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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Classical Books of Aqeedah (Islamic Creed)

1) Kitaabul-Eemaan by the Imaam and mujtahid, Abu 'Ubayd al-Qaasim ibn Salaam (d.224H)

2) Kitaabul-Eemaan by the Imaam Ib Abee Shaybah (d.235H)

3) Usoolus -Sunnah and Ar-Radd 'alal Jahmiyyah waz-Zanaadaqah by the Imaam of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jammah Ahmad bin Hanbal (d.241H)

4) Khalq Afaalul-Ibaad, Kitaabul-Eeemaan and Kitabut-Tawheed (the last two being part of al-Jaami us-Saheeh) by Imaam al-Bukharee (d.256H).

5) As-Sunnah by the student of Imaam Ahmad, Abu Bakr al-Athram (d.273H)

6) Kitaabus-Sunnah (being part of the Sunan) by the faqeeh and Imaam Ibn Abu Dawood as -Sijistaanee (d.275H)

7) Al-Ikhtilaaf fee Ladfh war-Radd 'alal-Jahmiyyah by imaam Ibn Qutaybah (d.276H)

8) Asl us-Sunnah by the haafidh and Imaam, Abu Haatim ar-Raazee (d.277H)

9) Ar-Radd 'alal Jayhmiyyah by Imaam ad-Daarimee (d.280H)

10) As-Sunnah by the qaadee and haafidh, Ibn Abee 'Aasim (d.287H)

11) As-Sunnah by the haafidh ,Abdullah ibn Imaam Ahmad (d.290H)

12) As-Sunnah by the qaadee and muhaddith AbuBakr al-Maroozee (d.292H)

13) As-Sunnah by the student of Imaam Ahmad, al-Marwaazee (d.292H)

14) Sareehus-Sunnah by the mujtahid, mufassir and Imaam , Ibn Jareer at-Tabaree (d.310H)

15) Kitaabut-Tawheed wa Ithbaat Sifaatur-Rabb by the faqeeh and Imaam, Ibn Khuzaymah (d.311H)

16) Aqeedatut-Tahaawiyyah by the Imaam Abu Jafar at-Tahaawee (d.321H)

17) Al-Maqaalatul-Islamiyeen, Ar-Risaalah ilaa Ahlth-Thaghr and Al-Ibaanah 'an Usoolid-Diyaanah by Imaam Abdul-Hasan al-Asharee (d.324H)

18) Sharhus-Sunnah by the Imaam of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jammah in his time, Imaam al-Barbaaharee (d.329H)

(19) Kitaab us-Sunnah by the qaadee, Abu Ahmad al-Asaal(d.349H)

(20) Ash-Shareeah by the faqeeh and Imaam, Abu Bakr al-Aajuree(d.360H)

(21) Itiqaad Aimmatul-Hadeeth by the faqeeh and Imaam, Abu Bakr al-Ismaeelee(d.371H)

(22) Kitaabus-Sifaat and Kitaabun-Nuzool by the haafidh, the Imaam, ad-Daaraqutnee(d.385H)

(23) Al-Ibaanah 'an Sharee'atil Firqatin -Naajiyah and Sharhul-Ibaanah 'an Usoolis-Sunnah wad-Diyaanah by the haafidh,the faqeeh, Imaam Battah al-Akbaree (d.387H)

(24) Kitaabut-Tawheed and ar-Radd'alal-Jahmiyyah both by the haafidh and Imaam, Ibn Mandah (d.395H)

(25) Sharh Usool Itiqaad Ahlus-Sunnah Wal Jamaah by the haafidh and faqeeh, Imaam al-Laalilkaa'ee (d.428H)

(26) Al-Wusool ilaa Maarifatil-Istiwaa by Imaam Abu 'Amr at-Talamankee al-Andalusee (d.429H)

(27) Al-Itiqaad by Abu Nuaym al-Ashbaanee (d.430H)

