[42]. Surah Ash-Shura [The Consultation]: Ayat 013

১৩. তিনি তোমাদের জন্যে দ্বীনের ক্ষেত্রে সে পথই নিধারিত করেছেন, যার আদেশ দিয়েছিলেন নূহকে, যা আমি প্রত্যাদেশ করেছি আপনার প্রতি এবং যার আদেশ দিয়েছিলাম ইব্রাহীম, মূসা ও ঈসাকে এই মর্মে যে, তোমরা দ্বীনকে প্রতিষ্ঠিত কর এবং তাতে অনৈক্য সৃষ্টি করো না। আপনি মূশরেকদেরকে যে বিষয়ের প্রতি আমন্ত্রণ জানান, তা তাদের কাছে দুঃসাধ্য বলে মনে হয়। আল্লাহ যাকে ইচ্ছা মনোনীত করেন এবং যে তাঁর অভিমুখী হয়, তাকে পথ প্রদর্শন করেন।

 

Ayat 13. He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nuh (Noah) (PBUH), and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad  [SAWW](PBUH), and that which We ordained for Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH), Musa (Mosesy) (PBUH) and 'Iesa (Jesus) (PBUH) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikun, is that to which you (O Muhammad  [SAWW](PBUH) call them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience.

Tafseer of Surah Al Shura (Consultation) Ayat 13. Allah's Religion is the same in essence, whether given, for example, to Noah PBUH, Abraham PBUH, Moses PBUH, or Jesus PBUH, or to our Prophet SAWW (PBUH). The source of unity is the revelation from Allah. In Islam it is "established" as an institution, and does not remain merely a vague suggestion. Faith, Duty, or Religion, is not a matter to dispute about. The formation of sects is against the very principle of Religion and Unity. What we should strive for is steadfastness in duty and faith, and unity among mankind. Unity, unselfishness, love for Allah and man, these things are inconsistent with selfish aggrandizement, unjust suppression of our fellow-creatures, false worship, and false conduct to our brethren. Hence the Gospel of Unity, though it is in complete accord with the pure pattern after which Allah made us, is yet hard to those who love self and falsehood. But Grace is free to all, and in His wise Plan. He will specially select Teachers to show the Way to humanity, and no one who turns to Him will lack guidance.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Allah does not look at your figures, nor at your attire but He looks at your hearts and accomplishments".  [Muslim Book 32, Chapter 08, Hadith # 6221]

 

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Ash-Shura Ayat 13. “Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience” This Hadith highlights the importance of sincerity and good intention. It is, therefore, essential that every noble action should be based on these two virtues; and heart should be free from all such things that destroy noble deeds. Hypocrisy, ostentation, greed for wealth, riches and other worldly things fall in the category of such evils. Since the true condition of heart is known to Allah alone, the true position of one's actions will be known on the Day of Resurrection when one will be required for them by Allah. In this world, one will be treated according to his apparent condition while his insight will be left to Allah.

[42]. Surah Ash-Shura [The Consultation]: Ayat 012

১২. আকাশ ও পৃথিবীর চাবি তাঁর কাছে। তিনি যার জন্যে ইচ্ছা রিযিক বৃদ্ধি করেন এবং পরিমিত করেন। তিনি সর্ব বিষয়ে জ্ঞানী।

 

Ayat 12. To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth, He enlarges provision for whom He wills, and straitens (it for whom He wills). Verily! He is the All-Knower of everything. 

 

Tafseer of Surah Al Shura (Consultation) Ayat 12. To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth: He enlarges and restricts. The Sustenance to whom He will: for He knows full well all things. "Sustenance", here as elsewhere, stands for all things that support every phase of life, physical, social, intellectual, or spiritual. Cf. 10:59. The source of all gifts is Allah; His bounty is inexhaustible, and He gives to all; but He does not give to all in the same measure, because, out of the fullness of His knowledge and wisdom, He can judge best what is best for any of His creatures.

Hazrat Umer bin Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) saying,  "If you all depend on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He gives it to birds who go forth hungry in the morning and return with full belly at dusk".  [At-Tirmidhi Hadith # 2344]. 

