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Shahin Munshi

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By no means is this space a total reflection of me...there lie parameters between these words and actuality. This blog is like only extracting some of the spices in an Indian curry and tasting them one at a time...but to enjoy the curry whole...now THAT is ME.

The Room of Requirements

think hard...think very very hard...then...waa laa...the door will appear
September 18

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 23 Ayaat 23

Salamualikum,
       OMG is it already friday! Aaaaah! I have to do so much before I leave tomorrow. My flight is at 7ish in the morning on Saturday. Anyway, all in good time. So what are your plans for post Ramadan? I know one of my plans is to finish my memorization of Mulk and perfect it, inshallah. What about you?



Say: It is He who has brought you into being, gave you the faculties or hearing, seeing and understanding: Yet, you are seldom thankful.


My Quran Jam:
     Tafsir Ibn Kathir says:

"Allah says,

[قُلْ هُوَ الَّذِى أَنشَأَكُمْ]

(Say it is He Who has created you,) meaning, He initiated your creation after you were not even a thing worth mentioning (i.e., nothing). Then He says,

[وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْسَّمْعَ وَالاٌّبْصَـرَ وَالأَفْئِدَةَ]

(and endowed you with hearing and seeing, and hearts.) meaning, intellects and powers of reasoning.

[قَلِيلاً مَّا تَشْكُرُونَ]

(Little thanks you give.) meaning, how little you use these abilities that Allah has blessed you with to obey Him, to act according to His commandments, and avoid His prohibitions.

[قُلْ هُوَ الَّذِى ذَرَأَكُمْ فِى الاٌّرْضِ]

"
     For those who have been following along, this can go back to my rant about learning and spreading the deen. Allah gave each and everyone of us something. May it be powers of writing, art, marketing, speaking, lecturing, understanding deeply, wealth, patience, people skills, computer skills, medical skills, or even party balloon making skills, all of this can be used to thank Allah. Because guess what, with all the skills  you have, who do you use them for? Stop and think what you are doing and its intention. Think about it change it and make it for the sake of Allah and inshallah you will always be in a state of thankfulness.

May Allah make us of those who are thankful and remember him often. Ameen.

Word for Word:

  1. Qul = (you) Say!
  2. huwa = He
  3. allathzi = (Alone is) Who
  4. unsha’aakum = He created You (all)
  5. wa = and
  6. jaa’aalaa = (He) made
  7. lakoomoo = for you (all)
  8. al sum’aa = the hearing
  9. wa = and
  10. al ubswarr = the sights
  11. wa = and
  12. al ufidaat = the hearts (and minds)
  13. qalilumma = very little
  14. tashkuroon = you all give thanks.

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Qul 

    • Qof is heavy
  2. allathzi

    • the thzaal is elongated 4 to 5 counts.
  3. unsha’aakum

    • The rules of ikfaa will be applied on the noon.

Rules of Ikfaa -- this is the opposite of the last rule we talked about yesterday, ithhar. Ikfaa says that if noon sukoon/connect symbol or tanween (un, in , oon) is followed by any other letter excep thaa (throat), khow, ayn, ghyn, haa (chest) or humrza then the noon or the letter with tanween should be pronounced with a nasal sound and two count elongation.
  4. ubswarr

    • baa has a qalqaalah
- sawd and raa are heavy
    • sawd has a two count madd
  5. Qalilumma
    • Laam and meem are joined by the rules of idgham where meem will be elongated by two counts with a nasal sound.


Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
September 17

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 22 Ayaat 22

Salamualikum,
     First of all I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart (firstly to myself) that I have not been keeping up with these emails. But not to worry, I will finish them as soon as I can. If not by the end of Ramadan but at least a few days after it. Also for those who have memorized at least half please treat yourself to something. Really I know how much hard work it is to keep up with it. I think I will need a little time after Ramadan to finish memorizing as I'm sure alot of yall do too. Please Please email me when you are done with it. I'd love to join in your celebration :)




Just think, who is rightly guided: He who walks with his face bent down, or He who walks properly on a straight path?


My Quran Jam:
     Lets break it down here. This lines asks us to do some major reflection. Although life is not always black and white and is ruled by alot of gray the following is clear.

Who is rightly guided?
  • A person who spends more time watching TV or memorizing Quran?
  • A person who runs to the masjid or runs to a club?
  • A person who eats from ribba money or a person who eats of his halaal earnings?
  • A person who talks nice with his friends but has cut of ties with his family?

More than pointing out what others are doing, this line asks you what are you doing? You know exactly what it is. I really think half the times we are really just lying to ourselves. We make up excuses that what we are doing is correct. We some how legitimize the haram and say "oh poor me" and we continue with the evil. The answer is simple but we don't want to let go.  Ask yourself this today: What is keeping me from reading 10 minutes of Quran everyday? What is keeping me from reading the sunna prayers? What is keeping me from being kind to this or that person?  What is keeping me from forgiving that person? What is keeping me from giving a few extra bucks of charity to the masjid? Whats keeping me from standing a few extra minutes in Qiyaam?  What is keeping me from volunteering in the masjid? What is keeping me from being a good Muslim?

So we ask the question...
Who is rightly guided? (and here comes the gray area)
  • A person who makes excuses for the above mentioned tasks or the person who fights and actually tries to do something about it?

A sign of imaan here is to worry about yourself sincerely. Next we need to start moving in the direction of planning. What are you going to do to make this happen? Remember the Hadith: If you take one step in the path of Allah, Allah will take 10 steps in your direction. If you walk to Allah, Allah will run to you..."  We are nearing the end of Ramadan. Its time to take some of what we did here in this month to the rest of the year.

I'm telling myself this before I tell anyone else. This is serious and if we don't do something for ourselves, nobody is ready to share our graves.

Wasalamualikum wa rahmatullah.

Word for Word:
  1. aafaamun = Then who is?
  2. yamshi = He walks
  3. mukibun = As one bent down (without seeing)
  4. aa’laa = upon
  5. wajjhihii = His face
  6. aahdaaaa = Is more guided
  7. ummun = or who
  8. yamshi = He walks
  9. sawiyun = upright/straight/correct
  10. aa’laa = upon
  11. swirratwin = a path
  12. mustaqeem = one straight

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. aafaamun and yamshi

    • both words are joined with the rule of idgham. Sound assimilation with a two count elongation. The words become “aafamayyumshi”
  2. aa’laa

    • Laam has a two count madd
  3. wajjhihii

    • eem has a qalqallah
- both haa sounds are from the chest
  4. aahdaaaa

    • This haa is from the chest
- dhaal is elongated 4 to 5 counts
  5. ummun

    meen with ghunnah -- must be elongated two counts with a nasal sound
  6. yamshi

    Last words meem and the first yaa of this word are join with an idgham and two count elongation with nasal sound.
  7. swirratwin
    • sawd, raa and tuw are all heavy.
- Raa has a two count maad

    • tuw is joined with the meem in the next word though idgham
  8. mustaqeem

    • first meem has a two count elongation ghunnah

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
September 15

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 21 Ayaat 21‏

Salamualikum,
     So, you know how I was sick right? I got better and then I got sick again.  I really don't know whats going on. I'm literaly waiting for iftar time so I can have my medicine.  Aaaa... May Allah make things easy.  





Or who is there that can provide you if He with holds Provision? Yet, they persist in rebellion and aversion from the truth.

My Quran Jam:
     If you have read all of surat Mulk, this line is very very close to the last line. The last line says "Say, "Have you considered: if your water was to become sunken [into the earth], then who could bring you flowing water?""  Of course Allah does not repeat something with the same meaning.  As we read in yesterday's tafseer ayaat 20 and 21 are directed towards people who do shirk so Allah and his attributes are explicitly mentioned. The last ayaat, I have not researched but just from reading it we can tell a few things. First it says "Say" meaning Allah wanted the prophet to tell everyone this line not just a specific group. Secondly, it does not mention Allah in the line.  Yes the conclusion of the ayaat is Allah but that is something we are meant to ponder and come up with.

     Today's ayaa 21, is coupled with 20 talking about how lost the people are that ask or hope from other than Allah.  So the question goes "Who is there that can provide you if He withholds Provision?"  When you really want something and you go up to your mom she says No! So then what do you do? Ask Dad :)  If even he says no, then you try to find grandma and grandpa. Right?  But if Allah chose for you never to have that thing are you going to be getting it any time soon, no matter how many people you ask? If Allah does not want something for you, no matter how much you try or someone else trys, it will never happen.

     We see this in the case when someone is getting a job -- this happened to my own family when my dad got a job in Memphis. He was applying all over the US. We could have gone anywhere but Allah has chosen this place for us.  Same in the case of picking a college or getting married or even in this hopeless case of getting sick.

     When you are asked the question, "Who is there that can provide you if He withholds Provision?" and your heart says Allah but maybe because you are arrogant and your ego is too high because all your friends are doing the same thing, your family and ancestors have been doing the same thing -- and you answer other wise because you think you will look bad you are pertaining to this: "Yet, they persist in rebellion and aversion from the truth"

     May Allah make us from those who have imaan. May Allah makes us from those who do ihsaan. And May Allah make my cold go away because Dude! I really want to enjoy my eid with my new family :)

Jazakallah hukhair,
Salamualikum.

