My Analysis of Surah 33:35

~Bismillah Al Rahman Al Rahim~

For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God's praise -- for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward.   [ Quran 33:35 ]

From reading this surah, I have extracted (at least what I believe) to be important points. Anything good I have gained from Allah (SWT), anything bad is from my own humanity.

This surah contains the formula to create the “perfect Muslim” or “perfect human”. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) showed us the perfect execution of each of these characteristics in life. Each of these characteristics is something we should strive to have within ourselves, and these are the standards we should live by. Each of these adjectives are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith on numerous occasions, stressing the importance of these characteristics.

Patience

“Seek help in patience and in prayer” (2:45)

“Surely God is with the patient (2:153)

“If you have patience and guard yourselves against evil and disobedience, God will send to your aid five thousand angels having distinguishing marks, if they (your enemies) suddenly attack you (3:124) promises the believers Divine aid in return for patience.”

Constant

(29:45)Convey (unto others) whatever of this divine writ has been revealed unto you, and be constant in prayer (Salah) for, behold, prayer restrains (man) from loathsome deeds and from all that runs counter to reason; and remembrance of God is indeed the greatest (good). And God knows all that you do.

Humble

Surah 6. Al-An'am Verses 33-67

6:43 But, instead of being humble when Our Requital touched them, their selfish desire led their minds into rationalizing their actions. This is because their hearts had been hardened with arrogance and repeated rejection of the Truth. [2:74, 5:13]

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
"Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:Pride is My cloak and greatness My robe, and he who competes with Me in respect of either of them I shall cast into Hell-fire.
[Abu Dawud (also by Ibn Majah and Ahmad) with sound chains of authority. This Hadith also appears in Muslim in another version.]

Charity

Hadith Qudsi

“Spend (on charity), O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.”

It was related by al- Bukhari (also by Muslim)

Fast

[[Surat ul Baqarah:183]] O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.

[[1:184]] (Fasting) for a fixed number of days but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.

Verse 185: Ramadan is the [month] in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgement (btw right and wrong). So every one of you who is present(at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up ) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you. He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him. In that He has guided you, and perchance ye shall be grateful.

Chastity

“And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts) (23:5)

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts and not to show of their adornment except only that which is apparent…” (24:31)

God’s Praise

The Beneficent

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

[55.1] The Beneficent God,
[55.2] Taught the Quran.
[55.3] He created man,
[55.4] Taught him the mode of expression.
[55.5] The sun and the moon follow a reckoning.
[55.6] And the herbs and the trees do adore (Him).
[55.7] And the heaven, He raised it high, and He made the balance
[55.8] That you may not be inordinate in respect of the measure.
[55.9] And keep up the balance with equity and do not make the measure deficient.
[55.10] And the earth, He has set it for living creatures;
[55.11] Therein is fruit and palms having sheathed clusters,
[55.12] And the grain with (its) husk and fragrance.
[55.13] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.14] He created man from dry clay like earthen vessels,
[55.15] And He created the jinn of a flame of fire.
[55.16] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.17] Lord of the East and Lord of the West.
[55.18] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.19] .He has made the two seas to flow freely (so that) they meet together:
[55.20] Between them is a barrier which they cannot pass.
[55.21] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.22] There come forth from them pearls, both large and small.
[55.23] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.24] And His are the ships reared aloft in the sea like mountains.
[55.25] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.26] Everyone on it must pass away.
[55.27] And there will endure for ever the person of your Lord, the Lord of glory and honor.
[55.28] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.29] All those who are in the heavens and the earth ask of Him; every moment He is in a state (of glory).
[55.30] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.31] Soon will We apply Ourselves to you, O you two armies.
[55.32] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.33] O assembly of the jinn and the men! If you are able to pass through the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass through; you cannot pass through but with authority.
[55.34] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.35] The flames of fire and smoke will be sent on you two, then you will not be able to defend yourselves.
[55.36] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.37] And when the heaven is rent asunder, and then becomes red like red hide.
[55.38] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.39] So on that day neither man nor jinni shall be asked about his sin.
[55.40] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.41] The guilty shall be recognized by their marks, so they shall be seized by the forelocks and the feet.
[55.42] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.43] This is the hell which the guilty called a lie.
[55.44] Round about shall they go between it and hot, boiling water.
[55.45] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.46] And for him who fears to stand before his Lord are two gardens.
[55.47] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.48] Having in them various kinds.
[55.49] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.50] In both of them are.two fountains flowing.
[55.51] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.52] In both of them are two pairs of every fruit.
[55.53] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.54] Reclining on beds, the inner coverings of which are of silk brocade; and the fruits of the two gardens shall be within reach.
[55.55] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.56] In them shall be those who restrained their eyes; before them neither man nor jinni shall have touched them.
[55.57] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.58] As though they were rubies and pearls.
[55.59] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.60] Is the reward of goodness aught but goodness?
[55.61] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.62] And besides these two are two (other) gardens:
[55.63] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.64] Both inclining to blackness.
[55.65] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.66] In both of them are two springs gushing forth.
[55.67] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.68] In both are fruits and palms and pomegranates.
[55.69] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.70] In them are goodly things, beautiful ones.
[55.71] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.72] Pure ones confined to the pavilions.
[55.73] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.74] Man has not touched them before them nor jinni.
[55.75] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.76] Reclining on green cushions and beautiful carpets.
[55.77] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
[55.78] Blessed be the name of your Lord, the Lord of Glory and Honor!

