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Topics - Hamzeh

#1
Discussions / Vaccines
August 29, 2021, 10:14:27 AM
Assalamu 3alykum

Dear Brothers and Sisters

I hope and pray that you are all in good faith and are in good health Insha'Allah.

As I really value and respect the members of this forum and are all dear to me, even when we dont see eye to eye, I believe Insha'Allah there is an honest right/best answer somewhere within our discussions as they are revolved around The Noble Quran Alhamdulila. So for that reason and I hope brother Joseph and the moderators dont mind me posting what may seem like personal or political questions or discussions on his website.

Its no secret that we are living in unusual times where there has been so many disputes and divides on so many different issues facing the world. Even though one might think with our advanced technology and our advancements in knowledge, lifestyles and speed it would be easy to identify the lies ,misconceptions and corruptions happening and that everything is captured and delivered in its purity. What I notice which takes no more than turning on the television that depending on the station you watch you will have a different, conflicting perspectives and opinions on certain topics. Which the different groups all present there own doctors, professors, journalists etc to support their opinions.

When it comes to politics, governments, science, medicine, subjective topics etc the one place that people go to and even kids is the internet and the first answer or what is usually the most popular is what is considered truth. Sometimes possibly these first place answers on the top of the page are also motivated by politics and money. So it seems to me but I could be wrong.

Or it seems sometimes it really depends on which group you support or trust. Sometimes when one feels like something doesnt make sense and goes to research it, ones keeps going back in circles as the internet is filled with so much division and conflicting opinions even among those who are doctors, professors scholars etc that it confuses the person even more. Maybe this has always been the way, but I find it has become harder that especially when people who dont take the first answer they hear or dont blindy accept at first glace the mainstream way or agree with the ruling governments or science they are becoming deemed as foolish. There is times in my humble opinion that it is true that the ruling parties or the mainstream is right or at least seems to be correct. A good example was not to long ago when people started talking about if the Earth was flat or round. Spurs of ideas starting popping up and to pick a side or make a judgment one is almost required to start getting technical and familiar with astronomy. Maybe this is life and why we are here and there is nothing wrong with the process, but I mean I believe the Quran does have an answer to everything even though it might not be explicit. So I hope maybe we can start to speak about the things happening in our world and try to tackle them with the Quran Insha'Allah.

Because I do not notice any country or state that really uses the Quran as their sole guidance to tackle on going events/situations in our present time and we cannot decipher and answer from their example, I thought maybe I would bring them up on this forum and talk about them in the light of the Quran and Insha'Allah we can make right decisions in our lives regarding these issues people are divided over.

Ive noticed lately that some groups have been trying to use science to prove many of their thoughts/logic or solutions regarding certain issues that have been arising in our time. I am not against science and I do think that it has a place in our world. This would be ultimately knowledge given to us from the Creator as a blessing. We also do see that a lot of good things have happened because of discoveries.

What I worry about though is that when things sometimes dont make complete sense to the average person and really there is no clear explanation or evidence that its the problem or the solution, is it real science? Are we expected to just take the word of articles or agencies that claim thats clinical trials were conducted and this is what this shows or experiments show this and that, or polls or study show this and that, or data shows this and that? Is this what is called to be evidence? Sometimes I find them questionable.

So these are the grey areas that lead one to research and sometimes the research keeps you in confusion and ultimately you have no idea what to do.


Just to name a few of things Ive noticed lately that has been in discussions on a big scale like whether or not countries/cities/states should take action on, or legalize, or ban, or mandate/force such actions such as:

1. Vaccines/immunizations? To force them upon people as it will saves lives? Or the freedom to choose but pose a risk on others? Vaccine passports? Masks?
2. Global warming/Climate Change? Is this from what the hands of modern day people are doing? or control from the Creator? Are we corrupting the Earth?
3. Natural resources such as fossil fuels, oil, natural gas? Is this destroying the world, or a blessing? Do we support it or find an alternate way?
4. Modern day farming, whether animals are healthy or not in this day of age when farming is like this? Is the modern day farming practices an act of corruption and greed or is it a blessing so food can be produced on large scales?
Use of pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, do they harm the planet or do they ease the way food is harvested?
5. Mining bitcoin, use of cryptocurrency whether it is gambling or an investment? Does it harms the Earth using energy or unites people with a global currency. No need for regulations from central Governments?
6. Wars and invasions in countries? Do you help them or leave them? Is it lawful to help and fight injustice in other countries or do not get involved?
7. Border control? Freely allow people into your border?
8. Refugees?
9. Asylum seekers
10. Trading/business
and many more.


Opinions regarding these topics are divided. Often it is a decision based on whether one is a liberal or a conservative, right or a left, democrat or a republican, religious or secular or which sources one reads.

I think in my humble opinion with minds that focus on the Quranic source for guidance can achieve a blessed and right conclusion Insha'Allah.

Maybe we can use the example of the situations happening and hypothetically see what a Islamic state would do regarding these from time to time Insha'Allah.


