Messages

Salam Hope,

Yes, I concede that a clear understanding of the Quran is essential, especially in augmenting one's faith that the Quran is the absolute truth from God.

Who else is able to create the universe and everything in it and to mantain the equlibrium if not Him? Who else is able to regulate the orbit of the Earth knowing that even a slight in the orbital path will have dire consequences for us here.?

Who else can determine the colour of our skin or recreate us exactly right to the tip of our fingers if not for One who has mastery over genetics and the laws of nature.

But once, your faith in the truthfulness of the Quran and in God is affirmed, the next step is to submit yourself to Him by upholding His every commandment instead of conjuring fancy words in order to complicate matters.

Does expounding the Quran into truckloads of books more pleasing to God than for you to do good, glorify and worship Him at appointed times, feed a destitute in times of difficulty, the freeing of slaves, to fight and spend in His cause or to charitably donate whatever excess you have and to exhort others to do the same?

What is the point of delving into rhetorics if you do not uphold His commandments in doing good and in avoiding doing what He commands you not to do.

Or do you intend to be a habr?

For me, the most important thing in understanding the Quran, is to assure myself that there is no other god besides Allah and that only He guides (this include comprehension of the Quran).

Salam to you and all glory and praises to Allah.

Salam folks,

In Chapter 54 (Surah Al-Qamar), Allah states repeatedly that "We have made the Quran EASY to remember (learn); is there anybody who wish to take heed (remember, learn)?"

Still, I notice that some of you try to make it difficult by delving into the semantics, linguistic, syntax and morphology of every word. They regard every verse as mutashabihat (allegorical) - carrying a hidden - meaning including the muhkamat (clear) verses despite knowing well that only Allah knows the exact meaning.

What is their intention for doing so?

Why don't they dwell on this verse:

He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses - which constitute the essence of the scripture - as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning verses to create confusion, and to extricate a certain meaning. None knows the true meaning thereof except GOD and those well founded in knowledge. They say, "We believe in this - all of it comes from our Lord." Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.  (3:7).

If indeed the Quran is difficult or complex, would the people during Prophet Muhammad's time, flocked in droves to embrace the religion including the poor and illiterate? It must be, as the Quran states, EASY to understand.

So create not dissensions and disputes among yourselves by making it complicated.

Salam. All glory to Allah.

Salam,

You really want to know what Prophet Muhammad saw?

Well, he saw something to make him recite this:

"My Lord, my people have deserted the Quran." (25:30)

He was also the vision of himself as a test for mankind as evidenced by this verse.

And when We told you that your Lord encompasses humanity, We granted the vision, which We showed you as a trial for humanity, and the Cursed Tree in the Quran. We put fear into them, but it only increases their transgression.  (17:60) Bilal Muhammad

We informed you that your Lord fully controls the people, and we rendered the vision that we showed you a test for the people, and the tree that is accursed in the Quran. We showed them solid proofs to instill reverence in them, but this only augmented their defiance.  (17:60) Rashad Khalifa

The Quran is right again. Prophet Muhammad, particularly the hadiths which "they" attributed to him, has become the biggest test among the majority of "muslims".

Subhanallah.

Salam,
Sorry for not replying sooner.
Did not Allah warned us repeated times about the folly of following views and opinions instead of the clear truths contained in the Quran.

Yes, I know He ask us to listen to all views but did not He also told us to select the best. (All the verses I quoted are muhkamat verses and not muttashabihat). And whose words are better than Allah for those who know.

Joseph. You stated that: "God cannot be restricted to a language or an expression and any beautiful names attributed to God could be seen as permissible under the scope of verse 17:110 if the unwarranted limitation of interpretation is removed from verses such as 7:71 and 53:23. "

Are you implying that it is alright to follow certain verses and disregard the others? I certainly hope not.

And what do you mean by wider theological support? I hope this does not include the opinions of those who subscribe to the hadiths of other than God's hadiths.

