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[Panel Discussion] Topic : Women, Modernization and the Best Exemplar of FATEMAH TUZ ZAHRA (SA) Rah e Amal Foundation 18th March 2017, At Imambargah Ali Raza (as) Karachi

Exploring 30 juz in 30 days by Sister Fatemah Meghji The Qur’an opens with Surat al-Fatiha which is one of the most important chapters of the Qur’an and has been dubbed umm al-kitab (the mother of the book) due to its importance. According to a reliable report from Imam Ali ar-Rida (a), there is no part of the Qur\'an or in a speech in which the best of wisdom has been gathered in the way that it has been gathered in Surat al-Hamd For this reason, we preserve it through our prayers and recite it daily.

Exploring 30 juz in 30 days by Sister Fatemah Meghji Juz 2 contains Surat al-Baqarah (The Cow) and is a Medinan surah which explores themes of Islamic law and practice. Although Islamic laws do not make a grand appearance in the Qu’ran (only ~500 verses), these verses come accompanied by ethical and spiritual injunctions. In verses 185-187 of Surat al-Baqarah, we are reminded of the philosophy of fasting and how staying away from food, water, and other physical comforts are intended to train our souls and help us in our journey of attaining taqwa (God-consciousness). Learn more: http://lnk.worldfed.org/30Juz _________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch or listen to our series on any of the channels below: Social Media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WorldFederationKSIMC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFKSIMC/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wfksimc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wfksimc Podcasts: Anchor: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Anchor Apple Podcasts: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Apple Spotify: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Spotify Google: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Google

Exploring 30 juz in 30 days by Sister Fatemah Meghji Juz 5 contains the majority of Surat an-Nisa and features discussions of some of the ahkam (laws) related to women. Surat an-Nisa begins with a pivotal verse noting that all humans are of the same essence and therefore equal in the eyes of God. As noted by Allamah Tabatabai, this is the key way in which Allah swt sets up the backdrop to understand the Islamic laws set out in this chapter. Mentioned laws include marital rights, shares in inheritance, and the abolishment of certain pre-Islamic practices. All of these laws are accompanied with the ethical injunctions to maintain piety and to treat one another in the best of ways. Learn more: http://lnk.worldfed.org/30Juz _________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch or listen to our series on any of the channels below: Social Media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WorldFederationKSIMC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFKSIMC/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wfksimc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wfksimc Podcasts: Anchor: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Anchor Apple Podcasts: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Apple Spotify: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Spotify Google: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Google

Exploring 30 juz in 30 days by Sister Fatemah Meghji Juz 4 continues Surah Aal-Imran as well as the initial verses of Surat an-Nisa, Chapter 4, titled “The Women”. In the latter portion of Surah Aal Imran, in verses 102-105 there is advice from Allah swt on how to cling onto Truth and to remain united instead of divided. This advice includes actively seeking to understand the Truth and God’s revelation and acting on it and also the injunction to enjoin the good and forbid the evil. When the truth becomes obscure, this is an important step in preventing ourselves and our communities from moving away from this message. The strongest source of unity for us as a Muslim nation and as humans—is the Truth and God himself, the firmest of handles. Learn more: http://lnk.worldfed.org/30Juz _________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch or listen to our series on any of the channels below: Social Media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WorldFederationKSIMC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFKSIMC/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wfksimc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wfksimc Podcasts: Anchor: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Anchor Apple Podcasts: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Apple Spotify: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Spotify Google: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Google

Exploring 30 juz in 30 days by Sister Fatemah Meghji Juz 3 contains the latter part of Surat al-Baqarah and the well-known “Ayat al-Kursi” which contains 16 references to God, the highest number in a single verse. This juz also contains the first 92 verses of Surah Aal Imran, named as such since it discusses the stories of the family of ‘Imran (a), the father of Sayyidah Maryam (a). In this chapter, the story of Sayyidah Maryam’s birth is explored through the prayers of her mother, Lady Hannah (or Anne), and we note how our manhood or womanhood can aid us in our journey to Allah’s proximity. Learn more: http://lnk.worldfed.org/30Juz _________________________________________________________________________________________ Watch or listen to our series on any of the channels below: Social Media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WorldFederationKSIMC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFKSIMC/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wfksimc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wfksimc Podcasts: Anchor: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Anchor Apple Podcasts: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Apple Spotify: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Spotify Google: http://lnk.worldfed.org/Google

This is a documentary with relevance to Shahadat of Sayyeda Fatima Zahra (s.a). References from Shia and Sunni sources are used to highlight some of the qualities Lady Fatima (s.a) possessed and the tough times she had to go through after the death of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.w).

