Importance of Reciting the Holy Qur’an
The Qur’an, which means “Recitation” in Arabic, was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with the command “Iqra”, meaning “Read” or “Recite”. This underscores the significance of reciting the Holy Qur’an regularly as a means of gaining Divine knowledge and guidance for self-improvement. Understanding the inner meaning of the Qur’an through reading and reflection can provide believers with the proper guidance to attain success in this life and the hereafter. Daily recitation of the Qur’an is an important act of worship that allows for the remembrance of Allah (SWT) and the attainment of peace and tranquility. The Qur’an is not only a source of true guidance and blessings in this life, but it also promises salvation and eternal peace in the hereafter for the faithful. With its wealth of knowledge and guidance, every verse of the Qur’an holds great importance for those seeking positive changes in their lives.
While emphasizing the importance of adhering to Qur’anic teachings, Ziad bin Labeed cited a Hadith in which Muhammad (ﷺ) expressed his concern, saying that: “an endangering situation will occur when Islamic knowledge is eliminated.” ‘How would it be, O Prophet (ﷺ), while we have been reading the Qur’an and teaching our children, and they will continue to teach their progenies?’ I asked. He replied to me, “O Ziad! I thought you to be one of the intelligent people of Madinah. Do you not see how often the Jews and Christians read Tawraat and Injeel but do not obey their teachings?” (Ibne Maza). The Prophet (ﷺ) said in another hadith from Sahih Bukhari, “Among you, the best is he who learns the Qur’an and teaches others.” These Hadiths show how important it is to learn the Qur’an and adhere to its teachings.
The Decorum of Reciting the Holy Qur’an
The Qur’an is the Divine Book of Wisdom and Guidance to humanity. It bears immense respect among Muslims as the sacred words of Allah (SWT). The literal meaning of the Qur’an is ‘Reading’. Its Revelation started with the Arabic word ‘Iqra’, which means ‘Read’. So, the Holy Qur’an should be read correctly, humbly, and regularly with full devotion and attention, and also in a clear and melodious voice. While the Qur’an is recited, Muslims should listen attentively with due reverence, abstaining from all other works.
The readers’ physical and mental expressions should conform to the inner meaning of the Quranic verses. For example, when going through the verses of admonition and punishment, one should feel scared with tears in their eyes, and when the verses of mercy, forgiveness, and reward are read, one should be gratified, optimistic, and enthused, and while reading the Ayahs of glory, praise, and holiness of Allah (SWT), one should say Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar in appropriate places. Thus, the recitation of the Holy Qur’an becomes a magnificent Ibadah (worship) when read in a befitting manner, understanding its meaning. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) says:
فَاِذَا قَرَاْتَ الْقُرْاٰنَ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطٰنِ الرَّجِيْمِ
“When you do read the Qur’an, seek Allah’s protection from Satan the rejected one.” (16:98)
وَاِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْاٰنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوْا لَه وَاَنْصِتُوْا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُوْنَ وَاذْكُرْ رَّبَّكَ فِىْ نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَّخِيْفَةً وَّدُوْنَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ القَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْاٰصَالِ وَلَا تَكُنْ مِّنَ الْغٰفِلِيْنَ
“When the Qur’an is read, listen to it with attention, and keep silent – so that you may receive Mercy. And Remember your Lord in your heart, with humility and in reverence, in soft voice, in the mornings and evenings; and be not of those who are unheedful.” (7:204 – 205)
وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْاٰنَ تَرْتِيْلًا
“………… and recite the Qur’an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.” (73:4)
اَقِمِ الصَّلٰوۃَ لِدُلُوْكِ الشَّمْسِ اِلٰی غَسَقِ الَّیْلِ وَقُرْاٰنَ الْفَجْرِ ؕ اِنَّ قُرْاٰنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُوْدًا
“Establish regular prayers – from the decline of the sun (afternoon/sunset) till the darkness of the night, and the morning prayer and reciting Qur’an – for the prayer and reciting Qur’an in the morning carry their testimony.” (17:78)
لَوْ اَنْزَلْنَا هٰذَا الْقُرْاٰنَ عَلٰى جَبَلٍ لَّرَاَيْتَه خٰشِعًا مُّتَصَدِّعًا مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ اللهِ وَتِلْكَ الْاَمْثٰلُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُوْنَ
“Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, certainly, you would have seen it humbled itself and cleaved asunder from fear of Allah. Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, so that they may reflect.” (59:21)
وَقُرْاٰنًا فَرَقْنٰهُ لِتَقْرَاَه عَلَى النَّاسِ عَلٰى مُكْثٍ وَنَزَّلْنٰهُ تَنْزِيْلًا قُلْ اٰمِنُوْا بِه اَوْ لَا تُؤْمِنُوْٓا ط اِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ اُوْتُوْا الْعِلْمَ مِنْ قَبْلِه اِذَا يُتْلٰى عَلَيْهِمْ يَخِرُّوْنَ لِلْاَذْقَانِ سُجَّدًا وَّيَقُوْلُوْنَ سُبْحٰنَ رَبِّنَاۤ اِنْ كَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّنَا لَمَفْعُوْلًا وَيَخِرُّونَ لِلأَذْقَانِ يَبْكُونَ وَيَزِيدُهُمْ خُشُوعًا
“(It is) a Qur’an which We have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that you might recite it to people steadily (at intervals): We have revealed it by stages. Say: ‘Whether you believe in it or not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration.’ And they say: ‘Glory to our Lord! Truly has the promise of our Lord been fulfilled!’ They fall down on their faces in tears, and it increases their (earnest) humility.” (17:106 – 109) [Sajdah-e-Tilawat]
…. فَاقْرَءُوْا مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنَ القُرْاٰنِ ط عَلِمَ اَنْ سَيَكُوْنُ مِنْكُم مَّرْضٰىۙ وَاٰخَرُوْنَ يَضْرِبُوْنَ فِى الْاَرْضِ يَبْتَغُوْنَ مِنْ فَضْلِ اللهِ ۙ وَاٰخَرُوْنَ يُقٰتِلُوْنَ فِى سَبِيْلِ اللهِ ز فَاقْرَءُوْا مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنْهُ….
