never send a messenger to guide and warn them.  God, however, is generous and kind and does indeed send messengers to guide to the right way.Verses 8 – 10 The jinn cannot see the unseenThe jinn disclaim any knowledge of the unseen, stating that it remains beyond their reach.  We tried to reach the heavens, they say, but found it to be fortified by stern guards and shooting stars.  Before Prophet Muhammad the jinn were able to collect information by eavesdropping on the angels.  They then passed it on to astrologers, fortune-tellers and others of that ilk.  This is no longer possible and if they try they will find a celestial deterrent lying in wait for them.  They do not know what is in store for those on earth.  God's intentions (misfortune or guidance) remain unseen. Verses 11 – 15 Many different pathsThe jinn then describe their own situation and their attitude towards guidance.  Some of the jinn are righteous, others are not.  They follow many different paths and hold many different opinions and beliefs.  They understand that they can never damage God's plans for earth and its inhabitants and they can never escape God's will.  When we heard this recitation of the Quran we believed in it and those who believe in God need not fear loss, injustice or an unbearable burden.  Some (jinn) submit to God and are guided; others refuse to accept the truth.  Those who accept the truth have found their way to salvation the others are fuel for the Hellfire.  This applies to humans as well, some accept guidance others plough a course towards Hell.Verses 16 – 19 Pay attention to the warningsGod tells Prophet Muhammad that if the Meccans had remained on the straight path He would have provided them with abundant rain (water, and assuring their provision).  This is also a means by which God tests people.  The Quran tells us that having plenty is as great a test as having little.  The person who pays no attention to God's warnings will face an arduous punishment, spiralling down into Hell.The mosques are built for God alone; they make worship easy but a Muslim can pray anywhere (with very few exceptions).  Worship is for God alone so do not call on anyone but Him.  When Prophet Muhammad stood up to make supplication the crowd pressed in around him, the unbelievers ready to attack him.  God protected him on this and on many other occasions.Verses 20 – 24 Deliver the messageThis chapter now addresses Prophet Muhammad in a decisive tone making it clear to him that once he has delivered the message he has no say over how people respond.  He is told to tell the people that he prays to God alone and he does not set up partners or associates with Him.   He tells them that he cannot cause harm and he cannot force them to go in the right direction.   Prophet Muhammad says that if he were to disobey God no one could protect him and he could never find a place to hide from Him.   His mission is only to deliver the message.  Whoever disobeys God and his messenger will find themselves in the Hellfire.  The disbelievers think they have the strength in numbers but they will soon come to understand that Prophet Muhammad has God's power and strength behind him.Verses 25 – 28 The message is protectedProphet Muhammad informs the disbelievers that he does not know when the threatened punishment will take place.  He has no part in that decision, it is God alone who decides.  The promised punishments in this life, and in the life to come, are matters of the unseen and God does not reveal such matters to anybody.  However there is one exception, God may reveal unseen matters to one of His messengers if necessary.   Guardian angels protect both the messenger and the message.  God knows everything about His messengers, there is nothing that escapes His knowledge.  Everything is counted and measured.  The message is carefully monitored._______________________________________By Aisha Stacey (© 2017 IslamReligion.com)Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.Used with permission.The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

Verses 1-6 describe that don't make friends with those who are enemies of God and the Muslims. Moreover, don't send secret messages even if you have the relatives on another side. An example of Abraham has been quoted that he was disassociated from his folk, although, he prayed for his father.In verses 7-20 God gives the prediction of friendship between Meccans and Medinan. God forbids friendship with those who fight with you because of religion and expel you from your homes. Examine those women who come from the region of enemies and don't send them back, give them their bridal dues, if you lost your women to the disbelievers or they went on the other side. Then, give those whose wives have gone the equivalent of what they had spent. Prophets (PBUH) can get allegiance from women on six things: i) they will not deny the oneness of God, ii) will not steal, iii) will not indulge into unlawful sexual intercourse, iv) will not kill their children, v) will not bring forth slander and vi) will not disobey God and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)._______________________________________By Muhammad Farooq and Nagina Kanwal (© 2019 Muhammad Farooq and Nagina Kanwal)All rights reserved. Used with permission.The source of this article is: Summary of Holy Quran: An Ultimate Guide Series

 Verses 1 – 6 God swears by the windsGod swears an oath, by the winds that scatter dust far and wide, by the clouds filled with rain, by the ships that sail with ease, and by those angels who distribute God's bounty by His command.   What God has promised is true and the Day of Judgment will most definitely occur.Verses 7- 19 A second oathGod swears another oath; this time by the sky and its starry pathways or orbits.  People contradict each other about Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and the Quran.  Those who turn away from the truth are deluded and the liars will be completely destroyed, they are immersed in ignorance and heedlessness.  They ask when the Day will come and are told that it will be the day they are thrown into the fire and told to taste what they were anxious to hasten.  On the other hand, the righteous will be in gardens with rivers and springs accepting gifts from God.  In their worldly life they were praying when others were sleeping and asking for forgiveness every morning.  They shared what God had given them with the petitioner and the deprived.Verses 20 – 23 Marvels and wondersPeople of faith can see the signs all around them and inside themselves.  Can you not see? The earth on which we live is an exhibition of God's marvels and wonders.  The human being is a great miracle, put together with precision and complexity.  Look to the heavens and see your provision, everything that you have been promised is there.  God, the Lord of the heaven and the earth, swears an oath by Himself, all that He says is true; as true as if you were hearing yourself speak.  