بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
5/7/1439
In four positions in the Qur'an, Allah talks about Tadabbur:
In two verses, Allah addresses the hypocrites:
1) Surah Muhammad [47:24]:
"Do they not then think deeply in the Quran, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?"
Tadabbur of the Qur'an opens up the hearts.
2) Surah An-Nisa [4:82]:
"Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions."
3) In Surah Al-Mu'minoon [23:68], Allah addresses the disbelievers:
"Have they not pondered over the Word (of Allah, i.e. what is sent down to the Prophet SAW), or has there come to them what had not come to their fathers of old?"
4) And in Surah Sad [38:29], Allah addresses everyone:
"(This is) a Book (the Quran) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember."
Allah did not address the Scholars or People of Knowledge. This tells you that Tadabbur can be done by anyone; it is not something that only the Scholars or the People of Knowledge do.
What is the difference between Tadabbur and Tafseer?
تفسير (Tafseer) is to understand the verses. After you understand, you make تدبر (Tadabbur).
تفسير (Tafseer) is a stage prior to تدبر (Tadabbur)
تدبر (Tadabbur) is to know the مراد الله - what Allah wants from us from the verses. It requires belief and action. Allah revealed the Qur'an for the purpose of making Tadabbur.
If the disbelievers and hypocrites made Tadabbur they would come to know for sure that the Qur'an is the Speech of Allah; they would know the admonitions, the lessons, the benefits, the rulings. This all will not be attained when you just do Tafseer.
Belief in the Angels Part 2
Many Muslims have general belief in the Angels, but you hardly find people having detailed knowledge about them. Your faith will not reach the degree of certainty until you study what Allah mentioned about the Angels in the Qur'an and what the Prophet ﷺ mentioned in the Sunnah.
The Beginning and End of the Surah:
In Surah As-Saffaat, Allah swears by the Angels and their actions.
Verse 1:
"By those (angels) ranged in ranks (or rows)."
Verse 2:
"By those (angels) who drive the clouds in a good way."
Verse 3:
"By those (angels) who bring the Book and the Quran from Allah to mankind [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]."
Allah swears by the angels to emphasize His Tawheed.
At the end of the Surah, Allah refutes the claims of the disbelievers. They made a relationship between Allah and the Jinn, the result of which was the Angels. Allah refutes their claim by honouring the Angels. Allah said on the tongue of the Angels:
"There is not one of us (angels) but has his known place (or position);"
"Verily, we (angels), we stand in rows for the prayers (as you Muslims stand in rows for your prayers);"
"Verily, we (angels), we are they who glorify (Allah's Praises i.e. perform prayers)."
As-Sa'di رحمه الله said:
(و إنا لنحن المسبحون) لله عما لا يليق به، فكيف، مع هذا، يصلحوا أن يكونوا شركاء لله
(And verily, we are those who glorify Allah) from all that does not befit Him. So how, while they do this, are they suitable of being partners of Allah?
The Angels are attributing Allah with perfect attributes and sanctifying Him from the defective attributes which the disbelievers attribute Him with.
-> Surah Sad [38:69]:
"I had no knowledge of the chiefs (angels) on high when they were disputing and discussing (about the creation of Adam)."
The answer for this is given in Surah Al-Baqarah. As soon as Allah commanded them to prostrate to Adam عليه السلام, they obeyed. Do not think that because they disputed they are disobedient to Allah.
-> Surah Zumar [39:71-73]:
"And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups, till, when they reach it, the gates thereof will be opened (suddenly like a prison at the arrival of the prisoners). And its keepers will say, "Did not the Messengers come to you from yourselves, reciting to you the Verses of your Lord, and warning you of the Meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say: "Yes, but the Word of torment has been justified against the disbelievers!"
It will be said (to them): "Enter you the gates of Hell, to abide therein. And (indeed) what an evil abode of the arrogant!"
"And those who kept their duty to their Lord will be led to Paradise in groups, till, when they reach it, and its gates will be opened (before their arrival for their reception) and its keepers will say: Salamun 'Alaikum (peace be upon you)! You have done well, so enter here to abide therein."
Allah mentioned particular Angels: The Keepers of Hellfire and Paradise (خزنة جهنم و خزنة جنة)
Verse 74:
"And you will see the angels surrounding the Throne (of Allah) from all round, glorifying the praises of their Lord (Allah). And they (all the creatures) will be judged with truth, and it will be said. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)."
On the Day of Judgement, when the People of Hell enter Hell and the People of Paradise enter Paradise, the Angels will glorify the praises of Allah around His Throne, as if attesting to His justice.
