BISMILLAH IR-RAHMAN IR- RAHIM

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST BENEFICENT, MOST MERCIFUL

Tonight’s Taraweeh consists of Utlu Mâ ûhiya. The Sûras covered are the second half of Al-‘Ankabût (The Spider), Rûm (The Romans), Lûqmân, Sajda (Adoration) and one-third of Ahzâb (The Confederates). Sûrah ‘Ankabût: Read and understand Allah (SWT)’s Message. Pray regularly; because prayer “stops (one) from doing shameful and unjust deeds”. “The remembrance of Allah (SWT) is the greatest (thing in life)”. The Qur’ân is clear Guidance for the wise men. The rejecters will only be losing their own chances of profiting by the Truth. Sûrah Rûm: This Sûrah was revealed in the sixth or seventh year before the Hijra (615-616 C.E.) when the Persian Empire had the upper hand over the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire had lost Jerusalem to the Persians, and Christianity had suffered great defeat. Part of this Sûrah refers to the Roman Empire. The rise and the decline of world powers -as represented by the conflict between the Roman and Persian Empires - are only outward events. The deeper meaning is that a particular event happens because of Allah (SWT)’s Decision to help the good cause so that all His creatures may benefit. Allah (SWT) is All-Wise, All-Merciful.

In this way Allah (SWT) will finally separate the Good from the Evil on the Day of Judgement. Good will win through while Evil will be destroyed. Allah (SWT)’s creation points to His unity. Our creation from dust is a masterly act in itself. Then, our social lives, based on His creating for us mates begin. Even in the differences in people’s languages colours, etc. there is underlying unity. The existence of psychological conditions like sleep and sight also point to the Creator Allah (SWT). Obey Allah (SWT)’s Commandments. Because He is One, His Religion (Islam) is One. Do not split up the Muslims into sects. Mischief and Evil spread but Allah (SWT) will purify all things in the end as He purifies the air by causing winds to blow. The sinners will be punished. Do good and be patient. Sûrah Luqmân: The ultimate end of things is discussed from another point of view. The Qur’ân is a “Guide and Mercy to the doers of good”. For the evil ones “there will be a humiliating penalty”. In addition to nature, wise men like Luqmân, guide us to Allah (SWT). Wisdom can be found in the instructions of Luqmân which are: “Show (your) thankfulness to Allah (SWT)” for the good of your own soul, “do not join in worship (others) with Allah (SWT), be good to your parents (for the love and care they had for you) but do not follow them if they ask you to join partners in worship with Allah (SWT), “yet bear them company in this life with justice”, “follow the way of those who turn to Allah (SWT)”, only “Allah (SWT) understands the finest mysteries”, pray regularly, “command what is right and forbid what is wrong”, be patient when a misfortune comes upon you, do not be boastful “nor walk in boastfulness through the earth”, Walk at medium pace and speak softly. In short follow the “Golden Mean”, rather than extremes. True Wisdom is that which sees Allah (SWT)’s Purpose in His Creation and admits that Allah (SWT)’s Wisdom and Law can never be fully understood by men. Only Allah (SWT) has the knowledge of the following: (1) The Hour of Judgement; (2) Sending of rain; (3) What is in the wombs; (4) Nor does anyone know what he will earn tomorrow, and (5) Nor does anyone know in what land he will die.

Sûrah Sajda: This Sûrah closes the series of the four A.L.M. (Alif Lâm Mîm). It discusses the mysteries of creation, time and of the Ma’âd (The Final End) as seen through the information given by Allah (SWT)’s Revelation. It was revealed in the middle Makkan period. The unbelievers can never realise the mystery of Revelation because they believe it is “forged”. They cannot see the beauty and mystery of time (i.e. the length of Judgement Day), of Allah (SWT)’s Creation, and of their own creation (whose description is given in the Qur’ân). Good and Evil will be sorted out on the Day of Judgement because the two cannot be equal. Allah (SWT)’s Creation, histories of past nations, and the Message of Prophets testify to the Truth. If the disbelievers do not believe now, it will be too late. Sûrah Ahzâb: This Sûrah was revealed after the Battle of the Trench in 5A.H. Some parts were probably revealed in 7 A.H. after the Khaibar Settlement. The Muslim women did active social work by teaching, rendering community service and nursing the wounded in battle. Abandon pagan customs in your relation with others. Call people by their proper names. “The Prophet (SAW) is closer to the Believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers”, says Allah (SWT). “Do what is just to your closest friends”. The Battle of the Trench showed that: (1) Without Allah (SWT)’s Help, the Muslims would have had to face a tragedy; (2) the Hypocrites are insincere and afraid to fight for Allah (SWT)’s cause; and (3) Under all conditions the Muslims “have indeed in the Apostle of Allah (SWT) as a beautiful pattern (of behaviour).”

Night 17 - 1430 Taraweeh Audio Coming Soon