message of the prophets booklet

8/8/2019 Message of the Prophets Booklet

1/64


2/64

Study One Saydna Adam Al Arraf(7):11-26, Al TaHa(20):120-123 What is shame/mercy?

Study Two Saydna Adam Al TaHa(20):116-129, Genesis 3:1-15 What did Allah do to restore

relationship and cover

shame?

Study Three Saydna Noah Al Araaf(7):59-64, Al Hud(11):29-45 What is the result of

rejecting or heeding the

guidance Allah send?

Study Four Saydna Noah Genesis 6:5-22, 7:1-24, 8:1-22, 9:8-17 Does Allah accept our

offerings?

Study Five Habil Al Maaidah(5):27-30, Genesis 4:1-8, 6:9 How does our shame affect

the offerings we bring to

Allah?

Study Six Saydna Ibrahim Al Saffat(37):83-113 How do I know if Im

righteous?

Study Seven Saydna Ibrahim Genesis 12:1-4, 15:1-6, 22:1-19 What are the steps to

become righteous?

Study Eight Saydna Musa A TaHa (20):9-76 What do The Great Signs

reveal?

Study Nine Saydna Musa Exodus 1:1-2:10 What is the true meaning of

the greatest of The Great Signs?

Study Ten Saydna Daud Al Anam (6):84 , Al Baqarah (2):251 Who is the Victorious King?Al Nisa (4):163, Bani Israil (17):55

2 Samuel 17:8-17, Psalm 2 and 45

Study Eleven Saydna Daud Surrat Al Amran(3):45, Al Ahzaab(33):69 How was the Victorious King

Psalm 22, Isaiah 53:1-12, Matt 27:27-46 tested?

Study Twelve Saydna Yunus Al Inbiya 21:86-87,Al Saffat(37):139-148 Why was Saydna Isa

Al Qalam(68):48-50 punished?

Study Thirteen Saydna Yahiya Al Imraan(3):38-39,Maryam(19):7-15 How is Saydna Yahiya a sign

Al Anbiyaa(21):89-91, Mata 3:1-17 to all the nations?

John 1:29-30

Study Fourteen Saydna Isa Al Baqarah (2):87, 253, Al Imran (3):45-55, How can we follow Saydna

ANisa (4):158, 171, Al Maida (5):110-117, Isa?

Maryam(19):16-34, Zukhruf (43):61-63


3/64


4/64

1Garment of Righteousness

Saydna AdamStudy One

Quranic Text

Al Arraf(7):11-26

Supporting Text

Al TaHa(20):120-123

Key Principles

Khalifat Allah Evil Inclinations Shame and Mercy

Definitions

Khalifah-leader in all aspects of life

(political, social, and religious);

Arabic definition is to replace one

who died (successors of Prophet

Mohammed); carries the idea ofKing/Steward

Khalifat Allah- leader of all

humanity, not just the ummah

(Muslim community)

Respite-a temporary delay in the

execution of punishment

Mercy- the gift of Gods goodness

to those who dont deserve it

Inclination- A tilt or characteristic

disposition to do, prefer, or favorone thing rather than another

Sign-an act, object or person in the

physical realm which God uses to

teach us spiritual truth

Key Questions

1. What is shame?2. What is mercy?

Ask your friend to read Ayahs 11 through 18 in Arabic while you

follow along in English. After reading the passage ask him to

summarize what he just read. Listen intently.

Summary 11-18: Allah created the revered (Saydna) Adam taking

special care to give him all the knowledge and abilities he would

need to be the steward or representative (khalifah) of Allahs

Kingdom. Allah ordered the other beings of creation to bow down

and pay homage to the new steward of Allahs Kingdom. All

honored Allah and His steward by bowing down but Satan (Iblis)

refused saying, I am better than he; Thou hast created me of fire

and him thou didst create of dust. Allah rejected Iblis excuses for

disobedience and humbled him in the sight of the angelic host by

decreeing that He would punish Him and fill hell with all of his

followers. In humiliation, Iblis declares before all creation that he

would attack them from every side and do whatever possible tokeep the descendants of Adam from the straight path (Sarat Al

Mustaquin).

Key Points:

Adam is the Steward of Allahs Kingdom(Khalifat Allah) (2:30)

Satan is rejected because of his pride(gharoor/Istakhbaar) (13)

Satan is the open enemy of humanity (16 &17)

Question: Why was Iblis so harshly punished?

Answer: Pride (gharoor), thinking you know or understand better

than Allah. This belief is the first belief that leads to all other

wrong thinking about Allah and self. It is from this false belief that

all sinful action stems.

Ask your friend to read Surrat Al Araaf (7):19-26 and Surrat A TaHa

(20):117-123 in Arabic while you follow along in English. The two

principles that are necessary to communicate are A shame and B

mercy.

A) Shame Clear instructions

But go not near the tree, lest you become one of the

unjust (Those in darkness and separated from the

Allah Al Noor). (19)


5/64


Saydna Adam

Clear warningThis is an enemy to thee and thy wife; so let him not

drive you both out of the garden. (20:117)

Clear disobedienceAnd Adam disobeyed his Lord, and was

disappointed. (20:121)

The Quran is clear that the actions of Adam were not a mistake but

disobedience. Here Adam exhibits the same gharoor that Iblis

showed in not bowing to Adam. Allah told him not to go near the

tree or let his enemy drive him from the garden. Saydna Adam, in

listening to Iblis and taking from the tree, thought he knew better

than Allah, because of this gharoor, disobeys Allahs careful

instruction. Make sure your friend understands Adam did sin and

he now wears the shame of his action. In Surrat ATaHa(20):121the word sowa speaks of Adams evil inclinations. These evil

inclinations were there before he ate of the fruit but it was only

after he ate of it that he became aware of them. They are the

reason mankind needs mercy from Allah. In the same verse the

word ghawa which is translated disobeyed literally means that

his life became evil to him as a result of these evil inclinations,

sowa.

Question: What is shame and why does Saydna Adam have it?

(26)

Question: What did Saydna Adam do to cover his shame? (26)

Question: What do we do to cover our shame?

Note: It is important you be the first to answer the last question .

Be vulnerable and without specific details admit you have shame

and some of the ways you try to cover them without Gods

involvement (mercy). This is not the time to confess a deep moral

sin. Remember, this is a culture of honor and you must maintain

yours. Shaming yourself will discredit your message. Example:

White lies and excuses are types of coverings we use to try to hide

our shame.

Transition Question: Did Allah accept Saydna Adams covering for

his shame? No, leaves are not fitting for the

Khalifat Allah. (26)

B) Mercy There was nothing Saydna Adam could do or ever

would do to cover his shame.


6/64


Saydna Adam

If thou forgive us not, and have not mercy on us, we

shall surely be of the losers (those outside the

goodness of Allah). (23)

This mercy was from Allah no one else. sent down to you to cover your shame. (26)

Question: What is mercy?

Answer: The gift of Allahs favor to those who dont deserve it.

The provision needed to correct the problems of humanities

inward and outward conditions.

Review:

This time is important. As you have studied with your friend Im

sure he/she has had some questions that went unasked or

unexplained. Now is the time let him to ask. Make sure that he

understands the principles, A Shame and B Mercy.

Shame is a result of disobedience and disobedience is a result of

pride or gharoor.


7/64


Saydna AdamStudy Two

Quranic Text

Al TaHa(20):116-129

Supporting Text

Al Araaf(7):262:30-39

Biblical Text

Genesis 3:1-15

Definitions

Taqwah-inner godliness or

righteousness

Waqaa-to guard or protect

Key Principles:

Allah offers mercy. Man must take the

mercy.

Key Questions

1. What is the Garment ofrighteousness?

2. What did Allah do torestore relationship and

cover shame?

Begin day two by rereading Surah 7:26. Tell your friend you have

found something extremely interesting in this Ayah and invite

him/her to discover it with you.

Question: What is the Garment/Raiment of Righteousness?

-Dont answer the question, but allow your friend time to share his

idea.

Answer: What it does defines it.

Gives beauty(26) Covers Shame(26) Protects from evil (The only protection from evil

desires within and temptation from without is inner

godliness (taqwah).)(26)

Note: The word taqwah is derived from the Arabic root, waqah,

which means to guard. Taqwah is understood as inner godliness

or righteousness, piety that is only achieved if one is guarded or

protected.

Question: Does this sound like a garment you wear?

Answer: No, a garment cant cover ones mistakes or protect them

from the evil inclinations inside of them that lead to disobedience.

The Garment of Righteousness (Labis a Taqwah) is a sign for the

provision of mercy Allah is sending to fix Saydna Adams problemsas a result of his disobedience and shame. In ayah 23 Saydna

Adam says, We have wronged ourselves. His sin damaged his

own soul in a way only Allahs mercy can restore.

At this point you want to review Saydna Adams current standing

after sinning in paradise.

Ashamed of his appearance (naked) Ashamed of his behavior Has evil desires (non-submitting)

-Reiterate that Saydna Adam tried to cover his shame but wasunable. In 7:23 he confessed that he is one of the losers

(KhaSreen) without Allahs mercy.

