Al-Fatiha: A Commentary

 

The Quran is an ocean of knowledge and guidance for humanity. It’s very first chapter, an ardent invocation to Allah, embodies the essence of the Quran and the connection between man and his Creator. Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening of the Quran, is also referred to as Ummul-Quran (the Mother of the Quran). Indeed, Surah Al-Fatiha is so significant that without its recitation in every Rakah (cycle) of our prayers (Salat), those prayers are considered incomplete.

 

Therefore, Surah Al-Fatiha can be seen as a chapter enclosing the entire Quran, with the remaining chapters serving as commentaries on this exalted Surah. We must always bear in mind the profound importance of this Surah, as it holds the key, the solution, and the remedy to many seemingly insurmountable challenges, hardships, problems, and ailments. Reflect also on how, in Surah Al-Baqara, Allah declares: This is a perfect Book, containing no doubt, and it is guidance only for the “Muttaqi” (those who are pious, fear Allah and are conscious of Him).

Follow 'Sunnah', Avoid 'Shirk'

 

Ashhadu alla ilaha illallahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.

I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (pbuh) is His servant and Messenger. 

In our proclamation of faith, as Allah says in Surah Al-Baqara, Chapter 2, Verse 286: “The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. All of them have faith in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. [And they say] ‘We make no distinction between any of His Messengers.’ And they also say: ‘We hear and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord, for to You is the final return.’”

 

When a Messenger of Allah comes, especially a Messenger and Prophet who comes after the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his role is to hold firmly to the Quran and ensures that he guides people to the commandments of this best Book. The Quran is special because it represents the total sum of laws that Allah has ordained for humanity. It is not applicable only to a particular era but applies at all times, as long as there are people on earth. People have been given a perfect guide in the person of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), whom Allah made a representation of the Quran on earth.

Our Islamic Faith - 2

 

Ashhadu alla ilaha illallahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.

 

I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (pbuh) is His servant and Messenger.

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, I continue on the same subject of faith, my faith, and what Allah has commanded us, Muslims and humanity, to believe.

 

As I mentioned last week, Allah created Jinns and humans to worship Him alone, without associating any other deities with Him in His worship.

 

While the Jinns are responsible for their own actions, we, humanity, are also responsible for our own actions. Therefore, Allah created humans and the universe with a purpose. The purpose of human creation is that within the limits of their capacities, they manifest the divine attributes within themselves. To achieve this objective, Allah has given humans the appropriate faculties and capacities and has placed the universe at their service. But that’s not all! It is essential for humans to follow the laws set by Allah so that they receive the necessary guidance to stay on the right path. How does Allah ensure that humans receive His guidance? It is through His prophets and Messengers.

Al Azim Tafsir: Volume 6

 

New Volume Released

     

Book 6 : Al-Azim Tafsir'ul Quran Series  | Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim, Al-Azim Tafsir’ul Qur'an, Vol. 6: English Commentary of the Holy Quran, pp. 571, Mauritius: Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International, 23 January 2025, First edition.

Excerpts from the Blurb: 

'Be Just and Righteous'

 

 Timeless wisdom of the Holy Qur'an

‘You who believe, fulfil your obligations…’ (5:2)

‘Allah commands you to return things entrusted to you to their rightful owners, and if you judge between people, to do so with justice: Excellent is that which Allah instructs you, for He hears and sees everything.’ (4:59)

‘You who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to Allah and bear witnesses impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of Allah. Be mindful of Allah: Allah is well aware of all that you do.’ (5:9)

**********

Holy Prophet: The Perfect Role Model

                                                                                            

'Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often.' (Al-Ahzab, 33: 22).

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born in Mecca, Arabia, nearly six hundred years after Hazrat Isa (as) [Jesus]. At that time, his people were deeply involved in idolatry, and their society was marked by corruption and decay. The Jews in Arabia had formed tribes and settlements but did not spread the message of the Unicity of Allah beyond their community. Christianity was divided into many feuding sects, and its stronghold, the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium), was in decline.

