Tag: beneficialknowledge

Posted in Surah Kahf

Surah Al-Kahf

Posted on by Zahra

Introduction

Revelation : Makki Surah, between the 8th and 10th years of Prophethood.

Count : over 6000 letters (atleast 60,000 hasanat)

Virtues

1. Source of Light in Dunya and Akhirah

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever recites Surah al-Kahf on Friday, it will illuminate for him a light between the two Fridays.

[at-Targheeb wat-tarheeb]

The “light” here is referring to spiritual light in the Dunya that illuminates the path between what is good and bad, true and false. This surah teaches many lessons. It guides to what is beneficial and shows how to avoid evil and sins.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Whoever recites Surah al-Kahf as it was revealed, then it will be a light for him on the Day of Judgment from his place to Makkah.”

[al-Tabarani]

The “light” on the Day of Resurrections refers to a physical, visible light! Each person’s spiritual condition in the Dunya will be reflected physically on that Day.

The time for recitation is between the maghrib of Thursday to the maghrib of Friday.

2. Protection from dajjal

The Prophet (ﷺ) “Whoever memorizes ten aayaat from the beginning of Surat Al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjal.” In another narration, “the last 10 aayaat.”

(Sahih Muslim)

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) mentioned the Dajjal (Antichrist) saying: If he comes forth while I am among you I shall be the one who will dispute with him on your behalf, but if he comes forth when I am not among you, a man must dispute on his own behalf, and Allah will take my place in looking after every Muslim. Those of you who live up to his time should recite over him the opening verses of Surat al – Kahf, for they are your protection from his trial. We asked: How long will he remain on the earth ? He replied : Forty days, one like a year, one like a month, one like a week, and rest of his days like yours. We asked : Messenger of Allah, will one day’s prayer suffice us in this day which will be like a year ? He replied : No, you must make an estimate of its extent. Then Jesus son of Marry will descend at the white minaret to the east of Damascus. He will then catch him up at the date of Ludd and kill him.

(Sunan Abi Dawud)

3. Tranquility descends

Ibn Ishaq reported: I heard al-Bara’ as saying that a man recited al-Kahf when an animal was there in the house and it began to take fright. And as he looked around, he found a cloud overshadowing it. He mentioned that to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Upon this he said: O so and so, recite on (the surah) as- Sakina descends at the (recitation of the Qur’an) or on account (of the recitation) of the Qur’an.

(Sahih Muslim)

4. Rewards!

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little.”

Sahih al-Bukhari

May Allah make it easy for us all to follow the Sunnah and to recite this powerful surah every friday, aameen!

Posted in Surah Yusuf

Surah Yusuf – Introduction and Context

Posted on by Zahra

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Each chapter of the Quran, each letter even, is special and miraculous. Surah Yusuf is unique compared to the other surahs for two reasons.

  • The only time the story of Yusuf عليه السلام (Prophet Joseph peace be upon him) is mentioned in the Quran is in this surah. The stories of the other prophets are scattered in various surahs but Prophet Yusuf’s story is only here.
  • This is the only surah which discusses one entire story from beginning to end.

When you read Surah Yusuf, you will see that the narrative is very straight forward and simple. Allah ﷻ tells us stories of the past in the Quran to teach us. Surah Yusuf is full of proofs of Allah’s wisdom and ability. Just from the surface you will be able to derive many lessons. Imagine how much benefit can be gained from a deeper reflection!

لَّقَدْ كَانَ فِي يُوسُفَ وَإِخْوَتِهِ آيَاتٌ لِّلسَّائِلِينَ
“Certainly were there in Yusuf (Joseph) and his brothers signs for those who ask.”

( Yusuf : 7 )

So let’s journey through this Surah. Let’s try to understand the story of Yusuf عليه السلام and extract lessons for our own lives.

Let’s learn, implement and share for the pleasure of Allah subahaana wa ta’la, in shaa Allah!

Background of Surah

This surah was revealed before Hijrah after the Year of Grief (Aamul Huzn). In that year, three things happened one after the other which were painful for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and there was no time in his life where the Prophet ﷺ was more demoralized than this period.

( 1 ) The death of his dear wife, Khadeejah رضي الله عنه. Whenever anything happened and even when the wahy came down and he was scared, he went to her to be calmed down. She was his source of comfort and support.

( 2 ) The death of his uncle and guardian, Abu Talib, who supported him outside the house. The Quraysh couldn’t harm the Prophet ﷺ much as long as Abu Talib was alive. After Abu Talib’s death, the opposition and persecution of the pagans reached its peak.

( 3 ) The difficult and painful incident of Taif happened.

Aisha رضي الله عنه said, “Oh Messenger of Allah ﷺ, was there any day that was more difficult for you to bear than the Day of Uhud?” He ﷺ said, “Yes. “The most difficult day for me was the day when I was rejected by the chieftains of Ta’if.” (Bukhari)

So you can see how difficult the time was for our beloved Prophet ﷺ. In this critical time in his life – he needed comfort. Surah Yusuf was meant to uplift his spirits and to console and strengthen him at a time of such trials. We see the importance of Surah Yusuf.

This is hope for us when we are feeling down and suffering from any problems of society. This is the surah that we can turn to for some solace and comfort.

Another direct cause of revelation: it is said that the Quraysh wanted to try to outwit the Prophet ﷺ and show that he was not truly a prophet. They went to the Jews of Medina and asked for something they could ask the Prophetﷺ through which they could “test” his Prophethood. The Jews said, “Ask him about the story of Yusuf and his brothers. Nobody knows this.” There would be no other way for the Prophetﷺ to know this story except through Divine Revelation.

And Allah ﷻ answered their question by revealing Surah Yusuf.