Night 10
Surah 8: Al-Anfal (“The Spoils of War”) Verses 41-75
Description of verses:
41-54 Details about the battle of Badr
55-71 Dealing with those who violate treaties, preparing for battle with them, proposing a peaceful solution with them, the law of taking prisoners of war and accepting ransom for them
72-75 Categories of the believers based on faith and the migration from Mecca to Madina
Surah 9: At-Tawbah (“The Repentance”) Verses 1-92
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat At-Tawbah completes Surat Al-Anfal because it talks about national and international relations, war and peace, treaties, and behavior during times of battle.
Place of revelation: Madina: Surat At-Tawba was among the last Surahs to be revealed. It came down during the ninth year of hijra.
Summary of the Surah: Surat At-Tawba is the only Surah in the Qur’an that does not begin with, “Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem.” Ibn ‘Abbas asked ‘Ali about the reason for this, and he said, “It is because ‘Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem’ means mercy and safety, and this Surah is about people who wage war against Islam and Muslims, hypocrites, and people who violate the terms of treaties, and there is no mercy or safety for these people.” Surat At-Tawba has two main themes. The first theme is the rules of jihad, and the second theme is how to differentiate between the believers and the hypocrites.
Description of verses:
1-16 The polytheists violating the treaties, the declaration of war against them, and the destiny of the polytheists, either tawbah or war
17-18 Building the masajid
19-24 The virtues of believing in Allah and the Day of Judgment, the virtues of struggling in the cause of Allah SWT, and putting Allah SWT and His messenger above anything else
25-41 How Allah SWT granted victory to the Muslims in the battle of Hunayn, the prohibition of allowing the polytheists to enter the sacred mosque in Mecca, fighting the People of the Book who violated their treaties with the Muslims, the migration to Mecca and the miracle of the cave
42-92 The hypocrites, their plans to stay behind from the expedition of Tabuk and their lies and excuses, the ruling of zakah and the eight categories for zakah (please note that the verses about zakah are located between the verses about hypocrites since someone who does not pay his/her zakah is violating the law of Allah SWT, making him/her a hypocrite), the hypocrites’ harm to the Prophet SAWS, their fear of the Qur’an exposing them, the characteristics of the hypocrites, their punishment on the Day of Judgment, the difference between the hypocrites and the believers and the believers’ reward with Allah on the Day of Judgment, fighting the hypocrites and polytheists and those who show hostility to the Muslim community and the causes for fighting them, their lying and betrayal of trust (the story of Tha’laba ibn Hatib), their insulting of the believers, the command of Allah not to pray on them and a warning to the believers not to be distracted by the hypocrites’ wealth and power, and the legitimate reasons why some Muslims stayed behind from the expedition of Tabuk
Night 9
Surah 7: Al-A’raf (“The Heights”) Verses 103-206
Description of verses:
103-171 The story of Musa AS and the Pharaoh (including the splitting of the sea and the death of the Pharaoh), the story of Al-Samery and worshipping the calf, the ungratefulness of the Children of Israel, the punishment of arrogance, and the command of Allah SWT to Musa AS to enter Jerusalem
172-179 The story of Bal’am bin Ba’ura and the causes of guidance and misguidance
180-188 Calling upon Allah SWT using His Most Beautiful Names, the guided and the misguided people among the community of Muslims, and the knowledge of the Hour and the unseen 189-206 The command of believing in the oneness of Allah SWT, the command of abandoning polytheism, morality, and following the Qur’an and the Prophet SAWS
Surah 8: Al-Anfal (“The Spoils of War”) Verses 1-40
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat Al-A’raf talks about the previous generations of prophets and the difficulties they faced with their people. Surat Al-Anfal returns to the Prophet Muhammad SAWS and the opposition he faced from his people.
Place of revelation: Madina
Summary of the Surah: Surat Al-Anfal outlines the rulings of jihad, the rules of engagement, and the distribution of spoils of war, hence its title. It emphasizes spreading peace over fighting. It also emphasizes that victory comes from Allah SWT alone and that Allah SWT has the power to honor some nations and humiliate others. Continue reading for a description of tonight’s verses.
