Prophet Yaqoob (عليه السلام) vowed for something and when it was answered, he left the meat of Camel and its Milk. Before that it was halal for Bani Israil.

The old name of Makka was Bakka. From the above verse it is clear that Ka'ba was built by Hadhrat Adam (عليه السلام). Probably, it got washed away in the floods of Noah (عليه السلام). But the foundation marks existed during the time of Ibrahim (عليه السلام).

The following supplication was made by Ibrahim (عليه السلام) when he left his wife and infant son Ismail (عليه السلام) in the valley between Safa and Marwa hillocks near Ka'ba. This was years before he built Kaaba along with his grown up son Ismail (عليه السلام). This also shows building foundation existed and were visible.

It is in Quran - رَّبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِي إِلَيْهِمْ وَارْزُقْهُم مِّنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْكُرُونَ [ Our Lord, I have established some of my offspring in an uncultivated valley, close to Your Sacred House, Lord, so that they may keep up the prayer. Make people’s hearts turn to them, and provide them with produce, so that they may be thankful. ] (Ibrahim - 37)

It is in Quran - وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَن لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئًا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ [ We showed Ibrahim the site of the House, saying, ‘Do not assign partners to Me. Purify My House for those who circle around it, those who stand to pray, and those who bow and prostrate themselves. (Al-Hajj - 26)

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says that His house is 'a sanctuary for people. Meaning, people feel safe when they are in it. Prior to Islam, even the pagans who abandoned the religion of Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and his descendants, believed in making pilgrimage to the sanctified house. They used to guarantee the safety of those visiting the Ka'ba.

Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and Ismail (عليه السلام) rebuild Ka'ba which is meant for the exclusive worship of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). Once the house was rebuilt, Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and Ismail (عليه السلام) took care of its maintenance. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) commanded them to purify the House (and its surroundings). Probably the area was becoming like any other neighborhood where people slaughtered their animals and dumped their rubbish. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) commanded Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and Ismail (عليه السلام) to clean the place for everyone (i) who do Tawaaf, (ii) who take time to retreat, and (iii) who devote themselves for worship for a longer time in bowing and prostrating. It is obvious that Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) wanted to make Ka'ba a focal point and Qibla for all Muslims of the world.

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is obligatory for all Muslims, who can afford and travel, to do Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is performed during the period from the 8th to 13th Dhu'l Hijjah, every lunar year. It is an annual assembly of Muslims from all parts of the world in which all barriers of language, territory, color and race disappear and the bond of faith becomes apparent. There are a number of benefits of Hajj to people, individually as well as collectively.

It is in Hadith - Narrated Abu Huraira (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) - The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's sake and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” (Bukhari, Muslim )

It is in Hadith - Narrated Abu Huraira (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) - The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was asked, "Which is the best deed?" He said, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle." He was then asked, "Which is the next (in goodness)?" He said, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) Cause." He was then asked, "Which is the next?" He said, "To perform Hajj-Mabrur. (Bukhari )

In this verse, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) Allah mentions about the spot where Ibrahim (عليه السلام) stood while raising the wall of Ka'ba. The rock on which Ibrahim (عليه السلام) stood, is still preserved.

What is the rope of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ)? It is Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). Allah is asking us to hold on firmly to the path shown by him and his Khulafa-e-Rashideen (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم اجمعين).

It is in Quran - قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ [ Tell them (O' Prophet ﷺ) 'If you love Allah, then follow me so that Allah may love you and forgive your sin; for Allah is most forgiving and most kind.' ] (Aal-i-Imran - 31)

It is in Quran - قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ [ Tell them (O' Prophet ﷺ) 'Obey Allah and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم); and if they refuse (then) Allah does not love disbelievers. ] (Aal-i-Imran - 32)

It is in Hadith - It is narrated on the authority of Thauban (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : A group of people from my Umma will always remain triumphant on the right path and continue to be triumphant (against their opponents). He who deserts them shall not be able to do them any harm. They will remain in this position until Allah's Command is executed (Qiyamah is established). (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and others)

The above verses 103-06 are a cursor and a warning for 72 deviant sects and their sub groups among Muslims who have left the right path of Islam and chose different paths in the name of Islam. The right path of Islam is distinctly made clear throughout this Tafseer.