One topic if no one is disturbed by it, that has always been on my mind from a very long time ago which I have never been conclusive about was vaccines.

So I will keep this posts subject regarding it.


So regarding the vaccines. As the whole world is now talking about it, I was one of those people who had no idea what they were and if they even existed. I was never faced with a decision to take one or not because my parents had already made that decision for me when I was younger.

The first time it came to my attention was when I had my first child about 12 years ago before I was on this forum. I remember Masha'Allah when my son was about 2 month and was sitting around with him, my wife tells me "your son has a doctors appointment tomorrow for a immunization needle."

Something happened to me that moment as I grabbed him as I feared, I just replied and stopped suddenly what I was doing and said "Excuse me, what do you mean, needle? for what". As I held my son, and my wife speaking to me I started examining him.

Her response was basically "well you have to, everyone does it Its just a needle".

I was puzzled, something was happening to me, and Im just looking at him Masha'Allah a created creature from God, Im thinking why does he need a needle. Is there something missing from our system that we cannot live on this Planet.

So many questions was just running through my head at that point. I was so confused, like never before in my life.

I had more of a discussion with my wife and she was worried I will not give him the needle the next day so she would call my family and parents and everyone started to call me and say what am I doing and this is normal and you had it and this and that and that its dangerous if you dont give him the needle and so on." I'll keep it short.

I just replied thats Im not saying no but Im not saying yes. I have to see what this is and do some research.

I just couldnt get it through my head that a human that God created Masha'Allah in the best of fashion/mold in order for him to live needed a immunization shot. That it felt like what was being intended that was this human being is missing something or that God created him in a way that for him to live he still depended on this shot.

I researched everything. I spent weeks maybe month reading, going back and forth. I was even more confused. Conflicting answers. Some say there was scenerios where problems happened, doctors say that was nonsense, and so on.

It doesnt take much to see the conflicting stories. I didnt think anyone would lie about there childrens reactions to vaccines. I also didnt think doctors would lie either.

I found this kind of topic to be very hard to discern. I dont want to go into details about all the evidence that leads to pro-vaccines vs anti-vaccines. But they both have their credibility. But so did a conscience.

17:36 And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.


Is such a topic something we do have such knowledge about? Can it really be said that vaccines are what eliminated past sicknesses/viruses or was their time up? How can it ever be proved? Are the studies and numbers reliable?

Even today's pandemic, what if it was left alone without vaccines, would the numbers be the same or not? Would it run its course as the Lord wills, or do we have the power to defeat it?

Do we take our full precautions by trusting the leaders and doctors by taking the needles, or do we not inflict something if it aint needing it? "if it aint broke dont fix it"

I hope not to confuse people like I was but hoping Insha'Allah to get some ideas and thoughts from brothers and sisters who are believers in the Quran and thinkers Masha'Allah and Insha'Allah from brother Joseph if its worth even speaking about.

Insha'Allah other topics as well I'll post in due time Insha'Allah

Asalamu 3alykum
#2
Islamic Duties / Ramadan 2020
April 24, 2020, 07:20:59 PM
Assalamu 3alykum brothers and sisters

Masha'Allah it seems not so long ago that the last Ramadan went by.

May the Almighty Creator increase you all in faith and wisdom this blessed month of Ramadan Insha'Allah.

Ramadan Mubarak

Salam
#3
Islamic Duties / Moon Sighting
June 04, 2019, 03:15:02 PM
Asalamu 3alykum Dear Moderators, if you may delete my previous post of this topic that would be great as it was not clear. Thank you

Asalamu 3alykum brothers and sisters

As I been searching through the internet I been finding conflicting testimonies from different websites on the moon sighting of the new moon crescent.

For example Saudi Arabia said they called their authorities yesterday June 2, 2019 to start the sighting on June 3, 2019 and also asked anyone of the locals to provide their testimonies. So on June 3, 2019 the officials according to websites and many platforms have concluded that they saw the crescent of the moon.

On other websites such as www.moonsighting.com they show that their is NO sighting from Saudi Arabia and most other countries if not all. "Saudi Arabia:
Not Seen: MCW member Mr Abdul Kadir Mulla from Jeddah reported: No Moon has been sighted in Madina Munawwara on 3rd June.
"

They also show that for example USA, Canada have NOT seen the moon, however most people if not all I know are celebrating EID tomorrow. Tuesday June 4, 2019.

www.crescentwatch.org is another website that says "All reports thus far have been negative (the moon was not sighted), including ones from numerous highly experienced sighters across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America (all where naked-eye sightings were considered extremely improbable). We are continuing to receive and assess reports now in North America and will post updates here accordingly."


I'm not sure what is going on, but I find it a bit confusing. If the websites are being biased and choosing their own authorities then something is wrong, if they are telling the truth then again something is wrong with the other authorities in other countries. Not sure.

I'm not to sure if those who sight the moon in a era like today should at least try to post a picture of the sighting of the moon if they claim to see it?


