Messages

76

General Discussions / Re: Ismaeel or Ishaaq (PBUT)

« on: September 10, 2018, 03:34:14 AM »

Assalamu 3alykum

Dear Br. Athman

I apologize for a wrong assumption on my behalf as I realized you did notice the theme of the verse to be that of wisdom and foreknowledge. 

After all, the narration here captures the incident while progressing on a particular theme, not the theme of ‘justified killing’ per se but that of 'wisdom and foreknowledge' granted to some of God’s chosen servants (72:26-27).

Dear Br. Student

You should read this brilliant article(Masha'Allah) below[1] as I really think it will help you to determine if the dream of prophet Abraham(pbuh) was from the Almighty God or not and will aid you Insha'Allah to understand how at times prophets and messengers may of received inspiration.

You will notice that possibly even they had to discern at times between inspirations that they received. Were the inspiration from the Almighty Lord or the whispers of the evil ones? (May The Almighty Lord protect us from the evil ones Insha'Allah)

For example even prophet Muhammad(pbuh) was asked not to doubt what is being revealed to him.

10:94 So if you are in doubt, [O Muhammad], about that which We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you. The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so never be among the doubters.

However its clear that Gods messages will always be established despite the strategies of the evil ones.

22.52 "And We did not send a messenger or a prophet before you, but, when he desired, Satan threw (proposed / suggested) something into his desire: but God abolishes what Satan throws (proposes / suggests) and God will confirm (and establish) His signs / verses. And God is All-Knower, All-Wise”

Hope that helps Insha'Allah


Dear Br. Joseph

Its always a pleasure to hear from you . May God bless you and your family as well.

Asalamu 3alykum


[1]HOW DID GOD'S AGENTS (PROPHETS & MESSENGERS) RECEIVE INSPIRATIONS?
http://quransmessage.com/articles/inspiration%20FM3.htm

77

General Discussions / Re: Ismaeel or Ishaaq (PBUT)

« on: September 09, 2018, 12:36:31 PM »

Asalamu 3alykum Br. Athman

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I really enjoyed reading your responses and found them very convincing Masha'Allah.

The only part I would have to kindly and respectively not fully agree is this:

As for the ‘preemptive killing’ in 18:74, one immediately notes from the Qur'anic narrative that it was not arbitrary but qualified. The boy would have been an overburden to his parents into ‘transgression’ (thwughyanan) and disbelief (kufr). In my opinion, this would amount to dire ‘fitnah' to the parents, a possible equivalent of a 'fasad' to the wider society/ in the land. After all, the narration here captures the incident while progressing on a particular theme, not the theme of ‘justified killing’ per se but that of 'wisdom and foreknowledge' granted to some of God’s chosen servants (72:26-27).

“And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared that he would overburden them by transgression and disbelief. So we intended that their Lord should substitute for them one better than him in purity and nearer to mercy.” (Qur’an, Al-Kahf 18:80-81)

One thing from the many messages and wisdom that can be extracted from this narrative, is that only God knows why things happen.

Of course the parents of the boy would of never seen the burden and transgressions of the child and would of cried for him like any other parent would of for their child and would not of known the future.

But God is relating a narrative that gives the message that not always what seems wrong is wrong and that there is times that something has to happen so that things work out the way God plans and to help His righteous servants and to trial them.

Also the commands were not ordered to prophet Moses(pbuh).

It is possibly and most likely not a human. As we know Angels are presented at times as Humans.

Also the servant had revealed that " I did it not upon my own command" 18:82.

So I do find that God has always ordered "Justice" to His creation. What The Almighty God commands and does is not the same as what humans do. God also makes it clear that He commands

16:90 Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.



Other than that I think you had done a great job explaining the topic. Mash'Allah. May God bless you

Salam 

78

Islamic Duties / Re: Prayer

« on: September 07, 2018, 11:59:19 AM »

Asalamu 3alykum

Thank you for sharing brother Duster.

That verse proves that prayers are commanded for the believers at fixed times.

Although its true that no punishments or recompense are commanded in case prayers are missed that does not mean that prayers are not timely based or a form based as I assume brother Wakas is getting at.

Sorry again Wakas if I missed your point.

Once again thank you for pointing that out

Salam

79

Islamic Duties / Re: Prayer

« on: September 06, 2018, 02:42:46 PM »

Peace brother Wakas

I have to assume that your trying to say something and I assume that your opinion is that salat is not a timed prayer because it does not talk about expiation or making up for missed prayers.

I apologize if I assumed wrong but sometimes your responses leave a person puzzled as to what your trying to get at.