Description of verses:
1-4 The distribution of the spoils of war and some characteristics of the believers
5-19 Details about the battle of Badr, the first battle between the Prophet SAWS and the polytheists in Mecca
20-28 The command to obey Allah SWT and His prophet and not to betray Allah SWT and His prophet and the command not to betray trust in general
29 Taqwa and its virtues
30-40 The plotting of the polytheists about the Prophet SAWS, their prayer around the Kaaba, how they used to spend money to keep people away from the path of Allah, and the promise of Allah SWT to forgive them if they give up their ignorant, arrogant ways and follow the path of Allah SWT
Night 8
Surah 6: Al-An’am (“The Cattle”) Verses 111-165
Description of verses:
111-128 The stubbornness of the polytheists, the example of the believer and the disbeliever and the reward of each
129-144 Scolding the disbelievers and threatening severe punishment on the Day of Judgment, the traditions of pre-Islamic peoples, and the signs of the power of Allah
145-153 List of food that is haram for Muslims and Jews and the Ten Commandments
154-165 The reasons for sending down the Qur’an and the Torah, the rewards of good and evil, the consequences of following a religion other than the religion of Allah SWT, the importance of following the tradition of Ibrahim AS (his belief in the oneness of Allah, his worship, and his virtues), and achieving authority on earth by believing in Allah SWT
Surah 7: Al-A’raf (“The Heights”) Verses 1-87
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat Al-An’am talks about the polytheists, their disbelief and their opposition to the Prophet Muhammad SAWS. Surat Al-A’raf continues by reminding us of the previous generations of prophets who faced similar difficulties.
Place of revelation: Mecca Significance of the name: Al-A’raf is a wall, a height, or a mountain between paradise and hell fire. Hudhayfah was asked about the companions of Al-A’raf, and he said, “They are those whose good deeds and evil deeds are equal. Their good deeds were not good enough for them to enter jannah, and their evil deeds were not evil enough to cause them to enter hell, so they will stand on the heights until Allah SWT decides their final destination.”
Summary of the Surah: The main theme of Surat Al-A’raf is creed: the existence of Allah SWT, affirmation of the unity of Allah SWT, affirmation of the prophets, and the resurrection. This Surah contains the stories of many prophets, including Adam AS, Nuh AS, Hud AS, Saleh AS, Lut AS, and Shu’aib AS.
Description of verses:
1-25 Following the Qur’an, the punishment of opposing the prophets in life and in the hereafter, honoring mankind by commanding the angels to prostrate to Adam AS and the story of Adam AS in jannah
26-33 How Allah SWT provides for all of our needs, warning about the Shaytan, the difference between the legislation of Allah and that of the polytheists, the permissibility of adornment and eating and drinking from the pure, lawful substances, and the foundation of the prohibitions
34-53 The destiny of every nation and every individual, the way that every prophet addressed his people, the punishment of opposing the prophets and the reward of believing in them, the companions of Al-A’raf and the companions of hell fire and the conversation between them, the people of hell begging the people of paradise for help, and condition of those who denied the resurrection on the Last Day 54-87 Affirmation of the oneness of Allah SWT, supplication and its etiquettes, the prohibition of spreading corruption on earth, signs of the existence of Allah SWT (such as sending down the rain and bringing up crops), and the stories of Nuh AS, Hud AS, Saleh AS, Lut AS, and Shu’aib AS
Night 7
Surah 5: Al-Ma’idah (“The Table Spread”) Verses 82-120
Description of verses:
82-86 The relationship between Jews, Christians, and Muslims
87-100 The prohibitions of alcohol, gambling, breaking vows, and hunting in the state of ihram, and the sacredness of the Kaaba
101-108 The prohibition of asking too much about things that don’t benefit you and the requirement of having witnesses for wills
109-120 The truth about the Prophet ‘Isa AS
Surah 6: Al-An’am (“The Cattle”) Verses 1-110
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat Al-Ma’idah talks about revelations and relationships with the People of the Book, and Surat Al-An’am talks about the polytheists and their rejection of the unity of Allah SWT.
Place of revelation: Makkah: This Surah came down in one night because it contains the foundations of the creed. Ibn ‘Abbas said, “Surat Al-An’am was revealed in Makkah in one night with 70,000 angels present glorifying and praising Allah.”
