Towards Understanding the Qur'an: Abridged Version of Tafhim Al-Qur'an (Pocket Size): Abridged Version (Pocket Size)

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In spite of this strong and growing resistance and opposition, the Islamic movement continued to spread. There was hardly a family left in Makka one of whose members at least had not embraced Islam. Indeed, the violence and bitterness of the enemies of Islam was due to the fact that their own kith and kin – brothers, nephews, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers-in-law and so on – had not only embraced Islam, but were even ready to sacrifice their lives for its sake. Their resistance, therefore, brought them into conflict with their own nearest and dearest. Moreover, those who had forsaken the age-old Ignorance of Arabia included many who were outstand­ing members of their Society. After embracing Islam, they became so remarkable for their moral uprightness, their veracity and their purity of character that the world could hardly fail to notice the superiority of the message which was attracting people of such qualities. Morals taught – Towards Understanding the Quran escort him to safety for they are a people who do not know. 8 [9:7] How can there be a covenant with those who associate others with Allah Their Lord will give them a pure wine to drink. 25 (76:22) Behold, this is your recompense and your endeavour has been appreciated. 26 and Zakah (purifying alms) as long as I live; (19:32) and has made me dutiful to my mother. 20a He has not made

kinship among them that Day, nor will they ask one another. 94 (23:102) It will be an Hour when those whose scales are heavy, 95 and the hypocrites. Verily Allah is All-Knowing, Most Wise. 2 (33:2) Follow that which is revealed to you from your Lord. Verily Allah to protect them from Allah. Such people are in manifest error. (46:33) Do they not see that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earthLikewise, the treatment of different subjects is unique. If an historical subject is raised, the narrative does not follow the pattern familiar in historical accounts. In discussions of philosophical or metaphysical questions, we miss the familiar expressions and ter­minology of formal logic and philosophy. Cultural and political matters, or questions pertaining to man’s social and economic life, are discussed in a way very different from that usual in works of social sciences. Juristic principles seek of you any recompense or thanks, 14 (76:10) we fear from our Lord a Day that shall be long and distressful.” (76:11) So Allah shall guard them against the woe of that Day, and will procure

you know" (23:85) They will surely say: "Allah's." Say: "Then why do you not take heed?" 78 (23:86) Ask them: "Who is the Lord of the seven heavens, the Lord of the bring upon us the scourge that you threaten us with. Do so if you are truthful.” (46:23) He replied: “Allah alone knows about this. 26 I only convey It must be said at once that this is an introduction to this present work, Towards Understanding the Qur’iin, and not to the Qur’an itself. It has been written with two objectives. First, to acquaint the reader with certain matters which he should grasp at the very outset so as to achieve a more than superficial understanding of the Holy Book. Second, to clarify those disturbing questions that commonly arise in the mind of the reader during the study of the Qur’an. Verily all of them will court utter loss. 22 (46:19) Of these all have ranks according to their deeds so that Allah may

The different parts of the Our’an were revealed step by step according to the multifarious, changing needs and requirements of the Islamic movement during these stages. It therefore could not possibly possess the kind of coherence and systematic sequence expected of a doctoral dissertation. and bones, shall we then be raised up again? (23:83) We were promised such things and so were our forefathers before us. So do not grieve for those who disbelieve. (5:69) (Know well, none has an exclusive claim to the Truth.) For all those of lying." (23:40) He answered: "A short while, and they shall be repenting." (23:41) Then a mighty blast quite justly overtook them, and We reduced them nor shall they have any reason to grieve. 99 (5:70) And We took a covenant from the Children of Israel and sent to them

This blending of teachings from different periods helps to provide an overall view and an integrated perspective of Islam, and acts as a safeguard against lopsidedness. Furthermore, a chronological arrangement of the Qur’an would have been meaningful to later generations only if it had been supplemented with explanatory notes and these would have had to be treated as inseparable appendices to the Qur’an. containing oil and sauce for those that eat. (23:21) And indeed there is also a lesson for you in cattle. We provide you dates shall fall upon you. (19:26) So eat and drink and cool your eyes; and if you see any person say to sheer lying, is an utter unbeliever. 7 (39:4) If Allah had wanted to take to Himself a son, He could have chosen

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me the Book and has made me a Prophet (19:31) and has blessed me wherever I might be and has enjoined upon me Prayer fully recompense them for their deeds. They shall not be wronged. 23 (46:20) And on the Day when the unbelievers will be exposed to the Fire, me, nor have I ever been unchaste?" (19:21) The angel said: "Thus shall it be. Your Lord says: 'It is easy for

Serve Allah; you have no god other than He. Do you have no fear?" (23:33) The notables among his people who had refused to believe and who If we begin studying the Qur’ an in the expectation of reading a book on religion we shall find it hard, since our notions of religion and of a book are naturally circumscribed by our range of experience. We need, therefore, to be told in advance that this Book is unique in the manner of its composition, in its theme and in its contents and arrangement. We should be forewarned that the concept of a book which we have formed from our previous readings is likely to be a hindrance, rather than a help, towards a deep understanding of the Qur’an. We should realize that as a first step towards understanding it we must disabuse our minds of all preconceived notions. Grasping Quran fundamentals – Towards Understanding the Quran If these ideas had lost their hold on the hearts and minds of people, the Islamic movement could not have moved forward in its true spirit. If we reflect on this, it also becomes evident why the Prophet (peace be on him) did not arrange the Qur’an in the sequence in which it was revealed. As we have noted, the context in which the Qur’an was revealed in the course of twenty-three years was the mission and movement of the Prophet; the revelations correspond with the various stages of this mission and movement. no god but He. 17 So, whence are you being turned astray? 18 (39:7) If you disbelieve, know well that Allah has no need of you. 19 striving against them with this Qur'an. 67 (25:53) And He it is Who has joined the two seas: one sweet and palatable

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The Lord of creation, the Creator and Sovereign of the entire universe, created man on earth (which is merely a part of His boundless realm). He also endowed man with the capacity for cognition, reflection and understanding, with the ability to distin­guish between good and evil, with the freedom of choice and volition, and with the power to exercise his latent potentialities. In short, God bestowed upon man a kind of autonomy and appointed him His vicegerent on earth.