Qur'anic Verse

192093

How should we understand verse 4 of Surat al-Ma'arij where it says that the angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a day whose span is fifty thousand years?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answered 5 months ago

According to narrations from the Sh'i Imams, the "day" referred to in this ayah is the Day of Judgment.

In the Shi'i view, the "spirit" is a separate spiritual being created by Allah (not the angel Jibra'il, who would be included under the category of "angels" anyway).

The verse refers to the angels and Spirit returning towards the spiritual realm (nearer to Allah) after the destruction of the physical universe before the day of judgment. That is, currently some angels have jobs in the physical universe, but they will leave the physical universe at that time.

Hope that helps!

149441

Hijab . Woman . Punishment . Hadith . Qur'anic Verse

Is wearing Hijab obligatory for Muslim women? If so, does it imply disobedience to Allah and potential punishment? What are the consequences? Could you provide some Hadith or Quran verses to clarify this matter?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 5 months ago

Yes with out any doubt, Hijab is obligatory on Muslim women according to concrete evidence in Quran and authentic Hadeeths. Ignoring wearing full Hijab is a sinful act because it means disobeying the orders of Allah (SWT) and it might result in a potential punishment. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and his daughter Fatima (AS) have emphasized on Hijab as the best behaviours for a Muslim woman.
Details of Quranic verses and Hadeeths in this subject can be found in many books available in the Internet and articles on many websites including this website www.al-Islam.org.

Among many Quranic verses, I mention as an example the Verse 31 in Sura An-Noor and the verse 59 in Sura Al-Ahzab.

Among many authentic Hadeeths on Hijab subject I mention as examples : 1. Hadeeth from Imam Al-Ridha (AS) stating that Hijab is compulsory on Muslim women. Al-'Illa by Al-Sadouq, page 565.

2. Hadeeth from Imam Ja'far Al-Sadiq (AS): It is not allowed for a man to look at a woman except her face and hands and feet. Al-Kaafi, volume 5, page 521.

3. Hadeeth from Imam Mohammad Al-Baqir, Al-Kaafi, volume 5, page 532.

Wassalam

190410

Surat al-Nur . Qur'anic Verse

Is verse 3 of Surat al-Nur considered to be abrogated by verse 32 of the same chapter?

Although many Sunni Shaikhs say that this verse was abrogated by verse 32 in Sura Al-Noor, but we have in our books that it is not abrogated at all. You can refer to Al-Bayan Fi Tafseer al-Quran by Al-Sayyed al-Khomeini.

Wassalam.

186310

Intercession . Surat al-Baqara . Qur'anic Verse . Qiyama . Ahl al-Bayt

What is the significance of Surah Baqarah verse 48 regarding intercession on the Day of Judgement and how does it relate to the concept of the Ahlulbayt (a) interceding for us?

Sayyed Muhammad Husaini Ragheb, Sayyed Muhammad Husaini Ragheb has a BA in Law from Guilan University, Iran and has also undertaken Hawzah studies in Qom. He used to be a Cultural Affairs director of Ethics Group of Al-Mustafa... Answer updated 8 months ago

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah

Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 48 (2:48) states:

وَاتَّقُوا يَوْمًا لَا تَجْزِي نَفْسٌ عَنْ نَفْسٍ شَيْئًا وَلَا يُقْبَلُ مِنْهَا شَفَاعَةٌ وَلَا يُؤْخَذُ مِنْهَا عَدْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ يُنْصَرُونَ

“And fear the Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all; and intercession will not be accepted from it, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be aided.”

This verse emphasizes the gravity of the Day of Judgment and the individual responsibility of each soul. It highlights that on that day, neither wealth nor intercession will be beneficial unless it is from the right sources. The admonition to “fear the Day” serves as a reminder of the ultimate accountability to God, where people cannot rely on others to alleviate their standing on that day.

Significance Regarding Intercession:

Individual Responsibility: The verse underscores that every individual is accountable for their deeds and that no one can take the burden of their sins. This sets the scene for understanding intercession; while intercession may exist, it is not universal or indiscriminate.
Valid Intercession: The verse implies that not all forms of intercession will be accepted. Only intercession that aligns with divine will and wisdom is valid. This can be understood through the teachings of Islamic theology, which indicates that intercession is granted to specific individuals who have God’s permission.

