REFLECTION ON THIS LIFE AND AFTERLIFE

It’s very easy for us to become so busy and so distracted that we forget to reflect on our existence on this planet. We begin to believe what we’re going through is everything and give more weight to the present than it actually holds. This seems especially true when looking at it from the perspective of the number of people that have come and gone throughout the centuries. It is estimated over 107 billion people have ever existed on earth, but how many of those names end up being written about in the history books?
This is not to relinquish responsibility, as some may be questioning how meaningless life may seem. You can still enrich the lives of others, minimize suffering, and seek to be a positive source of life. You still have a real impact, and that should not be forgotten or understated. It is in realizing there’s a final destination that gives life a definite meaning and purpose. Allah mentions this many times in the Qur’an, “Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.” (Surah Hadid Ayat 20) and in Surah Ghafir, “O my people, this worldly life is only [temporary] enjoyment, and indeed, the Hereafter – that is the home of [permanent] settlement.” (Surah Ghafir Ayat 39)
Seeing life through this lens can help us detach from our selfish desires and gives us the space we require to be at peace. We see how foolish it can be to get upset over small matters. Are we justified to be as angry or upset as we get when we break a glass? Is there any point in cursing the event that already transpired or should we just embrace things as they happen and move on? By keeping the bigger picture in mind, we can live life more fully and appreciate our existence. Being aware that we have a limited time on earth is a gift as it allows us to be grateful for this middle part of this journey because we know it will end.
Also, realize death is not something that happens to us in the future but rather every second that passes us by is a piece of us that has died. This begs the question; how would you like to spend your scarce and precious supply of time on earth? Would you like to focus on negativity and hold onto emotions of hate, anger, and jealousy? Or would it be better for you to just let things go and to let things be? We need to strike a balance to enjoy whatever creations Allah has made for us on Earth while keeping our discipline and desires tethered to reaching the ultimate end goal which is Jannah.
There is a story of a very rich man who died. At his funereal, a colleague asked, “I wonder how much he left?” to which someone replied, “I believe he left it all.” We need to be wiser in our pursuits, being money motivated is fine. Wanting financial security for you and your family’s well-being is an honorable mission. It’s when you’re only motivated by money that it becomes a problem. Seeking enjoyment is fine, Allah does not say we are forbidden from seeking halal pleasures. In Surah Rahman, Allah repeatedly says, fabia ala i rabbikuma tukadzibanmeaning, “So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?” (Surah Rahman Ayat 13) referring to the many gifts he left for us on earth. The problems arise when you only live for pleasure and forget your duty towards Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.
Remember we can have all the wealth, children, friends, and status but when we leave this earth all the things which we worked tirelessly for will cease to matter. All the power and influence we seek to hold and covet will be useless. Money and power is only an instrument to create change and it would be wise for us to acquire it to do good and leave a legacy that says we served humanity well just as we learned Prophet Sulaiman (as) did. In the end, the only account that matters will be the account of your deeds. When we make du’a let us not only be driven by short-sighted requests, it is better for us to ask for both good in this life but to also remember and ask to receive good in the afterlife. That’s the beauty contained within this du’a.
Let us pray that Allah grants us all with courage and strength, to bless us with complete iman, and to forgive us where we have erred. May he shower peace and blessings upon all the Prophets who had to struggle to show us what’s possible for those who put complete trust and belief in Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. They dedicated their life’s work and etched out a chapter in the history of mankind that would’ve otherwise remained unwritten. It’s because of their selfless sacrifice that we can proudly call ourselves Muslims and live a life with faith, hope, and good values.
 

THE LAST SERMON OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD

 On the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 A.H. ( 623AD) Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) delivered a powerful sermon reaffirming the basis for morality and giving us complete guidance of how to live and conduct oneself like a true believer. This sermon is better known as Khutabul Wada or the last sermon. To provide more context he gave this speech 10 years after Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah) in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat.

“O People! Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen carefully to what I am saying and take these words to those who could not be present here today.”

“O People! just as you regard this month, this day ,this city as sacred ,so regard the life and property of every Muslim a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds.”

“Allah has forbidden you to take usury, therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequality. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas Ibn ‘Aal-Muttalib be waived.”

“Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibni al-Harithiah.”

“O men! the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit what Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, there are sucessive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.”

“Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will be able to lead you astray in big things so beware of following him in small things.”

“O People it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well never to be unchaste.”

“O People! listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat .Perform Haj if you can afford it.”

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.”

“Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.”

“O People! No Prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore O People! and understand words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.”

“All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly.”

“O Allah, be my witness, that I have conveyed your message to Your people.”

As part of this sermon, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recited to them a revelation from Allah, which he had just received, and which completed the Quran, for it was the last passage to be revealed:

” This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”

Surah Maidah Verse 5

After reciting those words Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) looked at all those who gathered and asked, “O people, have I faithfully delivered unto you my message” and they chant affirming the Prophet’s question saying “O, Allah! Yes!”. He then replied, “O, Allah bear witness that I have conveyed your message to your people”.

THE STORY OF PROPHET AYYUB-JOB

Prophet Ayyub (Job) was a descendant of Prophet Ibrahim. Ayyub’s mother was the daughter of Prophet Lut and his wife was a direct descendant of Prophet Yusuf. Ayyub lived in Rome with his dear wife Rahma and fourteen children.

Ayyub was a Prophet who was immensely blessed by Allah— he was strong and healthy, had large plots of land, abundant livestock, and a righteous and beautiful family; he was also a community leader who was highly respected and loved by his people. Despite his status and wealth, Ayyub was never arrogant; he was always humble, he readily helped the deprived, and constantly thanked and glorified Allah for everything he was blessed with.

One day, high up in the heavens, the angels began discussing about the best of humans who lived on earth. An angel amongst them said,

“The best creature on earth today is Ayyub, a man of noble character who displays great patience and always remembers his Generous Lord. He is an excellent model for the worshippers of Allah. In return, his Lord has blessed him with a long life and plenty of servants; the needy and the poor share in his good fortune— he feeds and clothes the poor and buys slaves to set them free. He makes those who receive his charity feel as if they are favouring him— so kind and gentle is he.”

Satan, who was in the vicinity, overhead the discussion and became very angry. He immediately began plotting to lure Ayyub away from the worship of Allah. He whispered evil thoughts to Ayyub about the many pleasures of life that a man such as Ayyub could easily enjoy; but the Prophet was a sincere servant of Allah and was not easily faltered—this enraged Satan further.

Satan approached Allah and informed Him that Ayyub was not a sincere servant of His and was only glorifying Him in fear of losing all his wealth. He, Satan, suggested, “If You remove his wealth then You will find that his tongue will no longer mention Your name and his praying will stop.” Allah, the All-Knowing, did not believe Satan, for He knew that Ayyub was among His most sincere believers and did not worship his Lord for mere material possessions. But He agreed to test Ayyub to show Satan the absolute sincerity of His loyal servant. Overjoyed, Satan set out to destroy Prophet Ayyub’s wealth.

As time passed, Prophet Ayyub’s wealth began to diminish—his land, livestock, servants, and money slowly evaded him until he was left with nothing.

Immensely satisfied with Ayyub’s ordeal, Satan, disguised as a wise old man, approached the Prophet and said, “All your wealth is lost, some people say that it is because you gave too much charity and that you are wasting your time with your continuous prayers to Allah. Others say that Allah has brought this upon you in order to please your enemies. If Allah had the capacity to prevent harm, then He would have protected your wealth.”

Ayyub replied, “Allah gives whom He wills, and Allah takes from whom He wills. And all of the wealth that I have belongs to Allah, so He has every authority to take it back from me”. Ayyub then turned around and continued to thank and praise Allah.

Feeling rather frustrated, Satan returned to Allah and said, “I have stripped Ayyub of all his possessions, but he still remains grateful to You. However, he is only hiding his disappointment. The real test of a parent is through his children. You will see how Ayyub will reject You.” Allah still knew that Ayyub’s faith and love for his Lord will not waver, but He agreed to test Ayyub further.

Before long, the building in which Ayyub’s children lived crashed killing all fourteen of his young, beautiful children. Satan once again visited Ayyub disguised as sympathising bystander, and remarked with sorrow, “The circumstances under which your children died were sad. Surely, your Lord is not rewarding you properly for all your prayers.”

