Class 5

‘Faith & Believers’

(MENTIONED 700+ TIMES IN THE QURAN)

MUMINOON (132) | MUHSINOON (38) | MUTTAQOON (49) | SAALIHOON (33)

 Emaan (Faith)

Allah says,

• “O you who believe, have faith in Allah and His messenger and the book that He revealed to His messenger and the scripture which He revealed before. Whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray”. (Surat An-Nisa 4:136)
• “Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (Divine Preordainments of all things before their creation as written in the Book of Decrees Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz)”. [al-Qamar 54:49] 

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in providence both its good and its bad”. (Sahih Muslim)

Mu’minoon (Believers)

There is a Surah revealed about Al Mu’minoon, Allah explains in the first part of the Surah of what is expected of believers. Also it was Narrated from ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) “…One day revelation was coming to him, he faced the Qiblah, raised his hands and said: ‘O Allah! Increase us, do not diminish us. Favor us, do not withhold from us, make us pleased and be pleased with us.’ He ﷺ said: ‘Ten Ayah were revealed to me, whoever abides by them shall enter Paradise (and they are): ‘Successful indeed are the believers…’ until the completion of ten Ayat (Surah Al Mu’minoon 23:1-10).” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 5, Book 44, Hadith 3173)

SURAH AL-MU’MINOON (VERSES 1-11)

1. Successful indeed are the believers.  
2. Those who offer their Salât (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness (Khushu).
3. And those who turn away from Al-Laghw (vain things or also translated as dirty, false, evil vain talk, falsehood, and all that Allâh has forbidden).
4. And those who pay the Zakât.
5. And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts).
6. Except from their wives or (slaves) that their right hands possess, – for then, they are free from blame.
7. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.
8. Those who are faithfully true to their Amanât (all the duties which Allâh has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility and trusts) and to their covenants.
9. And those who strictly guard their (five compulsory congregational) Salawât (prayers) (at their fixed stated hours).
10. These are indeed the inheritors.
11. Who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever.

Commentary

Verse 1, The first question is “What is Success?”

The ultimate goal, or true success in Islam is to bring humans to a close personal relationship in this life with their creator. Allah has created each and every one of us to live our lives on this earth for a time, but after that, it has been ordained by Allah that we return to Him. And Allah (swt) says (interpretation of the meaning is): –

• “….Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden, will have indeed have been successful]“ (Aale-Imran 3:185)
• Not alike are the inmates of the fire and the dwellers of the garden (jannah): the dwellers of the garden (jannah) are they that are the achievers. (Surah Al Hadeed 59:20)

So, success and failure is based on the ‘ultimate’ result. If we are a millionaire or a king in this finite world but end up in hell-fire in the infinite life, then we are a looser. Also, the finite success here as compared to the infinite failure in the next world is negligible. This is similar to division by infinity in mathematics.

So who are the Successful? 

“And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajiroon (the Emigrants from Makkah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madeenah who helped the Muhajiroon) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.” [9:100]

SubhaanAllah, Allah says He will be pleased with “those who followed them…” and also says it is “Supreme Success”. Learning about them would be of great help.

Please join our free Certificate course “MOST SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE”, to learn about all the companions who were given the Glad Tidings of Jannah while they were alive (their seerah), : https://learn-islam.org/most-successful-people (available online now, register and learn)

Verse 2, We will studying about in detail about Salah in week 2.

Verse 3, Literally, laghv is anything nonsensical, meaningless and vain, which is in no way conducive to achieving one’s goal and purpose in life. This is indeed one of the outstanding characteristics of the Believer. He is a person who feels the burden of responsibility at all times; he regards the world as a place of test, and the life as the limited time allowed for the test. This feeling makes him behave seriously and responsibly throughout life just like the student who is taking an examination paper with his whole mind and body and soul absorbed in it. Just as the student knows and feels that each moment of the limited time at his disposal is important and decisive for his future life, and is not inclined to waste it, so the Believer also spends each moment of his life on works which are useful and productive in their ultimate results.

Besides this, the Believer is a person who possesses a right thinking mind, pure nature and fine taste: he has no inclination to indecent things: he can talk useful and healthy things but cannot indulge in idle talk: he has a fine taste of humor, but is not given to jesting, joking, ridicule, etc. nor can he endure dirty jokes and fun. For him a society in which the ears are never immune from abusive language, back-biting, slander; lying, dirty songs and indecent talk is a source of torture and agony. A characteristic of the promised Paradise is: “therein you will not hear anything vain or useless.”  

Verse 4, Not paying Zakah is a Major sin and will be punished as was mentioned previous classes. We should not try to play around with this to try and save few but a believer should pay in full.

