Ajza al-Quran PDF

Notes Ajzāʿ al-Qurʾān A short guide to the Qurʾān to take with you through your Ramadān nights an intensive course by Ustādh Asif Uddin 1  Introduction...

Notes Ajzāʿ al-Qurʾān A short guide to the Qurʾān to take with you through your Ramadān nights an intensive course by Ustādh Asif Uddin 1  Introduction Please note that the topics and verses mentioned on the diagrams cannot always be represented accurately. This is to ensure that there isn’t too much information on one diagram and hence become unnecessarily overwhelming for the reader. If this does occur, this will be pointed out during the course. So please bear in mind that The Qurʾān is our main connection with Allāh. It is like a rope hanging down from the diagrams must be supplemented with the delivery of the instructor. the heavens for the inhabitants of the earth to cling onto. It is what makes us Mus- lims and shapes our character and identity. Despite knowing the importance it has May Allāh make us from the people of the Qurʾān in our lives, many of us have fallen short in understanding it to the extent that very few Muslims who claim to commit the Dīn have not read the translation of the Asif Uddin Qurʾān. It is for this reason, these course notes have been designed to bridge the re- lationship between the Allāh the Master of all of the universe and us, his slaves. There are two main ways of studying the Qurʾān from an overview perspective. The first way is to study the Qurʾān Sūrah by Sūrah. The second way is to study the Qurʾān Juzʿ by Juzʿ. This can be either by studied by hizb or rukūʾ. How was the Qurʾān divided? The Qurʾān was divided into portions to ease process of reading. The Quran has been divided into 30 sections, each one is called juzʿ (pl. ajzāʿ) or para (pl. supara). Each juz has been divided either into Hizb (more popularly used in Arab countries) and Rukūʾ (widely used in the Asian subcontinent). Each juz has 2 hizb and each hizb consists of four quarters which is based on the measurement of the hizb. Whilst there are 540 Rukūʾs in the Qurʾān divided according to topics. This course will be looking at each juzʿ with the hizb system, but incorporating as- Each Juzʿ consists of each 2 hizbs and each hizb has 4 quarters. If the topic covers pects of the rukūʾ system by dividing it according to topics. more than one quarter, a dotted line will represent the quarter so that the reader can see the demarcations. 3  Notes Al Fatiha 1 – Al Baqarah 141 This Juz consists of: al-Fatiha and al-Baqarah The most topics exhibited in the 1st Juz are: 1. Dividing people in Surah Al-Fatiha into the be- lievers, those who [Allah’s] anger is upon, and those who are misguided. 2. Then people are divided into believers, disbeliev- ers and hypocrites, as is in the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah. 3. Then comes the story of the creation of Adam (peace be upon him), and the dialogue with the angels about it. 4. Then the Children of Israel are addressed, and some of their story with Musa (peace be upon him) is mentioned. 5. Then comes the story of the Children of Israel and the command for them to slaughter the cow. 6. Then comes the story of how the forbidden house (Ka’bah) was built by Ibrahim and his son Ismail (peace be upon them). 5 Al Baqarah 142 – Al Baqarah 252 6. The legislation of chastisement, the will and the fasting of Ramadan and what is connected to it, as well as the rulings of Hajj and Umrah, This Juz consists of: al-Baqarah expenditure, fighting, alcohol, gambling, orphans, wailing of male and female polytheists, menstruation, the rulings regarding divorce and 1. The incident where the direction of prayer was the period of waiting, the rulings of suckling, the waiting period of the changed from Masjid Al-Aqsa to Masjid Al-Haram in woman whose husband died, and the goodly loan. Makkah was mentioned and explains the stubbornness the People of the Book have about this issue. 7. And story of Talut and Jalut. 2. The merit of prayer and patience during times of trial and when struggling in the cause of Allah. Notes 3. The ritual of walking between Al-Safa and Al-Marwa and the recompense of those who conceal the knowl- edge that Allah has revealed. 4. The addressing of the oneness of Allah and the appar- ent signs of his might. 5. The merit of worshipping Allah, thanking him, and an explanation of the practices of piety and faith: {Right- eousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the trav- eler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.(177)} 7 Al Baqarah 253 – Al Imran 92 Notes This Juz consists of: al-Baqarah and Aali Imran 1. Allah’s preference of some messengers over others. 2. The praise of Allah upon himself in the greatest verse in the Quran, which is Ayah Al-Kursi. 3. The mention of the debate between Ibrahim and the king, as well as examples of how Allah can resurrect after death. 4. The encouragement to spend in the cause of Allah, and the merit of spending in the longest verses about ex- penditure in the entire glorious Quran. 5. The clarification about the danger of usury and that it is among the major sins. 6. The explanation regarding the ruling take and giving loans, as well as writing down the loan and the rulings regarding mortgaging. 7. The conclusion of surah Al-Baqarah explains the obe- dience of the believers to Allah and His messenger, their calling unto Allah and their submission to his law and dominion. Surah Aali-Imran 8. The beginning of Surah Aali-Imran and what it entails 9  Notes Aal Imran 93 – An Nisaa 23 This Juz consists of: aal-Imran and al-Nisaa 1. A clarification regarding the precedence of the build- ing of the Ka’bah over the rest of the Masajid. 