THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN AND OBLIGATORY/RECOMMENDED SAJDAH THEREIN

There are fifteen places in the Glorious Qur’an where the reciter is required to do Sajdah; out of which four Ayahs contain Sajdah Wajib (obligatory) and the remaining eleven places, it is Mustahab (recommended) to perform Sajdah.

Wajib (obligatory) Sajdah are:

1.       Surah al-Sajdah Ayah 32, “Only those believe in Our Ayahs who, when they are reminded by them, fall down in prostration and exalt with praise of their Lord, and they are not arrogant.”

2.       Surah al-Najm Ayah 62, “So prostrate to Allah and worship Him.”

3.       Surah al-Alaq Ayah 19, “No, do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near (to Allah).”

4.       Surah al-Fussilat Ayah 38, “If people are very arrogant to prostrate before your Lord, allow them to know that Allah’s other creatures glorify Him both day and night without fatigue.”

Mustahab (recommended) Sajdah are:

1.       Surah al-A’raf Ayah 206, “Indeed, those who are near your Lord are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.”

2.       Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 15, “And to Allah prostrate whoever is within the heaven and the earth, willingly or by compulsion, and their shadows (as well) in the mornings and the afternoons.”

3.       Surah al-Nahl Ayah 50, “They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded.”

4.       Surah Bani Isra’el Ayah 109, “And they fall upon their faces weeping, and the Qur’an increases them in humble submission.”

5.       Surah Maryam Ayah 58, “They were the ones upon whom Allah bestowed favors among prophets of the descendants of Adam and of those We carried (in the ship) with Noah, and the descendants of Ibrahim and Isra’el, and of those whom We guided and chose. When the Ayahs of the Most Merciful are recited to them, they fall in prostration and weeping.”

6.       Surah al-Hajj Ayah 18, “Do you not see that to Allah prostrate whoever is in the heavens and whoever is in the earth, and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people. But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom Allah humiliates-for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, Allah does what He wants.

7.       Surah al-Furqan Ayah 60, “And when it is said to them, “Prostrate to the Most Merciful”, they say, “And what is the Most Merciful?” Should we prostrate to that which you order us?

8.       Surah al-Namal Ayah 26, “Allah is the only Lord and Master of the Great Throne.”

9.       Surah Sad Ayah 24, “David realized that it was a test from Us, so he asked forgiveness from his Lord and bowed down before Him in repentance.

10.   Surah al-Inshiqaq Ayah 21, “Why, when the Qur’an is recited to them, do they not prostrate?”

11.   Surah al-Hajj Ayah 77, “Believers, worship your Lord, bow down and prostrate before Him and do various deeds so that perhaps you will have everlasting happiness.”

Sources:

Elements of Islamic Studies by Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi & Understanding Qur’an.com

THE RICHEST TREASURE

The Commander of the Faithful, The Gateway of Knowledge whose City was the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Imam Ali (a.s.) accepted the worldly khilafah on great public demand of the multitude of Muslim Ummah present in Madinah at that time. He implemented the Qur’anic principles of justice and equality for everyone irrespective of their faith, social status, gender, ethnicity. Upon assuming power, he replaced most of the governors of the then Islamic state and appointed pious officers. One of the Companions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), who took part in the Battle of Yarmouk, Malik al-Harith al-Ashtar was appointed as the governor of Egypt and surrounding areas.

   

In 2002 A.D., The Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan issued a Declaration of Human Rights which is this advice of Imam Ali (a.s.) to Malik al-Harith al-Ashtar, urging the world leaders to follow the example of his (a.s.) sound and humanitarian method in ruling which revealed the spirit of social justice and peace.

The historian Massoudi, recognized Imam Ali (a.s.) as being the source of no less than 480 treatise, lecture, and epistles, as collected by Zaid bin Wahab and Asbagh bin Nabata in the Imam (a.s.)’s lifetime. These contributions were held in such high regard, both for their contents as well as intrinsic literary worth, that some of his masterpieces stimulated into being many subjects of study in Muslim colleges and universities. Imam Ali (a.s.) ‘s reputation reached Europe by the time of Renaissance. Edward Powcock, a professor at Oxford University in 1639 A.D. delivered lectures on his “Rhetoric” and published his (a.s.) “Sayings”. Later, scholars like Nasr ibn Mazahim (148 A.H.), Jahiz Basari (255A.H.), Syed Razi (404 A.H.), Ibn Abil Hadid and Allama Mustafa Bek Najib, the great living scholar of Egypt, reproduced it.

