Blog
Find joy in it(DW#749 )
Apr 30, 2020
Earlier this week, we discussed verse 57 from Sura Yunus where Allah says that the Quran is an admonition, a cure, a guidance and a mercy for us.
Today’s verse is the one following that where it says: In that they should rejoice; it is better than that which they gather.[Sura Yunus, Chapter 10:58]
Today’s verse is the one following that where it says: In that they should rejoice; it is better than that which they gather.[Sura Yunus, Chapter 10:58]
This verse reminds us that the Book is precious in providing us with healing and guidance and a potential source of joy.
Human beings are programmed to seek pleasure and happiness. However, we are not very good at recognizing what will bring us ultimate joy (lots of research on this – check out the DWs on Happiness). The things in which we pursue happiness tend to be shallow and fleeting at best. We adapt to our possessions and our experiences and they no longer provide us the pleasure that they once did.
What comes from Him though is lasting and meaningful, a source of hope, comfort, healing and good news. The advice in the Quran will...
Heed the reminder(DW#748 )
Apr 29, 2020
In Sura Muzzammil, [Chapter 73, Versem19], Allah says: This is indeed a reminder
This verse refers to the Quran where Allah says that He has sent a reminder to the people in the form of the Quran.
A reminder by definition means that it is confirming or reminding human beings of something that they already know. Scholars explain that the verses of the Quran confirm the truth that Allah has already placed within ourselves in the form of fitrah or natural instinct.
Our fitrah or higher selves are guided by our conscience. This is the internal guidance which is confirmed and supported by the external guidance in the form of the Quran.
Since human beings are easily distracted and forgetful, we need to be reminded of our true nature, our best selves and the potential that we can rise up to. The verses also remind us to keep the big picture in mind, the meaning and purpose of creation, that we are on this earth for only a brief...
Do not forsake the Book(DW#747 )
Apr 28, 2020
In verse 30 of Sura Furqan, there is a complaint from the Holy Prophet (saw): And the Messenger cried out: O my Lord! Surely my people have treated this Quran as a forsaken thing. [Holy Quran 25:30]
The Holy Prophet (saw) spent about 23 years of his life preaching the message of the Quran in order to transform his society, to banish ignorance and oppression and to establish social justice. This complaint is made by him to his Lord that despite his best efforts, his community (and those to follow) abandoned the true message of the Quran.
The potential of the Quran is to transform the individual and the society. However, in order to do that, the message needs to be read, reflected upon, acted upon and reflected in behaviour.
While the recitation of the Quran is alive and well within Muslim communities all over the world, its message of hope, mercy, compassion and justice remains an illusive ideal even today.
What do we need to do individually and as a...
Connect to the Book(DW#746 )
Apr 27, 2020
Wishing you and your loved ones the blessings of the Holy Month of Ramadan. As always, we will turn our attention to verses of the Quran during this month. We will inshallah focus on a verse a day and reflect on how we can live the timeless wisdom of the Book in our modern lives.
In verse 57 of Chapter 10 (Sura Yunus/Jonah), Allah says:
O mankind! There has come unto you an advice from your Lord, and a cure for that which lies within breasts, and a guidance and a mercy for the believers. [Holy Quran 10:57]
The verse addresses all of mankind and alerts them to the four functions of the Holy Quran:
1) An advice – The word maw‘idhah is a reminder to do good, but it is a reminder which is gentle and full of loving care. An exhortation to do good which will benefit us. It is the kind of advice that touches hearts that are open and receptive. It is the kind of advice that can guide us towards excellence of...