2. The encouragement to be pious and to order the good and forbid the evil, as well as the beneficence of this ritual. 3. A dialogue with the People of the Book, the Christians, and explains their dangerous plot against the believers. 4. It mentions the battle of Badr and the victory that the believers had. 5. The command to hasten to perform righteous actions in order to achieve the forgiveness of Allah. 6. A scene from the battle of Uhud and what occurred to the believers during it. 7. The surah concludes with great verses which the Prophet ((peace be upon regarding the oneness of Allah and His Glorification, and then mentions the story of and Zakariya peace and blessings be on them, as well as part of the dialogue with the Christians. 11 An Nisaa 24 – An Nisaa 147 Notes This Juz consists of: al-Nisaa 1. Family relations, in particular the relationship of husband and wife and how disputes should be resolved if they arise. 2. The command to obey Allah, His Messenger and those placed in authority over us and that any differences must be referred back to the Quran and Sunnah (teach- ings of the Prophet Muhammad). 3. Seeking a law besides the law of Allah for judgment is a trait of the hypocrites, indeed they do all they can to turn a person away from Allah’s law! 4. Practical legal guidance; shortening the prayer while on a journey; a description of prayer at the time of fear; marital law; how to deal with dis- cord; the importance of justice; and rules pertaining to separation – all the while reminding a person of being aware of Allah and fearing Him. 5. Detail of how the hypocrites align themselves with Allah’s enemies, their laziness in worship, and their final end in the Hereafter 13 An Nisaa 148 – Al Ma’idah 81 10. Examples of those who nullified their contracts; the story of the This Juz consists of: al-Nisaa and al-Ma’idah children of Israel and how they refused to enter Bait Al-Maqdis; the story of the two sons of Adam, and then comes the prohibition of kill- 1. The prohibition of publicly mentioning of evil and the ing without having the right to, and the punishment of those who kill abhorrence of it. intentionally. 2. The dispraise of the Jews and their stubbornness when 11. An explanation of the penalty of stealing and banditry. asking, as well as their breaching of their covenant. 3. A refutation of the Jews when they said that they Notes killed Esa bin Maryam, and that Allah raised him up to Him. 4. The prohibition of extremism in religion. 5. A verse about the issue of Kalalah (i.e. concerning one having neither descendants nor ascendants as heirs) Surah al-Ma’idah 6. The command to fulfill one’s contracts. 7. An explanation of food that is forbidden to eat, except in a state of compulsion. 8. An explanation of how to make wudu, and the descrip- tion of tayammum (how to purify oneself when water is not accessible) for prayer. 9. A reminder to the believers of the bounty Allah has bestowed upon them which is Islam, and an explanation of how the Jews and Christians nullify contracts and how 15 they disbelieve in them. Al Ma’idah 82 – Al An’am 110 Notes This Juz consists of: al-Ma’idah and al-An’am 1. The enmity of the Jews and the polytheists towards the Muslims. 2. Mention of the Christians of Najran and their delega- tions to the Prophet (peace be upon him). 3. A clarification about the expiation of oaths. 4. The prohibition of alcohol, and a clarification of why it is prohibited. 5. The prohibition of killing game while being in a state of Ihram, and the expiation of the one who does. 6. The prophecy Allah bestowed upon Esa bin Maryam. 7. The story of the table spread and it being sent down to Esa bin Maryam (peace be upon him). Surah Al-Anaam 8. Allah’s praise of himself and the favors He bestowed on His creation in the beginning of Surah Al-Anaam. 9. The proof to the divinity and deity of Allah, as well as His creating of the creation as a response to the polythe- ists. 17  and signs of Allah; either being believers or disbelievers. Al An’am 111 – Al A’raf 87 10. The people of the Heights (Araaf), the people of paradise, and the This Juz consists of: al-An’am and al-A’raf people of hellfire. 1. The command to eat that which Allah’s name has been 11. Mention of some of the stories of the prophets such as the story of recited upon (which is at the time of slaughter) and the Nuh, Salih, Hud, and Shu’aib (peace be upon them all). prohibition of that which His name has not been recited on. 2. The causes for guidance and the easing of one’s heart. Notes 3. An explanation of many types of associating other with Allah the Most High. 4. The favours bestowed on the slaves of Allah by Allah creating the cattle and its different types. 5. An explanation of that which has made forbidden in detail. 6. The command to follow the straight path. 7. The Ten Commandments in the end of Surah Al- An’aam. Surah Al-Araaf 8. Surah Al-Araaf begins by mentioning the beginning of the creation of Adam and the animosity of Iblis towards Adam and his offspring. 9. The situation of the people towards the messengers 19 Al A’raf 88 – Al Anfal 40 Notes This Juz consists of: al-A’raf and al-Anfal 1. A completion of the story of Shu’aib with his people. 2. The story of Musa ((peace be upon him)) with Firawn in detail, along with the lessons and examples in it. 3. The story of the people of the Sabbath in detail, as well as their punishment. 