Word for Word:

  1. umman = or who
  2. haathza = is this
  3. allathzi = who
  4. yarzuqukum = He provides Rizq to you all
  5. in = if
  6. umsaka = He with held
  7. rizqahuu = His rizq
  8. bal = nay rather
  9. lujoor = they insisted
  10. fi = in
  11. oo’toowan = insolence/pride/arrogance
  12. wa = and
  13. noofoorr = aversion/flight (from the truth)

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. yarzuqukum

    • Raa and Qof are heavy kaf is light.
  2. rizqahuu 

    • Qof is heavy
  3. oo’toowan and wa

    • both words are joined with the rules of idgham. Sound assimilation and two count elongation.
  4. noofooorr

    • Last Raa is heavy.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
September 13

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 20 Ayaat 20‏

Salamualikum,
  OK so I know this is day 23 and I'm sending 20 but hey... we all fall behind sometimes right? But the great thing is you are 2/3s of the way there! woohooo! Mashallah Tabarakallah and give yourselves a pat on the back :D I'll probably be sending the rest of them today inshallah.






Who is the one that has the force to help you besides the Most Merciful? In fact the unbelievers are suffering from delusion.

My Quran Jam:
     From Tafsir Ibn Kathir for line 20 and 21:

"No One will help You and No One can grant Sustenance except for Allah

Allah addresses the idolators who worship others besides Him, seeking help and sustenance from them. Allah rebukes them for what they believe, and He informs them that they will not attain that which they hope for. Allah says,

[أَمَّنْ هَـذَا الَّذِى هُوَ جُندٌ لَّكُمْ يَنصُرُكُمْ مِّن دُونِ الرَّحْمَـنِ]

(Who is it besides the Most Gracious that can be an army to you to help) meaning, there is no protector or helper for you besides Him. This is the reason that Allah says,

[إِنِ الْكَـفِرُونَ إِلاَّ فِى غُرُورٍ]

(The disbelievers are in nothing but delusion.)Then Allah says,

[أَمَّنْ هَـذَا الَّذِى يَرْزُقُكُمْ إِنْ أَمْسَكَ رِزْقَهُ]

(Who is it that can provide for you if He should withhold His provision) meaning, who is it that can provide for you if Allah cuts off your sustenance There is no one who gives, withholds, creates, provides and helps other than Allah alone, Who has no partner. This proves that they know this, yet they still worship others besides Him. Thus, Allah says,

[بَل لَّجُّواْ]

(Nay, but they continue) meaning, they persist in their transgression, lying and misguidance.

[فِى عُتُوٍّ وَنُفُورٍ]

(to be in pride, and flee.) meaning, they continue in obstinance, arrogance and fleeing away from the truth. They do not listen to it nor do they follow it. "



Word for Word:
  1. umman = Who
  2. haathzaa = this is
  3. allathzi = who
  4. huwa = He
  5. jundun = is an army
  6. lakum = for you all
  7. yansuwroo = he helps
  8. kum = you all
  9. min = from
  10. duni = other than
  11. Ar-Rahmaan = The Most Merciful
  12. iinii = not
  13. al kafiroon = those who disbelieve
  14. illla = except
  15. fi = in
  16. ghuroor = deception

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. umman
    • Here the rule of ithhar is used. For a recap Ithhar means clear pronunciation. If noon sukoon/connect symbol or tanween (un, in , oon) is followed by haa (throat), khow, ayn, ghyn, haa (chest) or humrza then the noon should be pronounced sharp and clear. There should not be any nasal sound or elongation.
    • The meem has a 2 count ghunnah.
  2. haathzaa
    • Haa has a madd making it a 2 count elongation.
  3. jundun
    • The noon has a two count ghunnah.
    • The last dhaal here is following the rule of idgham without ggunnah making its sound assimilated with the next laam.
  4. yansuwroo
    • The noon has a two count ghunnah.
    • The sawd and Raa are heavy.
    • The last meem is followed by a meem in the next word. This is following the rule of idgham shafawi (gunnah sound with a two count elongation).
  5. Ar-Rahmaan
    • Raa is heavy
    • Meem has two count madd elongation.
  6. kafiroon
    • kaf has  a two count maad elongation.
    • Raa is heavy
  7. Ghuroor
    • ghayn and both Raas are heavy.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
September 11

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 19 Ayaat 19‏

Salamualikum,
   As you know we have been following the story of Naeema Lorgat. The sister who had a seizure in her 8th month of pregnancy and then went into a coma. The baby is safe and with the family.  We heard that some of her organs were showing signs of activity a few days ago but earlier today I got an email saying her brain activity stopped and her family were asked to make the decision to turn off the life support machine. They delayed the decision and wanted to give her some time in the hope that she might come back but I got another email a few hours later saying that she passed away herself. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon. I wrote to my friend in tears...

 I don't know what to say. When I saw the subject of the email, my heart stopped and as I read the email my eyes started watering and I don't even know this girl! I made dua for her and may Allah never put us in a situation that is so difficult. I guess I'm just more sad because she probably just got married and they were probably so happy to have the baby and the new first time and all... I guess I'm seeing myself in this because well I just got married and I will get pregnant soon inshallah -- imagining my parents and my husband and my siblings... --
     I'm still trying to ask myself why I'm crying? For the husband... For the family. I don't think I'm crying for the girl ... She must have done something right because people are making dua for her from all over the world for her forgiveness and her safe passing to Jannah. Nope, I cry for the family, and the difficult days there are ahead. Please let them know that there are lots and lots of people praying for them and that with each difficulty comes ease. Please remind them that Allah never overlooks the sincere prayer of a believer and that success is in prayer and being patient.

My sincere condolences and duas are with the family. Please send them my salams. And Jazakallah hukhair for sharing their story as it is a reminder for all of us.

salamualikum wa rahmatullah hi wabarakatuhu.

So it is with no surprise today that the following Quran Jam is dedicated to Sister Naeema and her Family.






Do they not observe the birds above them spreading their wings and folding them? None uphold them except the Most Merciful, surely it is He Who Watches over all things.

My Quran Jam:
     This is one of my favorite ayaas of this sura and that's very recent because I only fully appreciated it after taking a class about the literary miracles of the Quran. I learned that three things can be looked at about speech:  The speaker, the content of speech, and the style of the speech. All three things make effective speech and in the end the point is to pass a message to touch or change hearts. The Quran exceeds in the level of these three points and more as you will agree with me.  I know you believe it but when you really know it and see the facts and evidences -- then that belief is unmatched -- what we call strong belief. 

     Another thing about great speech is you have to know when to use the right words with the right sentence structures with the right examples with the right audience. You will agree with me that the Quran has all of this.

     There are many kinds of literary elements such as tenses, tone, word choice, imagery, rhythm and so on.  The one that is apparent in this ayaa today is imagery.  Allah created us and knows how to talk to us to convey the right message. He knows we are visual creatures (some more than others) so He uses this example of the birds. As soon as we read the first part of the ayaa, where are we already? In the clouds! Above the ground looking down at the landscape. And if I am correct your vision is slightly above the bird and you are looking at the bird flapping its wings.

     Then Allah mentions that "None uphold them except the Most Merciful" and here Allah mentions an attribute of himself. He did not just say "
None uphold them except Allah" he actually further describes himself as The Most Merciful and connects that with the phenomenon of the birds being able to stay in the air. Tafsir Ibn kathir says: "Allah holds them up in the air by subjecting the air to them out of His mercy and His gentleness."

     And finally while your vision is still stuck on the bird flying above the lands being able to see everything that passes by, what does Allah concluded? "Surely it is He who watches over all things" Your right there, in the air seeing everything and your getting a feeling of what Allah is seeing but -- of course Allah sees everything. He uses his name Al-Baseer. The All-Seeing. This attribute is not only limited to the physical seeing of stuff but the past, the future, and inside hearts and minds and wombs of mothers and inside tiny ant holes and even what is happening on Pluto.  Our sight is nothing compared to what Allah has. Here I am completely blown away because I think I'm seeing everything at the birds eye view but of course its nothing compared to Allah's sight.

     I only covered the literary aspect of this ayaat. If we go into the deeper means and the comparison of similar ayaas and see what nuances they bring this Jam would be very very long but I hope I have illustrated here that this book is no ordinary book and the speaker is no ordinary speaker. For those who claim that Muhammad wrote this Book have got to study it for a little while.

     This is just one example of the hundreds and thousands that are in the Quran -- if only we give the Quran the right it deserves and we study it, inshallah, we ill maybe fulfill the faction of the reasons we are put here on this dunya.

Jazakallah hukahir. :)

Word for Word:
  1. a wa = do they
  2. lam = not
  3. yarau = see
  4. ilay = towards
  5. at tweer = the birds
  6. fu qowhum = above them
  7. saaaaaawffaatin =  one whose wings are outspread
  8. wa = and
  9. yaqbidhn = folded in
  10. ma = who
  11. yumsikuhunna = holds them
  12. illah = except
  13. ar-rahmaan = The most merciful
  14. innahu = indeed he
  15. bikulli = with every
  16. shayim = of things
  17. baswiir = All seeing

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. yarau
    • Raa is heavy.
  2. tweer
    • Taw is heavy. Don't anticipate the taw in laam.
  3. fu qowhum
    • qof is heavy
  4. saaaaaawffaatin
    • There is a 6 count elongation on the sawd.
    • Right after that, there is a shadda? on the faa so you will already be joining and pulling the sound going in.  When saying the second faa (first is saf second is faatin) elongate the the faa by two.
  5. wa yaqbidhn
    • The taa from the last word and the wow are joined by the rule of idgham with ghunnah. Remember this rule says: if a noon with a sukoon/connect or  any letter  with tanween (un, in, oon) is followed by one of the following letters ya, noon, meem or wow, then the letter of noon sukoon or tanween should be assimilated into the letter with 2counts of an elongation and a nasal sound.
    • In the word yaqbidhn
      • There is a qalqalaah (echo sound) on the qowf.
      • Sawd is heavy so make it heavy. Do not make the baa heavy in this process.
      • Pronounce the noon clearly if your reciter is stopping at this word.
  6. yumsikuhunna
    • noon at the end has a two count elongation with a nasal sound.
  7. ar-rahmaan
    • Raa is heavy.
    • The meem in maan has a two count elongation.
  8. inna hu
    • noon has a two count elongation with a nasal sound.
  9. shayim
    • mind the baby meem. This is not the baby meem rule we covered but it basically follows the same concept.  If you have a urdu script quran you will see the hamza has a tanween kasraa/zer then a meem. In the uthami quran it has only one kasraa. Again, either way, the 'in' sound must make an 'im' sound.
  10. baswiir
    • last Raa not heavy
    • yaa elongated 2,4 or 6 depending on your reciter.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
September 08

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 18 Ayaat 18‏

Salams,
   Day 18 people, are you keeping up? I'm barely keeping up. Anyway, iftar was good today... I had patraas that mom gave me last week. Mmmmm very delish. Thanks mom! :)





Those who have gone before them likewise disbelieved, then see how terrible was the way I rejected them?

