Category: Daily Quran & Hadith

English Translation of Al-Quran

[28].Surah Al-Qasas [The Narration]

Ayat 28. He [Musa (Moses)] said: “That (is settled) between me and you whichever of the two terms I fulfill, there will be no injustice to me, and Allah is Surety over what we say.”

Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 28. He said: “Be that (the agreement) between me and thee: whichever of the two terms I fulfill, let there be no ill-will to me. Be Allah a witness to what we say.” In patriarchal society it was not uncommon to have a marriage bargain of this kind conditional on a certain term of service. In this case the episode conveys two lessons. (1) A man destined to be a messenger of Allah is yet a man and must pass through the ups and downs of life like any other man: only he will do it with more grace and distinction than other men. (2) The beautiful relations in love and marriage may themselves be a preparation for the highest spiritual destiny that may await a Messenger of Allah. A woman need not necessarily be a snare and a temptation: she may be the understanding helpmate that the Lady Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) was to the Holy Prophet.

English Translation of Hadith 

Hazrat Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) enjoined the payment of one Sa’ of dates or one Sa’ of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the Eid prayer. (One Sa’ = 3 Kilograms approx.)

[Al-Bukhari Volume 2, Book 25, Number 579]

The Purpose of Zakat-ul-Fitr (Sadaqat-ul-Fitr) Every Muslim is required to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr at the conclusion of the month of Ramadan as a token of thankfulness to Allah (SWT) for having enabled him to observe fasts. Its purpose is to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy. In addition, it provides for the needs of the poor and the indigent and relieves them from having to ask others for charity on the day of `Eid. The Prophet,  [SAWW](PBUH) said, “Fulfill their need on this day (i.e., the day of Eid).

English Translation of Al-Quran

[28].Surah Al-Qasas [The Narration]

Ayat 27. He said: “I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years, but if you complete ten years, it will be (a favor) from you. But I intend not to place you under difficulty. If Allah will, you will find me one of the righteous.”

Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 27. He said: “I intend to wed one of these my daughters to thee, on condition that thou serve me for eight years; but if thou complete ten years, it will be (grace) from thee. But I intend not to place thee under a difficulty: thou wilt find me, indeed, if Allah wills, one of the righteous.” A little time passed, and at length the father broached the subject of marriage. It was not for the fugitive to suggest a permanent tie, especially when, in the wealth of this world, the girl’s family was superior, and they had an established position, while he was a mere wanderer. The father asked if he would marry one of the daughters and stay with them for at least eight years, or if he liked, ten years, but the longer term was at his option. If he brought no dower, his service for that period was more than sufficient in lieu of dower. The particular girl intended was no doubt tacitly settled long before, by the mutual attraction of the young hearts themselves. Moses was glad of the proposal and accepted it. They ratified it in the most solemn manner, by appealing to Allah. The old man, knowing the worth of his son-in-law, solemnly assured him that in any event he would not take advantage of his position to be a hard taskmaster or to insist on anything inconsistent with Moses’ interests, should a new future open out to him. And a new and glorious future was awaiting him after his apprenticeship.

English Translation of Hadith 

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) said, “Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: `Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.’ Fasting is a shield. When any of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: `I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad  [SAWW] is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb.”

[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 128].

Lesson : “Khuluf”, is the smell that comes from the mouth of a person who observes Saum. It results from the thirst and hunger which he must suffer during the Saum. The Hadith not only tells us the merits of Saum but also brings into focus the true significance of it. Saum is not thus mere abstention from food, drink, and sexual intercourse, but also keeping away from all evils and vices and embracing virtues.

English Translation of Al-Quran

[28].Surah Al-Qasas [The Narration]

Ayat 26. And said one of them (the two women): “O my father! Hire him! Verily, the best man for you to hire is the strong, the trustworthy.”

Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 26. Said one of the (damsels): “O my (dear) father! Engage him on wages: truly the best of men for thee to employ is the (man) who is strong and trusty”…. A little time passes. A guest after all cannot stay forever. They all felt that it would be good to have him with them permanently. The girl who had given her heart to him had spoken their unspoken thoughts. Why not employ him to tend the flocks? The father was old, and a young man wanted to look after the flocks. And-there may be other possibilities. Strong and trusty: Moses had proved himself to be both, and these were the very qualities which a woman most admires in the man she loves.

English Translation of Hadith 

Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We took Suhur (pre-dawn meal) with the Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) and then we stood up for (Fajr) Salat (prayer). It was asked: “How long was the gap between the two?” He replied: “The time required for the recitation of fifty Ayat.”

