THE MONTH OF SHABAAN AND SHAB –E- BARAAT (LAYLATUL BARA’AH/ NIGHT OF BARA’AH)

Assalaam alaikum,

There are several difference of opinions in recent times regarding the importance of Shab-e-Baraat (Laylatul Bara'ah) causing confusion in some people on what is to be done on this night. Some are of the opinion that no importance should be given to this night. Though certain practices like glorification, illumination and giving sermons on the night can be avoided, praying to Allah in solutitude and seeking forgiveness and praying for a fulfulling life now and the hereafter cannot be wrong. We know the importance of Tahajjud prayers and also the traditions that Allah hears his creations in the later portions of the night. Also there are Hadeeths which point to the fact that the list of people who will die in the coming year is made by the Almighty and forgiveness is given to the people who seek it from him on the special night.

Check the reference from 'Ibne Majaa' highlighting the importance of the Shab-e-Baraat :

It is narrated by Ali (Radi allahu unho) that the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] stated; “ when it is the 15th night of Shabaan, do Qiyaam in the night, and fast in the morning, and ask for forgiveness. Because on that night Allah calls: ‘Is there anyone who is asking for forgiveness so that I can forgive them, who is in distress that I may relieve his distress, is there anyone who needs (rizq) food that I may give it to him.’ And this continues till the morning.” [Ibn Majah chapter Salaah]

I came across a good article by Dr Mufti Taqi Usmani on http://www.albalagh.net/general/shaban.shtml, which highlights the merits of the month of Shabaan and Shab-e-Baraat and also asks us to refrain from the wrong practices of the night.

Sharing the excerpts of the article with all. Inshallah, this article will be of help to many and help us to take advantage of the benefits of the month of Shabaan and also the special night which comes between 14th and 15th of Shabaan.

Importance of Fasting in Shabaan

The blessed companion Anas, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was asked, "Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?" He replied, "Fasts of Shaban in honor of Ramadan."

Ummul Mu'mineen 'Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, says, "Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast the whole of Sha'ban. I said to him, 'Messenger of Allah, is Sha'ban your most favorite month for fasting?' He said, 'In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, I like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting."

These reports indicate that fasting in the month of Sha'ban, though not obligatory, is so meritorious that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, did not like to miss it.

But it should be kept in mind that the fasts of Sha'ban are for those persons only who are capable of keeping them without causing deficiency in the obligatory fasts of Ramadan. The fasts of Ramadan, being obligatory, are more important than the optional fasts of Sha'ban. That is why Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself has forbidden the Muslims from fasting one or two days immediately before the commencement of Ramadan. The blessed Companion Abu Hurairah, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to have said, "Do not fast after the first half of the month of Sha'ban is gone."

The Night of Bara'ah

Another significant feature of the month of Sha'ban is that it consists of a night which is termed in Shariah as "Laylatul-bara'ah" (The night of freedom from Fire). This is the night occurring between 14th and 15th day of Sha'ban. There are certain traditions of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to prove that it is a meritorious night in which the people of the earth are attended by special Divine mercy.

Some Hadeeths highlighting the importance of the Night of Bara’ah :

1. Ummul-Mu'mineen 'Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, is reported to have said, "Once Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, performed the Salah of the night (Tahajjud) and made a very long Sajdah until I feared that he had passed away. When I saw this, I rose (from my bed) and moved his thumb (to ascertain whether he is alive). The thumb moved, and I returned (to my place). Then I heard him saying in Sajdah: 'I seek refuge of Your forgiveness from Your punishment, and I seek refuge of Your pleasure from Your annoyance, and I seek Your refuge from Yourself. I cannot praise You as fully as You deserve. You are exactly as You have defined Yourself.' Thereafter, when he raised his head from Sajdah and finished his salah, he said to me: 'Aishah, did you think that the Prophet has betrayed you?' I said, 'No, O Prophet of Allah, but I was afraid that your soul has been taken away because your Sajdah was very long.' He asked me, 'Do you know which night is this?' I said, 'Allah and His Messenger know best.' He said, 'This is the night of the half of Sha'ban. Allah Almighty looks upon His slaves in this night and forgives those who seek forgiveness and bestows His mercy upon those who pray for mercy but keeps those who have malice (against a Muslim) as they were before, (and does not forgive them unless they relieve themselves from malice).'"

2. In another Tradition Sayyidah' Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, has reported that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said, "Allah Almighty descends (in a manner He best knows it) in the night occurring in the middle of Sha'ban and forgives a large number of people more than the number of the fibers on the sheep of the tribe, Kalb."

(Kalb was a big tribe the members of which had a very large number of sheep. Therefore, the last sentence of the hadith indicates the big number of the people who are forgiven in this night by Allah Almighty. )

3. In yet another Tradition, she has reported Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to have said, "This is the middle Night of Sha'ban. Allah frees in it a large number of the people from Fire, more than the number of the hair growing on the sheep of the tribe, Kalb. But He does not even look at a person who associates partners with Allah, or at a person who nourishes malice in his heart (against someone), or at a person who cuts off the ties of kinship, or at a man who leaves his clothes extending beyond his ankles (as a sign of pride), or at a person who disobeys his parents, or at a person who has a habit of drinking wine."

4. Sayyidna Mu'adh ibn Jabal, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said: "Allah Almighty looks upon all those created by Him in the middle Night of Sha'ban and forgives all those created by Him, except the one who associates partners with Him or the one who has malice in his heart (against a Muslim)".

Although the chain of narrators of some of these traditions suffers with some minor technical defects, yet when all these traditions are combined together, it becomes clear that this night has some well founded merits, and observing this night as a sacred night is not a baseless concoction as envisaged by some modern scholars who, on the basis of these minor defects, have totally rejected to give any special importance to this night. In fact, some of these traditions have been held by some scholars of hadith as authentic and the defects in the chain of some others have been treated by them as minor technical defects which, according to the science of hadith, are curable by the variety of their ways of narration. That is why the elders of the ummah have constantly been observing this night as a night of special merits and have been spending it in worship and prayers.

What Should be Done in this Night?

In order to observe the Night of Bara'ah, one should remain awakened in this night as much as he can. If someone has better opportunities, he should spend the whole night in worship and prayer. However, if one cannot do so for one reason or another, he can select a considerable portion of the night, preferably of the second half of it for this purpose, and should perform the following acts of worship:

a) Salaah – Most preferable act. Though no exact number of Rakaats defined, offer as many Nifl namaaz as possible in solitude (preferably more than 8).

b) Tilawat e Quran – One should recite the Quran as much as possible as it is also an act of worship.

c) Dhikr – Dhikr of Allah’s name (tasbeeh) and also supplications (durood) on Prophet Mohammed SAS.

d) Dua - The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is prayers and supplications. It is hoped that all the prayers in this night will be accepted by our Lord, insha-Allah. Prayer itself is an 'Ibadah, and Allah Almighty gives reward on each prayer along with the fulfillment of the supplicator's need.

e) Those who are unable to perform long prayers or do Tilawat, for reasons like illness, sickness or being engaged in other activities. They should at least try to do the following :

(i) To perform the Salah of Maghrib, 'Isha' and Fajr with Jama'ah in the mosque, or in their homes in case of their being sick.
(ii) They should keep reciting the dhikr (and/or darood shareef), in whatever condition they are until they sleep.
(iii) They should pray to Allah for their forgiveness and for their other objectives. One can do so even when he is in his bed

f) Women in Periods- The women during their periods cannot perform salah, nor can they recite the Qur'an, but they can recite any dhikr, tasbeeh, durood sharif and can pray to Allah for whatever purpose they like in whatever language they wish. They can also recite the Arabic prayers mentioned in the Qur'an or in the hadith with the intention of supplication (and not with the intention of recitation).