Its important to note that Allah is sending mercy (Garment of

Righteousness) to correct the problems that the sin of Saydna

Adam has caused.


8/64


Saydna Adam

Allah wants to make us beautiful, cover the shame of our sin, and

protect us from our evil desires, by giving us new desires (the 3

things the Garment does). You want to share with your friend that

this same story is found in the Old Testament (Taurat). It shows

the Garment of Righteousness mentioned in the Quran in a

different light. Have your friend read the biblical account in Arabic

while you read along in English. Remember, odds are your friend

has never read the Taurat so take as much time as necessary to

talk about the passage.

Note: Make it a point to interject something about the similarities

between the two books. As you summarize the passage (Gen. 3:1-

14) continue to review all the previous points established from the

Quran.

Summary of Gen. 3:1-14:

Iblis was smart and full of trickery. Because of his hatred for

mankind (Day One: reason for his hatred) he came to Saydna

Adam and Eve (Howa) to deceive them into eating from the

forbidden tree (Al Shejarah Al Malaonah). Although in the Taurat

we see the account of his conversation with Eve, Saydna Adam did

not speak up to stop Iblis deceiving words and he took the fruit

and ate it just like the Quran says. They both willingly disobeyed

Gods instructions.

Iblis either had the power to come in the form of a serpent or theform is merely emphasizing the deceitfulness and dangerousness

of his nature.

Iblis begins his plot to expel Saydna Adam and Howa from

paradise by questioning her understanding of Allahs command. In

essence Iblis is saying, If Allah is good, would He ever keep

anything good from you? Howa restates Allahs command with

an addition of her own (shall you touch it). After questioning

Allahs character Iblis now makes a bold accusation Allah is lying to

them. At this point Howa began to doubt Allahs words to her and

for the first time mankind listened to the voice of her enemy and

believed a lie. Believing that there was some good thing Allah was

keeping from her she examined the fruit (touching it). Because

she had added to the words of God, it strengthened the power of

the lie Satan told her. Believing the lie she acted out of an

independent spirit, she ate of it giving some to Saydna Adam, and

she and Saydna Adam left the straight path.


9/64


Saydna Adam

Key point: The evil desires in our hearts are gharoor/pride. This

gharoor leads us to believe lies about Allah and us.

They felt so ashamed they made for themselves garments of

leaves. When they heard Allah coming they hid because of what

they had done. They had the knowledge that the garment they

had made would never be sufficient to cover the shame of

disobeying Allah.

Key Points:

Because of the evil desires/ pride (gharoor), in our heartwe believe lies and then act out in wrong behavior.

Shame is a result of sin. We cannot cover our own shame.

Allah draws near to them and asked, Where are you? Allahknows where they are but he is teaching them to seek Him for

council first. (There could be some question here for your friend

so take the time to explain this. It might help to give an example.)

Example: My children are not allowed to play in the kitchen

because of the different dangers there. So when I hear them in

the kitchen, to give them mercy and the opportunity to change

their behavior and come to me for help, Ill call, Where are you?

So when Allah asks the question, Where are you? Saydna Adam

answers by saying the reason he is hiding is because he is naked.This nakedness is only an outward manifestation of what has

happened in his heart. Allah replies, Who told you that you were

naked? Allah asked the question to expose what was being

believed as a result of the disobedience and shame. Disobedience

and shame always makes us feel as though we are missing

something, insufficient, and/or damaged. Then Saydna Adam

makes an excuse placing blame on his wife and the majority of it

on Allah. Allah, in turn, asks each one of them to give an account

for their sin (Saydna Adam, Howa, and Iblis). After listening to

their excuses Allah pronounces punishment.

After reading the passages ask you friend what he/she thinks. Talk

about the passage for a minute. Answer any questions they have

pointing out the similarity to the Al Quran. Then read from the Al

Quran 2:37-39 together. Say, When I read this, I see Allah

sending to Saydna Adam words or guidance, showing him how to

take the mercy Allah was giving in the Garment of Righteousness.


10/64


11/64


Saydna Adam

Review and conclusion:

Draw the Diagram and explain.

1. Draw a line on a slant putting Allah at one end and Adamon the other making sure that Allah is above Adam. Write

Allahs name and draw a stick figure for Adam. Say,

While Saydna Adam and Allah were in the Garden Allah

had created for them they had a very close relationship. In

fact in the Torah it says they walked together in the cool of

the day. But something happened to change that. Then

ask:

Question 1: What did Saydna Adam do to cut the close

relationship he had with Allah?

2. Draw a wedge between the two names. And write theiranswers inside the wedge.

Then ask:Question 2: What did Saydna Adam try to do to restore the

relationship? Draw a line with an arrow pointing to the

wedge and write the word leaves above it. Adams clothes

of leaves were not accepted.

3. Question 3: What did Allah do to restore the relationshipand cover Saydna Adams shame? When they answer

draw a line with an arrow going from Allah up and over the

wedge back to Adam. Say, It was Allahs mercy in the

form of the Garment of Righteousness that alone could

cover Saydna Adams shame.

(When you review the following you can list them on the diagram)

Review the Garment of Righteousness from day one.

1. Restate the condition of Saydna Adam in his shame Ashamed of his appearance Ashamed of his behavior Having evil (unsubmitting) desires

2. Restate the solution Allah provides through the Garmentof Righteousness (3 things the G.O.R. does)

Makes you beautiful Covers your shame

Guards against evil (unsubmitting desires)


12/64

9The Ark and Promise

Saydna NoahStudy Three

Quranic Texts

Al Araaf(7):59-64

Al Hud(11):29-45

Supporting TextsAl Muminun(23):30

Al Ankabut(29):15

Al Qamar(54):1

Al TaHa(20):121

Al Haqqah(69):11-12

Key Principles

Allah sends guidance tobring man back to the

straight path.

There is judgment forthose who reject the

guidance.

There is mercy for thosewho heed the guidance.

Definitions

Idolatry-assigning partners to

Allah(sherk)

Guidance-message of the prophets

and their books that teach us how

to take the Mercy Allah extends

Message- sign or mark, an evidence

or proof.(Ayyah in Arabic)

Special Knowledge- communication

from Allah (Wahy in Arabic)

Kafar- derived from the Arabic

word to cover and carries the

understanding that it is one who

knows the truth and covers it.

Key Question

What is the result of rejecting or

heeding the guidance Allah send?

Briefly review the key principles from your study on Saydna Adam.

Remind them of the diagram. Nine generations later Allah sent his

message to the world through Saydna Noah. Ask your friend to

read Surrat Al Araaf(7):59-64 in Arabic, while you follow along in

English. Ask him what he likes about Saydna Noah and this

particular text. Respond by sharing your delight with the passage

and then refocus on Ayah 62.

Question: What does Saydna Noah know that his own people

dont know?

Answer:

There is only one true God. The sin of his people is idolatry(sherk). Mercy is available if the people will heed the Guidance. Punishment (flood) is coming if they refuse the Guidance.

Transition Sentence: Nine generations and 1600 years after

Saydna Adam disobeyed the people have become so wicked Allah

is ready to destroy them all by a horrible death (drowning).

Question: How did the people become so wicked?

Before you answer, show your friend Ayah 63. Share with him

how Allah sent a messenger from their own people so they would

be sure to hear his guidance (hodaa). Saydna Noah was warning

them to fear Allah and take his mercy.

Answer: Ask if they remember what you talked about last time

when you discovered the evil inclinations from 20:121. Explain

that it was these same evil desires in the hearts of Saydna Noahs

people as in the day of Saydna Adam. They followed theses

desires and the evil within without regarding the will of Allah and

His prophets. They embraced their own pride, gharoor, and

believed all the lies Iblis told them. Generation by generation

these evil desires became worse and the people began to embrace

them instead of guarding against them. The people need the same

solution Saydna Adam needed. They need the Mercy (inner

godliness).

Allow this to be a time of give and take discussion. Make sure they

are with you. If not, before you progress, take the time to review

any questions they are struggling with.

Say, I found some of the other verses from the Al Quran that I

thought really went along with what weve been talking about.

Show them Surrat Al Yusuf(12):33 and 51-53. These ayat are about


13/64


Saydna Noah

the wicked intentions of man and his inability to do right without

the Mercy of Allah. Other ayat on this point are found in Al

Zukhruf(43):15, Al Shuraa(42):48, Bani Israil(17):67 where man is

called unbeliever (kafer).

Transition Sentence: In Al Anaam(6):84-90 Al Quran says that

Allah has sent Guidance through the prophets and His books to

show us what the Mercy is, and how to receive it. (Just refer to

the passage and dont take time to go to it unless they want to.)

Ask your friend to read Hud(11):25-49 in Arabic, while you follow

along in English. After reading the passage ask him to summarize

what he just read.

