Ramadan, the spiritual month, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar sets as the new moon is seen at sunset on the western horizon. The month begin when the crescent moon is sighted or when the previous month reaches thirty days. Fasting begins at dawn next morning.
Why Ramadan is called a spiritual month. To understand the reason we need to see the real challenge of the modern age. Man is faced with a bewildering situation today. On one hand he has achieved tremendous material progress created a technological and industrial society, but on the other hand, he has failed to control his own passion and build a human relationship on the foundations of love, sacrifice, trust, piety and service.
There are family problems, social relation problems, economic problem, political problem, international enmity, cultural problem, social injustice and etc.
Man is proud that he has made a new world, but man is ashamed for this new world has failed to make him satisfy or his soul happy. Whatever man has invented he finds his very existence is threatened by the forces of his own creation. He has learned to control his environment but not himself.
Islam has nothing wrong with man’s progress in technology and industrial progress but it shows this material progress cuts off man from his moral progress.
Allah’s (swt) guidance lead to the path of balance, the straight path as in the prayer:
“Rabbana Ataina Fid Dunya Hasana Wa Fil Akirati Hasana”
“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in hereafter”
And this Ramadan is the month where Allah (swt) give man a chance to rectify his faults (moral faults), a chance to uplift our humanity which is inside us and to grow our love, sacrifice, trust, piety and service for our brothers and sisters for human beings of any religion & culture.
Now what do we understand by “chance” for instance:
Lets take a look at the business world. In summer time we see lots of advertisements of cold drinks, air coolers, freeze, fan, sun block creams, summer collection dresses & etc
In Rainy season we see advertisements of umbrella, rain coats& etc. In winter we see advertisements of room heater, water heater, moisturizing cream & etc.
For what reason they give advertisement 1) a chance to sell the product 2) an opportunity or right time to sell and make profit.
So Ramadan is one kind of chance given by Allah (swt) to us to do something good so that Allah (swt) gives us good in this life and also in hereafter.
But one most important thing, unlike business world where season, time or opportunity changes the business policy; the spirit of Ramadan should not change it should be same through out all the 12 months. What good works we do in Ramadan we should keep on doing it till next Ramadan so that it becomes our habit.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
PREDESTINATION
Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our protector": and on Allah let the believers put their trust. (9:51)
No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: that is truly easy for Allah: (57:22)
No kind of calamity can occur except by the leave of Allah: and if anyone believes in Allah (Allah) guides his heart (aright): for Allah knows all things. (64:11)
The belief in destiny and predestination is deeply attached in the life of Muslims. The belief in a completely laid-back philosophy type of life without any plan of one’s own is sometimes, however, accepted by the general population. Yet this ignorant and passive attitude has its foundation not in Islam but in personal belief.
.......... Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls)........ (13:11)
Many saying remind us of the absolute will of Allah (swt). The word we use frequently Insha Allah (If Allah wills) indicate a person’s hope that a wish or a planned purpose corresponds to Allah (swt) will and thus be successful.
Nor say of anything "I shall be sure to do so and so tomorrow" Without adding "If Allah so wills!".....(18:23-24)
Another saying that reminds us of Allah’s (swt) omnipotence and of predestination is “La haula wa la quwata illa billah” (There is no power, no might but from Allah). We often use this sentence when we suffers a any kind of misfortune. This sentence reminds us of all-encompassing ruling power of Allah(swt). It helps us to become more patient and to put the situation in proper perspective.
Muslims are always conscious of the fact that a situation which appears hopeless is only to be considered miserable in the context of present situation. This hopeless situation can be regarded in the long run as a valuable experience or success :
But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth and ye know not. (2:216)
Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.
Who say when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah we belong and to Him is our return."(2:155-156)
In Islam there is no theology of suffering. Disease and suffering are either understood as a test by Allah (swt) or as a punishment for sins committed:
He Who created Death and Life that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might Oft-Forgiving (67:2)
Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial: to Us must ye return. (21.35)
and when some evil afflicts them because of what their (own) hands have sent forth behold they are in despair(30:36)
Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned that (Allah) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil)(30:41)
But in whatever form the tribulation or punishment takes, the person should not become desperate. Instead, the person should rely on the mercy of Allah (swt) and grow from the situation.
On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns and it suffers every ill that it earns.(2:286)
.....nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful.(4:29)
Therefore one must assume that strokes of fate are what is meant by the notion of predestination. Unexpected unfortunate occurrence over which an individual has no control are part of this concept. However, so are unforeseen good actions or consequences in life. These include lucky coincidence, attaining a highly honored position in society due to fortune or family, special talents. Yet one must realize that these privileges are accompanied by a great deal of responsibility, for even knowledge and just power can be misused.
