Al-Quran Al-Kareem – Tafsir (Exegesis) Lesson 305

On the 1^st to 30^th verses of Surah al-Anfal [8].

 

I seek shelter in Allah from the rejected Satan. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Valuable friends, respected listeners.

We continue with the lessons that are based on the Holy Book of Almighty Allah and the fundamentals of that Book, which prepares humankind to eternal bliss and immortal life. We continue with the life-lessons of the religion (din) of Holy Islam, which prepare humankind to eternal bliss, which came from al-lawh al-mahfuz (the sacred tablet) and the knowledge (ilm) of Allah through revelation. We continue with the lessons of that light which encompasses us. We continue with the enlightening lessons of Holy Quran in order to obtain the eternal bliss of all humanity. Our unmixed and pure lessons continue by siding only with the Real (al-Haqq).

We follow the glorious Quran in order, and right now we are at Surah al-Anfal [8]. Our lessons continue with Surah al-Anfal [8].

May Janâb-i Haqq make us among the servants (qul) who attain the pleasure (riza) of Allah through the faith (iman) of Holy Islam, and its good deeds (amal-e-saleh), and its knowledge (ilm) and learning (ilm). May Janâb-i Haqq make us among the servants (qul) who are blissful in both worlds. Our goal is the salvation of all humanity with Islam. That is, all humanity because the religion (din) of Islam is universal. It is the religion (din) of all creatures (makhluqat), foremost humans and the jinn. That is why Islam itself is a manifestation of the divine mercy (ilahi rahmat) that embraces everybody with the mercy (rahmat) of Allah. Allah has manifested this sublime mercy (rahmat) in this way with Islam, Hz. Muhammad, and Al-Quran Al-Karim. As you know, Surah al-Anfal is the 8^th surah of Al-Quran Al-Karim, and it is one of the longer surahs. However, the surahs before this one were much longer than this one. The narration that stays it consists of 75 verses is more predominant, and it is a medinian surah that has been sent down in the period of al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

Then again, the verses that were sent down in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah are called medinian surahs. As for the verses that were sent down in Makkah al-Mukarramah, they are called meccan surahs.

That said, as every single verse of the Quran consists of direct utterances of Allah, every single servant (qul) of Allah should endeavour to listen and understand every word and every sentence of Al-Quran Al-Karim as is due. It is also an essential (asl-i) obligation of being a servant (qul) of Allah and religiousness to endeavour to believe in (iman) and act according to the provisions (hukm) of the Quran. Naturally, it is an essential obligation to understand and convey it correctly. We should understand and convey Al-Quran Al-Karim correctly. We should walk on the line of Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah. This is the way of Hz. Muhammad and the companions (ashab). Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah, and al-firqah al-najiyah (the saved group), and sirat al-mustaqim (the straight path).

 

Time Stamp: 5:05

 

That is the path of those who understand Allah and Islam right, and go towards Allah. That said, there are a lot of paths of misguidance (dalalah) and people of innovation (ahlul bid’ah). Also, there are many people who speak in the name of Islam, and it is not possible for one to understand Islam correctly through the grasp of misguidance (dalalah) and people of innovation (ahlul bid’ah). One can’t attain Allah’s pleasure (riza) through wrongs either. That is why the ecole (school) of Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah, and the mujtahids who are on that path along with the grand âlims, and elevated figures have followed this path. All scholars (âlims) of Islam, and 99,9% of the Muslims in the world are of Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah. The numbers of others are few. Even though in this era it seems like the grasp of ahlul bid’ah is more common, all wrongs that are against Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah are to be rectified. If we correct the wrongs of those who do wrong it is better for them as well, it is better for all of us because what is right is also a means for our eternal bliss. The means are in truth, right, and reality. Otherwise, embracing the wrongs by taking them as means is like carrying venomous snakes on your back at night where you are supposed to gather wood. Even if there is a single snake between the wood it will poison the person. Islam and the glorious Quran do not accept what is wrong, and rectifies the wrongs.

That is why valuable friends, we will continue with our discovery notes and give you the enlightening core meaning of Surah al-Anfal [8], and try to contribute to make the verses more understandable for you. Everything is through Allah’s grace (lutf), through Allah’s guidance (hidayat), and Allah’s success (tawfiq). We are unable to do anything without Allah’s companionship (rafaqat), guidance (hidayat), success (tawfiq), and excellent favour (lutf al-ihsan). All success is from Allah. All generosity and blessing (lutf al-ihsan) is from Allah. No matter who or what there is in all the worlds are from Allah. What befalls us is to be able to spend these sacred bounties that we have received from Allah in the way of Allah and for the pleasure (riza) of Allah. To receive from Allah and use the bounties (nimat) of Allah in the way of false deities (taghut) besides Allah, or to be servants of false deities (taghut) does not behoove a person with the slightest faith (iman), slightest conscience, or slightest reason (aql). We are servants (qul) of Allah, and we are obliged to serve Allah. This is where sultanate is. This is where one seizes the immortal life because it is not possible for anyone to be happy by rebelling against the Creator. It is not possible for such a person to be saved from the wrath and justice of Allah. That is why let us supplicate to our Rabb day and night, but let us supplicate through actional prayers (fiili dua). Let us pray (dua) by exerting all our power in a setting of jihad in the way of knowledge (ilm) and learning (irfan). That is when we will see how the aids of our Almighty Rabb comes.

That said, it is against servitude to ask for something while lying in bed. Who can ask for something while lying in bed? T Those are sick people confined to bed, those with excuses. As for those who are able, they shall supplicate to Allah by serving Allah to the extent of their ability. There should be actional prayer (fiili dua). Actional prayer or fiili dua is the name of servitude to Allah. One should pray (dua) by doing good deeds and fulfilling the obligations (fards) necessities (wajib), and customs (sunnah). It is an actional prayer (fiili dua) to fulfil every obligation (fard).

 

Time Stamp: 10:31

 

This is an actional prayer (dua) to fulfil every necessity (wajib) and custom (sunnah). It is also an actional prayer (dua) to work for the better good in a setting of jihad. Verbal prayers (dua) are not acceptable without actional and practical prayers (fiili and amali dua). That is why there should not be a problem in one’s faith (iman) for one thing, and he should do his good deeds (amal-e-saleh) according to the standards of the sharia (law) and the rules of fiqh (jurisprudence) that Islam brought forth. Had everyone did things according to their sweet will, then there wouldn’t be a need for the Prophet or the Quran. Allah would not have sent thousands of prophets. See, there are 25 prophets in Al-Quran Al-Karim, and 3 more but they are disputed so a total of 28. Janâb-i Haqq also says that so many other prophets that we are not informed have been sent. Why did Janâb-i Haqq send these prophets? That is for people to worship Allah the way Allah wanted.

What does Hz. Muhammad say? He says, “Perform your worship (ibadat) the way you see me perform.” Who taught him? Allah Ta’ala taught him. Jibril came and the practice of the actional aspect of every command of Islam have been done. The commands and laws have been set, and Hz. Muhammad has shown the actional worships (ibadat) to his companions (ashab) the way Allah has wanted. Then, his companions (ashab) showed it to the Tābi’ūn. Then, through the way of Ahlus-Sunnah, from the Tābi’ūn to Tabi‘ al-Tabi’in, it came all the way to us. The way the companions (ashab) and the Prophet performed all worships (ibadat) which is the way Allah has wanted has been conveyed to us with the Quran and the sunnah (customs) as well as ijma (consensus), qiyas (analogy), and true (haqq) proofs and mujtahid âlims; they practiced Islam generation after generation and it came to us. So, we should also learn it correctly, and do the right deeds (amal), and leave a correct legacy for the next generation, and preserve the entrustment as is due. Do not ever forget that every command of Allah is an entrustment. You are betraying Allah as long as you abandon the obligations (fard). You are betraying Allah as long as you abandon the necessities (wajib). And when you abandon the customs (sunnah) and deviate from the way of the Prophet, you are betraying the Prophet. You are also betraying Al-Quran Al-Karim as long as you do not understand it correctly, and practice it correctly. Be aware, and be cognizant. Do what is due, and endeavour to be among those who preserve the entrustment, who carry it as people of entrustment (ahlul amanat). One does not betray the entrustment. Every command of the sharia (law) of Islam is an entrustment (amanat), this is the holiest and most sacred entrustment. Do not forget this! Holy Islam, Holy Quran, beloved Muhammad Mustafa, whatever sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam has trusted us in the name of the religion (din) of Islam, you should believe in the whole of these as is due, preserve them as is due, and do what is due.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Hodja recites the 1^st verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Editor’s note: Hodja recites related sections of the 1^st verse occasionally in the next few minutes, which are not written.

“They ask you concerning the distribution of the spoils. Say, ‘The distribution of spoils belong to Allah and the Messenger. If you truly are faithful (mu’min) people, then fear Allah. Fear Allah and reconcile between yourselves,” commands Janâb-i Haqq and adds the following. Let us see what our Almighty Rabb said, “And obey Allah and the Messenger.” That is said by Allah. Allah Ta’ala says, “Obey Me, and obey My Messenger Muhammad.” As you see, Allah commands obedience to Muhammad next to obedience to Allah.

 

Time Stamp: 16:15

 

This is because the person who spread (tabligh) all commands of Allah, who believed and fully implemented Islam on earth, who settled Islam on earth as is due, who properly spread (tabligh) the divine commands, who implemented them as is due, and who judged by the true and haqq laws of Allah is the Messenger of Allah, and he is the one who is assigned here. The duty befalls the nation (ummah) of Hz. Muhammad after him, and this duty has come to us, and we will pass it on to our successors. Every faithful Muslim is to obey Allah, and those who don’t are going to be struck with a severe punishment.

That is why,

Hodja recites the 2^nd verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“Surely, the believers are but those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned.”

Allah! Allah!

See, it is said that their hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, and they are thrilled and overjoyed. They experience wajd (thrilling sensation), and tremble with fear because nobody can serve his Rabb as is due. That is why they fear the punishment, but they never abandon hope from the mercy (rahmat) for eternity, and they love Allah with every fibre of their being. You see, that is why it is said their hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned.

“They increase their faith (iman) when the verses (ayat) are recited to them.”

It is Almighty Allah who says this, let us see.

Hodja recites a part of the 2^nd verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Says, “They put their trust only in their Rabb.”

Who will you trust if you will not trust Allah? It is Allah who created. It is Allah who sustains. It is Allah who provides sustenance (rizq). It is Allah who brings life and death. Allah will bring us to account, and place souls in janna (paradise), or throw them into jahannam (hell) by implementing justice. Is there anyone else besides Allah who can bring death, bring to account, or give life? No, there isn’t anyone other than Allah. So, know your Rabb and abandon the idols and false deities (taghut), and stop taking others as Rabb. Al-Quran Al-Karim says some people took rabbis and priests as their Rabb.

 

Time Stamp: 20:00

 

You may go and read Surah al-Tawbah, go and look into Al-Quran Al-Karim. What did those who have taken a servant (qul) as their Rabb do? They slandered Allah, associated partners with Allah, got stuck in disbelief (kufr), and were struck the Allah’s wrath. Do not ever be like that! Know Allah well. Why did Al-Quran Al-Karim came from Allah? Janâb-i Haqq sent it to us in order to be acquainted with us, so that we may know Allah. It was sent so that the servants (qul) may learn Allah’s commands, and that the servants (qul) may worship Allah the way Allah has wanted. That is why Allah placed Al-Quran Al-Karim into Hz. Muhammad’s heart. Allah explained the meanings in the Quran to Muhammad. Then, Muhammad disclosed these truths and realities (haqq wa haqiqa) to the universe. The true (haqq) book is the Quran, and the true (haqq) religion is Islam. There is no doubt about that, and he who doubts has no faith (iman).

Beloved friends, let us tell each other the truth, and let us not flatter anyone. We will be doing evil to each other we do not speak the truth. We will be abandoning reality (haqiqa) and polishing misguidance (dalalah) to make it seem fair to people, which a shame, really.