Lady Fatemah Charitable Trust Mohammed Mahdi Karim - Quran Reciter Amirali G Karim - Chairman Dr Ang Swee Chai - Medical Aid for Palestine Lauren Booth - Activist and Broadcaster, Press TV Rizwan Hussain - Humanitarian Aid Worker Shelina Zahra Janmohamed - Author Shabir Jagani - Deputy Chairman Khayaal Theatre Company Syed Farhan Bokhari - MICT Pakistan Madinatul Ilm Charitable Trust

The 29th juz has 10 makki surahs and 1 madani surah. Meccan surahs focus on aqeedah and one of the primary beliefs is the day of accountability. The Qur’an explores the theme of ma’ad in great depth. In Surah Ma’arij for example Allah swt describes the day as incredibly long, feeling as though it is 50,000 years. The prophet (s) however is told to look forward to this day, and find comfort in it. Since the day of judgment is a day of accountability, it is the day of true justice and a manifestation of God’s perfection. A question to ask ourselves is if we genuinely believe in the occurrence of this day? Do our beliefs manifest into actions?

The 28th Juz of the Qur’ān covers 9 surahs and all of them are madani. Approximately four of the nine surahs address issues with regards to women. The first surah of the juz is Surah Mujadilah (the woman who contends/argues/complains). In Surah Mujadilah the chapter opens with the complaint of the woman who is being oppressed by her husband with the practice of dhihar (a pre islamic practice of estranging the wives by equating them to their mothers). In Surah Talaq we see that Allah swt is aware of all of our intentions, and even in instances of seeking a divorce we should work towards treating each other honorably. God’s laws are accompanied with ethical injunctions, one of our grandest tests is how we treat each other. In Surah Tahrim, the chapter opens up with discussing a time when Rasulullah (s) was going through a difficulty with some of his wives. Even in marital strife or conflict, the verse 6:66 encourages us to take care of our families and to help each other spiritually. The examples of four women are taken at the end of the surah: wives of Prophet Lut, Nuh and then Sayyidah Maryam and Sayyidah Asiyah. The examples show that our salvation is not contingent on who we are married to. Discussions on marital strife and women’s rights go back to Allah swt and how centered we are on Him.

Continuing on with the theme-based approach of Juz 25, 26 and 27, this episode explores the concept of the shayatin or the devils by focusing on the role they have on our lives and our minds. The aim here is to deconstruct the many misconceptions we have regarding the shayatin’s presence over us through Quranic verses, recognising the capacities in which they exist to misconstrue our thoughts and misguide us from the right path. In building a better awareness of this, we can thus move towards seeking protection from shaytaan through the remembrance of Allah (swt).

This episode moves towards facilitating a theme-based discussion of the Quran. By combining verses from Juz 25, 26 and 27, an embedded exploration of the reality of death, what it is, and how it is discussed in the Quran is provided. Collectively across these Juz’s, there are 13 Makkan Surahs and 5 Madani Surahs, thus highlighting a focus on issues surrounding aqaid (beliefs) and akhlaq (morals) on one side and legislative issues on the other. The Surahs used to explore the theme of death include Surah Mulk, Surah Qaf, Surah Fussilat, Surah Al-Hadid and Surah An-Najm.

The 24th Juz covers the last 43 verses of Surah Az-Zumar (The Throngs), Surah Ghafir (The Forgiver), and first 46 verses of Surah Fussilat (The Elaborated)-also containing the first wajib sajdah. In Surah Ghafir was named after a believer from the house of Pharoah. The story describes Hizel, or Ezekiel (English), challenging the Pharaoh\'s opposition to Moses. The surah describes Pharaoh’s arrogance is what led him to a sealed heart. We can learn from the example of Hizkil working hard in the way of Truth and entrusting our affairs to God and God alone.