 

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Ash-Shura Ayat 012. “He enlarges provision for whom He wills, and straitens (it for whom He wills)” Trust in Allah does not mean that one should not give any importance to material resources. What it really means is that along with their due importance, one should have full trust in Allah. Without His Will, material resources are of no avail. But nevertheless it is necessary to have material resources because their procurement is also ordained by Him. Birds do not keep sitting in their nests for food but fly out in search of it.

[42]. Surah Ash-Shura [The Consultation]: Ayat 011

১১. তিনি নভোমন্ডল ও ভূমন্ডলের স্রষ্টা। তিনি তোমাদের মধ্য থেকে তোমাদের জন্যে যুগল সৃষ্টি করেছেন এবং চতুস্পদ জন্তুদের মধ্য থেকে জোড়া সৃষ্টি করেছেন। এভাবে তিনি তোমাদের বংশ বিস্তার করেন। কোন কিছুই তাঁর অনুরূপ নয়। তিনি সব শুনেন, সব দেখেন।

 

Ayat 11. The Creator of the heavens and the earth. Allah has made for you mates from yourselves, and for the cattle (also) mates. By this means He creates you (in the wombs). There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.

Tafseer of Surah Al Shura (Consultation) Ayat 11. (He is) the Creator of the heavens and the earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves, and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you: there is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the One that hears and sees (all things). The mystery of sex has not only its physical aspects, but its moral and spiritual aspects, and therefore mankind is in this respect differentiated from the lower animals, and among mankind the grades and qualities are suggested by the phrase "from among yourselves". As regards cattle, they are specially mentioned among the animals, as having special relations with man and specially sub-serving his needs, not only in the physical sphere, but also in the matter of transport, which is the key to all civilization and culture.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-Aas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "The world is but a (quick passing) enjoyment; and the best enjoyment of the world is a pious and virtuous woman".[Muslim Book # 08, Chapter 37, Hadith # 3465].

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Ash-Shura Ayat 011.” Allah has made for you mates from yourselves” This Hadith mentions the qualities of a virtuous partner in woman. When her husband looks at her, she pleases him; when he orders her, she obeys him; and when he is absent, she guards herself (chastity) and the property of her husband. (Abu Dawud and Nasa'i). This Hadith stresses the fact that if one wants success in this world and the Hereafter, he should select a pious wife. Rather than going after her beauty, lineage and wealth, one should give preference to her Faith over all other considerations. If he chooses a woman who is faithful to her Deen and strictly adheres to the Shari`ah, she would be a source of blessing for him in this life and the Hereafter.

[42]. Surah Ash-Shura [The Consultation]: Ayat 010

১০. তোমরা যে বিষয়েই মতভেদ কর, তার ফয়সালা আল্লাহর কাছে সোপর্দ। ইনিই আল্লাহ আমার পালনকর্তা আমি তাঁরই উপর নির্ভর করি এবং তাঁরই অভিমুখী হই।

 

Ayat 10. And in whatsoever you differ, the decision thereof is with Allah (He is the ruling Judge). (And say to these polytheists) Such is Allah, my Lord in Whom I put my trust, and to Him I turn in all of my affairs and in repentance.

Tafseer of Surah Al Shura (Consultation) Ayat 10. Whatever it be wherein ye differ, the decision there of is with Allah, such is Allah my Lord: In Him I trust, and to Him I turn. In the highest issues of life men may see things differently. If their differences arise merely from selfish motives, or narrowness of vision, they are sinning against their own souls. If their differences arise from sincere but mistaken notions, their proper course is not to form divisions and sects, or to increase contention and hatred among men, but to leave all things to Allah, trusting in Him and turning to Him in all difficulties. The final decision in all things is with Him. 

Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) used to supplicate: "O Allah! To You I have submitted, and in You do I believe, and in You I put my trust, to You do I turn, and for You I argued. O Allah, I seek refuge with You through Your Power; there is none worthy of worship except You Alone; that You safeguard me against going astray. You are the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists; the One Who never dies, whereas human beings and jinn will all die". [Muslim Book 35, Chapter 17, Hadith # 6561].

