As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection consists of three short Surahs. The first is Surah 105, Al-Fil or the Elephant. This Surah briefly recounts the what happened to the Abyssinian govern Abrahah Ashram when he tried to destroy the Kabah in the same year that the Prophet was born. Tafseer for this Surah is a further historical background.
The second is Surah 106, Quraysh which was the Prophet’s tribe. This Surah admonishes Prophet Muhammad’s tribe to be grateful to Allah for the profit, position and security they enjoyed from living in Makkah. Tafseer for this Surah concerns the historical prestige of the Quraysh.
The third is Surah 107 Al-Mã‘ün or the Small Kindnesses. This Surah concerns true worship, the helping and love of those in need and true sincerity in devotion and charity. Tafseer for this Surah concerns helping the indigent and our neighbors.
If you enjoy the podcast, HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Tell your friends and family, subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher and write us a review.
Verses
Surah 105 (Al-Fil)
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.See you not how your Lord dealt with the Companions of the Elephant?[1] Did he not make their treacherous plan go astray?[2] And He sent against them Flights of Birds,[3] Striking them with stones of baked clay.[4] Then did he make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up.[5] 105:[1-5]
Ameen.
Tafseer for Surah 105
On the history behind this Surah:
This early Makkan Surah refers to an event that happened in the year of the birth of our Holy Prophet (pbuh), say about 570 A.C. Yemen was then under the rule of the Abyssinians (Christians) who had driven our the Jewish Himyarite rulers. Abrahah Ashram was the Abyssinian governor or viceroy. Intoxicated with power and fired by religious fanaticism, he led a big expedition against Makkah, intending to destroy the Ka’bah. He had an elephant or elephants in his train. But his sacrilegious intention were defeated by a miracle. No defence was offered by the custodians of the Ka’bah as the army was too strong for them. But a shower of stones, thrown by flocks of birds, destroyed the invading army almost to a man. The stones produced sores and pustules on the skin, which spread like a pestilence.
Surah 106 (Quraysh)
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.For the covenants (of security and safeguard enjoy) by the Quraysh.[1] Their covenants (covering) journeys by winter and summer.[2] Let them adore the Lord of this House,[3] Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear (of danger).[4] 106:[1-4]
Ameen.
Tafseer for Surah 106
On the historical prestige of the Quraysh:
The Quraysh were the noblest tribe of Arabia. They had custody of the Ka’bah, the central shrine of Arabia and their possession of Makkah gave them an advantage. This honour and advantage thew owed to their position as servants of the sacred shrine of the Ka’bah. They owed it to Allah. Was it not therefore right and fitting that they should adore the one True God, and listen to His Message of Unity and Purity, brought by His Prophet?
Surah 107 (Al-Mã‘ün)
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.Have you seen the one who denies the Day of Judgment?[1] He it is who drives away the orphan with harshness[2] and does not encourage the feeding of the poor.[3] So woe to the worshipers,[4] who are neglectful of their prayers;[5] Those who (want but) to be seen (of men)[6] But refuse (to supply) (even) neighborly needs.[7] 107:[1-7]
Ameen.
Tafseer for Surah 107
On helping the indigent and giving neighborly assistance:
The Charity or Love which feeds the indigent at the expense of Self is a noble form of virtue, which is beyond the reach of men who are so callous as even to discourage or forbid or look down upon the virtue of charity or kindness in others.
Hypocrites make a great show of hollow acts of goodness, devotion, and charity. But they fail signally if you test them by little acts of neighbourly help or charity, the thousand little courtesies and kindnesses of daily life, the supply of needs which cost little but mean much.
This concludes today’s episode of the 17 Verses Podcast. I hope that this selection has helped increase your understanding of the holy Qur’an just a little bit.
Thank you and be well.