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Messages - Joseph Islam

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1
Posts on Facebook / Standing Against Falsehood. A Sentiment
« on: March 14, 2023, 06:40:37 AM »
Direct Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/pfbid02pwAgEuDS3DhjKqekFgiZeokVBZANWPFsw3PXRA7UjjcRVxkBhbtf27cvrPdkYYHrl?__cft__


STANDING AGAINST FALSEHOOD. A SENTIMENT.

“If the world is against the truth, then I am against the world.”
~ Athanasius of Alexandria

2
Posts on Facebook / Quransmessage.com Website Access Resolved
« on: March 14, 2023, 06:32:19 AM »
Direct Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/pfbid0w7bZWWo2DfSd9pa6rG7Pyadsj6wjmv7vPwMUDyHiriN38TfLDVMT64AmxR7Le9dbl?__cft__


QURANSMESSAGE.COM WEBSITE ACCESS RESOLVED

Dear All,

As-salamu alaykum

Thank you so much for all your responses regarding the Quransmessage.com website.

I am hoping now that all the issues have been resolved and those of you that could not access the website link (without it rerouting to spurious sites) are now able to access the webpage directly and from the search engines.

If you are still experiences issues, please kindly let me know by dropping a comment.

JazakAllah Khair

Regards, Joseph

3
Posts on Facebook / Quransmessage.com Website Access
« on: March 14, 2023, 06:27:00 AM »
Direct Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/pfbid02zQpdtvo8XANaU5WM1JaD9Y47uUGe7ybCvgnTpVeMVou8fJ76rA7VJz8rPDwzFqmhl?__cft__


QURANSMESSAGE.COM WEBSITE ACCESS

Dear All,

May peace be upon you all.

I am receiving a lot of messages that the Quransmessage.com website appears to be linking to a spurious site/address. Can you please confirm whether this is the case when you search 'Quransmessage.com' through your search engines and/or when you attempt to access the site directly.

Please also kindly feel free to confirm if everything appears OK and the country you are trying to access the site from.

Thanks as always.

JazakAllah

4
Posts on Facebook / Facebook Posts List Reminder
« on: March 14, 2023, 06:18:17 AM »
Direct Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/pfbid02uZAmeFLNFshfHqJtpDMkGUdsNpgLuT6Hog5MbgMwP9j1BwnovQLc4HL2qzvPPjhFl?__cft__[0]


FACEBOOK POSTS LIST REMINDER

Dear All,

Peace

Just a reminder (and to those new to my shares), please kindly see below a listing of all 944 Facebook posts (to date) for your ease of reference.

http://quransmessage.com/(9.../Shared/fbmainlinksFM2.htm

Regards,
Joseph

5
Discussions / Re: Is it possible to make a concordance
« on: February 10, 2023, 06:30:19 PM »

Dear brother Joseph,

May peace be upon you :)

I know this is a very old post  ;D but I came across it as I was going through the forum a couple of months ago. I had an idea I would like to share which is related to this topic (that's why I did not create a new thread).

I have spent many years learning from your immense knowledge and wisdom that the Lord has bestowed on you Alhamdulillah through the many things shared by you on the main website, forum, Facebook posts, etc. Including all of the other knowledgeable people who contributed to this forum throughout the years.

I was always worried about losing this website, so I am trying to archive everything (I have archived all of the main articles and all of your posts on the forum). I have just started, but since I am a programmer I have developed custom automation tools to help automate the process and make it fast by the grace of God and His mercy. This way I think I can bring all of the articles, posts, etc into one database, each interlinked and indexed with one unified search engine.

For example, one idea I had was to show all the forum posts and Facebook posts that reference a piece of article in the article page itself. It would be useful to enhance the article with supporting arguments and answers to different questions people had over the many years.


Most importantly (the main focus), I want to make sure the whole archive would be downloadable with your permission and copyright, this way inshAllah the immense work you have done will live on and help the future generations as well inshAllah. I have been reading this website for many years but I was always worried what if one day it shuts down like some other websites. This way inshAllah anyone who wants can just download the whole thing so they can keep it forever. You can even keep the download link in the quransmessage website.



Please let me know what you think and if you have any more ideas we can add to this :)


Best Regards


Dear Anothersoulonearth,

May peace be with you too.