4. The punishment of the Children of Israel and the re- sult of their disobedience and mutiny. 5. Surah Al-Araaf concludes with Tawheed, just as it be- gan with Tawheed. Surah Al-Anfaal 6. Surah Al-Anfaal begins by mentioning the spoils of war and how they should be divided. 7. The battle of Badr in detail. 8. The spiritual and material components and elements of victory: {And victory is not but from Allah..} 9. The command to respond to Allah and His messenger (peace be upon him). 21 Al Anfal 41 – Al Tawbah 92 mockery of the Quran, the prophet, and the believers; their order- ing evil and forbidding of good, and how they don’t spend in Al- This Juz consists of: al-Anfal and al-Tawbah lah’s cause. 1. The verses in the beginning of the tenth juz return 8. The prohibition of taking peoples wealth unlawfully, and of to talk about the spoils of war and how they should be turning away from the way of Allah, as well as the prohibition of divided, and then presents the rest of the important inci- hoarding wealth without spending it in Allah’s cause. dences in the battle of Badr. 9. The explanation about the eight types of people that deserve 2. The command to make preparations to defeat the ene- zakah. my. Notes 3. The laws regarding prisoners of war, and rulings re- garding the connection of the Islamic Society with other societies. Surah Al-Tawbah 4. Surah Al-Tawbah begins by declaring Allah and His messenger’s disassociation from the polytheists and their treaties. 5. Praise of the believing migraters, and a warning of tak- ing the disbelievers as friends instead of the believers. 6. Mention of the battle of Hunain and the battle of Tabuk. 7. Mention of some abominations of the leaders of the Jews and the hypocrites and their harm of the believers; their dishonest faith; their enmity of Allah and His mes- senger; their discouraging of the believers; their 23 At Tawbah 93 – Hud 5 Notes This Juz consists of: al-Tawbah and Hud Note related to the diagram: the last 5 verses of this Juz are from Surah Hud, but are shown in the next diagram for the purpose of ease. 1. The hypocrites who stayed behind from Jihad in the battle of Tabuk. 2. The building of the Masjid Al-Diraar. 3. The characteristics of the believing Mujahideen who sold themselves in the way of Allah. 4. Then the story of the repentance of the three who stayed behind. Surah Yunus 5. Surah Yunus mentions the principles of Islamic creed, especially belief in the message and the messengers (peace be on them). 6. Then it mentions the misconceptions the polytheists have regarding it and responds to them. 25 Hud 6 - Yusuf 52 Notes This Juz consists of: Hud and Yusuf 1. The glorious Quran and the perfection of its verses, as in the beginning of surah Hud. 2. Surah Hud talks about the principles of Islamic creed and presents the stories of the prophets Nuh, Hud, Salih, Ibrahim, Lut, Shu’aib and Musa (peace be upon them) in detail, so that they are followed as examples. 3. The command to be patient of harm and to rely on Allah. Surah Yusuf 4. Then the story of Yusuf (peace be upon him) comes and which is narrated in Surah Yusuf from the beginning until the end, along with its lessons and examples. 5. The story of Yusuf and the dream. 6. Yusuf in the well. 7. Yusuf in the house of Al-Aziz. 8. Yusuf in jail. 27  9. Then comes a clarification about the job of the messengers and Yusuf 53 – Ibrahim 52 how all the divine religions are one with the same root. This Juz consists of: Yusuf, Ra’d and Ibrahim 10. The speech of Iblis. 1. Yusuf while he was a ruler. 11. The tranquility of the believers, the punishment of the people of the fire, and some scenes from the Day of Judgement. 2. Yusuf meeting his entire family, and then comments on his story. Surah Al-Ra’d 3. Surah Al-Ra’d is comprised of an affirmation of the Notes oneness of Allah, the sending of Prophets and the recom- pense. 4. The Surah responds to some of the misconceptions of the polytheists regarding the message. 5. An explanation about the characteristics of the people of understanding. 6. An affirmation of the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the wisdom behind humankind being tested in their lives. Surah Ibrahim 7. Surah Ibrahim deals with the call of the noble messen- gers in detail and what it entails from examples and les- sons, and explains the story of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) the father of the Prophets. 8. An explanation about the status of the Quran. 29  8. It lists some of the blessings Allah the Magnificent bestowed on Al Hijr 1 – An Nahl 128 the creation from making the world subservient and the benefit of livestock, as well as the blessings in food and drink. This Juz consists of: Hijr, Nahl, 9. Some examples of those who use the blessings to call to Allah Surah al-Hijr and of those who do not. 1. Surah Al-Hijr deals with the main objectives of Islamic creed from affirming the oneness of Allah, Prophethood, 10. An explanation of the end result of those who are grateful and and the recompense. the end result of those who deny the blessings. 2. An explanation about Allah’s ability to create, as well as His protection of the heaven from the hearing being Notes stolen by the devils. 3. It lists some of the many blessings Allah bestowed on humankind. 4. It mentions stories of the Prophets as examples and to console the Prophet (peace be upon him), such as: the story of the creation of Adam and Iblis’s animosity towards him and his offspring; the story of Ibrahim; and the story of Lut, (peace be upon them). 