Messages

[نَقِيضُ الْحَلَالِ]

and as brother Sardar mentioned that the antonym of  haram is halal.

lisan al-arab:

حرم: الحِرْمُ، بِالْكَسْرِ، والحَرامُ: نَقِيضُ الْحَلَالِ، وَجَمْعُهُ حُرُمٌ؛

I think you mean abrogation? The Qur'an doesn't support the doctrine of abrogation.
However, some verses that were revealed was personally for the Prophet (pbuh) And his community of believers.  But, it's still possible to derive guidance from these verses.
So, to claim that these verses are "defunct" or "abrogated" cannot be supported by the Qur'an. 

Peace and stay blessed
Ijaz 

[unlawful/forbidden]

According to 6:151, it is 'haram' to be good to parents.

Is haram a neutral word? Not negative or positive.

As-Salaamu alaykum!

Haraam can mean unlawful/forbidden and sacred depending upon the context e.g. in surah 4 of the Qur'an which is mainly about women also says what kind of women are forbidden to you for marriage:

Forbidden (Arabic: Hurramat) to you are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, your father's sisters, your mother's sisters, your brother's daughters, your sister's daughters, your mothers who nursed you, your sisters through nursing, your wives' mothers, and your step-daughters under your guardianship of your wives unto whom you have gone in. But if you have not gone in unto them, there is no sin upon you. And the wives of your sons who are from your loins, and that you take two sisters simultaneously, except for what has already occurred. Indeed, Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful. (4:23)

As-salāmu 'alaykum brother Joseph!

I found this online, I would be grateful if you who have immense knowledge and have helped many people with your fabulous articles and of course, your time. Can you please read this and give some answers? JazakAllāh.



The aim of this article is to expose some ridiculous claims and failed challenges made by the Quran, and its constant appeal to human ignorance of science and worldly facts.

(I) Quran's self defeating challenge to find contradictions in it:

4:82 - Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah , they would have found within it much contradiction.

The most interesting thing about this challenge is that one only needs to go back four verses to see how it fails miserably. Here we have back to back verses contradicting each other:

4:78 - Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you should be within towers of lofty construction. But if good comes to them, they say, "This is from Allah "; and if evil befalls them, they say, "This is from you." Say, "All [things] are from Allah." So what is [the matter] with those people that they can hardly understand any statement?

In the above verse, Allah criticizes people for accepting that good is from Allah while blaming others for evil. Allah affirms that all things (good and evil) are from himself. However in the very next verse Allah contradicts this, claiming that any evil that befalls a person is from the person himself.

4:79 - What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, [O man], is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness.

Now let's go to another clear contradiction - whether intercession (the act of a person requesting forgiveness for the sins of another person to save the latter from hell fire) will be acceptable on the day of judgement.

The following three verses clearly say NO to ANY sort of intercession being acceptable on the judgement day:

2:48 - And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be aided.

2:123 - And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, and no compensation will be accepted from it, nor will any intercession benefit it, nor will they be aided.

6:51 - And warn by the Qur'an those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord - for them besides Him will be no protector and no intercessor - that they might become righteous.

The following three verses however say YES to the idea that intercession is acceptable - to those whom Allah permits:

20:109 - That Day, no intercession will benefit except [that of] one to whom the Most Merciful has given permission and has accepted his word.

34:23 - And intercession does not benefit with Him except for one whom He permits.

53:26 - And how many angels there are in the heavens whose intercession will not avail at all except [only] after Allah has permitted [it] to whom He wills and approves.

(II) The challenge to bring a Surah (chapter) like one in the Quran:

2:23 to 2:24 - And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a Surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful. But if you do not - and you will never be able to - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.

10:38 - Or do they say [about the Prophet], "He invented it?" Say, "Then bring forth a surah like it and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allah , if you should be truthful."

Notice that Allah challenges those who doubt the Quran to produce a chapter like one in the book, claiming that this challenge cannot be ever met. Let's put aside all the magnificent poetries, philosophical writings, and delightful novels and stories that people have produced over the ages from time immemorial. The sheer stupidity of this challenge can be shown by simply looking at certain chapters in the Quran. Let's take a look at one of them - chapter 111 of the Quran:

111:1 to 111:5 - May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he. His wealth will not avail him or that which he gained. He will [enter to] burn in a Fire of [blazing] flame. And his wife [as well] - the carrier of firewood. Around her neck is a rope of [twisted] fiber.

