Introduction
In the heart of the Quran, a profound declaration resounds, a proclamation that reverberates through the ages: "I am Allah. There is no god but Me." (Surah Ta Ha, 21:14) This sublime statement, uttered by the Creator Himself, encapsulates the essence of divine sovereignty and the absolute truth of His existence.
Unlike other religious scriptures, the Quran explicitly and unequivocally declares God's identity. Nowhere else can one find such a direct and transparent admission from the Divine. This unique characteristic underscores the Quran's divine origin and role as a source of guidance for humanity.
This declaration, found within the sacred verses of the Quran, invites us to delve into the depths of its meaning and to contemplate the profound implications it holds for our understanding of the universe and our place within it. As we embark on this journey of spiritual exploration, we will examine the various facets of this divine proclamation, drawing upon the rich tapestry of Quranic verses and prophetic traditions.
Through the lens of Tadabur, we will seek to unravel the layers of meaning embedded within this declaration, gaining insights into the nature of God, His attributes, and His relationship with humanity. By contemplating the significance of this divine affirmation, we hope to deepen our faith, strengthen our connection with the Divine, and inspire us to live a life of devotion and submission to the One True God.
Taha (20:14)
إِنَّنِيٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ
أَنَا۠ فَٱعۡبُدۡنِي وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِذِكۡرِيٓ
20:14 Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except
Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.
إِنَّنِيٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ
"Indeed, I am Allah"
- Emphasis and Reinforcement: The repeated emphasis of "I am" (إنني أنا) serves to strongly affirm Allah's absolute oneness and divinity. This is a deliberate linguistic choice to underscore the profound truth being conveyed.
- Comparison with Previous Verse: The addition of the extra "ن" in "إنني" compared to the previous verse 12 (إنني) and verse 13 ( وَأَنَا ) further intensifies the declaration, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity.
Taha (20:12)
إِنِّي أَنَا رَبُّكَ فَاخْلَعْ نَعْلَيْكَ إِنَّكَ بِالْوَادِ الْمُقَدَّسِ طُوًى
12. Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.
What is interesting here is :
إِنِّي أَنَا رَبُّكَ
"Indeed, I am your Lord."
We can see the emphasis placed on the words used in this verse. Because there is already the use of the word إِنِّي (indeed, I), which already contains the element 'I', but Allah further emphasises it with the use of the word أَنَا (I). This is a double emphasis. Now Allah is introducing Himself to Prophet Moses. For fear that Moses might think that the one speaking to him was something or someone else - a devil, a jinn, or the like. Allah emphasizes that the one speaking to him is his Lord, the One who has created, preserved, and protected him all this time. He is the One who has managed his life all this time. Recall how Prophet Moses was born into the family of the Children of Israel but was raised in the family of Pharaoh. Then he was forced to flee to another place. It was Allah who gave him a new life. This verse also teaches about the importance of learning about faith. Because the first thing Allah mentions is about Himself. It is important even for those who have already believed, like us. That is what is called 'renewing faith'. One of the best ways is through the way taught by the Qur'an. The Qur'an teaches us to know Allah by looking at this universe. That is the easy way. Therefore, we must teach our children to look at nature and ask them, Who created all this? For example, we can take them to see the beauty of the sea and ask them, "Look at how beautiful this world is, do you know who made all this, my child?"
Key Points:
- Double Emphasis: The repeated use of "I" highlights the importance of God's direct revelation to Moses.
- God's Sovereignty: God emphasises His role as the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
- Importance of Faith: The verse stresses the ongoing need to strengthen one's faith, even for believers.
- Learning About God Through Nature: The natural world is a powerful tool for understanding God's creation and His power.
- Teaching Children About God: Parents are encouraged to instil a belief in God in their children by pointing to the wonders of nature.
In essence, this verse from the Quran emphasises the importance of recognising God's presence in our lives, even in the most ordinary of circumstances. It encourages us to deepen our understanding of God through reflection on the natural world and to share this knowledge with future generations.
Taha (20:13)
وَأَنَا ٱخۡتَرۡتُكَ فَٱسۡتَمِعۡ لِمَا يُوحَىٰٓ
13. And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed [to you].
Focus on part of the ayat coloured red:
وَأَنَا اخْتَرْتُكَ
"And I have chosen you."
This verse marks a pivotal moment in the life of Prophet Moses, signifying his appointment as a prophet by Allah.
