BISMILLAH IR-RAHMAN IR- RAHIM

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST BENEFICENT, MOST MERCIFUL

Tonight’s taraweeh consists of Wa mâ liya. The Sûras covered are the major portion of Yâsîn, As-Sâffât (Those Ranging in Ranks), Sâd and the first half of Zumar (the Crowds). Sûrah Yâsîn: In this Sûrah Muhammad (SAW) is addressed and the Revelation he brought is discussed. The Abbreviated Letters Yâ Sîn are generally accepted as a title of the Holy Prophet (SAW). This Sûrah is considered to be “the Heart of the Qur’ân” because: (1) It concerns the central figure in the teaching of Islam (i.e. Muhammad [(SAW]); (2) It discusses the teachings of Revelation, and (3) It discusses the Hereafter. The Sûrah was revealed in middle or early Makkan period. Because it refers to the Hereafter, this Sûrah is read when offering prayers for a Muslim who has died. The Qur’ân, which was revealed to Muhammad (SAW), is a Revelation from Allah (SWT), “full of wisdom” for those who follow the Straight Path. To the disbelievers, “it matters not whether you warn them or not: they will not believe”. Only those who follow Allah (SWT)’s Message and fear Him Unseen will gain Guidance. The Parable of the People of the City is given. When Allah (SWT) sent two Apostles to them, the people rejected them. So Allah (SWT) sent a third Apostle to strengthen the two others; but the people rejected them with the usual excuses.

The Apostles replied: “Our duty is only to announce the clear Message”. The people accused the Apostles of bringing ill-luck on them and threatened to punish them. Then, a man from the farthest end of the city came to them running and asked them to “obey the Apostles”. He was a true Believer and was promised a great Reward from Allah (SWT). The people refused to listen. Allah (SWT) wiped them out with a terrible explosion. Look at Allah (SWT)’s Signs around you. They all bear witness to Allah (SWT): The earth that dies and revives the plentiful food and water, the creation of all life in pairs, the night and the day, the sun and the moon following their orbits by Allah (SWT)’s Law and the ships that sail gracefully on the waters for man’s use. From these signs believe in Allah (SWT). The rejecters will be destroyed when they least expect a misfortune to touch them. On the Day of Judgement the good will be pleased. The sinners will suffer a horrible punishment; even “their hands will speak ...and their feet bear witness” to their evil deeds. Revelation and nature teach man for his own good in the Hereafter. Praise and glorify Allah (SWT). Sûrah Sâffât : Throughout the heavens and the earth the conflict between good and evil has continued. Allah (SWT) has “decked the lower heaven for guard against all stubborn, rebellious evil spirits”. On the earth Allah (SWT)’s Revelations and Messengers fought and defeated evil. Evil and good will finally be sorted out on the Day of Judgement when Good will conquer Evil. Peace and victory came to Nûh, Ibrâhîm, Mûsâ, Hârûn, Ilyâs and Lût (‘Alayhim us-salâm) in their conflict with Evil. Once Yûnus (AS) was swallowed by a big fish and then he glorified Allah (SWT) from within its belly, he too gained peace and victory. The fish “cast him forth on the shore”. Later, he preached to more than 100,00 people. Allah (SWT) and His Apostles are always victorious. Sûrah Sâd: Here earthly power is contrasted with spiritual power, to show how much more important and real spiritual power is. For this reason Dâwûd (AS) and Sulaimân (AS) are taken as examples to prove this point, because both were Kings and Prophets.

The proud unbelievers are surprised when Allah (SWT)’s truth is brought to them by a Messenger; so they reject it. Dâwûd (AS) was a strong man and a powerful king, but he always praised Allah (SWT). So Allah (SWT) “strengthened his kingdom, gave him wisdom and sound Judgement in speech and decision”. Sulaimân (AS) had control over jinns and animals as well. But he always prayed to Allah (SWT) for help and forgiveness. He said “Truly I love the love of Good for the sake of remembering my Lord.” He never used his powers to achieve a wrong purpose. Ayyûb (AS) chose to be patient while he suffered – Allah (SWT) therefore rewarded him. Had he been impatient and complained to Allah (SWT) bitterly, Allah (SWT) would have been displeased with him. Even other Messengers chose the path of final bliss rather than final misery. Âdam (AS)’s story is retold to prove that the devil is our enemy. Evil arose from pride and rebellion but it can never harm Allah (SWT)’s true servants. Revelation gives guidance to anyone in need of it. Only Allah (SWT)’s Good can defeat Satan’s Evil. Sûrah Zumar: As rain-water causes plants of various colours to grow, so does the great variety in Creation point to one Lord, the Real Sustainer. Pray to Him only because there is none like Him. Obey Him as Nature obeys His Laws, otherwise you will lose. In His Creation we can see evidence of His Care for us.

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