What Should Not be Done in This Night

The Night of Bara'ah is a night in which special blessings are directed towards the Muslims. Therefore, this night should be spent in total submission to Allah Almighty, and one should refrain from all those activities, which may displease Allah.

1) In this night some people indulge in some activities which they regard as necessary for the celebration of the Night of Bara'ah, like cooking some special type of meal, or illuminating houses or mosques, or improvised structures. All such activities are not only baseless and innovated in the later days by ignorant people.

2) Some people spend this night in holding religious meetings and delivering long speeches. Such activities are also not advisable, because these acts can easily be performed in other nights. This night requires one to devote himself for the pure acts of worship only.

3) The acts of worship like Salah, recitation of the Qur'an and dhikr should be performed in this night individually, not collectively. The Nafl Salah should not be performed in Jama'ah, nor should the Muslims arrange gatherings in the mosques in order to celebrate the night in a collective manner.

On the contrary, this night is meant for worshipping Allah in solitude. It is the time to enjoy the direct contact with the Lord of the Universe, and to devote one's attention to Him and Him alone. These are the precious hours of the night in which nobody should intervene between one and his Lord, and one should turn to Allah with total concentration, not disturbed or intermitted by any one else.

That is why Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, observed the acts of worship in this night in total seclusion, not accompanied by anyone, not even by his favorite life companion Sayyidah 'Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, and that is why all forms of the optional worship (Nafl Ibadah), are advised by him to be done in individual, not in collective manner.

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May Allah guide us on the right path.

Saifee Hospital shimmers at night!

A few days ago, the religious leader of the Bohra community - Sayedna Mohammad Burhanuddin Saheb - turned 100 years old. In celebration, the Saifee Hospital has been illuminated with lights since the past 2 weeks. The hospital has a Victorian design and is a wonderful piece of architecture by itself. Situated near Opera House, right opposite Charni Road station, it is a viewer's delight. The current illumination at night makes it look like a beautifully dressed up bride all glowing in happiness!

Check out the pictures taken from Charni Road station by me. The pictures do not do justice to what it actually looks like at night these days, though most people are tempted to click pictures! Also attaching a non-illuminated pic, the topmost one (not clicked by me) for reference.

Lost n found - Part 2

My first lost and found experience was very 'filmi'. (check link : http://myjourney-shagufta.blogspot.com/2010/08/lost-and-found.html)

My second lost and found experience was in first week of Feb 2011 and a simpler than my previous experience.

I was on my way to office from Mumbai Central station. Took a cab in sharing with a few ladies going towards Worli. On reaching destination, we shelled out Rs.10/- each from our purses. I did the same from my blue shimmering pouch where I carried my money and a debit card, got off the cab and got to work at office....

Towards afternoon, when I wanted to go for a sandwich, I opened my handbag to look for my blue purse. I looked at all the corners, but it wasn't there. I remembered picking it up from home and also having it in the cab. There was a possibility of having left it in the cloakroom in the office. I went and had a look. No, it wasn't there. I left a word with the pantry in-charge of the branch to keep and eye and inform me if found. The second possibility was that I might have dropped the purse while thrusting it back into the back after getting down. So it was possible that the purse might have dropped in the compound outside. I went and had a look near the bushes and the compound. No luck again... The purse had a few hundred rupees (800, to be precise) and my debit card. The only saving grace was that my mobile phone was not in it. I'd removed it to take my call and thrown it in the handbag. Hence, I didn't even realise that my purse was missing.

All possible ways to locate it had failed. Next step was to hotlist my debitcard. This was done immediately. But I was left with no money nor means to withdraw it. Thankfully, my chequebook was with me. Since I am a banker and worked there and the debit card was of my bank, it was easier to withdraw money from our Retail counter. I had to remove enough money to last a week as I had to make application for a new card and the waiting time is approx a week's time. The main hitch was my Food card, which was refilled monthly by my employer and was like our lunch allowance. Blocking, cancelling and re-applying for the same through HR was a task. Also, it being a prepaid card, it was easier to use by the finder, not that I'd kept lot of balance in it. Also I had no time, between rush hours to do it. I'd already wasted some time over my lost purse now.

I had a sandwich and lassi from Aarey stall and got back to work. Towards evening our security guard came in our department asking for me. He asked me whether I'd lost my purse in the taxi. 'Yes', I said. He added 'Madam, woh taxiwalla aaya hai'. I was surprised, how this could've happened. I distinctly remembered pushing my purse in my handbag. Maybe while doing so, since I had a lot of things on mind that day, in the stress I might have put it back at the side of my bag and 'plop' it fell down on the floor on the backseat. I was happy to have my money and Food card back. Debit card was just hotlisted, so missed out on that front. But I was keen to see that cab walla. I had remembered the cab distinctly that day as the make of the taxi was a Maruti 800 (unlike the usual dirty old Padminis). The cab walla was dressed in neat white uniform, well groomed, had a 'Safar dua' hanging at the front.

I went out with my security guard to meet the cabbie. While I was going, almost all in the people in the bank had come to know that a cabbie-driver had brought my purse back. The security guard was new and didn't know my name, hence he had asked a few people in other sections my name before he came to me. The driver had gone my name from my Debit Card, I guess. He might have opened my purse to check my identity. I reached the bank entrance. There I saw the cabbie-driver. There was another boy alongwith him. On seeing me, he said that he was sorry that he came back so late to return my purse as he'd gone the other side of the city after dropping us here in the morning! He was truly humble to say that as he'd actually done me a favour and I was grateful to him. Then he explained that as he was passing by this way with a 'bhada' (passenger), he stopped by to give my purse. He wasn't sure which was my office, but he took a chance and asked if someone with my name was working there. And that's how I was reached. I thanked him profusely. His current passenger was also excited about the event and had come alongwith him. I offered the driver a few hundreds in gratitute, but he refused to take anything. And went back smiling....

Image courtesy : http://cdn-wac.emirates247.com/

Islamic philosophy - Power of the Oppressed!

We get into depression on being oppressed or wronged. Some of us even commit suicide. But fear not. God is Just towards those who have been wronged. He will compensate for the pain we're subject to for no fault of ours! The oppressor could be a leader, husband, king of the occupied state or anyone who oppresses others in any circumstance. He/ she could be a person who has caused harm or hurt someone. We should endure with 'Patience' to get fruits of it. Of course, committing suicide is a sin and the one who commits it loses out on the benefits granted to the 'oppressed person'.