A ‘Mujaddid’ in Islam Today

 

‘You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah. And if the People of the Book had believed, it would have surely been better for them. Some of them are believers, but most of them are disobedient.’ (Holy Quran, 3:111) 

Allah mentions in His divine scriptures that this Muslim community is the best community among all. However, whether the contemporary Muslim community is deserving of this distinction is, unfortunately, a bitter truth to the contrary.

 

This noble community, which is meant to guide other societies, is now under the influence of Mullahs who propagate misleading interpretations. Consequently, Islam, which is fundamentally a path of peace, is portrayed as a ruthless and violent ideology.

Qur’an and Spiritual Life

  

‘Indeed the Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.’  [17:9]

‘We send the Qur’an as healing and mercy for those who believe’ (17:82)

‘One who recites the Qur’an is like a citron, whose flavour is good and whose scent is good. One who does not recite the Qur’an is like a date, whose flavour is good but which has no scent. An immoral person who recites the Qur’an is like basil, whose scent is good but whose taste is bitter. And an immoral person who does not recite the Qur’an is like the colocynth, whose taste is bitter and which has no scent.’ 

                                - Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa)

 

 

On Monday 12 August 2024, in a special ‘Question and Answer’ session with Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Al Mahdi Munir Ahmad Azim (aba), a bunch of Muslim students from the University of Mauritius had the chance of a lifetime to seek spiritual guidance from the Shiekh-ul-Islam of this era, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah.

 

Reproduced below is a summary of the responses given by Hazrat Saheb (aba) to the questions that were raised on the occasion:

'Duah' for Healing

Tarbiyyat Lessons-16: 

Duah for Prevention of Cancer 

'Start reciting this powerful verse from the Qur'an, for yourself, and for your loved ones, and Allah will protect you from cancer developing in your body.

You must be always in a state of wudu (ablution). Recite every day, especially after Salah:

 

‘Rabbi qad aataitanee minal mulki wa allamtanee min taaweelil ahaadees, faati ras samaawaati wal ardi anta waliyyee fid Dunyaa wal Aakhirati tawaffanee Muslimanw wa alhiqnee bissaaliheen.’

 

‘My Lord! You have given me authority; You have taught me something about the interpretation of dreams; Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Let me die in true devotion to You. Join me with the righteous.’

 

***************

Tarbiyyat Lessons- 15

 

If you're reading this, then, say:

 

‘Allahumma Inni As-alukal Afiyah!’

 

This is Afiyah. You have now made Duah to save yourself from affliction, to be healthy, to have enough money, to live, to have your children protected and to be granted forgiveness with no punishment.

 

*******************

 

About ‘Surah Al Ikhlas’,

the Holy Prophet (sa) states:

‘By the one in whose hand is my soul,

 it is equal to a third of the Qur’an.’ (Bukhari 4726).

 

Read this Surah to gain benefits.

***************

The Sheikh on Life Lessons- 4

 

Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International, Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Al Mahdi Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius recently shared a series of profound advices for the spiritual education and benefit of his disciples and followers found in the Jamaat around the world. The message is for the purification of the soul and body of every individual believing brother and sister who are eager to pay attention and work upon this pure guidance for their own individual and collective benefit, Insha Allah, Aameen.   

Allah Says in the Qur’an:

 

Do not be rude in speech (3:160).

Restrain anger (3:135)

Be good to others (4:37)

Do not be arrogant (7:14)

Forgive others for their mistakes (7:200).

Speak to people mildly (20:45).

Lower your voice (31:20).

**********

An Interview with Imam Mahdi

 