The fact that you can speak is something you know to be an undisputable fact and another undisputable fact is that God tells only the truth.Verses 24 – 46 Tales from the lives of the prophetsGod asks Prophet Muhammad if he has heard the story about Prophet Abraham's honored guests.  They came to Abraham and they greeted each other with words of peace.  Abraham and his family served them a roasted calf but the guests did not eat.  When Abraham noticed this, he became uneasy.  They noticed his anxiety and told him not to fear for they came with good news.  His wife hitherto barren was carrying his son.  They could not believe such news and Abraham's wife struck her own face in complete amazement.  The guests were angels, divine messengers, and they also told Abraham that they were going to a city of criminals to destroy them with rocks made of clay. When the angels went to the town, although they searched, they could not find any believers except for one single family, the family of Lot.  God saved them all except for Lot's wife; she perished with her people.  In this is a sign for those who are able to see and understand.  And the story of Moses is a sign.  He was sent to Pharaoh with a clear message but Pharaoh and his council turned their backs and rejected Moses calling him a crazy person and a sorcerer.  As a consequence of their actions they were cast into the sea. In the people of Ad there is another sign.  A wind was sent against them that tore everything to shreds.  In Thamud the people were insolent, but for a time they were left to enjoy themselves.  They were soon overtaken by a blast that rendered them unable to stand up and defend themselves.  God uses the forces of nature to reign in and punish the disobedient.  The people of Noah, who came before them were also lost in evil.Verses 47 – 55 God's powerWith His Power God constructed the skies and the vast expanse of the universe.  God spread out the earth and made it perfect to sustain life.   And He created everything in pairs in order that human beings might learn a lesson, think and ponder.  So Prophet Muhammad must warn the people to turn to God and to do so quickly without hesitation.   He must remind them not to worship any deity but God.   All God's messengers and prophets have been called either a sorcerer or a mad person.  Did the Meccans learn these words from the previous disbelievers? If Prophet Muhammad turns away he will incur no blame.  But go on reminding people because it will benefit those who believe.Verses 56 – 60 Why we are hereGod says that He created the jinn and humankind in order that they should worship Him.  This short statement is one of the foundations of Islam and answers the question, what is the purpose of life? God requires nothing else from them, no provision or food of any kind.  It is God that is the Provider.  He is all-powerful, invincible.  And in the light of this universal truth God concludes with a warning to the wrongdoers.  They will assuredly have their share of the punishment that afflicted their predecessors; there is no need for them to be impatient and try to hasten that day.  On the Day of Judgment, they will surely be punished and there will be no escape. _____________________________________________________________By: Aisha Stacey (© 2017 IslamReligion.com)Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.Used with permission.The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com  

The Victory is a short but detailed twenty-nine verse chapter.  Its name is derived from words in the first verse that reveal the subject matter, a great victory in the form of a truce with the disbelievers of Mecca.  This is known as the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, signed at an area known as al-Hudaybiyah.  The chapter was revealed while the Muslims were on their way back to Madina after the signing of the peace treaty, and approximately three years after the chapter preceding it, Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and his companions intended to reach the mosque in Mecca to perform the minor pilgrimage called Umrah but were prevented from doing so by the Meccans.   However, the Meccans were agreeable to a peace treaty, and Prophet Muhammad agreed to turn back to Medina and perform Umrah the next year.  By revealing this chapter, God declared the treaty to be a manifest victory.  War had been a barrier between the Muslims and the idolaters, but now both parties met and talked together, the Muslims were recognized as a formidable force and the Islamic State was duly recognized, and the no-war pact brought peace and security allowing the new religion to spread rapidly in the land.  At al-Hudaybiyah, Prophet Muhammad's companions numbered 1400, but two years later at the conquest of Mecca he led an army of more than 10,000.   The general atmosphere of this chapter gives the impression that the Muslim community has matured over the past three years.   They are no longer being put to the tests mentioned in the previous chapter and are growing increasingly strong.  Throughout the chapter, Prophet Muhammad is assured that the treaty is a great breakthrough.  The hypocrites and idolaters are condemned, and the chapter concludes with praise for the believers.Verses 1 – 10 Success for the believersThe chapter opens with three verses addressed to Prophet Muhammad.  It is a statement outlining the great favors bestowed on him by God.   He has been given a glorious victory, complete forgiveness, blessings, and assured guidance.  All because of his complete and unwavering trust in God.  The chapter then goes on to describe the great blessings given to the believers.  Tranquility was put into their hearts and they were promised more favors in the Hereafter.[1]  Forgiveness of sins and admittance to Paradise is the ultimate goal and true success.Another aspect of God's wisdom at this time was His plans for the disbelievers.  He groups together all the enemies of Islam and tells us that He will punish the hypocrites, both men and women, and the idolaters, both men and women, and all those who had an evil thought about Him.  Evil will befall them because God's wrath has fallen upon them and their destination is Hell.  All the forces in heaven and earth belong to God; He is Almighty and Wise.Once again the chapter addresses Prophet Muhammad pointing out his role and its objective.  Prophet Muhammad has been sent as a witness, a bearer of good news, and a warner.  The believers are told to believe in God and His messenger, honor and respect Prophet Muhammad, and praise God in the morning and then again in the evening.  Prophet Muhammad's companions swore allegiance to him, and in doing so, they swore allegiance to God Himself.  They placed their right hand on top of the Prophet's hand, and the Hand of God was above their hands.  Anyone who breaks the pledge breaks it at his own peril.  However, the one who keeps the pledge will be given a great reward.Verses 11 – 17 Choosing to disobey results in punishmentGod now addresses the Bedouin (desert Arabs) who refused to accompany Prophet Muhammad because they expected defeat at the hands of the Meccans.   