[Al-Bukhari Book # 01, Chapter # 10, Hadith # 550].

Lesson : We learn from this Hadith that Suhur should be taken towards the end of its timing. This is the Sunnah of the Prophet [SAWW](PBUH). One should, however, take care that it is done before dawn.

English Translation of Al-Quran

[28].Surah Al-Qasas [The Narration]

Ayat 25. Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: “Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.” So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: “Fear you not. You have escaped from the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, disbelievers, and wrong doers).”

Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 25. Afterwards one of the (damsels) came (back) to him, walking bashfully. She said: “My father invites thee that he may reward thee for having watered (our flocks) for us.” So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: “Fear thou not: (well) hast thou escaped from unjust people.” Scarcely had he rested, when one of the damsels came back, walking with bashful grace! Modestly she gave her message, ‘My father is grateful for what you did for us. He invites you, that he may thank you personally, and at least give some return for your kindness.’ Nothing could have been more welcome than such a message, and through such a messenger. Moses went off course and saw the old man. He found such a well-ordered patriarchal household. The old man was happy with his daughters and they with him. There was mutual confidence. They had evidently described the stranger to him in terms which made his welcome a foregone conclusion. On the other hand, Moses had allowed his imagination to paint the father in something of the glorious colors in which his daughters had appeared to him like an angelic vision. The two men became friends at once. Moses told the old man his story of who he was, how he was brought up, and what misfortunes had made him quit Egypt . Perhaps the whole household, including the daughters, listened breathlessly to his tale. Perhaps their wonder and admiration were mingled with a certain amount of pity-perhaps with some more tender feeling in the case of the girl who had been to fetch him. Perhaps the enchantment which Desdemona felt in Othello’s story was working on her. In any case the stranger had won his place in dear hearts. The old man, the head of the household, assured him of hospitality and safety under his roof. As one with a long experience of life he congratulated him on his escape. ‘Who would live among unjust people? It is as well you are free of them!’

English Translation of Hadith 

Hazrat Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH)! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He  [SAWW](PBUH) replied, “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka afuwwun, tuhibbul-afwa, fa fu anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).”

[At-Tirmidhi Hadith # 3513].

Lesson : Although no specific sign of Lailat-ul-Qadr has been mentioned in the Ahadith, some eminent scholars have stated, based on their own experiences and observation that since angels descend on this night one feels a peculiar tranquility and peace of mind and one is overwhelmed with a unique tenderness of heart. The night is neither very hot nor very cold but a temperate one. Similarly, the sun that rises on the next day is also not very hot etc. etc. Allah knows the truth of the matter despite all that has been said in this regard. In any case, on this auspicious night every Muslim should earnestly pray to Allah for the forgiveness of his sins with reference to His Attribute of Forgiveness.

English Translation of Al-Quran

[28].Surah Al-Qasas [The Narration]

Ayat 24. So he watered (their flocks) for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: “My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!”

Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 24. So, he watered (their flocks) for them; then he turned back to the shade and said: “O my Lord! truly am I in (desperate) need of any good that Thou dost send me!” The maidens are gone, with smiles on their lips and gratitude in their hearts. What were the reflections of Moses as he returned to the shade of the tree? He returned thanks to Allah for the bright little vision which he had just seen. Had he done a good deed? Precious was the opportunity he had had. He had slaked his thirst. But he was a homeless wanderer and had a longing in his soul, which he dared not put into words. Those shepherds were no company for him. He was truly like a beggar in desperate need. For any little good that came his way, he was grateful. But what was this?-this vision of a comfortable household, presided over by an old man rich in flocks and herds, and richer still in two daughters, as modest as they were beautiful? Perhaps he would never see them again! But Providence was preparing another surprise for him.

English Translation of Hadith

Hazrat Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, “Eat Suhur (predawn meal). Surely, there is a blessing in Suhur.”

[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 146].

Lesson : This Hadith tells us that Suhur is Masnun (Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH)), even if one takes a small quantity of food. This meal is blessed and maintains one’s energy and vitality during Saum. Against this, if a person goes to sleep after taking his dinner to save himself from the inconvenience of getting up before dawn or takes Suhur early will be, on one side, disobeying Messenger of Allah (PBUH) , while on the other side, he will be feeling hunger and thirst very early and very much as he himself has increased the period of fasting by not taking the Suhur. Subhan Allah! How the weaknesses of man have been considered in the teachings of Islam while suitable provision has been provided to overcome them!

