Quran in Twenty Seven Nights of Tarawîh

Day Twenty Seven
The recitation of the Qur’ân is completed in this which commences from Sûrah Bayyinah, the 98th Sûrah of the Qur’ân, ending with Sûrah Nâs, the 114th and final Sûrah of the Qur’ân.

Allâh is pleased with the righteous and they are pleased with Him because they are the best of Allâh’s creation. As for the evildoers, they are the worst of Allâh’s creation. On the Day of Qiyâmah, Allâh will be so just that even a good act the size of an atom will be rewarded and a sin just as small will also not pass unnoticed.

Allâh says that man acknowledges that he has an ungrateful nature, but his intense love for wealth does not permit him to mend his ways. Allâh reminds mankind to be mindful of the Day of Qiyâmah because they can never fathom the flaming inferno of Jahannam. Man is reminded that he will have to answer for the wealth that he possesses, which makes him negligent of his duties in this world. Besides the righteous Mu’minîn, the rest of mankind is at a loss.

Allâh warns man that every tale‑carrier and miser is destined for Jahannam. In Sûrah Fîl, Allâh illustrates how He used little birds with pebbles to destroy the army of elephants that Abraham brought to demolish the Ka‘bah. In the next Sûrah, Allâh tells the Quraysh that they should worship He only because it was Him who made their city a sanctuary of peace.

In Sûrah Ma’ûn, Allâh condemns those who rebuke orphans and the poor and who are vain and miserly. These are the ones who remain negligent of the Salâh. Allâh consoles Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam by telling him not to let the taunts of a certain Kâfir affect him because it will be the very same wretch who will be without progeny and will be nameless in history. Allâh urges Rasulullâh ft to continue performing Salâh and offering sacrifices because Allâh shall soon award him with the pond of Kawthar as a gift in the Âkhirâh.

In Sûrah Kâfirûn, Allâh clearly distinguishes between the Mu’minîn and the Kuffâr so that the one is not confused for the other. Allâh makes mention of the culmination of Rasulullâh’s Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam duty in Sûrah Nasr and commands Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam to engage in excessive glorification and praise of Allâh. Sûrah Lahab curses Abu Lahab and his wife because the couple harmed Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam, immensely. Sûrah Ikhlâs declares, “Say, ‘He is Allâh, the One. Allâh is Independent. He is neither the child of anyone nor has He any children. There is none comparable to Him.

Sûrah Falaq is an invocation to Allâh for His protection and makes reference to the witchcraft that was intended to harm Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam. Finally, Sûrah Nâs invokes Allâh’s protection against Shaytân’s instigation and traps.
ان استطعت ان لا يسبقك الى الله احد فافعل
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Day Twenty Six
More than half of the 30th Juz is be recited in this (i.e. from Sûrah Naba until Sûrah Qadr, the 97th Sûrah of the Qur’ân).

In Sûrah Naba (Sûrah Amma), Allâh says that the punishment of Jahannam has been prepared for those people who deny the truth of Islâm. When the trumpet is sounded for the Day of Qiyâmah, the skies will be divided into many roads through which people will pass in droves towards the Plain of Resurrection. The acts of every person will be disclosed and Allâh will decide the punishment or reward that every person will receive.

Sûrah Nâzi’ât follows Sûrah Naba with the message that people will regard their lives in this world to be a mere morning or evening when they face the torturously long Day of Qiyâmah. The severity of the bay of Qiyâmah will cause people’s heart to tremble. They will recall their acts in this world and will regret whatever they did because Jahannam will be shown to them.

In the subsequent Sûrahs, Allâh tells Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam that people with wealth and authority are often beguiled by what they have and therefore do not accept good counsel. On the other hand, poor people tend to accept more readily. Therefore, devote more attention to those who have greater fear for Allâh so that they may attain spiritual purity.

When Qiyâmah will take place, no one can be of any assistance to another, even though they may be brothers, parents, children or spouses. Every person will be too concerned about his own predicament to be worried about another. The faces of the Mu’minîn and the pious will be resplendent on that day, while the faces of the Kuffâr and sinners will be gloomy.

Allâh points out to people that they will have to tread the straight path to be saved from the anguish and suffering of the Day of Qiyâmah. On the Day of Qiyâmah, the sky will be rent asunder, bodies will rise from their graves, the stars will plummet down and the oceans will be ablaze. Every person will be confronted by his acts on the Plain of Resurrection when none will want to know another.

In Sûrah Mutaffifîn, Allâh condemns those who cheat when weighing and measuring, and warns them of a terrible punishment. Allâh cautions mankind to beware of the day when they will all rise from their graves and stand before Allâh to account for every act. On that day, it will be the Mu’minîn who will laugh at the Kuffâr who scoffed at them in this world.

