Surah Humaza

َ َ َُ َ ُ ََ َ َُ َ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ َ َ ٗ َ َ َ َ ُّ ُ ُُ ُ َ
‫ لَك ا َلۢنبذن ِف‬٣‫ يسب أن مالۥ أخَلهۥ‬٢‫ ٱَّلِي َجع مال وعددهۥ‬١‫ِك ه َم َزة ل َم َزة‬ ِ ‫ويل ل‬
ََ َ َ َ ََ ُ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ َ َُ َُ َ َ َ َ ََ َ َُ
‫ إِنها علي ِهم‬٧ِ ‫ ٱل ِت تطلِع َع ٱلفِدة‬٦‫ نار ٱّللِ ٱلموقدة‬٥‫ وما أدرىك ما ٱلطمة‬٤ِ‫ٱلطمة‬
َ َ
٩‫ ِف ع َمد ُّم َمددة‬٨‫ُّمؤ َص َدة‬
1. Destruction be for every person who searches for faults tin others and who mocks
2. Who amasses wealth and keeps meticulous count of it.
3. He thinks that his wealth will keep him alive forever.
4. Never! He will certainly be thrown into the “Thresher’
5. How will you know what the “Thresher” is?
6. (It is} Allah’s kindled fire
7. Which penetrates the hearts.
8. It will certainly be locked over them
9. In extended pillars.

The two words “humaza” and “lumaza” (translated above as a “person who searches for faults” and
a person “who mocks” respectively), both refer to people who search for faults in other people, who
backbite, who ridicule, who speak evil of others, who condemn others, who laugh at others and who
poke fun at others either physically, verbally or by indications (such as winking). Referring to such
people, Allah Ta’ala says in Surah Qalam, “Do not obey every person who excessively swears on
oaths, who is disgraced, who searches for the faults of others, who excels in carrying tales.
Condemning such actions in Surah Taubah Allah says, “Of them are those who ridicule you
concerning charity.” Allah emphatically states in Surah Hujurat, “Never find faults with yourselves.”
Sayyidina Abdullah bin Abbas RA has mentioned that the above verses refer to Akhnas bin Sharik,
who used to mock people. Sayyidina Ibn Jurayj RA states that the verses refer to Walid bin Mughiera
who used to speak ill of the prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬in his presence and in his absence. Nevertheless,
the verses clearly state that any person who engages in such evil deeds will be destroyed. People
who attach no value to their salvation, waste their lives searching for faults in others so that they
may publicise these.
Sayyidina Abdur Rahman bin Ghanam RA as well as Sayyidah Asma bint Yazid RA narrate that the
Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬said, “The best servants of Allah are those who remind you of Allah
when you see them. The worst servants of Allah are those who carry tales, who cast enmity between
friends and who desire that harm should come to those who stay away from evil.
Once, while speaking to the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬,Sayyidah Aishah RA alluded towards the
shortness of Sayyidah Safiyya RA who was also one of the Holy Prophet ‫‘صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬s wives. The
Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬then told Sayyidah Aisha RA that she had spoken a word which is so evil
that it could contaminate the oceans.
Sayyidina Abdullah bin Umar RA narrates that the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬said, “That person
cannot be a Mu’min Believer who mocks, who curses, who is vulgar and who carries out indecent
acts.”
Recounting another evil practice of the person who searches for the faults of others, Allah Ta’ala
says that he also “amasses wealth and keeps meticulous count of it.” This trait betrays the person’s
extreme love for material wealth. When a person is besotted with material wealth, he has no regard
for Halal and Haram when earning. He will leave no stone unturned to make money even though he
has to usurp the wealth of another person or forsake his Fara’idh (obligations) and Wajib
{Compulsory) in the process. In addition to this, such a person regards material wealth as everything.
Although he knows that he will have to die, he behaves as if his wealth will be of use to him forever.
Referring to this behaviour, Allah Ta’ala says, “He thinks that his wealth will keep him alive forever.”
Allah Ta’ala emphatically negates this false notion when He says, “Never!” Neither will the person
live forever in this world nor will his wealth remain forever. Mentioning the plight of such a person,
Allah says, “He will certainly be thrown into the ’Thresher’. How will you know what the ’Thrasher’
is? (It is) Allah’s kindled fire which penetrates the hearts.” The fire of Hell is so intense that it will not
only burn the bodies of people but it will reach their hearts. Although this is sufficient to kill a person
in this world, the people of Hell will not die.
Allah says in Surah Nisa, “Whenever their skins melt away, we shall exchange them for fresh skins so
that they may taste the torment.” A verse of Surah A 'la states, “He (the person in Hell) will then
neither die there nor live.”
Further describing the fire of Hell, Allah says, “lt will certainly be locked over them in extended
pillars. “The doors of Hell will be locked and they will have no escape. Sayyidina Abdullah bin Abbas
RA has mentioned that the doors of Hell will be sealed with pillars. The pillars refer to the yokes that
will be placed on their necks so that they cannot escape.
NOTE: The phrase “Allah’s kindled fire” makes it clear that the fire of Hell has already been kindled
and will be ready before people are thrown into it. Sayyidina Abu Hurayra RA narrates from the Holy
Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬that the fire of Hell was kindled for a thousand years until it became red. It
was then kindled for another thousand years until it became white. It was then kindled for another
thousand years until it became black. It is now black and dark.

Surah Asr

َ ‫حت َوتَ َو‬َ ‫ِين َء َام ُنوا َو َعملُوا ٱلصل‬ ُ َ َ َ

‫ٱل ُ ِق‬
َ ‫اصوا ب‬
ِ ِ ِ ِ َ ‫ٱَّل‬ ‫ل‬ِ ‫إ‬ ٢‫س‬‫خ‬ ‫ٱلنسن ل ِف‬ِ ‫ إِن‬١‫ص‬
َ َ
ِ ‫وٱلع‬
٣‫ب‬ َ َََ
ِ ‫وتواصوا ب ِٱلص‬

1. By the oath of time!

2. Verily man is at a loss
3. Except those who believe, who do good deeds, who encourage each other towards the truth
and encourage each other to exercise patience.

Surah Asr encompasses man’s failure and success in a nutshell. By taking an oath in the name of
time, Allah Ta’ala presents time as a witness to the fact that man in general is at a loss. He has to
leave behind whatever he earns of this world and because he does not take a provision of good
deeds to the Akhirah (Hereafter), he stands at a loss there. If man looks back in time and studies the
history of past nations, it will become clear to him that most people have destroyed their lives in the
Akhirah (Hereafter). If a person lives his life properly, he will be successful in the Akhirah (Hereafter).
On the other hand, failure to do so will lead him to devastation in the Hereafter.
Because most people choose disbelief instead of belief, Allah Ta’ala makes a general statement
stating, “Verily man is at a loss. “Therefore, the entire species of mankind except the believers is at a
loss. Describing this loss in Surah Zumar, Allah Ta’ala says, “Verily the losers are those who put
themselves and their families at a loss on the Day of Judgment. Behold! That is the evident loss.”
Such people will themselves be in Hell and they will also lead their families into Hell. The loss of the
disbelievers is the worst loss because they will lose everything they earned in this world when they
die and will have no deeds to assist them. In the Hereafter. They will be doomed forever because
there will be no chance of returning to the world.

Making the exception from those at a loss, Allah Ta’ala says, “except those who believe, who do
good deeds, who encourage each other towards the truth and encourage each other to exercise
patience.” People with the above four attributes do not have to fear suffering any loss in the
Hereafter. In addition to the two fundamental attributes of belief and good deeds, such people also
encourage others to carry out good deeds and to refrain from sins. Not only do they encourage their
family and friends, but also their associates, co-travellers and people they meet. They encourage
them to accept the truth and to tread the straight path.

In addition to this, they also encourage people to exercise patience. The word “Sabr” (translated
above as Patience) refers to remaining steadfast in performing good deeds, refraining from sin as
well as exercising patience when afflicted with any difficulty.”

Every person needs to think whether he is leading a life in a manner that will cause him a loss or
whether his way of life will lead him to salvation. People immersed with strong Belief are constantly
concerned about their plight in the Akhirah (Hereafter). They lose no opportunity to carry out good
deeds and make every effort to avoid sin, especially the worst of sins.