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Ash-Shura Ayat 010. “Allah, my Lord in Whom I put my trust” This Hadith mentions the importance of Dua and faith in Allah, inducement for having trust in Him and the distinction of people who have these qualities.

[42]. Surah Ash-Shura [The Consultation]: Ayat 009

৯. তারা কি আল্লাহ ব্যতীত অপরকে অভিভাবক স্থির করেছে? পরন্তু আল্লাহই তো একমাত্র অভিভাবক। তিনি মৃতদেরকে জীবিত করেন। তিনি সর্ববিষয়ে ক্ষমতাবান।

 

Ayat 9. Or have they taken (for worship) Auliya' (guardians, supporters, helpers, protectors, etc.) besides Him? But Allah, He Alone is the Wali (Protector, etc.). And it is He Who gives life to the dead, and He is Able to do all things.

Tafseer of Surah Al Shura (Consultation) Ayat 9. What! Have they taken (for worship) protectors besides Him? But it is Allah,- He is the Protector, and it is He Who gives life to the dead: It is He Who has power over all Who has power over all things, There can be no greater ingratitude or blasphemy than to worship false gods, or to seek protection from things that have no power, when Allah—Who has power over all things—is always seeking to protect and cherish His creatures, and placing in their way all the means for attaining the best in them.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) said,  "Between the two Blowing of the Trumpet there will be an interval of forty.'' The people said, "O Abu Hurairah! Do you mean forty days?'' He said, "I cannot say anything.'' They said, "Do you mean forty years?'' He said, "I cannot say anything.'' They said, "Do you mean forty months?'' He said, "I cannot say anything. The Prophet  [SAWW](PBUH) added: Everything of the human body will perish except the last coccyx bone (end part of the spinal cord), and from that bone Allah will reconstruct the whole body. Then Allah will send down water from the sky and people will grow like green vegetables'.''  [Al-Bukhari Volume 6, Book 60, Number 457].

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Ash-Shura Ayat 009. And it is He Who gives life to the dead, and He is Able to do all things. 1. When Israfil blows the Trumpet the first time, by Allah's Leave, all those who are in the heavens and on earth will swoon away, except him whom Allah will. This will be the first Blowing. Then, it will be blown a second time, they will become alive and will emerge from their graves. These Blowing are known as the `Blowing of Fainting and Rising'. As regard the interval between these two Blowing, the narrator of the narration, Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him), could not say anything when he was asked about it; as he himself did not know it. But in other narrations the interval has been mentioned as forty years. 2. The earth eats away the whole body of humans except the bodies of the Prophets. However, only the end part of the spinal cord remains intact. How it remains intact is known to Allah, but from it mankind will be created again. 3. Bodies will rise from the earth as vegetation springs out from the earth after the rainfall.

[42]. Surah Ash-Shura [The Consultation]: Ayat 008

৮. আল্লাহ ইচ্ছা করলে সমস্ত লোককে এক দলে পরিণত করতে পারেন। কিন্তু তিনি যাকে ইচ্ছা স্বীয় রহমতে দাখিল করেন। আর যালেমদের কোন অভিভাবক ও সাহায্যকারী নেই।

 

Ayat 8. And if Allah had willed, He could have made them one nation, but He admits whom He wills to His Mercy. And the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.) will have neither a Wali (protector) nor a helper.

Tafseer of Surah Al Shura (Consultation) Ayat 8. If Allah had so willed, He could have made them a single people; but He admits whom He will to His Mercy; and the Wrong-doers will have no protector nor helper. Cf. 5:48. It is one of the Signs of Allah that He has made us different, that we may be tried in the exercise of our will, and that we may reach, through righteousness and Faith, our highest development, and enjoy His gifts of Mercy and Grace. But we must not become contentious, and fall into evil: we must understand our own limitations. Otherwise we shall lose His grace and protection.

Hazrat Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH), "The deceased is tortured in his grave for bewailing over him.''  [Al-Bukhari Book 02, Chapter 23, Hadith # 379] 

Lesson: "Bewailing'' is wailing over the dead. It is weeping loudly for the deceased describing his noble qualities or the problems created by his death. Wailing causes trouble to the deceased if he willed his heirs to do so, or in his own life he behaved in the same manner and his family members were following his style of mourning at his death. But if the deceased had forbidden his relatives from wailing over his death and they do it despite his warning against doing so, then the deceased will not suffer any torment on their wailing because his intention and training have no connection with it. The Quranic injunction in this matter is absolutely clear: "No one laden with burdens can bear another's burden.'' (17:15).