5. Surah Al-Hijr concludes by reminding the Messenger (peace be upon him) of the biggest blessings which is this glorious Quran. Surah an-Nahl 6. Surah Al-Nahl cures some major issues regarding creed such as the divinity of Allah, the revelation, the sending of the Prophets, and the resurrection. 7. The Surah discusses the proofs of Allah’s power, and His oneness in this vast world. 31  9. The trial of wealth, which is the story of the owner of the two Bani Isra’il 1 – Al Kahf 74 gardens. This Juz consists of: al-Israa and al-Kahf 10. And the trial of knowledge, which is the story Musa and Khidr. Surah Al-Israa 1. Surah Al-Israa deal with the issue of the oneness of Allah the Most High and Him sending the messengers as well as the recompense. 2. It talks about the Quran and the challenges presented Notes in it. 3. It talks about the Prophet (peace be upon him) and about his personality, and the brilliant miracle Allah gave him to support him, as well as the absolute evidenc- es which prove his honesty (peace be upon him). 4. Allah mentions some commandments which a right- eous society is built on. Surah Al-Kahf 5. The Islamic creed and the faith in Allah is firmly estab- lished in Surah Al-Kahf. 6. The Surah begins by talking about the Quran. 7. How to reach salvation and how to be protected from trials and this is through the stories of: 8. The trial of religion, which is the story of the youth in the cave. 33  Surah Taha Al Kahf 75 – Ta Ha 135 8. Surah Taha deals with the subject of monotheism of Allah the This Juz consists of: al-Kahf, Maryam and Taha Most High, the prophethood and the resurrection. Note related to the diagram: The story of Musa and Khidr 9. Revelation of the divine religions onto the Prophets (peace be continues into Juz 16, but not reflected here for the pur- upon them). pose of ease. 10. The story of Musa (peace be upon him). 1. The end of the story of Musa (peace be upon him) with the righteous slave, and the lessons in it. 2. The story of the righteous King Dhul-Qarnayn. Notes 3. Surah Al-Kahf concludes by talking about the Day of Judgment and the situation of the disbelievers, as well as the believers in the hereafter. Surah Maryam 4. Surah Maryam revolves around the mercy of Allah the Most High to His creation, and the gifts He gave to the people of faith; to Zakariya, Yahya, Maryam, Ibrahim, Musa, Ismaeel, and Idrees. 5. Allah the Most High’s punishment of those who change and alter the religion of Allah; those who deny the resur- rection, those who doubt, those who mock, and those who associate partners with Allah. 6. The matters of Tawheed and the belief in the existence and oneness of Allah the Most High. 7. An explanation of the methodology of those who are guided and the methodology of those who are misguided. 35  7. The permission to perform Jihad. Al Anbiyaa 1 – Al Hajj 78 8. Proof and evidences towards the power of Allah. This Juz consists of: al-Anbiya, al-Hajj Surah al-Anbiya 1. Surah Al-Anbiya, which is a Surah that was revealed in Makkah, begins by talking about the inadvertence of people regarding the Day of Judgment. 2. Then it talks about stories of the Prophets (peace be Notes upon them all); the story of Ibrahim, Lut, Dawud, Sulay- man, Ayub, Dhu-Nun, Zakariya and Maryam (peace be upon them), and the books that have been revealed to them and the lessons in that. 3. It focuses on worship in the stories of the prophets. 4. Surah Al-Anbiyaa deals with the issues of the oneness of Allah, the sending of the Prophets, the recompense, the last hour and its hardships, and the judgement and its horror. Surah al-Hajj 5. Surah Al-hajj, which was revealed in Makkah and Mad- inah, deals with aspects of legislation, as well as issue regarding faith, the warning from the Prophets and the recompense and some scenes of the day of Judgment and its horror. 6. The call to perform Hajj. 37  of asking permission, lowering one’s gaze, helping widows to get Al Muminun 1 – Al Furqan 20 married, and rules for the women who are in the post-menstrual phase regarding dress and beautification. This Juz consists of: al- Muminun, al-Nur, al-Furqan Surah al-Furqan Note related to the diagram: the Juz ends on verse 20 of Surah al-Furqan 6. Surah Al-Furqan begins by mentioning the Quran and the poly- theist’s denial of it. Surah Al-Muminun 1. Surah Al-Muminun talks about the characteristics of the true believers. Notes 2. It also deals with the principles of the religion from tawheed, the message, the sending of Prophets, and it presents the truths of faith, and its signs in one’s inner self and in the horizons. 3. It presents some stories of some of the Prophets: Nuh, Hud, Musa, and Esa (peace be upon them), by them pre- senting faith to their people: {worship Allah ; you have no deity other than Him} and the division of the people into two groups, the believers and the disbelievers. Surah Al-Nur 4. As for Surah Al-Nur, it is comprised of the penalty of fornication, slander, the oath of condemnation, and en- courages one to not follow the steps of the shaytan. 5. The Surah deals with the social manners and charac- teristics and issues regarding chastity and the veil of the Muslim family, among them being the mannerisms 39  it being the knowledge of Allah the Most High or of His prophets Al Furqan 21 – An Naml 55 (peace be on them) or the knowledge of his creation. This Juz consists of: al-Furqan, al-Shu’araa, al-Naml 7. It points to the wisdom of Allah by Him sending the messenger and in Him revealing the book as well as Him creating the creation. Note related to the diagram: The Juz ends on Verse 55 of Furthermore, it shows the wisdom behind the action of Sulayman Surah al-Naml. (peace be upon him) and the action of the ant, the hoopoe, and the Queen of Saba’. 