#DAY 21
The Twenty First Taraaweeh
The entire 25th Juz is recited in this Taraaweeh.
Allaah makes it clear that He is the only One Who knows when Qiyaamah will take place. Allaah then speaks of man’s ingratitude when He says, “When We favour man, he is averse and turns away. But when hardship afflicts him, he becomes one of vast prayers.” [verse 51, Surah HaaMeem Sajdah]
Those who doubt the advent of Qiyaamah should bear in mind that Allaah has the might to do as He pleases. Surah Shura begins after Surah HaaMeem Sajdah and Allaah tells the Mushrikeen that there is nothing astonishing about the fact that He teaches His book to the Ambiya (A.S) via revelation. Allaah adds that the sins of the Mushrikeen are so grave that it would be no wonder if the severity of these sins should cause the sky to come crashing down on them. They are also warned that their abode shall be Jahannam where there will be none to assist them.
Allaah instructs Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to tell the people, “Say, ‘I ask of you no recompense (for my preaching), save for the love between relatives.” [verse 23]
This obligatory love demands that the kuffaar at least refrain from harming Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam). Allaah will ensure that people are rewarded in full for their good deeds.
In verse 43 Allaah lauds the persevering people when He says, "Whoever will exercise patience and pardon, that will certainly be of the most resolute matters.”
Allaah says further that it is inappropriate that He speaks directly to any human being. Allaah says, “It is only appropriate for a.human that Allaah speaks to him by means of inspiration, or from behind a veil, or that He sends a messenger who conveys the revelation by Allaah’s command, as He pleases. Verily Allaah is Exalted, the Wise.” [verse 51]
Surah Zukhruf begins after Surah Shura. Allaah tells the Mushrikeen that they should not fool themselves by thinking that revelation of the Qur'aan will cease because of their disobedience and sins. Allaah has never stopped sending Ambiya (A.S) or revelation on account of the kuffaar’s evil. On the contrary, Allaah kept sending Ambiya (A.S) with revelation, as a result of which the evil of the kuffaar was crushed.
Allaah also stresses that He has no children and that none has the ability to intercede on behalf of those who have gone astray. Surah Dukhaan follows Surah Zukhruf as the 44th Surah of the Qur'aan. Allaah states, “We have revealed it (the Qur'aan) on a blessed night. Verily We are the Warners. The decision of every matter of wisdom is passed on this night as a command proceeding from Us.”
[verses 3, 4, 5]
Listening and reciting the Qur'aan draws Allaah’s mercy on condition that a person has perfect conviction. Everything is within Allaah’s kingdom and He alone gives life and death. When punishment overtakes people because of their sins, they cry out to Allaah saying, “O our Rabb! Remove this punishment from us and we will surely believe.” [verse 12] However, when Allaah removes the punishment they do not take heed but revert to their former ways of disbelief. However, the Hereafter shall certainly arrive when they will be cast into Jahannam where “the tree of Zaqqoom shall be food for the sinful.” [verse 43/4]
Surah Dukhaan is followed by Surah Jaathiya where Allaah mentions many signs of His might. Among these are the creation of man, the creation of the animals, the alternation of night and day, the flourishing of dead ground after rains, the turning of the winds and the sailing of the ships. All these phenomena are for man’s benefit and will teach him about Allaah’s greatness if he takes the time to reflect.
The last two verses of the Surah declare: “Allaah praise is for Allaah, the Rabb of the heavens and the earth; the Rabb of the universe. To Him belongs all majesty in the heavens and the earth; and He is the Mighty, the Wise.” [verses 36/7]
May Allaah grant us the ability to recognise His might and may He bless us with the wealth of conviction.
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#DAY 22
**The Twenty Second Taraaweeh**
The 26th juz is recited in this Taraaweeh.
This juz commences with Surah Ahqaaf, wherein Allaah states that He has created the universe for a stipulated period of time only. The system of the universe functions according to Allaah’s perfect plan, yet the kuffaar still adamantly oppose the truth. Allaah commands man to treat his parents kindly, reminding him that his mother bore him with hardship and delivered him with hardship. When this man grows up to be righteous he will express gratitude to Allaah, whereupon Allaah will accept his deeds and forgive him for his shortcomings. However, Allaah will punish those who oppose their parents and disobey them. Thereafter, Allaah makes mention of the time when a group of the Jinn listened to Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) reciting the Qur'aan and then conveyed the message to their people.
Surah Muhammed begins after Surah Ahqaaf. Allaah says that the deeds of people will be destroyed when, apart from adhering to kufr, they also enjoin others to do the same. Allaah will also forgive the sins of those who possess Imaan and practise on the guidance given to them. In addition to this Allaah will also correct their deeds.