It reveals the excuse these Arabs will have when they see Prophet Muhammad return safely.  By making assumptions about the true nature of the expedition they destroyed themselves and became a ruined people.Prophet Muhammad is told of the rich war booty the believers would soon acquire, and God warns him not to allow the Bedouin, who previously refused to accompany him, to join him on the next expeditions.   However, soon they will have another chance to fight, by facing a mighty enemy.   At that time if they obey, they will be rewarded, but if they turn away, they will be punished.  The blind, the lame, and the sick will face no such punishment.  Those who obey will be admitted to gardens with flowing streams, but those who choose not to will be severely punished.Verses 18 – 28 Swearing allegiance pleases GodThis part of the chapter speaks to and about the unique believers who gave their pledges to Prophet Muhammad just before the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah.  God says that when the believers, under the tree, swore their allegiance to the Prophet He was pleased.  He knew what was in their hearts and He gave them tranquility and a speedy victory.  He is Mighty and Wise and has promised that the future will hold many spoils, victories, and gains. The enemy's hands were restrained and that was a sign for the believers so that they would be guided to the straight path.   There will be other spoils and gains as well, but they are not yet within reach.  If the unbelievers had fought rather than sign the treaty the believers would have been victorious.  However, God's plan was to set in motion other victories, and His plans will never fail to be triumphant.  God's way has never changed, nor will it ever do so. Those who turned the believers away from Mecca were guilty of gross misconduct, but there were believing men and women among the Meccans and had the fighting taken place they may have been killed.  God left the Meccans in their fury and ignorance and protected the believers.God will fulfill Prophet Muhammad's vision of entering Mecca; the believers will perform Umrah.  God knows what you do not know and will grant a speedy victory.  He has sent Prophet Muhammad with guidance and the religion of truth that will be shown to be above all false religions. Verse 29 A description of the believersMuhammad is the Messenger of God.  Those with him are harsh with the disbelievers and compassionate with one another.  You will know them when you see them bowing down, prostrating in prayer.  They seek God's bounty and pleasure, and their faces (foreheads) show the marks of their prostrations.  In the Torah and the Gospel, they are described as a seed that sprouts, strengthens and stands firmly on its stem, delighting the sower.  The disbelievers are enraged by them.  God promises a great reward to those who believe and do righteous deeds. ___________________________________By Aisha Stacey (© 2018 IslamReligion.com)Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.Used with permission.The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

This eighty-nine verse chapter was named after the golden ornaments mentioned in verses thirty-five and fifty-three.  It was revealed in Mecca and thus addresses the fundamentals of the faith.  God refutes some of the claims made by the disbelievers including the notion that a true prophet would be wealthy and that God had taken some of the angels as His daughters.  The Meccan disbelievers were steeped in superstitions, and God exposes and refutes them. Verses 1 – 25 The errors of the disbelieving MeccansThe first verse consists of two disconnected Arabic letters.  Ha Mim.  God has not conveyed any particular meaning to these letters; however, they have been the subject of much scholarly debate.  Usually after these letters we are taught something about the Quran.  God swears by the glorious Book (the Quran) that makes things clear.   He has made it an Arabic Quran for ease of understanding for those to whom it was first revealed.[1]  It is from the original book, The Preserved Tablet that is kept with God and in which all the revelations are written. Should God turn this revelation away from the Meccan disbelievers because they are insolent? There have been many transgressors before them, each rejecting and mocking their prophets, and many were stronger and wealthier than the disbelievers of Mecca.  God destroyed them. It is God who made the world a habitable place, added rivers and highways, and sent down rain from the sky to revive barren lands.  He created all things in pairs and gave humankind ships and livestock to enable them to move from place to place.  All things were created for the use of humankind, yet they do not remember or are thankful; rather they attribute partners to Him.The disbelieving Meccans believe that Allah took angels as His daughters, yet they are dismissive of their own daughters and pray only for sons.  If one of them is told of the birth of a daughter, he becomes sad.  They believe the angels are female, but they were not witnesses at their creation.  They claim that if God had not wanted them to worship angels, they would not have done so.   But God asks sardonically if perhaps they were given another book He does not know about.  Following their ancestors is their excuse, and many before them have claimed the same thing.  The prophets brought better guidance than what their people found their forefathers upon, but many disbelieved them.  In the end those who disbelieved were punished.Verses 26 – 45 There is only One GodAbraham renounced what his father and people worshipped.  He worshipped God alone, and he bequeathed those words to his descendants so that they could always return to the truth.  As time passed the people of Mecca forgot and then God sent Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.  They accused him of being a sorcerer and wondered aloud why the Quran was not sent to a greater, more distinguished man.  God gives the honor of prophethood to whomever He wills.   Worldly riches and possessions have no significance in the sight of God; had there been no danger of people being inclined towards unbelief in pursuit of this world, He would have filled every disbeliever's house with riches.  These things are nothing more than comforts of this worldly life.  God reserves the bounties of the Hereafter for the righteous.Those who turn away from the revelations are assigned a devil as a companion.  They think they are guided to the right path, but on the Day of Judgment, they will wish the devilish companion had never come near them.  Those companions cannot save them from punishment.   And having companions in the punishment will not console them. Prophet Muhammad is told that he cannot make the deaf hear or the blind see.  If they choose not to listen to the message, he cannot force them to change their minds.  They will be punished whether he lives to see the punishment or not.  Just spread the message, he is told, because he is on the straight path, and he and the believers will be questioned. Verses 45 – 78 Moses and JesusMoses was sent to Pharaoh, and his people were afflicted with scourge after scourge.  