BISMILLAH IR-RAHMAN IR- RAHIM

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST BENEFICENT, MOST MERCIFUL

Tonight’s Taraweeh consists of Wa man yaqnut. The Sûras covered are 2/3 of Ahzâb (The Confederates), Saba’ (The City of Saba), Fâtir (The
Originator of Creation) and a small section of Yâsîn. Sûrah Ahzâb: Orders are given to Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s wives. They “are not like any (other) women”; that is why punishment for bad behaviour and reward for good deeds on their part is double that of ordinary persons. They are not to speak too softly lest it arouses sinister intentions in the listeners and they are to stay quietly in their houses and follow Allah (SWT) and His Rasûl (SAW). Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his family had to be respected. The Prophet’s house could not be entered into without permission. His wives were to be spoken to from behind a screen to ensure greater dignity. Neither the Prophet nor his wives could be angered. His widows could not be married to others they had a dignity above that of other believing women. The slanderers had to be punished. Turning to Muslims in general be faithful to your responsibilities. Unhappy marriages should be resolved one way or another, therefore do not fear to end such a marriage. This was in the case of Zaid Ibn Hârith, the adopted son of the Apostle. Sûrah Saba’: This Sûrah belongs to the early Makkan period. It, together with the following five, discuss some features of the spiritual world and emphasise Allah (SWT)’s Mercy, Power and Truth. Allah (SWT) is AllKnowing. His Mercy (as shown in His Signs) and His Power (as shown in the ability of the earth or sky in destroying people) will last forever. Do not resist and deny the truth. A very good example of a man gifted with the qualities of knowledge and power was Dâwûd (AS) who wanted to do good for the cause of Islam. All glories of the earth must perish. Even the death of a mighty ruler becomes known after some time. For instance, Sulaimân (AS) had a great empire but when he died “only a little worm of the earth show them his death”. The people of Saba’ lived in “a happy and wealthy territory” as long as they obeyed Allah (SWT). But once “they turned away” from Allah (SWT)’s Guidance, He “sent the flood from the dams (which were theirs) against them”. Eventually, their country became a wasteland. From these lessons we can learn that Allah (SWT)’s Mercy and Power, Wisdom and Justice work in a most perfect manner.

We also learn to do right and thus prepare for the Day of Judgement. Unfaith is not stable because all the evil ones will realise their misdeeds too late. Unfaith will never be able to face up to the truth on the Day of Judgement. True values cannot be judged by the seeming good of this life; for instance it is wrong to say that “we have more wealth and sons” therefore they will act as barriers against Allah (SWT)’s Punishment. “Those who believe and do good deeds- these are the ones for whom there is a multiplied reward” in the Hereafter, says Allah (SWT). It is the habit of disbelievers to insult a sincere Muslim as “a man who wishes to prevent (them) from the worship which their fathers practiced”. They call Allah (SWT)’s Message “falsehood” and “magic” but Allah (SWT)’s truth will always last. Sincere men of Allah (SWT) will keep trying their best to make the disbelievers understand. Falsehood and the disbelievers will suffer a terrible fate. Sûrah Fâtir: This Sûrah deals with the mystery of Creation and how it is kept going by forces represented by the wings of Angels. Whether we look at nature around us or study ourselves, all creation praises Him, and protects Allah (SWT)’s men from evil. Glory belongs to Allah (SWT) Who is the Source of all Good. He created angels who are Messengers and carry out Allah (SWT)’s Orders; that is why they represent the forces and laws which govern Allah (SWT)’s Creation. “Satan is an enemy to you”, so do not be deceived by his evil and thereby reject Allah (SWT). The rejecters of Allah (SWT) will suffer a severe penalty. If you pray to any besides Allah (SWT), “they will not listen to your call, and if they were to listen, they will be unable to answer your prayer”. Good and Evil can never be alike, as the seeing and the blind are not alike: similarly with darkness and light, cool shade and the heat of sunshine, or the living and the dead. We are “in need of Allah (SWT), but He is free of all wants”. As men and other creatures have been created “of various shades of colour”, so there are different grades in the spiritual world whose knowledge only those who “truly fear Allah (SWT)” have. The Good will find a happy end while the Evil ones will find no helper. The proud ones will be destroyed.

The Evil ones should learn lessons from past people who were like them. Allah (SWT) “gives them respite for a stated term: when their term expires” Allah (SWT) punishes them. The first sections of Sûrah Yâsin will be read tonight but the commentary will be given tomorrow when the main portion will be read.

 

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