Who Has The Authority To Interpret The Qur'an & Hadith ?

Allah SWT states in the Qur'an:

"Hence, ask those with (knowledge) of the Divine Book if you know not."

The above verse is clear that one should refer to the Ulama (learned scholars) in matters of Deen (religion). When a person requires advise on a worldly matter, he refers to an expert on that matter. Similarly, in religious matters, one should refer to an expert in religion.

One should be cautious that in pursuit of gaining satisfaction, he/she does not become disrespectful to the learned scholars of Deen.

In worldly affairs, derogating the opinion of any expert may not cause any serious repercussions beyond the earthly existence but to lose respect of the learned scholars of Deen is extremely hazardous to one's faith.

It is stated in one Hadith:

"Whomsoever shows no mercy to our youngsters, does not respect the elders among us, and exalts not our Ulama (learned scholars) is not of us."

Therefore, a person should follow such an Aalim (scholar), in all Deeni (religious) matters as long as he is consistent upon the Sunnah. If any doubt arises in his piety, another Aalim may be consulted.

Allah SWT says in the Noble Qur'an,

"Verily those that fear Allah from among his slaves are the Ulama."

True Ulama are those who have true knowledge of the Shari'ah and by virtue of their knowledge attain a colour of the fear of Allah in them. They endeavour to accomplish the orders of Allah in every walk of their life, domestic, social and political. In order to achieve the ultimate spirit of knowledge, the obedience to Allah SWT and His Rasul SAW, one needs to examine the lives of the preceding Allah-fearing Ulama and the knowledge they acquired in order to imbibe in them such outstanding qualities. Among the torch bearers of true knowledge and guidance after the illustrious Sahabahs RA were the four famous Imams of Fiqh who possessed deep understanding of the Shari'ah. They extracted the fundamental rules and principles of Shari'ah in the light of the Qur'an and Ahadith and thereby extracted many Shari'ah rulings. The fundamental rules and principles are known as Usul-ul-Fiqh and the laws extracted there from are known as Fiqh.

In brief, an Aalim should be well acquainted with the Qur'an and its sciences of commentary as well as its commentary (Usul-ul-Tafsir and Tafsir), he should be well acquainted with the sciences of commentary of Ahadith and Ahadith (Usul-ul-Ahadith and Ahadith). Obviously, since the Qur'an and Ahadith are in Arabic, one has to study Arabic and have profound knowledge of Arabic language as well.

In traditional Islamic institutions of Academic Islamic studies, the above subjects are offered over a period of approximately eight years. Thereafter, one may spend another two years to study a specialist course in Qur'an, Ahadith or Fiqh. Furthermore, in traditional institutes much emphasis is made on good character, conduct and fear of Allah.

(Today unfortunately many people go to Arabia for a three-year university degree and believe / expect to have the same kind of proficiency. It is a joke.)

So basically, to become an Aalim, a person would have to enrol into a reputable institute of Islamic higher learning. That person must also spend time with other Ulama to increase knowledge and learn about contemporary issues and witness how the Shari'ah is interpreted and brought to life. As, attaining entry into Jannah – that is the goal of each and every one of us, InshaAllah i.e. we all need to follow the Shari'ah to its fullest.


SOME ISSUES WHICH HAVE CONFUSED US NON-SCHOLARS – AND WITH THAT CONFUSION AND MISUNDERSTANDING – HAVE POLLUTED OUR PRINCIPLES OF BELIEF, THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS

Misunderstanding: Modern vs. Classic

These days some people say that now we have access to books easily which Ulama before did not have access to. They had to travel far just to get one Ahadith. Therefore it is so-said that contemporary "scholars" can make better decisions because they have access to more knowledge.

This is obviously wrong. Firstly, true contemporary Ulama make decisions that are all based on the views, explanations and interpretations of their predecessors. True Contemporary Ulama are dependent on their predecessors. Yes, nowadays, we do have easier access to books than before. However, this is only with reference to 'access books'.

As for knowledge and expertise, then this was found to a far greater extent in the earlier times. The earlier scholars sacrificed much more for knowledge and they possessed much more expertise in all fields of knowledge which is why contemporary Ulama are dependent on their interpretations and explanations.

Another important aspect is this that our Pious Predecessors lived closer to the time of Nabi SAW. Our pious predecessors had the opportunity to experience, learn and practice the teachings, understanding and approach of Rasulullah SAW. During the time of Nabi SAW, Deen was complete. It was then passed on generation by generation down till today. Thus we cannot compare the understanding of Imam Shafi'i RA with contemporary pious Ulama. But it is very wrong to then act by then ignoring these Ulama and then rely on our own thoughts to understand.

