Qur’an: 16 Sep 2014 (20 Zul-Qa’dah 1435)

English Translation of Al-Quran

[33].Surah Al-Ahzab [The Confederates]

Ayat 9. O you who believe! Remember Allah’s Favor to you, when there came against you hosts, and Allah sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [i.e. troops of angels during the battle of Al­-Ahzab (the Confederates)]. And Allah is Ever All Seer of what you do. Tafseer of Surah Al Ahzab (The Confederates) Ayat 09. O ye who believe! Remember the Grace of Allah, (bestowed) on you, when there came down on you hosts (to overwhelm you): But We sent against them a hurricane and forces that ye saw not: but Allah sees (clearly) all that ye do. In this verse is summed up the beginning and the end of the fateful struggle of the Siege of Madinah in A.H. 5. The composition of the unhallowed Confederacy that came to destroy Islam is referred to in the Introduction. They came with a force of ten to twelve thousand fighting men, an unprecedented army for that time and country. The battle is known as the Battle of the Trench. After a close investment of two to four weeks, during which the enemies were disheartened by their ill success, there was a piercing blast of the cold east wind. It was a severe winter, and February can be a very cold Mondi in Madinah, which is about 3,000 feet above the sea level. The enemy’s tents were torn up, their fires were extinguished, the sand and rain beat in their faces, and they were terrified by the portents against them. They had already well nigh fallen out amongst themselves, and beating a hasty retreat, they melted away. The Madinah fighting strength was no more than 3,000, and the Jewish tribe of the Banu Qurayzah who were in their midst was a source of weakness as they were treacherously intriguing with the enemy. And further there were the Hypocrites: see n. 3666 above. But there were hidden forces that helped the Muslims. Besides the forces of nature there were moral forces-mutual distrust and bickering in the enemy camp, and on the other side, perfect discipline among the real Muslims, and the superb leadership of the Prophet. Allah sees everything. Therefore we may conclude that the discipline and moral fervor of the Muslims, as well as the enemy’s insincerities, intrigues, and reliance on brute force, were all contributory causes to his repulse, under Allah’s dispensation. There were many hidden causes which neither party saw clearly.

Hadith: 16 Sep 2014 (20 Zul-Qa’dah 1435)

English Translation of Hadith

Hazrat Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: On one occasion the Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) was confronting the enemy. He waited until the sun had declined. Then he stood up to address the people and said, "O people! Do not wish for an encounter with the enemy. Pray to Allah to grant you safety; (but) when you encounter them, show patience, and know that Jannah is under the shades of the swords.” Then he [SAWW](PBUH) said: "Allahumma munzilal-kitab, wa mujriyas-sahab, wa hazimal-Ahzab, ihzimhum wansurna alaihim (O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Disperser of the clouds, Defeater of the Confederates, put our enemy to rout and support us against them).”

[Al-Bukhari Book 04, Chapter 52, Hadith # 210]

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-AhzabAyat 09. “Allah sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [i.e. troops of angels during the battle of Al­-Ahzab” From this Hadith we learn that it is better to start war in the afternoon because this was the practice of the Prophet  [SAWW](PBUH). The desire for war is prohibited, but when war becomes inevitable, one should not show his back to the enemy; rather, one should fight to the best of his ability and be steadfast in it. Along with steadfastness and patience in fighting, one should also pray for victory because all powers lie with Allah and no one can gain victory without His Will. The Hadith also mentions a supplication which one should make when he encounters the enemy.

Qur’an: 15 Sep 2014 (19 Zul-Qa’dah 1435)

English Translation of Al-Quran

[33].Surah Al-Ahzab [The Confederates]

Ayat 8. That Allah may ask the truthful (His Messengers and Prophets) about their truth (i.e. the conveyance of Allah’s Message that which they were charged with). And He has prepared for the disbelievers a painful torment (Hell-fire).

