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Peace be upon you and many thanks my brother for this fine work! A work inducing a re-contemplation of Allah's Signs. Yes indeed, this "revival" is very much needed !

May you be blessed for your efforts and may Allah, glory to Him, guide us further into His Light...ameen.

Was'Salaamu alayk war Rahmatullaahe wa Barakaatuh:-)

Dear Brother Joseph,

Assalamu alaykum.

I apologize for not responding right away as I was preparing for work when I received your message. It's truly my pleasure to share that particular experience to you. I hope you don't mind if I add a prelude to it; something which I think would make you understand more why things happened.

My father's a Muslim while my mom used to be a Christian but converted after marriage, and with my father as an exception, our family spent most of our lives being surrounded by Christians. I do not wear a hijab or pray the traditional prayer (although at some point our father would convince us to start practising it), used to fast but never strictly aimed at completing the whole month, and entirely ignorant on Islamic history and practices, more so hadiths. In other words, I (even other members of the family) would never qualify for a Sunni, Shia, or any other popular sect's definition of a Muslim. My father, however, despite his kids being like that, continued to adhere to his practices--praying five times daily, and even fasting alone at times.

It was only during my college years when our parents really tried to push us to do the ritual prayer as opposed to my and my siblings' "Christian-inspired" method (which I learned is called dua just a few years back, wherein, as I understand, one simply talks to God). This was because my father started reading articles shared online in forums, to which he was initially convinced that only three (or was it two, I apologize for forgetting) prayers were required of us. So I started praying twice (or thrice) a day. There might be several instances when my father have stumbled upon various views and considered it for some time maybe, details of which I know nothing about. All i know is he spent years of thinking before the next thing happened.

What became a turning point in our lives not later than two years was when my father came upon Aidid Safar's book. According to him, he struggled with Aidid's ideas at first, even thought it was absurd. But eventually, after a lot of months reading various views particularly those in free-minds, my father started to accept a "deviant" perception of what Islam is really about. He stopped doing all rituals and practices, but continued reading the quran regularly. We naturally followed the head of the family, more so with us looking up to him as a very patient, humble, virtuous man. So we kind of became the Muslim version of born-again Christians. Islam but with all "rituals" taken away.

I was so intrigued by the book that made a man abandon practices he religiously adhered to for more than 50 years. So finally I downloaded and read Aidid Safar's book. This was in 2012.

I cried because it felt liberating for me. It was too radical in my opinion but still i knew it got to me. Easy maybe because I did not have a solid foundation that would otherwise make me resist. I was quite convinced to a point when I felt like I wanted to share it to everyone! So I proceeded to search for reviews for and against his views. So I read and read and read until I found free-minds.org on my own, then eventually your blog. From all of these, I learned a lot including about the existence of hadiths (its nature and how it crept into Islam); liberating ideas but still my mind has held on to Aidid's views of rituals being unquranic. Eventually, my mind got so confused that I decided to lie low for awhile (still not sure whether that was a good or a bad decision though; I still wonder what I could have learned had I proceeded, but anyway, it's something I can no longer change).

I ended up lying low for more than two years (since late 2013 if my memory serves me right) and was somehow content with the articles I read via facebook, most of which are quran-centric (towards which my current views lean) and some generic/universal. It was only this year that I started listening to that part of me which would like to try doing the practices I have abandoned/not practised for so long. This was because I felt like I am not content of how "connected" I feel with God. So far I have discerned the logic behind the frequency of prescribed prayer, a BIT of fasting (because I suffer from ulcer since my university years), bit still struggles with why the prayer has to follow certain movements or direction, especially the Hajj.

Looking back at the Aidid experience, it can be likened to being jolted awake, but just like after every jolting moment, my mind/perception eventually normalized. However radical his views are, I still consider having learned of it a blessing because somehow it shook me from my long overdue trance.

I just want to continue seeking for answers with the guiding principle that God made the deen easy for everyone and to always get the best interpretation of things. The past four years made me realize that the more I seek it (although I do get a LOT of eye-opening messages), the more I realize I know very little of the Truth.

I will surely get back to reading your articles for a perspective that's both different and similar to what I have now. I hope I have not bothered you with my long narration. Thank you very much as always.

And, just so you know, the reason why I continue reading your posts/articles is because out of all the individuals whose views got to me in some way, you are THE most humble and respectful of other views. The way I feel towards how you come across is how I would like other people to feel towards me; to affect people the way you probably affect most of us who have come across your articles.

I am saying all of these with all honesty and purely out of my enormous gratitude to you.

God bless you, Brother Joseph.

Sincerely,

Dear Joseph,

My journey of Islam started finding the truth and reading books on Islam & it's history on the formation of different sects. A year back co-incidentally I found your site and started reading them. Initially I was very apprehensive to accept the truth but later I realised that following only God's scripture is the only truth and not the Islamic secondary source.
I Love the way you present Islam in its pure form and the immense knowledge on Quran. I have a humble request to you.. I would like to be your student and learn more on how the Quran has to be understood and spread the true essence of Quran and its message.