And that's it - the whole chapter. How beautiful! A whole chapter dedicated just to condemn some guy and his wife into hellfire and torture. Anyone can easily produce a much more valuable chapter than this. Nothing more needs to be added here.

(III) How the Quran tries to validate itself, appealing to human ignorance:

13:2 - It is Allah who erected the heavens without pillars that you [can] see; then He established Himself above the Throne and made subject the sun and the moon, each running [its course] for a specified term. He arranges [each] matter; He details the signs that you may, of the meeting with your Lord, be certain.

Implies that the "heavens" or objects that we can see in the atmosphere or beyond like planets or stars (depending on how people translate the word heavens) have invisible pillars supporting them from Earth. For those who argue that it implies no pillars at all, then the verse conveys that the atmosphere or celestial objects just being there is something miraculous. Either way this verse directly appeals to human ignorance of the basics of how gravity works.

16:15 - And He has cast into the earth firmly set mountains, lest it shift with you, and [made] rivers and roads, that you may be guided.

Mountains are in fact formed in the least stable parts of the Earth, and such regions are more prone to earthquakes or landslides. The claim of mountains holding the Earth firm is hence a laughable one. Also notice how Allah claims that rivers and roads were made so that humans would be guided. This is a strange enough claim with rivers, but seriously was Allah unaware that it was humans who made the roads on Earth?

16:79 - Do they not see the birds controlled in the atmosphere of the sky? None holds them up except Allah. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.

Back then, people really didn't know the basics of aerodynamics. Hence the idea that it is God who holds the birds up in the sky from falling down would seem credible and wonderful to those who hear it. This is projected as a sign for people to validate the Quran.

31:31 - Do you not see that ships sail through the sea by the favor of Allah that He may show you of His signs? Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful.

Again, claiming that ships sailing through the sea and not sinking is by the favor of Allah. We can see one of the repeated attempts at self-validation over here. Of course, the ignorance of basic hydrodynamics can make this feel wonderful.

(IV) Some dubious claims that any believer should think about:

15:26 - And We did certainly create man out of clay from an altered black mud.

Claims that humans were created from clay by shaping black mud.

16:8 - And [He created] the horses, mules and donkeys for you to ride and [as] adornment.

Claims that horses, mules and donkeys were created by God for humans to ride and decoration or show.

CONCLUSION: I'm not stressing much on the scientific or factual inaccuracy here, but rather the ridiculous nature of these claims made by the Quran. I invite anyone who believes in the divine nature of the Quran to ponder over these claims and the failed attempts at self-validation. It should be pretty clear to anyone who reads over this article with an unbiased mind that the Quran cannot possibly be from a divine being, if at all a divine being exists.

Salam All,

Fight in the cause of God...What does it mean?...are we to fight with those...who are talking against Islam..and muslims..i have seen many people belittle our religion and God on social media...should we fight them?...coz if we do..its gets dirty..they talk too much and we get hurt at last..should we go on preaching people..even if they are against us or something like that?

Cant we just enjoy decorations of christmas tree and all?....its just we like christmas tree and lightings and gifts and all...can we just do that for fun..nothing else...

shaitan not letting me enjoy small things...i jus want to be happy...it makes me think negative about everything...

As India is a Hindu majority country..but a secular country...should we be against hindus or something like that? or shouldnt we be patriotic towards our country?...as some told that...we shouldnt be best friends with hindus or disbelievers...:S...and quotes this verse [60:1] O you who believe, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies extending love to them when they have disbelieved in the truth that has come to you.
I am just confused...:S...

Kindly clear it guys...please please..am just trying hard to be happy and stress free and small things come up in my mind and makes me think too much...like...should we be friends with non-muslims or not...as per the above verse...the person claims that..we shouldnt be best friends with them...:S

I hope brother Joseph also can take some time and clear my doubts please...

Regards,
Anjum

As-salaamu `alaykum!

Instead of making numerous posts, why don't you use the search bar? These question are already answered, just search and you will certainly find replies to your questions.

[Peace be upon you!The Qur'an is the criterion for the believers, thus we have to follow it. However, I believe that we can take from the Torah that which can be of help to understand the Qur'an. The Qur'an confirms and is a guard over the previous scriptures. We have our own sharee'ah and the Jews have their own sharee'ah. I hope this helped!]