Summary: Allah sent Saydna Noah, a man from his own people, to

warn them of coming danger. Allah was about to bring judgmentand there would be no more mercy if they refused to heed the

Guidance from His prophet, Saydna Noah, to fear Allah and

hopefully take his mercy (63). The leaders of Saydna Noahs

people rejected the Guidance and described Saydna Noah as

He was a mere man Those who followed his message were of the lowest of

society

He was not socially or materially above them Deceiver Surrat Al Muminun(23):24 our ancestors have never

spoken of such things (why should we believe youabove tradition?)

Noah replied by describing his pure motivation. He did not come

asking for wealth or suggesting he was anything other than a man

except to say he was one with a special knowledge (wahy) from

Allah. Because of his fear of Allah and his love for his people he

wanted nothing more than for them to take Allahs mercy and be

blessed instead of cursed. Allahs Guidance is always obscure to

those who refuse to confess their sin and submit to its message. In

Surrah Hud(11):28 it was made obscure to them is understood

as literally saying, Allahs mercy is blind to them. Allahs mercy

would not find them because they would not take the guidance

that preceded its coming. Unbelievers

Argue with the truth (guidance) Cover the truth (Kafer-one who covers truth) Reject the truth


14/64


Saydna Noah

So the people said, Bring upon us that which you threatened us

with, if thou art truthful. Saydna Noah responded by saying he

was innocent of their guilt because he had done what Allah had

commanded of him. Then Allah revealed to Noah: None of thy

people will believe except those who already believe, so grieve not

(for them) and make an ark (fulk). So the leaders of Noahs

people laughed when they saw him building the fulk.

After the fulk was completed Saydna Noah gathered pairs from all

the animals of the earth and secured them on the ark. Allah

brought forth water gushing from the valley and from the sky that

eventually destroyed all human and animal life except those on

the ark. As the water was rising Saydna Noah saw his son and

called out to him, embark with us and not be with the

disbelievers. But the son did not obey his fathers voice and said,

I will take myself for a refuge to a mountain that will save me.

Before he could even set out toward the mountain summit a waveswallowed him and he drowned. Saydna Noah cried out to Allah

questioning, surely my son is of my family, and thy promise is

true. Saydna Noah was reminding Allah of His promise to save his

family and questioning Allahs judgment to allow his son to die

among the unbelievers. Allah replied, he is not of thy family; he is

unrighteous in conduct. So Allah rebuked Saydna Noah for his

ignorance lest he become one of the ignorant and Saydna Noah

repented asking for the Mercy.

Guidance comes through the message of the Prophets Guidance reveals the Mercy and leads us to it. Guidance is not clear to those who embrace the evilinclinations Guidance is not taken by the ignorant (jaahel), ignorance

isnt to be confused with lack of status or intelligence, it is

simply to reject the guidance

Question: Why did Allah not accept Saydna Noahs Son?

Answer: He wasnt walking the straight path but his own. He was

unrighteous and expected his actions to save him. Maybe he even

thought his family or religion would save him. His father was a

prophet. The righteous, however, depend on Allahs Mercy.

They confess their shame, submit to Allahs guidance, and take the

Mercy however it comes.

Key Point: They take Allahs Mercy in whatever form it comes,

whether it is a Garment of Righteousness or a big boat. The fulk is

a sign of Allahs Mercy. Surah Hud(11):41 tells us Allah navigated

the fulk and Surah Al Huqqah(69):11-12 tells us that Allah cause it

to float. Those who take Allahs mercy can expect to find


15/64


Saydna Noah

provision, and protection from the enemy Iblis and Allahs

judgment.

Question: What do we do to try to save ourselves?

Answer: You answer this question first. Give examples of things

that might be good things to do but they dont save us (prayer,

fasting, etc.). Emphasize that because everyone has wrong doing

only those that are given the Mercy from Allah and take it will be

saved because all have those evil inclinations. (Al Nahl(16):61)

Note: The concept of taking (receiving) the mercy is a new idea for

your friend so do not push them hard. As the study progresses he

will see this more clearly.

Reread Hud (11):45-47

At this point you may want to remind your friend that this is the

exact same statement Saydna Adam said after he realized he has

disobeyed. It isnt necessary to explain how Saydna Noah acted

unrighteously or even if he did. The point is that he still has evil

(natural) desires and needs Allahs Mercy to be righteous. His

confession makes the point clear and the need apparent. In fact,

in Surrah Al Noah(71):28 Saydna Noah prays for Allah to forgive his

unrighteousness and the wrong doings of his parents, and all those

who believe.

Note: His heart for a moment was more for the well being of his

son then for the will of Allah (cleansing the earth of sin and

protecting the righteous). Like Saydna Adam he was questioning

the goodness of Allah (Did He lie?). Allah rebuked him so that he

would not become one of the ignorant, who heed not the

guidance of Allah and are judged. (46).


16/64


Saydna NoahStudy Four:

Biblical Texts

Genesis 6:5-22

Genesis 7:1-24

Genesis 8:1-22Genesis 9:8-17

Key Principles

Allah is faithful. Allah desires offerings.

Definitions

Faithful- completely reliable

Offering- to bring something of

worth to Allah

Key Questions

1. What is an offering?2. Does Allah accept our

offerings?

Ask your friend to read the biblical account found in Genesis

beginning in 6:5-22, 7:1-24, 8:1-22, and 9:8-17 in Arabic, while you

follow along in English. Ask him to summarize what he just read.

Simply use these passages as a way to reiterate your points, and

grow your friends love and respect for the Taurat. Give them the

opportunity here to ask any questions they might have.

Note: It is important that you do not read scriptures Genesis 6:1-

4, and 9:18-27 as these are difficult passages for most believers

who have grown up reading them, they will almost certainly be

difficult for our friends to see and understand.

The wayward son of Saydna Noah not being mentioned in the

Taurat should not cause alarm. If its a problem simply state that

the Taurat does not have some things that the Quran mentions

nor does the Quran have everything that the Taurat mentions, butnone of these small details change the overarching theme both

found in the Quran and Taurat.

Read Genesis 6:5-22.

Summary: Iblis was humbled by Saydna Adam in front of all

creation so he plotted to shame Saydna Adam and succeeded. But

he failed to accomplish his end goal (bring honor to himself). Iblis

was not extolled, to the contrary, Allah proclaimed him the lowest

of all creation. So as Iblis vowed, he is trying once again to lead

the descendants of Saydna Adam from the straight path. Iblissucceeds in corrupting and shaming man. However, Allah

intervenes as with Saydna Adam and the Labis a-taqwa to save

humanity. Allah looks and sees, the wickedness of man was great

in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was

only evil (6:5). All of man has been lead astray by his evil

inclinations and the deceit of Iblis except Saydna Noah, his wife,

his three sons and their wives (6:18). From all of humanity only

eight were found righteous (7:1). If Allah had not acted and

cleansed the earth of evil Iblis would have surely succeeded in

corrupting and shaming all of humanity. Saydna Noah was called

just in his generation, and righteous (6:9, 7:1) because he did all

that Allah commanded him (6:22).

Transition: We saw in Surah Hud (11) that Allah did not accept

Saydna Noahs son because he did not take Allahs mercy but

trusted in his actions, family and religion to save him. Briefly


17/64


Saydna Noah

review what was said last time about the different things we

sometimes rely on for our protection and salvation from our own

evil inclinations, Iblis, and Allahs judgment. Remember the

bottom line is the evil desires, pride, in Noahs sons heart that

leads him to go his own way, away from the straight path. Lets

look at Genesis 8:20-21 to see what Allah accepted from Saydna

Noah.

Key Points:

Allah accepted offering from Saydna Noah in the form ofan animal sacrifice.

Allah was pleased by the animal sacrifice Saydna Noahmade and established a twofold covenant with Saydna

Noah and his descendants. Genesis 8:21a, Allah smelled

the sweet fragrance and thought to himself . . .

1. Genesis 8:21b, Ill never again curse the ground2. Genesis 8:21c, Ill never again kill off everything

living as Ive just done.

(These promises are not universal in scope but allows

for natural disasters and death just not global)

God is faithful to the righteous. He gave a sign to affirmhis promise (covenant), the rainbow. (Gen. 9:12-17)

Note: The word, remember is used (8:1) to emphasize Allahs

faithfulness to those who are righteous. The sign of the rainbow

is to reiterate Allah is good and will do what He says He will do.

Remember, both Saydna Adam and Noah forgot/questionedAllahs goodness but Allah because He is good/faithful never

forgot them.

Say, Allah requires and desires offering (worship) from each of us.

Throughout both the Quran and the other holy books Allah has

expressed this command and desire from his followers.

Question: What is an offering?

Answer: To give something to someone you love, gift.

Question: How do we give offerings to Allah?

Answer: We give offerings through prayers, tithes (zakat),

Question: Do you think Allah accepts our offerings (rhetorical)?

Spend as much time as needed exploring these questions.

Emphasize the beauty of Allah accepting Saydna Noahs offering.


18/64


Saydna Noah

Be sure to differentiate between the offerings we give being

worship and not being what allows us entry into the Kingdom of

Allah. If our offerings saved us, then our works, family or religion

would be all we needed. Emphasize again our need for the mercy

of Allah to save us. They will enjoy agreeing with you on this but it

will cause them to think about why they do what they do.