Allaah also commands the Muslims to wage jihaad till the enemy surrenders. Those people who are averse towards jihaad after Imaan and guidance has come to them, then such people have definitely fallen prey to Shaytaan because Shaytaan makes evil deeds seem appealing and makes people entertain hopes of long lives. Eventually, the deeds of such people are destroyed. Allaah also tells people to ponder about the verses of the Qur'aan because this will illuminate their hearts and their minds.
Surah Fatah follows Surah Muhammed (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam). In this Surah, Allaah speaks about the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah which turned out to be a tremendous victory for the Muslims. Allaah says in verse 10, “Verily those who pledge allegiance to you [Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)] have actually pledged allegiance to Allaah. Allaah’s hand is above theirs.” Allaah adds that those who violate their pledge and turn away from jihaad become deserving of a terrible punishment. Allaah declares in the final verse of this Surah, “Muhammed (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) is Allaah’s messenger and those with him are hard on the disbelievers, yet compassionate toward each other.” [verse 29]
Surah Hujuraat, which follows Surah Fatah, contains teachings that are pertinent to good character. The Surah teaches Muslims the etiquette of social interaction and good manners. The Surah specially emphasizes the refinement of manners to be displayed when in the presence of Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam) and near his rooms. In fact, failure to observe etiquette in Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)’s presence may lead to one’s deeds being rejected. The Surah highlights the importance of cordial and amicable behavior towards each other and equates backbiting to eating the flesh of a brother’s corpse. The next Surah to follow is Surah Qaaf, wherein man is told that Allaah is closer to him than his own jugular vein. Allaah also reminds man that two angels have been appointed to record the deeds of every person. These records will be subjected to scrutiny on the Day of Qiyaamah.
Surah Dhaariyaat begins thereafter. Allaah tells man that Qiyaamah is inevitable and that every person will receive the recompense due to him/her for every good and evil deed committed. The evil ones will suffer punishment while the righteous Mu'mineen will enjoy the bounties of Jannah. Allaah describes the people of Imaan as those who sleep very little, who awaken during the early hours of the morning to beseech Allaah for forgiveness, and who spend their wealth to assist those who ask of them as well as those who do not ask. The incidents of certain Ambiya (A.S) are then mentioned briefly.
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#DAY 23
The 27th juz is recited in this Taraaweeh.
The Juz opens with the incident of Hadhrat Ibraheem (A.S), when some angels visited him in the guise of humans and informed him of the imminent birth of his son Hadhrat Is'haaq (A.S). When he asked them what their mission was, they replied that they were out to rain a shower of stones upon the nation of Hadhrat Loot (A.S). They were therefore sent to punish these people.
Allaah then relates the incidents of Hadhrat Moosa (A.S), the Aad, the Thamud and the nation of Hadhrat Nooh (A.S). The Surah expounds Allaah’s greatness, establishes Tauheed and Risaalah and then describes the purpose of man’s creation in the following words: “I have only created man and jinn to worship Me.” [verse 56] Allaah stresses that He sustains all and does not require sustenance from anyone.
Surah Toor commences next wherein Allaah warns those who rejects of the Day of Qiyaamah that the day will be so severe that the heavens and the earth will tremble and mountains will fly about like cotton-wool. The kuffaar will be shoved into Jahannam and the punishment will be severe for those who falsify the truth. It is only foolish people who will harass a messenger who only wishes well for them. Those who reject the truth are really evil in nature.
Allaah urges Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to be patient and assures him that he will certainly be assisted. Surah Najm thereafter makes mention of the miraculous journey of Mi’raaj. Allaah says that Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam) has neither gone astray nor erred and that he drew so close to Allaah that there scarcely remained the distance between two ends of a bow between them. Allaah makes it clear that Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)’s eyes did not deceive him and that he saw everything clearly. Allaah then spoke certain things to Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) which no third being has any knowledge of. Allaah tells people that that they should never doubt the words of Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) (especially on the occasion of Mi’raaj) because “he does not speak of his own will. Everything he says is revelation that descends to him.” [verse 4]
In Surah Qamar thereafter, Allaah speaks about Rasululllaah(sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)’s miracle of splitting the moon; a miracle that foretold the eventual defeat of the kuffaar. Allaah says that the kuffaar are unlikely to mend their ways because they refer to the miracles of Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam) as magic. However, the time is nigh when they will hang their heads in remorse and flee from the truth.