Verse 8, the Believers fulfill the terms of the trusts which are placed in their charge. In this connection it should be noted that the Arabic word amanat is very comprehensive and includes all those trusts which are placed in their charge by Allah or society or individuals. According to a Tradition reported both by Bukhari and Muslim, he said: Four characteristics are such that if a person has all the four in him, he is beyond any doubt a hypocrite, and the one who has one of these, is a hypocrite to that extent till he gives it up:

• (a) When something is placed in his trust, he commits breach of the trust,
• (b) when he speaks, he tells a lie,
• (c) when he makes a promise, he breaks it, and
• (d) when he has a quarrel with somebody, he exceeds all limits (of decency and morality)”
  
  

Allah mentions in other ayaat of who are the Mu’minoon

• “The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur’aan) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone). Who perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat‑as‑ Salaah) and spend out of that We have provided them. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise)” [al-Anfaal 8:2-4]
• “Verily, those who have attained to faith and do good works, and are constant in prayer, and dispense charity – they shall have their reward with their Sustainer, and no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve” (2: 277)
• “O you who believe! keep your duty to Allah and speak straight, true words.” (33:70)
• “O you who believe, keep your duty to Allah, and be with the truthful people.” (9:119)
• “…Avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive. Those who harken to their Lord, and establish regular prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance.” (Ash Shura 42 : 37-38)
• “The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islâmic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allâh, that you may receive mercy.” (49:10)
• “O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; Nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former, Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one’s brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithful believer) as: “O sinner”, or “O wicked”]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zâlimûn (wrong-doers).” (49:11) 
• “O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting)[] . And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.” (49:12)
• “When you are greeted with a greeting, greet with one better than it, or return it (in the same terms at least).” (4:86)
• And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers (Quran 51:55). An Improtant ayah this one. It is common to see that people get offended when they are given a reminder,  they right away go on the offensive and point the short comings of the person who was reminding, both falling into an argument and not benefiting either one. So if we are finding it hard to take a reminder from a Muslim brother/sister there might be something wrong.
  
  
  
  

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

• “None of you is a believer till I am dearer to him than his child, his father and the whole of mankind.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
• “None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Tirmidhi, Nisaa’I, Ibn Majah)
• “The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them. And the best of you are those who are best to your women.” (Tirmidhi)
  
  

SUMMARIZED LIST OR TRAITS/CHARACTERISTICS OF BELIEVERS

• Establish Prayer on its time with Khushu
• Zakah
• Stay away from Falsehood.
• Guard chastity
• Fulfils trust
• Feel fear in their hearts when they hear the verses of Quran
• Charity
• Truthful and cannot be a liar.
• Avoids shameful acts
• Forgiving
• Are brothers to other believers and reconciles with them.
• Dutiful to parents
• Does not belittles, defames, insults other believers.
• Avoids suspicion, does not spy or back bite believers.
• Greet one another.
• Takes reminders from other believers and make necessary changes.
• The Prophet ﷺ is dearer then everyone on this earth.
• Wants for your brother/sister what you want for yourself
• Are best in character and best with their women
  
  

ALLAH’S PROMISES TO THE BELIEVERS

1.    Allah will be with you.  Allah, the Most High, says “…for verily Allah is with those who believe.” (Al Qur’an 8:19)

2.    Light – Noor.  Allah, the Most High, says: “One Day shall you see the believing men and the believing women, how their Light runs forward before them and by their right hands: (their greeting will be): “Good News for you this Day, gardens beneath which flow rivers, to dwell therein for forever. This is indeed the highest Achievement” (Al Qur’an 57:12)

Depending on how much Iman (faith and belief) was in the heart. Iman will come on the Day of Judgement in the form of light. Some people will have so much light that they run over the bridge so fast like a breeze. While some run. Some walk, some will take a step then stop until they get their light back again. Some will start but will not reach the end because of insufficient light.

3. The grace and kindness of Allah – Fadl. Allah, the Most High, says, “…for Allah is full of grace to those who believe.” (Al Qur’an 3:152)

4. The protection and friendship of Allah. Allah, the Most High says, “Without doubt, amongst men, the nearest of kin to Ibrahim, are those who follow him, as are also this Messenger and those who believe: And Allah is the Wali [protecting friend] of those who have faith.” (Al Qur’an 3:68)

5. Victory. Allah, the Most High says, “We will, without doubt, help our Messengers and those who believe, (both) in this world’s life and on the Day when the Witnesses will stand forth” [Al Qur’an 40:51]

6. Protection from Shaitaan. Allah, the Most High says, “No authority has he (i.e. Shaitaan) over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord.” [Al Qur’an 16:99]

Put your trust in Allah and Allah will protect you from Shaitaan. Allah has given us many weapons to defeat the Shaitaan. A believer uses these weapons that Allah has given him. Like Ayat al Kursi, Daily Adhkaar, Duas are all weapons that Allah has given to the believers as a protection against the Shayateen (army of devils), both from amongst the Jinn and from amongst Mankind.