Please guide me the way Allah has guided you..

Thank you.
Brother in faith

Asalam ou 3alaykoum Joseph

I am from Holland and I have read some of your articles on quransmessage.com. May Allah bless you, you are the perfect example that one can only understand the Quran the best when he has knowledge, iman and he is critical. WAllah i hope and pray that your way of explaining Quranic content will reach the whole world. It hurts me so much to see the so called Islamic ''scholars'' spread an evil message while the Quran is the word of God and He is te Most Merciful. May Allah bless you my brother and may  our sins be forgiven this Ramadan!

As salamu alaykum,

Have you considered writing a book ? With your eloquent English and Quranic knowledge a lot will benefit from what you have to write.

I can highly recommend you consider the above.

Barak'Allah Fikum brother.

Your Brother

Salaamun Alaykum,
Brother Joseph,

Mashallah, I'm very much benefiting from your simple but logical powered analysis of the Quran on web site. At many times I was surprised and at many places I'm simply shocked and dumbfounded - Fasting until Layl is one such along with but no-less is Sehri/Fajr time. Your analysis of ayah of zakat is absolutely brilliant and Hajj anytime during 4 months is simply superb.

Jazak Allah Khair and May God bless you and increase your Imaan to perfection.

Sincerely,

Peace be upon you brother Joseph. I sincerely trust that this email finds you in good health.

I have been reading a number of your articles and must admit that I find them all very informative and also pretty radical when compared to the "run of the mill" explanations given to us by so many "learned scholars of Islam".

I am not in a position to be judgemental, considering my very limited knowledge of the Quran, but I have to admit that your explanations on various subjects make a whole lot of sense and leaves very little room for argument. Maybe I am just being biased but I thoroughly enjoy the articles, so much so that it has spurred me on to read the quran with a different mind set.

Aselamu Alaykum brother Joseph,

I am a one of those who continuously read your articles in quransmessage.com and I would like to thank you for all the contribution you are making in Islam.

Thanks,

I would like to thank and congratulate you on the fantastic work you have done by producing your articles on your website and sharing your findings and perspective with the world.

Really, I find your website a great exception among all solo-scriptural inclined websites on the internet, distinguished by the quality and quantity of its content. It is clear that you have an academic background, and that you have mastered the academic criteria which are necessary when working on such a tremendous task. If you have not, than the bigger the wonder.

I thank you brother your your wonderful God inspired writings which is full of wisdom and good reasonings.  I am no writer or scholar but everything I have read so far seem to come from my own mind I am in complete agreement with your proofs and arguments .  The power of culture and habits are like chains that binds us and most of become to be in love with our bondage . 

[Physical design flaws in humans]

Salaam brother Joseph ... Sharing a post from a friend. Would love your input.

Physical design flaws in humans

We as humans are forced to use the same anatomical structure i.e. pharynx  for both ingestion and respiration.When obstructed, airflow is blocked leading to choking and in some cases death.
The urinary tract in human males passes through the prostrate gland (rather than being routed around)which can swell and block urinary function.
The close proximity of our genitals to our rectum is unhygienic., especially in women(due to short urethra)leading to frequent urinary tract and bladder infections. Second, the multi-functionality of genitals, especially in women leads to UTI's wherein sexual intercourse pushes bacteria further into the urethra.

The unreasonably narrow birth canal results in significantly increased risks to both mother and child during birth.

The S shaped spine we have is suited to a four-legged creature but not to the two-legged transition. The curving, with the weight of the head and stuff we carry stacked on top, creates pressure that causes back problems- the sixth leading human malady in the world.  We also have to distribute all our weight on just two limbs, which often leads to aches and pains-an after effect of bi-pedalism(walking on two limbs.)

Our feet have 26  bones because our ape-like ancestors needed flexible feet to grasp branches. But as they moved out of the trees and began walking this was no more required and the foot had to become more stable.This often results in ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, and broken ankles. A better design for upright walking and running, would be a foot and ankle like an ostrich.

Humans have several sinuses — air-filled cavities that help with drainage of mucus and fluid. But our maxillary sinuses, located on our cheekbone, drain upwards. This often leads to the build-up of fluids and mucus, which can cause an infection.

The blind-spot in our eyes is the result of a quirk that happens during embryological development.  The optic nerve which carries the information from the pupil of the eye into the brain ends in the field of the retina itself. This is a little like having to plug the power cable for a TV directly into the screen. This creates a dark spot.

Evolution provided humans with just one set of teeth for their entire adult lives. Once we hit 35, our teeth start to go.

