As-salaam wa-alaikum, brothers and sisters.
Summary
Today’s selection is Surah 61, As-Saff or the Battle Array, which is 14 verses in total. It enjoins believers to keep their word or practise what they preach. It recounts Prophet Jesus’ foretelling of a Prophet of God after him; that Prophet of course was Muhammad (pbuh). Lastly, it describes faith as a sort of bargain given the rewards which it produces.
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Verses
Bis-millahi ar-rahman, ar-raheem.
In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah. He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.[1] O believers! Why do you preach what you do not practice?[2] It is very hateful in the sight of Allah that you preach what you do not practice.[3] Indeed Allah loves those who fight for His Cause in solid ranks as if they were a mighty edifice.[4] 61:[1-4]
Remember, what Moses said to his people: “O my people! Why do you hurt me while you know that I am the Messenger of Allah towards you?” But in spite of this, when they adopted perverseness, Allah let their hearts be perverted. Allah does not guide those who are transgressors.[5] 61:[5-6]
And remember when Jesus, the son of Mary said: “O children of Israel! I am the Messenger of God towards you, confirming the Torah which came before me, and giving you good news of a Messenger that will come after me whose name shall be Ahmad (another name of the Prophet Muhammad).” But when he (Muhammad) came to them with clear signs, they said “This is plain magic.”[6] Who could be more wrong than the one who invents falsehoods against Allah while he is being called towards Islam? Allah does not guide those who are wrongdoers.[7] They seek to extinguish the Light of Allah with their mouths, but God will perfect His Light, much as the unbelievers may dislike it.[8] It is He Who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth to make it prevail over all religions, much as the those who associate others with God may dislike it.[9] 61:[7-9]
O believers! Should I tell you of a bargain that will save you from a painful punishment?[10] It is to believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive your utmost in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your persons. That is best for you, if you but knew it.[11] He will forgive you your sins and admit you to gardens beneath which rivers flow, and will lodge you in beautiful mansions in the gardens of eternity, which will be a supreme achievement.[12] 61:[10-12]
And yet, another blessing which you love: help from Allah and a speedy victory. So O Prophet, give this good news to the believers.[13] O believers! Be the helpers of Allah, just as Jesus the son of Mary said to his disciples: “Who will be my helpers in the cause of God?” And the disciples responded: “We will be your helpers in the cause of Allah.” Then a group from the children of Israel believed in him (Jesus) and another group disbelieved. We aided the believers against their enemies, so they became victorious.[14] 61:[13-14]
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.