Day 51/114: Adh-Dhariyat الذاريات - The Scattering Winds
The universe is something that mystifies and boggles our minds constantly. We’re fortunate to have incredible technology that not only allows us to see far into depths that we can only dream of reaching.
It’s depth and vast size is studied by many, and one thing we know now is that it’s constantly expanding.
Into what? Why? How quickly? Just another aspect of creation that was mentioned without the use of any scientific equipment or human knowledge.
“And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander.” [51:47]
It’s depth and vast size is studied by many, and one thing we know now is that it’s constantly expanding.
Into what? Why? How quickly? Just another aspect of creation that was mentioned without the use of any scientific equipment or human knowledge.
“And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander.” [51:47]
Day 52/114: At-Tur الطور- The Mount
One of the descriptions of paradise here is that those within will be reunited with their past ancestors who have also made it there.
When someone leaves, it can be heartbreaking knowing that we may never see them again.
But understanding the nature of life and death, there is always a hope of being reunited eventually. Additionally, there is also the hope of past ancestors who lived upon the earth, as well as future generations that we won’t get to meet in this life.
“And those who believed and whose descendants followed them in faith - We will join with them their descendants, and We will not deprive them of anything of their deeds. Every person, for what he earned, is retained.” [52:21]
When someone leaves, it can be heartbreaking knowing that we may never see them again.
But understanding the nature of life and death, there is always a hope of being reunited eventually. Additionally, there is also the hope of past ancestors who lived upon the earth, as well as future generations that we won’t get to meet in this life.
“And those who believed and whose descendants followed them in faith - We will join with them their descendants, and We will not deprive them of anything of their deeds. Every person, for what he earned, is retained.” [52:21]
Day 53/114: An-Najm النجم - The Star
We often get hit with bouts of injustice at various stages in life.
Through other people, through occurrences and events, or even at the general state of the world. There is a lot of unfairness, and evil seems to be succeeding.
For me, comfort lies in the fact that all will be put to bed, and every injustice will be put right one day. No doubt in that at all.
If a murderer takes the lives of many, the worst humans can to do him is give him death. Even though he himself may have taken the lives of many, and forever changed many more in the process. For us to hold justice given our limited ability, isn’t true justice at all.
Rather, that lies in the one who’s hand is His creation.
There are no cliffhangers in the end.
“And that [incumbent] upon Him is the next creation” [53:47]
Through other people, through occurrences and events, or even at the general state of the world. There is a lot of unfairness, and evil seems to be succeeding.
For me, comfort lies in the fact that all will be put to bed, and every injustice will be put right one day. No doubt in that at all.
If a murderer takes the lives of many, the worst humans can to do him is give him death. Even though he himself may have taken the lives of many, and forever changed many more in the process. For us to hold justice given our limited ability, isn’t true justice at all.
Rather, that lies in the one who’s hand is His creation.
There are no cliffhangers in the end.
“And that [incumbent] upon Him is the next creation” [53:47]
Day 54/114: Al Qamar القمر - The Moon
An incident that took place during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the splitting of the moon.
Many a time folks may ask to be shown something specific to them, as a form of arrogance when asked for signs - even though there is evidence everywhere you look. This was an example of people who were shown something, but still refused to acknowledge it anyway, underlying their train of thought all along.
“The Hour has come near, and the moon has split [in two].
And if they see a miracle, they turn away and say, "Passing magic."” [54:1-2]
Many a time folks may ask to be shown something specific to them, as a form of arrogance when asked for signs - even though there is evidence everywhere you look. This was an example of people who were shown something, but still refused to acknowledge it anyway, underlying their train of thought all along.
“The Hour has come near, and the moon has split [in two].
And if they see a miracle, they turn away and say, "Passing magic."” [54:1-2]
Day 55/114: Ar-Rahman الرحمان - The Beneficent
When speech is considered, you consider not only the speech itself, but the speaker, as well as the delivery.
Something seemingly very simple on the surface may be easily turned into something sinister through its delivery. And vice versa.
God created man, and he taught him how to speak. Speech itself is sacred, and we should be careful with our words, as they can be used to devastating effect for all the wrong reasons.
But words can also heal.
How deep do your words go?
“Created man, [And] taught him speech.” [55:3-4]
Something seemingly very simple on the surface may be easily turned into something sinister through its delivery. And vice versa.
God created man, and he taught him how to speak. Speech itself is sacred, and we should be careful with our words, as they can be used to devastating effect for all the wrong reasons.
But words can also heal.
How deep do your words go?
“Created man, [And] taught him speech.” [55:3-4]
Day 56/114: Al Waqi’ah الواقعة - The Inevitable
Nature tells us so much, and so much of our lives is structured around it’s processes.
There are also things that are completely out of our control.
All we do is plant a seed, water it, watch it grow. But so much more goes on behind that, which only science has only recently revealed to us.
And such is also the metaphor for many things in life. We put the work in, but how and from whom do the results truly manifest?
“And have you seen that [seed] which you sow? Is it you who makes it grow, or are We the grower?” [56:63-64]
There are also things that are completely out of our control.
