Hifz Book 7

HIFZ BOOK SEVEN FIRST EDITION : NOVEMBER 1987 SECOND EDITION : NOVEMBER 1991 THIRD EDITION : NOVEMBER 1994 FOURTH EDITION : MARCH 2003 ___________________________________________________________________________ Publications of the Islamic Educational Organisation of Southern Africa - IEOSA - 1424H/2003 ___________________________________________________________________________ PRINTED BY ARIS / AZANIA BOX MNFRS, DURBAN



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Praise be to Allah , Rabb of the Worlds. Blessings & Salaams on Prophet Muhammad , his family and his companions I thank Allah  for giving us the strength to accomplish the revised edition of the Hifz Series. This edition would not have been possible without the IEOSA team, in particular the Hifz Department. THE IEOSA TEAM: ADMINISTRATION: Rashida Ally. DEPARTMENTS: QUR’AAN: Sarah Khan, Fathima Khan, Waheeda Sheik Ahmed. HIFZ: Yasmin Khan. ARABIC: Hafiz Muhammad Jhazbhai, Moulana Ahmad Khalil Aziz, Saeeda Sheriff. TAHDHIB: Amina Cassim, Naffisa Hassim, Fahmida Khan. FIQH & ISLAMIC TEACHINGS: Hafiz Azhar Vawda. ISLAMIC HISTORY: Fathima Abdul Latiff, Najma Yusuf. URDU: Naffisa Hassam, Moulana A.K. Aziz. TEACHER EDUCATION: Hafiz A. Vawda, Amina Jamal. DA`WAH: Sabera Cassim. LIBRARY & RESOURCE CENTRE: Najma Yusuf. LITERACY: A. Jamal, F. A Latiff. PRE-PRIMARY: Fozeeyah Abdool Ghafoor. PSYCHOLOGY & METHODOLOGY: F. A. Latiff, A. Jamal. COMPUTER: Nazima Essop, Hasina Essop, Fazila Razak. PRINTING: Abdullah Mchunu, Z. Msomi. All ex IEOSA staff members: Goolam Hoosain Peerbhay, Zuleikha Osman, Youssouf Ali Dahal, Ebrahim & Suraya Lockhat, Zakira Jadwat, Asiya Gumede. We acknowledge the assistance given to us, i.e. Islamic Educational Organisation of Southern Africa (IEOSA), by:- Ustaaz Sheikh Osman Hasnoo; Moulana S.M. Loot; Hafez Yusuf Sufi Paruk; Moulana Abu Bakr Khatib; Moulana M. Abdul Qadir; Moulana A.R. Ansari; Moulana Salot; Mahmood Dawood; Moulana A.R. Khan; Moulana Mansurul Haq Nazir; Moulana Abdur Razzaq; Moulana Jameel; Moulana Nanabhai (LMA); Moulana F. Bobat; Uzair Amod; Ebrahim Msomi; Abdul Basit Bulbulia; Saaleha Vadachia; Abdullah Mlambo; Omar Mololeki; Nafisa Mazubane; Riaz Jamal; Sheikh T. Bonamali; Farhad Mohamed, Rubina Ebrahim; Hajra Lockhat, Zubeida Docrat; Easy Computers; Trade Page; Lotus Corp.; Ahmed & Mukhtar Hajee; Yacoob Patel; Liaquat Ali Khan. EGYPT - Al-Azhar Ash-Shareef - Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar-Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sayed Thantawy, The Wakeel Al-Azhar- Sheikh Mahmood Ashoor, The Former Wakeel Al-Azhar-Dr. Fawzy Fadil Az-Zifzaf; Dr. Ali Faraj; Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdus Samad & Family; Sheikh Ahmed Al-Rouzeqi & Family; Al-Hajj Abdel Hamid Lotfi & Family; Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bakri; Sheikh Muhammad Bihayri; Director of Masaajid, Ministry of Awqaf-Sheikh Mansoor Obaid. S.M. Rashaad; Al-Hajj Tolbar Sakr & Family; Ustaaz Abdur Rahim Atiyah. MOROCCO - Islamic Educational Scientific & Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) - Director General - Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri; Ahmedou Ali Diaw, Alhassane Souare; Dr. M. Zebakh; Ishaaq Ameen. SAUDI ARABIA - Rabitah Muslim World League - Dr. Abdullah Bin Omar Nasif, Sheikh Adnan Khaleel Basha; Sheikh Amin Aqil Attas, Dr. Hassan Ali al-Ahdal. Islamic Development Bank (IDB)-Dr. Kayed Abdul Haq, Dr. Mohamed Hasan Salem, Dr. Omar Jah, Engineer Ahmed A.M. Awad, Hajj Mohammed Hameddudin. Ministry of Islamic Affairs-Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Ateeq. Ministry of Defence-Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, Sheikh Sulaiman A. Al-Qadeeb. Dr. M. I. Seini; Sheikh Sahl El-Matrafie, Hajee Haniff. Saudi Arabian Embassy (South Africa)-The Ambassador, Dr. S. Zaydaan. PAKISTAN - Haji Zakaria Kamdar; Dr M.Afzal. ITALY - Ahmed I. Nasreddin. KUWAIT - Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs - Khalid Abdullah al-Zayd. International Islamic Charitable Organisation - Ibrahim A. Hassaballa. KENYA - Ibrahim F. Abdullah. SINGAPORE - Muslim Converts Assoc.- Ahmad Jelani Bin Johari. NIGERIA - Sister Aisha Lemu. MALAYSIA - Islamic Religious Department - Selangor - Al-Haj Mansur bin Ramli, Ustaz Ahmad bin Arshad, Muhammad bin Hasan. Dr. Malik Badri, Dr. Omar Kasule, Sr. Dato H.M. Shah, K. Shah. TAIWAN - Chinese Muslim Youth Movement-Al-Hajj Ayoub I. Hsiao. SUDAN - Sheikh Haju Ali. TURKEY - Dr A. Arslan; H. Dhikr; H. Ertekin; S. Afsar. ENGLAND - Islamic Foundation - Leicester. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Sheikh Ismail Husayn & Family, Abu Dhabi; Microsoft (Middle East). USA - Dr. Ahmed Sakr; Ahmed Ali & Family, Ebrahim & Zubeida Lunat; Basheer Kapdi; Mohammed Kachry; Abed of Bits & Bites; Goolam Jeewa; Dr. Mohammed & Naseema A.A. Khan; Muslim Educational Trust (Portland)- Clarke Family, Bir, Hasina & Ashiq Narain; A. Ramjan & Wajdi Syed. I supplicate Allah  to bless and shower His Mercy on all our teachers, founders of the Hajee Ahmed Mohamed Lockhat Wakuff Trust and on all Muslims. Peace be upon all the Messengers and Praise be to Allah , Rabb of the Worlds. Aameen. Qari Ahmed Yusuff Lockhat President Islamic Educational Organisation of Southern Africa