“…. Therefore, you recite the Qur’an as much as may be easy for you. He knows that there may be (some) among you sick; others travelling through the land, seeking of Allah’s bounty; yet others fighting in Allah’s Cause, you, therefore, recite as much of the Qur’an as may be easy (for you) ….” (73:20)
اَللهُ نَزَّلَ اَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيْثِ كِتٰبًا مُّتَشٰبِهًا مَّثَانِىَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُوْدُ الَّذِيْنَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْج ثُمَّ تَلِيْنُ جُلُوْدُهُمْ وَقُلُوْبُهُمْ اِلٰى ذِكْرِ اللهِ ذٰلِكَ هُدَى اللهِ يَهْدِى بِه مَنْ يَّشَآءُ ط وَمَنْ يُّضْلِلِ اللهُ فَمَا لَه مِنْ هَادٍ
“Allah has sent down the best message, a Book (this Qur’an), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah. He Guides therewith whom He pleases and whomever Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide.” (39:23)
Benefits of Reciting the Holy Qur’an
According to a Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah (SWT) rewards ten times for each alphabet of the Qur’an for its recitation.” In another hadith, he said, ‘On the Day of Judgement, the Qur’an will intercede to Allah for its Ashaab (those who read, memorize, and implement it).’ (Sahih Muslim). “Among you, one is the best who learns the Qur’an and teaches it to others”, the Prophet (ﷺ) added. (Sahih Bukhari). Thus, regular recitation of the Qur’an makes its reader God-fearing, purifies one’s heart, increases one’s belief, and enhances righteousness. At the end, he/she becomes a true believer and a pious slave of Allah (SWT). In this context Allah (SWT) says:
یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَتْکُمْ مَّوْعِظَۃٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّکُمْ وَشِفَآءٌ لِّمَا فِی الصُّدُوْرِ ۬ۙ وَهُدًی وَّرَحْمَۃٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ قُلْ بِفَضْلِ اللّٰهِ وَبِرَحْمَتِہٖ فَبِذٰلِكَ فَلْیَفْرَحُوْا ؕ هُوَ خَیْرٌ مِّمَّا یَجْمَعُوْنَ
“O mankind! there has come to you a direction (Qur’an) from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts, and for those who believe, a guidance and a Mercy. Say (O Prophet): ‘In the bounty of Allah. And in His Mercy, – in that let them rejoice, that is better than the (knowledge and wealth) they hoard.” (10:57 – 58)
اَللهُ نَزَّلَ اَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيْثِ كِتٰبًا مُّتَشٰبِهًا مَّثَانِىَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُوْدُ الَّذِيْنَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِيْنُ جُلُوْدُهُمْ وَقُلُوْبُهُمْ اِلٰى ذِكْرِ اللهِ ذٰلِكَ هُدَى اللهِ يَهْدِىْ بِه مَنْ يَّشَآءُ وَمَنْ يُّضْلِلِ اللهُ فَمَا لَه مِنْ هَادٍ
“Allah has sent down the most superb massage: A Book consistent and paired (with promise of rewards and punishments), which is oft repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver with it, then their skins and their hearts soften up to the remembrance of Allah. Such is Allah’s guidance; He guides with it whomever He wills. But whomever Allah leaves astray, for him there is no guide.” (39:23)
وَلِيْعْلَمَ الَّذِيْنَ اُوْتُوْا الْعِلْمَ اَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَّبِّكَ فَيُؤْمِنُوْا بِه فَتُخْبِتَ لَه قُلُوْبُهُمْ ۗ وَاِنَّ اللهَ لَهَادِ الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْٓا اِلٰى صِرٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيْمٍ
“And that those on whom knowledge has been bestowed may learn that the (Qur’an) is the Truth from thy Lord, and that they may believe therein, and their hearts may be made humbly (open) to it: for verily Allah is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Way.” (22:54)
كِتٰبٌ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ اِلَیْكَ مُبٰرَکٌ لِّیَدَّبَّرُوْۤا اٰیٰتِہٖ وَ لِیَتَذَكَرَ اُولُوا الْاَلْبَابِ
“(This is) a blessed Book which We have revealed to you (O Prophet), so that they might reflect upon its Ayahs, and that people of understanding may receive admonition.” (38:29)
وَ اِذَا قُرِیَٔ الْقُرْاٰنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوْا لَہٗ وَاَنْصِتُوْا لَعَلَّکُمْ تُرْحَمُوْنَ
“So, when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” (7:204)
الٓرٰ كِتٰبٌ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ اِلَیْكَ لِتُخْرِجَ النَّاسَ مِنَ الظُّلُمٰتِ اِلَی النُّوْرِ ۬ۙ بِاِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ اِلٰی صِرَاطِ الْعَزِیْزِ الْحَمِیْدِ
“A Book which We have revealed unto you, in order that you might lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light – by the leave of their Lord – to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!” (14:1)
قَدْ اَفْلَحَ مَنْ تَزَكَّى وَذَكَرَ اسْمَ رَبِّه فَصَلَّى
“Verily he has succeeded who purifies himself, who remembers the name of his Lord and prays.” (87:14 – 15)
اَلَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوْبُهُمْ بِذِکْرِ اللّٰهِ ؕ اَلَا بِذِکْرِ اللّٰهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوْبُ
“Those who believe, and whose hearts find serenity in the remembrance of Allah. For it is without doubt by the remembrance of Allah do hearts find gratification.” (13:28)
وَ لَقَدْ اَنْزَلْنَاۤ اِلَیْکُمْ اٰیٰتٍ مُّبَیِّنٰتٍ وَّمَثَلًا مِّنَ الَّذِیْنَ خَلَوْا مِنْ قَبْلِکُمْ وَ مَوْعِظَۃً لِّلْمُتَّقِیْنَ
“We have sent down to you clarifying revelations, and examples of those who passed away before you, and advice for the righteous.” (24:34).
وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْاٰنَ لِلذِّكْرِ
“And We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember……” (54:17)
Significance & Benefits of Some Surahs & Ayat:
The Holy Qur’an contains some Surahs and Ayat that have special value for memorization as well as recitation in day-to-day prayer. These are discussed below:
Surah Fatiha: Its Significance & Benefits
وَ لَقَدْ اٰتَیْنٰكَ سَبْعًا مِّنَ الْمَثَانِیْ وَالْقُرْاٰنَ الْعَظِیْمَ
“We have given you seven oft-repeated verses, and the Grand Qur’an.” (15:87).
Surah Fatiha is the most important Surah of the Holy Qur’an which is placed at the very beginning of the Qur’an. As such it is called the Opening Surah of the Qur’an. Recitation of this Surah has been made obligatory in every ‘rakah’ (cycle) of daily Salah. So, the Qur’an mentions it as “The Seven Oft-Repeated Verses”. According to a Hadith of Bukhari: ‘Salat becomes invalid if it is not recited in every rak’ah of Salah.”It is also called ‘Ummul Qur’an’ or ‘Ummul Kitab’ as it contains the very essence of the Qur’an. According to a hadith, ‘It is named Umm al-Qur’an because it is the first Surah written in the Qur’anic texts and the recitation of prayer commences with it.’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari). It bears immense importance for it is believed to be the synthesis of the messages of the Holy Qur’an. As such, it is frequently recited in the daily Salah with due reverence. It has been termed “As shifa’ (The Cure) as it is believed to have the healing power of body and mind. The other names of this important Surah are: ‘Al-Asas’ (The Foundation), ‘Surah Al-Hamd’ (The Chapter of Praise), and also ‘Surahtus-Salah’ (The Chapter of Prayer). As regards its benefits, the Holy Prophet said: ‘Surah Fatiha is a cure for every illness.’ (Darmi, Bahiqi). The verses of this Surah contain beneficial Du’a for righteous guidance.Surah Fatiha contains three important parts: The first part is related with Allah’s praise and attributes, the second part acknowledges worshipping Him alone and seeking help only to Him, and the third part ends with prayer to Almighty Allah for guiding towards the straight path, the path of the blessed ones and not the path of the cursed and strayed ones.
In this context Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allah, the Glorious and Exalted, said, ‘I have divided the prayer between Myself and my servant equally and My servant shall be granted what he asked for.’ Therefore, when the servant says, ‘all praises and thanks are due to Allah, the Lord of the universe,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has praised Me.’ When he says, ‘the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has extolled Me.’ When he says, ‘Master of the Day of Judgement,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified Me.’ When he says, ‘You alone we worship and Your help alone do we seek,’ Allah says, ‘this is between Me and My servant and My servant shall have what he requested.’ When he says, ‘guide us to the Straight Path, the Path of those whom You have favored, not of those who have incurred (Your) wrath, neither of those who have gone astray,’ Allah says, ‘this is for My servant and My servant shall have what he asked for’.” (Sahih Muslim)
About the revelation of this Surah Ibn Abbas () reported in a Hadith that while Jibraiel () was sitting with Prophet (ﷺ) he heard a scraping sound above him. He lifted his head and said: ‘As a gate opened in heaven today which had never been opened before. Then when an angel descended through it, he said: This is an angel who came down to the earth who had never come down before. He greeted and said: Rejoice in two lights given to you which have not been given to any prophet before you: Fatiha al-Kitab and the concluding verses of Surah al-Baqarah. You will never recite a letter from them for which you will not be given (a reward).’ (Sahih Muslim). In another Hadith Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘One more feature of this Surah is that no similar Surah was revealed in other Divine Books like Zaboor, Tourat and Injeel.’ (Sahih Bukari, Mishkat).
In a Hadith, Ibn Abbas () reported that while Jibraiel () was sitting with the Prophet (ﷺ), he heard a scraping sound above him. He lifted his head and said: “As if a gate opened in heaven today which had never been opened before.” Then, when an angel descended through it, he said, “This is an angel who came down to the earth who had never come down before.” He greeted and said, “Rejoice in the two lights given to you which have not been given to any prophet before you: Fatiha al-Kitab and the concluding verses of Surah al-Baqarah.” You will never recite a letter from them for which you will not be given a reward.” (Sahih Muslim). In another hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) stated, “One more feature of this surah is that no similar surah has been revealed in other Divine Books such as Zaboor, Tourat, and Injeel.” (Sahih Bukhari, Mishkat).