May I request Bro Joseph Islam to kindly clarify as to following the laws of Taurah & Injeel by Muslims?
Secondly the Jews & Christans may continue to follow their Books after Quran was revealed? Thanks

Peace be upon you!

The Qur'an is the criterion for the believers, thus we have to follow it. However, I believe that we can take from the Torah that which can be of help to understand the Qur'an. The Qur'an confirms and is a guard over the previous scriptures. We have our own sharee'ah and the Jews have their own sharee'ah. I hope this helped!

[and hindering (men) from God's way and denying Him]

As-salaamu 'alaykum!

2:216 Fighting is enjoined on you, and it is an object of dislike to you; and it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you love a thing while it is evil for you, and God knows, while you do not know.
2:217 They ask you concerning the sacred month about fighting in it. Say: Fighting in it is a grave matter, and hindering (men) from God's way and denying Him, and (hindering men from) the Sacred Mosque and turning its people out of it, are still graver with God, and persecution is graver than slaughter; and they will not cease fighting with you until they turn you back from your religion, if they can; and whoever of you turns back from his religion, then he dies while an unbeliever– these it is whose works shall go for nothing in this world and the hereafter...

All narratives in the Qur'an should be an exemplum for you to take heed.

We read ahead...

Did you not note the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses, they said to their prophet: "Send us a king that we may fight in the cause of God;" he said: "Are you not concerned that if fighting is decreed for you, you will then not fight?" They said: "And why should we not fight in the cause of God when we have been expelled from our homes along with our children." So it was, that when fighting was decreed for them they turned away, except for a few of them! God is fully aware of the wicked. (2:246)

The Prophet (s.a.w) was expelled:

If you do not help him, then God has helped him. When those who rejected expelled him, he was one of only two, and when they were in the cave, he said to his friend: "Do not grieve, for God is with us." So God sent down His tranquility over him and He supported him with soldiers that you did not see, and He made the word of those who rejected be the lowest, and the word of God be the highest. God is Noble, Wise. (9:40)

The began the hostilities:

Would you not fight a people who broke their oaths, and obsessed to expel the messenger, especially while they were the ones who attacked you first? Are you concerned about them? It is God who is more deserving that you be concerned with if you are believers. (9:13)

Wa as-Salaam!

As-salaamu 'alaykum my brother!

Numerous Muslims from Ahl al-Sunnah will claim that secondary sources are required to comprehend the Qur'an entirely. From this, they will claim that the Qur'an is not detailed and we need secondary sources to know about Abu Lahab. Alas, they won't care about the message, but the person. The message that we can get from these verses is that your and my wealth won't be of any value before God, merely our deeds are of great importance to him. Our obedience is that will matter to our Lord. Many names are mentioned in the Qur'an, does it mean I've to flip through some books to know their life history?

[There is no proof from the Quran that he was bestowed with a separate book called the 'Injeel']

As-salaamu 'alaykum!

Brother Joseph mentions the following:

It is clear from the Quran that Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was granted wisdom even as a child (19:29-30, 5:110). There is no proof from the Quran that he was bestowed with a separate book called the 'Injeel' at such a young age. In contrast, the Injeel seems to refer to the 'wisdom' that was granted to him. (http://quransmessage.com/articles/injeel%20FM3.htm)

However....

19:28   "O sister of Aaron, your father was not a wicked man, and your mother has never been unchaste!"
19:29   So she pointed to him. They said: "How can we talk to someone who is a child in a cradle?"
19:30   He said: "I am a servant of God, He has given me the Book and made me a prophet."
19:31   "And He has made me blessed wherever I am, and He has charged me with the contact prayer and purification as long as I am alive."

Doesn't 'the Book' allude to  the Injeel?

Wa as-salaam!

[7. More venerable among the gods, I say, is the sun, for with its rays it illuminates the whole universe and the various airs.8. Nor will I place among the gods the one who obscures his course by means of the moon and the clouds.9. Nor again shall I call the moon or the stars gods, because they too at times during the night dim their light.]