PREFACE Praise be to Allah , Rabb of the Worlds. Blessings and Salaams on Prophet Muhammad , his family and his companions. We praise Allah  and thank Him for His Countless Blessings upon us. The title of the book, Hifz, is an Arabic word, which literally means the memorization of any information. The meaning of the word in common usage, refers specifically to the memorization of the Holy Qur’aan. We have thus used it in its original meaning and it refers to the memorization of the short Surahs from the Holy Qur’aan as well as the Du`aas for daily use found in the Sunnah. In short, this series of books which have been compiled for learners, includes not only all the Arabic components of Salaah, but also various supplications required in the life of a Muslim on a daily basis, as Allah  states in the Holy Qur’aan: And your Rabb says: \"Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer)” [Surah Ghafir (40), Verse 60] Furthermore, the Prophet  has said: “Supplication is the essence of worship.” (Tirmizi) Today we find ourselves in a situation where we rapidly assimilate knowledge, sometimes without giving due importance to its manifestation in our day to day lives. Keeping this in mind, this series has been compiled with the intention of instilling a love for the way of life of our illustrious Prophet Muhammad . The salient feature of this series is that, together with the Arabic text and the translation of each supplication, the etiquettes and virtues as contained in The Sunnah, have also been included. This is done with the aim of motivating the reader to act according to the Sunnah in such a manner, that the various supplications do not remain as mere verbal ritualistic incantations.

Another noteworthy feature, is the summarization at the end of each Surah, which will Inshaa`Allah, prove to be invaluable in giving the reader an insight into the message of the Holy Qur’aan. Finally, it must be remembered that this series has been compiled with the following objectives:- 1. The memorization and consequently the recitation of the Arabic text with the correct Tajweed (rules of recitation) and Makhaarij (pronunciation of the letters). 2. The understanding of the meaning and message of each Du`aa and Surah. 3. The practical application of the different etiquettes on a daily basis. NB: The achievement of these objectives is dependent largely upon the educators and parents. Although this series is primarily compiled as standard textbooks for the madaaris, its usage will be immeasurably beneficial to all, Inshaa`Allah. We hope that this series will enlighten many minds, inspire many hearts and motivate readers into memorizing its contents and applying it to their daily lives. We humbly request our learners and readers to ask Allah  to Bless all those who have played a role in the compilation and publication of this series. May Allah  grant us forgiveness, steadfastness & dedication to serve Him. Ameen. This icon denotes additional information. DEPARTMENT OF HIFZ Islamic Educational Organisation of Southern Africa

HIFZ SERIES BOOK ONE 1. Surahs: Al-Faatihah, An-Naas, Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Kawthar, Al-`Asr 2. Ta`awwuz and Tasmiyah 3. Four Kalimahs: Tayyibah, Shahaadah, Tamjeed, Tawheed 4. Islamic Etiquettes 5. Du`aas: Knowledge, Eating, Sleeping, Toilet 6. Niyyah for Wudu and Du`aas in Salaah. BOOK TWO BOOK THREE 1. Surahs: Al-Falaq, Al-Lahab, 1. Surahs: Al-Kaafiroon, An-Nasr, Al-Maa`oon, Quraysh Al-Feel, Al-Humazah, 2. Kalimahs: Imaan-e-Mujmal, At-Takaathur. Mufassal 2. Kalimah Radd-e-Kufr 3. Du`aas: On entering and 3. Du`aas: After Wudu, leaving the Masjid, When a fire Leaving home, Fasting, breaks out, On hearing a dog Drinking water, Wearing bark, When angry clothes,Loss occurs 4. Niyyah and Du`aas in Salaah 4. Salaah (Durood) and Salaam 5. Niyyah: Salaah BOOK FOUR BOOK FIVE 1. Surahs: Al-Qadr, At-Teen, 1. Surahs: Al-`Aadiyaat, Al-Qaari`ah, Az-Zilzaal Al-Bayyinah, Al-Inshiraah. 2. Du`aas: Eating elsewhere, 2. Du`aas: After Salaah, Visiting the Boarding vehicle, After Azaan, sick, Graveyard, Janaazah. Qunoot 3. Niyyah: Salaah 3. Niyyah: Salaah, Tayammum and Ghusl 4. Azaan, Fajr, Iqaamah. BOOK SIX BOOK SEVEN 1. Surahs: Ad-Duhaa, 1. Surahs: Al-`Alaq, Al-Baqarah (V.1-5), (V.255), Ash-Shams, Al-Layl, Yaaseen (V.284-286), 2. Du`aas: When sick, At-Tawbah (V.128-129), Al Ah-Zaab (V.40), (V.56) `Ud-hiyyah, `Aqeeqah, 2. Du`aas: Khatmatul Qur’aan, Masnoon Du`aas Marhooms (Isaale-Sawaab), Knowledge, Entering home. Du`aa ul `Ilm Asmaa’ul Husnaa