The Quran also does not touch on information regarding if a person does not give in Sadaqa either not does it mention any punishment if one does not pay into this. But as we know its obligatory and the reward is in the next life if God wills(Insha'Allah). This is a voluntary obligation and the punishment or recompense is something that might take place in the next life.

Zakat is also commanded. However it does not detail information regarding if one had delayed or did not pay the zakat.

However there is a hint that the state may hold one accountable.

And if one argues that zakat is not a payment. I would have to say that the Quran explicitly warns those who do not give/pay the zakat. So it must be a payment of some sort(another topic).

41:6 (Part)-7
"...and woe to the polytheists (41:6) Who give not the'Zakat' and who are disbelievers in the Hereafter (41:7)"

Peace

80

General Discussions / Re: People of the book.

« on: September 01, 2018, 08:40:39 AM »

Salam Iman

Yes the Christians are from amongst the People of the Book.

You will realize that the People of the Book are a general category. At times the verses calls out to all those who are from the People of the Book which includes those who are Jews and Christians who are following their guidance given to them and those who are not.

There are also times in the Quran that God speaks about those who follow their guidance in truth and some times only to those who had ascribed partners with God. The reader needs to be aware of the differances and the context is telling at times.

But believers who follow the Quran closely will realize that marriage is allowed with the People of the Book who actually follow the guidance given to them in truth. Not those who were given the Book but are seen as polytheists or not believing or acting upon their Book in truth.

I find that if this logic is applied to the Christain and Jews I would also find it warranted amongst Muslims themselves.

So if one finds that a Muslim is not following their guidance given to them in truth which is the Quran and has choosen to ascribe partners to God the Quran seems to suggest that this marriage is also not lawful as it would go against the message of such verses 2:221

Do not marry idolater women unless they believe in God. A believing slave girl is better than an idolater, even though the idolaters may attract you. Do not marry idolater men unless they believe in God. A believing slave is better than an idolater, even though the idolater may attract you. The pagans invite you to the fire, but God invites you to Paradise and forgiveness through His will. God shows His evidence to people so that they may take heed.

So in other words names and labels dont mean much but the actions of those who are from amongst all those who were given scriptures does.

Insha'Allah that helps

Salam

81

Islamic Duties / Re: Prayer

« on: August 26, 2018, 06:49:44 AM »

Asalamu 3alykum

As I understand this question is for brother Joseph I hope you don't mind me giving you some info to your questions.

For example, if one is out with friends and it is time to prayer but one does not know when they will be back home or in a place where they can pray how would one go about praying? Also, is one allowed to pray a car or while waiting in a store?

I take this situation to be in a country mainly consisting of non-Muslim population.

There are two exceptions that come to mind regarding your example.

64:16 So keep your duty to Allah as best ye can, and listen, and obey, and spend; that is better for your souls. And whoso is saved from his own greed, such are the successful.

2:239 And if ye go in fear, then (pray) standing or on horseback. And when ye are again in safety, remember Allah, as He hath taught you that which (heretofore) ye knew not.

As you know the duty of prayers to believers are very important and are commanded to be observed at certain times.

Although one should always try to account for their prayers first around their daily life and understand and find a balance there is times or situations where prayers are difficult to perform because of the toils, journeys, and the attractions of this world especially in countries where prayers are not established publicly and prayers are seen to be at odds with their practices I find one should perform their prayer as best they can even in their car or standing or walking.

This does seem to conform to the rights given to believers in the verses above.

I was always taught that when you miss a pray when you come home to immediately pray it with the intention of praying a missed prayer, is this the correct/only way to go about prayers when unable to pray?

Although the Quran does not give any information regarding missed or late prayers and making up for missed prayers(which I find the silence of that information has much wisdom) there is nothing wrong with doing them as this will only show ones intention. As we know that God is the most forgiving and merciful, one would not doubt to imagine His acceptance if He wills.


God commanded prayers and I find if He had opened the door for missing prayers for us and performing them at later times, this would also give the excuses for people to miss prayers regularly. However the silence of information seems to be warranted and consistent with the command of prayers are to be observed at certain times in my humble opinion.

Also brother Joseph shares a time and experience he had with prayer.

Hope that helps Insha'Allah

A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH PRAYER AT MADINAT AL-ZAHRA (AL ANDALUS) NEAR CORDOBA, SPAIN
http://quransmessage.com/articles/prayer%20at%20al-andalus%20FM3.htm

82

Discussions / Re: Eid Mubarak

« on: August 25, 2018, 04:02:59 PM »

Thanks brothers Ahmad and Duster

Eid Mubarak to you all as well. May God bless you and increase your knowledge and faith Insha'Allah

Salam

83

General Discussions / Re: The "Names" of God in Ancient Texts

« on: August 13, 2018, 02:55:45 PM »

Asalamu 3alykum

Dear Ocyid welcome to the forum

I feel you have been impressed by the way language has developed and how amazing communication has been made possible for humans with words and letters. I too am amazed and I find that it definitely is a great sign of how great the Good Lord is.