Unfortunately, there are many Muslims who neither seem to have any concern for their own
salvation nor for the salvation of others. Of a person’s 24- hour day, approximately eight hours are
spent in earning a living, while another six are spent sleeping. Another two to three hours are spent
in Salah and other necessities. If the rest of the time is spent idly, it is wasted. If it is spent in sin, one
will have to suffer grave consequences. A believer ought to be concerned about his Akhirah
(Hereafter) all the time. Many retired people who do not have to earn a living, while away their time
in trivial pursuits without realising that they could make their time valuable by engaging in acts of
lbadah (worship) such as Salah, Tilawah (recitation) of the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah (Dhikr),
teaching and propagating religion, etc. They could also be of invaluable assistance to religious
organisations. If a person retires at about 50 or 65, he may still live for another 30 or 35 (or even
more) years. To waste so much time in futile and Haram (unlawful) pastimes such as backbiting,
watching television, playing cards, etc is extremely foolish. An intelligent person is one who uses his
time profitably by engaging in good deeds and abstaining from sin.

The Surah makes it clear that it is not sufficient for a person to be concerned about his spiritual
condition only. He has to ensure that others also practise religion, especially his family and
subordinates. If he does not see to this, his wife, children and family will become a source of grief for
him in the Hereafter. The Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬made it clear that each person is a shepherd
and will be questioned about his flock.
 Surah Takaathur
َ َ َ َُ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َُ َ َ َ َ َ ََ ُُ ُ َ ُُ َ ُ ُ َ َ
‫ لَك لو‬٤‫ ثم لَك سوف تعلمون‬٣‫ لَك سوف تعلمون‬٢‫ حت زرتم ٱلمقابِر‬١‫ألهىكم ٱتلَكثر‬
َُ َُ ُ
‫سلن يَو َمئِذ َع ِن‬ ‫ ثم لت‬٧‫ي‬ ‫ق‬
ِ َ‫ي ٱَل‬ َ َ َ ‫ ُثم ل‬٦‫يم‬
َ ‫َت ُون َها َع‬ َ ‫ح‬ِ ‫ٱل‬ َ َ َ ‫ ل‬٥‫ون عِل َم ٱَلَقِي‬
َ ‫َت ُون‬ َ َُ َ
‫ت عل م‬
ِ ِ
٨‫ٱنل ِعي ِم‬
1. Rivalry in amassing wealth has made you negligent
2. Until you reach the grave.
3. Never! Soon you will come to know!
4. Never! Soon you will come to know!
5. If you had certain knowledge (you would not have preoccupied yourself with rivalry.
6. By Allah you will definitely see Hell!
7. By Allah you will then surely see it with the eye of certainty.
8. Thereafter on that day you will definitely be questioned about the bounties.

The Arabic word "takathur" refers to mutual rivalry between people in amassing wealth, a trait
which is commonly witnessed in many people. People vie with each other in amassing wealth and
boast about their wealth to each other. Even though some people may not boast in front of others,
this rivalry is ingrained in their mentality and they are always competing with others.

Being engrossed in competing with others in amassing wealth has caused man to neglect those
actions that please Allah and has also caused him to forget that he is heading for the grave. In this
manner, people pass through this world steeped in negligence and, when they face the reality of the
Akhirah, they are bewildered and lacking in good deeds. Then the wealth they amassed will be
useless to them. Allah refers to this when He says, ’Rivalry in amassing wealth has made you
negligent until you reach the graves.”

The following incident about this rivalry among the Arabs. Rivalry existed between the Banu Abd
Manäf bin Qussay tribe and the Banu Sahm bin Amar tribe of Makkah. On one occasion, both tribes
boasted that they had a greater number of nobles and leaders. After counting, it was found that the
number among the Banu Abd Manaf tribe was higher. The Banu Sahm tribe submitted that their
deceased should also be included in the count because these had been part of their tribe. When the
dead were counted, the Banu Sahm emerged as victors by a few individuals. It was with reference to
this that Allah revealed the verse “Rivalry in amassing wealth has made you negligent ...”

Allah continues, “Never! (This rivalry will not benefit you) soon you will come to know (the error of
your ways)!” Allah then reiterates, “Never! Soon you will come to know!” Allah says, “If you had
certain knowledge (you could not have preoccupied yourself with rivalry).” Allah Ta’äla specifies
"Ilmul Yaqin" (“certain knowledge”) because knowledge is often uncertain as well. Thereafter, Allah
asserts, “(By Allah) you will definitely see Hell! {By Allah) You will there surely see it with the eye of
certainty.” When man sees the reality of the Hereafter for himself, he will truly be convinced about
the truth of it.
Several verses of the Qur’an warn people against preoccupying themselves with the commodities of
this world in a manner that their lives revolve completely around these things and they live and die
for them. Allah warns man that the consequence of such behaviour shall be that they will see Hell
and finally enter it. These verses remind man that this world is not everything and that death and
the Hereafter are soon to follow.

Sayyidina Anas RA narrates that the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬said, “On the Day of judgement,
man will be brought forward like a Lamb. He will then be presented before Allah, Who will ask, ‘did I
not grant you wealth and bounties? What did you do with these?’ He will reply, ‘I accumulated it and
multiplied it until it flourished Then I left it all behind, Allow me to return and bring it all before you.”

The Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬continued, “Allah will say, ’Show Me what you had sent here to the
akhirah (Hereafter). ’He will again reply, “I accumulated it and multiplied it until it flourished Then I
left it all behind, Allow me to return und bring it all before you. “It will then transpire that he was
one who had not performed any good deeds on earth. He will then be flung into Hell.”

Sayyidina Abdullah bin Mas’ud RA narrates from the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬that man’s foot
will be unable to move from the place of reckoning until he answers five questions. These questions
shall be:

(1) In what way did he spend his life,

(2) In what pursuits did he spend his youth,

(3) How did he earn his wealth,

(4) How did he spend his wealth,

(5) Did he practice on the knowledge he had.

Sayyidina Abu Hurayra RA narrates that the first questions that Allah will ask man concerning
bounties shall be: “Did I not give you good health?” nor “did I not quench your thirst with cold
water?”

Another narration reports that the Holy Prophet ‫صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬, Sayyidina Abu Bakr RA and
Sayyidina Umar RA once met an Ansari Companion in his orchard. He served them a branch from a
date palm from which they ate. When they asked for cold water, he served them some. The Holy
Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬then told them that they would be questioned about this bounty on the Day
of Judgment. Hearing this, Sayyidina Umar RA dropped the branch from his hand, causing all the
dates to be scattered about. He then asked, “O the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬will we be
questioned about this?” The Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬confirmed that people will be questioned
about every bounty except three. These are:

(1) A small piece of cloth used for covering the private parts

(2) A piece of bread that soothes hunger

(3) A home to protect one from the heat and cold which is so small that one has difficulty entering it

Sayyidina Uthman RA narrates from the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬that man has a right only to
three things and to nothing else. These are:

(1) A house to live in

(2) Sufficient clothing to conceal his private parts

(3) Plain bread and water

Sayyidina Anas RA narrates from the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬that a man will have three
registers on the Day of Judgment. The first register will contain his good deeds, the second register
will contain all his sins and the third will contain all the bounties that Allah blessed him with. Allah
will tell the smallest bounty to take its price from the person’s good deeds. The smallest bounty will
take all the good deeds and will submit that it has still not taken its full price. The person will then
still have all the sins to account for and the rest of the bounties to pay for. However, when Allah
wishes to shower a person with mercy, He will tell him, “0 my slave! I have increased your good
deeds and forgiven your sins.” The narrator of the hadith states that it was most probably on this
occasion that the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬added that Allah will also say to the person, “I have
given you all my bounties as a gift without a price.”

Allah has granted every bounty to man without man earning them. Allah can therefore question a
person about how he used these bounties. Fortunate are those who engage in Allah’s Ibädah, are
grateful to Him and constantly fear retribution from Allah, On the other hand, most wretched are
those who have every bounty and do not even think of submitting to Allah.