Today, 19 April 2024, marks the 21^st anniversary of the first Bai’at [the covenant of repentance with God] initiated and accepted by Hazrat Amir-ul-Mu’mineen Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Al Mahdi Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius on 19 April 2003. On that day in 2003, soon after the demise of the fourth caliph of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Mirza Tahir Ahmad Saheb [1928-2003] in London [UK], Hazrat Amir-ul-Mu’mineen (aba) received the Divine instruction to accede to the request of Muslim brothers and sisters in Mauritius to receive Bai’at in the Hand of Allah (represented by the hand of Hazrat Imam (aba)]; marking an important milestone in the sacred history and trajectory of Islamic renewal over the centuries. Accordingly, the first Bai’at was held that evening in the house of Hazrat Ummul Mu'mineen Fazli Amena Saheba on the second storey, at Louvet Avenue, Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius. From that momentous occasion, over the last two decades, the spiritual mission of Hazrat Khalifatullah Al Mahdi (aba) has been, and is, thriving by the grace and blessings of Allah (swt). And for true spiritual seekers- those who have eyes to observe, ears to listen and hearts to understand-, the support and help of God is clearly evident in the progressive trajectory of the Divine Manifestation of our era, Subhaan Allah, Alhamdulillah, Allah-u-Akbar!

It is absolutely certain that Hazrat Imam Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius has appeared as a servant of Faith in our midst with proof from Allah the Almighty. The divine revelations vouchsafed to Hazrat Saheb (aba) comprises matters of the unseen and prophecies with regard to the future, acceptance of prayer, revelation in various languages, and revelation of points of wisdom and divine truths- exactly like in the times of the promised messiah Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian [1835-1908]. Since all this is divine testimony, it is the duty of everyone who possesses faith to accept his claim  as the servant of God in this era, the Divinely-raised ‘Muhyiuddin’/ ‘Mujaddid’/ ‘Khalifatullah’/’ Dhul Qarnain’/ ‘Imam Mahdi’- all being spiritual titles bestowed by the Lord Himself upon His servant of this era.    

Ramadan 2024: Public Message

 

Ramadan, Layla-tul-Qadr & Eid-ul-Fitr: 

The Blessings of A Lifetime

Muslims all round the world are commanded by God Almighty to fast the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is such a blessed month wherein the very first verses of the Holy Quran – the Holy words of Allah – were revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) through the Chief of all angels, Jibreel (Gabriel). Those first revelations have the power even today to make the true believer tremble with awe and love. Its very evocation brings about solace and happiness for the believer at the divine boon received in that blessed moment in time.

Twenty-nine or thirty days of blessings: yet, those days hold therein a concealed night, wrapped in the mystery of divine knowledge, to deliver to those who successfully attain and receive it, the blessings of a lifetime. The Night of Decree (Layla-tul-Qadr) as this night is called is like the most precious of pearls, more precious than any treasure in this world. It is the gateway to such divine blessings which can erase a sincere person’s sins and make him pure like a newborn babe.

Spouse Relations and Duties

 

Divine commandments are a light. Illuminating the darkened horizons of human nature; impulses, desires, emotions and biases; the divine commands in the Holy Qur'an offer profound teachings of great subtlety and much wisdom for our own benefit in the varied settings of life.  Hence, the Holy Qur’an promotes prudential course of conduct in family and social relations, recognizing the identity, capacity, authority, role and functions of individuals: between husbands and wives, parents and children, relatives in the home. It is God’s extraordinary mercy and grace that we have these sublime teachings and guidelines of proper conduct.  

For instance, the Qur’an provides a well-balanced framework of rules on spouse relations and duties, to be observed in marital space by the partners, but also when the going gets tough, with disputes leading to separation and divorce, impacting the lives of not just the spouses, but also their children and the wider family. By following the Divine teachings on love and mercy, good morals, and on just and fair dealings; spouses can enjoy the ‘bliss of heaven’ on earth. On the other hand, by evading and ignoring divine prescriptions; rebelling against divine prohibitions, couples turn their matrimonial home into a virtual hell on earth.

Ramadan & Its Light

  

'Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction. So whoever is present this month, let him fast.' (Quran 2: 186)

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, We have received the Quran as a guide (guidance) for humanity and its first verses were revealed in the month of Ramadan. The first verses are: ‘Iqra bismi Rabbikallazii khalaq, Khalaqal-‘insaana min ‘alaq. Iqra’ wa Rabbukal-‘Akram, Allazii ‘allama bil-Qalam. ‘Allamal-‘insaana maa lam ya’-lam (Read, in the name of your Lord, the Creator, Who created man from something that sticks. Read. Your Lord, He is the Most Generous, Who teaches with the pen, teaches man what he did not know).