Let us see what Janâb-i Haqq said after announcing us these enlightening verses.

Astaizu billah.

Hodja recites the 3^rd verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“They are those who perform the namāz (prayer) as is due.”

Allah has made five daily namāz (prayer) an obligation (fard) for us.

“O My servants (qul)! Come to My presence, and meet me five times a day,” said Allah. Allah is calling us to the presence, and we are servants (qul) of Allah. Isn’t it the greatest sultanate to be in the presence of Allah? You go to the presence of others, but who are they? They are also servants (qul) of Allah. You can’t serve a servant (qul) slavishly. The servants (qul) of Allah are loved because they are servants (qul) of Allah. The wrong aspects of the wrong people are rectified, but one can’t serve a servant (qul) slavishly. That is why Janâb-i Haqq says, “They are those who perform the namāz (prayer) as is due.” Who are they? They are those whose hearts tremble when Allah’s name is mentioned, and those whose faith (iman) increases when the Quran is recited. These are real believers (mu’min), and it is said that they perform the namāz (prayer) as is due. Pay attention to the phrase, “as is due.” This is not a namāz (prayer) of getting up and down sloppily. This is about obtaining the level of excellence (ihsan) in the presence of Allah with sincerity (ihlas). That is the namāz (prayer) performed in the presence of Allah in order to obtain the level of excellence (ihsan) with sincerity (ihlas) by endeavouring in accord with the rules of Islam. You see, we are to be striving for that. If we continue to endeavour, then Allah will forgive us our flaws due to our endeavours, and accept our worship (ibadat). You can’t say you are performing it regardless, because then you will be struck with it as if it is a piece of rag, do not forget this! You should endeavour to do it as correct as you are able, and if your knowledge is 5 out of 10, then make it 6 out of 10 tomorrow, endeavour for that. Your two days should never be the same; always continue rising, advancing, and progressing. Islam is ascension up to janna (paradise), pleasure (riza) of Allah, and the ala-yi illiyin (the greatest place in janna). As for faithlessness, it is degradation until the lowest point of jahannam (hell). The former is called daraja (degree) while the latter is called daraka (degradation). Get your head straight! The 3^rd verse also says, “They spend out of the things they love in the way of Allah, which We have provided them as sustenance (rizq).” Believers (mu’min) are surely generous.

 

Time Stamp: 25:11

 

They know all bounties (nimat) are from Allah, and they spend out of it with pleasure and open arms as Allah says, “My servant, spend.” They spend out of the bounties (nimat) that Allah has given them in the way of Allah, and they are truly generous, and take pleasure in spending, but why? This is because all bounties (nimat) are given by Allah. How can’t you spend when Allah says, “Spend it in this way,”? Can you withhold something from the One who gives it to you? Can you withhold bounties (nimat) from the One who gave them to you? Allah gracefully (lutf) gives you thousands of other bounties (nimat) when you spend a single bounty (nimat). This is why it is said that believers (mu’min) spend out of what they are given as sustenance (rizq) in the way of Allah. Stinginess is not a trait of faithful Muslims, and there shouldn’t be any with them, and they should get rid of it if they have. The remedy of that is also the Quran. To be treated with the Quran is to be rightly guided (irshad), and to be on the right path (rushd).

Another prayer (dua) of our Prophet is this.

Hodja recites original text of the prayer (dua).

What does he say? He says, “My Allah! Inspire me with the right path (rushd).”

Hodja recites original text of the prayer (dua).

He says, “Protect me from the evil of my nafs (soul).”

Do you see this invocation of the Prophet? He is a Prophet who has been attributed with the attribute of ‚iṣmah (infallibility), and he has no chance of committing a sin, and all his past and future sins have been forgiven. Janâb-i Haqq blessed (lutf) him with all perfect (kamal) attributes (sifāt) that should be present in a servant (qul) who is a Prophet. That is why being the greatest servant (qul) and the greatest prophet of Allah, this is how Hz. Muhammad prays (dua), alaihissalatu wassalam. Pay attention! The whole life of that blessed figure is faith (iman), struggle (jihad), worship (ibadat), and prayer (dua). But these are all actional prayers (dua). The substructure of that actional prayer (fiili dua) is so strong that he made his verbal prayers (dua) according to that.

That said, Janâb-i Haqq says the following.

Hodja recites the 4^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Let us see what Janâb-i Haqq says here, “Those are the real believers.”

You see, these are the real believers and Muslims. In these verses, Allah explained the true believers and Muslims. As for the details of it, it will also be explained as we go on. So, it means that there is devotion, love, and fear of Allah in the essence if this matter. There is Al-Quran Al-Karim and its verses, and ascension with them. You can’t be a real believer (mu’min) unless you become fully acquainted with the Quran by having love and fear of Allah. You can’t be a real believer (mu’min) without namāz (prayer) and generosity either. So, let us get our minds straight and supplicate to Allah day and night. Let us say, “O Allah! Guide us, grace us, make our faith acceptable, make our faith perfect and lasting,” day and night by supplicating, and also supplicate by saying “Make our deeds (amal) righteous (saleh).” Let us supplicate for our morals to be the best there is. Let us supplicate for Allah to admit us into the mercy (rahmat) and grace (fazl). Let us strive to earn Allah’s love, and request the rank of radiyah-mardiya by working.

 

Time Stamp: 30:10

 

Hodja recites the 4^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Janâb-i Haqq says, “There are grades (daraja) for them with their Rabb, and forgiveness and noble provision (rizq).” See, there is rizq al-karim, and there are high-degrees, and forgiveness. Now, what is rizq al-karim? It is endless and boundless bounties (nimat) that are without trouble or dissention, along with comfort for eyes. See, Allah has given this good tiding and this waad al-subhani (promise of Allah) to real believers (mu’min). So, what happens with all of us if we become real believers (mu’min)? Allah promises us high-degrees. Does Allah break a word? No, Allah does not break a word. Allah promises (waad) us forgiveness (maghfirat), and rizq al-karim, and gives us glad tidings.

Hodja recites the 5^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

You see, there is a starting point of the believers (mu’min), please pay attention! “Thus, your Rabb caused you to go out from your home to fight for the sake of truth (haqq).” Who is being addressed here? This is said to Hz. Muhammad. Life is always a jihad, a fight. But a fight for what? It is a fight for peace, faith (iman), social justice, and mercy. That is, what does sovereignty of Islam mean? It is to establish predominance of divine mercy, divine rahmat, and social justice in the world, and this fight or jihad is necessary for all creatures (makhluqat) to live in peace. So, what does Janâb-i Haqq say in this context? Says, “To fight for the sake of truth (haqq).” That is, for the sake of truth (haqq), not for the sake of idols, nor for the sake of false deities (taghut), nor for the sake of tyrants, nor for the sake of those who exploit the world, nor for the sake of blood-shedding murderers. That is only for the sake of truth (haqq), remember this! Let us see what is said.

Hodja recites a part of the 5^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Says, “You got out from your home.” Says, “Allah caused you to get out from your home to fight.” Who made him go out? Allah commanded him. Allah said, “make has to the way of jihad” through a command to the Beloved. Couldn’t Allah say, “You lay in your bed while I conquer the fronts.”? Couldn’t Allah send the armies? What does Allah say to the Beloved, “Thus, your Rabb caused you to go out from your home to fight for the sake of truth (haqq).”

Hodja recites a part of the 5th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Do not forget! That is what Almighty Rabb said.

See…

Hodja recites a part of the 5th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Allah says, “A group of Muslims did not like this.”

This is because not every soul (nafs) wants to do jihad. It is said that at that time a group of Muslims could not comprehend the sense and wisdom (hikmat) of this, and disliked this.

Hodja recites the 6^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

What is said here?

“They were disputing with you about the truth after it became clear as day, as if they were being driven to death with their eyes wide open.”

 

Time Stamp: 35:13

 

That is what they thought.

Janâb-i Haqq said the following.

Hodja recites the 7^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“Recall when Allah promised you that one of the two groups would become yours (either the caravan of Quraysh or their army).”

“Recall when Allah promised you that one of the two groups would become yours, and you were desiring that the one without honour and glory (caravan) to be yours. But Allah wanted to establish the truth by the verses (ayat) and to cut of the root of disbelievers (kāfir).”

This is because humanity will not be at ease until the root of disbelief (kufr) is cut off; world peace will not be established, and justice will not be manifested because ahlul kufr (people of disbelief) are always on the side of tyrants and injustice (zulm). Disbelief (kufr) itself is a wrongdoing (zulm), and every disbeliever is a wrongdoer (zalim). That is why Janâb-i Haqq says, “I want to cut off the very root of the disbelievers.”

Almighty Allah said this.

Hodja recites a part of the 7^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Almighty Allah said the following next.

Hodja recites the 8^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“To prove the truth to be true.”

Allah does this in order to introduce the truth to people. If you don’t introduce the truth (haqq) to people then the wrong (batil) will prevail in the universe. That is why Almighty Allah always brings forth what is right, true, and real against the wrong. These truths are Islam, Al-Quran Al-Karim, and Hz. Muhammad through which Allah personally introduced (tabligh) the truth and reality (haqq wa haqiqa) to the world, and established it.

The verse says, “To prove the truth to be true, and completely nullify falsehood (batil).”

What falsehood (batil) deserves is to be nullified, those sinners may not want this, that is okay. The truth (haqq) will prevail and falsehood will be nullified whether they like it or not. The truth (haqq) will be the judge. That is what Allah wants. What is wanted by Allah is sure to happen, right? Yes. Why? That is because Allah is All-Able (al-Qadir).

So, will what someone else wants happen? No, it will not because nothing anybody wants happen unless Allah wills it. However, what is willed by Allah is sure to happen.

“Be, and it is.”

That is it.

If Allah wants something to happen, then it happens immediately.

However, what does Allah say?

Allah says, “I have laws in the world, and every servant (qul) is to serve, and the servants (qul) are to be servants (qul), and ask help from Allah by doing their service; not by lying in bed, rather the servant (qul) should serve.”

Hodja recites the 9^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Let us see what Janâb-i Haqq said in this verse of the Quran.

“At that time, you were imploring your Rabb for help, and your Rabb accepted your prayer (dua) and said, ‘I am helping you with a thousand of the angels, one following the other.’.”

In Battle of Badr the enemy was too powerful whereas our army was 300 plus a few, and there are even narrations that say there were 315 people, and they had no proper weapons or swords in Badr because there wasn’t any preparation for battle. The enemy met our army with a powerful army, and that is why Janâb-i Haqq immediately sent help with 1000 angels, one following the other.

 

Time Stamp: 40:40

 

Hodja recites the 10^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“Allah made it only as a glad tiding, and that your hearts be at rest thereby. Otherwise, victory is only from Allah. Surely, Allah is the Absolute Victor, and All-Wise.”

Mighty, power, and help are all from Allah. Victory is only from Allah. It is Allah who gave you the power you possess, so use it in the way of Allah, and victory will come by Allah’s help. It has always come that way.

Hodja recites the 11^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Janâb-i Haqq says the following here.

“Remember when Allah covered you with a drowsiness, as security and serenity from Allah. And sent down upon you water from the heavens, so that Allah might purify you with it, and remove from you the impurity of Shaitan, and so that Allah might strengthen your hearts and make your feet firm therewith.”

In Battle of Badr all water sources were sieged by the enemy, and they wouldn’t even give a sip of water, and the Islamic army was being roasted from the heat therein. Allah sent all kinds of help, and made them forget about fear, and covered them with a good drowsiness, and alleviated their thirst, sent down rain upon them, and it was like there were dams all around.

Janâb-i Haqq says the following after announcing this reality.

Hodja recites the 12^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Almighty Rabb says, “At that moment your Rabb was revealing to the angels.”

Pay attention! Now, what does Allah say to the army of angels? Allah reveals (wahy) them, and gives them command. What is said here? Allah says, “I am with you,” to the angels and also to the believers (mu’minun). Says, “I am with you.”

