The Authentic Ummah

Alhamdulillah. In Episode 129 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I reach the final reading in my journey through the Qur’an in English.In this episode, I read from Surah Al-Ghashiyah, Chapter 88, verse 23 through to Surah An-Nas, Chapter 114, verse 6, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.These final chapters contain powerful reminders about the Hereafter, accountability, gratitude, patience, worship, reliance upon Allah and seeking His protection.Among the beautiful words in today’s reading are:“Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.”We also read about the Night of Power:“The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.”And we are reminded that even the smallest deeds will not be forgotten:“Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it!”As we approach the end of the Qur’an, Surah Al-Ikhlas gives us the simple and powerful declaration:“Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;”The journey then concludes with Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas, seeking refuge and protection with Allah.📖 Surah Al-Ghashiyah 88:23 – Surah An-Nas 114:6🎙️ Episode 129📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf AliAlhamdulillah for reaching the end of this journey.My aim throughout this series has been to read at least ten pages each day.May Allah accept this effort, allow me to retain and understand what I have read, and help all of us bring the guidance of the Qur’an into our lives.Ameen.

In Episode 128 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah An-Naba, Chapter 78, verse 31 through to Surah Al-Ghashiyah, Chapter 88, verse 22, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.This reading takes us through a series of powerful chapters focused heavily on the Hereafter, resurrection, accountability and the reality of our return to Allah.We begin with the closing verses of Surah An-Naba and the reward prepared for the righteous.Surah An-Nazi‘at then draws our attention to the Resurrection and includes the account of Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him) and Pharaoh.As we continue through Surah ‘Abasa, At-Takwir, Al-Infitar, Al-Mutaffifin and Al-Inshiqaq, we encounter vivid descriptions of the Day when the world as we know it will come to an end and every person will face the reality of what they have done.Among the striking words in Surah Al-Inshiqaq are:“O thou man! Verily thou art ever toiling on towards thy Lord- painfully toiling,- but thou shalt meet Him.”The reading continues through Surah Al-Buruj and At-Tariq before reaching Surah Al-A‘la, where we are reminded:“But the Hereafter is better and more enduring.”It is a simple but powerful reminder that however important this worldly life may sometimes appear, what is with Allah is greater and lasts far longer.Finally, Surah Al-Ghashiyah turns our attention to the overwhelming Day, the different destinations awaiting people, and the Signs of Allah visible in the creation around us.📖 Surah An-Naba 78:31 – Surah Al-Ghashiyah 88:22🎙️ Episode 128📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf AliThis episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 127 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Jinn, Chapter 72, verse 14 through to Surah An-Naba, Chapter 78, verse 30, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.The reading begins with the remainder of Surah Al-Jinn, with reminders about guidance, submission to Allah and the consequences of turning away.We then move into Surah Al-Muzzammil, where we read about prayer, remembrance of Allah and the reading of the Qur’an.Among the words in this chapter are:“read ye, therefore, of the Qur'an as much as may be easy for you.”This reminder feels especially meaningful as I continue this daily journey of reading through the Qur’an in English.Surah Al-Muddaththir then turns our attention towards warning, accountability and the consequences of our deeds.We are reminded:“Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds.”Surah Al-Qiyamah gives powerful descriptions of the Resurrection and reminds us:“Nay, man will be evidence against himself.”We then move through Surah Al-Insan, where we are reminded that Allah has shown mankind the Way, leaving us to choose whether we will be grateful or ungrateful.Surah Al-Mursalat repeatedly warns of the Day of Judgment, before Surah An-Naba begins with the “Great News” and vivid reminders of resurrection, accountability and the life to come.