Savor & Soul: Cooking with Islamic Wisdom

🌟 Introduction (Verses 77–85) These verses continue the story of Iblis’s defiance and reveal the first divine punishment, Satan’s arrogant challenge, and Allah’s firm response. After refusing to bow to Adam, Iblis is expelled from the mercy of Allah, but he requests respite until the Day of Judgment. Allah grants him that time, and Iblis swears to mislead as many humans as possible — except the sincere servants of Allah. Allah then firmly declares that Hell will be filled with Iblis and all who follow him. This passage teaches us about: The danger of ego and arrogance The enemy’s (Satan’s) tactics The importance of sincerity in worship The certainty of divine justice 📜 Revealed History (Shan-e-Nuzool) These verses were revealed in Makkah. The Quraysh were proud and arrogant in their rejection of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This passage mirrors their arrogance through the story of Iblis and serves as a warning: just as Iblis was cast away due to pride, those who reject Allah’s com...

 Introduction (Verses 71–77) These verses present the momentous event of Adam’s creation, Allah’s command to the angels, and Iblis’s rebellion. This passage is part of the larger Quranic narrative explaining the origin of mankind, the beginning of free will, and the first disobedience to God in the heavens. Allah informs the angels of His intent to create a human being from clay. After completing Adam's form and breathing His spirit into him, He commands all angels to prostrate before Adam as a sign of honor — all do so except Iblis (Satan). His refusal marks the beginning of enmity between Satan and mankind 📜 Revealing History (Shan-e-Nuzool) This portion was revealed in Makkah, during a time when the Quraysh rejected the Prophet ﷺ and his message. The story of Iblis serves as a warning for them — just as Iblis refused to obey Allah due to arrogance, the Quraysh were also rejecting the truth out of pride and ego. The story reaffirms: Allah’s supreme authority The danger of...

 Introduction – Surah Al-Ikhlas Surah Al-Ikhlas is one of the shortest yet most powerful chapters of the Qur’an. It consists of just four verses, but it summarizes the entire Islamic belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed). This Surah teaches us that Allah is One, Eternal, Self-Sufficient, has no children, was not born, and has no equal. 🕋 Revealing History (Shan-e-Nuzool) According to Tafseer Ibn Kathir: This Surah was revealed when the polytheists of Makkah asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: "Tell us about your Lord." (Who is He? What is He made of? What does He look like?) In response, Allah revealed Surah Al-Ikhlas, which clearly and strongly affirms pure monotheism (Tawheed) and denies all false ideas about Allah. 📚 Summary from Tafseer Ibn Kathir "Say: He is Allah, the One." – Allah is only one, He has no partners or equals. "Allah, the Eternal Refuge." – Allah is not dependent on anyone; rather, everyone is dependent on Him. "He neit...

🌟 Introduction: The Final Ruku of Surah Al-Baqarah The last Ruku of Surah Al-Baqarah (Verses 284–286) is a divine treasure sent from beneath the Throne (عرش). These verses highlight Allah’s complete knowledge, justice, and mercy. They emphasize the importance of faith, accountability, supplication, and obedience. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received these verses as a special gift, unmatched in the entire Quran. 📜 Revealing History (Asbāb al-Nuzūl) When the believers were worried about accountability of inner thoughts, Allah revealed: “لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا” “Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.” (2:286) These verses were revealed in Madinah and are said to have descended from a heavenly treasure under the Throne of Allah, as mentioned in authentic hadiths. 📖 Summary of the Last Ruku (Verses 284–286): Verse 284 – Allah knows everything in the heavens and earth, including what we hide in our hearts. He holds us accountable but is also Merci...

Revealing History (Asbāb an-Nuzūl): These verses were revealed in Medinah, where a new Islamic society was being established on principles of faith, justice, and moral discipline. In a time when Zina (adultery/fornication) was widespread in Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance), Allah revealed these verses to: Protect the purity of the Muslim community. Set a clear legal punishment for sexual immorality. Emphasize public accountability and deterrence. Separate the righteous from habitual sinners. These commands were meant to reform the society, not just punish, by putting fear in the hearts of the wrongdoers and preserving family honor and social cleanliness. 🧾 Introduction: Verses 2 & 3 of Surah An-Nur lay the foundation for Islamic laws regarding adultery (zina) and marriage ethics. Verse 2 describes the punishment for unmarried male and female fornicators — 100 lashes — as a deterrent and a public warning. Verse 3 teaches that a person involved in adultery is not fit to...

📖 Introduction & Revealed History (Asbab al-Nuzul): Surah An-Nur (The Light) is a Medinan Surah, primarily revealed to address issues related to modesty, morality, family honor, and justice in the Muslim society. Verses 4–5 were revealed in the context of an extremely sensitive incident in Islamic history known as the "Ifk incident" (The Slander). This involved the false accusation of adultery against Aisha (RA), the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Though she was completely innocent, some hypocrites and even a few Muslims spread the rumor without any proof. These verses were revealed to establish strict legal protection for personal honor and dignity, especially of chaste women, and to discourage slander and false accusations by setting a clear punishment. 📝 Summary of Verses 4–5 (Surah An-Nur): Verse 4 lays down the law: Anyone who accuses a chaste woman of adultery and fails to bring four reliable witnesses is to be punished with 80 lashes. Additionally, thei...

 Summary of Verses 41–44: Verse 41: Sulaiman asks for Bilqis’s throne to be disguised slightly to test whether she can recognise it, showing her wisdom and readiness for the truth. Verse 42: She sees the throne and cautiously says, "It looks like it." This hints that her heart is opening, and she’s reflecting on what is happening. Verse 43: Her false worship had prevented her from seeing the truth, but now she is beginning to realise that her people’s ways were misguided. Verse 44: She is asked to enter the palace. Mistaking the glass floor for water, she lifts her robe. Sulaiman clarifies it’s a crystal floor. The moment symbolises the illusion of the world and the clarity of truth. She finally says: “O my Lord, I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.” 💡 Themes and Reflections: Humility leads to guidance. The world can deceive — truth is revealed through reflection. Dawah (inviting to Islam) can be done with wisdom and sub...