Summary of the Surah: Surat Al-An’am outlines the ‘aqeedah, such as belief in Allah, belief in the prophets and messengers, belief in the revelation, belief in the Day of Judgment, and the concept of reward and punishment.
Description of verses:
1-58 Signs of the existence of Allah SWT, breaking down the arguments of those who deny Allah’s existence, the opposition of the people in Makkah to the Prophet SAWS, the sorrow of the Prophet SAWS over their disbelief, evidence of the oneness of Allah SWT and the mission of the prophets
59-67 The might of Allah SWT over those who reject Him
68-73 The prohibition of keeping company with those who mock the religion of Allah and the virtues of believing in Allah SWT
74-90 The story of Prophet Ibrahim AS, his journey to belief and his struggle with his people
91-110 Affirmation of the prophethood, the purpose of sending prophets, lying about Allah and its punishment, Allah and the universe, and the prohibition of cursing the gods of the polytheists so that they in turn do not insult Allah
Night 6
Surah 4: An-Nisa (“The Women”) Verses 148-176
Description of verses:
148-152 Belief and disbelief and the reward of each
153-162 Relationship of other faith communities with Allah
163-175 The purpose and the wisdom of sending messengers and believing in them
176 Inheritance law
Surah 5: Al-Ma’idah (“The Table Spread”) Verses 1-81
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: There are a few similarities between Surat An-Nisa and Surat Al-Ma’idah. Surat An-Nisa discusses treaties, covenants, and contracts, and Surat Al-Ma’idah begins by commanding people to fulfill their covenants. Surat An-Nisa introduced the prohibition of alcohol, and Surat Al-Ma’idah finalized this prohibition. Also, both of these Surahs contain laws related to the People of the Book, polytheists, and hypocrites.
Significance of the name: This Surah was called “The Table Spread” because the people of ‘Isa AS asked him to ask Allah SWT to send town a table spread with food as a sign that he was a true Prophet. Another name for this Surah is Surat Al-‘Uqud (“The Surah of Contracts”).
Place of revelation: Madina: Surah Al-Ma’idah was revealed after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. It is believed that this was the last Surah that was revealed to the Prophet SAWS. There is a hadith that the Prophet SAWS recited this Surah during his farewell sermon, and that he said, “Whatever permissible matters you find in it, then consider them permissible, and whatever impermissible matters you find in it, then consider them impermissible” (Imam Ahmad).
Summary of the Surah: Surah Al-Ma’idah outlines a number of laws, including laws of contracts, laws about the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims (for example, interfaith marriage and what Muslims are allowed to eat from the food of the People of the Book). It also establishes that the religion of Allah is one even though there are slight differences between the Prophets. This Surah tells three important stories: the story of Musa AS and his followers, the story of the sons of Adam AS (Qabil and Habil) and the story of the table spread.
Description of verses:
1-5 Fulfilling promises and contracts, working together for the sake of righteousness, and marrying and eating the food of the People of the Book
6-14 Laws of wudu, ghusl, and tayammum, the importance of fulfilling contracts and judging with justice, and examples of those who betrayed their trust
15-32 The story of Musa AS reminding his people of Allah’s blessings and the story of the sons of Adam AS
33-50 Penalties of certain crimes (such as vandalism, robbery, and terrorism), the law in the Torah and the Qur’an and how the Jews responded to the law in the Torah
51-66 The prohibition of supporting those who show hostility to the community
67-81 The universal message of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS and misconceptions about the Prophet ‘Isa AS
Night 5
Surah 4: An-Nisa (“The Women”) Verses 24-148
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surah Ali ‘Imran ends with a command to the believers to have taqwa, and Surah An-Nisa begins with a command of taqwa for all mankind.
Place of revelation: Madina: Aisha said, “Surat An-Nisa was revealed when I became the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS),” and Sayyida Aisha started her life with the Prophet (SAWS) in the month of Shawwal in the first year of Hijra.
