Messages

1

General Discussions / Re: Native Arabic Speakers: Help please

« on: May 11, 2020, 05:07:31 AM »

Dear Lobotomize,
Let me a share a subtle but profound insight that somebody taught me me  a while ago.

Corresponding words are highlighted with the same color



[5:44]
Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah, and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the disbelievers.

[5:44] Transliteration
Inna anzalna alttawrata feeha hudan wanoorun yahkumu biha alnnabiyyoona allatheena aslamoo lillatheena hadoo waalrrabbaniyyoona waalahbaru bima istuhfithoo min kitabi Allahi wakanoo AAalayhi shuhadaa fala takhshawoo alnnasa waikhshawni wala tashtaroo biayatee thamanan qaleelan waman lam yahkum bima anzala Allahu faolaika humu alkafiroona

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ ۚ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُوا لِلَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالْأَحْبَارُ بِمَا اسْتُحْفِظُوا مِن كِتَابِ اللَّـهِ وَكَانُوا عَلَيْهِ شُهَدَاءَ ۚ فَلَا تَخْشَوُا النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ وَلَا تَشْتَرُوا بِآيَاتِي ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا ۚ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّـهُ فَأُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْكَافِرُون


Let's contrast the verse above with the following one:


[15:9]
Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an (Arabic = Zikr)  and indeed, We will be its guardian

[15:9] Transliteration
Inna nahnu nazzalna alththikra wainna lahu lahafithoona

 إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ




If you have noticed, in both verses the highlighted word has the same root حفظ (H-F-Z).

In 5:44 the word used is اسْتُحْفِظُوا which means as translated above "to be entrusted".
In 15:9 the word used is لَحَافِظُونَ which means as translated above "We (Allah) will be its guardian"

In other words, when addressing the Torah the word اسْتُحْفِظُوا is used but when the Quran is being addressed the term used is لَحَافِظُونَ


I'm not ready to wholeheartedly draw a conclusion so I'll leave it you  .  I just wanted to point this out in the hopes that it may aid you in your study.

It's also generally very useful to search using roots.

You can use http://tanzil.net/ for Web
Or an app called Quran link for IOS.

And here is a sample search result using the root H-F-Z using Tanzil.
http://tanzil.net/#search/root/حفظ
(Copy and paste the link manually)

Hope this helps in a small way.
Best regards,
Ahmad.

2

General Discussions / Re: Is Corona virus curse / punishment for the disbeliever ?

« on: May 07, 2020, 08:44:56 AM »

Dear Beyond Tradition,
I hope you're doing well. Please see the following verses which might address your distress regarding the current situation.

[71:10] And said, 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.
[71:11] He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers
[71:12] And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.


[6:42] And We have already sent [messengers] to nations before you, [O Muhammad]; then We seized them with poverty and hardship that perhaps they might humble themselves [to Us].
[6:43] Then why, when Our punishment came to them, did they not humble themselves? But their hearts became hardened, and Satan made attractive to them that which they were doing.
[6:44] So when they forgot that by which they had been reminded, We opened to them the doors of every [good] thing until, when they rejoiced in that which they were given, We seized them suddenly, and they were [then] in despair.

In the spirit of words of Prophet Noah and the general Quranic teachings of the importance of seeking forgiveness in such situations:
Here are some Duas from the Quran one might recite:

[7:23] They said, "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers."

[21:87] And [mention] the man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. And he called out within the darknesses, "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers."

[28:16] He said, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me," and He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

May God have mercy on our souls and forgive our sins.

3

General Discussions / Re: Native Arabic Speakers: Help please

« on: May 06, 2020, 05:23:26 AM »

Dear Lobotomize,

In English, if I say [The knowledgeable jews corrupted the scripture, AND, some knowledgeable ones corrupted the scripture, so woe to those who write the scripture with their own hands.]--in English, if I said that, the "so woe to those" is referencing BOTH of the statements before it because they were connected by "And". Is this also true in Arabic? Are we necessarily obligated to believe that Quran 2:79 only references Quran 2:78 and not the subject in general of the previous verses that were connected by the conjunction "and"?

I don't think I can directly answer your question with a sound grammatical argument because its not an area of strenght for me. But I can share some advice I try to follow myself. It's also the same advice shared by brother Joseph.
One should not build a theological position on unclear evidence or evidence that contains a degree of ambiguity. In other words, one should only use Muhkam/Qualified verses/ parts of verses [3:7] to build arguments. When I personally see an argument that can be easily tipped to either side of the table by adding or removing evidences. I try to abort the discussion. And rely on clear matters instead.

In the case of 2:79-78.
The clearest point one can posit which is also hard to argue against is that "writing the scripture with their own hands" is attributed to at least a group of the jewish community due to its immediate context with the preceding verses. However, it's less clear who exactly is responsible. Of course one might develop arguments (linguistic or otherwise) to support their position. But I believe its best to just not seek elaboration where the Quran did not provide any.

And instead one might try to internalize the wisdom of the verse and reflect on how it applies to their own circumstances.

I understand that you were asking about linguistic rules of the Arabic language. Maybe other members can shed some light on them better than I can. However I just wanted to use this opportunity to share some humble thoughts.