Allah Ta’ala says in Surah Ibrahim, “If you try to count Allah’s bounties, you will never be able to do
so. Indeed, man is extremely unjust and very ungrateful.” Man is extremely foolish. He humbles
himself before people who give him things even though they may expect him to return the favour at
some time. On the other hand, he refuses to humble himself before Allah, Who grants him countless
favours without asking anything in return. Man refuses to prostrate to Allah and to fulfil His
commands. Only Allah gives one’s good health and only He creates the cool water that quenches
one’s thirst.

THE VIRTUES OF SURA TAKATHUR

Sayyidina Abdullah bin Umar RA narrates that the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬once asked them, “Is
there any of you who is able to recite a thousand verses of the Qur’an daily?” The prophet’s
companions (Sahabah) RA replied, “Who can have the strength to recite a thousand verses daily?
“Thereupon the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬said, “Can you not recite ‘Al Haakumut Takathur (Sura
Takathur)?” This means that the reward for reciting Surah Takathur equals the reward of reciting a
thousand verses of the Qur’an.
 Surah Qaari’ah

ُ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ ُ َ َ َ َُ َ َ َ َ َ ََ َُ َ َ َُ َ
٤‫وث‬
ِ ‫اش ٱلمبث‬ِ ‫ يوم يكون ٱنلاس كٱلفر‬٣‫ وما أدرىك ما ٱلقارِعة‬٢‫ ما ٱلقارِعة‬١‫ٱلقارِعة‬
َ َ ُُ ََ َ َُ َ ََ ُ َ ُ ُ ُ ََ
َ
٧‫اضية‬ َ ُ
ِ ‫ فهو ِف عِيشة ر‬٦‫ فأما من ثقلت موزِينهۥ‬٥‫وش‬ ِ ‫ٱل َبال كٱلعِه ِن ٱل َمنف‬
ِ ‫وتكون‬
َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ُّ ُ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ََ
١١‫ نار حامِيُۢة‬١٠‫ وما أدرىك ما هِيه‬٩‫ فأمهۥ هاوِية‬٨‫وأما من خفت موزِينهۥ‬

1. The knocker.
2. What is the knocker?
3. What shall inform you what the knocker is?
4. (It is) the day when people will become like scattered moths
5. And the mountains will become like coloured cotton wool.
6. As for him whose scales are weighty
7. He shall be enjoying a life of happiness.
8. As for him whose scales are light
9. His abode shall be “Hawiya”.
10. How will you know what this is?
11. It is the blazing fire.

This Surah describes Judgment day (Qiyamah) as someone knocking at one’s door. When
resurrection Day comes, people will be engaged in their various activities. Some will be attending to
their businesses and occupations while others will be sleeping. It will take place suddenly and
everyone will be caught unaware, just as people are surprised by unexpected visitors knocking at
their doors. To emphasise the importance of the Day of Judgment, Allah asks, “What is the knocker?
What shall inform you what the knocker is?” Allah Ta’ala then describes Judgment day as “the day
when people will become like scattered moths.” Just as moths are bewildered and dazed by a bright
light and scatter in confusion, people will suffer the same confusion on the Day of Judgment. Allah
uses another simile in Sarah Qamar when He says, “they shall emerge from their graves as if they are
scattered focus.”

Describing the condition of the mighty mountains on the Day of Judgment, Allah says, “The
mountains will become like coloured cotton wool. “Even though they are symbols of stability, the
mountains will fly about like wool on the day of Judgment. Allah Ta’ala says in Surah Waqi’ah, “And
the mountains will be shattered to pieces and become like scattered dust,” and Surah Takwir reads:
“When the mountains are made to fly about.” If this is to be the state of the mountains, one cannot
imagine the disorientation that the rest of creation will experience. Allah Ta’ala says that the
mountains will resemble coloured wool because mountains are of different colours, as Allah says in
Surah Fatir, “from the mountains there are different ridges, varying from white to red of different
shades and some which are extremely black.”

After describing the advent of the Day of Judgment, Allah Ta’ala describes the condition of people on
the Plains of Resurrection. Allah says “As for him those whose scales are weighty, he shall be
enjoying a life of happiness.” The people of Heaven shall be completely satisfied with their lives.
They will have absolutely no hardship or worries in Heaven.

Or the other hand, “As for him whose scales are light, his abode shall be ’Hawiya’, How will you
know what this is? lt is the blazing fire.” Allah says about the scales of deeds in Surah A’räf, “The
weighing on that day is the truth! As for him whose scale is heavy, these will be the successful ones.
As for him whose scales is light, these are the ones who have lost their souls because they were
unjust towards our verses.”

Sayyidina Abdullah bin Abbas RA has mentioned that those whose good deeds are heavier than their
sins shall be admitted into Heaven even if they are heavier by a single deed. On the other hand,
those whose sins are heavier than their good deeds will be doomed for Hell even if they are heavier
by a single sin. He then recited the above verses of Surah A’räf where Allah Ta’ala says, “The
weighing on that day is the truth! As for him whose scale is heavy, they will be the successful ones.
As for him whose scale is light, these are the ones who have lost their souls because they were
unjust towards our verses.”

Sayyidina Abdullah bin Abbas RA also mentioned that these scales will be sensitive to even an iota’s
weight of good or sin. Those whose good deeds are equal to their sins will be detained at “A“räf' (the
barrier between Heaven and Hell. They will also be admitted in Heaven eventually). Those whose
sins are heavier will also be eventually admitted into Heaven either by someone’s intercession, after
being cleansed of sin or purely by Allah’s grace. A Mumin (Believer) cannot remain eternally in Hell
nor on A’räf.

Surah A’adiyat

َ َ ٗ َ َ َََ ٗ ُ َ ِ‫ فَٱل ُمغ‬٢‫ت قَد ٗحا‬ َ َ ٗ َ َ َ

َ َ
‫ فوسطن بِهِۦ‬٤‫ فأثرن بِهِۦ نقعا‬٣‫ت صبحا‬ ِ ‫ير‬ ِ ‫ فٱل ُمورِي‬١‫ت ضبحا‬ ِ ‫َوٱلع ِدي‬
ََ َ ُ ُ ُ ََ َ َ ََ ُ ُ‫ك‬َ َ َُ َ َ ً َ
٨‫ي لش ِديد‬ ِ ‫ٱل‬ ‫ب‬
ِ ِ
‫ل‬ ‫ۥ‬‫ه‬ ‫ِإَون‬ ٧ ‫يد‬ ‫ه‬
ِ ‫ش‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ِك‬ ‫ل‬‫ذ‬ ‫َع‬ ‫ۥ‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ِإَون‬ ٦ ‫ود‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ٱلنسن ل ِربِهِۦ ل‬ ِ ‫ إِن‬٥‫َجعا‬
ُ ‫لب‬
‫ر‬١١‫ي‬ َ ‫ إن َرب ُهم بهم يَو َمئذ‬١٠‫ٱلص ُدور‬ ُّ ‫ َو ُح ُص َل َما ف‬٩‫ث َما ف ٱل ُق ُبور‬ َ ُ َ َُ َ َََ
ِ ِ ِِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ‫۞أفل يعلم إِذا بع‬

1. By the horses that pant as they gallop!

2. By the sparks that fly from the striking of their hooves!
3. By their assault at dawn
4. Causing the dust to fly
5. And penetrating the midst of the enemy’s ranks.
6. Undoubtedly man is extremely ungrateful to his Lord.
7. Indeed, he is also a witness to this fact.
8. Verily he has a profound love for wealth.
9. Is he not aware of the time when whatever lies within the graves shall be raised?
10. And whatever lies within chest will be exposed?
11. On that day their Lord shall certainly be informed about them.
Allah takes oaths by five attributes of horses to emphasise the fact that man is extremely ungrateful
to Allah. Allah Ta’ala says, “By the horses that pant as they gallop! By the sparks that fly from the
striking of their hooves! By their assault at dawn causing the dust to fly and penetrating the midst of
the enemy’s ranks.” The Arabs held horses in very high esteem. They were constantly fighting each
other and often camped outside the town of their enemies by night and launched surprise attacks at
the crack of dawn. They plundered the towns they attacked and looted the people. Allah reminds
man of the great bounty that He has bestowed on him by providing such animals for him who will be
faithful to him in the very thick of battle. Man is therefore obliged to be grateful to Allah for this and
His many other bounties. Man ought to express his gratitude to Allah by obeying Allah’s commands
and by following the teachings of Allah’s Nabi (prophet) Sayyidina Muhammad ‫صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬. The
horses which they used for wrong purposes should now be used in Allah’s obedience.