If Allah was not with the believers (mu’minun), then would Allah have sent the angels? Would Allah have helped? Allah is sending all kinds of help, but why? Allah’s help is always ready and prepared for the heroic mujtahids (fighters) everywhere.

“Give perseverance (sabat) to the believers (mu’minun).”

What does Allah say to the angels?

“Give perseverance (sabat) to the believers (mu’minun). I shall cast terror into the hearts of the disbelievers (kāfir),” says Janâb-i Haqq. All infidel hearts are in Allah’s hand of omnipotence (qudrah), do not forget!

“So, strike over the necks.”

What does Janâb-i Haqq say to the angels?

Says, “So, strike over the necks of the infidels.”

Can the entire world stand against an angel? No, it can’t. However, this is how Allah set it up therein, and gave such a command. This is the ordainment (taqdeer) therein. Says, “So, strike over the necks,” and adds, “And strike their fingertips.”

Janâb-i Haqq even informed the angels of where to hit.

Beloved friends, let us continue.

 

Time Stamp: 45:45

 

Hodja recites the 13^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“This is because they opposed Allah and the Messenger. Whoever opposes Allah and the Messenger should know that Allah’s punishment is indeed severe.”

Hodja recites a part of the 13^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Nobody should forget that!

Allah has endless and boundless mercy (rahmat) and bounty (nimat), but the punishment of Allah is also too severe. Do not forget neither of these! That is why you should live between fear and hope. Fear the punishment, but do not ever abandon hope from the mercy (rahmat). Try to fulfil every command, provision, and offer of Allah that you have been commanded as is due in a sincere manner with every fibre of your being.

Hodja recites the 14^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“That is yours, now taste it.”

It is also certain that there is punishment of jahannam in the afterlife (ākhira) for disbelievers (kāfirs). They were slain by the sword of Allah in Badr. Ahlul kufr, and ahlul shirk; the polytheist army of Abu Jahl were slain by sword. Some of them were imprisoned while some others escaped. Why did hat powerful polytheism (shirk) army was decimated in the face of a handful of Islamic army? Those great infidels were beheaded. Why? This is because they were the archenemies of humankind. They were hostile to humanity and the truth (haqq). The bigger microbes are to be removed along with the smaller microbes, and when they are all removed bodies will find peace and good health. There are big microbes that ruin humanity, and you should pour down upon them the medicine of monotheism (tawhid), and cure the world. That is, of course, for those who accept medicine. As for those who reject medicine, book, knowledge (ilm), learning (irfan), truth (haqq), and justice; the justice of Allah overcomes them. Islam and the Quran are straight-up Allah’s justice, and manifestation of Allah’s mercy (rahmat). How will you overcome the unjust, and how will you overcome the tyrants, and how will you ensure peace if there is no justice within the mercy (rahmat)?

That is why Almighty Allah has placed the all-encompassing mercy (rahmat), forgiveness, love, and justice within the Holy Islam. There are no shortcomings of Islam. Shortcomings belong to the brains that do not understand Islam, and the charred souls, and the charred brains, and those who attack Allah, Islam, and the Prophet, and those who attack the Book, which is the Quran. Tyranny, ignorance, non-contemporaneity, and enmity of truth and humanity is therein.  As for Islam, it is the true religion (haqq din) that embraces all humanity with the mercy (rahmat) of Allah, and it is the reality (haqiqa) itself.

 

Time Stamp: 50:35

 

That is why I am not holding in my hands a book written by a lord or a general and read it to you. Rather, we started from the beginning of Al-Quran Al-Karim and we are trying to convey to you Allah’s book verse by verse, and sentence by sentence. That is by only taking the side of Allah, Islam, the Quran, along with truth and reality (haqq wa haqiqa). Islam is the own law (huquq) of the Real (al-Haqq), and it is the supremacy of law (huquq). What is narrated by some people is not Islam. Rather, what the Quran itself expresses, and what Hz. Muhammad expresses, and the Islam what Allah brought forth is Islam. Here are the verses and there is meanings. Here is the meaning! We are not saying things like, “This is what someone said, and a pasha understood this verse like that.” This is an understanding of the Quran through the understanding of knowledge (ilm) and learning (irfan) that all the authors (mufassirs) of the world including the authors (mufassirs) of Ahlus-Sunnah and the mujtahids of Ahlus-Sunnah, and the faqihs (expers of law) of Ahlus-Sunnah, and all grand Islamic scholars (âlim).

It is not narrating Islam to spread someone else’s fabrications. One can’t drink water through someone else’s mouth. Rather, drink directly from the glass of the Quran. See, when you drink from the source you will have drank from the real spring, and you will find life. That is why our lessons are called the lessons of the life-giving light (nūr) forever and ever because they do not belong to us, they belong to Allah. We are only trying to be translators, and spread (tabligh) the knowledge. Naturally, we go through the views of all our Islamic scholars (âlims), and our grand âlims. We look at the knowledge (ilm), and check the meaning and source of it, and then we look at the views of our grand âlims, and there are points where all of them merge, and there are points where they are in consensus. See we explain to you the points they come together where they are all in agreement. As for the matters regarding which there are disputes, there are different blessings (rahmat) therein. If the ulama has agreed on a matter, and we are talking about the real ulama, then there is a richness therein. However, those who dispute it must be a mujtahid or a grand âlim. Therefore, the disputes of grand âlims and mujtahids in the ecoles (schools) of Ahlus-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah are also a major affluence and blessing (rahmat). The disputes of the ignorant is but punishment, segregation, and disintegration. Disputes in regards to knowledge is a blessing, but that must be the disputes of true and real âlims, not irregulars or those who speak just because they have mouths, or those who speak someone else’s mind, or those who imitate this or that person. Rather, the true discoverer and mujtahid who can reach the true source of the matter, who can obtain knowledge from its source, who knows Al-Quran Al-Karim knowledge-wise through narration (riwayat) and comprehension (dirayat) are considered among the ulama.

 

Time Stamp: 55:00

 

That said, beloved friends, Janâb-i Haqq says the following here.

Astaizu billah.

Hodja recites the 15^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“O you who believe! When you encounter a kāfir force, do not turn your backs to them, and do not flight.”

That is, do not be war deserters because no Muslim runs away from battle. What does a Muslim do to fight better, establish peace, and carry out a battle for peace in the word which is for the better good of all humanity? He may only change the position of the front, but still, the battle is fought to make truth (haqq), justice, mercy, and love predominant in the world.

Hodja recites the 16^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Whoever turns his back on them on such a day, unless swerving to come back and fight, or for joining the company in another front, he has then incurred an anger from Allah, and his destination is jahannam (hell).”

War deserters who escape the battle, and those who escape the jihad, their abode is jahannam (hell).

“What an evil destination!”

Now, if you run away, and others run away too, and the unjust (zalims) become predominant in the world, then think about the suffering humanity will have to experience. Humanity will be suffering a lot when tyrants get a hold of the world. Humanity suffered a lot due to tyrants, and it will suffer a lot. That is why this is a battle of truth (haqq), justice, and peace. Islam is the salvation of all humanity.

It is Al-Quran Al-Karim that says, “Whoever kills a person unjustly is as though he had killed the whole of mankind.” That is, Allah Ta’ala said it. It is also Al-Quran Al-Karim and Almighty Allah that said, “Whoever saves a life it is as though he had saved the lives of all mankind.”

Allah said this in the Torah first, then said this in the Injil, and also in the Scriptures. Allah said this to all prophets of the past, and said this in all of the holy books. Can there be injustice in the principles of Allah? Allah is free and away from injustice (zulm), rather Allah is the possessor of justice. Allah establishes justice, and does not do injustice (zulm). That is why Allah is free and away from injustice (zulm).

Hodja recites the 17^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Let us see what our Almighty Rabb, who is the Rabb of all humanity, all the worlds (alamin), and all creatures (makhluqat), Allah the Creator (al-Khaliq) has said.

“So, you did not kill them, rather Allah killed them.”

This is what Allah says about the enemies of humanity.

“And you did not throw when you threw…”

See, Hz. Muhammad is being addressed here. This was about when Hz. Muhammad threw a handful of sand at them, which was so accurate that it entered the eyes of the enemy. Do you think a human (qul) can do that? See, Almighty Allah is narrating how Allah threw the sand by the hand of Muhammad and hit the enemy.

 

Time Stamp: 1:00:06

 

Allah says, “And you did not throw when you threw, but Allah threw.”

Then again, these are about Battle of Badr. However, in the person of Battle of Badr, this battle incorporates all battles until the Day of Judgment (qiyamah), which are for the better good of humanity, for truth (haqq), in the way of divine truth (ilahi haqq), and righteous peace; and all of these battles are within the scope of this battle.

“This was to test the believers (mu’minun) with a good favour.”

Life is a test, and we have to pass the test.

“Surely, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”

It is Allah who hears everything, and who makes us hear. It is Allah who knows everything, and if we have received knowledge then it is Allah who gave it. Some people use what Allah has given for the better good, and in the way of Allah. Some people use it for evil, in the way of evil. That said, in this regard those who use it for evil fail the test, while those who act in the way of Allah pass the test.

Hodja recites the 18^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“As you have seen, this is how Allah frustrates the plot of the disbelievers (kāfirs).”

Hodja recites the 19^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“If you want a victory, then victory has come to you.”

Janâb-i Haqq says, “Here is victory.”

“If you do not go too far and stop, then it is better for you.”

Islam is justice everywhere. Islam dislikes intemperance (ifrat) and exorbitance (ifrat), and forbids them. Islam commands being moderate, and establishing justice everywhere.

“And if you go back, then We will go back, and it will not benefit you at all even if you have a lot of soldiers at that time. Know well that Allah is with the believers (mu’minun).”

Here you see that it is necessary to be real believers (mu’minun) and Muslims. In that case, Allah is with you. That is, in what regard is Allah with you? That is Allah’s help, grace (lutf), and generosity (karam), excellent favour (lutf al-ihsan), guidance (hidayat), and endless blessings (lutf) are with you. That is why you should endeavour to be a good believer (mu’min).

Hodja recites the 20^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Janâb-i Haqq says the following in this verse of the Quran: “O you who believe! Obey Allah and the Messenger, and do not turn away from Allah’s commands while you are hearing!”

Beware, do not ever turn away from any command of Allah! Fulfil the necessity of the command, and hold fast to the command because those who do not hold fast to the command will not have obeyed Allah, nor will they have acknowledged Allah’s law (huquq), and supremacy of law (huquq); nor will they have performed their obligation. That is why you should get your mind straight!

Janâb-i Haqq says the following.

Hodja recites the 21^st verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Janâb-i Haqq says, “And do not be like those who say, ‘We have listened,’ though they do not listen.”

Hodja recites the 22^nd verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“In the eyes of Allah, the worst of the creatures that roam around the earth are the deaf and the dumb who do not think or understand.”

In what regard are they deaf? Their heart’s eras are deaf, not their external ears. Their heart’s eyes are blind, not their physical eyes. These are people with whom there is a handicap in their hearts and spirits (ruh). That is, those who do not acknowledge truth and reality (haqq wa haqiqa), who do not want to listen to the Real (al-Haqq), and those who do not want to see the Real (al-Haqq). There are so many physical eyes that do not see, but they are Awliya, and they see the Real (al-Haqq) with their inner eyes. They hear the Real (al-Haqq), and their heart’s ears work. See, actually the worst of the creatures are those who do not see the truth (haqq) with their heart’s eyes, and who do not hear and understand the reality (haqiqa). They do not want to understand. They don’t accept, how can they understand? And they are those who do not think about the reality (haqiqa). It is said that the worst creatures are them.

 

Time Stamp: 1:06:32

 

Hodja recites the 23^rd verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“Had Allah seen good in them, Allah would have made them hear.”

Hodja recites the following part of the 23^rd verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“And if Allah had made them hear, they would still turn away heedlessly.”