The Surah Fatiha has been quoted below:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰـنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِیْنَ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ مٰلِكِ یَوْمِ الدِّیْنِ اِیَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَاِیَّاكَ نَسْتَعِیْنُ اِهْدِ نَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِیْمَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِیْنَ اَنْعَمْتَ عَلَیْهِمْ ۬ۙ غَیْرِ الْمَغْضُوْبِ عَلَیْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّآلِّیْنَ
“In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Beneficent, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgement, You (alone) we worship; You (alone) we seek for help. Show us the straight path, the path of those whom You have favored; Not the (path) of those who earn Your wrath nor of those who go astray.” (1:1 – 7)
Surah Ikhlas: Introduction of Allah (SWT) & Tawheed (His Oneness)
Surah Ikhlas is one of the shortest Surahs of the Holy Qur’an, but bears great importance as it gives the introduction of Allah (SWT), His unity and oneness, and his unique features in summarized form. It declares ‘Tawheed’ (monotheism), the core belief of Islam, as well as the divinity and uniqueness of Allah (SWT). The very name of the Surah ‘Ikhlas’ specifies the sincere belief in Tawheed and the unique attributes of Allah (SWT). The significance of the Surah was mentioned in a Hadith of the Prophet (ﷺ), in which he stated that reciting it three times is equivalent to reciting the entire Qur’an.
Surah Ikhlas is quoted below:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰـنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
قُلْ هُوَ اللّٰهُ اَحَدٌ اَللّٰهُ الصَّمَدُ لَمْ یَلِدْ ۬ۙ وَ لَمْ یُوْلَدْ وَ لَمْ یَکُنْ لَّہٗ کُفُوًا اَحَدٌ
“Say (O Prophet): He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, entirely Independent (free of all needs); He begets not, nor was He begotten; And there is none comparable to Him.” (112:1 – 4)
Surah ‘Asr’: Gist of the whole Qur’an
Though Surah “Asr” is one of the shortest ones, comprised of only three Ayahs, it carries a comprehensive thought for humanity. According to the interpreters of the Qur’an, it summarizes the theme of the whole Qur’an. According to them, this Surah concentrates in a few lines on the entire course of human life. Imam Shafi’ee commented, “If people take this Surah (Al-Asr) in careful consideration, it suffices them for their true guidance.” This Surah contains four meaningful human efforts: having Imaan (belief), doing good deeds, upholding the truth and calling others to it, and urging people to be patient. Those who pursue the above four directions will surely protect themselves from grave loss and help them attain success both in this life and the hereafter.
The full Surah is cited below:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰـنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
وَالْعَصْرِ اِنَّ الْاِنْسَانَ لَفِیْ خُسْرٍ اِلَّا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ ۬ۙ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ
“By Time. Verily the human being is in loss. Except those who believe, and do good works, and encourage each other to uphold truth, and exercise and recommend patience.” (103:1 – 3)
Surah Qadar: Significance of the Night of Revelation of the Qur’an
Surah ‘Qadr’ signifies the importance of a powerful night known as ‘Lailatul Qadr’ (Night of Power) in which the Holy Qur’an was first revealed. This very night is better than a thousand months as mentioned in this Surah, that means the rewards of the ibadah (worship) performed in this single night carries more value than a thousand months’ worship. This Night is so significant one that Jibreel () and innumerable angels descend on the earth by permission of their Lord with His decision on every matter and distribute His bounties and mercy upon His devoted salves. Peace exists in the earth throughout the night until the emergence of dawn. The full Surah Qadr has been cited below:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰـنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
اِنَّاۤ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ فِیْ لَیْلَۃِ الْقَدْرِ وَمَاۤ اَدْرٰىكَ مَا لَیْلَۃُ الْقَدْرِ لَیْلَۃُ الْقَدْرِ ۬ۙ خَیْرٌ مِّنْ اَلْفِ شَہْرٍ تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلٰٓئِكَۃُ وَالرُّوْحُ فِیْهَا بِاِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ ۚ مِنْ کُلِّ اَمْرٍ سَلٰمٌ قفۛ هِیَ حَتّٰی مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
“We sent it (Qur’an) down on the Night of Decree. But what will convey to you what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. In it descend the angels and the Spirit (Jibreel), by the leave of their Lord, with every command. Peace it is; until the rise of dawn.” (97:1 – 5)
The following verses also narrate the importance of this Blessed Night as given below:
حٰمٓ وَالْكِتٰبِ الْمُبِیْنِ اِنَّاۤ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ فِیْ لَیْلَۃٍ مُّبٰرَكَۃٍ اِنَّا کُنَّا مُنْذِرِیْنَ فِیْهَا یُفْرَقُ کُلُّ اَمْرٍ حَكِیْمٍ اَمْرًا مِّنْ عِنْدِنَا ؕ اِنَّا کُنَّا مُرْسِلِیْنَ رَحْمَۃً مِّنْ رَّبِّكَ ؕ اِنَّہٗ هُوَ السَّمِیْعُ الْعَلِیْمُ
“Ha, Meem. By the Enlightening Scripture. We have revealed it on a Blessed Night – Certainly We are the Ones Who Warn. The decision of every matter of wisdom is passed on this night. As a decree proceeding from Us. We are indeed the Ones Who send the messages. As mercy from your Lord. He is certainly All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (44:1 – 6)
Benefits of Surah Yaseen
Surah Yaseen is one of the most important Surah that holds maximum rewards and virtues for the one who recites it for Allah’s pleasure. It is called the ‘Heart of the Qur’an’ as Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said in a Hadith that ‘Each thing has a heart and heart of the Qur’an is Surah Yaseen. I like that all my followers should contain it in their hearts.’ He further said, “Whoever recites Surah Yaseen at night seeking the pleasure of Allah, that night he will be forgiven.” (Bayhaqi). Another Hadith of Sahih Tirmidhi Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘if this Surah is recited once, ten times rewards of reciting full Qur’an would be given.’
Surah Yaseen is one of the most important Surah that holds maximum rewards and virtues for the one who recites it for Allah’s pleasure. Surah Yaseen is known as the ‘Heart of the Qur’an’ because Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said in a Hadith, “Everything has a heart, and the heart of the Qur’an is Surah Yaseen.” I like that all my followers should carry it in their hearts.” He further said, “Whoever recites Surah Yaseen at night seeking the pleasure of Allah, that night he will be forgiven.” (Bayhaqi). Another Hadith of Sahih Tirmidhi Prophet (ﷺ) stated, “If this Surah is recited once, the rewards of reciting the entire Qur’an will be given ten times.”
Benefits of Surah AR-Rahman
Surah AR-Rahman is the 55th Surah of the Qur’an, with a frequently mentioned verse: “Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?” This Surah gives vivid descriptions of Allah’s boundless mercy and grace upon humans and jinn, which cannot be denied anyway. In a Hadith, the beauty of this Surah is narrated in the following manner: ‘Everything has an adornment, and the adornment of the Qur’an is Surah AR-Rahman.’ (Bayhaqi). Its contents, rhythmic and soothing descriptions arouse feelings of gratitude towards Allah (SWT) and bring peace and tranquility of mind. So, recitation of this Surah is helpful for getting relief and inner peace of mind.
Benefits of Surah Waqi’ah
Regular recitation of Surah Waqi’ah has immense benefits to ward off poverty. One of the Hadiths narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas’ud () when he was at death bed and leaving his daughters in a distressed condition. Usman (), the Caliph of Islam, came to see him and offered state assistance for his daughters. But he said: “You are worried about my daughters, so that they might not suffer from poverty. I have no such worry, because I have instructed them to recite Surah Waqi’ah every night as I have heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, ‘Whoever recites Surah Waqi’ah every night will never suffer from poverty’.”
Benefits of Surah Al-Mulk
Surah Al Mulk, the 67th Surah of the Holy Qur’an is an important one. According to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), whoever recites and memorizes this Surah, in return, it will intercede to Allah for the forgiveness of his or her sins until and unless forgiven. However, Abdullah Ibn Abbas said that it was the wish of Prophet (ﷺ) that, ‘Surah Mulk must be in the heart of every Muslim. Its regular recitation saves one from the torment of the grave’.
