Monday
Knowledge is a Journey
Tonight’s taraweeh consists of all of juz 16 and ¼ of juz 17 .
The surahs covered are the final ¼ of no.18 Al- Kahf (The Cave), no.19 Maryam (Mary), no.20 Tâhâ , & ½ of no.21 Al-Anbiyâ’ (The Prophets).
Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave)
Moses and The Wise Man
We watch the Prophet Moses – Mûsâ – set off on a quest for knowledge along with young Joshua – Yusha ibn Nun. They encounter a wise man (Khadr or Khidr a.s) who is prepared to teach Moses on one condition. Moses must be patient and ask him no questions until he is ready to explain. However as they start travelling together, Moses witnesses many strange events that prompt him to ask the wise man question after question. Ultimately Khadr feels compelled to part ways due to the impatience of Moses. Khadr had scuttled a boat, killed a child and repaired the wall of a hostile town. Before parting ways he explains the rationale of each unusual event to Moses, then says, ‘And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of that about which you could not have patience.’
We are given a glimpse into the expeditions of the great military leader, Dhul Qarnain. He reigned over a massive empire wherein he punished the guilty & rewarded the good. He protected the weak from the lawless and thus used his faith and vast resources to serve Allah swt.
Surah Maryam (Mary)
Family values
In this surah Allah the Almighty provides us with insights into the lives of His Messengers and their families. Zechariah – Zakariya – had wanted a son who would spread Allah’s message. He was blessed with a son, the Prophet John – Yahya. ‘He was dutiful to his parents and not a disobedient tyrant.’
Mary – Maryam – was blessed with a miraculous virgin birth. The people accused her of having an illegitimate child. The infant Jesus – Isâ – cleared her name and affirmed that he was a Prophet of Allah and a dutiful son.
Recall the story of Abraham who was ill-treated by his people, including his father, but he turned to Allah, and was blessed with righteous descendants including Isaac who was then blessed with Jacob. Allah in His mercy appointed Aaron – Hârûn – as a Prophet to assist his brother Mûsâ in his work. Ishmael and Enoch -Idrîs- are praised as truthful men.
‘ These were the ones upon whom Allah bestowed favour from among the Prophets of the descendants of Adam and those We carried with Noah and of the descendants of Abraham and Israel (i.e. Jacob)…When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they fell in prostration and weeping. ‘
Follow the Prophets’ values and commitment to serve Allah alone and do not claim that He has a son or other divine partners.
Allah Almighty confirms that those who have believed and done righteous deeds then He will create love and affection (from Himself and amongst them).
Surah Tâ Hâ
The Mission of Moses
This is the surah which was said to inspire the companion ‘Umar to convert to Islam during the time of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. The Qur’ân has not been revealed “to distress you but only as a reminder to those who fear Allah”.
We are taken through the story of Moses’ Prophethood when Allah spoke to him in the sacred valley of Tuwâ. He was given two miracles by Allah and on Moses’ request, his brother Aaronwas appointed as his assistant. Allah had been caring for Moses since his infancy when his mother was directed to cast the baby into the river. Under Allah’s supervision he grew up in the house of Pharaoh and then escaped to Madyan.
Allah commanded Moses and Aaron to go to the Pharaoh and speak to him ‘with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear (Allah).’ Moses said that they feared the repercussions of advising the tyrant, Allah said, ‘Fear not. Indeed I am with you both; I hear and I see.’
Pharaoh stubbornly refused to heed the message of Allah. Pharaoh ordered his magicians to publicly confront and outdo Moses’ miraculous staff, but to no avail. On the contrary they sorcerers recognized the Truth and submitted to the one true Lord despite the fury of Pharaoh. Moses rescued his people from Pharaoh’s cruelty and led them out of Egypt on a dry path through the sea. But they were led astray by the Samiri who convinced them to worship a golden calf. Moses ordered the Samiri to be shunned and the golden idol was to be burnt to ashes.
Satan has been misleading man since Adam, but whoever follow Allah’s guidance will neither go astray in this life nor suffer in the next.
Towards the end of this surah we are ordered to enjoin the duty of prayer salah upon our families and must remain steadfast in doing so.
Sûrah Al-Anbiya’ (The Prophets)
Distracted Driving
The people’s accountability is coming soon, but they are turning away in heedlessness. When revelation comes to them, they are listening to it while they are at play, with their hearts distracted.
And how many a city which was unjust have We shattered and produced after it another people. And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, ‘There is none to be worshipped but Me, so worship Me.’
Study Allah’s Creation and pay attention to the signs. Every soul shall taste death. And if as much as a whiff of the punishment of your Lord should touch them, they would definitely say,’O woe to us. Indeed we have been wrongdoers.’ Allah will ‘set up scales of justice, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least and sufficient are We as accountant.’
During tonight’s Taraweeh, may we pay attention to Allah’s signs with patience and firm faith.
Abbreviations
s.w.t – Subhanahu wa Ta’ala – (Allah) The Glorious, the Exalted
a.s – Alayhis Salam– (Prophets, pious ones) on whom be peace
s.a.w – SalAllahu alayhi Wa sallam – (Muhammad) on whom be peace
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