See, Allah says they would deny again, and wouldn’t want to hear. Allah knows whom Allah created, right? This is obstinance in denial, obstinance in disbelief (kufr), obstinance in polytheism (shirk), obstinance in being hostile to truth (haqq) and faith (iman). Once evil and kufr are stamped over a person’s heart due to his own earnings, then occurs a calamity therein. After that, he neither hears, nor understands, nor sees.

Hodja recites the 24^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“O you who believe! When the Prophet calls you to that which gives you life…”

See, this is the verse that tells that Al-Quran Al-Karim gives life. There are other verses too. The name of our lessons is the lessons of the life-giving light (nūr). You see, Almighty Allah clearly states that Islam and the Quran gives life to people. Let us see what is said here.

“When the Prophet calls you to that which gives you life, respond to Allah and the Messenger. Know that Allah intervenes between a person and his heart, and surely you all will gather in the presence of Allah.”

It is Allah who created the hearts, and they are between Allah’s fingers of qudrah (omnipotence). It is Allah who turns them about.

The turner and possessor of the hearts is Janâb-i Haqq. Allah is closer to us than ourselves. Allah is closer to your heart than your heart itself. Allah is closer to the true nature of everything than anything because it is Allah who created, it is Allah who manages us, and it is Allah who keeps us alive. That is why there is no place unencompassed by Allah. Allah either encompasses with punishment (azab) or mercy (rahmat); and to some the helps of Allah come constantly.

 

Time Stamp: 1:10:00

 

Allah has given a respite to some, and their bane awaits over them. The bane befalls them once the respite is over, and they think they are playing about. No matter how long injustice (zulm) plays about, the banes of injustice (zulm) and the unjust (zalim) await over them. There is an appointed hour for it, and when that hour comes, they may not defer it by a single hour nor may they advance it. The bane that was to befall them befalls them at that hour. Nobody should say they haven’t been informed!

Hodja recites the 25^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Let us see what Janâb-i Haqq says here.

“Beware of a fitnah (affliction and trial) that shall not befall only the wrongdoers (zalim) among you.”

But what happens? Pay attention to this!

Hodja recites the following part of the 25^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“Know that the punishment Allah is severe.”

So, if you do not abstain from fitnah and allow fitnah to happen, and side with the wrongdoers (zalim), disbelief (kufr), and polytheism (shirk), and support wrongdoers (zalim) and the fitnah, then that fitnah will strangle you as well. Allah destroys and ruins not only the wrongdoers (zalim) but also those who help them and the mere spectators who have been indifferent. The opportunity should not be in the hands of wrongdoers (zalim), rather it should be in the hands of the just people who implement social justice, and knowledge (ilm), learning (irfan), mercy, love, and rahmat. Who are they? They are the competent cadre who act for the sake of truth (haqq).

Hodja recites the 26^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Janâb-i Haqq says think.

Remember when you were few and weak on the earth. See, there was a handful of Muslims and they are under oppression and injustice (zulm). Janâb-i Haqq says, “You were few and deemed weak.”

They would deem Muslims weak, torture them, make fun of them, and ridicule them. They even tortured and killed some of them. There was even a mindset that tied their two legs to two camels and tore them apart. There were enemies of Allah who wanted to deem this evil proper for Muslims. They are enemies of truth (haqq) and humankind. They were unequalled monsters on earth, murderers of all humankind. The courage of Islam, bravery of Islam, and the justice of Islam which is Allah’s justice has overcame them. Their souls have been sent to jahannam (hell). Some of them have been saved, and they adopted faith (iman) and fairness (insaf), and they became Muslims. As for those who didn’t, they were determined to oppress (zulm) people, and that is why the justice of Allah seized them all. There won’t be anyone who is not seized. Everyone has been sieged by the armies of Allah.

“Fearing that people may maul you, but Allah sheltered you, supported and strengthened you with help.”

So, what happened? There were a handful of Muslims and they became 300 people in Badr. They annihilated a powerful enemy army, an army of polytheists (shirk), an army of disbelief (kufr) and injustice (zulm).

“And provided you sustenance (rizq) with good things that you may be grateful (shukr).”

Janâb-i Haqq says poverty is gone and affluence came, and the just and fair distribution of wealth to humanity begun. That is, divine justice, divine mercy, and divine love started to spread, but with what? That is with Islam. Islam is the mercy and justice of Allah. That is why humankind is the successors (caliphs) of Allah, and they are obliged to establish this justice on earth. This is the point of origin of the test, whether you accept this or not! Azrail (a.s.) will take you away and Munkar and Nakir will ask you about this in the grave. They will ask “Why did you not establish the justice, reign of law, and the true justice (haqq huquq) of Allah? Why did you side with injustice (zulm)? Why did you refer to polytheism (shirk) and disbelief (kufr) as contemporaneity? Why did you call exploitation and murder contemporaneity? Why did you consider divine and true justice outdated?”

That is for those who did. Their reckoning will start in the grave. What will befall them also befall them in the world. However, the real one is in the greater court (mahkamah al-kubra) which is the Court of Allah, where Allah is the Judge.

Let us see what Janâb-i Mawla says.

 

Time Stamp: 1:17:27

 

Hodja recites the 27^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“O you who believe! Do not betray Allah and the Messenger, and do not betray your mutual trusts, while you know.”

What is betrayal to Allah? What is betrayal to the Messenger and Prophet? When you disacknowledge the commands of Allah and abandon them there is surely betrayal to Allah, and you shall answer for it. There is betrayal to the Prophet as long as you do not subject to him, and you shall answer for it. You shall answer for it to Allah. The signs/verses (ayat) are of Allah, and so are the laws. The Exalted and Unique Being to whom you shall answer is Allah Ta’ala. I am not telling you that you will answer to this or that. So, what is it? You will answer to Allah. However, due to their ignorance (jahl) or infidelity (kāfir), and I do not know which one is it, some people want something in the world and claim they will give something better in the afterlife (ākhira). This falsehood mentality of yours will come face-to-face with the justice of Allah on that day, you will see. Do you know what you will say on that day in order to save your life, and save yourself from jahannam (hell)? You will say, “Take my wife and my kids along with all my relatives and everything I have but let me go.” You will say, “Save me from this jahannam (hell).” See, this disbeliever (kāfir) did not have mercy on humankind on earth, and he will not fell pity for his close ones therein. This is the conscience of a gâvur (infidel), which is merciless to humanity on earth, and in the gathering (mahshar) he will say this to save himself from jahannam (hell): “Take my children, my wife, and all my relatives but let me go. Let me be saved from this jahannam (hell).” That mentality that thinks nobody other than himself is also hostile to humanity in the world. And it is also hostile to his own close ones therein. These people can’t be friendly, and disbelief (kufr) is the enemy of belief (iman). Disbelief (kufr) worships itself. Polytheism (shirk) makes one worship himself. Won’t he who worships someone else worship himself? Allah has no equals, no comparables, no partners, or no custodians; there is no worship for anyone besides Allah.

That is why Janâb-i Haqq says, “Stop treachery, and do not betray Allah and the Messenger, and do not betray your mutual trusts, while you know.”

Everything that has been offered to us are holy things entrusted to us (amanat). That is whatever Allah has offered to us in the name of Islam. What do you understand when we say Islam? Islam is the beginningless (azali) and eternal (abadi) running laws of Allah. There is a sovereignty of the laws of Allah over all creatures. Islam is the holy law (huquq) of Allah. It is the truth (haqq) of Allah. Islam is the true religion (haqq din). That is why every command of Islam is a holy entrustment (amanat). Get your mind straight! Our duty is to spread (tabligh) the truth (haqq) with our helplesness. I do not say anything that I do not say to my soul (nafs) to anyone. Whatever I say, I say first to myself, to my own soul (nafs).

“I am from you, and you are from me”

We are all servants (qul) of Allah. Let us not forget this. I am repeating this on occasion. We are united, we are all from each other, and we are servants (qul) of Allah, and children of Adam and Hawwa. Allah is One. The reality (haqiqa) is one, so why should we segregate? Allah did not command us to segregate, rather offered all servants (qul). The offers of Allah are the law (huquq) of Allah. They are the truth (haqq) of Allah. This is where the true justice (haqq huquq) of Allah, supremacy of law (huquq), and its exaltedness lies. Give Allah what is due, but how can you give? That is by believing in the commands that Allah offered, and by fulfilling them. You accept idols and false deities (taghut), but why don’t you want to accept the truths (haqiqa) that Allah brought forth? You will answer for this as well.

 

 

Time Stamp: 1:23:15

 

Hodja recites the 28^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

And know well that your goods and children are nothing but means of test.”

Goods are given for trial, and also people are given children for trial.

“There is a great reward with Allah.”

But for whom?

“That is for those who pass the test. Janâb-i Haqq says you should pass the test and be recipient of great rewards.

Hodja recites the 29^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“O you who believe! If you abstain from disobeying Allah, then Allah will provide you with a furqan (criterion), and write off your sins.”

Now, what is furqan? Janâb-i Haqq places such a good understanding within you that you are able to distinguish between right (haqq) and wrong (batil). However, this is given to you on condition that you do not disobey Allah. Do you think you will be given furqan (criterion) by disobeying Allah and denying the commands? In that case shaitans (devils) will haunt you. In that case shaitans will never leave your side, and make you more and more astray. Shaitans become your intimate friends who do not ever leave your side, and you start thinking everything they polish and portray you as fair-seeming correct. As for shaitans, evil people are also flagrant shaitans. As for those from the jinn, they only inspire evil thoughts (waswas). Get your mind straight, and know with whom you are being intimate with! Are you rubbing shoulders with those who convey (tabligh) to you the truth (haqq), or are you rubbing shoulders with its enemies, just take a look at that! See, Janâb-i Haqq gives you a furqan (criterion), and write off your sins. That is, forgives your sins.

“Allah is possessor of great bounty (lutf).”

Allah is calling everyone to repentance (tawbah), seeking forgiveness (istighfar), real faith (iman), obedience to Allah, detachment and piety (zuhd al-taqwa). Janâb-i Haqq is calling all servants (qul) to salvation and eternal bliss. As for us, we want to announce the lessons of this to our own selves (nafs) and spread (tabligh) it to the universe because the whole of humankind is servants (qul) of Allah. Let us be beneficial to each other.

Astaizu billah.

Hodja recites the 30^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“Remember when those disbelievers (kāfir) were plotting against you to confine you, kill you, or to drive you out.”

They wanted to kill Hz. Muhammad. They were plotting against Hz. Muhammad. See, Allah sent Muhammad as a mercy (rahmat) upon the worlds (alamin). Humankind wants to destroy the mercy (rahmat) of Allah which came for themselves and all the worlds (alamin). People themselves are hindering the path of janna (paradise) by being bandits, murdering, and doing injustice (zulm) in order to pave the way for jahannam (Hell). These were those who wanted to kill Muhammad. These were those who wanted to crucify Isa (Jesus). These were the murderers who martyred Zechariah and Yahyā (John). These were the ones who stood against Musa (Moses), and threw Ibrahim (Abraham) into fire. Allah rooted out all of them, and gave victory to the believers (mu’minun).

 

 

Time Stamp: 1:28:28

 

–          The End        –

Al-Quran Al-Kareem – Tafsir (Exegesis) Lesson 306

On the 31^st to 40^th verses of Surah al-Anfal [8].

 

I seek shelter in Allah from the rejected Satan. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

What did Muhammad do? He established faith (iman) and Islam in the world and all universe by stepping on the neck of disbelief (kufr). Against family of disbelief (kufr) the mercy (rahmat) of Allah is being manifested to all the worlds (alamin) with Islam for 14 centuries. It is like this even if the gâvur (infidel) dislikes it! Islam is the mercy (rahmat) of Allah that embraces all humanity, and it is for the better good of humanity. That is why nobody is doing the evil that people do to themselves. Yes, they inflict evil unto themselves, and also try to destroy the share of humankind, and the mercy (rahmat) of them. What does it mean to destroy Muhammad? It is equal to working to destroy the mercy (rahmat) unto humanity and all the worlds (alamin). But every kufr (disbelief) has destroyed itself. Every owner of kufr (disbelief) has ruined himself, and will ruin himself. Every injustice (zulm) has ruined its owner, and will continue to ruin them. Every polytheism (shirk) has ruined its owner, and it will continue to ruin them.

