#MuslimGirlRamadanBookClub Day Seven: Juz Seven Takeaways
Alhamdulillah, we have made it to the seventh day of Ramadan, which means we will be covering Juz seven for our #MuslimGirlRamadanBookClub series. This Juz unfolds profound lessons that guide us on the path of Islam. Spanning verses 5:82 to 6:110, it is rich in themes like justice and fairness, the role of diet, and even unity and brotherhood.
Here are the key takeaways we have from this Juz so far!
Upholding justice and fairness
Juz seven starts by tackling the diversity of attitudes among different religious communities towards us Muslims. It categorizes people into those who harbor animosity and those who show affection. The verse highlights that among the Christians, there are individuals who are not arrogant, including priests and monks.
You will surely find the most bitter towards the believers to be the Jews and polytheists and the most gracious to be those who call themselves Christian. That is because there are priests and monks among them and because they are not arrogant.
— Quran (5:82)
The purpose of this categorization is not to generalize entire communities; the verse was revealed to expose disbelievers and those who identified themselves as Jewish people and then they would kill the prophets who were sent to them, both were sinning the same sin of shaytan (i.e., arrogance).
Reflecting upon the reasons why Christians at that time of the Prophet (PBUH) were praised, we see that Allah (SWT) tells us that amongst them are priests and that they are humble.
Speaking from a broader sense, this verse does not discourage us from approaching others with an open heart, acknowledging the potential for goodness in people from various backgrounds. It promotes tolerance and understanding, discouraging prejudice and stereotypes, given the historical context of it that involves the kind king of Ethiopia back at that time, An-Najashi.
By recognizing the positive qualities in individuals from different faiths, the verse fosters an environment of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. It teaches us to be aware of the diversity that exists within mankind and to engage in dialogue and interaction with a spirit of goodwill.
Dietary laws and wholesome sustenance
Juz seven includes the topic of dietary laws, guiding us on what is permissible (halal) and beneficial for consumption. The directive to eat the halal foods that Allah (SWT) allowed emphasizes gratitude for the sustenance provided by Allah. It encourages us to partake in lawful and wholesome provisions, recognizing that what is permissible is not only beneficial but also aligns with a mindful lifestyle.
Eat of the good, lawful things provided to you by Allah. And be mindful of Allah in Whom you believe.
— Quran (5:88)
The mention of “be mindful of Allah in Whom you believe” serves as a reminder that the observance of dietary laws is intertwined with faith. It prompts us to be mindful of Allah in our choices, fostering a connection between the physical act of eating and the spiritual aspect of faith.
The lesson derived from this verse centers on the concept of conscious eating and gratitude for Allah’s provisions. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the source and nature of one’s sustenance. By adhering to dietary laws, we can express our obedience to Allah’s guidance and cultivate a sense of consciousness in our daily lives through easy action steps such as eating halal foods and saying simple words of thankfulness like “Alhamdulillah.”
This verse teaches that the act of eating is not merely a physical necessity but also a spiritual practice. Reaching this level of awareness elevates the seemingly mundane act of eating into a meaningful and purposeful aspect of worship, eventually adding to our good deeds.
Reflection on Allah’s creation and signs
Juz seven includes Surah Al-An’am which describes the various blessings of Allah in the natural world, highlighting the intricate processes of growth and development. The verse vividly portrays the beauty and diversity of Allah’s creation, drawing attention to the different types of plants and fruits.
And He is the One Who sends down rain from the sky — causing all kinds of plants to grow—producing green stalks from which We bring forth clustered grain. And from palm trees come clusters of dates hanging within reach. ˹There are˺ also gardens of grapevines, olives, and pomegranates, similar ˹in shape˺ but dissimilar ˹in taste˺. Look at their fruit as it yields and ripens! Indeed, in these are signs for people who believe.
— Quran (6:99)
The mention of rain as a source of nourishment for plants emphasizes the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of the natural world. The imagery of grains arranged in layers, palm trees with hanging clusters, and diverse fruits like grapevines, olives, and pomegranates paints a picture of abundance and variety.