On the other hand, secular education changes daily. The more technology progresses, the more deductions man makes. Hence, in technology, contemporary scientists have more exposure and are more capable than previous times.


A Historical Background of the Refutation of Ahadith and the Authenticity of its Compilation

The Ahadith of Rasulullah SAW have been unanimously accepted by the entire Ummah as the source of Islamic Law, after the Noble Qur'an. In fact, upon pondering, it can be concluded that the entire Ahadith contain the real essence of Islamic Law (Islamic Shari'ah) as Ahadith comprise of the mubaraq beautiful words, actions and approvals of the Holy Prophet SAW who has interpreted the Noble Qur'an and defined its object and purpose.

However, it is regrettable that a certain group of people influenced by the corrupt western culture and "civilisation," have begun refuting Ahadith.

In the beginning of the twentieth century, when the Western nations dominated over Muslims, many Muslims of poor understanding and little knowledge became overwhelmed by western ideologies and concepts. They opined that progress was impossible without upholding and adopting the western lifestyle. They began propagating this concept among the masses. In order to propagate this concept they distorted all the Islamic teachings that opposed this western culture and ideology. This group was called the modernists.

Among the leaders of such groups were people like Sir Sayed and Ahmed Khan of India, Taha Hussain of Egypt and Ziyad Khog of Turkey. It should be borne in mind that the objects and aims of this group could not be achieved without rejecting Ahadith because, Ahadith contain detailed guidelines to every aspect of life which are totally opposed to western norms and trends.

Consequently, a group among this cult began to negate Ahadith and called themselves the "Qur'anic Group". Sir Sayed and his companion Moulvi Chirag Ali were the founders of this movement in India. They did not negate Ahadith completely; instead they rejected all those that were contrary to their aims and objectives and their limited understanding and reasoning even though all these Ahadith were authentically narrated. They discreetly propagated that Ahadith are not legal Shari'ah proof in this age and era. This led to the legalising of interest and usury; the rejection of the Prophets, the denial of the Angels, the negation of Hijab and other essentials of Islam, and moreover, legalising of prohibited things.

Thereafter, Abdullah Chakardalwi formed a group called, Qur'anic Group (Jemaah Al-Qur'an) and his object was the total rejection of Ahadith. This concept was further promoted by Aslam Inerajpuri. Finally, Gulam Ahmed Parwez established this erroneous belief among the masses through his influential writings. This fitnah spread widely in his period (era). Basically this fitnah revolves around 3 different beliefs i.e:

1. The nonsense belief that the Holy Prophet's SAW mission was to deliver the Qur'an only

2. The nonsense belief that obedience is restricted to the Qur'an only.

3. The nonsense belief that adherence to the Holy Prophet SAW is not binding upon us, nor was it binding upon the Sahabah RA.

These three concepts implied three further false notions:

1. The lie that Divine Revelation was only in the form of the Qur'an. Hence there is no need for Ahadith.

2. The lie that the Sayings of the Holy Prophet SAW were binding and obligatory upon the Sahabah RA only, not upon us.

3. The lie that the teachings of the Holy Prophet SAW are binding upon the entire Ummah. However, due to Ahadith being unauthentic, we are not obliged to accept them.

All these concepts are totally false and absolutely and wholly rejected by the grand jamaah of Muslims in this world i.e. the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah lead by theUlama. Numerous verses of the Noble Qur'an, prove that divine revelation besides the Noble Qur'an, was revealed to the Holy Prophet SAW.

Somehow, common sense has been lost by these nonsense makers. The mission of the Holy Prophet SAW as mentioned in the Noble Qur'an is to teach and explain the Noble Qur'an and its wisdom. If Ahadith are rejected, can this object of teaching and explaining the Qur'an be realised?

Another clear indication towards the authenticity of Ahadith is the fact that the Noble Qur'an commands us to show obedience to the Holy Prophet SAW together with obedience to Allah. In one verse, obedience to the Holy Prophet SAW has been regarded as the basis of Iman. Logically, it is not possible to follow the Qur'anic injunctions without Ahadith as the details of many Qur'anic injunctions such as Solat, Zakat, Hajj, etc. are explained in Ahadith. The entire Ummah has accepted the authenticity of Ahadith in order to make the divine injunctions practical. Can it be claimed that the entire Ummah is misguided? Such nonsense is baseless.