However, every kufr (disbelief) has destroyed its owner so far, and this will continue. Those who are saved are only ahlul iman (people of faith) and ahlul amal-e-saleh (people who do good deeds), and there is no salvation for others. This is not the iman (faith) and amal-e-saleh (good deeds) defined by this or that, rather these are defined by the truths and realities (haqq wa haqiqa) that Allah Ta’ala brought forth by means of Islam and Muhammad.

Hodja recites the 31^st verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“When our verses (ayat) are recited to them, they say, ‘We have heard, an we can also say something like this if we wish. This is nothing other than the legends of the ancient.’.”

This is how people of disbelief (ahlul kufr) stood against the truth (haqq). Al-Quran Al-Karim, from beginning to end, is Allah’s book. It is the utterances of Allah. It is the laws of Allah, and it has renewed the past, and all signs of the future are in it. It is the peerless witness of the past. Beginningless (azali) witnessing is in the Quran, and eternal signs are also in Al-Quran Al-Karim. Know this, and do not forget!

Let us see what Janâb-i Haqq, our Almighty Rabb said after uttering this truth.

Hodja recites the 32^nd verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“At one time they said, ‘O Allah, if this is a true book from You, then rain down stones upon us from the sky, or bring upon us a more painful punishment.’.”

See, this is the reasoning (aql) of the polytheism (shirk), polytheist (mushrik), denier (munkir), and the unjust (zalim). They want that bane to befall them right away, and they want to be destroyed.

Let us see what Allah said.

Hodja recites the 33^rd verse of Surah al-Anfal [8.

“Allah was not to punish them while you (Hz. Muhammad) are among them.”

As you see, Allah does not punish them while Muhammad is among them, but why? This is because Muhammad conveys them (tabligh) the truth (haqq). He calls them to the Real (al-Haqq), and conveys them (tabligh) the truth (haqq). Now, as you see Allah does not destroy even the gâvur (infidel) as long as Muhammad is among them, and Janâb-i Haqq also says the following.

Hodja recites the following part of the 33^rd verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Then again, our Almighty Rabb says, “It is not like Allah would punish them while they seek forgiveness (istighfar).”

Allah calls them to repentance (tawbah), seeking forgiveness (istighfar), and faith (iman); says, “Repent and seek forgiveness so that I may not punish you.”

Allah has explained two reasons for not being destroyed, what did Allah say? Allah said, “As long as Muhammad is with you, and also said that if they come to faith (iman), repentance (tawbah), and seek forgiveness (istighfar), then you shall not be destroyed. “However, if Muhammad is not among them one day, and if you do not repent (tawbah) and come to faith (iman), then wait for the scourge that shall visit you,” says Janâb-i Haqq.

So, what does Almighty Allah do in regards to not destroying a community while there are good servants (qul) among them? Allah does not afflict them with a scourge at that time for the sake of the good, and either delays it or removes it if they repent (tawbah), seek forgiveness (istighfar), and adopt faith (iman). That said, we need to appreciate good servants (qul) in every place.

Janâb-i Haqq also said the following.

 

Time Stamp: 6:34

 

Astaizu billah.

Hodja recites the 34^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“And what privilege do they have so that Allah may not punish them?” says Janâb-i Haqq, and adds, “Whereas they forbid people from Al-Masjid-ul-Harām.”

As you see, some people forbid humanity from Al-Masjid-ul-Harām, mosques, worship (ibadat), Islam and the Quran. In that day they would forbid people from Kaaba Shareef and Al-Masjid-ul-Harām.

“And they weren’t even those who are competent to its service. Those who are competent to its service are only the muttaqi (pious), but most of them do not know.”

That is impious people who are not muttaqi always deserve destruction. So, what is in being a pious and muttaqi? There is faith (iman) and obedience to Allah, but not rebellion. Even if there is, they immediately repent (tawbah) and seek forgiveness (istighfar).

Hodja recites the 35^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

In this verse Janâb-i Haqq says, “Their prayer (dua) near Kaaba is nothing other than whistling and clapping.”

Whistling was a custom of the polytheists (mushrik) back then, and they would consider it worship (ibadat), and they would also consider clapping an act of worship (ibadat). That is the polytheists and idolaters. They would come to Kaaba, whistle and clap, play songs and dance, and assume this is worship (ibadat).

Janâb-i Haqq said, “So taste this punishment due to your denial and ingratitude,” and what did Janâb-i Haqq do? Allah gave them the first lesson by sending angels unto them in Badr, and slain them by sword. Janâb-i Haqq overcame the enemies of Allah in Badr. The place where the punishment had begun is Badr. The punishment had begun there, and it will continue like this until the Hour (qiyamah), until grave, until the great gathering (mahshar), and the judgment in the greater court in the great gathering, and after that, until their abodes in janna (paradise) or jahannam (hell) are decided. Also, the punishment will continue for eternity in jahannam (hell). Jahannam (hell) is an extension of the world. The extension of the punishment in jahannam (hell) is until eternity. That is, whether people believe or not! What befalls us is to know and speak the truth.

That is why beloved friends, Janâb-i Haqq explains these realities through these most exalted utterances (kalam).

Hodja recites the 36^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Janâb-i Haqq commands the following in this verse, “Indeed, those disbelievers (kāfir) who spend their wealth in the way of preventing people from the way of Allah, and without doubt will they continue to spend it. They may spend it; then it will become a pain that befalls their hearts, and then they shall be defeated. And the disbelievers (kāfir) will be gathered and sent to jahannam (hell).”

Gâvur (infidel) spends all his earning in evil path, and they spend most wealth to hinder people from the way of Allah. They spend it all in ways of false deities (taghut). And then they are left in an eternal frustration. They have used their lives for evil, used their wealth for evil, and always served disbelief (kufr), and become hostile to faith (iman). They shall remain in frustration for eternity.

Janâb-i Haqq reminds these beforehand so that you may not say you haven’t been informed!

 

Time Stamp: 12:30

 

Hodja recites the 37^th and 38^th verses of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“So that Allah may distinguish the wicked from the good and place the wicked one upon another, and heap them altogether, and put them all in jahannam (hell).” Allah gâvur (infidel)’s to jahannam (hell) altogether. “It is they who are left in frustration.”

“Say to those disbelievers (kāfir)…” That is, narrate this Al-Quran Al-Karim to the world so that everybody may hear it, including believers and disbelievers. “If they cease this, their denial, injustice, and polytheism, then what did used to do will be forgiven.” The past sins of a person who becomes a Muslim are forgiven. This is what Janâb-i Haqq narrates here. “But if they start objecting again, and return to rebellion, then the precedent of the earlier people will be established to them as well. (So, let them wait for the divine execution.)”

What happened to People of Nūh? Allah destroyed People of Nūh who associated partners with Allah in the Nūh Tufan (Flood). Allah destroyed People of Hūd. Allah destroyed People of Sālih. Allah destroyed Nimrod who stood against Ibrahim. Allah destroyed People of Shuʿayb and People of Lūt. Allah destroyed Pharaoh. They had powerful empires. Allah destroyed people like Abu Jahl who were up against Hz. Muhammad, and they were the world’s superpowers, and taghut-i (false deity) powers, and toppled them down, and made the truth (haqq) sovereign.

O this era’s enemies of truth (haqq) and humanity! Whoever there are should all come to faith (iman), and enter the command of Allah, and become friendly to humanity, and establish social justice, otherwise the laws of Allah implemented in the past will be implemented to you as well. Come, and do not be destroyed. Do not be destroyed, rather find eternal and blissful life.

You see, Al-Quran Al-Karim exclaims eternal salvation to the universe! The beginningless (azali) and eternal (abadi) reality (haqiqa) is Quran’s exclaim of the to the universe. Come, understand and listen to the Quran. Listen and understand Muhammad, and be happy for eternity! Do not incur Allah’s wrath while there is Allah’s mercy (rahmat). Do not go to jahannam while there is janna. Mercy (rahmat) is original (asl-i), and it is humankind who makes-up disbelief (kufr). Come, do not deviate to disbelief (kufr). Al-Quran Al-Karim is begging, and calling you to the Real (al-Haqq), and it wants you to be saved. It wants for the mercy (rahmat) of Allah to manifest, and for everyone to sit at this table of mercy (rahmat).

Janâb-i Haqq also says the following to those who side with truth and reality (haqq wa haqiqa), and peace and justice in the world:

Astaizu billah.

Hodja recites the 39^th and 40^th verse of Surah al-Anfal [8].

“Fight them until there is no fitnah (persecution) and the religion is all for Allah. If they refrain, then indeed Allah sees what they do.” “If they do not refrain, and go back, then know that Allah is your helper.”

How good is Mawla! How good a protector is Mawla! Janâb-i Haqq calls to all people and says, “Remove fitnah from the face of the earth, and make truth and reality (haqq wa haqiqa), and the supremacy of law (huquq) of Allah that is social justice in the world. Says, “save humanity” to the world, and fight for peace until humankind is saved completely, and until the truth (haqq) becomes sovereign.”

May Janâb-i Haqq grace us with such an excellence (lutf al-ihsan) that all people may hasten into faith (iman) and Islam, and that divine justice becomes sovereign, and love, forgiveness, and mercy (rahmat) becomes predominant in the universe, and that these all are manifested with Islam. May Janâb-i Haqq also make all humanity fulfil the obligation they have in this regard to this manifestation, through the guidance (hidayat) and grace (lutf) of Allah.

 

 

Time Stamp: 19:22

 

–          The End        –

Al-Quran Al-Kareem – Tafsir (Exegesis) Lesson 307

 

I seek shelter in Allah from the rejected Satan. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

We continue by giving you certain discovery notes after the core meanings of the sacred verses of Surah al-Anfal [8].

Surah al-Anfal [8] says that fight is for peace and realization of truth and reality (haqq wa haqiqa) on earth. This encompasses many holy values such as jihad (struggle), laws of haqq (truth), heroism, honour, bravery, courage, perseverance, patience, and destruction of batil (wrong). Battle of Badr took place in the 2^nd year of the hegira in Ramadan al-Sharif. It was the first campaign for polytheism (shirk) to be removed and monotheism (tawhid) to shine upon all humanity, and for the salvation of humanity. The following has been said in a hadith-i sharif narrated by Muslim and it came from Ibn-i Abbas: “Our Prophet threw a handful of soil to the army of polytheism (shirk), and said, ‘May you have ugly faces!’ He threw a handful of soil to their faces and it hit everyone, and it is said that the army of polytheism (shirk) ran away.”  This is a news written by Tabari, narrated by Muslim, and it came from Ibn-i Abbas. Radeyallahu anhum wa ardahum ajmain. This is a miracle (mujizat) that is made by Almighty Allah by the hand of Hz. Muhammad. Abu Jahl had also prayed (dua). He wanted to go with his powerful army and destroy Islam and Hz. Muhammad, that is why Abu Jahl had supplicated to his idols before coming to Badr: “Destroy those with a lot of sins, and those who abandon sila al-rahīm (ties of kinship).” But of course, they would accept their idols as means between them and Allah. They thought they were supplicating to Allah.

Now, pay attention! Abu Jahl said this in his prayer (dua), “Destroy those with a lot of sins.” Abu Jahl couldn’t know he was a polytheist (mushrik) himself, and that he prayed (dua) for his own destruction. He also said, “Destroy those who abandon sila al-rahīm (ties of kinship),” while praying to Allah. Yet he did not know what sila al-rahīm (ties of kinship) was either, and he thought men of polytheism (shirk) were also sila al-rahīm (ties of kinship).

