Day 11 / Juz 11 (Ramadan ’17):-

“And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who do not expect the Meeting with Us say, “Bring us a Qur’an other than this or change it.” Say, “It is not for me to change it on my own accord. I only follow what is revealed to me…” [10: 15]

Truth is truth and it never changes for anyone. The arrogance of Mankind throughout time has been for them to demand that faith and religion be changed and tailored for them. But Allah intends for Man to change through the faith and religion that He sent Messengers with.

 

It’s not for us to change and twist things to suit us; we are neither gods nor upholders of universal power. We are merely slaves following what has been revealed, to the best of our ability in true humility – till the Day the truth is showcased and all becomes apparent to us.

Day 12 / Juz 12 (Ramadan ’17):-

“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of rest. All is in a clear register.” [11: 6]

Juz 12 begins with this verse and it’s a verse that comforts every single person who has a need. It’s a verse that says to you: don’t worry, upon Allah is your rizq (provision) and He has mandated it upon Himself to *give* you what you need. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring but He knows your path in life and He knows where you will end up.

 

It’s interesting that shortly after, Surah Hud follows with the story of Nuh, in particular the boarding of the Ark. Notice the wording:

 

“And [Noah] said, “Embark therein; in the Name of Allah whether it move or be at rest! Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.” [11: 41]

 

– As if to say our entire lives are like that moment in history when every living thing embarked the Ark. Only Allah knew where it was travelling to and where it would rest, but the lesson is the same; whoever got on with tawakkul (reliance) was saved and whoever stayed behind was engulfed by the waters of this world. And thus is life; you may not know where things are heading, but it’s alright so long as you are on board the safe ship of al-Rahman.

Day 13 / Juz 13 (Ramadan ’17):-

“They said, ‘We are missing the king’s goblet. Whoever brings it shall receive a camel’s load; that I guarantee.'” [12: 72]

There’s something very fascinating about the story of Yusuf (AS). Certain things that were negative at the beginning of Yusuf’s life and which he had no control over, come back at the end but this time in a good light with him given control and power over it. Take the fact that his brothers threw him into a well; a place holding water, and this was a plot they devised as a team to get rid of him. In the end, Yusuf devised his own plan to get his beloved brother back by using the king’s cup; an instrument which holds water (the symbolism here shouldn’t escape you!) and which caused the brothers stress and divided them.

 

Consider Yusuf’s shirt that the brothers doused in sheep’s blood in order to hurt their father and cut off his heart and hope from Yusuf. In the end, Yusuf used his own shirt which not only brought back his father’s sight, but also removed the hurt and despair in his heart and reconnected them. Consider the fact that as a boy, Yusuf was bought as a slave with mere coins but just a few years later, he is the financial minister and no-one could dare put a value on him. Instead they all humbled themselves to him as a master of his field.

 

This is not just a story and these are not just coincidences that Allah is mentioning. He is teaching us realities that He’s set in the life of this world. A negative thing that happens in your life may very well open up doors of positivity later on. Something that you’ve no control over may soon fall within your control and you get to use it for your benefit. Life is dynamic and constantly changing, tables turn and events come back on themselves and arrive on your shores again. You may not have had control before, but now you do. You may not have known what to do before, but now you do. As Yusuf says later on, O Allah You are the Originator of the Universe… And He returns and repeat things. O Allah bless us with the understanding and ability to do what You want us to do and is beneficial for us in this life and the Next, ameen.

Day 14 / Juz 14 (Ramadan ’17):-

“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, whilst a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward according to the best of what they used to do.” [16: 97]

As the proverb goes, “َمن جَدَّ وَجَد” – ‘Whoever seriously seeks, shall find.’ If you are yearning for a life of goodness and benefit, then seek out the good and beneficial deeds. Don’t ever stop engaging in them, whether they are acts of ‘ibadah (worship) to Allah, or they are acts in service to others. Righteousness breeds righteousness and it attracts all the khayr (good) into your life.

 

What I find beautiful about the above verse is that not only are the believers rewarded for their deeds, but Allah will select the best of their deeds – those they did with sincerity, with humility and purity of intention, those that meant a lot and contained a lot of striving – and then Allah will give them rewards according to the level of those tremendous acts. What rahmah! O Allah bless us to do righteousness till the end of our lives and grant us rewards unimaginable and be pleased with us, ameen.

Day 15 / Juz 15 (Ramadan ’17):-

“And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan provokes strife them. Indeed Satan is ever a clear enemy to mankind.” [17: 53]

I’ve come across people who think it’s fine to say whatever they want and if they’re misunderstood as a result or the other person takes it badly, then tough, that’s not their problem! Well, actually it is your problem. Allah hasn’t dismissed the effect of our words; we are bound by them. So yes, it is your duty to make sure you deliver your words and messages properly, in the best way that you can. Fair enough, you can have the best intentions, but if you’re not selecting your words right and setting your tone right, then be warned – Shaytan will use it as widely as he can to create strife between you and others.

 

Relationships have fallen apart because of this, spouses end up in fights, family fall out, friends resent each other and stop speaking etc – all because of what we say and more often, how we say it. Take the advice of al-Rahman here, always say what is best and don’t give Shaytan any room to spin your words. Take the sunnah of the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) who never spoke to others in ambiguous ways, who spoke clearly and didn’t leave room for misinterpretation, and who used the best and most direct words. With this practice, you become safer and safer from dissension with your loved ones insha’Allah.