Tafseer of Sura Saba - Session Six Questions for Tadabbur 1.What is the best way to argue with non-believers? Do you know any other verses which talk about this? 2.What is Shafa’at, and who will be allowed to do that on the day of Judgment? 3.Compare these verses to the following passages: - 16: : 20-24

Points to Ponder - the fear that will be removed from the hearts - t he lam in verse 23 - the pronouns in verse 23 - both of the groups cannot be right - The Judge, or the Opener - impatience of the human being

Arguing with non-believers Call to the way of Your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and dispute with them in the best manner; surely Your Lord knows best those who go astray from His path, and knows best those who follow the right way. (16:125) And do not abuse those whom they invoke beside Allah, lest they abuse Allah out of hostility, without any knowledge. Thus have we made fair-seeming to every people their deeds, then to their Lord shall be their return and He will inform them concerning what they used to do. (6:108)

Points for successful arguing 1)believe in what you say 2)the aim should be to achieve what is True (Haqq) 3)do not derogate the other party 4)communicate without negativity 5)show respect in words and body language 6)be fair and just 7)get the other person to think 8)do not argue for too long

Intercession Who is it that can intercede with Him except after His permission? (2:255) No intercessor can plead with Him except after His permission (10:3) On that Day, no intercession shall avail, except the one from whom Allah, the most Gracious, has given permission and whose word is acceptable to Him (21:28)

Intercession by Prophets If they who have been unjust to themselves had come to you and asked for Allah’s forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked for forgiveness for them, indeed they would have found Allah All-Forgiving, Merciful. (4:64) [The brothers of Yusuf] said: O our father! Ask forgiveness from Allah for our sins, Indeed we have sinned. He said, ‘I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you. Surely He is all-Forgiving, Merciful. (12:97-98)

Hadith on Intercession From the Holy Prophet (s): Each Prophet before me asked Allah for something which he was granted, and I saved my request until the day of Judgment for intercession on behalf of my nation. My intercession will be for the people who committed the bigger sins (al-Kabair), except shirk and dhulm. The intercessors are five; The Qur’an, near relatives, the trusted ones, your Prophet, and the family of the Prophet.