Rather, sila al-rahīm (ties of kinship) is with men of haqq (truth) who are in the way of haqiqa (reality). There is no sila (kinship) or sila al-rahīm (ties of kinship) of the faithless, ahlul kufr (people of disbelief), ahlul shirk (people of polytheism), and those who attack haqiqa (truth). You may only convey them haqq (truth). Abu Lubaba is mentioned in Surah al-Anfal [8]. Abu Lubaba was sent as a courier to somewhere and he had changed the worlds to suit them to his personal view. This tawbah (repentance) and these ayat (verses) came at that time. He took an oath saying he will not eat or drink until his tawbah (repentance) is accepted, and then he tied himself to a pole in Masjid an-Nabi, and then he passed out and fell down. This is the tawbah (repentance) of Abu Lubaba.

Nobody should forget the following! Al-Quran Al-Karim gives life, and the sustenance of hearts and souls for a completely immortal life only comes from Al-Quran Al-Karim. People’s hearts need to eat and drink from the Quran. You may ask how one may eat and drink from the Quran? One should convey the meaning of Al-Quran Al-Karim to his heart, and encompass his nafs (self) with the meaning of Al-Quran Al-Karim. Thus Al-Quran Al-Karim will prepare you to immortal life in janna (paradise), and your world will become janna (paradise).

 

Time Stamp: 5:30

 

Another one of the exalted inspirations that we get from the verses say, “If you do not forbid the unjust (zalim)…” The verse says, “If you do not forbid the unjust (zalim), then punishment for general public is near.” That is, it is said that Allah’s punishment will befall the whole society society. Then again, there is a prayer (dua) of our Prophet which goes, “O my Allah, turner of the hearts! Make my heart steadfast on Your religion (din).” This is among our Prophet’s prayers (dua). Then again, in a narration that comes from Ibn-i Abbas, and written by Ṣābi, Allah (c.c.) says, “Do not let evil live among you.” Allah said, “Extinguish evil, and make goodness predominant. Otherwise, I will punish the whole society (umum).” This is a hadith-i qudsi, and we can also understand this from the verses of the Quran.

Moreover, these verses make mention of entrustment (amanat). Entrustment (amanat) is the whole of divine commands. If you abandon the obligation (fard), then this means betrayal to Allah. It is betrayal to the Prophet if you abandon the customs (sunnah). As for the source of this narration, it comes from Ibn-i Abbas. We also see that this narration is under record in Ar-Rūh al-Ma’ānī. All commands of Islam are offers of Allah to the servants (qul), and they are all entrustments (amanat). The entrustment (amanat) is not preserved unless the divine commands are fulfilled. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi says, “Wealth and children are fitnah (trial) as long as they hinder serving the Divine.” That said, in one of the verses whose meanings we have given mentioned wealth and children being fitnah (trial), but which wealth and children? These are wealth and children that hinder one from serving Allah, and hinder truth and reality (haqq wa haqiqa), and these are fitnah, at the same time they are means of trial. Taqwa (piety) is also mentioned. Taqwa (piety) opens the heart, enlightens the heart, and increases ma’rifat (spiritual knowledge). Taqwa (piety) is nūr (light), and it is the name of living Islam. There has to be obedience to Allah, not rebellion. Abu Jahl and his men had gathered in Dâru’n-Nedve. They prepared bands to kill Hz. Muhammad. They also said great rewards were to be given to he who kills Hz. Muhammad. The narration says Shaitan was also present in Dâru’n-Nedve. It is said that he joined them in the looks of an old Arab. Iblīs had joined them, and in the end Shaitan liked Abu Jahl’s view. Everyone brought forth their views, and Abu Jahl wanted Hz. Muhammad to be killed no matter what. Shaitan had liked him therein, and Shaitan was exclaiming, “This is the view!” He was looking like an Arab. Shaitan came to Dâru’n-Nedve in guise. As for the source of this news, there is Ibn-i Abbas, and this news is written by Al-Tabari. Then again, following these events a permission for hijra (emigration) came to our beloved Prophet, and our Prophet did hijra (emigration). Then again, a narration that comes from Ibn-i Abbas is about aman, Prophet, and seeking forgiveness (istighfar). Janâb-i Haqq commands that a society who seeks forgiveness (istighfar) and has the Prophet among them are not to be destroyed. It is said that as long as the Prophet is among a society, and as long as that society seeks forgiveness (istighfar), they will not be destroyed. There is a message to all humanity and Islamic world in this verse. This verse addresses the Islamic world and there is a message that says, “Seek forgiveness (istighfar), and hold fast to the Quran,” and says to the world, “Come to faith (iman) and become Muslims.” As for the meaning of the word fitnah, a narration that comes from Ibn-i Abbas says fitnah is polytheism (shirk). He says it is polytheism (shirk).

Now, fitnah is used in a variety of meanings, but Ibn-i Abbas says the meaning used here is polytheism (shirk). Let there not be a religion besides Islam, because all Prophets have brought forth the reality of Islam, and Janâb-i Haqq has been renewing the sharias (laws), and at last Allah renewed the past with Al-Quran Al-Karim, Hz. Muhammad, and the sharia (law) of Islam.

 

Time Stamp: 12:08

 

That is, ever human being on earth is a servant (qul) of Allah who is One. The religion is one, and all Prophets have been assigned to that one and only Islam. Also, in the narration of Bukhari and Muslim al-Sharif, “Fight for peace on earth until it says, ‘lā ʾilāha ʾillallāh.’.” That is, establish divine justice, and make the truth (haqq) sovereign. Müşâkele is also mentioned, which is a word used when two words are written the same way but they mean different things. That is, words are the same but meanings are different.

This is in a narration that comes from Ibn Kathīr. This is a narration that comes from Ebu Said ibn Mualla and it has been committed to paper by Ibn Kathīr. Ebu Said ibn Mualla says, “I was performing namāz.” He said, “Our master, Hz. Muhammad Mustafa, salla Allahu Ta’ala ‚alayhi wa sallam called me when I was performing namāz, and I finished the namāz and went to him.” “Obey Allah and the Messenger when you are called to the Life-Giver.” “He said, ‘I am going to teach you the greatest surah.’.” “That surah is Fatihah al-Sharif, seb‘-ül mesani, and Holy Al-Quran Al-Karim,” said our Prophet. This is a narration that Bukhari Sharif has committed to paper.

Moreover, a revered figure from among companions (ashab) addressed a person among people of Saba‘, “How ignorant are your people! They made a women queen upon themselves.” This is someone from among companions (sahabah), and it is said this person is Mu’awiya. Radeyallahu anhum wa ardahum ajmain. That person who was from among people of Saba‘ said, “Your people are more ignorant because they said, ‘If the Quran is the truth, then rain down rocks upon us.’.” See, that is what Abu Jahl and his men used to say. They used to say, “O Muhammad! If the Quran is the truth, then rain down rocks upon us.” That man from among Saba‘ said that to Mu’awiya: “Your people are more ignorant because they said this to Allah. They did not say, ‘Lead us to it.’.” He also added, “Your people would have been wise had they said, ‘If the Quran is the truth, then convey us to it, and make us become Muslims.’.” He said, “True ignorant people is your people.” Mu’awiya kept quiet and couldn’t say anything. He couldn’t find anything to say because it was true what the man from among Saba‘ said.

Then again, our Prophet (asw) departed for caravan towards Badr, according to a narration of Ka’b b. Mâlik. They met the enemy, according to Fakhr al-Din al-Razi. There were disputes because the enemy was crowded. The Battle of Badr had been a great miracle. That is what Ebussuud Efendi says. Besides, we have seen in the verses of Al-Quran Al-Karim that Battle of Badr was a great miracle in every aspect.

 

Time Stamp: 16:55

 

Ibn Masud says, “Enemy was made to look fewer to us. And I said, ‘Are they about a hundred?’.” Almighty Allah is All-Able (al-Qadir), and made the enemy look fewer in the eyes of Muslims. That said, Abu Jahl was taking oaths that they will drink in Badr, and slaughter a camel, and Abu Jahl went to Badr saying he will go there with singer girls, play and dance. He had a powerful army. Abu Jahl was going to Badr with the goal of destroying Muhammad and the believers (mu’minun) in mind. However, he didn’t know he was going there to destroy himself. Ahlul kufr (people of disbelief) are always like this, they can never understand they are to be destroyed. They drank the wine of death, and cried. Aand in the end Shaitan fled and abandoned them. Malik says, “On the day of Arafat, the Shaitan is servile, vile, grumpy, and angry.” He also says Shaitan is worse on the day of Badr. It is said that Iblīs saw the army of Jibril. Meaning Iblīs saw it. Iblis also came to Badr with his own army of shaitans (devils). He came to help Abu Jahl. Ibn-i Abbas says the following. Radeyallahu anhum: I saw him in the guise of Suraqa bin Malik. Who did he saw? He saw Shaitan, and said that he came to help the polytheists (mushrik). It is said that our Prophet (asw) took a handful of soil and threw it to the polytheists (mushrik), and threw it towards all of them, and the enemy ran away. This is because it was Allah (c.c.) who threw it by the hand of Muhammad (asw). That said, when Jibril (a.s.) turned towards Iblīs, he ran away. Abu Hayyan says the apodosis (jawab) of “lav” has been removed. Says this shows the greatness of the occurrence.

The angels were striking the army of Abu Jahl with iron whips. See, they were hitting them with whips made out of iron. Some say they are made out of fire. Their scars were catching fire, and the angels were hitting the enemy army with whips. But look, they were hitting them with whips made out of iron and fire. That was a narration of Baydawi.

Now, even though the greatest blessing (nimat), Islam, faith (iman), Al-Quran Al-Karim, and Prophet of Mercy manifested to Quraysh, what did Quraysh do with this blessing (nimat)? They did not accept it, and deprived themselves. Allah has offered Islam and manifested it to Quraysh. Janâb-i Haqq presented them faith (iman), Al-Quran Al-Karim, and Prophet of Mercy as the greatest blessing (nimat), but this Quraysh deprived themselves from these eternal blessings (nimat). They preferred punishment (azab), disbelief (kufr), polytheism (shirk), and rebellion. They abandoned Islam. They denied faith (iman), mercy (rahmat), the Quran, and the Prophet of Mercy. They denied these eternal blessings (nimat). They chose punishment (azab), polytheism (shirk), disbelief (kufr), and rebellion. In the end they were sent to jahannam (hell) for eternity. This is the gravest evil that humanity has done to itself.

Then again, in a narration that comes from Ibn Abbas, radeyallahu anhum: “The Jews of Banu Qurayza broke the agreement twice, and they did arms aid to the polytheists (mushrikun). And for the third time they formed an alliance with the polytheists (mushrik). That is the Jews. Pay attention! The Jews who claimed they are ahlul kitab (people of the book) were forming an alliance with the idolaters, and they wanted to wipe-out Muhammad. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi is in the root of this news. May Allah bestow mercy (rahmat) upon all our Islamic scholars (âlim).

 

Time Stamp: 22:20

 

Their chief was Ka’b ibn al-Ashraf, who was the leader of the Jews. What did polytheists (mushrik), the Jews, and enemies of Islam do? They united, and worked towards destroying Islam. They were not aware they were destroying themselves. That is why they ruined themselves, and people whom they deceived. That is why the 60^th verse warns Muslims to not buy weapons from the enemy, but orient themselves to national war industry, and the Islamic teaching. See, it is said that you should not buy weapons from the enemy and go back to national war industry, and go back to the Islamic teaching. That is, your capital and industry should be national. That is what Holy Quran says, and tells Muslims to bring peace to the world. Peace comes by making Islam predominant, which is to get rid of the enemy, to ensure complete freedom, abolish injustice (zulm), help each other, and be united and one. Actually, these are all obligations (fard). Since the last century Islamic world couldn’t fulfil these obligations as is due.

Now, a narration that comes from Hz. Umar is one of the circumstances of revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl). Our Prophet (asw) talked with people about the prisoners of Battle of Badr. Hz. Abu Bakr requested fidyah (ransom) and hidayat (guidance). As for Hz. Umar, he said he should behead his close relatives, and let Ali behead Akil, and let Hamzah behead his brother Abbas. Said, “Let Allah (c.c.) see our hatred towards polytheism (shirk) and disbelief (kufr).”