The above three verses (113-115) are about those Jews and Christians who accepted Islam on the hand of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), who believed in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and on the last day and who hasten to spend in charity.

The following 2 verses (116-117) are about those Jews and Christians who remained unbelievers.

There are two aspects in our lives in this world. One is virtue and the other is evil. Virtue is from Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and from His Apostles and His Awliya, while the center of evil is Satan and his associates in Jinnies and human beings.

The people who reject faith, those who are Munafiqeen and those who have imbibed in their hearts the love of power, money, women and other comforts in this world, can never be on the same wave length as that of the sincere believers.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is commanding us to be careful in this world and avoid confiding with people who stand in total opposition to the believers. They surely desire the believers' annihilation because of their hate. Sincere believers are the road blocks for them and they always try to remove these road blocks so that they have a free ride for their evil desires

It is important to remember one more thing. The associates in sins are Shayateen, unbelievers, Munafiqeen, and those who pursue their lustful desires. The company of unbelievers, Munafiqeen and the people who are after their lust in this world effects you and slowly you become one of them.

Many of the Jinns and Shayateen are invisible to human physical eyes. The moment you involve in a sin, say in Zina, be rest assured that you have the company of devils around you who watch you doing Zina. They participate in this act along with you. Once you are caught in this circle of evil, these devils never leave you alone. They will follow you wherever you go and watch whatever you do. They will create insinuations in your heart to indulge in more sins and in their company you will grow in sinning and rebellion. It is a steep slope that takes you down to the pit of Hell. It is very difficult to climb back from this slope because there is no one to pull you up and you have many devils in Shayateen and humans pulling you down along with them. At this time, Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) Mercy is cut off from you. The only way out is, you should seek the company of a Sahih-ul-Aqeedah Shaikh of Ihsan to pull you out from the steep slope, and repent for your sins and seek Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) Mercy to come back to the straight path.

Allah"s (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) help to his servants is always there. Only condition is you should guard yourselves from rebellion and should not fall victim to the worldly desires.

Our condition in this life is similar to a man who has been asked to hold on to his corporeal desires for sometime. Unlawful acquisition of these desires is like a severe infection with which the person is sure to die in disgrace and will be subjected to torment in Hereafter. As against this, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has promised you to provide everything your Nafs desires in Hereafter. You will get exceptional food, pious companions, palaces, and gardens to live and there will be no restrictions in using these comforts.

The battle of Badr took place on Ramadan 17, in the second year of Hijra. It was a decisive battle that established the Islamic State. Badr is a place situated about 90 miles south-west of Madina. During Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) time, Badr was a watering station at which the caravans used to get water for their camels.

After the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and his companions' emigration to Madina, Makkan pagans imposed restriction on them from traveling in and around their territory. In return, Muslims also demanded that the Pagans should not travel in and around Madina.

The cause of the battle was, Muslims got the news that a massive trade Caravan of Pagans was re­turning from Syria to Makka. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) sent some of his companions to get news of them while the caravan travels within the vicinity of Madina. They reached a place called Alhawra and waited there until Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, leader of the caravan, arrived. Muslims tried to go after the Caravan, but Abu Sufyan, who had not accepted Islam then, managed to bypass Muslims. He however informed Makkan Pagans about it by a fast emissary and sought their help to protect the Caravan. On his request, the Makkan pagans prepared a contingent of 1,000 warriors and marched towards Madina. On their way they met the Caravan which was returning safely to Makka. The Pagans deliberated what to do in this circumstance. They eventually decided to continue their march to attack Madina. When the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) knew about the Makkan army marching towards Madina, he prepared a Muslim Army that consisted of 313 men. The Muslim Army hurried to the well of Badr to safeguard supply of drinking water. When the Pagan army arrived there with a huge army and weaponry, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) prayed to Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) for help. The revelation came assuring the assistance and angels were sent down to help Muslim army. Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and Sahabah fought bravely and pagans were defeated decisively. They ran away from Badr. They lost 70 of their well known warriors, including Abu Jahl, and another 70 of them were taken as prisoners. Muslims suffered 14 casualties.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is assuring His help, but the condition is you should remain patient and pious in difficult situations and trust in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ).