Ayyub responded, “Allah gives me what is good for me, and takes away what Allah sees that is displeasing for Him and for me. Allah sees that all of these children may be a strong test & trial for me, so Allah took them away from me. Whether a thing is beneficial or harmful to me, I will remain firm in my belief and remain thankful to my Creator.”

Satan rushed back to Allah and said, “O my Lord, Ayyub’s wealth is gone, his children are dead, and he is still healthy in body, and as long as he enjoys good health he will continue to worship You in hopes of regaining his wealth and producing more children. Grant me authority over his body so that I may weaken it. He will surely neglect worshipping You and will thus become disobedient.”

Allah granted his request but instructed, “I give you authority over his body but not over his soul, intellect or heart, for in these places reside the knowledge of Me and My religion.”

Soon after, Ayyub’s health began to deteriorate. He was so ill that the skin of his body used to fall off revealing his muscles and bone. But as Allah instructed, the only two organs that functioned in his body were his heart and tongue—which he continued to use to glorify Allah. Ayyub suffered through severe pain, but he never allowed himself to complain or falter in his belief in Allah.

The people of the city began discussing, “If Ayyub was a good person, Allah wouldn’t have done this to him”. And eventually, they abandoned him— his relatives, friends, and everyone who loved and respected Ayyub deserted him, except for Rahma, his beloved wife.

For years Ayyub continued to suffer through his condition, with none but Rahma by his side to take care of him. They had no money and no income, so his wife took up a job to provide for him. But the people of the city did not allow Rahma to work for long for they feared that she would afflict them with the same illness as her husband. Ayyub meanwhile, continued to pray to Allah to give him the strength and patience to endure this pain and suffering.

One day, Satan appeared before Rahma in the form of man and asked her, “Where is your husband?” Pointing at the almost lifeless figure of Ayyub, Rahma replied, “There he is, suspended between life and death.”

Satan then went on to remind her of the blissful days of good health, children and wealth. Overwhelmed with the years of pain and hardship, Rahma approached Ayyub and wailed, “O Ayyub, you are the prophet and the messenger of Allah. You have the closest relationship to Allah. Ask Allah to take you out of this harm that you are in!”

Ayyub sighed and replied, “Satan must have whispered to you and made you dissatisfied. Tell me how long did I enjoy good health and riches?” His wife responded, “eighty years or so.” He replied, “For how long am I suffering like this?” She said, “seven years.” Ayyub then said, “In that case I am ashamed to call on my Lord to remove my hardship, for I have not suffered longer than the years of good health and plenty. It seems your faith has weakened and you are dissatisfied with the fate of Allah. If I ever regain health, I swear I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From this day onward, I forbid myself to eat or drink anything by your hand. Leave me alone and let my Lord do with me as He pleases.”

Feeling helpless Ayyub turned to Allah seeking His mercy. “Verily, Satan has touched me with distress (by losing my health) and torment (by losing my wealth)!”, he prayed. Allah immediately responded to Ayyub’s desperate call for help. Allah said, “Strike the ground with your foot: This is a spring of water to wash in and cool and a refreshing drink.”

Ayyub immediately performed Allah’s bidding. As he struck the ground with his foot, cold water gushed at his feet. As commanded, Ayyub drank and washed his entire body using the water. Within a short while, Ayyub’s blisters disappeared, his skin renewed completely and his internal organs began functioning. Indeed, Ayyub was completely cured by the grace of Allah!

Rahma, who could not stand to be away from her husband any longer, returned home; as she entered their home, she was greeted by Ayyub whom she did not recognise.

She asked him, “Where is Ayyub? Who are you? You look very similar to him.” He replied smiling, “It’s me!” Overjoyed, she immediately embraced him and thanked Allah for His mercy.

Ayyub remembered his promise to punish his wife with a hundred strokes once he regained his health. He did not want to hurt his beloved wife, nor did he want to break his oath to Allah; so Allah, the Most Wise, instructed Ayyub, “Take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith your wife, and break not your oath.”

Allah then restored Ayyub’s wealth. Allah sent down a rain of locusts made of gold that fell all around Ayyub. When Ayyub began gathering the gold locusts, Allah asked him, “O Ayyub! Have I not made you too rich to need what you see?” Ayyub replied, “Yes, My Lord! But I cannot shun Your Blessings.”

Ayyub and Rahma were also given back their family. The couple were blessed with twenty-eight beautiful, healthy children—fourteen girls and fourteen boys.

