Theme of Juz Eighteen – The True Believers

The 18th Juz begins with Surah Al-Muminoon, a Makkan Surah detailing the qualities of a true believer. It then shifts to a Madinan Surah, Surah An-Noor which focusing on the laws related to morality, chastity and its link to true faith, and the Juz ends in the middle of Surah Al-Furqaan, a Makkan Surah which focuses on the correct beliefs and ends with the qualities of the true servant of Allah.

In Islam, claiming that you have a pure heart and that you believe is not enough. True faith is coupled with righteous deeds and these lead to victory for the Ummah. The current state of the Ummah is primarily a result of our lack of morality and righteousness.

In Surah An-Noor, after listing all these important rules and qualities, Allah has promised the following: “Allah promises those among you who truly believe and do righteous deeds that He will make them the successors (Caliphs) of the earth, like how He made those before them successors (Caliphs), and He will establish for them the religion which they are pleased with, and He will change their state, after one of fear, into one of  safety. So worship Me, do not ascribe anyone as partners to Me! And whoever disbelieves after this, they are truly rebellious.” (24:55)

The promise of Allah is true, and this is the only road to victory for the Ummah, a return to true faith and its practice. Surah Al-Muminoon lists the following qualities for the true believers: (23:1-9)

1. Concentration in their Salah
2. Abstaining from things that waste their time
3. Fulfilling their Zakah and social responsibilities
4. Guarding their chastity and honour through marriage
5. Fulfilling their trusts and promises
6. Praying all five Salahs on time properly

Surah An-Noor discusses the following important laws of Islam, the fulfilment of which are necessary for the Ummah to attain victory:

1. Avoiding all forms of immorality, be it fornication, adultery or anything that leads to these sins
2. Guarding the honour of others by abstaining from gossip and slander
3. Lowering the gaze and observing the Hijab
4. Observing the etiquettes of privacy in Islam, within one’s own home and when dealing with the homes and lives of others

Surah Al-Furqaan lists the following qualities of the true servants of Ar-Rahmaan: (25:63-76 – 19th Juz)

1. Avoid disputes and maintaining a peaceful demeanour
2. Making Qiyam Al-Layl a habit and a means of connecting with Allah
3. Thinking about the Afterlife and asking for protection from the Hellfire
4. Spending in the way of Allah with moderation
5. Avoid the major sins (Shirk, Zina and Murder) and repenting if already committed in the past
6. Avoiding things that waste one’s time
7. Heeding the reminders of Allah and the message of the Qur’an
8. Praying for the guidance of our families and working towards it

We complain so often about the state of the Ummah, but let us introspect and be honest about how many of the above qualities describe who we really are. It is no coincidence that the Ummah is in its current state of weakness and fear, at a time when the majority of Muslims have no interest in observing the laws of Allah. Change starts with us, in our own lives and our own homes and it grows from there.

The theme of this Juz is simple: victory and Caliphate will only be given to a generation of true believers and these are the qualities that a true believer needs in order to earn the Help of Allah.


Source: Themes of the Qur'an by Abu Muawiyah Ismail Kamdar