'Kaaf Ha Ya A'in Sad' is known as ‘Solemn Verse' (Ayat-e-Muqatta'at - آیتِ مقطعات).

Fourteen Arabic alphabets have been used, in varied combinations, in 14 ‘Solemn Verses' (Ayaat-e-Muqatta'at - آیاتِ مقطعات) in the form of initials of 29 Chapters (سورة) of holy Quran. 'Kaaf Ha Ya A'in Sad' ( كهيعص) is one of them.

Since Quran is 'Mubeen' (الْمُبِينِ); its description is clear and manifest. The meanings of all the verses of Quran, including 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) are surely known to its principle addressee, ie., Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). It is also likely that Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) has informed the meanings of these Verses to some of his Sahabah and Awliya Allah.

We believe in whatever is meant by the 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

Since we have been commanded to read the Quran carefully and try to understand the significance of every verse of the Quran, we do ponder over these verses. And when we think, by focusing our attention towards Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) for guidance, it comes to our mind that the 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) are actually the 'Solemn Titles of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) given by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) throughout the Quran. Our understanding is based on the fact that Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has addressed Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) in the Quran by specific names, like Muzzammil (مزمل - O' beloved who covers self in a coverlet), Muddassir (مدثر - O' beloved, who covers self in a bed sheet). With this understanding, it is most likely that Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) other names / titles have been mentioned in Quran by denoting certain initials/alphabets.

BRIEF HISTORY

It is reported that after their conquest of Palestine, the entire land was divided among the 12 tribes of the descendants of Prophet Yaqoob (عليه السلام) as inheritance, and the 13th tribe, the Levites, who were entrusted with religious services and duties were the descendants of Prophet Haroon (عليه السلام). They used to serve the house of worship (Temple Mount) and look after its maintenance.

The descendants of Haroon (عليه السلام) were divided into 24 families, who came to serve the House (Temple Mount) by turn. One of these families was of Abiah whose chief was Zakariya (عليه السلام). It was Prophet Zakariya's (عليه السلام) duty to go into the House on his family’s turn for service and take care of its maintenance.

The family of Imran (عليه السلام), the descendants of Haroon (عليه السلام), is the last family of Prophets among Israelis, because after Prophet Isa (عليه السلام), the prophet-hood ended among the people of Israel.

It is reported that Imran (عليه السلام) and his wife Hanna (عليها السلام) had two daughters. The eldest one was the wife of Prophet Zakariyya (عليه السلام). The younger daughter Maryam (عليها السلام) was born long after the birth of her elder sister. And Maryam (عليها السلام) is the mother of Prophet Isa (عليه السلام).

Imran's (عليه السلام) family was pious. When Hanna (عليها السلام) was pregnant the second time, she expected to deliver a baby boy. She vowed that after the birth, she will dedicate her son into the service of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). However, she delivered a baby girl. She named her Maryam (عليها السلام) and supplicated Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) to protect her from the damned Satan.

It is in Quran وَإِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَاكِ وَطَهَّرَكِ وَاصْطَفَاكِ عَلَى نِسَاءِ الْعَالَمِينَ - يَا مَرْيَمُ اقْنُتِي لِرَبِّكِ وَاسْجُدِي وَارْكَعِي مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ [ The angels (Jibreel - عليه السلام) said : "O' Maryam (عليها السلام), indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you, and exalted you from all the women in the world. O' Maryam (عليها السلام)! Stand in reverence before your Lord, prostrate and bow along with those who bow. ] (Aal-e-Imran - 42-43)

In the above verse # 28, she is referred to as 'the sister of Haroon'. It may either mean that Maryam (عليها السلام) had a brother/cousin by the name of Haroon, or it may mean that she belonged to the family of Prophet Haroon (عليه السلام).

It is in Hadith When the Christians of Najran criticized the Quranic version of stating Maryam (عليها السلام) as the sister of Haroon before Mughirah bin Shubah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ), he was not able to convince them, because Prophet Haroon (عليه السلام) had passed away centuries earlier. When he presented that issue before the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), he replied : Why didn’t you say that the Israelis named their children after their Prophets and other pious men (Muslim, Nasai, Tirmidhi).