Virtue of the Surah: The companion Abdullah ibn Mas’ud said, “There are four verses in Surat An-Nisa that are better than life and whatsoever is in life. The first is verse number 40, ‘Surely, Allah is never unjust in the least degree […],’ the second is verse number 31, ‘If you avoid the most evil of the things that you are forbidden to do, We shall expel out of you all the evil in you, and admit you to a Gate of Great Honor’ the third is verse number 48, ‘Indeed, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him; But He forgives anything else to whom He pleases; And he who sets up partners with Allah has devised a sin most wicked,’ and the fourth is verse number 64, ‘[…] If they had only come to you when they were unjust to themselves, and asked for Allah’s forgiveness, and the messenger had asked for forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah is Forgiving and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.’”
Summary: Surat An-Nisa speaks about family law and universal law and the connection between the family and society. It outlines detailed rulings from the Shari’a related to women. For example, it grants women complete freedom to spend their money as they choose, explains the rights and responsibilities of married women, and describes the laws of inheritance in detail. Finally, this Surah establishes that the pillars of a strong society are mercy, cooperation, and equality.
Description of verses:
24-29 Family and inheritance law
30-32 Importance of avoiding sins, such as riba and envy
33-44 Family law and orphans
45-58 The relationship of other faith communities with Muslims and with Allah
59-100 The ethics and morals of a society, including fulfilling promises, trust, justice, following the orders of Allah and His Prophet, and helping the oppressed. These verses expose those who do not possess the above ethics and morals (hypocrites).
101-134 Rulings of prayer (the prayer of the traveler and the prayer of fear), the importance of judging between people with justice, and the reward of righteousness/working hard to achieve jannah.
135-148 Hypocrites and their qualities
Night 4
Surah 3: Al-Imran (“The Family of Imran”) Verses 93-200
Description of verses:
93-95 A response to the People of Book’s prohibition of certain foods
96-97 The virtues of the sacred mosque
98-99 A warning to some of the People of the Book
100-103 Instructing the believers to hold tight to Islam and the Qur’an
104-109 Enjoining the good and forbidding the evil
110-112 Why the believers are superior
113-115 The believing group from the People of the Book
116-117 The actions of the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment
118-120 A warning against trusting enemies
121-129 The battle of Uhud
130-136 Instructing the believers to do good deeds and avoid bad deeds and the reward of obedience
137-141 The punishment of the disbelievers and the reward of those who have taqwa
142-148 The importance of holding tight to one’s values
149-151 A warning against obeying disbelievers
152-180 Reasons that the Muslims lost the battle of Uhud; A warning to the believers against listening to hypocrites; The Prophet Muhammad’s mercy toward people who made mistakes during the battle of Uhud; The justice of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS and his mission to build his community; Mistakes of the believers during the battle of Uhud; The status of the martyrs from the battle of Uhud before Allah SWT; Removing the sorrow from the heart of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS after the defeat of Uhud
181-184 Some of the People of the Book attributing poverty to Allah SWT and lying to the Prophet of Allah
185-186 Trials in life
187-189 The covenant of the People of the Book
190-195 Reflecting on the creation of the heavens and the earth
196-200 The believers, the disbelievers, and the believers from the People of the Book, and the reward of each
Surah 4: An-Nisaa (“The Women”) Verses 1-23
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: Surat Al-Imran ends by commanding the believers to have taqwa, and Surat An-Nisaa begins with a command to all people to have taqwa. Also, both Surat Al-Imran and Surat An-Nisaa discuss the battle of Uhud.
Significance of the name: This surah is called An-Nisaa because it contains many rulings pertaining to women.
Place of revelation: Madina
Summary of the Surah: Surat An-Nisaa outlines rulings on family and encourages us to take the values and principles that we live within our homes and families and apply them in the broader society. This is another wisdom of the title, since women are the foundation of the family and the mothers of the next generation. A major theme of Surat An-Nisaa is rulings pertaining to women of all ages. It establishes women’s rights in marriage and in their familes, as well as women’s rights to own property and to inherit. This surah also talks about marriage in general, how to protect one’s marriage, and how to resolve disputes between spouses. Surat An-Nisaa explains that having a strong society is dependent upon working together, caring about one another, and being merciful toward one another, beginning in our own homes. Finally, the surah discusses international relations. In this sense, it moves from the level of the individual/the family, to the level of the society, then to the world.
