Class One - (28/9/17)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

8/1/1439H

How Bani Israeel dealt with their Book as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah

Allah warned us against being like Bani Israeel in the Quran; to not deal with the Quran in the same way they dealt with their book. Allah said in Surah Al-Baqarah [2:121]:

"Those (who embraced Islam from Bani Israel) to whom We gave the Book [the Taurat (Torah)] [or those (Muhammad's Peace be upon him companions) to whom We have given the Book (the Quran)] recite it (i.e. obey its orders and follow its teachings) as it should be recited (i.e. followed), they are the ones that believe therein. And whoso disbelieves in it (the Quran), those are they who are the losers. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi. Vol. 2, Page 95)."

"الذين ءاتيناهم الكتاب" - Those to whom We gave the Book

This verse either refers to:

I) Jews and Christians who were given the Torah and Injeel and adhered to the Book and believed in the description of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

ii) The Companions and the Muslim nation who were given the Quran.

How do they deal with the Book?

"يتلونه حق تلاوته" - recite it as it should be recited

How do you recite the Quran حق تلاوته (as it should be recited)?

-> Ibn Kathir said on the authority of Ibn Masoud رضي الله عنه, "By He in Whose Hand is my soul! The right Tilawah is allowing what it makes lawful, prohibiting what it makes unlawful, reciting it as it was revealed by Allah, not changing the words from their places, and not interpreting it with other than its actual interpretation.''

Tilawah is not limited to recitation of the Qur'an. It includes:

a) Taking what is mentioned as lawful in the Quran as lawful

b) Taking what is mentioned as unlawful in the Quran as unlawful

c) Reciting the Words without changing it or misinterpreting it.

-> Umar bin Khattab رضي الله عنه said, "They are those who when they recite an Ayah that mentions mercy, they ask Allah for it, and when they recite an Ayah that mentions torment, they seek refuge with Allah from it.'' This meaning was attributed to the Prophet , for when he used to recite an Ayah of mercy, he invoked Allah for mercy, and when he recited an Ayah of torment, he sought refuge from it with Allah.

-> As-Sa'di رحمه الله said,

أي: يتبعونه حق اتباعه، و التلاوة: الإتباع، فيحلون حلاله و يحرمون حرامه و يعملون بمحكمه و يؤمنون بمتشابهمه، و هؤلا هم السعداء من أهل الكتاب، الذين عرفوا نعمة الله و شكروها و آمنوا بكل الرسل و لم يفرقوا بين أحد منهم

Meaning: They follow it as it should be followed. Tilawah means to follow. Thus, they regard as permissible what Allah has specified as permissible and they regard as impermissible what Allah has specified as forbidden. They act upon his Muhkamat (clear verses) and believe in His Mutashabihat (unclear verses).

The Quran has verses which are clear, so they apply these verses. As for the verses whose meaning are unclear, they believe in it and search for its meaning in other verses and in the Sunnah.

These are the fortunate ones from among the People of the Book, who recognize the signs and blessings of Allah and show gratitude to Him and believe in all of Allah's Prophets and Messengers without discrimination.

What is the description of those who recite it حق تلاوته?

"أولآئك يؤمنون به" - they are the ones that believe therein

The true believers in the Quran are those who recite it حق تلاوته; they give the Tilawah its rights. If a person does not give the Tilawah its rights, it indicates that there is something wrong with his faith. The merit is not in mere memorization of the Qur'an, but in how much you are giving the Qur'an it's rights.

Note: If you want to understand a verse deeply in the Quran, do not stick to one Tafseer Book. Take the statements from many other Tafseer Books. Some interpreters may repeat the same information, other times they may give new information. Take the new information and add it to what you read from the previous interpretations.

-> Ibn Othaimeen رحمه الله said:

الكلام هنا عن الإيمان بما جاء به الرسول ﷺ: لا يؤمنون به إلا من يتلو الكتاب حق تلاوته

The speech here is about belief in what the Messenger has brought. No one believes in it except the one who recites the Book as it should be recited.

Ibn Othaimeen رحمه الله said that تلاوة (Tilawah) is of three kinds:

1) التلاوة اللفظية (Tilawah Lafthiyyah)

To recite the Qur'an with Tawjeed.

