The Gift of Quran

 

The Holy Quran is not only a sacred book, but the eternal word of Allah, a direct link between the Creator (Allah) and His servants. It was revealed as a blessing for all humanity (all the worlds), as a warning and glad tidings, but it is more for the one who has fear of Allah and who submits to His will. As Allah tells us in the Quran itself: “This is the Book; there is no doubt in it. It is guidance for the righteous (those who fear Allah and want to follow His path)” (Al-Baqara 2: 3). For every sincere Muslim, their relationship with the Quran must deeply shape their faith, their spirituality, and their destiny.

 

Hazrat Ibn Masud (ra) said: “Whoever wants to know whether he truly loves Allah and His Prophet, then he should observe his relationship with the Quran. If he loves the Quran, then he truly loves Allah and His Prophet.” (Tabarani)

Death in Islam

 

“Kullu nafsin zaa-iqatul-mawt, summa ilayna turjaʿuun.”

“Every soul shall taste death. Then, to Us shall they be returned.”

(Al-Ankabut, 29: 58)

 

Death is a reality that cannot be avoided for every person, whether they are a believer or a non-believer. Islam teaches that every soul is responsible for its own actions, and that no one will carry the burden of another. In the Qur’an, Allah says: “No soul shall bear the burden of another.” (Al-An’am, 6: 165)

This fundamental principle of divine justice is reaffirmed multiple times in the Noble Qur’an. Allah says that everyone will be judged according to their own actions, without the faults or sins or even the merits of one person being transferred to another soul.

'Abu Lahab' and His Wife

 

‘May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined!

May he be ruined too!

Neither his wealth nor his gains will help him:

he will burn in the Flaming Fire–– and so will his wife,

the firewood-carrier, with a palm-fibre rope around her neck.’

                             --- ( Holy Qur'an, Surah Al Masad, 111: 2-6 )

 

In the times of Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), his uncle Abu Lahab was one of the wealthiest and influential Qurayshi leaders who most opposed the Prophet and persecuted the early Muslims. Material wealth and worldly rule intoxicated him with a fiery temperament. Raging impatience characterized this ‘Flame Man’. Abu Lahab’s wife Umm Jamil bint Harb was a scheming woman, known to support her husband in his excesses- even indulged in mocking the Prophet when he was ill. The Holy Qur’an makes an illustration out of the mindset of ‘Abu Lahabs’; the Book of God  roundly condemns such arrogance and hubris: ‘may his (hands) power perish and all that he possesses’.

'Duah': A Prayer

 

O Lord of all the worlds!

It is beyond me to offer You gratitude for all Your favours.

You are most Merciful and Compassionate,

and the bounties that You have conferred upon me are countless.

 

Forgive me my sins, lest I am ruined.

Fill my heart with sincere love for You,

so that I may receive life.

Make the Good Choice!

  

Human beings, as Allah created them, are driven by a desire that constantly urges them to move forward, make progress, rise higher on the social ladder, and acquire worldly and material wealth. Whether in abundance or in need – poverty – they always desire to have more.

 

Those who enjoy financial ease (be they at the top of the ladder or among the middle class) always wish to gain more; they aspire to become millionaires, even billionaires. Those who suffer in poverty dream of a comfortable home and sufficient means to meet the needs of their household and close family with dignity. Even those in the middle class long for a better life, especially to ensure a stable future for their families; so they aim not only for the immediate comfort of their household, but also make provision for their future.

Islam & Health

  

In Islam, health is an invaluable blessing – a favour from Allah for which believers must remain constantly grateful. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “There are two blessings which many people fail to make the most of: good health and free time.” (Bukhari)

Health encompasses the body, the mind, and the soul. It forms the essential foundation of worship, because without it, practices such as fasting (Roza), prayer (Salat), and other virtuous acts become difficult to perform. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.” (Al-Baqara 2: 196)

 

This verse establishes a fundamental principle: safeguarding one’s health is not only a personal responsibility but also a spiritual obligation.

Man & His Path

  

The journey of man begins with a miracle in his creation, guided by the wisdom of Allah. The Holy Qur’an says:

 

“And indeed We created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a drop of sperm in a firm resting place. Then We fashioned the drop into a clinging clot, and We fashioned the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We fashioned the lump into bones; then We clothed the bones with flesh. Then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators.” (Al-Mu’minun, 23: 13-15)

 

Man receives life when he is formed in his mother’s womb, and he is sent to Earth with a gift from Allah called the soul, which grants him an eternal connection with his Creator. The Holy Qur’an says:

 

“Then He (Allah) proportioned him and breathed into him of His spirit; and He gave you (humans) hearing and sight and hearts. Little are you grateful!” (As-Sajda 32: 10)