Daily Qur’an Reflections: (22) Traits of those Beloved to Allah, Sending Blessings on the Prophet, Neediness and Divine Oneness, Knowledge & Awe

Day 22: Juz’ Twenty-Two: Surat al-Ahzab [33.31-73], Surat Saba [34.1-54], Surat Fatir [35.1-45] & Surat Yasin [36.1-21]

 We look at key themes in the 22nd Part (juz’) of the Qur’an: (1) the qualities of those whom Allah has prepared forgiveness and great reward for; (2) realities of sending blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace); (3) your neediness, and God’s Glory; and (4) knowledge and awe of Allah.

[1] Allah has Prepared Forgiveness for the Believers                      

Allah reminds us of His infinite generosity and grace towards the believers. This is a verse of hope– one of the wings we fly with on our journey to Allah–and of encouraging us to characterize ourselves with this high virtues:

“For men and women who are devoted to God– believing men and women, obedient men and women, truthful men and women, steadfast men and women, humble men and women, charitable men and women, fasting men and women, chaste men and women, men and women who remember God often– God has prepared forgiveness and a rich reward.” [Qur’an, 33.35]

[2] Sending Blessings upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace)  

This is the Divine command: Send peace and blessings upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). This verse is just as emphatic as the commands to pray, fast, give zakat, and so on. What an honour it is to be able to do something that even Allah does:

“God and His angels bless the Prophet– so, you who believe, bless him too and give him greetings of peace.” [Qur’an, 33.56]

“Salat” is prayer or supplication (dua). Allah’s blessing (salat) is His mercy and honouring of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Allah’s peace (salam) is His greeting of honour, His granting eternal peace and contentment-.

The salam is also a prayer from us, asking Allah to put the Prophet’s heart at rest regarding us (his community)–that we’ll uphold our covenants with him, embody his guidance, and spread the light he came with (peace and blessings be upon him).

Make a daily routine of sending blessings upon him (Allah bless him and give him peace. Hasten to send blessings upon him, whenever his noble name is mentioned– out of following the Divine command, out of love, and out of gratitude for the gift of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

[3] Your reality and Allah’s reality

People are inherently needy. Our existence is only because Allah creates us–and we remain in existence from moment to moment because He sustains us. Everything we have is from Allah. Our existence, reality, and life is dependent and needy. This is our reality.

Realize your poverty and neediness to your Creator and Sustainer– the One free of all need, the One who created you, and is sustaining you at every moment:

“People, are in absolute need of God – and God needs nothing and is worthy of all praise.” [Qur’an, 35.15]

This is realization of Divine Oneness, and who God truly is: “the One free of need of any other, whom all are completely dependent upon–at every moment, in every way.”

[4] People of Knowledge, People of Awe

This verse is a reminder: to stand in true awe of Allah, you need knowledge. “Watch out for Allah, and you’ll find Him in front of you,” said the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

“…It is those of His servants who have knowledge who stand in true awe of God. God is almighty, most forgiving.” [Qur’an, 35.28]

And the sign of beneficial knowledge is that is increases on in awe (khashiya) of Allah. Seek such knowledge, from inheritors of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)–people of awe and reverence, love and thankfulness, who reflect the light of the tremendous character of the one (peace and blessings be upon him) whose “character was the Qur’an.”

And Allah alone gives success.