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s letter to Malik al-Harith al-Ashtar:

Be it known to you, o, Malik, that I am sending you as governor to a country which in the past has experienced both just and unjust rule. Men will scrutinize your actions with a searching eye, as you used to scrutinize the actions of those before you. The fact is that public speak well of those who do good, they furnish the proof of your actions. Keep your desires under control and deny yourself that which you have been prohibited from. Develop in your heart a feeling of love for your people and let it be the source of kindness. Do not behave with them like a barbarian, and do not appropriate to yourself that which belongs to them. Remember that the citizens of the state are of two categories. They are your brother in religion or your brother in kind. They are subject to infirmities and liable to commit mistakes. Some even commit mistakes. But forgive them even as you like Allah to forgive you. Bear in mind that you are placed over them, even as I am placed over you. Even there is Allah over him who has given you the position of governor. You will be judged by what you do for them. Do not set yourself against Allah. Do not feel sorry over any act of forgiveness, nor rejoice over any punishment meted out to them. Do not say, “I am your overlord, bow to my commands.” as that will corrupt your heart, weaken your faith, and create disorder in the state. Should you ever feel slightest symptoms of pride and arrogance then look at the Divine governance over which you have no control. Beware! Never put yourself against the Majesty and grandeur of Allah. Let your mind respect through your actions the rights of Allah and the rights of men.  Nothing excites Divine Wrath against him more easily than cruelty. Maintain justice in the administration and seek consent of the people. Miserliness, cowardice, and greed deprive man of his trust in Allah. Do not treat good and bad alike. Turn to Allah and His Prophet for guidance whenever you feel uncertain. Treat businessman well. Beware! Fear Allah when dealing with the problems of the poor who have none to patronize them. Meet the oppressed and the lowly periodically in open conferences. Set apart the best time to communicate with Allah. Never keep aloof from the people. Do not throw away the offer of peace by your enemy. Do not make haste to do a thing before its time, nor put it off when time arrives. Keep your anger in control and keep your hands and tongue in check. Study carefully the principles which have inspired just and good rulers who have gone before you. Give close thought to the example of our Prophet, his traditions, and the commandments of the Holy Qur’an.

Sources: www.islamicmobility.com, www.al-islam.org/richesttreasure-ImamAli,

Nahjul Balagha Part 2, Letters and sayings by Allama Sharif Razi

FRIENDS AND FOES OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL, IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Because of the unique and multifaced personality of Imam Ali (a.s.), there were friends, admirers, and enemies even during the lifetime of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and such distinct division had enormously grown over the time to date.

 Even after the spell of cursing the “Nafse Rasool” for 40 years on orders from Muawiya bin Abu Sufyan, the ever-growing number of Truth loving humanity loves and admires him. Although, the Muslim Ummah was going through poverty, Muawiya lavishly spent their wealth to falsely fabricate traditions directed against Imam Ali (a.s.) but failed to belittle the status of the spotless image of the holder of The Divine Ayah of Purity (33:33)

It is human nature to be attracted toward virtues and abhor the falsehood. After the dawn of Islam, the Muslims witnessed the bravery (in the battles of Badr, Uhad , Khandaq and Khyber) , knowledge (speaker of the pulpit of Saluni) self-sacrifice (sleeping on Prophet’s bed in the night of Migration 2:207), friend of the down trodden, best Judge deciding the most difficult legal situations, pious (gave alms while praying-in ruk’u 5:55).