[42]. Surah Ash-Shura [The Consultation]: Ayat 007

৭. এমনি ভাবে আমি আপনার প্রতি আরবী ভাষায় কোরআন নাযিল করেছি, যাতে আপনি মক্কা ও তার আশ-পাশের লোকদের সতর্ক করেন এবং সতর্ক করেন সমাবেশের দিন সম্পর্কে, যাতে কোন সন্দেহ নেই। একদল জান্নাতে এবং একদল জাহান্নামে প্রবেশ করবে।

 

Ayat 7. And thus Allah have inspired unto you (O Muhammad   [SAWW](PBUH) a Qur’an (in Arabic) that you may warn the Mother of the Towns (Makkah) and all around it. And warn of the Day of Assembling, of which there is no doubt, when a party will be in Paradise (those who believed in Allah and followed what Allah’s Messenger  [SAWW](PBUH) brought them) and a party in the blazing Fire (Hell) (those who disbelieved in Allah and followed not what Allah’s Messenger  [SAWW](PBUH) brought them)

Tafseer of Surah Al Shura (Consultation) Ayat to 7. Thus have Allah sent by inspiration to thee an Arabic Qur´an: that Prophet SAWW PBUH may warn the Mother of Cities and all around her, - and warn (them) of the Day of Assembly, of which there is no doubt: (when) some will be in the Garden, and some in the Blazing Fire. The point of the Qur'an being in Arabic is that it is plain and intelligible to the people through whom and among whom it was promulgated; see next clause. The City of Makkah . See 6:92. This is undoubtedly a Makkan verse. Even apart from the Qiblah, Makkah is the center of Islam, and "all around her" is the whole world. The contrast is again emphasized, as explained in the Summary.

Hazrat Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, "It is expiation for the sins of the preceding year.''

[Muslim Book 06, Chapter 33, Hadith # 2603] 

Lesson: Ashura' 10th of Muharram. In another Hadith, it is stated that when the Prophet  [SAWW](PBUH) emigrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on this day. He asked them why they did this on that day and they told him that they did it for the reason that Allah granted Prophet Musa emancipation from Pharaoh on this day, and so they observed Saum in token of their joy. On this, he (PBUH) said that in this happiness of Prophet Musa, Muslims have a greater right to observe Saum than the Jews. Consequently, he also observed Saum on 10th of Muharram. Then, he said that if he lived the following year, he would observe Saum on 9th of Muharram also so that they would make themselves different from the Jews. According to another Hadith, he (PBUH) ordained the Muslims to observe Saum on `Ashura' and in addition one more Saum on 9th or 11th of Muharram in opposition to the Jews. Some people think these words stand to mean that `he will observe Saum on the 9th of Muharram only. But this interpretation does not agree with other Ahadith. In order to oppose the Jews, he  [SAWW](PBUH) resolved to observe one more Saum with that of 10th of Muharram and ordained it for the Muslims.

[42]. Surah Ash-Shura [The Consultation]: Ayat 006

 

৬. যারা আল্লাহ ব্যতীত অপরকে অভিভাবক হিসাবে গ্রহণ করে, আল্লাহ তাদের প্রতি লক্ষ্য রাখেন। আপনার উপর নয় তাদের দায়-দায়িত্ব।

 

Ayat 6. And as for those who take as Auliya' (guardians, supporters, helpers, protectors, etc.) others besides Him [i.e. they take false deities other than Allah (as) protectors, and they worship them] Allah is Hafiz (Protector) over them (i.e. takes care of their deeds and will recompense them), and you (O Muhammad  [SAWW](PBUH) are not a Wakil (guardian or a disposer of their affairs) over them (to protect their deeds, etc.).