From where I am from the people are celebrating Eid tomorrow but the moon seems to be NOT seen according to the websites crescentwatch.com and moonsighting.com. I however went out with my little knowledge of where to look and I did not think I seen anything but again I'm not familiar with the process.

I mentioned this to some friends and it seemed to stir up some controversy which I really don't want to. So might have to fast in secret tomorrow as I don't know why but people take it seriously if you tell them to think.

I wonder if I'm going to have to start sighting the moon for myself and see how the process works.

I guess maybe Ramadan is an individual gathering as everyone should sight the moon for themselves till the end of the month if this is how the world is going to be where some countries seem just to declare it without proof(maybe there is but I have not seen them on English websites) and some countries which seem like they are celebrating the EID seem to show no proof either of the moon crescent and the English websites confirm no sighting yet despite that are still celebrating EID.

2:185(part).... whoever of you witnesses the month shall fast it...

It maybe that every house hold should observe their own moon sighting, which leads me to the thought that why the EID celebration is not stipulated in the Quran. God knows best

It seems like the sighting has turned into politics

Crescentwatch.org

Moonsighting.com

Egypt also seemed to have differances some seen it some did not
http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/6/71179/Moon-sighting-for-Shawwal-When-will-2019-Eid-al-Fitr

Salam
#4
Discussions / Ramadan Kareem 2019
May 06, 2019, 12:36:05 PM
Asalamu 3alykum

May God guide us to a better path and strengthan our faith and increase us in knoweldge and make us righteous servants of His.

I pray for all the brothers and sisters on this forum to have a blessed and productive Ramadan Insha'Allah.

May God bless you all and your families.

:)

Peace
#5
Discussions / Ramadan Kareem 2018
May 17, 2018, 12:11:41 PM
Ramadan Mubarak to all you brothers and sisters.

May Allah(swt) bless you all and increase you in knowledge and wisdom Insha'Allah.

It is truly a blessing to communicate with all of you and to read your comments, questions and answers. Alhamdulilla.

Asalamu 3alykum
#6
Discussions / Search Engine
March 05, 2018, 04:39:36 AM
Asalamu 3lykum

Dear respected Moderators

I've noticed for some time now that searching key words or any words does not work on the search engine page anymore.

http://quransmessage.com/articles/search%20FM2.htm

I thought maybe it was my computer or ip address but I tried again from another device and noticed that its the same outcome, nothing happens when I search anything.

I am wondering if you also noticed that or if there anything I can do to help Insha'Allah.

Kind regards,

Hamzeh
#7
Asalamu 3alykum

Dear brother Joseph

This may sound naive but I am failing to understand verse 4:4. What is your opinion on the translations provided below?

Yusuf Ali
4:4 And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, Take it and enjoy it with right good cheer.
Pickthall
And give unto the women (whom ye marry) free gift of their marriage portions; but if they of their own accord remit unto you a part thereof, then ye are welcome to absorb it (in your wealth).


I am having a difficulty seeing how the term "sadaqatihinna" could mean dowry or free gifts? 

Since a dowry is something that is agreed upon before the complete marriage bond takes place. I do not see why a bride would remit or forego part of her dowry during the marriage agreement, because if she did then that would be the dowry that is agreed upon. What she does with it during the marriage seems to be already taken care of in verse 4:24 by stating that there is no blame on the couple what they do with the dowry by mutual agreement. Unless I am misunderstanding that verse.

If a women chose to remit all her dowry for instance wouldn't that mean that then that is the dowry and something that is agreed upon which would not be considered something she is giving back because she did not take anything to begin with. Which anyways somehow goes against the verse 33:50 where only prophet Muhammad was excused from paying a dowry. So in other words all men have to pay a dowry of some sort, each according to his means(2:236).

Just the way the verse is structured seems to suggest that there is a command to give the women(in general not wives) their wealth possibly related and a connection with verse 4:127 and also an instruction at the same time that there is no blame on the guardian to absorb or take any part of the wealth that the women forgoes or remits by their own accord.

I find that the main theme from verse 4:2 to verse 4:6 seems to provide guidance on how not to be unjust to the orphans and when to give them their wealth which seems to support the argument above and does not deal with marriage.

However because the term "amwalahum" is the term that is generally used to define the orphans wealth/possession makes me think that it is referring to a dowry and I am just not understanding it correctly.

Asalamu 3alykum
#8
General Discussions / Meaning of the word Islam
April 15, 2017, 06:25:02 AM
Asalamu Alykum

Dear brother Wakas

I just thought I would start a new topic regarding our discussion on another thread.

I will give my humble opinion to your comments. I do however understand and get what your saying and thanks for your input.

You said
Quote"Islam" with a capital "I" is a title (or proper noun) - however that is NOT its primary signification.

It depends from what relative point of view your looking at this from.
I agree that although the word "islam" before the Quran was revealed could of been a well known word in the Arabic vocabulary, there does seem to be a suggestion that that word in particular had been turned into a title of a religion (3:19)(5:3). Just so that those who believed were distinguished from those who did not or at least those who were believing in the religion of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad(pbut) were recognized under one umbrella. The term 'muslim' would possibly be any one who believed in one God. But that could be anyone and does not need to be part of the religion that was specifically revealed to the prophets and messengers.