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is assuring that even if you do not take interest, you may prosper in your business transactions.

The Hell fire is prepared for the infidels, not for believers. It is a sorrow state of affairs that believers commit sin, eat Haram, take riba and burn for their sins in Hell fire.

What is Ihsan?

Hadith of Ihsan - Abu Huraira (رضئ الله تعالى عنه) narrated - One day while the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was sitting in the company of some people, (Angel) Jibreel (عليه السلام) came and sat, folding his knees and asked, 'What is faith?' Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) replied, ‘Faith is to believe in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), His angels, (the) meeting with Him (on the day of judgment), His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection.’ Then he asked, 'What is Islam?' Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) replied, 'To worship Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) alone and none else, to offer prayers perfectly, to pay the compulsory charity Zakat and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan.' Then he asked, 'What is Ihsan?' Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) replied, 'To pray as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him then you must consider that He is seeing at you." (Bukhari – part of the Hadith).

As per the above Hadith, there are three categories of people in Muslim Ummah.

(i) People of Iman - They truthfully believe in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). People of Sahih Iman will eventually get salvation.

(ii) People of Islam - There are two types of Muslims under this category, (i) Who have Sahih Iman, and (ii) the followers of deviant sects who do not have Sahih Iman.

The people who are not good at Iman and their believes come under the purview of apostasy / polytheism / hypocrisy / blasphemy are faithless Muslims even though they recite Kalima Tayyiba verbally, claim themselves to be Muslims, and act upon certain Islamic deeds.

It is in Hadith - Abu Said Al-Khudri (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrated - Allah’s Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said ‘there will appear some people among you whose prayer will make you look down upon yours, and whose fasting will make you look down upon yours, and they will recite Qur'an ( in melodious voices and memorize it) but Quran will not go down their throats (they will misunderstand and misinterpret the meanings of Quran) and will go out of Islam as the arrow goes out of the bow. (Bukhari )

Some people consider that people belonging to all Islamic Sect will get salvation on the day of Judgment. Some will get instant salvation, the others will get salvation after they are punished for wrong Iman. This is not a correct understanding because the first and foremost requirement is Sahih Iman. A person who dies without the light of Iman in his heart, lived in darkness in this world, will remain in darkness in Hereafter as well. His Islamic deeds will not be useful for him in his salvation.

It is in Hadith - Abu Hurairah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrated that the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, 'Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) does not look at your figures, nor at your attire but He looks at your hearts. (Muslim)

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) looks at your Iman and intentions because all your outward deeds are dependent upon your Sahih Iman. If you do not have Sahih Iman (correct Islamic faith) in your heart, all your good deeds go in vain.

(iii) People of Ihsan - The People of Ihsan are Awliya Allah who are good both in Iman (Islamic faith) and Islamic deeds. These are the people who are successful in both the worlds. They are the ones who will get innumerable bounties of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) in Hereafter.

It is in Quran - إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوا وَّالَّذِينَ هُم مُّحْسِنُونَ [ Allah is with those who are righteous (تقوه) and practice Ihsan. ] (An-Nahl - 128).

It is in Quran - إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ [ Allah loves those who practice Ihsan.] (Al-Baqara - 195; Aale-Imraan - 134, 148; Al-Maidah - 13, 93).

It is in Quran - أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ - الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ - لَهُمُ الْبُشْرَىٰ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ ۚ لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ [Behold the friends of Allah. On them shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve. These are they, who have believed in Allah and are mindful of Him and are abstinent (abstain from everything evil). To them tidings come. This in itself is a great felicity. (Younus 62-64).

Followers of Salafi / Wahhabi and like minded sects do not believe in Awliya Allah and consider their pious graves as places of polytheism. They treat them as idols worshiped by idol worshipers. The Muslims who visit their graves for barakah are called by these sects as ‘Grave worshipers’ They do not realize that it is the practice of Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and Sahabah who used to visit the graves of Muslims frequently. There are many Ahadith in this context in almost all authentic Ahadith books. By doing blasphemy of Awliya Allah, followers of these sects surely invite the wrath of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ).