-> Surah Ghafir [40:7]:
"Those (angels) who bear the Throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord, and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) (saying): "Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your Way, and save them from the torment of the blazing Fire!"
Allah mentions a special type of Angels - the Bearers of the Throne. Allah mentions that they do three actions:
a) "يسبحون بحمد ربهم" - glorify the praises of their Lord
b) "و يؤمنون به" - and believe in Him
c) "و يستغفرون للذين ءامنوا" - and ask forgiveness for those who believe
This is happening now.
Who are they asking forgiveness for among the believers?
1) "للذين تابوا" - those who repent
2) "واتبعوا سبيلك" - and follow Your Way
There is a barrier between our hearts and faith, that is why we have no feeling that there are Angels praying for us. This should encourage us to repent and seek forgiveness in order to attain the supplication of the Angels. Because the supplication of the Angels will be granted. Instead of going to righteous people asking them to supplicate, just repent, and the Angels will ask Allah for you.
-> Surah Fussilat [41:30-32]:
"Verily, those who say: "Our Lord is Allah (Alone)," and then they Istaqamu , on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): "Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!"
This is the relationship between the angels and the believers during the time of death.
"ألا تخافوا" - Fear not
"و لا تحزنوا" - Nor grieve
"و أبشروا بالجنة التي كنتم توعدون" - But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised.
Everyone hates death, but when the Angels give the believers the glad tidings, they begin to long to meet Allah.
"We have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have (all) that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have (all) for which you ask for."
"An entertainment from (Allah), the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
"نحن أولياؤكم في الحياة الدنيا و في الأخرة" - We have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in the Hereafter
الولاية includes love, support, help.
What are the aspects of the ولاية of the angels?
As-Sa'di رحمه الله said:
a) يحثونهم في الدنيا على الخير
They encourage them to do good
b) و يزينونه لهم
And they adorn it for them
c) يرهبونها عن الشر
And they frighten them from evil
d) و يقبحونه في قلوبهم
And uglify it in their hearts
e) و يدعون الله لهم
And they pray for them
The Angels pray for you when you wait for the next prayer in your prayer place after finishing the prayer (Ribaat), when you eat Suhoor, when you sleep upon Wudu', when you supplicate for a brother in his absence, when you visit the sick, in the assemblies of knowledge, etc.
f) و يثبتونهم عند المصائب و المخاوف و خصوصاً عند الموت و شدته و القبر و ظلمته و في القيامة و أهواله و على الصراط
They keep them firm during times of calamities and fear, and specifically at the time of death
g) و في الجنة يهنئونهم بكرامة ربهم و يدخلون عليهم من كل باب
And in Paradise, they will give them congratulations of their nobility with their Lord, and enter upon them from all gates.
When you know this about the Angels what impact does this have on you?
You will love them and seek nearness to Allah by loving them because they are obedient servants to Allah. Your love for them is your love for Allah. Allah loves the Angels, so you love whom Allah loves.
Every time you hear about the Angels you should long to know more about them and see them on the Day of Judgement.
You should seek their supplication and allegiance.
As your faith increases, as Allah's ولاية will increase.
Have a notebook. Note down the verses which talk about the Angels, their descriptions, their relationship with the believers in this world and next. When you complete the Qur'an, you will gain a lot of knowledge about the Angels. In this way you will strengthen your faith in the Articles of Faith.
General Study of Surah As-Saffaat
Type of Surah: This is a Makkah Surah, revealed before the Hijrah. It was revealed after Surah Al-An'am, at the end of the Makkan Period. Makkah verses are usually short and emphasize the articles of faith.
Name of the Surah: الصافات, who are the Angels of Allah
Theme of the Surah:
At the end of the Surah, Allah honours the angels, defends them, mentions their status, and disgraces and humiliates the disbelievers. Throughout the Surah Allah mentions the honouring of the believers (المخلصين، المؤمنين) and the disgrace and punishment of the disbelievers.
Makkah Surahs usually focus on Tawheed and the Articles of Faith. In Surah as-Saaffaat, a particular type of Shirk is emphasized, which is taking the Angels as daughters of Allah and worshiping them.
Connection between the previous Surah (Surah Ya-Seen) with the beginning of Surah Saffaat:
-> In Surah Ya-Seen [36:74-83]:
"And they have taken besides Allah aliha (gods), hoping that they might be helped (by those so called gods)."
"They cannot help them, but they will be brought forward as a troop against those who worshipped them (at the time of Reckoning)."
"So let not their speech, then, grieve you (O Muhammad). Verily, We know what they conceal and what they reveal."
"Does not man see that We have created him from Nutfah (mixed male and female discharge semen drops). Yet behold! He (stands forth) as an open opponent."