7. Allah will save you. “In the end We deliver Our Messengers and those who believe (to safety) Thus is it fitting on Our part that We should deliver those who believe.” [Al Qur’an 10:103]

8. Protection. Allah the Most high, says, “Verily Allah will defend (from ill) those who believe, verily, Allah loves not any that is a traitor to faith or shows ingratitude.” [Al Qur’an 22:38]

Taqwa & Muttaqoon

(MENTIONED 140 TIMES IN THE QURAN)

Allah says,

• “O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims”. (Surah Imran 3 : 102)
• ‘O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become people having Taqwaa.’ [Sooratul-Baqarah (2): 183]
• “O you who believe, fear Allah and let every soul see what he has sent forward tomorrow. Fear Allah! Verily Allah is aware of what you do…” (Surah Hashr 59:18). Regarding this ayah, Ibn Kathir says, “Allah commands us to fear Him, this includes doing what He has ordered and refraining from that which is reprimanded….”.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ, said: “Fear Allah wherever you may be; follow up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe (the former) out, and behave good-naturedly towards people.” [Al-Tirmidhi)

Taqwa is also Being Mindful of Allah

‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas, radiyallahu anhuma, reported: One day I was behind the Prophet ﷺ and he said: “O young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice] : Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you (have need to) ask, ask of Allah; and if you seek help, seek help from Allah. Know that even if the Nation (or the whole community) were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with something, they would not be able to harm you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.” [Al-Tirmidhi]

Al-Hasan al-Basri said, “The people who have Taqwa (al-Muttaqeen) are those who avoided whatever Allah (swt) has prohibited and act upon what he has commanded.”

And the great Khalifah Umar ibn Abdul Aziz stated, “Taqwa is not by fasting the day and not by praying the night. And its not by mixing between the two of them. But, taqwa is leaving what Allah (swt) has made Haram and by doing what Allah(swt) has made fard. After one has done this, Allah (swt) will provide good things for that person.’

The great Companion and scholar, `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) explained the meaning of Taqwa, saying: “The real meaning of Taqwa is for Allah is to be obeyed, and not disobeyed; remembered at all times, and not forgotten; and to be thanked, and not to be ungrateful towards.”

Allah mentions in other ayaat of who are the Muttaqoon

• “Lo! Those who feared their Lord in secret, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward.” (Wa Ajrun Kabeer)” [Al-Mulk: 12]
• As for that [happy] life in the hereafter, We grant it [only] to those who do not seek to exalt themselves on earth, nor yet to spread corruption: for the future belongs to the Muttaqoon. (28:83)
• “And Al-Muttaqûn (the pious) will be far removed from it (Hell). He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification, And who has (in mind) no favour from anyone to be paid back, Except to seek the Countenance of his Lord, the Most High. He surely, will be pleased (when he will enter Paradise).” [al-Layl 92:17-21]
• “But yes, whoever fulfils his commitment and fears Allah then indeed, Allah loves those who fear Him.” [Al-Imran: 76]
• “It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah”. [Fatir 35: 28]

Summarised list or traits/characteristics of Muttaqoon

• Fears Allah
• Is Mindful of Allah at all times.
• Fasts
• Refrains from evil deeds
• Relies on Allah alone
  
  

ALLAH’S PROMISES TO THOSE WHO FEAR HI­M

1.    Paradise. But those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups until, when they reach it while its gates have been opened and its keepers say,”Peace be upon you; you have become pure; so enter it to abide eternally therein,” [they will enter]. (39:73)

2.    Blessings – Barakah. “If the people of the towns had but believed and feared Allah, we should indeed have opened out to them (all kinds of) blessings from heaven and earth, but they rejected (the truth), and We brought them to book for their misdeeds.” [7:96]

3.    Allah is with them. Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are Muhsinun (good-doers). (16:128)

4.    Success, “Verily, for the Muttaqun, is success”. (78:31)

5.    Forgiveness & Rewards in the hereafter.

Muhsinoon (Doers of Good)

Allah Says,

• “And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.” (2:195)
• “Do good to others, surely Allah loves those who do good to others.” (2:195)
• “Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberty to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition”. (An Nahl 16:90)
• “Worship Allâh and join none with Him (in worship), and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masâkin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allâh does not like such as are proud and boastful” (4:36)
• “ Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret.  He likes not the aggressors. And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order and invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allaah’s Mercy is (ever) near unto the good doers.” [55-56]
• “Those who spend (in Allah’s Cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers)”. (3:134)

Repressing one’s anger brings on closer to Allah. Conflicts are resolved, misunderstandings get dissolved, good sense prevails, patience holds sway and Satan has no say, when anger is repressed. Closely linked to repression of anger is forgiving others. In spite of any wrong done to you if you can have a big heart and pardon the offender, Allah appreciates this gesture. Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers). What more could a true Muslim aspire for!

