As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is from Surah 4, An-Nisâ or the Women, Verses 92-104. These verses discuss the penalty for one believer killing another believer, the importance of investigating before jumping to a conclusion, the ranks of the muhajideen over the non-mujahideen, leaving a place when you are oppressed there, and shortening of prayers when travelling or at war, also known as Salat-ul-Qasr.
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
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.It is not befitting for a believer to kill a believer except by accident, and whoever accidently kills a believer, he is commanded to free a believing slave and pay bloodwit to the family of the victim, unless they forgo it as a charity. If the victim is from a hostile nation, then the freeing of a believing slave is enough, but if he belonged to a nation with whom you have a treaty, then bloodwit must be paid to his family along with the freeing of a believing slave. Those who do not have the means (bloodwit and / or a slave) must fast two consecutive months: a method of repentance provided by Allah. Allah is the Knowledgeable, Wise.[92] Whoever kills a believer intentionally, his punishment is hell to live therein forever. He shall incur the wrath of Allah, Who will lay His curse on him and prepare for him a woeful punishment.[93] 4:[92-93]
O believers! When you struggle in the way of Allah, investigate carefully, and do not say to anyone who offers you a salutation: “You are not a believer” in order to seek worldly gain by this. Allah has abundant spoils for you. Remember that you yourselves were in the same condition before. Allah has conferred His favors on you. Therefore, make a thorough investigation before considering someone an unbeliever. Allah is well aware of all your actions.[94] 4:[94]
Those believers who stay at home – having no physical disability – are not equal to those who make struggle in the cause of Allah (Jihãd) with their wealth and their persons. Allah has granted a higher rank to those who make Jihãd with their wealth and their persons than to those who stay at home. Though Allah has promised a good reward for all, Allah has prepared a much richer reward for those who make Jihãd for Him than for those who stay at home[95] – they have special higher ranks, forgiveness and mercy. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.[96] 4:[95-96]
When the angels of death cause those people to die who have wronged their souls, they ask: “What was your condition?” They reply: “We were oppressed in the earth.” The angels say: “Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to emigrate and go somewhere else?” Hell will be their abode and it is a very evil refuge![97] However, those helpless men, women and children who have neither the means to migrate nor strength to escape,[98] Allah may pardon them. Allah is the Pardoning, Forgiving.[99] He who emigrates in the path of Allah shall find numerous places of refuge in the Earth and abundant resources. He who leaves his home to migrate for Allah and His Messenger and dies on the way, his reward becomes due and sure with Allah. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.[100] 4:[97-100]
When you travel in the earth, there is no blame on you if you shorten your prayers, especially when you fear that the unbelievers may attack you, since the unbelievers are your open enemies.[101] When you, O Muhammad, are with them, leading their Salah (prayer in the state of war), let one party of them stand up to pray with you, armed with their weapons. After they finish their prostrations, let them withdraw to the rear and let the other party who have not yet prayed come forward to pray with you; and let them also be on their guard, armed with their weapons. The unbelievers wish to see you neglect your arms and your baggage, so that they could suddenly attack to overpower you all in one stroke. However, there is no blame on you if you lay aside your arms because of heavy rain or because you are sick, but you should still be on your guard. Allah has prepared a humiliating punishment for the unbelievers.[102] When you finish your Salah (prayers) remember Allah whether you are standing, sitting or reclining; then as soon as you are safe (out of danger) establish regular Salah in full. Surely Salah are made obligatory for the believers at their prescribed times.[103] Do not show weakness in following up the enemy; if you are suffering hardships they too are suffering similar hardships; moreover, you have hope to receive reward from Allah while they have none. Allah is the Knowledgeable, Wise.[104] 4:[101-104]
Ameen.
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.