It is in Hadith - Whoever takes a Wali of mine (ولي الله) an enemy, I will wage a war on him (Bukhari, part of the Hadith).

The emphasis on ‘Wali of mine’ in the above Hadith shows that Awliya Allah (the people of Ihsan) are the chosen ones among believers and their disrespect, blasphemy and equating them with polytheists’ Idols may lead to dire consequences in Hereafter

The verses 137 to 170 are with reference to the battle of Uhad.

BRIEF HISTORY

The Battle of Uhud took place a year after the battle of Badr, on 7 Shawwal, 3 AH near Mount Uhad, about 5 kilometers north of Madina.

The Makkan pagans were enraged over their defeat in the battle of Badr, a year earlier. Therefore, they prepared the whole year for this battle and marched towards Madina with the objective to eliminate Islam and its Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

As had been the case at Badr, the Muslims were outnumbered in the battle of Uhad as well. The pagans army consisted of 3000 heavily armed men while the Muslims army consisted of about 700 men.

Mount Uhud provided structural defense to the Muslim Army. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم ) placed 50 marksmen, archers, at the slope of Mount Uhud. This was to ensure that the backs of the Muslims fighting below would be protected and that the opposing force could not attack them from behind. He commanded that these marksmen never leave their positions regardless of the situation.

In the beginning of the battle, Muslims gained momentum and rapidly overpowerd the Makkans. Soon the Muslims were on the offensive as Makkan pagans were retreating. However, by a strategic mistake on the part of the marksmen, the battle was reversed. Looking at the success in the battle field, The archers left their assigned places and went down into the battle field as they considered there was no need to stand there. However, the Makkans got the opportunity to attack Muslims from behind as this area was left defenseless. A contingent of Makkan pagans led by Khaled bin al-Walid who had not accepted Islam then, came from behind and attacked Muslims from their back. Now Muslims were caught in the middle and were attacked from all sides. In this confusion, many Muslim army men retreated and left the battle field. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was held up on Mount Uhad along with his 14 loyal companions. He was also struck by an arrow and lost one of his teeth. On the ground, it was rumored that he was dead. This caused confusion among Muslim ranks. As the Muslims retreated, the Makkan army who had also suffered heavy losses in the beginning of the battle, also retreated and left for Makka. They were chased by brave Sahabah and the battle remained inconclusive.

It is in Quran - وَلَقَدْ صَدَقَكُمُ اللَّهُ وَعْدَهُ إِذْ تَحُسُّونَهُم بِإِذْنِهِ ۖ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا فَشِلْتُمْ وَتَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي الْأَمْرِ وَعَصَيْتُم مِّن بَعْدِ مَا أَرَاكُم مَّا تُحِبُّونَ ۚ مِنكُم مَّن يُرِيدُ الدُّنْيَا وَمِنكُم مَّن يُرِيدُ الْآخِرَةَ ۚ ثُمَّ صَرَفَكُمْ عَنْهُمْ لِيَبْتَلِيَكُمْ ۖ وَلَقَدْ عَفَا عَنكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ [ Allah did indeed fulfill His promise to you when you, with His permission, were about to annihilate your enemy, until you flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty) which you covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then did He divert you from your foes in order to test you. But He forgave you, For Allah is full of grace to those who believe.] (Aal-i-Imran - 152)

Allah عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) knows everything about us even when we were not born. Then what is the meaning of the above verse?

The meaning of the above verse is, the people who will be rewarded Paradise will be virtuous and their virtue will be witnessed by their compatriots in this world. Their persistence in Iman and their striving in the way of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) will be witnessed in this world by other people.

During the battle of Uhad Muslims suffered heavy losses. Soon, the rumor was spread about the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) as well. In such a scenario, they were panicked and did not know what to do. It was a very difficult time for them as they were seeing death so close to them. Even though everyone among the Muslim Army wished for martyrdom in the battle field, but the rumor of about the death of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was too much for them to sustain.