They expected Moses to pray to God to lift the afflictions in return for their following the guidance, but they broke their promise time after time.  Pharaoh claimed he was better than Moses and questioned why Moses did not wear gold ornaments or come with angels.  The Egyptians were defiantly disobedient; God drowned them and made them an example for the nations that followed.When Jesus, the son of Mary, was mentioned as an example of a person being worshipped with God, the disbelievers laughed between themselves as to who is better, the son of God or the daughters of God.  They argued trying to provoke and challenge the believers.  Jesus was a servant of God and an example of God's infinite power (by creating him without a father) for the Children of Israel.   He is a sign of the coming of the Hour, so do not let Satan mislead you from the straight path.  He brought wisdom to the Children of Israel saying God is my Lord and your Lord so worship Him alone, yet the factions among them disagreed, and they will suffer a grievous punishment. The Day of Judgement will come all of a sudden without warning, and then even friends will become enemies.  There will be no fear for God's righteous servants on that Day.  They will be delighted to be entering Paradise and will be given everything their hearts desire and their eyes delight in.  The evildoers however will remain in the punishment from which there will be no relief.Verses 79 – 89 God devises a planThe disbelievers devise a plan to ruin Prophet Muhammad, but God devises a plan too.  He hears their private conversations so too do the angels who are recording their every word or action.  God tells Muhammad to say that if the Lord of Mercy had offspring, he (Muhammad) would be the first to worship them but He does not.  He is far above what they say.  So they blunder along and play until they face the promised doom. God is far above their false descriptions and Exalted is He who has control of the heavens and the earth and everything in between them.  He knows the Hour when all will be returned to Him.  Those deities invoked besides God have no power of intercession.  And if you ask the disbelievers who created them, they will definitely say God.  So how is it that they are so deluded when it comes to worshipping Him alone?  God is aware of Prophet Muhammad cry that his people persist in disbelief, but God advises him to bear with them and respond with peace, because in the end they will come to know and understand._______________________________________By Aisha Stacey (© 2019 IslamReligion.com)Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.Used with permission.The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

Join Raza Ahmed, Qayyum Rashid and Hanif Khan for Friday's show where we will be discussing: The Holy Prophet ﷺ The Holy Prophet ﷺ: Migration to Medina After 12 years of extreme persecution the Holy Prophetﷺ had to leave his beloved Mecca and migrate to Medina. LIVE from 4pm we will discuss the unbearable conditions on Muslims created by the Meccans & the miraculous journey taken by The Holy Prophetﷺ The Holy Prophet ‎(ﷺ): Return to Mecca How did a man who was not only shunned, injured and targeted for murder become the King of Arabia? Despite his status, he remained humble and forgiving of those who repented. Tune in LIVE from (5-6) as we disucuss the The Holy Prophet ﷺ's return to Mecca. Guests include: Imam Mahmood Kauser Imam Suleman Asfand Produced by: Ayesha Khalil

The Narration is an eighty-eight verse chapter revealed in Mecca.  It takes its name from the twenty-fifth verse in which the Arabic word for narration is used.  The Narration is also a suitable title because the chapter tells a detailed story about Prophet Moses.  Its main theme is the punishment that comes to those who are arrogant and spread corruption.  This chapter and the two preceding it go together to tell the complete story of Prophet Moses.  Polytheism is condemned, and Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is reminded that he cannot make the people believe but nevertheless he must remain steadfast in his mission.Verses 1 – 21 Prophet Moses and PharaohChapter twenty-eight begins with the combination of letters ta, seen, meem.  They are three letters from amongst various combinations of fourteen letters that open twenty-nine chapters of the Quran.  God did not reveal any specific meaning regarding them.  Immediately after these letters we are informed that these verses from the Quran make things clear and understandable.  The story of Prophet Moses and Pharaoh is true beyond doubt.  Pharaoh consolidated his leadership by dividing the people into groups and setting them against one another.  He loved to spread corruption and oppressed one group in particular.  God however wanted to favour those who were oppressed, to make them leaders and establish them in the land, and Pharaoh and Haman, and those like them would then face their greatest fears. Moses' mother was inspired by God.  He made her understand that she should suckle her baby but when the time comes when she is afraid for him she should put him in the river.  She must not grieve or be afraid because God will return the baby to her and he will grow up to be one of His messengers.  A member of Pharaoh's family found baby Moses little realizing that later he would become a source of grief for the evildoers.  Pharaoh's wife was able to convince her husband to adopt the baby and they took him into the family.The following day Moses' mother was bereft but God strengthened her.  She sent Moses' sister to find out what happened.  God had ordained that Moses would refuse to feed from any of the palace wet nurses so Moses' sister was able to tell them about her mother that could feed the baby.  In this way Moses was restored to his mother so she would feel comforted and know that God's promise was true.Moses reached full maturity and was wise and intelligent.  One day when walking in the city he came upon two people fighting.  One was from his own people and appealed to Moses for help.  Moses did help and killed the person with one blow.  He realised that Satan must have had a hand in this and appealed to God for forgiveness.  When forgiven, he promised never to support evildoers.  The next day he came upon the same man fighting and realised he was a troublemaker.  Moses was reluctant to be drawn into another fight but was going to attack the troublemaker who was accusing Moses of being a tyrant.  At that moment a man rushed up to Moses and told him that the authorities were looking for him, possibly intending to kill him.  So Moses left the city.  He was fearful and wary and prayed to God to save him from the wrongdoers.Verses 22 –43 Return to EgyptMoses made his way to Midian.  When he arrived at the waterhole there he found a group of men watering their livestock while two women were standing back fearful of watering their sheep whilst the men were there.  Moses watered the sheep for them and then sat in the shade and prayed to God for assistance.  