My Quran Jam:
     And so we can take the example of those who were destroyed before us...

The tribe Nuh
  • Prophet Nuh took 900+ years to do da'wah to his people but they still did not listen. They did not want to reject the religion of their forefathers. These were the first people to commit the sin of Shirk. Allah destroyed them with a flood that is memorable in not just our history but the histories of many many civilizations and religions that came after. Read more about them HERE.

The tribe of Aad
  • Prophet Hud came to the tribe of Aad after only 5 generations to remind its people not to commit shirk. You'd think they would have learned from the huge flood that destroyed the whole world?! The people were very very tall and became very very arrogant with their size and political power. They were destroyed with with a storm that raged on for eight days and seven nights. It tore away at everything, their house and flesh to show them that their lofty size and houses are nothing compared to Allah's power and might.  Read more about them HERE.

The tribe of Thamud
  • Prophet Saliah came to this tribe just like Hud came to Aad for the same reason of committing shirk.  This tribe however, demanded a miracle of a pregnant she camel to come out from a rock.  Even after seeing such a miracle, they tribe did not believe and they ended up killing the she camel.  This tribe was killed with a loud cry and then thunderbolt. They all died at once. Read more about them HERE.

And there are more like them, and there is so much to learn from each of their lives. THIS is a really good reference to the stories of prophets. May we all benefit from it inshallah.

Idea for this Jam given by Ghouse. Thanks love!

Word for Word:
  1. wa = and
  2. la qadd = certainly
  3. kathza ba = He belied
  4. allathzina = those who
  5. min = are from
  6. qabb lihim = before them
  7. fakifa = then how
  8. ka na = it was
  9. nakeer =  my denial/ rejection.

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. la qadd
    • Qof is heavy and the laam next to it is light. Don't mix the two.
    • Daal has a qalqalaah.
  2. min
    • there is an ikfaa on the noon sukoon which is followed by a letter other than haa (throat), khow, ayn, ghyn, haa (chest) or humrza then the noon should be pronounced with a nasal sound and two count elongation. 
  3. qabb lihim
    • Baa has a qalqalaah.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 17 Ayaat 17

Salams Everyone,
   Yup, I'm gonna write one more tonight. I just commented on my sister's pictures on FB and I had so much tajweed in my head that I had to write "loooooooooooool = pronounced with a dummah thats laam dummah laam ..." :D Yeah ok this is one of those cheezy halal jokes like "Your smile is not awraa so ... smile :D" Also I have a message from my friend about the sick sister:

"Just an update on the sister that was sick:
Jazakallah/Thanks for all your duas/ prayers for Sister Naeema. Alhamulillah wehad news that some of her failing organs have started responding, butshe is still critical and in a Coma. Please continue Duas. May Allahgrant her Shifa and may she recover completely to look after her adorable baby Inshallah. Thanks once again for all your prayers and support."



Or do you feel secure that He Who is in the heaven will not send against you a violet tornado, then you shall know how was my warning!

My Quran Jam:
     We have been concentrating on the flow of this sura and we see that these lines of reminders to the punishment come after the reminder of favors from Allah.  For those reading, you read the line of good reminders and then you come to these lines of warning, are you still going to question and disbelieve? We have been asking this question again and again because guess what -- this is the theme of the Quran. To weed out the Muslim to the kufar. 

     Allah is reminding us that even though he has made for us the earth with its many bounties we should not forget and get lost in them. He mentioned food, a necessity that is universal and right after that we are reminded that its not permanent. That everything has a purpose, to reach the Resurrection. Some look at the bounties and think its there forever and it won't be taken away or you won't be tested with it. Remember the man in Surat Kahaf:



And he entered his garden while he was unjust to himself. He said, "I do not think that this will perish - ever.




And I do not thinkthe Hour will occur. And even if I should be brought back to my Lord, Iwill surely find better than this as a return."


     Right after he said such things his precious garden was destroyed.  We must remember that its wonder to be blessed with bounties from Allah, may they be money, or children, or health, but all of these things are a test and should be used wisely. We should not take them as a means to think that Allah is pleased with us for good.  No dear bothers and sister, the final answer will come on the day of judgment so do not feel secure like this ayaat says and always keep the akiraa -- there hereafter in perspective, inshallah.

May Allah grant us knowlege of our deen and understanding of this blessed book. Ameen!

Word for Word:
  1. um = or
  2. amintum = you all became safe
  3. mun = from he who
  4. fi = is in
  5. al samaa'aa = The sky
  6. un = that
  7. yursilaa = He sends
  8. aa'likum = upon you all
  9. haa swibaa = a violent whirlwind
  10. fasa = then will soon
  11. taa'lamoona = they know
  12. kifaa = is how
  13. nathzirr = my warning

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. The first part of this ayaa is the same as yesterdays ayaa so same rules apply
  2. yursilaa
    • The Raa in this is heavy because the letter before it has a dummah (something on top)
  3. haa swibaa
    • For the baa: some reciters stop at this baa so its just pronounced baa but for those who continue on -- the rule of ikfaa is applied here so instead of saying ban where you touch the tongue to the top of your mouth the tongue is not touched and a slight nasal sound is added with a 2 count elongation.
    • Sawd here is heavy. So Make it heavy!

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 16 Ayaat 16‏

Salams Everyone,
    This is coming in late because I was doing the very fard task of spending time with my new family. Remember in all this, Daw'ah is important but family comes first. Alhumdulillah for family :)



Do you feel secure that He Who is in the heaven, will not cause the earth to cave in beneath you and start shaking suddenly?

My Quran Jam:
     This is from Tafsir Ibn Kathir for lines 16, 17 and 18 (lets get a heads up before we memorize shall we?):

"How can You feel Secure against the Punishment of Allah while He is Able to seize You however He wills

This is another indication of His gentleness and His mercy with His creatures. He is able to punish them because some of them disbelieve in Him and worship others besides Him, yet He is forbearing, He pardons, and He gives respite for an appointed time without hastening. This is as He says,

[وَلَوْ يُؤَاخِذُ اللَّهُ النَّاسَ بِمَا كَسَبُواْ مَا تَرَكَ عَلَى ظَهْرِهَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ وَلَـكِن يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِعِبَادِهِ بَصِيراً ]

(And if Allah were to punish men for that which they earned, He would not leave a moving creature on the surface of the earth; but He gives them respite to an appointed term: and when their term comes, then verily, Allah is Ever All-Seer of His servants.) [35:45] Here Allah says,

[أَءَمِنتُمْ مَّن فِى السَّمَآءِ أَن يَخْسِفَ بِكُمُ الاٌّرْضَ فَإِذَا هِىَ تَمُورُ ]

(Do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven, will not cause the earth to sink with you, and then it should quake) meaning, that it would move back and forth, and be disrupted.

[أَمْ أَمِنتُمْ مِّن فِى السَّمَآءِ أَن يُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ حَـصِباً]

(Or do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven, will not send against you a Hasib) meaning, a wind containing gravel that will strike you, as Allah says in another Ayah,

[أَفَأَمِنتُمْ أَن يَخْسِفَ بِكُمْ جَانِبَ الْبَرِّ أَوْ يُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ حَاصِبًا ثُمَّ لاَ تَجِدُواْ لَكُمْ وَكِيلاً ]

(Do you then feel secure that He will not cause a side of the land to swallow you up, or that He will not send against you a violent sandstorm Then, you shall find no trustee.) [17:68] And similarly, here Allah threatens them with His statement,

[فَسَتَعْلَمُونَ كَيْفَ نَذِيرِ]

(Then you shall know how has been My warning.) meaning, `how is My admonition and what will happen to those who disregard and reject it.' Then Allah says,

[وَلَقَدْ كَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ]

(And indeed those before them rejected,) meaning, from the previous nations and the old generations that have passed. Then Allah says,

[فَكَيْفَ كَانَ نَكِيرِ]

(then how terrible was My reproach) meaning, `how was My rebuke of them and my punishment of them.' Meaning, it was great, severe and painful."

Word for Word:

  1. aa = Did?
  2. aamintum = You all became safe
  3. mun = from who
  4. fi = is in
  5. asmaa'aa = the sky
  6. un = that
  7. ykhsifa = He will cause to sink
  8. bi kumu = with you all
  9. al ardaw = the earth
  10. fa ithza = so behold
  11. hiyaa = it
  12. tamoor = (it/she) sways/shakes

Tajweed Emphasis:
Since we have passed the half way mark, and I have introduced a significant number of rules, I will not be giving any more new ones unless its absolutely necessary. This will now just be a word by word analysis of what we already have learned.
  1. The words aamintum and mun
    • there is an ikfaa on the noon sukoon which is followed by a letter other than haa (throat), khow, ayn, ghyn, haa (chest) or humrza then the noon should be pronounced with a nasal sound and two count elongation. 
  2. asmaa'aa
    • the maa has a 4 to 5 count elongation (madd).
  3. un ykhsifa:
    • there is an noon with a sukoon/connect is followed by one of the following letters ya, noon, meem or wow, then the letter of noon sukoon is assimilated into the letter with 2 counts of an elongation and a nasal sound. In this case noon is assimilated with the ya.
    • kha is a heavy letter in yksifa. Don't forget to make it heavy!
  4. al ardaw:
    • Raa in this case is heavy because the letter before it has a fathaa on top.
    • dawd is heavy letter. Make it heavy!
  5. tamoor
    • Last Raa is heavy because of the dumma
    • The wow is elongated 2, 4, or 6 counts.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.