IMPORTANT!!! PLEASE TAKE SPECIAL CARE OF THIS BOOK SINCE IT CONTAINS QUR’AANIC AAYAAT AND AHAADITH. This Hifz Book has been prepared as study material for Grade Seven learners. You are advised to keep this book safely. You will require it for the purpose of revision. Parents can assist their children to memorize by ensuring that:- 1. They (parents) monitor the time spent at home by the children to memorize; 2. They (parents) listen to the children’s recitation. In Surah An-Nahl (16), Verse 98 Allah  says: “So when you want to recite the Qur’aan, seek refuge In Allah  from Shaytaan, the accursed one.” From this verse we learn that the recitation of Ta`awwuz before reciting the Qur’aan is very important. NAME: _________________________________________ MADRASAH: ____________________________________

HADITH Hadrat `Abdullah bin `Amar  reported that the Prophet  said: “On the Day of Judgement, it will be said to the man devoted to the Qur’aan, go on reciting the Qur’aan and continue ascending the storeys of Jannah and recite in the slow manner you had been reciting in worldly life; your final abode will be where you reach at the time of the last ‘ayah’ of your recitation”. [Ahmad] Hadrat `Abdullah Ibn `Abbas  reported that the Prophet  said: “He in whose heart there is no part of the Qur’aan is like a deserted house.” [Tirmizi] Hadrat Abu Hurayrah  reported that the Prophet  said: “Learn and recite the Qur’aan, for the one who learns, recites and uses it in prayer at night is like a bag filled with musk whose fragrance diffuses itself everywhere; and he who learns it goes to sleep having it within him is like a bag with musk tied up in it.” [Tirmizi]

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1. Surahs: 1 Surah Al-Alaq 5 Surah Ash-Shams 9 Surah Al-Layl 13 Surah Yaseen 36 2. Du`aas: 37 Du`aa when sick 50 52 Masnoon Du`aas for any occasion 53 `Ud-Hiyyah: 54 Du`aa before slaughtering 55 Du`aa after slaughtering 60 `Aqeeqah: `Aqeeqah (for a boy) `Aqeeqah (for a girl) 3. Test your Knowledge 4. Asmaa’ul Husnaa

SURAHS SURATUL ALAQ 1

1. Read! In the Name of your Lord Who Created, 2. Created man from a clot (of blood). 3. Read! And your Lord is Most Generous, 4. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen, 5. He has taught man what he did not know. 6. No, Indeed, man transgresses all bounds, 7. Because he considers himself (to be) self-sufficient. 8. Verily, to your Lord is the return (of all). 9. Have you seen the one who forbids, 10. A Servant (of Allah) when he prays. 11. Have you seen if he is on (the road of) guidance? 12. Or enjoins piety? 13. Have you seen if he denies (truth) and turns away? 14. Does he not know that Allah sees (all)? 15. No, indeed, if he does not desist, we shall drag him by the forelock, 16. A lying sinful forelock. 17. Then let him call to his council (for help). 18. We shall call the Angels of punishment. 19. No, indeed, do not obey him, but prostrate yourself (before Allah) and draw close (to Him). 2

SUMMARY OF SURATUL ALAQ The first five verses of this surah were the first revelation of the Qur’aan to Prophet Muhammad . While in the Cave of Hira Jibraa`eel  came to the Prophet  and said to him: “Read”. He () replied “I cannot read” The Prophet  said, “He held me and pressed me hard until I was exhausted, then he released me and said, “Read”, and I replied, “I cannot read”. So he held me and pressed me hard again, until I was exhausted, then he released me and said, “Read in the Name of your Lord, Who has created, Created man from a cloth (of blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man what he did not know”. The remaining verses of this surah were revealed much later. Those who disbelieve, they are the ones who refuse to acknowledge their dependence on Allah  and thus become transgressors. Allah  revealed Verses 9-18 in reference to the incident that occurred between the Prophet  and Abu Jahl, the embittered enemy of Islam. Abu Jahl saw the Prophet  performing his prayer at the Ka`bah and he tried to prevent the Prophet  from doing so. We are asked to ponder over the spiritual condition of a person who opposes those who worship Allah . Allah  warns in forceful language that if such a person does not stop his hostile persecution, on the Day of Judgement he will be dragged into Hell in the most humiliating manner. Those that supported such a hostile person will then be powerless to give him support against the Angels of Hell. We are warned never to pay heed to such a person, but to prostrate to Allah  alone and draw close to Him. The obedient servants of Allah  are instructed to persevere and follow the path of Allah . Please note that when the last verse of this Surah is recited, then Sajdah Tilaawah must be made. 3

