Pathway to Heaven

Challenges and efforts in moving along the pathway to
the Heaven: The blessings of Al-Q'uran in guiding us

Verse 17 of Chapter 54
And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember; then is there
anyone who will remember
Al-Qur'an easy to understand and remember

Does Al-Q'uran possess guidance in sufficient details for
human beings?
Verses 111 of Chapter 12:
Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Qur'an) is
not a forged statement but a confirmation of that which was before it and a
detailed explanation of everything and a guide and a mercy for the people who
believe.
Verse 89 of Chapter 16:
And on the Day when We resurrect a witness from each nation from among
themselves, and We bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these. And We
have revealed the Book (the Qur'an) to you as an explanation of everything, a
guidance, a mercy, and good news for the Muslims.
And indeed We have fully explained to mankind, in this Qur'an, every kind of
similitude, but most of mankind refuse (the truth and accept nothing) but disbelief.
We have devised different ways in the Qur'an to make the people understand its
Message, but man is by nature very contentious.

Who accept the advice from the revelations of Allah's Book?
This is a Book which We have sent down upon you, a blessed Book, for them to ponder
upon its verses, and for men of intellect to accept advice.

Does Allah allow to follow part of His Scriptures and ignore
the other?
Verses 84-86 of Chapter 2:
Remember also that We made another solemn covenant with you: you shall not shed
blood among yourselves nor expel one another from your homes. And you confirmed it
and you are a witness to it. But in spite of this, you are killing your brethren and driving
them out from their homes and making unjust and aggressive alliances against one
another. And when they come to you as captives, you trade on their ransoms whereas
their expulsion itself was unlawful for you. Do you then believe in one part of the
Scriptures and disbelieve in the other? What other punishment do such people from
among you deserve except an ignominious life in this world and the most grievous doom
on the Day of Resurrection? Allah is not unaware of what you are doing. These are the
people who have preferred the worldly life to the life in the Hereafter. Therefore their
torment shall not be lightened nor shall help be given to them (from any quarter).

How did Allah open His Book ?
The abstract of Al-Q'uran and the best prayer

Say: “If the ocean were ink (wherewith to write out) the words of my Lord, sooner would the
ocean be exhausted than would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it,
for its aid.”
Allah alone deserves all praise!
Verses 49-50 of Chapter 15
Declare to My servants that I am truly the Forgiving, the Most Merciful. And that My
torment is indeed the most painful torment.
Allah is the most Merciful while His punishment is also the
most painful!
Seek help with the Salat and fortitude: no doubt, Salat is a hard task but not for those
obedient servants, who realize that ultimately they shall meet their Lord and shall
return to Him.
Seeking help from Allah should be done during the Salat!
Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong
against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them
bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good
Pleasure……

Allah decides whom He will guide based on His criteria
Those people who have rejected say, "Why has no Sign been sent down to him from his
Lord? Say, "Allah leads astray whom He will; and He leads to Himself only those who turn
to Him."
No one can be a believer without the permission of God?
If it had been thy Lord’s will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! wilt
thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe! No soul can believe, except by
the will of Allah, and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not
understand.
Does Allah lead astray or guide unto Himself based on the desire of an individual?
Does Allah guide towards Himself or the right pathway only those who are inclined to
be guided?
…. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who
turn (to Him).

Does Allah not guide anyone who does not have necessary virtue
or in other words, fulfill the minimum criteria?
Had Allah known of any good in them, He would indeed have made them listen; and even
if He had made them listen, they would but have turned away with aversion.
Does Allah not guide to the right pathway those people who
follow their desires without following His guidance?
So if they do not accept your challenge, then know that they only follow their desires; and
who is more astray than one who follows his desires away from the guidance of Allah?
Indeed Allah does not guide the unjust.