Anyway good luck with your studies
And I wish you all the best.

Best Regards,
Ahmad.

4

General Discussions / Re: Native Arabic Speakers: Help please

« on: May 06, 2020, 05:10:19 AM »

Dear Lobotomize,

In English, if I say [The knowledgeable jews corrupted the scripture, AND, some knowledgeable ones corrupted the scripture, so woe to those who write the scripture with their own hands.]--in English, if I said that, the "so woe to those" is referencing BOTH of the statements before it because they were connected by "And". Is this also true in Arabic? Are we necessarily obligated to believe that Quran 2:79 only references Quran 2:78 and not the subject in general of the previous verses that were connected by the conjunction "and"?

I don't think I can directly answer your question with a sound grammatical argument because its not an area of strenght for me. But I can share some advice I try to follow myself. It's also the same advice shared by brother Joseph.
One should not build a theological position on unclear evidence or evidence that contains a degree of ambiguity. In other words, one should only use Muhkam/Qualified verses/ parts of verses [3:7] to build arguments. When I personally see an argument that can be easily tipped to either side of the table by adding or removing evidences. I try to abort the discussion. And rely on clear matters instead.

In the case of 2:79-78.
The clearest point one can posit which is also hard to argue against is that "writing the scripture with their own hands" is attributed to a group of the jewish community due to its immediate context with the preceding verses. However, it's less clear who exactly is responsible. Of course one might develop arguments (linguistic or otherwise) to support their position. But I believe its best to just not seek elaboration where the Quran did not provide any.

And instead one might try to internalize the wisdom of the verse and reflect on how it applies to their own circumstances.

I understand that you were asking about linguistic rules of the Arabic language. Maybe other members can shed some light on them better than I can. However I just wanted to use this opportunity to share some humble thoughts.

Anyway good luck with your studies
And I wish you all the best.

Best Regards,
Ahmad.

5

General Discussions / Re: Native Arabic Speakers: Help please

« on: May 03, 2020, 06:38:51 AM »

Please note that the word hudna used in 7:156 is also a verb in the past tense.

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General Discussions / Re: Native Arabic Speakers: Help please

« on: May 03, 2020, 06:33:24 AM »

Dear Lobotomize,
I have tried to explain it to the best of my abilities. But maybe other members can comment if they see something wrong.

Please note that I have highlighted the corresponding words with the same colors.

[5:69] Saheeh International
Indeed, those who have believed [in Prophet Muhammad] and those [before Him] who were Jews or Sabeans or Christians - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالصَّابِئُونَ وَالنَّصَارَىٰ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ - 5:69

[5:69] Transliteration
Inna allatheena amanoo waallatheena hadoo waalssabioona waalnnasara man amana biAllahi waalyawmi alakhiri waAAamila salihan fala khawfun AAalayhim wala hum yahzanoona


amanoo Is a verb in the past tense that refers to those what have believed.

hadoo Is a verb in the past tense that refers to the jews. It roughly means those who have turned back to God. We can see a similar term used in 7:156

وَاكْتُبْ لَنَا فِي هَٰذِهِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ إِنَّا هُدْنَا إِلَيْكَ ۚ قَالَ عَذَابِي أُصِيبُ بِهِ مَنْ أَشَاءُ ۖ وَرَحْمَتِي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ ۚ فَسَأَكْتُبُهَا لِلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَالَّذِينَ هُم بِآيَاتِنَا يُؤْمِنُونَ - 7:156



[7:156] Transliteration
Waoktub lana fee hathihi alddunya hasanatan wafee alakhirati inna hudna ilayka qala AAathabee oseebu bihi man ashao warahmatee wasiAAat kulla shayin fasaaktubuha lillatheena yattaqoona wayutoona alzzakata waallatheena hum biayatina yuminoona

[5:69] Saheeh International
And decree for us in this world [that which is] good and [also] in the Hereafter; indeed, we have turned back to You." [ Allah ] said, "My punishment - I afflict with it whom I will, but My mercy encompasses all things." So I will decree it [especially] for those who fear Me and give zakah and those who believe in Our verses -


If amanoo(those who have believed ) were in the present tense it would have been in the following form

[2:4] Qarai
and who believe in what has been sent down to you and what was sent down before you, and are certain of the Hereafter.
وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ وَبِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ - 2:4

[2:4] Transliteration
Waallatheena yuminoona bima onzila ilayka wama onzila min qablika wabialakhirati hum yooqinoona

I hope this helps in a small way

Best regards,
Ahmad

7

General Discussions / Re: Native Arabic Speakers: Help please

« on: May 02, 2020, 06:04:11 AM »

Dear Lobotomize94

The Quran acknowledges that there were believers in many periods of history before Prophet Muhammed. (Ex: Followers of Prophet Abraham, Prophet Johah & Prophet Moses).

But now, Prophet Muhammed is the last and final messenger. So our belief cannot be complete without believing in him and his message.

If what I have written is not clear, please tell me to elaborate.

Best Regards,

8

Islamic Duties / Re: Ramadan 2020

« on: April 25, 2020, 05:02:16 PM »

Wa Alaykum al Salam Brother Hamza.

