Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatulahi wa Barakatu!

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “A man will follow the way of his close friends, so let each one of you look at who he takes as a close friend.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 8433; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 4046

Saying goes, "you are what you eat" and to some degree, I can definitely agree. The food we eat can be a true reflection of who we are, how we take care of ourselves, and how dedicated we are to Allah, The Almighty. Overeating and obesity can prove that we are not taking care of ourselves the way we should be, and eating healthfully and in moderation shows that we have taken our bodies -the TRUST that Allah has given us, and caring for it properly so that we can worship Him the way we were created to. Similarly , drinking haram and eating haram indicates our lack of interest and fear for Allah. If what we eat can represent who or what we are, then what about the kind of companions we have? Do the people we have in our lives truly reflect who we are? Do they bring us closer to Allah and our deen? Do they help us do more good deeds than bad ones?

A year and a half later (plus some months), I still seek the truth to these answers but from what I have learnt so far, I can't express the importance and the seriousness of having good companions in one's life, especially during times like these where the society we live in has become so corrupt, deluded, and spineless.

Before Islam, my circle of friends were not hand-picked according to the finest of grade/quality, but they were chosen mainly because we shared the same interests (partying, the gym, and our interest for shopping.) To me, a 'true friend' was someone who would cater to me, put up with my annoying selfishness, and someone I could use. I admit that I was probably the worst friend (for obvious reasons) but at the same time I always had a sense of loyalty towards them. On occasion, I would lend a helping hand or a listening ear and a shoulder for them to cry on but because I lacked self-respect and good morals, it was hard for me to prioritize my intentions. I never became attached to my friends, as to me, as easy as it was to make friends, so was dropping them like a hot piece of coal thus resulting in me having very few close friends who I could trust. None of these people helped me become a better person and they would encourage me to do more bad than good. The friends I had, truly represented who I was. I mirrored them, and they mirrored me. The reflection I often saw through my friends, was a lost soul who constantly needed to behave in a rebellious way to fit into society. The only way I could seek approval from society was through the parties, the drinking, and the meaningless lifestyle we all were leading, but at least we were leading it together right?

This was my crew and this was how I rolled. I couldn't beat the crowd, so I went along with it. That was my past and now my present life, I still search for the close-knit group of sisters, whom I can call companions for the sake of Allah.

and so I proceed,

The importance of having quality friends in Islam is extremely crucial. Friendship in Islam is completely different than a 'normal' friendship which the non-Muslims have with one another. Your companions in Islam are the ones who can lead you to Paradise, or drag you to the Hellfire. They are the ones who remind you of your purpose in life, and remind you of Allah instead of reminding you of their most favourite song or breakup with their boyfriend. Loving your sister for the sake of Allah and treating her kindly can actually earn us the Pleasure of Allah and His Rewards. These are just a few out of the countless Verses from the Qur'an and Ahadith stated by the Prophet Sallalahu aleyhi wasselam :

“The Believers are but a single brotherhood….” [Al-Hujuraat 49:10] (sisterhood)

“…. Nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would abhor it. But fear Allah: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.” [al-Hujuraat 49:12]

“There are three things that whoever attains them will find the sweetness of faith: if Allah and His Messenger are dearer to him than anyone else; if he loves a person solely for the sake of Allah; if he would hate to return to kufr after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate be thrown into the Fire.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

"So be patient. Verily, the Promise of Allaah is true, and let not those who have no certainty of faith, discourage you from conveying Allah’s message" [ar-Ruum 30:60]

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace."
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Hadith 314)

“And keep yourself content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Countenance, and let not your eyes pass beyond them to those who seek the pomp and glitter of this life...” (Al-Kahf 18:28 - interpretation of the meaning)

The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “There should be no breaking off of ties, no turning away from one another, no hating one another, and no envying one another. Be brothers, as Allah has commanded you.” [Muslim]

Since I rarely leave my home (Alhamdulilah) , the only way to build my sisterhood is online. The big online ocean with the plethora of sisters swimming around waiting to be caught and sent to me by Allah. I've met a many variety and I am witnessing a constant pattern.

Many sisters who fear Allah and truly you can sense their sincerity over the computer, many sisters who go out of their way for you and to give you sound advice, many sisters who treat you like their own family, many sisters who are kind and gentle with their words and their akhlaq, many sisters full of pride, pointing fingers at others when they need to look at themselves (surely, we all fall into this category including I, but at least I admit it and am trying hard to work on it bidhniAllah). I've met many sisters who claim they follow the correct path yet their actions speak louder then words. I've met many sisters who wear the niqab yet their actions and words do not represent any sort of modesty or fear of Allah (Subhana'Allah). I've met amazing lovely sisters, who truly fear Allah and love one another for His sake and His alone. I've met many sisters who speak out of ignorance due to their lack of knowledge in the deen and their emotions that they don't know how to control. I've also met sisters who backbite me and act friendly to my "face (computer screen)". I've also met many sisters who are just plain arrogant and ignorant with their actions. I've also met many sisters that I just don't get along with. Subhana'Allah .. I've met many sisters ?!

It is merely through my experiences , my many trials & errors through meeting sisters, that I am writing this post, and warning, and advising you. Showcasing just how important it is to find a sister who fears Allah and follows the CORRECT teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah (and not just make claims that they do). It's hard to tell during the first few months, but with time, as people grow, you will see for yourself their true colours (and asking Allah for His guidance).
It may take as short as days, months and as long as years for you to see what kind of friendship you have and if it is based solely out of the love for Allah's sake of if it is based on your own nafs and ignorance.
I sit at home most of my days, busy trying to unite the sisterhood and what is left of it (at least online) and I've learnt that, building a friendship online (without any sort of voice communicating) is a bit difficult and at times can cause much misunderstanding between each other. But it is only out of the fear and love of Allah that you are able to develop forgiveness and throw away your pride issues and make your sisterhood strong. Subhana'Allah. I think about all the relationships I have had with many sisters, and I continue to reflect. I am able to see how much I have grown, what I need to work on with myself, and what Islam teaches about sisterhood:

Learning to forgive, learning to put away your pride, learning not to belittle people through your own ignorant comments, learning to NOT start a senseless debate because you want to prove your invalid valueless point (based on your own emotions), learning to IGNORE people who make you angry or upset, learning to leave a situation that does not concern yourself, learning to seriously NOT backbite, learning to control your temper and attitude when a sister attacks you and oppresses you with her pride, learning to walk away from the situation fearing Allah, learning to treat all your sisters like they are your good friend, learning to not sever ties due to your own nafs and shaitan (but sometimes certain sisters CALL FOR having to cut them off permanently), learning that the "block" and "delete" button can also become your "best friend", learning how to maintain good character and manners ALL THE TIME, learning to properly balance your time with your other priorities, learning to prioritize your time and not over exert your efforts with sisters, learning to NOT feel guilty just because you know you're right yet people make you feel wrong, learning your RELIGION ( so you don't get manipulated, brainwashed, weakened into thinking that the path you are following is wrong), learning to take time to yourself and to not spend too much time wasted on sisters who don't care about your Akhirah, learning that the most important quality to look for in a sister, is her fear for Allah, her GENUINE fear for Allah. If she fears Allah, she will have good akhlaq and good adaab. She will always greet you with the proper Islamic greeting no matter what. She will be happy to encourage you with all your affairs especially related to DEEN. She will not confuse you with her own ideologies and she knows that the Qur'an and Sunnah are the absolute two things that must be followed in order to be successful in this dunya AND the Akhirah. She will never make you feel lower than her. She is genuinely interested in your Akhirah. She never opens the door for debates or confrontations. She is gentle and kind with her words. She respects you and you respect her and there is always a mutual understanding between the two of you. Quality OVER quantity.

Having good companions who are on the correct upright middle path is one of the most important things in Islam. A person who constantly reminds you of Allah instead of stresses you out and a person who brings out your good qualities instead of your bad ones, is truly a good companion. When she reminds you always about Allah and you can tell her sincere, gentle tone is very genuine. Those who remind you about other than Allah, do not consider them as a close companion. Those who always mention Allah in their speech (online, on phone, in person) are the ones that you should hold onto. Remembering Allah is not only in the heart, but it is from the tongue and the actions as well. I have realised that over time, the search for a true companion still prevails. Never attach yourself too tightly to anyone, for it may not bring you any good to do so. With time, people grow, people change. Attach yourself to Allah first and foremost and if that person turns out to be someone you didn't expect them to be, take it as a blessing from Allah that He saved you from harm or that He has someone better for you insha'Allah.

While writing this post, I was able to truly reflect upon the person that I have become since Islam. I have a definite long way to go. I realise much of my faults and my shortcomings that need to seriously be addressed and it is only through distancing myself with people, that I can really focus on correcting myself. I noticed a pattern that surfaces over and over again, and it is that if we expect good from someone or something, if we expect the world to change, or an individual to change... WE must START with OURSELVES. The key to success in this dunya: REMEMBER ALLAH FIRST AND FOREMOST before ANYONE or ANYTHING else and FEAR HIM LIKE YOU NEVER FEARED ANYTHING OR ANYONE IN YOUR LIFE BEFORE! Educate yourself with seeking knowledge, apply it, and share it. Once you have established your firm, solid foundation then insha'Allah this is only when good friendships begin and last, resulting in CHANGE within the Ummah.

If I have ever wronged any of you or made you feel oppressed due to my own shortcomings and ignorance, please forgive me. May Allah continue to guide us all and keep us grounded with humility and never let our own pride be the reason we go to the Hellfire (NAUDHUBILAH).

My last two piece of advice (well not really advice but amazing reminders) :

The great Sahabi Abu Darda (radiallahu 'anhu) used to say: “Shall I not tell you about something that is better for you than charity and fasting? Reconcile between your brothers, for hatred diminishes reward.” (reported by al-Bukhari in Ad-Adab al-Mufrad)

There is nothing that corrupts a person or rectifies him more than [his] companion.

Sufyān Al-Thawrī (rahimuallah) (Ibn Battah, Al-Ibānah Al-Kubrā article 504.)

May Allah forgive me for anything that I've said that has offended you, anything good I've said is from Allah and anything bad is from my own self and I seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan the accursed. Ameen!

Assalamualaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu !

GOOD REMINDER. THIS IS A MUST READ.

I had encountered many people who claim their knowledge was of the truth and that their ideology was correct, but as I researched and learnt more, it turns out they were from the Khawarijj, so we really truly must be careful and make sure we do our full research and not just fall into taqleed (blind following). This is a grave danger . Audhbilah. May Allah protect us all from such corruption. Ameen

Don't Accept Everything You Hear:

So it is upon you O Muslim, and O Student of Knowledge in particular, to verify and that you are not hasty in taking everything that you hear.  It is upon you to verify and to be aware, who is the one who said this thing?  And where did this idea come from?  And then what is its basis, and its proofs from the Book and the Sunnah?  Then where did this person study and who did he take knowledge from?  So these matters require verification, particularly in this time.  So we do not accept every saying that anyone is saying, even if he speaks well, and speaks eloquently, and speaks abundantly and attracts people's hearing, do not be taken in by it until you look and see the extent of their knowledge and understanding of the Religion that he has.

Or it may be the case that a person's speech may be little, but he is a person of understanding of the Religion.  And it might also be the case that a person's speech may be plentiful, but he is an ignorant one who has nothing from knowledge and understanding of the Religion.  Rather he just has magical/enchanting speech so that he fools the people, and gives the false impression that he is a scholar and that he is a person of understanding and that he is a thinker and the likes of that, so that the people are taken in and he takes them away from the Truth.  So what is counted is not the amount of speech and being able to ramble on, rather what is counted is what it contains with regard to knowledge and what it contains with regard to being based upon correct principles.  And it may be the case with speech that is little but it is correctly based upon correct principles.  This will be far more beneficial than abundant speech which is just lengthy, and from which no benefit can be taken except a little.  And this is the situation in our time, where speech is abundant and knowledge is scarce; the recitors are many, and the people of knowledge and understanding (fuqahaa~) are few in number.  And fiqh (knowledge and understanding of the Religion) does not come about by being able to speak a great deal, or to recite a great deal, or being able to speak well or being able to word things well...

...So the eloquent person, he can turn the Truth into falsehood and falsehood look like the Truth by means of his eloquence, so beware of this.  And therefore the Prophet sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam he warned against the person who is very eloquent in speech, the person who moves his tongue around just as the cows move the tongue around.[1]  He (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) warned against this one and he said,
“Some speech is like magic.”[2]

Meaning it enchants the people’s hearing (acts like magic upon the hearing of the people)...

... So al-fiqh (knowledge and understanding of the Religion) contains a protection from trials and tribulations.  And al-fiqh means al-fahm(understanding of the Religion).  And a person may have memorized a great deal, but he does not have understanding, so therefore he and the common person are just the same.  Indeed the common person may be better than him because he withholds himself and he recognizes his own ignorance, while this one does not realise that he is actually an ignorant person.  Therefore the matter is not just memorizing a great amount or speaking a great deal.   The matter is a matter of fiqh (understanding) and therefore he sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said,

“Perhaps one who has something conveyed to him will be better comprehending than the one who heard it (originally).”[4]

So a person may memorize something, and transmit and narrate, and yet there may be someone there who understands it better than he does. (Allah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said)

“There may be a person who conveys knowledge of the Religion but he is not one who comprehends it.”[5]

He is a carrier of the knowledge and a transmitter of it, however he is not one who has understanding of it.  So fiqh (knowledge and understanding of the Religion) is a gift from Allah which Allah gives to whomever He wishes from His servants.  However, if he utilizes it properly and advances it/causes it to grow then he will benefit from it.  But if he neglects it, it will be lost.

His saying, “So do not be hasty and do not enter into anything from it until you ask and look:  Did anyone from the Companions of the Prophet sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam speak with it?”  This is a tremendous piece of advice if some speech pleases you regarding the Religion.  As for speech about the affairs of this world, then that is not the topic under discussion here.  Rather if some speech with regard to the Religion seems pleasing to you then don't be hasty until you examine it:  Is it founded upon something true and upon proof or is it just from the person's own head and his own thinking?  For if it is, then it is just scum, like the scum which is carried on the top of flood water.  Leave it (in that case).  But otherwise if it is founded and based upon the Book and the Sunnah, then it is true.  So therefore to do not be hasty in taking speech without restraint, even if it seems pleasing to you in its fine manner of speaking and it is eloquence and its forcefulness and in the style of address, do not be hasty about it until you examine and you test it against the Book and the Sunnah, and examine and see who said it.  Is he a person of knowledge and understanding (afaqeeh) or not a person of knowledge and understanding?  Until you ask the people of knowledge about it (this matter) and you look and see, did anyone from the Salaf (Predecessors) say it or did they not say it?  And this is something I have warned against many times, that I say:  Do not introduce personal deductions and opinions and sayings and wording which have not been preceded upon.  Take as your example the Salaf and the speech of the Salaf, and if you bring something which you have no one who precedes you upon it, then it will be something odd and strange, and its danger will be far more than its benefit.

Excerpts taken from 'Ithaaful-Qaaree bit-Ta`leeqaat `alaa Sharhis-Sunnah' by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah

____________________________

[1] This narration is reported by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad and by Ibn Abee Shaybah and by Aboo Daawood and at-Tirmithee and others besides as a hadeeth of `Abdullaah ibn `Amr that Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said,

“Allaah hates those men who are eloquent, the one who moves his tongue around, just as the cow moves its tongue around.”

At-Tirmithee said about this narration that it is hasan ghareeb (singular chain of narration that is hasan) and it was declared authentic by Aboo Haatim in al-`Ilal.

Translator's side point: Shaykh al-Albaanee, in as-Saheehah no.880, declared this hadeeth saheeh (authentic).

[2] This hadeeth is reported by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh (no. 5146 and no. 5767) as a hadeeth of `Abdullaah ibn `Umar; also reported by Muslim as a hadeeth of `Ammaar ibn Yaasir radiyAllaahu `anhumaa.

[4] This hadeeth is reported by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh (no.67 and no.7447) and reported by Muslim (no.1679) as a hadeeth of Aboo Bakraa radiyAllaahu `anhu and the wording is that of al-Bukhaaree.

[5] This hadeeth is reported by Ahmad in his Musnad and Aboo Daawood and at-Tirmithee and ad-Daarimee and Ibn Hibbaan as a hadeeth of Zayd ibn Thaabit radiyAllaahu `anhu. At-Tirmithee said the hadeeth is hasan and al-Busayree said it is saheeh (authentic).

Shaykh al-Albaanee declared this hadeeth  saheeh (authentic) likewise, in his checking of Aboo Daawood.

Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah

Be in this life as if you were a stranger

by al-Hafidh Ibn Rajab
Translated by Abu az-Zubayr Harrison
Taken from Jami’ al-U’lum wal-Hikam [1]
Hadeeth #40:

Ibn Umar (Radhiallahu ‘Anhum) said: Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) took me by my shoulder and said:
“Be in this life as if you were a stranger or a traveller on a path.”

Ibn Umar used to say,
“If you reach the evening then do not expect to reach the morning, and if you reach the morning then do not expect to reach the evening. Take from your health before your sickness, and from your life before your death.” – [Reported by al-Bukhari]

This hadith is the foundation for limiting one’s hope in this life. So a believer must not take this life as a homeland or permanent residence, his heart being tranquil and resting assured within it. Rather, he must be in it as if he were on a journey, preparing himself to depart. The advice of the Prophets and their followers confirmed this.

Allah said, narrating upon a believer at the time of Fir’awn that he said:
“O my people! Truly, this life of the world is nothing but a (quick passing) enjoyment, and verily, the hereafter that is the home that will remain forever.” [Ghafir : 39]

Ali ibn Abi Talib used to say,
“Certainly this life has begun travelling away, and the hereafter has begun travelling forward, and each has its children. So be from the children of the hereafter, and don’t be from the children of this life. For indeed today there is action with no account, and tomorrow there will be account with no action.”
Umar ibn Abdul Azeez said in his khutbah,
“This life is not your permanent abode. Allaah has prescribed for it to come to an end and He has prescribed for its people to depart from it. How often has a thriving population been ruined for something insignificant, and how often has a joyful resident been made to depart for something insignificant. So prepare well, may Allaah have mercy on you, for the journey with the best of what you have of preparations, and take provisions, for the best of provisions is Taqwa.”

So if this life is not a permanent residence nor homeland for the believer, then the situation of the believer in it must be either one of two conditions: Either as if he were a stranger residing in a strange land with his main concern being to take provisions for his return to his real homeland; or as if he were a traveller, in no way residing in it, rather his every night and day is spent going to his land of residence.

For this, the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) advised Ibn Umar to be in this life in one of these two conditions:

The first condition: That the believer abandons himself as if he were a stranger in this life, appearing to be a resident, yet really in a strange land. So his heart is not attached to this strange land. Rather, his heart is attached to his homeland that he is returning to. He is only staying in this life to fulfill his objective – preparing for the return to his homeland.
Al-Fudhayl ibn Iyyad said: “A believer in this life is worried and sad. His worry is the objective of preparing himself. So whoever’s condition in this life is such, then he has no concern other than taking provisions from what will benefit him during the return to his homeland. So he does not compete with the people of the land, among whom he is merely a stranger, in what they consider honorable. And he does not become worried if he seems insignificant among them.”

Al-Hasan (al-Basri) said: “The believer is like a stranger. He does not become worried due to being insignificant in it (this life), and he does not compete for honor in it. His condition is one and the people are in another condition. Whenever Allah created Aآdam (‘Alayhis Salaam), He made him and his wife reside in Paradise. Then he was put out of it, yet was promised to return to it, he and the righteous ones among his offspring. So the believer is always longing for his first homeland…”

The second condition: That the believer lowers himself in this life as if he were a traveller, in no way residing in it. He is only moving along in one of the points of his journey until he finishes his journey to its end, which is death. Whoever’s condition in this life is such, then his main concern is obtaining the provision for the journey. He is not concerned with an Abundance of the enjoyment of this life. For this reason, the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) advised a group of his Companions for their main concern in this life to be like the provision of a traveller.
One of the Salaf wrote to one of his brothers:
“Oh my brother, it appears to you as if you are a resident. However, you are really only persistently travelling, and you are moving rapidly. Death is heading towards you, and this life is passing behind you. What has passed of your life will not return to you (to rectify it) on the Day of Taghabun (The Day of Resurrection).”

Al-Fudhayl ibn Iyyad said to a man, “How many (years) have come upon you?“

He replied, “Sixty years.”

He said, “Therefore, for sixty years you have been going to your Lord and you are about to reach (Him).”

So the man said, “To Allaah we belong and to Him we are returning!”

So al-Fudhayl asked, “Do you know the meaning of that (statement)? You are saying, ‘I belong to Allaah as a servant and I am going to return to Him.’ So whoever knows that he belongs to Allaah as a servant and that he will return to him, then he should know that he will be stopped. And whoever knows that he will be stopped, then he should know that he will be questioned. And whoever knows that he will be questioned, then let him prepare an answer for the question.”

The man asked, “So what should I do?”

He said, “It is easy.”

The man again asked, “What is it?”

al-Fudhayl said, “Do good in what remains, then what has passed shall be forgiven. Yet, if you do evil in what remains, then you will be taken to account for what has passed as well as for what remains.”

Some of the wise people said, “Whoever made the days and nights his riding animal, then they will take him (to his destination) even if he doesn’t move.”

al-Awzaa’i wrote to one of his brothers, “As to what follows: You have been encompassed from every side. Know that you are moving forward with each day and night. So beware of Allaah and of the standing between His hands. And your final promise will be with Him. Was-Salam.”

As for the advice of Ibn Umar, then it is based upon this Hadeeth that he himself has narrated. It (his advice) includes an end to prolonged hope. And that if a person happens to reach the evening, then he should not wait for, or expect to reach the morning. And if he happens to reach the morning, then he should not wait for, or expect to reach the evening. Rather, he should assume that his end will reach him before that. With this same meaning, more than one of the scholars have explained the concept of having Zuhd in this life.

Al-Marwathi said: It was said to Abu Abdullah – meaning Ahmad (ibn Hanbal),
“What is the meaning of having Zuhd in this life?“

He said, “Not prolonging hope too much – He who says when he wakes up, ‘I will not reach the evening.’”
He said, “And Sufyaan (ath-Thawri) said likewise.”

It was then said to Abu Abdullah, “With what do we seek help in not prolonging our hope?”

He replied, “We don’t know. It is only by Tawfiq (Success exclusively granted by Allaah).”

As for his (Ibn Umar’s) statement: “Take from your health before your sickness, and from your life before your death.”

Meaning: Take advantage of being able to do righteous deeds with what remains of your health before sickness prevents you from them, and from your life before death prevents you from them.

And in another narration: “..For surely, oh servant of Allah, you don’t even know what your own name will be tomorrow.”

Meaning: Perhaps tomorrow you will be among the dead, not the living.

The meaning of this advice has been reported from the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) from a different perspective. In Sahîh al-Bukhari, it is reported that Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:
“There are two blessing which many people are deprived of: health and free time.”

And in the Mustadrak of al-Hakim, it is reported that Ibn Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) said to a man while advising him:
“Take advantage of five things before five other things: from your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your richness before your poverty, your free time before you become occupied, and from your life before your death.” [4]

The meaning of this is that all of these things hinder the performance of deeds. Some of them personally preoccupy the person such as his poverty, richness, sickness, his old age, or his death. Others are more general such as the establishment of the Last Hour, the appearance of the Dajjal, and o ther disturbing trials as is mentioned in the Hadeeth:
“Take the initiative to do deeds, before trials come like a piece of a dark night (unexpectedly).”[5]

After the appearance of some of these more general events, no deeds will be of any benefit as Allah said:
“The day that some of the Signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith.”
[Al-An'am : 158]

In the two Saheehs (al-Bukhari and Muslim), Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:
“The Hour will not be established until the sun rises from the west. So when it rises and the people see it, they will all believe. That is when the faith of a person will not benefit him if he did not previously believe or if he did not earn good by his faith.”

And in Saheeh Muslim, the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:
“There are three events that if they occur, the faith of a person will not benefit him if he did not previously believe or if he did not earn good by his faith: the rising of the sun from the west, the Dajjal, and the Beast from the earth.” [7]

Also in Sahîh Muslim, the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:
“Whoever repents before the sun rises from the west, Allaah will accept his repentance.” [8]

Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:
“Allah extends his hand during the night to accept the repentance of the sinner of the day, and He extends his hand during the day to accept the repentance of the sinner of the night, until the sun rises from the west.” [9]

So the believer must take the initiative in performing righteous deeds before he is overtaken by the decree and prevented from doing them either by sickness or death, or by some of these signs reaching him after which no deed will be accepted.

Abu Hazim said,“The merchandise of the hereafter is in little demand. It is about to be spent with no one obtaining it except a few, not many.”

So when a person is prevented from deeds, nothing remains for him except regret and sorrow. He will wish to return to the previous situation in which he was be able to perform deeds, yet wishing at that time will not benefit him in anything.

Allah, the Most High says:
“And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him, (in Islam), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped. And follow the best of that which is sent down to you from your Lord (i.e. this Qur’aan, do what it orders you to do and keep away from what it forbids), before the torment comes on you suddenly while you perceive not! Lest a person should say: ‘Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allaah (i.e. I have not done what Allah has ordered me to do), and I was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth!' i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), the Qur'aan, and Muhammad and at the faithful believers, etc.] Or (lest) he should say: ‘If only Allah had guided me, I should indeed have been among the Muttaqûn (pious and righteous people)’. Or (lest) he should say when he sees the torment: ‘If only I had another chance (to return to the world) then I should indeed be among the Muhsinûn (good-doers).’”[Az-Zumar : 54-58]

And He says: “Until, when death comes to one of them (those who join partners with Allah), he says: ‘My Lord! Send me back, so that I may do good in that which I have left behind!’ No! It is but a word that he speaks, and behind them is Barzakh (a barrier) until the Day when they will be resurrected.” [Al-Mu'minûn : 99-100]

And He, the Mighty and Majestic, says:
“And spend (in charity) of that with which We have provided you, before death comes to one of you and he says: ‘My Lord! If only You would give me respite for a little while (i.e. return to the worldly life), then I should give Sadaqah (i.e. Zakat) of my wealth, and be among the righteous.’ [i.e. perform Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)] And Allah grants respite to none when his appointed time (death) comes. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” [Al-Munafiqoon : 99-100]

So since the matter is like this, it is incumbent upon the believer to take advantage of what remains from his life. In explanation of this, it is said: “the remainder of the believer’s life is priceless.”

Sa’id ibn Jubayr said, “Each day the believer lives, is a treasure.”

——————————————————————————————————-

1 With the authentication of Salim al-Hilali.
2 Translators Note: A large amount of Arabic poetry, due to the difficulty in translating it adequately, has been omitted.
3 Reported by al-Bukhari, vol. 11, pg. 229 (in Fath al-Barî).
4 Reported by al-Hakim, vol. 4, no. 306. He declared it to be Sahîh according to the condition of the two Shaykhs (al-Bukharî and Muslim) and ath-Thahabî agreed with him as well as our Shaykh (al-Albani) in the checking of the Hadeeths of “Iqtida al-I’lm al-A’mal,” no. 170.
5 Reported by Muslim, no. 118.
6 Reported by al-Bukhari, vol. 8, pg. 296-297 (in Fath al-Bari) and Muslim, no. 157.
7 Reported by Muslim, no. 158.
8 Reported by Muslim, no. 2703.
9 Reported by Muslim, no. 2759.

(taken from : http://yushaevans.com/2012/12/30/be-in-this-life-as-if-you-were-a-stranger/)

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatulahi wa Barakatu

This by far is one of my absolute favourite Surah (chapter) from the Holy Qur'an. This Surah leaves me speechless and truly humbles me and makes me reflect upon the true miracles that our Creator has sent forth to us. So which of His favours do you deny? If you are a non-Muslim, this Chapter (amongst many) should really help you in your search for truth. Allah the Almighty, lays it out clear for every single one of His creations to see. Read, absorb, & reflect. It will truly humble you and we all need some serious humility in our lives these days. Pride & ignorance is the root of all evil.

Surah Yunus (Chapter 10- Jonah)

1. Alif-Lam-Ra. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. These are the Verses of the Book (the Qur'an) Al-Hakim[showing lawful and unlawful things, explaining Allah's (Divine) Laws for mankind, leading them to eternal happiness by ordering them to follow the true Islamic Monotheism, - worshipping none but Allah Alone - that will guide them to Paradise and save them from Hell].

2. Is it wonder for mankind that We have sent Our Inspiration to a man from among themselves (i.e. Prophet Muhammad ) (saying): "Warn mankind (of the coming torment in Hell), and give good news to those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and in His Prophet Muhammad ) that they shall have with their Lord the rewards of their good deeds?" (But) the disbelievers say: "This is indeed an evident sorcerer (i.e. Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an)!

3. Surely, your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then Istawa (rose over) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty), disposing the affair of all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His Leave. That is Allah, your Lord; so worship Him (Alone). Then, will you not remember?

4. To Him is the return of all of you. The Promise of Allah is true. It is He Who begins the creation and then will repeat it, that He may reward with justice those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and did deeds of righteousness. But those who disbelieved will have a drink of boiling fluids and painful torment because they used to disbelieve.

5. It is He Who made the sun a shining thing and the moon as a light and measured out its (their) stages, that you might know the number of years and the reckoning. Allah did not create this but in truth. He explains the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail for people who have knowledge.

6. Verily, in the alternation of the night and the day and in all that Allah has created in the heavens and the earth are Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for those people who keep their duty to Allah, and fear Him much.

7. Verily, those who hope not for their meeting with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present world, and those who are heedless of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.),

8. Those, their abode will be the Fire, because of what they used to earn.

9. Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah along with the six articles of Faith, i.e. to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, Day of Resurrection, and Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments) - Islamic Monotheism], and do deeds of righteousness, their Lord will guide them through their Faith; under them will flow rivers in the Gardens of delight (Paradise).

10. Their way of request therein will be Subhanaka Allahumma (Glory to You, O Allah!) and Salam (peace, safe from each and every evil) will be their greetings therein (Paradise)! and the close of their request will be: Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-'Alamin [All the praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)].

11. And were Allah to hasten for mankind the evil (they invoke for themselves and for their children, etc. while in a state of anger) as He hastens for them the good (they invoke) then they would have been ruined. So We leave those who expect not their meeting with Us, in their trespasses, wandering blindly in distraction. (Tafsir At-Tabari; Vol. 11, Page 91)

12. And when harm touches man, he invokes Us, lying down on his side, or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on his way as if he had never invoked Us for a harm that touched him! Thus it seems fair to the Musrifun that which they used to do.

13. And indeed, We destroyed generations before you, when they did wrong while their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe! Thus do We requite the people who are Mujrimun (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals, etc.).

14. Then We made you follow after them, generations after generations in the land, that We might see how you would work!

15. And when Our Clear Verses are recited unto them, those who hope not for their meeting with Us, say: Bring us a Qur'an other than this, or change it."Say (O Muhammad ): "It is not for me to change it on my own accord; I only follow that which is revealed unto me. Verily, I fear if I were to disobey my Lord, the torment of the Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)."

16. Say (O Muhammad ): "If Allah had so willed, I should not have recited it to you nor would He have made it known to you. Verily, I have stayed amongst you a life time before this. Have you then no sense?"

17. So who does more wrong than he who forges a lie against Allah or denies His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)? Surely, the Mujrimun (criminals, sinners, disbelievers and polytheists) will never be successful!

18. And they worship besides Allah things that hurt them not, nor profit them, and they say: "These are our intercessors with Allah." Say: "Do you inform Allah of that which He knows not in the heavens and on the earth?" Glorified and Exalted be He above all that which they associate as partners with Him!

19. Mankind were but one community (i.e. on one religion - Islamic Monotheism), then they differed (later), and had not it been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord, it would have been settled between them regarding what they differed .

20. And they say: "How is it that not a sign is sent down on him from his Lord?" Say: "The unseen belongs to Allah Alone, so wait you, verily I am with you among those who wait (for Allah's Judgement)."

21. And when We let mankind taste of mercy after some adversity has afflicted them, behold! They take to plotting against Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)! Say: "Allah is more Swift in planning!" Certainly, Our Messengers (angels) record all of that which you plot.

22. He it is Who enables you to travel through land and sea, till when you are in the ships and they sail with them with a favourable wind, and they are glad therein, then comes a stormy wind and the waves come to them from all sides, and they think that they are encircled therein, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him Alone, saying: "If You (Allah) deliver us from this, we shall truly be of the grateful."

23. But when He delivered them, behold! They rebel (disobey Allah) in the earth wrongfully. O mankind! Your rebellion (disobedience to Allah) is only against your ownselves, - a brief enjoyment of this worldly life, then (in the end) unto Us is your return, and We shall inform you that which you used to do.

24. Verily the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, so by it arises the intermingled produce of the earth of which men and cattle eat until when the earth is clad with its adornments and is beautified, and its people think that they have all the powers of disposal over it, Our Command reaches it by night or by day and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday! Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, laws, etc.) in detail for the people who reflect.

25. Allah calls to the home of peace (i.e. Paradise, by accepting Allah's religion of Islamic Monotheism and by doing righteous good deeds and abstaining from polytheism and evil deeds) and guides whom He wills to a Straight Path.

26. For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honour of glancing at the Countenance of Allah ) Neither darkness nor dust nor any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces. They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever.

27. And those who have earned evil deeds, the recompense of an evil deed is the like thereof, and humiliating disgrace will cover them (their faces). No defender will they have from Allah. Their faces will be covered, as it were, with pieces from the darkness of night. They are dwellers of the Fire, they will abide therein forever.

28. And the Day whereon We shall gather them all together, then We shall say to those who did set partners in worship with Us: "Stop at your place! You and your partners (whom you had worshipped in the worldly life)." then We shall separate them, and their (Allah's so-called) partners shall say: "It was not us that you used to worship."

29. "So sufficient is Allah for a witness between us and you, that We indeed knew nothing of your worship of us."

30. There! Every person will know (exactly) what (all) he had earned before, and they will be brought back to Allah, their rightful Lord (Maula), and their invented false deities will vanish from them.

31. Say (O Muhammad ): "Who provides for you from the sky and from the earth? Or who owns hearing and sight? And who brings out the living from the dead and brings out the dead from the living? And who disposes the affairs?" They will say: "Allah." Say: "Will you not then be afraid of Allah's Punishment (for setting up rivals in worship with Allah)?"

32. Such is Allah, your Lord in truth. So after the truth, what else can there be, save error? How then are you turned away?

33. Thus is the Word of your Lord justified against those who rebel (disobey Allah) that they will not believe (in the Oneness of Allah and in Muhammad as the Messenger of Allah).

34. Say: "Is there of your (Allah's so-called) partners one that originates the creation and then repeats it?" Say: "Allah originates the creation and then He repeats it. Then how are you deluded away (from the truth)?"

35. Say: "Is there of your (Allah's so-called) partners one that guides to the truth?" Say: "It is Allah Who guides to the truth. Is then He, Who gives guidance to the truth, more worthy to be followed, or he who finds not guidance (himself) unless he is guided? Then, what is the matter with you? How judge you?"

36. And most of them follow nothing but conjecture. Certainly, conjecture can be of no avail against the truth. Surely, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.

37. And this Qur'an is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah (Lord of the heavens and the earth), but it is a confirmation of (the revelation) which was before it [i.e. the Taurat (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.], and a full explanation of the Book (i.e. laws and orders, etc, decreed for mankind) - wherein there is no doubt from the the Lord of the'Alamin (mankind, jinns,and all that exists).

38. Or do they say: "He (Muhammad ) has forged it?" Say: "Bring then a Surah (chapter) like unto it, and call upon whomsoever you can, besides Allah, if you are truthful!"

39. Nay, they deny that; the knowledge whereof they could not compass and whereof the interpretation has not yet come unto them. Thus those before them did deny. Then see what was the end of the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.)!

40. And of them there are some who believe therein, and of them there are some who believe not therein, and your Lord is All-Aware of the Mufsidun (evil-doers, liars, etc.).

41. And if they belie you, say: "For me are my deeds and for you are your deeds! You are innocent of what I do, and I am innocent of what you do!"

42. And among them are some who listen to you, but can you make the deaf to hear, even though they apprehend not?

43. And among them are some who look at you, but can you guide the blind, even though they see not?

44. Truly! Allah wrongs not mankind in aught; but mankind wrong themselves.

45. And on the Day when He shall gather (resurrect) them together, (it will be) as if they had not stayed (in the life of this world and graves, etc.) but an hour of a day. They will recognise each other. Ruined indeed will be those who denied the meeting with Allah, and were not guided.

46. Whether We show you (in your lifetime, O Muhammad ) some of what We promise them (the torment), - or We cause you to die, - still unto Us is their return, and moreover Allah is Witness over what they used to do.

47. And for every Ummah (a community or a nation), there is a Messenger; when their Messenger comes, the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged.

48. And they say: "When will be this promise (the torment or the Day of Resurrection), - if you speak the truth?"

49. Say (O Muhammad ): "I have no power over any harm or profit to myself except what Allah may will. For every Ummah (a community or a nation), there is a term appointed; when their term is reached, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment)." (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi).

50. Say: "Tell me, - if His torment should come to you by night or by day, - which portion thereof would the Mujrimun (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals) hasten on ?"

51. Is it then, that when it has actually befallen, that you will believe in it? What! Now (you believe)? And you used (aforetime) to hasten it on!"

52. Then it will be said to them who wronged themselves: "Taste you the everlasting torment! Are you recompensed (aught) save what you used to earn?"

53. And they ask you (O Muhammad ) to inform them (saying): "Is it true (i.e. the torment and the establishment of the Hour; - the Day of Resurrection)?" Say: "Yes! By my Lord! It is the very truth! and you cannot escape from it!"

54. And if every person who had wronged (by disbelieving in Allah and by worshipping others besides Allah), possessed all that is on earth, and sought to ransom himself therewith (it will not be accepted), and they would feel in their hearts regret when they see the torment, and they will be judged with justice, and no wrong will be done unto them.

55. No doubt, surely, all that is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. No doubt, surely, Allah's Promise is true. But most of them know not.

56. It is He Who gives life, and causes death, and to Him you (all) shall return.

57. O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur'an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, - a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers.

58. Say: "In the Bounty of Allah, and in His Mercy (i.e. Islam and the Qur'an); -therein let them rejoice." That is better than what (the wealth) they amass.

59. Say (O Muhammad to these polytheists): "Tell me, what provision Allah has sent down to you! And you have made of it lawful and unlawful." Say (O Muhammad ): "Has Allah permitted you (to do so), or do you invent a lie against Allah?"

60. And what think those who invent lies against Allah, on the Day of Resurrection? [i.e. Do they think that they will be forgiven and excused! Nay, they will have an eternal punishment in the Fire of Hell]. Truly, Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.

61. Whatever you (O Muhammad ) may be doing, and whatever portion you may be reciting from the Qur'an, - and whatever deed you (mankind) may be doing (good or evil), We are Witness thereof, when you are doing it. And nothing is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom (or small ant) on the earth or in the heaven. Not what is less than that or what is greater than that but is (written) in a Clear Record. (Tafsir At-Tabari. Vol.11, Page 129).

62. No doubt! Verily, the Auliya' of Allah [i.e. those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which he has forbidden), and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve , -

63. Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and used to fear Allah much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds).

64. For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present world (i.e. righteous dream seen by the person himself or shown to others), and in the Hereafter. No change can there be in the Words of Allah, this is indeed the supreme success.

65. And let not their speech grieve you (O Muhammad ), for all power and honour belong to Allah. He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

66. No doubt! Verily, to Allah belongs whosoever is in the heavens and whosoever is in the earth. And those who worship and invoke others besides Allah, in fact they follow not the (Allah's so-called) partners, they follow only a conjecture and they only invent lies.

67. He it is Who has appointed for you the night that you may rest therein, and the day to make things visible (to you). Verily, in this are Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for a people who listen (i.e. those who think deeply).

68. They (Jews, Christians and pagans) say: "Allah has begotten a son (children)." Glory be to Him! He is Rich (Free of all wants). His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. No warrant you have for this. Do you say against Allah what you know not.

69. Say: "Verily, those who invent lie against Allah will never be successful" -

70. A brief enjoyment in this world! - and then unto Us will be their return, then We shall make them taste the severest torment because they used to disbelieve [in Allah, belie His Messengers, deny and challenge His Ayat (proofs, signs, verses, etc.)].

