Corruption, arrogance and temptation – the story of Qarun in Surat al Qasas
Towards the end of Surat al Qasas, Allah Almighty mentions the story of Qarun. He says: Indeed Qarun was from the people of Musa – he then oppressed them; and We gave him so...
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The blessings of Qiyamullayl
As we approach the last ten nights of Ramadan, I would like to share with you the blessings of qiyam al layl, (night prayers) in general. Tarawih during Ramadan is qiyam Ramadan. Qiyam and...
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The truth meets resistance when it clashes with desire. Reflections from Surat al Qasas
When Allah sent the truth to the people of Makkah and the cities surrounding it, the Prophet (peace be on him) was delivering the message to everyone. There had been no prophet or messenger...
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Lessons in trusting Allah – Surat al Qasas
It is the beauty of the words of Allah Almighty that we continue to find meanings, lessons and inspiration in His words and verses. They are always alive and talking to you. We need...
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God vs gods – the debate in Surat Naml
In the debate between the Prophet (peace be on him) and the disbelievers, Allah Almighty provides him with the right questions and answers to pose, and these are really special. They challenge the status...
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Wisdoms from the story of Suleman (peace be on him) and the Queen of Sheba from Surat Al Naml
The kingdom of Suleman (peace be on him) We came across the story of Suleman (peace be on him) who was given special miracles. Suleman had the most magnificent kingdom of any prophet. Some...
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The message of anti-corruption is always met with resistance – Reflections on Surat al-Shu’araa’
Shuayb (peace be on him) was one of the five Arab prophets, (the others being Hud, Salih, Ismail and Muhammad, peace be on them). He lived in Madyan (Midian, which is a large area...
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Challenging unfair traditions – reflections on Surat al Al-Shu’araa’
There are numerous lessons for us in the exchanges between people in the Quran, like Musa (peace be on him) and Firaun and between Ibrahim and his father and his people. Lessons in the...
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How the arrogant refuse to admit defeat
The debate between Musa (peace be on him) and Firaun features in different places in the Quran and is very interesting when it is collected together. It also appears in Surat Ash Shu’ara, which...
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There are no coincidences
Creation has precision In the beginning of Surat al Furqan, which is a Makki surah, Allah Almighty said: تَبَارَكَ ٱلَّذِى نَزَّلَ ٱلۡفُرۡقَانَ عَلَىٰ عَبۡدِهِۦ لِيَكُونَ لِلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ نَذِيرًا (١) Glorious is the One who has...
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The Great Struggle – Reflections on Surat al Furqan
This is a Makki surah, which bears the characteristics of the early revelations before the migration to Madinah and the foundation of a Muslim society. Makki surahs focus on establishing belief and questioning the...
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Light upon light – The verse of light and the heart of the believer
“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, The lamp is within glass, the glass as if it...
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Is it permissible to pray tarawih online?
Praying tarawih in your home while following an imam who is performing the tarawih prayer online is a relatively new phenomenon, which was adopted by some imams, including myself during the unprecedented global pandemic...
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Blocking the haram. The command to lower the gaze and to wear the hijab in Surah An Nur
Surat An Nur is a surah full of etiquettes. Knocking before entering One of these etiquettes is to seek permission before entering someone’s house, which is known as istidhan. Before you enter anyone’s house,...
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Don’t believe every rumour. Reflections on Surat an Nur
When was Surat an Nur revealed? This is a famous surah. It was revealed in Madina and therefore has many rulings. There is no authentic narration on the virtue of this surah, but there...
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