2) التلاوة المعنوية (Tilawah Ma'anawiyyah)

This is to understand what you are reciting and interpret it correctly.

3) تلاوة الحكم (Tilawah al-Hukm)

This is to know the ruling and apply it.

Whenever people say تلاوة (Tilawah) nowadays, they only intend the first meaning. This is not enough. You have to know the meaning of what you recite as well as act upon it. Only when you do the above three will you be considered to be one who has recited the Qur'an حق تلاوته (as it should be recited), and thus a believer.

Ibn Othaimeen رحمه الله mentioned the benefits of this verse:

#1 - منة الله عز و جل على من آتاه الله تعالى الكتاب، فتلاه حق تلاوته

The favour of Allah on those whom He gave the Book and thus recite it as it should be recited.

#2 - أنه ليس مجرد إتيان الكتاب فضيلة للإنسان، بل الفضيلة بتلاوته حق تلاوته

The mere giving of the Book is not a merit for the human. Rather, the merit lies in reciting it as it should be recited.

Being given the Book and knowing and memorizing it only is not a merit, rather the virtue is in حق تلاوته - to recite it as it should be, fulfilling all three types of Tilawah.

#3 - (أن للإيمان علامة؛ و علامته العمل لقوله تعالى (أولآئك يؤمنون به) بعد قوله عز و جل (يتلونه حق تلاوته

Faith has a sign, and its sign is action. Allah said {They are the ones that believe therein} after He said {Recite it as it should be recited}.

I.e. Giving the Quran its right is a sign of ones faith.

#4 - أن من خالف القرآن في شيء كان ذالك دليلا على نقص إيمانه لقوله تعالى (يتلونه حق تلاوته أولآئك يؤمنون به). فمعنى ذالك: إذا لم يتلوه حق تلاوته فإنهم لم يؤمنوا به؛ بل نقص من إيمانهم بقدر ما نقص من تلاوتهم له

Contradicting the Qur'an in any matter is evidence for the deficiency of ones faith, indicated by the statement of Allah {Recite it as it should be recited, they are the ones that believe therein}. The meaning of that is that if one does not recite it as it should be recited, then he has not believed in it. The deficiency in his faith is in accordance to the deficiency of his Tilawah.

#5 - أن تلاوة القرآن نوعان: تلاوة حق و تلاوة ناقصة ليست تامة؛ فالتلاوة الحق أن يكون الإنسان تاليا للفظ و لمعناه عاملا بأحكامه مصدقا بأخباره، فمن استكبر أو جحد فإنه لم يتله حق تلاوته

Tilawah of the Qur'an is of two types:

I) Tilawah Haqq

ii) Tilawah Naaqisah (Deficient Tilawah) which is not complete

Tilawah Al-Haqq is that the person follows its words and meanings, acts upon its rulings, and believes in its news. So whoever is proud or rejects it, he has not recited the Qur'an as it should be recited.

E.g. If the person envies another person and has sicknesses in his heart, he is not reciting the Quran حق تلاوة. We should judge ourselves. The more you apply the Quran, the more it indicates your faith.

#6 - أن الكافر بالقرآن مهما أصاب من الدنيا فهو خاسر، لقوله تعالى (و من يكفر به فأولآئك هم الخاسرون) يكون خاسرا - و لو نال من الدنيا من أموال و بنين و مراكب فخمة، و قصور مشيدة - لأن هذه كله سوف تذهب و تزول أو هو يزول عنها و لا تنفعه.

No matter how much the disbeliever in the Quran has of worldly luxuries, he is considered a loser, because of the statement of Allah: {And whoever disbelieves in it, they are the losers}. He is a loser - even if he has attained from the Dunya of wealth, children, fancy cars, mansions - because all of these will soon fade away or he will leave it behind him and it will not benefit him.

The Dunya will not remain for a person. Therefore Allah warned against being diverted with ones wealth and children from Allah's remembrance. Allah said in Surah Al-Munafiqoon [63:9]:

"O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers."

#7 - (علو مرتبة من يتلون الكتاب حق تلاواته، للإشارة إليهم بلفظ البعيد: (أولآئك يؤمنون به

The high status of those who recite the Qur'an as it should be recited, implied by referring to them with the word "أولآئك" which indicates distance.