He asked God for any good thing at all and just then one of the two women returned saying that their father wanted to speak to him and reward him. Moses went with the woman and met her father, Prophet Shuaib.  The old man listened to Moses' story and reassured him.  One of the daughters encouraged her father to hire Moses, and so Prophet Shuaib offered one of his daughters in marriage if Moses worked for him for eight years adding that ten would be better though.  Moses agreed to fulfil one of the terms.And when the agreed upon term had been completed Moses set out to travel with his family.  One night he noticed a fire on the side of a mountain.  He told his family to wait while he went to find the source of the fire and perhaps learn some news or in the very least bring back a flaming branch so that they could light their own fire.  When Moses reached the fire a voice called out to him.The voice seemed to come from the right side of the valley, from a tree.  The voice said, "I am God, Lord of the worlds".  Throw down your staff the voice commanded.  When Moses did so the staff slithered away like a snake.  Moses fled in fear.  God called him back telling him he had nothing to fear.  Moses was then told to put his hand inside his shirt.  When he withdrew it, it was white and shinning.  God informed him that these two things would be signs Moses was to deliver from Him to Pharaoh and his ministers.Moses then told God about the man he had killed and that he feared he would be killed himself if he returned to Egypt.  He also asked that his eloquent brother Aaron be able to accompany him on his mission.  God replied that he would strengthen Moses with his brother, and that they would not be harmed and would triumph.When Moses and Aaron presented themselves before Pharaoh they were accused of trickery and sorcery because they had never seen such a thing before.  Moses said that God knows best who is guided and who will have the best home in the Hereafter.  Arrogantly Pharaoh told Haman to build a high tower so that he could climb up and see this God of Moses, and accused Moses of lying.  Pharaoh and his armies were arrogant, thinking they would never have to face God.  God seized them and flung them into the sea and that was an end to them.  They were the leaders calling only to the Hellfire but on the Day of Resurrection they will have no help.  They were cursed in this world and on the Day of Resurrection they will be despised.  Moses was given the scripture to provide insight, guidance and mercy.   Verses 44 – 50 Prophet Muhammad does not narrate from himselfGod tells Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, that he was not present there on the mountain when He (God) gave Moses the law, nor was he among the people of Midian.  Prophet Muhammad was also not there when God spoke to Moses on the side of Mount Sinai.  You (Prophet Muhammad) had no direct means of obtaining the information of earlier nations; all this is being revealed to you.   You were sent as an act of grace and mercy to warn a people that had never been warned before, that they must take heed and never be able to say that a warner did not come to them.  Now that the truth has come to them they ask why Prophet Muhammad was not given a law like Moses' law.  They call the Torah and the Quran sorcery and refuse to accept either of them.  Ask these disbelievers to bring forth a scripture that is more guiding.  If they do not respond you will know that they only follow their own desires.  God does not guide the wrongdoers.Verses 51 – 61 In MeccaThe disbelievers of Mecca have repeatedly been given the words of the Quran.  Some of those who were given the scripture before the Quran had no trouble believing in it (the Quran), and said that we already believed in One God and were sincerely responding to His commands even before the Quran came.  They will be given their reward twice because they have endured.  They repel evil with good, give in charity from what has been provided for them, and turn away when they hear frivolous speech.  Oh Muhammad you do not decide who will be guided; God guides whoever He pleases and knows which people will accept guidance.  They do not wish to be guided.  They say that if they accept guidance they will be driven from the land.  But God has already given them a sanctuary (Mecca) and provided everything they could possibly need. In your travels you (Meccans) have seen the cities that God destroyed.  And God would never destroy a city or its people without first sending a messenger.  Whatever you have in this world is temporary and that which is with God is better and more lasting.  So why not use your power of reasoning? Is the person who strives for the Hereafter and is rewarded with eternal bliss like the one who merely enjoys a few days of this life and is then punishment in the next?Verses 62 – 70 Polytheists will be left helpless on Judgement DayA Day will come when God will ask, where are the ones you called My partners? Those waiting for punishment will point them out, but the accused will say we did not compel them to obey; they followed their own desires and inclinations.  They will try to invoke their gods but they will not respond, and then they will see the punishment and wished they had followed guidance.  God will ask them how they responded to the messengers but all their previous arguments will seem obscure and they will not be able to talk with one another.  However, those who repented, believed, and acted righteously will be successful.  God creates and chooses, you do not choose for yourselves.  Glory to God, He is far above the partners ascribed to Him.  And God knows what their hearts conceal and what they reveal.  He is God; there is no deity except Him.  All praise in this life and in the Hereafter belongs to Him.  His is the Judgement and everyone will be brought back to Him.Verses 71 – 75 Who can create other than God?Oh Prophet Muhammad, ask them what would happen if God made the night perpetual.  Who other than God could bring light? If God were to make the day perpetual who other than God could bring night? Out of His Mercy God made the night for rest and the day a time in which to seek bounty.  The Day of Judgement will come, and God will ask about the whereabouts of the partners you ascribed to Him.  A witness from every nation will be asked to produce proof of the false deities.  And then they will know that the truth belongs to God and the gods they invented have forsaken them.Verses 76 – 82 The story of QarunQarun was one of Moses' people but he rebelled against them.  God gave him so many treasures that even the keys to open the containers the treasures were kept in would have been heavy for strong men to carry.  The people said to him do not gloat because God does not like those people who gloat.  Use what God has given you to attain a good abode in the Hereafter.  Be good to others as God has been good to you, and do not cause mischief; God does not love the mischief makers.  But Qarun replied all that I have is only because of my own knowledge and ability.  