The story of Prophet Ayyub is one adversity mixed with patience. It is easy to be a faithful servant of Allah when everything is going well but his faith never faltered during difficult times which is what makes him a remarkable being.

          QURANIC VERSES MENTIONING AYYUB

And [for] their taking of usury while they had been forbidden from it, and their consuming of the people’s wealth unjustly. And we have prepared for the disbelievers among them a painful punishment. Abiding eternally therein. The punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved. Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him. And we revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Descendants, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]. (Surah Nisa Ayat 161-163)

They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice – those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided. And that was Our [conclusive] argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing. And We gave to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – all [of them] We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and among his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good (Surah Anam Ayat 82-84).

And [mention] Job, when he called to his Lord, “Indeed, adversity has touched me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful.” So We responded to him and removed what afflicted him of adversity. And We gave him [back] his family and the like thereof with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for the worshippers [of Allah]. (Surah Anbiya Ayat 83-84) 

And remember Our servant Job, when he called to his Lord, “Indeed, Satan has touched me with hardship and torment.” [So he was told], “Strike [the ground] with your foot; this is a [spring for] a cool bath and drink.” And We granted him his family and a like [number] with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for those of understanding. [We said], “And take in your hand a bunch [of grass] and strike with it and do not break your oath.” Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah]. And remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – those of strength and [religious] vision. Indeed, We chose them for an exclusive quality: remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter]. (Surah Sad 41-46)

The Real Story of Samsons in Islam

Most people today may only recognize the Samson figure in the story of Samson and Delilah version. In fact, the figure of a powerful hero has been around for thousands of years ago in Islam.The figure of the Muslim legend is a prophet of God named Syam'un. The full name prophet of Sham'un al-Ghozi has a miracle can soften the iron and destroyed down the palace. As the story of the Prophet, when he knocked down the palatial palace with his hands, he killed many people unjustly, and Sham'un was killed at that time.

However, Allah revived the figure of Sham'un and he immediately repented for feeling sinful. From that time on, Syam'un vowed to atone for his sin by annihilating all the falsehood and infidelity in his life and busied himself in worshiping Allah for a thousand months until his hour of dying.

Based on the real story in Islam, one reason is that when the Prophet told the story of the Prophet to his companions, the angel Gabriel came down with the verse 1-5 of al-Qadar to Prophet Muhammad SAW.

In the letter, Allah describes the virtue of Lailatul Qadr or the glorious night that can only be obtained in Ramadan. It is said that the reward of the worshiper on the night of Lailatul Qadr is better than the worship of the Prophet of Sham'un for a thousand months. In writing the history of this Syam'un prophet, the writer feels still need more research to get the facts. However, as Muslims, we only need to believe the story because the Prophet has told directly about the figure of this Sham'un.

To further strengthen that faith, in this book the author tries to explain the story of the struggle of Syam'un in delivering the message of God from time to time.

The readers will be invited to explore the stories of Syam'un from the story of his birth, childhood, miracles, while developing Gaza, to be discussed also the curse of the prophet of the Children of Israel. However, the privilege of this Sham'un lies in its struggle in upholding the truth so that its name is glorified by God.

This has been explained by Allah in the Qur'an surah Yusuf verse 111, which reads, "Verily in their stories there is a teaching (Ibrah) for people who have reason."

Indeed, the Prophet of Sham'un is an unnamed figure and his story in the Qur'an. However, his story has been found in the discourse of the Prophet and some Islamic literature. In fact, one of the most comprehensive books on the story of the prophets, the Qashashul Anbiya by Ibn Kathir mentions without a doubt that Sham'un is indeed a prophet of God.

Behind his courage, Sham'un is just an ordinary man who is sometimes disappointed by his ignorant people so he tears down his people's palace. However, Sham'un knew that his most powerful enemy was also in his own home. Therefore, through his daunting struggle of da'wah, he is tested not to believe anyone except to God.

Through a book written with narrative flowing like water, the story of Sham'un is presented with inspiration, exciting, emotion, and continue to arouse curiosity. In addition, readers will also be able to know the origin of the Lailatul Qadr night.

Syam'un not mentioned in the Qur'an. But the story of this mighty prophet is found in the book of Qisasul Al Anbiya (The stories of the prophets.

