JZK for that sister…EXACTLY what I needed right about now..

InshAllah I will provide my reflection on this verse which is in the third Juz, but I must reference back to the second Juz to make sense of my reflection.

I always hear people quoting the following ayah in Surah Al Baqarah:

“Let there be no compulsion in religion…” 2:256

When I stopped to really reflect on this verse last night I noticed something VERY unique and special about its meaning. Today, most people refer to this verse as a way of proving Muslims are not an “intolerant” people, and that Islam teaches tolerance of faith. This is of course a valid way of referencing to the verse, but if one really stops and observes where in the Quran this ayah was placed, they will observe an essence that reveals a wisdom much deeper…as I did.

Re-read ayahs 243-253 in the Surah. Allah is calling out to those who face injustice in religion (the Jews in this case) at the hands of the nonbelievers and also from the “weak in faith” within their own religion. (The “weak in faith” are referenced to throughout the Surah. Talut in verse 249 tested the men in his army for ones “weak in faith” by telling them not to drink from the river.) Allah (swt) is calling out to the faithful to wage a “struggle” against those who oppress them and to shun out those who are “weak in faith”. It is at this point in time that Allah mentions the story of David and Goliath and how David slaughtered Goliath: his only means was a sling-shot and a profound faith in Allah.

Than in verse 255 Allah mentions his many given attributes (Ayat Al Kursi). He does this to show man that faith in Him alone is the best of weapons, the best of knowledge, the best of strength, the best of courage, and the best of motivators.

FInally we come to verse 256. In this verse, Allah (swt) drives home the idea of faith as a weapon against all those who seek to weaken or oppress the believer by saying “it is through strength in faith and belief in Allah that man will find their way, and not through compulsion in religion.” Pay attention to what is being said. It is something much more profound than simply denouncing intolerance. It is a call to those who believe to not allow the nonbelievers or those who seek to weaken their faith to do so. The remedy is to hold on to “the firmest handle” so that they are not destroyed by the darkness that consumes the nonbelievers and those with shakable faith. (e.g. When Talut sensed men of weak faith in his army, he didnt force them to fight for the religion, nor did he kill them, he simply separated the ones strong in faith from the ones weak in faith.)

In conclusion, what verse 256 is saying to me is that the believer must hold on to the “firmest grip” (Allah swt) and must repel darkness not by trying to turn darkness to light (compulsion), but by seeking out the light of Allah swt through a strong faith (grip).

SO PROFOUND!

All goodness comes from Allah, and all the mistakes are of my own making.

Ameen

Omarj

Advice from Allah to Us
Fear the day we will be returned to Allah. Everyone will be recompensed justly for their actions. Q2:281
Obey Allah & His Messenger. Q3:32

Allah warning us against Himself
Not to disobey him or else we will be recompensed for our misdeeds. Q3:28/30

Belief (action and statements)
Action of the heart: belief In Allah, His Angels, His Books and His Messengers; not to differentiate between any of them. Q2:285/ Q3:3
Action of the limbs: salah, zakah etc. Q2:277

Brotherhood/friendship in Islam
Brotherhood in Islam Q3:28

Du’a (supplication)
Allah teaches us various kinds of supplications. Q2:286; Q3:8-9/16

Door to gaining knowledge/insight
Fear Allah. If you do that then Allah will teach you. Q2:282

Do you love Allah?
Then follow the Messenger (pbuh), results of that given. Q3:31

Hikmah (wisdom)
Whoever is granted hikmah has been granted something great. Q2:269

Hidayah (Guidance)
Allah guides whomever He wills. Q2:272

Law of contracts
Should be written down in the presence of just witnesses
Etiquettes of writing down explained i.e. fearing Allah when undertaking writing the contract to ensure no one among the parties involved is wronged.
Presence of 2 men as witnesses or 1 man and 2 women as witnesses if 2 men cannot be found.
Witnesses must be truthful when called upon incase issues arise thereafter.
Q2:282-3

Life of Dunya & Akhira (hereafter)
Which is better & more lasting? Answer given in Q3:14-15

Prophets
Allah has favored some of His prophets more than another i.e. He spoke to Musa. Q2:253
Muslims believe in all messengers sent by Allah, unlike people of other faiths who differentiate between them i.e. believe in some and deny some. Q2:253

Proof of resurrection (before the eyes of man in dunya)
Easy for Allah to resurrect, Q2:259/276; Q3:27