Benefits of Surah Kafiroon
Surah Kafiroon clearly differentiated Islamic worship of one God (monotheism) with the worship of many gods (polytheism). The end verse manifestly separated the two religious beliefs saying: “For you is your religion, and for me is mine (my religion).” These two are completely opposite beliefs and there is no chance of reconciliation. Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite this Surah every night before going to bed as it protects from the greatest sin of Shirk (associating Allah with other gods). According to a Hadith, the reward of reciting Surah Kafiroon is equivalent to a quarter of the Qur’an.
Benefits of Reciting Surah Ikhlas, Falaq & Naas together
Because the above three short Surahs have strong protective properties, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite them together three times before going to bed, then blow into his palms and wipe his body with them. These Surahs have given focus to the invocation of Allah (SWT) for protection from Kufr and all sorts of evils. Surah Ikhlas was mentioned by the Prophet (ﷺ) as one-third of the Qur’an. If one recites this Surah three times, one will get the benefit of reciting the whole Qur’an. Surah Falaq is to seek the protection of Almighty Allah from the harms of night, black magic, and envies, while Surah Naas is to seek the protection of Allah from all evil thoughts that come to one’s heart and mind from humans and jinn.
Benefits of Surah Kahaf
Surah Kahaf, is the 18th Surah of the Holy Qur’an, According to Hadith, recitation of this Surah on Friday carries immense benefit. The Hadith says: “He who memorizes the first ten verses of Surah Al Kahaf will be protected from the trial of the Dajjal.” (Sahih Muslim). Prophet (ﷺ) further said. “Whoever recites Surah Kahaf on the day of Jumm’ah (Friday) will have a light that will shine for him from one Friday to the next.” (Al-Jaami).
Ayatul Kursi: Its Importance and Reward
The 255th verse of Surah Baqarah of the Holy Qur’an is known as Ayatul Kursi. It is regarded as one of the most powerful verses of the Qur’an because of its magnanimous contents about Allah’s attributes, power and greatness. Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘For everything, there is a hump (pinnacle) and the hump of the Qur’an is Surah Al-Baqarah, wherein there is an Ayah which is the master of the Ayat in the Qur’an; (it is) Ayatul Kursi. (Jami Tirmidhi). Recitation of the Ayatul Kursi in the morning and evening keeps one under the protection of Allah (SWT) from the evils of the jinn and Satan. About the benefits of its recitation Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi after every Fard Salat, only death is keeping him/her from entering Jannah (i.e., as soon as he/she dies, will enter Jannah). [Nasa’i].
‘Ayatul Kursi’ is quoted below:
اَللّٰهُ لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَۚ اَلْحَیُّ الْقَیُّوْمُ ۬ۚ لَا تَاْخُذُہٗ سِنَۃٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ؕ لَہٗ مَا فِی السَّمٰوٰتِ وَمَا فِی الْاَرْضِ ؕ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِیْ یَشْفَعُ عِنْدَہٗۤ اِلَّا بِاِذْنِہٖ ؕ یَعْلَمُ مَا بَیْنَ اَیْدِیْهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۚ وَلَا یُحِیْطُوْنَ بِشَیْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِہٖۤ اِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ ۚ وَسِعَ کُرْسِیُّهُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضَ ۚ وَلَا یَـُٔوْدُہٗ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَلِیُّ الْعَظِیْمُ
“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 before them and what is behind them, and they encompass not a thing beyond His knowledge except for what He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most-High, the Most-Great.” (2:255)
First Revealed Five Ayat of the Qur’an
The revelations of Al-Qur’an began with the first five verses of Surah ‘Alaq’. Jibreel () descended on the Mount Heera (Jabal an-Noor) with ‘Wahee’ (Revelations) from Allah (SWT), when Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was engrossed in deep meditation in a cave of that mountain. Jibreel () called upon him to ‘Read’. But he replied, ‘I can’t read’. This happened two more times with same reply from him. Thereupon Jibreel () caught hold of him and embraced him heavily and again asked him to recite the following five verses:
اِقْرَاْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِیْ خَلَقَ ۚ خَلَقَ الْاِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ۚ اِقْرَاْ وَرَبُّكَ الْاَکْرَمُ ۙ الَّذِیْ عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ ۙ عَلَّمَ الْاِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ یَعْلَمْ
“Read! In the Name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clot of congealed blood. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. He who taught by the pen. Taught man what he never knew.” (96:1 – 5)
The Qur’an gives a description of the first revelation in the following verses:
اِنْ هُوَ اِلَّا وَحْیٌ یُّوْحٰی عَلَّمَہٗ شَدِیْدُ الْقُوٰی ذُوْ مِرَّۃٍ ؕ فَاسْتَوٰی وَهُوَ بِالْاُفُقِ الْاَعْلٰی ثُمَّ دَنَا فَتَدَلّٰی فَكَانَ قَابَ قَوْسَیْنِ اَوْ اَدْنٰی فَاَوْحٰۤی اِلٰی عَبْدِہٖ مَاۤ اَوْحٰی
“It (the Qur’an) is nothing, but a revelation sent down to him. He was taught by one Mighty in Power (Jibreel ), and endowed with Wisdom: for he appeared in his own form; while he was on the uppermost horizon: Then he approached and came closer, and was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or even nearer; So, did ((Allah)) revealed to His Servant- what He (meant) to reveal.” (53:4 – 10)
Last Revealed Ayah Declaring Islam as Complete and Final Religion
The last verse of the Qur’an confirming Islam as the complete, perfected and final religion was revealed upon Muhammad (ﷺ), the Prophet of Allah (SWT) on the day of Farewell Hajj at Arafa. It is known as ‘Ayat Ikmal Ad-Deen’ (آیَة اِکْمَالُ الدِّيْن – the Verse of the Perfection of the Religion). This Ayah confirms Islam as the final and perfect religion of Allah for humanity. Regarding the revelation of this Ayah Umar Ibn Khattab () narrated that: ‘Once a Jew said to me, O Amirul Moo’minin (Leader of Believers)! There is a verse in your Holy Book which is read by all of you, and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day on which it was revealed as a day of celebration.’ I asked, ‘Which is that verse?’ The Jew replied, “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favors upon you, And have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5:3). I replied, ‘No doubt, we know when and where this verse was revealed to the Prophet. It was Friday and the Prophet was standing at Arafa.” (Sahih Bukhari). That is the Day of Hajj. This Ayah is quoted below:
…. اَلْیَوْمَ اَکْمَلْتُ لَکُمْ دِیْنَکُمْ وَاَتْمَمْتُ عَلَیْکُمْ نِعْمَتِیْ وَرَضِیْتُ لَکُمُ الْاِسْلَامَ دِیْنًا ؕ…
“…… This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion……” (5:3)
Ayah on Serenity and Reverence of the Month of Ramadan
The Holy month of Ramadan is one of the best months for Ibadah and earning enormous rewards. Firstly, it is the prescribed month for performing ‘Sawm’ (Obligatory Fasting). Secondly, this month has three parts: the first part is blessed with Allah’s Rahmat (mercy), the middle part is full of Magferat (forgiveness), and the last part is granted for Nazat (salvation from Hell-fire). So, every single day and night of Ramadan is very important for worship, especially the last ten days and nights has been reserved for I’tikaf which carries infinite rewards from Allah (SWT). Thirdly, the Holy Qur’an was first revealed in a night of this month, which is known as ‘Lailatul Qadr’. Worship in this night is better than one thousand months’ worship. The exact Night of Qadr is uncertain, but Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘You search Lailatul Qadr in the odd nights of last ten days of the month of Ramadan.’
Those who perform I’tikaf during the third part of Ramadan are assured of getting the immense benefit of Lailatul Qadr. A’isha () quoted a Hadith, “When the last ten nights of Ramadan began Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) kept awake by night (for prayer and devotion), wakened his family, and prepared himself to observe salah (with more vigor).” (Sahih Muslim). “Prophet (ﷺ) used to stay full time at mosque to perform ‘I’tikaf’ (seclusion) during the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Sahih Muslim). Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said in another Hadith: “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i).
