EXPLANATION OF THE MEANING OF SURAT Al-JUMU’A ( SECTION 1 )</t= itle> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"place"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"City"/>  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=3DEN-US style=3D'tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=3DSection1> EXP= LANATION OF THE MEANING OF <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on">SURAT</st1:C= ity></st1:place> Al-JUMU’A<o:p></o:p> ---= ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= -<o:p></o:p> CHA= PTER 62 OF THE QUR’AN&nb= sp; : section 1 = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp;<o:p></o:p> ---= -----------------------------------------<o:p></o:p> Thi= s Surah was revealed in Madinah. It is so named because it orders Muslims to hasten= to the Friday Prayers when they hear the call to prayer.<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> All= ah controls everything in the heavens and earth, and everyone <o:p></o:p></spa= n> ---= ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= --------<o:p></o:p> glorify His praises<o:p></o:p> ---= ---------------------<o:p></o:p> Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare the Praises and Glory of Allah; the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. <o:p></o:p></s= pan> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62 : 1<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> A s= imilar verse : <o:p></o:p> The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare His glory: the= re is not a thing but celebrates His praise; and yet ye understand not how they declare His glory! verily He is Oft-Forbearing, = Most Forgiving! <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Isra’a 17= : 44<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The= verb Yussabehu means that everything and everyone currently and in the future continue to glorify Allah and to praise Him, and purify Him of whatever oth= ers attribute to Him of qualities that do not fit His majesty and glory. <o:p><= /o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> The= n 4 attributes and names of Allah are mentioned : <o= :p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Al-Malik : the King: who owns everything in the heavens and earth<o:p></o:p><= /p> <![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Al-Quddous : The One who has all attributes of perfection, purified is He of whatever shortcomings or defects they may attribute to Him<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Al-Azeez : the mighty whose power extends to all things and no one and no power matc= hes His power and might<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Al-Hakeem : the Wise who knows and controls everything, a= nd all his actions have a reason and a wisdom. His decree in His creation has a meaning and a reason.<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Whe= n we consider Allah’s attributes we begin to understand Allah and his powe= r, wisdom and plan. Nothing occurs without His knowledge and permission. Everything has a reason and a wisdom, though we = may not know it or understand it at the time it occurs. Everyone is under his control. Allah is perfect and whatever He decrees is proper and for our benefit. He knows the future, we do not know. He knows what is good for us,= we do not know. His wisdom and plan encompasses everything, our vision is limi= ted. His judgment is correct, ours is fallible. We cannot attribute human qualit= ies to Allah for it entails shortcomings and imperfection. We understand Allah through His names and attributes: <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The most beautiful names belong to Allah: so call on Him by them; but shun such= men as use profanity in His names: for what they do, they will soon be requited= . <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Ara’f 7</= span> : 180<o:p></o:p> Pro= phet Muhammad ( PBUH ) was sent to rehearse the signs= of Allah<o:p></o:p> ---= ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= --------------<o:p></o:p> ,educate and guide<o:p></o:p> ---= ----------------------<o:p></o:p> It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered a Messenger from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scrip= ture and Wisdom, - although they had been, before, in manifest error; - <o:p></o= :p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 2<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:= p> </o:p> Pro= phet Muhammad was illiterate, he could not read or write: <o:p></o:p> And thou was not (able) to recite a Book before this= (Book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thy right hands: in that c= ase, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Ankabut 29</spa= n> : 48<o:p></o:p> The= Arabs at that time also were illiterate, as indicated by the Hadeeth of the Proph= et ( PBUH ) : <o:p></o:p> ( We are a nation unlettered, we do not read or write, the month is thus: and he poi= nted with his fingers ) <o:p></o:p> Bokhari & Muslim after Ibn Omar.<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> It = is the blessing of Allah that He sent Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH<= /span> ) and revealed the Qur’an to him, and made him an example to follow:<= o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Allah did confer a great favor on the Believers when He sent among them a Messeng= er from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while before that, they= had been in manifest error. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Imran 3 = : 164<o:p></o:p> Tho= ugh Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) was an Arab, and was s= ent as Allah’s messenger to the Arabs in particular, yet he was a universal messenger to all mankind, because he is Allah’s last messenger, and t= he Qur’an is Allah’s last divine revelation. The message given to Muhammad ( PBUH ) completes and reinforces previ= ous divine messages, and he completes the line of prophets and messengers sent before him. In one Hadeeth he gives the example of a building well done, but missing one piece, and he said I am that piece that completes this building= .