How we are able to communicate and adapt to words and voices from young children and describe emotions and things is very amazing. How are eyes can capture letters and words and take them into understanding in microseconds is stunning. This is definitely a system God has created for us and in us.

Its hard to put it into words for me but I just feel that these abilities God has given us are wondrous and show His limitless knowledge and wisdom and how He can use any medium He wills to manifest whatever He wills. Masha'Allah.

30:22 And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Lo! herein indeed are portents for men of knowledge.

2:31 And He taught Adam all the names, then showed them to the angels, saying: Inform Me of the names of these, if ye are truthful.

I feel you seem concerned about the identity of the Lord by how we all recognize Him(correct me if I am wrong).

I agree that in this world we need names, words and sounds to point to identities and objects etc. This is a system of this world. It possibly is important to make sure when referencing God the Creator of the heavens and the Earth we are all referring to the same One.

The question is do we need to have a specific name or word when referencing the Creator that no other identity can acquire? One can argue yes so that it does not mix with other names. But again once you choose a name for the Creator, in time people can try to make themselves or idols that name. So it would always keep going in circles.

I believe that its not that name thats only important so much but who you believe God is.

You cannot be mistaken about the true God when you say you believe in Him and His Angels and His scriptures and His messengers. This clearly points to a well known God who has been communicating His messages and so on.

I feel it is also important to understand the Creator of this universe when we speak of Him. He is One.

Those who believe in the Quran recognize Him as the God who always been communicating the same message. The God of Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and all the prophets and messengers(pbut).

We don't say that the God who communicated the message to Abraham is different than the One who communicated the message to Jesus or Muhammad.

We recognize its the same true Lord. As long as we understand that the identity is the same I find thats important.

Some others might believe in one God, but might not be the same God of Abraham. They might believe that there is one God but they don't believe in the Scriptures that we have today and would say they don't know him. That would be a reference to another God, another identity. One may argue that even if they were to refer to Him as "Allah" "God" or any other name in other languages that would not be referring to the same Lord as they don't believe in what He sent and His messages or Angels etc.

I do agree that "Allah"(swt) is not an exclusive name for God as He can be referred or called to by any beautiful name(17:110), but at the same time it could be an enlightenment to refer to the Almighty by how we recognize Him. By the messages He sent us and what He wants us to believe in.

You may see that along the path of time some called Him the God of Abraham or the God of Moses and Haroon(20:70), or the God of whom the Children of Israel believe in (10:90), so that they are pointing out that they believe in that One true God and not any other one God.

It maybe that the first recipients of the Quran could of wanted to be recognized with the saying "La Ilaha Illa Allah Muhammad rasuul Allah" as they may of felt it would be important to be distinguished from others who believe in God but not that same God. God knows best.

Believers are those who believe in the One True God, The Creator and they believe in His Angels and His scriptures and His messengers( and they make no distinctions between any of the messengers) and believe in the final day of judgement.(2:285)

When referring to the one true God you would have to believe in the above. The Christians and the Jewish and the Muslims do not have different Gods. Thats why it is important to understand the messages as it always has been One. You cannot believe in One scripture while denying the rest. You cannot believe in some messengers and denying the rest. It would go against the truth of what has been happening.

When speaking of God in the consideration of the above verse a person or group cannot be mistaken of the Identity of the Lord. They would be in common terms of who they believe in. There is a connection and bridge that can be seen. I cannot put it into words but I hope you understand where I am getting at.

So yes I agree that "Allah"(swt) is not an exclusive name for God and at the same time at certain circumstances(not always as the general definition is taken to be the Creator of all we see and not see) it could be very important to understand who we are referring to when referencing God and who He is. Also not forgetting all the beautiful names that should and only be referred to Him.

Like the Perfect, The All-Powerful, The Creator, The Most-Merciful, The Most Forgiving, etc.

One can also argue how important the traditional 99 names of God are.

Thanks for sharing and May God bless you Insha'Allah

Salam

84

General Discussions / Re: Names of the 12 mths

« on: July 27, 2018, 04:24:21 PM »

Wa 3alykum assalam

Thank you brother Athmani for pointing that out. Jazak Allah khair Insha'Allah

Yes the two groups in 18:12 may likely be the ones who said 300 years and 309 years.