1. Surah Al-Furqan is comprised of speech about the Quran and it being from Allah, and being a miracle which establishes the truthfulness of the messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and that he was sent by Allah. Notes 2. The Surah is comprised of discussing the natural mira- cles, the legislative miracles, and the miracles regarding the unseen. 3. It mentions the mission of the messenger (peace be upon him) who the Furqan was revealed to. Surah Al-Shu’araa 4. Surah Al-Shu’araa mentions the glorious Quran, scolds those who deny it, brings examples for them, and draws the polytheists attention to the signs of Allah in His crea- tion. 5. It mentions stories of some of the Prophets (peace be upon them); the stories of Musa, Ibrahim, Nuh, Hud, Sal- ih, Lut and Shu’aib and the Prophet (peace be upon him). Surah Al-Naml 6. Knowledge is presented in Surah Al-Naml, whether 41 An Naml 56 – Al Ankabut 45 comes: the example of Firawn is the example of a tyrant through authority, and Qarun is the example of a tyrant This Juz consists of: al-Naml, al-Qasas, al-Ankabut through wealth. The way Allah deals in the universe is that He destroys the tyrants and saves the believers. Note related to the diagram: The Juz ends on Verse 45 of Surah al-Ankabut. Surah Al-Ankabut 1. This juz talks about the story of Dawud and his son 8. Surah Al-Ankabut was revealed in Makkah, and its topic Sulayman, and the blessings Allah bestowed upon them is about the Islamic creed, by discussing its major princi- in detail. ples, and it revolves around faith and the tradition of being tested in this life. 2. The Surah deals with the proofs and evidences to the existence and oneness of Allah. 9. It is a Surah about being steadfast and patient while be- ing tested and going through trials. 3. It firmly establishes the creed of monotheism by re- minding one of the bounties of Allah. 10. It presents stories of a few prophets, and it is unique in that it mentioned the period of time that Nuh had spent Surah al-Qasas with his people, in order to relate to the axis of the surah. 4. Surah Al-Qasas was revealed in Makkah, and it takes care of the matter of creed, the message, and explains Notes some of that which was outlined in the two Surahs be- fore it. 5. The axis of Surah Al-Qasas revolves around the truth, the falsehood, the submission, the tyranny, and forms of struggle between the soldiers of the Most Merciful and the soldiers of Shaytan. 6. It mentions the story of Musa (peace be upon him) in detail from before his birth, and the environment he was born in, leading up to the message. 7. The surah has two examples of tyranny and their out 43  Surah Al-Ahzab Al Ankabut 46 – Al Ahzab 30 6. Surah Al-Ahzaab deals with the matters of the family, relief af- ter agony and hardships, and talks about the battle of Al-Ahzaab. This Juz consists of: al-Ankabut, Rum, Luqman, al-Sajdah, al-Ahzab 7. The Surah annuls some acts performed before Islam such as Dhihaar (one saying to his wife that she is forbidden for him as his Note related to the diagram: The Juz ends on Verse 30 of mother is), and adoption. Surah al-Ahzab 8. The care Allah took of his prophet and the protection of him as 1. The command to be gentle while calling the people of well as his family, and begins by calling him with: {O prophet!}. the book to Islam. Notes 2. A call to ponder the signs of Allah in His creation, of humankind and the universe. Surah Rum and Luqman 3. Surah Rum and Luqman both deal with the reassur- ance of major issues regarding creed, such as tawheed, the message and the judgment. Surah Al-Rum also as- sures a universal truth, that Allah the Most High alone decrees all situations; he gives victory to the believers and gives defeat to the disbelievers. 4. The advices of Luqman to his son. Surah Al-Sajdah 5. Surah Al-Sajdah deals with the beginning of creation and the resurrection, and also mentions some of the characteristics of the believers. 45  7. The Surah presents outlooks on the Might of Allah and the Al Ahzab 31 – Ya Sin 27 ingenuity in His creation, the incentives to glorify Him, fear Him, believe in Him and remember his blessings. This Juz consists of: al-Ahzab, Saba, al-Fatir, Yasin Surah Yasin 1. Surah Al-Ahzaab deals with many of the social man- nerisms, as well as the stance taken by the believers 8. As for Surah Yasin, it discusses the resurrection and proofs and during hardships and tribulations. evidences to the oneness of Allah. It also specializes in establishing the message and the resurrection as well as their proofs. 2. It also talks about the battle of Al-Ahzaab and the bat- tle of Banu Quraydha. Notes Surah Saba 3. Surah Saba is a Makki Surah, and it takes care of the Islamic creed and deals with principles of the religion from establishing oneness of Allah, prophethood and resurrection. 4. The Surah mentions the story of the Kingdom of Saba, who rebelled against the path of Allah, and therefore Al- lah changed their situation by punishing them instead of blessing them, and therefore their civilization crumbles. 