Selected Verses

Birr is a theological concept in Islam which in essence is an internalised attitude of righteousness or goodness. Ayatul Birr gives the Divine concept of walking talking goodness.

It starts with the foundation being belief in Allah, the last day (Accountability), and Divine Guidance referring to the Angels, the Qur’an and the Messengers. This belief manifests itself through serving humanity and connecting to the Divine through Salaa and Zakaa. The human being who demonstrates Birr has the characteristics of being trustworthy, persevering, patient, God conscious and truthful.

The word BIRR comes from BARR which mean land just as BAHR means the sea. It denotes STABILITY and thus the foundation of BIRR (righteousness) is FIRM BELIEFS.

The aya was revealed when the qibla was changed from Baytul Muqaddas to the Ka’ba and there was a controversy regarding the change.

Known as the chief of the all of the verses of the Qur’an, it is the most famous verse of the Qur’an and widely memorised and conceptualises our belief in Allah. It is highly recommended to be recited daily and more so on Friday.

It has 9 sections which revolve around the description of Allah and displays a perfect internal symmetry comprised of concentric looping. With the 5^th section as the centre, each of the 4 sections before it reflects perfectly the 4 sections after.

The Prophet has said that one who recites Ayatush Shahada makes a covenant with Allah and Allah always fulfils His side of a covenant. The first practical manifestation on this covenant is justice on both an individual and social level – God consciousness (taqwa) and maintaining the right of others (infaq). The only life transaction (Deen) accepted by Divinity is Islam (complete submission and accountability).

Those who differed only did so when they were exposed to the truth which resulted in a fear of losing control and so interpreted the scriptures according to their own whims.

The Prophet (pbuh) advised one of his companions, who was in debt, to recite this verse after every salaa and do dua for the repayment of debts.

Allah commands the human being to call upon Him as the Owner and King of all kingdoms and states that in His hands is only goodness. The highest sustenance is the knowledge of Divinity and the ultimate kingdom is the ability to see Him in everything

The verse was revealed as soon as the Prophet declared the guardianship (Wilaya) of Imam Ali on the day of Ghadeer after which he said:

“God is the greatest upon perfection of the religion and completion of blessing and God’s satisfaction with my prophethood and ‘Ali’s guardianship after me.”

This was the last verse to be revealed.

This is a dua which was recited by Prophet Yunus (pbuh) when he was in the belly of the whale. It is recommended to recited when one is experiencing sorrow and/or sufferings.

The verse was revealed when the Prophet (pbuh) covered Imam Ali, Sayyida Fatima, Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn with his cloak (Kisaa). Jibraail asks permission to enter the Kisaa and brings the revelation of this verse.

The word ‘Innamaa’ ( إِنَّما) at the outset of the verse denotes exclusiveness.

Purification from ‘Rijs’ means infallibility from sins.

The day after this verse was revealed was the day of Mubahila showing it was the AhlulBayt mentioned in 3:33 that the Prophet would take with him