The guesswork in my humble opinion could of been people from the people of the caves era and transpired to the time of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) 

God knows best.

Salam

85

General Discussions / Re: Names of the 12 mths

« on: July 26, 2018, 03:17:27 PM »

Wa 3alykum assalam brother Munir Rana

In my humble opinion the statement seems to be said by generations  after the event had happened. It could of also been a tale or statement that has been transpiring even in the time of prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by Muslims, Christians or Jews.

This is very telling by reading the next verse 18:26 where the Almighty Lord tells the prophet to "say" (Qul)  " Allah is best aware how long they tarried..."

I would read this verse with brackets:

18:25 And (it is said) they tarried in their Cave three hundred years and add nine.

God knows best of course.

Salam

86

General Discussions / Re: Names of the 12 mths

« on: July 23, 2018, 05:02:58 AM »

Asalamu 3alykum

Just to add to brother Dusters comments the Quran did not teach or invent a new calendar.

It had spoke to the recipients with the calender they already had. This is obvious by that it mentions a name of a month of Ramadan or the day of Jum3a for example.

It is also possible that there may of been various calenders and ways to tell time that was in circulation during the Qurans was being revealed and before it. There seems to be evidence from 18:25 that not all people shared the same calender. Some said 300 years some said 309 years. A calender is neither correct or wrong. Its just how people choose to agree on how to communicate time and a relative point of view to communicate time.

However God did choose to pick the system of the Arabs to communicate His message and to point out when is the four sacred months and when people need to fast and congregate for prayers etc.

I don't see any reason to reject the tradtional Arabic calender year. One would need to prove that the current Arabic calendar we have with us today was changed/corrupted if they don't accept it.

There is however evidence from the Quran when the holy sacred months are and they do not align with the tradtional view. I think this is a different matter and the Quran does indicate or point out the correct holy month that God has choosen for His servants.

Please see article below and from 9:2-5 one may tell which month are sacred.

At the end we do need to understand that the Quran is for all people but need to carefully also understand that God had choosen to use the Arabic calender/language as a relative starting point of explaining His revelation.

Although God could of used any peoples system to guide people there does after all need to be a platform from where telling time, explanations and guidance needs to start off with and God had choosen the Arabic language to reveal His final Scripture and used that nations system to explain to humanity what He wanted. That being said it does not restrict guidance in Arabic only or only the Arabs. God guides whom He wills in whatever way He wills and when He wants.

Hope that also helps Insha'Allah

Salam


THE 'LOST' MONTHS OF HAJJ
http://quransmessage.com/articles/the lost months of hajj FM3.htm

87

General Discussions / Re: Is 5:97 referring to Dhil Hajja?

« on: July 12, 2018, 04:20:40 PM »

Asalamu 3alykum

The response by brother Joseph in this post maybe helpful to your inquiry Insha'Allah

Salam

One holy month and four holy months
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=169.0

88

Discussions / Re: Eid Mubarak

« on: June 17, 2018, 06:24:12 AM »

Asalamu 3alykum

Ameen Insha'Allah

Eid Mubarak to you all

Salam 

89

General Discussions / Re: Fast till sunset or darkness

« on: June 04, 2018, 11:57:19 AM »

Peace

Thank you brother Duster for sharing your perspective. I think you made some strong points which should be considered.

Brother Niaz you have also put forth some good points to ponder about. Thank you for sharing your approach as well. I have read your comments and Insha'Allah I will comment on them in due time. I am not dismissing them but I have some questions to them and you also can see the points being made by brother Duster as well.

I think we all seem to share a common approach and find that we agree on many key points. May God accept all our best approaches Insha'Allah.

Thank you brother Munir as well

Jazak Allah Khair Insha'Allah to you all

Salam

90

General Discussions / Re: Does the Quran say "the best charity is that given in ramdhan"?

« on: June 04, 2018, 11:41:47 AM »

Asalamu 3alykum

Thank you Niaz for sharing your comments.

Not to take away from the good intentions you put forth I thought I would share a different opinion[1] to what you may think of what verse 6:141 may likely be pointing to instead of charity. However I would also like to point out that it may also have some support for paying charity at the time of gain(payday) like you kindly shared.

Also regarding 2:183-184 I believe there is more evidence to support the understanding in the article below which maybe of interest to you.

Either way I just thought I would share incase you have not read them.

Salam

[1]WHAT IS THE CONCEPT OF ZAKAT FROM THE QURAN?
http://quransmessage.com/articles/zakah%20FM3.htm

[2]Missing Fast In Ramadhan
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=929.msg6199#msg6199