English Translation of Al-Quran

[28].Surah Al-Qasas [The Narration]

Ayat 23. And when he arrived at the water of Madyan (Midian) he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: “What is the matter with you?” They said: “We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man.”

Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 23. And when he arrived at the watering (place) in Madyan, he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: “What is the matter with you?” They said: “We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take back (their flocks): And our father is a very old man.” The first thing that a wanderer in a desert would make for would be an oasis where he could get water from a spring or well, the shade of trees against the scorching sun, and some human company. The Midianite watering place was probably a deep well, as surface springs are rare in sandy desert, where the water level is low, unless there was a hill from which issued a spring. Here is a little idyll, told in the fewest and most beautiful words possible. Moses arrives, at an oasis in the desert, weary and travel-worn, with his mind full of anxiety and uncertainty owing to his recent experiences in Egypt . He was thirsty and would naturally seek water. At the well or spring he found shepherds (or perhaps goatherds) watering their flocks. As a stranger it was not for him to thrust himself among them. He waited under the shade of a tree until they should finish. He noticed two damsels, also waiting, with their flocks, which they had come to water. His chivalry was roused. He went at once among the goatherds, made a place for the flocks of the damsels, gave them water, and then resumed his place in the shade. They were modest maidens, and had given him in three Arabic words the key to the whole situation. Abuna shaykhun kabir our father is a very old man, and therefore cannot come to water the flocks; we therefore do the work; we could not very well trust ourselves among these men.

English Translation of Hadith 

Hazrat Ubadah bin As-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet said, “I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such and such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 25th, 27th and 29th (of Ramadan).

[Al-Bukhari Volume 3, Book 32, Number 240]

Lesson : We learn from this Hadith that Suhur is a distinctive mark with which Allah has blessed the Muslim Ummah. We learn from this Hadith that Lailat-ul-Qadr occurs in any of the last three odd nights – 25th, 27th and 29th – of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Its exact date has not been revealed for the reason that people keep themselves awake for prayer for a larger number of nights. Had its date been fixed, people would have kept awake for prayer only on that night.

 

English Translation of Al-Quran

[28].Surah Al-Qasas [The Narration]

Ayat 22. And when he (Musa AS) went towards (the land of) Madyan (Midian) he said: “It may be that my Lord guides me to the Right Way.”

Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 22. Then, when he turned his face towards (the land of) Madyan, he said: “I do hope that my Lord will show me the smooth and straight Path.” East of Lower Egypt, for about 300 miles, runs the Sinai Peninsula, bounded on the south by the Gulf of Suez, and on the north by what was the Isthmus of Suez, now cut by the Suez Canal . Over the Isthmus ran the highroad to Palestine and Syria , but a fugitive could not take that road, as the Egyptians were after him. If he could, after crossing the Isthmus, plunge into the Sinai desert, east or southeast, he would be in the Midianite territory, where the people would be Arabs and not Egyptians. He turned thither, and again prayed to Allah for guidance.

 

English Translation of Hadith

Hazrat Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) came out during the night and observed (TARAWEEH) prayer in the mosque and some of the people prayed along with him. When it was morning the people talked about this and so a large number of people gathered there. The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) went out for the second night, and they (the people) prayed along with him. When it was morning the people began to talk about it. So the mosque thronged with people on the third night. He (the Holy Prophet [SAWW](PBUH) came out and they prayed along with him. When it was the fourth night, the mosque was filled to its utmost capacity but the Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) did not come out. Some people among them cried:” Prayer.” But the Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) did not come to them till he came out for the morning prayer. When he had completed the morning prayer, he turned his face to the people and recited Tashahhud (I bear testimony that there is no god but Allah and I bear testimony that Muhammad is His Messenger) and then said: Your affair was not hidden from me in the night, but I was afraid that (my observing prayer continuously) might make the night (TARAWEEH) prayer obligatory for you and you might be unable to perform it.

[Muslim Book 004, Chapter 117 Hadith, Number 1667].

Lesson: It is well to keep the priorities of things mentioned in the Hadith as one gets the reward of following the Sunnah remembrance of Allah day and night.

 

English Translation of Al-Quran

[28].Surah Al-Qasas [The Narration]

Ayat 21. So, he escaped from there, looking about in a state of fear. He said: “My Lord! Save me from the people who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrong doers)!”

Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 21. He therefore got away there from, looking about, in a state of fear. He prayed “O my Lord! Save me from people given to wrong doing.” Moses saw that his position was now untenable, both in the Palace and in the City, and indeed anywhere in Pharaoh’s territory. So, he suffered voluntary exile. But he did not know where to go to. His mind was in a state of agitation. But he turned to Allah and prayed. He got consolation and felt that after all it was no hardship to leave Egypt , where there was so much injustice and oppression.