In the book, it told that when the prophet Muhammad was gathering in the month of Ramadan with his companions. At that time he suddenly smiled to himself.

Seeing this, his friends asked: "What makes you smile, O Messenger of Allah?

The Prophet then replied: "Allah showed me about the atmosphere of the last day when all humans gathered in the Mahsyar field. And I saw a prophet who was walking with a sword. He walked alone to heaven without any followers. He was the prophet Syam'un.

This Prophet Samson has a special sword made of the jaw bone of a donkey. He used the sword to fight the infidels. His extraordinary strength made the prophet Samson able to fight infidels for his people (the Children of Israel), as well as against the Romans was alone.

ADAM AND ISRAEL IN THE QURAN.

˹Remember˺ when your Lord said to the angels, “I am going to place a successive ˹human˺ authority on earth.” They asked ˹Allah˺, “Will You place in it someone who will spread corruption there and shed blood while we glorify Your praises and proclaim Your holiness?” Allah responded, “I know what you do not know. He taught Adam the names of all things, then He presented them to the angels and said, “Tell Me the names of these, if what you say is true?”1They replied, “Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. You are truly the All-Knowing, All-Wise.”Allah said, “O Adam! Inform them of their names.” Then when Adam did, Allah said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?”And ˹remember˺ when We said to the angels, “Prostrate before Adam,”1 so they all did—but not Iblîs,2 who refused and acted arrogantly,3 becoming unfaithful.We cautioned, “O Adam! Live with your wife in Paradise and eat as freely as you please, but do not approach this tree, or else you will be wrongdoers.”But Satan deceived them—leading to their fall from the ˹blissful˺ state they were in,1 and We said, “Descend from the heavens ˹to the earth˺ as enemies to each other.2 You will find in the earth a residence and provision for your appointed stay.”Then Adam was inspired with words ˹of prayer˺ by his Lord,1 so He accepted his repentance. Surely He is the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful.We said, “Descend all of you! Then when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows it, there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.But those who disbelieve and deny Our signs will be the residents of the Fire. They will be there forever.”

O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and fulfill My covenant [upon you] that I will fulfill your covenant [from Me], and be afraid of [only] Me.And believe in what I have sent down confirming that which is [already] with you, and be not the first to disbelieve in it. And do not exchange My signs for a small price, and fear [only] Me.And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].Establish prayer, pay alms-tax,1 and bow down with those who bow down.Do you preach righteousness and fail to practice it yourselves, although you read the Scripture? Do you not understand?And seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is a burden except for the humblethose who are certain that they will meet their Lord and to Him they will return.O Children of Israel! Remember ˹all˺ the favours I granted you and how I honoured you above the others Guard yourselves against the Day on which no soul will be of help to another. No intercession1 will be accepted, no ransom taken, and no help will be given. Remember˺ how We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh, who afflicted you with dreadful torment, slaughtering your sons and keeping your women. That was a severe test from your Lord. And ˹remember˺ when We parted the sea, rescued you, and drowned Pharaoh’s people before your very eyes. And ˹remember˺ when We appointed forty nights for Moses, then you worshipped the calf in his absence, acting wrongfully. Even then We ˹still˺ forgave you so perhaps you would be grateful. And ˹remember˺ when We gave Moses the Scripture—the standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺ that perhaps you would be ˹rightly˺ guided. And ˹remember˺ when Moses said to his people, “O my people! Surely you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf, so turn in repentance to your Creator and execute ˹the calf-worshippers among˺ yourselves. That is best for you in the sight of your Creator.” Then He accepted your repentance. Surely He is the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful. And ˹remember˺ when you said, “O Moses! We will never believe you until we see Allah with our own eyes,” so a thunderbolt struck you while you were looking on. Then We brought you back to life after your death, so that perhaps you would be grateful. And ˹remember when˺ We shaded you with clouds and sent down to you manna and quails,1 ˹saying˺, “Eat from the good things We have provided for you.” The evildoers ˹certainly˺ did not wrong Us, but wronged themselves. And ˹remember˺ when We said, “Enter this city and eat freely from wherever you please; enter the gate with humility, saying, ‘Absolve us.’ We will forgive your sins and multiply the reward for the good-doers.But the wrongdoers changed the words they were commanded to say. So We sent down a punishment from the heavens upon them for their rebelliousness. And ˹remember˺ when Moses prayed for water for his people, We said, “Strike the rock with your staff.” Then twelve springs gushed out, ˹and˺ each tribe knew its drinking place. ˹We then said,˺ “Eat and drink of Allah’s provisions, and do not go about spreading corruption in the land.”