19/64

16The Lesser Sacrifice

Qabil and HabilStudy Five

Quranic Text

Al Maaidah(5):27-30

Biblical TextGenesis 4:1-8, 6:9

Support Text:

Surat Al Maidah (5):31

Surat Al Hajj (22):37

Genesis 6:9

Key Principals:

Allah desires and requiresofferings.

Allah only acceptsofferings from therighteous.

Definition

Sacrifice- offering

Key Question

How does our shame affect the

offerings we bring to Allah?

In the other stories of the prophets we learned that Allah desires

and requires offerings. Saydna Noah was commanded to build and

alter and make an offering on it with the extra animals Allah askedhim to bring (Gen. 7:2-3). After the flood Saydna Noah obeyed

Allah. He built an alter and placed a burnt offering on it. Allah was

so pleased by Saydna Noahs offering that He made promises with

Saydna Noah and all humanity (Gen. 8:20-21). Saydna Noah was

much like Habil. Saydna Noah was a just man in his generation

(Gen. 6:9).

Question: How do we know Allah will accept our offerings?

Answer: I believe the answer can be found in the signs of Saydna

Noah, and Qabil and Habil. Ask your friend to read Surat Al

Maidah (5):27-30 in Arabic while you follow along in English. Ask

him/her to summarize.

Summary: The two sons of Saydna Adam offered a sacrifice. Allah

accepted one offering and refused the other. The son whose

offering was rejected, Qabil, became angry and swore to kill his

brother, Habil. The Quran describes Habil as a righteous man who

when threatened by his brother spoke not with anger but said,

Allah accepts only the godly/righteous (muttaqi). If thou stretch

out thy hand against me to kill me I shall not stretch out my hand

against thee. So Qabil hardened his heart and dulled his mind. In

Arabic the text literally means that he permitted himself to

commit this horrible act. He submitted to the evil inclinations in

his heart instead of submitting to Allah. Then he stretched out his

hand against his brother and killed him.

Question: Do you know what the sacrifices each one brought

were?

Say, In this story there are many details in the Taurat that will

help us understand this story even more fully. Ask your friend if he

would read with you in the Taurat. In this case the Taurat has

many more details. Ask your friend to read Gen. 4:1-5 in Arabic

while you follow along in English.


20/64


Qabil and Habil

Answer and Summary: Eve conceived and bore two sons. Habil

was a keeper of sheep and his brother Qabil was a tiller of the

ground. They each brought an offering before Allah. Qabil

brought an offering of fruits from the ground and Habil brought asheep from his flock. Allah respected Habils offering and did not

respect Qabils offering. Qabil became very angry and his

countenance changed. The Hebrew for countenance fell literally

means face fell. Instead of gazing upward to Allah, he was now

looking away embracing his evil inclinations and giving himself

over to his anger and jealousy.

Question: Why did Allah accept Habils offering and reject Qabils

offering?

Answer: The Quran tells us that Habil was righteous and therefore

brought an offering that was acceptable. The Taurat says, Habil

brought the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. Habil brought a

spotless lamb, the best and the fattest, the most costly thing he

had. Qabil brought that which he had grown. There was nothing

special about what he brought. It cost him little.

Question: How can we know if Allah will accept our offerings?

Answer: Lets look at Genesis 6:9 and Surat Al Maidah (5):27.

Discuss these verses after you read them. Ask your friend what hethinks about these verses. Then read together from Surat Al Hajj

(22):37. Ask your friend to tell you what he thinks this verse

means. When we give an acceptable offering it is our taqawa

(godliness/righteousness) that reaches Allah and not the offering

itself as if we have anything that Allah needs.

Question: If Qabil had given a more costly offering would Allah

have accepted it?

Answer: No, what we give is a byproduct of the condition of our

heart. Even if Qabil had offered something costly his heart wasstill unrighteous and therefore would not be accepted.

Saydna Iesa tells us in the Injiil (Luca 21:1-4) of two different

people giving their offerings. (Tell the story but dont necessarily

read it.) In front of the temple thirteen chests were set up for the

people to give monetary offerings. A rich man dropped a lot of


21/64


Qabil and Habil

money in making sure that everyone around heard and saw that

he was giving much. Then a widow approached and put two small

coins in the chest and walked quietly away. Saydna Iesa told his

disciples to look and see whose offering was acceptable. He saidthe widow gave all she had as an offering to Allah but the rich man

gave to be seen. She had given more and acceptably and

appropriately. Al Mutaqeen, the righteous, alone are accepted.

Question: So why was Qabil so angry?

Ask your friend to read Gen. 4:6-8 in Arabic while you follow along

in English.

Answer: He was angry because he haphazardly brought an

offering to Allah.

Note: Your friend would never think of praying without first doing

al wadhu. He knows well the shame that would accompany

approaching Allah half-heartedly.

Qabil was rejected in front of his brother who was accepted. He

felt ashamed of his actions and even more ashamed because his

brother was there. He wanted to remove the shame of being

rejected by Allah and punish Habil. His actions remind us of

Saydna Adam questioning the goodness of Allah, blaming others

for his own actions, and trying to cover his shame.

Note: Surrat Al Maidah(5):31 describes an interaction between

Allah and Qabil after the murder of Habil. Its not found in the

biblical text but teaches a great truth. Allah sends a raven to

show Qabil how to cover the shame of his brother. Allah was

not only telling Qabil to bury Habil but was showing him that even

if he covered his brothers body he could not cover his own shame.

His brother was still dead and there was nothing at this point he

could do about that. Without Allahs mercy his shame would not

be covered.

Summary:

Question: How do you think our shame affect the offerings we

bring to Allah?


22/64


Qabil and Habil

Answer: Let them answer and talk about their thoughts. If you

sense they need to review use this time.

Conclusion: In both the Quran and the Taurat Allah sent guidance

to Qabil. Whether through Habils words (A.Q. 5:27), the raven

(A.Q. 5:31), or directly from Allah (Gen. 5:7), we see the mercy

Allah sought to give to Qabil before and after his sin. Tragically,

we see again as with Saydna Noahs son what happens when one

refuses the guidance Allah sends. And from Qabil we learn that

without the mercy we cannot be considered righteous and our

offerings will not be accepted.

To end say, If Im righteous Allah will accept my offerings. How

do I know if Im righteous? Give them the opportunity to answerand then say, I believe the story of Saydna Ibrahim has much to

share about how to know if one is righteous. We should study his

story soon.


23/64

20The Great Sacrifice

Saydna IbrahimStudy Six

Quranic Text

Al Saffat(37):83-113

Supporting TextAl Imraan(3):97

Key Principles

True belief isacknowledging and

surrendering to truth.

Mercy comes throughsacrifice.

Mercy must be received.Definitions

Ransom-To obtain the release of by

paying certain, demanded price.

Key Question

How do I know if Im righteous?

We saw that Habil and Saydna Noah were called righteous and

their offerings were accepted by Allah because of this. So if I am

righteous Allah will accept my offerings. How do I know if Im

righteous? Through the message and signs of Saydna Ibrahim and

the Great Sacrifice Allah has answered our question.

Ask your friend to read Surat Al Saffat (37):83-113 in Arabic, while

you follow along in English. Ask him what he likes about Saydna

Ibrahim and this particular text.

Summary: He asked his people, What is it that you worship, and

are there gods beside Allah? (85-87) with great indignation

Saydna Ibrahim shouts, I am deeply grieved from your Idolatry!

(89) So the people turned their backs on Saydna Ibrahim and so he

began to insult their gods. Why do you not eat, and why do you

not speak? (91-92) Then he hit one of the idols with his righthand and the people became angry moving toward him (93-94)

shouting, build for him a building and then cast him into the

flaming fire (97). Saydna Ibrahim flees with the intervention of

Allah (99-100). The Quran teaches that the people bound him and

sought to burn him alive and Allah saved him by cooling the flames

(Surat Al Anbiyaa(21):69). Then Allah gave him a son and, when he

became of age to work, Allah came to Saydna Ibrahim in a dream

commanding him to slaughter his son as a sacrifice. Saydna

Ibrahim tells his son and the son says, O my father, do as thou art

commanded (101-102). So after both of them had submitted to

Allahs will Saydna Ibrahim laid his son on the alter and began toobey all that he had been commanded by the word of Allah. Allah

calls out to Saydna Ibrahim and tells him that it was a test to affirm

his faith and that the life of the boy is not to be taken. (103-106)

Question: How does Ayah 84 describe Saydna Ibrahim?

Answer: A man having a righteous or uncorrupted heart.

Question: Why do you think Allah tested him?

Answer: Allah is testing Saydna Ibrahim to teach him. Allah often

uses tests as truth) in order to teach us the straight path signs (an

object in the physical realm which God uses to teach us spiritual.


24/64


Saydna Ibrahim

Question: How did Saydna Ibrahim come to acquire this righteous

heart?