Virtue of the Surah: Abdullah ibn Masud was heard saying, “There are five verses in Surat An-Nisaa that are better than life and whatsoever is in life:
- ‘And Allah does not wrong even the weight of an atom’
- ‘And if you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to commit, then We will forgive your sins, and We will grant you a great entrance’
- ‘Allah does not forgive those who associate partners with Him, but He forgives all other sins’
- ‘And if the hypocrites, when they had been unjust to themselves, had asked Allah’s forgiveness and come to you (the Prophet Muhammad), and if you had forgiven them, then they would have found Allah to be Oft-Forgiving and Most Merciful’
- ‘And whoever wrongs himself or does evil, then seeks Allah’s forgiveness afterwards, he will find Allah to be Oft-Forgiving and Most Merciful’” (Al-Tabari)
Description of verses:
1 The origin of mankind
2 The prohibition of devouring orphan’s money
3-4 Polygamy
5-6 The responsibility of taking care of minors’ money
7-14 The rights of heirs in inheritance
15-16 The prohibition of zina
17-18 Tawbah
19-21 How to treat women; The prohibition of taking their inheritance and dowry
22-23 Women whom men are forbidden to marry (mahaarim)
Night 3
Surah 2: Al-Baqarah (“The Cow”) Verses 253-286
Summary: This part of Surat Al-Baqarah contains two passages that we need to reflect on due to their greatness. The first one is ayat al-kursi (verse 255). Ayat al-kursi is the greatest ayah in the Qur’an. In the verse that directly precedes ayat al-kursi, Allah SWT mentions that sincerity and righteousness are what Allah SWT will accept from people. Nothing else (money, children, intercession, ties of kinship, friendship, etc.) will benefit people on the Day of Judgment. He also says that even though the prophets have different statuses before God, they share one mission and one religion. That religion is believing in the oneness of Allah SWT and having good character. Ayat al-kursi came down to affirm the creed and the foundation of worship. The ayah is so powerful that it makes you feel the greatness of Allah SWT. There are so many ahadith about the virtues of ayat al-kursi. For example, Ubayy ibn Ka’ab narrated that the Prophet SAWS said to him, “Ayat al-kursi is the greatest ayah in the book of Allah. It has a tongue and two lips, and it glorifies Allah at the foot of the throne” (Muslim). The Prophet SAWS also said, “Whoever recites ayat al-kursi after each prayer, nothing will prevent him from entering jannah” (An-Nasaai). In many other ahadith, the Prophet SAWS talked about how reciting ayat al-kursi can protect you from evil. The second part that we need to reflect on is verses 285 and 286. Allah SWT started Surat Al-Baqarah talking about the Qur’an and the believers, comparing the believers and the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Allah SWT then outlines some rulings (of hajj, divorce, fasting, etc.). Then Allah SWT ends the surah by talking about the belief of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS and his followers in previous prophets, messengers, and books. Finally, Allah SWT highlights the greatness of this ummah and His blessings upon us. He highlights how He has blessed our ummah with easy rulings and how the believers asked Allah SWT to bless them, forgive them, and give them victory. The Prophet SAWS said, “Whoever recites the last two verses of Surat Al-Baqara, they will be sufficient for him” (Muslim).
Description of verses:
253-254 The statuses of the prophets
255 Ayat al-kursi
256-257 There is no compulsion in religion.
258 The story of Prophet Ibrahim and King Namruz
259 The story of the aziz and his donkey
260 Prophet Ibrahim’s curiosity about resurrection
261-271 The reward of giving in the cause of Allah SWT and the etiquette of giving
272-274 The recipients of sadaqa
275-281 Usury and its harmful effects on individuals and the society
282-283 The necessity of writing contracts for business transactions
284-286 Allah’s knowledge encompasses all things; belief in previous prophets, messengers, and books; the du’a of the believers (see above)
Surah 3: Al-Imran (“The Family of Imran”) Verses 1-92
Relationship between this Surah and the preceding Surah: There are a few similarities between Surat Al-Baqarah and Surat Al-Imran. The first similarity is that both of these surahs discuss the Qur’an and people’s attitudes toward the Qur’an. The second similarity is that Surat Al-Baqarah explains the creation of Prophet Adam, and Surat Al-Imran explains the creation of Prophet Isa. The third similarity is that both surahs end with a du’a.