“Undoubtedly man is extremely ungrateful to his Lord.” Although the most accepted interpretation
of the Arabic word “kunud” is “extremely ungrateful”, some commentators have interpreted it to
mean someone who does little good.

Allah continues, “lndeed, he (man) is also a witness to this fact “ i.e. to the fact that he is extremely
ungrateful. ln addition to this, “verily he has a profound love for wealth.” Man is reluctant to spend
his wealth for others and is ever eager to accumulate more.

Allah asks, “Is he man not aware of the time when whatever lies within the graves will be raised and
whatever lies within chests will be exposed?” Allah Ta’ala asks whether people have perhaps
forgotten “the day when they will hurriedly emerge from the graves” because their attitude seems
to betray this. Man ought to keep this day in mind at all times so that he continues to fulfil Allah’s
commands, knowing that he will be taken to task for violating these. Everything that man conceals
within his heart will be exposed on the Day of Judgment. Everyone on the plains of resurrection will
be able to see the evil designs that each person harboured in their hearts along with the intense love
for wealth that their hearts concealed.

Allah is informed about the deeds and condition of His creation at all times. However, because the
Day of Judgment is the day when reckoning will take place and the day when deeds will be brought
to the fore, Allah mentions, “On that day their Lord shall certainly be informed about them.

Surah Zilzaal

َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ََ َ َ ُ َ َ َ
ََ ََ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ
‫ يومئِذ‬٣‫ وقال ٱ ِلنسن ما لها‬٢‫ت ٱلۡرض أثقالها‬ ِ ‫ج‬ ‫ر‬ ‫خ‬‫أ‬‫و‬ ١ ‫ا‬‫ه‬ ‫ال‬‫ز‬ ‫ل‬ِ ‫ز‬ ‫ض‬ ‫ۡر‬‫ل‬‫ٱ‬ ‫ت‬ِ ‫إِذا زل ِزل‬
َ َ َُ َ َ َُُ ٗ َ َ ُ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َُُ
‫ فمن‬٦‫ يومئِذ يصدر ٱنلاس أشتاتا ل ِيوا أعملهم‬٥‫ بِأن ربك أوح لها‬٤‫ُت ِدث أخبارها‬
٨‫شا يَ َرهُۥ‬ُٗ َ ‫ َو َمن َيع َمل مِث َق َال َذرة‬٧‫يا يَ َرهُۥ‬ٗ ‫َيع َمل مِث َق َال َذرة َخ‬

1. When the earth shall quake most violently...

2. When the earth will remove her loads..
3. And man will ask, “What is the matter with her?”
4. On that day she will narrate her stories
 5. Because Your Lord will command her to do so.
6. On that day people will return in different groups to witness their deeds.
7. Whoever does an iota's weight of good will see it
8. And whoever does an iota’s weight of evil will see it.

The Arabic words “Zilzal” refers to an earthquake. The earthquake referred to in this Surah is the
earthquake that will take place on the Day of Judgment. This earthquake shall be extremely severe,
as Allah mentions in the first two verses of Surah Hajj (Surah 22) where He says, “0 people! Fear your
Lord. The earthquake of Judgment Day is a tremendous thing indeed.

After the convulsion of the earth, corpses will be raised from their graves and ushered to the plain of
resurrection. Allah Ta’ala says that on the Day of Judgment “the earth will remove her loads and
man will ask, 'What is the matter with her?” On the Day of Judgment, the earth will empty her belly
of all the dead and of all the treasures she hides beneath her surface. However, all this wealth will
not benefit anyone. The same wealth for which man killed his brothers will now lie useless.

When man will stand for reckoning before Allah, he will be given his record of deeds and witnesses
will attest to the deeds he committed. Among these witnesses will be the earth. Referring to this,
Allah says, “On that day she will narrate her stories because your Lord will command her to do so.”
When the earth will do this, man will be astonished and ask, “What is the matter with her? I.e. we
thought that she was lifeless. How is it that she now talks?” The earth will talk on the Day of
Judgment “because your Lord will command her to do so.” Just as Allah gave speech to the tongue,
Allah will give speech to man’s limbs as well as to the earth so that they may testify against people.

Sayyidina Abu Hurayra RA narrates that the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬once recited the verse: “On
that day she will narrate her stories” and then asked the Sahaba companions RA, “Do you know
what “her stories” are?” The prophet ‫‘صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬s companions (Sahâbah) submitted, “Allah and
His Rasul ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬know best.” The Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬then told the companions
(Sahâbah) RA that the earth will testify to every act that any person committed on her back. She will
specify exactly what deed was committed on which day.

Allah continues, “On that day people will return in different groups to fitness their deeds.” After
completing their reckoning, people will be separated into two groups. Those destined for Heaven
will be led to a road on the right of the plains of resurrection while those destined for Hell will be led
to a road on the left. It is with reference to this that Alla hmentions in Surah Rum, “The day when
judgement day will dawn they will be in different conditions. As for those who believe and do good
deeds, they will be rejoicing in a garden. As for those who disbelieve and falsify Our signs and the
meeting of the Hereafter, these people will be exposed to punishment,”

The Day of Judgment will be frightful when people will be separated into these two groups and the
sinners will be told, “Separate yourselves today, 0 you criminals!” The pious will then be left on their
own to enter happily into Heaven. Allah says that the two groups will proceed “to witness their
deeds.” i.e. to witness the consequences of their deeds; either Heaven or Hell.

A person who is concerned about his life in the Akhirah should never allow an opportunity to do a
good deed pass him by. He snatches every such opportunity and even the moment in which he can
recite "Subhanallah" once is not forfeited. Sayyidina Adi bin Hatim RA narrates that the Holy Prophet
‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬said, “Save yourself from Hell men though it may be with a piece of a date which you
give in charity). If you cannot manage this, then at least say a good word.”

Sayyidina Umar RA narrates that the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬was once delivering a sermon
when he said, “Behold! This world is a rush commodity from which good and evil eat. Behold! The
promise of the Akhirah (Hereafter) (although not rush) is absolutely true. The All Powerful Sovereign
shall pass judgment there. Behold! All good shall be in Heaven and all evil shall be in hell, Behold!
Continue carrying out deeds, continue fearing Allah and remember that your deeds will be
presented before you because whoever does an iota’s weight of good mill see it and whoever does
an iota’s weight of evil will see it.”

THE VIRTUE OF SURAH ZILZÄL

Sayyidina Abdullah bin Abbas RA narrates from the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬that Surah Zilzal
equals half the Qur’an, Surah Ikhlas {Surah 112) equals a third of the Qur’an and Surah Kafirun
equals a quarter of the Qur’an

Surah Qadr

َ َ ُ َ َ َُ َ َ َُ َ َ َ َ َ ََ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ
٣‫ َللة ٱلقدرِ خي مِن أل ِف شهر‬٢ِ‫ وما أدرىك ما َللة ٱلقدر‬١ِ‫إِنا أنزلنه ِف َللةِ ٱلقدر‬
َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ُُ ُ َُ َ ُ َ ُ َ َ َ ُ ََ
٥‫ سلم ِه حت مطلعِ ٱلفج ِر‬٤‫ك أمر‬ ُّ
ِ ‫تَنل ٱلملئِكة وٱلروح فِيها بِإِذ ِن رب ِ ِهم مِن‬

1. Verily We revealed the Qur'ān on the night of Qadr.

2. Do you know what the night of Qadr is?
3. The night of Qadr is better than a thousand months.
4. The angels and the "Rūh” descend with every decree on this night by the command of their
Lord.
5. It is full of peace and lasts until the break of dawn.