Thus Prophet Solomon (AS) was conscious of the particular responsibility that his wisdom and power demanded:
So he smiled amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favors which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: and admit me by Thy Grace to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants. (27:19)
No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: that is truly easy for Allah: (57:22)
No kind of calamity can occur except by the leave of Allah: and if anyone believes in Allah (Allah) guides his heart (aright): for Allah knows all things. (64:11)
The belief in destiny and predestination is deeply attached in the life of Muslims. The belief in a completely laid-back philosophy type of life without any plan of one’s own is sometimes, however, accepted by the general population. Yet this ignorant and passive attitude has its foundation not in Islam but in personal belief.
.......... Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls)........ (13:11)
Many saying remind us of the absolute will of Allah (swt). The word we use frequently Insha Allah (If Allah wills) indicate a person’s hope that a wish or a planned purpose corresponds to Allah (swt) will and thus be successful.
Nor say of anything "I shall be sure to do so and so tomorrow" Without adding "If Allah so wills!".....(18:23-24)
Another saying that reminds us of Allah’s (swt) omnipotence and of predestination is “La haula wa la quwata illa billah” (There is no power, no might but from Allah). We often use this sentence when we suffers a any kind of misfortune. This sentence reminds us of all-encompassing ruling power of Allah(swt). It helps us to become more patient and to put the situation in proper perspective.
Muslims are always conscious of the fact that a situation which appears hopeless is only to be considered miserable in the context of present situation. This hopeless situation can be regarded in the long run as a valuable experience or success :
But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth and ye know not. (2:216)
Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.
Who say when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah we belong and to Him is our return."(2:155-156)
In Islam there is no theology of suffering. Disease and suffering are either understood as a test by Allah (swt) or as a punishment for sins committed:
He Who created Death and Life that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might Oft-Forgiving (67:2)
Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial: to Us must ye return. (21.35)
and when some evil afflicts them because of what their (own) hands have sent forth behold they are in despair(30:36)
Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned that (Allah) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil)(30:41)
But in whatever form the tribulation or punishment takes, the person should not become desperate. Instead, the person should rely on the mercy of Allah (swt) and grow from the situation.
On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns and it suffers every ill that it earns.(2:286)
.....nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful.(4:29)
Therefore one must assume that strokes of fate are what is meant by the notion of predestination. Unexpected unfortunate occurrence over which an individual has no control are part of this concept. However, so are unforeseen good actions or consequences in life. These include lucky coincidence, attaining a highly honored position in society due to fortune or family, special talents. Yet one must realize that these privileges are accompanied by a great deal of responsibility, for even knowledge and just power can be misused.
Thus Prophet Solomon (AS) was conscious of the particular responsibility that his wisdom and power demanded:
So he smiled amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favors which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: and admit me by Thy Grace to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants. (27:19)
A VERSE TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS
Today, where the Muslim ummah stands. As war on Islam intensifies we are doing nothing but seeing it on our TV channels (BBC , CNN & others who are masters in deceptions) and newspaper owned and controlled by the greedy elite. The war waged by the godless state is making us believe that by doing this they will establish democracy and justice.
Does war, sanctions, killings, target killing, non military activity (by CIA, Mossad, MI-5, RAW) will bring peace, democracy & justice. The more the blood flows in the street of Muslims countries the more things gets out of control.
The Quran has a very good solution to over come this problem. It is not only the establishment of Khilafat but it is something that we have to work in our on personal level. Because the war/problem in the Muslim ummah has not remained only on the State level it has now attacked the personal level, each Muslims are target by the weapon of “Shirk” to try to destroy our faith. They would use this weapon of Shirk with awesome deception in such a way that it would be very difficult for anyone to recognize the attack of Shirk The west by their media is reaching every Muslims and communities presenting a way of life (consists of drugs, sex, violence, illegal relationships etc) and making them look very cool and smart. These things are killing Muslim ummah, family bond, social structure and brotherhood from the root.
So what is the solution :
Allah commands to do Al-Adl and Al-Ihsan and giving (help) to kith and kin and He forbids Al-Fasha and Al-Munkar and Al-Baghy: He instructs you that ye may receive admonition. (16:90)
This is the most comprehensive verse of the Quran where the essence of the entire range of Islamic teachings has been condensed into a few words.
Here Allah (swt) bids three things :
1) Al-Adl (Justice)
2) Al-Ihsan (to make something Good)
3) Giving Help to kith and Kin
And forbids three things :
1) Al Fasha (Shameful acts)
2) Al-Munkar (Evil deeds)
3) Al-Bagby (Oppression)
Al-Adl (Justice) :
We are asked to do justice. The Justice between my self and Lord-God (to give priority to the rights/laws of Allah over the pleasure of my self in running after my own desire.)
