Juz 9- Juz Gems

Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight we will conclude Surat Al-A’raaf which delved deeply into the story of Musa and Bani Israel. The beginning of Surat Al-Anfaal will also be recited which was revealed right after the Battle of Badr in 2 AH. A beautiful gem that truly stands out is the description of the believers in Surat Al-Anfaal:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّـهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ ﴿٢﴾ الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ ﴿٣﴾ أُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا ۚلَّهُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ ﴿٤﴾

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts fill with awe, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely. The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend. Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision,” (Surat al Anfaal verses 2-4).

After 13 years of persecution, suffering the death of loved ones, and exile out of Mecca, the believers hearts soared with pride and triumph as they defeated the Quraysh with Allah and His Angels by their side. The first verse of Surat Al-Anfaal discusses the spoils of war after the victorious Battle of Badr. The companions were confused and disputing amongst one another over who deserves what in regards to the war booty. When revelation came down saying that it all belongs to Allah and His Messenger (sas), the directive quickly became a very real and practical way for the believers to solidify and refine their faith. The Prophet Muhammad (sas) was reported as saying, “Faith does not come about through wishful thinking or maintaining appearances. True faith is that which establishes roots in people’s hearts and to which action gives credence.”

Notice how our beloved Messenger (sas) says it first takes root in people’s hearts then it leads to action. These verses from Surat Al-Anfaal follow the same pattern- a description of an awe-filled, inspired heart, then prayer and charity. Our faith is never divorced from action and vice versa. Sometimes it is in our actions that faith takes root and oftentimes it’s first an emotion that embeds itself into our soul and moves us to submit to our Lord. Umm al-Dardā’, a female Companion of the Prophet said: “A feeling of awe is similar to a burning sensation that causes you to tremble. When you experience that, then pray to God, for such prayer is sure to give you comfort.”

There are three heart-based emotions that distinguish the true believer from the hypocrite- the awe inspired heart, increased faith, and full reliance on Allah. Coming to Allah with a qalbun saleem (a healthy heart) will be the ultimate victory on the Day of Judgment and will be the criterion between the believers and the hypocrites. The faith of the believers will illuminate their way while the hypocrites will be running to catch some of their light (57:12-13).

In Ramadan, we have the opportunity to truly reflect on the position of our heart with Allah. Try to reflect on the times when you felt truly inspired and humbled by Allah’s (swt) Majesty. Was it standing in prayer during taraweeh? Listening to an awe-inspiring lecture? Making desperate dua in the middle of the night? Immersing yourself in nature? Relish those private moments with your Lord, the One capable of turning your heart and making it steadfast on His (swt) religion.