Based on what characteristics of people does Allah decide to lead
them astray or guide to the straight path?
Well, Allah is not ashamed to cite the similitude of a gnat or of something even more
insignificant than this. As for those who believe, they come to know from the same similitude
that it is the Revelation from their Lord; but those who disbelieve, say, "What does Allah
mean by such similitudes?"Allah leads astray many and guides many to the right way by the
same thing. And He leads astray only those who disobey Allah; who break Allah's covenant
after ratifying it; who cut asunder what Allah has ordered to be joined,and who produce
chaos on the Earth.These are the people who are indeed the losers.
O People of the Scripture! Now has come to you Our Messenger explaining to you much of
that which you used to hide from the Scripture and passing over much. Indeed, there has
come to you from Allah a light and a plain Book. Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek
His Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His permission unto
light and guides them to a straight path.

Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allah. Verily, the wrongdoers are protecting
friends of one another, but Allah is the Protector of those who have Taqwa.
Allah is the Protector of those who are in the right track
and thus have the Taqwa.

"Allah has sent down the best of discourses, a Book all whose parts are uniform in style
and whose themes have been repeated over and over again. ......"
"We have given you seven verses that are worthy of recitation over and over again,
and We have also bestowed on you the glorious Qur'an."
A verse in relation to the ‘Opening of Al-Quran’
A verse in relation to the ‘Al-Quran’ itself

The impact of parents and their culture on their children
Merely following the way of our parents to pray five times, fast during Ramadan
and perform Hajj would enable us to achieve Taqwa and lead us to the Heaven !
Children in a Christian or Hindu family grow up following their parents.
Without acquiring Taqwa, will our sacrifice or prayer be acceptable to Allah ?
Self-realization is essential to achieve the Taqwa!

How does Allah describe the people who love to merely follow the
ways of their fathers?
When it is said to them: "Follow what Allah has sent down.'' They say: "Nay! We shall
follow what we found our fathers following.'' (Would they do that!) even though their
fathers did not understand anything nor were they guided. And the example of those who
disbelieve is as that of him who shouts to those (flock of sheep) that hear nothing but calls
and cries. (They are) deaf, dumb and blind. So they do not understand.

The believers are those who think deeply concerning the signs
of Allah that exist in the heavens and the earth !
Verse 3 of chapter 45:
Verily, in the heavens and the earth are signs for the believers.
Verse 13 of chapter 45:
And has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth;
it is all (as a favor and kindness) from Him. Verily, in it are signs for a people
who think deeply.
Believers always feel that their prayers, sacrifice, living and dying
in this world are only for Allah?
Verse162 of Chapter 6:
Say: "Verily, my Salah, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of all
that exists.''

Did Allah promise the Paradise only for the one out of the three
groups of people who have initially accepted His religion?
Then We have given the Book for inheritance to such of Our Servants as We have
chosen: but there are among them some who wrong their own souls; some who follow a
middle course; and some who are, by Allah's leave, foremost in good deeds; that is the
highest Grace. Gardens of Eternity will they enter: therein will they be adorned with
bracelets of gold and pearls; and their garments there will be of silk.

Those who believe and do good deeds are few!
(David) said: He hath wronged thee in demanding thine ewe in addition to his ewes, and
lo! many partners oppress one another, save such as believe and do good works, and
they are few. And David guessed that We had tried him, and he sought forgiveness of his
Lord, and he bowed himself and fell down prostrate and repented.

The Route to the Heaven :
Challenges and Efforts
So, how should we strive to be among the few people
who will be awarded with the Heaven…………

It is He, Who has made you the vicegerents on the earth, and raised some of you
above others in ranks so that He may test you in what He has given you. Indeed your
Lord is swift in inflicting punishment: yet He is also very Forgiving and Merciful.
Every living being has to taste death, and We are putting all of you to trial by passing
you through good and bad conditions, and ultimately you shall return to Us.
Allah is testing us depending on what he has given each of us

Believing in the Allah’s words must be reflected in an individual’s
action!
Do they then wait for anything other than that the angels should come to them, or that
your Lord should come, or that some of the Signs of your Lord should come! The day that
some of the signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a person to believe then, if
he believed not before, nor earned good with his faith. Say: "Wait you! We (too) are
waiting."
It is not your wealth nor your sons, that will bring you nearer to Us in degree: but only
those who believe and work righteousness – these are the ones for whom there is a
multiplied Reward for their deeds, while secure they (reside) in the dwellings on high!
1-3 of Chapter 103:
By the Time! Man is surely in loss, except those who believed and did good works, and
exhorted one another to Truth, and exhorted one another to patience.