(28) Risaalah fee Ithbaatil-Istiwaa by Imaam Abu Muhammad al-Juwaynee (d.438H)

(29) Aqeedatus-Salaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth by the haafidh and Imaam, Abu Uthmaan as-Saboonee (d.449H)

(30) Al-I'tqaad alaa Madhabis-Salaf Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaah by Imaam al-Bayhaaqee (d.457H)

(31) Dhammul-Kalaam by the haafidh and faqeeh, Shaykh ul-Islaam Abu Ismaeel al-Harawee (d.481H)

Reference: http://www.sahihalbukhari.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=AQD01&articleID=AQD010003&articlePages=1

Friday, March 26, 2010

Dr. Periyardasan becomes Abdullah

Source: Arab News
“I was well known in India for my atheist theology and later I became to realize that religion is the only way out for human beings both in this world as well as in the hereafter,”
RIYADH: A well-known Indian psychotherapist embraced Islam on Thursday(11/03/2010).

Dr. Periyadarshan, who has changed his name to Abdullah, told Arab News Friday that Islam is the only religion in the world that follows a book directly revealed from God.

He said that as a student of comparative religions he believes books of other faiths have not been directly revealed to mankind from God. He said the Holy Qur’an is still in the same format and style as it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) from Almighty Allah.

He also acted in the famous Tamil film “Karuthamma” about the killing of newborn baby girls in some remote villages in India. The production received national award from the Indian government.

“I was well known in India for my atheist theology and later I became to realize that religion is the only way out for human beings both in this world as well as in the hereafter,” he said.

Dr. Abdullah will be performing Umrah on Saturday(15/03/2010) on his first visit to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Watch Interview in Tamil :
"Periyardasan (Abdullah) why i accepted Islam"

Part-1/5
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

[Refutation] Qur'an doesn't claim that Earth is Flat, in any way

Earth is NOT Flat (according to the Qur'an)

A) Scientific Proof from the Qur’an that Earth is NOT Flat:

The below verse is sufficient to prove the Earth is not Flat and that it is round/spherical.

He has created the Heavens and the Earth for Truth. He wraps the night up in the day, and wraps the day up in the night. [1]

In the Qur'an, the words used for describing the universe are quite remarkable. The Arabic word which is translated as "to wrap" in the above verse, is "takwir". In English, it means "to make one thing lap over another, folded up as a garment that is laid away." For instance, in Arabic dictionaries this word is used for the action of wrapping one thing around another, in the way that a turban is put on. The information given in the verse about the day and the night wrapping each other up includes accurate information about the shape of the world. This can be true only if the Earth is round. This means that in the Qur'an, which was revealed in the 7th century, the roundness of the world was hinted at. [2]

B) Baseless reasoning of Aroj about Prayer Timetable, for the Earth to be Flat:

In your example, you have used fixed time for the 5 prayers (Salaah) to prove that the earth is flat (using statements of Aroj Ati Matbor, who was not a scholar and has turned out to be an Apostate of Islam). I find your arguments baseless, although your point is of a valid concern. With what you have mentioned in the example, I think the following Saying of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is sufficient to blow-off Aroj’s theory.

The times of the prayers were mentioned by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in the Hadeeth (Saying of the Prophet (Peace be upon him)):

“The time for Zuhr is from when the sun has passed its zenith and a man’s shadow is equal in length to his height, until the time for ‘Asr comes. The time for ‘Asr lasts until the sun turns yellow. The time for Maghrib lasts until the twilight has faded. The time for ‘Isha’ lasts until midnight. The time for Subh (Fajr) prayer lasts from the beginning of the pre-dawn so long as the sun has not yet started to rise. When the sun starts to rise then stop praying, for it rises between the two horns of the Shaytaan.” [3]

This hadeeth explains the timings of the five daily prayers. As for defining them by the clock, that varies from one city or country to another.