To do justice to oneself. That is to protect himself from all challenges (desire for power, wealth, fame, lifestyle publicized by western media, earning money by interests) which brings physical and spiritual destruction. Be content and satisfied observing patience and avoid putting unnecessary burden on oneself without valid excuse.
To do justice between oneself and the rest of the Allah’s creation (unlike the western world waging unjust war on Islam , banning of Muslim head scarf in France drawing carton of Muhammad (sm), joking with Verse of the Quran and also playing the with environment of the earth). One should deal with whole creation in a supportive spirit wishing well, doing good, having sympathy. never betray anyone in any transactions whether minor or major, demand justice for everyone and see to it that no human beings, animals, the earth we live in is hurt by anything said or done by him.
Al-Ihsan (to make something Good) :
The meaning Ihsan given by Muhammad (sm) in the hadith of Jibrail is: Worship Allah as if you are seeing Allah. And if you cannot imagine Divine presence at this level, then each person must have at least this much certainty that Allah is seeing what he/she is doing. The reason is that it is a part of faith in Islam that not any single atom of this world can stay outside the reach of knowledge of Allah.
Ihsan not only covers the better in act of worship but it also covers the betterment of all deeds, morals and habbits seeing that they come out right and to be good to the whole creation of Allah whether Muslim or non-Muslim, human or animal.
Giving Help to kith and Kin
Allah command us to give help with all that Allah has ordered us to give them e.g, helping them financially, visiting them when sick, looking after them when in need, giving verbal support and sympathy or any other kind of help.
But before this we have to understand the degree of kinship: fist of all, our parents, then our offspring, then our bothers and sisters, then our paternal uncles and aunts (from our father’s side), then our maternal uncles and aunts (from our mother’s side) and then other relatives.
Al Fasha (Shameful acts)
This refers to such evil word or deed the evil of which is all too open and clear and which everyone considers bad (illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right).
Al-Munkar (Evil deeds)
This refers to words or deeds the unlawfulness or impermissibility of which is agreed upon by the well-recognized authentic exponents of Islamic Law. All that runs counter to reason.
Al-Bagby (Oppression)
This refers to oppression, transgression that which reaches the outer limits of mutual hostility, even armed confrontation, or it could go still further and cause international disorder (what we are now facing due to unjust war on Iraq and Afghanistan).
These six Commands if followed by any State, Government, Country or if every human beings in the earth despite of his color, race and religion I believe Inshallah there will not be any more problem left in the world.
These commands if pondered upon- an elixir for the perfect prosperity of man’s individual and collective life.
May Allah bless us all with the ability to follow them.
Does war, sanctions, killings, target killing, non military activity (by CIA, Mossad, MI-5, RAW) will bring peace, democracy & justice. The more the blood flows in the street of Muslims countries the more things gets out of control.
The Quran has a very good solution to over come this problem. It is not only the establishment of Khilafat but it is something that we have to work in our on personal level. Because the war/problem in the Muslim ummah has not remained only on the State level it has now attacked the personal level, each Muslims are target by the weapon of “Shirk” to try to destroy our faith. They would use this weapon of Shirk with awesome deception in such a way that it would be very difficult for anyone to recognize the attack of Shirk The west by their media is reaching every Muslims and communities presenting a way of life (consists of drugs, sex, violence, illegal relationships etc) and making them look very cool and smart. These things are killing Muslim ummah, family bond, social structure and brotherhood from the root.
So what is the solution :
Allah commands to do Al-Adl and Al-Ihsan and giving (help) to kith and kin and He forbids Al-Fasha and Al-Munkar and Al-Baghy: He instructs you that ye may receive admonition. (16:90)
This is the most comprehensive verse of the Quran where the essence of the entire range of Islamic teachings has been condensed into a few words.
Here Allah (swt) bids three things :
1) Al-Adl (Justice)
2) Al-Ihsan (to make something Good)
3) Giving Help to kith and Kin
And forbids three things :
1) Al Fasha (Shameful acts)
2) Al-Munkar (Evil deeds)
3) Al-Bagby (Oppression)
Al-Adl (Justice) :
We are asked to do justice. The Justice between my self and Lord-God (to give priority to the rights/laws of Allah over the pleasure of my self in running after my own desire.)
To do justice to oneself. That is to protect himself from all challenges (desire for power, wealth, fame, lifestyle publicized by western media, earning money by interests) which brings physical and spiritual destruction. Be content and satisfied observing patience and avoid putting unnecessary burden on oneself without valid excuse.