Does possession of wealth and children divert people from giving
in charity (sadaqah) and being righteous!
O you who have believed, let not your possessions and your children distract you from the
remembrance of Allah." Those who do so shall indeed be the losers. Spend from the
provisions that We have given you before death should come to any of you and then he
should say, "O my Lord, why did You not reprieve me awhile that I should have given in
charity and become of the righteous?" But Allah does not at all reprieve a person when his
term comes to an end, and Allah is well aware of what you do.
Your craze for more and more and mutual rivalry for worldly gains has made you
heedless, until you reach the graves. By no means! Soon you shall know! Again (note it
well) by no means! Soon you shall know. Nay! Had you known with certainty of
knowledge. You shall certainly see Hell. Again (note it well that) you shall most certainly
see it. Then, on that Day, you shall certainly be called to account for the blessings and
comforts of life.

On the Day of Judgement, human beings will be judged on the
basis of not only their deeds but also the hidden secrets of their
hearts!
Verily, man is ungrateful to his Lord, and he himself is a witness to it, and he loves the
worldly wealth with all his heart. But, does he not know the time when all that lies
(buried) in the graves shall be brought out, and all that lies (hidden) in the breasts shall
be divulged and examined? Surely, their Lord on that Day shall be well informed of
them.

A true believer not only serves Allah by worshiping Him alone,
but also the people of various classes by showing kindness
towards them!
Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk,
orphans, the poor, the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the
companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right
hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful. Those who are
stingy and encourage people to be stingy and hide what Allah has bestowed upon them of
His bounties. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a disgraceful torment. And (also)
those who spend of their wealth to be seen of men, and believe not in Allah and the Last
Day, and whoever takes Shaytan as an intimate; then what a dreadful intimate he has!

Mere performance of religious rites or formalities has no real
importance to Allah!
It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness-
to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to
spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for
the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer,
and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and
patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are
the people of truth, the Allah-fearing.

Allah accepts the sacrifice (for Him) only from those who have
taqwa!
And recite to them the story of the two sons of Adam in truth; when each offered a
sacrifice, it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the
former: "I will surely, kill you.'' The former said: "Verily, Allah accepts only from those who
have Taqwa. "If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my
hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allah; the Lord of all that exists.''
Can we ever attain piety without spending in the way of Allah of
what we love?
By no means shall you attain to righteousness until you spend (benevolently) out of what
you love; and whatever thing you spend, Allah surely knows it.

Fear for Allah (Taqwa) is the best garment (raiment) for human
beings!
O Children of Adam! We have bestowed Libas (raiment) upon you to cover yourselves with,
and as Rish (adornment); and the Libas (raiment) of Taqwa, that is better. Such are among
the Ayat (revelations) of Allah, that they may remember.
Upholding justice is the reflection of the fear for Allah (Taqwa) !
And remember Allah's favor to you and His covenant with which He bound you when you
said: "We hear and we obey.'' And have Taqwa of Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Knower of that
which is in the breasts. O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as just witnesses; and
let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just, that is nearer to
Taqwa; and have Taqwa of Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.

Allah will forgive the minor sins of those people who avoid
great sins!
If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit from you
your (small) sins, and admit you to a Noble Entrance (i.e. Paradise).
Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds, only (falling into) small faults,-verily
thy Lord is ample in forgiveness. He knows you well when He brings you out of the
earth, And when ye are hidden in your mothers’ wombs. Therefore justify not
yourselves: He knows best who it is that guards against evil.

Does Allah forgive whomsoever He pleases the sins other than
setting up partners with Him?
Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He
forgives except that to whom He wills; and whoever sets up partners with Allah in
worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.
This is the guidance of Allah with which He guides whomsoever He wills of His servants.
But if they had joined in worship others with Allah, all that they used to do would have
been of no benefit to them.

