Messages

106

General Discussions / Our Way or Allah's Way?

« on: September 18, 2012, 12:11:43 AM »

What does the Qur’an say about dealing with those who insult the blessed Rasool? Patience with dignity. Nowhere Allah says go and destroy properties and lives of those who insult the Messenger.

Muslims are told to hold fast to their pledges and treaties they sign. They are obligated to provide security to various Embassies. After 911, how many Embassies of Muslim countries were attacked in Europe or US?

This video was produced by a perverted individual who has the remote control in his hand. All he has to do is to press a button and the Muslims start jumping up and down. Don’t give your power away!! Use this opportunity to educate others about real Islam. Islam does not allow anybody to punish Paul for the crime of Peter.

This world is a world of test for the Muslims to see if under pressure do they respond their way or Allah’s Way?

41:34 Good and evil are not alike. Repel evil with what is good. Then you will find your erstwhile enemy like a close. affectionate friend
41:35 but only those who are steadfast in patience, only those who are blessed with great righteousness, will attain to such goodness
41:36 Hence, if it should happen that a prompting from Satan stirs thee up [to blind anger], seek refuge with God: behold, He alone is all-hearing, all-knowing!

and last but not the least:

25:63 The (true) servants of the All-Merciful are they who move on the earth gently and humbly, and when the ignorant, foolish ones address them (with insolence or vulgarity as befits their ignorance and foolishness), they response with (words of) peace, (without engaging in hostility with them);
 

107

General Discussions / Re: can someone explain me 11:7 about God's throne on water and about sorcery ?

« on: September 16, 2012, 11:31:15 AM »

A couple more:

[Asad] And He it is who has created the heavens and the earth in six aeons; and [ever since He has willed to create life,] the throne of His almightiness has rested upon water. [God reminds you of your dependence on Him] in order to test you [and thus to make manifest] which of you is best in conduct. For thus it is: if thou sayest [unto men], "Behold, you shall be raised again after death!" - they who are bent on denying the truth are sure to answer, "This is clearly nothing but an enchanting delusion"

[Dr Shabbir] He created the heavens and the earth in six stages and established Himself on the throne of His Almightiness. He has Supreme Control over the origination of life which began in water (21:30). Life is a test for yourselves to see which of you leads a balanced life and is best in conduct. Yet, if you (O Prophet), say, "You will be raised again after death," the rejecters of the Truth will surely answer, "This is clearly nothing but a fabulous delusion!" (45:24).
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Please read alternate translations at www.islamawakened.com

108

General Discussions / Re: can someone explain me 11:7 about God's throne on water and about sorcery ?

« on: September 16, 2012, 11:26:43 AM »

Salam

To add to the discussion, here are two translations of 11:07

[Tahir ul Qadri] And He (Allah) is the One Who created the heavens and the earth (the higher and the lower strata of the universe) in six days (i.e. six phases or aeons of creation and evolution). And (before the creation of the earth) His Throne of Authority operated on water, (and from that He brought forth all manifestations of life and created you,) so that He might put you to trial to evaluate which of you would prove better conduct-wise. And if you say: ´You will be raised (brought to life) after death,´ the disbelievers will certainly say: ´This is nothing (else) but an obvious magic.´

[Beijan Moeinian] God is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in six days. His (earthly) domain was completely covered with water. He has provided this [hospitable] world for your trial (so that you prove yourself to Him and learn by going through hardships) and see which one of you will do his best. If you (Mohammad) let them know that they will be raised after death, their only response will be: “This man is talking witchcraft.”

109

General Discussions / Re: Ashraye Mubashira

« on: September 08, 2012, 12:53:21 AM »

Salam All.

You are so right. Because of over emphasizing the blessed Messenger in Juma Khutabas (over all other Messengers) and hearing Hadith stories/Imam stories more than the Qur'an (Quran 10% the rest 90%) it takes a great effort on my part to attend Jummah prayers. I feel like staying home and reading Qur'an instead, with (with meanings)!!

Living in the West, they hardly tell you about participating in voluntary work at Food Banks, hospitals, women shelters, homeless peoples shelters, charity walks to collect money, etc. etc. How can Muslims be considered good ambassadors to the rest of the community? The only Muslim community participating in local and federal politics are the Ismailis.

They are keen on opening new mosques every six months and little girls running around, playing on swings in hijabs, boys walking around in full length arabic style shirts (with Nike Sneakers!) and even going to school in that kinds of dress. Women shop at wal-marts in niqabs with men accompanying them with Osama style turbans! (Where do they work anyway, one wonders?).

Form has overtaken substance. The same people bad mouth the West over what they don't find palatable. Try building a mosque in Saudi Arabia?!!!

Amazed but not amused!!