Now tell me what is the difference between akbar and an-nasr or yaguth or al-uzza. Do they not all sound beautiful and have "good"  meaning. Nasr and yaguth means helper while uzza means mighty.

Anyway, did not Allah already list out all of His Most Beautiful names in the Quran? So call Him by those names.

John would not like someone calling him James, and if you were to call him James from afar, he would not respond because that is not his name. Is that not simple enough for you to understand?

Salam. (PS: As-Salam also happens to be one of God's name).

Salam Sardar,
Although the word akbar is found in the Quran, it is not cited as one of God's Most Beautiful Names unlike Al Kabir, Al Muttakabir or Al Azim. Neither is it also stated as one of His attributes.

In the Quran. Allah commands us to call Him Allah or Ar Rahman or by any of His Most Beautiful Names and not by names which you and your fathers have invented as attested by these verses:

To GOD belongs the most beautiful names; call upon Him therewith, and disregard those who distort His names. They will be requited for their sins. (7:180)

Say, `Call upon ALLAH or call upon Al-Rahman, by whichever name you call on HIM, HIS are the most beautiful names.' And utter not thy Prayer aloud, nor utter it too low, but seek a way between. (17:110)

He said, "Indeed the punishment and the wrath of your Lord have fallen upon you; what! You needlessly dispute with me regarding the names you and your ancestors have fabricated? Allah has not sent down any proof concerning them; therefore wait - I too await with you." (7:71)

They are but names, named by you and your fathers. Allah has not sent down any authority for them. They follow conjecture and their soul's desire, even though the guidance of their Lord has come to them. (53:23)

You do not worship besides Him but [mere] names that you and your fathers have coined, for which Allah has not sent down any authority. Sovereignty belongs only to Allah. He has commanded you to worship none except Him. That is the upright religion, but most people do not know. (12:4)

Here are some examples of some of the names to glorify Him by:

So glorify the Name of your Lord the Most Great (Rab-ul-Azeem). (69:52)

So, celebrate with Praises the Name of your Lord (Rab), the Greatest (Al-Azeem). (56:96)

Praise (and Glorify) the Name of your Lord, the Most High (Rab-Al-A'la), (87:1)

Blessed be the Name of your Lord (Rab), Full of Majesty and Honor (Zhul-Jal-ul-Ikram). (55:78)

What is the purpose of those who invent names other than His Most Beautiful Names?

Perhaps this verse will provide the answer.

And their purpose was to lure you away from that which We had revealed to you, to substitute in our name something quite different, and then they would certainly have made you their friend.  (17:73)
If We had not made you firm, you would have leaned towards them a little.  (17:74)
Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us. (17:75)


Salam.

[God is enough as a Witness]

Salam Hope,

Sorry for taking so long to respond.
Maybe, this article could enlighten you.

God is enough as a Witness
By: - Mohamed Sadek   
   


God is enough as a Witness


Again God says that His own witness is enough: "Say, Whose testimony is the greatest'' Say, "God's (testimony is the greatest). HE IS THE WITNESS BETWEEN ME AND YOU that this Quran has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches.." 6:19. Because "... God suffices as a witness..." 4:79 and 4:166., the Shahadah as proclaimed by Abu Hurairah is therefore a lie – a fabrication by whoever wrote the 'hadith'. If we do not even have his true identity, how do we know if Abu Hurairah existed at all?


Despite the evidence of the Quran, which no Muslim will deny is the truest teaching of the Messenger, the hypocrites insist on bearing witness to Muhammad's Messenger ship. They insist on bearing witness when God says He needs no other witness apart from Himself.


Most importantly, the Shahadah of Abu Hurairah, by its purpose, goes against 72:18 and 39:45 in that it associates the Messenger's name with God. Without bearing witness on the Messenger, the Sunnis say that the salat prayer and faith are void. Even though by evidence from the Quran this is shown to be "shirk" of the highest order. Each time people say the Sunni Shahadah they are committing "shirk", the unpardonable blasphemy for which they may burn in hell.