Discussing the auspiciousness of Laylatul Qadr (The night of Qadr), Allāh Ta'āla says, "Verily We
revealed the Qur'an on the night of Qadr.”It is a well-documented fact that the Qur'an was revealed
bit by bit over a period of twenty three years. Commentators explain that the meaning of the verse
is that on the night of Qadr the Qur'an was brought down from the Lowhul Mahfudh (protected
tablet) to the heaven above the earth. There it was placed in the "Baytul Izzah". It was from here
that Jibril we brought the Qur'an to the Holy Prophet ‫صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬. Allāh Ta'ala declares in Surah
Baqarah, "The month of Ramadhân is the month in which the Qur'ān was revealed." There is no
discrepancy between this verse of Surah Baqarah and the first verse of Surah Qadr because the night
of Qadr is in the month of Ramadhan.

Allāh highlights the virtue of the night of Qadr by posing a question first. Allāh says, "Do you know
what the night of Qadr is?" Allah Ta'ala then says, "The night of Qadr is better than a thousand
months." This means that the person who engages in Ibādah (worship) during the night of Qadr will
be rewarded more than a person who engages in Ibadah (worship) for a thousand months that do
not include a night of Qadr.
A thousand months equals eighty-three years and four months. Not only is the night of Qadr equal
to this period of time, but Allāh declares that it is better than this. Only Allāh Ta'ala knows how much
more. This night is an excellent opportunity for Muslims to accrue rewards and prepare their abodes
in Heaven. The Holy Prophet (SAW) said, “The one who is deprived of the good of the night of Qadr
has been deprived of all good. It is only a truly deprived person who will be deprived of its good."
[Ibn Majah]

Sacrificing a few hours in exchange for the rewards of a thousand months is truly a bargain. A person
who earns a profit of hundreds of thousands for an investment of a few coppers will be exuberant.
The profit of a thousand months' everlasting reward in exchange for an investment of a few
temporary hours is a much greater profit. With this in mind, one will realise why the person who is
deprived of such an opportunity is a truly deprived person.

Allah Ta'āla has been extremely benevolent in granting this opportunity to this Ummah whose
average lifespan is between sixty and seventy years. By exploiting this opportunity, the members of
this Ummah can even surpass the deeds of the previous Ummah’s, the individuals of which lived for
hundreds of years.

Sayyidah Ayshah (RA), narrates from the Holy Prophet (SAW) that the night of Qadr should be
sought in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan. Any one of these nights may be the
night of Qadr.

Sayyidina Abu Hurayra (RA) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said, "Whoever fasts during
Ramadhan with Belief and with the hope of being rewarded, all his previous sins will be forgiven.
Whoever stands in Ibadah during Ramadhan with Belief and with the hope of being rewarded, all his
previous sins will be forgiven. Whoever stands in Ibādah during the night of Qadr with Belief and
with the hope of being rewarded, all his previous sins will be forgiven."

Standing in Ibādah (worship) usually entails performing Salah. However, it also includes making
remembrance (Dhikr) and reciting the Qur'ān. Having the hope of being rewarded means that one's
intention should be only to please Alláh and one should have no ulterior motives. When one has the
hope of being rewarded, one will feel happy to engage in Ibadah (worship) and will not regard the
Ibadah (worship) as a burden. The greater one's hope is, the easier it will be for one to exert oneself
in doing even more strenuous Ibadah (worship). It is for this reason that the closer a person draws to
Allāh, the more he will be engrossed in Ibadah (worship).

One should bear in mind that Ahadith like the one above refer to the forgiveness of minor sins.
Scholars are unanimous that major sins are forgiven only after a person sincerely makes Taubah
(repentance). When a person carries out good deeds, his sins are forgiven together with receiving
rewards for them.

Aisha (RA) once asked the Holy Prophet (SAW) supplication she should recite if she recognised any
night to be the night of Qadr. The Holy Prophet (SAW) advised her to recite the following
supplication: "O Allah! Verily You are the Most Forgiving and You love to forgive. Forgive me."

The Ill Effects of Arguments

Once Sayyidina Ubadah (RA) narrates that the Holy Prophet ‫ صلى هللا عليه وسلم‬emerged from his room
to inform the prophet's companions (Sahabah), about when the night of Qadr would be. However,
two of the prophet's companions (Sahabah) were then embroiled in an argument. The Holy Prophet
(SAW) said, "I had come to inform you about when the night of Qadr will fall. However, because
certain people were arguing, the date of the night was lifted from my mind. Perhaps this is better in
Allāh's knowledge. This hadith makes it apparent that arguments are so detestable that it was an
argument that caused the Holy Prophet (SAW) to forget the date of Laylatul Qadr.

The Advantages of Not Specifying When the Night of Qadr Will be

Scholars have cited the following advantages in Laylatul Qadr being an unspecified night:

1. If Laylatul Qadr were specified, many people would have attached no importance at all to the
other nights of the year. They would have then worshipped Allāh only one night a year. Since
Laylatul Qadr has not been specified, they will spend more nights in Ibādah (worship) in search of
the night.

2. There are many people who cannot avoid sin. If Laylatul Qadr were specified, they would have
been sinning despite knowing the auspiciousness of the night. This would have seriously jeopardised
their Belief.

3. If a person was unable to engage in Ibadah (worship) during Laylatul Qadr on some account, he
will not be motivated to engage in Ibadah (worship) during any other night. In the present situation,
he will still have other nights of Ibadah (worship) to look forward to.

4. When Laylatul Qadr is not specified, a person will have many more nights of Ibadah to his credit.

Allah Ta'āla says, "The angels and the 'Rüh' descend with every decree on this night by the command
of their Lord." The Scholars state that "Rūh" refers to Jibril (AS) who is referred to as "Ruhul Qudus"
in many verses of the Qur'an. Allāh says further that the night "is full of peace". The angels continue
to shower peace, mercy and blessings on people during the night. Commentators have interpreted
the verse to mean that the entire night of Qadr is full of peace and blessings. They say that Satan
does not have the ability to instigate people to do evil on this night.

Allah Ta'ala says that Laylatul Qadr "lasts until the break of dawn." This verse makes it evident that
the blessings of Laylatul Qadr are not confined to any portion of the night. It extends from the
beginning of the night and terminates only when dawn breaks.

SURA YASIN
‫ب ِۡس ِم ٱ ِهلل ٱ َّلر ۡ َۡح ٰـ ِن ٱ َّلر ِح ِي‬
 ‫) ت َِزني َل‬٤( ‫ِصٲط ُّم ۡس َت ِقي‬ َ ِ ‫) عَ َ ٰل‬٣( ‫) ان ََّك لَ ِم َن ٱلۡ ُم ۡر َس ِل َي‬٢( ‫) َوٱلۡ ُق ۡر َء ِان ٱلۡ َح ِك ِي‬١( ‫ٓيس‬
ِ‫) لَ َقدۡ َح َّق ٱلۡ َق ۡو ُل عَ َ ٰ ٓل َٱ ۡك َ َِث ُۡه‬٦( ‫ون‬ ٓ ِ ٓ َ ِ ‫ِل‬
َ ‫) ُتنذ َر ق ۡوما َّما ٱنذ َر َء َاَب ُؤ ُۡه فه ُۡم غ ٰـفل‬٥( ‫ٱلۡ َع ِزي ِز ٱ َّلر ِح ِي‬
ُ ِ َ َ ُ ِ ُ
‫) َو َج َعلۡنَا‬٨( ‫ون‬ َ ‫) اّنَّ َج َعلۡنَا ِ ٓف َٱ ۡعنَ ٰـ ِقهِ ۡم َٱ ۡغلَ ٰـل فَهِىَ ا َل ٱ ۡ َۡل ۡذقَ ِان فَهُم ُّم ۡق َم ُح‬٧( ‫ون‬ َ ُ‫فَهُ ۡم َل يُ ۡؤ ِمن‬
َ ِ ‫َ َ ۡغ َش‬ ِ ِ َ ۡ ِ
‫) َو َس َوآء عَلَ ۡيہ ِۡم‬٩( ‫ون‬ ‫ِص‬ ِ ‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ل‬
َ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ ۡ َٰ ۡ ‫ُم‬ ‫ه‬ َ ‫ف‬ ‫ُم‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ـ‬‫ن‬‫ي‬ ‫أ‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ا‬ ‫د‬‫س‬ ِ
‫ف‬ ۡ ‫ل‬ ‫خ‬ ِ
َ ۡ ۡ َ َ ‫من ب َ ِي ٱيۡديہِ ۡم‬
‫م‬ ‫ه‬
ِ َ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ ‫و‬ ‫ا‬ ‫د‬ ‫س‬
‫َش ٱ َّلر ۡ َۡح ٰـ َن بِألۡ َغ ۡي ِب‬ َ ِ ‫ڪ َر َوخ‬ ۡ ‫) ان َّ َما تُن ِذ ُر َم ِن ٱت َّ َب َع ٱ ذِل‬١٠( ‫ون‬ َ ُ‫َء َٱ َنذ ۡرَتَ ُ ۡم َٱ ۡم ل َ ۡم تُن ِذ ۡر ُ ُۡه َل يُ ۡؤ ِمن‬
‫ك‬ َّ ُ ‫) اّنَّ َِ َۡن ُن ُ َۡن ِ ٱلۡ َم ۡو َ ٰت َونَڪۡ ُت ُب َما قَ َّد ُموا َو َءاثَ ٰـ َر ُ ۡ مُه َو‬١١( ‫ڪ ِرمي‬ َ ‫ّش ُه ِب َم ۡغ ِف َرة َو َٱ ۡجر‬ ۡ ‫فَبَ ِ ذ‬
ِ َ
)١٢( ‫َشء َٱ ۡح َص ۡينَ ٰـ ُه ِ ٓف ا َمام ُّمبِي‬ ۡ
ِ
In the name of Allah, The Beneficent, the Most Merciful