This is a noble idea and I do encourage all to share and support the dissemination of the thoughts/sentiments and material pertaining to this website/forums as best they can. As you will no doubt appreciate, spreading any type of goodness/assistance can take many forms and may God bless all those that partake in any of the activities they undertake. Albeit I have endeavoured hard to keep the websites / repositories active/online as best as I can, you are correct that there will always remain the risk you articulate for one reason or another. So any mitigations remain worthwhile.

Thank you for also providing due care/note regarding copyright/permission. It always remain key that the source authorship(s) can remain traceable. I would be more than happy to provide a link on this website with any supporting work that is carried out.

May God bless you always kind soul.  :)

Regards,
Joseph

6
Islamic Duties / Re: Islamic Proportions
« on: December 21, 2021, 09:25:56 PM »
Dear [Name Removed]


As-salamu alaykum

In general, I don't provide answers to questions on Facebook but I'd like to kindly invite you to post questions/follow up queries on the QM Forum below:

http://quransmessage.com/forum/forum.htm

However, please don't be alarmed. The Quran is perfect but it is only the imperfect assumptions/axioms that humans are prone to make/suggest which create the interpretive inconsistencies.

What I'd respectfully suggest is a re-read of all the inheritance verses with particular emphasis on a particular point. Please kindly note that the Quran's inheritance shares are only to be enacted if there is not a primary will/legacy or in conjunction with it once a primary will/legacy has been satisfied. Many Muslims and clerics appear to miss this point and some even appear to infer some sort of abrogation without basis.



If we then take the Quran at its word, the allocation of the shares only come into play after the first will/legacy is satisfied and then the portions are assigned.

The other incorrect assumption is that the total should = 100% based simply on % allocations without any consideration that the Quran is referring to 'remainders'.

Please kindly allow me to explain with an example:

If I requested, please can you ensure that half of your sweets are given to your father and with the remaining, please ensure that 2/3 are shared with your sisters, all that implies is that you need to create 3 parts from your 50% and share 2 parts of it with your sisters.

This does not mean 50% + 66.7% but rather:
50% + (66.7% of the 50% remaining)

This will mean you still have 1/3 of the sweets left from the 50% to pass to whoever you desire (or for the estate to decide in case of an Inheritance execution). In other words, out of the 50% remaining, your sisters are not allowed to take the entire remainder, but are only entitled to 2/3rds of the remaining 50%.

Please kindly see my article [1] on inheritance below:

I hope this helps, God willing.

Regards,
Joseph


REFERENCE

[1] INHERITANCE LAWS IN THE QURAN
http://quransmessage.com/articles/inheritance%20FM3.htm

7
As-salamu alaykum Bandaar,

Verse 6:74 makes it absolutely clear that Prophet Abraham's biological father was Azar.

006:074 (part)
"And when Abraham said to his father (Arabic: abihi) Azar,"

This is primary evidence direct from the Quran. This is the starting point. No argument, narrative sourced outside the Quran (including Islamic secondary sources), interpretive lean can deny a clear verse of the Quran.

With regards as to why Prophet Abraham prayed to his father, verse 9:114 makes this clear.

009:114
"And the request of forgiveness of Abraham for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became apparent to Abraham that his father was an enemy to Allah, he disassociated himself from him. Indeed was Abraham compassionate and patient."

I hope this helps, God willing

Regards,
Joseph

8
General Discussions / Re: Clueless about Islam without history
« on: July 26, 2020, 07:45:11 PM »
Dear Tausif,

As-salamu alaykum

As you have solicited my opinion by email as well on this, foremost, I’d like to share a few points which for me provide a necessary axiom and a basis for a suitable response to your kind self.


POINT 1

The Quran is not intended to be read in silo. Rather, the narratives of the Quran are to be read in toto as a cohesive, self-contained whole [1]


POINT 2

The Quran deters one from eliciting finer details that are not relevant to religious guidance. He has instructed us to rely on clear matters – miraan zahran [18:22] [2]; [3]


POINT 3

The Quran is sole religious authority for believers. This does not imply that the entire Ahadith corpus is false/inauthentic. They are just not 'authoritative' for religious guidance. Take from them what you will but the Quran must remain the primary source of interpretation and authority. [4]


