This is a Surah that is a very easy Surah to memorize, and we hope that as we study it we memorize it.

It is a Surah loaded with gems, with one particular ayah often quoted, I have not created man and Jinn except but to worship me. This Surah itself in entirety is rarely done a Tafsir on although this ayah is always quoted. SD is a Makkan Surah; and thus follows the patterns of Makki Quran i.e. Tauheed/Belief in Allah, Akhira/Hereafter, Truth of the Prophet (s) and his Message, warning the disbelievers and mankind. What makes it interesting is that when you see Makki Quran, if you see the tone of the Makkan Surahs, you can see which Surahs were revealed after the boycott and which more closer to the Hijrah as the tone against the disbelievers becomes harsher and harsher as the Surahs are revealed later and later. SD is an early Makkan Surah, revealed 4-5 years after the revelation, the message is fresh and there are no strong warnings. The extent of the opposition to the Prophet (s) is mockery, and this Surah addresses their mockery. This Surah is from the Mufassal Surahs; Surahs that focus on belief in Allah and the Akhira. The Surah before is Surat Qof, the first of the Mufassal Surahs; both were revealed close to each other and there are many similarities. Firstly, both focus in the belief on the Day of Judgement, but the difference between the two is that SD argues for the existence of it and a lesser extent of the situation of it; Sura Qof gives vivid images of the situation on the day of Judgement, of death and the believers vs disbelievers on the Day of Judgement. Qof mentions the names of the nations, SD gives a description of the nations and why they turned away. SD focuses on Rizq or sustenance as well, it addresses the root problem, loving the world too much as the scholars always say, this is the root cause of every single disease, and it addresses the root cause of their rejection as loving the duniya. SD and Surah Qof both reassure the Prophet (s) that he is definitely on the truth and that victory will come to the Muslims. The scholars called it Wa-Dhariyat and Ad-Dhariyat, the Prophet (s) in Sahih Bokhari called it both. The name itself is very interesting compared to other chapters Usually the name of a Surah is Ism-Dhaat or Ism-Ma'nna. Ism-Dhaat is a particular person or name and that is the name of the Surah. Surah Baqarah, Al-Imran, Nisa, Maryam, Naml are named after a person, place or thing. Ism-Ma'na is a name that the Surah will be given because of the intended purpose of the Surah. Surah Ikhlas for example, there is no word Ikhlas in the Surah but the entire Surah is about Sincerely worshipping Allah. Surah Falaq falls in this category of Ma'na as well. SD though is one of the few that fall in neither category. Dhariyat technically means Scattered winds but it is very broad in meaning, it refers to a tornado, cool breeze, hurricanes, the Maker of the winds; thus it is a peculiar name. What is amazing is that the entire Surah follows the same pattern of relating itself to the winds; winds in this

world affecting the people of belief and disbelief, how they will affect the winds in the next life. Example, the benefits of winds- on a hot day Allah sends a breeze, or the wind that produces rain. The way the wind provides rizq, on the day of judgement as the Prophet (s) says a cool wind that will take the souls of the believers. The breeze of the believers under the shade of Allah's throne, the coolness of Jannah and so on. All these references relate back to Dhariyat. Oppositely, the same winds provide torment to believers, they destroy sustenance, they result in tornados and hurricanes, on the day of judgement Allah describes a wind that blows away the deeds of the disbelievers. In the Hereafter, Allah says the people of Hellfire suffer from a severe wind that makes it very cold. All these things comes from Ad-Dhariyat and the entire Surah relates back to the Scattered winds. The first 4 ayaat can draw many meanings as they are broad meanings. Allah speaks of the different types of winds, and in this case the companions have provided the answers to the broad meanings of these ayaat. Ali (narrated in Ibn Katheer and MIA), ascended the mimbar in Kufa and said; oh people ask me what you need to ask before I leave because you will not find like me after me (Ali meant that they would not find someone close to the Prophet (s) after him and the time was towards the end of the Fitnah). So a man stood and asked, what are the Scattered winds (ayat 1). He said this means Ar-Reeh or the breezes from Allah. Than asked, what is the next ayah, Ali said these are the clouds that provide rain. Than the man asked of ayah 3, the Jaariyat that move with ease, Ali said this means the ships that move with ease. Than he asked about ayah 4, the ones that proportion things, and Ali said these are the angels. Ali gave a comprehensive answer to the 4 ayaat therefore many tafaseer will have from this authentic narration. This has also been narrated from Ibn Abbas, Ibn Ummar and many other Tabi'een Thus Adh-Dhariyat are the winds that raise up and collect the dust. Al-Haamilat Wiqra (ayah 2) speaks of the winds that lift up the particles of water from the oceans and form clouds. After that ships are built and a wind can allow those ships to sail upon those oceans from those same winds. Allah shows us how these winds provide all these different things. An interesting point in the story of this Surah is the story of Ibrahim. Allah fades into stories in this Surah and amongst them is Saraa being pregnant with Ishaac. Dhariyat, as some scholars say, means the winds of dust and sand but also means a woman who gives birth to many children with ease. Haamilat means a woman who has hard pregnancies; excessive morning sickness, exhaustion etc. Some women with one pregnancy suffer what other women won't in 5 pregnancies. Jaariyaati Yusra means that Allah makes the birth of those children easy, as Allah says He facilitated it for al Hamilaat and adh Dhaariyah. Muqasimaat or apportion means Allah decides who gets what, everyone has their rizq from Allah and for a wisdom that we are unable to understand. Shows us that multiple meanings can come within these same meanings so we can extract multiple meanings. The scholars thus also described the Surah as the Surah of rizq.
By the (Winds) that scatter broadcast;

51:1 Waalththariyati tharwan

Allah swears by those winds that scatter the dust, again these winds can benefit or cause tornados or sandstorms. In the desert you know a sandstorm can be lethal. Ar-Reeh or Ar-riyaah are being referred. Allah says on the Day of Judgement, Allah describes the deeds of the disbelievers as Ar-Reeyah, a wind that will scatter their deeds like small particles, may Allah protect us. 51:2 And those that lift and bear away heavy weights; Faalhamilati wiqran

And those clouds that carry a load of water. This is another wind type that collects the water vapor from those oceans and forms clouds carrying loads of water. AsSuhhab, the miracle of them is that if you see them it seems like they are not carrying much rather they carry loads of water. Wiqar denotes something very heavy; how amazing that these clouds looking so light and beautiful don't look like much but at the same time they are carrying loads of water. Mufasireen comment that it is common that before all this happens first you have fast, ferocious dusty winds which gather clouds from places and stacked in layers divinely directed. The winds became slow and soft and than cause rain to fall down. All this is the work of Allah. 51:3 And those that flow with ease and gentleness; Faaljariyati yusran

And those ships that sail with ease. Al-Jaariyaat, Allah says, verily the water began to overflow we carried you in the ship/Jaariyah. In Surah Rahman Allah describes the ships in the seas the same way as Jaariya. The letter FA means, as a result of, the Dhariyat and Al-Hamilaat, these ships are able to sail. We focus on the mechanics of things; e.g. we think a ship needs to be built a certain way to be able to sail and we take for granted that the winds will come anyway, we count on the mechanics forgetting the rizq is from Allah! The wind. Allah shows what we take for granted. We think if the mechanics are sound the ship is sound, what if Allah held back the wind? Or what if He made the wind

severe? Allah says, when you were in the ship, we sent them a pure, good wind and they were pleased with that, after that He turned that wind into a severe wind. The same wind used to sail the ship with ease is now killing them. Again, Allah shows us that when He sends us these winds we depend on this is sustenance we take for granted. Sh Uthaymeem commented, the wind carries the rizq, the clouds provide rizq and than the ships carry your rizq from place to place. Allah even provides you with these things and the wind so you can transport your sustenance. Allah shows the powerful effect of these winds.

51:4

And those that distribute and apportion by Command;Faalmuqassimati amran

One of the reasons why this Surah is named Surah Al-Rizq is this. It refers to those angels that apportion each manner They distribute and spread as they are commanded by Allah. Muqasimaat are those that apportion on behalf of Allah. They are but agents of Allah. The Prophet (s) said, verily I apportion things (speaking in the context of the spoils of war) but Allah is the one that Provides There are some angels that Allah has chosen to apportion these winds and rain. There are 4 angels in particular known as Al-Muqasimaat, those angels given the duty to apportion 1. Jibreel (as): His duty is revelation and battle. He is always the one who Allah sends to give revelation to the messenger, how honorable that he is sent to 315 of the messengers (as said by the Prophet) and this is why he is the best of the angels. In battle he also leads the troops from the angels to fight on the side of the believers. We know this from Badr, as Allah mentions Jibreel and the angels following on fighting alongside the believers that are outnumbered. 2. Mekaal or Meka-eel (as): His duty is to apportion mercy, rain and the winds. 3. Israfeel (as): In charge of the horn, he will blow into it when Allah commands him to start the Day of Judgement. As the Prophet (s) described him, his lips are on the horn, his eyes are fixated at Allah and he is just waiting for the command. the Prophet (s) said when he saw this he lost his appetite for the duniya. 4. Angel of death: In charge of retrieving the souls Wherever Allah decrees for a place to gain rain, another to suffer from drought, another to have winds. This is all from Allah and sometimes these winds bring destruction and sometimes good. Imagine, how Allah says that not a leaf falls without his permission, that a slight drizzle, a slight wind that you may feel, is decreed by Allah. When rain would fall the Prophet (s) would hold his shirt open from the neck, and he would say this is the closest to the command of Allah. This is amazing shows us how in control Allah is.

