Taraweeh Summary – NIGHT 22

The twenty-third Juz is recited in this Tarawîh. It includes the remainder of Sûrah Yâ-Sîn, Sûrah Sâffât, Sûrah Sâd and a part of Sûrah Zumar.

The Juz begins with words that every person should actually ask himself, “Why should I not worship the One Who has created me, and to Whom you all shall return?” (verse 22)

Allâh also declares, “What anguish about My bondsmen! They mock every Nabî that comes to them. Have they not seen (or have they forgotten) how many were the nations that We destroyed before them? They will certainly never return to them. They will all be present before Us collectively” (verses 30 to 32)

Thereafter, Allâh mentions numerous phenomena that denote His great creative ability. Mention of Jahannam and Jannah follow, when Allâh says, ‘Verily the people of Jannah will be joyous in their occupation on this day (of Qiyâmah)” (verse 55). Allâh concludes this glorious Sûrah by saying, “Pure is that Being in Whose hand lies the reins of everything, and to Whom you will all be returned.” (verse 83)

Sûrah Sâffât follows Sûrah Yâ-Sîn. Allâh opens the Sûrah by taking several oaths and declaring that He is the only Master and Controller of the universe and that His system is free from the interference of the Shayâtîn. On the Day of Qiyâmah, the Mushrikîn will become fuel for the fire of Jahannam along with their idols and gods.

Allâh then mentions how Hadhrat Ibrahîm Alayhis Salâm and his son Hadhrat Isma’îl Alayhis Salâm were successful in the trial that Allâh put them through when He commanded Hadhrat Ibrahîm Alayhis Salâm to sacrifice Hadhrat Isma’îl Alayhis Salâm. At the last moment, Allâh replaced Hadhrat Isma’îl Alayhis Salâm with a ram from Jannah and the act of sacrificing an animal was made a practice for all Hadhrat Ibrahîm’s Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam progeny to emulate.

After making brief mention of a few Ambiyâ, Allâh says, “Yunus was certainly from the Ambiya” (verse 139). Thereafter, Allâh recounts the epic of Hadhrat Yunus who grew weary of his people’s rejection and left the town without Allâh’s permission. When he undertook a journey by sea, a huge fish swallowed him whole. While in the fish’s stomach He repented to Allâh and Allâh forgave him. Allâh removed him from the fish’s belly and returned him to land.

Sûrah Sâd follows Sûrah Sâffât. Allâh speaks of the obstinacy and pride of the Mushrikîn who did not want to accept the truth and refused even to listen to Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam. Allâh says that it is strange that “They are surprised that a warner has come from among them.” (verse 4)

Allâh then reminds man of the various nations of the past that were destroyed on account of their sins so that people do not follow in their footsteps. Allâh also exhorts Rasulullâh t. to patiently bear the harassment of the Kuffâr. The Sûrah then proceeds to recount an incident in the life of Hadhrat Dawûd when Allâh tested him by making him judge a dispute between two persons. When he realised that it was a test from Allâh, he fell down in prostration before Allâh and begged forgiveness.

The incident of Hadhrat Ayyûb Alayhis Salâm, follows that of Hadhrat Dawood Alayhis Salâm and another of Hadhrat Sulaymân Allâh speaks about the severe illness that afflicted Hadhrat Ayyûb Alayhis Salâm which he endured with tremendous perseverance. Allâh then talks about certain other Ambiyâ, all of whom Allâh says were “from the very best.” (verse 48)

Thereafter, Allâh mentions that He granted Iblîs respite to live until the Day of Qiyâmah. Although he will mislead mankind, he will have no power to mislead those whom Allâh has specially selected.

Sûrah Zumar follows Sûrah Sâd and explains that Allâh will not guide people who lie and who refuse to believe. The Sûrah also emphasises that Allâh has not taken anyone as His son. Allâh is Alone, Omnipotent and does not require anything from the creation. Every person will have to account for his own doings when people are returned to Allâh on the Day of Qiyâmah.

Allâh says that the Qur’ân is a book of advice and guidance which contains subject matter that is clear and without crookedness. By heeding its teachings, misguided people may be rightly guided and may save themselves from a grievous punishment.