The sky will be cleaved open when the trumpet is sounded and corpses will be flung from their graves. Whereas the pious shall be quickly relieved of the formalities of the Day of Qiyâmah, the sinful ones will be flung into the fire of Jahannam. These were the people who thought that they will never be returned to Allâh.

Allâh says further that those who harass believing men and women without repenting afterwards shall suffer a terrible torment in the Âkhirâh. Allâh also mentions that the Qur’ân is a lofty book that is preserved in the Lawhul Mahfûdh. The Qur’ân distinguishes between right and wrong and those who still adamantly adhere to the wrong shall be granted only a little respite.

Allâh commands Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam to glorify His praises and assures him that he will never forget the Qur’ân. Allâh further instructs Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam to continue propagating the Dîn for Allâh shall open up avenues of ease for him. Allâh urges people to ponder over Allâh’s creation so that they may recognise Him. Allâh says, “Have they not looked how the camel is created? And how the sky has been elevated? And how the mountains have been rooted? And how the earth has been levelled?” (Sûrah Ghâshiya, verses 17 to 20)

All these signs are for people to take heed before they are taken to task on the Day of Qiyâmah. Allâh admonishes man for his excessive preoccupation with material wealth because it leads him to abuse inheritance and to refuse help to the poor and orphans. However, Allâh has granted man the capacity to do good and to refrain from evil. Therefore, whoever purifies his soul will be successful, while those who are negligent of this will suffer permanent loss.

Allâh advises people to spend their wealth only for His pleasure and with no other motives. None should be proud about being able to do good because only Allâh grants people the ability to lend a helping hand to the needy. Allâh assures Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam that Allâh will soon confer on him a bounty that will please him and that he should never feel that Allâh has forsaken him because Allâh has always been there for him. Allâh has illuminated his heart, alleviated his worries and elevated his name. Allâh consoles Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam (as well as all Muslims at large) that ease always follows hardship. Therefore, a person’s attention should always focus on Allâh.
ان استطعت ان لا يسبقك الى الله احد فافعل
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Day Twenty Five
The 29th Juz is recited in this Tarawîh. This Juz includes Sûrahs Mulk, Qalam, Haqqah, Ma’ârij, Nûh, Jinn, Muzzammil, Muddathir, Qiyâmah, Insân and Mursalâh.

Allâh says in Sûrah Mulk that there is none to replace His innumerable bounties if He should ever snatch them away from people. People should therefore trust only in Allâh because He has created both life and death and only He controls them.

Sûrah Qalam makes it clear that the character of Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam is the highest in calibre. Allâh also instructs Rasulullâh is to exercise patience and not to supplicate to Allâh in anger, as Hadhrat Yunus did. The Sûrah also warns the Kuffâr about the punishment they stand to face in this world as well as in the Âkhirâh.

A startling description of Qiyâmah is given in Sûrah Hâqa, where Allâh also speaks of the punishment that the Kuffâr will receive and the rewards that will accrue to the pious. Allâh concludes the Sûrah by stating that the Qur’ân is definitely a revelation from Allâh and neither a composition of a poet nor the ramblings of a fortune‑teller.

In Sûrah Ma’ârij, Allâh says that man is a weak creature who becomes perplexed when facing any adversity and miserly when enjoying good fortune. Allâh warns all miserly people who hoard their wealth that they should beware of the terrible fire of Jahannam which will strip off their skins.

Sûrah Nûh recounts the story of Hadhrat Nûh who tirelessly preached to his people for a long time. However, the wretched people refused to accept his message and relentlessly opposed him. Frustrated by their stubborn * attitude, Hadhrat Nûh eventually prayed to Allâh to destroy them. As a result of this, they were drowned in a deluge which spared only the Mu’minîn with Hadhrat Nûh in the ark.

Sûrah Jinn speaks of the praises that some Jinn expressed about the Qur’ân when they heard Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam reciting it. They believed in the Qur’ân and attested to Allâh’s oneness. The Sûrah also makes it clear that only Allâh possesses knowledge of the unseen. of course, Allâh does impart a bit of this knowledge to His Ambiyâ by means of divine revelation.

In Sûrah Muzzammil Allâh addresses Rasulullâh it as the one who is shrouded in a blanket. Allâh commands Rasulullâh it to‑stand in Salâh for half the night or less, and to recite the Qur’ân in slow measured tones. Worshipping Allâh during the night is an effective means of purifying the soul and readily accepted by Allâh. Allâh also encourages zakâh and spending in charity because any good act will be of tremendous benefit in the Âkhirâh.