<o:p></o:p> Tho= ugh the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, and Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) spoke Arabic, yet the message of Islam is suitable for all ti= mes and for all the people. The Qur’an states :</span= > <o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Say: "O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth:= there is no god but He: it is He that gives both life and death. So believe in Al= lah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believed in Allah and His Wo= rds: follow him that (so) ye may be guided." <o:p></o:p> Al-Ara’f 7</= span> : 158<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> We sent thee not, but as a mercy fo= r all creatures. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Anbia’a 2= 1 : 107<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> We have not sent thee but as a univ= ersal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin= ), but most men understand not. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Sa B’a 34 : 28<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Pro= phet Muhammad ( PBUH ) said : <o:p></o:p> ( .= . And the prophet used to be sent to his people, but I was sent to all mankind ) Bokhari<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> The function of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) <o:p></o:p= > ---= --------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p><= /p> <![if !supportLists]>1- </s= pan><![endif]>Rehearse the signs of Allah<o:= p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>2- </s= pan><![endif]>Purifying the believers<o:p></= o:p> <![if !supportLists]>3- </s= pan><![endif]>Teaching and instructing in the Qur’an and Sunnah<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>4- </s= pan><![endif]>Guiding to Allah’s way<o= :p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> The Qur’an:<o:p></o:p> ---= ------------<o:p></o:p> All= ah revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH</s= pan> ). He recited the verses of the Qur’an inspired to him to his compani= ons, and the scribers wrote these verses, while others memorized the Qur’a= n. Thus the Qur’an was safeguarded both by memorization as well as writi= ng. The Qur’an gives guidelines to morals and principles that we use in o= ur daily life, and it governs our behavior and shapes our character.<o:p></o:p= > <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> The= Sunnah: <o:p></o:p> ---= -------------<o:p></o:p> Is = the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH )= . Some of his sayings were divinely inspired, and in his role as Allah’s messenger, then his sayings in that regard constitute the second source of knowledge and legislation in Islam. Sometimes the Sunnah is referred to as Hikma ( wisdom ).<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Gui= ding the believers:<o:p></o:p> ---= ------------------------<o:p></o:p> In = the way that he lived his life, and in his character, sayings and noble character, prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) serves as an example to follow. He guides to the way of Allah, away from Kufr and ignorance into be= lief and the knowledge. <o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> As well as (to confer all these ben= efits upon) others of them, who have not already joined them: and He is Exalted in Might, Wise. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 3<o:p></o:p> Thi= s verse refers to other generations that will follow the period of the Prophet and = his companions. Though they did not see Prophet Muhammad ( = PBUH ) nor witnessed the revelation of the Qur’an , yet these two sources = of divine revelation and guidance are available to everyone who avails himself= of their benefit. As prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) said= : ( I left with you two things, you will not become misguided as long as you adhe= re to them, they are the Book of Allah and my Sunnah ). These later generations are both Arabs and non-Arabs who wish to follow Allah’s guidance. <o:= p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> This blessing and guidance is from Allah, He guides whom He wills <o:p></o:p></s= pan> ---= ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= -----------<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Such is the Bounty of Allah, which = He bestows on whom He will: and Allah is the Lord of the highest bounty. <o:p>= </o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 4<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> All= ah makes His guidance and grace available to all: some avail themselves, whereas oth= ers turn away and follow their own ways and desires. Allah knows who is ready to receive guidance and who does not care: <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> It is true thou wilt not be able to= guide every one whom thou loves; but Allah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Qasas 28= : 56<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> . Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those= who turn (to Him). <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Ash-Shura’ 42= : 13<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> O ye that believe! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger, and He will best= ow on you a double portion of His Mercy: He will provide for you a Light by wh= ich ye shall walk (straight in your path), and He will forgive you (your past);= for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful: <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Hadeed 57</span= > : 28<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> That the People of the Book may know that they have no power whatever over the G= race of Allah, that (His) Grace is (entirely) in His = Hand, to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. For Allah is the Lord of Grace aboundi= ng.