At the time, Moses was already familiar with Allah through his studies with Prophet Shu'aib. However, he was still an ordinary person, not yet a prophet.
This was no ordinary selection. Allah saw a potential for greatness in Moses, despite his past mistakes. As we know, Moses had fled to Madyan after accidentally killing an Egyptian. Yet, Allah recognised the goodness within him.
Allah's choices extend beyond the appointment of prophets. He selects those who will be their companions and even chooses us to be Muslims. Every choice brings with it responsibilities. As Muslims, we must fulfil our duties, recognising the privilege of being chosen by Allah.
لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠
"There is no deity except Me"
- Tauhid: The Core Belief: This phrase encapsulates the fundamental principle of Islamic monotheism, known as tawhid. It asserts that Allah is the sole creator, sustainer, and worthy of worship.
- Exclusive Worship: The phrase "except Me" (إلا أنا) highlights the exclusivity of Allah's right to be worshipped. This means that no other being, object, or concept should be given divine attributes or worshipped alongside Allah.
- Errors of the Mushrikeen: The passage alludes to the error of the polytheists of Makkah, who associated other deities with Allah. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers to avoid falling into similar misconceptions. On this, there is also another tafseer that says that the polytheists of Makkah believed in Allah, BUT because of business (they made money when people all over came to Makkah at that time, to pray to the idols), they accepted both Allah and the idols at the same time. This act is actually a shirk! Let's examine this ayat first before we proceed further.
Surah An-Nahl (The Bee) (16:51):
۞وَقَالَ ٱللَّهُ لَا تَتَّخِذُوٓاْ
إِلَٰهَيۡنِ ٱثۡنَيۡنِۖ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَٰهٞ وَٰحِدٞ فَإِيَّٰيَ
فَٱرۡهَبُونِ
16:51. And Allah has said, "Do not take for yourselves two deities. He is but one God, so fear only Me."
There are other related ayat that indicated that the polytheists at that time believed in two (2) gods. This is amplified by two more ayat.
Surah At-Tawba (The spoil of War) (9:19)
أَجَعَلۡتُمۡ سِقَايَةَ ٱلۡحَآجِّ وَعِمَارَةَ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ كَمَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِ وَجَٰهَدَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِۚ لَا يَسۡتَوُۥنَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهۡدِي ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
9:19. Have you made the providing of water for the pilgrim and the maintenance of al-Masjid al-Haram equal to [the deeds of] one who believes in Allah and the Last Day and strives in the cause of Allah? They are not equal in the sight of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
Surah At-Tawba (The spoil of War) (9:20)
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَٰهَدُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ بِأَمۡوَٰلِهِمۡ وَأَنفُسِهِمۡ أَعۡظَمُ دَرَجَةً عِندَ ٱللَّهِۚ وَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَآئِزُونَ
9:20. The ones who have believed, emigrated and striven in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allah. And it is those who are the attainers [of success].
It is said that before Abrahah demolished the Kaaba, he had already seized the livestock of the people of Mecca. Abrahah also forcibly took 200 camels from Abdul Mutalib. When Abdul Mutalib went to Abrahah to demand the return of his camels, Abrahah was surprised. 'Why do you ask for your camels back? I thought you wanted to stop me from demolishing the Kaaba?'
Abdul-Muttalib replied to this ultimatum in these words: "By Allah, we do not want to fight him. So far as this House (the Ka'bah) is concerned, it is the House of Allah; if Allah wants to save His House, He will save it, and if He leaves it unprotected, no one can save it."
- Importance of Tawhid: The passage emphasises the paramount importance of understanding and affirming the concept of tawhid. All other aspects of Islamic belief and practice are built upon this foundational principle. Without a clear understanding of tawhid, one's faith is incomplete.
In summary, this part of the verse delivers a powerful and unequivocal declaration of God's absolute oneness and sovereignty. It serves as a cornerstone of the Islamic faith and emphasises the importance of understanding and affirming the concept of tawhid. By repeatedly affirming His divinity and negating the existence of any other deity, Allah is establishing Himself as the sole object of worship.
READERS. TRY THIS!
A Divine Test: The Power of Faith, Muslim or non-Muslim, Say - لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ ٱللَّهُ
Are you aware of this unique phenomenon? When we utter the first part of the "syahadah" ‘La ilaha illaLlah’ (There is no deity except Allah), our lips don’t move at all, yet the words can be pronounced.