With a different word Muddathir, Allâh again addresses Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam one shrouded in a blanket. Allâh commands Rasulullâh to propagate Islâm and to hymn the praises of Allâh’s glory and grandeur. Allâh also commands Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam to abstain from ail impurities and to behave kindly towards people without expecting anything in return. As in many previous Sûrahs, Allâh urges Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam to patiently endure the harassment of the Kuffâr without retaliation. The Sûrah also stresses that the Qur’ân is a book of guidance that will benefit those people whom Allâh leads aright.

In Sûrah Qiyâmah, Allâh instructs Rasulullâh it that he should not exert himself to repeat immediately the words of revelation when it is revealed to him. He was to listen attentively, after which Allâh would ensure that he remembered everything.

Allâh says in Sûrah Dahar that He instilled the capacity to discern between right and wrong in every person. Man therefore has the choice either to be grateful to Allâh or to be ungrateful. However, the ungrateful will have to suffer punishment for their ingratitude while the grateful will be immensely rewarded with the eternal bliss of Jannah. Allâh lauds the Mu’minîn who, despite their own need, assist the needy without expecting remuneration or even a word of thanks in reto rn.

The Juz concludes with Sûrah Mursalâh, which confirms that Qiyâmah will definitely take place. It will be a day when Allâh’s judgement will be decisive and binding. Whoever wishes to be obedient shall be such. On the other hand, those people whose evil acts have surrounded them shall remain rebellious and will have to face the punishment for their acts.
ان استطعت ان لا يسبقك الى الله احد فافعل
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Day Twenty Four
The 28th Juz is recited in this Tarawîh. It includes Sûrahs Mujâdalah, Hashar, Mumtahina, Saff, Jumu‘ah, Munâfiqûn, Taghâbun, Talâq and Tahrîm.

Mujâdalah begins this Juz. Allâh states that it is foolish for any person to refer to his wife as his mother (as a method of separating from her). If a man does this, it will be Harâm for him to cohabit with his wife until he pays the required Kafâra. The Kafâra is that he frees a slave (male or female), fasts for two consecutive months or feeds sixty poor people.

Thereafter, Allâh teaches the etiquette of gatherings and warns people against hosting secret meetings to plot against Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam or to commit other sins. Allâh says that such meetings are among the acts of Shaytân.

In Sûrah Hashar thereafter, Allâh states that the true Mu’minîn are those people who assist the Muslims who migrate for Allâh and Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam. They are people who do not close their hearts despite living in difficult circumstances. Rather, they give preference to others above themselves. The Munâfiqîn are completely different because they display the traits of Shaytân. They encourage people to commit evil acts and then excuse themselves saying that they have nothing to do with these people. Allâh urges people to heed the advice of the Qur’ân, which is so mighty that it can crush mountains under its weight.

Sûrah Mumtahina begins after Sûrah Hashar. Allâh tells the Mu’minîn in this Sûrah that they should terminate all secretive contact with the Kuffâr after migrating to Madinah. The Kuffâr are enemies to the Muslims and will never be their allies. A Muslim can never trust a kâfir because the ambition of the kâfir is to convert the Muslim into a kâfir like himself/ herself. Allâh also states that the faith of a woman should be tested when she migrates to the Muslims. She must be allowed to remain among the Muslims if she is found to be sincere.

Addressing the Mu’minîn in Sûrah Saff, Allâh admonishes them for claiming to do things that they have not done. This is an extremely serious crime in Allâh’s sight. Allâh loves those Mu’minîn who stand together like a fortified wall when facing the enemy in Jihâd. Allâh then quotes Hadhrat Îsa who prophesised the advent of Rasulullâh to the Bani Isrâ’îl, referring to Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam as “Ahmed”. Allâh ends the Sûrah by assuring the Mu’minîn that the Kuffâr will never be able to extinguish Allâh’s light and that Allâh will definitely grant them victory over their enemies.

In Sûrah Jumu’ah, Allâh explicitly states, “0 you who believe! When you are called for Salâh on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), then hasten towards Allâh’s remembrance and leave all trade. This is best for you if you only knew. Thereafter, when the Salâh has been completed, then spread out on earth and seek from Allâh’s bounty (sustenance) and remember Allâh in abundance so that you may succeed” (verses 9 and 10). The concluding verse of the Sûrah states: “Allâh is the Best Sustainer”.

Allâh addresses Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam in Sûrah Munafiqûn, warning him to beware of them. Allâh says that the words and acts of the Munâfiqîn contradict their thoughts and feelings. They falsely take solemn oaths in Allâh’s name whereas they are devoid of Imân.