Friends of Imam Ali (a.s.) were the people who have sound faith, love him to the extent that Maitham Tammar was told by him (a.s.) that because of his love for Imam Ali (a.s.) he will be killed mercilessly and hanged on a tree. Even after Imam Ali (a.s.)’s martyrdom, Maitham nourished the tree and when hanged he still called people to listen to the virtues of Imam Ali (a.s.). Ibn as-Sikkit was the teacher of the Abbasside tyrant al-Mutawakkil’s sons. Mutawakkil asked al-Sikkit, “Are my sons dearer to you than al-Hasan and al-Husayn?” As-Sikkit replied, “By Allah, I swear the ‘Ali’s slave Qambar is dearer to me than these two and their father.” Mutawakkil ordered that Sikkit’s tongue should be cut from his throat.

Allah and his Messenger persuaded everyone to love his family as in Surah al-Shura Ayah 23, “Say: I do not ask of you a wage for this, except love of my family”. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) explained that his family includes Fatima, Ali, Hasan and Husayn”. He said, “Love of Ali is faith. Looking at Ali’s face is ibadah”

The basis of the love for Ali is the connection of our souls with the Truth which has been laid down in our nature and since our nature is eternal, love for Ali is also eternal. Humanity loves Ali (a.s.) because of his manifestation of a “Perfect Man”; excellent traits of wisdom and knowledge, self-sacrifice and altruism, humanity and modesty, kindness and mercy, protection of the weak and justness, liberality and love of freedom, respect for humanity and generosity, bravery and magnanimity towards his enemies.

Every principled man who has an aim and struggle towards it, particularly revolutionary, who pursues the putting into practice of his sacred goals, makes enemies and leaves dissatisfied people. Ali had no concern for anyone in the way of Allah. In the period of his apparent khilafat, Ali battled with them: the people of (the battle of) Jamal, whom he himself named Nakithuns (those who break their allegiance), the people of (the battle of) Siffin whom he called Qasitun (those who deviate); and the people of (the battle of) Nahrawan, the Khawarij, whom he called Mariqun (those who miss the truth of the religion). There is a tradition of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) addressing Imam Ali (a.s.), “I did jihad with the Polytheists about the revelation of the Glorious Qur’an and you will do jihad for its implementation.” (Ahmad ibn Hanbal and al-Hakim reported by Abu Saeed al-Khudri). Men like Muawiya and Amr ibn A’s negatively influenced the Muslim history and may still be at work.

Extracts from “The Voice of Human Justice” by a Lebanese Christian in praise of Imam Ali (a.s.) is worth reading:

“He cut off the heads of big giants but was himself overcome by love and kindness. He was a stranger and a lovely person who suffered all sorts of hardships so that the people might remain happy. The Prophet had said many times: O Ali! Only a hypocrite will be inimical towards you.” The entire wealth of the world and all its treasures could not equal the lace of his shoes!”

Sources: Polarization around the character of Ali ibn Abi Talib by Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari

                  Shiite Encyclopedia  

THE SIMILITUDE BETWEEN THE SIEGE OF SH'IB ABU TALIB (A.S.) AND THE PANDEMIC

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was the beloved uncle of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and the respectable father of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.). To protect and safeguard his nephew (s.a.w.a.s.), he did not openly recite the “Shahadah”. He was the custodian of Ka’ba and the strong man of Makkah. Quraish feared and respected him. He was like “The Momin of Surah Yasin” and “The Shia of Prophet Musa” who advised him about the plan of Pharaoh and his advisors to kill him. His wife was Hazrat Fatima bint Assad (s.a.). They nourished and raised the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) when he was a young orphan. She would give the best of the food to him and if the food is insufficient, she will give it to him while her own sons sleep hungry. The Quraish respected him for 40 years and gave him the titles of “The Truthful and The Trustworthy”.

 As soon as the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) announced about his Prophet hood, they became his staunch enemy. People of Makkah, specially the oppressed poor class people, slowly began accepting the new faith. The Quraish tortured them. When the number of new Muslims increased, the Quraish became furious and worried. They complained to Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) to ask his nephew to stop his noble mission, but he refused.

The Quraish prepared a covenant, after consulting other tribes,  detailing the terms of the blockade against Hashemites stating as an act of war without truce, not to marry from them and not to let them marry from them, not to sell or buy from each other, without any mercy or pity. Nothing would make Quraish to give up the blockade unless they hand over the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). A signed copy was hanged on the wall of Ka’ba.

