Living The Quran

Resist the temptation to mock others [49:11]

Here is today's reflection from the Quran:

In Sura Hujarat (49:11), it says: O believers, let no group make fun of another, for they may be better than them.

Reflection: The word for mocking used in this verse, sakhara, according to Tafsīr al-Mīzān means to say something which degrades someone and puts them down. It could be verbal or a subtle indication or could even be imitation. The aim is to ridicule and make others laugh at the person.

While mocking and ridiculing another is often done in the guise of humour, we need to remindo ourselves that it is no laughing matter as Allah loves all His creatures and when we are mean to others, Allah is not happy with us.

Imam Sajjād (as) says: From among the sins that bring down the wrath of Allah are oppression done by one who is aware, trampling on the rights of others, and mocking and ridiculing others.

Mocking can be done in many ways - It could be a verbal "joke", a rolling of the eyes, an imitation of gait, word or accent or someth...

Recognize and fulfill the purpose of fasting [2:183]

Here is today's reflection from the Quran:

O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those who were before you, so that you may attain God consciousness.
‏(Sūrat al-Baqarah, 2:183)

The Islamic injunction for fasting in the month of Ramadan continues the practice of previous faith traditions which also involved some form of restraint and denial of material needs as a pathway to spiritual elevation.

Today, let us briefly remind ourselves about the purpose of fasting.

In Chapter 2:183, the Quran says: O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain God consciousness.

The ultimate purpose of fasting then, is not a mere abstention from food and drink but rather the development of inner strength, a super energy, this Taqwa, which develops our self control so that we can live consciously and aligned with our ultimate purpose rather than fall prey to momentary passions and de...

How relevant is the Quran to my life? (Surat Yūnus, 10:57)

O mankind! There has indeed come to you an advice from your Lord, and a cure for that which lies within breasts, and a guidance, and a mercy for the believers. (Surat Yūnus, 10:57)

This verse from Sura Yunus is addressed to mankind as a whole and lays out four functions of the Quran. In a sense, we can say that it is the Quran self-defining what its role is:

The verse says that the Quran:
1. Is a maw‘idhah which has several meanings: A maw’idhah is a piece of wise advice, a reminder to do good that is done gently, with care and concern.
• It is a reminder to stay away from evil.
• It is the kind of advice that affects the heart of the listener or has the potential to affect receptive hearts

2. It is a Shiffaun: A cure for what is in the chests.
• A cure for the diseases of the heart such as doubt, jealousy, hypocrisy and all sorts of spiritual and emotional ailments.
• Imam Ali (as) said that it contains a cure for the biggest diseases, namely unbelief, hypocrisy, revolt and misg...

Welcoming the Month of Ramadan [Reflections on the Sermon of the Holy Prophet (saw)]

Ramadan Mubarak to you and yours!

Today inshallah, lets reflect on the Sermon of the Holy Prophet (saw) Welcoming the Month of Ramadan.

The Holy Prophet (saw) addressed his followers on the day before Ramadan and said:

O People !

Indeed the blessed month of Allah has approached you laden with His Mercy, Blessings and Forgiveness.

Reflection: These are the energies that are abundant in this month, ours for the taking. The invitation is for all – not just those who are the most observant – it is addressed to mankind as a whole. This is sacred and precious time, to be used wisely.

It is a month which with Allah is the best of months. Its days are the best of days, its nights, the best of nights, and its hours are the best of hours.

Reflection: Sometimes we ask ourselves what is the problem if we carried on with our normal lives, or spend the long days entertaining ourselves so that the time of fasting is easier.

This statement, and the rest of the sermon answers this question. W

...

Anticipating the month of Ramadan [2:185]

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed, as guidance to mankind and with clear proofs of the guidance and the Criterion

[Holy Quran, Sūratul Baqarah, 2:185]

As we anticipate the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan, we may be filled with a mixture of emotions. While we expect ourselves to be full of excitement, the reality of modern life is that for many of us, the month will arrive sooner than we are ready: there will be lists of chores still to be done and projects not yet completed.

And so, let us remind ourselves that the coming month is an invitation to pause, to slow down to turn inwards, to connect to the Divine and focus on what really matters. That we might consider doing this, even though our inboxes are full, projects not yet complete and the pantry not quite stocked up.

Holy prophet (s) has said: O People! The month of Allah (Ramadan) has come with its mercies, blessings and forgiveness. Allah has decreed this month the best of all months. This ...

Intentions for a Mindful Muharram

Alhamdullilah, as the moon for Muharram 1444 is sighted all over the world, we are blessed to witness another month of Muharram. Many of us will be attending lectures and sessions online and in person, wanting to get as much benefit from these blessed moments as possible.

As we begin this period, let us spend a few moments to become mindful of the purpose of these gatherings so that these moments bring us maximum value and baraka. Let us set our intentions to show up as our best selves for the Holy Prophet (saw) reminded us that the basis of any deed is in the intention with which we do it.

The primary purpose of these gatherings, as we all know, is to commemorate and remember the suffering and the sacrifices of the family of the Prophet (SAW) when they stood up to injustice and tyranny on the plains of Karbala in the year 680 AD and 61AH.

The house of Fatima, which was slaughtered on the Day of Ashura, 61 years after the Hijrat of the Holy Prophet (as), is a very generous househo...