HADITH Hadrat Abu Zar  says that he requested the Prophet  to give him some lasting advice. The Prophet  said, “Cultivate the fear and reverence of Allah in your heart, because this is the root of all virtuous deeds.” I asked him to add something more and he said, “Stick to the recitation of the Qur`aan, because it is a `Noor` in this life and `Zakhirah` (provision) for the Hereafter.” Hadrat Jubair bin Nufair  reported that the Prophet  said: “Allah  closed Surah Al-Baqarah with 2 verses which were given to me out of His Treasures under the Throne. So learn them and teach them to your women-folk for they are a blessing and a means of approach (to Allah) and a supplication.” Daarimi] 4

SURATUSH SHAMS 5

1. By the sun and its brightness. 2. By the moon as it follows it (the sun). 3. By the day as it shows up (the sun’s) brightness. 4. By the night as it conceals it (the sun). 5. By the Heaven and Him Who built it. 6. By the earth and Him who spread it. 7. By Nafs (Adam or a person or a soul), and Him Who perfected it in proportion. 8. Then He showed it what is wrong for it and what is right for it. 9. Indeed he succeeds who purifies it. 10. And indeed he fails who corrupts it. 11. Thamud (people) denied (their prophet) through their transgression. 12. When the most wicked man among them went forth (to kill the she-camel). 13. But the Messenger of Allah (Salih ) said to them: “Be cautious! (fear the evil end). That is the she-camel of Allah  (do not harm it) and bar it not from its drink!” 14. Then they denied him and they killed it. So their Lord destroyed them because of their sin, and made them equal in destruction (ie. all grades of people, rich and poor, strong and weak, etc)! 15. And He (Allah) feared not the consequences thereof. 6

SUMMARY OF SURATUL SHAMS This surah refers to the story of the tribe of Thamud and their negative attitude to the warnings of Allah’s  messenger to them, and the killing of the she-camel; and finally the collapse of Thamud and their complete annihilation. In Verses 1-10 Allah  swears by the objects of the universe as He swears by the human soul, how it is fashioned and how it is inspired. The earth gives these creatures an added significance and draws man’s attention to them. Man ought to contemplate these phenomena and try to appreciate their value and the purpose of their creation. The surah moves on to state the basic truth about man, and relates this truth to the various phenomena of the universe, for man is one of the most remarkable wonders in this harmonious creation. Allah  has created man with earth’s clay and Allah’s  spirit, which within him form two equal tendencies; i.e. to do good OR to do evil: i.e. to follow Allah’s  command or to go astray. Man is just as capable of recognising the good as he is of recognising the evil in everything he encounters, and he is equally capable of directing himself one way or the other. Allah  has given man the ability to determine his line of action and man is therefore responsible for his actions and decisions. He who uses this capability and keeps away from evil and does good will be prosperous and successful; while he who uses this faculty to suppress the good tendency in him will ruin himself. From this general outline of the Islamic concept of man emerge a number of valuable facts: Firstly, that this concept elevates man to the high position of being responsible for his actions and allows him freedom of choice. Secondly, it puts man’s fate in his own hands (according to Allah’s  will) and makes him responsible for it. Thirdly, it reminds man of his permanent need to refer to Allah  in order to ensure that his desires do not get the better of him, lead him astray and destroy him. The surah then gives an example of the failure which befalls those who corrupt themselves, and erect a barrier between themselves and Allah’s  guidance. The story of Thamud and their messenger, Salih , is mentioned several times in the Holy Qur’aan. The people of Thamud rejected their Prophet and accused him of lying simply because they were arrogant and insolent. As a result of their insolence, a calamity befell them and their city was destroyed to the ground. In conclusion, we say the Surah provides a link between the human soul, the basic facts of the universe and Allah’s  unfailing law of punishing the transgressors. He is the Lord of Man, the Universe and Fate. 7

HADITH Hadrat Abu Dardaa  reported that the Prophet  said: “If anyone learns by heart ten verses at the beginning of Surah Al-Kahf, he will be protected [Muslim] from dajjal.” Hadrat Ibn `Umar  reported that the Prophet  said: “These hearts become rusty just as iron does when water gets to it.” On being asked what could clear them, he replied, “A great amount of remembrance of death and recitation of the Qur`aan.” [Baihaqi] Hadrat Ibn-e-Umar  reported that the Prophet  said: “Three persons are such as will have no fear of the horrors of the Day of Judgement, nor will they be required to render any account. They will stroll merrily on mounds of musk until the people are relieved of rendering their account. One is a person who learnt the Qur`aan merely seeking Allah`s Pleasure and therewith leads people in Salaah in a manner that they are pleased with him: the second person is one who invites men to Salaah for the pleasure of Allah alone: the third person is one who has fair dealings between him and his master, as well as between himself and his surbordinates.” [Tabrani] 8