Did he not understand that God has destroyed many people before him, many that were mightier in strength and richer in wealth? But criminals are not always called immediately to account.One day he came out of his house in all his worldly adornment.  Some people wished they had what he had while others said the reward from God is better but we can only attain it with patience and gratitude.  God caused the earth to swallow him and his house.   There was nobody to help him and he was unable to defend himself.  Then the same people who had envied Qarun changed their minds.  They said, we had forgotten that it is God who enlarges provision and it is God that can take it away.  If it was not for God's graciousness He could have caused the earth to swallow us all.  Those who deny the truth will never prosper.Verses 83 – 88 ReassuranceThe home of the Hereafter is for those who seek neither glory nor spread corruption.  The best outcome is for those who are mindful of God.  Those who come to God on the Day of Judgment with good deeds will be rewarded with what is better.  Those who come with bad deeds will be recompensed only to the extent of their bad deeds.  Prophet Muhammad is reassured that he will be brought to the best destination.  God knows that Prophet Muhammad brought guidance to those who were in manifest error.  Prophet Muhammad did not expect the Quran to be revealed but it is a mercy.  Do not help the disbelievers by giving them concessions in their religion and do not let any of them try to turn you away from what has been revealed to you.  Call the people to God and never become one of those who ascribe partners to Him.  Do not call out to any other deity besides Him; none has the right to be worshipped except God. Everything will be destroyed except Him.  The Judgment belongs to God and you will be returned to Him. _______________________________________By Aisha Stacey (© 2018 IslamReligion.com)Copyright © 2006 - 2021 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved.Used with permission.The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com

Indeed (it does); and if you patiently persevere and guard against evil and they (the enemies) come upon you suddenly and in hot haste of theirs, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand swooping and havoc-making angels. (3:125) Commentary NUMBER 5,000: This verse was revealed to the Prophet ] as it related to the aftermath of the battle of Uḥud in which the Muslims took heavy losses. However as they were returning to Mecca, the polytheists of Mecca realized that they should have ‘finished off’ the Muslims by attacking the city of Medina and if possible, killing the Prophet. Thus, they would have been able to do away with this religion and the Muslims once and for all. The Meccan army commanders gave the order to turn back and proceed towards Medina. The Muslims who had lost many people in the battle and had countless injured were definitely in no position to defend themselves in another battle however, the polytheists had both strength and numbers and the adrenaline to make the attack all the more lethal. When the Prophet ] received notice that the polytheists were coming back, he ordered the Muslims, including Imam ʿAlī who had over 60 injuries on his body from the Battle of Uḥud, to get ready for a second stage of the battle. The Meccans were informed about the Muslims stand and were shocked at this news and thought that perhaps there were others from neighboring cities and tribes who were going to be assisting the Muslims and that they may end up losing this stage of the war. Thus, they decided that it would be best to return back to Mecca and rejoice in their victory rather than to risk a loss of life and morale. However, the traits which Allah emphasizes in this verse which we need to keep in mind in our daily battles in life and which will help us overcome our adversaries and even result in hidden support from the Most High are two traits that are easy to speak about but difficult to attain and maintain: 1. Ṣabr – patience, fortitude and perseverance; 2. Taqwā – Consciousness and awareness of Allah; If we can maintain these traits in our lives and continuously build upon them, then we will have success in our daily lives and that just as Allah promised the Prophet and the early companions that He will provide hidden assistance, that we too can be the recipients of such support from Him and the guardian angels that He has appointed to look after us. Point of Reflection Many times we fail to succeed due to previous setbacks which may drain our spiritual energies and leave us feeling depressed; we need to pick ourselves up and move forward with life – we must build our ṣabr – the fortitude and perseverance to deal with adversity, and our taqwā our realizing that Allah is ever present and will support us IF we take the first step.

Season 2 - Episode 21 - Power and Influence - Who has your back?  Really, who can you count on in life to be your hero when the chips are down and when the world seems to be against you.  We all need to have that one friend, spouse or relative that we can lean on and who will go the distance for you in tough times.   In this episode, Qasim and Salaam talk about the struggle between Power and Influence in the early days of Islam.  When the Meccans saw the influence of the Prophet Muhammad eating away at their traditional hold on power, they sought retribution.  But Holy Prophet had someone in his corner who was willing to risk it all to fulfill his commitment to family and to his word. In this episode, Salaam's true identity will finally be revealed!  We will discuss what a real life hero really is and find out the difference between insults and the cold, hard truth.  Qasim also dives into one of the universal truths in religion - "Love thy neighbor"- and what it means to the people of early Islam and how it really impacts us today. Thank you to everyone who has sent in questions and voted on our polls! We love hearing from you. Be sure to send in questions and vote on our poll on our website here: www.religionnewsfoundation.org/resightislam If you have any questions for Qasim or have suggestions for topics, you can always Tweet them to @MuslimIQ  or @ReligionNewsFdn or send an email to ReSightIslam@ReligionNewsFoundation.org. This has been a production of the Religion News Foundation  For more information on these, and other religion news stories from around the world, visit religionnews.com or subscribe to  “Religion News Headlines” on your Alexa or Google smart home device, or on Apple Podcast. The Religion News Foundation – Your source for professional journalism covering religion for over  80 years.   Love what you hear?  Show your support and help us keep Re-Sight Islam as the #1 Podcast on Islam in the US by Becoming a Patron - and getting cool gear! - your generous donations will ensure that we are able to deliver a message of peace and reconciliation for all to hear! 42,000 downloads and counting... we really have something going here!  Thank you so much for all the support!