Qualities/characteristics of the people of taqwa
Defined in Q3:17

Righteousness/good deeds
Don’t destroy them with evil deeds afterwards. Q2:266

Riba (Usury)
Prohibited by Allah, but trade (lawful) permitted Q2:275
It brings about loss. Q2:276
Whoever gives up Riba (in Allah’s obedience) cannot be held accountable. Q2:280

Spending in Allah’s cause (charity)
Highly encouraged and advocated by Allah to us. Q2:254
Great reward awaits those who spend in charity (including earth produce (Q2:267)), including forgiveness of sins (minors ones). Q2:261/265/272-73/264
Don’t remind others (the recipients of charity) of your charity/injury. Q2:263/264
Shaitan tries to portray spending as leading to Faqr (becoming poor) and encourages lewdness. Q2:267
Allah knows whatever charity we spend in His cause. Q2:270-1
Charity can be given in open and secret, but the one give in secret is much better. Q2:271
Characteristics of al-Fuqara (the poor) elaborated. They are the ones charity should be given. Q2:273
It is blessed by Allah, unlike usury/interest/riba. Q2:276

Tawheed
La-illaha illa-llah. Q2: 255; Q3:2/18
Beautiful names & attributes of Allah stated in the greatest Ayat in the Qur’an. Q2:255
No compulsion in Religion of Islam. Q2:256
Religion of truth before Allah is: Q3:19-20
Deniers of tawheed are destined to Hell. Q2:257; Q3:4/10-12/21-25
Allah’s all encompassing knowledge & sovereignty. Q2:259/284; Q3:5/26/29

In Surah Faith we ask Allah for guidance. Allah answers that in our Salah everytime, since we recite Qur’an right away (the choice is ours whether we want to listen or think about other things). The theme of the entire Quran is guidance. The summary of it is found in Surah Baqarah. Everytime, you read Surah Baqarah, ask yourself, what does each of these verses have to do with guidance.

Here is the general layout of Surah Baqarah (you will only understand this, if you memorized and understand the Surah, or if you read it a lot, hence even reading/memorization can be a motivation to come closer to the book of Allah)

Layout
– Begin with mentioning three types of people: Mutaqieen (those who will be guided), Kafirr (guidance is blocked, since Allah has sealed their hearts), and Munafiqoon, pretend to be on the guidance but are far away from it, and are the worst group, who are in between the Mutaqieen and Kafiroon)
– All of humanity mentioned. Now Allah address them Allah and invites them to voluntarily accept guidance (2:21), challenge to produce a guidance like this, and consequences good and evil for not accepting guidance.
– Methodology of this guidance (2:26). Allah will use parables to make crystal the guidance. If you come with an open heart you will be guided, otherwise you will find nothing but criticism.
– How can you disblieve in Allah? (2:28). Not take the guidance. Where did you come from?
– Story of Adam — first man to be guided/iblees misguided (2:30).
– Address to the scholars of Jews– they should be the first to accept guidance. (2:40)
– Address to the laymen of Jews (2:47)– follow the guidance, remember all of the favours of Allah, and how you didn’t follow the guidance and He SWT still forgave.
– Discussion ends with the Jews 2:123 (Implied is that you are no longer the chosen community of Allah. 2:41 vs. 2:123 has the exact same wrods but the sequence is changed to show that a shift is about to occur and a new community is being chosen by Allah.)
– Allah mentions Ibrahim AS and his progency as they are the link between the Muslim Ummah and the Jewish Ummah. (2:124).
– Introduction fo the new Ummah (2:142). Allah SWT warns us about avoiding extremisim as we are teh middle nation. SubahanAllah! Imagine if Muslims only pondered over the Quran, and this ayah.
– Specific rules and laws related to guidance are revealed (2:158). The purpose of all of these is to attain taqwa as the second ayah of the Surah mentions.
– Conclued with 2:284– Doesn’t matter if you are upon guidance; the choice is yours and you will bare the consequences. Excluisvely to Allah belongs everything that is in the heavens and the earth.
– Sumary of guidance and all that has been mentioned (2:285)
– Concludes with a prayer for guidance, just as surah fatiha centered aroudn a prayer for gudiance (2:286)

SubhanaAllah, how amazing is the interconnection of these ayats. One criticism of the Quran is that it lacks conherence, as the subjects shift abruptly. But after a deep study, one sees how crystal clear the connections are, and how amazing the logic, progression, etc. are.