Allah's Apostle said, “Whoever has oppressed another person concerning his reputation or anything else, he should beg him to forgive him before the Day of Resurrection when there will be no money (to compensate for wrong deeds), but if he has good deeds, those good deeds will be taken from him according to his oppression which he has done, and if he has no good deeds, the sins of the oppressed person will be loaded on him.” {Volume 3, Book 43, Number 629: Sahih Bukhari} God is definately the Best Judge. Those who wrong us, hurt us or oppress us (in any way), are indirectly doing us a favour. When on the Day of Judgement, we are falling short of good deeds, the good deeds of our oppressor will come to our aid. If that person has no good deeds to give us, then some of our sins will be passed on to the oppressor!

What if we forgive these people ? Definately, our 'good deeds' scale will go up! And our oppressor's particular deed of oppression will come down. But this seems additional apart from what's in store for us and our oppressors on the Day of Judgement. They of course will compensate us through their good deeds or take load of our sins to the extent of oppression of wrong done.

Every Hadeeth has an in-depth philosophy in itself!

Allah’s Apostle (pbuh) said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one. People asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.”

{Volume 3, Book 43, Number 624:Sahih Bukhari}.

The oppressor and the oppressed both need help. It is a good deed to help the oppressed get their right in this world. Same way, we will be doing a favour on many others (who could have been wrong in the future) , including the oppressor by showing him/ her the right path. This again is a good deed adding to our scale of goodness.

This is reiterated in Quran too.

And what is wrong with you that you fight not in the Cause of Allâh, and for those weak, illtreated and oppressed among men, women, and children, whose cry is: “Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You one who will protect, and raise for us from You one who will help.” [004:075: Al Quran]

We will reserve the houses of the hereafter exclusively for those who do not seek self-glory in this life and do not cause oppression and corruption to spread. The final outcome belongs to those who fear (Allah). [028:083: Al Quran]

Here is it clear that God calls upon us all to fight for the cause of the oppressed and the wronged people in the world. There are several of these people all around us. And they're waiting for us to be rescued. Abducted children, molested kids, kids forced into illegal acts, some neighbour being ill-treated by in-laws, a orphan being beaten by his own relatives; injustice, corruption and a lot more issues which affect us and others around us....

Apart from all, the 'oppressed' or 'wronged' person has another power, will can destroy the oppressor. The bad words he mutters against his oppressor in his pain and anger.

The Prophet (pbuh) sent Mu’adh to Yemen and said, “Be afraid, from the curse of the oppressed as there is no screen between his invocation and Allah.”

{Volume 3, Book 43, Number 628: Sahih Bukhari}

But in many places in Quran and Hadeeth, 'non-cursing' is highlighted. Maybe, Allah Himself knows how an oppressed's curse can cause harm. Hence HE has put more rewards for 'Patience' and 'Forgiveness'. So we gain doubly. One - compensation due to being oppressed (from our oppressor himself) plus additional score for 'forgiveness' and 'patience'. But though 'cursing others' or muttering bad words against our oppressor is not highlighted as something good, there is no harm upon us if we say something in total pain and agony. Allah is Understanding and definately the Best Judge!

Muslim Marriage - A contract and a religious obligation

Islam is generally construed as a backward religion with old and barbaric customs, with biases against women. Muslim marriage is generally seen as 'man with four wives', though one hardly finds such cases. Though, Islam allows it under certain conditions, people know that it's not feasible nor are the conditions prescribed easy to meet. But God forbid, in queer or unforseen circumstances if a man happens to marry again or does so to help someone, both the man and the woman are secure. And the man cannot take a woman for a ride. In fact, its sad to see few non-Muslim women who've become the target of men, who were already married without disclosing such a thing. These women who unknowingly become second wives or girlfriends with marriage in mind, have no legal claim on the man for maintenance. So, how is Islamic Marriage Laws different here ? What are the conditions of marriage ? And who can marry ?

Let us understand what is the importance of a marriage in Islam ?

What is Marriage ?
A marriage is a mutual contract/ agreement between a man and a woman (bride and groom). Both bride and groom have the liberty to define various terms and conditions of their liking and make them a part of this contract. The marriage contract in Islam is not a sacrament. It is revocable.
The consent of the girl is of great importance in Islam (whereas in some religions or cultures, a girl's consent is not often sought). The Qazi especially asks both the boy and the girl for their verbal consent, followed by their signatures on the 'Nikaah Naama' (marriage certificate). A copy of the 'Nikaah Naama' is retained at the local mosque, while one copy is handed over to the family / bride n groom, for further registration according to local laws if residing in non-Islamic country.

What is the Importance of Marriage ?
Allah has created men and women as company for one another, and so that they can procreate and live in peace and tranquility according to the commandments of Allah and the directions of His Messenger. The Quran says:
"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Undoubtedly in these are signs for those who reflect." [Noble Quran 30:21]

"And Allah has made for you your mates of your own nature, and made for you, out of them, sons and daughters and grandchildren, and provided for you sustenance of the best." [Noble Quran 16:72]

These verses of the Noble Quran clearly show that in contrast to other religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism etc. which consider celibacy or monasticism as a great virtue and a means of salvation, Islam considers marriage as one of the most virtuous and approved institutions. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) declared, "There is no monasticism in Islam."

What do the Hadeeths state about marriage ?
Prophet Mohammed SAS ordained, "O you young men! Whoever is able to marry should marry, for that will help him to lower his gaze and guard his modesty." [Al-Bukhari]
Another Hadeeth specifies : "Marriage is my sunnah. Whosoever keeps away from it is not from me."

What are the Requisites of Marriage ?
Primary Requirements
1) Mutual agreement (Ijab-O-Qubul) by the bride and the groom
2) Two adult and sane witnesses
3) Mahr (marriage-gift) to be paid by the groom to the bride either immediately (muajjal) or deferred (muakhkhar), or a combination of both.

Secondary Requirements
1) Legal guardian (wakeel) representing the bride
2) Written marriage contract ("Aqd-Nikah) signed by the bride and the groom and witnesses by two adult and sane witnesses
3) Qazi (State appointed Muslim judge) or Ma'zoon (a responsible person officiating the marriage ceremony)
4) Khutba-tun-Nikah to solemnize the marriage

Who Can Marry ?
Every man who has the means can marry.
Amongst the women, the divorcees and widows can also re-marry.
With regard to divorced women, Quran says :
"And when you divorce women, and they have come to the end of their waiting period, hinder them not from marrying other men if they have agreed with each other in a fair manner." [Noble Quran 2:232]
With regard to widows, Quran says :
"And if any of you die and leave behind wives, they bequeath thereby to their widows (the right to) one year's maintenance without their being obliged to leave (their husband's home), but if they leave (the residence) of their own accord, there is no blame on you for what they do with themselves in a lawful manner." [Noble Quran 2:234]
Widows are at liberty to re-marry, even within the period mentioned above; and if they do so they must forgo their claim to traditional maintenance during the remainder of the year.