The fallacy of the second (concept) belief i.e. as so to say – the obedience of the Holy Prophet is binding upon the Sahabah RA only, is evident and exposed that needs no further elaboration.

This concept implies that the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet SAW was restricted only to the period of his companions whereas numerous verses of the Qur'an very clearly indicate the opposite:

(MAFHUM)

"O people I am a Prophet to all of you."

"We did not send you except to all the people, as a giver of glad tidings and as a warner."

"We did not send you, except as a mercy to all the worlds."

"Blessed is the one who revealed the Furqan (Qur'an) that he may be a warner to the worlds."


Another question that arises with this concept is: Are the Sahabah RA who witnessed the revelation of the Noble Qur'an more in need of its explanation or are the ones that came after them more in need?

The third concept is also totally unacceptable because the Qur'an has reached us through the same method as Ahadith have reached us.

If Ahadith are unauthentic, can one declare the Noble Qur'an unauthentic as well?

The divine promise of safeguarding Noble Qur'an embodies the safeguarding of Ahadith also, because Ahadith explain the Qur'an without which one cannot practise upon the Qur'an.


A FINAL ADVICE

For any deed to be accepted by Allah SWT there must be two basic requisites:

(1) Ikhlas – from Laa Ilaa Ha Illallah

(2) Sunnah – from Muhammadar Rasulullah (SAW)

If someone is doing a religious action with full Ikhlas, but without Sunnah, for example if someone prays Zuhur with sincerity, but does five rakaats – then Allah SWT will not accept this deed.

On the other hand, If someone is doing a religious action with full Sunnah, but without Ikhlas, for example if someone reads Qur'an in musabaqah (competition) beautifully, but with the intention to win the prize money and not the pleasure of Allah – then again, Allah SWT will not accept.

It is also important to understand the term "Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah". Literally, it translates as, "The people of the Sunnah (way of Nabi SAW) and the Majority."

Therefore, the leader of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah is undisputedly Nabi SAW himself and his illustrious Sahabah RA.

Nabi Muhammad SAW said:

"My Ummah will split into 73 factions, all will enter the fire save one."

The Sahabahs (RA) enquired:

"Which is that faction (that will be saved)?"

Nabi SAW replied:

"(The one that follows) my way and the way of my companions." (Mishkat)


Nabi SAW also:

"Follow the way of the majority. He who separates himself from the majority will be alone in the fire." (Ibid)

In view of the above Ahadith (and similar other Ahadith),the Ulama (scholars) among the (Pious Predecessors) began using the term Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah to differentiate between the path of truth and the already widespread Fitnah (mischief) of sectarianism. Therefore, it is obvious that the criteria for the true way will always be conformity to the Sunnah way of Nabi SAW and the beliefs of the Muslim majority.

As a final note, let us all of us remember that there is always opportunity to seek knowledge. But to fully understand, there is no short-cut but to sit with the Ulama. Knowledge earned from Emails / the internet cannot replace the wisdom and understanding obtained directly from the Ulama.

The Love of Rasulullah SAW - Something We Severely Lack In

It is sad to say that today throughout the world, this Ummah is suffering from a very big loss. A loss that is simply due to our unwillingness and our shortcomings in not being able to recognise the greatness of our Holy Prophet, the Prophet Muhammad, Rasulullah SAW.

When an individual's beloved passes away or goes on a long journey, then imagine the condition of the heart of that individual. He/she constantly thinks about his/her beloved. He/she constantly ponders upon that individual's virtues and favours. Is this not the relationship we should have with our Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW. Considering the fact that he bestowed upon us the greatest of favours? ISLAM.

Allah Taa'la mentions this in the Holy Qur'an by declaring a challenge to all Believers in a very powerful Verse. Allah SWT says:

"Say (O Muhammad), If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your tribe, your wealth that you have earned, your business the loss of which you fear, and your homes which please you - are more beloved to you than Allah, His Messenger (SAW) and striving in his cause, then wait until Allah brings His Punishment and Allah does not guide the Transgressors." (Surah At-Taubah: Ayat 24)

In the above Verse, Allah SWT has used the word "Ahabba" ("more beloved") - because Allah SWT is our Creator and He knows His Creation better than we know ourselves.

In the above-mentioned verse, Allah SWT has listed all the things which surround a person in his/her life from the beginning to the end; and all things which are strongly attached and is beloved to him/her. A person has a natural bond and attachment to his/her parents, his/her children, his/her spouse, and his/her relatives, and if anything happens to them, he/she becomes greatly distressed.