And ˹remember˺ when you said, “O Moses! We cannot endure the same meal ˹every day˺. So ˹just˺ call upon your Lord on our behalf, He will bring forth for us some of what the earth produces of herbs, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions.” Moses scolded ˹them˺, “Do you exchange what is better for what is worse? ˹You can˺ go down to any village and you will find what you have asked for.” They were stricken with disgrace and misery, and they invited the displeasure of Allah for rejecting Allah’s signs and unjustly killing the prophets. This is ˹a fair reward˺ for their disobedience and violations.

Indeed, the believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabians1—whoever ˹truly˺ believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good will have their reward with their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve. And ˹remember˺ when We took a covenant from you and raised the mountain above you ˹saying˺, “Hold firmly to that ˹Scripture˺ which We have given you and observe its teachings so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺. Yet you turned away afterwards. Had it not been for Allah’s grace and mercy upon you, you would have certainly been of the losers. You are already aware of those of you who broke the Sabbath. We said to them, “Be disgraced apes!So We made their fate an example to present and future generations, and a lesson to the God-fearing. And ˹remember˺ when Moses said to his people, “Allah commands you to sacrifice a cow.”1 They replied, “Are you mocking us?” Moses responded, “I seek refuge in Allah from acting foolishly!” They said, “Call upon your Lord to clarify for us what type ˹of cow˺ it should be!” He replied, “Allah says, ‘The cow should neither be old nor young but in between. So do as you are commanded!’

They said, “Call upon your Lord to specify for us its colour.” He replied, “Allah says, ‘It should be a bright yellow cow—pleasant to see.’”

Again they said, “Call upon your Lord so that He may make clear to us which cow, for all cows look the same to us. Then, Allah willing, we will be guided ˹to the right one˺

He replied, “Allah says, ‘It should have been used neither to till the soil nor water the fields; wholesome and without blemish.’” They said, “Now you have come with the truth.” Yet they still slaughtered it hesitantly!

This is˺ when a man was killed and you disputed who the killer was, but Allah revealed what you concealed.

So We instructed, “Strike the dead body with a piece of the cow.” This is how ˹easily˺ Allah brings the dead to life, showing you His signs so that you may understand.

Even then your hearts became hardened like a rock or even harder, for some rocks gush rivers; others split, spilling water; while others are humbled in awe of Allah. And Allah is never unaware of what you do.

Do you ˹believers still˺ expect them to be true to you, though a group of them would hear the word of Allah then knowingly corrupt it after understanding it?

When they meet the believers they say, “We believe.” But in private they say ˹to each other˺, “Will you disclose to the believers the knowledge Allah has revealed to you,1 so that they may use it against you before your Lord? Do you not understand?”

Do they not know that Allah is aware of what they conceal and what they reveal?

And among them are the illiterate who know nothing about the Scripture except lies, and ˹so˺ they ˹wishfully˺ speculate.

So woe1 to those who distort the Scripture with their own hands then say, “This is from Allah”—seeking a fleeting gain! So woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they have earned.

Some of˺ the Jews claim, “The Fire will not touch us except for a number of days.” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Have you taken a pledge from Allah—for Allah never breaks His word—or are you ˹just˺ saying about Allah what you do not know?”

But no! Those who commit evil and are engrossed in sin will be the residents of the Fire. They will be there forever.

And those who believe and do good will be the residents of Paradise. They will be there forever.

And ˹remember˺ when We took a covenant from the children of Israel ˹stating˺, “Worship none but Allah; be kind to parents, relatives, orphans and the needy; speak kindly to people; establish prayer; and pay alms-tax.” But you ˹Israelites˺ turned away—except for a few of you—and were indifferent.

And ˹remember˺ when We took your covenant that you would neither shed each other’s blood nor expel each other from their homes, you gave your pledge and bore witness.