To do justice between oneself and the rest of the Allah’s creation (unlike the western world waging unjust war on Islam , banning of Muslim head scarf in France drawing carton of Muhammad (sm), joking with Verse of the Quran and also playing the with environment of the earth). One should deal with whole creation in a supportive spirit wishing well, doing good, having sympathy. never betray anyone in any transactions whether minor or major, demand justice for everyone and see to it that no human beings, animals, the earth we live in is hurt by anything said or done by him.
Al-Ihsan (to make something Good) :
The meaning Ihsan given by Muhammad (sm) in the hadith of Jibrail is: Worship Allah as if you are seeing Allah. And if you cannot imagine Divine presence at this level, then each person must have at least this much certainty that Allah is seeing what he/she is doing. The reason is that it is a part of faith in Islam that not any single atom of this world can stay outside the reach of knowledge of Allah.
Ihsan not only covers the better in act of worship but it also covers the betterment of all deeds, morals and habbits seeing that they come out right and to be good to the whole creation of Allah whether Muslim or non-Muslim, human or animal.
Giving Help to kith and Kin
Allah command us to give help with all that Allah has ordered us to give them e.g, helping them financially, visiting them when sick, looking after them when in need, giving verbal support and sympathy or any other kind of help.
But before this we have to understand the degree of kinship: fist of all, our parents, then our offspring, then our bothers and sisters, then our paternal uncles and aunts (from our father’s side), then our maternal uncles and aunts (from our mother’s side) and then other relatives.
Al Fasha (Shameful acts)
This refers to such evil word or deed the evil of which is all too open and clear and which everyone considers bad (illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right).
Al-Munkar (Evil deeds)
This refers to words or deeds the unlawfulness or impermissibility of which is agreed upon by the well-recognized authentic exponents of Islamic Law. All that runs counter to reason.
Al-Bagby (Oppression)
This refers to oppression, transgression that which reaches the outer limits of mutual hostility, even armed confrontation, or it could go still further and cause international disorder (what we are now facing due to unjust war on Iraq and Afghanistan).
These six Commands if followed by any State, Government, Country or if every human beings in the earth despite of his color, race and religion I believe Inshallah there will not be any more problem left in the world.
These commands if pondered upon- an elixir for the perfect prosperity of man’s individual and collective life.
May Allah bless us all with the ability to follow them.
MA AL HAQ
Allah (swt) is asking us : MA AL HAQ or What is the Truth? Have we ever actually gave a thought to His question.
The Sure Reality!
What is the Sure Reality?
And what will make thee realize what the Sure Reality is? (69:1-3)
The awareness of the ultimate reality is beyond human sense perception no answer is given to this question. Allah (swt) has given us this Quran , His Verses, His Signs to those who thinks, who reflects, who considers.
Thus doth Allah make clear (His) sign to you that you may give thought (2:226)
There are two types of verses or ayats are in the Quran 1) Substantive 2) Allegoric.
Substantive verses are : Commands, Duties, Laws that which we can understand by our sense perception.
Allegoric verse are : That which we cannot understand by our sense perception. e.g Throne of Allah, Akirat, Day of Judgment, Heaven and Hell, Spirits, Angles, the Unseen (2:3), essence of Allah (swt) etc.
Reality is a question that meet us in our search for truth. We, Muslims describe Allah (swt) by 99 Names or Attributes one of which is Al –Haqq : The Truth or The Real.
Allah ask us this question to make us think about our theoretical capacity to understand reality. The last two verse of the same surah states:
But verily it (the Quran) is Truth of assured certainty.
So glorify the name of thy Lord Most High. (69:51-52)
If we compare the last verses with the first of same surah that which raises the very issue of reality- focus our attention on our process of realizing truth and our sense of certainty about it, a reality that would work for us.
How do we humans judge? We judge by evidence and seeing. And it is like seeing is believing. But we do not see God by our eyes and when someone (from any three monotheistic religion) point out to us that this is the truth and this the way to reach the truth we almost certainly turn our back on it. what is meaningful to us is our own individual process of realizing the truth. We are less attracted to God as He knows Himself than to our own individual process of realizing the truth.
This is because each of us carries within himself a picture of reality. The picture or the shell (our own concept of friends, family, lovers spouse, employers, employees etc) when it is removed we are brought into contact with a larger perception of “reality”.
We can neither embrace reality nor see it the way it sees itself.
Some Islamic scholars had said that this reality is the Hereafter the Day of Resurrection and Judgment.
Allah (swt) states :
It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in truth (6.73)
We have to seek to see or know what can of reality through our 5 sense perception, we must strive to see the world as Allah (swt) want us to sees it. And for this He has given us His Signs, He has given us The Truth i.e The Quran through which we can guide our self. The Quran is part of the ultimate Truth which Allah (swt) has given us by which we can take knowledge, wisdom and the guidance to reach closer to the Ultimate Truth.