To experience this, try this simple exercise: place your right index finger on your upper lip while at the same time, place your left index figure on your lower lip. Open a bit your mouth so you can move your tongue to enable you to say "La ilaha illaLlah. You’ll notice that your lips remain completely still.
Contrast this with other phrases like “Muhammadur Rasulullah” (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). When you say it, your lips move noticeably.
This unique linguistic phenomenon highlights the spiritual significance of the phrase ‘La ilaha illa Llah.’ It suggests that this declaration is a direct connection to the Divine, transcending physical limitations."
In addition, this divine test is particularly profound at the moment of death. As our physical strength fades, the ability to speak diminishes. However, if Allah wills, a person can still utter the first part of the "syahadah", even without physical effort.
This is a testament to the power of faith and the divine assistance that accompanies it. Even when our mortal bodies fail us, our spirits, guided by faith, can still connect with the Divine.
So, the next time you recite “La ilaha illa Llah,” ponder this unique experience. It’s a reminder of the extraordinary power of faith and the mercy of Allah.
فَاعْبُدْنِي
Therefore, you should worship Me alone;
Because only Allah is the Deity, worship is only for Allah, and prayers are only directed to Allah. If we don't use the word 'only', then some people might think that it's okay to worship and pray to others as well ie. they might say they already worship Allah, but at the same time, they also worship other things.
This is the interpretation of Surah Al-Fatihah that we recite daily - "Show us the straight path." The straight path is to worship Allah alone.
What is the proof of the shahada (testimony of faith) that we recite daily? It is proven when we worship Him alone. Not just in specific acts of worship (like prayer and fasting), but we should be Allah's servants at all times, even outside of formal worship. When we say we are servants of Allah alone, it means we follow only Allah's commands. It's because of a lack of understanding of this that some people not only miss their prayers, but they also don't hesitate to deceive others."
Simplified Explanation:
The text emphasises the importance of monotheism in Islam, the belief that there is only one God, Allah. It explains that:
- Worship is exclusive to Allah: Muslims should only worship Allah and no other being or object.
- The straight path is to worship Allah alone: The phrase "show us the straight path" in Surah Al-Fatihah refers to the path of worshipping Allah exclusively.
- True faith is shown in actions: Simply saying the shahada (testimony of faith) is not enough. True belief is demonstrated through actions, such as worshipping Allah alone and following His commands.
- Hypocrisy: The text warns against hypocrisy, where people claim to believe in Allah but their actions contradict their beliefs.
In essence, the passage reminds Muslims of the core principle of Islam—the oneness of God—and the importance of living a life consistent with this belief.
وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ
"And establish the prayer."
Prayer is the most important act of worship. Therefore, it is emphasised a lot in the Quran. It's not just about performing the prayer.
In this verse, Allah uses the word "aqim," which means "to establish." Allah doesn't say "perform the prayer." This is because prayer is not just an action that starts with the intention and ends with the greeting. It includes all the actions and conditions, including the preparation for it.
This includes maintaining our ablution, observing the prayer times, taking care of the place of prayer, and our clothing, being focused, and waiting for the next prayer. We can learn all of this by studying the hadiths of the Prophet about prayer.
Simplified Explanation:
When the Quran says "establish the prayer," it's not just talking about the physical act of praying. It's saying that prayer is a way of life. It's about:
- Preparation: This includes things like making sure you're clean, facing the right direction, and having the right intention.
- The act of prayer: This is the physical act of praying, including the movements and words.
- The spirit of prayer: This is about being focused and present during prayer, and letting it affect your life outside of prayer.
So, when we pray, we're not just doing a ritual. We're connecting with God and showing our devotion to Him. It's a way of purifying our hearts and minds.
لِذِكْرِي
"to remember Me."
The primary purpose of prayer is to remember Allah. Friends, we might feel a bit envious that Prophet Moses could speak directly to Allah. But realise that we too have been allowed to converse with Allah in our prayers, especially during the "sujud". This is our chance to ask, to complain, to talk to Allah. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to establish prayer when the time comes. But there are different opinions about speaking to Allah during sujud. Some say you can speak in the heart only, but some say we can speak verbally only during the sunat (non-obligatory) prayer. Which is right, you please seek the opinion of your imam.