People who become slaves to their lusts or desires are as much guilty as those who worship
idols !
Have you ever considered the case of the person who has made his lust his god? Can you take the
responsibility of guiding such a one aright? Do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are
only like the cattle; nay, even worse than the cattle.
Accepting the invitation of the Devil (Shaytan) is an act of associating him as a partner with
God!
And Shaytan will say when the matter has been decided: "Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth.
And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, and you
responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny
your former act in associating me (Shaytan) as a partner with Allah (by obeying me in the life of the
world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the wrongdoers.''
Accepting the declaration of any human being except God in relation to what is lawful or
unlawful means taking that human being as the Lord!
They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah, and (they also
took as their Lord) the Messiah, son of Maryam, while they were commanded to worship none but One
God, none has the right to be worshipped but He. Praise and hallowed be He above what they associate
(with Him).

Will God reward or punish on the Day of Judgement even for
the ongoing effects of the good or evil deeds people did before
their deaths?
We shall certainly one day raise the dead to life. We are recording all the deeds they
have done and also that which they have left behind. We have preserved everything in
an open Book.

Believers must adhere to Al-Qur'an and the Sunnah (teachings
& practices) of the last prophet and obey the entrusted
authority!
(O Muslims), Allah enjoins you to give the trusts into the care of those persons who are
worthy of trust and to judge with justice,when you judge between the people. Excellent
is the counsel that Allah gives you, for Allah hears everything and sees everything. O
Believers, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those entrusted with authority from
among you. Then if there arises any dispute about anything, refer it to Allah and the
Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is the only right way and
will be best in regard to the end.

The daily five prayers must be performed in time under any
circumstance! The detailed method of praying was taught by
Allah!
Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the Middle Salah.
And stand before Allah with obedience. And if you fear (an enemy), (perform Salah) on
foot or riding. And when you are in safety, then remember Allah (pray) in the manner
He has taught you, which you knew not (before).

Without observance of Salah and Zakah, no one can attain the
status of 'muslim' ('believer') in the Islamic Community!
But if they repent, perform the Salah and give the Zakah, then they are your brethren in
religion. (In this way) We explain the Ayat in detail for a people who know.
What are the physical and spiritual conducts enjoined by Allah
during the act of worship?
(O Muhammad,) say to them, "My Lord has enjoined justice and righteousness; (He has
also enjoined that) you should keep aright your direction during every act of worship and
invoke Him alone, dedicating your faith sincerely and exclusively to Him; you shall be
created again just as He has created you now.He has shown the Right Way to some but
has justly left others to go astray. This is because, instead of Allah, they have made satans
their guardians, and yet think that they are on the Right Way." O children of Adam, dress
yourselves fully, properly and decently at the time of every worship; eat and drink, but do
not transgress, for Allah does not like the transgressors.

‘Fear of Allah’ and ‘remembering of Him in His prescribed ways’ are the two most
essential components of worshiping Him while ‘asking for His help alone’ is always
integrated with it!
O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may acquire
Taqwa (fear for Allah). Fast for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number
(should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a
choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is
better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know.
Verses 197-203of Chapter 2
The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known months. So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming
Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj.
And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And take provisions for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa.
So fear Me, O men of understanding! There is no sin on you if you seek the bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage
by trading). Then when you leave `Arafat, remember Allah (by glorifying His praises, i.e., prayers and invocations) at
the Mash`ar-il-Haram. And remember Him (by invoking Allah for all good) as He has guided you, and verily you were
before, of those who were astray. Then depart from the place whence all the people depart and ask Allah for His
forgiveness. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful. So when you have accomplished your Manasik, remember
Allah as you remember your forefathers or with far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say:
"Our Lord! Give us (Your bounties) in this world!'' and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter. And of them
there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good,
and save us from the torment of the Fire!'' For them there will be alloted a share for what they have earned. And
Allah is swift at reckoning. And remember Allah during the Appointed Days. But whosoever hastens to leave in two
days, there is no sin on him and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good and obey Allah
(fear Him), and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him.

How do the believers (Allah-fearing people) protect themselves
from evil thoughts?
And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaytan, then seek refuge with Allah. Verily,
He is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Verily, those who have Taqwa, when an evil thought comes
to them from Shaytan, they remember (Allah), and (indeed) they then see (aright). But
(as for) their brothers (the devils' brothers) they (the devils) plunge them deeper into
error, and they never stop short.