Surah Rahmaan follows Surah Qamar as the 55th Surah of the Qur'aan. In this Surah, Allaah enumerates a large number of bounties that He has bestowed on man. Throughout the Surah Allaah repeatedly asks, “Which bounty of your Rabb will you deny?” Among the other bounties, Allaah speaks of man’s creation, the knowledge Allaah granted man, and the creation of everything else that is of use to man. By identifying all these bounties, man is introduced to Allaah. The Surah also describes the Hereafter and highlights the fact that everything besides Allaah is perishable. Allaah asserts, “Everything on earth shall perish but the countenance of your Majestic and Benevolent Rabb shall remain.” [verse 27]
Surah Waaqi’ah describes the advent of Qiyaamah, illustrating that the records of righteous people’s deeds will be given in their right hands, while those of the kuffaar and sinners will be given in their left hands from behind their backs. The Surah states that the diet of the people of Jahannam shall be a poisonous tree and scalding water. Allaah terminates the Surah by drawing man’s attention to the fact that the Qur'aan is great blessing of Allaah, which has an elevated position in the Lawhul Mahfoodh (The Protected Tablet) in the heavens.
Surah Hadeed follows Surah Waaqi’ah by stating that every creation glorifies Allaah. Allaah exhorts Muslims to spend in His way, which is regarded as a loan yielding a minimum of ten time the reward. Pious people neither become despondent when afflicted with adversities nor do they behave boastfully and arrogantly when enjoying prosperity. According to their deeds, these are the ones who will attain the status of Siddeeq and Shaheed. Allaah also tells the Ahlul Kitaab that Allaah bestows
His grace and favour upon whomsoever He wills.
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#DAY 24
**The Twenty Fourth Taraaweeh**
The 28th Juz is recited in this Taraaweeh.
Surah Mujaadala begins this Juz. Allaah states that it is foolish for any person to refer to his wife as his mother (as a method of separating from her). If a man does this, it will be haraam for him to cohabit with his wife till he pays the required Kaffaara. The Kaffaara is that he frees a slave (male or female), fasts for two consecutive months or feeds sixty poor people.
Thereafter, Allaah teaches the etiquette of gatherings and warns people against hosting secret meetings to plot against Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) or to commit other sins. Allaah says that such meetings are amongst the acts of Shaytaan.
In Surah Hashar thereafter, Allaah states that the true Mu'mineen are those people who assist the Muslims who migrate for Allaah and His Prophet (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam). They are people who do not straiten their hearts despite living in straitened circumstances. Rather, they give preference to others above themselves. The Munafiqeen are completely different because they display the traits of Shaytaan. They encourage people to perpetrate evil deeds and then excuse themselves saying that they have nothing to do with these people. Allaah urges people to take heed to the advice of the Qur'aan, which is so mighty that it can crush mountains under its weight.
Surah Mumtahina begins after Surah Hashar. Allaah tells the Mu'mineen in this Surah that they should terminate all secretive contact with the kuffaar after migrating to Madinah. The kuffaar are enemies to the Muslims and will never be their allies. A Muslim can never trust a kaafir because the ambition of the kaafir is to convert the Muslim into a kaafir like himself/herself. Allaah also states that the faith of a woman should be tested when she migrates to the Muslims. If she is found to be sincere, she should be allowed to remain amongst the Muslims.
Addressing the Mu'mineen in Surah Saff, Allaah admonishes them for claiming to do such things that they have not done. This is an extremely serious crime in Allaah’s sight. Allaah loves those Mu'mineen who stand together like a fortified wall when facin the enemy in jihaad. Allaah then quotes Hadhrat Isa (A.S) who prophesied the advent of Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam) to the Bani Israa'eel; referring to Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) as “Ahmed”. Allaah terminates the Surah by assuring the Mu'mineen that the kuffaar will never be able to extinguish Allaah’s light and that He will definitely grant them victory over their enemies.
In Surah Jumu’ah, Allaah explicitly states, “O you who believe! When you are called for salaah on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday) then hasten towards Allaah’s remembrance and leave all trade. This is best for you if you only knew. So when the salaah has been completed then spread out on earth and seek from Allaah’s bounty (sustenance) and remember Allaah in abundance so that you may succeed.” [verses 9 and 10]
The concluding verse of the Surah states: “Allaah is the Best Sustainer”.
Allaah addresses Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) inSurah Munafiqoon, warning him to beware of them. Allaah says that the words and deeds of the Munafiqeen contradict their thoughts and feelings. They falsely take solemn oaths in Allaah’s name whereas they are devoid of Imaan.
In Surah Taghaabun Allaah states that only He created everyone. Allaah made some people kuffaar and made others Mu'mineen with wealth and children as tests for them. Allaah will forgive those people who are rightly guided.