This verse also shows the importance of concentration in prayer. Because Allah says the purpose of prayer is to remember Him. But if we pray and think about other things besides Allah during prayer, it means we have not fulfilled the purpose of prayer. It means if we play around in prayer and keep thinking about other things, like other people, our unfinished work, and various other wandering thoughts, it means we are not remembering Allah in that prayer.
Prayer is so important that we are commanded to pray in every condition - if we cannot stand, we can pray while sitting. If we cannot sit, we can pray lying down. Even if we cannot move at all, there are other ways we can still pray.
Prayer is so important that even at the end of Prophet Muhammad's life, he still went to the mosque to pray, even though he was no longer able to walk to the mosque on his own. He even asked two companions to carry him and take him to pray in congregation at the mosque. Even though he was a tall man, when they carried him, his feet would drag on the ground.
Similarly, the story of Umar. When he was stabbed, which eventually led to his death, he still wanted to pray in the congregation. Even though he was in pain. All of this is because of the teachings of the Prophet, who emphasised prayer so much.
Look also at how the prayer times are arranged so that they need to be performed five times a day throughout our lives. This is all so that we can use prayer as a practice to restore our spiritual freshness and strength. In the morning, we remember Allah, then we get busy with life, and we are reminded again at noon. Then we forget again, and we are reminded again in the afternoon. Finally, before we sleep, we are reminded again of Allah at night.
This verse also serves as evidence that all prophets and messengers were commanded to perform prayer, and this command was also given to their followers. It is not only the followers of Prophet Muhammad who perform prayer but also the followers of other prophets.
Simplified Explanation
This passage highlights the significance of prayer in Islam. Key points include:
- Direct communication with Allah: Prayer is seen as a direct connection between the individual and God.
- Importance of concentration: The act of prayer requires full focus and attention on Allah.
- Prayer in different conditions: Islam emphasises the importance of prayer even in difficult circumstances.
- Example of the prophets: The lives of Prophet Muhammad and Umar ibn al-Khattab are used to illustrate the importance of prayer.
- Regularity of prayer: The five daily prayers serve as a constant reminder and spiritual renewal.
- The universality of prayer: Prayer is a universal obligation for all believers, not just Muslims.
The passage underscores the centrality of prayer in Islamic practice and its role in fostering a deep connection with God.
Doa
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِأَنِّي أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ أَنْتَ اللهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ الأَحَدُ الصَّمَدُ الَّذِي لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
"O Allah, verily I ask You, by my testifying that You are Allah, there is no deity except You, the One, the Eternal, the Self-Sufficient, the Unbegotten, and there is none like unto Him."
The Meaning and Explanation of the Supplication
This supplication is considered one of Islam's most powerful and comprehensive prayers. It combines the core belief in God's oneness (tawhid) with a heartfelt request to Him.
Breakdown of the supplication:
- O Allah: A direct address to God.
- I ask You: A humble request.
- By my testifying: Emphasising the sincerity of the belief.
- That You are Allah: Affirming the oneness and divinity of God.
- There is no deity except You: Reinforcing the concept of monotheism.
- The One, the Eternal: Describing God's unique qualities.
- The Self-Sufficient: Stating God's independence from any needs.
- The Unbegotten: Emphasising God's eternal existence.
- And there is none like unto Him: Reinforcing God's uniqueness.
The significance of this supplication:
- Unity with God: The supplication brings the believer closer to God.
- Answer to prayer: It increases the likelihood of one's prayers being answered.
- Protection from evil: It serves as a shield against negative influences.
- Strengthening faith: It reinforces the believer's belief in God.
Key points to remember:
- Sincerity: The intention behind the supplication must be pure.
- Humility: The supplicant should approach God with humility.
- Persistence: Consistent supplication is encouraged.
- Understanding: Comprehending the meaning of the words deepens one's connection to the prayer.
Meaning and Explanation: This supplication is considered one of the most powerful and comprehensive prayers in Islam. It combines the core belief in the oneness of God (tawhid) with a heartfelt request to Him. [Continue with the rest of the explanation as above]
This statement is a powerful declaration of faith and a core belief in Islam. It is known as the Shahada, and it encapsulates the fundamental principle of monotheism: the belief in one God, Allah, and the rejection of any other deities.
Here's a breakdown of the statement:
- Oh God, I ask you that I bear witness: This is a supplication to God, asking for His acceptance of the following declaration.