In Sûrah Taghâbun, Allâh states that only He created everyone. Allâh made some people Kuffâr and made others Mu’minîn with wealth and children as tests for them. Allâh will forgive those people who are rightly guided.

Allâh mentions in Sûrah Talâq that husbands should divorce their wives only when the wives are not menstruating. The Iddah should be meticulously observed and it will be regarded as an act of immorality if a woman has to emerge from her home during the Iddah. The Iddah of a non‑menstruating divorcee is three months, while the Iddah of a pregnant divorcee will terminate as soon as she delivers. The husband will have to maintain his pregnant wife after the divorce until she delivers his child.

Addressing Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam in Sûrah Tahrîm, Allâh tells him not to forsake Allâh’s bounties for the sake of his ‘wives. Allâh also tells Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam that he should pay the Kafâra to be absolved from his vow. Allâh cautions that any person who wishes to oppose Rasulullâh .b, will have to face the resistance of Allâh, Hadhrat Jibra’îl and all the pious Muslims at large.

Highlighting the fact that Imân is a gift from Allâh that a person does not attain by simply associating with pious people, Allâh speaks about the wives of Hadhrat Nûh and Hadhrat Lût both of whom died as Kuffâr. On the other hand, the wife of Fir’aun passed away as a Mu’mina.
ان استطعت ان لا يسبقك الى الله احد فافعل
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Day Twenty Three
The 27th Juz is recited in this Tarawîh. This Juz begins with verse 31 of Sûrah Dhâriyât and includes Sûrahs Tûr, Najm, Qamar, Rahmân, Wâqi’ah and Hadîd.

The Juz opens with the incident of Hadhrat Ibrahîm Alayhis Salâm when some angels visited him in the guise of humans and informed him of the imminent birth of his son Hadhrat Is’hâq Alayhis Salâm When he asked them what their duty was, they replied that they were out to rain a shower of stones upon the nation of Hadhrat Lût Alayhis Salâm They had been sent to punish these people.

Allâh then relates the incidents of Hadhrat Mûsa the Âd, the Thamud and the nation of Hadhrat Nûh The Sûrah expounds Allâh’s greatness, establishes Tauhîd and Risâlah and then describes the purpose of man’s creation in the following words: “I have created man and Jinn only to worship Me” (verse 56). Allâh stresses that He sustains all and does not require sustenance from anyone.

Sûrah Tûr commences next. In this Sûrah, Allâh warns the rejecters of the Day of Qiyâmah that the day will be so severe that the heavens and the earth will tremble and mountains will fly about like cotton‑wool. The Kuffâr will be thrown into Jahannam and the punishment will be severe for those who reject the truth. It is only foolish people who will harass a Nabî who only wishes well for them. Those who reject the truth are really evil in nature. Allâh urges Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam to be patient and assures him that he will certainly be assisted.

Sûrah Najm thereafter makes mention of the miraculous journey of Mi’râj. Allâh says that Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam had neither gone astray nor erred and that he drew so close to Allâh that there scarcely remained the distance between two ends of a bow between them. Allâh makes it clear that Rasulullâh’s Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam eyes did not deceive him and that he saw everything clearly. Allâh then spoke certain things to Rasulullâh about which no third being has any knowledge.

Allâh tells people that that they should never doubt the words of Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam especially concerning the Mi’râj because “he does not speak of his own will. Everything he says is revelation that descends on him.” (verse 41)

In Sûrah Qamar thereafter, Allâh speaks about Rasulullâh’s Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam miracle of splitting the moon; a miracle that foretold the eventual defeat of the Kuffâr. Allâh says that the Kuffâr are unlikely to mend their ways because they refer to the miracles of Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam as magic. However, the time is near when they will hang their heads in remorse and flee from the truth.

Sûrah Rahmân follows Sûrah Qamar as the 55th Sûrah of the Qur’ân. In this Sûrah, Allâh enumerates a large number of bounties that He has bestowed on man. Throughout the Sûrah Allâh repeatedly asks, “Which bounty of your Rabb will you two (man and Jinn) deny?” Among the other bounties, Allâh speaks of man’s creation, the knowledge Allâh granted man, and the creation of everything else that is of use to man. By identifying all these bounties, man is introduced to Allâh. The Sûrah also describes the Âkhirâh and highlights the fact that everything besides Allâh is perishable. Allâh asserts, “Everything on earth shall perish but the countenance of your Majestic and Benevolent Rabb shall remain.” (verse 27)

Sûrah Wâqi’ah describes the advent of Qiyâmah when the records of righteous people’s acts will be given in their right hands, while those of the Kuffâr and sinners will be given in their left hands from behind their backs. The Sûrah States that the diet of the people of Jahannam shall be the fruit of a poisonous tree and scalding water. Allâh ends the Sûrah by drawing man’s attention to the fact that the Qur’ân is a great blessing from Allâh, which has an elevated position in the Lawhul Mahfûdh [The Protected Tablet] in the heavens.