The 23rd Juz covers the last 55 verses of Surah Yaseen, Surah As-Saffat, Surah Saad and first 31 verses of Surah- Az-Zumar. This Juz reflects on the beauty, depth and sheer awe the Quran presents to a point that staunch enemies of Islam secretly listening were enamored by it. Over the span of two decades, verse by verse the people reflected and built a relationship with each sound of the Holy Quran. To become a Quranic society, we must question the role and status we give the Book of Truth on a daily basis. Leveling up our experience with the Quran is an essential tool to increase our mindfulness of Allah(swt). The Quran was sent down as a warning to never lose sight of our purpose. In what ways can we reflect on it everyday?

The 22nd Juz covers the last 42 verses of Surah Al-Ahzab (The Confederation), Surah Saba (Sabeans), Surah Fatir (The Originator), and the first 27 verses of Surah Yaseen. Today’s episode explores a common question amongst Muslims, as to why the Ahl al-Bayt are not mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an. The Ayat al-Tathir (verse of Purity) addresses the Prophet’s wives and their special status. The latter part of the verse has shifted in pronoun usage from feminine plural to plural masculine therefore the addressing audience has also altered. These details lead us to the Ahl al-Bayt through the Qur’an as a doorway. God’s strategy is that it is general but points us in the right direction.

The 21st Juz consists of Surat al-Ankabut (last 23 verses, The Spider), Surat ar-Ruum (60 verse, The Romans), Sura Luqman (34 verses), Sura as-Sajdah (30 verses, The Prostration), and Surat al-Ahzab (First 30 verses, The Confederates). A major theme of the Quran is its juxtaposition of this world in relation to the hereafter. God reminds us of the certainty of death, and the promise of the hereafter, and in this realization lies the purpose of our being in this temporary world, also referred to as the ‘lower existence’. Death is a reminder that we will all inevitably return to Him, so our life here should be one of servitude so as to secure the hereafter. God cautions us in Surah Luqman to be mindful of the death, and the day of reckoning, where none will atone for the other, and warns us not to be deceived by this world.

The 20th Juz consists of Surat an-Naml (last 37 verses, The Ant), Surat al-Qasas (88 verses, The Stories) and Surat al-Ankabut (first 45 verses The Spider). The discussion in these suras explore the barriers/veils that prevent one from allowing the Quranic guidance to permeate their hearts. God clearly states that only those who believe in God’s signs, are open-hearted and have submitted, even partially, to the truth will be able to perceive the guidance offered by the Quran. Those who insist on rejecting the truth, and are arrogant, will be like the ‘deaf or dead who can’t hear’ because they lack intellectual humility and intentionally don’t want to listen to the message of God. Suratul Qasas relates the story of Prophet Musa, and includes the story of Qarun, who despite his knowledge and wealth, lacked humility, believing he ‘deserved’ God’s blessings. Pharoah and Haman are also mentioned in the same vein, and their arrogance led them to punishment and destruction. The reference to the spider’s web, giving Sura Ankabut its name, describes how such people’s base is like the frailest of homes, that of a spider, while the hold of God is the strongest. The Juz ends with God’s promise that those who strive in God’s way, will attain guidance.

The 19th Juz consists of Surat al-Furqan (last 56 verses, The Criterion), Surat al-Shu’ara (227 verses, The poets) and Surat an-Naml (first 55 verses, The Ants) – all Meccan. The first two suras discuss the Quraish’s rejection of the Qur\'an, and their displeasure with the prophet. The root meaning of ‘Furqan’ is to split or fracture, and the Qur\'an is referred to as such because it differentiates/splits between good and evil. It provides the light in the darkness of our confusion, helping us to recognize the truth. Surat al Shu’ara further describes the incredible role the prophet has played in bringing to us this guidance, and how the people have still abandoned it. The Qur\'an is complete in its divinity, its greatness the very proof of truth, and as revealed in the next Surat an-Naml, the Qur\'an is from God, the all-wise, and is the most tangible thing we have from Him. Approaching the nights of Qadr, we should ask ourselves if we truly embrace the Qur\'an as our criterion and pray for the ability to build our relationship with it so we don’t get counted amongst those who abandoned it.