Relation to Ahlulbayt (a):

The Ahlulbayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) holds a special status in Islam, particularly within Shia belief. They are often viewed as exemplary figures endowed with knowledge, purity, and spiritual authority.

Ahlulbayt as Intercessors: Many traditions in both Sunni and Shia sources support the idea that the Ahlulbayt, as the Prophet’s family, are granted a special status of intercession on the Day of Judgment. Their intercession is seen as desirable because they are closest to the Prophet and hold high ranks in the eyes of God.
Authentic Sources for Intercession: The validity of intercession from Ahlulbayt connects to specific teachings and hadiths that indicate Allah has granted them the capacity to intercede in favor of the believers, as long as the believers have faith and strive to live by Islamic principles. This is consistent with the notion that intercession requires divine approval.
Relying on Their Help: For many believers, seeking the intercession of the Ahlulbayt reflects an acknowledgment of their esteemed status and a humble recognition of one’s own shortcomings. This relationship can foster a deeper connection to faith and reliance on God’s mercy through the noble figures within Islamic history.

So:

Thus, Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 48 serves as a solemn reminder of the individual’s accountability on the Day of Judgment, while also forming a foundational perspective on intercession that is nuanced and subject to divine approval. The Ahlulbayt, considered by many to be worthy intercessors, are a source of hope for believers seeking mercy and forgiveness, as long as their faith and deeds align with the conditions laid out in Islamic teachings.

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Hadith . Surah . Sahih Bukhari . Qur'anic Verse . Prophet Muhammad

In arguments against authenticity of Prophet Muhammad (s) I find that Sahih Bukhari 4428 (Book 64, Hadith 450) is often cited and linked with Surah 69:44-47. How can we make sense of both the Qur'an verse and this particular Hadith from Sahih Bukhari?

This narration in Bukhari came from Uriah ibn al-Zubair narrating from his aunt Ayisha Bint Abi Bakr. Many of great Ulama from Shia and Sunni schools refute this narration and openly say that it is a fabricated narration aiming to hide the reality behind the incident of poisoning the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).

The Quranic verses 69:44-47 were wrongly translated by a translator who does not know Arabic properly. Arabic word (Lao لو) does not mean simple (If) but it is used for the impossible only. حرف امتناع لامتناع . Same (Lao لو) came in Quran to prove that there no God with Allah and if there was a god with Allah, the whole skies and earth would have spoiled لو كان فيهما آلهة إلا الله لفسدتا

This (Lao لو) is used for the impossible.

You will see that the Prophet (SAWA) never changed nor claimed anything from himself.

Wassalam.

182248

Knowledge . Writing . Qur'anic Verse . Divine Revelation

Did the Prophet (S) possess the ability to read and write before the revelation began, as mentioned in Quran, Surah 4, Verse 113 where Allah (SWT) states that everything was taught to him?

Allah (SWT) Granted the Prophet the knowledge of everything as you read in the Quranic verse. Reading and writing is included in what Allah Has granted the Prophet (SAWA) but he was not showing people all his knowledge for the benefit of Islamic message. The Prophet (SAWA) was sent to teach people the knowledge of the book and the wisdom as we read in Quran (Sura Al-Jum'ah, verse 2). Obviously, the person who was sent by Allah (SWT) to teach people the knowledge of the book and the wisdom has the full knowledge of that, granted to him by Allah (SWT).

Wassalam.

169310

Prostration (sujud) . Qur'anic Verse

Is it allowed to prostrate while standing after reading or hearing a verse of Quran that requires prostration, whether walking, at the market, in a moving vehicle, or after Ziyarat e Ashura?

Obligatory Sajda (prostration) must be done properly on the ground. Recommended prostration can be done in walking or walking positions.

Wassalam.

177710

Qur'anic Verse . Surat al-Tawbah . Abu Bakr

Does Surah al-Tawbah, verse 40, mention the virtues of Abu Bakr?

Not at all. On the contrary, this verse is very clear that the person who was with the Prophet in the cave, was not a believer because he was not entitled to receive the Calmness from Allah. Allah sent His Calmness on the Prophet only and never in that companion فأنزل الله سكينته عليه وأيّدَهٌ بجنود لم تروها.