Muslims have the responsibility of conveying the message of
Islam to others in order to be able to witness on the Day of
Judgement!
O people, who have believed, bow down and prostrate yourselves before Allah, worship
your Lord and do righteous deeds: it may be that you attain true success. Exert your
utmost for the cause of Allah as one should. He has chosen you for His service and has
not laid on you any hardship in your religion. Therefore, be steadfast in the religion of
your father Abraham. Allah had called you "Muslims" before this and has called you(by
the same name) in this (Qur'an) also so that the Messenger may be a witness in regard
to you and you may be witnesses in regard to the rest of mankind. Therefore, establish
Salat and pay the Zakat dues, and hold fast to Allah, for He is your Guardian: What an
excellent Guardian and what an excellent Helper!

How much does Allah emphasize to maintain relationship with
and spend for the blood relatives?
Verse 27 of chpater 2:
Those who break Allah's Covenant after it is ratified, and who sunder what Allah Has
ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth: These cause loss (only) to themselves.
And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship
none but Allah; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in
need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practise regular charity. Then
did ye turn back, except a few among you, and ye backslide (even now).
It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is
righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the
Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for
the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be
steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have
made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all
periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing.

Believers must ensure the justice everywhere in life because it is akin
to Taqwa (fear for Allah)!
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as just witnesses; and let not the enmity and
hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just, that is nearer to Taqwa; and have Taqwa of
Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. Allah has promised those who believe
and do deeds of righteousness, that for them there is forgiveness and a great reward (i.e.
Paradise). And they who disbelieve and deny Our Ayat are those who will be the dwellers of
the Hell-fire.
Testimony must be given for the sake of Allah even though it is
against ourselves, our parents or relatives!
O Believers, be you the standard-bearers of justice and witnesses for the sake of Allah,
even though your justice and your evidence might be harmful to yourselves, or to your
parents, or to your relatives. It does not matter whether the party concerned is rich or
poor: Allah is their greater well-wisher than you; therefore, do not follow your own desire
lest you should deviate from doing justice. If you distort your evidence or refrain from the
truth, know it well that Allah is fully aware of what you do.

The true believers fear Allah alone and remain united in His way
while inviting others to what is good, enjoining what is right and
forbidding what is wrong!
O Believers, fear Allah as He should be feared and see that you do not die save as true
Muslims - Hold fast together to Allah's cord and let nothing divide you. Remember the
favour of Allah upon you, when you were enemies to one another, then He united your
hearts, and by His grace, you became like brothers, and you were on the brink of the abyss
of Fire and He rescued you from it. Thus does Allah make His signs clear to you so that you
may find the right path to true success by these. There should always be among you some
people who invite to what is good and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong: They
alone will attain true success. And do not be like those, who became divided into sects and
got involved in differences of opinion even after receiving clear teachings. Those shall
suffer a terrible punishment on the Day.
Now you are the best community which has been raised up for the guidance of mankind:
you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah. Had these people of
the Book also believed, it would have surely been better for them. Though there are among
them some believers, yet most of them are transgressors.

What induces the believers to admonish those who
disobey God?
And ask them about the township which was situated on the sea shore. Remind
them of what befell its people who used to break the Sabbath (Saturday). Each
Sabbath-day the fish appeared in abundance before them on the surface of the
waterbut did not appear at all on other days than Sabbath. This was because
We were putting them to test on account of the acts of disobedience they did.
Also remind them that when some people from among them asked the others
the answer that was given by some of them, "Why do you admonish those
people whom Allah is about to destroy or punish severely?" they replied, "We
admonish them in order to be able to offer an excuse before your Lord and we
also hope that they might refrain from disobedience to Him." However, when
they totally forgot the teachings they were reminded of, We saved those who
used to forbid evil, and seized with a severe scourge all others who were
transgressors, because of the acts of disobedience they did. But when even after
this they disdainfully persisted in that from which they were forbidden, We said
to them, "Become apes-- despised and disgraced!"
Continuation…

Affliction befalls the believers who enjoin the good and forbid
the evil? Affliction should be tolerated with patience!
(And Luqman had said:) "My son, even if a thing be equal to a grain of mustard seed and
hidden in a rock, or in the heavens, or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth. He is Knower
of subtleties and is All-Aware. O my son. establish the Salat, enjoin good, forbid evil and
bear with fortitude every affliction that befalls you. These are the things which have been
strictly enjoined.

