Surah al-Mu'minun [ The Believers ], 23...Kaffarah

Recitation with direct translation, Shaykh Mishari Rashid al-Afasy,

09:15      Prophet Noah did 'daawah' for 950 years...only a handful followed  him[ 80 Muslims ].








Hardship and tribulation are a necessary means of purification and refinement for human society. Prophet Muhammad was reported to have said: " Nothing befalls a Muslim, whether anxiety, or depression, hardship, or illness, even if a thorn pricks his skin, but could be taken into consideration by God in forgiving his sins."
Power and wealth are liable to drive men to arrogance and oppression of those less fortunate than them. This is exactly what happened to the Prophet's people during the early part of his commission; so much so that he was heard asking God: " Help me against them as you helped Joseph: send them seven lean years. "

In some cases, the curse or punishment is prolonged, or recurs, because the people have not heeded the call: "Though We had mercy on them and relieved them of the harm afflicting them, they still would wander blindly on in their contumacy "(75). The Arabs of Makkah resisted  Islam for almost twenty years. Their opposition to it drained their resources and brought about their disintegration as a power in the region. It  affected all aspects if their society and caused them to suffer politically, socially, and economically. This surah, which was revealed in Makkah,continues to threaten the Arabs with the aims of dissuading them from perpetrating hostility towards Muhammad and his followers. It says:

Already have We grasped them with punishment, but they humble not themselves unto their Lord, nor do they pray, (76) Until, when We open for them the gate of extreme punishment, behold! they are aghast thereat [ in utter despair ] (77) .

" A Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
[ 1917 - 1996 ]




Benefit of Trials and Tribulations :[ A Book by Shaykh Aizzudin Abdul Aziz ibni Abdus-Salam , circa hijrah 660 ]
Discussed by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

...zikr, fikr, him' [ positive forbearance ]
43:20     Sir..you don't even know your co-ordinates in this universe, how can you   
              know where God is !

44:15       you are deluded ....