(1)Ya Sin. (2) By the oath of the wise Qur’an. (3) You are verily among the messengers. (4)
On the straight path. (5) A revelation of the Mighty, the Most Merciful (6) to warn a nation
whose forefathers were not warned and who were negligent. (7) The decree has been
passed against most of them, so they will not believe. (8) We shall place a yoke around their
necks, which reaches to their chin, so their gazes are fixed upward. (9) We have placed a
barrier in front of them and a barrier behind them, and We have enveloped them so they
cannot see. (10) It is the same to them whether you warn them or you do not warn them.
They will never believe. (11) You can warn only him who follows the advice and fears Ar
Rahman (the Compassionate) without seeing Him. Give him the glad tidings of forgiveness
and a bountiful provision. (12) Verily only We revive the dead and record what they send
ahead and the trails they leave. We have meticulously recorded everything in the clear
Book.

COMMENTARY
THE HOLY PROPHET ‫ ﷺ‬IS ALLAH'S HOLY PROPHET AND THE QUR' AN IS FROM ALLAH
Only Allah knows the meaning of "Yasin" which is from the "Mutashabihat" verses.
Rebutting those who denied the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet ‫ صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬.Allah
declares, "By the oath of the wise Qur'an! You are verily among the messengers on the
straight path." The declaration of Allah is more than sufficient against the blasphemy of the
disbelievers.

Allah then replies to their rejection of the Qur'an. Allah says that the Qur'an is "A revelation
of the Mighty
the Most Merciful." In this verse, Allah refutes the notion of those who refute the divine
origin of the
Qur'an.
Allah then outlines the purpose of revealing the Qur'an and the Prophethood of the Holy
Prophet ‫ صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬.Allah sent them "to warn a nation whose forefathers were not
warned and who were negligent ... " the Holy Prophet ‫ صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬was sent among the
Arabs where his duty began. The Arabs were the progeny of Sayyidina Ibrahim, but no
Prophet had come to them for a very long time. Because no Prophet had come to them for a
long time, the Arabs had become negligent of the rights they owed to Allah. It was therefore
necessary for the Holy Prophet to direct them onto the straight course.

"The decree has been passed against most of them, so they will not believe." This verse
consoles the Holy
Prophet, telling him not to grieve about those who do not believe him because Allah had
already decreed
that they will never believe.

Allah then describes one of the punishments the disbelievers will suffer. Allah says, "We
shall place a
yoke around their necks, which reaches to their chins, so their gazes are fixed upwards. We
have placed a
barrier in front of them and a barrier behind them, and we have enveloped them so they
cannot see."
Their hands will also be bound to these yokes, and they will be blind.

The above punishment will be meted out to them in Hell. This is deduced from Surah
Mu'min, where Allah says, "When yokes will be placed around their necks, as well as chains.
They will be dragged into the boiling water, after which they will be cast as fuel for the fire."

THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE REVELATION OF THE ABOVE VERSES

Sayyidina Abdullah bin Abbas says that the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬as once reciting the Qur'an
loudly in the Haram which displeased the polytheists. Some of them decided to harass the
Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬and sneaked behind him to seize him. However, Allah punished them
instead. From their necks downwards, their bodies became paralysed and they all turned
blind. They pleaded with the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬to pray to Allah to cure them because of their
relationship with him. When the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬prayed to Allah, their conditions were
restored and the above verses were revealed.

According to this narration, the punishment described in the above verse took place in this
very world.
The punishment in the Hereafter will certainly be much worse.

It is also reported that once, Abu Jahl decided to kill the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬while he was
performing Salah in the Haram. He took a rock and proceeded to carry out his evil intention.
However, as he approached the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬and raised the rock, his hand became
firmly stuck to his neck. He returned to his companions, who tried in vain to release the
hand from the neck.

Another person then took the rock from him and proceeded to accomplish what Abu Jahl
had failed to do.
As this person approached the Holy Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, Allah took away his eyesight. As he could not
find his way back, his companions had to call him back. Thereafter, a third villain proceeded
with the same thought in mind. As he was walking towards the Holy Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, he suddenly
turned back in flight. When his accomplices asked him the reason, he replied that a large
camel appeared before him as he approached the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬.He told them that he had
never seen such a large camel in his life and it was ready to devour him if he dared draw
closer to the Holy Prophet ‫ﷺ‬.

Thereafter, Allah Ta’ala says, "It is the same to them whether you warn them or you do not
warn than.
They will never believe." When people make themselves blind to the truth and deaf to all
advice, their hearts cannot be penetrated. It is only possible to "warn him who follows the
advice and fears Rahman without seeing Him." This refers to the believer (Mu'min), who
fulfils Allah Ta’ala's commands and fears retribution for his shortcomings. Allah Ta’ala
declares, "Give him the glad tidings of forgiveness and a bountiful provision."

"Verily only We revive the dead and record what they send ahead and the trails they leave.
We have meticulously recorded everything in the clear Book the Lawhul Mahfoz (The
protected tablet))." Every deed, good or bad, is recorded. The phrase "the trails they leave"
alludes to the fact that the trails of any deed (good or evil carried out by the deceased)
which another person follows, will be recorded in favour of the deceased person (if it is
good), or against him (if it is evil).

If a person teaches another to recite the Qur’an, to perform Salah, etc. then he will receive
the rewards of the second person's Qur'anic recitation or Salah even after his death.
Similarly, if a person built a Masjid or wrote a religious book, he will continue to receive the
rewards of all those who benefit from the Masjid or the book. On the other hand, if a person
starts a Bid'ah (religious innovation) or another evil deed, he will be responsible for the sins
of all those who emulate him, even if he has left the world.

Sayyidina Abu Huraira (RA) reports from the Holy Prophet that the rewards of the following
deeds will continue to accrue to the credit of a person even after his death:
1. Knowledge that he has acquired and spread.
2. Leaving pious children behind.
3. Leaving behind a copy of the Qur'an.
4. Building an inn for travellers to use (for free).
5. Digging a well (or any other water source).
6. Spending in charity while healthy and sick.
The Holy Prophet has also said, "Whoever initiates something good in Islam will accrue the
rewards for it, as well as the rewards of all those who emulate his act, without diminishing
their rewards in the least.

(On the other hand,) Whoever initiates something evil in Islam will accrue the sin for it, as
well as the sins of all those who emulate his act, without diminishing their sin in the least."
(Muslim)

"The trails they leave refers to the footprints people leave when they walk to the Masjid for
Salah. Sayyidina Jabir (RA) reports that once, some land became vacant round the Masjid
during the time of the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬.The Banu Salamah tribe, who lived far from the
Masjid, decided to occupy the land. When the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬heard of this, he advised
them to remain where they were because their footprints were being recorded i.e. the
rewards for every step taken to the Masjid was recorded lo their credit.