The wrong practices of taking dowry from brides and later hurting them for it, forced marriages (without consent), Sati or 'confinement of widows' or 'shunning of divorcees' are practices which have no room in Islam. In fact, women have rights like choosing their husbands, getting 'Mahr' on marriage as her right and even right to re-marry after a divorce or on the death of her husband. And these rules were laid down 1400 years back! Who says Islam is a backward religion?

References :

http://www.islamswomen.com/marriage/intro_to_marriage.php
http://www.soundvision.com/info/Islam/marriage.nikah.asp

Maryam (Mary) and the Birth of Jesus

Quran has a full Chapter dedicated to Maryam, the mother of Jesus (Isa-alaisalaam)- Chapter 19 of Quran, namely, Surah Maryam. This Chapter deals with all the difficulties faced by various Prophets and also tells the problems faced by Bibi Maryam.

Before her story in Surah Maryam, we have a description of her own birth, life and of her giving birth to Jesus, in Chapter 3 of Quran - Surah Ale Imran (Family of Imran). I'd skipped portions of life of Mary while analysing the Surah earlier. That's because I wanted to have a separate article on what the Quran states about Mary. The Quran has specifically mentioned about Maryam and has even dedicated an entire Chapter to her. This is the greatest honour that can be given to any woman. No other woman shares this honour. Apart from a detailed mention in two Chapters, some of the other Surahs also keep referencing her alongwith with her son, Jesus (Isa PUBH).

Let us see what Surah Ale Imran says about dear Maryam (Mary) and her subsequent birth to Jesus:

SURAH ALE IMRAN (CHAPTER 3)

[3:35] (Remember) When the wife of Imran said, “My Lord! I pledge to you what is in my womb - that it shall be dedicated purely in Your service, so accept it from me; indeed You only are the All Hearing, the All Knowing.”Background : Prophet Imran (pbuh) was a religious leader of the Israelites and his wife Hannah was barren and prayed for a child and promised to offer the child to the service of Allah (God). She was the sister of the wife of Prophet Zakaria(pbuh).

Sadly, before the birth of the child, her husband passed away. This I came across in places, though couldn't find the source of the reference.

[3:36] So when she gave birth to it, she said, “My Lord! I have indeed given birth to a girl!” And Allah well knows what she gave birth to; and the boy she had prayed for is not like this girl; “And I have named her Maryam and I give her and her offspring in Your protection, against Satan the outcast.”

Hannah had vowed to offer the child to the services of Allah, but when she gave birth to a girl, it posed a dilemma for her as in those times women were not allowed in the temple, especially to be devoted to the services of The Supreme One. But, Allah is the All-Knower and knew what was in her womb and had already chosen the path for Maryam (Mary).
[3:37] So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zechariah. Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, "O Mary, from where is this [coming] to you?" She said, "It is from Allah . Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.”

As Mary didn't have a father to be her guardian and also since she was devoted to the services of Allah, someone had to be appointed as a guardian for her. Prophet Zakaria (Zechariya, pbuh) himself was a pious man and held a important position as the priest and trustee of Hekal. He used to pray devotionally and preach zealously. His wife and he were the symbols of piety and righteousness. Prophet Imran (pbuh) was also a pious man. Being in closest in relation to Mary, Zakaria (pbuh) volunteered to be her guardian. He was chosen finally from among the others as they threw lots to decide the guardianship of Mary.

Mary stayed in a special room in temple, where no men were allowed. Zakaria (pbuh) used to visit her to inquire about her well-being. Whenever he went to the prayer chamber to see Maryam, he found food with her. He asked Maryam (Mary) about the source of food. She replied that they were sent by Allah. And Allah gives to whom He wills.

[3:38] It is here that Zakaria prayed to his Lord; he said, “My Lord! Give me from Yourself a righteous child; indeed You only are the Listener Of Prayer.”Zakaria (pbuh), who himself was very old then and didn't have children of his own, longed for a child of his own to carry the priesthood ahead. There itself, he prayed to Allah to grant him a righteous child.

[3:39] And the angels called out to him while he was standing, offering prayer at his place of worship, “Indeed Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya (John), who will confirm a Word (or sign) from Allah, - a leader, always refraining from women, a Prophet from one of Our devoted ones.”

Then the angels called out to Zakaria (pbuh) and confirmed to him that a righteous son will be born to him. He was to be Yahya (pbuh), who is known by the name of John in the Bible.

[3:40] He said, “My Lord! How can I have a son when old age has reached me and my wife is barren?” He said, “This is how Allah brings about, whatever He wills.”
[3:41] He said, “My Lord! Determine a sign for me”; He said, “The sign is that you shall not be able to speak to mankind for three days except by signs; and remember your Lord profusely, and proclaim His Purity before sunset and at dawn.”Zakaria (pbuh) could not believe how he could have a child at his advanced age, while his wife was also barren. He asked for a sign from Allah, to prove that the news that was conveyed to him was true. Zakaria was conveyed through the Angel that he will not be able to speak to anyone for 3 days except by gesture. And was asked to keep praying to the Lord.

The account from St Luke's Bible is similar to the events stated here, with a difference that the Bible states that when Zakaria (pbuh) showed doubt about the news, the Lord was angry and he was told that his will not be able to speak till the child was born.

The account in Surah Ale-Imran then moves back to Maryam...

[3:42] And when the angels said, “O Maryam! Indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you, and has this day, chosen you among all the women of the world.”
[3:43] “O Maryam! Stand in reverence before your Lord, prostrate yourself and bow along with those who bow.”
[3:44] These are tidings of the hidden, which We secretly reveal to you (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him); and you were not present with them when they threw their pens to draw lots, to know who should be the guardian of Maryam; nor were you present with them when they were quarrelling.

For those who do not know and wonder why Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is being addressed here, let me clarify. The Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in various stages of his life, part by part by Gabriel Angel (who is known as Jibreel Alaisalaam in Islam). The prophet himself was an uneducated man, who could not read or write. Allah send His revelations - of the people and prophets before him - through His Angel Jibreel as also the laws to be followed from thereon. Our prophet used to remember the words of the blessed Angel and share it with his companions (known as 'Sahabis'), and the learned among them used to write down everything verbatim. And then compare notes. That is how the Quran has been passed down through the ages. After that, nothing has been changed to date. Why was an illiterate man chosen to be the Messenger of Allah and pass on great knowledge to the world ? This itself is planned by Allah for a reason - so no one can say that Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) read or studied it from somewhere and wrote the Quran himself. Allah is indeed the best Planner.

Referring to the lines 'drawing of lots', it refers to the practice of those times to draw lots to come to a conclusion /decision. To decide the guardianship of Maryam, lots were drawn and Allah chose Zakaria (pbuh) from among the others. This verse is addressed to Mohammed PBUH, that though he was not there when all these things happened, the past events of prophets prior to him are being revealed to him.

[3:45] And remember when the angels said, “O Maryam! Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him, whose name is the Messiah, Eisa (Jesus) the son of Maryam - he will be honourable in this world and in the Hereafter, and among the close ones (to Allah).”
Here is the account where Maryam was told by the angels that she will bear the a son by the name of Isa (Jesus), who will be a honourable man and amongst the people close to Allah.