Thus doth Allah make his signs clear to you: that ye may be guided (3:103)
And our Prophet Muhammad (sm) has shown the way (his sunnah) that how to take Guidance from the Quran and Signs of Allah (swt).
He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad (sm)) has indeed obeyed Allah.... (4:80)
They said: "Glory to Thee of knowledge we have none save that Thou hast taught us: in truth it is Thou who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom." (2:32)
Say: "Of your `partners' is there any that can give any guidance towards Truth?" Say: "It is Allah Who gives guidance towards Truth. Is then He Who gives guidance to Truth more worthy to be followed or he who finds not guidance (himself) unless he is guided? What then is the matter with you? How judge ye?" (10:35)
The Sure Reality!
What is the Sure Reality?
And what will make thee realize what the Sure Reality is? (69:1-3)
The awareness of the ultimate reality is beyond human sense perception no answer is given to this question. Allah (swt) has given us this Quran , His Verses, His Signs to those who thinks, who reflects, who considers.
Thus doth Allah make clear (His) sign to you that you may give thought (2:226)
There are two types of verses or ayats are in the Quran 1) Substantive 2) Allegoric.
Substantive verses are : Commands, Duties, Laws that which we can understand by our sense perception.
Allegoric verse are : That which we cannot understand by our sense perception. e.g Throne of Allah, Akirat, Day of Judgment, Heaven and Hell, Spirits, Angles, the Unseen (2:3), essence of Allah (swt) etc.
Reality is a question that meet us in our search for truth. We, Muslims describe Allah (swt) by 99 Names or Attributes one of which is Al –Haqq : The Truth or The Real.
Allah ask us this question to make us think about our theoretical capacity to understand reality. The last two verse of the same surah states:
But verily it (the Quran) is Truth of assured certainty.
So glorify the name of thy Lord Most High. (69:51-52)
If we compare the last verses with the first of same surah that which raises the very issue of reality- focus our attention on our process of realizing truth and our sense of certainty about it, a reality that would work for us.
How do we humans judge? We judge by evidence and seeing. And it is like seeing is believing. But we do not see God by our eyes and when someone (from any three monotheistic religion) point out to us that this is the truth and this the way to reach the truth we almost certainly turn our back on it. what is meaningful to us is our own individual process of realizing the truth. We are less attracted to God as He knows Himself than to our own individual process of realizing the truth.
This is because each of us carries within himself a picture of reality. The picture or the shell (our own concept of friends, family, lovers spouse, employers, employees etc) when it is removed we are brought into contact with a larger perception of “reality”.
We can neither embrace reality nor see it the way it sees itself.
Some Islamic scholars had said that this reality is the Hereafter the Day of Resurrection and Judgment.
Allah (swt) states :
It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in truth (6.73)
We have to seek to see or know what can of reality through our 5 sense perception, we must strive to see the world as Allah (swt) want us to sees it. And for this He has given us His Signs, He has given us The Truth i.e The Quran through which we can guide our self. The Quran is part of the ultimate Truth which Allah (swt) has given us by which we can take knowledge, wisdom and the guidance to reach closer to the Ultimate Truth.
Thus doth Allah make his signs clear to you: that ye may be guided (3:103)
And our Prophet Muhammad (sm) has shown the way (his sunnah) that how to take Guidance from the Quran and Signs of Allah (swt).
He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad (sm)) has indeed obeyed Allah.... (4:80)
They said: "Glory to Thee of knowledge we have none save that Thou hast taught us: in truth it is Thou who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom." (2:32)
Say: "Of your `partners' is there any that can give any guidance towards Truth?" Say: "It is Allah Who gives guidance towards Truth. Is then He Who gives guidance to Truth more worthy to be followed or he who finds not guidance (himself) unless he is guided? What then is the matter with you? How judge ye?" (10:35)
WHY WAS QURAN NOT RELEAVED IN ONE PIECE AND WHY IT WAS REAVLED IN ARABIC?
Those who reject Faith say: "Why is not the Qur'an revealed to him all at once?" Thus (it is send down in parts) that We may strengthen your heart thereby and We have revealed it to you in slow well-arranged stages gradually (25:32)
And no question do they bring to thee but We reveal to thee the truth and the best explanation (thereof) (25:33)
Allah (swt) mentions us about the question that was faced by Prophet Muhammad (sm) and his companions 1400 years ago and still now we are facing this question.
From the above mentioned ayat we see reason for gradual revelation.
1) To strength your heart : The task Prophet Muhammad (sm) had was very tough, he had to win the Arab nation and through them the whole world to Islam. And this required patience consistency and firmness. As his task progressed different situations & difficulties were raised and the ayats were revealed as solutions to those situation.