The ways in Arabic of mentioning plurality are Jam'u Kathra and Jam'u Qila. Qila refers to a small quantity in plurality, and Kathra refers to a large quantity of things. All the words that Allah uses in these 4 ayaat are in the Qila form i.e. small quantity. Scholars say from this we take that you take these small things and quantities of winds, clouds, ships, these are so small and look at the benefit that comes out of them. This is like when Allah says, if you were to try to count one blessing of Allah you would not be able to, because of all the blessings that come from that one blessing. Allah swears by them thus in the Qila form. Allah swore 5 different times here. The answer to the oath now follows.. 51:5 Verily that which ye are promised is true; Innama tooAAadoona lasadiqun

Indeed what you are promised is true because all these oaths show that Allah is fully capable of bringing us back to life, He takes these particles scattered all over the place and forms land, oceans and clouds and allows the ships to sail. Likewise Allah can bring these things together and He can gather humans again, and this is not hard. Who is Allah speaking to of the believers and disbelievers? Tu-Aaduna can come from the word, Wa-id, or promise, this is to the believers (you will be rewarded on the day of judgement and will live an eternity of ease because of your actions and His mercy obviously in accepting them) and to the disbelievers (disobey and you will be punished) As Allah says elsewhere, Allah made you a true promise The Prophet (S) taught us to say, oh Allah you are true and your promise is true, and your Word is true, and the hour is true, Jannah is true, Naar is true, Prophethood (Mohammed) is true We affirm the promise over and over again Tu-Aadun can also come from the word, Wa'eed, a promised threat. In Surah Qof, Allah says, and the horn was blown into and this is the day that was promised (Wa'eed). And 8 ayaat down in Surah Qof Allah uses this also for the believers. Thus the promise is for everyone, the day that we will have to face the consequences of our actions and answer to Allah. These are significant because if Allah can do so much, we witness the wind and what it can do, what makes us think that Allah will not gather again as humans on a new earth and start this entire process again? These Arabs would say to the Prophet in Surah Qof, if we die and become dust (dhariyaat refers to the winds that collect dust!) how are we going to be brought back again? And Allah shows us that mountains are arranged by winds! And yes even when we become dirt this is a sign for us that Allah can bring us back 51:6 And verily Judgment and Justice must indeed come to pass.

Wa-inna alddeena lawaqiAAun

And indeed the recompense, the day of debt, deen comes from "dayn" meaning debt. The day of Judgement is constantly being prepared, rather already prepared. Dayn means reward and being held accountable, compensation for our deeds Next Allah does something that He does not do a lot in the Quran, usually He gives oaths than what the oaths are for. In SD Allah goes back to Aqsaam, swearing again.. 51:7 By the Sky with (its) numerous Paths, Waalssama-i thati alhubuki

By the heavens containing pathways. Scholars say Allah first swore by matters of Earth, the things we can see and then the point to say the same we you see these things happening it will come to happen again. Now Allah swears by things that you can not see. It will be a totally new reality to us, and Allah swears by matters of Earth and threatening the disbelievers and giving glad tidings to believers, now Allah swears by the heavens - as if He Says: see these amazing things on Earth? Now there are even more amazing things in the Heavens that you can't even begin to see. If you read about how small this Earth is compared to the galaxies, in all these incredible things that happen and the billions of light years spaced between things, dimensions of other galaxies, we can't even imagine a 6th dimensional world! Scientists say there are over 100 dimensions! We have no idea to this, Allah asks us to imagine what we can't see! Hubuk has two meanings; 1. Taraa'ik wat-Turuq i.e. pathways just like there are in duniya the heavens has this too. Quwa Ma 'Azeena, something beautiful but at the same time it's beauty does not mean it is fragile. Habak means a beautiful, strong, delicate thing. The stars and sun for example are beautiful but they are not without purpose and they are very strong. Allah draws our attention to this as well, subhanAllah And this is the reason for faith, that we believe what comes from the heavens is good for us, and that we ascend to the heavens after we pass away. 51:8 Truly ye are in a doctrine discordant, Innakum lafee qawlin mukhtalifin

And the answer to the Qasam, you are all in differing speech. Each one of you is saying a different thing, reacting to this revelation in a different way. The question, is this for Muslims or Non-Muslims? Musadiq or Mukadhib? Actually what the ayah speaks of is the disbelievers amongst themselves have so many different ways of reacting to this, about what? The Hereafter, some say there is no hereafter - the Arabs would be the only ones that deny Akhira, all philosophies had some form of Akhira - but even amongst them some said we'd be ok if we return, some said we'd still have some sort of paradise, some believed in Hellfire only, they all had differing views on the Hereafter. Over the Prophet they all said different things to deny him! Sorcerer, poet, magician, crazy etc, and they could not come together on one statement because all they were trying to do was avoid the truth and escape commitment. Over the Quran, some said it was but collected fables of the past, some accused the Prophet of being in touch with the Jinn, the Jews and so on. How they viewed their concept of Tauheed, the powers of Allah versus the idols.. and so on. And they were all ok with differing views, all they wanted to do was to escape commitment because they loved the duniya way too much and so they threw all forms of denial at the Prophet (s). The Islamophobes don't believe what they say really, they change their story many times and only because they want to escape commitment and harm Islam. 51:9 Through which are deluded (away from the Truth) such as would be deluded. Yu/faku AAanhu man ofika

And Allah says, deluded away is he who is deluded.. Allah shows us that He does not turn people's hearts away until they turn their hearts away. And they are turned away They choose this life and Allah allows them to be led astray Literal translation is, deluded from IT, Anhu means either deluded from the Quran or the Prophet (s). Imam Shinqitee says it is anything that represents the truth The word used is "Ifq" meaning slander. Kadhib also means a lie, but the scholars say it is something that can be believed and may have some logic which is why people may believe it. Ifq is ridiculous slander which can never be true e.g. hadithatul ifq, the slander of Aisha, the idea that the mother of the believers could commit Zina, is ridiculous and there is no way that this can be believed. Allah is saying these lies you perpetrate you dont even believe them and they go against common sense, they are pure slander and delusions 51:1 0 Woe to the falsehood-mongers,Qutila alkharrasoona

Qutela means destroyed It can be 1. curse or 2. destruction or actual death Allah says elsewhere, may man be destroyed (Qutela) how ungrateful is he, does he not remember what he was created from? Khar-ras is the singular, this is someone who makes things as he goes along based on suspicion, ignorance and doubts without legitimacy and based on nothing but conjecture and falsehood. 51:1 1 Those who (flounder) heedless in a flood of confusion: Allatheena hum fee ghamratin sahoona

Those who are buried within this flood of confusion and heedlessness Ghamra is buried deep in the ocean, technically it means someone indifferent towards the truth, they just dont care anymore and Sahoon meaning forgetful. He chooses to remain ignorant, at the bottom of the ocean, and drown in his ghafla Sahoon as the scholars say means he finds himself speculating on everything, making his own theories on everything because he has chosen to blind himself to revelation and not accept the truth, therefore he really does whatever he wants. His theories obviously fit his desires and cause him to escape commitment 51:1 2 They ask, "When will be the Day of Judgment and Justice?" Yas-aloona ayyana yawmu alddeeni

This question isnt asked as a serious question or a desire to learn, rather in a way of mockery, to the Prophets and the Prophet (s) if Allah is going to destroy us why not right now? Why cant the day of judgement come right now? Hasan Basri: Look at the mercy of Allah, Allah gives them respite to rethink their ways even though they call for destruction, (Noh's people was given 950 years!) and at the same time they have reached the point of ingratitude to ask when is it really going to come anyway!? 51:1 3 (It will be) a Day when they will be tried (and tested) over the Fire! Yawma hum AAala alnnariyuftanoona

Allah answers, and this is the worst physical punishment. Allah uses the word Fitnah meaning to burn, a severe burning. For the believers, our tests burn off our impurities. IQ: And sins need to be burned, either with the pain of regret (taubah) or the fire of Hell and they deserve Hell because they did not seek purification in this life and they did not practice Ihtisaab, or turning to Allah for the reward 51:1 4 "Taste ye your trial! This is what ye used to ask to be hastened!" Thooqoo fitnatakum hatha allatheekuntum bihi tastaAAjiloona

This is what you were rushing for, and Allah says it in a way to what they will hear in advance. The burning of the fire is the worst physical torment, but the day these things are being said to them, go ahead and taste your torment, is the worst mental punishment! Why does Allah answer so? They are mocking the day of Judgement as if it is not going to happen, and Allah says these are the exact words you will hear "Dhuqu Fitnataka" means 1. taste this torment of yours (the punishment itself) or 2. taste the fitnah that you created you created in this duniya i.e. the result of that The irony is that they are rushing for the punishment despite them being kuffar, being in the greatest position to fear Allah! As they live their lives in a way that is not in accordance with what Allah is pleased with, they are rushing for their punishment! While the believers, who should be impatient really for the hope of reward of the day of Judgement, they fear death, accountability and the day of Judgement and therefore they act such 51:1 5 As to the Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs, Inna almuttaqeena fee jannatinwaAAuyoonin

The beautiful correlation! Al-Muttaqeen, Taqwa means awareness. Allah says the aware, the conscious ones! This is opposite of Aladhi Fee Ghamrati Sahoon i.e. those buried in heedlessness. Allah tells us that these people will get Jannah Allah uses the present tense, they are ALREADY in gardens and surrounded by

springs, the scholars say this is because the Prophet (s) said: everyone has a home in paradise and his name is already on it. We have a home in Jannah right now with our names on it, and we also have a home in Hellfire with our names on it, the Prophet (s) said when a person enters his home in paradise, and we know our way there better than our own home in duniya, then the home in Hellfire will be destroyed. Some scholars said that Allah uses the present tense because it is as if your name is already there e.g. when we say someone lives there he isn't necessarily there but that he lives there, that's his house. For the believers they might as well settle there as the scholars say, because Allah is already preparing Jannah for them. Another interpretation, IQ: the one who does not enter the paradise of this duniya will not enter the paradise of the Hereafter. Paradise in this world is certainty, being certain of the existence of the next IT: my garden is in my heart, my Jannah is in my heart You have entered into Jannah into your heart with your certainty that there is your Jannah in the Hereafter May Allah give us this, Ameen Other comments: Allah uses the plural form, Jannaat or gardens, multiple gardens, springs and rivers for the believers! In other places Allah says, verily the believers are in gardens and blessings. Why the usage of the word 'Uyoon or rivers and springs significant? Because the believers are the ones that acknowledge that Allah is the one that create Adhdhariyat, apportions rains and rivers and oceans, and due to their Taqwa and yaqeen and certainty and belief, Allah grants them rivers and springs in Jannah, subhanAllah. 51:1 6 Taking joy in the things which their Lord gives them, because, before then, they lived a good life. Akhitheena ma atahumrabbuhum innahum kanoo qabla thalika muhsineena

