Juz 19- Juz Gems
Indeed, I Have My Lord, He Will Guide Me.
Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the 19th Juz of the Qur’an, which means we will be embarking on the last ten nights of Ramadan very soon! The 19th Juz consists of Surat al-Furqan, Surat ash-Shu’ara, and a portion of Surat an-Naml. One of the most awe-inspiring verses in this section is Prophet Musa’s declaration to his people as they flee from Pharaoh and his men:
فَلَمَّا تَرَاءَى الْجَمْعَانِ قَالَ أَصْحَابُ مُوسَىٰ إِنَّا لَمُدْرَكُونَ ﴿٦١﴾ قَالَ كَلَّا ۖ إِنَّ مَعِيَ رَبِّي سَيَهْدِينِ ﴿٦٢﴾
“And when the two companies saw one another, the companions of Moses said, "Indeed, we are to be overtaken!" [Moses] said, "No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me," (Surat ash-Shuara, ayaat 61-62).
For years, the people of Bani Israel faced unbelievable torture at the hands of Pharaoh and his men. Every other year, he would order the slaughter of their male babies and would stop at nothing to wield his power over the most vulnerable and disenfranchised in society. It is no wonder why the term “pharaoh” connotes such negativity- we often ask ourselves what is the pharaoh within us that needs to be destroyed. No one in the history of humanity is worse than this man, and yet when Musa sees him and his army drawing near, about to attack while they face the Red Sea, he has full conviction in Allah’s aide, but this wasn’t always the case.
The first time Musa (as) meets Allah (swt), Allah commands Musa to throw down his staff and it becomes this huge, living, snake. Musa responds in a way most of us would- he flees and does not return. Allah reassures him by saying, "Do not be afraid. We will return it to its original form," (20:21). Here, we see the physical manifestation of Musa's fear.
When Allah (swt) commands Musa to speak to Fir'awn, we see Musa's internal fears manifest themselves. Musa explains to his Lord all of his anxiety, "I am afraid they will kill me." "I am afraid they will deny the message." "Aide me with Haroon, he is better in speech," (26:12-14). Allah encourages Musa and is gentle with him. Allah says, "Do not worry. I am with you both. I hear and I see." "I chose you for Me,” (20:41-42).
Finally, we see Musa in front of the Red Sea, responsible for the men, women, and children of Bani Israel. Firawn, the worst of creation, is ready to slaughter them all. And yet, there is no longer any fear, anxiety, or trepidation in his words. "Indeed, I have my Lord, He will guide me."
As we edge closer to the last ten nights of Ramadan, be hopeful that Allah has a good outcome written for you. Imagine if we lived life with the mantra of Musa, “I have my Lord, He will guide me.” This certitude fills us with hope and husnul dhun billaah- thinking well of Allah. It also quells our anxieties, allowing us to forge through difficult obstacles, assured that we are never alone.
May Allah grant us the conviction of Musa and may He guide us through every difficult roadblock on our journey to Him.