Friday, March 28, 2025

Tafseer of Surah Al-A’raf (7:175)

 

Tafseer of Surah Al-A’raf (7:175)

Verse:
وَاتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِىٓ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُ ءَايَٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنْهَا فَأَتْبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلْغَاوِينَ

Translation (Sahih International):
"And recite to them the story of the one to whom We gave Our signs, but he detached himself from them; so Satan pursued him, and he became of the deviators."


Tafseer (Explanation):

This verse speaks about a person who was granted divine knowledge but chose to abandon it, leading to his downfall. Different scholars have interpreted this verse in various ways:

1. A Warning Against Betraying Divine Knowledge

  • Allah gave this person signs (knowledge of truth and guidance), yet he turned away.

  • His rejection made him vulnerable to Satan, who then led him astray.

  • This serves as a warning to those who receive divine guidance but deliberately ignore or misuse it.

2. The Example of Bal’am bin Ba’ura

  • Many scholars, including Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, mention that this verse is about Bal’am bin Ba’ura, a knowledgeable man from the Israelites.

  • He was initially righteous but became corrupted by worldly temptations, leading to his downfall.

  • His love for material gain and desire for power caused him to abandon the truth.

3. Spiritual & Moral Lessons

  • Guidance is a responsibility: Those given knowledge must act upon it.

  • Rejecting truth leads to misguidance: Turning away from Allah’s signs allows Satan to take control.

  • Worldly desires can corrupt: Seeking material gain over faith results in spiritual destruction.

4. Connection to Human Nature

  • The phrase "انسَلَخَ مِنْهَا" (he detached himself) suggests that he willingly stripped away the guidance, similar to an animal shedding its skin.

  • This implies that turning away from faith is an intentional act and leads to permanent loss unless one repents.


Key Takeaways from Surah Al-A’raf 7:175

  1. Having knowledge alone is not enough—it must be practiced.

  2. Turning away from divine guidance leads to spiritual ruin.

  3. Satan easily misleads those who abandon the truth.

  4. Faith should not be compromised for worldly desires.

Significance of Fitra during eidul fitr in muslim society

 Significance of Fitra during eidul fitr in muslim society

ChatGPT said:

Fitra (Zakat al-Fitr) is a mandatory charity that Muslims give before Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. It holds great significance in Muslim society for several reasons:

1. Spiritual Purification

  • It purifies a person's fasting from any minor mistakes or shortcomings during Ramadan.

  • Ensures that one's fast is accepted by Allah.

2. Social Responsibility & Charity

  • It helps the poor and needy so they can also celebrate Eid with dignity.

  • Promotes compassion, generosity, and unity within the Muslim community.

3. Strengthening Brotherhood

  • Encourages social equality, as everyone participates in giving and receiving.

  • Prevents economic disparity by redistributing wealth to the less fortunate.

4. Religious Obligation

  • It is compulsory for every Muslim who can afford it.

  • Given on behalf of oneself and dependents (including children and household members).

When & How Much to Give?

  • Must be given before Eid prayer, ensuring the needy receive it in time.

  • The amount is usually equivalent to the cost of staple food items (e.g., wheat, dates, or rice), calculated per person.

Fitra reflects the core Islamic values of empathy, generosity, and social justice, making Eid a celebration for all. 

Eid is a significant religious festival for Muslims.

 Eid is a significant religious festival for Muslims, celebrated twice a year:

  1. Eid-ul-Fitr – Celebrated after the holy month of Ramadan, marking the end of fasting. It is a time of gratitude, charity, and joy.

  2. Eid-ul-Adha – Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. It is observed with animal sacrifice and charity.

Both Eids emphasize gratitude, family, unity, and helping those in need.