(VERSES 13 – 19)

َ ُ ُ‫) ا ۡذ َٱ ۡر َسلۡنَا ٓ ال َ ۡيہِ ُم ٱثۡنَ ۡ ِي فَ َك َّذب‬١٣( ‫ون‬

‫وُها‬ َ ۡ ‫ۡض ۡب لَهُم َّمث َل َٱ‬
َ ُ‫ۡص ٰـ َب ٱلۡ َق ۡري َ ِة ا ۡذ َجآ َءهَا ٱلۡ ُم ۡر َسل‬ ِ ۡ ‫َوٱ‬
ِ ِ ِ َُ ٓ ُ
‫) قَالُوا َما ٓ َٱ ُ ۡنُت ا َّل ب َ َّش ِذمثۡلُنَا َو َمآ َٱ َنز َل ٱ َّلر ۡ َۡح ٰـ ُن‬١٤( ‫ون‬ ُ
َ َ ‫فَ َع َّز ۡزّنَ ِبثَا ِلث فَ َقال ٓوا اّنَّ ال ۡيُك ُّم ۡر‬
‫ل‬ ‫س‬
َّ‫) َو َما عَلَ ۡينَآ ال‬١٦( ‫ون‬ ُ َ ۡ ُِ َ ٓ َ ُ ِ ِ ۡ ِ َّ
َ
َ ‫) قالوا َربُّنَا ي َ ۡع َُل اّنَّ ال ۡيُك ل ُم ۡر َسل‬١٥( ‫ون‬ َ ُ ‫َشء ا ۡن َٱ ُ ۡنُت ال تَكذب‬ ۡ َ ‫ِمن‬
ِِ ِ ُ َ ۡ ُ ِ َ ِ َّ َ ۡ ُ ُ ِ ِۡ َۡ
‫) قَال ٓوا اّنَّ ت ََط َّ َّۡيّنَ ِبُك لٮن ل ۡم تَنَتَ ُوا ل َ َۡن ُ َُجنَُّك َول َي َم َّس نَُّك ذمنَّا عَ َذاب َٱلي‬١٧( ‫ٱل َبل ٰـ ُغ ٱل ُمب ُِي‬
ُ ِ ِ ُ ‫ُ ِ ُ ُ ۡم‬
)١٩( ‫ون‬ ُ
َ ‫ۡسف‬ ِ ۡ ُّ ‫) قَالوا َط ٰـ ٓ ُِٕٮُك َّم َعُك َٱٮن ذڪ ۡر مُت بَل ٱ ُ ۡنُت ق ۡوم‬١٨(
‫م‬ َ َ ۡ ‫ذ‬
ِ ِ
(13) Cite to them the parable of the people of the village when the messengers came to
them.
(14,) When We sent two to them, the people falsified them. Thereafter, we strengthened
them with a third and they said, "We have certainly been sent as messengers to you
people."
(15) The people said, you are merely humans like us. Allah Ta’ala has not revealed anything.
You are only lying.
(16) They replied, "Our Lord knows that We have been sent as messengers to you people."
(17) "Clear propagation is our only responsibility."
(18) The people said, "We augur an evil omen from you. If you do not desist, we will surely·
stone you and a painful punishment from us will definitely afflict you.
(19) The messengers said, "Your omen is with you. Is it an evil omen that you have been
given advice? You are but a transgressing nation."
THE ARROGANCE OF A NATION TOWARDS ALLAH'S MESSENGERS
The above verses cite the epic of the inhabitants of a town (probably Antioch), to whom
Allah sent two messengers. Certain commentators have mentioned that these two were not
Prophets but two disciples of Sayyidina lsa (AS). Because they set out on the instruction of
Allah's messenger (acting on Allah's orders), Allah says, "When We sent two to them, the
people falsified them."

Other commentators say that the two were Prophets. Nevertheless, the people of the town
refused to listen to them, after which Allah "strengthened them with a third and they
(collectively) said, 'We have certainly been sent as messengers to you people." However,
"The people said, 'You are merely humans like ourselves. Allah has not revealed anything.
You are only lying." The messengers replied, "Our Lord knows that We have been sent as
messengers to you people. Clear propagation is our only responsibility (we have a duty to
fulfil irrespective of your response)."

"The people said, 'We augur an evil omen from you."' They said this because they blamed
the messengers for the split in their community. Commentators also say that because of
their sinful ways, Allah punished these people by causing certain calamities and disasters to
befall them. However, they blamed the messengers for this. They also added, "If you do not
desist, we will surely stone you (to death) and a painful punishment from us will definitely
afflict you."

The three messengers replied, "Your omen is with you." They told the people that the evil
that affects them is a result of their own devices which they cannot attribute to the
messengers. The only work that the messengers did was advice the people. Therefore, they
asked, 'ls it an evil omen that you have been given advice? You are but a transgressing
nation (your transgression in disbelief has landed you in the predicament you find
yourselves in).

The Holy Prophet has mentioned that auguring omens is an act of polytheism (shirk).
However, the statement of the three messengers was merely in response to the earlier
statement of the people.

(VERSES 20 – 32)

‫) ٱت َّ ِب ُعوا َمن َّل ي َۡسـٴَـلُ ُ ُۡك‬٢٠( ‫َو َجا ٓ َء ِم ۡن َٱ ۡق َصا ٱلۡ َم ِدينَ ِة َر ُجل ي َۡس َع ٰ قَا َل ي َ ٰـ َق ۡو ِم ٱت َّ ِب ُعوا ٱلۡ ُم ۡر َس ِل َي‬
‫) َء َٱ َّ َِّت ُذ ِمن‬٢٢( ‫ون‬ َ ‫) َو َما ِ َل َل ٓ َٱ ۡع ُبدُ ٱ َّ ِلى فَ َط َر ِِن َوالَ ۡي ِه ُت ۡر َج ُع‬٢١( ‫ون‬ َ ُ‫َٱ ۡجرا َو ُُه ُّمهۡ َتد‬
‫) ا ِ ذ ِٓن اذا‬٢٣( ‫ون‬ ِ ‫ِض َّل تُغ ِۡن َع ِ ذّن َش َف ٰـ َعَتُ ُ ۡم َِش ۡيـا َو َل يُن ِق ُذ‬ ‫ُدوِن ِه ۤۦ َءا ِلهَة ان ُي ِرد ِۡن ٱ َّلر ۡ َۡح ٰـ ُن ب ُ ذ‬
ِ ِ ِ
 ‫) ِقي َل ٱ ۡدخ ُِل ٱلۡ َجنَّ َة قَا َل ي َ ٰـلَ ۡي َت‬٢٥( ‫ون‬ ِ ‫نت ِب َ ِبرذ ُ ُۡك فَأ ۡ َۡس ُع‬ ُ ‫) ا ِ ذ ِٓن َءا َم‬٢٤( ‫ل َّ ِف ضَ لَ ٰـل ُّمبِي‬
ِ
‫) ۞ َو َمآ َٱ َنزلۡنَا عَ َ ٰل‬٢٧( ‫) ِب َما غَ َف َر ِل َر ِ ذّب َو َج َعلَ ِّن ِم َن ٱلۡ ُم ۡك َر ِم َي‬٢٦( ‫ون‬ َ ‫قَ ۡو ِم ي َ ۡعلَ ُم‬
‫) ان ََكن َۡت ا َّل َص ۡي َحة َوٲ ِحدَ ة‬٢٨( ‫قَ ۡو ِم ِهۦ ِمن ب َ ۡع ِد ِهۦ ِمن ُجند ِذم َن ٱ َّلس َما ٓ ِء َو َما ُكنَّا ُم ِزنل َي‬
ِ ِ َّ ِ ِ ِ ۡ ِ ِ ۡ َ
َ ‫ۡسة عَل ٱلع َبا مد َما يَأت ِهيم ذمن َّر ُسول ال ََكنُوا ِبهۦ ي َۡس َتہۡ ِز ُء‬
‫ون‬ َ ۡ ‫) ي َ ٰـ َح‬٢٩( ‫ون‬ َ ُ‫فَا َذا ُ ُۡه َخ ٰـ ِمد‬
ِ َ َ ۡ َ َ ِ
‫ك ل َّ َّما َ ُِجيع‬‫) َوان ُ ل‬٣١( ‫ون‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ج‬ِ ‫ر‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ل‬ ‫م‬‫ہ‬
ِ ‫ي‬
َ ُ َۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ ِ ُ َ ‫َ ۡ ذ‬‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ ‫م‬‫ہ‬ُ َّ ‫ن‬‫ٱ‬َ ‫ون‬‫ر‬ ُ
‫ق‬ ۡ ‫ل‬‫ٱ‬ ‫ن‬ ِ
‫م‬ ‫ُم‬ ‫ه‬َ ‫ل‬ ‫ب‬َ ‫ق‬ ‫ا‬‫ن‬‫ك‬ ‫ۡل‬
‫ه‬ َ
‫ٱ‬ ۡ
‫ُك‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬‫ر‬ ‫ي‬
ۡ ََ ۡ ‫م‬ َ ‫ل‬‫ٱ‬َ )٣٠(
ِ ِ
)٣٢( ‫ون‬ َ ‫ض‬ ُ َ ‫َّ ََّليۡنَا ُم ۡح‬