All we do is plant a seed, water it, watch it grow. But so much more goes on behind that, which only science has only recently revealed to us.
And such is also the metaphor for many things in life. We put the work in, but how and from whom do the results truly manifest?
“And have you seen that [seed] which you sow? Is it you who makes it grow, or are We the grower?” [56:63-64]
Day 57/114: Al Hadid الحديد - The Iron
I feel as though this one could be an entire explainer on its own.
What does life amount to, except in the following stages?
- As a kid, all you want to do is play.
- Then you become older, and become obsessed with your self image (teenagers?)
- Then you’re worried about a job, having the bills paid on time, and so on
Much like everything in life falling into place at exactly the right time, they are like the example of perfect rain that produced a crop that we were so proud of, that we kept gazing at for some time.
And just like life and time passing by, whatever we once longed for, eventually becomes worthless to us.
The iPhone 7 you wanted so bad was the best thing ever, but was merely an old fossil when the 11 came out.
The degree we spent so many nights studying for doesn’t even matter after decades of experience.
And so on.
We got so caught up in life, that it passes us by and becomes but something fleeting.
What will it all be for in the end?
“You had better known [realized] the worldly life, all it amounts to is play and entertainment, and beautification [image] and boasting among you, and your obsession with money and children, all of that is like the example of a perfect rain, the produce that came as a result of that rain impresses the farmer [who had buried the seed], then it matures and you are going to watch it turn yellow, then it becomes worthless.” [57:20]
What does life amount to, except in the following stages?
- As a kid, all you want to do is play.
- Then you become older, and become obsessed with your self image (teenagers?)
- Then you’re worried about a job, having the bills paid on time, and so on
Much like everything in life falling into place at exactly the right time, they are like the example of perfect rain that produced a crop that we were so proud of, that we kept gazing at for some time.
And just like life and time passing by, whatever we once longed for, eventually becomes worthless to us.
The iPhone 7 you wanted so bad was the best thing ever, but was merely an old fossil when the 11 came out.
The degree we spent so many nights studying for doesn’t even matter after decades of experience.
And so on.
We got so caught up in life, that it passes us by and becomes but something fleeting.
What will it all be for in the end?
“You had better known [realized] the worldly life, all it amounts to is play and entertainment, and beautification [image] and boasting among you, and your obsession with money and children, all of that is like the example of a perfect rain, the produce that came as a result of that rain impresses the farmer [who had buried the seed], then it matures and you are going to watch it turn yellow, then it becomes worthless.” [57:20]
Day 58/114: Al Mujadila المجادلة - The Pleading Woman
Sometimes a group can be ruined by smaller factions that rebel from within. This happens in communities, families, organisations, and even at governmental level, as we’re witnessing today.
No matter who breaks off, and seeks to succeed another by immoral means, there is always a watcher - God.
Not a thing goes by, not a leaf that falls but he is aware of it all.
“Have you not considered that Allah knows what is in the heavens and what is on the earth? There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them - and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are. Then He will inform them of what they did, on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed Allah is, of all things, Knowing.” [58:7]
No matter who breaks off, and seeks to succeed another by immoral means, there is always a watcher - God.
Not a thing goes by, not a leaf that falls but he is aware of it all.
“Have you not considered that Allah knows what is in the heavens and what is on the earth? There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them - and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are. Then He will inform them of what they did, on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed Allah is, of all things, Knowing.” [58:7]
Day 59/114: Al Hashr الحشر - The Exile
I can think of no other book that is so widely read, but also so widely misunderstood, so extensively misquoted, so easily picked upon as a source of all manner of nasty and incorrect assumptions.
Many of whom have little to no command of the Arabic language.
There are rocks which crumble and reveal water beneath. There are hearts that break and tears flow.
Some rocks stay perpetually dry and crumble within their barren selves.
“If We had sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah . And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought.” [59:21]
Many of whom have little to no command of the Arabic language.
There are rocks which crumble and reveal water beneath. There are hearts that break and tears flow.
Some rocks stay perpetually dry and crumble within their barren selves.
“If We had sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah . And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought.” [59:21]
Day 60/114: Al Mumtahana الممتحنة - She that is to be examined
Following on from yesterday: it’s very likely most people’s exposure to the book (and the religion by extension) has largely been one that is negative, and painted in an evil light.
News outlets are very happy to pick that which seems harsh and evil - largely out of context - but forget that which also balances the books.
Kindness is emphasised. It’s part of a persons good character to treat people well, to be courteous, a good host, someone useful to those around them.
Like many things, there’s only so much you can do if somebody chooses to view things from a particular lens. But then again, that says more about them, than what they choose to criticise.
“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” [60:8]
News outlets are very happy to pick that which seems harsh and evil - largely out of context - but forget that which also balances the books.
Kindness is emphasised. It’s part of a persons good character to treat people well, to be courteous, a good host, someone useful to those around them.
Like many things, there’s only so much you can do if somebody chooses to view things from a particular lens. But then again, that says more about them, than what they choose to criticise.
“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” [60:8]