It is reported that Hadhrat Ibrahim (عليه السلام) grew up under the guardianship of his uncle Azar, who was the younger brother of his father because his father, Tareq died when he was very young. He used to call him 'father'.

It is in Quran أَمْ كُنتُمْ شُهَدَاءَ إِذْ حَضَرَ يَعْقُوبَ الْمَوْتُ إِذْ قَالَ لِبَنِيهِ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن بَعْدِي قَالُوا نَعْبُدُ إِلَـٰهَكَ وَإِلَـٰهَ آبَائِكَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ إِلَـٰهًا وَاحِدًا وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ [Nay! were you witness when death visited Yaqoub (عليه السلام), when he said to his sons : What will you serve (worship) after me? They said : We will serve (worship) your God and the God of your fathers; Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and Ismail (عليه السلام) and Ishaq (عليه السلام); one God only, and to Him do we submit.] ( Al-Baqara - 133).

In the above verse, the sons of Yaqoub (عليه السلام) are referring to, both Ishaq (عليه السلام) and Ismail (عليه السلام), as fathers ( آبَائِكَ ). Ishaq (عليه السلام) is their grand father, and Ismail (عليه السلام) is the brother of Ishaq (عليه السلام). Thus, it is proved that the word (أبي) is used in Quran for both biological father, and brother of father.

It is in Quran - وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ آزَرَ أَتَتَّخِذُ أَصْنَامًا آلِهَةً ۖ إِنِّي أَرَاكَ وَقَوْمَكَ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ [ And when Ibrahim (عليه السلام) said to his father, Azar : Do you take idols for gods? Surely I see you and your people in manifest error] (Al-Anaam - 74).

The literal meanings of this verse that comes to a reader's mind are : Ibrahim (عليه السلام) said to his father whose name was Azar. But as per the rules of laconic usage, descriptive linguistics and rhetoric, this is not a correct understanding because it is mentioned that "Ibrahim (عليه السلام) said to his father, Azar", which denotes different meanings.

Like, no one says, “My father, Husain, is coming". We only say "My father is coming".

If we talk of a relationship and a name at the same time, people will understand that there are more than one person associated with that relationship. If we have only one person associated with the relationship (like father), we will only say, “My father is coming".

Arabic word ( أبي ) is commonly used for (i) biological father, (ii) 'step father', and (iii) 'brother of father', and (iv) grandfather. If Azar was the biological father of Ibrahim (عليه السلام), it would have been enough to say, "He said to his father". But the Quranic verse emphasizes "Ibrahim (عليه السلام) said to his father, Azar". This shows that Azar was not the biological father of Ibrahim (عليه السلام).

It is in Quran - وَمَا كَانَ اسْتِغْفَارُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ لِأَبِيهِ إِلَّا عَن مَّوْعِدَةٍ وَعَدَهَا إِيَّاهُ فَلَمَّا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ أَنَّهُ عَدُوٌّ لِّلَّهِ تَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُ ۚ إِنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ لَأَوَّاهٌ حَلِيمٌ [ Ibrahim (عليه السلام) would not have asked forgiveness for his father but for a promise he made to him, and when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), he renounced him. Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was tender at heart and forbearing.] (At-Tawba -114).

Read the above verse carefully; it says 'Ibrahim (عليه السلام) would not have asked forgiveness for his father but for a promise he made to him'.

Remember, we do not pray for our parents because we make a promise to them. We do it as mandatory and obligatory on us. We might make a promise to our relatives that we will do dua for them in a specific issue. Thus, the verse shows the relationship of Ibrahim (عليه السلام) with Azar, was not that of son and biological father, rather it was the relationship between two relatives. He asked for forgiveness for (his uncle) Azar because he promised him once. But when Ibrahim (عليه السلام) realized that he was an Idol worshiper and the enemy of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), he renounced him.

It is in Quran - رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ [O our Lord! grant me protection and my parents and the believers on the day when the reckoning shall come to pass! ] (Ibrahim - 41).