Although taking revenge is allowed within the same extent of
earlier suffering, the act of having patience, forgiving and
making reconciliation is better!
The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof; but whoever forgives and makes
reconciliation, his reward is with Allah. Verily, He likes not the wrongdoers. And indeed
whosoever takes revenge after he has suffered wrong, for such there is no way (of
blame) against them. The way is only against those who oppress men and rebel in the
earth without justification; for such there will be a painful torment. And verily,
whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things
recommended by Allah.

The believers must help and defend themselves when an
oppressive wrong is inflicted on them!
Verses 36-39 pf Chapter 42:
Whatever ye are given (here) is(but) a convenience of this life: but that which is with Allah is
better and more lasting: (it is) for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord: Those
who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then
forgive; Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their
affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance;
And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and
defend themselves.

Is there any steep pass in the straight pathway (as prescribed by Allah) that
people must attempt to go to the paradise?
Nay! I swear by this City, while you (O Prophet), have been made lawful in this City. And I swear by
father and the children he begot that We have indeed created man in toil. Does he think that no one
will have power over him? He says, "I have squandered heaps of wealth." Does he think that no one
has seen him? Have We not given him two eyes, and a tongue and two lips, and shown him both the
highways (of good and evil)? Yet he has not attempted the steep pass. And what do you know what
the steep pass is? It is the freeing of a neck from bondage, or the feeding in a day of hunger of a nearly
related orphan, or a poor man lying in the dust. Then (besides) one should be of those who have
believed and exhorted one another to patience and exhorted one another to mercy (for God's
creatures). These are the people of the right hand. As for those who refuse to believe in Our
Revelations, they are the people of the left hand. They shall have a Fire enveloping them.
Does Allah make the path to paradise easy for those who cross the steep
pass?
By the night when it spreads, and the day when it shines forth, and Him Who created the
male and the female: In fact, your endeavors (O men) are for different ends. So he who
gave wealth (in God's Way) and avoided (God's disobedience), and believed in goodness,
for him We shall facilitate the easy way. As for him who was niggardly and lived as
though he was independent (of God) and belied goodness, for him We shall facilitate the
hard way. And what will his wealth avail him when he perishes?

Those who have Taqwa and spend their wealth for self-
purification seeking the pleasure of Allah will be protected from
the blazing fire!
Truly, on Us is (to give) guidance. And truly, unto Us (belong) the last (Hereafter) and the
first (this world). Therefore I have warned you of a Fire Talazza. None shall enter it save
the most wretched. Who denies and turns away. And those with Taqwa will be far
removed from it. He who gives of his wealth for self-purification. And who has (in mind)
no favor from anyone to be paid back. Except to seek the Face of his Lord, the Most High.
He, surely, will be pleased.

Both believing men and women should lower their gaze and
protect their private parts and additionally, women should draw
their veils over their bosoms and hide their beauty from people
except very selective relatives!
Say to the believing men that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts;
that is purer for them; surely Allah is Aware of what they do. And say to the believing
women that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts and do not display
their ornaments except what appears thereof, and let them wear their head-coverings
over their bosoms, and not display their ornaments except to their husbands or their
fathers, or the fathers of their husbands, or their sons, or the sons of their husbands, or
their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or those
whom their right hands possess, or the male servants not having need (of women), or
the children who have not attained knowledge of what is hidden of women; and let
them not strike their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may be known; and
turn to Allah all of you, O believers! so that you may be successful.

Should we not say anything or accuse anyone without proper
knowledge or merely on the basis of suspicion!
And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and
the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allah).
O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicion is sin. And spy not,
neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother
You would hate it. And have Taqwa of Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who forgives and
accepts repentance, Most Merciful.