"And he puts forth for Us a parable, and forgets his own creation. He says: "Who will give life to these bones when they have rotted away and became dust?"
They are equating the ability of the Creator to the creation; they are resembling Allah with His creation. Therefore, Allah orders the Prophet ﷺ to tell them:
"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!"
Another impact of Allah's ability:
"He, Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, when behold! You kindle therewith."
Allah produces fire from a green tree, not a dry one. There is a certain plant called المرخ (Markh) which is green and wet, but if you rub two stems together, it produces fire.
Another impact of Allah's ability:
"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."
Allah uses the name الخلاق (Al-Khallaaq) not الخالق (Al-Khaaliq). It means the One who creates again and again.
Another impact of Allah's ability:
"Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, "Be!" and it is!"
Another evidence that Allah is able to do everything:
"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."
The whole Dominion is in His Hands, He disposes the affairs of everything. How can you then deny His ability in resurrecting you?
These are evidences of Allah's ability in creating the human being.
In Surah as-Saffaat [37:6-7]:
"Verily! We have adorned the near heaven with the stars (for beauty)."
"And to guard against every rebellious devil."
These are impacts of Allah's ability and power. Therefore, Allah says in Verse 11:
"Then ask them (i.e. these polytheists, O Muhammad): "Are they stronger as creation, or those (others like the heavens and the earth and the mountains, etc.) whom We have created?" Verily, We created them of a sticky clay."
Allah tells the Prophet ﷺ to ask this to the disbelievers who deny the Resurrection at the end of Surah Ya-Seen. The One who created the heavens and earth which are the greatest of Allah's creation is able to create what is smaller than it. Our creation is nothing compared to the creation of the heavens and earth. In Surah Ghafir [40:57]
"The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of mankind, yet most of mankind know not."
-> In Surah Ya-Seen [36:31], Allah generally mentions the destruction of the disbelievers:
"Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them."
In Surah as-Saaffaat, Allah mentioned how He destroyed nation by nation in detail.
-> In Surah Ya-Seen, Allah mentions the state of the believers and disbelievers in general. In Surah As-Saaffat, Allah explains the details of their reward and state on the Day of Judgement. This is like Surah al-A'raf coming after Surah al-An'am and Surah ash-Shu'araa after Surah al-Furqan. The sequence of the Surah's are very important.
Division of the Surah into Parts:
Part 1: Verses 1-10 - The Declaration of Allah's Oneness
Allah swears by the Angels to emphasize His Oneness, that He deserves to be worshipped with sincerity. Allah mentioned His ability in the beginning of Surah AsSaaffaat, how He adorns the nearest heaven with stars and how they are a protection and beautification for the heavens.
Lessons:
#1 - Allah can swear by any of His creation with what He wills, and when Allah swears it is to emphasize its greatness.
#2 - Mentioning the actions of the Angels should motivate the believers to resemble them in their manners and adopt their characteristics.
#3 - The virtue of standing in rows before Allah.
#4 - Affirmation of the Oneness of Allah.
#5 - Belief that the devils ascend until they reach the nearest heavens, then try to listen to the news of the heavens. Accordingly, Allah sends shooting stars.
#6 - The stars are there for beautification and protection.
Part 2: Verse 11 - 70 - The Day of Judgement and the state of the believers and disbelievers on that Day
The disbelievers denied the resurrection. Therefore, these verses apply to them. In Verse 11:
"Then ask them (i.e. these polytheists, O Muhammad): "Are they stronger as creation, or those (others like the heavens and the earth and the mountains, etc.) whom We have created?" Verily, We created them of a sticky clay."
"فاستفتهم" - Seek Fatwa
This is to seek a knowledge or ruling which you do not know and what the other person knows. And when you ask for a Fatwa, you make the one you are asking think deeply. The word استفتاء is more suitable than استفهام (questioning); it is to make the disbelievers think. This word is also mentioned at the end of the Surah.
Allah said in Surah Ya-Sin [36:81]:
"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."
And in Surah Ghafir [40:57]:
"The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of mankind, yet most of mankind know not."
In this part of the Surah we affirm our belief in the Day of Resurrection and in the ability of Allah.
Subdivisions:
a) Verses 11 to 21
b) Verses 22 to 37
c) Verses 38 to 61 - The recompense of the believers and disbelievers
The dialogue between the people of Paradise and People of Hell is mentioned in many verses in the Qur'an, like in Surah al-A'raf. How this happens we do not know, but Allah will enable the People of Hell to see the People of Paradise and the People of Paradise to see the People of Hell.
Assignment:
- Divide Verse 11 - 74 into subdivisions and deduce the lessons and fruits from each part.
- Read the Surah many times.
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