Qur'an study notes ( Soorah Al Jaathiyah 45:1-10)

 Introduction:

As-salaamu-'alaikum, peace and blessings to all of our readers. As most of our readers know, weekly we engage in a Qur'an study session. This has been taking place for many years, and occasionally I decide to share a summary of a particular session in a written format. Our weekly sessions are broadcast live on Facebook ("The Masjid Ibrahim" or Click here) Sundays at 1:15 PM, but it is our experience that at least from time to time, an edited written version of the presentation allows for those interested in such topics to conduct their own research, ponder further, and derive long-term benefit.

Below you will find notes that stem from the study and presentation of the forty-fifth chapter of the Qur'an, enitled Al Jaathiyah.  While the Arabic text is present, we have omitted the English rendering, with some exceptions.  This is deliberately done in order to remain focused on the subtle points that do get lost in translation, that are explained in the notes below. However, we certainly encourage you to read the translation if necessary.

  حمٓ ١ تَنزِيلُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْحَكِيمِ ٢ إِنَّ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٣ وَفِى خَلْقِكُمْ وَمَا يَبُثُّ مِن دَآبَّةٍ ءَايَـٰتٌۭ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يُوقِنُونَ ٤ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مِن رِّزْقٍۢ فَأَحْيَا بِهِ ٱلْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَتَصْرِيفِ ٱلرِّيَـٰحِ ءَايَـٰتٌۭ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَعْقِلُونَ ٥ تِلْكَ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ ۖ فَبِأَىِّ حَدِيثٍۭ بَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ وَءَايَـٰتِهِۦ يُؤْمِنُونَ ٦ وَيْلٌۭ لِّكُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٍۢ ٧ يَسْمَعُ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِ ثُمَّ يُصِرُّ مُسْتَكْبِرًۭا كَأَن لَّمْ يَسْمَعْهَا ۖ فَبَشِّرْهُ بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍۢ ٨ وَإِذَا عَلِمَ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِنَا شَيْـًٔا ٱتَّخَذَهَا هُزُوًا ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌۭ مُّهِينٌۭ ٩ مِّن وَرَآئِهِمْ جَهَنَّمُ ۖ وَلَا يُغْنِى عَنْهُم مَّا كَسَبُوا۟ شَيْـًۭٔا وَلَا مَا ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْلِيَآءَ ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ ١٠

(VV.1-2) This Soorah begins with what is called the Muqata'aat or disjointed (Arabic) letters, sometimes called "Initials". Such letters preface twenty-nine chapters, and almost always have a mention of the nature of the Qur'an itself. Here, after "Haaa, Meem", we see such an example: "The sending forth of the scripture is from Allah, The Powerful, The Wise." . Regarding the nature of the disjointed letters, there is much speculation, but it is my view that the letters themselves serve as sounds to get our attention (remember, the Qur'an was transmitted orally, recited to listeners), to bring our attention to the message which follows, which, here, points to the Qur'an. We will come to see more objects of attention in the subsequent verses. For more information on alternative possibilities for the disjointed letters, see our book "Engaging, The Qur'an" (by Shamsuddin Waheed) available at This link on Amazon )

(VV.3-6) The ayaat or signs of God are present in a variety of presented examples, the cosmos (As-Samawaat), The Earth, in our selves, in the wider creation, in that all living creatures attain provision, be it in a "normal" way, or in modes deemed as miracles. The changing of the seasons, the alternation of day and night, are presented as such examples. In context, it is possible to read the opening sentence of verse six "Tilka Ayaatullaahi Nat-looha 'alayka Bil Haqq" as alluding to those items previously highlighted in addition to the the Qur'an itself (as is this sentence as  normally understood).  After all, the Qur'an often connects itself to these sorts of examples, as demonstrated in Soorah Ar-Rahman 55:1-10. In Q 45:6, the Qur'an itself is called "Hadeeth", and appears to be present as to distinguish from the expression "aaayaatihi " (His signs) in the same sentence as well as the other ayaat mentioned earlier. 

(VV.7-10) Here, we have beautifully illustrated evidence that the Qur'an provides its own definitions of the vocabulary it has utilized. Take, as an example Affaakin Atheem in v.7. Normative Arabic defines Affaak as "one with perverted thinking, who turns away from truth on a deep level." The adjective Atheem means "embedded in sin." The word Atheem is on the Arabic verbal pattern of Fa'eel, which denotes intensity. To get a better understanding, let's compare another word on the same verbal pattern, the word Raheem. It is the pattern of Raheem that has influenced the way I translate the word in connection to God. I translate it as "The Ever-Merciful".

The Quranic  definition of Affaakin Atheem is presented in vv.8-19 in that (a) They are exposed to God's signs (Ayaaat) (Be it in scripture or the wider universe or natural laws),  (b) yet choose to not only reject but to ridicule. This seems an apparent reference to the powerful forces, NOT to average people who happen to not believe in our religion. The Qur'an calls such folks the leaders of rejection (A-immatul Kufr  in Q 9:12) . It is they who get the intense, painful punishment. It is important to note that the terms expressing the punishment (Aleem,  Muheen, 'Adheem) are on the same fa'eel pattern discussed above. Thus, the punishment fits the crime. 