 

Allah has chosen to make His greatest law-bearing prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) remain an Ummi (illiterate) - whereby he did not know how to read or write - so that the world may know the true worth of the Quran that He has revealed through him. Allah has sent Hazrat Jibreel (as), the chief of the angels of revelations to teach him His pure words which would later serve as guidance for all humanity.

Bai’at with the Khalifatullah

 Bai'at:  In Covenant with God   

‘Whoever obeys the Messenger obeys God.’ (4:81)

 

‘Prophet, when believing women come and pledge to you that they will not ascribe any partner to God, nor steal, nor commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor lie about who has fathered their children, nor disobey you in any righteous thing, then you should accept their pledge of allegiance and pray to God to forgive them: God is most forgiving and merciful.’ (60:13)

 

‘Those who pledge loyalty to you [Prophet] are actually pledging loyalty to God Himself– God’s hand is placed on theirs––and anyone who breaks his pledge does so to his own detriment: God will give a great reward to the one who fulfils his pledge to Him.’ (48:11)

States of the Human Soul: A Reply

 

Recently, a Muslim lady named Shameenaz (from Mauritius) sent an important question for spiritual guidance to Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Al Mahdi Munir Ahmad Azim (aba). Explaining the circumstances that led her to approaching Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) with this question, the lady observed that other religious leaders of the various Muslim Jamaats to whom she had sent the question did not provide a spiritually-convincing response to this vital issue. She writes: ‘Imam Sahib, I want to know the three stages of development of the human soul [according to the Holy Quran].’

'Ramadan Mubarak!'

 

Ramadan & Its Light

'Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction. So whoever is present this month, let him fast.' (Quran 2: 186)

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, with my recent trip to India, I thank my Lord for allowing me to meet my sincere disciples and make our programs with His blessings and graces. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this trip a memorable one.

 

With Shabaan drawing to a close, and the most blessed of Ramadan coming, it is the duty of every believer who is healthy to fast as per the commandment of Allah.

Qur'an, Prayer and Healing

 

‘He who cures me when I am ill’ (26:81)

‘He will heal the believers’ feelings’. (9:14)

Several verses testify to the fact that the Quran is a mercy to those who are receptive to its message. It's teachings act as a cure for various ailments of the heart, including ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy, rancour, hatred, and enmity. For a true believer, the Book of God enables one to acquire virtue and perfection of character, adorning him/her with the gifts of knowledge and wisdom. Indeed, those who seek cure from the Qur’an, it is God Who will cure them: 

‘People, a teaching from your Lord has come to you, a healing for what is in [your] hearts, and guidance and mercy for the believers.’ (10:58)

 

‘We send down the Quran as a healing and mercy for the believers’. (17:82)

 

‘Say, ‘It is guidance and healing for those who have faith’. (41:45) 

A Book on ‘Qur’anic Commands’

 

'Guidance for the Human Soul'

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International- India Chapter [Noor’ul Islam Masjid- Mathra, South Kerala] recently published a new Book on the Amazon Publishing Platform, Alhamdulillah. The Book, titled “Qur’anic Commands: Guidance for the Human Soul” is essentially a compilation of selected Verses of the Holy Qur’an concerning Divine commandments, prescriptions and prohibitions.

 

Reproduced below are the Acknowledgement and Preface sections as they provide an intimate glimpse of the new Book for the benefit of our interested readers:

Acknowledgement

 

‘All praises are due to the Almighty Alone. That is the defining thought for me as I complete this modest effort to educate myself on the Divine Teachings of the Holy Qur’an.

 

According to the great Muslim saint and reformer of the previous century, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian [1835-1908], there are over 700 verses of clear rulings in the Holy Qur’an and it is only by being aware of, and following them in full measure, that one becomes a true believer. Hazrat Mirza writes:  ‘...beware and do not take a single step contrary to the teaching of God and the guidance of the Qur’an. I tell you truly that anyone who disregards even a small injunction of the seven hundred commandments of the Qur’an, shuts upon himself the door of salvation’.(Noah’s Ark, p. 42, English edition, UK: 2018).