Tafseer of Surah Al Ahzab (The Confederates) Ayat 08. That (Allah) may question the (custodians) of Truth concerning the Truth they (were charged with): And He has prepared for the Unbelievers a grievous Penalty. The men to whom Allah’s Truth has been committed for promulgation will be asked in the Hereafter how the Truth fared in the world-how it was received, who opposed it, and who assisted it. Like all trustees, they will have to give a full account of their trust. Allah knows all, and it will not add to His information. But it will be evidence for and against those to whom it was preached, so that the responsibility of those who dishonored it may be duly enforced. The primary custodians of spiritual Truth are the Prophets, but in descending degrees all men to whom Allah’s Message comes are included.

Hadith: 15 Sep 2014 (19 Zul-Qa’dah 1435)

English Translation of Hadith

Hazrat Ibn Masud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said to me: "Recite the Qur’an to me". I said, "O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite the Qur’an to you, when it has been revealed to you?” He [SAWW](PBUH) replied, "I love to hear it recited by others". So I recited to him a portion from Surat An-Nisa’. When I reached the Ayah: "How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad [SAWW](PBUH) as a witness against these people?". (4:41) He [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Enough for now". When I looked at him I saw his eyes were shedding tears.

[Al-Bukhari Book 06, Chapter 60, Hadith # 106].

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-AhzabAyat 08. “Allah may ask the truthful (His Messengers and Prophets) about their truth (i.e. the conveyance of Allah’s Message” This Hadith tells us that besides the recitation of the Noble Qur’an, a Muslim should also listen to it from others so that he can contemplate further on it. It also makes one weep when one listens to the Noble Qur’an.

Qur’an: 14 Sep 2014 (18 Zul-Qa’dah 1435)

English Translation of Al-Quran

[33].Surah Al-Ahzab [The Confederates]

Ayat 7. And (remember) when Allah took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad [SAWW](PBUH), and from Nuh (Noah (PBUH), Ibrahim (Abraham (PBUH), Mussa (Moses (PBUH), and ‘Iesa (Jesus (PBUH), son of Maryam (Mary (PBUH). We took from them a strong covenant.

Tafseer of Surah Al Ahzab (The Confederates) Ayat 07. And remember Allah took from the prophets their Covenant: As (We did) from the: from Noah PBUH, Abraham PBUH, Moses PBUH, and Jesus PBUH the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn covenant: Cf. 3:81. There is an implied covenant on all created things to follow Allah’s Law, which is the law of their being: see 5:1. But there is a special implied covenant with all Prophets, strict and solemn, that they shall carry out their mission, proclaim Allah’s Truth without fear or favor, and be ever ready in His service in all circumstances. That gives them their position and dignity as explained in the last verse, and their tremendous responsibilities in respect of the people whom they come to instruct and lead to the right Path.

Hadith: 14 Sep 2014 (18 Zul-Qa’dah 1435)

English Translation of Hadith

Hazrat Ubadah bin As-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: e Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "He who bears witness that there is no true god except Allah, alone having no partner with Him, that Muhammad [SAWW] is His slave and His Messenger, that `Isa (Jesus) is His slave and Messenger and he (Jesus) is His Word which He communicated to Maryam (Mary) and His spirit which He sent to her, that Jannah is true and Hell is true; Allah will make him enter Jannah accepting whatever deeds he accomplished". [Muslim Book 01, Chapter 11, Hadith # 043].

Another narration in Muslim is: e Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Whosoever testifies that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah , Allah (SWT) saves him from the Fire (of Hell)".