The True Declaration


What then is the real attestation, which Muslims can recite to affirm their faith? Perhaps when the companions asked the Messenger this question, he would have replied: "The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the hearer, the knower". 6:114


Therefore the answer is definitely in the Quran and to show the correct attestation of faith, the Prophet Abraham is an excellent example. "Whose religion is better than one who SUBMITS himself to God, works righteousness and follows the faith Of Abraham the monotheist? God has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend". 4:125.


Remember that this verse was revealed to the Messenger and this is what the Messenger then imparted to his companions and all the people through the Quran. Therefore we too must follow the faith Of Abraham. "Thus who would then forsake the faith of Abraham, except those who fool themselves? We have chosen him in this life, and in the hereafter he will be with the righteous" 2:130.


Only fools will forsake the faith Of Abraham. Therefore unless people want to be considered as fools, it would be better to do what Abraham did. And what did Abraham do?


The next verse tells us: "When his Lord said to him "SUBMIT" he said, "I SUBMIT TO THE LORD OF THE WORLDS" (Arabic: Aslamtu Li Rabbil Aalameen) 2:131.


So here we have it. When God showed Abraham the perfect religion, He commanded Abraham to Submit ("Aslimu") and Abraham said "Aslamtu li rabbil aalameen". This is how MUSLIMS should attest their faith.


Now it is clear that Muslims cannot attest their faith by witnessing a Messenger or God, especially as they cannot be seen. Witnessing on Muhammad's messengership is just the idolization of one prophet. Giving distinction to one messenger above another is strictly forbidden in the Quran as mentioned in verses 2.285 and 4.150-152.


The story of Abraham continues in the next verse: "The same did Abraham enjoin upon his sons and also Jacob, "0 My sons, God has chosen for you the true faith, therefore DIE NOT SAVE AS MEN WHO HAVE SUBMITTED". 2:132


Abraham enjoined his sons to believe in the same things he did. He also successfully enjoined his people to say the same thing "Aslamtu li rabbil aalameen" which means "I submit myself to the Lord of the Worlds". This is revealed in the next verse: "Or were you present when death came to Jacob, when he said unto his sons, 'What will you worship after me?" They said, 'We shall worship thy God, the God of thy fathers Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac, One God, and UNTO HIM WE HAVE SUBMITTED" Sura 2:133.


This is the truth about how Abraham submitted himself to God, as it was revealed to the Messenger through the Quran. And the Messenger is commanded to follow Abraham: "And they say, "Be Jews or Christians, then you will be rightly guided. "Say; "No, We follow the faith of Abraham, the upright, and he was not of the idolaters". 2:135 "Say, 'We believe in God and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham..." 2:136.


And the message that was revealed to Abraham is disclosed once more to us in the Quran and preserved carefully for posterity. As for those who reject these truths, God says, "Or do you say that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say "Do you know best or does God? And who is more unjust than he who conceals a testimony he has received from God. God is not unaware of what you do" 2:140.


So why do people hide this testimony? Abraham declared "Aslamtu li rabbil aalameen" (I submit myself to the Lord of the worlds) and he enjoined this upon his sons and upon Jacob.


The Prophet Muhammad and the companions have been given the same testimony. So why do they hide this testimony and replace it with a Shahadah of the hypocrites?


There is no doubt that the prophet Muhammad followed the faith of Abraham. "And we inspired you (Muhammad) to FOLLOW THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM, he who was naturally upright, he was never an idolater" 16:123.


The Prophet did exactly as God commanded him. If anyone wants to become a Muslim should they then not follow the prophet Muhammad's example that affirmed his faith in the same way as Abraham?


"Those among mankind who have the best claim to Abraham are those who followed him, and this prophet, and those who believe, and God is the protecting friend of the believers". 3:68.