2) Questions put answers given : When questions raised surrounding an event the answers came in the form of revelation (not only for that situation but from the general stand point). Through the process of situation & solution based revelations the Quran penetrated the human intelligence and shaped man’s practical conduct.
Allah (swt) sent the book together with a guide. That guide first addressed a particular nation in whose language the book came. Then, according to the prescriptions laid in the book, he educated them, purified them, gave them practical training, and completely reshaped their lives in a full social revolution. Then he charged them with this responsibility that they, on his behalf, would transmit this guidance to other nations, educate them, purify them, train them, and reshape their lives the same way as he had done to them. Thus, once one nation adopts this ideal, it would bear the responsibility of taking it to other nations. This was the natural way for universalizing that teaching and guidance. Every great movement of the world that wanted to universalize it’s teaching had adopted this same method, be that a movement to establish God’s way or any other type of movement.
When these sorts of question are asked we need to understand one basic point and that is: for guiding the humanity, Allah (swt) does not adopt a method that would require an alteration in the natural workings and systems of the universe. The variety of languages, and due to that the emergence of various small and large ethnic groups – all this is but a natural phenomenon which came into existence by the will of Allah (swt). And in this are lot of benefits and goodness that Allah (swt) would not want to destroy. Yes, He is the Almighty, but He is also the Wise. In His universe, things are running under a perfect set of laws and principles. Due to these principles, variance between languages, cultures, and traditions emerges. Even if Allah (swt) had created some separate type of language, that still could not have been the mother tongue of all nationalities, nor could the literature in that language affect and influence the minds of all people on earth. They would not have appreciated the beauty of that language [like one appreciates his mother tongue]. If Allah (swt) – by some supernatural way – eliminated all the mother tongues of all people and then imposed, supernaturally, one language on the entire humanity, then that is a different matter. However, since one action of Allah (swt) does not come to nullify another action of His, He has sent guidance to the humanity while sustaining the natural systems and frameworks of all languages.
And no question do they bring to thee but We reveal to thee the truth and the best explanation (thereof) (25:33)
Allah (swt) mentions us about the question that was faced by Prophet Muhammad (sm) and his companions 1400 years ago and still now we are facing this question.
From the above mentioned ayat we see reason for gradual revelation.
1) To strength your heart : The task Prophet Muhammad (sm) had was very tough, he had to win the Arab nation and through them the whole world to Islam. And this required patience consistency and firmness. As his task progressed different situations & difficulties were raised and the ayats were revealed as solutions to those situation.
2) Questions put answers given : When questions raised surrounding an event the answers came in the form of revelation (not only for that situation but from the general stand point). Through the process of situation & solution based revelations the Quran penetrated the human intelligence and shaped man’s practical conduct.
Allah (swt) sent the book together with a guide. That guide first addressed a particular nation in whose language the book came. Then, according to the prescriptions laid in the book, he educated them, purified them, gave them practical training, and completely reshaped their lives in a full social revolution. Then he charged them with this responsibility that they, on his behalf, would transmit this guidance to other nations, educate them, purify them, train them, and reshape their lives the same way as he had done to them. Thus, once one nation adopts this ideal, it would bear the responsibility of taking it to other nations. This was the natural way for universalizing that teaching and guidance. Every great movement of the world that wanted to universalize it’s teaching had adopted this same method, be that a movement to establish God’s way or any other type of movement.
When these sorts of question are asked we need to understand one basic point and that is: for guiding the humanity, Allah (swt) does not adopt a method that would require an alteration in the natural workings and systems of the universe. The variety of languages, and due to that the emergence of various small and large ethnic groups – all this is but a natural phenomenon which came into existence by the will of Allah (swt). And in this are lot of benefits and goodness that Allah (swt) would not want to destroy. Yes, He is the Almighty, but He is also the Wise. In His universe, things are running under a perfect set of laws and principles. Due to these principles, variance between languages, cultures, and traditions emerges. Even if Allah (swt) had created some separate type of language, that still could not have been the mother tongue of all nationalities, nor could the literature in that language affect and influence the minds of all people on earth. They would not have appreciated the beauty of that language [like one appreciates his mother tongue]. If Allah (swt) – by some supernatural way – eliminated all the mother tongues of all people and then imposed, supernaturally, one language on the entire humanity, then that is a different matter. However, since one action of Allah (swt) does not come to nullify another action of His, He has sent guidance to the humanity while sustaining the natural systems and frameworks of all languages.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
QURAN vs MUHAMMAD (SM)
Through out the world especially in non-Muslim circle there has been an constant debate arising from misconception that Quran is Muhammad(SM) sayings. And the Islamic scholars have done an excellent job (from the Muslim point of view) to clarify the misconception. And some agreed ,some did not.