Well, as you can see, the Hadeeth clearly focuses on how to CALCULATE the time based on the set criterion and the part of the day/night for a particular location. So, the time here is not a globally FIXED time (in terms of fixed numeric time, example 1:30pm fixed for all places), but it is relative to meeting the criterions set in the Saying (Hadeeth) with respect to the part of the day/night for a given geographical location. To differentiate the prayer time in the Hadeeth from your Fixed Time, I would call this time as the local PRESCRIBED time (i.e., subject to the Location and the laid conditions in the Hadeeth). So, however rational Aroj’s views may seem to be to a Non-Muslim, it doesn’t carry weight in the eyes of the Person who has Knowledge about Islamic Teaching from authentic sources. And so, there is no way this local PRESCRIBED time (which off course suits the modern day GMT standards) in any way establishes that the Earth is flat; rather is proves that the earth has to be spherical/round, for the Hadeeth to be used for Prayer Timing Calculations.

(For more reading on the Prayer Timetable, you can read the following Rulings at www.islam-qa.com

a. Using a timetable to know the times of prayer:
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/71367

b. Times of the five daily prayers:
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/9940 )

C) The Flexibility of offering Salaah for Travelers:

With respect to the second part of your example, which concerns as to how a traveler pursues your globally FIXED time (which should actually be the local PRESCRIBED time) at different locations, this issue is a different subject of Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) all together. We saw the calculation of prayer time in the clarification of the first part of your example; so based on that clarification, the travel issue doesn’t stand as a valid argument for that earth to be flat either.

Let’s elaborate on the Ruling concerning the Traveler’s Prayer, for you to understand how Islam deals with the issue of whether a traveler prayed a specific prayer at one part of the world already, and what he should do when he arrives to the other part of the world where the time for the same prayer has just begun or is soon to begin.

Islam makes offering Salaah very easy for the travelers, i.e. by joining the Salaah of 2 times for convenience. A similar question was posed to 2 scholars below:

Al-Muwaffaq Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Mughni (3/140):

If a person completed two prayers at the time of the earlier one, then the excuse for doing so ceased to exist after he had finished praying, before the time for the later prayer began, that is still sufficient and he does not have to repeat the later prayer when the time for it comes, because his prayer was valid and he discharged his duty to perform it, and that duty no longer applies after that. He discharged his duty at a time when he had an excuse, and it is not invalidated by the fact that the excuse ceases to exist after that. This is like the case of the one who does Tayammum, if he finds water after finishing his prayer (he does not have to repeat it).

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about a traveler who joined Zuhr and ‘Asr at the time of the earlier prayer, although he knew that he would reach his destination before the time of ‘Asr. Is this permissible?

He replied:

Yes, this is permissible, but if he knows or he thinks it most likely that he will arrive before the time for ‘Asr, then it is better for him not to join the prayers, because there is no need to do so.

(For more reading on the Prayer for a Traveler, you can read the following Rulings at www.islam-qa.com

a. A traveller joined two prayers together at the time of the earlier one, then he went back to his city before the time for the later prayer began:
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/22387 )

The above scholarly replies have solved your confusion, beautifully. And if this issue is solved, your baseless claim of Earth is flat as per the Qur’an doesn’t stand a chance.

To conclude, Modern day scientific establishments are not eliminating God, but they are elimininating Models of God. And Qur’an is being proved the word of that Almighty God, “Allah”, who is One and Alone and has no partners with Him.