Theme: Guidance.
The Quran is paired. Baqarh with Imran, Nisaa with Maidah, Anaam with Aaraf (in Anaam its only Tawheed, no stories. i.e. ‘theory’. in Aarf only stories; consequences of not following the theory).

Layout:

Begins with a call to guidance (just like Baqrah). Islam is the only guidance accepted by Allah.
A discussion with the Christian (previous surah had a discussion with Children of Israel). Three miraculous births mentioned: Mary, Wife of Zakirya (despit her old age), and Adam (no father/mother). Implied: Is it hard for Allah to create Jesus without a father?
A call to Jews. Why again? Allahu A3lam, but they are more stubborn, more determined not to accept guidance.. thus the repetitoin. This is why you will find a lot of Christian converts but very few Jewish converts. Allah Knows Best.
This is the chosen community of Allah. What do you need to do as a community and not do? Lists of mistakes that should not be made. Learn from the lessons of the past – especially children of Israel, hence mentioned again!
Summary of the Surah beginning with Verily in the creation of the Heavens and the Earth…

Surah concludes with Taqwa just as Baqarah began with it.

SubahnAllah. Marvel at the intertextuality and interconnectedness.

“To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and whether you disclose what is in yourselves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it. Then He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is able to do all things”

I remembered that when they heard this the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) went to the Messenger (peace be upon him) and fell to their knees, pleading that they could not control what was in their hearts, and thus could not bear the implications of this ayah! The Messenger taught them a supplication (“We hear and we obey!”). Then, from His Immense Mercy, Allah confirmed their belief, mentioned their supplication, gave them comfort and lifted the burden from them in the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (Tafsir Ibn Kathir mentions the details).

I am focusing on my relationship with the Qur’an this month, specifically how I can better implement what I read. When I look to the companions’ reaction, I know they had firm belief in every ayah of the Qur’an. Any Muslim today would say the same, however we too often we pay lip service to this belief but shy away from the implications of living according to the Qur’an and Sunnah.

The companions had an emotional reaction to the words of God, and a deep concern when they felt they may not be able to carry the responsibility being placed upon them.

The reaction described above was not isolated. Some of the most touching stories I have read from the early generations of Muslims show us that – in so many cases – the Qur’an had an immediate & transformative impact on their lives.

So I am left to challenge myself (to check myself!) by asking the following questions:

How can I cultivate my heart to react to God’s word in this manner?

Do I think about the implications of every ayah I read?

Do I truly strive to let the Qur’an shape my character? How can I do more?

I pray that our reflection this month is transformative to our character, and that it brings about the change we seek as we strive to be closer to Allah!

Ayat 256: There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion.The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light. And those who disbelieve – their allies are Taghut. They take them out of the light into darknesses. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.

These two ayats after ayatul kursi have a deeper meanings,
after Allah’s oneness is mentioned, it is clearly explained that there is no compulsion in deen. Truth has been laid out for you, everything, all the signs in the universe is infront of you, now you have to decide to enter into the fold of Islam. No one can force you. And once you are in the fold of Islam then Hold on to your Lord’s power. His strength and power can hold you. Whenever you are in trouble whenever you are losing yourself, hold on to Him . Urwat ul wusqaa. He will never leave you. He’ll never let you down , he will never let you scatter. All other supports are fragile and weak and His support is the strongest and eternal.
But if you follow Taagoot then you will be in real trouble. It will take you to the utter darkness, when you make Allah your Wali , He takes you out from the darkness to light. All other supports are useless and leave you in the deep, dark valley of ignorance and dismay.
Proof: Ibrahim had that “Urwat ul Wasqa” therefore he was able to stand up infront of Namrood and justified the Truth.That strong ‘hold’ made him do such a great sacrifice.(mentioned in next Ayah)
again the power of Urwat ul wusqa.

Another lesson which was stricking to me was the parables of a person who was spending not for the sake of Allah but to show off.

Ayat 265:like the one who spends his property to show off and who has no faith in God or belief in the Day of Judgment. The example of his deed is as though some soil has gathered on a rock and after a rain fall it turns hard and barren. Such people can not benefit from what they have earned. God does not guide the unbelievers.

The example is so complete nothing can be said after that. How people destroy their earnings by lacking sincerity and showing off.

On the other hand another example:

Ayat 266: And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring [reward for] themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour – so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And Allah , of what you do, is Seeing.