Allaah mentions in Surah Talaaq that husbands should only divorce their wives while the wives are not menstruating. The Iddah should be meticulously observed and it will be regarded as an act of immorality if a woman has to emerge from her home during the Iddah. The Iddah of a non menstruating divorcee is three months, while the Iddah of a pregnant divorcee will terminate as soon as she delivers. The husband will have to maintain his pregnant wife after the divorce until she delivers his child.
Addressing Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) in Surah Tahreem, Allaah tells him not to forsake Allaah’s bounties for the sake of his wives. Allaah also tells Rasululllaah (sallAllaahualayhi-
wa-sallam) that he should pay the Kaffaara to be absolved from his vow. Allaah cautions that any person who wishes to oppose Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) will have to face the resistance of Allaah, Hadhrat Jibra'eel (A.S) and all the pious Muslims at large.
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#DAY 25
**The Twenty Fifth Taraaweeh**
The 29th Juz is recited in this Taraaweeh.
Allaah says in Surah Mulk that there is none to replace the innumerable bounties of His if He should ever snatch them away from people. People should therefore trust in Allaah only because He has created both life and death and only He controls them. Surah Qalam makes it clear that the character of Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) is the highest in calibre. Allaah also instructs Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to exercise patience and not to supplicate to Allaah in anger, as Hadhrat Yunus (A.S) did. The Surah also warns the kuffaar about the punishment they stand to face in this world as well as in the Hereafter.
A startling description of Qiyaamah is given in Surah Haaqa, where Allaah also speaks of the punishment that the kuffaar will receive and the rewards that will accrue to the pious. Allaah concludes the Surah by stating that the Qur'aan is definitely a revelation from Allaah and neither a composition of a poet nor the ramblings of a fortune-teller.
In Surah Ma’aarij Allaah says that man is a weak creature who becomes perplexed when facing any adversity and miserly when enjoying good fortune. Allaah warns all miserly people who hoard
their wealth that they should beware of the terrible fire of Jahannam which will strip off their skins.
Surah Nooh recounts the story of Hadhrat Nooh (A.S) who tirelessly preached to his people for a long time. However, the wretched people refused to accept his message and relentlessly opposed him. Constrained by their incorrigible attitude, Hadhrat Nooh (A.S) eventually prayed to Allaah to destroy them. As a result of this they were drowned in a deluge which only spared the faithful ones with Hadhrat Nooh (A.S) in the ark.
Surah Jinn speaks of the praises that some Jinn lauded about the Qur'aan when they heard Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam) reciting it. They believed in the Qur'aan and attested to
Allaah’s oneness. The Surah also makes it clear that only Allaah possesses knowledge of the unseen. Of course, Allaah does impart a bit of this knowledge to His Ambiya (A.S) by means of divine revelation.
In Surah Muddathir, Allaah addresses Rasululllaah (sallAllaahualayhi- wa-sallam) as the one who is shrouded in a blanket. Allaah commands Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to propagate Islam and to hymn the praises of Allaah’s glory and grandeur. Allaah also commands Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhiwa- sallam) to abstain from all impurities and to behave kindly towards people without expecting anything in return. As in many previous Surahs, Allaah urges Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhiwa- sallam) to patiently endure the harassment of the kuffaar without retaliation. The Surah also stresses that the Qur'aan is a book of guidance that will benefit those people whom Allaah leads right.
With a different word, Allaah again addresses Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) as one shrouded in a blanket. Allaah commands Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to stand in salaah for half the night or less, and to recite the Qur'aan in slow measured tones. Worshipping Allaah during the night is an effective means of purifying the soul and readily accepted by Allaah. Allaah also encourages zakaah and spending in charity because any good deed will be of tremendous benefit in the Hereafter.
In Surah Qiyaamah Allaah instructs Rasululllaah (sallAllaahualayhi- wa-sallam) that he should not exert himself to immediately repeat the words of revelation when it is revealed to him. He was to listen attentively, whereafter Allaah would ensure that he remembered everything.
Allaah says in Surah Dahar that He instilled the capacity to discern between right and wrong in every person. Man therefore has the choice to either be grateful to Allaah or ungrateful. However, the ungrateful will have to suffer punishment for their ingratitude while the grateful will be immensely rewarded with the eternal bliss of Jannah. Allaah lauds the Mu'mineen who, despite their own need, assist the needy without expecting remuneration or even a word of thanks in return.
The para concludes with Surah Mursalaat, which confirms that Qiyaamah will definitely take place. It will be a day when Allaah’s judgement will be decisive and binding. Whoever wishes to be obedient shall be such. On the other hand, those people whose evil deeds have surrounded them shall remain rebellious and will have to face the punishment for their deeds.
