Al Ahqaaf Recitation

Al Ahqaaf V.1-35

Purpose or No Purpose?
We did not create the heavens and earth and what is between them except in truth and [for] a specified term. But those who disbelieve, from that of which they are warned, are turning away. [Al Jathiya:3]
The sky is something we see everyday of our lives. How many times have we wondered on its purpose? In the same way I took this verse for myself; everyday we are also involved in many different things. We are so averse that we never stop and think about what is the purpose of my creation? If the sky has a purpose and it is known then how can we have a purpose and not know about it?

Enabling Gratitude

And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.”
Those are the ones from whom We will accept the best of what they did and overlook their misdeeds, [their being] among the companions of Paradise. [That is] the promise of truth which they had been promised. [Al Ahqaaf:15-16]
The reason why I love these verses so much is because of the dua that is mentioned in verse 15. We are asking to be able to be grateful for blessings. So many times we think that this is automatic but even this little ability we need from Allah (Swt). There is gratitude, repentance and longing all in one supplication. This dua really has opened my heart to my parents, to realizing the blessings I have and being happy of the fact that I am a Muslim allhumdulillah.

Rage
So be patient, [O Muhammad], as were those of determination among the messengers and do not be impatient for them. It will be – on the Day they see that which they are promised – as though they had not remained [in the world] except an hour of a day. [This is] notification. And will [any] be destroyed except the defiantly disobedient people? [Al Ahqaaf:35]
Recently I was talking to someone about Islam and the concept of God. They did not even want to hear about it and straight away told me that they were not interested; as if I was selling them some kind of cheap long distance line. I realized at this point that I was becoming very heated and upset because he was not even trying to listen to what I had to say. For me when I read this verse I realized that I should just do my job of warning and leave the rest to Allah (swt). I should not wish any bad for that person and if they do not want to listen then I have done my job. I honestly understand why the Prophets were chosen, had we been in their place we would have raging outbursts regularly.

Al Jathiya Recitation

Al Jathiya V.1-37

Personal Reflections

Woe to every sinful liar
Who hears the verses of Allāh recited to him, then persists arrogantly as if he had not heard them. So give him tidings of a painful punishment. [Al Jathiya:7-8]
It seemed like every person in class truly took these words as being for them. We are hearing the verses of Allah (swt) daily and so this is a reminder that if we are still continuing on our old ways and not changing then for us is an even more painful punishment. Ya Allah (swt) please keep us safe from your punishment and move us closer to your mercy. Ameen.

A Glass Of Milk

And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth – all from Him. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought. [Al Jathiya:13]
Something was said to me today that was outwardly very humorous but when you think about the concept behind the statement it clarifies this verse. I was told today “Could you imagine if you go towards a cow to milk it and the cow said .. “no way! Don’t even try to milk me” .. I laughed. Then when we read this verse it clicked in my head that this is what is mentioned in this verse.
If Allah (swt) had wanted He did not have to subjugate everything for us. If He has done this for us then it is so that we show Him gratitude. So from now on anytime you take a glass of milk remember this humorous statement but more than laughing try to remember the lesson in it for us.

All Pride and Praise

Then, to Allāh belongs [all] praise – Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, Lord of the worlds.
And to Him belongs [all] grandeur within the heavens and the earth, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. [Al Jathiya: 36-37]
These two verses sum up the meaning of the entire surah. The main message is that everything belongs to Allah (swt) and He is the owner and therefore He has all praises.
After we learnt these verses anytime our classes would change these two verses would be played. They served as a reminder that Allah (Swt) is the greatest and all praise and pride is His. There is no room for us to be arrogant- how can we be when the most magnificent is the owner of everything we have?

Ad Dukhan Recitation

Ad Dukhan V.1-59

The Smoke
Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke.
Covering the people; this is a painful torment.
[They will say], “Our Lord, remove from us the torment; indeed, we are believers.”
How will there be for them a reminder [at that time]? And there had come to them a clear Messenger. [Ad Dukhan:10-13]
May Allah (swt) save us from being one of those who are in a horrible situation on the Day of Judgment. If we even think about fires that start in homes what is the situation of those who are exposed to that smoke? I know of someone who had a fire break out in the house and when they went near it to try and extinguish it the side of their face was completely burnt due to the smoke.
I seek protection to be in this state on the final day. I am motivated to do more because now is the time for action. At that point I won’t be able to turn back so why not do it now?