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) criticized and warned them of the disastrous consequences. He discussed it with all the Hashemites and decided to go to the Shi’b (mountain pass) to be safe from Quraish. They were in great distress. Hunger harmed them extremely until they were obliged to eat the leaves of the tree. To protect his nephew, he would spread his bed before the sight of all. He remained awake the whole night. He would take his nephew to his son Ali (a.s.) and let him sleep in Ali’s bed. After three years, Allah revealed to His Prophet that He had made the termite eat the blockade document except the name of Allah.

Sir William Muir described the Siege as, “It should be pointed here that the hatred and anger of the Umayyad clan of the Quraish was directed not against Muslims but against the clan of Banu Hashim. Their aim was to destroy Islam. But they could not destroy Islam without killing Muhammad. They made numerous attempts to kill him, but they failed because he was beyond their reach. He was safe and comfortable in the “fortress” which Abu Talib and Banu Hashim had built for him. Ali was 16 years old and he was charged with the most difficult and dangerous task of victualling the whole clan. He discharged this duty at great risk to his own life and brought water and grain whenever he could find any” (A Restatement of the History of Islam by Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy)

All this time, the sacred ladies of Islam like Sayyida Khadija (s.a.), the richest woman in Hijaz, who gave her entire huge wealth to her beloved husband (s.a.w.a.s.) for use in the maintenance and spread of Islam, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), the Chief of the Women of the World, Sayyida Fatima bint Assad (s.a.), who gave birth to Imam Ali (a.s.) inside the sacred Ka’ba. They patiently endured the hardship for the pleasure of Allah.

The Covid-19 Virus Pandemic have locked down the huge population of the world but at least people are staying in their homes comfortably, eating and drinking.

Sources: Abu Talib the Faithful of Quraish by Abdullah al-Khunayzi, A Restatement of the History of Islam and Muslims by Ali Asghar Razwy

DHIKR/REMEMBRANCE

Dhikr has many meanings in the Arabic language. Dhikr under discussion here is the remembrance of Allah (s.w.t.). The word “Dhikr” has been used in the Glorious Qur’an for more than 26 times. Some of the Ayahs includes:

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah152, Therefore, remember Me, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.”

Surah ale-Imran Ayah 191, “Who remembers Allah while standing, sitting, reclining on their sides and contemplating on the creation of the heavens and the earth and say, “O our Lord, you have not created all this in vain ,Glory be to You. Save us from the punishment of the Hell.”

Surah al-A’raf Ayah 205, “And remember your Lord deep within yourselves, in humility and awe, and not in a loud voice, in the mornings and evenings and do not be of heedless ones.”

Surah al-Anfal Ayah2, “Verily believers are only those who when Allah is mentioned, their hearts are thrilled, and when unto them are recited His signs they increase them in faith, and they rely only on Allah.”

Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 28, “And those who believe, and their hearts are set by Allah’s remembrance; certainly, by Allah’s remembrance (only) are the hearts set at rest.”

Surah Ta-Ha Ayah 14, “Verily I, I (alone)am Allah: there is no god but I: worship thou (only) Me and establish prayer for My remembrance!”.”

Surah al-Ah’zab Ayah 21, “The Messenger of Allah is certainly an excellent example (of conduct) for him and have hope in Allah and in the Day of Judgement and who remember Allah very often.”

Surah al-Zukhruf Ayah 36, “We shall make Shaitan the companion of whoever turns blind toward the remembrance of the Beneficent.”

Surah al-Ju’mah Ayah 10, “When the prayer ends, disperse through the land and seek the Grace of Allah. Remember Allah often so that perhaps you may be successful.”

Surah al-Munafiqun Ayah 9, “Believers, do not let your wealth and children divert you from remembering Allah. Whoever is diverted will suffer a great loss.”

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “One who remembers Allah (s.w.t.) he is in the company of Allah (s.w.t.).” 