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The Twenty First Taraaweeh
The entire 25th Juz is recited in this Taraaweeh.
Allaah makes it clear that He is the only One Who knows when Qiyaamah will take place. Allaah then speaks of man’s ingratitude when He says, “When We favour man, he is averse and turns away. But when hardship afflicts him, he becomes one of vast prayers.” [verse 51, Surah HaaMeem Sajdah]
Those who doubt the advent of Qiyaamah should bear in mind that Allaah has the might to do as He pleases. Surah Shura begins after Surah HaaMeem Sajdah and Allaah tells the Mushrikeen that there is nothing astonishing about the fact that He teaches His book to the Ambiya (A.S) via revelation. Allaah adds that the sins of the Mushrikeen are so grave that it would be no wonder if the severity of these sins should cause the sky to come crashing down on them. They are also warned that their abode shall be Jahannam where there will be none to assist them.
Allaah instructs Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to tell the people, “Say, ‘I ask of you no recompense (for my preaching), save for the love between relatives.” [verse 23]
This obligatory love demands that the kuffaar at least refrain from harming Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam). Allaah will ensure that people are rewarded in full for their good deeds.
In verse 43 Allaah lauds the persevering people when He says, "Whoever will exercise patience and pardon, that will certainly be of the most resolute matters.”
Allaah says further that it is inappropriate that He speaks directly to any human being. Allaah says, “It is only appropriate for a.human that Allaah speaks to him by means of inspiration, or from behind a veil, or that He sends a messenger who conveys the revelation by Allaah’s command, as He pleases. Verily Allaah is Exalted, the Wise.” [verse 51]
Surah Zukhruf begins after Surah Shura. Allaah tells the Mushrikeen that they should not fool themselves by thinking that revelation of the Qur'aan will cease because of their disobedience and sins. Allaah has never stopped sending Ambiya (A.S) or revelation on account of the kuffaar’s evil. On the contrary, Allaah kept sending Ambiya (A.S) with revelation, as a result of which the evil of the kuffaar was crushed.
Allaah also stresses that He has no children and that none has the ability to intercede on behalf of those who have gone astray. Surah Dukhaan follows Surah Zukhruf as the 44th Surah of the Qur'aan. Allaah states, “We have revealed it (the Qur'aan) on a blessed night. Verily We are the Warners. The decision of every matter of wisdom is passed on this night as a command proceeding from Us.”
[verses 3, 4, 5]
Listening and reciting the Qur'aan draws Allaah’s mercy on condition that a person has perfect conviction. Everything is within Allaah’s kingdom and He alone gives life and death. When punishment overtakes people because of their sins, they cry out to Allaah saying, “O our Rabb! Remove this punishment from us and we will surely believe.” [verse 12] However, when Allaah removes the punishment they do not take heed but revert to their former ways of disbelief. However, the Hereafter shall certainly arrive when they will be cast into Jahannam where “the tree of Zaqqoom shall be food for the sinful.” [verse 43/4]
Surah Dukhaan is followed by Surah Jaathiya where Allaah mentions many signs of His might. Among these are the creation of man, the creation of the animals, the alternation of night and day, the flourishing of dead ground after rains, the turning of the winds and the sailing of the ships. All these phenomena are for man’s benefit and will teach him about Allaah’s greatness if he takes the time to reflect.
The last two verses of the Surah declare: “Allaah praise is for Allaah, the Rabb of the heavens and the earth; the Rabb of the universe. To Him belongs all majesty in the heavens and the earth; and He is the Mighty, the Wise.” [verses 36/7]
May Allaah grant us the ability to recognise His might and may He bless us with the wealth of conviction.
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#DAY 22
**The Twenty Second Taraaweeh**
The 26th juz is recited in this Taraaweeh.
This juz commences with Surah Ahqaaf, wherein Allaah states that He has created the universe for a stipulated period of time only. The system of the universe functions according to Allaah’s perfect plan, yet the kuffaar still adamantly oppose the truth. Allaah commands man to treat his parents kindly, reminding him that his mother bore him with hardship and delivered him with hardship. When this man grows up to be righteous he will express gratitude to Allaah, whereupon Allaah will accept his deeds and forgive him for his shortcomings. However, Allaah will punish those who oppose their parents and disobey them. Thereafter, Allaah makes mention of the time when a group of the Jinn listened to Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) reciting the Qur'aan and then conveyed the message to their people.
Surah Muhammed begins after Surah Ahqaaf. Allaah says that the deeds of people will be destroyed when, apart from adhering to kufr, they also enjoin others to do the same. Allaah will also forgive the sins of those who possess Imaan and practise on the guidance given to them. In addition to this Allaah will also correct their deeds.