Say, (Muhammad) "I am forbidden to worship those whom you call besides God, since there has come to me clear proofs from God, and I AM COMMANDED TO SUBMIT TO THE LORD OF THE WORLDS (wa umirtu un aslima li rabbil aalameen) 40:66.


But what if the people like the hypocrites come and insist that they want to bear witness on the Messenger and bear witness on God? What do you tell them?


The answer, as always, is in the Quran: "And if they argue with you (Muhammad) say: "I HAVE SUBMITTED MY WHOLE SELF TO GOD (aslamtu waj hiyu lillah) and so have those who follow me..." 3:20.


The Messenger and his companions simply submitted themselves to God: "Say "Shall we call those things besides God, which can neither harm us nor benefit us, and shall we turn back after God has guided us - like one possessed by the devils, who has companions (sahaba!) Who invite him, saying "Come to us?" Say, 'The guidance of God is indeed true guidance and WE ARE COMMANDED TO SUBMIT TO THE LORD OF THE WORLDS (wa umirna li nuslimn li rabbil aalameen)" 6:71


The Messenger and his companions simply submitted to the Lord of the worlds. If Abu Hurairah, or any other person, comes and asks a Muslim to join him in bearing witness over God and His Messenger, the answer must be to say "No!" We are commanded To SUBMIT To the Lord of the Worlds (aslamtu li rabbil aalameen).


The Quran also gives an incident of the prophet Solomon and the Queen of Sheba as another example of submission to God. It records the moment when the Queen reverts to Islam. She was an idolater and Solomon had invited her to Islam. To prove the greatness of God, Solomom used powers given to him to move the Queen of Sheba's magnificent palace intact, from one place to another in the blink of an eye.


Seeing this, she realized God's power, immediately repented and said, "Rabbi inn salamtu nafsin, wa aslamtu ma'a Sulaimaana, lillaahi rabbiul aalameen" which means, "... Oh my Lord, indeed I have wronged my soul. I SUBMIT MYSELF ALONG WITH SOLOMON, TO GOD THE LORD OF THE WORLDS" 27:44.


Therefore it is now apparent that the mysterious Abu Hurairah has indeed made many people wrong their souls. Each time you try to bear witness on the Messenger and God, not only do you wrong your souls but also you make fools of yourselves because you forsake the faith of Abraham " 2:130.


To affirm their faith Muslims should use the examples given in the Quran. What they should say is "I SUBMIT MYSELF TO THE LORD OF THE WORLDS". (Arabic: Aslamtu li rabbil aalameen). Others who have affirmed their faith in this way are the Prophets Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Solomon and of course the Prophet Muhammad (40:66). Also the Queen of Sheba and the companions of the Prophet did the same. If you adopt their way, you will be in good company.


As for those who insist on following the deceitful Abu Hurairah into the hellfire, God says, 'who does more wrong than one whom invents a lie against God? They will be returned to the presence of their Lord, and the witnesses will say, "THESE ARE THE ONES WHO LIED AGAINST THEIR LORD, Behold, the curse of God is on those who do wrong. THOSE WHO HINDER MEN FROM THE PATH OF GOD AND WOULD SEEK IN IT SOMETHING CROOKED, these were they who denied the hereafter". 11:18-19.

Check out the link for the original article:
http://www.ahl-alquran.com/English/show_article.php?main_id=8687

Salam Joseph,

Many thanks for the explanation. However, I am still convinced the thread (khaytu) refers to a physical thread (or string) based on the word abyadu (white).
Look at the dawn sky. Do you see any white? Even the clouds, usually white in the daytime, looks orange (or reddish, or pinkish) at dawn.
Anyway, I could be wrong. Maybe, you could see the white streak in the sky at dawn in the desert.
BTW, have you tried out the experiment I suggested.

Once again, peace.