Dhikr is divided in “Dhikr-e-Lisani” or “remembrance by tongue” and “Dhikr-e-Qalbi” or “remembrance at heart”. Some of the important Dhikr are:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim”, “La Ilaha Illallah”, “Subhana Malikal Quddus”, “Subhana Behamdehi”, “Alhamdu Lillaha Kama Hua Ahlu” , “Allahu Akbar” , “SubhanAllahe Wal Hamdulillahe Wa La Ilaha IllallahuWallahuAkbar” , “Tasbih-e-Zahra” (Allahu Akbar 34 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, SubhanAllah 33 times) , “la Haula Wala Quwwata Illah Billah”, “Ayatal Kursi”, “Salawaat”, La Ilaha Illah Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin”

               Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali and Ayatullah                                 Agha H.M.M. Pooya

     Anecdotes of Reflection by Sayyid Ali Akbar Sadaqat

    Maulana Amir Mukhtar Faezi (Baitul Ilm recording)

CLEANLINESS IN ISLAM

Human being is made up of body and soul; both need to be clean. Hence in the Glorious Qur’an, there are Ayahs for both.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was a Prophet thousands of years before Adam was created. His worldly appointment (be’sat) was announced while he (s.a.w.a.s.) was meditating in the cave of Hira around the suburb of Makkah. The first five Ayahs of the Surah Al-Alaq, Surah al-Fatiha, Surah al-Mudassar and Surah-al-Muzammil, were revealed in the early days of his be’sat. In Surah al-Muzammil Ayahs 4 and 5 says, “O Cloaked one, cleanse your clothes, stay away from filthy matters (sins).” Fourteen hundred years back, Allah’s first command to His Messenger was to be clean!

There are many Ayahs in the Glorious Qur’an instructing the people about physical cleanliness some of them are:

Before starting the most important worship, salat/namaz, a Muslim is required to perform wudu, described in Surah al-Ma’idah Ayah 6, which says, “O you who have Faith! When you stand up for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe a part of your heads and your feet up to the ankles; and if you are polluted (after cohabiting with your wife), then perform a total ablution (shower), and if you are sick or on a journey….and you cannot find water, then betake yourself to clean soil and wipe a part of your faces and you hands with some of it…” (Tayammum)

Surah al-Taubah Ayah108 “…Allah loves those who purify themselves.” Surah al-Anfal Ayah 11,”….He showered water from the sky over you to clean you…” Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 222, “Avoid having carnal relations with them until they are clean of menses and have taken a formal bath….”

As for the spiritual cleanliness and purity, there are many Ayahs, some of them are:  

Surah al-Shams Ayah 9-10, “…those who purify their souls will certainly have everlasting happiness and those who corrupt their souls will certainly be deprived (of happiness).”  Surah al-Tauba Ayah 103, “Collect religious tax (zakat) from them to purify and cleans them and pray for them, your prayer gives them comfort.”

In Islamic culture cleanliness is of fundamental importance. There is a Tradition of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) which says’ cleanliness is half of the faith’. A Muslim when he performs wudu for salat, five times a day, he washes part of his body. If he cohabits with his wife, he must take complete shower. Whenever he goes to bathroom for natural call, he must wash his genitals and hands. He washes hands before and after eating. He is also advised to wash hands when he returns to his home. Similarly, he is advised to brush his teeth at least twice a day and cleanse his mouth. He is supposed to take shower as frequently as possible, trim and maintain his hair, cut his nails and remove public hair as frequently as possible. He is supposed to keep his home neat and clean, take care of the hygiene of his children. He is supposed to ensure that the vegetables, fruits are thoroughly washed. He should be involved in the cleanliness of his community.

As a result of this Pandemic, doctors are advising to wash hands while Islam had devised a system of cleanliness fourteen hundred years back!

   

                Sources: The Glorious Qur’an – Tafsir-e-Namoona by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

                                  An enlightening commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur’an 

UNDERSTANDING OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

The Glorious Qur’an is the last Divine Message from the Creator to the mankind, not to the Muslims only!

