Understanding Surah Al-Fatihah

In the beginning of every book there is a preface. The preface tells us what the book is going to be about. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala in His infinite Wisdom introduced us to the Qur’an through Surah al-Fatihah. Surah al-Fatihah, known in Arabic as as-sab al-mathani i.e. “the seven repeatedly recited ayaat” is a short…

Tafseer Surah Al-‘Alaq Ayaat 6-19

The Threat against Man’s Transgression for the sake of Wealth Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala informs that man transgresses and does evil when he considers himself self-sufficient and having an abundance of wealth. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala reminds us of our eventual return to Him, “Surely, unto your Lord is the return,” (96: 6). We will…

Taseer Surah Al-‘Alaq Ayaat 1-5

The Honor and Nobility of Man is in His Knowledge  These ayaat inform of the beginning of man’s creation from a dangling clot. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala out of His generosity taught man that which he did not know. Thus, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala exalted him and honored him by giving him knowledge and it…

Surah Al-‘Alaq – An Overview

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   Period of Revelation: Makkan Order of Revelation: 1 Background of Revelation: It has been said that Surah Al-‘Alaq and Surah At-Tin are interconnected. In Surah At-Teen, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala honors man by stating that he is the best…

Tafseer Surah Al-Qadr Ayaat 4-5

The Descent of the Angels Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says, “Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord’s permission with every matter,” (97: 4) meaning the angels descend in abundance during the Night of the Decree due to its abundant blessings. The angels descend with the descending of blessings and mercy just as…

Tafseer Surah Al-Qadr Ayaat 1-3

The Night of Qadr Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says, Nouman Ali Khan explains the word Qadr has several meanings. One meaning is estimation and determination. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows everything. In this night, He informs His angels what He has decreed for the people for the upcoming year. Second meaning of Qadr is nobility,…

Surah Al-Qadr – An Overview

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Period of Revelation: Makkan Order of Revelation: 25 Theme and Subject Matter: Its Maulana Abu Ala Maududi writes that the theme of the Surah is to acquaint man with the value, worth and importance of the Qur’an. Its being placed…

Tafseer Surah al-Qari’ah Ayaat 6-11

Ayaat 6-11 – When Deeds will be Measured After describing the scene of the Day of Resurrection, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala talks about the judgment itself. He informs about the results of the deeds, and the honor and disgrace experienced based on the deeds. He says, On the Day of Resurrection when Allah’s Court is…

Tafseer Surah al-Qar’iah Ayaat 1-5

The Condition of Mankind on the Day of Judgment The word Qari’ah literally means ‘the striking one’. Qara’a is when two things hit each other violently and make a disturbing noise that scares or startles one. It is also used for a tough situation when a loud noise has taken your peace away. It is…

Surah al-Qar’iah – An Overview

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   Period of Revelation: Makkan Order of Revelation: 30 Theme and Subject Matter: The theme of this Surah is Resurrection or the Judgment Day. It seems as if it has been revealed to warn people about the calamity that is…