<o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Hadeed 57</span= > : 29<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Lea= rn from divine revelation<o:p></o:p> ---= ---------------------------------<o:p></o:p> It = is not enough to have a Divine book and revelation, we = must study and learn, then apply what we learned. Otherwise we are like a donkey carrying scholarly manuscripts but cannot benefit from them:<o:p></o:p></sp= an> <o:= p> </o:p> The similitude of those who were charged with the (obligations of the) Mosaic L= aw, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey whi= ch carries huge tomes (but understands them not). Evil is the similitude of pe= ople who falsify the Signs of Allah: and Allah guides not people who do wrong. <= o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 5<o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; The Jews were given the Torah,= a great divine revelation from Allah, but some left its teachings and turned away. They did not benefit from the knowledge, wisdom and guidance of the Torah. Similarly, if Muslims turn away from the Qur’an and not apply = its teachings in their life and character, they will be like their predecessors= who denied themselves Allah’s blessings. The example of the donkey is giv= en to illustrate ignorance and inability to understand how precious and valuab= le Allah’s revelation is. Also just simply reading a Divine text without reflecting on its teachings and without using and apply= ing its morals and principles is of no value. If we turn away or fail to avail ourselves of Allah’s guidance, then we are in effect denying the signs of Allah, and we condemn ourselves to be among those not guided. We w= rong our own souls, for Allah guides not those wrong-doers.<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Do = not claim to be a special breed favored by God<o:p></o:p> ---= ---------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p><= /span> <sp= an style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The Jews claimed to be favored to b= y God and to be his beloved. They imply that they are immune from punishment and = have special privileges and special status, different from other human beings.<o= :p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> (Both) the Jews and the Christians say: "We are sons of Allah, and His beloved." Say: "Why then doth He punish you for your sins? Nay, ye are but men, of the men He hath created: He forgives whom He pleases, and H= e punishes whom He pleases: and to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between: and unto Him is the final goal (of all).&qu= ot; <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Maeda 5 = : 18<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> This because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days"; for their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion. <o:p= ></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Imran 3 = : 24<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> And they say: "The Fire shall = not touch us but for a few numbered days": say: "Have ye taken a prom= ise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? Or is it that ye say of Allah = what ye do not know?" <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Baqara 2= : 80<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> All= ah challenges them if indeed they believe that they are beloved by Allah and t= hat their destiny is paradise, then wish for death: <o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Say: "If the Last Home, with A= llah, be for you specially, and not for anyone else, then seek ye for death, if ye are sincere." <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Baqara 2= : 94<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Say: "O ye that stand on Judaism! If ye think that ye are friends to Allah,= to the exclusion of (other) men, then express your desire for Death, if ye are truthful!" <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 6<o:p></o:p> But never will they express their d= esire (for Death), because of the (deeds) their hands have sent on before them! A= nd Allah knows well those that do wrong! <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 7<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> But they will never seek for death, on account of the (sins) which their hands = have sent on before them. And Allah is well-acquainted with the wrong-doers. <o:= p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Baqara 2= : 95<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Thou wilt indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life, even more than t= he idolaters: each one of them wishes he could be given a life of a thousand years: but the grant of such life will not save him from (due) punishment. = For Allah sees well all that they do. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Baqara= 2 : 96<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Deep inside, they know they are wrong. Therefore, they do not accept the challen= ge, for they are afraid of death and dying. Many nowadays do not believe in life after death, therefore, they cling to this worldly life. To them there is nothing after death, and nothing to look forward to. There is no concept of resurrection or accountability, reward or punishment. Allah knows well their sin, and their plotting to misrepresent and fight Islam. Allah knows the wrong-doers.