At the end of this article I have included 3 charts and an explanatory note, as follows: 1.

A Chart (Series 4) that lists the titles of the 10 Six Minute Talks with the corresponding Talk Number. These Scripts or Articles could be read or downloaded from ScribD 2. A Chart (Series 3) that lists out the series of talks that covers the subject Muslim History or Islamic History. This interesting subject is covered in two approaches. One set of talks (Talk Nos 114 & 116) are an outline of what happened, and The second lot of talks (Talk Nos 117 to 119) is a description of the reaction of the Muslim world or the Muslim Populace to the changes or the social tribulations that were taking place right throughout this history. 3. A Chart (Series 2) that lists out the 16 Talks (or Episodes) under the series Knowing Allah Taaalah or Knowing GOD These Scripts or Articles too could be read or downloaded from ScribD 4. Notes to these talks or to these scripts/ articles

The main objective of these talks (and therefore the scripts of these talks), is to stimulate thinking. Sensible, rational and logical thinking. So, my message, think, think & think! Be sensible, be rational and be logical.

#121 Learning about the Qualities of People

Dear Friends,

When we regularly read the Quran and ponder on its contents, we realize that the Quran instructs us or points out to us a number of different topics and we are told that all together these topics deliver a very valuable message, which we commonly refer to as the message or the lessons of guidance and of enlightenment. One such topic in the Quran is that we find that Mankind can be categorized into good people and evil people and then the Quran goes on to provide us many Aayaths on this topic, which in turn would assist us to further subcategorize the good and the evil. For example we find that names such as Mumin, Mukhlis, Muslim, Muhsin and so on, are used to distinguish those who are good. And names such as Kaafir, DHzaalim, Faasiq, Kaazib and so on are used for evil people. The Quran does not just name the categories of good and evil people, but in a number of Aayaths the Quran points out to us the qualities that contribute to identifying those persons in each category. Interesting isnt it? For example we have Aayaths mentioning certain good qualities; and then the statement that those who possess these qualities are the Mumins or the Mukhlis or the MuththaQi and so on. Similarly we have Aayaths mentioning evil qualities and then the statement that those who possess these evil qualities are the Kaafir or the Faasiq or the Mufsidh and so on. In my experience of reading Quran or doing research in to the Quran I refer to these two types of Aayaths as the Ulaa-ika Aayaths and the Allazeena Aayaths I have noticed that quite often when the word Allazeena appears, then Allah is describing to us qualities that people possess and when Ulaa-ika appears, then Allah is pointing out to us the categories of people who possess these qualities. Wonderful isnt it? Let me read to you an example, this is from the first few Aayaths of Surah Baqarah: (2:1) Alif. Lm. Mm . (2:2) That Book has no doubt in it - a guidance for the MuththaQi, (2:3) who believe in the Unseen, and are steadfast in Salh (prayer), and spend out of what We have provided them;

So here we see that Allah informs us that that Book is a guidance to the MuththaQi and then uses the word Allazeena to describe three diagnostic qualities of the Muththaqi. 1

Allah then, begins the next Aayath with the word Wallazeena (in other words Wallazeena would mean and Allazeena) and then proceeds to describe a further three good qualities, thus altogether informing us about 6 good qualities. In the next Aayath, Allah informs us that those who possess these 6 good qualities are in fact the ghala Hudha(n)m Min RabbiHim and the Muflihoon Let me read these two Aayaths:

(2:4) and who believe in what has been revealed to you and what has been revealed before you; and they have faith in the Hereafter.

(2:5) It is these who are guided by their Rabb; and it is just these who are successful.

The word Ulaa-ika is used to name both these categories of good people. How much the Quran names, describes and explains the many categories of people, both good and evil, and also names, describes and explains the many qualities that contribute to each of these categories can be assessed when I tell you that the word Ulaa-ika appears 187 times in the Quran and the word Allazeena appears in 1,129 Aayaths. The Quran provides us with an enormous amount of pointers and clues. It is for us to read and then to work out. If we are sincere, then Allah will guide us. Let me now try to explain to you something of what I have learnt about these categories of people and these qualities, from reading the Quran. I find this very interesting and I am sure you listeners would find it equally interesting. I will try to explain in a sequence that I think would give us all a clearer understanding. Allah informs us through the Quran: Surah Al Hijr; (15:26) Indeed We created man from a ringing clay made of decayed mud. (15:27) As for the Jnn (the first Jinn), We had created him earlier from the fire of the scorching wind.