September 05

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 15 Ayaat 15‏

Salams Everyone,
    Guess what? We are half way though memorizing surat Mulk! Yayyyyyyyy! Which means we only have half of Ramadan left boooo. May Allah give us the tawfeek to try harder inshallah.



It is He who has made the earth subservient to you to walk through it tracts and eat of his provided sustenance. To him the return at resurrection.

My Quran Jam:
     From Tafsir Ibn Kathir:
     My comments are in gray:
"Then Allah mentions His favor to His creation in subjugating the earth to them, and making it subservient to them. This is by His making it a stable abode and dwelling place. He placed in it mountains and caused water springs to gush forth from it. He fashioned pathways, and placed useful things in it and places fertile for the growth of fruit and vegetation. Allah says,

[هُوَ الَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الاٌّرْضَ ذَلُولاً فَامْشُواْ فِى مَنَاكِبِهَا]

(He it is Who has made the earth subservient to you; so walk in the paths thereof) meaning, travel wherever you wish throughout its regions and frequent its countrysides and all the areas of its domain in your various journeys to seek earnings and trade. And know that your efforts will not benefit you anything unless Allah makes matters easy for you.  I'd also like to add that there is an ayaat that says when we travel through out the land we keep in mind that this was also the dwelling place of alot of other people who were destroyed. We should remember them as an example so we do not follow their tracts.  Allah continues to say,

[وَكُلُواْ مِن رِّزْقِهِ]

(and eat of His provision.) Thus, striving by using the means (to attain something) does not negate the necessity of depending upon Allah (At-Tawakkul). This is similar to what Imam Ahmad recorded from `Umar bin Al-Khattab, that he heard the Messenger of Allah say,

«لَوْأَنَّكُمْ تَتَوَكَّلُونَ عَلَى اللهِ حَقَّ تَوَكُّلِهِ، لَرَزَقَكُمْ كَمَا يَرْزُقُ الطَّيْرَ، تَغْدُو خِمَاصًا وَتَرُوحُ بِطَانًا»

(If you would trust in Allah as He truly should be trusted in, He would surely provide for you as He provides for the birds. They set out in the morning with empty stomachs and return in the evening with full stomachs.) At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah all recorded this Hadith. At-Tirmidhi said, "Hasan Sahih.'' So this confirms that the bird searches morning and evening for its sustenance while depending upon Allah. For He is the Subduer, the Controller and the One Who causes everything.

[وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ]

(And to Him will be the resurrection.) meaning, the place of return on the Day of Judgment. Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, As-Suddi and Qatadah all said that Manakibiha (its paths) means its outermost borders, its roads and its regions."


Word for Word:

  1. huwa = He
  2. allathzi = Alone is Who
  3. ja'aalaa = He made
  4. lakumu = for you all
  5. alarrdaw = the earth
  6. thzalulan = submissive subservient
  7. fumshu = so you all walk
  8. manaakibihaa = its sides
  9. wa = and
  10. kulu = you all eat
  11. min = from
  12. rizqihi = his provision of sustenance
  13. wa = and
  14. ilaihi = is only to him
  15. al-nushoor = the resurrection

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Rules of Ikfaa -- this is the opposite of the last rule we talked about yesterday, ithhar. Ikfaa says that if noon sukoon/connect symbol or tanween (un, in , oon) is followed by any other letter except haa (throat), khow, ayn, ghyn, haa (chest) or humrza then the noon or the letter with tanween should be pronounced with a nasal sound and two count elongation.  Example in this line is the word "thzalulan."

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
September 04

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 14 Ayaat 14‏

Salams Everyone,
     I got this done kind of early today so I'm pleased with myself but then I have to catch up on something else so ... boo :( BUT I'm gonna go have some vanilla ice cream with mango pulp in the memory of Bilquise and Faraz Bhai :)  I hope everyone's ramadan is going well.



Would He, Who has created them, not know? He is the knower of finest mysteries, and aware of everything.

My Quran Jam:
    After speaking at length about intentions, I could not help getting a ahead of myself and asking "Who else can know such a thing besides Allah?"  Just like this line falls next in the natural order of the Quran, it comes naturally to us as a question after thinking about our reward for intentions.  Nobody will know how hard we worked for that Daw'ah project or that Halaqaa. Nobody will know how much we brushed off our shoulders of the silly things people said, or the arrogance they threw in your face or the sleepless nights worrying if what you are doing is even worth it.

     And why will he know? Its said so beautifully and simply here -- "Would he, who has created them, not know?"  Its like the maker of a watch or car or house knows where all the nooks and crannies are... or where all the squeaky screws and loose floor boards are... its like a mother knows her child... But you know what? With Allah its so much more. I think I'm being limiting in my analogies. There are no limits to Allah's knowing.

     Allah knows your health: he governs the state of each blood cells that runs through your body and the gap between each time your heart beats.  He knows the fact that you are going to face a catastrophe in a few days or weeks and he will help you find the support you need to get through it before it even happens and you won't even know how that happens.

     When I'm going through though times, I find comfort in Allah's names and attributes -- specifically the attributes of All-knowing and All-perceiving.  You know when you are a teenager, what is the phase they always use? "You don't even understand." We have been there in our lives and you know what, I don't think much has changed. Nobody will understand you, because nobody has been through what you have -- not exactly. Nobody witnessed exactly what you witnessed -- except Allah.  So when I'm making dua and sharing my problems with Allah and I say "Ya Aleem..." "Ya Latif..."  it brings me emence comforat and satisfacttion that he really does know how I feel and best of all, with all the complaining I'm doing, he really does have the power to change it. When you complain to a friend and tell them how you feel, you know for a fact that can't do anything to help you or save you.

Alhumdulillah, that Allah let me wake up a Muslim today. Alhumdulillah that I was blessed to say Alhumdulillah. And Alhumduilllah for the knowledge we are all gaining together. May Allah make us the carriers of knowledge. May He give us the honor to become part of the legacy of the prophets, inshallah.

Jazakallah for making it this far with me in reading these emails. Its been an honor and pleasure to be doing this in the first place. Salamualikum.

Word for Word:

  1. alaa = should not ?
  2. ya'lamu = (He) now
  3. mun = who
  4. kholaqaa = (He) created
  5. wa = and
  6. huwaa = He
  7. al-latif = The Always All Perceiving
  8. al-khabeer = the Always All Aware

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Rules of Ithhar -- Clear pronunciation. If noon sukoon/connect symbol or tanween (un, in , oon) is followed by haa (throat), khow, ayn, ghyn, haa (chest) or humrza then the noon should be pronounced sharp and clear. There should not be any nasal sound or elongation.  Example in this line is the word "mun."

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 13 Ayaat 13‏

Salams Everyone,
  Good afternoon everyone! So I woke up at fajr and tried to finish this thing but I couldn't. My brained still felt like a noodle.  Then I think it has something to do with typing on the computer so I tried writing it on paper instead and it worked. I was like aahaa! Sometimes I like the feeling of old fashioned pen on paper because you have not other distractions but your thoughts.  There is something about writing notes and stuff on the computer that makes thoughts so finalized -- that's why when I'm in class I write my notes on paper. Its a psychological thing I guess.

Whether you speak in secret or aloud, surely he is aware of all that is in the breasts

My Quran Jam:
     This line comes after the line talking about the people not being able to see Allah yet they fear him and obey his commands.  We mentioned yesterday some acts of worship like praying, fasting and wearing the hijab. These are very external manifestations of khashia - fear.  We do these things for Allah but there is also a factor of maybe doing it to show off to another or maybe being forced to do it by your mom or dad or spouse or government.
     This line talks about the internal manifestation of khashia - fear of Allah.  It talks about the worship and disobedience we do internally and sometimes we think it goes unnoticed -- the things we think in our heads.

Intentions are internal
You can make an intention to do an action and someone else can plan to do the same action with a different intention and one will be rewarded and the other punished.  Who else can know such a thing besides Allah? Allah knows the consequences of each action and he knows what to do with those who intended them.  He knows if they are sincere in nature -- that they are done for the sake of Allah and nothing else. Remember, only sincere intentions and action will be rewarded anything other than that is shirk and that is a great sin on the day of judgment and it will never be forgiven.

Feelings for another are internal
Thinking good of someone and bad of someone is internal. Acting upon them later is your choice.  Allah knows how you feel and what you think about this person but you still behave yourself and be kind to them. Only Allah can know and reward such an act because only he knows how much you had to fight your inner-self. Only he knows the inner turmoil.

     To ask ourselves what we are thinking and what our intentions are constantly is a sign of taqwaa. Taqwaa is translated as God consciousness and it is something we strive as a Muslim.  To keep the inner self pure and honest will govern your outer actions to be pure and honest and inshallah you will be deserving of Allahs mercy on the day that lasts 50,000 years.  If you take care of yourself in a place only Allah can see you then inshallah you will be in a good place with Allah when all reality is bought forward.

May Allah make us of the muttakun, inshallah!