Answer: By believing Allah and submitting to His will. He did not

try to save himself as Saydna Noahs son but he trusted Allah

would save him. (Later see Genesis 15:6)

He believed Allah (111) He submitted to Allah (103) He receive the mercy Allah gave through sacrifice(107)

Look at each of these ayaat. Discuss them showing each point

from the Quran.

After you have read Ayah 107 and made the point that Saydna

Ibrahim accepted the mercy Allah gave through sacrifice, ask whateach of the following three words mean in Arabic. Allow them to

answer.

Fedaa: The root word here is fedaa, and means to ransom. Allah

is the doer of the verb (majestic plural). Example: Ied Al AThHa

where they slaughter a sheep and give the meat to the poor as an

offering to Allah. The Ied is more than charity. The one who gives

the sacrifice is in a small way ransoming men from the oppression

of poverty.

ThebaH: ThebaH is understood to mean sacrifice or slaughter.

Atheem: Atheem is an adjective meaning great.

Key Point: Saydna Ibrahim is offering what he was told to offer,

the most costly thing he has, his son. However Allah sent His

mercy, ransoming Saydna Ibrahims son, by sending something

greater, better. This reminds us of when Allah said to Saydna

Adam that the labis ataquah He sent is what is best.

Key Point: The mercy Allah sends is always best and alone

sufficient.

Question: Is a ram greater than a promised son/prophet?

Answer: No, the offering is greater than a ram, the promised son,

a prophet, and it satisfies a great debt.


25/64


Saydna Ibrahim

Question: What can it be?

Answer: In verses 106 and 107 literally, Allah is satisfying the debt

that Saydna Ibrahim (pbuh) owed him through sacrifice. It is a

great sacrifice. Keep your answer brief. Leave room for mystery.

Let them think about it. Repeat the definition of a sign. A sign is

an external reality that represents a spiritual truth. It

demonstrates in small what Allah is doing or will do on a larger

scale. Read ayah 105 which says fulfilled the vision. Allah

always fulfills what He says He will do. The sheep/goat is obviously

a sign of the great sacrifice.

Example: Architects often use a scaled model building to show

potential clients what a building will look like when it is finished.

The scaled version isn't the real building but it gives a good look at

what is in the mind of the architect and his plans.

Note: To be righteous is not to be faultless or without sin. In Surat

Al Nahl (16):61 we see that if Allah were to punish men for their

intentional sins (Thalm) He would destroy every creature. Saydna

Noah sinned and yet Allah called him a righteous man.

Conclusion: Being righteous means believing Allah, submitting to

Allah, and taking the mercy of Allah, which is best and great.

Allah is showing us that the cost of restoring man to a righteous

state is through sacrifice. And this sacrifice is not just something

but great. It has to be momentous. How great must it be if Allah

is the giver!


26/64


27/64


Saydna Ibrahim

Question: What does it mean to believe(Gen 15:6)?

Answer: The original language defines this word believe as having

firm, enduring belief.

Real faith (belief) possesses two elements.

Acknowledging something to be truth Surrendering to that which is truth

We can plainly see these qualities in Saydna Ibrahim. In fact, in the

Holy books faith is almost always associated with spiritual things or

Allah. Real faith centers on the promisegivernot the actual

promise given.

Background information:

In chapters twelve through twenty two there is a great dialoguebetween Allah and Saydna Ibrahim. Allah asks, Do you believe

me (am I trustworthy)? And Saydna Ibrahim asks, Can I believe

you (are you trust worthy)? On four different occasions Allah

confirms and reconfirms his promise to Saydna Ibrahim, to make

him a great nation through a promised son. The focus of this

passage is often placed on Saydna Ibrahims acts of submission.

And while his acts of submission are a major thrust through the

passage, they are not the over arching theme. The theme is

provision through sacrifice. Allah is forever going to put to rest a

dialogue that, has spanned over twenty five years, eleven

chapters, and the birth of the promised son. Allah willdemonstrate, through a test his trustworthiness, resolve Saydna

Ibrahims fears and show the world how he will bring

provision/mercy to the greater need of humanity (righteousness).

Ask your friend to read Genesis 22:1-19 and summarize.

Summary: Allah came to Saydna Ibrahim and asked that he take

his son and offer him as a sacrifice. This idea would not have been

a foreign idea. Child sacrifice was a common form of pagan

worship in his day and Saydna Ibrahim was from a pagan nation.

Allah was asking for Saydna Ibrahims greatest possession, and his

only hope of receiving the promise to become a great nation. The

very next day Saydna Ibrahim rises early and gathers all he needs

for a burnt offering as well as his son and two young servants.

After traveling nearly three days Saydna Ibrahim sees Mount

Moriah (meaning place of provison, situated near or in

Jerusalem). Thus far, Saydna Ibrahim showed incredible surrender

by immediately obeying and taking his son to this far away place

with the intentions of following the command of Allah. In verse


28/64


Saydna Ibrahim

five Saydna Ibrahim tells his servants to, stay here with the

donkey, the lad and I will go yonder and worship and we will come

back to you. Here Saydna Ibrahim was making a statement of

Allahs trustworthiness and of his trust in Allah. He believed that

even though Allah had commanded him to sacrifice his son that

Allah would provide a way for both he and his son to return to the

servants. Saydna Ibrahims son asks in verse 7, My father . . . look

the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt

offering? Saydna Ibrahim told him that Allah would provide for

himself a lamb for a burnt offering. He then prepared the alter,

bound his son, and raised the knife over his son to slay him. Then

the Angel of the Lord called to Saydna Ibrahim and said, Do not

lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him since now I know

you that you fear God since you have not withheld your son, your

only son, from me. Then Saydna Ibrahim looked and saw a ram

caught in the thicket and together Saydna Ibrahim and his sonoffered the ram on the alter to the Lord. Allah then reminds

Saydna Ibrahim of the promise He had given him.

Question: Why, when Allah released Saydna Ibrahim from His

command, did Allah still require a sacrifice?

Answer: Both in the Quran and Taurat we see Allah still

demanding a sacrifice. In Genesis 22:13 we see that the sacrifice

was intended to replace the son. Obviously, sacrifice is important

or Allah would have never required it.

Note: The idea will be developed in full later so dont push to

explain. Just state the question, point to the answer and move on

to reviewing the key points.

Key Points:

Saydna Ibrahim is called righteous because:

Faith in Allah (belief and submission) He received the mercy of Allah through sacrifice

The sign of the greater sacrifice (ayyat 106-107)

For all humanity Allahs mercy for our righteousness Mercy comes through sacrifice

Conclusion: In the message and sign of Saydna Ibrahim, Allah

shows that he provided mercy through a sacrifice. From Saydna

Adam to Saydna Ibrahim we see what makes us unrighteous

(gharoor) and how to become righteous (belief, submit, and

receive Allahs mercy which comes through sacrifice).


29/64

26The Great Sign

Saydna MusaStudy Eight

Quranic Text

A TaHa (20):9-76

Supporting TextAl Araaf (7):100-136

Al Baqarah (2):170

Al Araaf (7):9, 36, and 40

Bani Israil (17):101

Al Araaf (7):133

Key Principles:

Allah gives mercy to anywho repent, believe, and

submit.

The unbeliever rejectsAllahs guidance.

Allah sent The GreatSigns.

Definitions:

Revelation- (Wahi)- direct

communication between Allah and

his messengers

Manifest-(ikhfaa)-removing that

which conceals

Key Question:

1. What are The GreatSigns?

2. What do they reveal?

Ask your friend to read and summarize Surrat aTaHa (20):9-16.

Summary Musas Commissioning 20:9-16

Saydna Musa saw a fire burning and told his companions to wait

while he went to see if he could take some hot coal for a fire or

find someone who could direct them homeward. As Saydna Musa

approached the fire a voice called out, O Musa, surely I am your

Lord so take off your shoes, surely thou art in the [sacred place].

Allah tells Saydna Musa his first revelation (wahi) is that, there is

no god but Allah, so serve [and worship Allah alone]. Next Allah

foretells that he is going to do something new and make it

manifest to all. Those who strive to follow will be rewarded and

those who choose not to follow will perish.The word manifest(ikhfaa) (15) usually means to conceal but

here it means to remove i.e. a veil concealing something. In this

case the full meaning is that a veil is being removed to reveal

something that had not been seen until this hour.(15) Hour is

usually understood as the last day but in this case it is associated

with coming judgment and mercy

Question: What is Allah about to make manifest to all?

Answer: The Great Signs

Ask your friend to read and summarize Surrat aTaHa (20):17-24

Summary-Allahs Instructions 20:17-24

Saydna Musa was commanded by Allah to throw down his walking

stick. It then turned into a snake. Allah told him to pick it up and

not to be afraid. The staff turned back into its former state. Then

Allah commanded him to put his hand under his armpit and it

became white but was not harmed. Both of these things were

signs. These signs were given to affirm Saydna Musa as a prophet

to Pharon and the chiefs as well as to give Saydna Musa

confidence. Allah then says, [Go] that we may show you of ourgreater signs. Go to pharaoh, surely he has exceeded the limits.