Juz 18 of the Holy Qur\'an consists of three surahs, Surah al-Muminun, a Meccan surah, Surah Nur, a Medinan surah, and Surah al-Furqan, a Meccan surah. Surah al-Muminun and Surah Nur discuss the certain behaviours Allah (swt) expects us to have and those behaviours that He expects us to stay away from. Through these surahs we realize the importance that Allah (swt) places on how our actions affect those around us. When we do things, we should be mindful of how we are affecting others. The characteristics that He advises us to have include: being humble in our prayer, avoiding vain talk, paying zakat, guarding our private parts, keeping our trusts and promises, being careful over our prayers, not fault-finding, and not spreading rumours about others. This juz should cause us to really reflect on our actions and whether or not they positively or negatively affect others. Do we treat others the way Allah (swt) wants us to treat them?

Juz 17 of the Holy Qur\'an consists of two surahs, Surah al-Anbiya and Surah Hajj. Surah al-Anbiya contains references to 17 prophets. The surah delves into the stories of Prophet Ayub (as), Prophet Yunus (as), and Prophet Zackariyah (as). The story of Prophet Zackariyah (as) specifically touches on a very prevalent issue in our society today, infertility. The common thread in all these stories is that our prophets all suffered and when they wanted to find solace, they all turned to Allah (swt). We can use this as a lesson in our lives and as a point of reflection. When we are struck with difficulty, do we sincerely ask Allah (swt) for help? When we are in a difficult position, we should remember our prophets and make dua to Allah (swt) to remove the affliction and ease our heart with whatever He deems is best for us.

Juz 16 of the Holy Qur\'an consists of three Meccan surahs: the last 36 verses of Surah Kahf, the entirety of Surah Maryam, and the entirety of Surah Taha. This juz touches on the concept of how Allah (swt) is in control of everything, including our free-will, how He provides our rizk, and how He intervenes in our lives. When we examine the life of Prophet Musa (as) in the beginning of Surah Taha, we see all of these concepts come together. When Musa’s (as) mother placed him in the river, she was nervous, but she had faith that Allah (swt) would take care of him. Allah (swt) made sure to move the river in such a way that the basket with Musa (as) in it would reach Pharaoh\'s palace. It is here that free-will comes into play. Using their free-will, Asiya, and eventually Pharaoh fell in love with baby Musa and decided to raise him. In this story we can see that while Allah (swt) is in control of everything, He has also provided us with free-will to decide our own destiny.

Juz 16 of the Holy Qur\'an consists of three Meccan surahs: the last 36 verses of Surah Kahf, the entirety of Surah Maryam, and the entirety of Surah Taha. This juz touches on the concept of how Allah (swt) is in control of everything, including our free-will, how He provides our rizk, and how He intervenes in our lives. When we examine the life of Prophet Musa (as) in the beginning of Surah Taha, we see all of these concepts come together. When Musa’s (as) mother placed him in the river, she was nervous, but she had faith that Allah (swt) would take care of him. Allah (swt) made sure to move the river in such a way that the basket with Musa (as) in it would reach Pharaoh\'s palace. It is here that free-will comes into play. Using their free-will, Asiya, and eventually Pharaoh fell in love with baby Musa and decided to raise him. In this story we can see that while Allah (swt) is in control of everything, He has also provided us with free-will to decide our own destiny.

The 15th Juz consists of Surat al-Isra (111 verses, The Night Journey) and Surat al-Kahf (First 74 verses, The Cave), both Meccan. The concepts of Rizq, sustenance and Dua, supplication, are discussed here. Man is created hasty and we often ask for things that may be detrimental to us. We quickly get dejected and disappointed in Him, but need to remember that God is the one who gives, and withholds, and that He does this in perfect measure, with full awareness and of our needs and betterment. This teaches us to have complete faith and reliance in Him, and to recognize that He is the one in complete control. God also reminds us of our fragility, and complete dependency on Him. He points out our tendency to turn to Him only in distress, when in fact we should be turning to Him constantly, with hope and gratitude. And only then will we realize that the true power of supplication is not in gaining our wants, but in realizing our deepest desire which is proximity to God.