Word for Word:

  1. Wa = and
  2. asirru = whether you all hide 
  3. qawlakum = your speech
  4. aa wi = or
  5. ajjharoo = You all announce
  6. bihh = with it
  7. inna hu = indeed
  8. aalimum = always all knower
  9. bi thzaa ti = with possessors secrets
  10. al soowdoor = the chests

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. ajjharoo - Qalqalaah on the letter jeem.
  2. If your reciter stops at the word bihh instead of saying bi hi make sure the haa comes from your chest and not your throat.
  3. innahu - the inna has an elongation rules but its kind of long to explain right now. We can do this in the future. For now just know that you elongate it 2 counts with a nasal sound.
  4. innahu - the hu in uthmani scrip has a little wow next to it. In the urdu script we call this a 'khadi pesh.' Here the sound 'hu' is elongated by 2 counts.
  5. aalimum - The 'mum' sound is made by the rules of iqlaab which we already studied.
  6. al soowdoor - the Raa in the end is heavy and the wow is elongated 2, 4, or 6 counts.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
September 02

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 12 Ayaat 12‏

Salams Everyone,
   

Indeed as for those who fear their Rabb, although they have not seen Him, Shall have forgiveness and a great reward.

My Quran Jam:
     Lets focus on "those who fear their Rabb, although they have not seen Him...".  What are the things we do that regulary others don't do because we fear our Rabb. Lets mention the big ones. We pray five times a day. Lets think about that deeper.  We wake up at 4:30 in the morning, out of sweet sleep out of our warm comfortable beds and wash ourselves with cold water. Then in the middle of the day at the height of our busy schedule, we break all what is round us and go wash ourselves in a public bathroom where the other people sometimes stare at you or your boss asks "did you just run through a sprinkler?" And we pray in an empty cubicle where you have the fear of someone walking in on your.  What are we doing? Why do we put ourselves though this?

     Lets look at the sister who wears hijab and covers up. Why is she putting herself through all this "social hell" as I have heard it called. Why doesn't she just make her life easier and be like everyone else so she can 'fit in'?

     Why do you have to eat halaal meat? "All food is a gift from Allah so stop wining and eat the Big Mac!" OR Why do you put yourself though so much stress of not eating and drinking all day? Nobody will notice if you just take that sip of water.

     We do these things, we put ourselves though this hardship because we love and fear Allah and we know that nobody but him will quench our thirst on the day when all of the water on earth will be dried up.  These are the people who have believed without seeing Allah or any other super natural sign. 

     There were those in the past during the Prophet (S.A.W) time that asked to be sent an angel and said that then they would believe but Allah knows that even if they were sent an angel they would have said this was magic or that the Prophet was crazy.  I know this from exerience that if a person were to see someting supernatural and then after it if they were going to do something wrong they will do it anyway. You'd think that after that horrible experience that they would have turned into an angel themelves -- no. This is the imprinting of an 'Insaan' that they 'forget'.

May Allah make us of those spoken about in this ayaa.
Jazakallah hukhair, salamualikum.

Word for Word:

  1. inna = indeed
  2. allthzina = those who
  3. yaghshowna = they fear
  4. robbahum = their lord
  5. bil ghay bi = with the unseen
  6. la hum = for them
  7. magh fi ratun = forgiveness
  8. wa = and
  9. ajjrun = a reward
  10. kabeer = a great

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Rules of Idgham (Idgham with Ghunnah (Ghunnah = nasal sound)) if a noon with a sukoon/connect or  any letter  with tanween (un, in, oon) is followed by one of the following letters ya, noon, meem or wow, then the letter of noon sukoon or tanween should be assimilated into the letter with 2 counts of an elongation and a nasal sound. Example is in this ayaa in the way the words maghfiratun and wa are joined.
  2. Rules of Idghaam (Idghaam Shafawi)  -- When meem has a sukoon/connect symbol and it is followed by another meen there is an elongation of two counts on the second meen. Example of this is in the word la hum magh fi ra

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.

September 01

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 11 Ayaat 11‏

Salams Everyone,
    Yay today was a short verse. Day 11 people. Time is flying and I still feel like I'm wasting my time aaaah! OH Allah please help me seriously!  I had set some goals for myself and I'm still not getting anywhere except for this surat Mulk thing -- that's going splendidly. So what has everyone been up to lately? I tried catching up today with my emailing and didn't get very far. Wallahi this computer is so distracting. I blame the computer :P ... Onward....

Thus shall they confess their sin, so away from the mercy of Allah will be the dwellers of the Blaze.

My Quran Jam:

     It says in Tafsir Ibn Kathir:

 " Imam Ahmad recorded from Abu Al-Bakhtari At-Ta'i that he heard from one of the Companions that the Messenger of Allah said,

«لَنْ يَهْلِكَ النَّاسُ حَتْى يُعْذِرُوا مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِم»

(The people will not be destroyed until they themselves confess their guilt.)"
They will confess their sins because they will see reality in front of them. They will see everything of what they denied. They denied Allah, His Angels, the Prophets, the books, the day of judgment as well as every single sign that Allah sent down in his creation.  There will be so may evidences against them that they will have no other choice but to confess.
     The earth will testify what happened on its ground and where they went and what they did:

That Day it [the earth] will declare its information (about all what happened over it of good or evil). (99:4)


     Their brothers and sister, their parents, their spouses, and children will testify what wrongs they did to them.

On the Day a man will flee from his brother

And his mother and his father

And his wife and his children

For every man, that Day, will be a matter adequate for him. (80:34-37)

Even Shaytaan will testify against you. When the people of Hell will try to argue with Allah they will tell Him they it was Shaytaan that lead them astray but Shaytaan will tell them that he was not the one telling them to do wrong but it was themselves that chose to follow his whisperings.  [if someone can find this quran ayaat for me that would be much much appreciated.]

And finally even the heart will testify because that day all secrets of the heart will be revealed and the people of hell will have nothing to hide people because there will be no point.

This Quran Jam was a courtesy of my beloved husband since I was not able to think of much today. He kind of pushed me in the right direction and the proofs came flooding except that one about shaytaan. Arrrr I wish I can find it soon. BarakAllah feekum!


Word for Word:

  1. Faa'tarafoo = So they will admit
  2. bi thzambi him = their sin
  3. fa suh fun = so alienation
  4. li us haa bi = the companions
  5. us saiirr = The Blaze.

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Faa'tarafoo - the Raa here is heavy
  2. bi thzambi him - Baby Meem Rule (technical term is Iqlaab). When a noon with a sukoon/connect symbol or a noon with a tanween/ (tanween is a double fatha kasraa or dhumma) is followed by a baa then the noon is pronounced as a meem.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
August 31

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 10 Ayaat 10‏

Salams,
     This is day 10 and fewwwww the days are rolling! Today I did not have a headache from fasting. Alhumdulillah.  Also, thankyou to Mehreen for writing and responding. To the others, tisk tisk!

And they will say, "If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze."

My Quran Jam:
     Regret.  Not only will the companions of the Blaze feel it but so will those who are going to Jannah but of course not in the same way. They will see the wonderful fruits and luxuries Jannah has to offer and they will regret that they didn't do more good deeds in the duniya.
      As for the companions of the blaze, we talked about the calling that happens from the fitrah and we talked about the ayaat that are so apparent when you just look at Allah's creation and still they do not head the call.  They will say "If only we had been listening or reasoning..."   They have a veil on their ears, eyes, and hearts... and here I can't help but think of these ayaat of Surat Baqaraa:
 
Deaf, dumb and blind - so they will not return [to the right path].


Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. And for them is a great punishment.

     Here Allah says he has set a seal himself. If Allah sets a seal who but Allah can remove it? Food for thought, they were shut out from hearing and seeing the truth because they strayed too far from the right path. Allah put a seal on their hearts and now they are companions of the blazing fire. See how it all connects? See how the Quran never contradicts? From the 2nd chapter to the 67th chapter, everything fits. Who but the All-perfect could have written this book?

Word for Word:

  1. wa = and
  2. qawloo = they will say
  3. laow = if
  4. kunna = we had been
  5. nasmaa'oo = listening
  6. aow = or
  7. naa'qiloo = reasoning
  8. maa = not
  9. kaanoo = we would be
  10. fee = among
  11. ashaabi = companions
  12. as'aaiirr = The Blaze

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. No new rules today :)
  2. In the word nas'maa'oo there is a tendency to anticipate the ahyn before the meem. Remember each letter is its own self and does not bleed into other letters. Each must be said with its own sound.  Same goes for the last word as'aaiirr. There is a tendency here to make the seen heavy before saying ahyn.
  3. Word fee mandatory 4 to 5 count elongation. I have noticed that when some people learn surahs its fine when they are reciting out loud but when they recite in prayer they get too shy and miss tajweed rules like pronouncing a Qof or ahyn or and elongation. Don't be shy! Think of the 10+ reward and the reward with being among the scribes of the Quran. -- So there shall be no shyness!! :P

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
August 30

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 9 Ayaat 9‏

Salams,
    Day 9. Knock knock.... are yall still there? Am I sending these emails out to nowhere? This might be that period of the Ramadan 5 2 4 ratio Muhammad Al Shareef talked about :D

They will say," Yes, a warner had come to us, but we denied and said, ' Allah has not sent down anything. You are not but in great error.' "

My Quran Jam:
     This line talks about the person who rejects faith. We talked about yesterday how there are so many signs and ayaat of Allah that if one were to only open their eyes and heart, they would believe. I remember something from a while back when were were studying Aqeedah with shaykh Yasir Qadhi and he said why should we prove the existence of something that is shining so brightly at us as the sun? 

     I wonder alot about what it takes to disbelieve constantly. I understand that we disobey Allah because sometimes we forget to be grateful to Allah and we forget the favors he has bestowed on us but then inshallah we repent-- but to be a disbeliever? This is constant rejection.  There is something called the Fitrah that each human being is created with. Its like a pre-programmed imprinting on each of our souls before we were born. This fitrah or innate nature of a human automatically confirms in our heart that Allah is One, that we should worship him alone, that we should be good to our parents and orphans and murdering someone is a really bad thing to do. Yes even the non muslim has this Fitrah.