[1] Qur'an, 39:5
[2] The Scientific Miracles of the Qur’an (www.miraclesofthequran.com)
[3] Narrated by Muslim, 612

[Refutation] Qur'an doesn't claim that Earth is Still, in any way

Rotation of the Earth (and also its Direction of Rotation) proved by the Qur’an

A) Scientific Proof from the Qur’an that Earth rotates, and in a specific direction:

You will see the mountains and reckon them to be solid; but they go past like clouds-the handiwork of Allah Who gives to everything its solidity. He is aware of what you do. [4] (Qur'an, 27:88)

The above verse emphasizes that the Earth not only rotates but that it also has a direction of rotation. The direction of movement of the main cloud masses at 3,500-4,000 metres high is always from West to East. That is why it is generally the state of the weather in the West which is looked at in meteorological forecasts. [5]

If only they had believed and had fear [and awareness of Allah]!
A reward from Allah is better, if they only knew.
[6]

Do you not know that Allah is He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs and that, besides Allah, you have no protector and no helper? [7]

The main reason why cloud masses are pulled from West to East is the direction in which the Earth rotates. As we now know, our Earth spins from West to East. This scientific fact, only recently established by science, was revealed 1,400 years ago in the Qur’an, at a time when the Earth was believed to be flat, and to be resting on the back of an ox. [8]

I believe the above explanation exceeds the answer you were expecting.


“The scientific considerations, which are very specific to the Qur'an, greatly surprised me at first. Up until then, I had not thought it's possible for one to find so many statements in a test compiled more than thirteen centuries ago referring to extremely diverse subjects and all of them totally in keeping with modern scientific knowledge.”Dr. MAURICE BAUCILE (The Bible, The Quran and Science)

"As a miracle of purity of style, of wisdom and of truth, it is the one miracle claimed by Mohammed, his standing miracle he called it, and a miracle indeed it is!" REV. BOSWORTH-SMITH

“It (Qur’an) states that it originates from the One who created everything. So everyone has the right to say, "Convince me! If the author of this book really originated life and everything in the heavens and on the earth, then He should know about this, about that, and so on." And inevitably, after researching the Quran, everyone will discover the same truths. Additionally, we all know something for sure: we do not all have to be experts to verify what the Quran affirms. One's iman (faith) grows as one continues to check and confirm the truths contained in the Quran. And one is supposed to do so all of his life.

May God (Allah) guide everyone close to the truth.”Dr. GARY MILLER (The Amazing Quran)

[4] Qur'an, 27:88
[5] “Effects of Rotation (Coriolis Effect),” The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, (www.woodrow.org/teachers/esi/1998/p/weather/Corriolis.HTM)
[6] Qur’an, 2:103
[7] Qur’an, 2:107
[8] The Scientific Miracles of the Qur’an (www.miraclesofthequran.com)

Monday, March 8, 2010

Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)

Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)

(The below text has been taken from the Module One of the course “Foundation of Islaamic Studies” at Islamic Online University – www.islamiconlineuniversity.com)

Literally Tawheed means “unification” (making something one) or “asserting oneness,” and it comes from the Arabic verb (wahhada) which itself means to unite, unify, or consolidate. However, when the term tawheed is used in reference to Allaah (i.e. Tawheedullaah), it means realizing and affirming Allaah’s unity in all of man’s actions which directly or indirectly relate to Him.

It is the belief that Allaah’s One, without partner in His dominion (Ruboobeeyah), One without similitude in His essence and attributes (Asmaa was Sifaat), and One without rival in His divinity and in worship (Ulooheeyah ‘ibaadah).

These three aspects form the basis for the categories into which the science of Tawheed has been traditionally divided. The three overlap and are inseparable to such a degree that whoever omits any one aspect has failed to complete the requirements of Tawheed. The omission of any of the above mentioned aspects of Tawheed is referred to as Shirk (which literally means “sharing” but here signifies) the association of partners with Allaah. In Islamic terms, this association is in fact idolatry.[1]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) himself vividly warned Muslims to beware of such deviations as had befallen the nations before them. He encouraged them to stick closely to the path which he had tread. One day as he sat with his companions, he drew a straight line in the dirt. He then drew a series of lines branching off from either side of it. When the companions asked him what it meant, he pointed to the branches and told them that they represented the various paths of misguidance in this life. He went on to say that at the head of each path sat a devil inviting people to it. After that, he pointed to the straight line in the middle and told them that it represented the path of Allaah. When the companions asked for further clarification, he told them that it was his path and he recited the following verse:

“This is my path leading straight, so follow it. And do not follow the other paths, or else you will be separated from His (Allaah’s) path.” [2]

[1] Reported by Ibn Mas‘ood and collected by an-Nasaa’ee, Ahmad and ad-Daarimee. Authenticated by al-Albaanee in Sharh as-Sunnah, vol.1, p.13, no.17.

