Topics

31

Prophets and Messengers / New message ?

« on: September 17, 2014, 01:50:31 PM »

As Salam Alaykum,

I recently came across a site that claims that there is a new message from God. This message they say, confirms previous messages such as what came with prophet Muhammad, Jesus etc... They also say that the purpose of this message is not to make anyone leave any existing tradition, however, its purpose is to elaborate on some aspects that may be more relevant for our time.

Here's the site newmessage.org

I would really like to know your comments on this from a Quranic perspective.
Thank you

32

General Discussions / About being patient

« on: August 10, 2014, 02:10:19 AM »

As salam alaykum,

How does one know that he is in a state of "Sabr" or "min al sabereen" ? Is it required for one to be considered patient to be content with the situation he is in, I mean to be "Radi" with whatever situation he is in ?(I mean if someone is not "Radi" then  he will not be considered patient ?)Or is there a clearer way to know if one has stopped being patient like "Kufr" ? Can Kuffr be the opposite of patience ?

Any clarification is appreciated
Thank you

33

General Discussions / "Oh God judge me as you judge the poor "

« on: August 02, 2014, 04:56:27 PM »

A poor old  woman once told me that she used to work at a household. She would overhear the owner of the household saying in prayer "Oh God judge me as you judge the poor". So one day, she gathered the courage to ask the owner why do you say this ? The owner responded: God has made us rich, when we want something we can easily get it, on the other hand a poor person can desire something without being able to get it. Surely, God will not judge us the same. Surely, the poor will have an easier trial as they were given less. Therefore, I hope that on the day of judgement, God will give me an easy trial just like them.


I wanted to share this as I thought that it resonated with the concept of "proportional answerability" that brother Joseph talked about.
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=48.0

34

General Discussions / To desire this world or not ?

« on: July 31, 2014, 11:16:51 AM »

Should we have any desire for this life or should we only desire the next one ? Can we desire both ? There are many verses which say that believers shall have a good life in this world. Like 16:41. There is also the following verses where believers ask for both. Good in this life and the next.

Saheeh International

[2:200]
And when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world," and he will have in the Hereafter no share.
[2:201] Saheeh International
But among them is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
[2:202] Saheeh International
Those will have a share of what they have earned, and Allah is swift in account.

On the other hand verse 18:28 tells the prophet not to desire the "adornments of the worldly life"

[18:28]
And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

So is the "adornments of the worldly life" different from the good life promised by God to believers ?

There are also 9:38.

[9:38]
O you who have believed, what is [the matter] with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allah, you adhere heavily to the earth? Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little.

I'm trying to reach a conclusion that includes all the verses that talk about this topic (there are more than the ones listed above).
Any  clarification on the matter is greatly appreciated.
Thank you

35

General Discussions / How can unity be achieved ?

« on: July 25, 2014, 10:07:18 AM »

As salam alaykum,

How can muslims be united in thought and in action. How can we not get divided and differ like previous people when there are various opinions in almost every details in our religion ? Should we for instance unite according to the basics (Belief in God,angels,book ect...) and leave the details unresolved as it is. (Or will we differ in the basics also.)

Saheeh International translation*

[11:118]
And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community; but they will not cease to differ.
[11:119]
Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them. But the word of your Lord is to be fulfilled that, "I will surely fill Hell with jinn and men all together."


[3:105]
And do not be like the ones who became divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. And those will have a great punishment.

Can we be from the people whom God has given mercy and not differ ?


Just some questions that have been on my mind lately. Any responses are appreciated.

36

General Discussions / The Quran as a healing for the heart

« on: July 21, 2014, 10:29:52 PM »

Yusuf Ali translation*

[10:57]
O mankind! there hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts,- and for those who believe, a guidance and a Mercy.

[17:82]
We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss.

[41:44]
Had We sent this as a Qur'an (in the language) other than Arabic, they would have said: "Why are not its verses explained in detail? What! (a Book) not in Arabic and (a Messenger an Arab?" Say: "It is a Guide and a Healing to those who believe; and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness in their (eyes): They are (as it were) being called from a place far distant!"


As salam alaykum,

I wanted to know your opinions regarding the above verses. What does the term "healing" really mean. Healing from Shirk for instance ? And what verses fall under the category of healing verses (Or does this refer to all the Quran).

Thank you in advance.

37

General Discussions / Different paths to belief

« on: July 10, 2014, 07:34:48 AM »

Salam all,

I have met people who said they believed in the Quran because its makes them feel at peace when it is recited. Others stated that they believed in it because of the scientific miracles found inside it. Some when I asked them why do you believe the Quran is the word of God, they answered "because its the word of God" . While others may have believed in the Quran because of its arguments.

Therefore, is there a "best" way to reach a conclusion about the Quran, or are all paths to belief valid (even if it involves circular logic , appeal to emotions or any other similar method of thinking) ? In other words if someone believes in the Quran based on irrational reasons would it still be considered belief, would he need to change what he based his belief on or is it fine as he is as long as he believes ?


Thank you.

38

General Discussions / Hidden exception in Quranic language ?