5. The surah is comprised of stories of some of the mes- sengers such as Dawud and his son Sulayman (peace be upon them), and the blessings Allah employed for them. Surah al-Fatir 6. As for Surah Fatir, it is a Makki Surah which was re- vealed before the migration of the prophet from Makkah to Madinah, and deals with many of the major matters of creed such as the calling to monotheism of Allah, es- tablishing evidences for His existence and destroys the principles of polytheism. 47 Ya Sin 28 – Az Zumar 31 8. It is distinguished in that it mentions several disputes. This Juz consists of: Yasin, al-Saffaat, Saad, al-Zumar Surah Al-Zumar 9. As for Surah Al-Zumar, it talks about monotheism and the prin- 1. Faith in Allah and the resurrection. ciples of faith at length to such an extent that it is almost the main axis in the Surah because it is the root of faith and the foundation 2. The story of the people of the village and proofs and evi- of sound creed. dences for the oneness of the Lord of the Worlds. 10. The Surah is comprised of the monotheism of Allah the Most Surah Al-Saffaat high, it mentions the Glorious Quran and establishes the recom- pense and the dividing verdict between the slaves. It is a surah of 3. As for Surah Al-Saffaat it also takes care of the princi- sincerity and thus mentions it several times. ples of creed, monotheism and the recompense; it was also revealed in Makkah. 4. The topics of Surah Al-Saffaat establishes the submis- sion and monotheism of Allah the Most High by mention- ing the need the angels and the messenger have of Him, and by mentioning the messengers’ submission to Him as well as mentioning the weakness of that which is wor- Notes shipped other than Him from the Jinn. It is unique in that it is the only surah that mentions the story of Ibrahim and the dream he had of him slaughtering Ismail. Surah Saad 5. Surah Saad is a Makki surah, and its aim is the same as the Makki surah that deals with issues regarding principles of the creed. 6. The Surah is comprised of glorifying the stature of the Quran, and that it is a reminder for humankind. 7. It is also comprised of the call to return to Allah the 49 Most High by mentioning stories of the prophets.  5. The angels who as forgiveness for the believers are oft-repeat- Az Zumar 32 – Fussilat 46 ed in Surah Ghafir; your Lord has vast forgiveness and employed the great angels to seek forgiveness from the believers, and this This Juz consists of: al-Zumar, Ghafir, al-Fussilat is from the generosity of Allah the Most High. 1. Al-Zumar is among the great Surahs of the Quran which the 6. The surah has verses which remove despair and hopelessness Prophet (peace be upon him) used to mostly read every night, in the mercy of Allah the Most High. It calls to look and ponder in along with Surah Al-Israa (Tirmidhi). Its goal is mostly the com- the universe which is from the core principles of the ways of the mand to perform Tawheed and to be sincere to Allah the Most prophets in their calls. High. 7. Among the ways of the prophets calling to Allah is tying the 2. The surah is comprised of monotheism and the prohibition of benefits of the hereafter to the benefits of this world, as men- showing off and arrogance and that which has to do with delu- tioned in the call of the believing man in the family of Firawn to sion of the chest and concealed polytheism. his people in the Surah: {O my people, sovereignty is yours today, [your being] dominant in the land..}. Surah Ghafir Surah al-Fussilat 3. Surah Ghafir is the first surah that begins with the letters Haa Meem which succeed one another, which the people of knowl- 8. Surah Fussilat is an explanation of evidences and proof which edge call the family of Haa Meem. The Hawameem have a spe- Allah the Most High has made clear to the people, and also ex- cial characteristic and trait, they are seven surahs, and they all plains the pleas of those who oppose, which are either miscon- are about the call of the messengers to their people and explain ceptions or relinquishment. It also explains the ways to put forth the method the prophets used to call their people. arguments. 4. Surah Ghafir, with the style used in the call of the Prophets 9. Surah Fussilat begins by mentioning the mercy of Allah of the to their people for Allah the Most High, which is why the surah Most High { Haa Meem (1) [This is] a revelation from the Entirely was named Ghafir as if it took the name which has the vast mer- Merciful, the Especially Merciful -}, while Surah Ghafir and al-Zu- cy of Allah the Most high, and explains that which is connected mar mention the All-Knowing, The All-Mighty and Most Wise. to Allah the Most in high in that he accepts repentance from His slaves who return to Him regardless of what their sins are. 10. It explains evidences and proofs that this religion is the truth. The name of the Surah is Ghafir due to the call of the prophets, because the foundation of the call of the prophets is: “give glad 11. The Prophet (peace be upon him) read it to Utbah bin Rabee’a tidings and do not repel people”. because of its arguments and evidences. 51 Fussilat 47 – Al Jathiya 37 Surah al-Shurah 8. Surah Al-Shura is a Makki surah, and it assures the issue of revelation and defends it in a con- This Juz consists of: al-Fussilat, al-Shurah, al-Zukhruf, al-Dukhan, al-Jaathiya tinuous manner and therefore the word revelation is repeated more than once in the surah; revelation is from Allah and it isn’t something invented or new. Note related to the diagram: The Juz begins with a page from 9. It deals with the issue of division of people in this world, it mentions its reasons and Surah al-Fusilat not reflected here. cure: {And if Allah had willed, He could have made you [of] one religion} which is inevitable, and explained its reasons: {And they divided not till after knowl- 1. All the Surah’s in this Juz are from the Hawameem and they edge had come to them, through selfish transgression between them- all were revealed in Makkah, and they deal with issues per- selves.