But here you are, killing each other and expelling some of your people from their homes, aiding one another in sin and aggression; and when those ˹expelled˺ come to you as captives, you still ransom them—though expelling them was unlawful for you.1 Do you believe in some of the Scripture and reject the rest? Is there any reward for those who do so among you other than disgrace in this worldly life and being subjected to the harshest punishment on the Day of Judgment? For Allah is never unaware of what you do.

These are the ones who trade the Hereafter for the life of this world. So their punishment will not be reduced, nor will they be helped.

Indeed, We gave Moses the Book and sent after him successive messengers. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the holy spirit.1 Why is it that every time a messenger comes to you ˹Israelites˺ with something you do not like, you become arrogant, rejecting some and killing others?

They say, “Our hearts are unreceptive!”1 In fact, Allah has condemned them for their disbelief. They have but little faith.

Although they used to pray for victory ˹by means of the Prophet˺ over the polytheists,1 when there came to them a Book from Allah which they recognized,2 confirming the Scripture they had ˹in their hands˺, they rejected it. So may Allah’s condemnation be upon the disbelievers.

Miserable is the price they have sold their souls for—denying Allah’s revelation and resenting Allah for granting His grace to whoever He wills of His servants! They have earned wrath upon wrath. And such disbelievers will suffer a humiliating punishment.

When it is said to them: “Believe in what Allah has revealed,” they reply, “We only believe in what was sent down to us,” and they deny what came afterwards, though it is the truth confirming their own Scriptures! Ask ˹them, O  Prophet˺, “Why then did you kill Allah’s prophets before, if you are ˹truly˺ believers?”

Indeed, Moses came to you with clear proofs, then you worshipped the calf in his absence, acting wrongfully.

And when We took your covenant and raised the mountain above you ˹saying˺, “Hold firmly to that ˹Scripture˺ which We have given you and obey,” they answered, “We hear and disobey.” The love of the calf was rooted in their hearts because of their disbelief. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “How evil is what your ˹so-called˺ belief prompts you to do, if you ˹actually˺ believe ˹in the Torah˺!”

Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “If the ˹eternal˺ Home of the Hereafter with Allah is exclusively for you ˹Israelites˺ out of all humanity, then wish for death if what you say is true!”

But they will never wish for that because of what their hands have done.1 And Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of the wrongdoers.

You will surely find them clinging to life more eagerly than any other people, even more than polytheists. Each one of them wishes to live a thousand years. But even if they were to live that long, it would not save them from the punishment. And Allah is All-Seeing of what they do.

Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Whoever is an enemy of Gabriel should know that he revealed this ˹Quran˺ to your heart by Allah’s Will, confirming what came before it—a guide and good news for the believers.”

Whoever is an enemy of Allah, His angels, His messengers, Gabriel, and Michael, then ˹let them know that˺ Allah is certainly the enemy of the disbelievers.

Indeed, We have sent down to you ˹O Prophet˺ clear revelations. ˹But˺ none will deny them except the rebellious.

Why is it that every time they make a covenant, a group of them casts it aside? In fact, most of them do not believe.

Now, when a messenger from Allah has come to them—confirming their own Scriptures—some of the People of the Book cast the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they did not know.

They ˹instead˺ followed the magic promoted by the devils during the reign of Solomon. Never did Solomon disbelieve, rather the devils disbelieved. They taught magic to the people, along with what had been revealed to the two angels, Hârût and Mârût, in Babylon.1 The two angels never taught anyone without saying, “We are only a test ˹for you˺, so do not abandon ˹your˺ faith.” Yet people learned ˹magic˺ that caused a rift ˹even˺ between husband and wife; although their magic could not harm anyone except by Allah’s Will. They learned what harmed them and did not benefit them—although they already knew that whoever buys into magic would have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed was the price for which they sold their souls, if only they knew!

If only they were faithful and mindful ˹of Allah˺, there would have been a better reward from Allah, if only they knew!

O believers! Do not say, “Râ’ina.” [Herd us!] But say, “Unẓurna,” [Tend to us!] and listen ˹attentively˺.1 And the disbelievers will suffer a painful punishment.

The disbelievers from the People of the Book and the polytheists would not want you to receive any blessing from your Lord, but Allah selects whoever He wills for His mercy. And Allah is the Lord of infinite bounty.