[3:46] “He will speak to people while he is in the cradle and in his adulthood, and will be of the devoted ones.”This verse states one of the miraculous attributes of Jesus PBUH. His being able to speak in infanthood.

[3:47] She said, “My Lord! How can I bear a child when no man has ever touched me?” He said, “This is how Allah creates whatever He wills; when He wills a thing, He only says to it, ‘Be’ - and it happens immediately.”Maryam asked the Angel/s how she would bear a child when she is untouched by any man. Here it is stated that Allah can create whatever He wants, in whichever way He wants. This is reiterated in Ayat (verse) 59 of this Chapter, where Allah states that the birth of Jesus is similar to the birth of Prophet Adam (pbuh). Both were born with the will of Allah in unique ways.

The qualities that will be bestowed to Jesus (PBUH) are told to Maryam through the following verses....
[3:48] “And Allah will teach him the Book and wisdom, and the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Bible).”
[3:49] “And he will be a Noble Messenger towards the Descendants of Israel saying, ‘I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, for I mould a birdlike sculpture from clay for you, and I blow into it and it instantly becomes a (living) bird, by Allah’s command; and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I revive the dead, by Allah’s command; and I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses; undoubtedly in these (miracles) is a great sign for you, if you are believers.’ (Several miracles bestowed to Prophet Eisa are mentioned here.)

Narration moves to the life and purpose of Jesus, in a brief narrative...

[3:50] ‘And I come confirming the Taurat (Torah) - the Book before me - and to make lawful for you some of the things which were forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a sign from your Lord - therefore fear Allah and obey me.’
[3:51] ‘Undoubtedly Allah is the Lord of all - mine and yours - so worship Him only; this is the Straight Path.’ ”
[3:52] So when Eisa sensed their disbelief he said, “Who will be my aides towards (in the cause of) Allah?” The disciples said, “We are the aides of Allah’s religion; we believe in Allah, and you bear witness that we are Muslims.”
[3:53] Our Lord, we have believed in what You revealed and have followed the messenger Jesus, so register us among the witnesses [to truth]."
[3:54] And the disbelievers conspired (to kill Eisa ), and Allah covertly planned to destroy them; and Allah is the best of secret planners.
[3:55] Remember when Allah said, "O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you [in submission to Allah alone] superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ".Here again, like elsewhere in Quran, it is reiterated that Jesus was raised to Allah and he was neither killed nor died. His followers includes all who believe in Jesus (pbuh), this of course is not restricted to Christians, as Muslims believe him to be a Prophet of Allah as well.

Here again, if you read carefully the verse begins with 'Raise to myself' and then ends with 'You will return to me'. This is an indication of the second coming of Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus (PBUH) was raised to Allah, when his enemies planned to kill him. Again his being returned to Allah for judgement, is an indication that he will come to live with us and then return to the Lord as we all return back after living our full term on the earth (that is - till our death).

[3:56] “So I shall mete a severe punishment to those who disbelieve, in this world and in the Hereafter; and they will not have any supporters.”
[3:57] “And for those who believed and did good deeds, Allah will give them their full reward; and Allah does not like the unjust.”
[3:58] These are some verses that We recite to you, and advice full of wisdom.

[3:59] The example of Eisa with Allah is like that of Adam; He created him (Adam) from clay and then said to him, “Be” - and it thereupon happens!Relate this Ayat back to Ayat 47 above.

[3:60] This is the Truth from your Lord, so never be of those who doubt.
[3:61] Therefore say to those who dispute with you (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him) concerning Eisa (Jesus) after this knowledge has come to you, “Come! Let us summon our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves - then pray humbly, thereby casting the curse of Allah upon the liars!” (This is for those who differ in belief on the birth and life of Jesus.)

[3:62] This undoubtedly is the true narrative; there is none worthy of worship except Allah; and Allah is the Almighty, the Wise.
[3:63] So if they turn away, then indeed Allah knows those who cause turmoil.

[3:64] Say (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him), “O People given the Book(s)! Come towards a word which is common between us and you, that we shall worship no one except Allah, and that we shall not ascribe any partner to Him, and that none of us shall take one another as lords besides Allah”; then if they do not accept say, “Be witness that (only) we are Muslims.”

Here is a commandment from the Lord to people who follow were revealed the 3 Scriptures (namely Torah, Gospel and the Quran) to understand the common things between the three religions and believe in one God- Allah. And not to ascribe any partners to Him. He is above having a son or any other relations.

The narrative about Maryam and Jesus (PBUH) ends with this verse in Surah Ale-Imran (though the Chapter continues).

The Story of Maryam and of her giving birth to Jesus (PBUH) is again mentioned in Surah Maryam. Excerpts about Mary in Surah Maryam :

SURAH MARYAM (CHAPTER 19)

[19:16] And remember Maryam in the Book; when she went away from her family to a place towards east.This verse reveals about the moving of Maryam to a place towards the east, away from her family.

[19:17] And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man.

There she met a man on the way. This was actually Gabriel Angel disguised as a man.

[19:18] She said, "I seek the refuge of the Most Gracious from you - if you fear Allah."
[19:19] He said, "I am indeed one sent by your Lord; so that I may give you a chaste son."
[19:20] She said, "How can I bear a son? No man has ever touched me, nor am I of poor conduct!"
[19:21] He said, "So it is; your Lord has said, ‘This is easy for Me’; and in order that We make him a sign for mankind and a Mercy from Us; and this matter has been decreed."
[19:22] So she conceived him, and she went away with him to a far place.
[19:23] Then the pangs of childbirth brought her to the base of the palm-tree; she said, "Oh, if only had I died before this and had become forgotten, unremembered."
[19:24] (The angel) Therefore he called her from below her, “Do not grieve - your Lord has made a river flow below you.”
[19:25] "And shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards you - ripe fresh dates will fall upon you''

[19:26] "Therefore eat and drink and appease your eyes; so if you meet any person then say, ‘I have pledged a fast (of silence) to the Most Gracious - I will therefore not speak to any person today.’ "
[19:27] So carrying him in her arms, she brought him to her people; they said, "O Maryam, you have indeed committed a great evil!"This is after Maryam gave birth to Jesus (PBUH) and brought him to her people. The people started accusing her of sin.

[19:28] "O sister of Haroon, neither was your father an evil man nor was your mother of poor conduct!"

[19:29] Thereupon she pointed towards the child; they said, "How can we speak to an infant who is in the cradle?"When people started accusing Maryam of misconduct, she pointed to her baby to seek explanation. The people exclaimed how could a infant talk!

[19:30] The child proclaimed, "I am Allah’s bondman; He has given me the Book and made me a Herald of the Hidden (a Prophet)."
[19:31] "And He has made me blessed wherever I be; and ordained upon me prayer and charity, as long as I live."
[19:32] "And has made me good to my mother and not made me forceful, ill-fated."
[19:33] "And peace is upon me the day I was born, and on the day I shall taste death, and on the day I will be raised alive."

Here again 'death' and 'being raised alive' are separately mentioned as two separate events. An indication of Second Coming of Jesus and his subsequent death later.
[19:34] This is Eisa (Jesus), the son of Maryam; a true statement, in which they doubt.
[19:35] It does not befit Allah to appoint someone as His son - Purity is to Him! When He ordains a matter, He just commands it, "Be" - and it thereupon happens.