Salaam! I just wanted to drop a quick note to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for your website. I've learned so much, and your whole approach is what I've been looking for for years! Jazaak Allahu khayr. Really, thank you.

wasSalaam,

Dear brother Joseph,

I am writing this email to you to express my sincere gratitude for all your posts on your FB page as well as the fantastic website that you have set up. Unfortunately, I do not know you in person, however, I am really thankful and grateful to Him, for giving me an opportunity to learn many many things from you. May the Almighty, the Most Merciful and Forgiving One grant you, your family and friends  all the very best in both this world and the Hereafter.

Warmest wishes and regards,

[name removed]

Dear Joseph Islam. Salamunalaikum

So many days I have striven with knowing what is the real Islam. I ve searched here and there. Then I found your website suitable and logical. Still got so many doubts cause of lack of knowledge and even doubted on you on some points. But I researched myself with ur articles and those helped me understand better the Quranic messages. I'd like to say sorry for some unexpected comments from me to you. And my humble request to you that please carry on with your work and please response to us as quickly as possible on any questions. Because these are critical religious questions that questioner really expect better response.

Thanks,

Dear Joseph, 

Aslamu alykum, for the past few months I have been in inner conflict with my heart and mind, due to me discovering about 'Quran alone' group. Prior to that, I have been offering prayers (suni method) and blindly following hadiths. After browsing through many 'Quran alone' websites, instead of clearing my mind, i have been in even more discomfort and feel really lost. Anyhow, I decided to completely give up on hadiths (sahi bukhari) after reading through some of the offensive ones that contradicts the Quran (stoning to death, killing kafirs etc..).

My question to you is that what is the correct way to perform salat? Since, many Quran alone websites share different opinions, such as 5 salat vs 3 salat, only reading verses from the Quran, not  reading darood Sharif  and number of raka's.

I have been really depressed lately and don't know who/what to follow. I have watched your video regarding 5 prayers a day and It made so much sense than praying 3 times a day. Plus it clear my mind and I'm certain that 5 prayers is the way to go.

Since we should offer prayers to God alone, do you think we should say extra stuff, such as 'darood sharif'?

I hope you can provide me  with a detailed guide for performing salat.

Thank you
Allah Hafiz

As salamu alaykum,

Have you considered writing a book? With your eloquent English and Quranic knowledge a lot will benefit from what you have to write.

I can highly recommend you consider the above.

Barak'Allah Fikum brother.

Your Brother

Peace be onto you brother Joseph.

Hope all's well with you and your family. I have read most of your articles and the Q&A section of your website extensively since our last communication, and to say it has been extremely helpful will be a gross understatement.

I have also read the Quran thrice in the period as a way of verifying some of the arguments you bring to bear, and by God's grace I have made tremendous headway in my pursuit of truth.

I also registered to the Q&A forum yesterday and iA I will be an active participant in the discussions held on the forum. One reason for my message is to Thank you for the enlightenment that God has brought me through you and to let u know that iA I will do my best in spreading the truth that I continue to discover.

Peace and keep up the good work. iA it will continue to bear good fruits.

There is absolutely no reason , no question, nothing that makes me think of you and wish you a good day, except that I am once again starting my day with a cup of ginger tea and another few articles of your quran research. And of course the intuition that I should once more thank you for it.

I feel like printing it all out and sticking it on walls everywhere!
Instead I am sending it to my Muslim friends but.....as you will be aware of more than I am, human beings seem to have a tendency to follow what other humans tell them rather than rely on their own thinking.

My friends don't even comment!

What are they afraid of?

That they may find themselves wholly responsible for what they follow and that Ahadith is easier to read than The Book?  Arrggghhh!

Ok, that is my morning whinge over!

I wish you a wonderful day! And - if you live in a similar climate zone as I do - a good and sunny winter.

Right now I am dreaming of maybe an escape to Oman in the new year, a country which softens my heart, Muslims with dignity and kindness and no tendency towards extremism. May Allah keep their awareness and give them the strength to be an example to the belligerent folks around them.

Have you been to Oman?
You MUST go, Joseph!

Autumnal greetings, including falling golden leaves, and good wishes to you from Andorra!

Salamun Alaikum Mr Joseph Islam,

I thank the Merciful God that He made me find your website and be thus acquainted with your extraordinary work so worthy, and for me, so close to the truth.
Thank you so much for all your efforts and for sharing your brilliant analysis in such simple words. May God reward you abundantly and grant you a long life.

I would be much obliged to you if you could notify me with new content of your wonderful site.

Thank you again for all.

Peace be upon you brother Joseph. I sincerely trust that this email finds you in good health.

I have been reading a number of your articles and must admit that I find them all very informative and also pretty radical when compared to the "run of the mill" explanations given to us by so many "learned scholars of Islam".

I am not in a position to be judgemental, considering my very limited knowledge of the Quran, but I have to admit that your explanations on various subjects make a whole lot of sense and leaves very little room for argument. Maybe I am just being biased but I thoroughly enjoy the articles, so much so that it has spurred me on to read the quran with a different mind set.