Day 101/114: Al Qariah القارعة - The Crashing Blow⁣
A very basic translation of Qariah could be the rattler, or the knocker. It’s used to describe two things which hit each other to produce a loud, disturbing noise. ⁣

Like someone banging on your door in the middle of the night which causes you to jump awake.⁣

This is one of the descriptions of the onset of the day of judgement, almost like a visitor at night that nobody was expecting. ⁣

“The Crashing Blow!⁣
What is the Crashing Blow?⁣
And what can make you know what is the Striking Calamity?” [101:1-3]⁣
Day 102/114: At-Takathur التكاثر - Rivalry in Worldly Increase⁣
Many of us compete in several aspects of life, usually in terms of wealth and showing off, not remembering that one day we’ll leave the world behind.⁣

Social media is likely the most extreme example of this- gathering likes, chasing clout, all for what?⁣

The recent outrage over Instagram scrapping the public display of likes only goes to expose insecurities that lie deep within us, for most of us have nothing to sell, nothing to fulfil except our fragile egos.⁣

As a side note, it’s quite common amongst Muslims to talk openly and candidly on death, as the temporary nature of the world is something we keep in mind, and working for a higher purpose far beyond anything this current life has to offer.⁣

“Striving for more distracts you⁣
until you go into your graves.” [102:1-2]⁣
Day 103/114: Al Asr العصر - The Declining Day⁣
Perhaps the most common complaint amongst people is the lack of time.⁣

From not having enough hours in the day, to not having the time for certain things, it’s one the one thing that seems to elude many of us.⁣

And we are all in loss as a result of it escaping from us.⁣

“‘Asr” is time that is running out - and is also the name of the third prayer of the day; at a point where the day is almost over, and the evening will commence (Islamically, a new day begins at the onset of sunset).⁣

It’s a conversation that has a wide spectrum of discussion - some trade their time for money, others know that their time is too valuable to be commodified in such a way.⁣

How do you spend yours?⁣

“By the declining day,⁣
man is [deep] in loss[103:1-2]⁣

Day 104/114: Al Humazah الهمزة - The Backbiter⁣
“Humazah” refers to someone who people who walk around and gossip, tattle, and cause divisions amongst people.⁣

They talk about them in a condescending and mocking manner.⁣

“Humaz” and “Lumaz” are extremely similar to each other, the former being someone who works in this way behind backs, the other in front of your face.⁣

Also commonly referred to as “backbiting”. ⁣

A person of extreme flawed character who finds weaknesses in others, as a way of exposing their very own.⁣

Such a person is heavily condemned, even so that such a short chapter warns of this dangerous trait. ⁣

“Woe to every scorner and mocker” [104:1]⁣
Day 105/114: Al Fil الفيل - The Elephant⁣
Before the birth of Muhammad ﷺ, the kaaba in Makkah was also a place for pilgrimage for various deities that were worshipped during the Arab tribes of that time. ⁣

A ruler, hoping to destroy it set out with an army of war elephants, in an attempt to demolish it. God had other plans, sending a flock of birds so vast that they blocked the sun, and rained showers of stones upon the army which stopped them in their tracks.⁣

And thus we see in recent history too- how many a dictatorship was ultimately brought to its demise, and how many empires eventually came crumbling apart.⁣

Gods plan is always greater. ⁣

“Do you [Prophet] not see how your Lord dealt with the army of the elephant?⁣
Did He not utterly confound their plans?” [105:1-2]⁣
Day 106/114: Quraysh قريش⁣
Following on from the previous example, the Quraysh tribe were given protection from the army of the elephant.⁣

They were also given not only prosperity, but also protection to enjoy such prosperity, all from God. ⁣

This was an answer to the prayer of prophet Abraham (who also built the house) to give them safety, and to give them provision.⁣

Previously was how He made it safe, this is how He made it proper. You need both to survive.⁣

All of this and one thing was asked of them - to worship the master of the house (God), and to restore the legacy of prophet Abraham.⁣

“Let them worship the Lord of this House,⁣
Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe, [saving them] from fear.” [106:3-4]⁣
Day 107/114: Al Maun الماعون - The Small Kindnesses ⁣
There are those who only spend their time in worship, neglecting other practical matters of day to day life.⁣

There are others who are completely engrossed in the opposite, neglecting the very source of all that they have been given.⁣

The true essence of faith is a combination of the two, especially to those in immediate vicinity.⁣

“[Prophet], have you considered the person who denies the Judgement?” [107:1]⁣
Day 108/114: Al Kawthar الكوثر - Abundance⁣
The shortest chapter, which came at a time where prophet Muhammad ﷺ was grieving the death of his son.⁣

In consoling him, he was reminded of how much gold he was given, and instructed to pray.⁣

Directly following on from the previous chapter, prayer is specifically mentioned. It’s a form of gratitude, that we worship, remembering that we too have been given so much, far more than we will ever be able to number.⁣

The illustration here is of a silhouette of prostrating, though it’s also one half of a heart. And prayer is also a means of softening ones heart, to take away all form of pride and to lower oneself to the ground, in front of God who is the most high.⁣

“We have truly given abundance to you [Prophet]––⁣
so pray to your Lord and make your sacrifice to Him alone”[108:1-2]⁣
Day 109/114: Al Kafirun الكافرون - The Unbelievers ⁣
There was an incident where the tribes of Makkah attempted to negotiate in terms of worship- they wished that everyone follow one religion one year, then Islam another year, and so forth.⁣⁣
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Islam isn’t just praying the daily prayers, or merely repeating phrases in Arabic, rather it’s a way of life that encompasses everything we do. From how we speak, eat, walk, behave, deal in business, to even how to clean ourselves.⁣⁣
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Outside of the legislated outward acts of worship (ie prayer), a Muslim is considered to be in a constant state of obedience to God, even in one sleep.⁣⁣
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“You do not worship what I worship” [109:3]⁣ ⁣

NB: The word “kafir” is often used as a way of insult to non Muslims by certain folk.⁣⁣
The word here is used for one kind of Muslim, but there are also others found also such as “people of the book”, “a group that has no awareness”, amongst others.⁣⁣
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However, it’s not fitting for any one person to claim that about a society, much less insult people and drive them away. ⁣⁣
Day 110/114: An-Nasr النصر - Divine Support⁣
The word “nawasir” in Arabic originally means “a way by which water is aided to make its way down into a valley”. ⁣
“Nasir” is someone who comes form a long distance, also for the water that travels a long way down from the tops of the mountains.⁣
“Nusra” is used for heavy rain: so aid is seen as water coming down from the sky.⁣

Though word isn’t only reserved for “help”, but this specifically is used for a great amount of help, one that arrives at the right time.⁣

“Fataha” is used for opening, and also for two things separating - like the opening of a gate.⁣

The chapter is like a farewell address to Muhammad ﷺ, even though it wasn’t the last to be sent. ⁣

“When God’s help comes and He opens up your way [Prophet]” [110:1]⁣
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