[2] Soorah al-An‘aam, (6):153

Islamic Creed (Aqeedah) with regards to Allah, His Names & Attributes, and the Qur’an (as understood by the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’)

Islamic Creed (Aqeedah) with regards to Allah, His Names & Attributes, and the Qur’an (as understood by the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’)

It is from our Aqeedah (Islamic Creed based on the Qur'an, Sunnah and the Understanding of the Righteous Predecessors), that we do not try to prove a point related to Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala), His Attributes and His Book “Qur'an”, using our philosophy (rhetoric thinking).

(For further reading, please refer Usool al-Sunnah (Fundamentals of Islamic Sunnah) by Imam Hanbal)

We have to follow the Manhaj or the way of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and Righteous Predecessors (May Allah be please with them), which was based on the Qur’an and Sunnah.[3] If we encounter any discrepancies, we go back to the Qur’an and Sunnah for clarifications, and follow that which has been followed and advised by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and the Righteous Predecessors (May Allah be please with them all).

Our belief is to have faith in Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala), the Wisdom behind what has been mentioned in the Qur’an, and the Names and Attributes of Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala). [4]

Matters concerning Qur’an and Sunnah were dealt by the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’ in 3 ways:

a. What Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala) and His Messenger has affirmed, they affirm it,

b. What Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala) and His Messenger has denied, they deny it,

c. Matters in which Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala) and His Messenger are silent, they remain silent about it.

(For more details you can read Aqeedah at-Tawheed or have a look at the video series of the same at www.qsep.com)

To clarify any queries or even refute a claim against Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala) and the Qur’an, it has to be based on the Manhaj, and should be done, primarily, by the Scholars. No doubt, we Muslims need to stand-up for our Islamic Belief, and try our level best to address the issues we encounter in our day-to-day lives pertaining to Islam. The common Muslim must do his best in studying the Qur’an and Sunnah, based on the Manhaj of the Righteous Predecessors, and from the scholars who adhere to this Manhaj. Alhamdulillah, for us today, majority of the work has been done by the scholars of the past and is readily available to use in the field of Da’wah. And to add to it, Modern Day Science is establishing the Truth of the Qur’anic Verses, for Muslims and Non-Muslims alike, all around the world. This helps us use, first, the Manhaj and then Science to clarify issues related to any aspect of Islamic Belief.

The reason for adhering to the Manhaj is, so that we may not unknowingly attribute a wrong understanding to Islam, which was not understood as it was by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and Righteous Predecessors (May Allah be please with them all). This may later lead to an Innovation in the Religion (and if too serious, may cause big deviation from the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa'), thus leading to formation of an ideology that is not from the ideology of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’. So, here lies a grave danger and the person who innovated will be held accountable for it and for those who followed that deviation, till the Day of Judgment in the eyes of Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala).

The generations that came after the first 3 Righteous Generations had people deviating from the Manhaj of Righteous Predecessors (Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'), because they commented on Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala), His Names & Attributes and the Qu'ran, based on their Thinking and not the understanding of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and Righteous Predecessors (May Allah be please with them all).

