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BISMILLAH IR-RAHMAN IR- RAHIM

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST BENEFICENT, MOST MERCIFUL

Tonight’s Taraweeh consists the last quarter of Wa qâla l-Ladhîna and the whole of Am man Khalaq. The Sûras covered are An-Naml (The Ants), Al-Qasas (The Narration), and the first half of Al-‘Ankabût (The Spider). Sûrah Naml: Here there is a great deal of double meaning. Wonders in our physical world stand for much greater wonders in the spiritual world. In the story of Mûsâ (AS), the ordinary fire to which he went also stands for a light from the spiritual world; i.e. he was seeing the Light of Allah (SWT)’s Truth and Guidance. Mûsâ (AS)’s drawing his hand to his side, thereby making it shine brightly also means that his hand was glorified. That is, it had become a clean and bright object, fit to carry out Allah (SWT)’s Orders. Even his rod could be changed into snake to defend him. Sulaimân (AS) knew “the speech of birds”, meaning he could communicate with them. It is obvious that they do not speak to one another, but communication among them does exist. He kept the Jinns, men and birds “in order and ranks”, which means two other things also: (1) All his subjects despite their different tastes, occupations and levels of intelligence were looked after by him with justice and discipline; (2) He had many gifts - he could understand birds and beasts. He was wise, and obedient to Allah (SWT). He used all these gifts properly, as if they were a well-disciplined army, thus getting the best possible results from them. Allah (SWT)’s revelation is Wonderful, like the fire which attracted Mûsâ (AS). This fire of Allah (SWT)’s Inspiration ordered him to reform the people. The showing of his miracles made some realise the Truth, while others rejected it. Sulaimân (AS) knew the speech of birds and had these creatures as well as Jinns and men under his command. The Queen of Sheba had a wonderful kingdom; but realised that it was nothing compared to Allah (SWT)’s Kingdom. So she submitted, “with Sulaimân (AS), to the Lord of the Worlds” and became a Muslim. Fools regard Allah (SWT)’s Punishment as ill-luck rather than a warning (as in Sâlih (AS)’s story). They do not change their ways, so Allah (SWT) destroys them.

Allah (SWT)’s Glory rules beautifully over everything. Unfaith will be conquered by faith so follow Allah (SWT)’s message, serve Him and trust in Him. Sûrah Qasas: The greater portion of this Sûrah was revealed in the late Makkan period just preceding the Hijra. It discusses the subject of Revelation and how people receive it. But this Sûrah shows new points as well; viz. how an Apostle is prepared for his mission, even while he is an ordinary young man. The story of Mûsâ (AS) is related in detail to prove this point. Allah (SWT) “bestowed on him wisdom and knowledge” when he became a mature youth. While he was yet a baby, Allah (SWT) wanted to “make him one of (His) Apostles”. In youth, he prayed to Allah (SWT) for forgiveness and guidance. In his exile, he found help and love from his wife and family. When he preached, Allah (SWT) strengthened him. In short, Allah (SWT)’s Mercy rests with the Apostle from the time of his birth. Allah (SWT)’s Message is rejected by people who are proud or haughty like Pharaoh. Muhammad (SAW) was also given guidance before he attained Prophethood. His Message was also rejected by the proud Makkans. Those who want comfort in the hereafter must repent, have faith, and do good; because to Allah (SWT) belongs all mercy and truth. Those who want the comfort of this world will suffer the fate of Qârûn who was swallowed up by the earth. Sûrah Ankabût: This series of Sûras beginning with the Abbreviated Letters A.L.M., of which Sûrah ‘Ankabût is the second one, deals with the doctrine of Ma’âd (final return of man to Allah (SWT). The main part of this Sûrah was revealed in the late Middle Makkan period to show clearly an idea of life after death. Our beliefs will be tested, “and Allah (SWT) will certainly know those who are true from those who are false”. Allah (SWT) tested those before us.

Nûh (AS)’s people remained stubborn for centuries, Ibrâhîm (AS)’s people threatened to burn him, Lût (AS)’s people not only rejected the Message but publicly defied him by doing wrong; the ‘Ad and Thamûd put their intelligence to wrong uses and Qârûn, Pharaoh and Hâmân were punished because of their pride. Learn from the past! Taking for your protector any being other than Allah (SWT) is like having a spider’s house which is very beautiful and interesting, but very weak. By disbelieving in Allah (SWT) you might find it very pleasant. But this will be only for a short while. Punishment will soon overtake you.

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Night 16 - 1430 Taraweeh Audio Coming Soon