Tafseer of the Qur'an is essential for understanding its meanings. This knowledge is absolutely necessary for one to practice Islam in a proper way, completing the structure built on the five basic pillars.
Surah Al-FÄtiḥah
Al-Fathia¸¥ah was described by the Messenger of Allah (ï·º) as the greatest sÅ«rah in the Qur’Än. It was the first sÅ«rah to be revealed in its entirety and includes the major principles and themes the Qur’Än addresses. Since its recitation is a required part of every prayer (á¹£alÄh), we need to be aware of its meanings in particular.
Surah Al-Kahf
The Qur’Än speaks with the perfect knowledge of the Creator about His creation. This surah's distinguishing feature is its historic narratives, sent down by the Lord of mankind to establish truth and to correct erroneous beliefs. It teaches with wisdom and establishes the best system of life for humanity. The Prophet's recommendation to recite this sÅ«rah weekly is an indication of its importance. It contains reminders of the end of the world and has been described by scholars as a source of guiding principles, instructive ethics and a foundation for sound belief. It illustrates that truth and righteousness are not related to wealth, position or authority but only to what has been commanded by Allah. 80 pp
Surah An-Nur
The most significant feature of the Qur'an is that it is the words of Allah, the Most High. This obviously means it is the absolute, indisputable truth, and that its legislation is perfectly balanced and completely just. It presents the essential teachings of the faith and the laws that regulate and govern human life. This surah treats what continues to be the most urgent social problem faced by mankind: the threat to the family and to family life upon which a healthy society is built. Within it are clear instructions regarding the social manners to which a believer must adhere in both his public and private life. 85 pp
Surah Ya Seen
Because the Qur'an is the primary source of religious teachings, understanding its meanings is essential for every Muslim. The subjects treated in Surah YaSeen are primarily those denied most by the unbelievers – namely, tawheed, the resurrection and the prophethood of Muḥammad ï·º. The surah presents arguments appealing to reason and brings to witness some of the visible signs of the unlimited ability of our Creator. It urges man to consider the countless signs evident in creation as proofs of Allah's power with the objective of establishing a firm foundation of faith. Based on Arabic sources, the tafseer is clarified in English. 78 pp.
Social and Family Rulings - An-Nisaa'
This book deals with specific verses of the Surah related to the family and Muslim society. Surah an-Nisaa' contains many rulings aimed at purifying the community from remnants of pre-Islamic ignorance and elevating it to the level of an Islamic one, unique for its ethical system of administration derived from the Qur'an. With the influence of modern global culture, our communities today are, as much as ever, in need of Allah's guidance.
Al-IkhlÄá¹£
Al-IkhlÄá¹£ is among the shortest sÅ«rahs of the Qur'Än. It is one of the most eloquent and profound in meaning. IkhlÄá¹£ means purification – the purification of faith. It completely eliminates pagan concepts and doctrines as well as false attributes that the ignorant have attributed to Allah, the Exalted. The sÅ«rah declares that there is no true deity other than Allah, and hence, that He alone has the right to be worshipped without any intercessor or associate.
Seeking Refuge
With these two sÅ«rahs one seeks refuge in Allah from every kind of evil (sharr), and they may be recited for any circumstance in which one fears harm. They serve to remind the believer to put his trust in Allah and depend upon Him alone. SÅ«rah al-Falaq mentions external evils which threaten mankind, such as what occurs in the darkness of night, the plots of magicians and the harms caused by those who envy and harbor jealousy. And SÅ«rah an-NÄs deals with internal evil which is found within the self, such as the suggestions of the Shayá¹Än and corrupt inclinations of the soul.