PDF تفسير سورة البقرة لإبن عثيمين رحمه الله: https://ia800700.us.archive.org/0/items/kotob_ibn-othaimeen/Tafseer_Al-Quran_002b.pdf

Descriptions of the Quran in the Quran

Before you read the Quran, what should you have in your heart towards it? Belief

Your belief in the Quran will effect your recitation and make you recite it as you should recite it. This Quran is not just any other Book. Allah mentioned many descriptions in the Quran about the Quran:

a) القرآن العظيم (Great Book)

In Surah Al-Hijr [15:87]:

"And indeed, We have bestowed upon you seven of Al-Mathani (the seven repeatedly recited Verses), (i.e. Surat Al-Fatiha) and the Grand Quran."

b) أحكمت - Perfect

c) فصلت - Explained in Detail

In Surah Al-Hud [11:1]:

"Alif-Lam-Ra. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. (This is) a Book, the Verses whereof are perfected (in every sphere of knowledge, etc.), and then explained in detail from One (Allah), Who is All-Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things)."

"أحكمت ءاياته" - The Verses whereof are perfected

You cannot find any contradiction or mistakes in it. The verses are perfect.

"ثم فصلت" - and then explained in detail

"من لدن حكيم خبير" - from One Who is All-Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things).

This Book came from Allah who is All-Wise; who puts everything in its perfect place. All what you find in the Quran of rulings, command, prohibitions, are perfect and conform with our nature. He is All-Aware; He knows who we are, and He sent the Quran conforming with our nature. He did not order us with anything that contradicts our nature or is beyond our scope.

d) مهيمن

In Surah Al-Maa'idah [5:48]:

"And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Quran) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures). So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ."

What is the relation of the Quran with the previous Books? مهيمن عليه. This has three meanings:

I) It is dominant over them

ii) It is trustworthy over every divine book that precedes it

iii) It is a witness (شاهد) over the previous Books.

We take whatever has come in the Torah and Injeel that is in conformity with the Quran, and leave whatever is not in conformity with the Qur'an. The Quran is a judge over the previous Books.

e) علي حكيم

In Surah Zukhruf [43:4]:

"And Verily, it (this Quran) is in the Mother of the Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz), before Us, indeed Exalted, full of Wisdom."

Allah praises and testifies for the Quran, that it has a high position and is perfect and full of wisdom. This is the description of the Quran which is in your hands.

Many people raise doubts about the Quran. In order to clarify your doubts, read the Quran, then you would know that this Book cannot be except from حكيم خبير.

f) كتاب مبارك - A Blessed Book

In Surah Al-An'am [6:92]:

"And this (the Quran) is a blessed Book which We have sent down, confirming (the revelations) which came before it, so that you may warn the Mother of Towns (i.e. Makkah) and all those around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in (the Quran), and they are constant in guarding their Salat (prayers)."

In Surah Al-An'am [6:155]:

"And this is a blessed Book (the Quran) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy (i.e. saved from the torment of Hell).

In Surah Al-Anbiya [21:50]:

"And this is a blessed Reminder (the Quran) which We have sent down, will you then (dare to) deny it?"

The بركة (Barakah) of the Quran will extend forever until the Day of Judgement.

e) The Qur'an has سلطان (Authority, Power)

The سلطان of the Qur'an in the Qur'an:

In Surah Ar-Ra'd [13:31]:

"And if there had been a Quran with which mountains could be moved (from their places), or the earth could be cloven asunder, or the dead could be made to speak (it would not have been other than this Quran). But the decision of all things is certainly with Allah. Have not then those who believe yet known that had Allah willed, He could have guided all mankind? And a disaster will not cease to strike those who disbelieve because of their (evil) deeds or it (i.e. the disaster) settle close to their homes, until the Promise of Allah comes to pass. Certainly, Allah does not fail in His Promise."

This verse is called جملة شرطية (A conditional sentence) in Arabic.

Meaning: If you do such and such you will get such and such.