Look at the mercy of Allah, He is Al-Wahhab, He loves that when He gives you a gift that you accept it. They use to be before that Muhsineed, excelled in their ibadah, and their accepting what Allah has given them because Allah has accepted their worship. Akhidheen, some scholars say this means this means they will take from what is given to them in Jannah with joy, as Allah says, they are overjoyed with waht their Lord has given to them. Other scholars say they are given total custody of what is given to them, and Allah is using the present tense to convey this meaning, you already have your home, your rivers, fully in your custody! Other scholars say they take what is given in this duniya with pleasure, if Allah gives them good in this world they show gratitude to Allah, and if Allah gives them hardship they are patient with Allah the Prophet (s) said how amazing is the affair of the believer, when something good happens he thanks Allah and that is better for him, and when something bad

happens than he is patient and that is better for him 51:1 7 They were in the habit of sleeping but little by night, Kanoo qaleelan mina allayli mayahjaAAoona

Now Allah describes the believer in this world. Kaanu again in present tense, as if you are already in Jannah Two ways the scholars understood this, 1. Negation, i.e. they use to sleep most of the night but they would offer little ibadah (the wife of Ummar bin Abdel Aziz said he only prayed 2 rakahs of Qiyam Layl), 2. Majority of scholars say this means they got very little sleep and spent most of the night in Qiyam. The meaning; if a person offers little Qiyam, this may be enough for Allah to accept and reward the believer, and secondly that they would stand for much of the night in prayer. Allah describes this in the form of praise, the scholars say it is obvious that Allah is praising how much they stand at night! Abdullah bin Salam, said when the Prophet (s) arrived at Madinah the people gathered around him, and the first thing he said was; oh people, feed the needy, keep your family connections, spread the salam and wake up and pray at night while people are asleep and you will enter paradise in salam (peace) This matches the ayah that the believers surely will stand and pray Qiyam Layl 51:1 8 And in the hour of early dawn, they (were found) praying for Forgiveness; Wabial-ashari humyastaghfiroona

And in the hours before Fajr, those same people mentioned above would seek forgiveness! These people didnt feel proud of their efforts all night to think they had no worries, they would ask Allah to accept and seek His forgiveness from Allah for their shortcomings As-Haar comes from Sahar or Sahoor, the last hour of the night before Fajr, this is the best time to seek forgiveness from Allah. the Prophet (s) said that in the last third of the night Allah descends to the lowest heaven in a way befitting to him and extends His hand and says, is there anyone seeking forgiveness that I can forgive If we don't pray Qiyam we should make an effort to wake up 30 minutes before Fajr and wake and seek forgiveness from Allah When Yaqub said to his sons I will seek forgiveness from your Lord he meant he would wait for that last hour because this is when forgiveness is accepted Tawus ibn Qaysaam was known to walk the streets, and at one time he visited someone at that last hour he was shocked to find them asleep, and he said I would

not think that anyone would be sleep at this precious moment of the night. Imagine the opportunity that Allah gives you! This is the way that the believers are! As Allah says, they are fighting their sides to get out of their beds, calling upon their Lord in fear and hope 51:1 9 And in their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of the (needy,) him who asked, and him who (for some reason) was prevented (from asking). Wafee amwalihim haqqun lilssa-iliwaalmahroomi

A very special ayah; every time Allah speaks of one who tastes the sweetness of Salah or prays Qiyam He follows up by charity. E.g. Surah Sajdah; after Allah mentions their Qiyam He mentions that they spent from what was given to them Why? When a person tastes the sweetness of Salah and being connected to the divine, they dont emphasize the connection with worldly things because they have already tasted the sweetness of connection to Allah! Allahu Akbar In a similar ayah in Surah Ma'arij, from their properties is a right that is Ma'loom, known, for the needy and deprived The word Ma'loom is inserted, why? Allah speaks of the mandatory things. Their prayers on time, their Zakah and so on, so it is a right established from Allah. Here however i SD Allah speaks of Ihsaan, voluntary charity! This person treats the needy and poor as if they have a right on his money, technically he is not satisfied with Zakah only and he wants to give more to Allah and he gives in a humble manner, that they have a right on my money even if I have given Zakah! These 2 ayaat show us the 3 qualities of the Muhsineen. 1. Praying Qiyam 2. Seeking forgiveness in the hours before Fajr 3. They give money to the needy, those capable of asking and those incapable The first 2 are as the scholars say Ihsaan with Allah and the last is excellence with the people for the sake of Allah. They are just not satisfied with the minimum and for those people are Jannaat, many gardens and rivers 51:2 0 On the earth are signs for those of assured Faith, Wafee al-ardi ayatunlilmooqineena

Lesson 2 Last week we left off on the beautiful words of Allah where He describes a person of Ihsan. Now after giving the distinction between the two- the believers that worship

Allah at all times whether they are being seen or not, with higher standards due to their ihsan - Allah now goes into how the universe works. And verily in the creation of the Earth are signs for those that are certain in their faith. Allah is not saying that verily in the Earth are signs for those searching, asking, no rather there are signs in Earth without you thinking about the heavens. If you pay attention to what is around you but with one condition - certainty or yaqeen - than everything on Earth is a sign for them. Everything of beauty is a sign for those that believe. These people already have yaqeen in Allah, and out of mercy to them Allah sends them signs. They look around and see the signs; verily in the creation of the heavens and the Earth and the alteration of night and day are signs for those who are pure in thought The foundation is certainty, that this is the creation of Allah and He is the designer 51:2 1 As also in your own selves: Will ye not then see? Wafee anfusikum afala tubsiroona

Allah starts the Surah speaking of the magnificent signs of the heavens, and how He sends his rizq. Now Allah mentions the signs He has on Earth than He brings it on Himself. We will show them our signs in the furthest horizons and than within themselves until it is made evident to them that this is the truth. Allah says if you are not capable of looking outside of yourself than look within yourself and within your creation you will find a great sign of how Allah has created you. Remember the point of this Surah is to show that everything Allah does has a purpose; every wind, raindrop, every creation is with a purpose and greater than what might appear to the simple eye in a state of heedlessness. Qatada: Whoever contemplates on his creation will come to realize that he was created with flexible joints so he can perform acts of worship Animals will only be able to do some of the acts of worship that we do. Some can't do Qiyam, others Ruku', and others Sujjood. Qatada says look at how Allah created us that we are capable of worshipping Him standing, laying and in Ruku, this is in our very function! SubhanAllah, and indeed I have not created Men and Jinn except to worship Me And thus the way we have been created is different and unique. 51:2 2 And in heaven is your Sustenance, as (also) that which ye are promised. Wafee alssama-i rizqukum wamatooAAadoona

And in the heavens and skies is your provision and whatever you are promised. Allah refers to Al-Matar, rain is called Rizq or sustenance in several verses in the Qur'an. There are two things we take from this ayah, firstly that within the heavens is our sustenance. What is the promise? Whenever a group of people become sinful Allah withholds rain from them. There are many narrations of this, one of which is the famous story of Musa where Allah causes a drought and withholds rain because of a single man that is sinful. Abdullah ibn Abbas talks about a time rain was withheld and he sees a slave in the corner making du'a, and Allah answers his du'a. Thus the promise is that the rain falls whenever Allah decrees and as promised, meaning if you are righteous Allah will send you the rizq. The majority of scholars say that in the heavens the decisions that are made in regards to your sustenance, and the promise refers to what will happen to you in the Akhira of the proportion of reward or punishment. Thus again that within the heavens is your rizq, Allah makes the decisions from above, and that which you promised refers to the future. The irony of all this is that the reason why the Mushrikoon were rejecting this message was because they wanted more, their uncontrollable love for duniya. And Allah tells them that He is Ar-Razzaq and this Surah's name is Surah Al-Rizq. Allah decides whether or not you will get a portion of this duniya, so you want to be on good terms with Allah A man came to Hasan Basri and said that our people are suffering from drought, he said make istighfar, another came and complained about suffering from poverty, and he answered make istighfar, and another came and complained of being unable to have children, and he answered again make istighfar. Hasan Basri was asked why he gave the same answer to all these things, because in Surah Nur, Allah says, seek the forgiveness of your Lord, verily He is most forgiving, Allah will send to you everything you want from the skies and replenish your wealth and grant you children and grant you gardens and springs. Again, if you are on good terms with Allah this is a source of Rizq. The Prophet (s) said about the person seeking the duniya, Allah places poverty between his two eyes and he will not take anything more than has been decreed for him anyway Allah is saying oh you disbelievers! Allah has already decided what you are going to get and good deeds are a source of good in this duniya, as the Prophet (s) said that this is a source of a longer life, giving Sadaqah is a source of having more wealth that Allah gives you more to give. 51:2 3 Then, by the Lord of heaven and earth, this is the very Truth, as much as the fact that ye can speak intelligently to each other. Fawarabbi alssama-i waal-ardiinnahu lahaqqun mithla ma annakum tantiqoona

Allah rarely swears by Himself in the Qur'an. IQ said that Allah only swears by Himself in manners of creed because of how serious the matter is. E.g. one of the

most famous oaths is when Allah says in Surah Nisa, no by your Lord they do not believe until they make you the judge of all their affairs Commonly Allah swears by graet things, here he does not swear by Samaa wal Ardh only but rather their Lord. Verily this is truth, and what did the Prophet (s) teach us to say: Allahuma antal Haqq, wa wa'dukal Haqq, wa Qowlukal Haqq, wa liqa-ukal Haqq, wal Jannatu Haqq, wal Narru Haqq, wa Saa-atu Haqq, wa nabayu Haqq, wa Mohammadun Haqq Oh Allah you are truth, your promise is true, your word is true, the meeting with you is truth, paradise is true, hellfire is true, the hour is true, the Prophets are true, Mohammed (s) is true the believer acknowledges that indeed this is the truth It is as true, it will surely come to pass to the same level of certainty as your ability to speak. Why speak? Because a person can hide things internally about them, e.g. their sickness, but they can not hide their ability to speak or inability to speak. This is very clear and noticeable to everyone. Your ability to speak is clear to you and everyone else around you, and Allah chose the most obvious thing. 51:2 4 Has the story reached thee, of the honoured guests of Abraham? Hal ataka hadeethu dayfiibraheema almukrameena