(20) A man came running from the farthest end of the town saying, "O my people! Follow
the messengers."
(21) "Follow those who do not ask for any payment from you, and who are rightly guided."
(22) "Why should I not worship the One Who has created me, and to Whom you all shall
return?"
(23) "Why should I take another as deity beside Him? If Ar Rahman (the Compassionate)
intends any harm to reach me, their intercession will not help me in the least, nor can they
rescue me."
(24) "I would then surely be in manifest deviation."
(25) "I have certainly believed in your Lord, so listen to me."
(26) It was said, "Enter Jannah (Heaven)." He Hid, "If only my people had known…
(27) "because of what my Lord had forgiven me and made me from among the honoured
ones!"
(28) We did not dispatch my army against his nation after him, nor were We going to.
(29) It was only a single scream after which they wen suddenly extinguished.
(30) What anguish about My bondsmen! They mock every Prophet that comes to them.
(31) Have they not seen how many were the nations that We destroyed before them? They
will certainly never return to them.
(32) They will all be present before Us collectively.

A MAN FROM THE TOWN ADVISES THE PEOPLE TO ACCEPT THE CALL OF THE MESSENGERS
When the people of the town rejected the message of the messengers, "A man came
running from the farthest end of the town saying, 'O my people! Follow the messengers."
He told them that the messengers were sincere, "do not ask for any payment" and "are
rightly guided." It is for these reasons that they should be followed.

Then, making reference to himself, the man urged them to worship Allah. He said, "Why
should I not worship the One Who has created me, and to Whom you all shall return?" He
tried to impress upon their minds that Only Allah is worthy of worship because He has
created the universe, and that it would be foolish to worship any other being, especially
with the knowledge that everyone has to return to Allah.
Since the people were polytheists, he addressed them further saying, "Why should I take
another as deity besides Him? If Al Rahman (the Compassionate) intends any harm to reach
me, their (the false god's) intercession will not help me in the least, nor can they rescue me.
(If I were to take others as deities,) I would then surely be in manifest deviation." Without
directly saying it, he presented the message to them that they were astray by worshipping
helpless beings.

He then declared his faith saying, 'I have certainly believed in your Lord, so listen to me."
Instead of saying "my Lord," he said "your Lord" so that they take note of the fact that they
should also be worshipping Allah.

He therefore made them aware of the following facts:

1. That they should worship only Allah Who created them.
2. That they will have to return to Allah.
3. The other gods are helpless.
4. They have all deviated.
5. They should adhere to the correct religion.

It is reported that the people attacked him when he said this to them and killed him.

Sayyidina Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA) says that they trampled him so violently that his
intestines were exposed.

After he had attained the lofty rank of martyrdom, 'it was said (to him), 'Enter Heaven.' He
said, 'If only my people had known because of what my Lord had forgiven me and made me
from among the honoured ones!" Despite what they did to him, he wished that they could
also have accepted Islam, be forgiven and honoured with entry into Heaven.

"Ma'alimut Tanzil" reports that, after the people martyred him, Allah instructed Sayyidina
Jibr'il (AS) to punish them. Jibril (AS) gave a loud scream and they all perished. Referring to
this, Allah says, "We did not dispatch any army against his nation after him, nor were We
going to. It was only a single scream after which they were suddenly extinguished."

This epic was to be a lesson for humanity until Judgement day. Allah does not require troops
and an elaborate arsenal to destroy people. As He did in this case was a scream. Allah can
do anything by merely intending it, but He destroyed them by means of a scream for a
reason known to Him. Whereas, these people were once brimming with pride and
arrogance, they now lay dead like an extinguished fire, with no trace but ashes.

The fact that this person was instructed to enter Heaven shows that he was from that
fortunate group. Commentators have mentioned that the command "Enter Heaven" is a
glad tiding to him, informing him that he will be admitted to Heaven on the Day of
Judgment.
"We did not dispatch any army against his nation after him, nor were We going to." This
verse proves that
Allah does not always send the angels to destroy a nation. However, there are occasions
(like the battle of
Badr) when Allah dispatched an army or angels to deal with the disbelievers.

"What anguish about My bondsmen!" An expression like this is usually used when a person
regrets the loss of something worthwhile. This is merely an expression people use, but Allah
is free of anguish and remorse. The interpretation of this expression, one of them being that
the phrase actually means: "O people! Express your anguish about the condition of My
bondsmen because "They mock every Prophet that comes to them."

"Have they (the Makkan polytheists) not seen how many were the nations that We
destroyed before them? They will certainly never return to them." The Quraysh often
passed by the ruins of previously destroyed nations. These people will never return to the
properties that they left behind, which did not assist them when Allah's punishment came.

"They will all be present before us collectively." After these people were destroyed in this
world, they still have to face Allah on the Day of Judgment. They will then be proven guilty
beyond any doubt and condemned to eternal punishment in Hell.

LESSONS LEARNT FROM THIS INCIDENT

Allah sent a third messenger to strengthen the two. This teaches people that the work of
propagation is more effectively accomplished in groups, rather than individually. Although a
person can preach on his own (and will be rewarded for it) there are greater benefits in
preaching in groups.

Another lesson learnt from the behaviour of the person from the far end of the town is that
people of a locality should actively support the efforts of preachers.

"Follow those who do not ask any payment from you, and who are rightly guided." This
teaches people that preachers of religion should never ask people for anything. They should
carry their own provisions with them and make their own arrangements for boarding and
lodging. They should also never desire anything from the people.

In numerous verses, the Qur'an quotes the statement of the Prophets, where they told the
people, "I do not ask you for any remuneration for this. My remuneration is the
responsibility of Allah, the Lord of the universe."

Allah instructs the Holy Prophet, in Surah Saba saying, "Say, 'You can keep whatever
payment I may have asked of you. My recompense is Allah’s responsibility, and He is
Witness over all things.”
Allah Ta’ala instructs in Surah Sad, "Say, 'I do not ask you people for any remuneration for
this, and I am not amongst those who pretend."

The above verse also teaches people that the person who preaches should himself be
"rightly guided." If this is the case, his preaching will be more effective and people will not
be able to point fingers at him.

A preacher must also address people in a manner pleasing to them. The person in the
incident addressed them as "O my people!" By saying this, he won their attention because
they regarded him as a part of them.

Although he was referring to the disbelief of the people, the person used his own name
when he said,
"Why should I not worship the One Who has created me ... " He did not say, "Why should
you people not worship the One Who has created you." In this manner, he drove the
message home and proved to them the reasons for worshipping Allah. Since he was
addressing them after all, he added, "and to Whom you all shall return?" He did not say, "to
Whom I shall return." Thereby, he urged them to reconsider their plight.

By saying that if he left the true religion, 'l would then surely be in manifest deviation," he
intended to tell them that they were astray by remaining as polytheists.

He then declared his faith saying, 'I have certainly believed in your Lord, so listen to me."
Instead of saying "my Lord," he said "your Lord" so that they take note of the fact that they
should also be worshipping Allah. In this way, they will realise that worshipping other gods
will lead them to destruction. Allah inspires the hearts of people who preach His Din
(religion) sincerely so that they address people in a most befitting and cordial manner. They
are then able to address people in a manner that is effective and not offensive