Our Prophet (asw) took ransom (fidyah), and the next day both our Prophet (asw) saw that Abu Bakr was sobbing. Our Prophet was also sobbing, both of them were crying. It is said that the 67^th verse was revealed, and this narration comes from Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Muslim al-Sharif.

Hz. Abbas was taken prisoner in the Battle of Badr, and he was on the side of the enemy. He paid 80 ukiyyah (ounce) of gold. Abbas said this to our Prophet (asw) at that time, “You turned me into a beggar.” As a miracle, our Prophet said to him, “Where are the golds that you stashed near Umm Fadl secretly by night?” Abbas was baffled. Now he did that in Mecca by night while our Prophet was in Madinah. How did he learn this overnight while there wasn’t anyone to see?

Abbas said, “O Muhammad. Who informed you?”

Our Prophet (asw) said, “Allah informed me.”

This miracle became a means for his sibling’s sons, and Akil and Nevfel became Muslims. It is said that they all became Muslims at once.

May Janâb-i Haqq make all humanity easily see this truth and reality.

Moreover, Islam is a truth and reality. There is no life without Islam. A life without Islam is equal to a person who throws himself to fire because a faithless person who has no good deeds will not be able to enter janna (paradise), isn’t this a shame?

Now, about the name of the surah, Anfal is a general name that is given to ziyadah, nafilah, spoils, humus, fey, and spoils of war that are procured without fighting. To pass judgment is only for Allah and the Messenger. When we look at the first 8 verses, we see that passing judgment belongs only to Allah and the Messenger. These verses shed light (nūr) in regards to mercy (rahmat), love, and fear; and to reach from imitation to investigation, to confidence in certainty (yaqeen itminan). With these verses (ayat) Janâb-i Haqq opens us the gates of grace (lutf) by bringing about the manifestation of mercy (rahmat), all-encompassing love, divine love, and true fear of Allah; so that we may transition from imitation to investigation, and from there to a yaqeen (certain) faith that has no doubt, and a confidence.

One may only trust and submit to Allah Ta’ala. You shall only trust Allah. You shall only submit to Allah. You may expect success only from Allah. Rizq al-Karim is the sustenance (rizq) that is endless and untroubled, which is only good (khayr). Please pay attention! Endless, boundless, untroubled bounty (nimat), and sustenance (rizq) which is only good is called Rizq al-Karim. This sustenance (rizq) is promised to faithful servants (mu’min qul) by Janâb-i Haqq. Janâb-i Haqq says, “Procure that sustenance (rizq),” and offers us what is necessary to procure it in the verses.

 

Time Stamp: 30:20

 

Moreover, in a narration committed to paper by Al-Suyuti, it is said that Abu Sufyan had a big caravan coming from Damascus. Jibril (a.s.) addressed our Prophet and his entourage. There were 300 soldiers of Islam with our Prophet. There were mujāhidīn with him. Jibril (a.s.) said, “It is either Caravan or army of Quraysh!” The army was approaching under the command of Abu Jahl, and Abu Sufyan was coming from Damascus with a caravan. Jibril (a.s.) was saying this to our Prophet and the believers (mu’min) who were with him, “You will either meet the army of Quraysh, or the caravan.”

Our Prophet said this to his companions (ashab): “What do you say after Jibril brought me this news? Is it caravan or army?”

Some of them said caravan, others said army.

Our Prophet said, “Caravan passed us near the waterside, as for Abu Jahl, he is coming towards us with a powerful army, and he is near.” Our Prophet (asw) became angry with those who said, “Caravan.” Figures like Abu Bakr, Umar, and Saʽd ibn ʽUbadah from Ansar, radeyallahu anhum wa ardahum ajmain, said, “O Rasulullah! We are at your command.”

They said, “We will go after you even if you jumped to the sea.” As for Miqdad ibn Amr, this revered figure said the following to him as it was commanded in the 24^th verse of Surah al-Maidah [5], “O Rasulullah! We will not do what Israil did, we are at your command.” What did Israil do? They told Musa (a.s.), “You and your Rabb may go and fight, we will be sitting here,” and Miqdad ibn Amr said, “O Rasulullah! We will not do what Israil did. If you jump to the sea, we will jump after you.” As for Saʽd ibn Muadh, he said the following. Radeyallahu anhum wa ardahum ajmain. “O Rasulullah! We have believed, and we gave a promise. If you command us to jump to the sea we will, and not one of us will be left. We are with you,” he said. The companions (ashab) showed their commitment. Our Prophet (asw) was very pleased afterwards, he said, “Walk towards the barakat of Allah! I give good tidings to you; it is as though I am seeing the enemy topple down. This is what is shawkat (brave), and the divine command shall be fulfilled, and daraja (degree) and forgiveness (maghfirat) is in this.”

A narration that comes from Hz. Umar says, “The enemy consisted of 1000 people, as for us, we were about 300. This has been said in a news that comes from Hz. Umar, radeyallahu anhum wa ardahum ajmain.

Hodja recites the prayer (dua) of our Prophet.

Our Prophet was reciting this prayer (dua) which meant, “O Divine! Fulfil the promise You have given me. O Divine! If these handful of people are gone then there won’t be anyone to worship you on the earth.” Our Prophet as praying (dua) by saying this.

 

Time Stamp: 35:10

 

This news is present in the narrations of Muslim and Ahmad ibn Hanbali. The believers (mu’min) were praying (dua).

Hodja recites the prayer (dua) of the believers (mu’min).

What were believers (mu’min) saying? They were saying, “O our Rabb! Help us against your enemies. The One who hears the invocations of those who invoke! Be merciful to us.” This was how believers (mu’min) were praying (dua). In the end, the prayer (dua) of the believers (mu’min) and our Prophet was accepted. Jibril (a.s.) immediately came with an angel army of one thousand, and then an angel army of three thousand came. An army of angels consisted of three thousand. Then again, for a glad tiding and contentment, an army of five thousand was heralded. These were in order to give glad tidings to the hearts of the believers (mu’min), that there may be contentment, and to make them in comfort. This is because the enemy had sieged them in Badr in such a way that all the wells in Badr were under siege and they wouldn’t give a sip of water. People’s feet were sinking into the sand. The Muslims were in no shape to move, and the waters were held by the enemy. It was dust all around, and people were having dreams, and Shaitan was whispering evil thoughts (waswas). Janâb-i Haqq gave them rain by night, and the whole place turned into a river. They met their needs of partial ablution (abdast), full ablution (ghusl), hydration, and their hearts found peace. People did the cleaning, and the danger of being broken due to lack of water was gone. The plot of Iblīs was disrupted. Almighty Allah gave them safety and peace. Allah was helping Allah’s Beloved Muhammad and the believers (mu’min).

We continue our lecture by conveying discovery notes to you beginning from the 15th and 16th verses, with reference to narrations (riwayat) and comprehension (dirayat). The 15^th verse says, “zaḥfan” what does it mean? “Immediately enter into battle formation and advance if the enemy army is too crowded, and do not hold back! Janâb-i Haqq told them to be prepared immediately when they face the powerful enemy army. It is said that the army of polytheism (shirk) got out of akan kal. Our Prophet (asw) commanded, “The enemy came braggingly and conceited.” The enemy was advancing towards Badr boastingly and braggingly in a conceited and arrogant manner, and at that time our Prophet said this to Almighty Allah, “My Allah! These people deny Your messenger (rasul). O Rabb! I seek your promise,” this was how he prayed (dua). Jibril (a.s.) said, “O Muhammad (asw)! Pick up a handful of soil and throw it at them,” and thus the battle had begun. Our Prophet threw a handful of soil towards their faces. He was saying this.

Hodja recites what our Prophet said.

He said that while throwing the soil at them. He said, “May their faces turn dry and charred.” Every one of them were busy with their eyes, and then the believers (mu’min) descended upon them, and broke the formation of the enemy army. It is Allah who made it accurate, and it is Allah who made them victor. Command and creation are from Allah. This is not wahdat al-wujūd (unity of existence) or ittihad (unity), rather the creation of agency and action is the power (quwwat) of Almighty Allah. There is no wahdat al-wujūd (unity of existence) or ittihad (unity), rather the creation of agency and effective actions is the power (quwwat), command, and will of Almighty Allah. All causes and their agents along with all effects are under the rule of Allah, and the only ruler is Almighty Allah.

 

Time Stamp: 40:55

 

The polytheists held fast to the curtain of Kaaba, and prayed to Allah saying, “Help the good and truthful.” See, the idolaters had also prayed. However, what did they say? They were saying, “Help the good and the truthful.” They were considering themselves good and right. They did not know that they were idolaters and polytheists (mushrik), nor did they know how wrong they were. They were saying the following.

Hodja recites the original text of their prayer (dua).

Abu Jahl and his men were saying, “O our Allah! Help the best and most exalted of the two forces. Help the most truthful of the two sides, and the most valuable of the two groups.” There is nobody in the heavens or in the earth who is higher than Muhammad in terms of degree, but they couldn’t know that. Had they knew, then they wouldn’t be in jahannam (hell), and they wouldn’t have died as polytheists (mushrik). Moreover, Allah is with the believers (mu’min), not the polytheists (mushrik). Is it possible for Allah to be with the polytheists (mushrik)? What does Allah say in regards to polytheism (shirk)? Allah calls the polytheists (mushrik) as transgressors (zalim) and disbelievers (kafir).

Hodja recites a part of the 28^th verse of Surah al-Tawbah [9].

Allah says, “The polytheists are unclean (najis).”

That is why valuable friends, unless one knows Almighty Allah with the most exalted names (ism) and attributes (sifāt) that suit the glory of Allah, and unless one accepts all commands and provisions (hukm) of Allah, nobody can save himself from disbelief (kufr), polytheism (shirk), hypocrisy (nifaq), ignorance, injustice (zulm), being a flagrant sinner (fasiq) and a wicked evil-doer (faajir).

That said, beginning from the 20^th verse we can see the following discovery notes.

Who are the harmful animals that look like lowest, foolish, earless, and tongueless people? That is those who are away from the Real (al-Haqq). They are more animal than animals themselves, and eviller than evil itself. This is said in regards to those who disacknowledge the truth and reality (haqq wa haqiqa), reign of law (huquq), Allah, and the principles of Allah. This verse of the Quran says these truths, and there emerges lights (nūr) of discovery. The lights of reality shine, and enlighten all humanity, telling them to stop. Janâb-i Haqq says, “Stop with the enmity of truth and reality (haqq wa haqiqa). The believers (mu’min) use all their abilities as is due, this is how believers (mu’min) are. However, when you look at those who object to the truth (haqq), and who are far away from the truth (haqq), it is said that they the lowest and most foolish ones. It is said they are like earless and tongueless harmful animals that look like humans because they are away from the truth (haqq), and it is said that these animals that look like humans are the worst. That is because of their enmity of Allah, and their enmity of truth and reality (haqq wa haqiqa). This is what it turns a person into, and Janâb-i Haqq tells the truth to all humanity so that they may not fall into that situation, informs them and warns them beforehand. That is why the believer (mu’min) uses all his abilities in the way of Allah in a proper manner. Another prayer (dua) of our Prophet is the following. He says, “Make me observe moderation (i’tidal) in every regard, and let me be a moderate (mutadil) servant (qul) to you.” He says, “Make my every state good.” He says, “Make my life and every moment of mine good.”

 

Time Stamp: 46:00

 

He says, “And make me pious (taqwa).” And he supplicates by saying, “O my Almighty Rabb! I seek yaqeen (certainty), and Your pleasure (riza), and Your love (muhabbat), and Your fear.” This is how the Prophet of Truth (haqq) and Prophet of Reality (haqiqa) supplicated. Therefore, his peoples (ummahs) should get their minds straight whether they are of Ummat-i Da’wah pr Ummat-i Ijabah. Islam is a blissful life.

Valuable friends, dearest audience, ladies and gentlemen!