}. The reason of the division is the transgression, and it mentions taining to creed and the principles of the religion and of faith. the cure to the division which is tawheed: {And in whatsoever you Every Surah has its own specialty and way it researches the differ, the decision thereof is with Allah (He is the ruling Judge).} topics. 10. Consolation for the prophet (peace be upon him). 2. The Surah was revealed in Makkah and it deals with the dis- cussing issues pertaining to the Islamic creed from monothe- Surah Al-Zukhruf ism, the message and the recompense which began by referring 11. Surah Al-Zukhruf focuses on the claims and objections of the to the Glorious Quran. polytheists: {Shall We then (warn you not and) take away the Re- 3. The reaction of the polytheists towards the Quran which Al- minder (this Quran) from you}, and it presents their misconcep- lah the Most High praised in the beginning of the surah. tions and responds to them and eliminates them all. Among them 4. It establishes the evidences of monotheism to the truth- are their false criterion which they measure with, which are the fulness of the prophet (peace be upon him) and explains the criterion of wealth and honour, and therefore the story of Firawn horrid actions of polytheists towards the messenger (peace be is mentioned, whom the rivers would flow from beneath, and what upon him)’s scolding of them: {Say: “Do you verily disbelieve outcome that led to. 5. in Him Who created the earth in two Days}, {And they say: “Our hearts are under coverings (screened) from that to which Surah Al-Dukhan you invite us, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and 12. Surah Al-Dukhan is a surah of warning and that warning ap- you is a screen...}. pears in three differentiated scenes: the smoke, whether it being in 6. It clarifies what happened to A’ad and Thamud and men- this world or the hereafter; the demise of the previous nations such tioned their destruction by Allah’s soldiers which is the wind, as Firawn, and then their outcome in the hereafter. and explains their outcome on the Day of Judgment, the cun- ning Shaytan who beautified their abominable acts. Surah al-Jaathiya 7. It mentions the state of the believers and the state of the 13. Surah al-Jaathiya: Calling to Allah and your responsibility towards the Qur’an and establish- disbelievers, and calls the believers to be patient, because the atmosphere of the surah is tests and ing the religion neces¬sitates that you beware of another pitfall which prevents acceptance and trials. transmission of the manhaj, namely, arrogance, which leads to obstinacy and rejection of the truth. Al Ahqaf 1 – Az Zariyat 30 the religion of Allah the Ex¬alted through its Islamic morals and qualities. This Juz consists of: al-Ahqaf, Muhammad, al-Fath, al-Hujurat, Qaaf 5. Surah Qaaf: O mankind, Allah’s Watchfulness over you is com- prehensive, all-inclusive, severe, minute, and frightening. There- 1. Surah al-Ahqaf: Calling to Allah and your responsi- fore, always be aware of whisperings of the soul, heedlessness, and bility towards the Qur’an and establishing the religion the devil, all of which distance you from the path of paradise. necessitates that you beware of another impediment of faith, namely, shunning reflection, pondering, and taking heed and regard of the cosmic, historical, and revealed signs of Allah the Exalted. Notes 2. Surah Muhammad: Obedience to Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, is the gauge with which one can measure the accepted or rejected nature of any action. The hardest test for those who fol¬low and obey Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, is Jihad, which is the highest levels of truthfulness. Sincer- ity in Jihad consists of fighting for the Sake of Allah the Exalted. 3. Surah al-Fath: Glad tidings to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, in that he will receive Di¬vine Conquering, and to the companions in that they will be given tranquility and contentment, due to His Knowledge of what is in their hearts, namely, truthful- ness, loyalty, sincerity, and jealousy for the religion of Allah the Exalted. 4. Surah al-Hujurat: Mannerisms of dealing with the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, and within the Muslim society, in order to create a generous, honorable, and clean Muslim society which sets an ex- 55 ample, through which people become acquainted with  6. Surah Al-Waaqiya talks about the Day of Judgment and the three Az Zariyat 31 – Al Hadid 29 categories of people, and explains the outcome of every category, and then glorifies the Quran. This Juz consists of: al-Dhaariyaat, al-Tur, al-Najm, Al-Qa- mar, Al-Rahman, Waaqiya, Al-Hadeed 7. Surah Al-Hadeed begins by acquainting the slaves with their Lord, and then reminds about the role of the Quran, then the role 1. Surah Al-dhaariyaat is a Makkan Surah and it begins of faith on the Day of Judgment, and the cures the hardness of the by talking about issues regarding creed and faith in Allah hearts, and lastly focuses on achieving true faith in the hearts of the Most High. It also confirms the principles of creed the believers. and the proofs of the ability of Allah with His creation. Furthermore, it talks about the truthfulness of the prophet (peace be on him) and the proofs for that. Notes 2. Surah Al-Tur warns those who are negligent about Allah through oaths, and then focuses on the character of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and defends him and the revelation, and then concludes by mentioning the punishment of those who deny on the Day of Judgment. 