[19:36] And said Eisa (Jesus), "Indeed Allah is my Lord and your Lord - therefore worship Him; this is the Straight Path."
[19:37] Then the factions differed [concerning Jesus] from among them, so woe to those who disbelieved - from the scene of a tremendous Day.
[19:38] Much will they listen and much will they see, on the Day when they come to Us, but today the unjust are in open error.
[19:39] And warn them, [O Muhammad], of the Day of Regret, when the matter will be concluded; and [yet], they are in [a state of] heedlessness, and they do not believe.

[19:40] Indeed We shall inherit the earth and all that is on it, and only towards Us will they return.Though Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) continues about hardships of some other prophets, the story of Maryam and Jesus ends with Ayat 40

There is a brief mention of Maryam in CHAPTER 66 - SURAH TEHREEM (The Prohibition) also :
[66:12] And the example of Maryam the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity - We therefore breathed into her a Spirit from Ourselves – and she testified for the Words of her Lord and His Books, and was among the obedient.

The Importance of Maryam alongwith other important women in Islam (through the Hadeeths) :

Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (RA) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The best of the women in the world is Maryam (in her lifetime), and the best of the women in the world is Khadijah (in her lifetime)."

Abu Musa Ashari (RA) also narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Many among men attained perfection, but among women none attained perfection except Maryam the daughter of Imran, and Asiya the wife of Pharaoh; and the superiority of Aisha to other women is like the superiority of Tharid (an Arabic dish) to other meals."

Translation credit :
http://www.alahazrat.net/alquran and in some parts from http://quran.com/

Surah An Nisa- Rights of Women

In my earlier analysis of Surah An-Nisa, I'd just run through the verses on the Rights of Women, but on demand from some Muslim friends, I am providing an in-depth into the skipped verses. This is for fellow Muslims (especially women), who want to know more abut the importance of marriage, women and property rights in Islam, so that they get correct knowledge right from the Quran itself and avoid its misuse by hearsay.
MARRIAGE:4:3 - And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].Verse 3 states that though it is advisable to marry from the orphan girls, one may do so if one is sure of doing full justice to them. Else marry any other girl. One may marry to a limit of 4, but if one is not sure of treating all of them equally, then it is better to marry only one woman from any believing woman or from any believing woman from the slaves (there was a practice of slavery those days). Marrying one woman, if fearing injustice to them is highlighted again in the last sentence as Allah does not like those who do injustice to others.

This point is further stressed through verse 129 which states that no man can be equal to more than one woman, no matter how much he tries.....
4:129 - And you will never be able to be equal [in feeling] between wives, even if you should strive [to do so]. So do not incline completely [toward one] and leave another hanging. And if you amend [your affairs] and fear Allah - then indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.
In the act of being more favourable to one wife, a man is likely to be unjust towards his other wife/ wives. So instead of being in such a situation, wherein the man is not able to be just to one wife (by dividing time and money) equally among them, then it is better to separate by settlement.
4:130 - But if they separate [by divorce], Allah will enrich each [of them] from His abundance. And ever is Allah Encompassing and Wise.
Bridal gifts (Mahr):Women are entitled to a marriage gift from their husbands at the time of marriage (but this should be what the guy can afford). This is reverse of the custom/practice in some countries, where men demand money (dowry) from women for marriage, whether the girls' families can afford it or not. This also follows with beating or killing the bride eventually to meet dowry demands!!!
4:4 - And give the women [upon marriage] their [bridal] gifts graciously. But if they give up willingly to you anything of it, then take it in satisfaction and ease.
The mahr cannot be taken back, unless wife gives it up willingly. This is so even after a divorce is sought....
4:20 - But if you want to replace one wife with another and you have given one of them a great amount [in gifts], do not take [back] from it anything. Would you take it in injustice and manifest sin?4:21 - And how could you take it while you have gone in unto each other and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?
WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN PROPERTY :4:7 - For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much - an obligatory share.
4:8 - And when [other] relatives and orphans and the needy are present at the [time of] division, then provide for them [something] out of the estate and speak to them words of appropriate kindness.This is an appeal to make provision for needy people from your property

4:9 - And let those [executors and guardians] fear [injustice] as if they [themselves] had left weak offspring behind and feared for them. So let them fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.This verse calls for justice from the guardians/ witnesses / executors of the will.

4:10 - Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a Blaze.This again is a warning for custodians of orphan's property (left by their parents / guardians) till they come of age.

The following verses state how the property is to be distributed among family :
4:11 - Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females. But if there are [only] daughters, two or more, for them is two thirds of one's estate. And if there is only one, for her is half. And for one's parents, to each one of them is a sixth of his estate if he left children. But if he had no children and the parents [alone] inherit from him, then for his mother is one third. And if he had brothers [or sisters], for his mother is a sixth, after any bequest he [may have] made or debt. Your parents or your children - you know not which of them are nearest to you in benefit. [These shares are] an obligation [imposed] by Allah . Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.

4:12 - And for you is half of what your wives leave if they have no child. But if they have a child, for you is one fourth of what they leave, after any bequest they [may have] made or debt. And for the wives is one fourth if you leave no child. But if you leave a child, then for them is an eighth of what you leave, after any bequest you [may have] made or debt. And if a man or woman leaves neither ascendants nor descendants but has a brother or a sister, then for each one of them is a sixth. But if they are more than two, they share a third, after any bequest which was made or debt, as long as there is no detriment [caused]. [This is] an ordinance from Allah , and Allah is Knowing and Forbearing.
4:13 - These are the limits [set by] Allah , and whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be admitted by Him to gardens [in Paradise] under which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein; and that is the great attainment.

Treatment of Women by men:4:19 - O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.

Points highlighted in this verse :
1) Women cannot be forced into marriage,

2) No marriage gift (mehr) is to be taken back from them (unless they have betrayed their husbands).
3) Women should be treated kindly.
4) If you dislike one quality of your wife, it is possible that she has other good qualities.
Who are the women prohibited in marriage to a man ? This is clearly mentioned in verses 23 and 24 as below :4:23 - Prohibited to you [for marriage] are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father's sisters, your mother's sisters, your brother's daughters, your sister's daughters, your [milk] mothers who nursed you, your sisters through nursing, your wives' mothers, and your step-daughters under your guardianship [born] of your wives unto whom you have gone in. But if you have not gone in unto them, there is no sin upon you. And [also prohibited are] the wives of your sons who are from your [own] loins, and that you take [in marriage] two sisters simultaneously, except for what has already occurred. Indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.
4:24 - And [also prohibited to you are all] married women except those your right hands possess. [This is] the decree of Allah upon you. And lawful to you are [all others] beyond these, [provided] that you seek them [in marriage] with [gifts from] your property, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse. So for whatever you enjoy [of marriage] from them, give them their due compensation as an obligation. And there is no blame upon you for what you mutually agree to beyond the obligation. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.
Who can be married and conditions of marriage....4:25 - And whoever among you does not have means to marry free, believing women due to poverty, should marry from the believing bondwomen you own; and Allah knows well your faith; you are from one another; therefore marry them with the permission of their masters/ people, and give them their bridal money according to custom, they becoming (faithful) wives, not committing mischief or secretly making friends; so when they are married and commit the shameful, for them is half the punishment prescribed for free women; this is for one among you who fears falling into adultery; and to practice patience is better for you; and Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Equality between men and women...4:32 - And do not long for things by which Allah has given superiority to some of you over others; for men is the share of what they earn; and for women the share from what they earn; and seek from Allah His munificence; indeed Allah knows everything.Here it is highlighted that one should not just long or pray for some thing/s which is granted to another (by comparing ourselves with others) because men and women get what they earn for themselves.