Season 2 - Episode 18 - Persevere - What do you do when you know something great is just around the corner, but the struggle is real?  Do you quit or do you keep pushing forward? In this episode of Re-Sight Islam, Qasim and Salaam address this by looking at the struggles of the Holy Prophet in the days immediately following the first revelation of the words of the Q'uran. This episode examines how Muhammad was bouyed by his faith, and the support of his beloved wife and a Christian hermit, as he came to grasp the enormity of the burden that God had bestowed upon him.   What is the "Night of Destiny"?  What are the two most important days of your life?  Who was the man that the Meccans said was unwell and suicidal? What is your "why"?  With more popculture references from Indiana Jones, Star Wars and Marvel Comics, the team will guide you to the answers to these questions and more.  .... Download and listen to find out! Please remember to subscribe, share and comment.  If you have any questions for Qasim or have suggestions for topics, you can always Tweet them to @MuslimIQ  or send an email to ReSightIslam@ReligionNewsFoundation.org. This has been a production of the Religion News Foundation  For more information on these, and other religion news stories from around the world, visit religionnews.com or subscribe to  “Religion News Headlines” on your Alexa or other smart home device.   The Religion News Foundation – Your source for professional journalism covering religion for over  80 years.   LOVE what you hear?  Show your support and help us keep Re-Sight Islam as the #1 Podcast on Islam in the US by Becoming a Patron - and getting cool gear! - your generous donations will ensure that we are able to deliver a message of peace and reconcilliation for all to hear! WOW!  Over 38,000 downloads!  Thank you so much for all the support!

Season 2 - Episode 13 - Mirror, Mirror - In this episode, Re-Sight Islam addresses whether a man is the reflection of the society in which he lives or can society be molded into the reflection of the man.  Qasim and Salaam tackle how a young man can rise to greatness and fulfill the prophecies - even in the face of temptation and violence.  What does it take for a person to go against societal trends and norms to affect change around him?  Can one man sheath the swords of perpetual war? Take a listen as Salaam does a rather impressive impersonation of Gollum from LOTR and pays homage to "Guns & Roses".  Find out why all the cool kids are hanging out inside and why sleeping through that next crazy party might just be the best thing for you.  Qasim and Salaam also answer the age old questions of "Did the Meccans invent Hip-Hop?", "Who were the original members of the Justice League?" and whether Qasim actually believes that there are aliens living amongst us.... Download and listen to find the answers! Please remember to subscribe, share and comment.  If you have any questions for Qasim or have suggestions for topics, you can always Tweet them to @MuslimIQ  or send an email to ReSightIslam@ReligionNewsFoundation.org. This has been a production of the Religion News Foundation  For more information on these, and other religion news stories from around the world, visit religionnews.com or subscribe to  “Religion News Headlines” on your Alexa Device.   The Religion News Foundation – Your source for professional journalism covering religion for over  80 years.   LOVE what you hear?  Show your support and help us keep Re-Sight Islam as the #1 Podcast on Islam in the US by becoming a PATRON - your generous donations will ensure that we are able to deliver a message of peace and reconcilliation for all to hear! WOW!  Over 31,000 downloads!  Thank you so much for all the support!

Oppression (in Arabic) comes from the word (ظلم). Dhulm means to put something where it does not belong. So, sin (because it places a person’s nature where it should not be, sinful) is a form of oppression; as is associating partners with God (since the norm is to worship God alone). However, in this article I will address injustice and oppression amongst people: a person transgressing the rights of others through environmental injustice by torture, injury or death, economic injustice by force, plunder or theft or personal injustice by shaming, intimidating or false accusations. لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ (279) رَبَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ هَذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ الظَّالِمِ أَهْلُهَا وَاجْعَل لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ وَلِيًّا وَاجْعَل لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ نَصِيرًا (75) } عَطْفٌ عَلَى اسْمِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، أَيْ وَفِي سَبِيلِ الْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ، فَإِنَّ خَلَاصَ الْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ. (وَلِيًّا) أَيْ مَنْ يَسْتَنْقِذُنَا (وَاجْعَلْ لَنا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ نَصِيراً) أَيْ ينصرنا عليهم وَاجِبٌ عَلَى النَّاسِ أَنْ يَفْدُوا الْأُسَارَى بِجَمِيعِ أَمْوَالِهِمْ While the harm injustice and oppression cause is apparent to most people, where they differ is the degree win which they oppose it. Consider the pagan Qur’eish: consistently rocked by large numbers of claimants to power, and those claimants continued jockeying for authority, they were left with no central authority to settle their disputes. As a response, they allied (حلف الفضول) in the home of ‘Abdullah bin Jad’an to collectively repel injustice and intervene to protect the oppressed. The Prophet (sa) witnessed that alliance as a young man. After he became a prophet and settled in Medina, he said, لَقَدْ حَضَرْتُ فِي دَارِ ابْنِ جُدْعَانَ حِلْفًا لَوْ دُعِيتُ إِلَيْهِ الْآنَ لَأَجَبْتُ “I witnessed in the home of ‘Abdullah bin Jad’an alliance. If I were called to join something similar to in Islam, I would accept.” Ibn al-Athir mentions that they named it the alliance of virtues, honoring an ancient association of the same name, which took place at a time when the Meccans stood united for justice and the defense of the marginalized. Imam Fayruzabadi wrote that they gave it that name because each of its participants swore that they would not allow another person to use his status (fall) to oppress another person. Once Islam arrived, it made opposition to oppression as one of its aims. The Prophet (sa) further emphasized that when he said, “Fear committing oppression because oppression will bring oppression In the Hereafter.” The ancient Arabs used to say, “Help you, brother, if he is oppressed.” The Prophet (sa) added, “Help you, brother, if he is oppressed or an oppressor.” He (sa) was asked, “We can help an oppressed person, but how do we help an oppressor?” The Prophet (sa) clarified that saying, “Stop him from