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Title: Reflections of the 22nd Night of Ramadan
Location: Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley
Description: Ghafir (The Most Forgiving) or Al-Mu’minun (The Believer); Fussilat (The Detailed Explanation); and Ash-Shura (Consultation)

All three chapters were revealed in Makkah

Ghafir
This chapter begins beautifully with some attributes of Allah (SWT). “The revelation of this Book is from Allah, the Almighty, the All-Knowledgeable, the Forgiver of Sins, the Accepter of repentance, the Stern in punishment, and the Lord of bounty. There is no god except Him – to Whom all shall return.”

Another incident with Musa (AS) and Fir’aun is captured in this chapter. When Fir’aun repeatedly failed and lost hope of stopping Musa (AS) from spreading the message of Tawheed and submission to Allah, he planned on killing him. We learn that this is the case for most of the prophets throughout history. Upon hearing Fir’aun’s evil plan, one of his relatives who was secretly submitting to Allah finally spoke out in defense of Musa (AS). He argued that if Musa (AS) is lying, his lie will be on his head. But if he is speaking the truth, then what he warns you against will fall upon you. Fir’aun argued that his way and his religion is the only right way. Then this believing man began to address the people of Fir’aun. He warned them of the punishment of Allah and the Day of Judgment. He also reminded them about the warnings of previous prophets and the destruction of their nations. Fir’aun tried killing him also but he was able to get away with Allah’s protection, and the people of Fir’aun were destroyed by Allah. We then learn the final outcome of these people on the Day of Judgment when Allah will command, “Make the people of Fir’aun enter the severest punishment.” The followers among them will then say to their leaders, “We simply followed you; can you then take some of our share of the fire?” The arrogant leaders will of course refuse and tell them, “We are all in this together.”

Similar to Fir’aun, disbelievers of the past cried out and accepted the Oneness of Allah only when His punishment came to them and they were at the verge of being destroyed. Allah again shows us that professing faith at that final moment out of desperation is not accepted and useless to them.

Fussilat
Parts of this chapter were revealed in response to the disbelievers among the people of the Messenger (SAW) who were mocking the Message and preventing others from listening to its recital. They would accomplish this by making a lot of noise altogether upon its recital.

Verse 20 tells us about the Day of Judgment, when the enemies of Allah will be brought forth and their own ears, eyes, and skin will be made to speak and testify against them. Allah says that they will surely be punished for the worst of their misdeeds, and Hell will be their eternal home.

As for the ones who say: “Our God is Allah,” and they stay firm on it, they will be given the good news of Paradise and have protection from angels in this life and the hereafter. We learn from the verses that follow, no one is better in speech than the one who calls people to Allah and says “I am a Muslim.” Lastly, we are given some signs from the heavens and the earth, and we are called upon to prostrate to Allah (SWT) alone.

Ash-Shura
Like several other chapters, this also begins with separately pronounced letters and begins with the mention of the Qur’an. Allah says that He sent this revelation to Muhammad (SAW), as he sent revelations to other Messengers before him. In fact, He brought the same religion to the other messengers – to remain steadfast in the religion and create no division within it.

Part of this chapter emphasizes the importance of conducting mutual consultation in our daily affairs. Of course, this doesn’t apply to matters that are already declared as lawful or unlawful by Allah (SWT). This consultation is also not for matters that are recommended or not recommended by Allah (SWT), as no consultation is necessary there. It applies to matters which are permissible and have various options that will affect others. As mentioned previously, the Messenger (SAW) would regularly practice this among his companions and then make a decision based on the advice. For example, the idea of digging the trench around Madinah during the Battle of the Trench came from a companion. The Messenger (SAW) had another plan, but this companion suggested the trench after making sure the Messenger’s plan wasn’t a revelation from Allah (SWT). This shows that consultation has to come from people who are on the straight path and those with knowledge. To showcase the opposite effect of consultation, we can take the attitude of Fir’aun as an example. Due to his arrogance, he wasn’t able to take advice from anyone and believed that his way was always superior.

Lessons from Night 22
The man that spoke to defend Musa (AS) is a perfect example of speaking truth to power. He did not show any fear in speaking up against the greatest oppressor. We know that this is a form of Jihad. He also wasn’t afraid to displease his relative in order to please Allah (SWT). From a Hadith, we learn about two types of people: the one who strives to please people even at the expense of displeasing Allah (SWT), and the one who strives to please Allah, even if it may displease people. Not only will Allah be displeased with the first type of person, but Allah will make the people displeased with him also. The second type will enjoy the pleasure of Allah, and Allah will make the people pleased with him also.

Among the benefits of consultation is that it builds unity and strength among the community. Our communities have people from various backgrounds and expertise, and when we pull that together for the sake of Allah (SWT), it empowers our Islamic Centers. Additionally, Allah has promised guidance to the people who practice consultation. However, it is important to remember that successful consultation requires a humble attitude. We cannot expect our ideas to always be implemented, and we cannot get upset when they are not.

