Page no 82 God wants you to know

 The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam, revealed to Prophet Muhammad S.A over 23 years.

It is written in Arabic and serves as a guide for life, spirituality, and morality.

Comprising 114 chapters (Surahs), it emphasizes faith, compassion, and justice.

Muslims consider it the ultimate source of divine wisdom and guidance.

Page no 81 God wants you to know

A short briefing of Surah Al Imran verse 96 to 100

                    بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم

Verse 96

Arabic:

إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِّلْعَالَمِينَ

Meaning:

The first House (of worship) established for people was the one at Makkah (Mecca), blessed and a guidance for all the worlds.

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Explanation :

The verse refers to the Kaaba in Mecca, described as the first place of worship set up for humanity. God wants you to know that this sacred House, located in Bakkah (another name for Mecca), holds a special place in history. It was built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ismail) as a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of one God. Its establishment marks it as the earliest center for spiritual connection, symbolizing unity for all people who seek God’s guidance. The Kaaba’s significance lies in its role as a focal point for worship, bringing people together in devotion.

This House is described as “blessed,” meaning it carries divine favor and spiritual benefits for those who visit or turn toward it in prayer. God wants you to know that the Kaaba is not just a physical structure but a source of blessings that uplift the hearts of believers. Pilgrims who visit Mecca for Hajj or Umrah experience a sense of peace and closeness to God. The blessings extend beyond the physical space, inspiring people worldwide to follow a path of righteousness and gratitude. Its sacredness encourages humility and devotion, reminding humanity of their shared purpose.

The Kaaba is also a “guidance for all the worlds,” showing its universal importance. God wants you to know that it serves as a spiritual compass, guiding not just Muslims but all who seek truth toward worshiping one God. Its presence calls humanity to reflect on their faith, unite in worship, and follow divine guidance. The Kaaba stands as a timeless symbol of God’s mercy and direction for all creation.

Verse 97

Arabic:

فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ

Meaning:

In it are clear signs, such as the standing place of Ibrahim. Whoever enters it finds safety. Pilgrimage to the House is a duty to God for those who can afford the journey. But whoever denies it, God is independent of all the worlds.

Explanation :

This verse highlights the Kaaba’s clear signs, like the Maqam Ibrahim (the standing place of Prophet Ibrahim). God wants you to know that these signs are proofs of the Kaaba’s sacredness, showing its deep connection to Prophet Ibrahim’s legacy. The Maqam Ibrahim, a stone bearing his footprint, reminds believers of his devotion and obedience to God. These signs are visible reminders of faith, encouraging people to reflect on their own commitment to God. The Kaaba’s sacred space inspires awe and strengthens belief in God’s presence.

The verse also declares that the Kaaba is a place of safety for all who enter it. God wants you to know that this sanctuary offers peace and protection, both physically and spiritually. Historically, even before Islam, the Kaaba was a place where people could seek refuge without fear. This safety reflects God’s mercy, creating a space where everyone, regardless of background, can feel secure in worship. The Kaaba’s sanctity ensures that those who enter it are shielded from harm, fostering a sense of unity and trust in God’s care.

Finally, the verse emphasizes that Hajj (pilgrimage) is a duty for those who can afford it. God wants you to know that this journey is a way to show gratitude and devotion, but it’s only required for those with the means. However, God is independent and does not need human worship. Those who reject this duty harm only themselves, as God’s greatness remains unaffected. The pilgrimage is an opportunity for believers to draw closer to God and strengthen their faith.

Verse 98

Arabic:

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ شَهِيدٌ عَلَىٰ مَا تَعْمَلُونَ

Meaning:

Say, “O People of the Book, why do you reject God’s signs when God is a witness to what you do?”

Explanation :

This verse addresses the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), questioning their rejection of God’s signs. God wants you to know that His signs, such as the Quran and the Kaaba’s sanctity, are clear proofs of His guidance. The verse challenges those who received earlier scriptures to reflect on why they deny these truths, despite their own teachings pointing to similar messages of monotheism. It urges them to recognize the continuity of God’s message through Prophet Muhammad and the Quran, which confirm earlier revelations.