Significance of the name: This Surah is called Al-Imran because it tells the story of the family of Imran, who was the father of Maryam, the mother of Prophet Isa.
Place of revelation: Madina
Summary of the Surah: Like any madani surah, Surat Al-Imran focuses on creed and the oneness of Allah SWT. A major focus of the surah is negating the false claims that Allah SWT has a son and false claims about the Prophet Isa. This surah also outlines some rulings, like the rulings of hajj, the prohibition of usury, and the punishment of those who don’t pay zakah. Surat Al-Imran also reflects on some of the lessons learned from the battles of Badr and Uhud. Finally, the surah ends by encouraging humans to reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth and all that they contain. It encourages people to have patience and reconnect themselves to Allah SWT.
Virtue of the Surah: There are many ahadith about the merits of Surat Al-Imran. For example, the Prophet Muhammad SAWS said, “Recite the two radiant ones, Surat Al-Baqarah and Surat Al-Imran, because they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds pleading for those who used to recite them” (Muslim).
Description of verses:
1-9 Affirming the oneness of Allah SWT and revelation
10-13 The punishment of disbelievers who become arrogant because of their wealth and children
14-17 Following desires vs. having taqwa and the reward of having taqwa
18-20 The oneness of Allah SWT; submission to Allah SWT
21-22 The punishment of killing prophets and messengers
23-25 How the People of the Book disobeyed Allah’s commandments
26-27 Evidence of Allah’s greatness and might in His creation
28-30 The warning against befriending people who show hostility toward believers
31-32 Following the Prophet of Allah
33-37 The story of the mother of Maryam
38-41 The story of Prophet Zakariyya and Prophet Yahya
42-51 The pregnancy of Maryam and the birth of Prophet Isa
52-58 The Prophet Isa with his people
59-63 Responding to those who claimed that Prophet Isa was God
64-68 An invitation to the oneness of Allah SWT, worshipping Him, and following the way of Prophet Ibrahim
69-74 The attempt of the People of the Book to misguide believers
75-77 The trustworthiness of some of the People of the Book
78-80 The false claims of some of the People of the Book about the prophets
81-85 The covenants of the prophets; belief in all prophets
86-91 Tawbah that Allah SWT will not accept
92 The reward of giving
Night 2
Surah 2: Al-Baqarah (“The Cow”) Verses 142-253
Summary: The second juz of the Qur’an is still Surat Al-Baqarah. It focuses on legislation and commandments that every community must follow. This juz has a few major themes: obeying Allah SWT, having taqwa of Allah SWT, having good qualities (such as patience, gratitude, and integrity), and the special status of the believers. This juz also highlights the connection between people and Allah SWT through acts of worship like du’a and dhikr.
Description of verses:
142-152 The changing of the qibla and the reaction of the disbelievers to this change
153-157 Patience during times of tribulation. These verses show that every person on the face of the earth goes through trials, and that the appropriate response to trials is to be patient. Patience is the greatest cure for tribulations, and the patient ones are those who will be rewarded in this life and the next life. Being patient doesn’t mean that you can’t express emotions. The Prophet SAWS cried when his son Ibrahim passed away. Someone asked him, “O Prophet of Allah, isn’t it prohibited to cry about trials?” He SAWS responded, “It’s mercy. The tears flow, and the heart feels sad, but we won’t say anything to displease Allah SWT. I am saddened by the loss of my son Ibrahim” (Bukhari and Muslim). The Prophet SAWS taught us how we should respond to trials. He SAWS said, “When a servant is afflicted with a trial, if he says, ‘To Allah we belong, and to Allah we will return. O Allah, help me through this hard time, and compensate me with something better,’ then Allah SWT will help him” (Muslim).