Date: 2012-08-10

Title: Reflections of the 21st Night of Ramadan
Location: Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley
Description: As-Saffat (The Ones Sorted in Ranks); Saad; and Az-Zumar (The Crowds)

All three chapters were revealed on Makkah

As-Saffat
According to most Tafsir scholars, Allah (SWT) is referring to the angels when He says in the first verse, “By those who sort themselves in ranks.” Allah then establishes His Oneness and states that He is the Lord of everything.

Beginning with Nuh (AS), several prophets are mentioned and noted for their devotion to worshiping and submitting to Allah (SWT) alone. Ibrahim (AS) is recognized to be one with a pure heart and also the first prophet who belonged to the progeny of Nuh (AS). Upon looking at the stars that his people worshipped, he said to them, “I am truly sick.” He was sick of his people worshipping false gods. Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) are both commended for their submission to Allah at His of sacrificing Ismail.

Among the final verses, Allah (SWT) condemns the idea of Him taking angels as daughters, and sternly warns those who claim this. Then He ends with promising victory to the prophets, sending peace upon them, and praising Himself, the Lord of the Worlds.

Saad
The chapter begins with the mention of the Qur’an again, and states that it is full of warnings; but the unbelievers are too arrogant to accept. In fact, they are shocked at the idea of there being only One God. The disbelievers of Muhammad (SAW)’s time are called to take note of the nations upon nations of people before them who were destroyed for the very same crimes that they are committing.

Many prophets are mentioned again, along with the struggles that they went through. We are given a bit more detail about Dawud (AS), which is why another name for this chapter is Dawud. On one account, he struggled as a judge in making the right decision between two people. We learn that he was tested by Allah in his position, and upon realizing his trouble he immediately sought forgiveness and fell to his knees in repentance. It is said that he will enjoy nearness to Allah and an excellent abode.

We are once again reminded of the incident of Adam and Iblees. Once Iblees is expelled from Paradise and is granted life until the Day of Judgment, he promises to lead all of humanity astray; except for the chosen sincere devotees among them. Allah then promises to fill hell with him and his followers.

Az-Zumar
After going over the concept of Tawheed and calling us to His worship and sincere obedience, Allah tells us that He wants goodness for His servants. Thus, the attitude of the people who disobey and then say, “If Allah wanted me to pray or do good, I would” is wrong. They forget that mankind was given free will and a responsibility to go along with it. Allah tells us that He opens people’s hearts to Islam and lets them walk in His light, but they still don’t believe and harden their hearts from His remembrance.

Allah (SWT) then warns against the attitude that accepts Allah as the Creator, but still refuses to obey and worship Him. This tells us that there are two types of servitude to Allah (SWT). The first type is to accept Him as the Creator of all, and the Only One God. The second type is to internalize the fact that He is our Master, and we are only created to obey and worship Him.

Finally, Allah gives us a very powerful analogy. He tells us that the one who takes many gods for worship is like a slave belonging to many masters who are each pulling him to himself. The chapter ends with praising Allah (SWT), and telling the Messenger that the disputes of those who argue with him will be settled on the Day of Judgment.

Lessons form Night 21
- We continuously learn from the prophets that are repeatedly mentioned throughout the Qur’an. Ibrahim (AS) described the feeling in his heart when he witnessed shirk as, “I am truly sick.” We should have a similar feeling when we witness all the evil, injustice, and oppression happening around us. This feeling is indication of a heart that is alive, and it will lead to action.
- The troubles and difficulties of various prophets of the past are disclosed to us in the Qur’an, along with the reaction that they had upon realizing them. When things didn’t go as they planned, they always immediately turned to Allah (SWT). They understood the nature of human as an imperfect creation, and they understood the infinite Mercy and Knowledge of Allah. We should also adopt this mindset.
- Iblees promises to lead all of humanity astray, except the sincere devotees among us. He knows that he cannot touch these people. Their devotion by far outweighs his weak plots. Let’s strive to be among these people, and have strength against his whispers.

Date: 2012-08-09

Title: Reflections of the 20th Night of Ramadan
Location: Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley
Description: Al-Ahzab (The Allies); Sabaa (the city of Sheba); Fatir (The Originator of Creation); and Ya-Seen

Al-Ahzab was revealed in Madinah, and the rest were revealed in Makkah.