A brief account about the battle of Uhad is provided in the tafseer of verse 140 above. The battle of Uhad was indeed a testing and difficult time for Muslims. They suffered heavy losses and even Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was hit badly on the face and he lost one of his tooth. Even a rumor circulated in the battle field that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was dead.

It was a tough time for Muslims to recover from the shock. It was because of the strategic mistake of 50 marksmen who left their assigned places as they considered that Muslims have already won the war. Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) had commanded them not to move from their places while defending the Muslim army let whatever be the outcome of the battle. It is reported that they were attracted to the booty of the war for which they were reprimanded by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). They were however forgiven by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) for it and in the process Muslims learned a big lesson to remain obedient to the Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) assured Muslims for the imminent success against the infidels and they were pacified by various examples in these verses.

What is trial / test?

If someone has trust and confidence in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), then He provides him from the resources that are not known to him. Similarly, the one who has absolute trust in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), all his requirements are fulfilled by the Almighty. Whatever his heart wishes, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) accomplishes it.

When servant's thoughts are upright and his trust in Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is strong and he is obedient in taking care of his responsibilities and is firm on performance of imperatives, then Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) exclusive mercy turns towards him to make him eligible for more rewards in both the worlds. For this purpose, certain difficulties arise in his life. The whole world becomes enemy and he gets subjected to diseases and emergencies. Penury comes from one side and diseases from another. This state is very unpalatable but those who stay patient get hugely rewarded in both the worlds.

It is in Quran - إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ [Certainly, Allah is with the people who have patience] (Al-Baqara - 153).

To keep the heart and thoughts balanced during this period is the work of 'the courageous people of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ)'.

It is in Quran - وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الصَّابِرِينَ [Allah loves those who have patience.] (Aal-e-Imran - 146).

And when the servant bears difficulties and feels no burden on his heart in accepting the commandments of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and acts upon it willingly, without any resistance whatsoever, it is known as 'acceptance' (Tasleem - تسلیم).

When the servant gets used to enduring troubles and it becomes easier for him to act upon the commandments of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) rather, he starts enjoying his tolerance on afflictions, he reaches to a state known as 'Acquiescence' (Ridha - رِضا).

It is in Quran - وَرِضْوَانٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ [Allah's approval is indeed a very big thing]. (At-Tauba - 72).

The above verse is related to Makkan Pagans and Madinan hypocrites who rejoiced on their evil deeds and expected that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) should praise them for their prosperity in the world. In addition they used to claim that there will not be any punishment for them in Hereafter for their evil deeds and if there is Resurrection, they will be as comfortable there also as they are in this world.

Abu Sa'id Khudri (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrated that during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) the hypocrites behaved in this way that when Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) set out for a battle, they kept themselves behind, and they became happy that they had managed to sit in the house contrary to (the act of) Allah's Messenger (s), and when Allah's Apostle (s) came back, they put forward excuses and took oath and wished that people should laud them for the deeds which they had not done. It was on this occasion that this verse was revealed. (Sahih Muslim, Book 51, Hadith # 10)

The Zikr of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ)

To remember, and not to forget is known as invocation (Zikr - ذکر). The remembrance could be oral or in heart; standing, walking, sitting or lying. The objective of invocation is, mindfulness of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ).

It is observed that different invocation have different effects. Most important invocation is the invocation of 'Islamic Testimony' (Kalima Tayyiba - كلمه طيِّبه) ' [La Ilaha Illallahu - لا اله الاّ الله] which has a significant effect in the prevention of evil considerations (Wasaawis - وساوس).

It is in Quran - شَرَعَ لَكُم مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا وَصَّىٰ بِهِ نُوحًا وَالَّذِي أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِهِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ ۖ أَنْ أَقِيمُوا الدِّينَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا فِيهِ [ To you He has prescribed the faith which He had prescribed to Nooh (عليه السلام), and which We have revealed to you and which We had given to Ibrahim (عليه السلام), Musa (عليه السلام) and Isa (عليه السلام) enjoining. Adhere to this faith and do not divide yourself into sects.] (Ash-Shura - 13).