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said:
"Allah (glorified and exalted be He) has supernumerary angels who rove about seeking out gatherings in which Allah's name is being invoked: they sit with them and fold their wings round each other, filling in that which is between them and between the lowest heaven. When [the people in the gathering] depart, [the angels] ascend and rise up to heaven." He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Then Allah (mighty and sublime be He) asks them - [though] He is most knowing about them: 'From where have you come?' And they say: 'We have come from some servants of Yours on Earth: they were glorifying You (Subhana llah), exalting you (Allahu akbar), witnessing that there is no god but You (La ilaha illa llah), praising You (Al-Hamdu lillah), and asking [favours] of You.' He says: 'And what do they ask of Me?' They say: 'They ask of You Your Paradise.' He says: 'And have they seen My Paradise?' They say: 'No, O Lord.' He says: 'And how would it be were they to have seen My Paradise!' They say: 'And they ask protection of You.' He says: 'From what do they ask protection of Me?' They say: 'From Your Hell-fire, O Lord.' He says: 'And have they seen My Hell-fire?' They say: 'No.' He says: 'And how would it be were they to have seen My Hell-fire!' They say: 'And they ask for Your forgiveness.'" He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Then He says: 'I have forgiven them and I have bestowed upon them what they have asked for, and I have granted them sanctuary from that from which they asked protection.'" He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "They say: 'O Lord, among then is So-and-so, a much sinning servant, who was merely passing by and sat down with them.'" He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "And He says: 'And to him [too] I have given forgiveness: he who sits with such people shall not suffer.'"
[Muslim (also by al-Bukhari, at-Tirmidhi, and an-Nasa'i).]

Becoming a Stronger Muslim

As I have reflected on the past year since my conversion...and how much I have accomplished...I have also found my weakness, which I have shared some of my thoughts about in my last post. I believe that it is true..."assimilation" is impossible. Certain people will never respect the fact that I am Muslim, whether I am a "scary" Muslim or a "cool" Muslim. I have found an verse that is really helping me. I have written it out on a piece of paper and posted it on my cubicle wall. I read it five or six times a day. I really feel that it speaks to my situation.

" So patiently persevere: for verily the promise of Allah is true: nor let those shake thy firmness, who have (themselves) no certainty of faith. " Surah Al Room 60

For me it is basically reaffirming the fact that I should do what is best for me as a Muslim and not worry about any one elses opinion. I should strive to be the best Muslim I can and know that nothing will happen unless Allah wills it.

When I meet people who are blind to the truth of Islam I think of this verse...

Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who understand not. Al Room 59

I feel such a connection between every Muslim on this planet....it is as if every human being was my sibling, but every Muslim is like a twin of mine....

I know that if I am patient, Allah will bless me with the friends that I deserve, and will send me people to stop my lonliness. I feel as if I have not been close to someone in a long time because of the transition I have made.

This Surah describes how I feel about my reversion to Islam....I feel as though a huge weight was lifted...no longer am I carrying the universe on my back...I no longer had to worry about why I was in existence...I had nothing to fear anymore but Allah......my life has become more worry free than when I was a child...

Surah 94. Solace, Consolation, Relief



1. Have We not expanded thee thy breast?-
2. And removed from thee thy burden
3. The which did gall thy back?-
4. And raised high the esteem (in which) thou (art held)?
5. So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief:
6. Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.
7. Therefore, when thou art free (from thine immediate task), still labour hard,
8. And to thy Lord turn (all) thy attention.


Please make duah for me that I become a great Muslim...

Salaam wa alaikum

Dr Mohammed Tahir ul-Qadri and his Ruling on Religious Freedom

Dr Mohammed Tahir ul-Qadri recently released his ruling on terrorism and jihad. His fatwa discusses jihad and fiqh of violence and force. The 600 page fatwa from the popular Pakistani sheikh, uses the Quran and other Islamic sources to detail the facts in Islamic law towards violence and suicide. As most Muslims know, suicide is considered haram, or forbidden in the religion, as well as unprovoked violence, and the killing innocent people. His detailed and extensive writing quotes numerous, and credible sources dealing with Islam. Hopefully this will clear up some of the misconceptions of Islam that is prominent in the media today. Most Americans have the idea that terrorism and Islam are synonymous; or that blowing up people is something in the Quran. This is simply an unfounded opinion that one can only hope will go the way of the dinosaur.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skVWAiTecKk

Burqa Ban in France

Express, a publication of the Washington Post, has published an article called "Dueling Views on Liberty" about the potential ban of burqa or niqab in France. This article states that France officials are wanting to ban "extremism" and "terrorism" and that the burqa is a symbol of those two things. It is Frances opinion that these women need to be "freed" from the oppression they are suffering and that banning their face coverings will do that. Belgium has already approved a nationwide ban, that is now being considered by the Senate. The Swiss government has discussed imposing a similar ban. In the Netherlands, an anti-Islam party has also become a fast growing political movement. It's leader, Geert Wilders speaks loudly against Islam and wants the Quran banned in their country. 