It is clear here that these are not the Great Signs but they are yet

to come.


30/64

27The Great Sign

Saydna Musa

Question: What are the Great Signs?

Answer: Do not answer but continue to build suspense. The Great

Signs are the ten plagues and the blood of the Passover lamb

(which is the greatest). Although youre not answering, reiterate

that the Quran over and over again exhorts us to pay attention to

the signs because the signs authenticate the guidance, and these

are not just signs but The Great Signs. (23)

Ask your friend to read and summarize Surrat aTaHa (20):25-35

Summary-Musas Request 20:25-35

When Musa realized the enormous task he had been chosen for

and the powerful forces he had to confront, He prayed, O my Lord!

Since this mission is extremely difficult and dangerous strengthenmy resolve so that I am able to face all situations with confidence.

He went on to ask for an aide to assist him, his brother Haron. In

ayya 29 the Arabic word wazeer literally means one who bears a

burden. In ayya 32 again Musa asks for someone to sharak, or

share, his task.

Note: Saydna Musa had two mothers, a Hebrew mother (until age

6) and Egyptian mother. This afforded him the ability to speak

both Hebrew and Egyptian fluently. Also, as the son of the

pharaoh he enjoyed the best education. The Arabic word for

(speech) impediment in ayya 27 means roughness or coarseness.Throughout the Quranic passage Allah is exhorting Saydna Musa to

overcome his fear. It is possible that when afraid, Saydna Musa

stuttered thus failing to communicate clearly.

Ask your friend to read and summarize Surrat a TaHa (20):36-41

Summary-Allahs Affirmation 20:36-41

Allah encourages Saydna Musa by demonstrating that He had been

with him through each of the stages of his life orchestrating them,

in order to prepare Saydna Musa for this difficult task. (Take time

to discuss the stories.) Now that Allah has delivered him from

these life events He is commissioning him to be the deliverer for

Bani Israil.

Ask your friend to read and summarize Surrat a TaHa (20):42-49


31/64


32/64

29The Great Sign

Saydna Musa

Ask your friend to read and summarize Surrat a TaHa (20): 56-64

Summary- Enemys Accusations 20:56-64

Pharon rejects Saydna Musas message and two signs. In order to

continue to foster enmity between Saydna Musa and the chiefs of

his own people, Pharon tells them Saydna Musa is only a sorcerer

who is trying to take their land. Pharon challenges Saydna Musa

to a battle against his sorcerers. Pharon withdraws for a short

time and then returns with many sorcerers. The sorcerers after

seeing Saydna Musa and Haron said to Pharon, These are surely

two sorcerers who would drive you out from your land by their

enchantment (magic), and destroy your traditions.

Question: Why does Pharaon reject the signs when they are

clear?

Answer: Look back at ayah 63 for review. Ask your friend to look

at Surrat Al Baqarah (2):170. Discuss how Pharon and his chiefs

were willing to reject the Guidance and Signs of Allah for their

traditions. State we too must be careful not to sacrifice truth for

tradition. Do not push on this point. Let the Quran do most of the

talking.

3 ways Pharon and the chiefs sought to suppress the guidance

Accuses them of shaming their ancestors Accuses them of trying to take their land Accuses them of trying to destroy their traditions

Ask your friends to read and summarize Surrat aTaHa (20): 65-76

Summary-Saydna Musa battles the Enchanters 20:65-76

The sorcerers asked, Will you throw down or shall we? Saydna

Musa answers, you throw down! The sorcerers made their staffs

and ropes to appear as moving snakes. Saydna Musa was afraid

but Allah comforted him and commanded him to throw his staff.

It became a serpent and swallowed up their devices. Upon seeing

such powerful signs the sorcerers prostrated themselves crying:

We believe in the God of Haron and Saydna Musa. Pharaoh

enraged from their comments shouts, you dare believe in him

before I give you permission? This man[Saydna Musa] must be

your master who taught you witchcraft. Pharon then threatened

to punish them with horrible torture and crucifixion. The sorcerers

then replied, We cannot have greater faith in you than in the


33/64

30The Great Sign

Saydna Musa

signs of which we have witnessed and in Him who has created us.

Therefore do your worst; you can punish us only in this present

life. We have put our faith in our Lord so that he might forgive us

our faults (khaTeeah)

Question: How do the sorcerers respond?

Answer: Just as Saydna Ibrahim

Believed (70) Submitted (72) Asked for and took the provision of mercy(73)

Note the similarity of the sorcerers and Saydna Ibrahim. The same

thing that made a prophet righteous made unbelieving enchanters

righteous. In Surrat Al-Araf (7):125-126 we see what else the

enchanters said, if you cause us to die, allow us to die as Muslims

(those who are completely submitted to Allahs will).

They continue in ayya 74 warning the Pharon. Pharon is seen

here as an unbeliever or as one who rejects Allahs guidance and

signs. The unbeliever may or may not reject the power of Allah

behind the sign but rather he refuses to believe, summit and

accept the provision of Allahs mercy. Here Pharon does both.

Support text: (if needed) 7:9, 36, and 40

Transition Question: So what are the Great Signs?

Answer: The Great Signs are the ten plagues and the blood of the

Passover lamb (which is the greatest). Reiterate that the Quran

over and over again exhorts us to pay attention to the signs

because the signs authenticate the guidance, and these are not

just signs but the Great Signs. (20:23)

Note: The Quran and Taurat might seem to initially disagree on

the number of plagues. This is not problematic however. TheQuran simply combines the death of the cattle and the death of

the first born as one sign (wide spread death) where as in the

Taurat they are stated separately.


34/64

31The Great Sign

Saydna Musa

Invite your friend to read with you from Surrat Bani Israil (17):101

and Surrat Al Araaf (7):133. In Surrat Bani Israil the ayya

describes the number of plagues as 9. In Surrat Al Araaf there is a

description of some of the plagues although the list is notexhaustive. Niether the Quran nor the Taurat count Saydna

Musas hand becoming white and his rod turning to a serpent

among these particular signs.

The first two signs were enough for the enchanters to believe.

Pharaon still did not acknowledge Allahs guidance so He then

sent The Great Signs.

Question: What do you think was the greatest of the Great Signs?

The Taurat not only gives us many details on the ten great signsbut also says which one is greatest.


35/64

32The Great Sign

Saydna Musa

Study Nine

Biblical Texts

Exodus 1:1-2:10

Key Principles

The Great Signs teachjudgment and mercy.

The Great Signs prove theprovision of mercy will

come through sacrifice.

Definitions

Deliver- To rescue or preserve

Plague- A calamity

Memorial- that which keeps alivethe memory of someone or

something

Key Question

What is the true meaning of the

greatest of The Great Signs?

Ask your friend to read Exodus 1:1-2:10 and summarize.

Summary-Pharons plot

Bani Israil came to Egypt as a 70 member family, Saydna Yusefs

family, to escape a great famine in the land. Now many years later

they have become the great nation Allah promised Saydna Ibrahim

with nearly 2 million members. A new pharaoh comes to power

who did not know Saydna Yusef (9).

The new pharon saw Bani Israil as a threat and plotted against

them.

Make them slaves Make midwives kill the Hebrew baby boys Make Egyptians kill the Hebrew baby boys

(Saydna Musa escaped)

Despite all of these plans, Bani Israil grew and multiplied.

Note: Exodus 1 and 2 depict the helpless situation of Bani Israil.

The people were bound. It also shows Saydna Musa being

delivered. His name even means one who was delivered (2:10).

Allah delivered him so that he would one day deliver his people.

It is not necessary to read all seven chapters about the plagues

from Exodus. If they are interested, however, allow them to read.

Each of the plagues was a specific attack on a specific false god the

Egyptians worshiped. With each of the Great Signs Allah showed

the Egyptian people that He is the only true God.

Ten Signs/Plagues Reference False god

Water to blood (7:20) Hapi, the father of gods, his symbol

is running water, oldest of all gods

Frogs (8:6) Heqt, the god of resurrection, head

of a frog

Lice (8:17) Hathor, the goddess of joy and love,she was protector of all women

Flies (8:24) Shu, the god of air, maintained

order and calm in the sky

Livestock

diseased

(9:6) Apis, the god of fertility, shape of a

cow


36/64

33The Great Sign

Saydna Musa

Boils (9:10) Sekhmet, the goddess of war,

protector of good, destroyer of evil

Hail (9:23) Geb, the god of rich soil

Locusts (10:13) Serapis, the god of vegetation and

death

Darkness (10:22) Ra, the sun god

Death of the first

born

(12:29) Pharon and his oldest son both

considered gods

-all gods of Egypt (12:12)

Blood of the lamb (12:13)

With each sign the Pharon rejects, the severity of the plague

increases. Both are considered wholesale death. The first signs

are signs of judgment, or plagues. The last and greatest of the

Great Signs is a sign of deliverance including both judgment and

mercy.