The sentence comprises of:

a) An Article of Condition: لو (If)

b) جواب الشرط (The Answer of the Condition)

Allah says: "و لو أن قرءانا سيرت به الجبال أو قطعت به الأرض أو كلم به الموتى" - And if there had been a Quran with which mountains could be moved (from their places), or the earth could be cloven asunder, or the dead could be made to speak

The جواب الشرط (Answer of the condition) is not mentioned in the verse. This is to tell you that if there were a Book which mountains would be moved by it would be the Quran. And if there were a Book by which the earth would be cleft asunder, it would be this Quran. And if there were a Book by which the dead would hear and respond, it would be this Quran. This is the Quran and its effect on the mountain, earth, dead people.

This is the سلطان of the Quran on the mountains, but where is the سلطان of the Quran on our hearts? Although even if we recited it while our hearts were full of mountains of doubts, it would remove it. If our hearts was as barren as a desert with no plants, it would cause it to flourish.

Why do our hearts not feel with softness, humility, submissiveness? Allah says in Surah Al-Hashr [59:21]:

"Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect."

This is also a جملة شرطية (Conditional Sentence).

Article: لو

Answer of the Condition: "لرأيته خاشعا متصدعا من خشية الله" (you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah.)

This is the effect on these hard huge creation of Allah. Your heart is made of flesh, why does the Quran not have an effect? The Quran answers us.

The Surahs are all in sequence and are all linked with each other. You may have a question in the first Surah and get your answer in the next Surah. The sequence of the Quran is توقيفية (Tawqifiyyah); it has been decided by Allah and His Messenger.

The first verse we studied was in Surah Ar-Ra'd (Chapter 13). In Surah Ibrahim (Chapter 14), the Surah which comes after Ar-Ra'd, Verse 22:

"And Shaitan (Satan) will say when the matter has been decided: "Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, so you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me (Satan) as a partner with Allah (by obeying me in the life of the world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.)."

The Shaytan will give a sermon to the People of Hell after everything has been judged. Allah promised a true promise and He fulfilled His promise. And Shaytan also promised, but he betrayed his promise. Then he mentions a fact:

"و ما كان لي عليكم من سلطان" - And I had no authority over you

Allah tells us about the power of the Quran in Surah Ar-Ra'd, and people complain that the Quran has no effect on them because of the Shaytan. And here, in Surah Ibrahim, Shaytan says he had no power over us.

سلطان has two meanings:

a) Power

b) Proof

Shaytan neither has any power nor proof to what he is calling to.

Many people commit sins and blame the Shaytan, thinking that it is an excuse for them to do wrong. This excuse is not accepted because if you say the Shaytan has سلطان (Sultan) it means he has the power to compel and force people to commit sin and prevent them from obedience to Allah. It is as if the person has no choice, and this contradicts what is in the Quran. This belief is Shirk in Ruboobiya, because there is no one who compels people except Allah. He is الواحد القهار (Al-Wahid Al-Qahhar) and no one else. If you say the Shaytan compelled you, you are associating him as partners with Allah in the attribute of القهر (Compulsion).

Allah gave us responsibilities. If someone could force us, there would be no point in the orders and prohibitions. Allah did not make anyone have power over humans, in order that the human has free will in choosing good and evil. Shaytan has no سلطان (Sultan). Allah is القهار (Al-Qahhar) and no one else. Those who take the Shaytan as their excuse have committed Shirk in the Ruboobiyah of Allah, because no one can compel the creation except Allah الواحد القهار (Al-Wahid Al-Qahhar).

Who does the Shaytan have power over?

The Surah that follows Surah Ibrahim (Chapter 14) is Surah Al-Hijr. In [15:39-42]:

"[(Iblis (Satan)] said: "O my Lord! Because you misled me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (mankind) on the earth, and I shall mislead them all."

"Except Your chosen, (guided) slaves among them."

"(Allah) said: "This is the Way which will lead straight to Me."

"Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you of the Ghawin (Mushrikun and those who go astray, criminals, polytheists, and evil-doers, etc.)."

The Shaytan has power over الغَاوِين - Those who know the truth and do not follow it. الضال are those who do not know the truth and are misguided, however الغاوي knows the truth but did not accept or apply it. He has no power over عباد الله المخلصين.

When you read the Quran you may have a question, don't run to the Tafseer. Read the following verses and Surah, and you may find the answer to your doubt.

In Surah Ar-Ra'd (Chapter 13) Allah says the Qur'an has an effect on the mountains.