Now we begin the story of Ibrahim (as) as narrated in 4 places in the Quran: here, Surah Hud 69-73, Hijr 51-56 and Ankabut 31-32. It is a powerful story and one of the main reasons why SOS chose this Surah. Has the story of the noble guests of Ibrahim come to you. When Allah says has the hadith of such and such come to you.. Hadith is something not just mentioned but something mentioned often or oftmentioned. The ahadith of the Prophet (s) is a miracle in itself. E.g. Allah says in Surah Doha, as for the bounty of Allah, constantly make mention of it (fa-hadith) So when Allah says hadith, He intends for it to be mentioned frequently Daef is singular for guest, Allah speaks of a single creation - the group of angels. When Allah calls them Muqramoon, the honorable guests are the Muqasimaat minus one. The Muqasimaat are Jibreel, Mekaal, Israfeel and the angel of death. Ibn Masud, Ibn Abbass say that these are the 4 minus the angel of death that visit Ibrahim. What an honorable company! And yes angels can take human form. Allah calls them noble himself, what a great gathering, the host is the father of the prophets, Ibrahim (as) and the guests are the best of the angels all from the most honorable. Ibrahim is in a situation where these angels come as beautiful humans and enter upon him rapidly, and he does not know who they are. Ibrahim and Saraa are both old. Saraa, the wife of Ibrahim, is a righteous woman and she believed in Ibrahim before marrying him. The Prophet (s) told us about her righteousness and power of her du'a. Saraa went

to the Pharoah of her time, and when he tried to touch her she made du'a against him and paralyzed him and 3 times before he let her go. She also gave Ibrahim Hajar (as). This incident occurs late in their lives, when they have settled in Palestine. They are both old, Ibrahim over 100 and Saraa over 90. 51:2 5 Behold, they entered his presence, and said: "Peace!" He said, "Peace!" (and thought, "These seem) unusual people." Ith dakhaloo AAalayhi faqaloosalaman qala salamun qawmun munkaroona

Ibrahim responds to their Salam with a better Salam- Salaamun. Allah teaches us that we respond to Salam with the equal or better. Munkaroon means, "i dont know who you are" Ibrahim does not know who they are and he does not want to be rude. One of the signs of the day of Judgement is how the Prophet (s) said you only say Salaam with the people you know. But out of his politeness and nobility he returns a better Salam, and asks them of their identity but not in a derogatory way. He indicates that he would like to know who they are. At the same time he does not force them in a situation of awkwardness and he is even willing to serve them.. 51:2 6 Then he turned quickly to his household, brought out a fatted calf, Faragha ila ahlihi fajaabiAAijlin sameenin

His household? Saraa. He did not ask them if they wanted something to eat. The Prophet (s) said whoever believes in Allah and the last day let him treat his guest with generosity. He does not ask if they want something to eat because this is a lack of adab, they may forego saying yes. This is beautiful adab.

The letter Fa means as a result of and means things happening very fast
Raagha is often used with a fox, you run out so quickly the person doesn't even feel the presence. Allah tells us that Ibrahim (as) gets the food so fast that his guests won't even recognize that he left. He brings a big, fat, roasted cow to his guests. sameen shows, again this is the Surah of sustenance and Ibrahim is not being cheap! He honored his guests because he knows they are believers. In Surah Hud Allah says that the food was roasted. Here Allah describes the ihsaan

with which the meal was cooked, showing how the anbiyyah cared for people! Versus the lack of care people had for the anbiyyah. Allah describes the portions here, the ihsaan in bringing a large amount, fully generous! Fa-Jaa'a means he came carrying the meal himself, he served it to them, he didn't ask them to do it themself. What amazing honoring of his guests without even knowing who they are! 51:2 7 And placed it before them.. he said, "Will ye not eat?" Faqarrabahu ilayhim qala alata/kuloona

Ibrahim pushed it closed to them- Faqarrabahu ilayhi He knows that none are extending their hands to the food, and eventually he says, aren't you going to eat? Its not like they took even a small portion at all, they took nothing. Some narrations say they responded to Ibrahim, we dont eat anything except without a price i.e. they did not pay. This narration is from Ibn Abbas, they say he responded, eat and than pay its price. And the price? Ibrahim answered: to mention Allah's name in the beginning and praising Him at the end. He is even teaching his guest noble manners!

51:2 8

(When they did not eat), He conceived a fear of them. They said, "Fear not," and they gave him glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge. Faawjasa minhum kheefatan qaloo latakhaf wabashsharoohu bighulamin AAaleemin

Because they don't eat Ibrahim (as) became scared and they recognized this through his facial expression on body language. At this point when the angels recognize that Ibrahim is afraid, they say to him, dont be afraid, they gave him good dues of a righteous knowledgeable son Ibrahim was scared because they weren't eating or drinking and he wanted to serve them in the best way, and the angels understood that fear. They not only undid his fear but they wanted to give him good news as well. The Mufasireen say that the angels were not going to or sent to tell Ibrahim this, but they said that to him because they wanted to replace his fear with good news. This response to a righteous son comes after Allah has already given Ibrahim Ismael through Hajar, but at this point Ibrahim has been commanded to forsake Hajar and

Ismael in Makkah and he is now in Palestine with Sara. This response is years later, Allah always responds to Ibrahim years later. When Ibrahim walked away from the fire, Allah says, Ibrahim asked for a righteous child, and Allah says, we granted him Isaac and Yaqub. Allah answers the du'a years later for glad tidings for children, and when He does so He gives the special qualities of the child. Zacharia (as) was asking for Yahya (as), Allah already named him, He spoke of his qualities. When He gave glad tidings to Maryam of Esa, He said that Esa was a chosen one, a mercy to the worlds. Here Allah says, "Ghulamin Aleem" for Ishaac This is important for all of us, it shows us that good parenting starts even before having kids in the way we make du'a and ask Allah. The Prophet (s) said whenever the angel comes at 4 months and writes his lifespan, sustenance, death and whether he will be sad/miserable or happy Allah already assigns those things while the baby is still in the womb! And He decides these qualities much earlier on Ummar, Ibn Masud and Ibn Abbas say the reason they know this is Ishaac because Allah says he is a knowledgeable man, because through Ishaac all the prophets of Bani Israel came and there is no other man in history who lived to see 3 generations of Prophets from him. The Prophet (s) said the best lineage is from Yusuf the son of Yaqub the son of Ishaac the son of Ibrahim. This Bushra starts to Ibrahim when he is already 100 years old. Allah describes Ismael as being forebearing, when he was commanded to be slaughtered, to be left, to deal with Jurum, all to be patient. The test of Ismael was patience and he set the standard for it! 51:2 9 But his wife came forward (laughing) aloud: she smote her forehead and said: "A barren old woman!" Faaqbalati imraatuhu fee sarratin fasakkatwajhaha waqalat AAajoozun AAaqeemun

Allah than says, Saaraa came shouting, laughing hysterically, slapping her forehead. Why was she aware of what was happening? She was worried about these guests and she was keeping close tabs to them. When she heard this she made this loud noice. "sara" means loud, hysterical shout or laughter "Saka" is a hard hit that makes a sound and she slapped her forehead The first reaction to the news was slapping her forehead, and she was saying (25:28) woe to me, what is happening here, and she was speechless for sometime. "Wa" Qaalat, the wa means she was quiet for a while. Than she says she is an old barren old woman, how can she get a child Allah in Surah Hud says, We gave her the glad tidings of Ishaac and the son of Ishaac (Yaqub) This woman has been through what she has, 90 years old and Hajjar gave birth to a child because she could not. She lived to see her baby and grandbaby being prophets Saaraa again was absolutely blown away, she was too old and did not want kids at

that point. Just the thought itself did not make sense. Surah Hud, Allah says when she speaks to the angels, here she speaks about herself as her own in capabilities, in Surah Hud she speaks about Ibrahim (as). The wisdom again that Surah Dhariyat was related to a pregnant woman. She did not think that this rizq could come to her, she mentions her own age, infertility. Even in Arabic Zachariya says, my wife has always been barren using the word "'Aqira" but 'Aqira still has a chance. 'Aqeem mentioned here means barren and no chance at all! Saraa calls herself 'Aqeem. She mentions Ibrahim being 100 years old and how does Allah answer her.. just as He answers Zachariya and Maryam.. 51:3 0 They said, "Even so has thy Lord spoken: and He is full of Wisdom and Knowledge." Qaloo kathaliki qalarabbuki innahu huwa alhakeemu alAAaleemu

"Qaalu Kazalik" i.e. just like that.. Verily your Lord has said that He is most Wise and all Knowing 'Aleem and Hakeem together, 'Aleem always comes first because wisdom comes after knowledge. Here He switches All Wise and All Knowing. Why? Saraa was not questioning Allah's knowledge, rather the wisdom of it: why. Supernatural things have happened to Saraa before, she made du'a against Firoun he was paralyzed, rather she asked why now. She wants to know why, and this is a note for all people. When a woman is infertile she should understand there is a wisdom for everything. Asiya was not allowed kids though she loved kids, including Musa, and she had perfect faith. Likewise Khidr's story when he killed the child, there is wisdom to that. Perhaps a miscarriage can be a reason to enter Jannah; the Prophet (s) said that the miscarried child would drag her mother to Jannah even with that umbilical cord even she were patient. Thus we must not question the wisdom of these things and generally with Allah in anything. Allah decides when, how, where, why. As He said earlier in the Surah that these decisions take place in the heavens This is why Ibrahim (as) did not panic. He has been through more than Sara, he finally found Hajar who finally gave him a child but he was commanded to slaughter that child, than leave that child. He has been through a lot, notice he does not say anything because he is use to this. ...all Ibrahim says in a cool, collected manner is if they are giving this news now in this point in his life. And Ibrahim quit right there, who would despair from the mercy of his Lord except for those astray. This was the glad tidings give to them of Ishaac and Yaqub. 51:3 1 (Abraham) said: "And what, O ye Messengers, is your errand (now)?" Qala fama khatbukumayyuha almursaloona