Allah seeks to give us guidance, and He seeks universal justice and protection for the natural world. The forces of tyranny do not have the same interest. We have to realize that the Qur'anic message and impact is not just in the realm of religious theology. The texts such as what we have discussed here illustrates this. It does take slow, methodical research and contemplation to see the realities as presented in the text, but once seen, it is such a rewarding result. May Allah give us guidance.

Did you get the message ? An analysis of the usage of scripture in the funeral rites of Ayatullah Ali Khameini'

 The assassination of Iranian supreme leader Ayatullah Ali Khameini (along with members of his family) in the opening salvo of the US & Israeli assault on Iran has generated obvious anger and frustration. Security concerns generated by the war prevented the Iranians from organizing a proper funeral until just a few days ago, with the funeral procession to reach major cities of both Iran and Iraq, before eventual burial in Mashhad. It should be remembered that Khameini -known in Iran popularly as Agha Jan- was not only the political head but he was a revered religious figure- often compared to the Pope for Catholics. 

The funeral rites (which are still taking place) has had setup in which delegates from other nations (often the high ranking leaders) are brought before the casket of Khameini and his family, to the tune of military March music complete with a band- then a Qur'an reciter recites-in front of the delegation- particular passages. Obviously with a message particular to the national representatives present. Video from the setup has gone viral, an example of which see            This link                          .  Below, you will find a selection of translations of the verses, the nation represented, as well as some analysis of what the Iranians were attempting to convey. We have noted only some of the nations represented and the verses recited.

Afghanistan
“Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], a clear conquest. That Allah may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path. And [that] Allah may aid you with a mighty victory.”
[The Qur’an: Surah Al-Fath, Ch. 48, Ayats 1–3]

This text was recited in front of the Taliban representatives. The implication is that the Taliban are being reminded that they too were instrumental in removing the United States from Afghanistan, despite all odds. The recitation is poignant because the Taliban and Iran have been traditional foes, hailing from opposing sects and having competing interests.

Qatar
“That Allah may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path.”
[The Qur’an: Surah Al-Fath, Ch. 48, Ayat 2]

Iran has launched retaliatory strikes on Qatar after it itself was attacked by US forces. The Iranian attacks were directed at US interests there, and it is widely believed that Qatar has been involved in efforts meant to undermine the Iranian government. Yet, Qatar has also played the (very dangerous) of mediator between all parties. It seems that Iran is trying to remind its neighbor that it (Iran) was victorious, by its very survival, and that there is a chance at healing the relationship. After all, they are neighboring nations.  It also seems a subtle message to their neighbor to shift away from the US orbit which is deemed unreliable. Readers will recall that despite the presence of US forces housed in Qatar, it was attacked by Israel in an attempt to kill Hamas representatives, who were there themselves in negotiation  process with Israel (with Qatar's mediation).

Saudi Arabia
“Already there has been for you a sign in the two armies which met [in battle]: one fighting in the cause of Allah and another of disbelievers. They saw them to be twice their own number by their eyesight. But Allah supports with His victory whom He wills. Indeed in that is a lesson for those of vision.”
[The Qur’an: Surah Aal ‘Imran, Ch. 3, Ayat 13]

The recitation of this text to the Saudi delegation was powerful. Saudi Arabia and Iran have also been historical foes, atleast since 1979, when Iran's revolution-overthrowing its monarchy- was deemed a threat. Religion has been weaponized in the decades-long rivalry,(through the door of Sunni-Shia doctrinal schisms)  and it is widely reported that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia even participated in covert attacks on Iran. Iran, by its very survival, views itself as having won the current stage of hostilities between itself and the USA (and Israel).

The verse itself has an immediate reference to the battle of Badr, in which the Muslims prevailed, despite being outnumbered. By applying it to their situation, and "showing it" at the mourning ceremony, Iran hopes to display that God is on their side.

For  parties such as Hezbollah and the Houthi delegations, verses about victory, steadfastness and loyalty were recited.  The arrival of delegates from other countries, even Non-Muslim nations, verses on faith and justice were referenced. 

The funeral rites for Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Khameini is itself a display of power which is undeniable. A reported 20 million have attended the events, which shows that in fact the government there has wide support, contradicting Western assumptions.  I think this will prove to be one of the notable events of the century, symbolizing a great political shift, at least in the Middle East context, if not the world.

Islam in America part three (Malcolm X, NOI, subsequent history and historical commentary)

 (Note: Below you will find my edited PowerPoint presentation (edited for this platform)  from the last in the "Islam in America" series. Much of it focuses on the history of the Nation of Islam (NOI), Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, W.Deen Mohammed, and much more. For the video of the entire program, go to This link. Also note that while we were able to use images for the original PowerPoint, copyright restrictions prevent use on this platform. )

Islam in America Part 3

Presentation by Shamsuddin Waheed

The Importance of parts 1 & 2 of this series

Previous sessions showed :(A) African presence in the Americas before Columbus (B) Muslims accompanying Columbus in his journey. (C) Muslims as being among the Kidnapped Africans brought to the Americas and made slaves.