The point I wish to draw attention to is that the Jinn were created before Man. Now amongst the Jinn there was this rather important one known as Iblees. Now not only was Iblees a Jinn, he is also addressed along with the Malaaika. Now many of us are of the impression that Malaaika refer to the Angels. But then the word Malaaika is derived from the root letters Meem Laam and Kaaf from which the words Mulk or Kingdom and Malik or King are derived. 2

So there is that possibility that Malaaika could be those who had some sub kingdom or some department within their purview. Let me read you an Aayath that clearly informs us that Iblees was addressed along with the Malaaika. The Aayath then continues to inform us that Iblees is from amongst the Jinns. We are also informed that it was because he was a Jinn that he rebelled or went against the command of Allah. In other words maybe we are being told that the other Malaa-ika would not have or could not have rebelled or gone against the command of Allah. (18:50) (Recall) when We said to the angels, Prostrate yourselves before dam. So, they prostrated themselves, all of them but Ibls (Satan). He was of the Jinn, so he rebelled against the command of your Rabb.

Now I ask the question What is it in Jinns that give them the attitude or the leanings to obey or to disobey or even to rebel against the command of Allah? Well one answer could be the material the Jinn is created out of which is Naaris Samoom or translated as the fire of the scorching wind But then Man too inherently possesses the attitude or the leanings to obey or to disobey the command of Allah, and Man is created from a different material. Let me read an Aayath that informs us about this fact; (15:26) Indeed We created man from a ringing clay made of decayed mud. (15:27) As for the Jnn (the first Jinn), We had created him earlier from the fire of the scorching wind.

So then the material out of which the Jinns and Man has been created is not common, then what could be common amongst us and that common something must be related to the choice of obedience and disobedience. It is an Aayath in Surah Anfaal that provides us with an indication to the answer:

(7:179) Surely We have created for Hell a lot of people from among Jinn and mankind. They have hearts wherewith they do not understand, eyes wherewith they do not see, and ears wherewith they do not hear. They are like cattle. Rather, they are much more astray. They are the heedless.

So we find that both Jinns and Man has been provided or you could even say have been blessed with hearts, eyes and ears, so that we (that is the Jinn and Mankind) could use them and intelligently obey the commands of Allah. However those who do not use them properly or misuse them would begin to disobey Allah, and this they would do with relish. It is they who are the sinners and it is inevitable that they all end up in Hell. What a tragedy! These Jinn and Man who do not use these faculties are equated to Cattle. Why? Isnt it obvious that cattle though displaying the physical presence of eyes and ears do not possess the faculties of intelligence and the ability of processing what they interpret through using these eyes and ears, and moreover cattle do not possess the Qalb. The Qalb, is translated to mean the Heart. In this case we mean the spiritual heart a faculty of sensitivity and discernment. There are many Aayaths in the Quran that inform us about these faculties that Allah has blessed the Humans with. Remember, this is most important; it is a blessing if used correctly. Let me read one such Aayath: (16:78) Allah has brought you forth from your mothers wombs when you knew nothing, and He made for you ears, eyes and hearts, so that you may be grateful.

If used properly it is a great blessing, if not, the loss we incur is immeasurable. So then I ask the question OK, Allah has created the Jinn out of Naaris Samoom or translated as the fire of the scorching wind and Insaan or Mankind out of Swalswaalim min Hamaim Masnoon or from a ringing clay made of decayed mud and has provided us with some unique faculties, so what would be Gods purpose? This purpose is described in Aayath No 56 of Surah Ad Dhaariyaath (51:56) I did not create the Jinns and the human beings except for the purpose that they should worship Me.