Islam is a free and blissful life. Islam is the way of a complete freedom. It is a blissful life-style of that peerless way of freedom. Allah is closer to you than yourself, and to your heart than itself. Allah is al-Haqim, and knows everything well. Allah is closer to us than ourselves. So, know your Rabb well!

Allah enters between the thinking self and the thought self. Allah may make you hostile to yourself is so wills it, and your reason (aql) will be gone, your conscience will be gone, may take your life. You can’t even know what will happen to you one breath later. The remedy is to hasten and embrace the command of Allah, Al-Quran Al-Karim, Hz. Muhammad, and Islam. Hasten towards Allah through these with pleasure. Fitnah may cover all of you, so stay away from fitnah, and it includes the whole society. That said, there is no apple-polishing in regards to commands and prohibitions. The commands should be announced (tabligh) correctly. The prohibitions should be announced (tabligh) correctly. No apple-polishing should be done. There should never be any laziness or looseness in regards to aqidah (creed), belief, and jihad because it is like keeping quest against a person who pierces holes through the ship. Let’s say you are on the ocean in a ship and someone is trying to pierce the bottom of the ship. So, won’t everybody sink if others watch those few people who are piercing the ship? They will all sink when the ship sinks. That is why pay attention to those who sink the ship, and do not allow those who want to sink the ship. That is why if fitnah is not prevented, then the harms of the fitnah will encompass the whole society, and everybody will be harmed, and the ship will sink. Taking measure is an obligation (fard) upon those who are onboard. If some of them fulfil their duties and not allow anyone to pierce holes in the ship, then everybody will be saved through collective obligation (fard al-kifayah). However, if none of them fulfils their duties, then it is farḍ al-‚ayn (obligation on the individual). They are all responsible, but what will happen then? They will all be saved if they do not let others pierce the ship.

 

Time Stamp: 50:15

 

That is if farḍ al-‚ayn (obligation on the individual) are fulfilled. Firstly, those with authority and are responsibility in the first degree should fulfil the obligation. So, who are the responsible foremost? The manager cadre are responsible in the first degree, and after them the whole of Muhammad’s ummah have obligation and are responsible. Everybody should fulfil the obligation that befalls them. If the management is not doing its duty, then everybody is responsible, and everyone is to brought himself to account, and they should. They should carefully observe the state of affairs, and we need a supervision with good will and good morals (husn al-akhlaq) in order not to let things get out of control, and this should be continuous. Fitnah is the punishment of the wrongdoers (zalim), and the careless (ghafil). See, fitnah is the punishment of the wrongdoers (zalim), and the careless (ghafil) because the wrongdoers (zalim) themselves are fitnah. As for the careless (ghafil), they are helpers of fitnah, or they shut their eyes to it. This fitnah will descend upon the wrongdoers (zalim) and the careless (ghafil), and brings about the punishment. When we look at the 164^th verse of Surah al-A’raf [7], we see that a person must have a valid excuse in order to save himself, and that happens by fulfilling the obligation that befalls you. These are life-giving provisions (hukm) for you. The provisions (hukm) of Al-Quran Al-Karim bring in eternally blissful life to humanity, and they are life-giving provisions (hukm). That is why the name of our lessons is the lessons of the life-giving light (nūr). That is, the Life-Giving Allah bestows the immortal life upon servants (qul) with Islam and the Quran. Islam is the guarantee of rights (haqq), law (huquq), homeland, nation, life, wealth, chastity, and honour (namus). Pay attention! Islam is the guarantee of rights (haqq), law (huquq), homeland, nation, all lives, wealth, chastity, and honour (namus).

Islam is but safety and complete trust. All-time safety and complete trust of humankind and all creatures (makhluq) is established with Islam as long as there is no betrayal or lies. Islam roots out betrayal and lie, and rejects them. Our Prophet (asw) says the following in a hadith-i sharif narrated by Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

Hodja recites the original text of the hadith-i sharif.

Two qualities do not turn into a habit in believers (mu’min). What are they? He says they are betrayal and lie. That is, he says there is no betrayal or lie in a believer (mu’min). As you see it is Hz. Muhammad Mustafa, salla Allahu Ta’ala ‚alayhi wa sallam has said this.

Wealth and children are trouble and trial. We need to pass the trial, but how? See, in regards to wealth and children, you should earn and spend your wealth in the way of Allah, and raise your children in the way of Allah. Raise a servant (qul) to Allah. Do not raise a slave to servants, and do not raise a butler to false deities (taghut). Do not raise a butler who serves disbelief (kufr), polytheism (shirk), and hypocrisy (nifaq). Rather raise a servant (qul) to Allah and a ummah to Muhammad, and a male or female mujāhid in the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah).

 

Time Stamp: 55:20

 

Taqwa (piety) makes a glorious, honourable, bright, and enlightened society, and covers your shame. Do you see what is in taqwa (piety)? There is glories, honours, brightnesses, enlightenments, and that it makes a bright, enlightened, glorious, and honourable society. That is, you should teach taqwa (piety) to yourself and your people, your family, and those whom you can teach. Look towards the 30^th and 38^th verses as well, there was an assembly house called Darun Nadwah where the polytheists (mushrik) had gathered, and Iblīs himself entered this assembly by claiming he was from Najd. Iblīs was saying, “bad idea,” as they said tie him, imprison him, exile him and etc., for our Prophet (asw). Do you see the goal of Iblīs? Iblīs did not want our Prophet to be imprisoned or exiled. But why didn’t he want that? They were saying they should tie the Prophet, and Iblīs was saying no disapprovingly. So, what does he want? He likes the view of Abu Jahl. Abu Jahl was saying, “We should kill him,” and Iblīs liked that a lot. It is said that when Abu Jahl disclosed his plan like this, Iblīs liked it very much and shouted out, ‘This is the right view,’ by approving the view of Abu Jahl. That is, he says Muhammad should be killed no matter what. It is Allah who gives life, and it is Allah who ordains (taqdeer) death. It is Allah who ordains (taqdeer) the appointed hours (ajal). All the worlds couldn’t kill one whom is not killed by Allah. That said, nobody can resurrect the dead either. Allah gives life, and ordains the appointed hour (ajal), and resurrects the dead, and gives them immortal and eternal life. Now, in that assembly house called Darun Nadwah, Abu Jahl and Iblīs decided to kill our Prophet. This decision was made in the assembly of polytheism (shirk).

Jibril (a.s.) brought the news to our Prophet. The command of hijra (emigration) immediately came to Hz. Muhammad. There is Al-Suyuti and Al-Alusi in the source of this news. Our Prophet (asw) said the following to the polytheists (mushrik).

Hodja recites the original text of what our Prophet (asw) said.

Our Prophet said, “Shame on you,” to Nadr ibn al-Harith. Our Prophet said, “This book is the Quran, the utterance (kalam) of Allah,” against their objection. He was but a mercy (rahmat) also upon them. That is, our Prophet, Al-Quran Al-Karim, and Islam; these were but mercy (rahmat) upon the polytheists (mushrik). The punishment (azab) was either forgiven or given respite for the sake of the messenger (rasul), the prophet (nabi), seeking forgiveness (istighfar), and the good people. As for the evil, they would always summon punishment while the good would summon mercy (rahmat). The evil people cause punishment (azab), and they hasten to be struck by punishment. As for the good, they conduce to the mercy (rahmat) of Allah. That is why you should be with good people, and do not ever be with evil people! Assist them in goodness, and do not every assist anyone for evil. Janâb-i Haqq was giving these out of mercy (rahmat) and grace (lutf) over and over again to those with whom there was the messenger (rasul) and those who sought forgiveness (istighfar). The wali (friends) and the muttaqi (pious) are these servants (qul) who conduce to the grace (lutf) of Allah. Mükâün is to whistle, flute, tastiye, sound, sada, to play, to clap. Their men and women would hold hands in inappropriate clothing, and whistle around Kaaba. They would clap their hands, play songs and dance, and claim they were worshipping (ibadat).

 

Time Stamp: 1:01:25

 

This is how idolater mindset is. They dance around, clap about, and go too far in times of namāz (prayer) and recitation of the Quran. They would do shows and be loud. They would do worse of that to the Prophet, and on top of that they would consider this ibadat (act of worship). See, in this age, in today’s world, the acts of worship (ibadat) of those who do not perform them the way Allah Ta’ala wanted and Hz. Muhammad has shown are just like theirs. They consider made-up acts and behaviours worship (ibadat). Islam is completely divine (ilahi), and its standards are also divine (ilahi), and so are the rules. The teacher, example, pioneer, and the excellent model of conduct (uswa hasana) is Hz. Muhammad (asw). They would slaughter 10 camels every day, and feed the soldiers of polytheism (shirk). Why did they do this? They were spending their wealth against Islam. That was to feed their army of polytheism (shirk) in order to destroy Islam. See the 17^th verse of Surah al-Saffat [37], and the 173^rd verse where Janâb-i Haqq says the following.

Hodja recites a part of the 173^rd verse of Surah al-Saffat [37].

“Our armies are always victorious.”

See, “That is why our armies are always victorious.”

Allah’s armies are always victors (muzaffar), and they are never defeated until eternity. So, what is said in Surah al-Anbiya [21] and Surah al-Mujadilah [58]. Says, “The righteous shall inherit the earth,” in the 105^th verse of Surah al-Anbiya [21].

“The righteous shall inherit the earth.”

If today or in any period in time, non-righteous polytheists (mushrik), wrongdoers (zalim), mentalities on false deities (taghut) and such cadres became predominant in the world, then this happens in the same period with one where the righteous and Muslims did not fulfil their obligations. This is what happens when Muslims do not support the righteous (saleh), but support the wrongdoers (zalim) instead. Otherwise, the righteous (saleh) want to fulfil their duty, and in order for the righteous (saleh) to fulfil their duty, the believers (mu’min) are to support the righteous (saleh). How can the righteous fulfil their duty if they are not supported? That is, make them able to fulfil their duty, and do not support the wrongdoers (zalim), rather support the righteous (saleh). Let the false beliefs be destroyed, and let the truth (haqq) and Islam prevail, and people may not be forced to obey fitnah and false deities (taghut) by force. There is no compulsion in Islam. Rather one believes (iman) in Islam with pleasure, and serve Allah. Servitude to Allah is a sultanate. As for serving someone slavishly, it is butlership, captivity, abasement, helplessness, and lowliness. There is no worship to servants (qul), rather being servants (qul) of Allah is a sultanate. That is why Islam is the name of being a servant (qul) of Allah, sultanate, and eternal happiness. When we look at the 193^rd and 256^th verses of Surah al-Baqarah [2], we see so many exalted truths.

Another word that is mentioned is ğünüm. It means to procure without struggle, meaning spoils. That is spoils of war, and it is called fey, 20% of the spoils are for public, and the rest is for the soldiers (ghazis). There is a narration that says this verse was revealed either in Badr or 33 days later in Invasion of Banu Qaynuqa. What happened in Badr is a certain sing because Badr is a miracle in every aspect.

Ibn Masud claims he saw 1000 people as if they were 100. Allah had shrank the enemy in the eyes of a handful of Muslims a lot. This is because it is Allah who makes eyes see, and it is Allah who uses the hearts, and it is Allah who helps to the faithful servants (mu’min qul). It is Allah Ta’ala who gives gradual destruction or istidraj to polytheists (mushrik), and raise them only to throw them down. Abu Jahl was looking down on the army of believers (mu’min) as though they were a tad bit for a camel. When the fighting begun, the they were seeing the Muslims much larger, and they were seeing 300 people as though it was 2000. One by one these were miracles. One should seek refuge in Allah (c.c.). So, wend your way towards Allah, and remember Allah often. Do not drop Allah from your tongue and your heart. Do not ever forget that you are in the presence of Allah. Know that you are always in the presence of Allah with the deepest respect, and worship Allah as though you are seeing Allah while you worship. This is because Allah sees you and me, and is closer to us than ourselves, do not forget!

May Janâb-i Haqq give us eternal bliss and success through Janâb-i Haqq’s tawfiq (success) and guidance (hidayat).

 

Time Stamp: 1:09:06

 

–          The End        –