You say: Why does the Quran not have an effect on me? It's the Shaytan

In Surah Ibrahim (Chapter 14): Shaytan does not have power over you

You ask: Who does the Shaytan have power over?

In Surah Al-Hijr (Chapter 15): He has power over الغاوين. He does not have power over عباد الله المخلصين.

You ask: Who are عباد الله المخلصين?

After Surah Al-Hijr is Surah An-Nahl (Chapter 16). In [16:98-100]:

"So when you want to recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast (the cursed one)."

"Verily! He has no power over those who believe and put their trust only in their Lord (Allah)."

"His power is only over those who obey and follow him (Satan), and those who join partners with Him (Allah) [i.e. those who are Mushrikun - polytheists]"

It is as if Allah is elaborating who المخلصين are in this Surah. They are the chosen believers of Allah who put their trust in Allah. This is how you connect the verses.

Who are الغَاوِين?

"الذين يتولونه والذين هُم به مشركون"

Those who obey, follow, and are friends of the Shaytan. And those who associate with Allah others in worship.

In Surah Al-Isra'a [17:65]:

"Verily! My slaves (i.e the true believers of Islamic Monotheism), you have no authority over them. And All-Sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian."

You have to fight the Shaytan and seek refuge with Allah. The Shaytan is the enemy of the believers, and the enmity between the Shaytan and the believer revolves around the Quran. He prevents the believers from reading the Quran, comprehending the Quran, and acting upon the Quran. So the believer takes Allah as his Wakeel. When you rely on Allah and put your trust in Him, Allah will keep the Shaytan away from you, and you will read the Quran and it will have an effect on your heart.

Do not take the Shaytan as an excuse for not acting upon the Quran. If you fight the Shaytan when he tries to stop you from reciting, he will try to prevent you from understanding. If he cannot prevent you from understanding, he will try prevent you from acting upon it. Allah said to seek refuge with Him and then the Shaytan will have no power. الإستعاذة (Seeking refuge wit Allah) is necessary to be said before reciting the Quran, in order to be able to recite it حق تلاوته (as it should be recited). The Shaytan has no power and is weak.

You did not need the Tafseer to come to this conclusion. This is why we need to have strong observation (ملاحظة) when we read the Quran. The word سلطان is repeated in many Surahs, and all these Surahs are in sequence. This should draw your attention. When you observe, Allah will open the knowledge of the Quran for you. The Quran explains the Quran.

Allah did not reveal the Quran except to teach us how to be rescued in this world and the Hereafter. If you want to be saved, hold on to the Quran. There are many people who abandon the Qur'an. They do not recite it daily because they have no time for it. They have no relationship with the Quran. Whoever does not feel that the Quran is sufficient for him in his life then he is considered a هاجر للقرآن. The Prophet ﷺ said:

لَيْسَ مِنَّا مَنْ لَمْ يَتَغَنَّ بِالْقُرْآنِ

He is not one of us who does not feel sufficient with the Qur'an. [Bukhari]

If you feel like you can manage your life without the Quran, or decide your affairs without the Quran, or solve your problems without referring to the Quran, then you are not one of the followers of the Prophet ﷺ. Because he said "ليس منا" - He is not one of us.

People go to all other books. They do not take the Quran as their first and final resort; they do not feel like the Quran can solve their problems.

If you want to understand any concept, go to the Quran. If you want to reform your soul, go to the Quran. The word Nafs is mentioned 265 times in the Quran, and nowadays people go study psychology (علم النفس) and resort to western theories to solve the problems of the soul, leaving the Quran. Allah created the human soul and He is the one who cures it. And He mentioned the means of its cure in the Quran.

In order to strengthen the سلطان of the Quran on you, you should strengthen your belief in it. You should feel that the Quran is enough for you. This will bring you happiness in this life and the next. Everything you want is there in the Quran. Allah created our souls ready for the Quran. How many non-Muslims who do not understand Arabic just heard the Quran and were affected by it?

When you recite the Quran, what is the most important matter you should focus on? Belief in Allah. Focus on what Allah said about His noble self, His Names, Attributes, and Actions.

Example #2

Surah Ghafir (Chapter 40)

Verse 1: