1. Surah al-Fatihah

This is the first Surah of the Qur'an, although it is not the first in the order of revelation. It was revealed to the Prophet -peace be upon him- in Makkah in the early period of his mission. The Surah has seven verses.

The Surah is both a Du'a (prayer) and an introduction of the Qur'an. It teaches the basic principles of Islamic faith. All praise and thanks are for Allah who is the Lord of all the worlds. Allah is most merciful and most compassionate. Allah is also the Master of the Day of Judgment. We should pray to Allah only and we should seek His help. We seek His guidance and help to walk on the straight path. This is the path of those who received Allah's favors, not the path of those who incurred His anger or who went astray.

Author : Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi
Source

2. Surah al-Baqarah

This is the longest Surah of the Qur'an. It has 286 verses divided in 40 sections. This Surah was revealed in Madinah. The Surah deals with a number of issues related to beliefs, history, law and morality. The Surah begins with the statement that it is Allah who revealed this book (the Qur'an) for the guidance of those who are conscious of Allah. Only those who seek guidance can benefit from the guidance of this Book. There are three types of human beings:

1. Those who believe in the unseen realities, perform prayers, give part of their wealth in charity, believe in what is revealed in this scripture and what was revealed before to other prophets and messengers of Allah. These are the true believers. They shall benefit from this book and they shall be eternally successful.

2. Second group consists of those who have decided to reject Allah's message. They are the Kafirs. Since they have made up their minds to reject Islam, no preaching will help them. Allah will punish them on the Day of Judgment because of their rejection.

3. Third is the group of people who say that they have believed, but actually they have not believed. They try to be on both sides: sometimes at the side of faith and sometimes at the side of unfaith. They are the hypocrites. They may think that in this way they will gain both sides, but in reality they are also the losers.

All people are invited to worship Allah and to become His true servants. Allah created all people and He made the earth and heaven for their benefit and produced sustenance for them. The problem comes when people deny their Creator, break the relations that Allah told them to keep, follow the wrong ways in life and make mischief in the land.

The story of the creation of human beings is told. Allah created Adam. He gave him knowledge, asked angels to bow to him and gave him and his wife the garden of bliss to reside and enjoy its fruits. He told them to eat whatever they wished, but not to approach one tree. But Satan caused Adam to lose paradise. Allah sent Adam and his wife to earth and told them that they must remember the lesson that they learnt in the Paradise: They need God's guidance. Satan is their biggest enemy. Those who will obey Allah on this earth will return to Paradise, but those who will obey Satan may end up in hell.

Allah's covenant with the children of Israel is mentioned. It is mentioned that those who receive Allah's covenant they must live by it. Allah blessed those who fulfill their promise with Him. Prophet Ibrahim's prayer, Ka'bah's importance and the coming of Prophet Muhammad is also mentioned. The command to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Ka'bah to emphasize the final covenant of Allah with Prophet Muhammad and his followers. The Surah also speaks about basic beliefs, acts of worship, economic dealings, moral and manners. The rules of marriage, divorce and 'iddah are mentioned. The Surah has discussed many subjects. Following the outline of the sections of this Surah.

Introduction to the Sections

1. The Book of Guidance for those who want to be righteous. The difference between the believers and the non-believers.
2. The hypocrites: their sickness, mischief and self-deception.
3. Mankind, worship Allah alone. Make no partners in Allah's divinity. The challenge of the Qur’an. This Book will guide many but many will remain in error. The character of those who shall remain in error.
4. The story of the creation of Adam. Allah’s plan and promise to send His guidance from time to time through His prophets.
5. Address to Bani Israel to accept this message. Allah’s covenant must be fulfilled.
6. Warnings to those who stray from the covenant of God. How some from among the Children of Israel turned away from God’s teachings.
7. God’s blessings on the Children of Israel and their transgressions.
8. The real recipients of Divine salvation. The hesitation of Bani Israel in sacrificing the cow.
9. Some perversions of those who were supposed to follow the law of God.
10. Basic principles of God’s Covenant with the Children of Israel.
11. Some of them were arrogant to follow the teachings of their prophets, some rejected the prophets or tried to kill them, some worshipped the calf, disobeyed God’s commands and became too greedy for the life of this world.
12. Opposition and enmity towards the Prophets, following devils and magic.
13. Reminders to the Believers to follow these examples. Stay firm on your principles. Some among the People of the Book will try to mislead you with false claims and assertions.
14. The true guidance of Allah is here. Read the Book of Allah and follow it.
15. The great example of Prophet Ibrahim –peace be upon him. He and his son built the Ka’bah and prayed for a Prophet to come.
16. Prophet Ibrahim –peace be upon him- submitted to Allah and this is the message that he and his sons gave to their progeny.
17. The change of Qiblah and the response of the hypocrites and fools. Those who have knowledge know that this is the true Qiblah of all the Prophets.
18. Follow this direction wherever you are. This is the universal Qiblah for all.
19. Believers will be tried but they should be firm and steadfast and must face the trials with patience and prayers.
20. Allah’s signs and His bounties are everywhere. The polytheists and idolaters are misplacing their loyalties.
21. Believers should eat good and permissible food and should never follow the steps of the devil.
22. The true piety and righteousness. Some rules related to the punishment of murderers. The rules of bequests.
23. Fasting and Ramadan: the objective of fasting and some rules.
24. Rules of Hajj, fighting those who expelled Muslims from their homes.
25. No fighting during Hajj, rather seek God’s bounty when you return from Hajj.
26. Appreciate God’s bounties. All human beings were originally one community. Divisions came later. Be generous and defend your self and your faith.
27. Some important questions answered: War in the sacred months, wine and gambling, charity, orphans’ money, divorced women and their situation.
28. The laws of divorce
29. Continuation of the laws of divorce.
30. Rules on the remarriage of the divorced women or the widowers.
31. Further rules of divorce
32. Fighting in the cause of God: two examples from history- Israelites under the leadership of Prophet Moses –peace be upon him.
33. Under the leadership of Prophet David – peace be upon him- the victory came over the forces of Goliath.
34. Emphasis on charity. To Allah belong everything. His Throne extends to heaven and earth. No compulsion in religion. Allah brings out people from darkness unto light.
35. Allah’s power over life and death, some examples: Prophet Ibrahim’s dialogue with Namrood, a man in the valley of dead (probably Prophet Ezekiel’s vision of Jerusalem), Prophet Ibrahim asks Allah how will He raise the dead to life. Allah’s answer to Prophet Ibrahim.
36. Allah blesses charity : some examples of how Allah blesses charity
37. Emphasis on charity: spend good things, give openly and secretly to the poor and needy.
38. Prohibition of usuary (riba) and its bad effects on individuals and society
39. Some rules on loan transactions
40. Conclusion and prayer: Everything in the heaven and earth belong to Allah, the prayer of the believers.

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To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)

3. Surah 'Al 'Imran

This is the 3rd Surah of the Qur'an according to its arrangement, but it is 89th Surah according to the order of revelation. It is a Madani Surah. This means that it was revealed after the Hijrah, some part of it was revealed in the 3rd year of Hijrah and some later.

'Al 'Imran means "the family of 'Imran". Imran was the father of Prophets Musa and Haroon -peace be upon them. There are references in this Surah to these two great Prophets of Allah and then the story of Mary and birth of Jesus is mentioned.

The main topics of this Surah are Tawhid, Prophethood and the truth of the Qur' an. As Surah al-Baqarah discussed the issues related to Bani Israel, this Surah discusses some issues related to the Christian community and their religious positions. It also discusses the subjects of Hajj, Jihad, Zakat and Riba. It ends, like Surah al-Baqarah, with a du'a.

This Surah consists of 200 verses divided in 20 sections.

Introduction to the Sections

1. Allah is the Ever-Living, Self-Subsisting. He sent the Qur'an as He sent before the Tawrat and Injil for the guidance of people. True believers are those who accept every thing of the Book of Allah and try to understand it. Believers pray always for Allah's guidance for them.
2. Those who reject the truth, their wealth and their progeny will not avail them anything against the chastisement of Allah.
3. Allah bears witness for His own Tawhid as well as the angels and the people of knowledge. The religion acceptable in the sight of Allah is Islam.
4. To love Allah one must follow the Prophet. Obedience to Allah and His Messenger are necessary for faith. Allah chose Adam, Noah, Family of Ibrahim and the Family of Imran to guide humanity through them. Many prophets and messengers of Allah came for this purpose.
5. Birth of Jesus -peace be upon him- and his true message.
6. Jesus preached the message of Tawhid. His true followers are those who recognize Tawhid. Jesus’ birth was miraculous, just as Adam’s was miraculous. Some Christians argued with the Prophet. He asked them to come for an open Mubahalah.
7. Invitation to the People of the Book to come to a common word of Tawhid and obedience to Allah.
8. Some People of the Book try to discredit Islam. Muslims are warned to be conscious of this challenge.
9. Previous prophets and their scriptures confirm the truth of Islam.
10. Charity and sacrifice are necessary to attain faith and piety. Muslims should pay attention to the Ka’bah and stand firm to give the message of Islam to the world.
11. Muslims must remain conscious of Allah and must hold fast together the rope of Allah, i.e His Book and His guidance.
12. Role of the Muslim Ummah in the world.
13. Critical review of the Battle of Uhud
14. Prohibition of Riba and emphasis on charity. Believers must hasten to seek the forgiveness from their Lord. Some beautiful characters and qualities of the believers are mentioned.
15. Prophet Muhammad is only a Messenger of Allah like other messengers. His death should not mean giving up the faith. Believers must persevere and be patient in difficulties.
16. Criticism of those who showed weakness during the Battle of Uhud. Muslims should be strong in their commitment to faith.
17. True believers and the hypocrites. Hypocrites' delinquency at the time of Uhud
18. Steadfast attitude of the Believers. Shaitan tries to frighten the Believers, but the true Believers become even stronger after trials and tests.
19. Some propaganda of the People of the Book against Islam and how to respond to such challenges.
20. Allah’s promise of success for the Believers. How the believers should pray to Allah and seek His blessings.

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To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)

4. Surah al-Nisa'

This Surah consists of 176 ayat divided into 24 sections.This is a Madani Surah revealed to the Prophet -peace be upon him- between the years 3 and 5 of Hijrah. There are three main themes of this Surah:

1. Establishment of the new Islamic social order after removing the pre-Islamic Jahili system.
2. Answers to the oppositions of Mushrik Arabs as well as neighboring Jews and Christians.
3. Da'wah of Islam to new people
   

Introduction to the Sections

1. Responsibility to take care of the family. Special care of orphans.
2. Laws of inheritance. It is an obligation from Allah.
3. Relations between men and women should be based on the principle of equity and goodness.
4. Rules of marriage especially concerning the women who cannot be taken in marriage.
5. Men and women's rights over their properties.
6. Disagreement and reconciliation between husband and wife.
7. Internal and external purity: rules of wudu, ghusl and prayers.
8. Fulfill the trusts and refer all disputes to Allah and His Messenger.
9. Those who decline to accept the decisions of Allah's Messenger are the hypocrites.
10. It is the duty of the Believers to establish justice and protect the poor and oppressed.
11. Hypocrites' attitude to the Prophet and to the Believers
12. How to deal with the hypocrites who are prone to fighting
13. Believers must respect the life of other Believers, Murder and its punishment.
14. Believers must join and live with other Believers unless they are unable to do so.
15. Prayers for the travelers and those who are in the battlefield.
16. Always be just and do not take the side of the unjust.
17. The secret councils of the hypocrites.
18. Allah will not forgive Shirk. Shaitan's misleading of humans through deceptions and false promises.
19. Some more directions about dealing with orphans and family disputes.
20. Believers must stand for justice for all. Must pay attention to their faith.
21. Hypocrites try to deceive Allah. They are lazy in their prayers. Their end will be the lowest part of hell.
22. Allah's punishment for those who broke their covenant with Him. Some People of the Book tried to crucify Jesus, but Allah saved him.
23. The message of Islam is the same as the message of previous Prophets.
24. Invitation to the People of the Book to accept Islam and recognize the true teachings of Jesus. Some more elaboration on the law of Inheritance.

__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)

5. Surah al-Ma'idah

This is the 5th Surah according to the arrangement of the Qur'an and 112th according to the order of revelation. It was revealed in Madina soon after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah either towards the end of the 6th year of Hijrah or at the beginning of the 7th year of Hijrah. In this Surah there is a verse (5:3) that is believed to be the last verse revealed to the Prophet -peace be upon him. The Surah consists of 120 verses in 16 sections.

There are six main points discussed in this Surah:

1. All obligations whether they are divine or human should be fulfilled. When we have a pledge or promise or sign a treaty we must abide by it. Also Allah gave some rules for life to keep us clean and sober. Cleanliness of the body, living with justice, being upright and moral, avoiding sin, corruption and superstition, and doing the deeds of piety and righteousness are important rules and principles and must be observed.
2. Message to the People of the Book i.e. Christians and Jews to recognize the truth. Allah's punishment comes on those who reject Allah's rules and knowingly violate them.
3. The story of the two children of Adam is told. This story has many lessons. Sometime even your brothers become envious of you and they harm you. Just and righteous persons sometimes suffer at the hands of their own family members, but God's judgment also comes. The righteous under no situation give up right attitude and behavior.
4. Muslims must deal with justice with all people. Justice should be impartial, even to their enemies they must be just. However, relations among Muslims themselves should be deeper. There should not be only justice but also love, brotherhood, care and concern for each other.
5. Enjoy the good things that Allah has given, but guard against excesses. Do not indulge in swearing, gambling, intoxicants, superstitions, violation of the sanctities of the Sanctuary of Allah (the Ka'bah).
6. Jesus -peace be upon him- was a great prophet of Allah. He performed many miracles, but his teachings were not followed and they were corrupted after his departure from this earth.

Introduction to the Sections

1. General Rules of Discipline
2. Cleanliness for prayers, Command to abide by justice.
3. Allah's covenant with the Children of Israel.
4. Children of Israel broke the covenant of God.
5. Musa -peace be upon him- warned the Children of Israel.
6. Story of the two children of Adam, Punishment for the offenders.
7. Allah's rules must be established.
8. The relations of Muslims with their opponents.
9. Those who make the mockery of the truth.
10. How Christians deviated from the truth.
11. Some Christians came closer to Islam and recognized the truth.
12. Prohibition against intoxicants, gambling and shirk.
13. Respect of the Ka'bah.
14. Rules against idolatry and about testimony.
15. Some miracles of Jesus -peace be upon him.
16. How the teachings of Jesus were corrupted after his departure.

__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)

6. Surah al-An'am

This is the 6th Surah according to the arrangement of the Qur'an and 55th Surah according to the order of revelation. This Surah was revealed in Makkah about one or two years before the Hijrah. The Surah has 165 verses in 20 sections.

In this Surah the message of Tawhid is highly emphasized. It contains basic principles of Tawhid. It gives beautiful description of Allah's creative power. It criticizes Shirk and its manifestations. Basic topics discussed here are:

1. Unity of Allah is the reality in this universe.
2. Polytheism has no foundation.
3. Prophet Ibrahim -peace be upon him- preached Tawhid. Other Prophets also gave the same message.
4. Allah's judgment will come and the truth will prevail.
5. Allah gives right guidance about food and other matters of life.

Introduction to the Sections

1. Allah created the heaven and earth but the non-believers call others equal to Allah.
2. Allah’s punishment came upon those who denied the truth.
3. On the Day of Judgment the Mushrikin will admit their guilt.
4. Those who deny the Hereafter they are the real losers. Non-believers ridiculed Allah's Prophets, but in the end the truth prevailed.
5. Nations were warned before. Allah did try them in various ways.
6. Believers should be respected
7. Allah is the Final judge and He will decide the destiny of the individuals or nations.
8. Allah’s majesty, power and might
9. Prophet Ibrahim's arguments against Shirk.
10. Other Prophets also gave the message of Tawhid.
11. Allah's revelation to His Prophets.
12. Allah's signs in the creation.
13. Allah has no partner, no son.
14. Arrogance of the non-believers and their opposition to the Prophets. Do not eat the animals slaughtered in the name of any one other than Allah.
15. Those who plot against Allah, they suffer themselves.
16. Superstitions of the Mushrikin.
17. Allah's gifts for humanity and people's self-imposed prohibitions.
18. What are the things that Allah has forbidden?
19. Universal principles of Islam.
20. The true religion: prayer, sacrifice, life, death, everything must be for Allah.

__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)

7. Surah al-A'raf

This is the 7th Surah of the Qur'an and according to some authorities it is the 39th Surah according to the order of revelation. This Surah was revealed in Makkah about a year or two before the Hijrah. It consists of 206 verses in 24 sections.

The basic theme of this Surah is Risalah, i.e. Allah's message as it was sent through many messengers. Several Prophets and parts of their stories are mentioned to emphasize Prophets’ mission and their struggle with their people. The Surah tells us that Allah's Prophets suffered for the cause of truth. Their enemies tried to harm them, but then Allah helped his prophets and defeated their enemies. The Surah emphasizes that the true message must be presented under all circumstances. After the Prophets it is the duty of the Believers to convey the message of Allah to all people.

Introduction to the Sections

1. The Qur’an is revealed to remind the believers and to warn humankind about the consequences of their actions. The judgment will indeed take place.
2. The story of Man's creation and Satan's opposition to Man.
3. Warning to the Children of Adam to be aware of Satan's plots.
4. Allah's messengers came to guide people.
5. The end of those who denied the message and those who accepted the message.
6. Cries of the wicked in the hellfire.
7. The righteous will prosper.
8. Some lessons from the story of Prophet Noah -peace be upon him.
9. Some lessons from the story of Prophet Hud- peace be upon him.
10. Some lessons from the story of Prophets Salih and Lot -peace be upon them.
11. Some lessons from the story of Prophet Shu'aib -peace be upon him.
12. Warnings against those who deny the Prophets and Messengers of Allah.
13. Prophet Moses -peace be upon him- and his encounter with Pharaoh of Egypt.
14. Pharaoh and his magicians were defeated.
15. Pharaoh continued in his persecution of the Israelites.
16. Some more signs were shown to Pharaoh and his people.
17. The Torah was given to Prophet Moses- peace be upon him.
18. Some Israelites started Calf worship.
19. The Torah and Injil speak about the coming of Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him. Allah's promise for those who will follow the last Prophet.
20. Prophet Muhammad is the Universal Prophet. Some among the people of Prophet Moses were guided by the truth and lived with justice.
21. Some Israelites transgressed Allah's laws and they suffered the consequences.
22. The eternal covenant of Allah was taken from all human beings.
23. The coming of the Last Hour
24. Shirk has no logic. Ignore the wrongdoers, but invite to Allah with kindness. Listen to the Qur'an and always remember Allah.

__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)

8. Surah al-Anfal

This is 88 Surah according to the order of revelation. This is a Madani Surah revealed soon after the Battle of Badr in the 2nd year of Hijrah (or 624 CE). This Surah has 75 verses in 10 sections.

The Surah reminds the Believers to obey Allah and His Messenger and keep their relations good with each other. It has given rules of war and peace between Muslims and their enemies. In this Surah, six times Allah has addressed Muslims with "O you who believe" (see vss. 15; 20; 24; 28; 29; 46)

Introduction to the Sections

1. Commandment relating to the spoils of war. Battle of Badr
2. Allah's help for the Believers in the Battle of Badr.
3. Believers must always obey Allah and His Messenger.
4. Only the righteous should be the guardians of the Masjid al-Haram.
5. The purpose of war and the rules about the distribution of the spoils of war.
6. Be firm and united in the combat against the enemy.
7. Victory of the Believers against the unbelievers. Allah does not change His blessings unless people change themselves.
8. Be prepared always to defend yourself and your people. Make peace if the enemy is inclined towards peace.
9. Allah's promise to help the Believers.
10. Treatment of the prisoners of war and obligations towards Muslims living among non-Muslims.

__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)

9. Surah al-Tawbah

This is the 113th Surah according to the order of revelation. This is a Madani Surah revealed in the 9th year of Hijrah after the Battle of Tabuk. It has 129 verses in 16 sections.

The basic subjects of the Surah are: The non-believers who broke their treaties, Muslims have no obligation to honor treaties with them. Muslims must protect themselves from hypocrisy, weak faith, and negligence. Battle of Tabuk and its lessons.

Introduction to the Sections

1. Proclamation that the Treaty of Hudaibiyah is cancelled.
2. Honor the treaties with those who honor them. Fight with those who have broken the treaty.
3. Mushrikin are forbidden to be the caretakers of the Masjid al-Haram.
4. Muslims should trust Allah, not just their numbers.
5. Jews and Christians also committed Shirk. Command to spend in the path of Allah. The correct number of months.
6. The Tabuk expedition.
7. Those who stayed behind and did not participate in the Battle of Tabuk, hypocrites and weak in faith.
8. The proper distribution of charity. Those who speak ill of the Prophet or make fun of Allah and His Book.
9. The hypocrite men and women.

__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)

10. Surah Yunus

This is the 51th Surah according to the order of revelation. This Surah was revealed in Makkah perhaps a few years before the Hijrah. It has 109 verses in 11 sections.

The main subject of this Surah is faith in Allah and belief in the Hereafter. Those who have true faith, they worship Allah and recognize Him as their Lord and Master and live their lives in accordance to His command. Allah sent His Messengers to remind people and to warn them. The stories of Prophets Noah and Prophet Moses with Pharaoh are told to remind people about the consequences of unfaithfulness and arrogance.

Introduction to Sections

1. The Qur'an is the Book of wisdom, it contains signs from the All-Wise.
2. Man's ingratitude to Allah and His revelation.
3. Allah's mercy to His creation. Allah invites to the abode of peace.
4. Allah's gifts. The Qur'an is from Allah. Bring a Surah like the Qur'an if you can.
5. Those who disbelieve in the Qur'an shall be the losers. Every people were sent a Messenger.
6. The Qur'an is a mercy, blessing and a cure for the problems of humankind.
7. Whatever you do Allah is a Witness. The mistakes of the Mushrikin.
8. The story of Prophet Noah and his people. Prophet Moses and Aaron -peace be upon them all.
9. Allah delivered the Children of Israel from the bondage of the Pharaoh.
10. Allah's mercy for the Children of Israel. Prophet Yunus and his people.
11. If Allah afflicts you with any loss or wants to bestow any profit on you, none can avert it. You must always follow Allah's guidance.

__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)