SURATUL LAYL 9

1. By the night as it envelopes (when she lets fall her darkness). 2. By the day as it appears in brightness. 3. By Him Who created male and female. 4. Certainly your efforts and deeds are diverse; (different in aims and purposes). 5. For him who gives and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him, 6. And believes in Al Husnaa (The Best). 7. We will make smooth for him the path of ease. 8. But he who is greedy and thinks himself self -sufficient. 9. And belies Al Husnaa (The Best) 10. We will make smooth for him the path of evil. 11. And what will his wealth avail him when he goes down (in destruction)? 12. Truly! On Us is (to give) guidance. 13. And truly unto Us (belong) the last (Hereafter) and the first (this word). 14. Therefore I have warned you of a blazing fire. 15. None shall enter it save the most wretched. 16. Who denies and turns away. 17. And the pious and righteous will be removed from it (hell). 18. He who spends his wealth for increase in self purification, 19. And who has (in mind) no favour from anyone to be paid back, 20. Except to seek the Countenance of his Lord, the Most High. 21. He surely will be pleased (when he enters Paradise). 10

SUMMARY OF SURATUL LAYL This surah states the basic facts of action and reward. Allah  swears by the contrasting aspects of the universe (day and night) and by man’s creation and constitution, that the striving of human beings is diverse, the roads they follow lead to different ends. Hence their reward is also diverse. The one who is charitable and who is conscious of Allah  and believes in Allah , has indeed done his best to purify himself seeking right guidance. Hence, he deserves the help and grace which Allah  has committed Himself to provide. For without this grace man finds himself absolutely helpless. He whose path to perfect ease and comfort is made smooth by Allah , achieves something certainly great. He who sacrifices nothing of himself or his wealth, professes that he is in no need of His Lord or his Guidance and disbelieves in Allah`s  message and religion, makes himself most vulnerable to evil. Allah  makes every stride he takes really hard, drives him away from the path of the right guidance, and leaves him to traverse the valleys of misery, although he may imagine himself to be taking the road to success. When he eventually falls headlong he can make no use of the wealth he has hoarded and which has caused him to imagine himself in no need of Allah  or His Guidance. Those who have sinned heavily will be in the blazing Fire and those who are conscious of Allah  will be saved from the fire. And finally Allah  says that the good people give charity or do good deeds not with the motive of returning someone`s favour or expecting some reward in return for their own good. The sole motive for their good deed is to receive Allah`s  Pleasure. 11

HADITH Hadrat Abu Sa`eed  narrates that the Prophet  said: Allah says, “If anybody finds no time for My Remembrance and for begging favours of Me, because of his remaining busy with the Holy Qur`aan, I shall give him more than what I give to all those who beg favours of Me.” The superiority of the Word of Allah  over all other words is like the superiority of Allah  over the entire creation. [Tirmizi, Baihaqi, Daarimi] Hadrat Ma`az Johani  narrates that the Prophet  said: “Whoever reads the Qur`aan and acts upon what is contained in it, his parents will be made to wear a crown on the Day of Judgment, the brilliance of which will excel that of the sun, if the same were within your worldly houses. So, what do you think about the person who himself acts upon it?” [Ahmad, Abu Dawood] 12

SURAH YAASEEN 13

1. Yaa-Seen 2. By the Qur’aan, full of wisdom 3. Truly, you are one of the Messengers 4. On the straight path 5. (This is a revelation) sent down by the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful 6. In order that you may warn a people whose forefathers were not warned, and who are therefore heedless. 7. Indeed the word (of punishment) has proved true against most of them, so they will not believe. 8. Verily, We have put yokes (iron collars) round their necks right upto their chins, so that their heads are raised up. 9. And We have put a barrier before them and a barrier behind them, and We have covered them up, so that they cannot see. 10. It is the same to them whether you warn them or you do not warn them, they will not believe. 11. You can only warn him who follows the Message (The Qur’aan) and fears the Most Gracious (Allah) unseen. Give such a one the glad tidings of forgiveness, and a most generous reward (ie. Paradise). 14

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12. Verily, We give life to the dead, and we record that which they send before (them), and that which they leave behind, and we have recorded all things in a Clear book. 13. And put forward to them a similitude: the (story of the) dwellers of the town, when there came Messengers to them. 14. When we sent to them two Messengers, they rejected them; so we reinforced them with a third, and they said: “Verily we have been sent to you as Messengers.” 15. They (people of the town) said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Gracious (Allah) has revealed nothing. You are only telling lies.” 16. The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you,” 17. “And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message).” 18. They (people) said: “For us, we see an evil omen from you: if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us.” 19. They (Messengers) said: “Your evil omens be with you! Because you are admonished? No, but you are a people transgressing all bounds. 20. And there came a man running from the farthest part of the town. He said: “O my people! Obey the Messengers.” 21. “Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided.” 16

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22. “And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned”. 23. “Shall I take besides Him (gods)? If the Most Gracious (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me?” 24. “Then verily, I should be in plain error.” 25. “Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!” 26. It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him) “Enter Paradise”. He said: “Would that my people knew.” 27. “That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!” 28. And We sent not against his people after him any hosts from the heaven, nor was it needful for Us to do so. 29. It was but one (shout) and lo! They (all) were still (silent, dead, destroyed). 30. Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 31. Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 32. And surely, all - everyone of them will be brought before Us. 33. And a sign for them is the dead land. We give it life, and We bring forth from it grains, so that they eat thereof. 18