My idea to write this article in a very debating/competing sort of title is to put a picture how non-Muslims try to divide us by creating confusion between the young generations of the Muslim ummah. I am not putting any non-Muslims point of view here. But I will, Inshallah ,try to put some points which will help my brothers & sister to reflect on those points and load themselves with an answer so that they can fire at the questioner instantly.
First lets put three arguments :
1) Muhammad’s (sm) saying is Quran
2) Someone else said to Muhammad (sm)and he said it to us.
3) Quran is the Word of Allah.
For the first argument : Muhammad’s (sm) saying is Quran
Quran itself is claiming that Quran is not Muhammad’s (SM) word, it is from Allah
“This Qur'an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah; on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it (i.e Torah & Gospel) and a fuller explanation of the Book wherein there is no doubt from the Lord of the Worlds” (10:37)
From the above ayat we see two things: A) the wisdom inherent in the Quran rule out any possibility of its having been composed by any human being. B) The Quranic message in meant to confirm, and give final formulation to, the truths which have been conveyed to man through long succession of prophets: truths which have been wrongly interpreted, deliberately omitted or a partial or even total lose of original text
From a Hadith Narrated by Abu Hurairah(RA): The Prophet (SM) said, “There was no Prophet among the Prophets but was given miracles because of which people had security or had belief, but what I have been given in the Divine Revelation which Allah has revealed to me. So I hope that my followers will be more than those of any other Prophets on the Day of Resurrection (Sahih Al-bukhari,vol.9 Hadith no.379)
“It is We Who have sent down the Qur'an to thee {Muhammad (sm)} by stages” (76:23)
When We recite Quran we very often find the Word “Qul” (say) before the beginning to any verse.
Say: "I do no more than invoke my Lord and I join not with Him any (false god)." 72:20
Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm or to bring you to right conduct." 72:21
Say: "No one can deliver me from Allah (if I were to disobey Him) nor should I find refuge except in Him. 72:22
"Unless I proclaim what I receive from Allah and His Messages: for any that disobey and His Apostle for them is Hell: they shall dwell therein forever." 72:23
And also the last three Suras of the Quran. Now if Muhammad (SM) is saying then he won’t be adding Qul (say)in the verse. Definitely Someone said this to him and that Someone is Allah (swt).
If we look at the life & wealth of Prophet Muhammad(SM) before the Nabuwat, during the Nabuwat and at the end of the Nabuwat. We can easily see the difference. Before the revelation of the First Ayat he was very much well established in Mecca with good a business and he was very trustworthy and praiseworthy among the Meccans.
When Nabuwat came and Allah commanded him to preach, the Chosen Religion Al-Islam then his life of this world became very bitter, sorrow, suffering and persecution. He lost his business had to leave his homeland. And for 23 years he had to face this. And on the day of his death his only assets were a few coins, a part of which went to satisfy debt and the rest was given to a needy person who came to his house for charity. The clothes in which he breathed his last had many patches. The house from where light had spread to the world was in darkness because there was no oil in the lamp.
From Quran we get the internal evidence that Quran is not Muhammad’s (SM) words. And he himself has said this in the above mentioned hadith and from his life we can also see what materialistic benefits he got by doing this.
For the Second Argument: Someone else said to Muhammad (sm)and he said it to us
If Someone else has said or taught Muhammad (SM) the Quran then Allah (SWT) challenges man in the following verse :
“And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant then produce a Surah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah if your (doubts) are true.” 2:23
“Or do they say "He forged it"? Say: "Bring then a Surah like unto it and call (to your aid) anyone you can besides Allah if it be ye speak the truth!” ” 10:38
“Or they may say "He forged it." Say "Bring ye then ten Surahs forged like unto it and call (to your aid) whomsoever ye can other than Allah! if ye speak the truth!”11:13
“Say: "If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur'an they could not produce the like thereof even if they backed up each other with help and support.” 17:88
From the above mentioned verse we see that the world is challenged to produce a book like it / if not then at least 10 surah / if not then only 1 surah (the smallest surah in Quran contains only 3verse). But the world has not produced one.
In Quran there are ample of scientific indications which was not possible during that period of the time. None of the verse in the Quran are opposing to science and we must remember Quran is not book of science it is the book of SIGNS.
We can now see clearly see that the first two Arguments :
1) Muhammad’s (sm) saying is Quran
2) Someone else said to Muhammad (sm)and he said it to us
Are eliminated the Last Argument Quran is the Word of Allah is established
Muhammad(SM) is Slave of Allah , the unlettered Prophet; a blank page set before the divine pen. On this page there is no mark made by any other pen, no trace of profane or indirect knowledge. A Prophet does not borrow knowledge from the human store, nor is he a man who learns in the slow human way and then transmits his learning.