<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> The challenge ends by stating that this death that they so afraid of, and try to avoid as much as possible, surely will occur. There is no doubt about death, it will befall every human being. Then we will = meet our Lord and we will be shown what we did in our life, as part of our Judgm= ent and accountability: <o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Say: "The Death from which ye flee will truly overtake you: then will ye be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you (the truth of) the things that ye did!" <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 8<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> All= ah knows what we hide and what we reveal. Nothing escapes His knowledge: <o:p></o:p>= <o:= p> </o:p> (Allah) knows of (the tricks) that deceive with the eyes, and all that the hearts (= of men) conceal. <o:p></o:p> Ghafir 40 : 19<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Say: "Whatever ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it = all: He knows what is in the heavens, and what is on earth. And Allah has power = over all things. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Imran 3 : 29<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Our= deeds are witnessed: <o:p></o:p> And say: "Work (righteousness): soon will Allah observe your work, and His Messenger, and the Believers: soon will ye be brought back <o:p></o:p></spa= n> to the Knower of what is hidden and what is open: then will = He show you the truth of all that ye did." <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; At-Tawba 9 = : 105<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> On the Day that Allah will raise them all up (again) and show them the truth (= and meaning) of their conduct. Allah has reckoned its (value), though they may = have forgotten it, for Allah is Witness to all things. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Mujadelah 58</s= pan> : 6<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Les= sons to learn <o:p></o:p> ---= ------------------<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>1- </s= pan><![endif]>We understand and know Allah a= s He described Himself in the Qur’an in certain attributes<o:p></o:p></spa= n> <![if !supportLists]>2- </s= pan><![endif]>It is a blessing from Allah th= at He sent Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) as a universal messenger, to educate, guide = and be an example for those who believe<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>3- </s= pan><![endif]>We should learn and apply the = morals and principles in Allah’s divine revelation<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>4- </s= pan><![endif]>Every soul shall die: what is important is what we did in our life. Everything we did is well-known to Al= lah.<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>5- </s= pan><![endif]>No special group of people is = dear to Allah or immune from punishment. We get closer to Allah by our faith, go= od character and righteous behavior, not by our ancestry or wealth.<o:p></o:p>= <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> </div> </body> </html>

MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Location: file:///C:/5ECBBEE1/EXPLANATIONOFTHEMEANINGOFSURATAl-JUMUA.htm Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" EXPLANATION OF THE MEANING OF SURAT Al-JUMU’A ( SECTION 1 )</t= itle> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"place"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"City"/>  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=3DEN-US style=3D'tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=3DSection1> EXP= LANATION OF THE MEANING OF <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on">SURAT</st1:C= ity></st1:place> Al-JUMU’A<o:p></o:p> ---= ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= -<o:p></o:p> CHA= PTER 62 OF THE QUR’AN&nb= sp; : section 1 = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp;<o:p></o:p> ---= -----------------------------------------<o:p></o:p> Thi= s Surah was revealed in Madinah. It is so named because it orders Muslims to hasten= to the Friday Prayers when they hear the call to prayer.<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> All= ah controls everything in the heavens and earth, and everyone <o:p></o:p></spa= n> ---= ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= --------<o:p></o:p> glorify His praises<o:p></o:p> ---= ---------------------<o:p></o:p> Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare the Praises and Glory of Allah; the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. <o:p></o:p></s= pan> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62 : 1<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> A s= imilar verse : <o:p></o:p> The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare His glory: the= re is not a thing but celebrates His praise; and yet ye understand not how they declare His glory! verily He is Oft-Forbearing, = Most Forgiving! <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Isra’a 17= : 44<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The= verb Yussabehu means that everything and everyone currently and in the future continue to glorify Allah and to praise Him, and purify Him of whatever oth= ers attribute to Him of qualities that do not fit His majesty and glory. <o:p><= /o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> The= n 4 attributes and names of Allah are mentioned : <o= :p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Al-Malik : the King: who owns everything in the heavens and earth<o:p></o:p><= /p> <![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Al-Quddous : The One who has all attributes of perfection, purified is He of whatever shortcomings or defects they may attribute to Him<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Al-Azeez : the mighty whose power extends to all things and no one and no power matc= hes His power and might<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Al-Hakeem : the Wise who knows and controls everything, a= nd all his actions have a reason and a wisdom. His decree in His creation has a meaning and a reason.