POINT 4

The personal/early life of the messenger is arguably not important for religious guidance. The Quran also steers one clear of focusing on the name/the personality of the Prophet. The focus of the Quran is primarily on his mission. That is why Prophet Muhammad is mentioned numerous times as a 'messenger', 'a messenger of Allah', 'a warner', 'a prophet', 'a bearer of glad tidings' etc. However, very seldom is he mentioned by name. Similarly, one notes an entire following of Christianity is predicated on the teachings of Prophet Jesus where his early life is largely unknown or focused on. I believe there is a message in that too. Ergo, follow the guidance, not the personalities or lifestyles of the individuals as they were simply a product of their environment [5]. Of course, we send our salutations, our admiration and respect to these noble individuals. However, this should not be conflated with the 'religious guidance' itself. Please note where the Prophet himself as a 'husband' was rebuked in verse 66:1. The Quran separated the personality from his mission clearly in this verse. Please also kindly note that there is no mention of any of the prophet’s companions (other than Zayd [33:37] and his contentious adversary - Abu Lahab [111.1]) or any of the prophet’s wives.


POINT 5

When you pass the Quran to a non-Muslim, do you also hand over the entire corpus of Ahadith (Shia and Sunni canons) and Sira/Maghazi literature to them so that they can make an informed opinion before converting?  My argument to you would be that someone who potentially 'converts/reverts’ does not do so believing in or caring about the prophet or his history. They are arguably agnostic to this at the point of considering the authenticity of the message. How can they have any belief in a prophet when they aren't even convinced of the message at that point? It is arguably the message's authenticity that provides them conviction of the prophethood.

They ‘convert/revert’ in the main based on the power of the Quran's narratives and its ability to convince them that it could only be the word of God. My further argument would be that if one did provide all the Ahadith to a potential ‘convert/revert’, they would possibly find much objectionable content/material which may deter them from considering Islam as an authentic religion based on truth. I have known many ‘converts/reverts’ that weren't aware of the objectionable material attributed to the prophet's life before they took their Shahadah. If they had been, they would arguably never have made that transition.

In contrast, those born in Islam are taught about the prophet first and the message is often left secondary.


FINALLY

You mention (highlighted in brown below):

  • And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. [2:4]
    Now.... without the parenthesis or a brief history or introduction of Islam... how would they know that this book was revealed on man named Muhammad..?


The word 'ilayka' (ka - pronoun) is in the second person masculine and singular. It is one person to whom this reading is revealed to. The Quran mentions many times that it is a Book that was revealed to the messenger and in a verse clearly states that Muhammad is that messenger of Allah (48:29). With all due respect and in my humble opinion, one would be clutching at straws in desperation to interpret this in any other way whilst keeping the entire Quran as a cohesive unit for interpretation.  If this level of undue scrutiny / approach was taken with any other Scripture or the entire secondary Ahadith corpus in order to demand similar explanations, the entire literary corpora would arguably be decimated.

One should always allow for obvious, best interpretations that derive the ‘best meaning’. [6]

039:018
"Those who listen to the Word (the Quran) and follow the best meaning in it / best of it (Arabic: fayattabi'una ahsanahu) those are the ones whom God has guided and those are the one's endowed with understanding (Arabic: Albabi)"

I hope this helps, God willing,
Joseph


REFERENCES:

[1] HOW TO STUDY THE QURAN – SUGGESTIONS
http://quransmessage.com/articles/how%20to%20study%20the%20quran%20FM3.htm

[2] UNKNOWN TOWNS AND NAMES - WHY FILL IN THE GAPS?
http://quransmessage.com/articles/unknown%20towns%20and%20names%20FM3.htm#

[3] DO NOT COMPLICATE RELIGION - WISDOM FROM SURAH BAQARAH
http://quransmessage.com/articles/wisdom%20-%20baqarah%20FM3.htm

[4] THE QURAN STANDS ALONE AS SOLE RELIGIOUS GUIDANCE
http://quransmessage.com/articles/quran%20sole%20guidance%20FM3.htm

[5] TIME-BOUND SUNNA
http://quransmessage.com/articles/timebound%20sunna%20FM3.htm

[6] DO THE BEST YOU CAN WITH SINCERITY
http://quransmessage.com/articles/best%20you%20can%20FM3.htm

9
Posts on Facebook / The Balance of the Quran
« on: June 01, 2020, 04:45:23 AM »
Direct Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/1799878556815930


THE BALANCE OF THE QURAN

I always felt a sense of disequilibrium when attempting to understand the depiction of God through the beliefs and theological interpretations of others.

