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AL-FATIHAH Fatihah means “that which opens”. It is one of the earliest Revelations to the Holy Prophet(S). We learn from authentic Traditions that it was the first complete Surah which was revealed to Muhammed (Allah's peace be upon him). It’s recitation is necessary in every Salat. AL-FATIHAH is the prayer from the servant and the Quran is the answer from the Master to his prayer. It teaches us of the correct way to ask Allah for anything, especially guidance. You mention Allah’s great qualities, remember the covenant between you and Allah and ask for his guidance and help. AL-BAQARAH (the Cow) has been named from the story of the Cow occurring in this Surah (vv. 67-73).

Second Taraweeh (Al-Baqarah – continued) The Ayah “Bir” (177) expresses that righteousness is not just facing East or West but it is believing in Allah, the Last Day, Angels, Books and Messengers. Also to spend for Allah’s sake on close relatives, orphans and needy. To establish prayer, zakat, keep promises, and have patience. Practical measures are prescribed to help Muslims in the discharge of the heavy responsibility of leadership that has been entrusted to them for the spread of Allah’s Guidance. For Example: For Justice, the penalty (Qisas) for murder is the life of the murderer, not someone else. The kin can however override this punishment and forgive. Muslims are exhorted to make wills for their parents and offspring.

AL-I-IMRAN This Surah takes its name from v. 33. Al-i-Imran (Children of Imran). After asserting Toheed, and revelation of Torah and Injeel Allah explains that Quran contains Fundamentals (Muhkamat) and Mutashabihat (similitudes). Doubters are led astray by Mutashabihat and believers say all is from Allah and pray for guidance. Example is given of great armies of Pharaoh which were defeated. The disparity in the armies at Badr is mentioned. Mankind has a love of worldly things but Taqwa (fear) of Allah is much better with great rewards in the afterlife. Those who have taqwa perform dua, patience, spending in Allah’s way and prayers in the morning. 3:26 Allah gives power and respect to whom he wills. Do not make unbelievers your closest friends and helpers.

AN-NISA (Women) Mankind should have Taqwa of Allah who created you from one person and created your mates and children. Respect rights of close relatives. Treat orphans justly, protect their inheritance. Marriage is limited to four wives treated equally. Laws of inheritance and marriage are explained. Male children have twice share in inheritance, they have the responsibility of providing for the family. Just, fair and equitable regulations for the smooth running of family life have been laid down. Relatives you cannot marry are listed. Lewdness is to be punished. Repentance is not accepted if you deliberately wait till the death bed, then repent.

AL-MA'IDAH Revealed around Hudaibiyah, after Uhud and Ahzab had passed. The Muslim state had spread and there was less fear. Rules concerning the journey for Hajj has been prescribed; respect for the emblems of Allah has been enjoined; and obstruction to Allah’s pilgrims to the Kaabah has been prohibited. Believers have been exhorted to fulfill all of their obligations and follow regulations prescribed by Divine Law about food, marriage, Salat, justice, etc. Rules have been laid down for what is lawful and unlawful in the matter of food, and self-imposed restrictions of pre-Islamic age abolished. Good foods are allowed. Prohibited foods include carrion (not Zabiha), pork, blood, food killed in the name of other than Allah.

AL-AN`AM The whole Surah was revealed at one sitting at Makkah just before Hijrah. During the revelation of this Surah, the Holy Prophet was riding on a camel which began to feel the weight so heavily that it seemed as if her bones would break under it. Topics include Tauhid, Akhirah, refuting superstitions, upholding moral principles, answering objections, encouraging Prophet (S) and muslims, warning disbelievers. Praise is for Allah, creator of heavens, earth, who made humans out of clay, the all knowing. Disbelievers ascribe partners to Him, do not believe and face His wrath. Their arguments for rejecting the Prophet and the revelation sent down to him have been refuted and a warning has been given to them that they should not be deluded by the respite that is being granted to them. 1 - 12

AL-A`ARAF Revealed in Makkah, around the same period as Al-Anaam. Named from vv. 46-47 which mentions A'araf (Heights). People are invited to follow the Message sent down to them through Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon him) and warned of the consequences of its rejection. Allah sent his messengers with guidance and warning. Those who rejected faced punishment here and in the afterlife. The story of Adam has been related with a view to warn his descendants against the evil devices of Satan. Allah created Adam (AS) and ordered the angels to bow down before him. Iblis (Satan) refused, he was disgraced and expelled. Iblis will try to deceive humans from all around. He deceived Adam(AS) and Eve (AS) in the garden. Allah forgave Adam (AS) after teaching the prayer for forgiveness. Allah commands to cover ourselves with clothes, and not follow Satan. Allah has forbidden shameful deeds, and ascribing partners to Him. Otherwise rejection of guidance results in punishment of fire. People will ask that punishment of their leaders be doubled: actually it is doubled for all. Believers and righteous will get rewards and Jannah. Both will say Allah has made His promise to them come true. People on heights (Aaraf) will be awaiting entering heaven and fearing fire.

AL-ANFAL It was revealed in 2 A. H. after the Battle of Badr. The first battle between Islam and kufr. Spoils of war are actually "Bounties of Allah". Initially some muslims were concerned and thought they were being driven towards death. Allah assists with angels and gave hope and assurance to muslims. Calm and rain all helped muslims. Never turn your backs to the enemy except as strategy. Alah was the one who slay the enemy and Allah threw dust when the Prophet threw dust towards them. The victory at Badr and all other battles was won by Allah’s help and not by the efforts of the Muslims. The aim of Muslims should not be to gain spoils but to eliminate unfavorable conditions for the establishment of Islam. The bounties of God, belong to Allah and His Messenger and they alone are entitled to allocate them including share for the needy.

Yunus (Jonah) Revealed in Makkah, most likely near the end of the Makki period, but before Hijrah was ordered. Allah has given the Book of wisdom. He is the creator of heavens and earth. He is the provider and sustainer of all the universe and all will return to Him. Those people who believe in his Tauheed (Oneness) and live their live by His Will will prosper in the life after death. Those who live for worldly gains, and ignore Divine Guidance will suffer in the hereafter. Man calls out to Allah alone when in great need, and for example when at sea during a storm. But when at ease, he forgets his instinctive obedience.

Surah Yusuf (Joseph AS) This surah was revealed near the end of the Makkah period. This was a clear sign to the people about divine guidance since Prophet Yusuf’s story was not known among Arabs. Allah revealed this detailed account when non-believers asked how children of Israel ended in up in Egypt. It shows that a pious person will remain faithful to Allah and spread His guidance in all circumstances and ultimately Allah’s Will will be served. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph AS) was the son of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob AS), whose father was Prophet Ishaq (Isaac AS) son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham AS). He had a brother and ten step brothers. His piety made him dear to his father. The step brothers schemed to kill him, and decided to throw him in a well and told their father that he had been eaten by a wolf.