'There is a discussion among the scholars about the name of the person who was with the Prophet in the cave, but whosoever he was, he was not entitled for receiving the peace from Allah, which is received by the believers (Sura 48, verse 4). (It is He who sent down calmness in the hearts of the believers).

'Even Ayesha, daughter of Abu Bakr denied any verse in Quran regarding her and her father but only in the allegation of Al-Ifk. Bukhari, V. 6. Page 42. If the verse 40 in Sura Tauba was mentioning her father, she should known that.

Wassalam.

176650

Knowledge . Qur'anic Verse . Hadith . Imam Ali b. Abi Talib

Is there a narration in which Imam Ali (a) was asked about his greatest Fadhail and he referred to verse 13:43, confirming his knowledge of the Book?

Yes. It is narrated in Al-Ehtijaaj by al-Tabarsi that Ameerul Momineen Ali (AS) was asked about best tribute for him, he replied by reciting the verse 13:43.

" الاحجتاج " للطبرسي سأل رجل عليّ بن أبي طالب (عليه السّلام) عن أفضل منقبة له ، فقرأ الآية ، وقال : « إيّانا عنى بمَن عنده علم الكتاب » .

Wassalam.

176327

Surah . Word . Meaning . Shi'a . Qur'anic Verse

Why do we identify as Shi'a of Ali despite the negative connotation of the term "Shi'a" in verse 6:159 of Surah Al An'am?

1. This verse (6:159) means something completely different from what seems from your question. شيعا means different groups following different leaders, which is totally different from the word Shi’a which means the followers of the Prophets and their real successors.

2. Shi’a in Arabic language means the followers, who can be followers of true leader, so they are the real believers, or can be following a wrong leader, then they will be mislead.

3. Allah (SWT) Has Granted the title Shi’a to His best servants as you can read in Sura Al-Saffaat after mentioning the Prophet Noah, the mention of Prophet Ebrahim ( And Ebrahim was from his Shi’a) (وإنَّ مِن شِيعَتِهِ لَإبراهيم.
4. Allah (SWT) mentioned in Sura Al-Qassass about Prophet Musa and his followers and his enemies. He called the followers of Musa as his Shi’a and the opposite people as his enemies. Al-Qassass, verse 15.

'5. Shi'a is a title granted by Allah, The Glorious, to the sincere followers of the Prophets.

6. Shi'a Muslims are the real followers of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) through following his Progeny Ahlul Bayt (AS) which was been ordered by Allah and the Prophet (SAWA).

7. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) has repeatedly called the most sincere believers as "Shi'a of Ali" as you can read in many Sunni books of Hadeeth like

1. Shawaahid Al-Tanzeel by Al-Haakim Al-Hasakaani , V. 2, P. 356.
2. Kufa Ayat Al-Talib by Al-Kanji Al-Shafi'ee, P.244.

3. Al-Manaaqib by Al-Khawarizmi Al-Hanafi , P. 62.

4. Al-Fosoul Al-Muhimmah by Ibn Al-Sabbagh Al-Maliki , P. 126

5. Ibn Asaakir in Tareekh Dimishq 2:442.

6. Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdadi in Tareekh Baghdad, V.12, P. 289.

7. Al-Tabarani in Al-Mo'jam Al-Waseet, V. 6, P. 354.

'Wassalam.

176026

Qur'anic Verse

What is the explanation of أَطْرَافَ النَّهَارِ in the Quranic verse 20:130?

In Al-Kaafi, narrating from Zuraarah, from Imam Mohammad Al-Baqir (AS) regarding this verse وأطراف النهار He said: Perform recommended Prayers during the day.

'In Tafseer Al-Qummi: Perform glorifying Allah, in the morning and evening.

'Wassalam.

165096

Husband . Wife . Lie . Qur'anic Verse . Surat al-Nur

What is the reason for the variation in wording between the curse of Allah upon the lying husband and the anger of Allah towards the lying wife, as mentioned in Surat al Nur?

The curse of Allah on the lying husband because he is putting a false allegation on his innocent wife but when the wife takes oath denying a crime knowing that she did commit then she will be entitled to the anger of Allah SWT. As she knows that she did commit the major sin of fornication and Allah is seeing everything yet she takes oath with the name of Allah denying what Allah has seen she will be then challenging and opposing Allah SWT and she will deserve anger of Allah.Wassalam