ALLAH’S PROMISES TO DOERS OF GOOD

1. Paradise -Jannah

• “Give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therein, they say: “Why, this is what we were fed with before,” for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and holy), and they abide therein (for ever).” (Al Qur’an 2:25)
• “And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer – those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed”. (Soora an Nisa a 124)

This promise of Allah is sufficient. One does not even need to think of the other promises, as this promise of Paradise is sufficient and is in fact more than what we deserve.

2. The mercy of Allah – Rahmah. “Then, as to those who believed and did righteous deeds, their Lord will admit them to His Mercy. That will be the achievement for all to see.” (Al Qur’an 45:30)

3. Allah will erase the evil. “Those who believe and work righteous deeds, from them shall We blot out all evil (that maybe) in them, and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds.” [Qur’an 29:7]

4. Love for them. “Verily, those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the Most Gracious will bestow love for them.” [Al Qur’an 19:96]

5. No effort will be wasted. Allah the Most High says,

• “As to those who believe and work righteousness, verily We shall not suffer to perish the reward of any who do a (single) righteous deed.” [Al Qur’an 18:30]
• “As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in full) their reward, but Allah loves not those who do wrong.” [Al Qur’an 3:57]

Sometimes you might feel that you are wasting your time. For instance you are giving Dawah (calling towards Islam), but nobody is listening, or you can’t see a change in the people. You should know that your reward is with Allah and none of your effort will be wasted, as success is not about numbers.

Rasullullah ﷺ says that when I was taken to the heavens – “I saw a prophet with 10 followers, a prophet with 5 followers, a prophet with 2 followers, some with 1 follower and some with no followers.” However these Prophets did not fail, rather it was the people who refused to believe. In fact Allah will pay you back with more than what you did

6. A good ending. “For those who believe and work righteousness, is (every) blessedness, and a beautiful place of (final) return.” (Al Qur’an 13:29)

7. Guidance – Hidayah. “Those who believe, and work righteousness, their Lord will guide them because of their faith, beneath them will flow rivers in gardens of bliss.” [Al Qur’an 10:9]

The most frequent dua that one makes is in Surah Al-fatihah – “Oh Allah guide us to the straight path.” [Al Qur’an 1:5]

8. No fear and no grief. “Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” [Al Qur’an 2:277]

9. A good life – Hayaatan tayyibah. “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” [Al Qur’an 16:97]

10. A Good place in Paradise

• Gardens of perpetual residence, which they will enter, beneath which rivers flow. They will have therein whatever they wish. Thus does Allah reward the righteous (Soora an Nahl 31)
• The example of Paradise, which the righteous have been promised, is [that] beneath it rivers flow. Its fruit is lasting, and its shade. That is the consequence for the righteous, and the consequence for the disbelievers is the Fire. (Soora ar ruaad 35)
• And those who have believed and done righteous deeds – We will surely assign to them of Paradise [elevated] chambers beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. Excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers. (Soora an kaboom 58)
• But whoever comes to Him as a believer having done righteous deeds – for those will be the highest degrees [in position] (Soora at taha 75)
• “But if you desire Allah and His Messenger, and the home of the Hereafter, then verily, Allah has prepared for Al-Muhsinat (good-doers) amongst you an enormous reward.” (Al-Ahzaab, Verse #29)
• They shall have all that they will desire with their Lord. That is the reward of Muhsinun.                                           (Az-Zumar, Verse #34)

May Allah give us the Hidayah to be amongst the to good deeds to be amongst the Muhsinun, to fear Him and be Mindful of Him to be amongst the Muttaqoon and grant us a good ending to be able to die us Mu’minoon (with our last words being La Ilaaha Illa Allah).

Please remember us an the whole Ummah in your prayers.

All the best for tomorrow’s test (you will have more than 2 days to submit it).

TIPS FOR THE TEST

1. Do not have to memorize the Ayahs or Hadeeths word for word but remember the the message being given in it.
2. This content should be remembered more to motivate us to do good and be amongst the ones who are blessed with these.
3. Remember the deeds that can help us. (And implement them)