Jazakallah.

Translation courtesy : quran.com (in a few places http://www.alahazrat.net/)

Surah Al Mai'dah

Al Maidah means : The Food. The essence of the Surah is of course, Food. What is allowed, what is not? And how one partakes of it. It comprises of 120 verses/ ayats.

Ayat 1 -O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur'an] - hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram. Indeed, Allah ordains what He intends.

The verse begins with the command to fulfill all contracts and promises made. Then goes on to explain that only animals which graze on grass or plants are lawful for a Muslim and that hunting is not allowed during Ihraam. Ihraam is the state you’re in while on pilgrimage (after donning the white cloth called ‘ihraam’, see pic)

Ayat 2 -O you who have believed, do not violate the rites of Allah or [the sanctity of] the sacred month or [neglect the marking of] the sacrificial animals and garlanding [them] or [violate the safety of] those coming to the Sacred House seeking bounty from their Lord and [His] approval. But when you come out of ihram, then [you may] hunt. And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
Here it is clear that acts of garlanding animals while sacrificing them is not permissible.

Ayat 3 - Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah , and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and [prohibited is] that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience. This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
Prohibited food as explained above:
Meat of dead animals, Blood, Swine (pigs), animals killed by strangling of a violent blow, or which dies of injury due to horns, what is killed by wild animals, those sacrificed on stone altars, or killed by arrows. But animals hunted by your trained hunting animals, which you eventually sacrifice in the prescribed way (halaal) is acceptable. But again, if one is compelled to eat something out of sheer hunger (in a survival situation), something not prescribed for a believer, then there is no sin on him as Allah knows whats in our hearts.

Many of non-Muslims must have heard the word Halaal in context to food. ‘Halaal’ simply means – 'lawful' (permissible), while ‘Haraam’ means ‘unlawful’. Halaal food means food which is not prohibited as per Quran. There is prescribed way to slaughter an animal in Islam and this method has also been proven to be the best method scientifically also. It causes least pain to animal and almost entire blood is oozed out from animal, which is good for human intake also. To read in detail about the Islamic way of slaughtering animals (and its scientific authentication), you may check this link :

http://www.imamreza.net/eng/imamreza.php?id=7197

Ayat 4 - They ask you, [O Muhammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, "Lawful for you are [all] good foods and [game caught by] what you have trained of hunting animals which you train as Allah has taught you. So eat of what they catch for you, and mention the name of Allah upon it, and fear Allah ." Indeed, Allah is swift in account.

What foods are lawful for a believing Muslim and whom can a Muslim man marry ?
Ayat 5 - This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers. And whoever denies the faith - his work has become worthless, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.

This ayat states that a Muslim man can marry a chaste, practicising woman from a Muslim, Christian or Jew (those who have been given the Scriptures before you) by giving them their full marriage right and gift (mahr). For those who do not know, Mahr is a monetary gift given to a woman by her husband at the time of marriage. This is defined in Surah An Nisa (Ayat 4) as below :
4: 4 And give to the women (whom you marry) their Mahr (obligatory bridal money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) with a good heart, but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it, and enjoy it without fear of any harm (as Allah has made it lawful).

Also listing some related Ayats from Surah An Nisa related to 'Mahr', including right of woman to marry the man whom she likes (not forcing someone to marry you):
4 : 19 O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.

A Mahr given to a woman cannot be taken back, even on ending the marriage.
4: 20 But if you want to replace one wife with another and you have given one of them a great amount [in gifts], do not take [back] from it anything. Would you take it in injustice and manifest sin?

Coming back to Surah Al Maidah ...

Ayat 6 speaks about ablution (wuzu) to be performed before offering prayers
Ayat 6 : O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.

Janabah here speaks of the state of impurity. If water is not available, while travelling and one needs to clean self, then clean soil can also be used to cleanse the face and hands. ‘Intention’ (neeyat) is a very important part of Islam. The intention in your heart (whether you speak aloud about it or silently say it in your heart) before doing an act is very important. Whether we offer namaaz, charity or any other good deed or activity, the person’s intention behind it is taken into account by Allah. God can see in your hearts and knows what is in it. So our intentions should be good for HIM to ease things for you and help you earn your rewards. Also the above ayat clearly states that in exceptional cases, Allah understands your problem and wants to ease things for us, so will even cause clean soil to cleanse us in case of emergencies. Also, if our intention is to show off while doing charity, you may gain its rewards only in this world and for what it is intended, hereafter you may not gain from it or its reward may be diminished. Allah knows best.

Again, we are reminded that God is The One and above having any relations. He can create and destroy whom He wishes. He was neither born nor will die. He was and will be.

Ayat 17 - They have certainly disbelieved who say that Allah is Christ, the son of Mary. Say, "Then who could prevent Allah at all if He had intended to destroy Christ, the son of Mary, or his mother or everyone on the earth?" And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. He creates what He wills, and Allah is over all things competent.

Ayat 18 - But the Jews and the Christians say, "We are the children of Allah and His beloved." Say, "Then why does He punish you for your sins?" Rather, you are human beings from among those He has created. He forgives whom He wills, and He punishes whom He wills. And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, and to Him is the [final] destination
Here, we are told that no one is above the other. All of us are human beings (mere mortals). He above everything.

Ayat 19 - O People of the Scripture, there has come to you Our Messenger to make clear to you [the religion] after a period [of suspension] of messengers, lest you say, "There came not to us any bringer of good tidings or a warner." But there has come to you a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And Allah is over all things competent.
Here, Our Messenger refers to our beloved Prophet Mohammed.

Here, through Quran, Mohammed (PBUH), is asked to recite the story of Moses, where he advised his people to enter the Holy Land promised by God, but they refused by giving excuses and God eventually cursed them for disobeying His command. This is explained through Ayats 20 to Ayat 26
Ayat 20- And [mention, O Muhammad], when Moses said to his people, "O my people, remember the favor of Allah upon you when He appointed among you prophets and made you possessors and gave you that which He had not given anyone among the worlds.

Ayat 21 - O my people, enter the Holy Land which Allah has assigned to you and do not turn back [from fighting in Allah 's cause] and [thus] become losers."

Ayat 22 - They said, "O Moses, indeed within it is a people of tyrannical strength, and indeed, we will never enter it until they leave it; but if they leave it, then we will enter."