     So here is my question, if there is something lying deep within your heart screaming like an alarm constantly telling you Allah is One, worship him alone (and you know how loud alarms can be) and then when you look outside everything you see around you (the sky, trees, birds, people, water, rain, snow, food, wind, bees....) is also an ayaat screaming at you that Allah is one and to worship him alone -- even your own body is an ayaat -- a sign -- because guess what, you can't control your body. You can't control what diseases is going to catch tomorrow and you can't tell when it will shut off.  You don't control the growth rate of any part of your body -- so tell me you have all of these aspects of life screaming at you about a One, Perfect, Caring God and how exaclty does the brain go about rejecting this.

     Do you know how much the brain has to work to construct these elaborate notions and ideas to make living a life just to please the body called "Living"?  Ask a convert and they will tell you. Ask them about the peace they feel after entering Islam.

I hope this email was of benefit to you inshallah. Please pray for us for the best of this world and the next inshallah. Jazakallah hu khair!

Word for Word:

  1. qoloo = they will say
  2. balaa = yes
  3. qadd = had
  4. jaa'aana = come to us
  5. nathziroon = a warner
  6. fakathzabbna = but we denied
  7. wa = and
  8. qulnaa = we said
  9. maa = not
  10. nazzaalaa = sent down
  11. allah = allah
  12. min = any
  13. shayinn = thing
  14. in = not
  15. untum = you are
  16. illaa = but
  17. fii = in
  18. dhawlaalin = error
  19. kabeer = great

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Rules of Laam. Like Raa, Laam also has cases where it is heavy. Actually there is only one case :)  Laam at face value is light letter EXCEPT in the word Allah. The second Laam in the word Allah is heavy. The first laam is light.  Simple enough? are you keeping up with all this? :D cuz maaan it all adds up :)
  2. In the word nathziroon the "roon" is actually pronounced. Me and Ghouse debated about this for a whole 10 minutes.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
August 29

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 8 Ayaat 8‏

Salams,
    This is Day eight in our quest to memorize Surat Mulk. I hope you all are doing well and your ramadan is going awesomly.  I got a little carried away writing my Quran Jam for today so I'd rather have you read that instead of my boring question of the day. Really, if you love me, please read the Quran Jam below. Thanks guys for the support. Oh and I start teaching at Sunday School with Ghouse tomorrow so please make dua for us :)

It almost bursts with rage. Every time a company is thrown into it, its keepers ask them, "Did there not come to you a warner?"

My Quran Jam:
     In every day life we make alot of mistakes. Sometimes we think we've got something down and we don't listen to anybody else's advice but then we slip and fall and then with regret we say "Man... I should have listened to my Mom" Or "I should have listened to that guy!"  Or one day you walk into class and the teacher hands you a test and you are shocked because you didn't even know there was a test and your friend next to you goes... "DUDE I've been telling you for the past two weeks that the test is today!" 

     There are reminders of Allah everywhere. There are signs/ayaat of Allah everywhere. The whole creation of Allah itself is a proof for us to humble ourselves if we would only reflect. But sometimes this isn't enough. We need people to warn and remind us.  Ask yourself this today "Am I a warner? Or do I need to be warned?"  It is true that we all need reminders, but really have you asked yourself which side of this Ayaat you want to be on?  When the keeper of the gates of Hell asks "Did there not come to you a warner" -- do you want to be the one being asked? Have you asked yourself "What have I done today for me to be considered a warner?" 

     Brothers and sisters, I'm talking about the teaching of knowledge and when I say this I don't mean that you need to get on a mimbar and give lectures upon lectures. And I don't mean that you need to leave all your responsibilities behind and go off and become an a'lim -- although that is one of the noblest things to do -- but I'm trying to be realistic here. We don't need to go off conquering the world if its not in our grasp and it probably never will be -- I mean come on!  But each and every one of us can conquer our own world which is built up of our parents, spouse, children, aunties, uncles, friends, community... we can teach in so many way. If you spend 10 minutes with your kid and tell them one hadith before maghrib time, how many hadith will they know in a year?  If you spend one afternoon spending time with your parents and relatives over lots of food and teach them 2 or 3 lessons from a sura how much tafsir will you have to have studied yourself and how much will you have taught?

     If you are carrier of knowledge you are obligated to teach. If you are the head of your household Allah made it an obligation on you to teach them and if you fall under the category of a person who needed to be warned then you are on the other side of the ayaat and the keeper of Hell will be asking you that question: "Did there not come to you a warner"

And by the way... implied in all of this even though I didn't say it (and I tell myself before I tell everyone else) practice what you preach. The biggest loser on the day of judgment will be an A'lim who taught knowledge but did not follow himself.

I seek refuge in Allah from laziness and cowardliness and from riyaa and shirk. I pray to Allah that these emails reach you in the best state of your iman so all of you can take this and teach your families and lessen the load of the sins that I bear on my shoulders.

Word for Word:

  1. takadu = almost
  2. tamayyazu = bursts
  3. mina = from
  4. al-ghaydth = the rage
  5. kullamaa = every time
  6. ulqiyaa = is thrown
  7. fihaa = into it
  8. fawjunn = a company
  9. sa'aalatun = ask them
  10. khazanatuhaa = its keepers
  11. alum = did there not
  12. yaa'tikum = come to you
  13. nathiir = a warner

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. In the word tamayyazu in the beginning its zuu ... yes zuu not thzoo. The letters look very similar so its easy to make that small mistake.  For example, its 'tabarakallah thzii...". Listen closely to your reciter inshallah and follow along in your mushafs.
  2. The word al-ghaydth ends with heavy letter ظ  , make sure your mouth makes an "O" shape inside when you say this.
  3. The word kullamaa. Maa has a madd that we talked about yesterday. It has an elongation of 4 to 5. Same with the word haa in the word khazanatuhaa.
  4. The Raa at the end of this verse is NOT heavy.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 7 Ayaat 7‏

Salams,
     Once again sorry this is coming in late, but I got caught up talking to family then I was debating with Ghouse about a Tajweed rule.  Aren't they the funnest? Sometimes the best times I've had with Anika and Adam was just basically talking about nothing and making up our own languages. Good times mate. Anyway, no time to think of a question today...lets get straight to business.

When they are thrown into it, they hear from it a [dreadful] inhaling while it boils up.

My Quran Jam:
    I don't know if it was just me but when you read this ayaat did you imagine a huge red monster with huge white teeth and you are looking down into its mouth right before its about to swallow you up, and you can smell its breath? Or maybe you are hanging upside down into a volcano spewing with hot red and purple lava and its about to blow alll ovvverrr you!!!

     Do you know what the previous paragraph says about this ayaat? It gives you a taste of the words Allah uses to create images in your head. You know what they say. A picture is worth a thousand words and a movie is thousands of pictures. Allah uses imagery in the Quran to take you to places and then explains the most complex of things in the most simplest of ways. Allah is the creator of you and I and he knows how to work with our heads. This is one of many truly amazing topics discussed in the Study of Quranic Balaagh (eloquence).  To learn more about this visit www.bayyinah.com or watch this amazing lecture about the upcoming Bayyinah class Divine Speech coming to Memphis January, inshallah.


Word for Word:

  1. ithaa = when
  2. ulqu = they are thrown
  3. fihaa = into it
  4. samii'oo = they hear
  5. la haa = from it
  6. shahiqan = inhaling
  7. wa = while
  8. hiya = it
  9. tafoor = boils up.

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Rules of Maad (simplest) (4 or 5 elongations) is in the word ithaa.  Although there are many types of Maad that I have not studied, this is the easiest to teach.  Why? Because this is the easiest to recognize because it has a symbol.  If you are using a tajweed Quran this elongation will be color coded.  There is one more maad like this in the past lines we have memorized so go back and look for it :P
  2. The last Raa in this ayaat is heavy.
  3. Keep in mind rules of rhythm, for those who know what that is... for those who don't, that is a lesson for another day. :D

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
August 27

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 6 Ayaat 6‏

Salams,
    This is Day 6 into our mission to memorize Mulk.  I can't believe I've made it this far in keeping up with these emails, Alhumdulillah. Jazakallah hu khair to all of those who are supporting me! Really it means alot. Now I wish I was as punctual about my Al Huda review which is going no where. Please pray for me for that. Also thanks to those who emailed me about my cold. Alhumdulillah I have a great husband who is taking care of me and bi ithnillah I will be better soon.  Today's Question. Well actually its a fact that I'd like to share with everyone who drinks Ruhafza. Have you ever read the ingredients on that thing?  Yesterday or the day before, Ghouse was reading them: "sugar, pineaple juice, extract of corriender, carrots, watermelon, spinach, mint..." and some other stuff that I can't translate. So the secret to this lovely drink is Spinach! :D Wow... who knew.

And for those who disbelieved in their Lord is the punishment of Hell, and wretched is the destination.

My Quran Jam:
    This lines comes after five lines of reminders that Allah is able to do anything. This lines comes after being asked to find flaws in the sky and being told why death and life was created.  If a person where to only read this surah of the quran, read and understand the first 5 lines with an open heart who is to say they will still be a disbeliever in the sixth line?  It is only with Allah's will that one is guided. Look at the power of these lines. After the reminders come the warnings of the fate of those who disbelieved begin and their destination will be hell and they know this.

     I have always wondered about Iblis how he is trying so hard to misguide us but he knows all along where he will end up.  Have you ever been on one of those long drives to somewhere and you can't wait to get there because your getting so bored and tired? How about if the place you were going to was bad...really bad, like hell?  This is why it makes me wonder where Iblis gets his motivation and drive from.