The people who do not judge by the Law of Allah are indeed the disbelievers, unjust ones
and transgressors!
Indeed, We sent down the Torah wherein was Guidance and Light: thereby All the Prophets, who were
Muslims, judged the cases of those who had become Jews. Likewise the Rabbanis and the Ahbar (based
their judgment on it), for they were made the guardians of the Book of Allah and witnesses to it. So, (O
Jews) do not fear the people but fear Me and do not sell My revelations for paltry worldly gains: those,
who do not judge by the Law which Allah has sent down, are indeed the disbelievers.
We had prescribed this decree in the Torah for the Jews: "Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for
ear, tooth for tooth, and for all wounds equal retaliation." However, whoever forgoes retaliation as
charity, it shall be expiation for him: those, who do not judge by the Law which Allah has sent down, are
indeed the unjust people.
Then after those Prophets, We sent Jesus, son of Mary; he confirmed whatever had still remained intact of
the Torah in his time. And We gave him the Gospel wherein was Guidance and Light; that too, confirmed
what was intact of the Torah at the time; moreover, it was guidance and admonition for the God-fearing
people. We had enjoined that those who were given the Gospel. should judge by the Law which Allah has
sent down in it:those, who do not judge by the Law which Allah has sent down, are the transgressors.

What policy should be used in commercial dealings?
O Believers, when you contract a debt for a fixed; term, you should put it in writing. Let a scribe
write with equity the document for the parties. The scribe whom Allah has given the gift of literacy
should not refuse to write. Let him write and let the one under obligation (the debtor) dictate, and
he should fear Allah, his Lord, and should not diminish from or add anything to the terms which
have been settled. But if the borrower be of low understanding or weak or unable to dictate
(for any reason), then let the guardian of his interests dictate it with equity. And let two men from
among you bear witness to all such documents. But if two men be not available, there should be
one man and two women to bear witness so that if one of the women forgets (anything), the other
may remind her. The witnesses should be from among such people whom you approve of as
witnesses. When the witnesses are asked to testify, they should not refuse to do so. Do not
neglect to reduce to writing your transaction for a specified term, whether it be big or small.
Allah considers this more just for you, for it facilitates the establishment of evidence and lessens
doubts and suspicions. Of course, there is no harm if you do not put in writing the common
transactions you conclude daily on the spot, but in case of commercial transactions you should
have witnesses. The scribe and the witnesses should not be harassed: if you do so, you shall be
guilty of sin. You should guard against the wrath of Allah; He gives you the knowledge of the
right way for Allah has the knowledge of everything. If you are on a journey and cannot find
a scribe to write the document, then transact your business on the security of a pledge in hand.
And, if any one transacts a piece of business with another merely on trust, then the one who is
trusted should fulfil his trust and fear Allah, his Lord And never conceal evidence for he who
conceals it, has a sinful heart: Allah knows everything that you do.
And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight. That is
good (advantageous) and better in the end.

Why does God raise some of the people above the others in ranks?
Is it they who would portion out the mercy of your Lord. It is We Who portion out between them
their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some
may employ others in their work. But the mercy of your Lord is better than what they amass.
Do not usurp one another's property by unjust means nor offer it to the judges so that you may
devour knowingly and unjustly a portion of the goods of others.
Justice must be ensured at the time of any sort of commercial dealings?
Continuation…
Those who eat Riba will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing
of a person beaten by Shaytan leading him to insanity. That is because they say:
"Trading is only like Riba,'' whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Riba. So
whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Riba, shall not be
punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever returns (to Riba),
such are the dwellers of the Fire ‫ـ‬they will Abide therein.
Allah has permitted trading, but forbidden Riba!

We have to establish brotherhood in the society!
The believers are brothers of one another; so set the relations right between your brothers,
and fear Allah; it is expected that you will be shown mercy.
O you who have believed, neither should men mock other men, it may be that these are
better than they; nor should women mock other women, it may be that these are better
than they. Do not taunt one another among yourselves, nor call one another by nicknames.
It is an evil thing to be called by a bad name after faith. Those who fail to avoid this are
wrongdoers.
O you who have believed, avoid much suspicion, for some suspicions are sins. Do not spy, nor
should any one backbite the other. Is there any among you who would like to eat the flesh of
his dead brother? Nay, you yourselves abhor it. Fear Allah, for Allah is Acceptor of
repentance and All-Merciful.