Ibrahim than says, what is your business here oh messengers. They weren't going there to give him glad tidings, rather did that to ease his fear. This ayah proves that they weren't there to give the glad tidings to Ibrahim. Mufasireen comment that Ibrahim understands that all these magnificent angels, Jibreel, Mekaal and Israfeel, together are not here just for this news! If this was only Bushra Allah would send Jibreel. Ibrahim understands these 3 angels are not here just for the bushra of a child. To Allah the restrictions to nature are simply not there, and Allah shows us, in the same meaning of these angels giving Bushra of a son and a son of that son to carry their message to an entirely new nation, in this same time Allah gives news that an entire nation is about to be destroyed. Razzq, the sustenance also refers to acceptance of people. No one believed in Ibrahim until Sara did, this is all he had while he was in Iraq when he was forced by his own father and people. Who is Lut? The nephew of Ibrahim. Ibrahim's brother was Haraan. No one believed in Ibrahim but atleast he had his wife. Lut would not even have his wife to believe in him. Shows how Allah puts everyone in certain types of tests. The wickedness of the people of Lut is so heavy that it has been mentioned in Araf, Hud, Hijr, Anbiyyah, Shu'arah, Naml, Saffat and Dhariyat. 8 Surahs mention the punishment of the people of Lut because of what they did! Lut's father was Haraan, the brother of Ibrahim. He was a child when Ibrahim was giving Dawah. How similar is this to the Prophet (s). Lut secretly believed in Ibrahim and so he would privately go to him and Sara to pray with them and worship them and he supported them. Lut is to Ibrahim what Ali was to Mohammed (s) except Ali is not a Prophet. Khadija would worship with the Prophet as well. Sara would actually raise Lut (as) but Lut than decided to take the Dawah to another place. Lut married and Lut did not know that she was not a believer. This woman would travel with Lut and Ibrahim and Sara on their migrations of Ibrahim (as). The angels are stopping by Ibrahim because..? Ibrahim at this time had settled in Jerusalem with Sara after leaving Hajar and Ismael in makakh, and so he was close to Lut. Lut was at the border of Jordan and Palestine so the angels visited Ibrahim on the way to destroying the nation of Lut. Ibrahim's first reaction was to defend Lut! And the angels responded that they knew who was in it. Allah than tells us about the story of Lut (as). Lesson 3 We continue with the story of the original purpose of the angels, to destroy the nation of Lut. Remember Lut is the son of the brother of Ibrahim (as), Haraan, and the reason Ibrahim is on the way is because he is in Jerusalem and Lut is in the area of the dead sea-border of Jordan and Palestine. They gave good news of the child to Ibrahim and at the same time that they will destroy Lut Ibrahim than told the angels that Lut was there and to save him, but they responded that we know who is there and we will save him and not his wife, she will be from

those remaining behind. This news trouble Ibrahim but lets look at the people of Lut and their crime. Lut's people's crime was mentioned in many different places in the Qur'an, Araf (8084), Hud (74-83), Anbiyyah (74-75), Hijr (58-79), Shu'arah (160-175), Naml (5458) and Safaat (133-177) and ofcourse here. This is a people that truly earned the wrath of Allah and He makes an example of them many times.

Background of Lut (as), their crime was sodomy. Allah says quoting Lut, that Lut said, are you going to approach the males amongst the worlds?,
and are you going to leave behind that which the Lord has created for you as mates, but you are a people transgressing

There is a new claim today that the people of Lut were punished for rape, to refute this: 1. Simple arabic/linguistic; "Atatoona Dhukraan" the word used means "to come very lightly" and the same word that is used to show how a husband approaches his wife. And Lut says this about to his people 2. Lut (as) is very clearly illustrating their crime, that you approach males and you leave that which your Lord has created for you as mates. Ie you are avoiding approaching women and instead approaching men! If rape was the crime, Lut (as) is encouraging these men to rape women not men then. Lut when he said that to him, they threatened him for not agreeing with them and not complying. They weren't just ok with different opinions, rather they threatened him that if he kept talking they'd punish him. Today in the Muslim world when we call someone, "Luti" to describe their crime, we are referring to sinful people by a Prophetic name and this is completely wrong. Lut specifically makes du'a to Allah not to be counted amongst these people! And we Muslims make Lut guilty of the same sin by calling such people Luti. Again they threatened him, they said they'd come after him, and after that when Lut was visited by the angels, and when the angels take a human form they take a very beautiful human form. We know this from the famous hadith Jibreel (as), when he came as a man to teach the Prophet (s) the religion. The description is one of such beauty, resembling the sahabi Dihya with a beautiful look. The people of Lut saw these angels visiting his house and when they came to the house and saw these visitors they encircled the house because they wanted to approach those men that were actually angels, subhanAllah, and these angels were there for their destruction. Lut sees this and what is happening and says, these are my guests, do not embarrass me. Lut is trying to argue on behalf of his people while his people on the other hand are trying to approach the angels, subhanAllah.

After this Lut says, fear Allah and do not disgrace me. And their response: Didn't we forbid you from speaking to anybody. i.e. move out of the way and they are even approaching the angels with this ill intent! Allah says after the people approached the angels in this way, the shriek seized them at sunrise and they were destroyed. And back to the Surah..
51:3 2 They said, "We have been sent to a people (deep) in sin;Qaloo inna orsilna ilaqawmin mujrimeena

Allah describes these people as being criminals in nature. Notice that when the angels speak to Ibrahim, Ibrahim responds by defending Lut. Allah also says in the Qur'an; are we going to treat the Muslims the way we treat the Criminals. In that is a sign where Allah says anyone who refuses to submit himself to the Creator is automatically from the criminals, a criminal against himself. We see that the Muslim has supernatural work in his favor, as is the case with Ibrahim. The angels just told him of the glad tidings of his son, despite him being over a 100! SubhanAllah, in those moments he is still concerned for Lut and his people, and this shows the heart of the Prophets. He just got his good news but he is still worried about Lut! Thus in the same meaning the supernatural works in favor of the Muslim and against the criminals. Here particularly being the people of Lut.
51:3 3 "To bring on, on them, (a shower of) stones of clay (brimstone), Linursila AAalayhim hijaratanmin teenin

This particular, "shower" is the opposite of the rain that gives the Rizq to the believer. Instead of the beneficial rain from the sky, these people will have stones rained down upon them. And we find that Allah says, 51:3 "Marked as from thy Lord for those who trespass beyond bounds."

4 Musawwamatan AAinda rabbika lilmusrifeena

"Musawama" meaning each and every stone is NAMED for the person it will hit. This shows how precise the Qadr of Allah is, remember the angels told Saraa that your Lord is most Wise and most Endowed with Knowledge. Allah does not make mistakes and His wisdom is for everything, and this is from the perfect decree of Allah. SubhanAllah, the stones were named in the presence of your Lord for these people that have wasted themselves in transgression Allah took this entire land and it was overturned by a single earthquake, and when the people tried to run away they were showered with these stones and were destroyed. The area of the red sea has been researched in detail and satellite images show that a huge earthquake and volcano took place which once destroyed everything there. That area in particular was an area destroyed with a huge earthquake and volcano. Allah calls the dead sea in Surah Rom the lowest point on Earth, and only in the last 100 years was it discovered that the dead sea is the absolute lowest point on Earth. Allah took this civilization and beat them down to the lowest point on Earth! SubhanAllah. This is a heed for us! We must reflect because Allah says He left an ayah there for the people that reflect. In 1965 they found that over 20,000 graves under the dead sea. Allah literally took these people, turned them upside down, slammed them, had stones rained on them, and the only one spared from all this was Lut and his two daughters. His wife was secretly cooperating with the other group and ok with it. She was complacent, not necessary guilty of the act but complying and helping those people in their transgression and Allah also caused her to be destroyed. In Surah Tahreen, Allah mentions that despite being the wife of Nuh, Allah has made an example of those who disbelieve in the wife of Noh and the wife of Lut because they were married to Prophets and they still rejected them. Lut thus only had his two daughters alone. 51:3 5 Then We evacuated those of the Believers who were there, Faakhrajna man kana feehamina almu/mineena

This shows the intention in Dawah, he left ibrahim at a young age because he wanted to spread the Dawah. How did he fare? Only his two daughters accepted the message. 51:3 But We found not there any just (Muslim) persons except in one house:

6 Fama wajadna feehaghayra baytin mina almuslimeena

We brought whoever was outside from the believers, and we did not find within that city except a single house of Muslims. Islam and emaan again when used alone, Emaan refers to the internal practice and Islam the external practice. His wife was not from the Mo'mineen though from the outside the house appeared Muslim. Ibrahim (as) was rejected also for many years but he would not die alone, instead he died with many children and people that would follow along. He had Ishaac, after Saraa passed he remarried and had 6 more kids with another wife and he died in Palestine present-day. Ibrahim would see much success, but Lut only had 2 followers, and both are truly pleasing to Allah 51:3 7 And We left there a Sign for such as fear the Grievous Penalty. Watarakna feeha ayatanlillatheena yakhafoona alAAathaba al-aleema

51:3 8

And in Moses (was another Sign): Behold, We sent him to Pharaoh, with authority manifest. Wafee moosa ith arsalnahuila firAAawna bisultanin mubeenin

Interesting language, Allah calls Musa himself the sign. Would Musa have other ayaat with him? Yes, he was able to defeat the magicians, split the sea and many things. But Allah says the greatest sign of Musa was himself, because he was a sign to Firoun. Why? 1. the original dream that caused Firoun to kill the sons of Bani Israel was because of a dream he saw that a son of BI would dethrone him. 2. Firoun had massive pride issues, kibr. He was full of himself and so Allah sent him someone from the lowest cast of his time, the oppressed people and a slave who was a runway fugitive! To this oppressor king on top of this entire people to show him who the true authority belonged to. Thus Musa was a sign to Firoun to humble him 51:3 9 But (Pharaoh) turned back with his Chiefs, and said, "A sorcerer, or one possessed!" Fatawalla biruknihi waqala sahirunaw majnoonun