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34. And We have made therein gardens of date-palms and grapes, and We have caused springs of water to gush forth therein. 35. So that they may eat of the fruit thereof - and their hands made it not. Will they not, then give thanks? 36. Glory is to Him Who has created all the pairs of that which the earth produces, as well as of their own (human) kind (male and female), and of that which they know not. 37. And a sign for them is the night. We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold, they are in darkness. 38. And the sun runs on its fixed course for a term (appointed). That is the Decree of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing. 39. And the moon, We have measured for it stages (to traverse) till it returns like the old dried curved date stalk. 40. It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit. 41. And a (sign) for them is that We bore their offspring in the laden ship (of Nuh). 42. And We have created for them of the like thereunto, on which they ride. 43. And if We will, We shall drown them, and there will be no shout (or helper) for them (to hear their cry for help), nor will they be saved. 44. Unless it be a mercy from Us, and as an enjoyment for a while. 20

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45. And when it is said to them: “Beware of that which is before you (worldly torments), and that which is behind you (torments in the Hereafter), in order that you may receive Mercy. 46. And never came a sign from among the signs of their Lord to them, but they did turn away from it. 47. And when it is said to them: “Spend of that with which Allah has provided you,” those who disbelieve say to those who believe: “Shall we feed those whom, if Allah willed, He (Himself) would have fed? You are only in a plain error.” 48. And they say: “When will this promise (i.e. Resurrection) be fulfilled, if you are truthful?” 49. They await only but a single shout which will seize them while they are disputing! 50. Then they will not be able to make bequest, nor they will return to their family. 51. And the Trumpet will be blown (i.e. the second blowing) and behold from the graves they will come out quickly to their Lord. 52. They will say: “Woe to us! Who has raised us up from our place of sleep.” (It will be said to them): “This is what the Most Gracious (Allah) had promised, and the Messengers spoke truth!” 53. It will be but a single shout, so behold they will all be brought up before Us! 22

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54. This Day (Day of Resurrection), none will be wronged in anything, nor will you be requited anything except that which you used to do. 55. Verily, the dwellers of the Paradise, that Day, will be busy with joyful things. 56. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones. 57. They will have therein fruits (of all kinds) and all that they ask for. 58. (It will be said to them): Peace be on you - a Word from the Lord Most Merciful. 59. (It will be said): “And O you criminals! Get you apart this Day (from the believers). 60. Did I not command you, O children of Adam, that you should not worship Shaytaan. Verily, he is a plain enemy to you. 61. And that you should worship Me (Alone). That is the Straight Path. 62. And indeed he (shaytaan) did lead astray a great multitude of you. Did you not, then, understand? 63. This is Hell which you were promised! 64. Burn therein this Day, for that you used to disbelieve. 65. This Day, We shall seal up their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their legs will bear witness to what they used to earn. 66. And if it had been Our Will, We could surely have wiped out (blinded) their eyes, then they would have run about groping for the Path, how then could they have seen? 24

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67. And if it had been Our Will, We could have transformed them (into animals or lifeless objects) in their places. Then they would have been unable to go forward (move about) nor could they have turned back. 68. And he whom We grant long life - We reverse him in creation (weakness after strength). Will they not then understand? 69. And We have not taught him (Muhammad ) poetry, nor is it suitable for him. This is only a Reminder and a plain Qur’aan. 70. That he may give warning to him who is living (the believer), and that the Word may be justified against the disbelievers (as they reject the warnings). 71. Do they not see that We have created for them of what Our Hands have created, the cattle, so that they are their owners. 72. And We have subdued them unto them so that some of them they have for riding and some they eat. 73. And they have (other) benefits from them, and they get (milk) to drink. Will they not then be grateful? 74. And they have taken besides Allah (gods), hoping that they might be helped (by those so-called gods). 75. They cannot help them, but they will be brought forward as a troop against those who worshipped them (at the time of Reckoning). 76. So let not their speech, then, grieve you (Muhammad ). Verily, We know what they conceal and what they reveal. 26

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77. Does not man see that We have created him from a drop of semen. Yet behold he (stands forth) as an open opponent. 78. And he puts forth for Us a parable, and forgets his own creation. He says: “Who will give life to these bones after they are rotten and have become dust?” 79. Say: (O Muhammad ) “He will give life to them Who created them for the first time! And He is the All- Knower of every creation!” 80. He Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, when behold you kindle therewith. 81. Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth, Able to create the like of them? Yes, indeed! He is the All-Knowing Supreme Creator. 82. Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, “Be!” - and it is! 83 So glorified is He and exalted above all that they associate with Him, and in Whose Hands is the dominion of all things: and to Him you shall be returned. 28

SUMMARY OF SURAH YAASEEN Surah Yaaseen was revealed in Makkah. This Surah is considered to be “the heart of the Qur’aan”. It consists of 83 verses. This revelation as Allah  calls it in Surah Yaaseen, the Wise Quraan, is the eternal gift to mankind. The first five verses explain that, belief in the Oneness of Allah  and the Qur’aan as Allah’s  Message is not acceptable by Allah  without the belief in Prophet Muhammad  as the Messenger of Allah . This Surah confirms that the Prophet  is definitely the Messenger of Allah for all times, past, present and future. This is in refutation of the disbelievers who continue to reject the prophethood of Muhammad  even to this day. Furthermore, these opening verses establish the authenticity of the book which Muhammad  has received as revelation. The following credentials of the Holy Prophet  are given in these verses: 1. The revelation which he brought (the Holy Qur’aan) 2. The life which he led (on a straight way). In verses 6-10 Allah  says that the Quraysh had not received any Prophet before and therefore Prophet Muhammad  was sent from amongst them as a messenger to them and to the whole of mankind. If people deliberately and obstinately refuse to believe - i.e. to receive guidance and admonition, then Allah’s  Grace and Mercy are withdrawn from them and they are overtaken by Allah’s  punishment. This state of deprivation of Allah’s  Grace leads to such a decline spiritually that the person can neither progress nor turn back. They become totally devoid of any hope and all spiritual understanding is extinguished in them. When this stage is reached the truth ceases to have any value for them. Allah , describes them as being barricaded from all sides with their heads raised up in such a way that they are unable to see the truth. In verses 11-12 Allah  says that there are others who are anxious to hear Allah’s  Message and receive Allah’s  Grace. They love Allah  and fear to offend any of His Laws, in any condition, openly or secretly. To such persons the Message of Allah  comes as good news because it shows them the way of forgiveness for anything wrong in their past and it gives them the promise of a full reward in the future. 29