When Adam and Eve were ordered to go on earth, Allah said in Surah Ta’ha’ Ayah 123: “Get you down, both of you, all together (Adam, Eve and Shaitan), from it (the Garden), with enmity to one another. So, if there comes to you a Guidance from Me, then (be sure) whoever follows My guidance, will not lose his way nor fall into misery.” Hence, from the time of the creation of human race, the Creator promised to send Guidance and directed the mankind to follow it. To follow the “Guidance” one must read, understand, ponder over it and practice to attain salvation. At numerous places in the Glorious Qur’an, Allah has encouraged human beings to think and ponder over the contents of His Divine Message.

Detailed below are some of the Ayahs encouraging man to think/ponder:

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 219: “This is how Allah explains for you His Guidance so that perhaps you will think.”

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 266: “Thus Allah makes the signs clear to you, so that you may ponder.”

Surah al-Imran Ayah 191: “Those who remember  Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides and think on the creation of the heavens and the earth (seriously saying), “Our Lord, you have not created all this in vain…”

Surah al-An’am Ayah 50: “Say: (O’ Our Prophet!), I do not say to you that the treasures of Allah are with me, nor do I know the Unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel. I do not follow but what is revealed to me. Say: Are the blind and the seeing one equal? Do you not then ponder?”  

Surah al-A’raf Ayah 176: “… Therefore relate (unto them) the stories that they may think.”

Surah al-A’raf Ayah 184: “Thus, do We explain the evidence (of the truth) for the people who reflect.”

Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 3: “It is Allah who spread out the earth and fixed mountains and placed rivers therein. He made a pair of every fruit and made the night cover the day. This is evidence (of existence of Allah) for the people who think.”

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 44: “We have revealed the Qur’an to you so that you can tell the people what has been revealed to them and so that perhaps they will think.”

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 69: “From out of their (bees) bellies comes a drink of different color in which there is a cure for human being. In this there is evidence (of the truth) for the people of understanding.”

Surah al-Rum Ayah 21: “His creating spouses for you out of yourselves so that you might take comfort in them; and His creating love and mercy among you. In this there is evidence (of the truth) for the people who (carefully) think.”

Surah al-Zumar Ayah 42: “Allah preserves the souls when they die as well as those which did not die during people’s sleep. He withholds those souls which He has decreed to die and releases the others for an appointed time. In this there is evidence (of the Truth) for the thoughtful people.”

Surah al-Jathiya Ayah 13: “He has also made subservient to you all that is in the heavens and the earth. In this there is evidence (of the Truth) for those who use their minds.”

Surah al-Hashr Ayah 21: “Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and rent asunder for fear of Allah. These are parables which We tell people so that perhaps they will think.”

Surah al-Muhammad Ayah 24: “Is it that they do not think about the Qur’an or are their hearts sealed?”

Revelation of the Glorious Qur’an:

Surah al-Buruj Ayah 21-22: “What is revealed to you is certainly a Glorious Qur’an that exists in a Well-       guarded Tablet.” It was revealed from the “Mother Book” to the “Scribed angels” in the heavens.

Surah al-Qadr Ayah 1: “We revealed the Qur’an on the Night of Destiny.” The complete Qur’an was revealed on the heart of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)

                Surah al-Insan Ayah 23: “(Muhammad), We revealed the Qur’an to you in gradual steps.

Ideally, for a comprehensive understanding of the Glorious Qur’an, one should have command of the Arabic language, but for practical purposes, one may read the translation in his mother tongue. Further, one should have knowledge of the Traditions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The cardinal principle recommended by the Infallible Imams, is that any tradition purported to be reported by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) should be compared with the Glorious Qur’an; if it agrees then accept it, otherwise reject it.  Qur’anic Ayahs interpret one another; hence we should look for such Ayahs which elaborate other Ayahs.

Sources used:

 The Glorious Qur’an-Tafsir-e-Namoona                                    by Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi

 Spiritual Journey of the Mystics                                                    by Haj Mirza Jawad Maliki Tabrizi

Understanding the Uniqueness of the Qur’an                                 by Ayatullah Murtaza Motahari (r.a.)

Towards Better Understanding Qur’an                                           by Shaikh Muslim Bhanji

Introduction to the Glorious Qur’an                                           by Bahram Samii