The Ayat of the Qur’an about the month of Ramadan is quoted below:
شَہْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِیْۤ اُنْزِلَ فِیْهِ الْقُرْاٰنُ هُدًی لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَیِّنٰتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدٰی وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْکُمُ الشَّہْرَ فَلْیَصُمْهُ ؕ وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِیْضًا اَوْ عَلٰی سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّۃٌ مِّنْ اَیَّامٍ اُخَرَ ؕ یُرِیْدُ اللّٰهُ بِکُمُ الْیُسْرَ وَلَا یُرِیْدُ بِکُمُ الْعُسْرَ ۫ وَلِتُکْمِلُوا الْعِدَّۃَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللّٰهَ عَلٰی مَا هَدٰىکُمْ وَلَعَلَّکُمْ تَشْکُرُوْنَ
“Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed – as Guidance for humanity, and clear portents of guidance, and the Criterion (of truth and falsehood). Whoever of you witnesses this month, shall fast in it. But whoever is sick, or on a journey, then (complete fasting in) a number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, and does not desire hardship for you, that you may complete the number, and celebrate Allah for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.” (2:185)
Ayah on Light of Allah (SWT)
Humans have very little or limited knowledge to comprehend the Unique, Infinite and Mysterious nature of Allah (SWT) because they are created as finite beings. So, Allah (SWT) has given an example of His ‘Noor’ (light) so that humans, with their limited knowledge and intelligence, can grasp the true nature of His Light. The following verse of Surah Noor gives a description of Allah’s Light:
اَللّٰهُ نُوْرُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ ؕ مَثَلُ نُوْرِہٖ كَمِشْکٰوۃٍ فِیْهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ؕ اَلْمِصْبَاحُ فِیْ زُجَاجَۃٍ ؕ اَلزُّجَاجَۃُ كَاَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّیٌّ یُّوْقَدُ مِنْ شَجَرَۃٍ مُّبٰرَكَۃٍ زَیْتُوْنَۃٍ لَّا شَرْقِیَّۃٍ وَلَا غَرْبِیَّۃٍ ۙ یَّكَادُ زَیْتُهَا یُضِیْٓءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ ؕ نُوْرٌ عَلٰی نُوْرٍ ؕ یَہْدِی اللّٰهُ لِنُوْرِہٖ مَنْ یَّشَآءُ ؕ وَیَضْرِبُ اللّٰهُ الْاَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ بِکُلِّ شَیْءٍ عَلِیْمٌ
“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The allegory of His Light is that of a niche on which is a lamp. The lamp is within a glass. The glass is like a shining star. The lamp is lit with oil of a blessed tree – the tree of olive, which is neither easterly nor westerly. Its oil is almost illuminated, even if no fire has touched it. Light upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whomever He wills. Allah thus cites the parables for the people. Allah is cognizant of everything.” (24:35)
Last Two Ayahs of Surah Baqarah
The last two Ayahs of Surah Baqarah were revealed along with Surah Fatiha and the Hadith about their revelations has already narrated in the description of Surah Fatiha. The last two verses of Surah al-Baqarah are quoted below:
اٰمَنَ الرَّسُوْلُ بِمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَیْهِ مِنْ رَّبِّہٖ وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ ؕ کُلٌّ اٰمَنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَمَلٰٓئِكَتِہٖ وَکُتُبِہٖ وَرُسُلِہٖ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَیْنَ اَحَدٍ مِّنْ رُّسُلِہٖ ۟ وَقَالُوْا سَمِعْنَا وَاَطَعْنَا ق۫ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَاِلَیْكَ الْمَصِیْرُ لَا یُكَلِّفُ اللّٰهُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ؕ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَیْهَا مَا اکْتَسَبَتْ ؕ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَاۤ اِنْ نَّسِیْنَاۤ اَوْ اَخْطَاْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِل عَلَیْنَاۤ اِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَہٗ عَلَی الَّذِیْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَۃَ لَنَا بِہٖ ۚ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا اَنْتَ مَوْلٰىنَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَی الْقَوْمِ الْکٰفِرِیْنَ
“The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. They all believed in Allah, and His angels, and His scriptures, and His messengers: ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers. And they say, ‘We hear and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, O our Lord! To you is our return.’ Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity. To its credit is what it (the soul) earns (good), and against it is what it (the soul) commits (sin). (They pray) ‘Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, ‘do not burden us as You have burdened those before us.’ Our Lord, ‘do not burden us with more than we have strength to bear; and pardon us, and forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our Protector, so help us against the disbelieving people’.” (2:285 – 286)
Ayah on Allah’s Deedar (sighting)
It is impossible for human beings to get ‘Deedar’ (sight) of Allah (SWT) as He is unseen to all. When Musa (), the prophet of Allah wanted to see Him, Allah flashed an atom of His Light upon the mountain of Toor. That Flash of His Light was so intense that it burnt the mountain into dust and Musa () became unconscious and fell down on the ground. However, He will be visible in the hereafter to His believing and pious servants living in Paradise.
It is impossible for human beings to get the “Deedar” (sight) of Allah (SWT) as He is unseen to all. When Musa (), the prophet of Allah, wanted to see Him, Allah flashed an atom of His light upon the mountain of Toor. That flash of His light was so intense that it burnt the mountain into dust and Musa () became unconscious and fell down on the ground. However, He will be visible in the hereafter only to His believing and pious servants living in Paradise.
وَ لَمَّا جَآءَ مُوْسٰی لِمِیْقَاتِنَا وَكَلَّمَہٗ رَبُّہٗ ۙ قَالَ رَبِّ اَرِنِیْۤ اَنْظُرْ اِلَیْكَ ؕ قَالَ لَنْ تَرٰىنِیْ وَلٰكِنِ انْظُرْ اِلَی الْجَبَلِ فَاِنِ اسْتَقَرَّ مَكَانَہٗ فَسَوْفَ تَرٰىنِیْ ۚ فَلَمَّا تَجَلّٰی رَبُّہٗ لِلْجَبَلِ جَعَلَہٗ دَکًّا وَخَرَّ مُوْسٰی صَعِقًا ۚ فَلَمَّاۤ اَفَاقَ قَالَ سُبْحٰنَكَ تُبْتُ اِلَیْكَ وَاَنَا اَوَّلُ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ
“And when Musa came to Our appointed time, and his Lord spoke to him, he said, ‘My Lord, expose Yourself so that I may see You.’ He said, ‘You cannot see Me, but look at the mountain; if it remains in its place, then you will see Me.” But when his Lord manifested His Light to the mountain, He devastated it into dust, and Musa fell down unconscious. Then, when he regained his consciousness, he said, “Glory be to you, I repent to you, and I am the first to believe.” (7:143).
Mysterious Events of Surah Kahaf:
Surah Kahaf contains the stories of four mysterious events having good lessons for the believers. The stories of this Surah are related to the ‘Ashabe Kahaf’ (People of the Cave), Fate of one arrogant garden owner, Journey of Musa () with Khizir (), and King Zul-Karnyn’s protection wall against Ya’juj and Ma’juj.
