Surah 38: Saad | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Part 1: Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents the illuminated meaning of Surah 38: Saad, from his lifelong journey with the Quran. This is not the traditional line-by-line approach of Quranic commentaries (tafsir), but an exposition of the unique message of each chapter of the Quran as its own distinct part of a whole. As part of the Project Illumine: The Light of the Quran series, this is the fruit of a lifelong dedication to the study of every tafsir of the Islamic tradition coupled with intense dhikr to open the deeper meanings of the surahs. This is the fourteenth surah that has been covered in this unique approach to covering the Quran, driven by the desire to understand the message that ignited the passion of the early Muslims during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song shares a reflection about choosing who is part of your inner circle and the beauty of souls regardless of labels. Q&A is included in Part 2. Presented at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org) on 20 February 2021. For a list of all previous classes, visit: www.usuli.org/...

[@stephenconnolly1830]

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Raheem [Video suitable for viewing at significantly higher speed without loss of fidelity and comprehension. Grace Song's preamble until 6:39] 7:01Surah #38, Saad/(the letter) Saad. 7:15 significance, chronological occurrence and positioning. 11:50 Q38;1 "saad wal-qur'ani dhi al-dhikr" (Saad. By the Qur'an containing reminder) - updated exposition on the letter Saad. 21:28 Q38;2 "bali alladhina kafaru fi izzatin washiqaq" (But those who disbelieve are in pride and dissension) - the lack of Asbab al-Nazul/circumstances of revelation of the chapter, yet the message herein touches on an ongoing social paradox. 29:28 the Professor mentions the end of the Surah being relevant to its beginning (focusing on the terms Izza/glory & Shiqaq/dissension in Ayah #2) which hints at its ring structure - a topic first touched on by Raymond Farrin: (Structure and Qur'anic Interpretation) 35:48 Q38;3 "kam ahlakna min qablihim min qarnin fanadaw walata hina manas" (How many a generation have We destroyed before them, and they [then] called out; but it was not a time for escape) - exposition of the term Manas/escape/rally. 42:25 Allah always being present in history with important lessons to learn therein - some insight into decolonisation shared. 44:05 in relation to Ayah #4: "wa'ajibu an jaahum mundhirun min'hum waqala al-kafiruna hadha sahirun kadhab" (And they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves. And the disbelievers say, "This is a magician and a liar). 45:45 the pagan Makkan rationale for polytheism presented - privilege, power and economically lucrative benefits: the mystification of power. 49:55 the significance of Omar ibn al-Khattab embracing Islam - Quraish lobbying Abu Talib and the Prophet's response "La ilaha il-Allah". 51:50 Q38;9 "am indahum khazainu rahmati rabbika al-'azizi al-wahab" (Or do they have the depositories of the mercy of your Lord, the Exalted in Might, the Bestower?) Q38;10 "am lahum mul'ku al-samawati wal-ardi wama baynahuma falyartaqu fi al-asbab" (Or is theirs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend through [any] ways of access) 52:35 the blasphemy of dictatorship/despotism - the privileged/powerful thinking they control the fate of the world = "artaqu fi al-asbab". 56:15 Q38;11 "jundun ma hunalika mahzumun mina al-ahzab" ([They are but] soldiers [who will be] defeated there among the companies [of disbelievers]) - Jundun = people who blindly imitate, incapable of independent thought; zombies, i.e. camp/party followers. 1:01:00 review of the first 11 Ayat focused on the concepts introduced in Ayah #2; Izza & Shiqaq. 1:02:20 moving on to some prototype examples of historical peoples who exemplify the trend of civilisational arrogance; Noah, Aad, Thamud, Lot, Pharoah etc. See Q38;12 & 13. 1:04:25 Q48;13 "wathamudu waqawmu lutin wa-ashabu al'aykati ulaika al-ahzab" (And [the tribe of] Thamud and the people of Lot and the companions of the thicket. Those are the companies) - lessons to learn from this; not to become like the Hizb al-Shaitan/party of the devil. 1:08:40 details shared on the people of the thicket. 1:09:10 Q38;15 "wama yanzuru haulai illa sayhatan wahidatan ma laha min fawaq" (And these [disbelievers] await not but one blast [of the Horn]; for it there will be no delay) - simultaneously talking about past nations, the Quraish in 7th Century Arabia as well as future nations; "eternally and perpetually relevant". Q38;16 "waqalu rabbana ajjil lana qittana qabla yawmi al-hisab" (And they say, "Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of the punishment] before the Day of Account") - discussion of the term Qittana/accountability; recounting ibn Arabi's view - putting one's head in the sand, a state of denial instead of confrontation. 1:19:00 the response of tyrants when they are reminded of their faults and weaknesses - Surah Saad challenging Muslims to reflect on what is their Izza/glory and Shiqaq/schism. 1:21:30 how the content of this chapter relates to present day Egypt. 