his oppression, even if you have to take him by his hand. That is how you help him.” The early Caliphs of Islam would confront oppression and injustice head-on. However, during the reign of the first four Caliphs injustice was handled largely by reminding people of their responsibility to God. But, as the Muslim empire grew, the number of Muslims swelled, and life became more complicated. Thus, during the reign of Abd al-Malik bin Marwan, he chose a day to listen to the concerns of the oppressed. If their concerns were problematic or required a judgment, he sent them to al-Qadi Abu Idris al-Awaydai. During the reign of ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-Aziz after Sulayman bin ‘Abd al-Malik was buried, Caliph ‘Umar sat and had a caller inform the people that anyone mistreated by Sulayman should make their claim. By the time he was done, everything acquired by Sulayman and his family (The Umayyads) unjustly was returned. Such that a friend said to ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-Aziz, “Do you not fear the wrath of those you’ve punished?” He responded, “Each day that I fear their wrath instead of the wrath of the Hereafter, Then the Abbasi Caliph came to power, and it continued that tradition with al-Mahdi, then al-Hadi, then Rashid, the al-Mamun until the reign of al-Muhtadi in the year two hundred and fifty-five after the Migration of the Prophet (sa). It did not stop them, but because of volume, the state delegated the responsibility to judges who appointed case workers who could look into the claims each day. Eventually, these cases were taken to the high court where they were settled. أن الأمير نوح بن (أسد) أحد الولاة على ما وراء النهر ،لما فرض الخراج على أهل سمرقند ،بعث بريدا اليهم بذلك ، فأحضر أمير سمرقند الأئمة والمشايخ وأعيان البلد وقرأ عليهم الكتاب ،فقال الفقيه أبو منصور الماتريدي: قد أديت رسالة الأمير فاردد إليه الجواب وقل له: زدنا ظلما حتى نزيد في دعاء الليل ،ثم تفرقوا، فلم تذهب إلا أيام حتى وجدوه قتيلا ، وفي بطنه زجَّ رمح مكتوب عليه : بغى وللبفي سهــــامٌ تنتـــــظر......أتته من أيدي المنـايا والقــدَرَ سهام أيدي القانتات في السحر......يرمين عن قوس لها الليل وتَرَ There are numerous examples of leaders who opposed injustice in Islamic history. I would like to mention one noteworthy example here. Once a man came to the court of al-Mansur ibn abi ‘Amir, claiming that one of al-Mansur’s servants had wronged him. He expressed that he had the man subpoenaed by the court, but he refused to come. Al-Mansur turned to his servant, ordering him to go and stand with the man making the claims. There, in front of al-Mansur, the case was heard. After it was over, the Caliph ordered the servant taken away to “The person in charged of the oppressed,” sentenced and removed from his post. That was in Spain, al-Andalus. What is remarkable is that there was a person, “In charge of the affairs of the oppressed.” During the Caliphate of ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Nasir, the Caliph was looking to purchase some property. He approached al-Qadi Mundhir bin Sa’id al-Buluti, offering to purchase an orphanage attached to al-Buluti’s home. The Qadi noted that the house was in excellent condition and that the Orphans were financially well off (Implying that the price would not be low): “If you offer them a price that will make them happy, I will command the person in charge of their trust to sell it to you.” The Caliph balked, refusing to offer even fair price. Al-Buluti, fearing that the Caliph would try to usurp the property, had it demolished, selling what was left over for an excellent amount: enough to suffice the orphans. When the Caliph inquired why, al-Buluti read the verse, “Regarding the boat, it belonged to a group of poor sailors, so I decided to damage it because there was a king chasing them who had taken previous boats for plunder.” Qur’an 18-79 Sheikh Hamuda al-Rikli was a scholar from Tunis. During hit time, the government of Tunis was kind to scholars, keeping them close to power, showing them with patronage and doing what every it could to keep them happy. One night, he was sitting the president of Tunis who said, “The kings before us killed scholars, but we honor them and bring them close to power.” Sheikh Hamuda responded, “This reality is clear: The kings of old committed atrocities, the scholars repudiated them, so they killed those scholars. We are quiet because of your patronage so why would you kill us?” The leader became upset, returned to his quarters and ordered all the scholars to return to their homes to save Sheikh Hamuda. As they left, they were certain that Sheikh Hamuda would be punished. After a little while, the leader came out, thanked the sheik for his honesty and gifted him a private car. Abu Bakr TarTusha advised the leader of the Andalusian army, “Fix the barrier by helping the oppressed.” And Salim bin “Abdullah sent a letter to ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-Aziz saying, “If you can, come off the last day without any oppressed person making a claim against you.”

It was the most difficult day of the Prophet Muhammad's life (peace and blessings upon him). After a series of personal trials — including the passing of his uncle and beloved wife Khadija (peace be upon her) — he set out to call the people of Ta`if to Islam hoping they'd be more receptive to the message than the Meccans had been. The response he received was far from hospitable. Not only did they reject the message, they chased him out of the city and had their children throw rocks at him until he was bleeding from the assault. Finally, he left the city and took refuge in a garden. That's when Allah gave him the option to destroy the entire city, and everyone in it, by crushing them between two mountains for the way they treated him. Tune in to hear what choice he made (peace and blessings upon him).

In the final years of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace and blessings upon him) life, he conquered the city of his birth, Mecca. If you look at the actions of most conquerors throughout history, you'll find anything but mercy. Conquerors are typically quick to exert their power over the conquered people as a display of authority. But that's not what happened when the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) conquered Mecca. Despite the fact that he was driven out of the city just years prior, the repeated acts of aggression initiated by the Meccans after the Muslims had fled to Madina, and the violation of their peace treaty by the Meccans — the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) dealt with the people of Mecca with nothing but mercy, compassion and gentleness.

During the time in Medina, Muhammad and the revelations given grew in approval of violence. They raided caravans, fought the Meccans, and beheaded hundreds of non-Muslims.