So does this not indicate, I would say clearly indicate that Jinn and Man are provided with faculties which stimulate their intellect and then they are in a position to act according to what they read. Those who use their faculties with sincerity are guided by Allah and those who misuse or neglect to use these faculties are led astray by God. So then we read the Aayath that informed us that the Jinn and Mankind were created for Gods worship, so I ask the question what does God mean by worship? 4

Again a beautiful explanation is provided in the Quran in Surah Zumar. Let me read these Aayaths:

(39:16) So, O servants of Mine, fear Me.

(39:17) And those who abstain from worshipping the Tght and turn fervently to Allah, for them there is good news. So, give the good news to My servants

(39:18) who listen to what is said, then, follow the best of it. Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones who possess understanding.

Basically worship of God consists of 3 processes. One of those important processes would be to use our God given facilities to recognize the Taghut or the forces that disobey God and then to turn fervently away from these temptations. Another important process would be to use our faculties to discern and to understand what the commands of God are. This we would be able to achieve by listening to the Aayaths of the Quran in the correct spirit. And the third process would be to follow the best of what we hear from the Quran Insha Allah, Allah will guide us. Let me read those Aayaths once again:

(39:16) So, O servants of Mine, fear Me.

(39:17) And those who abstain from worshipping the Tght and turn fervently to Allah, for them there is good news. So, give the good news to My servants

(39:18) who listen to what is said, then, follow the best of it. Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones who possess understanding.

And then we have this very meaningful Aayath: (39:66) On the contrary, it is Allah whom you should worship; and be among the grateful. Just two concise, but powerful instructions. Worship Allah and be amongst the Shaakireen, those who are grateful or those who are appreciative of the faculties God has blessed us with. How do we worship Allah?

(39:18) who listen to what is said, then, follow the best of it.

How do we demonstrate our appreciation or gratefulness?

(16:78) and He made for you ears, eyes and hearts, so that you may be grateful.

And within these two Aayaths Allah informs us:

(39:18) Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones who possess understanding.

Now comes an interesting part, Allah informs us on the events surrounding the creation of Aadham (AS)

(2:31) And He taught dam the names, all of them; then presented them before the Malaaika, and said, Tell me their names, if you are right.

Now the Malaaika submit that they only possess knowledge that God has given them, it appears that Aadham possesses a particular skill, the capability of processing knowledge, a facility or the faculties which the Malaaika do not possess. (2:32) They said, To You belongs all purity! We have no knowledge except what You have given us. Surely, You alone are the Allknowing, All-wise.

In the next Aayath Allah informs us that he told Aadham to tell these names, and when Aadham does so Allah announces that this capability of Aadham amply demonstrates that Allah knows the secrets of the Heavens and the Earth and what is disclosed and what is revealed.

(2:33) He said, O dam, tell them the names of all these. When he told them their names, Allah said, Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the skies and of the earth, and that I know what you disclose and what you conceal.

Now whose names or what names are these? Could these be the names of good people and evil people? Because Allah informs us that He taught Aadham these names, and to be able to recognize these names Aadham used his knowledge in a way that proved his superiority over the knowledge of the Malaaika. So we read in the Quran about good and evil qualities. We also read how instructions as to how we should bring these qualities in to our personalities of lives. We are told that we must use our Abswaar, Samgha, Qalb, Swudhoor, Afidha and Aql. If we listen to the Aayaths of the Quran and then follow the best of it, using all our God given special faculties then we would be true worshippers of Allah and we would demonstrate the quality of gratefulness or appreciativeness or Shukur. So dear listeners, I am explaining all this to you by reading a few Aayaths of the Quran. But there are many more that add to this meaning or reiterate this meaning. It is up to all of us to spend our time wisely reading the Quran again and again, taking time to deeply meditate on what the Quran is instructing. An important assist for this exercise is to also take pains to learn classical Arabic or what we commonly refer to as the Quran Arabic. The Web has a number of good sites and programs which are designed to teach Quran Arabic to those who are non Arab speaking. The facilities are available. Who are we to blame if we do not make use of the opportunity? Our life is our opportunity. We would not be getting another life. It is in this life that we must meet the objectives or the purpose of our creation. 7

Let me conclude by reading those Aayaths once again: (51:56) I did not create the Jinns and the human beings except for the purpose that they should worship Me.