3:19 Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah , then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.

You said
QuoteBefore Al Quran was revealed all the words used in it already existed, including "islam". There is nothing special about the word "islam", thus does not require capitalisation.
Unfortunately, it has become common practice to give ordinary Arabic words special religious significance and capitalise them into titles, e.g. islam, muslim.

islam is an ordinary word meaning peacemaking/submission, and it is an inclusive word that can encompass various monotheists under its banner.
Islam is the title of a religion, which may or may not reflect the original word meaning, and commonly refers to an exclusive religion.

I do not agree that any various monotheists can be branded under the religion of God(Islam) if they do not believe in the messages that had been passed down exclusively by the Only One True God. A person or group who believe in one God who they categorically recognize as different than the God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, etc are not the same.

I do think that those who believe in the One True God, The God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and all the prophets and messengers(pbut) are distinguished from those who believe in any one particular God and do not follow the laws, rituals, obligations, prohibitions, etc of those who were given a Scripture.

3:84 Say: "We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)."

3:85 If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).


Cleary there is  difference. I can concur that yes those who believe in One God, but do not follow a particular path that was sent by God maybe termed as monotheists (muslims). God knows best.

I can also say that the word "Islam" in Arabic may have an equivalent term in other languages. However what ever those terms are should also stand clear and should be distinguished between any other religion. Since the Quran is the final revelations it is not a surprise to me that it would combine the 3 main paths sent that are to Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (pbut) and categorically banner them as one title. The two verses above seem to suggest that.

You said
QuoteThis capitalisation of islam/muslim can lead to a few issues:

it helps conceal the original meaning of the word

it leads to the contradictory statement that one be Muslim but not muslim


I think the term "Islam" should actually be well known and not mixed up with other monotheist religions.

The term "muslim" is another topic and should not be mixed with the term "Islam"

QuotePotentially conflicts with The Quran's universal message, e.g. many messengers used the equivalent word to "muslim" in their own language prior to Quran [2:128, 2:131, 3:67, 3:52, 5:111, 10:72]. Think about whatever word they used in their own languages - would you also class these as special words requiring capitals? The meaning of the word is important, i.e. do you embody the meaning of the word?.
Also, it implies other monotheists cannot be muslim when they could be classed as such according to its original Arabic meaning, which makes sense with various verses, e.g. 2:62.

Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Nazarenes, and the Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear upon them, nor shall they grieve. [2:62]


Again the term "muslim" is different than the religion. Thats a different topic.

You said:
QuoteIn other words, it doesn't matter what one labels themselves as, labels/titles are not important, it's what you believe in and what you do is important.

I agree and disagree, as this statement is broad.

Believers in the Scriptures are asked not to distinguish between each other. They are asked to participate in certain practices together. To label themselves or to be well known is not something out of the ordinary.

Those are my thoughts.

Salam :)
#9
Asalamu Alykum

Is the privilege of marrying women who give herself to a believer not permitted? Or was the privilege that the Prophet Muhammad  (pbuh) had over believers was that he did not have to give the dowry(mahr) while other believers do have to give the dowry?

33:50 O Prophet! Lo! We have made lawful unto thee thy wives unto whom thou hast paid their dowries, and those whom thy right hand possesseth of those whom Allah hath given thee as spoils of war, and the daughters of thine uncle on the father's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the father's side, and the daughters of thine uncle on the mother's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the mother's side who emigrated with thee, and a believing woman if she give herself unto the Prophet and the Prophet desire to ask her in marriage - a privilege for thee only, not for the (rest of) believers - We are Aware of that which We enjoined upon them concerning their wives and those whom their right hands possess - that thou mayst be free from blame, for Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

Peace
#10
Islamic Duties / Hunting in the name of God
October 24, 2016, 10:06:06 AM
Salamu Alykum brothers and sisters

Does anyone know if anything has been discussed or written about how one may hunt by also keeping the requirement of the animal being "Halal"(killed/slaughtered in the name of God)?

Hunting animals like deer, elk, moose, etc.

The reason I ask is that, if one was to try to just injure the animal and try to catch it after while its still alive there is the possibility that one may not find it and it will escape being only injured which would be a lose lose situation for both the animal and the hunter. Which also in some countries I think its not allowed unless you try to get the animal with one shot so it does not suffer.

I know a verse in the Quran that requires the Muslims to train their hunting animals(dogs, birds etc) in a way that God has trained them to catch by which they may eat from. I remember reading about one may train their dog to bring the animal live and then one may slaughter in the name of God. I would assume this would be mainly for catching birds.

5:4 They ask thee what is lawful to them (as food). Say: lawful unto you are (all) things good and pure: and what ye have taught your trained hunting animals (to catch) in the manner directed to you by Allah: eat what they catch for you, but pronounce the name of Allah over it: and fear Allah; for Allah is swift in taking account.


Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

May God bless you all

Salam
#11
Salamu Alykum brothers and sisters

I'm sure many of us heard about the phrase in the verse below that is mainly quoted(out of context) by those who advocate the hadith corpus as a source of authority.

59:7 That which Allah giveth as spoil unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, that it become not a commodity between the rich among you. And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it(wama atakumuarrasoolu fakhuthoohu) . And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal.


The phrase in question is "wama atakumuarrasoolu fakhuthoohu wama nahakumAAanhu fantahoo"

What I would like to point out and what I found to be very enlightening by Allah(swt) is that IF the translations of the verse below are correct and IF I am understanding them correctly(please let me know if I am mistaken in anyways), that people who listen to falsehood by way of narrations or hadith by people who came after their respective scriptures is not something newly invented, and Allah(swt) has warned us about these kinds of people Subhan Allah.

People of the past also used to say to their people that 5:41 "If you are given this, take it; but if you are not given it, then beware." by way of changing words from their context.
"in ooteetum hatha fakhuthoohu wa-in lamtu/tawhu fahtharoo"

From what I'm understanding from verse 5:41 is that their was some people from the Jews that used to listen to falsehood through the sayings of the people of the past but of their later generations(which seems to me later generations who came after their scripture "Liqawmin Akhareena") but who has not come to prophet Muhammad. They changed the words from their contexts and followed what was passed down to them from their people who were after their revelations " If you are given this, take it.."

Although from all the translations I seen so far, I do not find that anyone has translated the words "Liqawmin Akhareena" in the english translation. I could be wrong, please correct me if I am not able to comprehend it.

5:41 O Messenger, let them not grieve you who hasten into disbelief of those who say, "We believe" with their mouths, but their hearts believe not, and from among the Jews. [They are] avid listeners to falsehood, listening to another people who have not come to you. They distort words beyond their [proper] usages, saying "If you are given this, take it; but if you are not given it, then beware." But he for whom Allah intends fitnah - never will you possess [power to do] for him a thing against Allah . Those are the ones for whom Allah does not intend to purify their hearts. For them in this world is disgrace, and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment.

The Lord does tell us that He explains and guides us through examples or by way of those people's practices(good or bad) who were before the revelation sent to prophet Muhammad.

Note again their seems to be differences in translations, if someone can correct me again as I may possibly be saying something that is not warranted.

Sahih International
4:26 Allah wants to make clear to you [the lawful from the unlawful] and guide you to the [good] practices of those before you and to accept your repentance. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.

Pickthall
4:26 Allah would explain to you and guide you by the examples of those who were before you, and would turn to you in mercy. Allah is Knower, Wise.

Sahih International seems to find that the term "sunana" means good practices. Any opinions on this translation?

Anyways I thought maybe I'd share this and someone maybe able to explain it better than me what these verses mean and make it more clear or correct me if I am not understanding them correctly.

Salam  :)
#12
Asalamu Alykum brothers and sister

After reading a very inspiring post that brother Joseph shared I realized a serious matter that could become a very accepted and adopted theology in the majority of Muslim thought. May Allah bless us all and bring us to a path that is even closer than we are now.

The statement that sparked the thought was this by a sister who seemed very humble. May Allah bless her and her family and help her in her journey.

"So we kind of became the Muslim version of born-again Christians. Islam but with all "rituals" taken away."

What came to my mind was these verses which seem like a warning.

19:58 Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace,- of the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of (Allah) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.

19:59 But there came after them successors who neglected prayer and pursued desires; so they are going to meet evil


74:42 What hath brought you to this burning? 74:43 They will answer: We were not of those who prayed



Just a little reminder to myself and all whom it reaches.

May Allah have mercy and blessings on us all

Salam
#13
General Discussions / verse 4:29
November 08, 2015, 05:02:30 PM
Salamu Alykum Brother Joseph

There seems to be different opinions of translations on verse 4:29

As I was reading Muhammad Asads rendition of the Quran I noted this:

4:29
O YOU who have attained to faith! Do not devour one another's possessions wrongfully - not even by way of trade based on mutual agreement 38 - and do not destroy one another: for, behold, God is indeed a dispenser of grace unto you! (4:30) And as for him who does this with malicious intent and a will to do wrong39 - him shall We, in time, cause to endure [suffering through] fire: for this is indeed easy for God.

The arabic word in question is "illa" which usually and mostly translates as "except, only, save"

He further implies in his explanation he translated the arabic word "illa" as "not even by way" instead of using the more 'usual' meaning "except or unless" from what I understand simply because "it would imply that wrongful profits from trading based on mutual agreement are excepted from the general prohibition, "Devour not one another's possessions wrongfully"-

He further goes on to explain why on page 165-166 of his book.

He also compares it to verse 27:10-11 which I can see why in verse 27:10-11 the word "illa" he is translating it as " and neither"

I would really like to know, because if Muhammad Asad translation is correct I would like to know what kind of transaction that can occur by mutual consent that can be made from one person to another falsely? bargaining a cheap price with a mutual agreement with someone while planning to sell for higher price maybe?