At times the Divine felt too wrathful with a disproportionate lean on His anger and His retribution. At other times, the balance was lost when God appeared inordinately passionate, almost compromising His sense of judgement and need for justice.

At times He seemed to part with preferential treatment towards certain chosen individuals or people and in other circumstances He felt too aloof from His Creation to even care.

It was only when I critiqued the Quran, I found a balance unparalleled, a depiction of God which spoke to my soul, my innate sense of justice and what God should be.

It is here I found authenticity, integrity and truth.


RELATED:

[1] GOD ALMIGHTY
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/297057980431336

10
Posts on Facebook / Messengers Amongst You
« on: June 01, 2020, 04:42:20 AM »
Direct Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/1777300249073761


MESSENGERS AMONGST YOU

007:035
"O ye Children of Adam! whenever there come to you messengers from among you, rehearsing My verses to you, those who are righteous and mend, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve"

11
Posts on Facebook / Re: Quransmessage.com Website Access
« on: April 12, 2020, 10:59:59 PM »
Wa alaikum assalam Student,

I am well with the grace of our Lord and trust that you and your family are too, particularly amidst these unprecedented times.

Regards,
Joseph

12
Wa alaikum assalam

The objective of the call is to signify the onset of a prayer routine. As long as the statement is 'true', I don't see a problem with this. This is no different from making use of any prophetic name and calling him the messenger of God in a call to prayer.

I note 2 underlying concerns from your question:


1. Making use of another name with God in spaces of worship

This is arguably pertaining to 'false deities', statements that are not true or unwarranted. There are verses in the Quran that clearly state that along with Allah (as a Supreme God), there had been common belief of 'supporting' deities.

039.038
“If indeed you ask them who is it that created the Heavens and the Earth, they would be sure to say, "Allah". Say: "Then do you see what you invoke besides Allah? Can they, if Allah wills some penalty for me, remove His penalty? Or if He wills some grace for me, can they keep back his grace?" Say: "Sufficient is Allah for me! In Him do the trusting put their trust"”


2. Using the messenger’s name so as to imply a distinction between the messengers:

If this is the intention of the caller to prayer (muezzin), then this is incorrect. However, if this is simply a profession of truth and not intended to show distinction, then I see no problem in this.

Even though the practices may have altered, I do not believe that the early believers in the company of the Prophet would have ever wanted any distinctions to be drawn between him and other messengers as the Prophet himself would have arguably curtailed that view with clear narratives from the Quran.

As to if today's call to prayer is exactly the same as or even similar to the one at the Prophetic time, I would incline to agree that it is as something that finds its provenance/mention in the Quran would have arguably continued en masse as a practice and stabilised.

This is different from the Ahadith canons which were arguably not inked until centuries after the death of the Prophet.


I hope this helps, God willing.

Regards,
Joseph

13
Posts on Facebook / The Pandemic
« on: April 12, 2020, 09:21:25 PM »
Direct Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/1740411452762641


THE PANDEMIC

He has shown all of us His power ... But how many will take heed?

This is no doubt a stark warning from Him. This could have easily have been a lot worse. He is undoubtedly the controller of affairs, the Master of the Universe. This is surely a time to ponder and change our ways for the better.

14
Posts on Facebook / Quransmessage.com Website Access
« on: April 12, 2020, 09:16:18 PM »
Direct Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/1646038878866566


Quransmessage.com WEBSITE ACCESS

Dear All,

I'm receiving a higher than usual number of emails/messages from individuals that appear not to be able to access the QM website/forum.

http://quransmessage.com

Can you kindly confirm if the site is accessible from your region / country please by browsing a few random pages on the site.

JazakAllah Khair

15
Posts on Facebook / Good Mental Health
« on: January 06, 2020, 01:28:31 AM »
Direct Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/1643108099159644


GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

The impact of poor mental health on one's psychological / physiological well-being can never be underestimated.
.
In the following verse, the Prophet appears to be warned of the dangers/impact of undue mental stress through sustained grief and sorrow whilst also intimating cause and effect which is undoubtedly tied with individual responsibility to ensure good mental health.
.
018:006
"Then perhaps you would KILL YOURSELF through grief over them, [O Muhammad], if they do not believe in this message, [and] out of sorrow."

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