Word for Word:

  1. wa = and
  2. lillathina = for those who
  3. kafaroo = disbelieved
  4. bi rabbi him = in their Lord
  5. aa'thaboo = punishment
  6. lahum = for them
  7. jahunnama = Hell
  8. wa = and
  9. bi'sal = wretched
  10. al-masirr = the destination

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Rules of Raa.  Unlike the heavy letters that are heavy all the time, the letter Raa like Lam is heavy in special cases however, at face value Raa is always heavy. The general rule goes, if there is something on top of the letter raa, then its heavy for example a Fatha/Zabar or Dhumma/Pesh.  If there is a Sukun/Jazm/A connect symbol on the Raa then we look at the letter before it and see if it has something on top. If it does then its heavy.  In today's line of Surat Mulk, we have two heavy Raas in the words Kafaroo and bi brabbi him.  Why is the last Raa not heavy might you ask?  Now this is going into territory I cannot explain. I only know it has something to do with the Yaa before it making an ii sound.  Anyone with Tajweed expertise that can explain? Nida??

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.

Recitation #1 Surah Al-Mulk

Salams Everyone,
      So this if for all the Memphisans! Tomorrow, Friday August 28th at 6:00 pm Masjid Salam  we will be having our first recitation. Those of us who have memorized will recite and those who haven't are still encouraged to join in because we will be doing translations, reflections and tajweed practice of a Juz Amma Surah if we have time.  On the brothers side, the recitation will be lead by Adam Munshi and Ghouse Sheikh.

     For all you non Memphis folk, you can join us from Skype 6:00 pm Memphis time. My skype name is iamshahin. Add me and let me know ahead of time if you will be able to make it (call me, or email me ).


     So please join us with your mushafs and your best recitation voices :D

Love,
Shahin

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 5 Ayaat 5‏

Salams,
     I apologize for this coming in late. I got a cold or something and I've been kind of out of it all day. I hate getting colds in the summer time, it makes no sense to me how that happens.  It happens every year though so I always just say its a way to expiate my sins.  My throat hurts so I've been blowing bubbles in my throat to make the itching go away and my husband thinks its weird. The look he gets when I'm doing it is so funny! Don't ask me how I do it, I just do! Hahahha! So, today's question is what is your favorite pass time when you are sick?  My favorite pass time is to do random things that I wouldn't usually do like reading articles or whatever because I know for sure I won't be able to concentrate on my work anyway even though I might have the energy to.  Another one is complaining to my mom because its so funny. She will give me suggestion after suggestion "beta do this it will make you feel better" ... "betta do that..." and really whats making me feel better is her attention :D I'm the first child on both sides of my family so it makes sense right? Alright! Ayaat 5:

And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with stars and have made [from]them what is thrown at the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze.

My Quran Jam:
     [Taken directly from Tafir of Ibn Kathir]..." [In the previous surah] After Allah negated any deficiency in the creation of the heavens, He explains their perfection and beauty. He says: 

And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps

This refers to the stars which have been placed in the heavens, some moving and some stationary. In Allah's statement:

and We have made them (as) missiles to drive away the Shayatin

The pronoun `them' in His statement, "and We have made them'' is the same type of statement as the stars being referred to as lamps. This does not mean that they are actually missiles, because the stars in the sky are not thrown. Rather, it is the meteors beneath them that are thrown and they are taken from the stars. And Allah knows best. Concerning Allah's statement

and We have prepared for them the torment of the blazing Fire

means, `We have made this disgrace for the devils in this life and We have prepared for them the torment of the blazing Fire in the Hereafter.' This is as Allah said in the beginning of Surat As-Saffat 6-7:

Verily, We have adorned the near heaven with the stars (for beauty). And to guard against every rebellious devil. They cannot listen to the higher group (angels) for they are pelted from every side. Outcast, and theirs is a constant (or painful) torment. Except such as snatch away something by stealing, and they are pursued by a flaming fire of piercing brightness.

Qatadah said, "These stars were only created for three purposes: Allah created them as adornment for the heaven (sky), as missiles for the devils and as signs for navigation. Therefore, whoever seeks to interpret any other meanings for them other than these, then verily he has spoken with his own opinion, he has lost his portion and burdened himself with that which he has no knowledge of.'' Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi Hatim both recorded this statement."


Word for Word:

  1. wa = and
  2. laqadd = have
  3. zayyunna = we certainly beautified
  4. as-sum'aa = the heaven
  5. ad-dunyaa = the nearest
  6. bi masawbiha = with stars
  7. wa = and
  8. ja'alnaha = we have made them
  9. rujooman = what is thrown
  10. lishsayaateen = at the devils
  11. wa = and
  12. aa'taddnaa = we have prepared
  13. la hum = for them
  14. aa'thabaa = punishment
  15. as-sa'iirr = The Blaze

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Rules of Qalqalah (non technical term: The echoing sound).  The Qalqalah letters are  ب - ج - د - ط - ق  which means only on these letters will you make this echoing sound not any other!  Notice that for these letters to have Qalqalah, they should be marked with Sukun/Jazm/A connect symbol.  In this line of surah Mulk, there is a qalqalah sound in the word laqadd and aa'taddnaa where the letter  - د -   is echoed.  When you listen with your reciter pay attention to these two words and you will see what I mean.  Now go back and find the three other places this rule is used in the previous ayaat.
  2. All previous rules apply but lets concentrate today on Qalqalah.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.
August 25

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 4 Ayaat 4‏

Salams,
     This is day 4.  I hope you guys are keeping up
.  So yeah, this ayaat was hard too. There is a word that is the same in the previous one so that is why I kept messing up. Anyway today's question is when was the last time you talked to your mom?  I talked to my mom today on the phone while I was trying to make pakodas.  She was telling me the recipe and I was trying to get all the ingredients out while also trying to stir the falooda milk at the same time. I had a blast :).
   


Then return [your] vision twice again. [Your] vision will return to you humbled while it is fatigued.

My Quran Jam:
    In the previous verse, we are asked of who made the seven heavens and then we are asked to try and find a break or flaw in it. This verse, in context, asks up to return our vision again because maybe you still might be confused. You know when you do a double take to make sure that the thing which you saw is really that thing?  Allah challenges us many times in the Quran so we don't have a reason to argue -- so that we do not have any doubt. Out of this, one thing must be hammered into our minds that La illah ha illAllah = There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.  If you look up at the sky and you can't find flaws, even when you do that second glance, and you are humbled and your mind fills in the answer, this is the work of an All Perfect Being, the next thing to do is to worship him alone. Worship in your thoughts, your words, your actions, your behavior, your interactions to others.
     Now here is another thought. Why was the example of the sky used to explain this perfection? No doubt, contemplating on the creation of water or the love of a mother or even a tree, will humble you because they are essentials to humans. However, sometimes you can have muddy water, mothers can do terrible weird things, and sometimes trees blow away in the wind.  Does the sky do these things? Even on the cloudy and stormiest of days do you every call the sky dirty?  This is a subtle point but you see how the Quran uses the perfect example in the correct situation to explain a very deep point.  In surat Baqaraa in ayaat 26 Allah uses the example of a mosquito to explain to us about the fasiqeen.  For more information about this read the ayaat and its tafseer HERE.


Word for Word:

  1. thumma = then
  2. arji'ii =  return
  3. al-basar = the vision
  4. karrataini = twice
  5. yanqalibb = will return
  6. ilaykaa = to you
  7. al-barsar = the vision
  8. khaasiun = humbled
  9. wa = and
  10. huwa = it is
  11. haseer = fatigued

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Rules of Ghunnah  (non technical term Tongue Not Touch = TNT).  Although there are many rules of Ghunnah  and there are many ways to recognize them, I'll only point one case out here because its very apparent. If you are memorizing with a reciter, you will be able to recognize this faster. In the word "yanqalibb" as you can see its written "yan" but the real pronunciation on the noon is a faded sound. When you say the noon in yan regularly your tongue will touch the roof of your mouth. BUT here where a ghunnah rule applies you have to make like you are saying the sound of noon but you don't touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth and there is a slight nasal sound.   There have been other places in the last three ayaas where this rule is used but I didn't mention it then. Now you can go back and look for them .  To make life easier go here www.quranflash.com and look up the Tajweed quran where the rules are color coded. Ghunnah rules are in green. You can even buy this quran HERE
  2. All previous rules apply but lets concentrate on TNT ... I mean Ghunnah today .

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 3 Ayaat 3‏

Salams,
     This is day three in our quest to memorize Surah Mulk. Subhanallah, this verse was very hard for me to memorize but after alot of practice, Alhumdulillah I got it!  I've been memorizing at fajr time which means the ayaas repeat in my head through out the day automatically and its very hard to get anything else stuck in my head.  You know when you get an annoying song stuck in your head and you just can't get it out? When you memorize at fajr that's what happens with me. The ayaat for me gets imprinted and honesty, having the quran stuck in my head is a wonderful feeling. 
     Anyway, today's question is what is your favorite Sura? For me, I have a special attachment to Surat A'basaa because it was the first long sura I memorized and I amazed myself :D Although now I'm getting a special attachment to sura Kahf because of the wonderful messages and stories the whole sura has. I'm a book worm and love stories so it amazes me that every time I read this sura it never bores me and every time I learn something new.
   


[And] who created seven heavens in layers. You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So return [your] vision [to the sky]; do you see any breaks?