It would be assuming that trade buying and selling is in conflict of this verse while trade is made lawful by another verse 2:275

other translations I found was:

4:29 O ye who believe! Squander not your wealth among yourselves in vanity, except it be a trade by mutual consent, and kill not one another. Lo! Allah is ever Merciful unto you

4:29 O you who believe! Do not consume each other's wealth illicitly, but trade by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves, for God is Merciful towards you.

Peace
#14
General Discussions / verse 43:81
August 23, 2015, 12:56:23 PM
Assalamu Alykum dear brothers and sisters

I did not find any discussions on verse 43:81

Yusuf Ali
Say: "If (Allah) Most Gracious had a son, I would be the first to worship."

I'm trying to figure out the wisdom of this verse that God has told the Prophet to say. Would it be that God is informing the Prophet that if it was not for the Quran and God telling him God is One then he would not of known?

What is your opinion on this brother Joseph?

Peace and Blessings
#15
Asalamu Alykum Br. Joseph

I was wondering to what extent does a person need to go to verify if the permissible meats are Halal or Kosher?
Sometimes I just dont feel right by eating at a place that claims to have Halal meat. Not that I dont trust people as I think there is many good and honest people out there far better than I.  It just seems like its too easy just because a label is on it that says its Halal.

As not to long ago I came into a incident that I was aware of a Arabian restaurant having halal meat. And I asked them about it the first time. But then after eating there a few other times I just wanted to make sure as I was eating there quite a bit and then they said no only the beef is halal and not the chicken. I was kinda upset. Anyways

I know in the west there are rules in slaughtering meats and even the butcher shops are not allowed to slaughter for their own stores but they say they buy the meat from a place that slaughters in a big scale in the Islamic way. And every meat store gets there meats from a specific place and choose there grades. As in a wider society and laws in the west I dont think they would allow false labelling. As it seems they do a good job in that sense.

And unless your a farmer and have your own farm you cannot slaughter the animal yourself. It must go for inspection and then slaughtered however I THINK a person may stand with the butcher and mention the name of Allah while being slaughtered.

Though i believe that its expected from the Muslims, Jews and Christians that Gods name should be mentioned before all the slaughtering of the animals as a society. It would be in that manner than we can all eat from each others food. Unfortunately its not the case in the wider scope of things.

What do you do out of curiousity if its not stipulated in the Quran of the precautions or verifications a person has to take when eating meat? if you dont mind me asking that question
Example, you wont eat it unless you see it done according to Islam?
Is taking the word of a owner/manager good enough that its Halal?
Is a label good enough proof?


Peace and blessings Insha'Allah
#16
Asalamu Alykum Dear Br. Joseph Islam

I have read your article "People of the Book" and found that you have pointed out that the Quran tells the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) that to let the Jews and the Christians to judge by what they are given. (5:42-48)

Just to understand and referring back to the original text in Arabic. in verse 5:44 translations say:

Yusuf Ali
It was We who revealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light.

is the"was" an accurate translation as I know "feeha"  means "in it" or "therein" and I can't find "was" in the Arabic.

I noticed the translation you used in the article also says "was"

005.044
It was We who revealed the Torah (to Moses): therein (Arabic: Fi-ha) was guidance and light.

Now what I'm trying to get it is that some people refer to this as a past tense. Or its somewhat sarcasm when verse 5:43 is explained. That they come to the Prophet for judgement because they dont have there books.

I honestly hate to waste your time and over mention something. I read your posts about the Torah and all the subcategories that have to do with it. I myself honestly feel that the verses are clear and agree with your views on them.

Its really a shocking news to some when they hear this. but I was really nervous today by how people react when you tell them you believe this. I feel like I'm the one going against the Quran. so its as if I just need to confirm. Because I feel like I'm denying that the Quran came to all humanity. And not everyone should follow the laws ordained in it.

Some argue that because the Torah was changed then God sent the Injeel. And then the Injeel was changed then thats the reason for the Quran. And God has protected it. And the justifications for this is that the Quran confirms that people tampered and changed the Torah and Bible.

However I incline to your views of the interpretations is because I do believe that just because people don't use what was given to them doesn't mean that they are no longer available by some others. And because of verses (5:42-48)

Does not the God mention somewhere in the Quran that his words are never lost or changed? I tried to search before but maybe I could be mistaken.

The only thing that I question out of good faith is verse 7:157 and 7:158. It seems like it is asking the Jews and Christians to follow Prophet Muhammad with the light(Quran) which was sent to him.

7:157.....(part)and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is they who will prosper."
7:158 Say: "O men(mankind)! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah...

Also isn't studying another book for religious guidance and law rebuked by the Quran, or is that just to the people or nation of the Prophet?

68:36-38
What is [the matter] with you? How do you judge?
Or do you have a scripture in which you learn
That indeed for you is whatever you choose?