3. Surah al-Najm is comprised of defense of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and chastens him and also responds to misconceptions about him, and lastly talks about the revelation. 4. Surah Al-Qamar talks about the disbelievers and about how they deny the last day. It also talks about the demise of the nations who denied their prophets, as a way to diverse the prophet (peace be upon him). 5. Surah Al-Rahman talks about the mercy of Allah to His creation in this world and the hereafter, and lists the blessings which are manifestations of Allah’s mercy, the Most High. Furthermore, it explains the recompense of the disbelievers and of the believers. 57  from it. Al Mujadila 1 – At Tahrim 12 8. Surah Al-Talaq revolves around the rulings of divorce and what 1. Surah Al-Mujaadilah talks about the knowledge of Al- should follow it, while also establishes these rulings and prepares lah the Most high. oneself to accept and obey them. 2. Surah Al-Hashr talks about building the Islamic socie- 9. Surah Al-Tahrim explains the features and guidance’s that per- ty with legislation, its maintenance and protection from tain to the family. the enemies from within and from outside. Furthermore, it talks in detail about the battle of Banu Al-Nadheer. 3. Surah Al-Mumtahinah: it pinpoints the features of the relationship between the people of faith with oth- Notes er people on both a local and international level. It also presents the role of creed and that it is that which every relationship is lent on. 4. Surah Al-Saff: it talks about fighting and its virtues, and about the evil fighters and the recompense that is waiting for them in this world and the hereafter. 5. Surah Al-Jumuah: it clarifies the rulings of the Jumuah prayer, how to prepare for it and persistently attending it, and also stopping anything that will busy one away from it. 6. Surah Al-Munafiqeen: it dispraises hypocrisy and the hypocrites while also uncovering their plots and exposes them (i.e. the hypocrites), while also warning the believ- ers from their disparaged attributes. 7. Surah Al-Taghabun: it talks about the mutual disillu- sion and those who are wronged, and the reasons behind mutual disillusion, its scenes, and how to be protected 59  8. Surah Al-Mudatthir deals with some issues regarding some personal aspects in the life of Al Mulk 1 – Al Mursalat 50 the prophet (peace be upon him); it orders him to call the creation to faith, establishes the difficultness of the Judgment on the disbelievers and on the sinners, it warns 1. Surah Al-Mulk establishes evidence against disbelief al-Waleed bin Mughirah, explains the number of angels of punishment, it re- and its people while explaining the complete ability of proaches the disbelievers about their turning away from faith, and mentions Allah the Most High. the generous promise of mercy and forgiveness for those who are pious. 2. Surah Al-Qalam affirms the prophet-hood of Muham- 9. Surah Al-Qiyaamah: talks about the Judgment and what occurs in mad (peace be upon him), and strengthens his heart. it from horrors, as well as the situation of humankind on this diffi- cult day, and calls them to prepare themselves for this day. 3. Surah Al-Haaqqah reassures the belief regarding the recompense. 10. Surah Al-Insan acquaints humankind with their own selves so that they don’t think themselves higher than anyone else, 4. Surah Al-Ma’aarij reassures the sending and presents a and so they are not overlooking their place and therefore un- picture of those who believe in the sending and of those dervalue their goal role in this existence. who do deny it. 11. Surah Al-Mursalat: the topic of the surah is the judg- 5. Surah Nuh talks about the belief in Allah and singling ment, its inevitability and certain happening, its great Him out in worship with proofs to His perfect ability and horrors and its varying scenes. the stance taken by the people of Nuh from this issue. 6. Surah Al-Jinn talk about the Jinn and them joining the Notes caravan of the believers. 7. Surah Al-Muzammil talks about the character of the messenger (peace be upon him), orders his to stand the night in prayer, explains the evidence of tawheed, com- mands one to be patient with the estrangement of the disbelievers, warns the disbelievers about the punish- ment of the hellfire, about facilitation and forgiveness, encourages one to give charity, to be beneficent and to seek forgiveness from sins and wrongdoings. An Nabaa 1 – An Nas 6 Notes 1. About the events of the Last Day. 2. Aspects of good and bad character. 3. Allah swears by various objects of creation - ponder these and also reflect on what the oaths were made for. 4. To reflect on life itself and the end of man and leading from that the need to work for more deeds and follow the truth. 5. The first ever revelation to our Prophet (peace be upon him), which begins with the command to read, and the best thing to read is the Qur’an. 6. The third from last chapter, al-Ikhlas (Sincerity) en- compasses a third of the Qur’an – consider why this is the case by reading it and learning it. 7. To cling firmly to Allah and to abandon everything besides Him 63