Al-Ahzab
The chapter begins with addressing Muhammad (SAW) as “Oh Prophet.” Throughout the Qur’an he is referred to as “Oh Prophet,” or “Oh Messenger,” or by certain characteristics. Even when his name is mentioned, “Messenger of Allah” is place immediately after. This shows Allah’s softness towards him and the esteemed position that he is placed in, due to the high level of God consciousness that he had. Other prophets and messengers are called upon by their name alone. Allah Himself holds the Messenger in such a high regard, and we are taught to do the same. Therefore, we are required to send blessings and peace upon him when he is mentioned. We are not true believers until he is more beloved to us than anyone else; including our families, spouses, mothers, and even our own selves. Also, his wives (RA) are to be as beloved to us as our mothers.

In the next several verses we read about the Battle of the Trench that took place in Madina; and kept the city blocked off for 21 days. This was a time of fear, and a major test for the believers. Many of those among the believers were exposed as hypocrites or cowards, as they abandoned their army on the battle field. Through them, we are warned not to fear anyone except Allah. Only He can protect us, and only He can allow harm to us. Once again, Allah’s help came to the believers when He unleashed violent winds and invisible forces against their enemies.

Sabaa
The chapter begins by praising Allah (SWT), and then mentioning the Day of Judgment. Even something as small as an atom is not hidden from Him and is recorded in the Clear Book.

Allah (SWT) once again tells us the favors He bestowed upon Dawud and Sulaiman (AS), and shows how thankful they were to Him. Dawud was given a beautiful voice, and the mountains and birds were commanded to sing Allah’s praises along with him. Also, Iron was made soft for him, enabling him to craft armor. As for Sulaiman, he was given control over wind by which he could travel a month’s distance in one morning, or one evening. He was given a fountain of molten copper. He was also given control over jinns who built massive arches, basins, and cooking pots for him. Again, they are noted in the Qur’an for their gratitude.

On the other hand, we are told about the people of the town of Sabaa, which is in Yemen. They are noted for their ingratitude to Allah. They were given two gardens to eat and enjoy from, but gave no regard to Allah and turned away from Him. Therefore, Allah sent a flood to convert them into gardens producing bitter fruit. Allah states that only a few of his devotees are truly thankful to Him.

Fatir
This chapter also begins with the praise of Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth. Allah (SWT) then talks about the angels that he appoints as His messengers, with two, three, four, or more pairs of wings. It is reported by the Messenger (SAW) that the Archangel Jibreel had 600 wings when he saw him in his actual form during his visit to the seven heavens.

In verse 6, Allah (SWT) reminds us that Satan is our enemy; therefore we should treat him as our enemy. He invites us towards his way only so we can accompany him in the blazing fire. With this, Allah tells us that everyone will be responsible for themselves on the Day of Judgment. No one will carry the burden of anyone else. We are all accountable for our own actions, and even Satan will not assume any responsibility for leading people astray.

Allah tells us about three types of believers that the Book was revealed to: 1) Some who wrong their own souls, 2) some who take a middle path, 3) and some who, by Allah’s permission, excel in good deeds. The third category, Allah says, will be the ones to enter the Gardens of Paradise where they will be decorated with bracelets of gold and pearl, and wear garments of silk. According to the Prophet (SAW), people of the third category will be ahead, as they excelled in good deeds. People of the second category will be safe. And people of the first category will be forgiven. This truly shows the infinite Mercy of Allah (SWT). Of course, none in these three categories will enter Paradise without that Mercy. Furthermore, Allah says that if He were to hold us all accountable for our misdeeds, he would not leave any living creature on the earth. But out of His Mercy, He is giving us a chance until the Day of Judgment.

Ya-Seen
According to the Messenger (SAW), this chapter is the heart of the Qur’an. He also advised us to recite it over a person who is passing away.

Some scenes from the Day of Judgment are presented to us in parts of the chapter. We begin with a beautiful description of Paradise. The residents therein will be preoccupied with their pleasure. There will be no more worries of any kind. Each moment will be spent in enjoyment. They will be reclined on couches in the shade of trees, along with their wives. And the greatest gift; they will be greeted with Salaam from the Lord, Most Merciful.

Allah (SWT) will then turn to the criminals and scold them, saying “Did I not command you not to worship Satan? That he is an open enemy to you? Had you no common sense? Here is the hell that you were repeatedly warned about.” Their mouths will be sealed that day, and their limbs will speak to bear witness against them. May Allah (SWT) save us from this.

The chapter ends with declaring, “Glory be to Him in Whose hands is the Kingdom of all things; and Whom you shall all be brought back.

Lessons from Night 20
- We may find it difficult to be able to love the Messenger (SAW) more than our own selves, but if we learn about, and begin to appreciate everything that he went through for us, it will become easier inshaAllah.
- We are reminded of the importance of being thankful to Allah (SWT) for all that He has blessed us with, and also the dangers of ingratitude. The more we are blessed with, the more responsibility is upon us to be grateful.
- We have to hold ourselves accountable for our own actions in this life, and constantly repent to Allah.

Date: 2012-08-08