This is Saad Ghamdi reciting Surah 61 of the Quran entitled “As-Saff (The Rows)”.  I taught the 14 ayahs of this surah in my Islamic Studies class this week and have decided to study it because it flows so well, mashallah.  I’m already familiar with many Arabic phrases in it.  For example, “Praise be to Allah,” “Oh you who believe,” “When Musa (Moses) said,” and “underneath which rivers flow.”

Furthermore, it talks about many topics important to me. One, it speaks about Jesus (AS)’s announcement that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is coming, as the the final messager of Allah — a prophecy still in the Bible today, in John Chapter 2.  The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is referred to as the Comforter or Holy Spirit.  Two, Surah As-Saff discusses the idea that no matter how many lies people make about the religion of Islam, the truth will reveal itself.  Finally, three, it mentions the hawariyy - the close friends of Allah (SWT) who lend a hand to the messengers in spreading His message — like the twelve disiples of Jesus (AS).  These people are promised defense from Allah (SWT) against the disbelievers.  

It’s a beautiful surah, full of wisdom.  Now that I’ve studied its meaning with my students, it’s even more beloved to me.  So, I think I can memorize it. Why? Because I know so many phrases in it, it’s only about 2 pages long, and it has a flowing rhythm that’s pleasant to the ear. In the past it’s taken me about about a month to memorize a two-page surah, so insha allah with my knowing so many phrases it’ll take me a little less than a month.  Inshaallah.  However, with my busy teaching schedule, during the week, plus on Sundays, I don’t have much time to memorize — especially along with my other studies like Arabic and English Grammar/Writing.  I’ll probably download it to my iPod, then listen to it on my 25-minute long rides to and from work.  I have no time during the weekdays, so I’ll probably end up memorizing on the weekend — and making lots and lots of dua! I’ll need to rely more on my duas than my own energies given my busy schedule! But that’s just the way it is, I guess.  Alrighty, I guess I’m out for now — gotta so study — happy listening!