Summary- The Great Sign of Deliverance-Exodus 11:112:36

Restored honor 11:1-10

Allah tells Saydna Musa that after the last plague Pharon will let

Bani Israil go. Allah restores their honor by commanding them to

take articles of silver and gold from all of their neighbors. And

because of these Great Signs Saydna Musa and Bani Israil were

seen as great in the land. Allah is making a distinction between

the Egypt and Bani Israil. Here Egypt is a sign representing all

unbelievers and Bani Israil is a sign representing all believers. The

people who take the guidance will have peace but those who do

not will have judgment. As with the previous signs of judgment,

Allah first reveals his plans to Saydna Musa. This time thejudgment is indeed great. The last plague was the death of the

first-born in every family of Egypt, even Pharons first-born. Allah

also tells Saydna Musa that Pharons heart will be hardened and

he will not submit. However, after his son is killed, Pharon will let

the people go.


37/64

34The Great Sign

Saydna Musa

Instructions given 12:1-10

Because this sign is so important and momentous, before Allah

gives it He wants to establish a memorial feast for it. The people

must remember Allah so he sets it on their calendar.

Example: The salat is a type of memorial to help the Muslim

remember Allah and his great need for Allahs guidance and

mercy.

Remind your friend of the importance of receiving/taking. Saydna

Adam, Saydna Noah, and Saydna Ibrahim all received the mercy

Allah offered. Notice, however, in all three accounts the mercy did

them no good until they took it. Remind them of Surat Al Anam

(6):99 and 141. Allah sends down bountiful provisions but the

people remain hungry until they eat. In verses 3-7 the word take is

used four times. Allah is once again teaching us judgment iscoming but mercy is available for those who will take it.

The people are told specifically what to sacrifice, a spotless lamb in

its first year. Any flaw would render it unfit to represent a pure,

wholesome sacrifice given to Allah. In v.7 Bani Israil is told to put

some of the blood from the lamb on the doorposts of their houses.

Faith Required 12:11-13

Even before the sign authenticated the guidance the people acted

in obedience. This was also required of Saydna Musa getting on

the Ark before the rain came. Every person was required to be

fully dressed, with his sandals on his feet and staff in his hand. This

was to indicate that he was fully convinced that God was going to

deliver him that very night. While eating the meal as a family or

nation demonstrated their faith as a community, this act

demonstrated each individuals personal faith and trust in Allahs

promises. Allah says this is a sign so that no one will miss it or be

in doubt of its importance. The sign is not the lamb, but the blood

of the lamb. The blood represents the life of the lamb. The great

judgment was coming for both the Egyptians and Hebrews.

Something had to die from each household, if not the lamb, then

the first born son.

Question: So what is the greatest of the Great Signs?

The sign of the blood is mentioned in the Quran (7:133). It is the

greatest of the Great Signs.


38/64

35The Great Sign

Saydna Musa

Question: Why is sacrifice so important? What does it teach us?

Answer: This is a rhetorical question. Answer before they do.

Key Point: As Saydna Ibrahims son was bound on the alter Bani

Israil is bound in slavery. This is a depiction of how every man is

bound by the evil inclinations in his heart. Just as a Ram was

sacrificed for the ransom of Saydna Ibrahims son (Genesis 22:13),

the lamb must be sacrificed for the freedom of Bani Israils sons.

Exodus 12:14-20

This is not necessary for our discussion but let them read it and

quickly note that this is a reminder to remember the signs of Allah.

Exodus 21-36

These verses will strengthen the point you just made. In verse 21

we see Saydna Musa encouraging the elders to pick out and take

a lamb. Previously the instructions were given. Now it is time to

follow those instructions. When Saydna Musa said pick out it

means to choose the very best. The word take is used again.

The people would go into the house, put the blood on the

doorposts and over the door, and stay inside the house. The lamb,

like Allah closing the door of the Fulk and malabis a taqwah, is

the provision and protection of Allah. (22-23)

The people were commanded to observe this true sign as well as

teach their children the true meaning of the sign. (26)

Questions: What is the true meaning of this Great Sign?

Answer: Allah provides mercy through blood sacrifices. That blood

sacrifice delivers us from the schemes of Iblis and the evil

inclinations we are bound by, just as the blood of the lamb

delivered Bani Israil from the oppression of Pharon and the bonds

of slavery.


39/64

36The Victorious King

Saydna DaudStudy Ten

Quranic Text

Al Anam (6):84

Al Baqarah (2):251

Al Nisa (4):163Bani Israil (17):55

Supporting Quranic Text

Saad (38):26

Al Saba (34):10

Biblical Text

2 Samuel 17:8-17

Psalm 45

Psalm 22

Key Principles:

The Seed is

Howas descendant Saydna Dauds

descendant

A coming victorious Kingwhose throne is

established forever by

Allah

Definitions:

Messiah- one anointed with oil

symbolizing the reception of the

Holy Spirit enabling him to do the

task Allah has given him

Prophecy- Speaking forth the mindand counsel of Allah. It is also

called foretelling.

Foreshadow-To provide clues forthe reader to be able to predict

what might occur later in the story

Key Question:

1. What special knowledgedid Allah give Saydna

Daud?2. Who is the Victorious

King?

Begin by briefly reviewing the messages the prophets have

brought at this point. Saydna Adam and Saydna Noah showed us

that because of our enemy, Iblis, and our evil inclinations, we

cannot cover our own shame but must receive Allahs mercy for

inner righteousness or taqwa. Without Allahs mercy we cannot

enter Malakut Allah. Allah sends hudaa/guidance through the

prophets to show us how to be righteous and take the mercy Allah

offers us. Habil, Saydna Ibrahim, and Saydna Musa show us that,

in order, to become righteous and walk the Surrat Al Mustaqim,

we must believe, submit and receive the provision of mercy Allah

sends. We also see that provision of mercy comes through

sacrifice.

Then open the Quran to Surrat Al Anam (6):84. Read it together.

Here Saydna Daud is numbered among the prophets as having

received guidance or hudaa, from Allah.

Then ask them to read from Surrat Al Baqarah (2):251. Here

Saydna Daud obeys Allahs guidance and kills Goliath, Jaalut,

defeating his army. Allah grants him a kingdom, wisdom and

knowledge. This wisdom and knowledge is from Allah and it is

specifically of things Allah wills.

Question: So what do you think the special knowledge Allah gave

Saydna Daud is?

Answer: Discuss their thoughts. Then go to Surrat Al Nisa (4):163.

This special knowledge is the Zabur which contained:

Praises of Allah Words of wisdom Prophecies

Question: What is prophecy?

Answer: Speaking forth the mind and counsel of Allah. It is also

called foretelling. So the Zabur is made up of praises, words of

wisdom and prophecies.

Moving on to Surrat Bani Israil (17):55, have them read it in Arabic

as you follow along in English. Comment that some prophets

came with more revelation than others. Specifically Saydna Daud

is mentioned in this text as one coming with a great revelation, the

Zabur. Lets look at why the Zabur is so special.

Read II Samuel 7:8-17. These verses take place sometime after

Saydna Daud has killed Jaalut and Allah is giving him a promise.


40/64


Saydna Daud

Summary:

(8-11) Promises to Saydna Daud to be fulfilled during his lifetime.

A great name Appointed a place for Bani Israil Rest from enemies

(12-17) Promises to Saydna Daud to be fulfilled after his death.

A son to sit on the national throne Allah would oversee him Allah would discipline him Allah would give him mercy

A throne established forever Through a descendant from his body

Ask your friend to summarize and discuss what they think.

Foreshadowing provides clues for the reader to be able to predict

what might occur later in the story. In this text Allah is making

promises to Saydna Daud in reference to his son, Solimaan and

those who would come after him, in a temporal sense. However,

He is also talking about something deeper, foreshadowing

something to come. Twice in the text (vs. 13 and 16) Allah

promises to establish his throne forever through Saydna Dauds

seed. We see from these verses that this scripture is talking about

an heir on two levels. First, it refers to all of Saydna Dauds

descendants. Second, it is speaking of one specific descendant.

Allahs relationship with Saydna Dauds descendants as a whole isa picture or ayya/sign of Allahs relationship with one very special

descendant of his. At this point go back and review the prophecy

given in Genesis 3:15 of a seed of the woman who would come

and restore humanitys honor. This is the very first prophecy ever

mentioned.

So at this point we know that this seed is:

An heir of Howa An heir of Saydna Daud

Another reason the Zabur is so special is specifically because of themany other prophecies concerning this promised seed. Lets

look at some of these and see further this special knowledge of

what Allah willed(2:251). Read of few of the ayyat from the

Zabur. Begin in Psalm 45:1-9. This chapter is a song of praise to

Allah and prophecy concerning the seed, which would come and

establish the throne forever (vs 6). (Remember 2 Sam) In this

poem, the


41/64


Saydna Daud

seed is the King, Mighty One, and the Anointed One. This

King will triumph over his enemies. This King will love

righteousness and hate wickedness. He has a righteous authority

from Allah that will not end.

