Most of Ahl al-ʿIlm, post-reflecting on sūrah al-Kahaf, have concluded that the main purpose of this sūrah is to provide guidance for surviving and overcoming fitan (trials, tests) The four main fitan highlighted in this sūrah, including their solutions, are: 1. Test in religion, and how to survive it. 2. Test in wealth, and how to avoid a ‘poor investment’. 3. Test in knowledge, at the essence of knowing is being thankful to Allāh. 4. Test in leadership, and how…
Temporary amnesia during exams, anyone? A duʿā` to prevent that: نسأل الله أن ينفعنا بما قرأنا و يرده إلينا عند الحاجة Translation: We ask Allāh to make what we have read beneficial for us and to return it to us in times of necessity. Transliteration: Nas`al Allāh an yanfaʿanā bemā qara`nā wa yarudhu ilayna ʿind al-ḥājah. A naḥow professor of mine often makes this duʿā` at the end of each class. NOTE: This is not a duʿā` from the Qur`ān…
Revising for my finals and came across this: On conditions and manners of a Mufassir (scholar of Tafsīr) – ❝It is incumbent upon him (or her!) to adhere to good conduct in his appearance, thus he must dress in the attire of the scholars and emulate their appearance. And he must observe dignity in his sitting, standing and walking—without unnecessary over-exertion. And he must never attend frivolous gatherings…❞ Looking up to fashion mavens to guide your dress sense? How about…
Concluding reflection (See previous posts on Prophet Ebrāhīm): Prophet Ebrāhīm travelled from ‘Irāq (his birthplace) to Shām to Miṣr spreading the message of Tawḥīd. His companion? Sārah, his wife. It takes a strong man to involve his wife in his affairs. But it takes an even stronger women to be a comfort and not a burden in those affairs. Learn from the Prophetic example; Prophet Ebrāhīm’s example, ʿalayhis salām.…