Allaah also commands the Muslims to wage jihaad till the enemy surrenders. Those people who are averse towards jihaad after Imaan and guidance has come to them, then such people have definitely fallen prey to Shaytaan because Shaytaan makes evil deeds seem appealing and makes people entertain hopes of long lives. Eventually, the deeds of such people are destroyed. Allaah also tells people to ponder about the verses of the Qur'aan because this will illuminate their hearts and their minds.
Surah Fatah follows Surah Muhammed (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam). In this Surah, Allaah speaks about the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah which turned out to be a tremendous victory for the Muslims. Allaah says in verse 10, “Verily those who pledge allegiance to you [Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)] have actually pledged allegiance to Allaah. Allaah’s hand is above theirs.” Allaah adds that those who violate their pledge and turn away from jihaad become deserving of a terrible punishment. Allaah declares in the final verse of this Surah, “Muhammed (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) is Allaah’s messenger and those with him are hard on the disbelievers, yet compassionate toward each other.” [verse 29]
Surah Hujuraat, which follows Surah Fatah, contains teachings that are pertinent to good character. The Surah teaches Muslims the etiquette of social interaction and good manners. The Surah specially emphasizes the refinement of manners to be displayed when in the presence of Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam) and near his rooms. In fact, failure to observe etiquette in Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)’s presence may lead to one’s deeds being rejected. The Surah highlights the importance of cordial and amicable behavior towards each other and equates backbiting to eating the flesh of a brother’s corpse. The next Surah to follow is Surah Qaaf, wherein man is told that Allaah is closer to him than his own jugular vein. Allaah also reminds man that two angels have been appointed to record the deeds of every person. These records will be subjected to scrutiny on the Day of Qiyaamah.
Surah Dhaariyaat begins thereafter. Allaah tells man that Qiyaamah is inevitable and that every person will receive the recompense due to him/her for every good and evil deed committed. The evil ones will suffer punishment while the righteous Mu'mineen will enjoy the bounties of Jannah. Allaah describes the people of Imaan as those who sleep very little, who awaken during the early hours of the morning to beseech Allaah for forgiveness, and who spend their wealth to assist those who ask of them as well as those who do not ask. The incidents of certain Ambiya (A.S) are then mentioned briefly.
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#DAY 23
The 27th juz is recited in this Taraaweeh.
The Juz opens with the incident of Hadhrat Ibraheem (A.S), when some angels visited him in the guise of humans and informed him of the imminent birth of his son Hadhrat Is'haaq (A.S). When he asked them what their mission was, they replied that they were out to rain a shower of stones upon the nation of Hadhrat Loot (A.S). They were therefore sent to punish these people.
Allaah then relates the incidents of Hadhrat Moosa (A.S), the Aad, the Thamud and the nation of Hadhrat Nooh (A.S). The Surah expounds Allaah’s greatness, establishes Tauheed and Risaalah and then describes the purpose of man’s creation in the following words: “I have only created man and jinn to worship Me.” [verse 56] Allaah stresses that He sustains all and does not require sustenance from anyone.
Surah Toor commences next wherein Allaah warns those who rejects of the Day of Qiyaamah that the day will be so severe that the heavens and the earth will tremble and mountains will fly about like cotton-wool. The kuffaar will be shoved into Jahannam and the punishment will be severe for those who falsify the truth. It is only foolish people who will harass a messenger who only wishes well for them. Those who reject the truth are really evil in nature.
Allaah urges Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to be patient and assures him that he will certainly be assisted. Surah Najm thereafter makes mention of the miraculous journey of Mi’raaj. Allaah says that Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam) has neither gone astray nor erred and that he drew so close to Allaah that there scarcely remained the distance between two ends of a bow between them. Allaah makes it clear that Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)’s eyes did not deceive him and that he saw everything clearly. Allaah then spoke certain things to Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) which no third being has any knowledge of. Allaah tells people that that they should never doubt the words of Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) (especially on the occasion of Mi’raaj) because “he does not speak of his own will. Everything he says is revelation that descends to him.” [verse 4]
In Surah Qamar thereafter, Allaah speaks about Rasululllaah(sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)’s miracle of splitting the moon; a miracle that foretold the eventual defeat of the kuffaar. Allaah says that the kuffaar are unlikely to mend their ways because they refer to the miracles of Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam) as magic. However, the time is nigh when they will hang their heads in remorse and flee from the truth.