(16:78) Allah has brought you forth from your mothers wombs when you knew nothing, and He made for you ears, eyes and hearts, so that you may be grateful.

(39:16) So, O servants of Mine, fear Me.

(39:17) And those who abstain from worshipping the Tght and turn fervently to Allah, for them there is good news. So, give the good news to My servants

(39:18) who listen to what is said, then, follow the best of it. Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones who possess understanding.

(39:66) On the contrary, it is Allah whom you should worship; and be among the grateful.

It is for you dear listener and for me to repeatedly red these Aayaths and the other Aayaths in the Quran and then try to make enlightened sense out of our lives. I sincerely hope and hope that all of you benefit from these talks as much as I benefit from preparing and then presenting these talks to you. May Allah Taaalah guide us all and accept us all. Jazza Kalla Khairan. Assalamu Alaikum
Imtiaz Muhsin Colombo Sri Lanka crescent786@hotmail.com You Tube Channel - HaneefanMusliman

APPENDIX

Series 4

The Talks Numbered 125 to 134 are a series of Six Minute Talks presented in the month of Ramadhlaan (2013). The titles are as follows: Talk No Talk Number & Title 125 The Muslim 126 Shaithaan 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 How did the Prophets Earn? The Swudhoor Scoldings the Prophet Received Understanding Allahs Justice Arabic language of the AQL Pretending to be Mumin Jinns and Insaan The Mu'min Comments
http://www.scribd.com/doc/152723750/125-The-Muslim

http://www.scribd.com/doc/152865037/126-Shaithaan
http://www.scribd.com/doc/152865622/127-How-DidProphets-Earn

http://www.scribd.com/doc/152866510/128-The-Swudhoor http://www.scribd.com/doc/152867109/129-Scoldings-the-ProphetsReceived http://www.scribd.com/doc/152944005/130-Understanding-Allah-sJustice http://www.scribd.com/doc/153575145/131-Arabic-The-Languageof-the-AQL

http://www.scribd.com/doc/153575915/132-Pretending-to-Bea-Mu-min

http://www.scribd.com/doc/153687834/133-Jinns-and-Insaan
http://www.scribd.com/doc/153688620/134-The-Mu-min

Series 3 Note on Talks on History of Muslims

As Muslims it is necessary that we are aware of the History of Muslims over the last 1400 years. It is necessary for us to realize the winds of change over these last 1400 years especially since Muslim Populations have been through quite some turbulent times. I have covered this vast area in 5 talks. (This is insufficient) The first two talks were on the history and the next three talks were from another viewpoint. I discuss the response of the Muslims due to the many changes that were affecting their lives their religion and thus their culture. These Talks are numbered and titled as follows: Talk No 114 116 117 118 119 Topic The History Series The Effects of 1400 Years - Part 1 Effects of 1400 years - Part 2 The Muslim Response Series The Religious Response of Muslims due to Events surrounding the Caliphates of the Khulafaa Ur Raashidheen The Religious Response of Muslims due to Events surrounding the beginning of the Ummayyads The Religious Response of Muslims due to Events in the Period of the Muslim Empires Date Broadcast Jan 25th 2013 Feb 8th 2013 Feb 22nd 2013 March 29th 2013 April 5th 2013