- that you are God: Acknowledges the existence of one true God, Allah.
- There is no god but you: This denies the existence of any other deities or objects of worship.
- The One and Only: This emphasises the uniqueness of God, that there is no one like Him.
- The Eternal: This affirms God's timeless existence, without beginning or end.
- Who does not beget, nor was born: This distinguishes God from human beings and other creations, who are born and give birth. God is not subject to the limitations of physical existence.
- and there is no one equal to Him: This reinforces God's absolute sovereignty and power, that nothing can be compared to Him.
The Shahada is a central pillar of Islamic faith and is recited by Muslims as a declaration of their belief. It is a reminder of their submission to God and their commitment to worshipping Him alone.
Saad (38:84)
قَالَ فَٱلۡحَقُّ وَٱلۡحَقَّ أَقُولُ
38:84. [Allah] said, "The truth [is My oath], and the truth I say -
Ghafir (40:64)
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمۡ
فَٱعۡبُدُوهُۚ هَٰذَا صِرَٰطٞ مُّسۡتَقِيمٞ
40:64. Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path."
Al-Hashr (59:23)
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِي لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ
ٱلۡمَلِكُ ٱلۡقُدُّوسُ ٱلسَّلَٰمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُ ٱلۡمُهَيۡمِنُ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ
ٱلۡجَبَّارُ ٱلۡمُتَكَبِّرُۚ سُبۡحَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشۡرِكُونَ
59:23. He is Allah, other
than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the
Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the
Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.
Al-Hashr (59:24)
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَٰلِقُ ٱلۡبَارِئُ ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُۖ
لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰۚ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُۥ مَا فِي ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ
وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ
59:24. He is Allah, the
Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is
in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the
Wise.
The Quran, Islam's central religious text, is filled with verses conveying Allah's love for humanity and His promise to help those who believe in Him and follow His guidance. These verses offer believers comfort, hope, and assurance, reminding them that they are never alone and that Allah is always there to support and protect them.
Here are some of the verses from the Quran that highlight Allah's love and support:
- Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse (2:195):
وَأَنفِقُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تُلۡقُواْ
بِأَيۡدِيكُمۡ إِلَى ٱلتَّهۡلُكَةِ وَأَحۡسِنُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ
ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ
195. And spend in the way
of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction
[by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.
This verse emphasises the importance of charity and good deeds, assuring believers that Allah loves those who engage in acts of kindness and generosity.
- Surah Ali Imran, Verse (3:31)
قُلۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ
فَٱتَّبِعُونِي يُحۡبِبۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡۚ وَٱللَّهُ
غَفُورٞ رَّحِيمٞ
31. Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so]
Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and
Merciful."
This verse highlights the connection between love for Allah and following the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It promises that those who follow the Prophet's teachings will receive Allah's love and forgiveness.
3. Surah Al Baqarah, Verse (2:186)
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي
قَرِيبٌۖ أُجِيبُ دَعۡوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِۖ فَلۡيَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لِي
وَلۡيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِي لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡشُدُونَ
186. And when My servants
ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I
am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.
So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be
[rightly] guided.
This verse emphasises Allah's nearness and responsiveness to His servants' prayers. It assures believers that Allah hears and answers their prayers, regardless of their location or circumstances. The verse encourages sincere supplication and unwavering faith in Allah, promising guidance and support to those who seek Him.
4. Surah Al Baqarah, Verse (2:156)
ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَٰبَتۡهُم مُّصِيبَةٞ
قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيۡهِ رَٰجِعُونَ
156. Who, when disaster
strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will
return."
This verse emphasises the importance of patience and prayer in times of adversity. It encourages believers to seek solace in Allah and to trust in His divine plan, even when faced with trials and tribulations. The verse highlights that true strength lies in perseverance and unwavering faith in Allah.
5. Surah Al-Anfal, Verse (8:28):
وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّمَآ أَمۡوَٰلُكُمۡ وَأَوۡلَٰدُكُمۡ فِتۡنَةٞ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجۡرٌ عَظِيمٞ
28. And know that your
properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a
great reward.
The verse reminds us that our wealth and children are a test from Allah. They can be a source of distraction and temptation, pulling us away from our faith. However, if we use them in obedience to Allah and to help others, they can be a means of drawing closer to Him. The ultimate reward lies with Allah, and it is far greater than any worldly possession.