The 14th Juz consists of Surat al-Hijr (99 verses) and Surat an-Nahl (128 verses, the Bee). The verses of Surat an-Nahl are filled with remembrances of God’s blessings, and lessons we can learn from nature. God calls upon humanity to take lessons from these ‘blessings’, a word used 13 times throughout the chapter to impress upon us the magnitude of what He has given us. God speaks of water (which brings life to the earth), cattle, trees, fruits, bees and honey-- and the many benefits we receive from all of his creations. Allah also alludes to the idea that nature shows us the reality of the resurrection. In a Qur\'anic worldview, learning about nature and science is a means to connect with the Creator. He commands us to look around, observe His signs and to ponder, reflect and reason. As we watch spring unfold, let’s remember that there is a sign here that we too will be brought back to life.

The 13th Juz consists of Surah Yusuf (last 58 verses), Surat al-Ra’ad (43 verses, the Thunder), and Surah Ibrahim (52 verses). All are Meccan and contain themes of establishing the basic tenants of Islam. In the Qur\'an, God uses stories, parables, prose, imagery, rhetorical questions, similitude and allegories to help us separate the truth from falsehood. In this juz, two interesting parables appear. In a delicate way, He uses examples from nature, like the one of the froth/scum on water or the process of purifying gold as is mentioned in Surat al Ra’ad. In Surah Ibrahim, words and beliefs are likened to trees. Both of these mention parables that explain the nature of Truth and falsehood. While falsehood is temporary, Truth is permanent and stable. These parables appeal to our intellect and understanding, so that we may reflect, accept the truth to purify ourselves, and ultimately draw closer to God.

Juz 12 is the completion of Surah Hud (118 verses of the total 123 verses) and the start of Surah Yusuf (52 verses of the total 111 verses). Both Surahs from this Juz are Meccan. This podcast hones in on punishment and why Allah (swt) punishes as mentioned in Surah Hud. Punishment is not a result of Allah’s oppression, rather it is direct result of a people wronging themselves. Emphasis is placed on being reformers towards good and forbidding evil to prevent self- destruction. Allah (swt) does not unjustly destroy people trying to improve things for the better.

Juz 10 contains the last 35 verses of Surat al-Anfal and the first 92 verses of Surat at-Tawbah. Tawbah means “to turn to” and often refers to repentance--when one turns to God. This surah is also called Bara’ah from the first word of the chapter, meaning to disassociate. This chapter discusses the outcome for those who aggressively continued to attack Islam and Rasulullah (s). Surat at-Tawbah is the only surah in the Qur’an that does not start with Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Scholars opine it may be because Surat at-Tawbah is a continuation of Surat al-Anfal, and the basmalah at the beginning of Surat al-Anfal suffices for Surat at-Tawbah. Alternatively, it may be because it was not befitting to begin a chapter of harsh subject matter, with two names describing God’s incredible mercy. However, the contents of the verses somewhat contradict the latter opinion due to discussions of tawbah. God’s Mercy is not independent of His Justice. This chapter also mentions many of the tests that the Muslims went through subsequent to the conquest of Mecca, which should encourage introspection on our relationship with Allah (swt) and in what circumstances are we willing to obey Allah (swt). Are we only willing to submit in times of ease and convenience, or also through difficulty and inconvenience?

Juz 9 of the Qur\'an contains the last 118 verses of Surat al-A’raaf and the first 40 verses of Surat al-Anfal. One of the main themes of Surat al-A’raaf is discussions around resurrection and the descriptions of heaven and hell and somewhere in-between (the A’raaf). Beginning in verse 175, the story of a man from the Bani Isra’il named Balam bin Ba’ura is discussed. He had been bestowed with spiritual signs and stations in which the truth had been unveiled to him. He could have soared higher if it wasn’t for his materialistic desires for the worldly which he pursued and thus led himself away from God. It is important for us to take a lesson from this story: We may see God’s signs and recognise the Truth but choose to disregard them and follow our whims. Those who have the means to ascend to perfection yet do not utilise their intellect to find their purpose, resemble animals, particularly a cattle, as mentioned in this verse, as their goal is to only feed themselves. They thus lose focus and are those who are afflicted with heedlessness.