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Loyalty, Law & Social Harmony
Tonight’s taraweeh consists of Juz 28.
The Sûrahs covered are nos. 58-66 Al-Mujâdilah, Al-Hashr, Al-Mumtahinah, As-Saff, Al-Jumu’ah, Al-Munâfiqûn, At-Taghâbun, At-Talâq and At-Tahrîm.
What follows is a quick and short overview of key verses.
58. Sûrah Al-Mujâdilah (She Who Pleads)
This surah opens with Allah stating that he has heard and accepted the complaint of the woman who was being degraded by her husband.
So do not let false claims or unIslamic traditions lower or paralyze the status of women.
Allah is the All-Knower therefore do not make secret consultations among yourselves to plan mischief.
Be orderly in public assemblies – be considerate and make space for each other and leave promptly once the assemblies are over.
Do not turn to those who knowingly swear to falsehood.
And those who are loyal to His Cause, Allah ‘has written faith in their hearts and strengthened them with a spirit from Himself… and is supremely pleased with them.’
59. Sûrah Al-Hashr (The Gathering)
It is Allah who banished the Disbelievers from amongst the People of the Book (those who broke the alliance with the Muslims).
What wealth remains must not circulate amongst the wealthy but amongst the needy and specific beneficiaries.
The Believers, both migrant and resident are praised. The Ansar (residents of Madinah) ‘gave preference to the migrants even though poverty (was their own lot).’
We are then reminded of the majesty of the Quran wherein it is described as shattering the might of a mountain.
And in conclusion Surah Al Hashr ends with a splendid rehearsal of Allah’s beautiful Names.
60. Sûrah Al-Mumtahinah (That Which Examines)
Allah swt instructs us that it is inappropriate to seek protection from the persecutors of Muslims. Follow Abraham’s example, whereby he and the believers made clear their stance to their enemies.
‘Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and justly with those who do not fight your Faith, nor drive you out of your homes.’
Believing women refugees should not be turned back, they are not to marry disbelievers and if the believing women pledge the oath of loyalty to the Prophet (s.a.w), then he is to accept it from them and ask for their forgiveness.
61. Sûrah As-Saff (The Battle Array)
As Allah’s Glory shines through His Creation, so must we back up our words with action in a united manner, ‘like in a battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure.’
Do not vex and insult the Prophets as past people did. To be truly successful, ‘Be ye helpers of Allah, as said Jesus, son of Mary to the disciples.’ And the disciples said, ‘We are Allah’s helpers!’
62. Sûrah Al-Jumu’ah (Friday)
Allah has sent His Revelation for the guidance of both those who have previous scriptures and those who don’t.
The likeness of those who were given the obligations of the scripture (the Torah) but failed, is like a donkey who carries volumes (but understands them not).
“When the call is made to prayer on Friday, hasten to the Remembrance of Allah and leave off business”.
The important lesson here is the need for mutual contact in the community for worship and understanding.
63. Sûrah Al-Munâfiqûn (The Hypocrites)
The Hypocrites are lulled into a false sense of reality. They think they can deceive Allah and His Messenger with their words and charisma. They do not realise that Allah has punished them by making it impossible for them to see Truth. They plan to obstruct progress without realising that Allah is the Best of Planners.
Do not let your wealth and children lull you away from remembering Allah. Give charity before death overpowers you and cuts you off from doing any good.
64. Sûrah At-Taghâbun (Mutual Loss & Gain)
Allah is the Creator of all. He is the Best Judge. The final judgement regarding those who did either good or evil will only be given on the Day of Reckoning.
“That will be a day of mutual loss and gain (among you)”.
Bear misfortunes with patience. Do not lose hope, because Allah is only testing you. Obey Allah’s Teachings and regard your wealth and children as a trial for you; so remember Allah and thank Him for His Favours.
65. Sûrah At-Talâq (Divorce)
Be just in your relations with your wives. Divorce is a last resort, where you feel that the marriage must be dissolved. Make absolutely certain that you deal justly and protect the interests of unborn or new-born lives. During the ‘iddah, (the prescribed waiting period) “let the women live in the same manner as you live, according to your means. Do not anger them”. Even then, try to bring about reconciliation. These are Allah’s Laws which have been prescribed.
66. Sûrah At-Tahrîm (Prohibition)
‘Do not make unlawful for yourself what Allah has made lawful.’
Harmony (in marriage) and confidence (trust) must be taught and practiced. The door of repentance is always open to make amends.
We see families of all types in the Quran. Allah will reward the virtuous even if they have to live unavoidably with the wicked, as was the case with the wife of Pharaoh, peace be upon her.
And we see the example of the unrighteous ones who lived in the company of the good; such as the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot.
Mary, daughter of Imran, is praised for her life of piety while she, a single mother, raised a Prophet of God. She ‘guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (her body) our spirit; and she testified to the truth…’
May we reflect on the unique realities of each family’s life and ask Allah to guide and support our families.
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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