110

General Discussions / Re: Lifeless body on a throne??

« on: September 05, 2012, 11:15:25 PM »

Just thought I would add the footnote by Asad included with this translation:

38:30 But [ere this], indeed, We had tried Solomon by placing upon his throne a [lifeless] body; and thereupon he turned [towards Us; and]*

* To explain this verse, some of the commentators advance the most fantastic stories, almost all of
them going back to Talmudic sources. Razi rejects them all, maintaining that they are unworthy of
serious consideration. Instead, he plausibly suggests that the "body" (jasad) upon Solomon's throne
is an allusion to his own body, and - metonymically - to his kingly power, which was bound to remain
"lifeless" so long as it was not inspired by God-willed ethical values. (It is to be borne in mind
that in classical Arabic a person utterly weakened by illness, worry or fear, or devoid of moral values,
is often described as "a body without a soul".) In other words, Solomon's early trial consisted in
his inheriting no more than a kingly position, and it rested upon him to endow that position with
spiritual essence and meaning.

111

General Discussions / Re: Lifeless body on a throne??

« on: September 04, 2012, 11:54:15 AM »

Salam

Sharing an interesting response by another brother:

There is nothing perplexing in the episode. The point in time is when he was a Prince, not King. The princely activities are mentioned by instance of his interest in horses, resulting in slackening in time management. He himself realized it, and then checked himself.

Allah the Exalted subjected him to an irking experience by causing the placement of a dummy on his Chair. It was even otherwise a point of concern, security lapse---how a dummy got on the chair of the Prince despite security circles around his palace.

He reflected. What does the presence of a dummy on one's Chair--that symbolizes power and authority reflect? A Monotonous king!! routine affairs of rulres assigning much time in seeing and enjoying horses at the cost of losing time management?

Thereafter, see what he is asking after turning from his reflective time period.

Know the fact that We had indeed subjected Sulie'maan [alai'his'slaam] to an irking experience.
We had caused placing a dummy upon his Seat.

Afterwards having reflected he had turned to us, praying;

"O my Sustainer Lord, I request you the Exalted to overlook for my slackening in time management.

And unlike dummy-monotonous kingdoms, you the Exalted grant me unique kingship which might not be possible for a single one after me to acquire it.

Undeniably, You the Exalted are certainly the Benefactor-the One Who bestows". [38:34-35]

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General Discussions / Re: 17:78 ? Who witnesses the Recital of the Quran at Dawn?

« on: September 04, 2012, 11:21:46 AM »

Salam Br Adil

Here is an explanatory exposition by Dr Kamal (www.islamawakened.com):

17:78 and (also establish) Al-Quran of Al-Fajr (‘the day-break’). [This recommendation covers the offering of Salat-ul-Fajr as well as early morning study of the Quran]. Verily Quran-al-Fajr [‘Early morning recitation’ (in Salat-ul-Fajr) or early morning study of the Quran for understanding its Message] became one used as a witness (i.e., it is retained in memory and then becomes a witness to every act, deed, thought and concept and guides them all the time).
--------------------------------
Make sense?

113

General Discussions / Re: recognition of beauty

« on: September 04, 2012, 11:14:09 AM »

Peace. This is the verse I often quote to those who believe that women must cover their face!

However, the hadith followers always have a "Yes, but" reply.  Some come back to say that the word Husn refers to a balanced personality and not necessarily outer beauty. Those familiar with the language say it refers to both inner and outer beauty.

Another way to look at the issue is why, in the worlds largest mixed gathering (Hajj) women don't cover their faces?

I think in certain countries the point of walking around with a niqab defeats the purpose of the Burqa. Which is not to attract unwanted attention. It fails miserably on this count alone!!

114

General Discussions / Lifeless body on a throne??

« on: September 03, 2012, 07:50:53 PM »

Salam Friends

Verse 38:34 has been translated in a variety of ways by diferent people:

[Asad] But [ere this], indeed, We had tried Solomon by placing upon his throne a [lifeless] body; and thereupon he turned [towards Us; and]

[Picktall] And verily We tried Solomon, and set upon his throne a (mere) body. Then did he repent.

[Wahiduddin Khan] We tried Solomon by placing upon his throne a [lifeless] body; and thereupon he turned towards Us].

[Al-Muntakhab] We decided to try Sulayman like We tried the other Messengers and test his true inclination worldly and spiritually, We seated a phantom on his throne. No sooner did it come to his mind that he was tried than he in lowliest plight repentant stood.

[Muhammad Sarwar] We tested Solomon by (causing death to his son) and leaving his body on Solomon's chair. Then he turned to Us in repentance

[Dr. Munir Munshey] We certainly put Sulaiman through a test. We raised (his heir) to the throne to be just a figure _ just a body (inept and incompetent). Then He repented and turned back (from his desire to bequeath the throne to one of his own descendants).