When a person starts to work, that individual will gradually begin to cherish the earnings made and thus making his/her heart tender towards that which has been strived for. Assume that this was to go missing, imagine the grief that person would go through.

Allah SWT then further mentions "business". When an individual works hard to start a business and begins to see it grow and become profitable, then that too takes a place in his/her heart and the individual will become constantly worried about the financial stability of the business.

Then finally in the list, Allah SWT mentions the homes of individuals. Infact - yes, the saying is true. "Home Sweet Home"; and ironically when someone is on a journey, or is at a place far away from home and family, then another saying comes to mind - "Home Sick".

Verily, how amazingly true is the list that Allah has mentioned. Despite the fact that Allah knows how attached a person can become with the above mentioned, Allah used the word "Ahabba"("more beloved"). Thus, we should inculcate in our hearts, so that our love, attachment and yearning for the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW is far greater than all of the above-mentioned.

Now if this is not the case - thus meaning that the love of Allah, His Messenger SAW, and striving for their cause are less beloved to us than the listed things, Allah Forbid; then Allah SWT warns:

"Then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (i.e. Torment). And Allah guides not the people who are Al-Fasiqun (Disobedient to Allah)."

Hence, in the same Verse of the Qur'an, Allah has forewarned us with Punishment, if we have any shortcomings in our love for Him, the Messenger SAW and striving in His path.

A valuable point to think about is - the way Allah SWT talks to the Creation through this Verse. Allah could simply have told us so that we - "love the Messenger more than anything else you have"; but instead Allah SWT uses challenging words, and thus orders the Holy Prophet SAW to pass this on to the Ummah. Thus the starting - "Say (O Muhammad)".

Taking this verse into contemplation, let us develop and churn our immense and intense love for Rasulullah SAW, and fill the emptiness we have in that respect. The Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW should be carefully pondered upon, to help us with this most important task. We should also contemplate on the above Verse of the Qur'an, again and again, and keep it before us throughout our life.

The Night of Power

In the Qur'an, the Surah entitled: Surah Al-Qadr refers to a night called Laylatul Qadr, which literally means - "The night of power".

Surah Al-Qadr is the 97th Surah of the Holy Qur'an. Some narrations say that it was revealed in Makkah, while others hold the opinion that it was revealed in Madinah.

In the Surah, the subject-matter is the Night of Power (or Honour), in which Revelation came down to the Prophet Muhammad SAW for the very first time through the Angel Jibril AS.


"We have indeed revealed this in the Night of Power."

One of the most meritous aspects of Islam fall in one of the last five odd nights of the Holy month of Ramadhan. It is the most blessed night of the year. Reference here is made to the fact that on this special night the Holy Qur'an was revealed. One reason this night is referred to as the Night of Power is due to the increase in the amount of reward gained by worship performed on this particular night in comparison to any other throughout the whole year.


"And what will explain to you what the night of power is?"

The deeper effect of this question being asked here is: "Have you any knowledge as to how great and important this night is, and to the favours and bounties which are placed within the Night of Power?".


"The Night of Power is better than a thousand months."

This verse means that the worship performed in this night brings more reward than the worship performed in a thousand months; but how much more better? Allah is such a great being that anything is possible from his behalf. "A thousand" must be taken in an indefinite sense; meaning a very long period of time. This does not refer to our literal ideas of time, but to "timeless Time".


"Therein come down The Angels and the Spirit By Allah's permission, on every errand."

The Angels descend by Allah's permission and the Spirit mentioned here is usually understood to be the Angel Jibril AS.


"Peace! This until the rise of Morn!"

When the Night of spiritual darkness is dissipated by the glory of Allah, a wonderful peace and sense of security arise in the soul, and this lasts on until this life closes, and the glorious day of the new world dawns, when everything will be on a different plane, and the chequered nights and days of this world will be even less than a dream.


CONCLUSION

Traditions of the Final Prophet SAW mention that, in this night Allah Almighty directs His Mercy towards His slaves. Supplications made by His servants are granted and Allah Almighty forgives that large number of people who repent.

This night is meant for developing a special connection with one's Creator, for making contact with the Lord of the Universe. So let us please our Lord so that He is pleased with us, and there is surely nothing better than the pleasure of our Lord. This is amongst the many bounties that Allah the Most Glorious has blessed us with.