My Quran Jam:
     For me to imagine the first layer is hard enough, to imagine seven... have we even defined what a layer is first of all?  This verse and the next talks about the perfection of Allah's creation.  My mom always use to remind us of this ayaat when we would be sitting outside somewhere and we could see the blue sky. She would tell us to look and try and find a flaw and we would try and Anika would start saying things like "what if the sky was purple" and then I would say ... "but it is sometimes at sunset" ... then she would say "well what if it was green" and I would say "The grass is green Anika!" If the sky was green then maybe the grass would have been blue but hey... why are trying to turn the world upside down?  Subhanallah! You can't find flaws in Allah's design. Its impossible because sometimes you can think something is bad when you are quick to judge but if you think longer you see there is a benefit to everything.
    Another subtly of these lines is... each line is reminding and asking you "who did this" and "who did that"... but the answer or conclusion to this has not come yet.  We know for a fact that the whole Quran is calling to one message -- Tawheed, to believe in one God and to worship him alone with his perfect attributes.  The beauty of the Quran is what does not need to be said is left out because the mind automatically fills in the rest -- whats horrible is when those who don't believer read this and their minds fill in the answer but then their ego rejects it asking "how can this be the truth?" ... sorry I'm going to stop now, I blabbered too long.


Word for Word:

  1. Alathi = (He) who
  2. khalaqa = created
  3. saba'a = seven
  4. samawaat =  heavens
  5. tibaqaa = layers
  6. maa = not
  7. taraa = you see
  8. fi = in
  9. kalqi = creation
  10. ar-rahmaan = The most merciful
  11. min = any
  12. tafaautt = inconsistency
  13. fargi'ii = so return
  14. al-basaraa = the vision
  15. hal = do
  16. taraa = you see
  17. min = any
  18. futoorr = breaks

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. There is a huge combination of heavy and light letters in this verse making the knowledge of what is a heavy letter very important. Firstly all the heavy letters are:  خ غ ظ ط ض ص ق.  Here is a clip that will help you know the correct pronunciation of these letters: Click Here
  2. All previous rule apply but lets concentrate on heavy and light today.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 2 Ayaat 2‏

Salams,
     I hope everybody's Ramadan is going well and as planned.  What did everybody have for iftar yesterday? I had dates and pakodas and Ruhafza milk at the masjid. It was fun and I met so many people that I hadn't seen in a while all at once. :)  Ramadan is a wonderful revival of Islamic brother and sisterhood. Anyway, today's line:


[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving -

My Quran Jam:
    In this ayaat it clearly says we were given life to be tested and we were given death to be tested.  How many times today has life and living tested you? We eat food and you maybe had to go to work to make the money to feed your family, these are the basics but you were also tested today in your living of being nice to your parents or being respectful to your spouse or being just with your children. A situation crossed your path today and you had the choice to be kind or just throw a tantrum and get angry.  Yes -- you were tested with life and some of us took advantage of these moments to make our good deeds putting our good deed count higher, Alhumdulillah.

     How are we tested by death? Yes its true when a family member or someone you love dies, its painful and its a trying time for the family but when else is death a test?  When the fear of death is overwhelming and it makes you act in ways not liked by Allah.  For instance the phrase "live for the now because tomorrow you might be dead." This is a popular phrase in the country we live in and acting upon it is part of the culture of this country (actually I think its reaching all parts of the world). 

     At the end of the ayaat we are reminded that Allah is the most high in might and he is all forgiving. Being reminded of Allah's might after all of these thoughts of being tested reminds you that Allah is able to keep track of these deeds (yes all of them, the good and the bad) and for those that mess up now and then in their tests of life and death, they are also reminded that Allah is all forgiving. Allhuakbar! Truly the Quran is a miracle in every way.

Word for Word:

  1. Alathi = (He) who
  2. khalaqa = created
  3. Al mawtaa = the death
  4. wa = and
  5. hayaata = the life
  6. li yablu wa kum = to test you
  7. ayukum = which of you
  8. ahsunu = best
  9. amalaa = in deed
  10. wa = and
  11. huwa = he
  12. Al Aziz = The Exulted in might
  13. Al Ghafoor = The Forgiving

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Alathi: the 'thaal' here is the 'thaal' in 'aaoothobillah'. You touch your tongue between your teeth. Some mistake this as zaal and make a buzzing sound.
  2. khalaqa: here is a combination of heavy light and heavy. When making the laam light, don't carry the heavy sound of khaa to the laam or anticipate the qof and make the laam heavy.
  3. All ways remember to pronounce the fatha dumma and kasraa distinctly.


By the way, the translation I'm using today is from Sahih International which is the closest you can get to the Arabic language. As you can see, the word for word translation of the Arabic words matches almost exactly with the written translation. Although translations can never do justice to the Arabic language and the eloquence of Allah's Kalaam, this translation is pretty good for now.

Baraakallah feekum and happy memorizing,
Shahin.

Surah Al-Mulk: Day 1 Ayaat 1‏

Salams,
     Today I will be introducing the idea of Quran-Jam which is basically a way to reflect upon each ayaat we memorize. A "jam" is basically answering the question what did you learn in this ayaat? And this opens the floor for everybody's reflections.


Glorious is the One in whose hand is the Kingdom (of the whole universe), and He is powerful over everything.

My Quran Jam:
     Truly, all glory and blessing belongs to the ONE who controls this world and the next. If we name just some of the complexities of this "control" what about the ONE who controlled your waking up in the morning today on this blessed day of Ramadan? What if you never woke up? What if just one of the hormones in your body were high or low and you woke up without a sense or one of your senses were increased way too much?  What about the one who let the winds be just fast enough to generate the electricity so you are able to read this email today? There can be so many more examples where we can remember the favors of our lord (that's where yall reflections come in) Alhumdulillah. And really Subhanallah for all the people who know this and still worship another being or give the powers of Allah to another or think that anybody else can suffice to answer their duas.  The second part of the Ayaat: "He is powerful over everything" draws even more attention to the fact that he has power over the whole kingdom.

Word for Word:

  1. Tabarak  = Blessed is He
  2. Alathi = who
  3. Bi Yadihi = in his hands
  4. Al Mulk  = the dominion
  5. wa = and
  6. huwa = he
  7. A'laa = over
  8. kulli = all
  9. shayin = things
  10. Qadir = competent

Tajweed Emphasis:
  1. Kaaf and Qof. Kaaf comes from the front of the uvula. Qof comes from the back of the uvula.
  2. Elongation on the baa in tabaarak.
  3. Always clearly pronounce the Fathaa/zabar, Kasraa/zer, and Dummah/Pesh.
  4. There is more but this is good for now.


Congrats :) Inshallah we all have atleast one ayaat today.
Baraakallah feekum,
Shahin.

This Ramadan: 30 Days -- 30 Ayaas of Mulk‏

Salamuaikum and Ramadan Mubarak!
     This Ramadan I started a chain of emails to my Family and Friends encouraging everyone to memorize Surat Mulk. Alhumdulillah I got a great response and I have about 20 people who committed to memorizing.  Others also told me they are benefiting greatly from the emails so I thought I should start posting them here.  I hope that you also benefit from this knowledge and please remember me and my family in your duas.

Jazakallah hu khair,
     Shahin.

Ps. Quran Jam idea comes from www.quranjam.com.  All word for word translation comes from www.quraninenglish.com.  The tajweed part is a courtesy of Ilm Summit 2009 where they were nice enough to bring us an amazing Bayyinah instructor to teach us the basic rules of tajweed. I am basically taking those rules and applying them to the lines of sura Mulk.


To my dearest Family,
     Every year we make goals for ourselves in Ramadan. We say we will read the quran and do thikr and give charity and so on but all of this stays behind in Ramadan. Sometimes we do these things and we aren't able to carry it through the rest of the year. This year, inshallah, me, mom, Anika, Adam, Dad and Ghouse of course have made the intention to memorize Sura Mulk in these 30 days.  So, when Ramadan finishes we will have this sura that we can recite in every Isha prayer and we will have protection from the punishment of the grave, inshallah.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (salallaahu ‘alaihiwasallam) saying, “There is a Surah in the Qur’an which contains thirty Ayat which kept interceding for a man until his sins are forgiven. This Surah is ‘Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion.’ (Surat Al-Mulk 67).” [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

The Prophet said, ‘Surah al Mulk is the protector from the torment of the grave’  [Sahihul Jamiea 1/680, Hakim 2/498 & Nasai]

Inshallah this is a great chance for us to stay together and keep in touch this Ramadan because indeed Ramadan is a time for everyone to come together under the mercy of Allah. Here are some helpful tips to memorize this sura.

  1. Make Dua that you will be successful in this mission to memorize -- because without Allah's help, there is nothing.
  2. Memorize after Fajr (so you have all that energy from your suhoor to use).
  3. a)  Use QuranExplorer to repeat the Ayaas for you and to build a tune from the reciter so its easy to memorize.
    b)  OR Download the mp3 from HERE and load it to your mp3 player. If you have an A-B function use it!
    c)  OR if you have an iPod you can set the start and end on an ayaah in iTunes and repeat the track.
    d)  OR if you have an iPod or iPhone download iQuran Pro ($9.99) and get full functionality of a choice of reciters and translations.
    e)  There are so many methods so pick the one that suite you and because there are so many you have very little excuses.
  4. Pick a reciter you like to sound like :) There are 8 to choose from. Also..."Imitation is the highest form of flattery"
  5. Recite loudly because hearing yourself makes you better because you can hear your mistakes and you can correct them.
  6. BEST OF ALL you only have to memorize one ayaa a day and you will be done in a month! How cool is that?!
  7. Use a buddy system and that means .... REPLY ALL TO THIS EMAIL AND LET EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT YOUR PROGRESS. (its only family so they don't mind the extra emails in Ramadan also maybe add what new thing you learned that day to make conversation )

Alright so this is my action plan for memorizing sura Mulk this Ramadan Bi Ithnillah!

Happy memorizing and Ramadan Mubarak!

Love,
Shahin.