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,

“Whoever innovates in Islam something which does not belong to it will have it rejected.” [5]

[3] "Holding fast to the Qur'an and observing its right means to commit it to one's heart and to recite it properly at night and by day, to contemplate over its verses, to declare as lawful what it legalizes and to declare as unlawful what it makes illegal, to obey its ordainments, to take heed of its warnings, to derive lessons from its parables, to find admonition in its stories, to act on its entirely clear verses, to submit to its not-entirely-clear verses, to approach not its boundaries (of what is lawful and unlawful), to defend it against distortions and false claims, to give counsel to it in every meaning of the word, and to consciously preach it to men around."
(Taken from 200 FAQ on Muslim Belief by Sheikh Hafiz Ibn Ahmed Al Hakami)

[4] "The Glorious Qur'an is the Word of Allah, the Almighty: in wording and in meaning. His Word is neither the characters only, nor the meanings only. Both the characters and the meanings constitute His Word. Allah the Almighty Spoke it verbally, sent it down on His Prophet (Peace be upon him) by Revelation, and the true believers had faith in it.
It is the Word of the Most Gracious even though it is written by hands, recited by tongues, committed to hearts, heard by ears, and seen by eyes. Indeed, the hands, ink, pens, and papers are all created, while what is written down with them is not. Moreover, tongues and voices are created, while what is recited thereof is not. Bosoms are created, while what is kept therein is not. Ears are created, while what is heard is not.
Almighty Allah says in His Glorious Qur'an: {That (this) is indeed an honorable recitation (the Noble Qur'an). In a Book well guarded (with Allah in the heaven i.e. AI-Lauh Al- Mahfuz)}. (Al-Waqi'ah, 77,78)
Allah says: {Nay, but they, the clear Ayat are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge (among the People of the Scriptures). And none but the Zalimun (Polytheists and wrongdoers) deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)}. (Al-' Ankabut, 49)
Allah says: {And recite what has been revealed to you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) of the Book (the Qur'an) of your Lord (i.e. recite it, understand and follow its teachings and act on its orders and preach it to men). None can change His Words}. (Al-Kahf, 27)
Allah says: {And if anyone of the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah seeks your protection then grant him protection so that he may hear the Word of Allah (the Qur'an)}. (At- Taubah, 6)
Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "Keep looking at (the wording) of the Glorious Qur'an.” Thereupon, whosoever says that the Glorious Qur'an or part thereof is created, he is a disbeliever denouncing Islam entirely. For the Qur'an is the Word of Allah the Almighty; it came first from Him and will turn back to Him and His Word is one of His Attributes. Whosoever says that any of the Attributes of Allah is created, he is a disbeliever and renegade
.
(
Taken from 200 FAQ on Muslim Belief by Sheikh Hafiz Ibn Ahmed Al Hakami)

[5] Reported by ‘Aaeshah and collected by al-Bukhaaree (Sahih Al-Bukhari, (Arabic-English), vol.3, p.535, no.861), Muslim (Sahih Muslim, (English Trans.), vol.3, p.931, no.4266 and no.4267) and Abu Daawood (Ahmad Hasan, Sunan Abu Dawud (English Trans.), (Lahore: Sh. Muhammad Ashraf Publishers, 1st. ed., 1984), vol.3, p.1294).

Qur'an is a Book of Signs

Qur'an is a Book of Signs

For a Muslim, it very important to have complete belief in the 6 Pillars of Eeman (Islamic Faith) (i.e, Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala), the Angels, the Prophets (From Adam to Muhammad (Peace be on them all)), the Revealed Books (Torah, Zaboor, Injeel and Qur’an), Pre-Destination (Qadr) and Judgment Day.

(For details on each Pillar of Islamic Faith, you can have a look at the Video Lecture of the same at www.qsep.com)

Let’s take an example. We pray 5 times Salaah with specific actions and positions. We have come to know now that the position of Prostration in Salaah is a healthy meditation position. That shouldn't necessarily be a reason for us to offer the 5 times Salaah. The reason should be that it should be offered as it is the Order of Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala), which is nothing but confirming the Islamic Faith. The following narrations of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) are self-explanatory in establishing the Faith and following the Order of Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala):

Jabir reports that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,

"Between a person and disbelief is discarding prayer." [6]

Buraidah reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,

"The pact between us and them is prayer. Whoever abandons it is a disbeliever." [7]

So, if a Muslim sees the modern day scientific establishments, it should help him re-affirm his faith. But, the case should not be vice versa, that only because of the proofs or scientific establishments he has faith in Allah and the 5 pillars of Faith. This can lead him to the danger of rejecting those articles of faith, which have not been established by modern day science.