Series 2 The Talks numbered 054 to 071 is under a series titled Knowing Allah Taaalah or Knowing GOD
The details of the scripts of these 16 Episodes (Talks) are as follows;
Talk No Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4 Episode 5 Episode 6 Episode 7 Talk Number & Title 054 Ilm Knowing Allah 055 Rationality - The Foundation of Islam 056 Is Man Special? 057 Ar Rahmaan - The Beneficent 058 Nature or GOD? 059 Our Relationship with GOD! Sub Series: 060 Is this what we are created for? (Is this what we are created for? Part 1) Sub Series: 061 What do we see on Earth (Is this what we are created for? Part 2) Sub Series: 062 Who are WE? Where do we fit in? (Is this what we are created for? Part 3) Sub Series: 063 Our benefits on Earth (Is this what we are created for? Part 4) Sub Series: 066 What makes us 'Stand Out'? What makes us 'Special'? (Is this what we are created for? Part 5) Sub Series: 067 Who is in charge? (Is this what we are created for? Part 6) Sub Series: 068 What ALLAH Teaches Us, About Himself (Is this what we are created for? Part 7) Sub Series: 069 Our Special Faculties How they should be used, How they should not be used! (Is this what we are created for? Part 8) Sub Series: 070 The TWO Paths 071 Is this what we are created for? A review of Parts 1 to 8 from the Sub Series Is this what we are created for? Date Broadcast th Dec 9 2011 Dec 16 2011
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Details of Picture on Cover Wellawatte Jummah Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka Parasangaswewa Mosque (a remote village) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Mutwal Jummah Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka The Akbar Mosque in Slave Island, Colombo, Sri Lanka Mosque in Matara, from the Southern Province of Sri Lanka Beach Mosque at Kalmunaikudi in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka A Mosque in the Kurnegala District, Sri Lanka Maradana Jummah Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka Colpetty Jummah Mosque, in Colombo, Sri Lanka The Jummah Mosque at Natpidimunnai, in the Ampara District, Sri Lanka The Devatagaha Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka A Mosque in a rural village in the Ampara District, in Sri Lanka The Jummah Mosque in Oluvil a village in the Ampara District, Sri Lanka The Dhanakawewa Jummah Mosque in a remote village in the Anuradhapura District in Sri Lanka Mosque at Madhavakulam in the Puttlam District, Sri Lanka A Mosque by a river in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Dec 23 2011 th Dec 30 2011 th Jan 6 2012 th Jan 13 2012 Jan 20 2012 Jan 27 2012 Feb 3 2012
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Episode 9

Episode 10

Feb 10 2012 Feb 17 2012 Feb 24 2012 Mar 2 2012

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Episode 11

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Mar 9 2012

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Episode 15 Episode 16

Mar 16 2012 Mar 23 2012

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Please Note
1. I have had the great privilege, (since Aug 2010), of presenting talks on the weekly Radio Program Culture of Islam [Friday 5.30 to 6.00 am, Radio Sri Lanka - FM 97.4] 2. Since these are Radio Talks, I refer to, or address the audience as listeners 3. I am well aware that the audience to these talks would consist of people belonging to a variety of faiths. So as to make people of all faiths feel included, I very often use words and names that are common to all religions. 4. For these reasons, I use the name GOD, as well as Abraham, Moses, Jesus etc as well as the names Allah, Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam), Moosa (Alaihis Salaam), Easa (Alaihis Salaam) etc 5. Muslims by habit usually say Sallallahu Alaihiwasallam, when the name of Prophet Muhammad is mentioned, and Alaihis Salaam' when the name of a Prophet is mentioned. However, in these series of talks I have reduced the use of these prayers & sayings to the bare minimum. 6. Muslims, also by habit, use a number of Arabic prayers or sayings, such as Alhamdulillah, Insha Allah and so on. Again, I have reduced the use of these prayers or sayings to the bare minimum. 7. Sometimes I have to write Arabic words in the English script. I have devised my own way of writing Arabic in English, as follows;

th TH

s Ss SW

DHL DHZ

H h

Gh GH

Information on these talks along with all download links can be found on my on my Blog (http://imtiazm.wordpress.com/) The dates or the schedules of these talks can be viewed on the Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/ImtiazMuhsin786) The Scripts of these talks can be downloaded from www.ScribD.com (http://www.scribd.com/imtiaz_muhsin_1) (www.ScribD.com Author Imtiaz Muhsin) The audio files of these talks can be downloaded from YouTube (YouTube Channel Imtiaz Muhsin) The YouTube Link to this talk is at

All Praise and Thanks is due to Allah and Allah alone Alhamdulillah!