Verses related with each mysterious event are cited below:
-
Ashabe Kahaf (People of the Cave)
This is a strange story of Surah Kahaf about several youths, who fell into the anger of their pagan King because of their Imaan (faith) in the Oneness and Unity of Allah (SWT). So, they fled away from and took shelter in a cave and prayed to Allah, “Our Lord! bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and dispose of our affair for us in the right way!” (18:10). Allah (SWT) accepted their prayer and kept them asleep in that cave for a period of long 309 years. When Allah (SWT) awakened them, they could not guess how much time they had slept there. But when one of them went to a shop in a neighboring town to buy food, his dress and coins exposed him as a man of ancient times. A description of this story has been given in the following verses:
اَمْ حَسِبْتَ اَنَّ اَصْحٰبَ الْكَہْفِ وَالرَّقِیْمِ ۙ كَانُوْا مِنْ اٰیٰتِنَا عَجَبًا اِذْ اَوَی الْفِتْیَۃُ اِلَی الْكَہْفِ فَقَالُوْا رَبَّنَاۤ اٰتِنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ رَحْمَۃً وَهَیِّیْٔ لَنَا مِنْ اَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا فَضَرَبْنَا عَلٰۤی اٰذَانِهِمْ فِی الْكَہْفِ سِنِیْنَ عَدَدًا ثُمَّ بَعَثْنٰهُمْ لِنَعْلَمَ اَیُّ الْحِزْبَیْنِ اَحْصٰی لِمَا لَبِثُوْۤا اَمَدًا نَحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَیْكَ نَبَاَهُمْ بِالْحَقِّ ؕ اِنَّهُمْ فِتْیَۃٌ اٰمَنُوْا بِرَبِّهِمْ وَزِدْنٰهُمْ هُدًی وَرَبَطْنَا عَلٰی قُلُوْبِهِمْ اِذْ قَامُوْا فَقَالُوْا رَبُّنَا رَبُّ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ لَنْ نَّدْعُوَا۠ مِنْ دُوْنِہٖۤ اِلٰـہًا لَّقَدْ قُلْنَاۤ اِذًا شَطَطًا هٰۤؤُلَآءِ قَوْمُنَا اتَّخَذُوْا مِنْ دُوْنِہٖۤ اٰلِهَۃً ؕ لَوْ لَا یَاْتُوْنَ عَلَیْهِمْ بِسُلْطٰنٍۭ بَیِّنٍ ؕ فَمَنْ اَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرٰی عَلَی اللّٰهِ كَذِبًا وَاِذِ اعْتَزَلْتُمُوْهُمْ وَمَا یَعْبُدُوْنَ اِلَّا اللّٰهَ فَاْ وٗۤا اِلَی الْكَہْفِ یَنْشُرْ لَکُمْ رَبُّکُمْ مِّنْ رَّحْمَتِہٖ وَیُهَیِّیْٔ لَکُمْ مِّنْ اَمْرِکُمْ مِّرْفَقًا
“Do you think that the People of the Cave and ‘Raqeem’ (Inscription) were of Our wondrous signs? When the youths took shelter in the cave, they said, ‘Our Lord, give us mercy from Yourself, and bless our affair with guidance.’ Then We cast a veil on their ears in the cave for many years. Then We awakened them to know which of the two groups could better specify the length of their stay. We relate to you their story in truth. They were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance. And We strengthened their hearts, when they stood up and said, ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth; we will not call on any god besides Him, for then we would have spoken an outrage. These people, our people, have taken to themselves gods other than Him. Why do they not bring a clear proof concerning them? Who, then, does greater wrong than he who invents lies and attributes them to Allah? Now that you have withdrawn from them, and from what they worship besides Allah, take shelter in the cave. And your Lord will unfold His mercy for you and will set your affair towards ease.” (18:9 – 16)
وَ تَرَی الشَّمْسَ اِذَا طَلَعَتْ تَّزٰوَرُ عَنْ كَہْفِهِمْ ذَاتَ الْیَمِیْنِ وَاِذَا غَرَبَتْ تَّقْرِضُهُمْ ذَاتَ الشِّمَالِ وَهُمْ فِیْ فَجْوَۃٍ مِّنْهُ ؕ ذٰلِكَ مِنْ اٰیٰتِ اللّٰهِ ؕ مَنْ یَّہْدِ اللّٰهُ فَهُوَ الْمُہْتَدِ ۚ وَمَنْ یُّضْلِلْ فَلَنْ تَجِدَ لَہٗ وَلِیًّا مُّرْشِدًا وَتَحْسَبُهُمْ اَیْقَاظًا وَهُمْ رُقُوْدٌ ٭ۖ وَنُقَلِّبُهُمْ ذَاتَ الْیَمِیْنِ وَذَاتَ الشِّمَالِقۖ وَكَلْبُهُمْ بَاسِطٌ ذِرَاعَیْهِ بِالْوَصِیْدِ ؕ لَوِ اطَّلَعْتَ عَلَیْهِمْ لَوَلَّیْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِرَارًا وَ لَمُلِئْتَ مِنْهُمْ رُعْبًا
“You would have seen the sun, when it rose, passing by their cave towards the right, and when it sets, moving away from them to the left, as they lay in the midst of the cave. That was one of Allah’s wonders. The person whom Allah guides is truly guided; but the one whom He misguides, for him you will find no guiding friend. You would have thought they were awake, though they were asleep. We used to turn them over, to the right and the left, while their dog stretching out its forelegs at the entrance. If you had seen them, you would turn and run away, filled with fear of them.” (18:17 – 18)
وَ كَذٰلِكَ بَعَثْنٰهُمْ لِیَتَسَآءَلُوْا بَیْنَهُمْ ؕ قَالَ قَآئِلٌ مِّنْهُمْ كَمْ لَبِثْتُمْ ؕ قَالُوْا لَبِثْنَا یَوْمًا اَوْ بَعْضَ یَوْمٍ ؕ قَالُوْا رَبُّکُمْ اَعْلَمُ بِمَا لَبِثْتُمْ ؕ فَابْعَثُوْۤا اَحَدَکُمْ بِوَرِقِکُمْ هٰذِہٖۤ اِلَی الْمَدِیْنَۃِ فَلْیَنْظُرْ اَیُّهَاۤ اَزْکٰی طَعَامًا فَلْیَاْتِکُمْ بِرِزْقٍ مِّنْهُ وَلْـیَؔتَلَطَّفْ وَلَا یُشْعِرَنَّ بِکُمْ اَحَدًا اِنَّهُمْ اِنْ یَّظْهَرُوْا عَلَیْکُمْ یَرْجُمُوْکُمْ اَوْ یُعِیْدُوْکُمْ فِیْ مِلَّتِهِمْ وَلَنْ تُفْلِحُوْۤا اِذًا اَبَدًا وَكَذٰلِكَ اَعْثَرْنَا عَلَیْهِمْ لِیَعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّ وَعْدَ اللّٰهِ حَقٌّ وَاَنَّ السَّاعَۃَ لَا رَیْبَ فِیْهَا ۚ٭ اِذْ یَتَنَازَعُوْنَ بَیْنَهُمْ اَمْرَهُمْ فَقَالُوا ابْنُوْا عَلَیْهِمْ بُنْیَانًا ؕ رَبُّهُمْ اَعْلَمُ بِهِمْ ؕ قَالَ الَّذِیْنَ غَلَبُوْا عَلٰۤی اَمْرِهِمْ لَنَتَّخِذَنَّ عَلَیْهِمْ مَّسْجِدًا
“Such (being their state), we woke them up so that they could question each other. One of them said, ‘How long have you stayed (asleep here)?’ They said, ‘We have stayed (perhaps) a day, or part of a day.’ (At length) they (all) said, ‘(Allah) (alone) knows best how long you have stayed here. Now send some one of you to the town with this coin of yours: let him find out which is the purest food and bring some of that to you, that (you may) satisfy your hunger therewith: And let him behave with care and courtesy and let him not inform any one about you. ‘For if they should come upon you, they would stone you or force you to return to their cult, and in that case you would never attain success. Thus, did We make their case known to the people, that they might know that the promise of Allah is true, and that there can be no doubt about the Hour of Judgment. Behold, they dispute among themselves as to their affair. (Some) said, ‘Construct a building over them’: Their Lord knows best about them: those who proved dominant over their affair said, ‘Let us surely build a place of worship over them’.” (18:19 – 21)