Firoun turned away with his supporters and said, he is either a magician or madman. "Tawala" means turned away, why so? All Firoun could see was his own status versus Musa's nothing being a runaway slave telling him who to worship and what to do. Remember Allah saying in the beginning, you differ amongst yourselves about the Messenger (s) and how to discredit him and his message (book) All they want to do is reject and escape commitment, and so Firoun said he is Either a magician or madman. Firoun doesn't care how to discredit him, just that he wants to find a way to do so. "Bi-ruknihi" means he turned away with his followers, this mention is to show 1. his followers were so weak in nature that they did what he did, 2. Firoun conceived a sense of pride because of the multitude of followers that he had. Often a person is Mutakabr because they say who are you to talk to me, look at my followers versus yours! They feed off their yes-men and they look around and say all these people listen to me. Firoun had this kibr because he had so many losers respond to him. He had 50,000 magicians for Musa's one "magic" as an example. Firoun was mocking Musa in this way. He had a massive sense of pride, possibly the greatest kibr that any human has ever had. How does Allah respond... 51:4 0 So We took him and his forces, and threw them into the sea; and his was the blame. Faakhathnahu wajunoodahufanabathnahum fee alyammi wahuwa muleemun

SubhanAllah, first and foremost Allah says We took him AND his followers, to show their meaningless. Again that so many people are listening to you does not mean anything, they may as well be afraid of you. Allah says that these people were nothing, just more people to be dumped into the sea with him. "Ikh" is to take something effortlessly, "Akhadhnahum" means Allah took them effortlessly and "faNabhdahum" means to dump, "nabada" is like dumping trash. What an illustration Allah gives and how helpless these people were. The same way Allah describes the nation of Lut, He does so here again. And so we should never feel like any dictator or even outside enemy and feel like they are being allowed to survive because they are too powerful. Allah can seize them at any time! No one commanded the presence of Firoun, rather Allah can seize them and dump them without effort. We should never think that Allah will not seize them, but Allah holds off because of the sins of people. As he says, corruption, transgression, oppression appears on the land and the seas because of what man's hands have earned.

When we chant empty slogans and our lives are running contrary to the Qur'an and sunnah than forget about it. It starts and ends with du'a, invoking the one who can change our condition and improving our own lives, that our sins are not a cause for that oppressor to live! Look at how effortlessly Allah took his army. Secondly, the use of the Haamilat. Allah uses Ad-Dhaariyat (winds), Hamilaat (clouds) that transport things as Rizq. Here Allah says the same water used for the ships to sail with ease is used to drown a people and kill them! SubhanAllah. The same sea that transports people and good from place to place can also drown you and kill you. And why did this all happen? Firoun is the one to blame. This shows that Allah created the Earth for the benefit of man, but when Allah transgresses than the Earth turns on them. Similarly the people of Lut were Mujrims, and if they werent the punishment would not have come to them. Likewise with Firoun he is the only one to blame for the punishment that came upon him. 51:4 1 And in the 'Ad (people) (was another Sign): Behold, We sent against them the devastating Wind: Wafee AAadin ith arsalnaAAalayhimu alrreeha alAAaqeema

(Imam Shafi said everytime you read the Qur'an you may extract something new from it) Allah describes the wind that is used to describe 'Ad as barren! the same word that Saraa used to describe her womb! SubhanAllah! Allah says we sent upon Aad a barren wind! Comments, 1. the mention of the people of 'Aad right after Firoun is something done in other places as well in the Qur'an. In Surah Ahqaf, Allah describes Musa, then 'Aad mentioned. Why so in this order? As the mufasireen say, Firoun was one man of pride followed with people with no dignity, so much that the punishment was warranted about him and them. 'Aad was an entire nation with Kibr! See the difference, one man followed by losers in Firoun, 'Aad was an entire nation of pride. They would say, who is stronger than us? They would boast to their prophet Hud about their bodies and they would try to beat Hud (this was a sign of Hud that he could not be harmed or hurt). 'Aad are the closest destroyed nation to the Arabs because they were destroyed in Hadramaut, Yemen. This is one of the benefits we can take from this order. Back to 'Aqeem and this word that Saraa used to describe her womb and now it describes the wind that came upon 'Aad. Saraa thought that because of her natural state of being 90 and it wasnt usual to give birth at this age there is no way that a child can be conceived of her. 'Aad on the other hand thought that because of their natural state, the clouds bringing down rain upon them always as rizq, thought that there was no way the clouds would come upon them without containing rizq for them. Saraa had a natural thought and 'Aad did too, but they thought opposite. And Allah says in Surah Ahqaf, when they saw the clouds forming, ('Aad said) this must be a cloud bringing us rain. Again this entire surah shows us how sustenance comes and is taken away.

Aisha said that whenever the Prophet (s) saw clouds, she asked him: oh Prophet when people become happy because they hope the clouds will bring rain but I notice when you see them displeasure appears on your face, why are you always anxious when you see clouds? He responded, oh Aisha what is going to guarantee me that those clouds do not have punishment on them that verily people were destroyed with wind before. The Prophet (s) said there were people that saw punishment coming to them before and they looked at the clouds and say this cloud is bringing us rain! Aisha answered that whenever the Prophet would see clouds, he would leave whatever he was doing, including in prayer (i.e. in du'a or in the time when speaking in prayer was allowed), he would say, oh Allah i seek refuge in You from the evil within those clouds. He would also say, oh Allah make it pouring and beneficial for us. The benefit: 'Aad had every reason to believe that the clouds sent to them were punishment and not reward because they were completely transgressing! And the Prophet (s) had every reason to believe the opposite because of his perfect worship. This is the difference between humility and pride! The usage of Dhariyat again shows that the beneficial wind that comes to you can also become your worst nightmare. 51:4 2 It left nothing whatever that it came up against, but reduced it to ruin and rottenness. Ma tatharu min shay-in atatAAalayhi illa jaAAalat-hu kaalrrameemi

It destroyed everything and left nothing! The wind that brought them sustenance destroyed their sustenance. Again shows us how these things work. "Rameen" means something ruined and rotten. Allah refers to their source of pride here. Their pride was their accomplishments; their buildings and architecture. The wind and rain that they used to build their society was used to destroy their accomplishments- ruined and rotten. The Prophet (s) said, I was supported by As-sabaa (winds from the east) and the people of Aad were destroyed from the winds of the West. The same winds support the Messenger and destroy the people of 'Aad. The Prophet (s) here is talking about the battle of the confederates/khandaq. Whenever the ahzab set up their tens around the ditch, Allah sent an intensely cold wind that blew their tents and fires and in essence they turned away defeated and disappointed. As Mujahid said, this ayah was revealed in context of this battle: oh you who believe, remember Allah's favor upon you when there came against them soldiers and a strong wind Thus the dhariyat were used in the favor of the Prophet (s), and he would say about Hud: may Allah have mercy on us and the brother of 'Aad Allah again is saying that you can really see these people, they are where you are and they are similar to you. 51:4 And in the Thamud (was another Sign): Behold, they were told, "Enjoy (your brief

day) for a little while!" Wafee thamooda ith qeela lahumtamattaAAoo hatta heenin

Why Thamud after Aad? If these Quraysh were not getting it with Aad right next to them, Thamud came right after Aad and in the same region, and they were still heedless! And they were told, enjoy yourselves for a short time. Remember when Allah says earlier, those who are in their deep sleep, forgetful lost and heedless What is causing them to be heedless? Nothing except for the love of this world These people would naturally ask when is the day of Judgement coming anyway Saleh (as) was the Prophet sent to them who gave them the warning and 3 days to repent, go ahead and enjoy yourselves for a little bit but understand that you have 3 days. What did they do to respond? They plotted to kill him, why? They chose to remain in deep sleep and heedlessness to reality. 51:4 4 But they insolently defied the Command of their Lord: So the stunning noise (of an earthquake) seized them, even while they were looking on. FaAAataw AAan amri rabbihim faakhathat-humualssaAAiqatu wahum yanthuroona

They mocked that command from Allah! And they were rude to Saleh. Look at how Allah describes the punishment to them, Allah sent As-saa'ika, a loud thunderbolt upon them that seized them while they were looking on. Allah punished the people of Thamud in a very unique way; first the Saa-ika, as Ibn Abbas said was a loud thunderbolt that struck them down but they were still awake, and it left them paralyzed, on this 3rd day.. 51:4 5 Then they could not even stand (on their feet), nor could they help themselves. Fama istataAAoo min qiyaminwama kanoo muntasireena

I.e. they were paralyzed, and as they were paralyzed Allah sent a shower of huge meteors on them that just crushed them. These people who thought they were so strong and advanced, Allah made them to see the reality of this world! And they were struck with meteors while paralyzed. And they did not want to see beyond this

world and this is why Allah told them go ahead and enjoy yourselves, and Allah made them to see their punishment in this world! 51:4 6 So were the People of Noah before them for they wickedly transgressed. Waqawma noohin min qablu innahum kanooqawman fasiqeena

So let's understand the order; first Firoun was destroyed with his posse because thats what he was proud of, his number of followers. 'Aad's body and accomplishments were mentioned because this is what they were proud of. The destruction of Thamud, particularly mentioned as their ignorant bliss and lives of complete heedlessness as this was their pride. Now the people of Nuh who had nothing to be proud of and their only accomplishment that they had is that they were the first to introduce shirk into this world. They were actually inferior. As Ibn Abbas said, before Adam no one worshiped gods until the people of Nuh. And this shirk made them arrogant and prideful and so they go the punishment that they deserved. Notice how Allah says, these are wicked transgressors and it was their fault. Allah keeps mentioning that all these nations it was their fault always! They were defiant, disobedient and were given a chance for 950 years! SubhanAllah, the same water used to transport Nuh wal Jaariyati Yusra, and the same wind that blew the arc was the same water that drowned the people of Nuh. SOS: I think about this when I talk about Hurricane Katrina. Many people say it was a punishment from Allah because of Mardi gras etc and this is not allowed in our deen to speak on behalf of Allah. I saw with my own eyes that some were punished and some saved because same used this tragedy to return to Allah. And Allah concludes He left an ayah for those who believe, and all the above nations have remnants left behind as a sign for us. He also mentions the various reasons; you differ in your objection because they want to escape commitment and responsibility. Than He speaks as to how He used the same dhariyat to benefit and to destroy. Lut benefitted from the water. Musa benefitted from the sea parting. And these same were destruction for the people of Lut and Firoun. Hud was given victory through the wind that punished the people of Ad. Saleh was given victory with the people of Thamud. The water and wind helped Nuh and it drowned his people. The Prophet (s) benefited from the wind at the battle of Ahzab. These same winds destroyed these nations. These things which were initially created for our benefit in the first place thus caused such destruction and it is in accordance with our emaan. As we talk about the destruction of people over time, and Allah didnt create the world to be against us, rather the sun and moon at our service. Allah only punished when the people transgressed. Nuh were given a long chance and the first to be punished because they were the first to commit shirk, over 950 years of dawah and chances after chances for these people! And the window became smaller and smaller over time and the time became shorter for nations that followed to repent. 51:4 With power and skill did We construct the Firmament: for it is We Who create the