The verse emphasizes that God is fully aware of everyone’s actions. God wants you to know that nothing escapes His knowledge, and He sees the intentions behind rejecting His signs. This serves as a reminder of accountability, encouraging sincerity and openness to truth. For the People of the Book, it’s a call to examine their stance and align with the universal message of worshiping one God. The verse promotes dialogue, urging them to consider the Quran’s teachings rather than dismissing them out of prejudice or misunderstanding.

By highlighting God as a witness, the verse underscores His justice and wisdom. God wants you to know that He observes all deeds, and His judgment is fair. This encourages believers to act with integrity and seek truth, knowing they are accountable. For those who reject God’s signs, the verse is a gentle but firm reminder to reconsider their position. It fosters a sense of responsibility, urging all people to reflect on their beliefs and actions in light of God’s clear guidance and universal message of faith.

Verse 99

Arabic:

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ بِهَا تَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجًا وَأَنتُمْ شُهَدَاءُ ۗ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ

Meaning:

Say, “O People of the Book, why do you stop those who believe from God’s path, trying to make it seem crooked, when you are witnesses (to the truth)?” God is not unaware of what you do.

Explanation :

This verse questions why some People of the Book prevent others from following God’s path. God wants you to know that obstructing believers from the truth is a serious matter. The “path” refers to the straight way of worshiping one God, as taught by all prophets, including Muhammad. Some may misguide others by distorting the truth or creating doubts, but this verse calls them out for such actions. It urges them to support, not hinder, those seeking God’s guidance.

The verse accuses them of trying to make God’s path seem “crooked” or wrong, despite knowing the truth. God wants you to know that their own scriptures confirm the oneness of God and the coming of a final prophet. By misrepresenting the truth, they mislead others and themselves. This highlights the importance of sincerity in faith and the responsibility to share God’s message accurately. The verse serves as a reminder to avoid twisting divine guidance for personal or communal gain, emphasizing the need for honesty in matters of faith.

God’s awareness is stressed again, reinforcing His role as a witness to all actions. God wants you to know that He sees every effort to obstruct His path and will hold people accountable. This encourages believers to stay steadfast and not be swayed by misinformation. It also calls on the People of the Book to reflect on their actions and align with the truth they already know. The verse promotes unity in faith, urging all to support God’s straight path and avoid creating divisions.

Verse 100

Arabic:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تُطِيعُوا فَرِيقًا مِّنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ يَرُدُّوكُم بَعْدَ إِيمَانِكُمْ كَافِرِينَ

Meaning:

O you who believe, if you obey a group of those given the Book, they will turn you back into disbelievers after your faith.

Explanation :

This verse warns believers against following certain People of the Book who may lead them astray. God wants you to know that not all who received earlier scriptures are trustworthy guides. Some may try to weaken the faith of Muslims, encouraging them to abandon their beliefs. This warning is not about all People of the Book but specifically those who actively work to undermine Islam. It urges believers to stay firm in their faith and be cautious about external influences that could shake their conviction.

The verse highlights the risk of being misled after accepting faith. God wants you to know that faith is precious and must be protected. Some individuals might use their knowledge of previous scriptures to create doubts or misinterpretations, leading believers away from God’s path. This serves as a reminder to seek knowledge from reliable sources and remain grounded in the Quran and the Prophet’s teachings. By staying vigilant, believers can safeguard their faith against attempts to pull them back into disbelief.

The warning encourages discernment and trust in God’s guidance. God wants you to know that your faith is a gift, and you should not let others’ agendas sway you. The verse fosters resilience, urging believers to hold fast to their beliefs despite challenges. It also emphasizes the importance of community and seeking knowledge to strengthen faith. By remaining steadfast and relying on God’s truth, believers can resist efforts to derail their spiritual journey and continue following the straight path with confidence and clarity.

This briefing provides a clear and simple explanation of each verse, incorporating the keyword God wants you to know to emphasize the divine message. Let me know if you need further clarification or adjustments!