English Translation of Al-Quran
[29].Surah Al-Ankabut [The Spider]
Ayat 22. And you cannot escape on the earth or in heaven. And besides Allah you have neither any Wali (Protector or Guardian) nor any Helper.
Ayat 23. And those who disbelieve in the Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah and the Meeting with Him, it is they who have no hope of My Mercy, and it is they who will (have) a painful torment.
Tafseer of Surah Al-Ankabut (The Spider) Ayat 22 & 23. “Not on earth nor in heaven will ye be able (fleeing) to frustrate (his Plan), nor have ye, besides Allah, any protector or helper.” 23. Those who reject the Signs of Allah and the Meeting with Him (in the Hereafter),- it is they who shall despair of My Mercy: it is they who will (suffer) a most grievous Penalty. The emphasis is on “they” (ula’ika). It is only the people who ignore or reject Allah’s signs and reject a Hereafter, that will find themselves in despair and suffering. Allah’s mercy is open to all, but if any reject His Mercy, they must suffer.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of `Arafah. He said, “It is expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.”
[Muslim Book 006, Chapter 33, Hadith # 2603].
Lesson: as mentioned in this Hadith the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is called Yaum-Arafah. On this day, pilgrims stop and stand in prayers at Arafat which is the most important ritual of Hajj, so much so that Hajj is deemed incomplete without it. On that day, the pilgrims are engaged in the remembrance of Allah and prayers as that is their most important worship on that day. For this reason, Saum is not desirable for them, but for other people, Saum has a special merit. The importance and merit of this Saum can be judged from the fact that it expiates sins for two consecutive years: the previous year and the current year. But these sins relate only to the minor sins, not the major ones, or become a means of elevation of one’s status.