English Translation of Hadith

Hazrat Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) said, used to strive more in worship during Ramadan than he strove in any other time of the year; and he would devote himself more (in the worship of Allah) in the last ten nights of Ramadan than he strove in earlier part of the month.

[Muslim].

Lesson: We learn from this Hadith that: 1. One should concentrate more on prayers and worship on the last ten nights of Ramadan than the first twenty nights, in the same way as one should do more worship in Ramadan than in the other months.

2. One should keep oneself awake for prayer, worship, and glorification of Allah in the last ten nights of Ramadan so that one can attain the blessings of Lailat-ul-Qadr.
3. One should also persuade his family members to keep themselves awake for prayer and worship in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan so that they can also make efforts to please Allah.
4. I`tikaf (seclusion in the mosque for prayers) in the last ten days of Ramadan is also a meritorious act for its being a practice of the Prophet[SAWW](PBUH)

English Translation of Al-Quran

[28].Surah Al-Qasas [The Narration]

Ayat 20. And there came a man running, from the farthest end of the city. He said: “O Musa (Moses)! Verily, the chiefs are taking counsel together about you, to kill you, so escape. Truly, I am to you those who give sincere advice.”

Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 20. And there came a man, running, from the furthest end of the City. He said: “O Moses! the Chiefs are taking counsel together about thee, to slay thee: so, get thee away, for I do give thee sincere advice.” Apparently, rumors had reached the Palace, a Council had been held, and

the death of Moses had been decreed!

English Translation of Hadith

Hazrat Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) used to observe Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and say, “Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the odd nights out of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”

[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 32, Hadith # 234]

Lesson : We learn from this Hadith that Lailat-ul-Qadr occurs on any of the five odd nights – 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th – of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Its exact date has not been revealed for the reason that people keep themselves awake for prayer for a larger number of nights. Had its date been fixed, people would have kept awake for prayer only on that night. There is a general belief among the scholars that it is fixed on the 27th night of Ramadan. But this is not correct. Hadith do not confirm this view.

 

English Translation of Al-Quran

[28].Surah Al-Qasas [The Narration]

Ayat 19. Then when Musa AS (Moses) decided to seize the man who was an enemy to both, the man said: “O Musa (Moses)! Is it your intention to kill me as you killed a man yesterday? Your aim is nothing but to become a tyrant in the land, and not to be one of those who do right.”

Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 19. Then, when he decided to lay hold of the man who was an enemy to both, that man said: “O Moses! Is it thy intention to slay me as thou slewest a man yesterday? Their intention is none other than to become a powerful violent man in the land, and not to be one who sets things right!” When Moses considered further that the Egyptian was unjust and that the Egyptian was an enemy to Israel generally (including both Moses and the man assaulted), he was going to intervene again, when he received a double warning, one from the Egyptian who was fighting, and the other from some man (Israelite or Egyptian) who was friendly to him, as explained below. We may suppose that after the first day’s fight, there had been a great deal of talk in the bazaars, both among Israelites and Egyptians. Probably the Israelites were elated at finding a champion-perhaps more related than they should have been, and in a provocative mood, which deserved Moses’ rebuke. Probably the Egyptians had discussed who this new champion was, and had already appraised the Palace, to which Moses had not dared to return. The Egyptian saw the tactical advantage of his position. In effect he said: ‘We have found out all about you. You live in the Palace, and yet you come clandestinely and kill our Egyptians. Are you going to do the same with me? You are nothing but a bully! And you talk of setting things right! That is what you should do if you were true to your salt!’

English Translation of Hadith

Hazrat Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Some of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) saw Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in their dreams in the last seven nights of Ramadan, whereupon the Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) said, “I see that your dreams all agree upon the last seven nights. Whosoever seeks it, let him seek it in the last seven nights.”

[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 32, Hadith # 232].

Lesson: “Tawat’at” linguistically means to step or walk on, that is, to place foot over the place where one’s fellow kept his foot. Here, it is used in the sense of correspondence. In other words, “I see that your dreams all agree upon the last seven nights” stands to mean “you had similar dreams”. This was done by showing all of them the (spectacle) of Lailat-ul-Qadr. On the strength of these dreams, the Prophet  (PBUH) said that Lailat-ul-Qadr should be sought in the last seven nights of Ramadan. The wisdom of keeping it secret is to keep people awake to engage in worship for a larger number of nights in this auspicious month.