Sûrah Hadîd follows Sûrah Wâqi’ah by stating that every creation glorifies Allâh. Allâh exhorts Muslims to spend in His way; this is regarded as a loan yielding a minimum of ten times the reward. Pious people neither become despondent when afflicted with adversities nor do they behave boastfully and arrogantly when enjoying prosperity. According to their acts, these are the ones who will attain the status of Siddîq and Shahîd. Allâh also tells the Ahlul Kitâb that Allâh bestows His grace and favour upon whomsoever He wills.
ان استطعت ان لا يسبقك الى الله احد فافعل
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Day Twenty Two

The 26th Juz is recited in this Tarawîh. This Juz includes the entire Surahs Ahqâf, Muhammad, Fatah, Hujurât, Qâf and Dhâriyât.

This Juz commences with Sûrah Ahqâf, in which Allâh states that He has created the universe only for a stipulated period of time. The system of the universe functions according to Allâh’s perfect plan, yet the Kuffâr still adamantly oppose the truth. Allâh commands man to treat his parents kindly, reminding him that his mother bore him with hardship and delivered him with hardship. When this man grows up to be righteous, he will express gratitude to Allâh, whereupon Allâh will accept his acts and forgive him for his shortcomings. However, Allâh will punish those Who oppose their parents and disobey them.

Thereafter, Allâh makes mention of the time when a group of the Jinn listened to Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam reciting the Qur’ân and then conveyed the message of Islâm to their people.

Sûrah Muhammad follows Sûrah Ahqâf. Allâh says that the acts of people will be destroyed when, apart from adhering to kufr, they also enjoin others to do the same. Allâh will also forgive the sins of those who possess imân and practise the guidance given to them. In addition to this, Allâh will also correct their acts.

Allâh also commands the Muslims to wage Jihâd until the enemy surrenders. Those people who are averse to Jihâd after imân and guidance have come to them have definitely fallen prey to Shaytân because Shaytân makes evil acts seem appealing and makes people entertain hopes of long lives. Eventually, the acts of such people are destroyed. Allâh also tells people to ponder about the verses of the, Qur’ân because this will illuminate their hearts and their minds.

Sûrah Fatah follows Sûrah Muhammad. In this Sûrah, Allâh speaks about the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah which turned out to be a tremendous victory for the Muslims. Allâh says in verse 10, “Verity those who pledge allegiance to you (O Rasulullâh) have actually pledged allegiance to Allâh. Allâh’s hand is above theirs.”

Allâh adds that those who violate their pledge and turn away from Jihâd become deserving of a terrible punishment.

Allâh declares in the final verse of this Sûrah, “Muhammad Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam is Allâh’s Nabî and those with him are hard on the disbelievers, yet compassionate towards each other.” (verse 29)

Sûrah Hujurât, which follows Sûrah Fatah, contains teachings that are pertinent to good character. The Sûrah teaches Muslims the etiquette of social interaction and good manners. The Sûrah especially emphasises the refinement of manners te be displayed when in the presence of Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam and near his rooms. In fact, failure to observe etiquette in Rasulullâh’s Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam presence may lead to one’s acts being rejected. The Sûrah highlights the importance of cordial and amicable behaviour towards each other and equates backbiting to eating the flesh of a brother’s corpse.

The next Sûrah is Sûrah Qâf, in which man is told that Allâh is closer to him than his own jugular vein. Allâh also reminds man that two angels have been appointed to record the acts of every person. These records will be closely examined on the Day of Qiyâmah.

Sûrah Dhâriyât begins thereafter Allâh tells man that Qiyâmah is inevitable and that every person will receive the recompense due to him/her for every good and evil act committed. The evil ones will suffer punishment while the righteous Mu’minîn will enjoy the bounties of Jannah.

Allâh describes the people of imân as those who sleep very little, who awaken during the early hours of the morning to beseech Allâh for forgiveness, and who spend their wealth to assist those who ask of them as well as those who do not ask. The incidents of certain Ambiyâ are then mentioned briefly.

Play Allâh bless us all with the realisation of what is to come in the Âkhirâh. Âmîn.
ان استطعت ان لا يسبقك الى الله احد فافعل
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