1. This I say:
2. Fire is more venerable in formation, for even the unsubdued (things) are subdued in it, and it mocks that which perishes easily by means of its
3. burning. But neither is it venerable, for it is subject to the waters.
4. But rather the waters are more venerable than it (fire), because they overcome fire and sweeten the earth
5. with fruits. But I will not call them god either, for the waters subside under the
6. earth and are subject to it. But I will not call it a goddess either, for it is dried by the sun (and) subordinated to man for his work.
7. More venerable among the gods, I say, is the sun, for with its rays it illuminates the whole universe and the various airs.
8. Nor will I place among the gods the one who obscures his course by means of the moon and the clouds.
9. Nor again shall I call the moon or the stars gods, because they too at times during the night dim their light.
10. Listen, Terah my father, I shall seek before you the God who created all the gods supposed by us (to exist).
11. For who is it, or which one is it who made the heavens crimson and the sun golden, who has given light to the moon and the stars with it, who has dried the earth in the midst of the many waters, who set you yourself among the things and who has sought me out in the perplexity of my thoughts?
12. I (only) God will reveal himself by himself to us!"

Whether it's authentic or not, I can't say. Perhaps, the scroll of Abraham didn't survive or maybe this was written by someone who knew Abraham. I'm not sure!

http://www.wizanda.com/modules/article/view.article.php/a194

I want to give my gratitude to my dear brother Joseph. His website has assisted me a lot, especially in my earlier days when I was in extreme anguish about Islam. It would be great if I could meet the brother, but since he want to keep his identity a secret, I'd respect that. I still visit his website, read articles, share and do my own study.

THANK YOU BROTHER JOSEPH, MAY ALLAH THE EXALTED BLESS YOU AND REWARD YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS

Your brother,
Ijaz Ahmad

[I don't know for what purpose]

As-salaamu 'alaykum!

So, I went to 'umrah (Alhamdulillah) with my mother (we were with a massive group - 100 people). We first went to Madinah (I don't know for what purpose). I was unfortunately, forced to say as-salaamu 'alayka ya rasulAllah, as-salaamu 'alaika ya abu bakr and so forth when I saw their graves. I'm a Qur'an-centric Muslim and I was frightened that they would know, so I had to do it . We stayed four days in Madinah, I got distressed for the reason that this country has so much money yet there were women begging for money. And, I thought to myself, what kind of country is this? Are they really following the guidance of the Qur'an? I felt pain in my heart and did my best to give something to these poor women. So, after four days staying in Madinah, we got ready to travel to Mecca. I had my ihram and after some kilometres we stopped in a masjid (meeqat), did niyyat for 'umrah and then continued to travel to Mecca.

When we arrived to our hotel, we went to our rooms and after two hours the entire group went together to do 'umrah. Wallahi, We did 'umrah and while doing tawaf, the people got crazy because they wanted to kiss the black stone. The people were scratching, screaming at each other and so forth. So, after tawaf I went to sa'y (safa wa marwah) -- So, the 'umrah was complete.

Some questions to brother Joseph:

1. Is it necessary to do niyyat? Doesn't Allah the Exalted know everything? Doesn't he know my intention? What I'm about to do? So, why do Ahlus Sunnah do niyyat for everything?

2. Many did 3-4 'umrah, is it permissible to do as many as you like?

3. Is it obligatory to travel to a meeqat? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miqat

4. After the tawaf, the Muslims pray two nawafil behind the maqam ibrahim - is it obligatory to do that?


Wa as-salaam!

As-salaamu 'Alaykum!

Brother Joseph has written a superb article. However, since I'm a Quran-centric, I've no problem to take understanding from the ahaadith.
The Prophet (pbuh) explained this:

Narrated Al-Mughirah bin Shu'bah:
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent me to Najran. They said to me: 'Do you people not recite: O sister of Harun (19:28) - while between Musa and 'Eisa there is such (gap) as there is?' I did not know how to respond to them. So when I returned to the Prophet (ﷺ), I told him about that, and he said: 'Why didn't you tell them that they were named after their Prophets and righteous people before them.'"

http://www.sunnah.com/urn/641750
http://www.sunnah.com/muslim/38/13


إنَّهم كانوا يُسمُّونَ بأنبيائِهمْ و الصَّالِحينَ قبلَهمْ
الراوي:المغيرة بن شعبة المحدث:الألباني المصدر:صحيح الجامع الجزء أو الصفحة:2442 حكم المحدث:صحيح

Allah can indeed do everything, however, he will obviously not do that which doesn't befit his MAJESTY - for an example having children or create parents for himself.