1:25:50 moving on to different forms of glory and schism via a segue Q38;17: "is'bir ala ma yaquluna wa-udh'kur abdana dawuda dha al-aydi innahu awwab" (Be patient over what they say and remember Our servant, David, the possessor of strength; indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allah]). 1:30:15 Q38;18 "inna sakharna al-jibala ma'ahu yusabbih'na bil-'ashiyi wal-ish'raq" (Indeed, We subjected the mountains [to praise] with him, exalting [Allah] in the [late] afternoon and [after] sunrise). 1:30:30 Q38;19 "wal-tayra mahshuratan kullun lahu awwab" (And the birds were assembled, all with him repeating [praises]) - Dawud having the gift to understand the supplications of nature and his great piety, contrasted with his portrayal according to the Old Testament account. 1:35:00 Q38;20 "washadadna mul'kahu waataynahu al-hik'mata wafasla al-khitab" (And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech). 1:36:00 Q38;21 "wahal ataka naba-u al-khasmi idh tasawwaru al-mih'rab" (And has there come to you the news of the adversaries, when they climbed over the wall of [his] prayer chamber). 1:37:10 Q38;22 "idh dakhalu ala dawuda fafazi'a min'hum qalu la takhaf khasmani bagha ba'duna ala ba'din fa-uh'kum baynana bil-haqi wala tush'tit wa-ih'dina ila sawai al-sirat" (When they entered upon David and he was alarmed by them? They said, "Fear not. [We are] two adversaries, one of whom has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth and do not exceed [it] and guide us to the sound path) - the contradiction of injustice with Islam. 1:39:00 Q38;23 "inna hadha akhi lahu tis'un watis'una na'jatan waliya na'jatun wahidatun faqala akfil'niha wa'azzani fi al-khitab" (Indeed this, my brother, has ninety-nine ewes, and I have one ewe; so he said, 'Entrust her to me,' and he overpowered me in speech"). 1:39:58 Q38;24 "qala laqad zalamaka bisuali na'jatika ila ni'ajihi wa-inna kathiran mina al-khulatai layabghi ba'duhum ala ba'din illa alladhina amanu wa'amilu al-salihati waqalilun ma hum wazanna dawudu annama fatannahu fa-is'taghfara rabbahu wakharra raki'an wa-anab" ([David] said, "He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds - and few are they." And David became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing [in prostration] and turned in repentance [to Allah]). 1:44:10 explanation for the trial and Dawud's repentance in relation to the Biblical mythology - a procedural error being highlighted in the Qur'anic narrative. 1:53:17 re-examination of Izza/glory/pride & Shiqaq/schism in this light. 1:54:30 Q38;26 "yadawudu inna ja'alnaka khalifatan fi al-ardi fa-uh'kum bayna al-nasi bil-haqi wala tattabi'i al-hawa fayudillaka an sabili al-lahi inna alladhina yadilluna an sabili al-lahi lahum adhabun shadidun bima nasu yawma al-hisab" ([We said], "O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allah." Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account) 1:56:00 Q38;27 "wama khalaqna al-samaa wal-arda wama baynahuma batilan dhalika zannu alladhina kafaru fawaylun lilladhina kafaru mina al-nar" (And We did not create the heaven and the earth and that between them aimlessly. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve, so woe to those who disbelieve from the Fire) - the purpose of existence not being aimless or accidental. Q38;28 "am naj'alu alladhina amanu wa'amilu al-salihati kal-muf'sidina fi al-ardi am naj'alu al-mutaqina kal-fujar" (Or should we treat those who believe and do righteous deeds like corrupters in the land? Or should We treat those who fear Allah like the wicked?) - injustice/corruption being the hallmark of Kufr/disbelief. Q38;29 "kitabun anzalnahu ilayka mubarakun liyaddabbaru ayatihi waliyatadhakkara ulu al-albab" ([This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded) - the message being a revolution against suffering. 2:08:15 Q38;30 "wawahabna lidawuda sulaymana ni'ma al-'abdu innahu awwab" (And to David We gave Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah]). 2:08:30 Q38;31 "idh urida alayhi bil-'ashiyi al-safinatu al-jiyad" ([Mention] when there were exhibited before him in the afternoon the poised [standing] racehorses) 2:09:07 Q38;32 "faqala inni ahbabtu hubba al-khayri an dhik'ri rabbi hatta tawarat bil-hijab" (And he said, "Indeed, I gave preference to the love of good [things] over the remembrance of my Lord until the sun disappeared into the curtain [of darkness]). 2:10:53 Q38;33 "rudduha alayya fatafiqa mashan bil-suqi wal-a'naq" ([He said], "Return them to me," and set about stroking [their] legs and necks). 2:12:35 Q38;34 "walaqad fatanna sulaymana wa-alqayna ala kur'siyyihi jasadan thumma anab" (And We certainly tried Solomon and placed on his throne a body; then he returned) - Isra'iliyyat mythology recounted. Instead a more authentic interpretation is that it is a virtual reality experience by Sulaiman. 2:22:00 Q38;41-44 the story of Job/Ayyoub and his test - losing his temper, perseverance and patience. 2:27:47 Q38;45-49 segue to the testing of prophets Ibrahim, Isaac, Jacub, Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul-Kifl. 2:29:50 Q38;58 "waakharu min shaklihi azwaj" (And other [punishments] of its type [in various] kinds). 2:31:40 Q38;61-64 - schisms of the inhabitants of hell. 2:33:45 Q38;69 "ma kana liya min il'min bil-mala-i al-a'la idh yakhtasimun" (I had no knowledge of the exalted assembly [of angels] when they were disputing [the creation of Adam]).