<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Whe= n we consider Allah’s attributes we begin to understand Allah and his powe= r, wisdom and plan. Nothing occurs without His knowledge and permission. Everything has a reason and a wisdom, though we = may not know it or understand it at the time it occurs. Everyone is under his control. Allah is perfect and whatever He decrees is proper and for our benefit. He knows the future, we do not know. He knows what is good for us,= we do not know. His wisdom and plan encompasses everything, our vision is limi= ted. His judgment is correct, ours is fallible. We cannot attribute human qualit= ies to Allah for it entails shortcomings and imperfection. We understand Allah through His names and attributes: <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The most beautiful names belong to Allah: so call on Him by them; but shun such= men as use profanity in His names: for what they do, they will soon be requited= . <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Ara’f 7</= span> : 180<o:p></o:p> Pro= phet Muhammad ( PBUH ) was sent to rehearse the signs= of Allah<o:p></o:p> ---= ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= --------------<o:p></o:p> ,educate and guide<o:p></o:p> ---= ----------------------<o:p></o:p> It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered a Messenger from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scrip= ture and Wisdom, - although they had been, before, in manifest error; - <o:p></o= :p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 2<o:p></o:p></s= pan> <o:= p> </o:p> Pro= phet Muhammad was illiterate, he could not read or write: <o:p></o:p> And thou was not (able) to recite a Book before this= (Book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thy right hands: in that c= ase, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Ankabut 29</spa= n> : 48<o:p></o:p> The= Arabs at that time also were illiterate, as indicated by the Hadeeth of the Proph= et ( PBUH ) : <o:p></o:p> ( We are a nation unlettered, we do not read or write, the month is thus: and he poi= nted with his fingers ) <o:p></o:p> Bokhari & Muslim after Ibn Omar.<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> It = is the blessing of Allah that He sent Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH<= /span> ) and revealed the Qur’an to him, and made him an example to follow:<= o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Allah did confer a great favor on the Believers when He sent among them a Messeng= er from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while before that, they= had been in manifest error. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Imran 3 = : 164<o:p></o:p> Tho= ugh Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) was an Arab, and was s= ent as Allah’s messenger to the Arabs in particular, yet he was a universal messenger to all mankind, because he is Allah’s last messenger, and t= he Qur’an is Allah’s last divine revelation. The message given to Muhammad ( PBUH ) completes and reinforces previ= ous divine messages, and he completes the line of prophets and messengers sent before him. In one Hadeeth he gives the example of a building well done, but missing one piece, and he said I am that piece that completes this building= .<o:p></o:p> Tho= ugh the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, and Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) spoke Arabic, yet the message of Islam is suitable for all ti= mes and for all the people. The Qur’an states :</span= > <o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Say: "O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth:= there is no god but He: it is He that gives both life and death. So believe in Al= lah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believed in Allah and His Wo= rds: follow him that (so) ye may be guided." <o:p></o:p> Al-Ara’f 7</= span> : 158<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> We sent thee not, but as a mercy fo= r all creatures. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Anbia’a 2= 1 : 107<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> We have not sent thee but as a univ= ersal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin= ), but most men understand not. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Sa B’a 34 : 28<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Pro= phet Muhammad ( PBUH ) said : <o:p></o:p> ( .= . And the prophet used to be sent to his people, but I was sent to all mankind ) Bokhari<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> The function of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) <o:p></o:p= > ---= --------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p><= /p> <![if !supportLists]>1- </s= pan><![endif]>Rehearse the signs of Allah<o:= p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>2- </s= pan><![endif]>Purifying the believers<o:p></= o:p> <![if !supportLists]>3- </s= pan><![endif]>Teaching and instructing in the Qur’an and Sunnah<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>4- </s= pan><![endif]>Guiding to Allah’s way<o= :p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> The Qur’an:<o:p></o:p> ---= ------------<o:p></o:p> All= ah revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH</s= pan> ). He recited the verses of the Qur’an inspired to him to his compani= ons, and the scribers wrote these verses, while others memorized the Qur’a= n. Thus the Qur’an was safeguarded both by memorization as well as writi= ng. The Qur’an gives guidelines to morals and principles that we use in o= ur daily life, and it governs our behavior and shapes our character.<o:p></o:p= > <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> The= Sunnah: <o:p></o:p> ---= -------------<o:p></o:p> Is = the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH )= . Some of his sayings were divinely inspired, and in his role as Allah’s messenger, then his sayings in that regard constitute the second source of knowledge and legislation in Islam. Sometimes the Sunnah is referred to as Hikma ( wisdom ).