The purport of the above is Islamic law (Shariah - شريعه). Divine commandments together are known as Shariat-e-Islami (شريعت اسلامي).

It is in Quran - اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ [O' our Lord, guide us to the straight path] (Fateha - 6).

The meaning of Sirat (صراط) is 'Tareeq' (طریق), the way, path. Therefore, Tareeqat (طریقت) is to walk on the divine path.

It is in Quran - أَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْحَقُّ الْمُبِينُ [ Certainly, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is the Absolute truth who discloses the exact truth] (An-Noor - 25).

Thus cognizance of truth (Haqeeqat - حقیقت) is to understand the Unity and Attributes of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). And this understanding is Gnosis (Ma'arefath - معرفت).

It is in Hadith - إِنَّ أَصْدَقَ كَلِمَةٍ قَالَهَا الشَّاعِرُ كَلِمَةُ لَبِيدٍ : أَلا كُلُّ شَيْءٍ مَا خَلا اللَّهَ بَاطِلٌ [ It is the true statement of Labied, the Arab Poet, in all these things nothing is created as spurious by Allah] (Bukhari).

To remain in Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) thought day and night is 'engrossment' (Mahwiyet - محویت).

Ignorant people waste their lives as there is neither invocation, nor mindfulness of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). Sensible people are always alert. Idle thoughts are catastrophic as life is being wasted in them. It is not advisable to waste this precious life in useless thoughts and sinful deeds.

It is in Ahadith that when Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) came to know the death of King As-hamah Najjaashi (the Negus) of Abysinia (Ethiopia), he ordered Sahabah to pray his 'funeral prayer in absentia' in Madina. It is in Hadith Nasai, narrated by Anas (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that some Sahabah said O'Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) shall we pray for a person of Habash. On this the above verse was revealed.

The first verse of Sura An-Nisa describes all human kind as brothers and sisters as they were created from a single Nafs and from whom his spouse was created. Since then multitude of men and women are born and live on Planet Earth. The verse commands people to be mindful of of their blood relations.

The second verse of the Sura diverts our attention towards orphans in the society. The verses 2 to 10 describe about treatment of the Orphans in society.

ORPHANS

An orphan is a child who has lost his father or both parents. He has lost the affection and care and financial support of his father and sometimes of his mother as well and is left in distress and deprivation.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has described parents as Rabbiyani-Saghira (رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا).

It is in Quran - وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا [And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them (parents) as they brought me up (when I was) small.] (Al-Isra - 24)

Allah loves his servants (mail and female both). Surely He loves their children as well, particularly who have lost one or both parents and have become orphans. Thus he has commanded special care for them. It is the responsibility of the society in general, and the responsibility of the relatives, in particular, to take care of such children. And if the parents have left any property or wealth, it should be used honestly in raising the orphan and when he is adult, it should be honestly given back to him/her.

It is in Quran - وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا مَالَ الْيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ [ And do not approach the orphan's property except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity.] (Al-An'am - 152)

It is in Quran - وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْيَتَامَىٰ ۖ قُلْ إِصْلَاحٌ لَّهُمْ خَيْرٌ ۖ وَإِن تُخَالِطُوهُمْ فَإِخْوَانُكُمْ ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ الْمُفْسِدَ مِنَ الْمُصْلِحِ [And they ask you concerning orphans. Say (O' Prophet ﷺ) The best thing is to work honestly in their property, and if you mix your affairs with theirs, then they are your brothers. And Allah knows him who means mischief (to grab their property) from him who means good (to protect their property). (Al Baqarah - 220).

The gist of the verses about ophans is, they should be treated as one treats his own children, their money should be protected, they should be loved to compensate the love of their parents.

