Daily Qur’an Reflections: (18) Successful Believers, Knowing the Prophet, Allah’s Generosity, and Patience in Trials – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

 In this series, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Ustadh Tabraze Azam, SeekersHub Global Instructors, share a day by day overview of key themes of each section (juz’) of the Qur’an, over the month of Ramadan. This is covered nightly at IMO of Toronto, where SeekersHub Toronto (www.seekers.flywheelstaging.com) is conducting its Ramadan 2013 programming.

Day 18: Juz’ Eighteen: Surat al-Mu’minun [23.1-118], Surat al-Nur [24.1-64] & Surat al-Furqan [25.1-20]

We look at four key themes of the 18th Part (juz’) of the Qur’an: (1) Key Qualities of Successful Believers; (2) Knowing our Messenger; (3) Allah’s Generosity; and (4) Steadfastness in Tests.

[1] The Description of the True Believers

The opening verses of Surat al-Mu’minun describe the qualities of successful believers–those who will granted the higest of Paradise:

“Successful are true believers! Those who pray humbly, who shun idle talk, who pay the prescribed alms, who guard their chastity except with their spouses or their slaves ––with these they are not to blame, but anyone who seeks more than this is exceeding the limits––who are faithful to their trusts and pledges and who keep up their prayers, will rightly be given Paradise as their own, there to remain.” [Qur’an, 23.1-11]

True believers live what faith entails–of excellence and virtue–both (1) in their turning to Allah through excellence in prayer and devotion, and (2) in their dealings with people, through modesty, fulfilling trusts and commitments. Uphold excellence, and you’ll find eternal excellence from Allah, waiting for you.

[2] Knowing the Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace)

Allah reminds us of the virtues of the Messenger, and the need to know him:

“Do they not recognize their Messenger? So why do they reject him?” [Qur’an, 23.69]

How can you love without knowing? And if you know him, you will love him, and embrace the beauty and virtue he has come with (peace and blessings be upon him).

[3] Allah’s Generosity with His Servants

Out of Allah’s infinite grace to true believers, He will reward them according to the best actions they ever performed.:

“God will reward such people according to the best of their actions, and He will give them more of His bounty: God provides limitlessly for anyone He will.” [Qur’an, 24.38]

Seek from the Most Generous, with gratitude, and complete confidence in His promise.

[4] Steadfastness in Tests

Tests are a blessing: they are means of expressing the trueness of our concern for Allah; the sincerity of our seeking Allah; and our trust in His promise:

“No messenger have We sent before you [Muhammad] who did not eat food and walk about in the marketplace. But We have made some of you a means of testing others– will you stand fast? Your Lord is always watching.” [Qur’an, 25.20]

Steadfastness (sabr) is remaining firm on that which is pleasing to Allah.

The example of the messengers is mentioned: while humans, they were honoured by Allah with revelation–and made exemplars. Look at how they were tested, and embrace the beauty of their responses–their trust and contentment, their patience and thankfulness–in your own response to life’s tests.

And Allah alone gives success.