Tafseer of Surah Al Shura (Consultation) Ayat to 6. And those who take as protectors others besides Him, Allah doth watch over them; and thou art not the disposer of their affairs. We now come to the contrast, the folly and ingratitude of man. But that cannot escape its final doom in the Universal Plan of Allah. Only Judgment rests with Allah. A Prophet is not responsible for the conduct of men, in a system which permits some limited free will and personal responsibility.

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that when Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) came to Medina, he found the Jews observing the fast on the day of Ashura. They (the Jews) were asked about it and they said: It is the day on which Allah granted victory to Moses and (his people) Bani Israel over the Pharaoh and we observe fast out of gratitude to Him. Upon this the Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) said: We have a closer connection with Moses than you have, and he commanded to observe fast on this day. [Muslim Book 6, Number 2518]

Lesson: Ashura' 10th of Muharram. In another Hadith, it is stated that when the Prophet  [SAWW](PBUH) emigrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on this day. He asked them why they did this on that day, and they told him that they did it for the reason that Allah granted Prophet Musa [PBUH] emancipation from Pharaoh on this day, and so they observed Saum in token of their joy. On this, he  [SAWW](PBUH) said that in this happiness of Prophet Musa [PBUH], Muslims have a greater right to observe Saum than the Jews. Consequently, he also observed Saum on 10th of Muharram. Then, he said that if he lived the following year, he would observe Saum on 9th of Muharram also so that they would make themselves different from the Jews.

[42]. Surah Ash-Shura [The Consultation]: Ayat 005

৫. আকাশ উপর থেকে ফেটে পড়ার উপক্রম হয় আর তখন ফেরেশতাগণ তাদের পালনকর্তার প্রশংসাসহ পবিত্রতা বর্ণনা করে এবং পৃথিবীবাসীদের জন্যে ক্ষমা প্রার্থনা করে। শুনে রাখ, আল্লাহই ক্ষমাশীল, পরম করুনাময়।

Ayat 5. Nearly the heavens might rent asunder from above them (by His Majesty), and the angels glorify the praises of their Lord, and ask for forgiveness for those on the earth, verily, Allah is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Tafseer of Surah Al Shura (Consultation) Ayat 5. The heavens are almost rent asunder from above them (by Him Glory): and the angels celebrate the Praises of their Lord, and pray for forgiveness for (all) beings on earth: Behold! Verily Allah is He, the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. How can we conceive of sublimity and greatness in a higher degree than this, that the highest heavens are almost ready to burst asunder by His Glory, which is higher than all? The angels are the noblest and purest beings of whom we can conceive. They reflect on the one side Allah's Glory and Praise, and on the other, two other attributes of Allah, that look towards His erring creatures, viz.: Forgiveness and Mercy. The two sets of attributes are complementary. They thus proclaim in their own being and in their prayers the Greatness and unbounded Goodness of Allah.

Hazrat Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) said, "The superiority of the learned over the devout worshipper is like my superiority over the most inferior amongst you (in good deeds).'' He went on to say, "Allah, His angels, the dwellers of the heaven and the earth, and even the ant in its hole and the fish (in water) supplicate in favor of those who teach people knowledge.''  [At-Tirmidhi, Hadith # 2685] 

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Ash-Shura Ayat 05. “The angels glorify the praises of their Lord, and ask for forgiveness for those on the earth” Alim (learned person) here means scholar of the Qur'an and Hadith, who adheres to Faraid and Sunnah and remains busy in learning and imparting knowledge. `Abid (devout worshipper) is one who spends most of his time in the worship of Allah. The benefit of his voluntary prayer and remembrance of Allah is restricted to his own self while the benefit of knowledge of the scholar reaches others also. Hence, of the two, the latter is far superior. If Salat is mentioned with reference to Allah, it denotes "Allah's Grace with Mercy;'' if it is mentioned with reference to the angels, it denotes "to pray for forgiveness;'' and if it is mentioned with reference to other creatures - men, animals, etc., - then it means prayer and supplication. Thus, Allah graces that person with His Mercy who teach people the beneficial knowledge, i.e., the knowledge of Islam; angels pray to Allah to forgive his (or her) sins; and other creatures pray for his (or her) well-being. In this way, this Hadith stresses the distinction of religious scholars and highlights the esteem in which they are held by Allah, His angels and His other creatures.