Surah Rahmaan follows Surah Qamar as the 55th Surah of the Qur'aan. In this Surah, Allaah enumerates a large number of bounties that He has bestowed on man. Throughout the Surah Allaah repeatedly asks, “Which bounty of your Rabb will you deny?” Among the other bounties, Allaah speaks of man’s creation, the knowledge Allaah granted man, and the creation of everything else that is of use to man. By identifying all these bounties, man is introduced to Allaah. The Surah also describes the Hereafter and highlights the fact that everything besides Allaah is perishable. Allaah asserts, “Everything on earth shall perish but the countenance of your Majestic and Benevolent Rabb shall remain.” [verse 27]
Surah Waaqi’ah describes the advent of Qiyaamah, illustrating that the records of righteous people’s deeds will be given in their right hands, while those of the kuffaar and sinners will be given in their left hands from behind their backs. The Surah states that the diet of the people of Jahannam shall be a poisonous tree and scalding water. Allaah terminates the Surah by drawing man’s attention to the fact that the Qur'aan is great blessing of Allaah, which has an elevated position in the Lawhul Mahfoodh (The Protected Tablet) in the heavens.
Surah Hadeed follows Surah Waaqi’ah by stating that every creation glorifies Allaah. Allaah exhorts Muslims to spend in His way, which is regarded as a loan yielding a minimum of ten time the reward. Pious people neither become despondent when afflicted with adversities nor do they behave boastfully and arrogantly when enjoying prosperity. According to their deeds, these are the ones who will attain the status of Siddeeq and Shaheed. Allaah also tells the Ahlul Kitaab that Allaah bestows
His grace and favour upon whomsoever He wills.
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#DAY 24
**The Twenty Fourth Taraaweeh**
The 28th Juz is recited in this Taraaweeh.
Surah Mujaadala begins this Juz. Allaah states that it is foolish for any person to refer to his wife as his mother (as a method of separating from her). If a man does this, it will be haraam for him to cohabit with his wife till he pays the required Kaffaara. The Kaffaara is that he frees a slave (male or female), fasts for two consecutive months or feeds sixty poor people.
Thereafter, Allaah teaches the etiquette of gatherings and warns people against hosting secret meetings to plot against Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) or to commit other sins. Allaah says that such meetings are amongst the acts of Shaytaan.
In Surah Hashar thereafter, Allaah states that the true Mu'mineen are those people who assist the Muslims who migrate for Allaah and His Prophet (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam). They are people who do not straiten their hearts despite living in straitened circumstances. Rather, they give preference to others above themselves. The Munafiqeen are completely different because they display the traits of Shaytaan. They encourage people to perpetrate evil deeds and then excuse themselves saying that they have nothing to do with these people. Allaah urges people to take heed to the advice of the Qur'aan, which is so mighty that it can crush mountains under its weight.
Surah Mumtahina begins after Surah Hashar. Allaah tells the Mu'mineen in this Surah that they should terminate all secretive contact with the kuffaar after migrating to Madinah. The kuffaar are enemies to the Muslims and will never be their allies. A Muslim can never trust a kaafir because the ambition of the kaafir is to convert the Muslim into a kaafir like himself/herself. Allaah also states that the faith of a woman should be tested when she migrates to the Muslims. If she is found to be sincere, she should be allowed to remain amongst the Muslims.
Addressing the Mu'mineen in Surah Saff, Allaah admonishes them for claiming to do such things that they have not done. This is an extremely serious crime in Allaah’s sight. Allaah loves those Mu'mineen who stand together like a fortified wall when facin the enemy in jihaad. Allaah then quotes Hadhrat Isa (A.S) who prophesied the advent of Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam) to the Bani Israa'eel; referring to Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) as “Ahmed”. Allaah terminates the Surah by assuring the Mu'mineen that the kuffaar will never be able to extinguish Allaah’s light and that He will definitely grant them victory over their enemies.
In Surah Jumu’ah, Allaah explicitly states, “O you who believe! When you are called for salaah on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday) then hasten towards Allaah’s remembrance and leave all trade. This is best for you if you only knew. So when the salaah has been completed then spread out on earth and seek from Allaah’s bounty (sustenance) and remember Allaah in abundance so that you may succeed.” [verses 9 and 10]
The concluding verse of the Surah states: “Allaah is the Best Sustainer”.
Allaah addresses Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) inSurah Munafiqoon, warning him to beware of them. Allaah says that the words and deeds of the Munafiqeen contradict their thoughts and feelings. They falsely take solemn oaths in Allaah’s name whereas they are devoid of Imaan.
In Surah Taghaabun Allaah states that only He created everyone. Allaah made some people kuffaar and made others Mu'mineen with wealth and children as tests for them. Allaah will forgive those people who are rightly guided.