Ayat 23 - Said two men from those who feared [to disobey] upon whom Allah had bestowed favor, "Enter upon them through the gate, for when you have entered it, you will be predominant. And upon Allah rely, if you should be believers."

Ayat 24 - They said, "O Moses, indeed we will not enter it, ever, as long as they are within it; so go, you and your Lord, and fight. Indeed, we are remaining right here."

Ayat 25 - [Moses] said, "My Lord, indeed I do not possess except myself and my brother, so part us from the defiantly disobedient people."

Ayat 26 - [ Allah ] said, "Then indeed, it is forbidden to them for forty years [in which] they will wander throughout the land. So do not grieve over the defiantly disobedient people."

Then the Surah goes on to relate the story of the sons of Adam, wherein one son sinned by killing his own brother and later repented (Ayat 27 to Ayat 31).

Ayat 27 -And recite to them the story of Adam's two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allah ], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said [the latter], "I will surely kill you." Said [the former], "Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].

Ayat 28 - If you should raise your hand against me to kill me - I shall not raise my hand against you to kill you. Indeed, I fear Allah , Lord of the worlds.

Ayat 29 - Indeed I want you to obtain [thereby] my sin and your sin so you will be among the companions of the Fire. And that is the recompense of wrongdoers."

Ayat 30 - And his soul permitted to him the murder of his brother, so he killed him and became among the losers.

Ayat 31 - Then Allah sent a crow searching in the ground to show him how to hide the disgrace of his brother. He said, "O woe to me! Have I failed to be like this crow and hide the body of my brother?" And he became of the regretful.

(This is where from where the burial practice was started. Prior to this, no death had probably occurred, as they were from amongst the sons of the first Man and Prophet of Allah- Adam PBUH. Also earlier men used to live for several hundred years)

Ayat 32 - Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, [even] after that, throughout the land, were transgressors.
A soul for a soul means – capital punishment for murder of another (which is allowed). But this justice is left to the kin of the murdered. But again, it is upto them to forgive the other as an act of charity. This is mentioned in detailed in Ayat 45.

So, with the exception of mischief mongers and murderers, if one kills an innocent person, it is as if he had slain entire mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved entire mankind. Here is a lesson for those kill in the name of religion. When mass killing is done, so many innocents and Allah’s loved ones too lose their lives. By doing this, the doer only brings the wrath of Allah on himself. And saving a life is the regarded as a great act comparing it with saving humanity. Through several Hadeeths, we are told that even the simple act of removing an obstacle (stone, branch, thorn or anything which may cause harm to a traveller) from the road is considered the highest act of charity.

Punishment for stealing :
Ayat 38 -[As for] the thief, the male and the female, amputate their hands in recompense for what they committed as a deterrent [punishment] from Allah . And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
This is usually highlighted by many non-Muslims as barbaric, but read what the immediate verse states.
Ayat 39 - But whoever repents after his wrongdoing and reforms, indeed, Allah will turn to him in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

In the next Ayat, sending of the Torah as guidance of the people is stated. But here is also a warning for those who modify the religious texts for their own personal things or justify their own acts :
Ayat 44 - Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah ] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah , and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the disbelievers.

Ayat 45 - And We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution. But whoever gives [up his right as] charity, it is an expiation for him. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.
This is the Ayat I was referring to earlier, which clearly defines Crinimal Law for murder or any other physical harm. Like we say, ‘An eye for an eye...’ Rest is self explanatory.

Ayat 46 - And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous.

Ayat 47 - And let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the defiantly disobedient.
The above 2 ayats are self-explanatory.

Ayat 57 - O you who have believed, take not those who have taken your religion in ridicule and amusement among the ones who were given the Scripture before you nor the disbelievers as allies. And fear Allah , if you should [truly] be believers.
Ayat 58 - And when you call to prayer, they take it in ridicule and amusement. That is because they are a people who do not use reason
Notice that here Quran tells us to keep away from people who make fun of your religion and ridicule it. But it doesn’t state anywhere to harm or hurt them.

Those who follow the earlier Scriptures correctly are also among the favoured.
Ayat 69 - Indeed, those who have believed [in Prophet Muhammad] and those [before Him] who were Jews or Sabeans or Christians - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

With reference to calling Jesus as God and referring to Him as Three...
Ayat 72 - They have certainly disbelieved who say, " Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary" while the Messiah has said, "O Children of Israel, worship Allah , my Lord and your Lord." Indeed, he who associates others with Allah - Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.

Ayat 73 - They have certainly disbelieved who say, " Allah is the third of three." And there is no god except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment.

Ayat 74 - So will they not repent to Allah and seek His forgiveness? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Jesus, the Messenger of God just like our beloved Prophet Muhammed....
Ayat 75 - The Messiah, son of Mary, was but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded.

Keeping a Promise / Oath and compensation if it is broken –
Ayat 89 - Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful.

Though a way of compensating for broken oaths or promises is mentioned, it is stressed that Oaths should be guarded and not broken as that is better for us.

Prohibition from intoxicants and gambling –
Ayat 91 - Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you not desist?

Sea Food allowed even if on Pilgrimage –
Ayat 92 -Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers, but forbidden to you is game from the land as long as you are in the state of ihram. And fear Allah to whom you will be gathered.

About the power of various miracles bestowed on Jesus by Allah –
Ayat 110 -[The Day] when Allah will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and [remember] when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, "This is not but obvious magic."

Ayat 111 - And [remember] when I inspired to the disciples, "Believe in Me and in My messenger Jesus." They said, "We have believed, so bear witness that indeed we are Muslims [in submission to Allah ]."

Coming back to the essence of the Chapter, Food, we are narrated another incident from the life of Jesus PBUH. This however is in continuation of Ayat 110 and 111, (when Allah will question Jesus on the Day of Judgement)

Ayat 112 - [And remember] when the disciples said, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven? [Jesus] said," Fear Allah , if you should be believers."
Ayat 113 - They said, "We wish to eat from it and let our hearts be reassured and know that you have been truthful to us and be among its witnesses."

There is no clarity whether this refers to The Last Supper of Bible, though it could be a possibility.
Ayat 114 - Said Jesus, the son of Mary, "O Allah , our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers."

Ayat 115 - Allah said, "Indeed, I will sent it down to you, but whoever disbelieves afterwards from among you - then indeed will I punish him with a punishment by which I have not punished anyone among the worlds."

Again the highlight is on Allah being the Supreme and devoid of relations and continues with the questions that will be asked to Jesus by Allah on the Day of Judgement...

Ayat 116- And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, 'Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah ?'" He will say, "Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen.

Ayat 117 - I said not to them except what You commanded me - to worship Allah , my Lord and your Lord. And I was a witness over them as long as I was among them; but when You took me up, You were the Observer over them, and You are, over all things, Witness.

Ayat 118 - If You should punish them - indeed they are Your servants; but if You forgive them - indeed it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

Ayat 119 - Allah will say, "This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness." For them are gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allah being pleased with them, and they with Him. That is the great attainment.

Ayat 120 - To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is within them. And He is over all things competent.

Jazaakallah Khair

Translation credit : Saheeh International