71. And recite to them the news of Nuh (Noah). When he said to his people: "O my people, if my stay (with you), and my reminding (you) of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah is hard on you, then I put my trust in Allah. So devise your plot, you and your partners, and let not your plot be in doubt for you. Then pass your sentence on me and give me no respite.

72. "But if you turn away [from accepting my doctrine of Islamic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allah], then no reward have I asked of you, my reward is only from Allah, and I have been commanded to be one of the Muslims (those who submit to Allah's Will)."

73. They denied him, but We delivered him, and those with him in the ship, and We made them generations replacing one after another, while We drowned those who belied Our Ayat(proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). Then see what was the end of those who were warned.

74. Then after him We sent Messengers to their people, they brought them clear proofs, but they would not believe what they had already rejected beforehand. Thus We seal the hearts of the transgressors (those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allah and disobey Him).

75. Then after them We sent Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron) to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). But they behaved arrogantly and were Mujrimun (disbelievers, sinners, polytheists, criminals, etc.) folk.

76. So when came to them the truth from Us, they said: "This is indeed clear magic."

77. Musa (Moses) said: "Say you (this) about the truth when it has come to you? Is this magic? But the magicians will never be successful."

78. They said: "Have you come to us to turn us away from that (Faith) we found our fathers following, - and that you two may have greatness in the land? We are not going to believe you two!"

79. And Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "Bring to me every well-versed sorcerer."

80. And when the sorcerers came, Musa (Moses) said to them: "Cast down what you want to cast!"

81. Then when they had cast down, Musa (Moses) said: "What you have brought is sorcery, Allah will surely make it of no effect. Verily, Allah does not set right the work of Al-Mufsidun(the evil-doers, corrupts, etc.).

82. "And Allah will establish and make apparent the truth by His Words, however much the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) may hate it."

83. But none believed in Musa (Moses) except the offspring of his people, because of the fear of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs, lest they should persecute them; and verily, Fir'aun (Pharaoh) was arrogant tyrant on the earth, he was indeed one of the Musrifun (polytheists, sinners and transgressors, those who give up the truth and follow the evil, and commit all kinds of great sins).

84. And Musa (Moses) said: "O my people! If you have believed in Allah, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who submit to Allah's Will)."

85. They said: "In Allah we put our trust. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the folk who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doing) (i.e. do not make them overpower us).

86. "And save us by Your Mercy from the disbelieving folk."

87. And We inspired Musa (Moses) and his brother (saying): "Take dwellings for your people in Egypt, and make your dwellings as places for your worship, and perform As-Salat(Iqamat-as-Salat), and give glad tidings to the believers."

88. And Musa (Moses) said: "Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed on Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs splendour and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord! That they may lead men astray from Your Path. Our Lord! Destroy their wealth, and harden their hearts, so that they will not believe until they see the painful torment."

89. Allah said: "Verily, the invocation of you both is accepted. So you both keep to the Straight Way (i.e. keep on doing good deeds and preaching Allah's Message with patience), and follow not the path of those who know not (the truth i.e. to believe in the Oneness of Allah, and also to believe in the Reward of Allah: Paradise, etc.)."

90. And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Fir'aun (Pharaoh) with his hosts followed them in oppression and enmity, till when drowning overtook him, he said: "I believe that La ilaha illa (Huwa): (none has the right to be worshipped but) He," in Whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am one of the Muslims (those who submit to Allah's Will)."

91. Now (you believe) while you refused to believe before and you were one of the Mufsidun (evil-doers, corrupts, etc.).

92. So this day We shall deliver your (dead) body (out from the sea) that you may be a sign to those who come after you! And verily, many among mankind are heedless of Our Ayat(proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs , revelations, etc.).

93. And indeed We settled the Children of Israel in an honourable dwelling place (Sham and Misr), and provided them with good things, and they differed not until the knowledge came to them. Verily, Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection in that in which they used to differ.

94. So if you (O Muhammad ) are in doubt concerning that which We have revealed unto you, [i.e. that your name is written in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] then ask those who are reading the Book [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before you. Verily, the truth has come to you from your Lord. So be not of those who doubt (it) .

95. And be not one of those who deny the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, for then you shall be one of the losers.

96. Truly! Those, against whom the Word (Wrath) of your Lord has been justified, will not believe.

97. Even if every sign should come to them, - until they see the painful torment.

98. Was there any town (community) that believed (after seeing the punishment), and its Faith (at that moment) saved it (from the punishment)? (The answer is none,) - except the people of Yunus (Jonah); when they believed, We removed from them the torment of disgrace in the life of the (present) world, and permitted them to enjoy for a while.

99. And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together. So,will you (O Muhammad ) then compel mankind, until they become believers.

100. It is not for any person to believe, except by the Leave of Allah, and He will put the wrath on those who are heedless.

101. Say: "Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth," but neither Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) nor warners benefit those who believe not.

102. Then do they wait for (anything) save for (destruction) like the days of the men who passed away before them? Say: "Wait then, I am (too) with you among those who wait."

103. Then (in the end) We save Our Messengers and those who believe! Thus it is incumbent upon Us to save the believers.

104. Say (O Muhammad ): "O you mankind! If you are in doubt as to my religion (Islam), then (know that) I will never worship those whom you worship, besides Allah. But I worship Allah Who causes you to die, I am commanded to be one of the believers.

105. "And (it is inspired to me): Direct your face (O Muhammad ) entirely towards the religion Hanifa (Islamic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone), and never be one of the Mushrikun (those who ascribe partners to Allah, polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who worship others along with Allah).

106. "And invoke not besides Allah, any that will neither profit you, nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers). "

107. And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

108. . Say: "O you mankind! Now truth (i.e. the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad ), has come to you from your Lord. So whosoever receives guidance, he does so for the good of his own self, and whosoever goes astray, he does so to his own loss, and I am not (set) over you as a Wakil (disposer of affairs to oblige you for guidance)."

109. And (O Muhammad ), follow the inspiration sent unto you, and be patient till Allah gives judgement. And He is the Best of judges.