SUMMARY OF SURAH YAASEEN .....Continued All this is possible because there is the assurance of a Hereafter where we will be brought back to life by Allah’s  Power. Our deeds - good and bad go to Allah  before us and they are recorded in minute detail and preserved in a book of record. In verses 13-29 Allah  talks about the people of the City. In verses 13-17, we learn that they rejected the Message. Allah  sent two of His Messengers and when the people rejected them Allah  supported them with a third Messenger. When the people of the City denied the possibility of Allah’s  sending such a mission then the Messengers of Allah  invoked the authority of Allah  in proof of their mission and explained to the people what their mission is. It is not to force them but to convince them. It is to proclaim openly and clearly Allah’s  Law which they were breaking. In verses 18-19, the people of the City, not only denied the Messengers but accused them of being an evil omen and threatened to kill them. In verses 20-29, we learn that whilst the wealthy and fashionable men in the City were doubtful of Allah’s Messengers, the truth was seen by a man in the outskirts of the City. He had believed and he wanted his people to believe. So that they may also get the benefit of the spiritual satisfaction which he himself achieved. He said to the people: “Follow these Messengers who ask no reward from you. How is it possible for me to do otherwise than to serve and adore my Creator. I shall return to Him, and so will you, and all this applies to you as much as to me. If I take a god other than Allah , then who will save me, indeed I have believed in Allah , so listen to me” However the people did not take heed, instead they killed him and when he was martyred it was said to him, “Enter Jannah”. Even after his death, he was desirous of his people’s welfare and he proclaims, “Alas, if only my people knew of the honour that Allah has granted me.” 30

SUMMARY OF SURAH YAASEEN ...Continued This man was just a simple, honest soul, but he heard and obeyed the call of the prophets and obtained his spiritual desire for himself and did his best to obtain salvation for his people. All his past was forgiven and he was raised to dignity and honour in Heaven. He teaches us the lesson of having an undying desire for the welfare of people, particularly their guidance and salvation from Allah’s  wrath. To have this spirit of inviting towards Allah , of inviting towards good and preventing from evil. Allah  destroyed the people of the City, because they disobeyed and refused to believe. They were destroyed with a single mighty Blast. If we study history, we will see that countless generations were destroyed in this world because they did not heed the Truth, and in the Hereafter they will have to appear before Allah . This is confirmed in Verses 30-32. In verses 33-44 Allah  tells us about the various signs and wonderful evidence of His Providence for His creatures. These benefits and enjoyments are solely on the basis of Allah’s  Grace and Mercy. In these verses Allah  appeals to our faculty of observation and deduction. We see the manifestation of Allah’s  Power in the world around us. Some of these manifestations are mentioned in these verses as follows:- a) the growth of plants and fruit, b) the creation of everything in pairs, c) the alternation of day and night, d) the movement of the sun and the moon, and e) the floating of ships on water. These Aayaat (signs) of Allah  ought to bring all human beings to the conclusion that there is Allah, The One and Only Who is in Control of everything. Thus Allah  draws our attention to ponder into His creation, so that we might develop a firm conviction in the Belief of the Oneness of Allah . 31

SUMMARY OF SURAH YAASEEN ....Continued In verses 45-50 Allah  talks about the disbelievers, inspite of being called towards the belief in Allah’s  Oneness by appealing to their intellect, they continue to remain obstinate in their kufr. They refuse to take heed and instead they argue and have the audacity to call for the hastening of Allah’s  promises against them. One should consider and beware of the consequences of one’s past and guard against the consequences in one’s future. One should review one’s whole life and prepare for the Hereafter. Allah  is Merciful, He will forgive and give strength for a better and higher life in the future. In verses 51-58 Allah  talks about the Day of Qiyaamah when the trumpet will be blown and the dead will rise and they will be confused in the new conditions. Judgement will take place on the highest standard of Justice and Grace. Not a soul will be wronged in the least. The people of Jannah will enjoy the pleasures and blessings from Allah . The height of their joy will be when Allah greets them with “SALAAM – PEACE”. In verses 59-64 Allah  addresses the wrongdoers as the “children of Aadam” and reminds them that they were given understanding so that they could have judged their own best interest. But they deliberately and persistently rejected all teaching, guidance and warnings and are therefore in Hell. Verse 60 indicates that to disobey Allah  tantamounts to the worship of Shaytaan, our open enemy. In verse 65 Allah  says that on that day people will be dumbfounded. They will not be able to speak or offer any defence. Their own hands and feet will speak against them. 32