<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Gui= ding the believers:<o:p></o:p> ---= ------------------------<o:p></o:p> In = the way that he lived his life, and in his character, sayings and noble character, prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) serves as an example to follow. He guides to the way of Allah, away from Kufr and ignorance into be= lief and the knowledge. <o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> As well as (to confer all these ben= efits upon) others of them, who have not already joined them: and He is Exalted in Might, Wise. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 3<o:p></o:p> Thi= s verse refers to other generations that will follow the period of the Prophet and = his companions. Though they did not see Prophet Muhammad ( = PBUH ) nor witnessed the revelation of the Qur’an , yet these two sources = of divine revelation and guidance are available to everyone who avails himself= of their benefit. As prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) said= : ( I left with you two things, you will not become misguided as long as you adhe= re to them, they are the Book of Allah and my Sunnah ). These later generations are both Arabs and non-Arabs who wish to follow Allah’s guidance. <o:= p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> This blessing and guidance is from Allah, He guides whom He wills <o:p></o:p></s= pan> ---= ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= -----------<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Such is the Bounty of Allah, which = He bestows on whom He will: and Allah is the Lord of the highest bounty. <o:p>= </o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 4<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> All= ah makes His guidance and grace available to all: some avail themselves, whereas oth= ers turn away and follow their own ways and desires. Allah knows who is ready to receive guidance and who does not care: <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> It is true thou wilt not be able to= guide every one whom thou loves; but Allah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Qasas 28= : 56<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> . Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those= who turn (to Him). <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Ash-Shura’ 42= : 13<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> O ye that believe! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger, and He will best= ow on you a double portion of His Mercy: He will provide for you a Light by wh= ich ye shall walk (straight in your path), and He will forgive you (your past);= for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful: <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Hadeed 57</span= > : 28<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> That the People of the Book may know that they have no power whatever over the G= race of Allah, that (His) Grace is (entirely) in His = Hand, to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. For Allah is the Lord of Grace aboundi= ng.<o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Hadeed 57</span= > : 29<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Lea= rn from divine revelation<o:p></o:p> ---= ---------------------------------<o:p></o:p> It = is not enough to have a Divine book and revelation, we = must study and learn, then apply what we learned. Otherwise we are like a donkey carrying scholarly manuscripts but cannot benefit from them:<o:p></o:p></sp= an> <o:= p> </o:p> The similitude of those who were charged with the (obligations of the) Mosaic L= aw, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey whi= ch carries huge tomes (but understands them not). Evil is the similitude of pe= ople who falsify the Signs of Allah: and Allah guides not people who do wrong. <= o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 5<o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; The Jews were given the Torah,= a great divine revelation from Allah, but some left its teachings and turned away. They did not benefit from the knowledge, wisdom and guidance of the Torah. Similarly, if Muslims turn away from the Qur’an and not apply = its teachings in their life and character, they will be like their predecessors= who denied themselves Allah’s blessings. The example of the donkey is giv= en to illustrate ignorance and inability to understand how precious and valuab= le Allah’s revelation is. Also just simply reading a Divine text without reflecting on its teachings and without using and apply= ing its morals and principles is of no value. If we turn away or fail to avail ourselves of Allah’s guidance, then we are in effect denying the signs of Allah, and we condemn ourselves to be among those not guided. We w= rong our own souls, for Allah guides not those wrong-doers.<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Do = not claim to be a special breed favored by God<o:p></o:p> ---= ---------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p><= /span> <sp= an style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The Jews claimed to be favored to b= y God and to be his beloved. They imply that they are immune from punishment and = have special privileges and special status, different from other human beings.<o= :p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> (Both) the Jews and the Christians say: "We are sons of Allah, and His beloved." Say: "Why then doth He punish you for your sins? Nay, ye are but men, of the men He hath created: He forgives whom He pleases, and H= e punishes whom He pleases: and to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between: and unto Him is the final goal (of all).