« on: June 09, 2014, 06:52:01 AM »

[21:30] Saheeh International
Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?


Verse 21:30 states that everything living was created from water. However we know that the Jinn were created from fire.
So My question is : When the quran generalizes an issue is there room for exceptions without it being considered a contradiction.
Does the arabic language( or expressions) allow such exceptions to be implied when speaking about general statements ?

I think the following passages are another example for this.


[41:49] Saheeh International
Man is not weary of supplication for good [things], but if evil touches him, he is hopeless and despairing.
[41:50]
And if We let him taste mercy from Us after an adversity which has touched him, he will surely say, "This is [due] to me, and I do not think the Hour will occur; and [even] if I should be returned to my Lord, indeed, for me there will be with Him the best." But We will surely inform those who disbelieved about what they did, and We will surely make them taste a massive punishment.
[41:51]
And when We bestow favor upon man, he turns away and distances himself; but when evil touches him, then he is full of extensive supplication.



Although the Quran is speaking about Man in general. We know that not all Men are like that.
Which leads me back to the Question:
Are some exceptions implied in the Quran when it is talking about things in general ?

Thanks in advance

39

General Discussions / Good deeds after ones death ?

« on: May 30, 2014, 06:20:56 AM »

Its widely accepted in muslim thought that when someone dies, there is still room for him to improve his rank in the hereafter.
I think this is due to the following hadith:

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: A continuous charity, knowledge by which people derive benefit, pious son who prays for him."

[Muslim].

Is this concept supported by the Quran ?


Thank you in advance.

40

General Discussions / Different meanings of "Farah" in the Quran.

« on: May 25, 2014, 11:54:09 PM »

Saheeh International*

[3:188]
And never think that those who rejoice(Yafrahoon) in what they have perpetrated and like to be praised for what they did not do - never think them [to be] in safety from the punishment, and for them is a painful punishment.

[11:10] But if We give him a taste of favor after hardship has touched him, he will surely say, "Bad times have left me." Indeed, he is exultant (Fareh) and boastful -

[40:75]
[The angels will say], "That was because you used to exult (tafrahoon) upon the earth without right and you used to behave insolently


[30:4]
Within three to nine years. To Allah belongs the command before and after. And that day the believers will rejoice (yafrah)

[13:36]
And [the believers among] those to whom We have given the [previous] Scripture rejoice(yafrahoon) at what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], but among the [opposing] factions are those who deny part of it. Say, "I have only been commanded to worship Allah and not associate [anything] with Him. To Him I invite, and to Him is my return."


In the first 3 verses "Farah" is related to excessive pride. While in the last two verses it is related to rejoicing without pride.

What are your thoughts on this ? Is it correct ?

Thanks in advance

41

General Discussions / Right intentions vs wrong intentions

« on: May 11, 2014, 04:23:53 AM »

As salam alaykum.

What are the right intentions to have when pursuing one's life. I mean in different aspects like at work, with family, while studying the Quran ? Similarly, what are the wrong intentions that would not please God.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Thanks.

42

General Discussions / Is there any verses in the Quran that specifically address future generations ?

« on: April 28, 2014, 02:53:15 AM »

I know that the Quran is a timeless message but is this implied or is there a verse that clearly says that.
Some verses come to mind:

Saheeh International*

[33:40]
Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.

[41:53]
We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?

[21:107]
And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.

[15:9]
Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian.

Also, I wanted to know if anyone came across a verse that provides guidance specifically for  people who have never seen the prophet. Because it seems that most of the differences in muslim thought arise from the fact that we are in a time without the prophet to settle our disputes. How did the people the book manage the same issue ?

The following I think is an example for such guidance:

[42:10]
And in anything over which you disagree - its ruling is [to be referred] to Allah. [Say], "That is Allah, my Lord; upon Him I have relied, and to Him I turn back."


I wish to know your opinion on this.
Thanks in advance.

43

General Discussions / 16:44 used as a support for extra Quranic sources

« on: April 19, 2014, 06:23:10 AM »

[16:44] Saheeh International
[We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.

بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالزُّبُرِ ۗ وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ﴿٤٤﴾

Some argue that this verse is proof that we need extra quranic sources to understand the Quran. I think the main part is "letobayen".

I think they mean that according to this verse the prophet's role was to explain the Quran. Which for them justifies the need for other sources.


Thoughts ?

Thanks in advance.

44

General Discussions / Is paying administrative fees for taking a loan, a form of riba ?

« on: April 11, 2014, 08:08:41 PM »

Assuming that giving a loan to someone who needs it (without interest)  is an good deed.  Does this leave room for administrative fees ? Or does the point of admin fees defeat the whole purpose of the good deed ?

45

General Discussions / Can somebody be responsible for the sins of others ?

« on: April 05, 2014, 06:04:44 PM »

For instance, someone goes to a scholar to ask about an issue.
The scholar tells the person what to do.
On the day of judgement, it turns out that what he told the person was wrong.
Will the scholar be responsible for the sin of the person ? And the person will not be accountable.
What if the scholar did not know the right thing and he was advising to the best of his ability ?

Thanks in advance.