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-AhzabAyat 07. “And (remember) when Allah took from the Prophets their covenant” This Hadith confirms that all Prophets of Allah were men and thus refutes those who attribute divinity to them and exclude them from the category of men or regard them a part of Allah, as Christians believes Prophet `Isa (Jesus to be Christ) by regarding him Allah or His son, or the Jews do Prophet `Uzair by venerating him as son of Allah. The misconception has also taken hold of a sect of the Muslims. They have invented the belief that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is "Light from the Light of Allah". Thus further considering being of him with Divine qualities. They exclude him from the category of men. This Hadith tells us that the belief that Prophets were men constitutes part of Faith and denial of it is the denial of a part of Faith and amounts to evasion from Tauhid – Oneness of Allah. Prophet `Isa (Jesus) has been referred in the Qur’an as "Kalimatullah" (the Word of Allah) (4:171). What these words really mean is that he was born in an unusual manner, without being fathered by anyone, only on the express fiat of Allah. This Hadith shows that a major sin does not cast a Muslim out of the fold of Islam, as is believed by certain deviant sects who have gone astray. Such a person does remain a Muslim and his eligibility for admission into Jannah also remains intact but his admission entirely depends on the pleasure of Allah. He may forgive a sinful Muslim and send him to Jannah even in the initial stage or keep him in Hell for some time and then send him to Jannah. Thus, when it is said that Muslims are protected against Hell, it means that they will not abide in Hell for ever. It will be a temporary phase varying with his sins. When that punishment comes to an end, or even before it, when Almighty, Allah, wills, he will be removed from Hell to Jannah.

Qur’an: 13 Sep 2014 (17 Zul-Qa’dah 1435)

English Translation of Al-Quran

[33].Surah Al-Ahzab [The Confederates]

Ayat 06. The Prophet [SAWW](PBUH) is closer to the believers than their ownselves, and his wives are their (believers’) mothers (as regards respect and marriage). And blood relations among each other have closer personal ties in the Decree of Allah (regarding inheritance) than (the brotherhood of) the believers and the Muhajirun (emigrants from Makkah, etc.), except that you do kindness to those brothers (when the Prophet [SAWW](PBUH) joined them in brotherhood ties). This has been written in the (Allah’s Book of Divine) Decrees (Al­’Lauh Al­Mahfuz)."

Tafseer of Surah Al Ahzab (The Confederates) Ayat 06. The Prophet is closer to the Believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. Blood-relations among each other have closer personal ties, in the Decree of Allah. Than (the Brotherhood of) Believers and Muhajirs: nevertheless do ye what is just to your closest friends: such is the writing in the Decree (of Allah. In spiritual relationships the Prophet is entitled to more respect and consideration than blood-relations. The Believers should follow him rather than their fathers or mothers or brothers, where there is conflict of duties. He is even nearer-closer to our real interests-their our own selves. In some Qiraahs, like that of Ubayy Ibn Kaab, occur also the words "and he is a father of them", which imply his spiritual relationship and connection with the words "and his wives are their mothers". Thus his spiritual fatherhood would be contrasted pointedly with the repudiation of the vulgar superstition of calling any one like Zayd Ibn Harithah by the appellation Zayd Ibn Muhammad (33:40): such an application is really disrespectful of the Prophet. This Surah establishes the dignity and position of the Prophet’s wives, who had a special mission and responsibility as Mothers of the Believers. They were not to be like ordinary women: they had to instruct women in spiritual matters, visit and minister to those who were ill or in distress, and do other kindly offices in aid of the Prophet’s mission. No man should deprive his blood relations of such rights of maintenance and property as they might have. The community of Believers, inhabitants of Madinah and those who had migrated to Madinah from Makkah, also had their mutual rights, but they were not to be put forward as an excuse to defeat the prior rights of natural relationships. In the early Madinah days, Ansar were allowed to inherit from Muhajirs whose natural relations had not emigrated, but this practice was discontinued when normal relations were re-established between Makkah and Madinah.