158-162 The ritual of Al-Safa and Al-Marwa and the wisdom behind it
163-164 The unity of Allah SWT, His mercy, and His might
165-167 The status of people who associate partners with Allah SWT
168-173 The wisdom behind good and evil; lawful and unlawful food
174-176 Allah SWT exposes past communities who hid what Allah SWT revealed
177 The true meaning of righteousness
178-179 The wisdom behind qasas
180-182 Islamic wills
183-187 Fasting and the rules of fasting
188 Illegally devouring people’s money
189 The Islamic lunar calendar and the true meaning of birr
190-195 Islamic rules of engagement. In this part, Allah SWT encourages Muslims to defend themselves against those who fight them and not to transgress
196-203 The virtues of hajj and umrah
204-207 The characteristics of the hypocrites and of the sincere people
208-212 Encouraging believers to work for peace and the punishment of those who don’t promote peace
213-214 Humanity’s need for prophets and messengers
215 How to spend one’s sadaqa
216-218 The fiqh of jihad
219 The second phase of prohibiting alcohol and gambling
220 Guardianship of orphans
221 The fiqh of Muslims marrying non-Muslims
222-223 The fiqh of menstruation
224-225 The prohibition of taking false oaths
226-237 The fiqh of divorce and iddah, breastfeeding, spending on children, the iddah of a widow, and proposing to a widow; the iddah and other rulings about a divorced woman whose marriage was never consummated.
238-239 The importance of prayer
240-242 Spousal support
243-245 Good and bad characteristics of previous nations
246-247 The story of the Prophet Samuel and David and Goliath
Night 1
Surah: Al-Baqarah, Verses 1-141
Place of revelation: Surat Al-Baqarah was the first surah that was revealed in Madina. It came down in order to establish guidelines for Muslims who were living in a new society and provide a framework for their lives.
Virtue of the Surah: Surat Al Baqara provides protection from evil and the Shaytan. The Prophet SAWS said, “Do not make your houses like graves. Shaytan runs from any house where Surat Al-Baqara is recited” (Muslim). He SAWS also said, “Recite Surat Al-Baqara. Because reciting it is a blessing, and ignoring it is a source of sorrow, and it cancels out sorcery (Muslim). The Prophet SAWS also said, “Everything has a peak, and the peak of the Qur’an is Surat Al-Baqara. Whoever recites it at night in his house, Shaytan will not enter that house for three nights, and whoever recites it during the day, Shaytan will not enter his house for three days” (Ibn Hibban). Another hadith states, “On the Day of Judgment, the Qur’an and the people who used to apply it will be brought forth, led by Surat Al-Baqara and Al-Imran” (Ahmad).
Summary: The surah is called Surat Al-Baqarah because of the cow that Allah SWT ordered the people of Musa to slaughter in order to find out the identity of a murderer.
Description of verses:
1-20 Revelation is from God, and there is no doubt about it; descriptions of the believers, the disbelievers, and the hypocrites
21-25 The command to worship Allah SWT alone; challenging people to produce something similar to the Qur’an; the reward of the believers
26-27 The purpose of giving examples in the Qur’an
28-29 The power of Allah SWT in creating man and the heavens and the earth
30-39 The story of the creation of Adam and his expulsion from jannah
40-105 The story of Musa and his people; Allah SWT mentions how He wanted the people of Musa to worship Him sincerely and to stay away from forbidden things; Allah SWT reminded the people of Musa of His blessings upon them; Allah SWT talks about some of the crimes of the people of Musa and how they were punished. The story of the cow: Allah SWT ordered the people of Musa to slaughter a cow and to take a part of the cow and hit the body of a deceased person with it. This would cause him to come back to life temporarily and reveal the identity of his killer. But this group of people did not obey the commands of Allah SWT. Allah SWT also talks about how they corrupted the revelations of God, how they violated covenants, how they killed prophets and messengers and disrespected the angels, and how some of them got caught up in magic and sorcery.
106-108 The abrogation of some laws
109-113 How the People of the Book addressed the believers and how the believers should respond; how the Jews and the Christians perceive one another
114-115 Masajid are for Allah SWT, and the whole earth is a masjid.
116-123 The mischaracterization of Allah SWT by the People of the Book; a warning against adopting those views
124-137 How the Prophet Ibrahim was tested; the virtues of the sacred house in Mecca; how Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail established the foundation of the sacred mosque in Mecca; the importance of following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim; invalidating the claim of some Jews that they follow the way of Ibrahim and Yaqub
138-141 Faith and its impact on the soul and how it leads to servitude of Allah