The above verse is probably not relating to previous nations with scriptures as they did have scriptures but the rebuttal to that would be they no longer have them?



Also I am inclined to believe that the Quran is reminding the Children of Israel to fulfil the covenant they had. 2:40

I do recall that they were told to hold fast to their Book. 2:63. would that meant forever?

Also 2:44 "Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?"

If the above verse was a present tense in the time of the prophet Muhammad to the Jews then one is inclined to think that amongst the Jews are reciting the Torah and was available in a form God has deemed it allowable for guidance.

I'm just looking for truth Insha'Allah. I don't want it my way. I feel this is a serious topic.

The way I see it, there is 2 ways:

1. the Jews and Christians not follow the Quranic laws but to believe in that the Quran is the word of God and to follow the scriptures that came to them.
2. to believe that the Quranic law is for all.

In the event that (1) is wrong, then the consequence of believing in this way seems worse than than (2)



And thats why I would like to be certain and its not just a small matter to me. Because if the case of number (1) is true and absolute, we also have no say in the matter and this is what God has ordained. And this is what we should be preaching as well.

I have taken up much of your time lately with my questions in the past couple days. And I honestly only intend for the best and the truth and not to exhaust you but to help you(something which I might not be able to do but Insha'Allah). Only reply if you find it a topic that will benefit others and not only myself as there is other important things going on.

Peace be upon you
#17
Asalamu Alykum

I was pondering over the opening verses of Surah Al Baqarah, and trying to understand them from the lens of a person who has no knowledge or history of the Quran or Islam.

2:2-6...
2.This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;
3.Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them
4.And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
5.They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.
6.As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe.

It seems like this was how God has introduced the guidance to the people at the time of the prophet Muhammad who directly took the Book after him. To the people amongst the prophet who were to carry out the message to the world. As the prophet was a witness to them and they were a witness to the rest.

It seems every detail of how God carried out his plan to spread the Message was perfect and in perfect timing and all done through one divine Book. The superiority of the Quran did so much.

It introduced its self to the prophet himself and guided him and expected him to believe in what was coming to him.
It gave him the procedures and expectations to introduce himself to his community.
It showed the prophet how to take a covenant with his people before the Quran was fully revealed to them.
It brought them in measured time and through obstacles the truth from the Lord. And tested the people amongst him through patience and worldly pleasures and loses.
And finally after the Quran was fully revealed and placed in the order that we have it today, it assured the next generation of people after the Prophet who feared the Lord, who believed in the unseen, and performed prayer and gave zakat and believe in the Quran and what went before it and believe in the hereafter, that they are on true Guidance from the Lord, and that they are the ones that will prosper.

Does it make sense they way I can understand these verses? I would assume also one would need the above background knowledge if thats correct to take the opening verses to mean lots to the generation at the time of the Prophet who were entrusted with the Book. Im not limiting the interpretations to just that. But I can imagine how it speaks to them very much or in the first instance.

Just some thoughts

Any thoughts?

May God Bless Us All

Salam
#18
General Discussions / Before or after resurrection 22:2
December 11, 2014, 01:15:03 PM
Asalamu Alykum Br. Joseph Islam

I was reading a response from you today which says

"However, the Quran is explicit that earthly relationships will be severed on the Day of Judgment. A nursing mother will forget what she was nursing; a pregnant mother will want to drop her own child in her womb and will want nothing to do with it (22:2)."

(22:1-2)
1.O mankind, fear your Lord. Indeed, the convulsion of the [final] Hour is a terrible thing.
2.On the Day you see it every nursing mother will be distracted from that [child] she was nursing, and every pregnant woman will abort her pregnancy, and you will see the people [appearing] intoxicated while they are not intoxicated; but the punishment of Allah is severe.

I have always been curious about when this actually happens, not the actually time of it( As only God knows when) but at what stage? is it the time that the last generation of people will witness and only God knows when? Or is it actually when every one dies and then gets resurrected again? As I noticed you mentioned Day of Judgment. Could it be that the Day of Judgement probably starts when the last generation of people witness the ending and since no good a person does will avail him so therefore Judgement has started at the point of the ending of the world or the earthquake mentioned in 99:01?

Curious because, if its after everyone dies and then gets resurrected then I imagine that women will be resurrected pregnant and/or nursing. So I would assume its before the resurrection that 22:2 would be implying, not sure?

your brother in faith

Peace

Hamzeh

#19
General Discussions / Perfect and Flawless Quran
November 19, 2014, 03:59:13 PM
Asalamu Alykum

As I read today what Br. Joseph Islam replied to a sister about salat I was stunned at how the deeper the Quran is studied the more of its perfectness and light is illuminated. It struck me today.