We should grasp this opportunity and ask for guidance from the All-Forgiving and the All-Merciful, from which we will achieve a good life on this earth and more importantly - a better life in the Hereafter.


"Which of your Lord's favours will you deny?"
(Surah Ar-Rahman)

Am I A Mu'min ?

It has remained the way of Allah that whenever a nation was to become corrupt, Allah would send a Prophet from amongst them who would show them the right path. Allah SWT sent many Messengers into this world and many Prophets. The Last Messenger who was sent onto the face of this world is our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW. He was given the Qur'an. The Qur'an was given to the Prophet Muhammad SAW for an important reason -

Guidance for Mankind and Jinnkind.

Allah SWT says in the Qur'an:

"This is the book in which there is no doubt, it is the guidance for those who fear Allah."

Therefore - the Qur'an is a means of guidance for those who fear Allah.

Who are the God-fearing ?

Allah SWT defines this in the Qur'an:

"Those who believe in the Unseen and are steadfast in Solat and spend out of what We have provided for them."

So this is the sign and proof of those who have Imaan. Allah Ta'ala has described a God-fearing person as one who possesses the above three qualities which have been mentioned above. When a person possesses three such qualities, he/she will become a true and complete Believer.

Having strong faith in the Unseen plays a major role in the heart, and this is called Imaan.

Performing Solat and spending from what Allah has provided is from the actions of a Muslim.

When a person has firm belief in Allah and the Unseen, and then goes on to perform good deeds, then only he becomes a true Muslim. A Mu'min.

From the Qur'an and Hadith, we have many qualities and attributes possessed by a Mu’min. Several of many are described below so that we all take them as guidance and guidelines in our pursuit to reach the station of being a Mu'min.

First of all, Allah SWT mentions in the Qur'an:

"Successful indeed are the Believers."

Allah SWT then continues and mentions those who are successful Believers.

Allah SWT says:

"Those who offer their Solat with all solemnity and full submissiveness. And those who turn away from Laghw (dirty, false, evil vein talk, falsehood and all that Allah has forbidden). And those who pay Zakaat. And those who guard their chastity. Except from their wives or that their right hands possess (slaves), for them, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, those are the transgressors."

"Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat (all the duties which Allah has ordained. honesty, moral responsibility and trusts) and to their covenants. And those who strictly guard their five compulsory congregational Solat. These are indeed the inheritors who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever."

Allah SWT has mentioned Solat and Zakat which is obligatory for a Muslim to perform. These qualities have already been mentioned previously.

Here Allah Ta'ala also says:

"And those who turn away from Laghw (all that has been forbidden /vain talk) ."

Allah Ta'ala has made it clear that a Mu’min is that person who refrains from sin. This is because when a person commits a sin he is either:

1. Engaged in other than the Remembrance of Allah.

2. Is going against the Orders of Allah.

Many a time, it is better to stay quiet because one will save himself from sin, e.g. backbiting, evil vain talk, falsehood etc.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW has stated:

"One who kept silent saves himself."

However, there is a very important point that needs to be mentioned. When there is a gathering or a conversation in which one is backbiting, it is necessary that we stop this action. Why? Because we have been ordered to prevent evil. However, in such circumstances where one does not stop backbiting, it will become necessary that one walks away from such gatherings or conversations.

In another Hadith, our Prophet Muhammed SAW has said:

"Part of someone being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him."

Allah SWT also mentions in the Qur'anic verses:

"And those who guard their chastity"

Allah SWT further mentions:

"Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat and their covenant."

An easy remedy for guarding one's chastity and to be faithful to one's amanat, his covenants and promises is to have the quality of Hayaa (modesty and shame). This is simply because, when a person possesses such a quality, it will automatically stop him from committing such sins like adultery, theft and lies. He will think to himself that if tomorrow I am exposed, then what will people think of me ? Shame and modesty is such a vital article of Imaan that is why our Prophet Muhammad SAW mentioned Hayaa (modesty) separately in another Hadith which is mentioned in Sahih Al-Bukhari:

"Imaan is made up of 60 and 9 sectors and modesty is a sector of Imaan."

Another Hadith is narrated by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim:

"A true Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims stay safe."

Here, our most beloved Prophet SAW mentioned the tongue first. The scholars of Hadith have mentioned that there could be several reasons for this. One reason is that it is very easy to harm someone with the tongue. One person may say something which another person may not like. The second reason is the harm caused by the tongue is usually more severe than the harm caused by the hand. A person finds it difficult to forgive someone who is hurt their feelings more than someone who is actually hurt them physically. The wound of the body caused by a sharp object may heal but the wound in the heart caused by the tongue may be very difficult to properly heal. Thus - when a person safeguards his hands and tongue, only then will he/she become a true Muslim.