The lesson derived from these verses centers on gratitude and reflection on the signs of Allah’s creation. It encourages us — believers — to contemplate the beauty and diversity present in the natural world as a means of recognizing Allah’s power and wisdom.
The description of the different types of fruits, each with its unique characteristics, serves as a reminder of the richness of Allah’s blessings. It prompts believers to appreciate the intricacies of nature and to reflect on the signs that point toward the existence and greatness of our Creator (SWT).
In a broader sense, these verses inspire us to develop a deep connection with the natural world and to view it as a manifestation of Allah’s creative power. Gratitude for the sustenance provided by Allah (SWT) to earth fosters remembrance of Him, as he commanded us to do in Juz two:
Remember Me; I will remember you. And thank Me, and never be ungrateful.
— Quran (2:152)
By acknowledging the signs in nature, we are reminded of their dependence on Allah and are encouraged to live in harmony with the environment. This reflection on the natural world becomes a spiritual practice, enhancing our spiritual connection with Allah The Almighty.
Unity and brotherhood
In this Juz, Allah (SWT) also emphasizes the divine origin of the Quran as a blessed and confirming revelation. It underscores the purpose of the Quran, which is to serve as a source of guidance and a warning to the people, particularly the inhabitants of Mecca and those in its vicinity.
This is a blessed Book that We have revealed — confirming what came before it — so you may warn the Mother of Cities 1 and everyone around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter ˹truly˺ believe in it and guard their prayers.
— Quran (6:92)
The verse highlights a critical aspect of unity — the shared belief in the Hereafter. Those who believe in life after this world find common ground in their acceptance of the Quran as a guide. Additionally, the mention of maintaining prayers further emphasizes the unity of action among believers, as prayer is a central and unifying practice in Islam.
The lesson derived from this verse centers on the unifying power of belief in the Hereafter and the common commitment to prayer. It emphasizes that the Quran serves as a unifying force among believers, regardless of their backgrounds or locations.
The Quran, as a divine revelation, holds a central place in the lives of those who believe in the Hereafter. It unites us in our commitment to following its guidance, and by extension, it fosters a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among us.
On top of that, the mention of prayers further reinforces the idea of unity in action. The regular performance of prayers serves as a shared practice that unites Muslims worldwide. Regardless of linguistic, cultural, or geographical differences, the act of prayer is a universal expression of submission and devotion to Allah.
Patience and steadfastness
Here, Allah (SWT) addresses the disbelievers who insistently swear that if they were shown a miraculous sign, they would certainly believe. However, the verse counters this claim by asserting that the signs are exclusively in the control of Allah, and even if a sign were presented, the disbelievers would not believe.
They swear by Allah their most solemn oaths that if a sign were to come to them, they would certainly believe in it. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Signs are only with Allah.” What will make you ˹believers˺ realize that even if a sign were to come to them, they still would not believe?
— Quran (6:109)
The verse draws attention to the deeper issue of disbelief stemming from a hardened heart, emphasizing that belief is not solely dependent on witnessing miraculous signs but requires an open heart and sincere intention.
The lesson derived from this verse centers on the themes of patience and steadfastness when encountering disbelievers who might mock us, and the sincerity of belief. It highlights that true belief goes beyond witnessing miracles and requires an open and receptive heart.
The disbelievers’ insistence on swearing by Allah’s name illustrates the human tendency to make conditional promises based on hypothetical situations. However, the verse points out that belief is not contingent on witnessing signs; it is a matter of inner conviction and sincerity.
Juz seven offers a roadmap for believers to navigate life with justice, conscious choices, integrity, unity, and patience. By internalizing these lessons and embracing the guidance provided in these verses, we can nurture a holistic and transformative relationship with Allah (SWT), fostering spiritual growth and unity within our Muslim community.
What are your favorite verses from Juz seven? Let us know by tagging us or sliding into our DMs!