It is in Hadith - Sahl ibn Sa’d (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) reported that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : The one who cares for an orphan, and myself, will be together in Paradise like this, and he held his two fingers together to illustrate. (Sahih al-Bukhari)

It is in Hadith - Malik ibn Al-Harith (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) reported that the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, Whoever embraces an orphan of two Muslim parents by feeding him and giving him drink until he is independent of him, Paradise will certainly be made necessary for him. Whoever emancipates a Muslim man, he will buy his freedom from the Hellfire. (Musnad Ahmed)

It is in Hadith - Abu Huraira (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) reported that the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said, The best house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are treated well. The worst house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are ill treated. I and the guardian of the orphan will be in Paradise like that, indicating his two fingers. (Bukhari - Adab al-Mufrad)

It is reported that some men had the tendency to marry orphan girls under their guardianship in view of their property or with the intention of not doing justice with them.

It is in Hadith - It is narrated on the authority of Urwa that he asked Ummul Momineen Aisha (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہا) about the verse - ['If you fear you cannot be equitable to orphan girls (in your charge, or misuse their persons), then marry women who are lawful for you, two, three, or four; but if you fear you cannot treat so many with equity, marry only one, or a maid or captive. That is more appropriate that you may not incline (to injustice).] (An-Nsa - 3), Ummul Momineen (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہا) said 'O my nephew! (this Verse has been revealed in connection with) an orphan girl under the guardianship of her guardian who is attracted by her wealth and beauty and intends to marry her with a Mahr less than what other women of her standard deserve. So they (such guardians) have been forbidden to marry them unless they do justice to them and give them their full Mahr, and they are ordered to marry other women instead of them.' (Bukhari)

It is in Quran - وَيَسْتَفْتُونَكَ فِي النِّسَاءِ ۖ قُلِ اللَّهُ يُفْتِيكُمْ فِيهِنَّ وَمَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الْكِتَابِ فِي يَتَامَى النِّسَاءِ اللَّاتِي لَا تُؤْتُونَهُنَّ مَا كُتِبَ لَهُنَّ وَتَرْغَبُونَ أَن تَنكِحُوهُنَّ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الْوِلْدَانِ وَأَن تَقُومُوا لِلْيَتَامَىٰ بِالْقِسْطِ ۚ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِهِ عَلِيمًا [ And they request from you, (O' Prophet ﷺ), a decree concerning women. Say, 'Allah gives you a decree about them and (about) what has been recited to you in the Book concerning the orphan girls to whom you do not give what is decreed for them, and (yet) you desire to marry them, and concerning the oppressed among children and that you maintain for orphans (their rights) in justice.' And whatever you do of good, indeed, Allah is ever Knowing of it.] (An-Nisa - 127)

The above verse also stipulates that marrying more wives than one is permissible on the condition that one treats his wives equitably and the maximum number is fixed at 4.

It is in Quran - وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَ‌ٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ [ And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in peace and tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are signs for those who reflect. (Ar-room - 21)

For a man who has a chaste and modest wife there is no need to marry another woman because it is a difficult task and overburden to do justice between the wives in all their emotional, physical and financial requirements.

It is in Quran - وَلَن تَسْتَطِيعُوا أَن تَعْدِلُوا بَيْنَ النِّسَاءِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتُمْ ۖ فَلَا تَمِيلُوا كُلَّ الْمَيْلِ فَتَذَرُوهَا كَالْمُعَلَّقَةِ [ You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives even if it is your ardent desire, so do not incline too much to one of them (by giving her more of your time and provision) and leave the other hanging (neither divorced nor married)] (An-Nisa -129)

It is in Hadith - It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : ' the man who had two wives and was inclined towards one of them (and did injustice towards the other) will come on the Day of Judgement bent to one side'. (Abu Dawood, Nasai, Ibn Maja, Ahmad, etc.)

When commandments in Quran and Ahadith are clear that it will not be possible for a male to do justice between wives, then the question arises why Muslim men are allowed to marry more than one woman, up to four, in all?

The answer is, the window of marrying more women is kept open in order to help destitute, needy, orphan and widowed women. Leaving women shelter-less on their own among certain male wolves on the street is cruel. Islam takes care of every individual in society, particularly those who need help and assistance.