Move to Psalm 2. Read and Summarize. The nations and rulers of

the Earth will plot against this King to overthrow him. However,

since Allah has established his throne forever, their plots are in

vain. In verse six we see the King will rule from Jerusalem, Zion.

This affirms the King here as the seed of Saydna Daud. He will

triumph over all his enemies and Allah will give him all the nations.

In verse 7 we are reminded of the promise Allah gave to Saydna

Daud when He said that He would be like a Father to his

descendants. Here Allah says it even more strongly by referring to

the closeness of the relationship between He and this King says,

You are My Son, Today I have begotten you. In the originallanguage the word begotten means adopted and implies no

physical or biological relationship at all. Because the King is also a

son, Allah gives him an inheritance, the nations. He will be King of

the World, Khalifat Allah.

Question: Who do you think is this Victorious King of the World?

Answer: Lets look in Psalm 2:2 and 45:7 where he is called the

Anointed One. Because of these ayyat and many more like them,

the Jews came to call this victorious king who would come from

the seed of Saydna Daud, the Annointed One or Al Massieh.Messiah refers to one anointed with oil symbolizing the reception

of the Holy Spirit enabling him to do the task Allah has given him.

For example, kings, priests and prophets were often anointed in

the Taurat. However, this Messiah who was to come would have

an everlasting kingdom.

When you read the following verses have your friend, as always,

read them in Arabic and you follow along in English.

Surrat Al Imran (3):45 Jesus is the Messiah

Surrat Al Baqarah(2):87 Jesus is strengthened by the Holy Spirit

Surrat Al Baqarah (2):253 Jesus is exalted above other prophets

and strengthened by the Holy Spirit

Surrat Al Maidah (5):110 Jesus is strengthened by the Holy Spirit

Matthew 1:1- Jesus is the son of David

Matthew 1:17-Jesus is the son of David

Luke 1:31-33- Allah will give him the throne of David, his father

and his kingdom will never end.


42/64


Saydna DaudStudy Eleven

Quranic Text

Surrat Al Amran(3):45

Al Ahzaab(33):69

Biblical Text

Psalm 22

Isaiah 53:1-12

Matt 27:27-46

Definitions:

Wajeh- the most noble one who

helps to reconcile two parties

Key Points:

The seed

Will be tested by Allah,suffer, and be victorious.

Will be the corban, savinghis people from their

sins/shame.

The wajeh in this life andthe life to come.

Key Question:

1. How does the Zabur saythe King will be tested?

2. Why is the Victorious Kingtested?

The last time we studied we saw that Allah gave Saydna Daud the

Zabur and in it special knowledge of a victorious king who would

come from the line of Saydna Daud and have an everlasting

kingdom. The Victorious King is also called the Anointed One and

thus given the name Al Massieh. In day two we will see that like

Saydna Ibrahim , the Victorious King will be tested. If he succeeds

he will be given a kingdom, restore honor to humanity and dispose

of our shame.

Tell your friend that in Psalm 22 we see how Al Massieh is tested.

Let your friend read Psalm 22.

Question: How does the Zabur say the King will be tested?

Summary: This is a prophecy concerning the physical, mental andemotional pain while being tested by Allah. He submits unto

death and restores the honor of humanity that Saydna Adam lost.

Specific details foretold:

(1-2) Here the Victorious King is being tested and is surrounded by

his enemy who are hurting him terribly. He calls out to Allah

asking for help but feels abandoned by Allah.

(3-5) Although he feels abandoned he does not give into this

emotion but praises the truth of who Allah is saying that Allah is

faithful and has proven himself faithful to his forefathers.

(6-8) These verses are not how he sees himself but how the

people see him. He feels the scorn of his enemy. They taunt andridicule him. Point out verse 8 again. The enemy says that if he

really is Allahs Anointed One, wouldnt Allah save him?

(9-13) Although the enemy is surrounding him like a lion or

powerful bull about to attack, he praises Allah confidently in the

midst of the test. In essence he is saying Allah, you are the only

one who can help me and you are the only one I trust.

(14-18) These verses describe graphically the immense physical

pain of the test. His vitality, strength and courage have left him. It

is a very specific foretelling of Al Massiehs crucifixion.

(19-31) Again we see the depth of the trust Al Massieh had for

Allah even in the midst of great testing. These verses are a song

of praise.

After reading this, read from the Matt 27:27-46

Remind your friend that this prophecy came a thousand years (28

generations) before Saydna Isa was born. Use Matt 27:27-46 to

point back to the prophecy in Psalms.


43/64


Saydna Daud

My God, My God, why have You forsaken

Me?

Psalm 22:1 Matt 27:46

I am. . .a reproach of men Psalm 22:6 Matt 27:39-44

He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue

him. Let Him deliver him since He

delights in him!


They pierced my hands and feet Psalm 22:16 Matt 27:16

They divided My garments among them,

And for My clothing they cast lots.


Note: Crucifixion carried out by the Roman government in the

time of Saydna Isa was considered the most shameful and

disgraceful way to die. The goal of Roman crucifixion was not just

to kill the criminal, but also to mutilate and dishonor the body of

the condemned.

Specific details: The length of time required to reach death could

range from a matter of hours to a number of days, depending on

exact methods, the prior health of the condemned and

environmental circumstances. Death could result from any

combination of causes, including blood loss, shock from trauma or

blood loss (hypovolemic), or bacterial infection (sepsis), caused by

the scourging that preceded the crucifixion, asphyxiation, or by

the process of being nailed itself, or eventual dehydration.Normally, death from crucifixion was a combination of all of these.

Psalm 22:14-16 provide a vivid description of what the crucifixion

itself looked like for Al Massieh.

Bones out of joint describes the weight of his bodypulling his shoulders out of their sockets.

My heart is like wax melting within me describes thepain he felt in his chest as he struggled to breathe.

My tongue clings to my jaw describes the dehydrationhe was experiencing.

They pierce my hands and feet describes how theybound him to the cross. The congregation of the wicked has enclosed me. . .

surrounded me describes the team of Roman soldiers

torturing the condemned with the Jews watching.

Dividing my garments describes the manner in which hewas hung (naked) and the depth of his humiliation.


44/64


Saydna Daud

Question: Why would Allah allow the Anointed One to undergo

such a humiliating and painful trial?

Answer: Again, the answer to this question is found in prophecy

concerning the Victorious King that was written nearly 800 years

before he was born.

Ask your friend to read with you Isaiah 53:1-12. Let him read

aloud in Arabic as you follow along in English. In light of all weve

discovered about Al Masseih it should be easy for your friend to

see that these verses relate to him. If they do not see it however,

ask them who it is. Let them discover it themselves. After you

read these verses allow your friend to summarize.

(1-3) Despite all the prophecy given about Al Massieh some willstill not believe or follow him. Specifically, the Jews. In verse one,

the arm of the Lord means Allah will reveal his strength and

restore honor to Al Massieh, who is despised by men.

(4-12) Al Massieh did not suffer for his own sin but for the

transgressions of My people.(8) Though he was seen as one

cursed by Allah, it was the sin of the people which cursed him.(4)

He was innocent and without shame (9) yet at Allahs will he

submitted unto death. (7-10) Allah rewards him with a great

reward.

Question: Ask again, why did Allah allow the Anointed One toundergo such a humiliating and painful trial?

Answer: The answer is found in the phrase, on him. It is used 10

times in verses 4-12.

Question: What was put on him?

Answer: Take your time. Go through the verses and encourage

your friend to list all the different answers. Some include: griefs,

sorrows, sickness, affliction, wounds, transgressions, iniquity, sin,

judgments. . .

Key Point: All these things point to the disobedience and shame of

man and his inability to cover his own disobedience and shame.

So Allah made Al Massieh an offering (10) so that he would justify

many and bear their iniquities.(11) He is the Passover Lamb

spoken of in the great sign of deliverance.


45/64


Saydna Daud

Read and discuss Surrat Al Amran(3):45 with your friend. Focus on

the latter part of the ayya which reads, whose name is Messiah,

Iesa, son of Maryam, worthy of regard in this life and in the life to

come, and of those who are closest to Allah. The Arabic word,

wajeh, means nobility, prestige, and superiority. This phrase is

used only of Saydna Musa in reference to in this world in Al

Ahzaab 33:69. He was called the wajeh because he was the

superior one among Bani Israil and reconciled them back to Allah.

Note: Tell the story from Exodus 32:5-14. Point out how Saydna

Musa interceded for Bani Israil and reconciled them back to Allah.

Draw it back to the definition of a wajeh and add that, for the

same reasons Saydna Isa was called the wajeh, in this life and in

the life to come.

Since this phrase is only used of him, he is the most nobleand closest to Allah. He is the great and victorious King.

Also, wajeh is used to depict a family representative.The wajeh of a family is the best (not possessing offense)

and represents the core values of the family. If there is a

dispute between two parties in the family they call on the

wajeh to mediate between the two and bring about

reconciliation. An example of this is the jaahah. The

jaahah is a custom where the groom takes the wajeh

to the bride-to-bes family and the wajeh actually is the

one to ask

message of the prophets booklet

Documents