vastness of pace. Waalssamaa banaynahabi-aydin wa-inna lamoosiAAoona

Lesson 4 "aayd" in arabic means hand, in this particular ayah it refers to strength because Allah did not attribute the hand to Himself here. The idea here is that when we say we created it with our own two hands it refers to something sturdy and firm, and there are no comparisons to Allah, this refers to the skies and heavens created. The scientific miracle of the Qur'an is the end of this ayah, we are constantly expanding the universe. Modern science today has discovered that every single moment the universe expands! Scientists say that if you took keys and drop it to space it would cling to the boundary and expand it, that the universe is consistently expanding. Think of this amazing creation, the universe (SOS recommends this book called how amazing is our universe, the author uses this book to show us how small we are and how huge the universe is) created from day 1 and it is constantly getting bigger and bigger. The moral is also, that these people were destroyed, and they had much pride as if the person says the world needs me. This is a form of pride, even in the Muslim community when one says this. Allah really does not need you and the world does not need you. Allah will simply allow His decree to move forward whether you are a part of it or like it or not. Allah shows these people that thought the world depended on them that He destroyed and your world! With Lut's nation, they were beaten down and flooded. In a grave atleast this could still be seen, you are under water and beaten down to the ground and you did not detract from Allah's Kingdom, infact the heavens are expanding! And the world did not need you whatsoever, what a slap in their face. A person of pride when they see themselves or others in a position that they once occupied successful they would be very depressed, why? A person of pride thinks that Allah needs them. Allah says no, the world does not need them. 51:4 8 And We have spread out the (spacious) earth: How excellently We do spread out! Waal-arda farashnahafaniAAma almahidoona

"Firaash" refers to a blanket, a connotation of comfort. Allah says We spread the Earth comfortably for it's inhabitants, you and I. And how excellent is the preparer, and this refers to Allah Imam Razi said that sometimes when you take care of big things you forget the little

things and minor details. In essence it is as if Allah is saying that although the sky gets bigger the Earth is not affected. So Allah does not forget the Earth and anything or anyone! Despite how tiny the Earth is, the inhabitants of the Earth are even tinier. And regardless of how tiny we are Allah has not forgotten us, He continues to manage the Earth for us and makes it comfortable for us. As He says not a single leaf falls without His permission. So the heavens are expanding but the Earth has been made comfortable! How excellent is Allah. Notice Allah does not mention Himself, why? In essence Allah wants you to feel gratitude to the signs around you just for a moment. Look around you, how comfortable are you! You can walk, drive, eat, sleep, Allah says wouldn't the one who did this for you deserve gratitude? And isn't He Excellent? Just think about it, even if you do not want to acknowledge any of the attributes of Allah how amazing and benevolent and generous is the one that made this Earth so comfortable. This is Allah. Contemplate thus! Think about the signs! How amazing is the structure of this ayah! Allah mentions the Samaa' and than the Earth, it expanding and the Earth comfortable. Some Mufasireen comment, see how the sky services the Earth and the Earth services the sky. SubhanAllah, how Allah has created this magnificent creation! Remember the scattered winds, and the clouds that are formed from the vapor on the Earth and than it comes back to the Earth, and it provides these oceans and seas for the ships to move forward, and the angels take care of the portions by the command of Allah, the portion of rain or blessings, death here and there and so on and so forth. They are working in complete correlation, the sky and Earth together, by the permission of Allah! 51:4 9 And of every thing We have created pairs: That ye may receive instruction. Wamin kulli shay-in khalaqna zawjaynilaAAallakum tathakkaroona

Allah is saying the sky and Earth were created as a pair, likewise every thing is created in pairs! Infact not a single thing is created that it does not have a pair to it. "Zowjein" is that even we are created as a pair, body and soul, life and death, adduniya wad-deen. In essence, reflect on this, everything created in this world somehow is dependent on something else as a primary factor and there are secondary factors. The plants created are dependent on sunlight and water. Our cell phones, our computers and so on. This is the nature of how Allah has created everything. The Earth depends on the sky, if Allah does not send rain to the Earth drought occurs and the people and animals suffer. In this pair of Zowjein, one is dependent on the other and vice versa. Thus one of the benefits of marriage is Zawaj as well, they depend on each other. This is very relevant in particular when we consider the context of revelation, Allah says all this is to serve as a reminder. The scholars say this means that we are dependent on revelation. Of the angels that Allah has apportioned, revelation is brought by Jibreel, the greatest of angels. Our spiritual lives are dependent on this revelation, whether we react to it and respond to it positively. Allah says, our

success and failure is how we react to revelation. This was spelled out by the Prophet (s), narrated by Abu Musal Ash'ari in Sahih Bokhari, the Prophet (s) said the example of guidance and knowledge is like abundant rain falling on the Earth. He said, some of which was fertile soil which absorbed rain and it produces grass and vegetation in abundance. Another portion was hard and held the rain water and Allah benefited the people with it and they used it for drinking, for their animals and for irrigation and cultivation (imagine wells and rivers, Allah made it such to hold the water and others can benefit). And he said, and a portion of that land is barren, it neither holds the water nor does it bring vegetation. The Prophet (s) said the first is the example of the person that comprehends Allah's religion and he gets benefit from the knowledge, he learns and he teaches others (imam Nawawi says the Prophet (s) is being referred to here primarily). This is the example of the Da'iya, the scholar and one who absorbs and benefits others. Ibn Rajab describes the scholar in his book, he says the Prophet (s) describes the inheritors of the Prophets because they must also absorb and than produce like the Prophet did. Then the Prophet (s) omitted the middle and said the last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah's guidance revealed through me, and he becomes like barren land. And the second is that of others benefiting and he does not benefit himself. The point that the Surah talks about spiritual growth! 51:5 0 Hasten ye then (at once) to Allah: I am from Him a Warner to you, clear and open! Fafirroo ila Allahi inneelakum minhu natheerun mubeenun

Like Allah is saying, ya Mohammed (s) flee to Allah, run to Him. This is a beautiful ayah. In Arabic there is a difference between "Sir-ru" and "Fir-ru", both mean to rush. Sir-ru is to run to something, but Fir-ru is run away from something that frightens you. This is such a powerful expression because the Prophet (s) taught us to say that there is no shelter from you except to you, we run away from Allah to Allah, His punishment to His mercy. As the Prophet (s) used to say, i seek refuge in Your Pleasure from Your Anger, in your Pardon from your Punishment, and I seek refuge in You from You oh Allah As imam ibnal Qayyum said, when you fear any other creation you run away from it but when you fear Allah you run to Him. This is a fleeing to Allah; we escape to Allah from the punishment of Allah This entire Surah shows us that Allah is capable of causing pain and hardship and also capable of benefiting and giving whatever one wants and all this is in accordance with your level of righteousness. This is the same God that Provides and Destroys. We can not talk about Allah as a Destroyer only, the scholars thus say some attribute should not be used alone - Al Qaabit Al Basit, the One who Withholds and the One who Gives - because we may create a false impression of Allah. The origin and default is that Allah provides, He only withholds when the people withhold their obedience.

Scholars also mention, Allah commands us to flee to Him now, on the day of Judgement every single person will flee to Allah whether they like it or not. Here we are being asked to flee to Allah voluntarily, now you run to Allah before you are forced and you will be granted safety for all of eternity and the day of Judgement will not be an introduction, rather a reunification with Allah as you are already accustomed to running to Him. I am to you a clear warner.. In essence Nadheerun Mubeen, the Prophet (s) is saying his function is to warn us of a day we WILL be brought to Allah. The Prophet (s) as we know is the giver of glad tidings and also a warner. Basheer or glad tidings come before. Here Allah omits the Basheer part, why, because the scholars say this ayah comes with a threat and for those that deny. For them the Prophet (s) is purely a warner and on the day of Judgement they will see no good. Also the very powerful function of these words, I am FOR YOU FROM HIM.. these teaches us basic Dawah. In essence, I am doing you a favor because I love you and I want good for you, I am on your side! the Prophet (s) said the example of me and you is like I am standing infront of a fire and trying to swat you away so you don't jump in, and the example of the people is that of fireflies trying to jump in. FROM HIM, meaning as the scholars say when you are all for someone you became biased and you may have a clouded judgement. But as much as the Prophets were for their people, they will not cross the boundaries that Allah has set and they do not become independent of Allah. Allah makes things clear, and He would not punish unless it was made clear. Allah says, we do not punish people unless they are sent a messenger. Allah is making things clear because He wants good for us also! This is a powerful expression thus. Mubeen means clear and unmistakable. It is important to understand because in Dawah if the message is not clear perhaps Allah would forgive that person, kufr means to conceal the truth. Allah has made it clear to the people that this is His messenger. 51:5 1 And make not another an object of worship with Allah: I am from Him a Warner to you, clear and open! Wala tajAAaloo maAAa Allahi ilahanakhara innee lakum minhu natheerun mubeenun

What we notice right away is the repetition, I am for you from Him a clear warner The idea is to emphasize the love that the Prophets have for their people, but again, I am warning you because I can not hold back the punishment if Allah wills. What we also realize is that all messengers were sent with the same message, do not make as equal with Allah another deity Allah does not need to specify, whether it is Esa, the idols, the Hindu gods and so on, because anything that takes away from the worship of Allah is a manifest of Shaytaan to that person The people that Nuh called upon were righteous people that passed away, and his people made them into idols really. Those people were innocent, but to the

worshippers it was an expression of Shaytaan! Allah shows us the heart of The Prophet (s) and all messengers when they called upon their people.. and their response.. 51:5 2 Similarly, no apostle came to the Peoples before them, but they said (of him) in like manner, "A sorcerer, or one possessed"! Kathalika ma ata allatheenamin qablihim min rasoolin illa qaloo sahirunaw majnoonun

