BISMILLAH IR-RAHMAN IR- RAHIM

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST BENEFICENT, MOST MERCIFUL

Tonight’s Taraweeh consists of the last quarter of Qâl al-Mala’u and the whole of Wa ‘lamû. The Sûrahs covered are Anfâl (The Spoils of War) and three-quarter of At-Tauba (repentance). Sûrah Anfâl: With this Sûrah we begin with another series of Sûrahs whose underlying message is the instructions for uniting the various Muslims into a powerful unit called the Umma. These Sûrahs give us guidance in all matters dealing with this Umma. The lessons of the Battle of Badr are re-emphasised with instructions on:

(1) the question of the war booty;

(2) the good qualities needed for fighting in the Path of Allah (SWT);

(3) victory against great odds;

(4) merciful treatment of enemies in the hour of victory;

An analysis of the Battle of Badr shows that even if your enemies are greater in number and have better weapons and war tactics, you will gain victory if Allah (SWT) is on your side. If you help Allah (SWT)’s cause, then only Allah (SWT) will help you. This Sûrah was revealed shortly after the Battle of Badr, which was fought on Friday, the 17th of Ramadân in 2 A.H. Summary: Fight in the Path of Allah (SWT), but do not argue about the booty because it is “at the disposal of Allah (SWT) and the Rasûl (SAW)”. Rather fight for Allah (SWT) than seeking worldly gain. True Muslims are those whose faith is increased when Allah (SWT)’s signs are shown to them and trust Allah (SWT). This faith is converted into action when they perform their prayers (thus obeying the Rights of Allah (SWT) of their fellow men). Those who help Allah (SWT)’s cause will be helped by Allah (SWT) since “there is no help except from Allah (SWT)”. “Never turn your backs to the enemies (i.e. flee).” Regard the eventual victory as Allah (SWT)’s, not yours. Therefore obey Allah (SWT) and His Rasûl (SAW). Have faith and courage. Be thankful to Allah (SWT). These virtues will give you success and protection from evil. Evil will eventually be destroyed. Treat nonMuslim captives with honour and kindness, saying: “If Allah (SWT) finds any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you”. All these good qualities were shown by the Muslims in the Battle of Badr. An account of this battle is given in this Sûrah. Sûrah Tauba: Logically this Sûrah follows up the argument of the previous Sûrah. It was revealed seven years after the previous Sûrah. This is the only Sûrah that begins without the prefixing of Bismi llâh. It was among the last Sûrahs to be revealed. Verses 1 to 29 shows the state policy of Rasûl (SAW), which came into force in about the month of Shawwâl, 9 A.H. and was read out by ‘Alî (RA) at the Pilgrimage two months later to give it the widest publicity possible.

The remainder of the Sûrah was revealed a little earlier, in about Ramadân 9 A.H., and sums up the lessons of the Tabûk expedition which was undertaken in the summer of the same year. In this Sûrah we deal with a very important question: what must be done if the enemy breaks the peace treaty and is guilty of wrong-doings? Surely no nation can go on with a treaty if the other party violates it purposely. Summary: “Dissolve (treaty) obligation with the Pagans” if they keep on breaking their treaties. But give the Pagans four months to change their habits and to repent. If there is no change, fight and destroy them. But if any asks for protection “grant it to him”, so that he may hear “Allah (SWT)’s word”. None has the right to approach the sacred mosques unless he believes in Allah (SWT) and His Law. The People of the Book “want to put out Allah’s light”, but His Truth will always prevail. Spend your wealth for the good of mankind and use it well; do not hoard it or misuse it – otherwise a “severe punishment” awaits you. Fight, strive and struggle in the Path of Allah (SWT) with bravery and worthiness, otherwise “He will punish you….and put others in your place (to help Islam)”. Do not offer excuses like the Hypocrites – do your duty. Leave the Hypocrites. No help should be accepted from them because they are insincere. Likewise do not aid them. Aid is only for the poor and needy. The Hypocrites will be punished while the Believers will be rewarded. “Strive hard against the Unbelievers and Hypocrites” because the sinners can reach a stage when “Allah (SWT) will never forgive them”. Shun all evil as unclean because falsehood not only goes against Truth but also mocks all Good.

Night 8 - 1430 Taraweeh Audio Coming Soon