My idea to write this article in a very debating/competing sort of title is to put a picture how non-Muslims try to divide us by creating confusion between the young generations of the Muslim ummah. I am not putting any non-Muslims point of view here. But I will, Inshallah ,try to put some points which will help my brothers & sister to reflect on those points and load themselves with an answer so that they can fire at the questioner instantly.
First lets put three arguments :
1) Muhammad’s (sm) saying is Quran
2) Someone else said to Muhammad (sm)and he said it to us.
3) Quran is the Word of Allah.
For the first argument : Muhammad’s (sm) saying is Quran
Quran itself is claiming that Quran is not Muhammad’s (SM) word, it is from Allah
“This Qur'an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah; on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it (i.e Torah & Gospel) and a fuller explanation of the Book wherein there is no doubt from the Lord of the Worlds” (10:37)
From the above ayat we see two things: A) the wisdom inherent in the Quran rule out any possibility of its having been composed by any human being. B) The Quranic message in meant to confirm, and give final formulation to, the truths which have been conveyed to man through long succession of prophets: truths which have been wrongly interpreted, deliberately omitted or a partial or even total lose of original text
From a Hadith Narrated by Abu Hurairah(RA): The Prophet (SM) said, “There was no Prophet among the Prophets but was given miracles because of which people had security or had belief, but what I have been given in the Divine Revelation which Allah has revealed to me. So I hope that my followers will be more than those of any other Prophets on the Day of Resurrection (Sahih Al-bukhari,vol.9 Hadith no.379)
“It is We Who have sent down the Qur'an to thee {Muhammad (sm)} by stages” (76:23)
When We recite Quran we very often find the Word “Qul” (say) before the beginning to any verse.
Say: "I do no more than invoke my Lord and I join not with Him any (false god)." 72:20
Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm or to bring you to right conduct." 72:21
Say: "No one can deliver me from Allah (if I were to disobey Him) nor should I find refuge except in Him. 72:22
"Unless I proclaim what I receive from Allah and His Messages: for any that disobey and His Apostle for them is Hell: they shall dwell therein forever." 72:23
And also the last three Suras of the Quran. Now if Muhammad (SM) is saying then he won’t be adding Qul (say)in the verse. Definitely Someone said this to him and that Someone is Allah (swt).
If we look at the life & wealth of Prophet Muhammad(SM) before the Nabuwat, during the Nabuwat and at the end of the Nabuwat. We can easily see the difference. Before the revelation of the First Ayat he was very much well established in Mecca with good a business and he was very trustworthy and praiseworthy among the Meccans.
When Nabuwat came and Allah commanded him to preach, the Chosen Religion Al-Islam then his life of this world became very bitter, sorrow, suffering and persecution. He lost his business had to leave his homeland. And for 23 years he had to face this. And on the day of his death his only assets were a few coins, a part of which went to satisfy debt and the rest was given to a needy person who came to his house for charity. The clothes in which he breathed his last had many patches. The house from where light had spread to the world was in darkness because there was no oil in the lamp.
From Quran we get the internal evidence that Quran is not Muhammad’s (SM) words. And he himself has said this in the above mentioned hadith and from his life we can also see what materialistic benefits he got by doing this.
For the Second Argument: Someone else said to Muhammad (sm)and he said it to us
If Someone else has said or taught Muhammad (SM) the Quran then Allah (SWT) challenges man in the following verse :
“And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant then produce a Surah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah if your (doubts) are true.” 2:23
“Or do they say "He forged it"? Say: "Bring then a Surah like unto it and call (to your aid) anyone you can besides Allah if it be ye speak the truth!” ” 10:38
“Or they may say "He forged it." Say "Bring ye then ten Surahs forged like unto it and call (to your aid) whomsoever ye can other than Allah! if ye speak the truth!”11:13
“Say: "If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur'an they could not produce the like thereof even if they backed up each other with help and support.” 17:88
From the above mentioned verse we see that the world is challenged to produce a book like it / if not then at least 10 surah / if not then only 1 surah (the smallest surah in Quran contains only 3verse). But the world has not produced one.
In Quran there are ample of scientific indications which was not possible during that period of the time. None of the verse in the Quran are opposing to science and we must remember Quran is not book of science it is the book of SIGNS.
We can now see clearly see that the first two Arguments :
1) Muhammad’s (sm) saying is Quran
2) Someone else said to Muhammad (sm)and he said it to us
Are eliminated the Last Argument Quran is the Word of Allah is established
Muhammad(SM) is Slave of Allah , the unlettered Prophet; a blank page set before the divine pen. On this page there is no mark made by any other pen, no trace of profane or indirect knowledge. A Prophet does not borrow knowledge from the human store, nor is he a man who learns in the slow human way and then transmits his learning.
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