Allaah mentions in Surah Talaaq that husbands should only divorce their wives while the wives are not menstruating. The Iddah should be meticulously observed and it will be regarded as an act of immorality if a woman has to emerge from her home during the Iddah. The Iddah of a non menstruating divorcee is three months, while the Iddah of a pregnant divorcee will terminate as soon as she delivers. The husband will have to maintain his pregnant wife after the divorce until she delivers his child.
Addressing Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) in Surah Tahreem, Allaah tells him not to forsake Allaah’s bounties for the sake of his wives. Allaah also tells Rasululllaah (sallAllaahualayhi-
wa-sallam) that he should pay the Kaffaara to be absolved from his vow. Allaah cautions that any person who wishes to oppose Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) will have to face the resistance of Allaah, Hadhrat Jibra'eel (A.S) and all the pious Muslims at large.
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#DAY 25
**The Twenty Fifth Taraaweeh**
The 29th Juz is recited in this Taraaweeh.
Allaah says in Surah Mulk that there is none to replace the innumerable bounties of His if He should ever snatch them away from people. People should therefore trust in Allaah only because He has created both life and death and only He controls them. Surah Qalam makes it clear that the character of Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) is the highest in calibre. Allaah also instructs Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to exercise patience and not to supplicate to Allaah in anger, as Hadhrat Yunus (A.S) did. The Surah also warns the kuffaar about the punishment they stand to face in this world as well as in the Hereafter.
A startling description of Qiyaamah is given in Surah Haaqa, where Allaah also speaks of the punishment that the kuffaar will receive and the rewards that will accrue to the pious. Allaah concludes the Surah by stating that the Qur'aan is definitely a revelation from Allaah and neither a composition of a poet nor the ramblings of a fortune-teller.
In Surah Ma’aarij Allaah says that man is a weak creature who becomes perplexed when facing any adversity and miserly when enjoying good fortune. Allaah warns all miserly people who hoard
their wealth that they should beware of the terrible fire of Jahannam which will strip off their skins.
Surah Nooh recounts the story of Hadhrat Nooh (A.S) who tirelessly preached to his people for a long time. However, the wretched people refused to accept his message and relentlessly opposed him. Constrained by their incorrigible attitude, Hadhrat Nooh (A.S) eventually prayed to Allaah to destroy them. As a result of this they were drowned in a deluge which only spared the faithful ones with Hadhrat Nooh (A.S) in the ark.
Surah Jinn speaks of the praises that some Jinn lauded about the Qur'aan when they heard Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wasallam) reciting it. They believed in the Qur'aan and attested to
Allaah’s oneness. The Surah also makes it clear that only Allaah possesses knowledge of the unseen. Of course, Allaah does impart a bit of this knowledge to His Ambiya (A.S) by means of divine revelation.
In Surah Muddathir, Allaah addresses Rasululllaah (sallAllaahualayhi- wa-sallam) as the one who is shrouded in a blanket. Allaah commands Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to propagate Islam and to hymn the praises of Allaah’s glory and grandeur. Allaah also commands Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhiwa- sallam) to abstain from all impurities and to behave kindly towards people without expecting anything in return. As in many previous Surahs, Allaah urges Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhiwa- sallam) to patiently endure the harassment of the kuffaar without retaliation. The Surah also stresses that the Qur'aan is a book of guidance that will benefit those people whom Allaah leads right.
With a different word, Allaah again addresses Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) as one shrouded in a blanket. Allaah commands Rasululllaah (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to stand in salaah for half the night or less, and to recite the Qur'aan in slow measured tones. Worshipping Allaah during the night is an effective means of purifying the soul and readily accepted by Allaah. Allaah also encourages zakaah and spending in charity because any good deed will be of tremendous benefit in the Hereafter.
In Surah Qiyaamah Allaah instructs Rasululllaah (sallAllaahualayhi- wa-sallam) that he should not exert himself to immediately repeat the words of revelation when it is revealed to him. He was to listen attentively, whereafter Allaah would ensure that he remembered everything.
Allaah says in Surah Dahar that He instilled the capacity to discern between right and wrong in every person. Man therefore has the choice to either be grateful to Allaah or ungrateful. However, the ungrateful will have to suffer punishment for their ingratitude while the grateful will be immensely rewarded with the eternal bliss of Jannah. Allaah lauds the Mu'mineen who, despite their own need, assist the needy without expecting remuneration or even a word of thanks in return.
The para concludes with Surah Mursalaat, which confirms that Qiyaamah will definitely take place. It will be a day when Allaah’s judgement will be decisive and binding. Whoever wishes to be obedient shall be such. On the other hand, those people whose evil deeds have surrounded them shall remain rebellious and will have to face the punishment for their deeds.
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