I wish you and your family a blessed Ramadan and may Allah gives us the strength to fulfill the needs of this month Insha'allah.
May Allah increase us in Faith and forgive our sins on the day of judgement.

Ramadan Mubarak

9

General Discussions / Suggestion for the QM Forum

« on: April 11, 2020, 07:05:53 AM »

As-Salam Alaykum everybody,

I've been thinking lately about a suggestion that may help in the general goals of QM.

In the forum, there is already a place for:
1. Asking Questions
2. Sharing thoughts/interesting resources
3. Critique Brother Joseph's articles
4. General info

What I feel is lacking is a dedicated place for members to get feedback on their thoughts. But without the pressure of it being displayed publicly. Sometimes one might have initial thoughts/ understanding about issues which are not fit for public exposure. And private feedback and critique would be a way to help evolve one's thought process. That would be totally different from debating or propagating ideas. The intention would be to genuinely find flaws in one's thinking in order to get closer to the truth [18:24]

A place whose essence comes from spirit of the following verse:
[34:46]
Say, "I only advise you of one [thing] - that you stand for Allah, [seeking truth] in pairs and individually, and then give thought."... [Part]

I hope brother Joesph has the time to comment on this suggestion as well as the QM moderators and the respected forum members.

Thank you

Your brother,
Ahmad.

10

General Discussions / Re: HELP: Pascale's wager means we should be Christian and not Muslim?

« on: April 02, 2020, 05:17:09 AM »

Dear Brother Hamza,
Hope you are well

Just wanted to point out that you can use http://tanzil.net to search by word root. In order to speed up your research.
Here is the link with the search results of the root of muslim / islam - (S-L-M)
http://tanzil.net/#search/root/سلم
(Part of the link is not working so you have to copy manually.)

Hope this helps.

It has been a while, brother Good logic  . I hope you are doing well with the grace of God .

Best Regards,
Ahmad.

11

General Discussions / Re: HELP: Pascale's wager means we should be Christian and not Muslim?

« on: March 26, 2020, 11:58:55 PM »

Dear Lobotomize94,

I understand where you are coming from regarding your question.
But I feel there is a more fundamental issue that needs to be discussed.

You see, from my humble perspective, belief is not an insurance as viewed by some. In the sense of a plan that one signs at a stage of their life. Forgets about it and lives on. I can say with certitude, and I believe many would agree. Faith is a huge responsiblity.

A responsibility that a few as attested by the Quran are truly willing to bear its consequences. [38:24]

Sometimes to preserve this God-given light, one must be willing to be at odds with many of whom are close to their hearts. Many times one must be at odds with their ownselves. [9:24]

Belief is not a one time experience. It's an everlasting struggle present during ease and hardship until our last breath. [15:99]

It's a path traveled by a few. Therefore, I believe basing one's belief on peripheral or superficial cues without spending the time engaging with the central arguments of each school of thought. Will only produce a casual follower that is easily swayed by popular opinion or those with alleged authority—someone who will not be willing to pay all the dues required by claiming real belief. [29:2]

The world may be becoming more complicated, but the requirement for guidance has always remained simple.

[37:83] And indeed, among his kind was Abraham,[37:84]
When he came to his Lord with a sound heart

12

General Discussions / Re: What does the word Islam means

« on: November 26, 2019, 09:12:06 PM »

Salam brother Mubashir,

Here is a quote from IslamQA

If you refer to Arabic language dictionaries you will find out that the meaning of the word Islam is: submission, humbling oneself, and obeying commands and heeding prohibitions without objection, sincerely worshipping Allaah alone, believing what He tells us and having faith in Him.

From my limited perspective, the way I see it is that islam means to submit to and obey God's teachings. Being peaceful as you stated is one of those teachings that must be obeyed.

I hope this helps in a small way,

Regards
Ahmed.

13

General Discussions / Re: Alleged Contradiction in the Quran (II)

« on: September 08, 2019, 11:41:42 PM »

As salam Alakum,
If you can read Arabic then I recommend the following book:
دفع إيهام الاضطراب عن آيات الكتاب

It discusses most of the alleged contradictions in the Quran. And it cleared a lot of confusion for me.
I was also pleasantly surprised that these contradictions when cleared up uncover very deep insights.
I think the verses are purposely written to appear contradictory in order to test who will think deeply about them versus who will simply reject them.

Anyway I hope this helps in a small way

Regards,
Ahmad.

14

General Discussions / Re: Quranic support for muslim immigration to Abbasinia

« on: August 27, 2019, 07:38:58 PM »

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts

15

General Discussions / Re: Quranic support for muslim immigration to Abbasinia

« on: August 21, 2019, 06:05:41 AM »

Dear s1c4r1us,
It does not as far as I know. Immigration to Abbasinia is part of the sirah (Biography of the prophet). I was asking about maybe an implicit reference from the Quran that sanctions a model where believers can stay as a minority in non muslims lands. And whether such a model would go against verses that speak against taking unbelievers as guardians ? I am just stating Abbasinia as an example of that happening in muslim history. But its important to note that muslims back then had no other choice.

Regards,