Some people talk about polygamy as if Islam was the first to permit it. This is not correct. Many nations and religions before Islam had allowed marrying a great number of women, tens of them, even hundreds, without any conditions or limitations. The Kings used to have thousands of women in their palaces. As per Mahabharata, Krishna married 16,108 women in addition to endless number of gopies.

With the advent of Islam, a condition and a limitation was laid on polygamy up to four, in unavoidable circumstances to help the needy women who had no one to look after.

It is in Hadith - It is narrated on the authority of Ibn Umar (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that Ghilan bin Salamah Ath-Thaqafi (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) had ten wives when he became Muslim, and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) asked him, 'choose any four among them (and divorce the rest). (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja)

As for Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is concerned, he lived most of his life with Ummul Momineen Khadija (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہا), a widow who had married twice earlier and was older to him by 15 years. After her death, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) married 8 other women. The fact is that it was something ordained by Allah for him. It is important to note that all his wives were widows, except one, Ummul Momineen Aisha (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہا). These marriages were performed on the behest of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) to help these women and to elevate them among believers as they all were declared 'Mothers of the believers (أُمَّهَاتُ الْمومِنِينْ).

It is in Quran - النَّبِيُّ أَوْلَىٰ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ ۖ وَأَزْوَاجُهُ أُمَّهَاتُهُمْ [ The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. ] (Al-Ahzaab - 6)

Later, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) restricted the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) from marrying any other, or to choose another instead of one of his wives.

It is in Quran - لَّا يَحِلُّ لَكَ النِّسَاءُ مِن بَعْدُ وَلَا أَن تَبَدَّلَ بِهِنَّ مِنْ أَزْوَاجٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ حُسْنُهُنَّ [ It is not lawful for you (to marry other) women after this, nor to change them for other wives even though their beauty attracts you. ] (Al-Ahzaab - 52)

The meaning of (الْوَصِيَّةِ) is an ‘emphatic command’. Therefore, the meaning of (يُوصِيكُمُ اللَّهُ) is Allah ( عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ) emphatically commands. This verse describes the shares of inheritance to individual heirs.

It is in Quran - “كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ إِن تَرَكَ خَيْرًا الْوَصِيَّةُ لِلْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ حَقًّا عَلَى الْمُتَّقِينَ” [Prescribed for you when death approaches (any) one of you if he leaves wealth (is that he should make) a bequest for the parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable. (It is) a duty upon the righteous.] (Al-Baqarah - 180)

The meaning of the word (كُتِبَ) is 'it is obligatory'. Like in (الصلاة مكتوبة) and (كُتِبَ عَليكم الصيام), meaning, Salah and Fasting have been made obligatory for you.

The command is given in Quran to help out the relatives first; that means providence of succor to relatives is necessary. The word (بِالْمَعْرُوفِ) indicates the absoluteness, abstractness and generality. And this is made obligatory in view of (كُتِبَ عَليكم)

As the shares of the heirs have been fixed, it is also commanded to write a 'Will' (for non-heirs) and for repayment of loans, etc.

Thus, three things have been described in Quran (a) The share of heirs, (b) Repayment of Loan, and (c) Writing of a Will.

The shares of inheritance of lawful heirs have been fixed in the Quran. For others, it is commanded to write a Will. However, the beneficiaries of the 'Will' and their shares have not been fixed. The assistance to people who are not heirs, has been left at the discretion of the writer of the Will. The discretionary choice given to the person is only for those who do not fall under the category of direct heirs; and this is after the allotment and ascertainment of lawful heirs’ portions.

To write a will in favor of a heir is inappropriate because the shares of heirs are already determined by Quran.

Since heirs are the closest relatives, therefore the ‘maximum quantity and amount of the 'Will’ is fixed at one third of the inheritance so that the heirs do not suffer. If the heirs agree, the 'Will' can be written for more (than one third). If there are no heirs, then the 'Will' can be written for the entire wealth because there is no one to object over it.

The 'Will' has been placed ahead of ‘repayment’ of loan and ‘distribution of inheritance to legal heirs’. The reason for giving precedence to the Will is that the heirs consider the wealth of the deceased as their own and in the process the loans taken by the diseased during his life time remain unpaid.