QuoteBecause I have no knowledge or a verse providing rakaat numbers (2,4,4,3,4). So if there is no rakaat numbers in Qur'an, what does the verse in the qur'an with regards to shortening prayer upon fear or danger mean? Because there is no qur'anic verse stating the length of the prayer .... correct? ... so how to shorten it, i don't know the length of it in the first place? Or does it mean, if you are in danger or fear, you are pardoned from prayer?  i'm confused in this aspect. In a state of danger or fear, it is left to the individual / congregation to make an appropriate judgment as to how short a prayer should be (4:101) and what form (4:103; 2:238-239) one needs to establish keeping in view the extent of fear /danger they are under. The Quran's silence arguably intentionally provides a cue for sensible consideration and allows its silence to cater for the unique circumstances of any given situation. Every situation is arguably different.

However, the focus is clearly not to abandon worship, but to curtail normal form and duration (whatever that may be) in difficult circumstances. Otherwise, the Quran could have provided distinctive expressions such as 'half' or 'quarter' or even 'a third' whilst referring to the prayer with the implication that there was a 'set' form (with specific rakats) for normal prayer. This is clearly not the case. The Quran merely says 'taqsuru - qasara ' (shorten) which is left open to interpretation given the difficulty of the situation. It is noteworthy that expressions such as 'half', (nisf) 'third' (thulth) and 'two-thirds' (thuluthayi) are used by the Quran to denote durations of the night even in the case of worship. (73:20). Hence the Quran is not averse from using such expressions if it needs to.

In some situations it may only be appropriate to read one rakat, sitting down. In another, one may be able to worship a little longer, adding sparingly to their rakats. Sometimes, the situation is so dire, that one is left with the ability to only establish a very rudimentary form of worship or even resort to praying in the mind and to re-establish normal form when danger / difficulty has passed. Every situation is arguably different. Please see the article below of a real life experience that I encountered.

I have bolded the words

Masha'Allah brother. I found this to be put very well. Jazak Allah Khair. Thanks for sharing your efforts.

I ask myself that "if" the Quran did say for example half', (nisf) 'third' (thulth) and 'two-thirds' (thuluthayi) in the context of shortening prayers, then one is also expected to find the amount of rukahs in the Quran just because of a single word used differently. And maybe has the right to ask about the amount prescribed. Which is not the case.

Another example that comes to mind is the precision and accuracy of the punishment prescribed for fornicators. And how it proves that no stoning is prescribed. If one takes the 2 verses below

004:025 (Part)
"...So marry them with the permission of their family, and give them their bridal due, according to what is reasonable: They should be chaste, not those that commit immorality, nor those that take secret lovers. Then when they are married, if they commit lewdness / adultery (Arabic: Bifahishatin), their punishment is half that of a free women..."

Yusuf Ali
The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication(WaZaniyatu wazani),- flog each of them with a hundred stripes: Let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment.

Note another translation how it refers to only the single or unmarried. But using verse 4:25 one sees the consistencies and flawless Verses.

Sahih International
The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah , if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.


Some Ayat worth pondering over Subhan'Allah Glory be to God


Pickthall
Will they not then ponder on the Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah they would have found therein much incongruity.
Yusuf Ali
Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other Than Allah, they would surely have found therein Much discrepancy.


Yusuf Ali
Allah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of Allah's praises. Such is the guidance of Allah: He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as Allah leaves to stray, can have none to guide.


I thought I share this as it my heart did soften Alhamdulila.

Salam
#20
Asalamu Alykum Br. Joseph Islam

I read your article PUNISHMENT OF THE GRAVE (AZAB-E-QABR).[1]
Although I agree with you on this topic, I was wondering if the Quran gives more information about the Day of Judgement and its time(atmosphere)? Will there be mornings and evenings? Is there any indication that there will be more than one day? Is the period of the Day of Judgement a set of days or years? Will there be light and darkness(night) or a sun and a moon?

I am curious because some say that on the Day of Judgement there is no mornings and evenings. And it can only be a reference to a time in the grave or a period from the time death starts till the time of the day of Judgement(barzakh). Since during those times the universe will continue to have days and nights, mornings and evenings. Despite the fact that the verse below does not mention anything about punishment in ones grave.To me this doesn't make any sense because I cannot see how in a grave or in a state of barzakh a one can have a feeling or a perception of mornings and evenings. However some still argue hard to prove their point so I thought I would ask all this.

verse 40:46
"In front of the Fire will they be brought, morning and evening: and (the sentence will be) on the Day that Judgment will be established: "Cast ye the People of Pharaoh into the severest Penalty"

The above verse is mentioning that the Fire will be brought near and the verse below is mentioning how Hell will be presented to the unbelievers. The question is; are these both on the Day of Judgement or the same Day? 

18:100
"And We shall present Hell that day for Unbelievers to see, all spread out,-"


I do recall on the Day of Resurrection(Qiyama) that the Sun and the Moon will be brought together. 75:6-9

"He questions: "When is the Day of Resurrection?"
At length, when the sight is dazed,
And the moon is buried in darkness.
And the sun and moon are joined together,-"

Does the above verses prove that the Sun and the Moon will still provide mornings and evenings or nights and days?


May Peace be with You Insha'Allah

[1]http://quransmessage.com/articles/grave%20punishment%20FM3.htm