The response that similarly i.e. each and every messenger had the same call, but every single people before when a messenger came to them said, a magician or madman, remember the ayah in the beginning, you are all in differing speech. They themselves could not even come to a consensus and all they wanted was to deny the messenger (s). The Prophet (s) is being told that this excuse has always been used while the message was always consistent. History constantly repeats itself, imagine 124,000 Prophets and 315 Messengers, and each had the same call and the same response! 51:5 3 Is this the legacy they have transmitted, one to another? Nay, they are themselves a people transgressing beyond bounds! Atawasaw bihi bal hum qawmun taghoona

So Allah asks, did the nations pass down their rejections? When the next nation comes this is how you will deny.. Every single messenger came with the same message, and every nation responded with madman or magician, so Allah says did they pass on these accusations in a will? The messengers indeed did pass on the sincere advice. As Allah says, Ibrahim passed it on to his children and so did Yaqub and they asked their kids to not worship beside Allah. And they answered we are worshipping your God, Allah. We are worshipping the God of all these Prophets, holding the message as it was passed and submitting ourselves to that one God, Tauheed. Now with these nations we dont find them writing their rejection and passing it on, but Allah says it is as if it is something that was passed on. Like the people of Nuh gave this Wasiyah to Lut, the denial was in the same format! But Allah says, rather they themselves are a transgressing people "Tughyaan" means water that overboils and comes out of the pot. Because they are transgressors all they will say is the same excuses as the nations before because all they want is to escape commitment, so they will come up with the same because

they are but transgressors and they do not want to be bound by what Allah has sent. So the response was not because of the message but rather the people are transgressors. 51:5 4 So turn away from them: not thine is the blame. Fatawalla AAanhum fama anta bimaloomin

And Allah tells the Prophet (s) to go ahead and turn away and he is not to be blamed. The Prophet (s) cared for his people, remember he was, for them from Him, remember the ayah you are going to kill yourself if they do not believe. He deeply cared for his people. No, Allah says, it is not your fault and he reassures His Prophet, Ma anta bi-maloom Shows that the da'iya always thinks he is not doing his job properly. After the Prophet (s) enters after Fateh Makkah, the first thing he asks after he sees everyone accepting Islam, he asks, have I conveyed the message to you? When the people all responded in affirmation, the Prophet (s) looks up and says, Oh Allah bare witness I have delivered the witness Remember this is Makki Qur'an, the first years of the Prophet (s). If the Prophet (s) was that concerned when he did his job at Fateh Makkah, what about when he only had a handful of followers in the beginning years, no, you are not to be blamed 51:5 5 But teach (thy Message) for teaching benefits the Believers. Wathakkir fa-inna alththikratanfaAAu almu/mineena

Allah reminds the Prophet (s) do not get deflated. Taw-wala does not mean to stop giving Dawah, rather the believers will benefit as we see here. Similarly, when Allah says, in the creation of the Earth are signs for truly have certainty, in the beginning of this Surah Meaning you check your emaan by how much you benefit from the reminder of faith! As for the disbelievers Allah says in Surah Naml: 80, you can not make the dead hear, and you can not make the deaf here the call whenever they turned away from you retreating. Allah likens them to dead people, similarly you can not make these people hear! It is not because of you but rather them. Split the moon in half and they will not listen, but at the same time continue to remind because the believer constantly benefits, every Surah Fatihah is special to him! Ahadith benefit him though he has heard them often in his life and bring him to tears because of his heart, he yearns for Allah! And the reminder benefits him* SOS: I constantly get criticized because people come and say they did not learn anything from my khutbah. Allah says about the Khutbah to rush to the

remembrance of Allah in Surah Jumuah. The Prophet (s)'s khutbahs were always simple reminders about basic life and death and Hereafter in Surah Qof. The sahaba were not learning anything new, at the same time as Hasan Basri said: they would leave the Khutbah absolutely in tears, the entrance would be wet because their hearts were longing for Allah! And the reminder benefits them The scholars say you do not know who the Momineen are, you do not know who has emaan, so you keep on reminding. Do not get deflated or disappointed because you do not know who will come forward and benefit and be something great, and what Allah will make out of them. A person can have an audience of 1000 people without emaan, and 2 people may be strong believers and may benefit, so keep reminding because you do not know who has that emaan within them. SOS: I remember we did an islam awareness week a few years ago in the Uni of New Orleans and no one showed up the event, no Non-Muslims, and this was about Islamophobia. It got to a point where there was food being served and there was effort yet no one came. There was a non-muslim sister who decided to pass by and sit for the lecture and she was the only non-muslim there. I am speaking and thinking what a failed event. At the end of this, a sister with a 4 month baby became Muslim, and subhanAllah, she actually changed her name to Emaan. So again, you do not know who will come forward and benefit! The Prophet needed this especially because of his constant rejection. 51:5 6 I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me. Wama khalaqtu aljinna waal-insailla liyaAAbudooni

This is a message first and foremost connecting this to the ayah before, it will awaken the belief in people because the people were created for this anyway. People have that natural inclination to Allah, as a da-iya you have to clear the clouts so they can naturally incline to that which they were created for. As Allah says, answer the call when they call you to that which gives you life. In essence humans were created and we are unique in our creation because the angels do not have any desires, they were created to worship Allah without a choice. Animals have full desires but they have no real purpose or worship. The humans and the jinn are in between, we have a share of desire and a love and inclination to Allah. Which one will overpower the other, the more we incline to worship the more angelic we become and we become more animalistic when we follow our desires. Allah when He legislated to us our Salah via the Prophet (s), we know He legislated 50 prayers. Imagine if this is all we did we would have no choice but to worship Allah, but it was eventually reduced to 5 after Musa's insistence. And we see that our purpose was worship! And the 5 in reward are equal to 50. As Allah says, the believers have an intense love for Allah. It shows the power of love and worship. Those who incline to worship and Allah will love that worship. Why Jinn and Ins? Jinn before humans? The jinn were created before humans and we have those same inclinations as the Jinn. The Quran was also sent to Jinn, as Allah says, Oh tribe of Jinn and Ins, in Surah Rahman. 51:5 7 No Sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me.

Ma oreedu minhum min rizqin wamaoreedu an yutAAimooni

I don't want from them any rizq or provision and i dont want them to feed Me. This is so beautiful, after Allah invites the people to Tauheed He teaches us that your Creator did not Create you for anything but for His service, but unlike these false gods, where they receive sustenance and take from you and dependent on you, Allah is not dependent on us! The first part refers to Rizq, the second part the weakness of those gods. Think of those that worship animals, they need to feed the animals. Why feed the idol or cow when it is suppose to provide for you? This teaches us an important lesson in Dawah when Allah says, the man was calling to the messengers, follow those who don't ask of you anything and are guided The Prophet (s) was not asking for anything, this was for their own good. The Prophet (s) teaches us the giving or upper hand is better than the lower. You have more integrity when you call the people and are independent of the people, this is important. 51:5 8 For Allah is He Who gives (all) Sustenance,- Lord of Power,- Steadfast (for ever). Inna Allaha huwa alrrazzaquthoo alquwwati almateenu

These are powerful attributes, Al-Razzq a response to the first part of the last ayah. Al-Razzaq is the one that who is consistently giving. The second part is a response to the second part of the last ayah, the one who possesses ultimate strength. Allah says that He owns strength, not just the strongest. Mateen is something unshakeable. SD is Surah Rizq, shows us that at the end of the day people turn away from Allah because they love the duniya too much and not theological reasons, and they fear that obeying Allah would mean rejecting the world. Abu Lahab loved his status too much. All this stems from not understanding that Allah is Al-Razzaq! People in the community think that if they stop selling Haraam and dealing with interest they will go broke! SubhanAllah. By obeying Allah, when you obey Allah you are given the best of both worlds. As Imam Ahmed records, Abu Hurayra narrates in Hadith Qudsi from the Prophet (s), oh son of Adam, focus on your worship and I will fill your chest with riches and I will do away with your poverty. If you do not do that, I fill your hearts and chest with busyness and distraction and I still wont take care of your poverty. Allah places poverty between his two eyes! The real issue thus is not theological, you do not understand that Allah is the One who provides, and this is especially true of the time of Makkah. Those who obeyed the Prophet (s) eventually were much

elevated! Bilal, Abu Bakr, Ibn Masud and so on. 51:5 9 For the Wrong-doers, their portion is like unto the portion of their fellows (of earlier generations): then let them not ask Me to hasten (that portion)! Fa-inna lillatheena thalamoothanooban mithla thanoobi ashabihimfala yastaAAjiloona

"Dhanoob" in arabic is from Dhanb i.e. a tail. Dhanoob means Al hadd minad-dalwa. Think of the example of a well, you place your bucket with a rope and you place the bucket in a well and you hope you get water out. You throw it in hoping you will get it out. In the case of Yusuf, they got him instead of water! What Allah is saying this means is what they will get from this bucket. These people think they have it all figured out, but they will get nothing except what the people before you got! The same portion of punishment that came before you. When Aad saw the clouds they thought water, Lut's people thought the angels were mates, Thamud thought protection from their buildings, and Allah destroyed them all! And Allah uses the word, "Ashabi" i.e. you are just like your companions! Why so, 1. They are companions in practice, more importantly, 2. The Prophet (s) said you will be with the one whom you love in Jannah. The believers will be Sahaba of the Prophet (s) on the day of Judgement inshaAllah. They will be with their sahaba. So do not rush me, as Allah says, you will have the same end result that came to those before you. In essence, you are being given a chance to repent! This time is not because Allah is incapable of punishing you! Rather because Allah is testing you with this Rizq! and here is your chance so take advantage 51:6 0 Woe, then, to the Unbelievers, on account of that Day of theirs which they have been promised! Fawaylun lillatheena kafaroo minyawmihimu allathee yooAAadoona

On the day of Judgement, at the end of the day, each and every one will face their fate and the fate of the rejectors will be Hellfire, whether they escape something or not in this duniya of their punishment. Remember that we must make an effort to memorize this Surah, and inshaAllah we can benefit from this. And remember that if we focus on our worship Allah will take care of our duniya.