Thus, we need to save ourselves from becoming a source of harm for others, and we need to adopt those good attributes into our lives which the Prophet Muhammad SAW brought to us, and which his Companions RA adopted into their lives, which then became a means of their success in this world and the everlasting Hereafter.

It is also important to know that it is also Haraam to cause inconvenience to other Muslims. This is also a trait of a true Believer. He/she will not cause inconvenience to others.

Our Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

"The most perfect Believer is the one with the best manners."

The Prophet of Allah SAW had the best characteristics and manners and through this, many non-Muslims converted to Islam just by looking at the actions of the Prophet SAW. Therefore, we learn that good manners and good character has a great impact on other people.

Another narration goes:

"Verily the Believer - because of his good character attains the stage of the fasting one and one who stands in prayer during the night."

A part of good manners is caring and sharing. Most importantly with our neighbours and guests.

The following Hadith explains just one of many injunctions of the rights of neighbours:

"That person will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not safe from his mischief."

As to showing manners and being generous to our guests, our Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

"Whosoever brings faith in Allah and on the Last Day should be generous to his guest."

It is a great bounty that we have so many of our Prophet Muhammad SAW's sayings in front of us which we can act upon. In the same way, we also have the Noble Qur'an, the Words of our Master and The Creator.

Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an:

"And the servants of the All-Compassionate-One walk on the earth with humility and when the ignorant people speak to them they respond with peace offerings."

Here, Allah Ta'ala is mentioning the true servants of Allah and the special slaves who will be rewarded with the highest place in Paradise.

Further below are just some of many translated verses of the Qur'an which will help us to understand the qualities of a Mu'min which all of us should possess:

SURAH AL-FURQAN: AYAT 64 ~ 77

"And those who spend the night in worship of their Lord, prostrate and standing."

"And those who say - 'Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily, its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment."

"Evil indeed it is as an abode and as a place to rest in."

"And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes)."

"And those who invoke not any other God along with Allah, nor kill such person as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal intercourse and whoever does this shall receive the punishment."

"The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace."

"Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic monotheism), and righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful."

"And whosoever repents and does righteous good deeds, then verily, he repents towards Allah with true repentance."

"And those who do not bear witness to falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity."

"And those who, when they are reminded of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations etc) of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind there at."

"And those who say, 'Our Lord!’ Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders of all the Muttaqun (the pious).' "

"Those who will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect."

"Abiding therein, excellent it is as an abode, and as a place to rest in."

"Say (O Muhammad SAW to the disbelievers): My Lord pays attention to you only because of your invocation to him. But now you have indeed denied (Him). So the torment will be yours forever (inseparable, permanent punishment)."

In the closing verses of this Surah, Allah Ta'ala mentions the quality, significance and effect of supplicating and repenting towards Allah.

Allah SWT mentions in another chapter of the Holy Qur'an:

SURAH AL-BAQARAH: AYAT 222

"Truly Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves."

In another set of verses of the Holy Qur'an, Allah SWT mentions in favour of those who repent:

SURAH AL-GHAFIR: AYATS 7 ~ 9

"That those (angels) who bear the throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord, and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the oneness of Allah) (saying): 'Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow your way, and save them from the torment of the blazing fire!' "

"Our Lord! And make them enter the Eden Paradise (everlasting garden) which you have promised them and to the righteous among their fathers, their wives and their offspring! Verily, you are the Almighty, the All Wise."

"And save them from (the punishment for what they did of) the sins, and whomsoever you save from the sins (i.e pardon him) that day. Verily, you have taken him in mercy. And that is the supreme success."

Our Prophet Muhammad SAW has stated:

"Supplication (du'a) is the essence of worship."

Why? This is due to two main reasons. First, by supplicating to Allah, a person fulfils his obligation of calling on Allah, which is understood from the verse:

"And your Lord says, 'Call on me, I will answer you (your prayer).' " (Surah 24, Ayat 60)

This is worship in its purest form. Secondly, by invoking Allah, one realises that ONLY Allah can fulfil ones needs. The servant who calls upon his Lord abandons hope in everything else and turns his full attention to Allah, humbling in front of Allah. This is the essence of worship. Another desired result of worship is to attain reward from Allah, because there is such great a reward in supplication; it has been called the essence of worship.