[@roshnaramusthafa4220]

Jazakallah. Truly eye opening and profound. Alhamdulillah

[@stephenconnolly1830]

[PART 2 - Surah Saad timestamps continued] 2:34:55 the first time in the Qur'anic revelation it addresses the act of creation, as related in Ayat #71-73. 2:35:30 Ayat #75 & #76. 2:38:32 confirmation the Professor is the first commentator to identify the first form/original sin of racism in creation/history being Iblis saying "I'm better than him" - a complete paradigm shift and significant discovery. 2:41:00 Ayah #76: "qala ana khayrun min'hu khalaqtani min narin wakhalaqtahu min teen" (He said, "I am better than he; You created me from fire, and You created him from clay") - bigots etc consistently overlook the part of the creation which is Divine. 2:43:30 Ayah #82: "qala fabi'izzatika la-ugh'wiyannahum ajma'een" (He said, "By Your majesty, I will seduce them all"). 2:45:32 Ayah #84: "qala fal-haqqu wal-haqqa aqool" (He said, "The truth is, and I say the truth"). 2:47:50 Ayah #85: "la-amla-anna jahannama minka wamimman tabi'aka min'hum ajma'een" ("I will fill Hell with you, and with every one of them who follows you"). 2:48:00 Ayah #86: "qul ma asalukum alayhi min ajrin wama ana min al-mutakalifeen" (Say, "I ask of you no wage for this, and I am not a pretender). 2:48:17 Ayah #87: "in hoowa illa dhik'run lil'alameen" (It is but a reminder to mankind) Ayah #88: "walata'lamunna naba-ahu ba'da heen" (And you will know its message after a while"). 2:48:50 summarising the Surah: black and white, truth and falsehood, Izza / glory and Shiqaq / schism - a paradigm shift resulting in the realisation of one's personal honour and dignity due to the message relayed in chapter Saad. Ameen

[@Zayn.A]

Bismillah I learned a lot from this explanation. Just one thing I wanted to add was a commentary of the verse of Sulaiman's AS dream by another scholar (Imran Hosein) which to me also seemed quite strong. The body (without a soul) sitting on his throne was Dajjal; hence Sulaiman made the dua to end his kingdom after him so that the evil one cannot rule on his throne. the implication is that the Israel in our times is not the Holy Israel of Sulaiman AS. And the eventually dajjal will rule from this false Israel. Jazakhallah Khairan for your efforts Sheikh. May Allah grant you long and strong life and of tremendous benefit to the next generations of this Ummah.

[@Treasure-bl3cn]

Where is Aya about Heaven? Did I missed it? I had some questions about the heaven

[@Syed_12]