Salamun Alaikum,
Reciting Quranic verses in your prayers in a language you do not understand can be very dangerous, especially with verses beginning with "qul".
There you go, telling God to recite what, He in fact, command you to recite.
That is why, Allah says: "O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated or until you know what you are saying.  (4:43).
And why should one stand in front of Allah, reciting "to you your religion and for me my religion." (109:6).
You should be reciting this Surah to the unbelievers, not to Allah. Also, why should be telling stories about Abu Lahab to Allah by reciting Surah Al Masad. (111) in your solat.
Why don't you recite verses glorifying and praising Allah instead or seek help and forgiveness from Allah or by reciting the doas of the prophets.

For me, Surah Al Fatihah provides the best example of what you should recite in solat.

First you praise and glorify Allah.
"Praise be to Allah, the Lord (Cherisher and Sustainer) of the worlds; (Rab-Al-'Ala'meen), Most Gracious, Most Merciful."

Then you state your allegiance.
"You alone we worship. You alone we ask for help."


And finally, you ask for help and guidance (and forgiveness or whatever)
"Guide us on the right path."


Also, "Glorify and praise Him in the night and at the end of every prayer." (50:40)

Salam.

Salamun alaikum,
Verse 2:187 should be read together with 17:78. Meaning, pray first before you break your fast.
Furthermore, the obligatory solat must be performed at fixed time as evidenced by this verse:
"So when you have finished the prayer remember Allah standing and sitting and reclining. But when you are secure, from danger, keep up (regular) prayer. Prayer indeed has been enjoined on the believers at fixed times." 4:103.

As for the start of the fast, it should be read, "eat and drink until you can distinct between the white and black thread at dawn." (2:187).

Why don't you tie a white thread and a black thread side by side. Switch off the lights. Then at dawn, try and observe the two threads. See if you can distinguish them. The start of the fast should be when you are able to distinguish between the black and white thread.

Don't just take my word for it. Try it yourself.

Salam.

Salam,

Suggest you read these books. It might help to shed some light about the deluge.

1) Days of Peleg by Richard D. Lanser
2) When the Earth Nearly Died: Compelling Evidence of a World Cataclysm 11500 Years Ago by DS Allan, JB Delair

Salam Hope,
How can we claim to bear witness that Muhammad is God's prophet. Were we there when God appointed Muhammad to be His prophet. Did we see the event with our own eyes or hear it with our own ears. We can claim to be a witness to the truth of the Quran after heaving read and study it or say we believe that Muhammad is Allah's prophet based on God's assurances in the Quran, but do not claim to be a  witness if we were not there at the event. (see 28:44)
Furthermore, God says: "God bears witness that these revelations are given to you with His knowledge, and so do the angels. GOD IS ENOUGH AS A WITNESS."
When God says He alone is enough as a witness, why do we still doubt Him by acting as if He needs other witnesses. If we were there to witness the event, then it is okay for us to say so, but if we were not there, wouldn't we be mouthing a lie, just like the hypocrites.
See also 4:79, 17:96,  29:52 and 48:28.

Which is better? Saying you wholeheartedly submit to Allah or lying to God.
And always remember. "If you obeyed the majority, they would misguide you from Allah´s Way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing".  (6:116)

Salam.
Why should we echo the shahadah of the hypocrites (63:1) and for that matter, why must we say that we bear witness that there is no other god but Allah when Allah instructed us to say, "I do not bear witness" when asked to bear witness if there other gods besides Him (6:19).
Instead, the proper testimony for Muslims should be that of Abraham, who "When his Lord said to him, "submit", replied: "I submit to the Lord of the Universe." (2:131).
Abraham also exhorted his children Ishmael and Isaac to do the same and so did Jacob. (2:132 and 133).
Interestingly, Muhammad was also instructed by Allah to say basically the same thing: "I have wholehearted submitted myself to Allah and so do my followers." (see 3:20)
How can we claim to be Muslims if we do not submit to Him?
Salam.