What are the criteria of receiving forgiveness from Allah regardless
of whatever sin one commits?
And indeed I am Most Oft Forgiving for him who repented and accepted faith and did good
deeds, and then remained upon guidance.
Whoever purposefully commits evil deeds and is thus surrounded
by sins are the dwellers of the Fire!
Yes! Whosoever earns evil and his sin has surrounded him, they are dwellers of the Fire (i.e.
Hell); they will dwell therein forever.

What are the characteristics of God-fearing people (Muttaqin) for
whom Allah has prepared the Paradise?
Alif. Lam. Mim. This is the Book of Allah: there is no doubt about it. It is guidance to Godfearing people,
who believe in the unseen, establish the Salats and expend (in Our way) out of what We have bestowed
on them; who believe in the Book We have sent down to you (i.e. the Qur'an) and in the Books sent
down before you, and firmly believe in the Hereafter. Such people are on the right way from their Lord
and such are truly successful.
And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the
heavens and the earth, prepared for the Muttaqin (God-fearing people). Those who spend (in Allah's
cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves the
Muhsinin (the good-doers). And those who, when they have committed Fahishah (immoral sin) or
wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins; and none can forgive
sins but Allah, and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know. For such, the reward
is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they
shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (of good).
Successful indeed are the believers. Those who humbly cry in their prayers. And who do not incline
towards indecent matters. And who pay the (obligatory) charity. And who guard their private organs.
Except from their wives or the legal bondwomen that they possess, for then there is no blame upon
them. So whoever desires more than these two - they are crossing the limits. And those who keep proper
regard for their trusts and their pledges. And who guard their prayers. They are the inheritors. Those
who will get the inheritance of Paradise; they will abide in it forever.

(O Muhammad,) say to them, "Come, I will recite what limits your Lord has set for you." (He has enjoined:)
(1) That you should not set up anything as a partner with Him, (2) and you should treat your parents
kindly, (3) and you should not kill your children for fear of poverty, for We provide sustenance for you and
will provide sustenance for them also, (4) and you should not go near indecent things whether they be
open or hidden, (5) and you should not kill any living being whom Allah has forbidden to kill except by
right. These are the things which He has enjoined on you: it may be that you use your common sense. And
He has enjoined:(6) that you should not go near the property of an orphan except in the best way,'until he
reaches his maturity.(7) and you should use a full measure and a just balance. We charge one only with
that much responsibility that one can bear,(8) and whatever you say should be just, even if it is concerning
your own relatives, (9) and you should fulfill your covenant with Allah. Allah has enjoined these things on
you so that you may follow the admonition. And Allah also enjoins: "This way alone is My Right Way;
therefore you should follow this Way and should not follow other ways lest they should lead you astray
from His Way. This is what Allah has enjoined on you so that you may avoid crooked ways.
Continuation…
It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness-
to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to
spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the
wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and
practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and
patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are
the people of truth, the Allah-fearing.

Let’s read Al-Quran with understanding to know Allah and His creations,
His mercy towards the Mutaqqin and punishment for the
transgressors in this world, His guidance for us to be Mutaqqin, His
ever-lasting rewards for the Mutaqqin and never-ending punishment
for the transgressors in the Heareafter .
Let’s always praise Allah for His greatness and supreme power, be
grateful for His end-less mercy towards us and seek His help only, as
our sole Guardian specially in prayer times and also in other times,
follow His instructions with justice and sincerity in all parts of our lives
and repent to Him whenever we do something wrong and immediately
return to the right pathway.
Allah would Insha'Allah remove our sins
and grant us the Heaven

Sources
The "Opening" of Al-Qur'an: A Scientific Interpretation
http://openingal-quran.blogspot.com/
Al-Qur'an: The only existing Guide to the Best Solutions of Human Issues
http://al-quranthehumansolutionsprovider.blogspot.com/
A platform for Discussions in the Light of Al-Qur'an
http://al-quranstatesagainstkillingin.blogspot.com/

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