Islam The Beautiful Religion ( Be Just ) Quran 5:8 '' O you who believe! stand out firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the > HATRED OF OTHERS TO YOU < make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear God. For God is well-acquainted with all that ye do. '' Quran 4:58 '' Indeed, God commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which God instructs you. Indeed, God is ever Hearing and Seeing.'' ( God's The Rules Of War ) Quran 2:190 '' Fight in the way of God > THOSE WHO FIGHT YOU < but do not transgress. Indeed. God does not like transgressors. '' Quran 2 :193 '' And fight them on until there is no more oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. '' Quran 4:90 ''.........So if they withdraw from you and cease their hostility and offer you peace, in that case Allah has not granted you permission to fight against them.'' Quran 8:61 ''And if they seek peace, then you also seek it, and put your trust in God. He is the Hearer, the Knowledgeable.'' ( Stand Up For Justice ) Quran 4 :135 '' Ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against > YOURSELVES < or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for God can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that ye do.'' ( Who Are The Good Human Beings? ) Quran 2.177 '' Righteousness is "NOT" that you turn your faces ( in worship ) toward the east or the west but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in God, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth,> IN SPITE OF LOVE FOR IT,< to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for > freeing slaves < [and who] establishes prayer and gives charity; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous. '' ( Freedom To Believe And To Reject ) Quran 2:256 '' Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error '' Quran 10:99 '' And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed > all of them entirely < Then would you compel the people in order that they become believers? '' ( Tolerance For Other Religions ) Quran 109: 1- 6 Say,"O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you worshipers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshiper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshipers of what I worship. For you is your religion, and for me is my religion." ( Protection for Idol Worshiper ) Quran 9:6 "And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are people who do not know. " Quran16:125 “Call people to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good teaching, and argue with them in the most courteous way” Quran7:199 “Be tolerant....” ( Friendship With Non Muslims ) Quran 60:8 '' God does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, God loves those who act justly. '' ( Do Christians And Jews and "OTHER" non-Muslims go to Heaven? ) Quran 2:62 '' Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,-> ANY { On Judgement Day } ( According to the Quran Christians and Jews worship TRUE God ) (Quran 3:113-114) '' Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book ( Christians and Jews ) are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of God all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration. They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous.'' Note: According to the Quran that Jesus is not God nevertheless Christians still worship one '' TRUE '' God. ( > Allah < Is The Protector Of Monasteries, Churches, Synagogues And The Mosques ) Quran 22:40 [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, "Our Lord is Allah ." And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might. ( Why Are There So Many Different Religions In The World ? ) Quran 5 48 ''...... If God wanted He could have made all of you a > single nation < But He willed otherwise in order to test you in what He has given you;(scriptures) therefore try to excel one another in good deeds. Ultimately you all shall return to God; then He will show you the truth of those matters in which you > DISPUTE submission < to God), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (Salvation)'' My explanation of above verse Islam mean > submission < to God ( The above verse saying is that God will not accept a religion from the > MUSLIM < and the Non-Muslims but total > submission < to God.) Question: How Can Muslim And the > Non-Muslim < > submit < to the God? Answer: Be kind to other human beings and Do not lie, Do not steal, Do not cheat, Do not hurt others, Do not be prideful and Do the charity work. ( God Allow Muslims To Marry And Eat Food From the Christian And Jew And Vice Versa ) Quran 5;5 ''This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture ( Christian and Jew) is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture ( Christian and Jew) before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers. And whoever denies the faith - his work has become worthless, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.'' ( Kindness Toward Atheists / > APOSTATE < ) Quran 60:8 '' As for such [ of the unbelievers ( atheist) ] as do not fight against you on account of [your] faith, and neither drive you forth from your homelands, > Allah < does not forbid you to show them > kindness < and to behave towards them with full equity: for, verily, Allah loves those who act equitably. '' ( All The Terrorists / Killers Will Enter Hell Fire ) Quran 5:32 "......Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely......" ( Turned Your Enemies Into Your Awesome Friends ) Quran 41:34 "The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better, then lo! he, between whom and thee there was enmity (will become) as though he was a bosom friend." ( The Husband and The Wife Are > Protecting Friends < One Of Another ) Quran 9:71 ''And the believers, men and women, are > Protecting Friends < one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and they pay the poor-due, and they obey God and His messenger. As for these, God will have mercy on them. Lo! God is Mighty, Wise.'' Quran16:97 “To whoever, male or female, does good deeds and has faith, We shall give a good life and reward them according to the best of their actions. Quran 30:21 “And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you > affection and mercy { Love } The Prophet Muhammad said, “The best among you is the best to his wife” ( Human Are One Big family ) Quran 49:13 " O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." ( All The Racist People Will Enter Hellfire ) Quran 30:22 "And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge." My conclusion: The > BASIC < message of God to the human is that '' YOU '' believe in God and be kind to other human beings / > animals < and in the > RETURNED < God will > REWARD < you with a new life in Paradise. * The Quran ONLY guides you how to become a good human being "Nothing Else". * You are a good human being or a bad human being that is YOUR choice. * No one can force you to become a good human being. * You MUST work HARD to become a good human being. * Why should ''YOU'' do good deeds and avoid bad deeds? * Do Good - it's for You. Do Bad - It's against you. * '' YOUR'' life is a TEST from God that you will choose to do either Good or Bad. * Find the excuse to help others and forgive others NOT the other way around. * '' YOUR '' final destination is either Hell or Heaven. * So work HARD toward choice of YOUR destination. Quran 17:7 '' If you do good, you will do so for your own good. And if you do evil, it will be to your own loss.'' .