📖 Surah Al-Jinn 72:14 – Surah An-Naba 78:30🎙️ Episode 127📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf AliThis episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 126 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Mujadilah, Chapter 58, verse 7 through to Surah Al-Jinn, Chapter 72, verse 13, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.This is a longer reading that takes us through a remarkable collection of chapters and reminders.We read about accountability, faith, sincerity, charity, family responsibilities, prayer, remembrance of Allah and preparing ourselves for the life to come.Surah Al-Hashr contains the powerful reminder:“Let every soul look to what (provision) He has sent forth for the morrow.”In Surah Al-Jumu‘ah, believers are called to leave business behind when the call to Friday prayer is made and to “hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah.”Later, Surah At-Talaq contains one of the most reassuring promises in today’s reading:“And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out,”The next verse continues:“And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him.”We then read Surah Al-Mulk, where we are reminded that Allah created death and life to try which of us is best in deed.The reading also includes the story and call of Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him).Finally, as we begin Surah Al-Jinn, we hear the reaction of a company of Jinn who listened to the Qur’an:“We have really heard a wonderful Recital!”They recognise its guidance and declare their belief in it.📖 Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:7 – Surah Al-Jinn 72:13🎙️ Episode 126📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf AliThis episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 125 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ar-Rahman, Chapter 55, verse 42 through to Surah Al-Mujadilah, Chapter 58, verse 6, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.The reading begins with the remainder of Surah Ar-Rahman and its descriptions of the Hereafter, reward, Paradise and the countless favours of Allah.We then move into Surah Al-Waqi‘ah, which describes the coming of the Last Day and the different groups of people who will stand before Allah.The chapter repeatedly turns our attention to creation — our own existence, the crops we grow, the water we drink and the fire we kindle — reminding us of the One from whom all of these blessings ultimately come.Surah Al-Hadid then contains a deeply reassuring reminder:“And He is with you wheresoever ye may be.”Allah knows what enters the earth and what comes out of it, what descends from heaven and what rises towards it. Nothing escapes His knowledge.The reading also reminds us about the temporary nature of worldly life, generosity, faith and the reward prepared for those who believe.Finally, we begin Surah Al-Mujadilah with the remarkable account of a woman who brings her complaint concerning her husband.The chapter begins:“Allah has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with thee concerning her husband…”A powerful reminder that Allah hears even the plea of an individual who may feel unheard by everyone else.📖 Surah Ar-Rahman 55:42 – Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:6🎙️ Episode 125📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf AliThis episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 124 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Chapter 51, verse 52 through to Surah Ar-Rahman, Chapter 55, verse 41, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.The reading begins with a powerful reminder about the purpose for which mankind and the Jinn were created:“I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me.”We then move through Surah At-Tur and Surah An-Najm, with reminders about revelation, accountability, the Hereafter and the reward of our own efforts.Among those reminders are the words:“That man can have nothing but what he strives for;”Surah Al-Qamar then takes us through warnings and lessons from earlier peoples, including the people of Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him), ‘Ad, Thamud, the people of Prophet Lut (peace be upon Him), and Pharaoh.We are repeatedly reminded of the importance of receiving and reflecting upon the Qur’an.Finally, we begin Surah Ar-Rahman — a chapter filled with reminders of Allah’s mercy, creation and countless favours.Again and again comes the question:“Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?”We read of the sun and moon, the heavens and earth, fruits, seas, creation, justice and the many Signs and blessings surrounding us.📖 Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:52 – Surah Ar-Rahman 55:41🎙️ Episode 124📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf AliThis episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 123 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Ahqaf, Chapter 46, verse 6 through to Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Chapter 51, verse 51, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.This reading takes us through the remainder of Surah Al-Ahqaf, followed by Surah Muhammad, Surah Al-Fath, Surah Al-Hujurat, Surah Qaf, and much of Surah Adh-Dhariyat.We read powerful reminders about kindness towards parents, faith, obedience, patience, forgiveness, brotherhood and the way believers should treat one another.Surah Al-Fath speaks about the “manifest Victory” granted to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), and of Allah sending tranquillity into the hearts of the believers so that they may increase in faith.Surah Al-Hujurat contains important guidance about manners, avoiding suspicion and backbiting, making peace between believers, and recognising that mankind has been made into nations and tribes so that we may know one another.Then, in Surah Qaf, comes one of the most striking reminders in today’s reading:“It was We who created man and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein.”It