If We ever abrogate1 a verse or cause it to be forgotten, We replace it with a better or similar one. Do you not know that Allah is Most Capable of everything?

Do you not know that the kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs ˹only˺ to Allah, and you have no guardian or helper besides Allah?

Or do you ˹believers˺ intend to ask of your Messenger as Moses was asked before?1 But whoever trades belief for disbelief has truly strayed from the Right Way.

Many among the People of the Book wish they could turn you ˹believers˺ back to disbelief because of their envy, after the truth has been made clear to them. Pardon and bear with them until Allah delivers His decision. Surely Allah is Most Capable of everything.

Establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will ˹certainly˺ find ˹its reward˺ with Allah. Surely Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.

The Jews and Christians each claim that none will enter Paradise except those of their own faith. These are their desires. Reply, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Show ˹me˺ your proof if what you say is true.”

But no! Whoever submits themselves to Allah and does good will have their reward with their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.

The Jews say, “The Christians have nothing to stand on” and the Christians say, “The Jews have nothing to stand on,” although both recite the Scriptures. And those ˹pagans˺ who have no knowledge say the same ˹about people of faith˺. Surely Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgment regarding their dispute.

Who does more wrong than those who prevent Allah’s Name from being mentioned in His places of worship and strive to destroy them? Such people have no right to enter these places except with fear.1 For them is disgrace in this world, and they will suffer a tremendous punishment in the Hereafter.

To Allah belong the east and the west, so wherever you turn you are facing ˹towards˺ Allah.1 Surely Allah is All-Encompassing,2 All-Knowing.

They1 say, “Allah has offspring.”2 Glory be to Him! In fact, to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth—all are subject to His Will.

˹He is˺ the Originator of the heavens and the earth! When He decrees a matter, He simply tells it, “Be!” And it is!

Those who have no knowledge say, “If only Allah would speak to us or a sign would come to us!” The same was said by those who came before. Their hearts are all alike. Indeed, We have made the signs clear for people of sure faith.

We have surely sent you with the truth ˹O Prophet˺ as a deliverer of good news and a warner. And you will not be accountable for the residents of the Hellfire.

Never will the Jews or Christians be pleased with you, until you follow their faith. Say, “Allah’s guidance is the only ˹true˺ guidance.” And if you were to follow their desires after ˹all˺ the knowledge that has come to you, there would be none to protect or help you against Allah.

Those We have given the Book follow it as it should be followed. It is they who ˹truly˺ believe in it. As for those who reject it, it is they who are the losers.

O Children of Israel! Remember My favours upon you and how I honoured you above the others.

And guard yourselves against the Day when no soul will be of any help to another. No ransom will be taken, no intercession accepted, and no help will be given.

˹Remember˺ when Abraham was tested by his Lord with ˹certain˺ commandments, which he fulfilled. Allah said, “I will certainly make you into a role model for the people.” Abraham asked, “What about my offspring?” Allah replied, “My covenant is not extended to the wrongdoers.”

And ˹remember˺ when We made the Sacred House1 a centre and a sanctuary for the people ˹saying˺, “˹You may˺ take the standing-place of Abraham2 as a site of prayer.” And We entrusted Abraham and Ishmael to purify My House for those who circle it, who meditate in it, and who bow and prostrate themselves ˹in prayer˺.

And ˹remember˺ when Abraham said, “My Lord, make this city ˹of Mecca˺ secure and provide fruits to its people—those among them who believe in Allah and the Last Day.” He answered, “As for those who disbelieve, I will let them enjoy themselves for a little while, then I will condemn them to the torment of the Fire. What an evil destination!”

And ˹remember˺ when Abraham raised the foundation of the House with Ishmael, ˹both praying,˺ “Our Lord! Accept ˹this˺ from us. You are indeed the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Our Lord! Make us both ˹fully˺ submit to You1 and from our descendants a nation that will submit to you. Show us our rituals, and turn to us in grace. You are truly the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful.

Our Lord! Raise from among them a messenger who will recite to them Your revelations, teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. Indeed, You ˹alone˺ are the Almighty, All-Wise.”

And who would reject the faith of Abraham except a fool! We certainly chose him in this life, and in the Hereafter he will surely be among the righteous.

THIS IS QURAN 2-FROM 31 TO 133.