وَلَبِثُوْا فِیْ كَہْفِهِمْ ثَلٰثَ مِائَۃٍ سِنِیْنَ وَازْدَادُوْا تِسْعًا قُلِ اللّٰهُ اَعْلَمُ بِمَا لَبِثُوْا ۚ لَہٗ غَیْبُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ ؕ اَبْصِرْ بِہٖ وَاَسْمِعْ ؕ مَا لَهُمْ مِّنْ دُوْنِہٖ مِنْ وَّلِیٍّ ۫ وَلَا یُشْرِکُ فِیْ حُکْمِہٖۤ اَحَدًا
“And they stayed in their cave for three hundred years, adding nine (total 309 years). Say, ‘Allah knows best how long they stayed.’ He has the knowledge of the mysteries of the heavens and the earth. How well does He see and hear! They have no guardian besides Him, and He shares nobody with His Sovereignty.” (18:25 – 26)
-
Garden-owner and his Friend
This is the story of Surah Kahaf about two friends, one of whom was wealthy and owned two fertile gardens brimming with produce but lacked Imaan (faith), while the other was a poor man but had Imaan. Instead of being grateful to Allah for His favor, the wealthy one became arrogant. Consequently, Allah’s wrath fell upon him and he lost his gardens. The poor friend, on the other hand, was content with his Imaan and remained patient with poverty and hardship. They were both put to the test for their Imaan based on their wealth and poverty. The following verses are linked to this topic:
وَاضْرِبْ لَهُمْ مَّثَلًا رَّجُلَیْنِ جَعَلْنَا لِاَحَدِهِمَا جَنَّتَیْنِ مِنْ اَعْنَابٍ وَحَفَفْنٰهُمَا بِنَخْلٍ وَجَعَلْنَا بَیْنَهُمَا زَرْعًا كِلْتَا الْجَنَّتَیْنِ اٰتَتْ اُکُلَهَا وَلَمْ تَظْلِمْ مِّنْهُ شَیْئًا ۙ وَ فَجَّرْنَا خِلٰلَهُمَا نَهَرًا وَكَانَ لَہٗ ثَمَرٌ ۚ فَقَالَ لِصَاحِبِہٖ وَهُوَ یُحَاوِرُہٗۤ اَنَا اَکْثَرُ مِنْكَ مَالًا وَاَعَزُّ نَفَرًا وَدَخَلَ جَنَّتَہٗ وَهُوَ ظَالِمٌ لِّنَفْسِہٖ ۚ قَالَ مَاۤ اَظُنُّ اَنْ تَبِیْدَ هٰذِہٖۤ اَبَدًا وَمَاۤ اَظُنُّ السَّاعَۃَ قَآئِمَۃً ۙ وَلَئِنْ رُّدِدْتُّ اِلٰی رَبِّیْ لَاَجِدَنَّ خَیْرًا مِّنْهَا مُنْقَلَبًا قَالَ لَہٗ صَاحِبُہٗ وَهُوَ یُحَاوِرُہٗۤ اَكَفَرْتَ بِالَّذِیْ خَلَقَكَ مِنْ تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ نُّطْفَۃٍ ثُمَّ سَوّٰىكَ رَجُلًا لٰكِنَّا۠ هُوَ اللّٰهُ رَبِّیْ وَلَاۤ اُشْرِکُ بِرَبِّیْۤ اَحَدًا وَ لَوْ لَاۤ اِذْ دَخَلْتَ جَنَّتَكَ قُلْتَ مَا شَآءَ اللّٰهُ ۙ لَا قُوَّۃَ اِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ ۚ اِنْ تَرَنِ اَنَا اَقَلَّ مِنْكَ مَالًا وَ وَلَدً
“And cite for them the parable of two men. To one of them We gave two gardens of vine, and We surrounded them with palm-trees, and We placed between them crops. Both gardens produced their harvest in full and suffered no loss. And We made a river flow through them. And thus, he had abundant fruits. He said to his friend, as he conversed with him, ‘I am wealthier than you, and stronger in manpower.’ And he entered his garden, wronging himself. He said, ‘I do not think this will ever perish. And I do not think the Qiyamah is about to happen. And even if I am returned to my Lord, I will find something better than this in return.’ His friend said to him, as he conversed with him, ‘Are you being ungrateful to Him who created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then evolved you into a man? But as for me, He is Allah, my Lord, and I never associate with my Lord anyone. When you entered your garden, why did you not say, As Allah wills; there is no power except through Allah? Although you see me inferior to you in wealth and children’.” (18:32 – 39)
وَاُحِیْطَ بِثَمَرِہٖ فَاَصْبَحَ یُقَلِّبُ كَفَّیْهِ عَلٰی مَاۤ اَنْفَقَ فِیْهَا وَهِیَ خَاوِیَۃٌ عَلٰی عُرُوْشِهَا وَیَقُوْلُ یٰلَیْتَنِیْ لَمْ اُشْرِکْ بِرَبِّیْۤ اَحَدً ا وَلَمْ تَکُنْ لَّہٗ فِئَۃٌ یَّنْصُرُوْنَہٗ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللّٰهِ وَمَا كَانَ مُنْتَصِرًا هُنَالِكَ الْوَلَایَۃُ لِلّٰهِ الْحَقِّ ؕ هُوَ خَیْرٌ ثَوَابًا وَ خَیْرٌ عُقْبًا
“And the all of his crops ruined, and so he began wringing his hands (in sorrow) over what he had invested in it, as it lays fallen upon its trellises. And he was saying, ‘Would that I had not associated anyone with my Lord.’ He had no people to help him besides Allah, and he was helpless. That is because authority belongs to Allah, the True. He is best in rewarding, and best in requiting.” (18:42 – 44)
-
Education Tour of Musa () with Khizir ()
It was a story from Surah Kahaf about Prophet Musa () who accompanied Khizir () in an educational tour to learn ‘Ilm-ul-Ghayeb’ (Knowledge of the Unseen). One of the conditions of this tour was that Musa () would just observe the actions of Khizir () with patience asking no questions till he himself explained them. During this tour, Musa () observed some mysterious actions of Khizir () that were beyond his understanding. So, he could not keep his patience, and asked for their explanations. Then Khizir () explained his actions in the following verses:
فَوَجَدَا عَبْدًا مِّنْ عِبَادِنَاۤ اٰتَیْنٰهُ رَحْمَۃً مِّنْ عِنْدِنَا وَعَلَّمْنٰهُ مِنْ لَّدُنَّا عِلْمًا قَالَ لَہٗ مُوْسٰی هَلْ اَتَّبِعُكَ عَلٰۤی اَنْ تُعَلِّمَنِ مِمَّا عُلِّمْتَ رُشْدًا قَالَ اِنَّكَ لَنْ تَسْتَطِیْعَ مَعِیَ صَبْرًا وَكَیْفَ تَصْبِرُ عَلٰی مَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِہٖ خُبْرًا قَالَ سَتَجِدُنِیْۤ اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰهُ صَابِرًا وَلَاۤ اَعْصِیْ لَكَ اَمْرًا قَالَ فَاِنِ اتَّبَعْتَنِیْ فَلَا تَسْـَٔلْنِیْ عَنْ شَیْءٍ حَتّٰۤی اُحْدِثَ لَكَ مِنْهُ ذِکْرًا
“Then they (Musa and his companion) came upon a servant of Ours, whom (Khizir ) We had blessed with mercy from Us, and had taught him knowledge from Our Own. Musa said to him, ‘May I follow you, so that you may teach me some of the guidance you were taught?’ He said, ‘You will not be able to endure with me. And how will you endure what you have no knowledge of?’ He said, ‘If Allah wills You will find me patient; and I will not disobey you in any order of yours.’ He said, ‘If you follow me, do not ask me about anything, until I myself make mention of it to you’.” (18:65 – 70)
فَانْطَلَقَا حَتّٰۤی اِذَا رَكِبَا فِی السَّفِیْنَۃِ خَرَقَهَا ؕ قَالَ اَخَرَقْتَهَا لِتُغْرِقَ اَهْلَهَا ۚ لَقَدْ جِئْتَ شَیْئًا اِمْرًا قَالَ اَلَمْ اَقُلْ اِنَّكَ لَنْ تَسْتَطِیْعَ مَعِیَ صَبْرًا
“So, they set out. Until, when they had boarded the boat, he holed it. He (Musa ) said, ‘Did you hole it, to drown its passengers? You have done something awful.’ He (Khizir ) said, ‘Did I not tell you that you will not be able to endure with me’?” (18:71 – 72)