Where does all this hatred towards Muslims come from? Why all of a sudden in 2010, when these women have been living in these countries for years, being bothered about their relgious dress? Is anyone going to tell a nun she can't wear her habit? Are crosses to be banned??? Why is Islam being attacked left and right when other relgions are being left alone? Why are secular powers being allowed to take away the relgious rights of others? 

Ever since September 11th 2001, has branded Islam as a violent religion, anti-Islamic literature and protest has drastically increased. 

Muslims are constantly becoming more discriminated against and generalized as violent, radical people. 

Those French and Belgium women are CITIZENS of those countries and are being treated like visitors, foreigners, or worse! Just because they are Muslims? Why all of a sudden are they not granted the SAME rights as OTHER CITIZENS? All other French and Belgium women are allowed to practice their relgious beliefs or lack there of....why are Muslim women being targeted???

May Allah help those sisters be patient and strong in their Deen....

K

A Common Misconception about Islam

he media today spreads the misconception that Islam promotes "jihad" to spread Islam by the sword and kill all unbelievers. Unfortunately this claim is simply inaccurate and is causing a lot of friction between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities of the world. The word Jihad stems from an Arabic word which means "to strive". In some translations, Jihad is listed as a "struggle". Jihad simply does not mean "blow up the infidels". Jihad is a word that has been given a political and negative connotation; similar to other words in the evolution of our language. To say that one is involved in "jihad" is equivalent to saying "I am involved in a religious protest against abortion." However politically charged that statement might be; it is not considered dangerous, nor are you considered a radical. Jihad is simply pushing through a tough time in the name of Islam. Mohammed Ali was a participant in jihad, because he stood up for his religious beliefs and did not join the war effort, despite the consequences. The Quran, which is Islam's religious text, states that "persecution is worse than slaughter" and "let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression" (Qur'an 2:190-193). Islam is a relgion just like any other, those who practice it have a right to defend themselves. If one is attacking innocent people, they are NOT practicing Islam, therefore one cannot look to them as an example of Islam. Terrorists might be killing people in the name of Islam, but they are not representing Islam, nor practicing it. Misrepresentation of Islam and its principles is something that causes much heartache to the people who know and love the true beauty of Islam.

Arabic Class

I have started Quran reading class ( Learn the Quran from Scratch in 5 weeks) at the Mustafa Center. The welcoming atmosphere and the programs offerred by this masjid are amazing masha'Allah. Please come and support this masjid. Imam Zia is the one teaching this Arabic class and he is great masha'Allah. I will go to no other masjid!!!!!!!!!!! I have been welcomed and treated with complete respect and love. I feel completely welcome here!

Remedies from the Holy Quran

http://www.scribd.com/doc/17621/Remedies-From-the-Holy-QurAn


I'm not sure who put this together, but it is a wonderful compilation of remedies from the Holy Quran masha'Allah.

Trusting God

As a new muslim, there are many things that I used to do, that I now know I shouldn't under Islam, and vice versa. As someone who has a non-Muslim past, it can be difficult to understand the reasoning behind the teachings of Islam. I understand it is supposed to to be part of my Deen that I do not question Allah, but sometimes there are things that are difficult for me to understand why I am supposed to be doing something; therefore it is difficult for me to change my ways. However, alhamdililah, Allah has generally delivered me some sort of answer. In my non-Muslim days Jinn bothered me to no end. I did not know what they were at the time, but my mother and I are both bothered by them. When I first became a Muslim, I started praying, and the amount of Jinn activity I was seeing/feeling actually increased. I was told this is because Jinn like to hear the Quran and prayers. However I did not want to be alone with them because I was scared. Even though I recited Quran and made duah for them to go away; I still did not want to be alone. I couldn't quite wrap my head around the fact that God would protect me from them, and if anything wanted to hurt me it was only because God deemed it possible When I moved to Alexandria, I was very worried about being alone, and since I didn't know anyone in the area, I could not call anyone to keep me company. I had to face the Jinn alone. My roomate Miri told me one time that I was NOT alone, and that God was always with me; always had been, and always will be. It took that statement for me to realize that God had been with me at all those other times, and that I was safe. I have never had them bother me since, and I have not ever felt alone. I know Allah is with me.