6. Surah Al-Mumtahanah, Verse (60:8)
لَّا يَنۡهَىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ
يُقَٰتِلُوكُمۡ فِي ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمۡ يُخۡرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَٰرِكُمۡ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمۡ
وَتُقۡسِطُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُقۡسِطِينَ
8. Allah does not forbid you from dealing with kindness and justice with those who have not fought you over [your] religion and have not expelled you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.
This verse encourages believers to treat others with kindness and justice, even those who may not share their faith. It assures that Allah loves those who uphold principles of fairness and equity.
- Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse (33:40):
مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَآ أَحَدٖ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمۡ وَلَٰكِن رَّسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّۧنَۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيۡءٍ عَلِيمٗا
40. Muhammad is not the father of any one of
your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever
is Allah, of all things, Knowing.
The verse clarifies that the Prophet Muhammad is not the biological father of any man, but rather he is the messenger of Allah and the final prophet. It emphasises that Allah is all-knowing and that this message is true.
One of many miracles of Allah
While drafting in the earlier part of this article on Surah 9:20, the Writer briefly touched upon a similar topic below. The next day, my wife shared a similar story. What a coincidence. Interestingly, I had learned about the miracle of 'La ilaha illa Allah' from a local mosque about a month prior.
While the veracity of this story may be uncertain, the narrative serves as a potent reminder of Allah's divine protection, particularly for His sacred texts, the Quran, and His unique name. The story:-
A young woman from Spain explains the beauty and meaning of the name 'ALLAH' (God) in a way that even Arabs have failed to do!
This young woman, Helen, studied for a master's degree in Arabic at Yarmouk University in Jordan.
One day, in her second-year class, Professor Fakhry Kattaneh asked his students:
"Who among you can explain the name of Allah from the perspective of its linguistic beauty and wonder?"
No one raised their hand except Helen, a Christian Spanish woman who spoke fluent Classical Arabic.
She replied:
"The most beautiful thing I have ever read in Arabic is the name 'ALLAH'. The way this name is pronounced in the human language has a unique melody because the sound originates from the back of the throat, not the lips.
This name does not require lip movement to be pronounced because its letters have no dots. Now, try saying the name 'ALLAH' and notice how you do it! Its letters are pronounced from the back of the throat without involving lip movement.
This means that if someone wants to remember the name 'Allah', those around them may not notice it."
Helen continued:
"Another miracle of this name is that even if some of its letters are removed, its meaning remains the same."
The name Allah is usually pronounced with the final vowel sound 'u' (Allahُ).
If the first letter (alif) is removed, it becomes 'Lillah' (belonging to Allah), as mentioned in the verse:
“To Allah belong the most beautiful names, so call upon Him by those names.”
Note: Allah, the All-Encompassing, is adorned with 99 divine names and attributes, one of which is the sublime name 'Allah'.
If the alif and the first lam are removed, it becomes 'Lahu' (belonging to Him), as mentioned in the verse:
“To Him belongs everything in the heavens and on earth.”
If the alif and both lams are removed, only 'Hu' (He) remains, which still refers to Allah, as mentioned:
“He is the one besides whom there is no god.”
If only the first lam is removed, it becomes 'Ilah' (God), as mentioned:
“Allah, there is no god but Him.”
Helen added:
"The name 'Allah' has been studied in depth by scholars. The phrase of Tawhid 'La ilaha illa Allah' (There is no god but Allah) consists of three letters: alif, lam, and ha. These letters are easy to pronounce and do not require lip movement."
She explained:
"Do you know why? So that it is easy to pronounce by someone who is dying without having to move their lips or teeth."
Today, Helen is known as 'Abida' (a devout woman). Comment mad, " We, as Arabs, are proud to be Muslims, but we have failed to explain that name. Congratulations to her for embracing Islam. Why do we delete messages that talk about religion, but continue to spread ordinary messages? (Most likely this was said by the Professor).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Convey from me even if it is only one verse."
"Perhaps by conveying this message to others, you will convey a verse that will be an intercession for you."
Finally:
"There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
Spread this, and may your fingers be witnesses of goodness for you on the Day of Judgment, God willing
Please share this page with your non-Muslim friends
ref: https://celiktafsir.net/2013/11/30/taha-ayat-13-20/
ONLY ALLAH KNOWS BEST