Hadith: 13 Sep 2014 (17 Zul-Qa’dah 1435)

English Translation of Hadith

Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam (May Allah be pleased with him) "One day Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) stood up to deliver a Khutbah at a watering place known as Khumm between Makkah and Al-Madinah. He praised Allah, extolled Him, and exhorted (us) and said, `Amma Ba`du. O people, I am a human being. I am about to receive a messenger (the angel of death) from my Rubb and I will respond to Allah’s Call, but I am leaving with you two weighty things: the first is the Book of Allah, in which there is right guidance and light, so hold fast to the Book of Allah and adhere to it.’ He exhorted (us to hold fast) to the Book of Allah and then said, `The second is the members of my household, I remind you (to be kind) to the members of my family. I remind you (to be kind) to the members of my family.

[Muslim Book 31, Chapter 04, Hadith # 5920]

Another narration is: Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "I am leaving behind me two weighty things. One of them is the Book of Allah (Al-Quran); that is the strong rope of Allah. Whosoever holds firmly to it, will be the guided, and whosoever leaves it goes astray".

[Muslim Book 31, Chapter 04, Hadith # 5922]

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-AhzabAyat 06. “And blood relations among each other have closer personal ties in the Decree of Allah” This Hadith brings out the following points: 1. Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) was a human being. He too was subject to the inevitable law of death.

2. It stresses upon the establishment of a firm bond with the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) and lays emphasis on showing respect and honour to the members of the Prophet’s [SAWW] family.

3. The members of the Prophet’s family are classified into two categories:

Firstly, wives of Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) or Mothers of the believers. This is established from the categorical Verses of the Noble Qur’an.

Secondly, persons who have close relationship with Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) . They are Banu Hashim and Banu Abdul-Muttalib.

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-AhzabAyat

Qur’an: 12 Sep 2014 (16 Zul-Qa’dah 1435)

English Translation of Al-Quran

[33].Surah Al-Ahzab [The Confederates]

Ayat 5. Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allah. But if you know not their father’s (names, call them) your brothers in faith and Mawalikum (your freed slaves). And there is no sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend. And Allah is Ever Oft­-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Tafseer of Surah Al Ahzab (The Confederates) Ayat 05. Call them by (the names of) their fathers: that is just in the sight of Allah. But if ye know not their father´s (names, call them) your Brothers in faith, or your maulas. But there is no blame on you if ye make a mistake therein: (what counts are) the intention of your hearts: and Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. Freedmen were often called after their master’s name as the "son of so and so". When they were slaves, perhaps their fathers’ names were lost altogether. It is more correct to speak of them as the Mawtd of so and so. But Mawla in Arabic might also imply a close relationship of friendship: in that case, too, it is better to use the right term instead of the term "son". "Brother" is not objectionable because "Brotherhood" is used in a wider sense than "fatherhood", and is not likely to be misunderstood. What is aimed at is to destroy the superstition of erecting false relationships to the detriment or loss of true blood relations. It is not intended to penalize an unintentional slip in the matter, and indeed even if a man deliberately calls another his son or father, who is not his son or father, out of politeness or affections, "Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful". It is the action of mischievous parties which is chiefly reprehended, if they intend false insinuations. A mere mistake on their part does not matter.

Hadith: 12 Sep 2014 (16 Zul-Qa’dah 1435).

English Translation of Hadith

Hazrat Wathilah bin Al-Asqa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Of the worst lies are: to claim a false father, or to pretend to have seen what one has not seen (tell a false dream), or to attribute to the Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) what he has not said.” (Like fabricating false Hadith)

[Al-Bukhari Volume 4, Book 56, Hadith Number 712].

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-AhzabAyat 05. “Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allah” The serious nature is the case where fabricated sayings and acts are attributed to the Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH). Unfortunately, some unwary `Ulama’, particularly the story-telling preachers, frequently indulge in uttering fabricated Ahadith. The warning equally holds good in case a man narrates a Hadith of a weak chain of transmission without pointing to its category. One should, therefore, refrain from recounting all Ahadith of such a category. Also this Hadith makes another point that disown one’s father and attribute fatherhood to somebody else is a major sin, because apart from causing doubts and confusion in people’s minds about one’s blood, descent and character, this will give rise to social, moral and psychological problems as well.