We have emphasized “C” because of more historical evidence and lasting impact on the presence of Islam in the United States in particular.  Please consult parts 1 and 2 for those details.

The “Nation of Islam” (NOI) has also been highlighted, even though other movements existed, because it became the most famous and active movement. 

( To view playlist, click on this link to playlist or type in YouTube search engine "Islam in America" by Shamsuddin Waheed. To view part one's PowerPoint through an AI-generated video, click Here for part 1 powerpoint video)

Malcolm X 

Born Malcolm Little  (Feb.19th 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska), he was directly affected by the oppression of African-Americans in Jim Crow era.

 His father, Rev. Earl Little (a follower of Marcus Garvey) was killed by White supremacists when he was six years old.

Before that, in Lansing, Michigan, his family was evicted from their purchased home because of a rule that prevented the sale of houses to Non-White buyers.

In 1947, convicted of Larceny, breaking & Entering, he enters into the Norfolk Prison colony for his sentence, wherein he encounters the teachings of the NOI

Malcolm Little becomes Malcolm X

*While serving his sentence, he is exposed to the teachings of the NOI. While popular media places emphasis on a person he meets while in prison (dramatized in the Spike Lee movie as “Brother Bane”), it was actually his brother Philbert who had accepted the NOI teaching and introduced it to him officially through letters (The Autobiography page 158).

In keeping with the NOI’s self-improvement program, he had taken steps to grow by consistent reading, study, even copying the dictionary by hand.

Rising through the ranks

Upon his release, Malcolm first goes to Detroit (The Autobiography pg.195), in a variety of jobs, all the while growing within the NOI.

Elijah Muhammad, seeing his sincerity and talents, tasks him with pastoral roles, which ultimately sees him becoming the National spokesman for the NOI, establishing “temples” in various places within the United States.

The NOI experienced tremendous growth during the 1950’s, in large part because of Malcolm’s efforts.

While we have placed emphasis on religious theology, the NOI also grew physically. Grocery stores, restaurants, a weekly newspaper (“Muhammad Speaks”)

Trouble between Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X

All the sources indicate that there has always been a certain level of resentment between Malcolm and other NOI figures, who felt threatened by his charisma, oratory and organizational skills.

Malcolm X learns of Elijah Muhammad’s relationships with women (some of which has produced children), leading to the almost complete disillusionment with the leader he had faithfully parroted as being “The Messenger of Allah”. 

The assasination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 was a watershed moment. Famously, Malcolm X says that this is simply the product of hundreds of years of oppression and that “It made me glad.”, leading to Elijah Muhammad to suspend him from speaking in the NOI establishments.

It is unfortunate that we have to cut out so much history in order to stick to main points, but nonetheless jealousies existed within the NOI because of Malcolm’s growing popularity, attention. There is also the possibility that more seeds of division were planted by US Law enforcement infiltration, keen on preventing the emergence of a threat to the dominant order.

A search for clarity

Still considering himself to be a Muslim, he becomes more open to mainstream Islam.

Among the things that occurs is his pilgrimage to Makkah, known as the Hajj. His sister funds him. Although not as well known, he also visits other countries in the Middle East and Africa. 

The impact of Hajj

Seeing an environment which was God-centered, very little class distinctions (via the ihram clothing) nor racial discrimination has a powerful impact on his religious and political views.  He believes that Islam-if “understood” will solve the racial problems of America.

He takes on the name Malik El Shabazz, with the title “Al Hajj” before it.

He founded an organization called The Muslim Mosque Inc.

He proposes forcing the issues of Racial discrimination etc by taking the case to the United Nations, hoping the US would be held to account on a global stage.

He is assassinated Feb.21, 1965

The NOI eventually transitions

Elijah Muhammad himself died in 1975.

His son Wallace D. Muhammad (better known as Imam Warith-Deen Mohammed) becomes the leader.

He almost immediately begins to change the religious and political orientation of the NOI towards mainstream Islam, which includes embracing of all races, and various name changes as their evolution went on (World Community of Al-Islam in the West, American Muslim Mission, Muslim American society)

Louis Farrakhan, who had himself been Malcolm X’s deputy before the latter’s departure, had initially went along with the above reforms, but himself eventually broke away to revive the NOI.

Imam W Deen Mohammed

Imam WD Mohammed legacy

The network of mosques/temples became places wherein mainstream Islam was practiced.

Interfaith dialogue

The majority of Elijah Muhammad’s original following accepted this transition.

Islam in USA today

Consistent growth of people converting to the faith.

Changing people’s lives for the better.

Discipline and God-consciousness.

Influence in important areas of culture, particularly in the African-American experience.

The stats show that the biggest convert segment of the Muslim population in the United States currently is Latino. Indeed, Houston Texas has a mosque called “IslaminSpanish” (Centro Islamico)

Our links

For the previous lectures, see “Islam in America” on our YouTube channel “Imam Shams”.

Book Information: www.authorshamsuddinwaheed.com

Blog: Shamsuddinwaheed.blogspot.com

Mosque: www.themasjidibrahim.com