TRANSLATION EDITED
BY
MUFTI AFZAL HOOSEN
ELIAS
The First Taraaweeh
This summary covers the first one and a quarter paras of the Qur'aan,
beginning with Surah Faatiha and concluding with verse 176 of Surah
Baqara.
START FIRST PARA.
Surah Faatiha is usually referred to as “Al Hamd Shareef.”
Although this Surah was not the first Surah of the Qur'aan to be
... revealed, it is the first to be written in Qur'aanic manuscripts and
the first to be recited when commencing recitation (Tilaawah) of
the Qur'aan.
Surah Faatiha is a du’aa (supplication) that Allaah has taught
mankind. Therefore, when a person recites Surah Faatiha, s/he is
actually making a du’aa to Allaah. The rest of the Qur'aan follows
as a reply to this du’aa. In this du’aa a person pleads to Allaah to
show him the straight path (“Siraatul Mustaqeem”). Thereafter,
Allaah gives man the entire Qur'aan as the guidance he asked for
and as a description of the “Siraatul Mustaqeem” which he wants
to tread.
“Surah Baqara” follows “Surah Faatiha”, in which Allaah says that
the Qur'aan is a guide for people who revere and respect Allaah.
Therefore, The Quraan may be of no use to those who have no
desire for guidance and direction. Such people will be deprived of
its illumination and shall remain deaf, dumb and blind. In Surah
Baqara, Allaah invokes man to believe in the unseen, to establish
salaah and to spend in Allaah’s way from the provisions that He
has granted. The details of Imaan are described as belief in the
Qur'aan, belief in all the Prophets and the previously revealed
Divine Scriptures and conviction in the Hereafter.
Allaah also warns people against hypocrisy, warns the kuffaar
about the punishment of Jahannam, while also conveying the
glad tidings of Jannah to the Mu'mineen. It is in this part of
“Surah Baqara” that Allaah speaks about the creation of Hadhrat
Aadam (A.S) and his appointment as Allaah’s viceroy on earth.
The test between the knowledge of Hadhrat Aadam (A.S) and the
angels is mentioned, together with Allaah’s command do the
angels prostrate before Hadhrat Aadam (A.S). While all the
angels complied, Iblees refused. As a result of this arrogance, he
was cursed and expelled from Heaven. Thereafter, the accursed
Iblees tricked Hadhrat Adam (A.S) and Hadhrat Hawwa (A.S) into
eating from the forbidden tree. They were then sent to live on
earth. They repented to Allaah and were forgiven.
Allaah also speaks of the time when He summoned Hadhrat
Moosa (A.S) to Mount Toor to receive the Torah. In his absence,
the Bani Israa'eel began to worship the calf. However, they were
eventually forgiven for this act. On a daily basis Allaah provided
them with “Mann” and “Salwa” to eat from the heavens, and also
provided water for them from twelve springs that gushed from a
rock. Allaah describes how the Jews were ungrateful for Allaah’s
bounties and how they behaved rebelliously and insolently. This,
together with their hypocritical conduct drew Allaah’s punishment
upon them.
Thereafter, Allaah speaks about Hadhrat Ibraheem (A.S) who was
successful in every trial that Allaah placed on him. As a reward
for this, Allaah made him a leader of mankind. Allaah
commanded him and his son Hadhrat Isma'eel (A.S) to construct
the Kaa'ba, which they duly did. Hadhrat Ibraheem (A.S) made
du’aa to Allaah to raise a prophet from amongst his progeny who
would be a guide for mankind. Allaah accepted this du’aa by
raising Hadhrat Muhammed (sallAllaahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) as a
messenger to the universe, via whom guidance spread
throughout the world.
END OF 1ST PARA – START OF 2ND PARA
The beginning of the second para discusses the change of Qibla.
Allaah commands the Muslims to face towards the Kaa'ba instead
of Baitul Muqaddas (Jerusalem) when performing salaah.
Consequently, Muslims will always be required to face towards
the Kaa'ba wherever they may be. Allaah also prohibits the eating
of carrion (dead animals), blood, swine and all animals that have
been sacrificed with the name of any being besides Allaah.See More