[Yusuf Ali] And We did try Solomon: We placed on his throne a body (without life); but he did turn (to Us in true devotion):

(Many, many  more translations can be read at http://www.islamawakened.com/quran/38/34/default.htm )
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Can anybody explain what really happened? Thanks.

115

General Discussions / Re: An apparent conflict here?

« on: August 29, 2012, 11:08:17 PM »

Thank you all for your comments.

Should there be any consideration (keeping other verses of the Qur'an on the subject in mind)  for a disqualifier for 2:62 i.e. it does not include those who believe in a Trinitarian concept of God, or a God with human qualities that comes down and wrestles with man (as stated in the Bible) or comes down to smell the burnt offering.

Need we pay attention to "Unless they believe as you (Muhammad) believe?

116

General Discussions / Re: An apparent conflict here?

« on: August 28, 2012, 12:30:11 AM »

Thanks for your reply Br Aadil.

Some (as the example below) seem to suggest that other than followers of Qur'an and the blessed Rasool Muhammad, all (Jews, Christians and Sabeans) are going to hell:

".........Please note the following points:

1. The verb used "believed" in 2:62 is in perfect tense equivalent to past tense of English with reference to period of revelation of Quran.

2. Read the verse 2:63 which clarifies that if they act according to original book given to them, then this condition applies.

3. The verb used "seeks" in 3:85 is in imperfect tense equivalent to present and future tense of English with reference to period of revelation of Quran.

In short, verse 2:62 refers position before revelation of Quran and verse 3:65 refers position after revelation of Quran.
Once Quran is revealed see the position in verse 2:137 "So if they believe as ye believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism;"

So, if you read verses in right context, there is no contradiction.

Verify above content yourself by clicking following links:
http://corpus.quran.com/wordbyword.jsp?chapter=2&verse=62

http://corpus.quran.com/wordbyword.jsp?chapter=3&verse=85

http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display_all.php?chapter=2&from_verse=137&to_verse=137&mac&translation_setting=1&show_transliteration=1&show_yusufali=1&show_shakir=1&show_pickthal=1&show_mkhan=1

The Quranic Arabic Corpus - Word by Word Grammar, Syntax and Morphology of the Holy Quran
corpus.quran.com
Welcome to the Quranic Arabic Corpus, an annotated linguistic resource which shows the Arabic grammar, syntax and morphology for each word in the Holy Quran. Click on an Arabic word below to see details of the word's grammar, or to suggest a correction
----------------------------
[Sigh] with so many different interpretations what are simple commoners supposed to do? Reminds me of an Urdu couplet:

Illahi teray saada dil banday bata aakhir kahan jaayen

(God, where should your simple-minded servants supposed to go for guidance?

117

General Discussions / Re: Understanding 111:1 of Quran without using secondary Islamic sources?

« on: August 26, 2012, 02:16:27 AM »

Salam

We may find several version of the stories behind these ayahs. However, the lesson learnt here is that those who oppose Allah and His Messenger were condemned.

That is good enough for some of us!!

118

General Discussions / An apparent conflict here?

« on: August 26, 2012, 02:13:11 AM »

Salam All: A questioner wants to know about an apparent confilct here:
 
Surat 'Āli `Imrān (Family of Imran) - سورة آل عمران
[Sahih International]
 

And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.
 
Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow) - سورة البقرة

Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who
believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.
------------------------------
Thanks. If this subject has already been dealt with, would appreciate a link to it.

119

General Discussions / Re: Captives of War

« on: August 17, 2012, 03:06:33 AM »

Salam and thanks for your response Brother Joe. I get your point.

You may be surprised to read that for some reason (probably reading secondary sources into the Qur'an) majority of translators have added "captive" to these women!! This is really confusing for common people relying on such translations:

www.islamawakened.com

Regards

120

General Discussions / Re: Captives of War

« on: August 12, 2012, 07:11:48 AM »

Salam

So the answer to my question is that even captive girls [who are willing are to be married] must not taken to bed without marriage. I got that. However, that was not my issue. My issue was whether taking prisoners of war as captives not against the Qur'an? Are they not supposed to be released?

I can understand the issue from another perspective where women runining away from disbelieving husbands and offering themselves as captives to the Muslim community:

4:24 It is also against God’s law to marry married women, unless they have fled the tyranny of their disbeliever husbands who are at war with you. Apart from the above mentioned ones, you may engage in marriage (and not consenting adult sex) contract, with any other woman as long as you mutually agree upon a gift (or a sum) upon the wedding; if you mutually decide later to renegotiate this sum, you may do so as God is the Knowing and the Wise.

Thanks.