SUMMARY OF SURAH YAASEEN.... Continued In verses 66-68 Allah  says that if it were Allah’s  Plan to grant no freedom of choice or will to man, He could have created man quite different or transformed them into stationery creatures, as in the case of trees where there was no possibility either of progress or deterioration. But it was Allah’s  Plan to give man all the privileges and therefore man must shoulder all the responsibilities that go with them. In verses 69-70, Allah  re-iterates what was mentioned in the opening verses of this Surah in respect of the authenticity of Prophet Muhammad’s  message. Whatever the Holy Prophet  says is in fact a revelation from Allah  and that he has been sent for the guidance of those who are “living”, referring to those who will accept the message and believe. Allah  refers to the believers as those who are “living” in the true sense, whilst those who disbelieve are like the dead. In verses 71-81 Allah  says that if people reject Truth and Faith after they have been admonished and warned, and if they are blind to other Signs of Allah , they can at least see the simple homely things of life which have been bestowed upon them by the Grace of Allah . Not only do the disbelievers reject the truth, instead they ascribe partners unto Allah . They are warned that these false gods will not avail them. Allah  draws man’s attention to his lowly, impure beginning, yet he is bold enough to engage in argument with Allah . When man questions the Power of Allah  in His ability to resurrect, Allah  directs him to ponder over his miraculous creation from nothing and His (Allah’s ) ability to create without and against any means as in the case of producing fire from a fresh, green tree. 33

SUMMARY OF SURAH YAASEEN.... Continued In verses 82-83 Allah  says that His creation is not dependent on time instruments or means. The moment He Wills a thing, it comes into existence. All things are created by Allah  are maintained by him, and will go back to Him. This Message is the Core of Revelation. This surah revolves around the central themes which permeate the Qur’aan , i.e. the Oneness of Allah  and the acceptance of the Messenger of Allah  and the manifestation of the power and will of Allah  as seen: in the episode of the people of the city, in the creation of Allah  all around us and in the graphic description of the events of the Hereafter. Allah  calls towards His Oneness and obedience according to the life pattern of His Messenger () in a loving, merciful, compassionate manner, whilst appealing to our sense of reason, all the time. ********************************************** BENEFITS OF SURAH YAASEEN Hadrat Ata-ibn-e-Abi Ribah  reported that the Prophet  said: “Whoever reads Surah Yaaseen in the beginning of the day, all his needs for that day are fulfilled.” [Daarimi] ] ] Hadrat Abu Hurayrah  reported that the Prophet  said: “A thousand years before creating the heavens and the earth, Allah  recited Surah TaaHaa and Yaaseen and when the angels heard the recitation they said: Blessing is for the hearts that will bear (memorize) it and blessing is for the tongue that will recite it.” [Daarimi] Hadrat Ma`qil bin Yasaar al Muzani  reported that the Prophet  said: “Whoever reads Surah Yaaseen for the Pleasure of Allah  Only, all his past sins are forgiven. Therefore make a practise of reading this Surah over your dead.” [Baihaqi] 34

DIRECT AND INDIRECT DU`AAS There are two types of Du`aas: Direct Du`aas and Indirect Du`aas. 1. Direct Du`aas Direct Du`aas are Du`aas wherein we ask Allah  directly for help, protection and inspiration. 2. Indirect Du`aas Indirect Du`aas are extracts from the Holy Qur'aan where Allah  is not called upon directly for help, protection, etc. as in the direct du`aas. However, when these extracts are recited with sincerity of purpose they will be just as effective as the direct Du`aas. In Surah Ash-Shu`araa (26) Verses 72-77, Prophet Ibraaheem  taught the people that it is sinful to worship idols. He asked them if the idols could hear when they called on them, or if the idols brought any good or harm to them. They replied: \"No, but we have found our elders doing the same.\" At this Prophet Ibraheem  said: \"Have you then seen whom you have been worshipping, you and your fathers before you? They are all enemies to me, except the Lord of the Worlds.\" Thereafter, he recited Verses 78-82 of Surah Ash-Shu`araa and showed the people that Allah  has the power to do everything and that Allah  is the one Who cures the sick and provides us with whatever we need. Therefore, we should read the following Du`aa (verses of the Qur`aan) during illness with the hope that Allah  will cure us from sickness and grant us good health through his Mercy. 35

DU`AAS DU`AA WHEN SICK [Surah Ash-Shu`araa (26) Verses 78-82] 78. (It is Allah ) Who created me and it is He Who guides me. 79. And it is He Who gives me food and drink. 80. And when I fall ill, He cures me. (Shifaa) 81. And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me back to life. 82. And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Judgement. 36

MASNOON DU`AAS FOR ANY OCCASION Before making Du`aa, begin with “Praise be to Allah  and Blessings and Salaams on Prophet Muhammad \". In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All praises are due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Blessings and Salutations be on the noblest of the Prophets, our Leader, Muhammad , his descendants and all his companions. Thereafter supplicate (make Du`aa) to Allah . 37

Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, The All-Knower. And accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. [Surah Al-Baqarah (2) : Verses 127-128] My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous deeds, such as please You, and make my offspring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will). [Surah Al-Ahqaaf (46) : Verse 15] 38

(My Lord) Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show Mercy. [Surah Al Ambiyaa (21) : Verse 83] None has the right to be worshipped but You [O Allah], Glorified (and Exalted) are You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]! Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers. [Surah Al-Ambiyaa (21) : Verse 87] Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire (Jahannam). [Surah Baqarah (2) :Verse 201] 39