is a powerful reminder that nothing within us is hidden from Allah.As we move into Surah Adh-Dhariyat, we read from the accounts of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him), Prophet Lut (peace be upon Him), Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him) and Prophet Nuh (peace be upon Him).Near the end of today’s reading comes another direct call:“Hasten ye then (at once) to Allah…”📖 Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:6 – Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:51🎙️ Episode 123📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf AliThis episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 122 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ash-Shura, Chapter 42, verse 1 through to Surah Al-Ahqaf, Chapter 46, verse 5, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.This reading takes us through Surah Ash-Shura, Surah Az-Zukhruf, Surah Ad-Dukhan, Surah Al-Jathiyah and into the beginning of Surah Al-Ahqaf.Among the beautiful reminders in Surah Ash-Shura are the words:“He is the One that accepts repentance from His Servants and forgives sins…”We are also reminded that whatever we are given in this world is only a convenience of this life, while “that which is with Allah is better and more lasting.”The reading speaks about prayer, forgiveness, patience, consultation between believers, reliance upon Allah and the temporary nature of worldly possessions.As we move into Surah Az-Zukhruf, we read about Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him), Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him) and Prophet Isa (peace be upon Him).Among the striking reminders in this chapter are the words:“Friends on that day will be foes, one to another,- except the Righteous.”It is a powerful reminder that the relationships we build in this life matter, and that friendship based upon righteousness is very different from friendship that leads us away from Allah.Later, Surah Al-Jathiyah warns about the person who “takes as his god his own vain desire” — a powerful warning against allowing our desires to take the place of guidance.The reading then begins Surah Al-Ahqaf with another call to recognise Allah alone as worthy of worship.📖 Surah Ash-Shura 42:1 – Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:5🎙️ Episode 122📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf AliThis episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 121 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ghafir, Chapter 40, verse 50 through to the end of Surah Fussilat, Chapter 41, verse 54, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.This reading takes us through the remainder of Surah Ghafir and the whole of Surah Fussilat.Among the most comforting words in today’s reading are:“Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer)…”It is a beautiful reminder that Allah invites us to call upon Him.The closing passages of Surah Ghafir also remind us of Allah’s Signs throughout creation, His power, and the lessons found in the lives of those who came before us.As we move into Surah Fussilat, we are reminded of the Qur’an as a revelation from Allah and of His Signs in the heavens, the earth and within creation.There is also a beautiful promise for those who say that their Lord is Allah and then remain straight and steadfast. The angels descend upon them with the words:“Fear ye not!”The reading also gives us powerful guidance about how to respond to wrongdoing:“Repel (Evil) with what is better…”We are told that such a response can transform someone between whom there was hatred into a friend and intimate.📖 Surah Ghafir 40:50 – Surah Fussilat 41:54🎙️ Episode 121📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf AliThis episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 120 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Az-Zumar, Chapter 39, verse 41 through to Surah Ghafir, Chapter 40, verse 49, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.This reading brings us through the remainder of Surah Az-Zumar and into much of Surah Ghafir.Among the most hopeful words in today’s reading are:“Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”It is a powerful reminder for anyone who has made mistakes or fallen into sin: we should never lose hope in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah.The closing verses of Surah Az-Zumar also take us towards the Day of Judgment, when people are brought before their Lord and the final destinations of Paradise and Hell are revealed.As Surah Ghafir begins, we are reminded repeatedly of Allah’s forgiveness, power and knowledge.We then read about Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him), who is sent with Allah’s Signs and a clear authority to Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun.A believing man from Pharaoh’s people speaks courageously in defence of the truth, warning his people and placing his complete trust in Allah.Among his words are:“My (own) affair I commit to Allah: for Allah (ever) watches over His Servants.”📖 Surah Az-Zumar 39:41 – Surah Ghafir 40:49🎙️ Episode 120📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf AliThis episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.