قَالَ لَا تُؤَاخِذْنِیْ بِمَا نَسِیْتُ وَلَا تُرْهِقْنِیْ مِنْ اَمْرِیْ عُسْرًا فَانْطَلَقَا حَتّٰۤی اِذَا لَقِیَا غُلٰمًا فَقَتَلَہٗ ۙ قَالَ اَقَتَلْتَ نَفْسًا زَكِیَّۃًۢ بِغَیْرِ نَفْسٍ ؕ لَقَدْ جِئْتَ شَیْئًا نُّکْرًا قَالَ اَلَمْ اَقُلْ لَّكَ اِنَّكَ لَنْ تَسْتَطِیْعَ مَعِیَ صَبْرًا قَالَ اِنْ سَاَلْتُكَ عَنْ شَیْءٍۭ بَعْدَهَا فَلَا تُصٰحِبْنِیْ ۚ قَدْ بَلَغْتَ مِنْ لَّدُنِّیْ عُذْرًا
“He said, ‘Do not accuse me of forgetting, and do not make my course difficult for me.’ Then they set out. Until, when they encountered a boy, he killed him. He (Musa ) said, ‘Did you kill an innocent soul, who killed no one? You have done something terrible.’ He (Khizir ) said, ‘Did I not tell you that you will not be able to endure with me? (Musa ) said: ‘If ever I ask you about anything after this, keep me not in your company: then would you have received (full) excuse from my side’.” (18:73 – 76)
فَانْطَلَقَا حَتّٰۤی اِذَاۤ اَتَیَاۤ اَهْلَ قَرْیَۃِۣ اسْتَطْعَمَاۤ اَهْلَهَا فَاَبَوْا اَنْ یُّضَیِّفُوْهُمَا فَوَجَدَا فِیْهَا جِدَارًا یُّرِیْدُ اَنْ یَّنْقَضَّ فَاَقَامَہٗ ؕ قَالَ لَوْ شِئْتَ لَتَّخَذْتَ عَلَیْهِ اَجْرًا
“Then they proceeded: until, when they came to the inhabitants of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused them hospitality. They found there a wall on the point of falling down, but he set it up straight. (Musa ) said: ‘If you had wished, surely you could have exacted some recompense for it’!” (18:77)
قَالَ هٰذَا فِرَاقُ بَیْنِیْ وَبَیْنِكَ ۚ سَاُنَبِّئُكَ بِتَاْوِیْلِ مَا لَمْ تَسْتَطِعْ عَّلَیْهِ صَبْرًا اَمَّا السَّفِیْنَۃُ فَكَانَتْ لِمَسٰكِیْنَ یَعْمَلُوْنَ فِی الْبَحْرِ فَاَرَدْتُّ اَنْ اَعِیْبَهَا وَكَانَ وَرَآءَهُمْ مَّلِکٌ یَّاْخُذُ کُلَّ سَفِیْنَۃٍ غَصْبًا وَاَمَّا الْغُلٰمُ فَكَانَ اَبَوٰهُ مُؤْمِنَیْنِ فَخَشِیْنَاۤ اَنْ یُّرْهِقَهُمَا طُغْیَانًا وَکُفْرًا فَاَرَدْنَاۤ اَنْ یُّبْدِلَهُمَا رَبُّهُمَا خَیْرًا مِّنْهُ زَکٰوۃً وَاَقْرَبَ رُحْمًا وَاَمَّا الْجِدَارُ فَكَانَ لِغُلٰمَیْنِ یَتِیْمَیْنِ فِی الْمَدِیْنَۃِ وَكَانَ تَحْتَہٗ كَنْزٌ لَّهُمَا وَكَانَ اَبُوْهُمَا صَالِحًا ۚ فَاَرَادَ رَبُّكَ اَنْ یَّبْلُغَاۤ اَشُدَّهُمَا وَیَسْتَخْرِجَا كَنْزَهُمَا قۖ رَحْمَۃً مِّنْ رَّبِّكَ ۚ وَمَا فَعَلْتُہٗ عَنْ اَمْرِیْ ؕ ذٰلِكَ تَاْوِیْلُ مَا لَمْ تَسْطِعْ عَّلَیْهِ صَبْرًا
“He (Khizir ) said, ‘This is the parting between you and me. Now I will tell you the interpretation of what you were unable to endure with patience. As for the boat, it belonged to some poor persons working at sea. I wanted to damage it because there was a king coming after them seizing every boat by force. As for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared he would overwhelm them with oppression and disbelief. So, we wanted their Lord to replace him with someone better in purity, and closer to loving. And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphaned boys in the city. Beneath it was a treasure that belonged to them. Their father was a righteous man. Your Lord wanted them to reach their maturity, and then extract their treasure – as a mercy from your Lord. I did not do it of my own accord. This is the interpretation of what you were unable to endure with patience’.” (18:78 – 82)
-
King Zul-Karnyn & Ya’juj-Ma’juj (Gog and Magog)
This story of Surah Kahaf is related to King Zul-Karnyn, to whom Allah (SWT) gave a big empire, enormous power, and authority to deal with his subjects as he pleased. It was a test of his ability to wield power and authority over them. During his expedition to a distant region, he found a nation being frequently attacked by the Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog), two extremely violent tribes. The oppressed nation’s people requested the king’s assistance in erecting a wall to protect them from the onslaught of Ya’juj and Ma’juj. The King then built a strong wall out of molten iron and copper, which they could not penetrate. The Qur’an forecasts that the Ya’juj and Ma’juj will be able to break it before Qiyamah and create anarchy on the earth. This event of Ya’juj-Ma’juj, will be a major portent of Qiyamah. Some verses of this topic are quoted below:
حَتّٰۤی اِذَا بَلَغَ بَیْنَ السَّدَّیْنِ وَجَدَ مِنْ دُوْنِهِمَا قَوْمًا ۙ لَّا یَكَادُوْنَ یَفْقَهُوْنَ قَوْلًا قَالُوْا یٰذَاالْقَرْنَیْنِ اِنَّ یَاْجُوْجَ وَمَاْجُوْجَ مُفْسِدُوْنَ فِی الْاَرْضِ فَهَلْ نَجْعَلُ لَكَ خَرْجًا عَلٰۤی اَنْ تَجْعَلَ بَیْنَنَا وَ بَیْنَهُمْ سَدًّا قَالَ مَا مَكَنِّیْ فِیْهِ رَبِّیْ خَیْرٌ فَاَعِیْنُوْنِیْ بِقُوَّۃٍ اَجْعَلْ بَیْنَکُمْ وَبَیْنَهُمْ رَدْمًا اٰتُوْنِیْ زُبَرَ الْحَدِیْدِ ؕ حَتّٰۤی اِذَا سَاوٰی بَیْنَ الصَّدَفَیْنِ قَالَ انْفُخُوْا ؕ حَتّٰۤی اِذَا جَعَلَہٗ نَارًا ۙ قَالَ اٰتُوْنِیْۤ اُفْرِغْ عَلَیْهِ قِطْرًا فَمَا اسْطَاعُوْۤا اَنْ یَّظْهَرُوْهُ وَمَا اسْتَطَاعُوْا لَہٗ نَقْبًا قَالَ هٰذَا رَحْمَۃٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّیْ ۚ فَاِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ رَبِّیْ جَعَلَہٗ دَكَآءَ ۚ وَكَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّیْ حَقًّا وَتَرَکْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ یَوْمَئِذٍ یَّمُوْجُ فِیْ بَعْضٍ وَنُفِخَ فِی الصُّوْرِ فَجَمَعْنٰهُمْ جَمْعًا
“(In the course of his expedition) Until, when he reached the point separating the two barriers, he found beside them a people who could barely understand what is said. They said, ‘O Zul-Qarnain, the Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) are spreading chaos in the land. Can we pay you, to build between us and them a wall?’ He said, ‘What my Lord has empowered me with is better. But assist me with strength, and I will build between you and them a barrier. Bring me sheets of iron.’ So that, when he had leveled up between the two cliffs, he said, ‘Blow the fire’. And having turned it into a fire, he said, “Bring me some molten copper to pour over it’. So, they were unable to climb it, and they could not penetrate it. He said, ‘This is a mercy from my Lord. But when the promise of my Lord comes true, He will turn it into rubble, and the promise of my Lord is always true’. On that Day, We will leave them (Ya’juj and Ma’juj) surging upon one another. And the Trumpet (of the promised Qiyamah) will be blown, and We will gather them together.” (18:93 – 99)