Day 321 · Surah Al-Jumu'ah Verses 1-11

Al-Jumu'ah 1–11

The duty of the Messenger sent among mankind is detailed, the Children of Israel who carry the Torah without understanding it are likened to a donkey bearing books, then trading on Friday is regulated.

• All that is in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah, and it is He who sent Muhammad, the unlettered, to all mankind as a favor to whom He wills.
• The duty of the Messenger is mentioned as three: reciting the verses of the Qur'an, purifying souls, and teaching the content of the Qur'an along with wisdom or the practical implementation.
• The Children of Israel who bear the Torah without understanding and practicing its content are likened to a donkey burdened with books on its back.
• They claim to be the beloved of Allah yet fear death and want to escape from it, though death will surely come and afterwards all deeds will be made known.
• Trading is forbidden after the Friday call to prayer, but after the prayer the believers are encouraged to return to seeking provision while remembering Allah abundantly, because the attraction of trade and play easily preoccupy.

Verses 1-4 of Surah Al-Jumu'ah explain that all that is in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah, because He is the Pure King and All-Mighty. It is He who sent Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the unlettered, in the midst of mankind, who has the duties: 1) Reciting all verses of the Qur'an. 2) Purifying souls (tazkiyatunnafs). 3) Teaching the content of the Qur'an and wisdom or practical implementation.

All mankind who were previously misguided will find the straight and meaningful path. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent by Allah as a Messenger to all mankind. His message is a favor from Allah that He gives to whom He wills. Allah is the Owner of tremendous favor.

Verses 5-8 explain some conditions and characteristics of the Children of Israel, such as their love of carrying the Torah, yet they do not understand and practice its content. The likeness is like a donkey burdened on its back with books. How could a donkey understand the content of the books it carries? How evil are those who reject the truth of Allah's verses (His revelation). Allah will not guide the oppressive or those who associate partners with Him. They also claim that only they are the beloved of Allah. Yet they fear death on the path of Allah. In fact, they want to flee from death due to the sins they have committed against Allah. Allah is All-Knowing of the oppressive. Remember! Death cannot be avoided because it comes to mankind. When death comes, mankind is returned to Allah who is All-Knowing of the unseen and the seen. Allah will inform them of everything they have done during their life in the world.

Verses 9-11 of Surah Al-Jumu'ah explain the ethics of trading on Friday. It is forbidden to trade and do business after the call to prayer. However, after the Friday prayer is finished, Allah urges the believers to reopen their business to seek Allah's provision and remember Him greatly so they succeed. The attraction of trade or play is very strong so it causes us to forget prayer and worship of Allah. To be safe, understand and believe that the benefits of the Hereafter are far better than the profits of trade.

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