Juz 11 Takeaway: This Is How You Embrace His Divine Mercy

One of the most profound acts is repentance (Tawbah), which serves as a gateway to divine mercy and forgiveness. The verses within Juz 11 resonate with this call to turn to Allah (SWT) in repentance, illustrating His boundless compassion and willingness to forgive those who seek His boundless forgiveness.

Do they not know that Allah alone accepts the repentance of His servants and receives ˹their˺ charity, and that Allah alone is the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful?

— Quran 9:104

Within this verse, Allah (SWT) tells us that He extends His mercy to humanity, inviting us to seek forgiveness with utmost sincerity. And I love it because you get to be mindful of how different divine mercy can be from the mercy we might see from fellow human beings in the sense that no sin is too great or too big to be forgiven for those who repent sincerely. It is a reminder that regardless of our past transgressions, Allah’s mercy remains readily available to all who turn to Him in repentance — so do not despair or lose hope; Allah (SWT) loves you, and He is waiting for you.

And seek your Lord’s forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. He will grant you a good provision for an appointed term and graciously reward the doers of good. But if you turn away, then I truly fear for you the torment of a formidable Day.

— Quran 11:3

Verse 11:3 highlights the transformative power of repentance, emphasizing its ability to cleanse the soul and purify the heart. This verse reminds us that sincere repentance has the power to bring us closer to Allah (SWT) and pave the way for spiritual renewal. But it also briefs us on the consequences of not turning back to Him.

Frankly speaking, I know some people might think, “If Allah’s mercy is All-Encompassing, why do not we all just go to heaven and have our sins washed away?” I believe it is simply because actions matter more than mere words. We can all claim that we love God, and cherish our bonds with Him. But do all of us try? We all fall off track but how eager are we to try again, and again, and again even if we end up dying while just trying? Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “Do people think once they say, ‘We believe,’ that they will be left without being put to the test?” ¹

So yes, there are bad consequences if we do not repent because refraining from repentance is actually what the devil has been doing and will be doing until the Day of Judgment. There is an Arabic saying we usually utter when we are aware of the high likelihood of failure that goes: “Even if I fail, suffice for me the honor of trying.” And I think it applies to keep repenting even if we are going to sin again; just keep trying.

Divine justice and mercy: balancing compassion and accountability

Within the verses of Juz 11, we encounter the delicate balance between divine justice and mercy, as Allah (SWT) holds humanity accountable for their actions while also extending His boundless compassion and forgiveness.

And ˹Allah has also turned in mercy to˺ the three who had remained behind, ˹whose guilt distressed them˺ until the earth, despite its vastness, seemed to close in on them, and their souls were torn in anguish. They knew there was no refuge from Allah except in Him. Then He turned to them in mercy so that they might repent. Surely Allah ˹alone˺ is the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful.”

— Quran 9:118

Verse 9:118 offers that glimmer of hope amidst the warnings of Allah’s divine punishment, highlighting Allah’s boundless mercy and forgiveness for those who repent sincerely. It is an affirmation that all hope is not lost and that Allah (SWT) accepts repentance so long as we mean it during the moment we seek it.

Let’s make a mental note of this verse because it tells us the solution loud and clear: “They knew there was no refuge from Allah except in Him.” These three men were from the Prophet’s companions and they sinned too! But they had their faith established. They did not just think that maybe He would forgive; they knew He would forgive. It is another level of awareness of Allah’s presence. Let us approach repentance with this mindset of “knowing” that there is no other solution than seeking refuge in Allah (SWT) from His punishment through repentance.

We surely destroyed ˹other˺ peoples before you when they did wrong, and their messengers came to them with clear proofs but they would not believe! This is how We reward the wicked people. Then We made you their successors in the land to see how you would act.

— Quran 10:13-14

Verses 10:13-14 serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of disbelief and wrongdoing, recounting the fate of past nations who were destroyed for their transgressions. Despite receiving clear guidance from messengers that were sent to them, they chose to reject and even mock the truth and those who followed it, ultimately facing His divine retribution.

Yes, Allah (SWT) is “The Most Merciful,” “Most Beneficent,” and “The Exceedingly Forgiving,” but He has other 96 names that describe His qualities. From these names are “The Giver of Justice,” “The Utterly Just,” and “The Ever-Dominating.”

As believers, let us strive to do what pleases Him, while also seeking His mercy and forgiveness with sincerity.

Guidance for the believers: nurturing faith and resilience

In the Quranic verses encompassing Juz 11, believers find invaluable guidance to nurture their faith and resilience amidst life’s trials and tribulations. These verses offer insights into the virtues of patience, gratitude, and steadfastness, empowering believers to navigate the challenges of life with unwavering faith and resilience.

Do they not see that they are tried once or twice every year? Yet they neither repent nor do they learn a lesson.

— Quran 9:126

Verse 9:126 reminds us of the inevitability of trials and tests in life, urging us to cultivate patience and resilience in the face of adversity. It serves as a poignant reminder that challenges are a natural part of the human experience and that true strength lies in enduring them with patience and fortitude. Through patience, we not only weather the storms of life but also prove that our actions align with our claims of loving Allah (SWT). No one is having life plight-free. There is nothing like having a “premium subscription” to life. We are tried with our lack the way we are tried with our blessings.

What do those who fabricate lies against Allah expect on Judgment Day? Surely Allah is ever Bountiful to humanity, but most of them are ungrateful.

— Quran 10:60

Verse 10:60 draws attention to the importance of gratitude in nurturing spiritual fulfillment and contentment. It reminds us to acknowledge and appreciate the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, recognizing His bountiful grace and mercy in our lives. Gratitude not only deepens our connection with Him (SWT) but also singles us out from the majority of people who are always angry at their own lives.

As we reflect on these verses, let us strive to embody the virtues of patience and gratitude in our daily lives, trusting in Allah’s wisdom and guidance to lead us through every trial and tribulation.

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