Those who love Allah only does things to seek His pleasure and then their reward and results are multiplied. Their sincerity can be smelled from far away and small even slight amount of effort can create wonders,a drizzle is sufficient. Subhanallah

Lastly, the end of Surah Baqarah has the most preciuos gem hiddden in it.

God does not impose on any soul a responsibility beyond its ability.

These words carry a lesson of courage and wisdom.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed with the crisis of life, when you feel I can’t do it, ponder on this Ayah.
Allah knows your capability. you are chosen for that task. This is your project,he taught you the way. When anxiety overcomes you,think that Allah has chosen this calamity for you and again you can over come it by grasping Urwat ul Wusqaa. If someone’s words had fallen you like a mountain, has pierced your soul, be calm that Allah has decided it for you. Accept it with pleasure. That burdened was given to you by Allah He knew your capability.He knew you can handle it.This Ayat holds you in the face of extreme adversity and agony.
This ayah makes you steadfast, patient and showers you with taqwa.
The lessons are numerous and heart trembling.
Only thing is needed is the seeker. We have to dig deep in the words of Allah to find those pearls.

And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

I would also like to take this time to thank all the fellow Muslims and of course sheikh Suhaib, for this opportunity to really think and ponder about the Quran. You can not really understand something, until you are forced to relay that understanding to others. May Allah make it a blessed Ramadan for you all and your families.

‘Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”

Tawhid is the Oneness of Allah and for a person comes in 3 levels and this ayah reminds us of the Oneness of Allah, and how He alone has can be attributed this all encompassing oneness. Tawhid also comes in 3 stations and is talked about in 3 different ayat in the Quran. The first is “Qul hua Allahu Ahad”, a close meaning of which is, “Say he is Allah, One.” At this point a person is recognizing the Oneness of Allah with their tongue. This is the lowest station of tawhid. At this point a person is saying, but not necessarily acting on what they are saying. Their Hawa’ or passions, desires, etc. may still be in charge of them. A person may elevate themselves insha’Allah by returning to the Shariah, following it and using it to elevate them by leading back to practice of the Islamic way. In this way, insha’Allah, a person may move to the middle station of Tawhid. The middle station of Tawhid is indicated in the Quran by “Fa’lam annahu La Illaha Illa Allah”, a close meaning of which is, “Know that there is no God but Allah”. At this point Tawhid has entered the heart and mind and knowledge can be acted upon. To further elevate oneself, one can perfect the Aqidah, go back to the 6 Aticles of Faith (Iman) and continuing to follow the Shariah will InshaAllah lead to the 3rd and highest station of Tawhid. The highest station of Tawhid is indicated in the Quran by “ShahidAllahu annahu La Illaha illa Hua wal Malaikatu wa ulul Ilmi Qaimam bil Qist”. At this point a person’s every action and aspect are a testimony to Allah’s Oneness and may Allah make us all attain that station.

Subhan’Allah, we humans and animals alike have limits placed on us in the form of nourishment, sleep, and even power. But Allah, He who is without imperfection, is limitless in every sense and when we truly are vulnerable during Ramadan, we are forced to acknowledge this and return to him with humility.

The third chapter of the Qur’an (Al Imran) then begins. This chapter is named for the family of Imran (the father of Mary, mother of Jesus). The chapter begins with the claim that this Qur’an confirms the messages of previous prophets and messengers of God – it is not a new religion. One is reminded of the strict punishment facing unbelievers in the Hereafter, and the People of the Book (i.e. Jews and Christians) are called upon to recognize the truth – that this revelation is a confirmation of what came before to their own prophets.

Ramadan is a time where we as Muslims fast during a month in which the glorious Quran was revealed. This part of the juz reminds us that this message, in which we strive to learn and apply, is not a new one. We are again just humbled worshipers of Allah (swt), the most high. This revelation is one that has been repeated and has strict consequences, but at the same time, there immeasurable beauty in it and what better time to take a moment to appreciate this beauty, then now?

In verse 3:33, the story of the family of Imran begins. Here we see the sincere devotion of Mariam’s mother, to give her daughter for the sake of Allah alone. Looking at this, should we not all give ourselves for the sake of Allah in everything we do? Allah has given us bounties that we as humans are unable to imagine, let alone count and be gracious and thankful enough for. During this Ramadan, let us insha’Allah try to be among those who thank Allah and moisten our tongues with His remembrance.