In the above verse, Ibrahim (عليه السلام) is praying for protection for himself, his both parents (who were Momineen) and general believers on the Day of Judgment. This Quranic verse shows Azar, who was an Idol worshiper, was not the father of Ibrahim (عليه السلام)

It is in Hadith - Anas Ibn Malik (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrates that one day Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) stood on the pulpit and informed (sahabah) the names of his ancestors

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said: Ana, Mohammad Ibn Abdullah, bin Abdul Muttalib, bin Hashim, bin Abd Manaf, bin Qusa'i, bin Kilab, bin Kilab bin Ka'b, bin Lu'ayy, bin Ghalib, bin Fihr, bin Malik, bin an-Nadr, bin Kinanah, bin Khuzaimah, bin Mudrikah, bin Elias, bin Mudar, bin Nizar, bin Ma'ad, bin Adnan, bin Udad, bin Asha'b, bin Saleh, bin Salooq, bin Hameesa, bin Nabad, bin Khizaar, bin Ismail (عليه السلام), bin Ibrahim (عليه السلام), bin Tariq.

(Baihaqi, Hakim, Ahmed, Ibn Kathir in Bidaya wan Nihaya and Ibn Asakir also narrated this Hadith).

It is clear from the above Hadith that the father of Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was Tariq, a Momin; while his uncle Azar was an Idol worshiper.

Ibn Jarir al-Tabari in his Tafsir and History book has mentioned that - Azar was not the father of Ibrahim (عليه السلام). ( History of Tabari, Vol. 1, Page 119. and Tafsir-e-Tabari by Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Vol. 7, page 158).

Ibn Kathir has written in al-Bidaya wan Nihaya - Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was the son of Tariq. When Tareq was 75 years old, Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was born to him. (al-Bidaya wan Nihaya, vol 1, page 139)

Hadhrat Mohammad Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ) has written in his Tafseer-e-Siddiqui of verse 47, Surah Maryam that Azar was the brother of the father of Ibrahim (عليه السلام). (Tafseer-e-Siddiqui)

Idris (عليه السلام) was the third Prophet sent after Adam and Shiith (عليهم السلام).

The above is 'the verse of Sajda' (آیت سجدہ). If someone is reading it alone, should do prostration (سجدة) alone. If it is read loudly in an audience, the reciter and all the listeners should do 'Prostration of Recitation' (Sajda-e-Tilaawah - سجدة التلاوة) individually.

The Prostration can be done in sitting or standing position. In the Hanafi school of thought, 'Prostration of Recitation' (Sajda-e-Tilaawah - سجدة التلاوة) is obligatory (Fardh). With Shafii and Maliki, it is Sunnah.

It is in Hadith - 'When you have recited a verse requiring Sajdah-e-Tilaawaah, you should go down for Sajdah with Allahu-Akbar and rise from Sajdah with Allahu-Akbar, which may be performed sitting, though it is preferable to prostrate oneself from the standing position. (Abu Dawood)

Have the intention to do Prostration of recitation (سجدة التلاوة). The place where you are reading/reciting Quran should be clean. Turn your face towards Qibla, say (quietly) Allahu Akbar, go into prostration once, recite the 'Tasbih of Sajdah' 'Subhana Rabbi al-A'alaa' (سبحان ربّي الاعلى ) at least 3 times and raise from the Sajda saying Allahu Akbar.

It is reported in many Ahadith that 'Siraat' is a bridge that will be set up over the Hell on the Day of Judgement. Everyone will be required to pass over this bridge. Some people will cross it in the blink of an eye, or like a lightning, or like a wind. Some will cross like a swift horses. Some will cross running, some walking, some crawling, and some will fall into the Fire, each according to his deeds.

(i) It is in Hadith - The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, the Sirat Bridge will be set over Hell. The first Prophet who will cross it with his nation will be I. (Bukhari)

(ii) It is in Hadith - The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, 'on the Day of Resurrection I will stand by the side of the Sirat Bridge and wait for my nation to cross it. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) will say, 'Ask for whatever you want. Intercede for whomever you wish, for your intercession will be accepted.' After interceding for my nation, I will continue prostrating, and I will not rise to my feet until He says, 'Put all people into Paradise who said 'There is no god except Allah and died with this belief. (Musnad Ahmad)