&qu= ot; <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Maeda 5 = : 18<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> This because they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days"; for their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion. <o:p= ></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Imran 3 = : 24<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> And they say: "The Fire shall = not touch us but for a few numbered days": say: "Have ye taken a prom= ise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? Or is it that ye say of Allah = what ye do not know?" <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Baqara 2= : 80<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> All= ah challenges them if indeed they believe that they are beloved by Allah and t= hat their destiny is paradise, then wish for death: <o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Say: "If the Last Home, with A= llah, be for you specially, and not for anyone else, then seek ye for death, if ye are sincere." <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Baqara 2= : 94<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Say: "O ye that stand on Judaism! If ye think that ye are friends to Allah,= to the exclusion of (other) men, then express your desire for Death, if ye are truthful!" <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 6<o:p></o:p> But never will they express their d= esire (for Death), because of the (deeds) their hands have sent on before them! A= nd Allah knows well those that do wrong! <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 7<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> But they will never seek for death, on account of the (sins) which their hands = have sent on before them. And Allah is well-acquainted with the wrong-doers. <o:= p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Baqara 2= : 95<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Thou wilt indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life, even more than t= he idolaters: each one of them wishes he could be given a life of a thousand years: but the grant of such life will not save him from (due) punishment. = For Allah sees well all that they do. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Baqara= 2 : 96<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Deep inside, they know they are wrong. Therefore, they do not accept the challen= ge, for they are afraid of death and dying. Many nowadays do not believe in life after death, therefore, they cling to this worldly life. To them there is nothing after death, and nothing to look forward to. There is no concept of resurrection or accountability, reward or punishment. Allah knows well their sin, and their plotting to misrepresent and fight Islam. Allah knows the wrong-doers.<o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> The challenge ends by stating that this death that they so afraid of, and try to avoid as much as possible, surely will occur. There is no doubt about death, it will befall every human being. Then we will = meet our Lord and we will be shown what we did in our life, as part of our Judgm= ent and accountability: <o:p></o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> Say: "The Death from which ye flee will truly overtake you: then will ye be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you (the truth of) the things that ye did!" <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Jumu’a 62= : 8<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> All= ah knows what we hide and what we reveal. Nothing escapes His knowledge: <o:p></o:p>= <o:= p> </o:p> (Allah) knows of (the tricks) that deceive with the eyes, and all that the hearts (= of men) conceal. <o:p></o:p> Ghafir 40 : 19<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Say: "Whatever ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it = all: He knows what is in the heavens, and what is on earth. And Allah has power = over all things. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Imran 3 : 29<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Our= deeds are witnessed: <o:p></o:p> And say: "Work (righteousness): soon will Allah observe your work, and His Messenger, and the Believers: soon will ye be brought back <o:p></o:p></spa= n> to the Knower of what is hidden and what is open: then will = He show you the truth of all that ye did." <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; At-Tawba 9 = : 105<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> On the Day that Allah will raise them all up (again) and show them the truth (= and meaning) of their conduct. Allah has reckoned its (value), though they may = have forgotten it, for Allah is Witness to all things. <o:p></o:p> &= nbsp; Al-Mujadelah 58</s= pan> : 6<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Les= sons to learn <o:p></o:p> ---= ------------------<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>1- </s= pan><![endif]>We understand and know Allah a= s He described Himself in the Qur’an in certain attributes<o:p></o:p></spa= n> <![if !supportLists]>2- </s= pan><![endif]>It is a blessing from Allah th= at He sent Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) as a universal messenger, to educate, guide = and be an example for those who believe<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>3- </s= pan><![endif]>We should learn and apply the = morals and principles in Allah’s divine revelation<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>4- </s= pan><![endif]>Every soul shall die: what is important is what we did in our life. Everything we did is well-known to Al= lah.<o:p></o:p> <![if !supportLists]>5- </s= pan><![endif]>No special group of people is = dear to Allah or immune from punishment. We get closer to Allah by our faith, go= od character and righteous behavior, not by our ancestry or wealth.<o:p></o:p>= <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:= p> </o:p> </div> </body> </html>