(iii) It is in Hadith - Abu Sa‘eed al-Khudri (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, 'then the bridge will be laid across Hell.' We said, 'O Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), what is the bridge?’ He said, 'It is a slippery (bridge) on which there are clamps and (hooks like) thorns which are wide at one side and narrow at the other and have bent ends. A plant with such thorns is found in Najd and is called as-Sa'daan. Some of the believers will cross the bridge as quickly as the wink of an eye, some others as quick as lightning, a strong wind, or fast horses or she-camels. So some will be safe without any harm; some will be safe after receiving some scratches, and some will fall down into Hell (Fire). The last person will cross by being dragged (over the bridge). Imam Muslim added : Abu Sa‘eed (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) said : I heard that the bridge is narrower than a hair and sharper than a sword. (Bukhari, Muslim - Part of the Hadith)

(iv) It is in Hadith - Abu Sa‘eed al-Khudri (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) reported that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, 'When the believers pass safely over (the bridge across) Hell, they will be stopped at another bridge between Hell and Paradise where they will retaliate against one another for the injustices done among them in the world, and when they are purified of all their sins, they will be admitted to Paradise. By Him in Whose hands the life of Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is, everybody will recognize his dwelling in Paradise better than he recognizes his dwelling in this world.' (Bukhari)

The above was the usual claim of the rich among Makkan pagans who used to boast about their worldly possessions and considered that their worldly possessions show their Lord is happy with them and they were on the right path. They used to claim that, if there is a Hereafter, there also, they will be as prosperous as they are in this world.

The above verse testifies that if someone does sins, neglecting the divine commandments, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) imposes on them devils who incite them to do more sins, and in that state they die.

Once the devils join your company, it is very difficult to get rid of them. It is important that people seek forgiveness from their Lord and come back to Sahih Iman, relinquishing sins.

It is an important verse. We provide below a brief explanation about it.

Allah (اللہ) is the comprehensive name encompassing all His attributes. To be compassionate towards His servants is one of His attributes. With the above verse it is known that His attribute of Rahmaniyat (رحمانيت) is ruling the world.

Read the above verse one more time, Allah (اللہ) says that 'We shall gather the righteous in front of 'the Most Compassionate' (الرَّحْمَنِ). What it means? It means that He will gather us all in front of His 'Tajalli-e-Rahman (تجلئ رحمان) who is the King of this Cosmos. With this understanding, it is much easier to understand the following verses.

It is in Quran - الرَّحْمَنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوَى [ The Most Compassionate established the authority on the Throne. ] (Taa Haa - 005)

It is in Quran - إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ اسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ [ Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. ] (Al-A'raaf - 54)

The above verse clarifies an important issue. Who are the people who have been rewarded the privilege to intercede for the sinners with the 'Most Compassionate' (الرَّحْمَنِ) in this world and in Hereafter? They are Prophets, Sahabah, Awliya Allah, Shuyookh of Ihsan, etc?

Who are the ones who do not have the right to intercede in this world and on the day of resurrection? They are the Idols worshiped by non believers, their deities, false gods and those to whom they associate divinity?

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is the Lord of this Cosmos who has the right to be worshiped. Other than Him, all are His servants. And among servants, the Prophets, Awliya Allah and His righteous servants can intercede for the people in this world and in Hereafter.

How can Prophets and Awliya Allah help us in this world? They can pray Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) to forgive our sins and set right our issues in this world. And in Hereafter, they can intercede the sinners in taking them out of Hell and in reduction of their punishment.

It is in Quran - إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُمْ رَاكِعُونَ (Your guardian (or solver of grievances) can be Allah ( عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle ( صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم ) and those who believe, who establish Salah, and pay Zakat and bow down (in prayer) (Al-Maida - 55).

Salafis, Wahhabis, Ahle Hadith, Deobandis, Ikhwanul Muslimeen, their sub sects and like minded groups confuse Muslims in this context by imposing the verses meant for Mushrikeen and their false idols on Prophet Mhammad ( صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم ), Sahabah, dignitaries of Islam and Awliya Allah.

The Jews and Christians and others who claim Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has begotten a son and those who claim that the angels are His daughters, are involved in the biggest sin of all. A monstrous sin indeed which is not pardonable by any standard unless they repent and come back to Sahih Iman.

The Ammani deviant sect and their like minded groups who claim Jews and Christians are 'believers' on par with Muslims, also have crossed the red line of Sahih Iman. It is important that they repent, seek Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) forgiveness and come back to Sahih Iman for their salvation in Hereafter.