Coming back to the subject, Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala) tells us in the Qur'an that lots of signs will be established to confirm that Islam is the Truth. And according to me, the scientific discoveries in this era are affirming what Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala) has hinted us in the Qur'an more than 1400 years back.

“Soon We will show them our signs in the (farthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?” [8]

The Arabic word used is 'AAYAAH' which literally means 'signs', and which is really more to the point. The Holy Qur'an does not mention the word 'MU'JAZAH' (miracle). [9]

Dr. Zakir Naik's elaborates on this as follows:

"Let me remind you that the Qur’an is not a book of Science, ‘S-C-I-E-N-C-E’ but a book of Signs, ‘S-I-G-N-S’ i.e. a book of ayaats. The Qur’an contains more than 6,000 ayaats, i.e. ‘signs’, out of which more than a thousand speak about Science. I am not trying to prove that the Qur’an is the word of God using scientific knowledge as a yard stick because any yardstick is supposed to be more superior than what is being checked or verified. For us Muslims, the Qur’an is the Furqan i.e. criteria to judge right from wrong and the ultimate yardstick which is more superior to scientific knowledge."


Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala) reminds is at different places in the Qur’an about his signs, and that they are only useful for the people of understanding, reason and knowledge.

“And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge.” [10]

[6] Related by Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmizhi and Ibn Majah

[7] Related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmizhi, anNasa'i and Ibn Majah

[8] Al-Quran, Surah Fussilat 41:53

[9] From Al-Quran-Miracle of Miracles by Ahmed Deedat

[10] Qur’an, Surat ar-Rum 30:22

Matters mentioned in Qur’an that have not been proven by Science yet

Matters mentioned in Qur’an that have not been proven by Science yet

Day-by-Day Modern Scientific Discoveries are proving Qu'ran to be the Word of Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala) and are bringing more light to the revealed Qur'anic Verses, as opposed to what we understood in the past (based on our limited Advancements and Knowledge). Especially, to note the fact that Qur’an has hints/signs/ mentioned in it about many aspects of the creation, which only a creator would know.

So, our inability to understand a verse or get a direct meaning of some of the verses, at this point of time in the modern day scientific discoveries (whereby Science is still growing and has not gone so far yet) does not necessarily make the Qur'an or Verse(s) of it old-aged or unacceptable. Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala) says in the Noble Qur’an:

“And indeed We have fully explained to mankind, in this Qur'an, every kind of similitude, but most of mankind refuse (the truth and accept nothing) but disbelief.” [11]

Dr. Zakir Naik clarifies this issue in his own style (for Non-Muslims; as a Muslim has to base his faith in them):

"I have a logical belief. I base my logical belief saying… ‘That suppose there are scientific facts mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, out of which say approximately 80% have been proved to be 100% correct. 80% of the scientific facts mentioned in the Qur’an have been proved by Science till today to be 100% correct. The remaining 20 % is ambiguous - unknown. Not even 0.001% have been proved false. Even if one verse is proved false , the Qur’an is not the word of Allah (SWT). So of these 20 % I say goes in the ambiguous slot … unknown. So my logic says … ‘When 80% is 100% correct, the remaining 20% is ambiguous, out of which not even 0.001% has been proved wrong, all are unknown - my logic says when 80% is correct, even those 20% will be InshAllah correct. It is not a blind belief – it is a logical belief."

Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala), the 6 pillars of Faith and matters not known to Mankind (Unseen Matters revealed in the Qur’an and Sunnah) are a mandate for Muslims to believe in, which a Non-Muslim or an Atheist would not accept, and thus establish the disbelief. And so does Allah (Subhana wa Ta’ala) mention in the following verse of the Noble Qur’an:

“And he whom Allah guides, he is led aright; but he whom He sends astray, for such you will find no Auliya’ (helpers and protectors), besides Him, and We shall gather them together on the Day of Resurrection on their faces, blind, dumb and deaf; their abode will be Hell; whenever it abates, We shall increase for them the fierceness of the fire.” [12]

[11] The Noble Qur’an, Surah al-Isra’ Ch.17, Verse 89

[12] The Noble Qur’an, Surah al-Isra’ Ch.17, Verse 97

Language of the Qur’an (Arabic)

Language of the Qur’an (Arabic)

The best way to understand the Qur'an is to read and contemplate the Arabic verses, not the Translations (however close they may come to the Original Arabic Text in Meaning). It is similar as in the case where directly speaking in English to a person is better than having an intermediary translator, as the chances of him misunderstanding the first person is more in the latter. So, to best understand the Qur’an, we need to learn and know the language of the Qur'an, i.e. "Arabic".

Arabic is a very rich language. Words, in Arabic, tend to have more than one meaning based on the context of the sentence. It is very important to note that Allah's (Subhana wa Ta'ala) choice of Words was for a Divine Purpose and not just by chance. There were many other choices of words He could have chosen, but He chose the ones that carried far deeper meanings in them that only Science today was able to unveil and confirm. These Words were used by Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala) to describe how He, the Almighty, created the Universe and many of the Creations in it. The Holy Words are in perfect harmony with Science and also with the way the Universe was truly created by Allah (Subhana wa Ta'ala). The challenge Qur’an presented to the Arabs was:

“Say, ‘If the mankind and the jinn were together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one other.’" [13]

This Book "Qur'an" certainly stood the test of time for more than 1400 years with its Claims, Prophecies and Miraculous language eloquence.[14] And it continues to stay as such, with its overwhelming agreement with science and the discoveries that were not known to man 1400 years ago.

[13] The Noble Qur’an, Surah al-Isra’ Ch.17, Verse 88

[14] The textual proof of the miraculous nature of the Glorious Qur'an is the fact that the Glorious Qur'an was revealed in a period that extended more than twenty years, challenging the most eloquent of all mankind.
{Let them then produce a recital like unto it (the Qur'an) if they are truthful}. (At-Tur, 34)
Allah the Almighty says: {Say: Bring you the ten forged Surahs (chapters) like unto it}. (Hud, 13)
Allah the Almighty says: {Say: Bring then a Surah (chapter) like unto it}. (Yunus, 38)
But, they could not do it, though they were keen on refuting and rejecting it with all their power and might. Though the Qur'an’s characters and words are Arabic - their mother tongue - with which they used to communicate, and in which they used to compete, they could not challenge or even imitate it. The Glorious Qur'an declared their incapability of challenging its miraculous nature in the verse that reads,
{Say: If the mankind and the Jinn were together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another}. (Al-Isra', 88)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: “Every Prophet was given miracles because of which people believed, but what I have given Divine Inspiration which Allah has revealed to me. So I hope that my followers will outnumber the followers of the other Prophets on the Day of Resurrection.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Countless numbers of scholars and scientists wrote on various aspects of the miraculous nature of the Glorious Qur'an. They tried hard to tackle its wording, meanings, news of the ancients, and news of the unseen, but all they could get is like what a small sparrow can get with its pointed beak from the great ocean!”
(
Taken from 200 FAQ on Muslim Belief by Sheikh Hafiz Ibn Ahmed Al Hakami)

Friday, March 5, 2010

Qur'an, Chapter 30: Surat ar-Rum (The Romans)

Listen the Recitation (with Translations) of the Surah "Ar-Rum":

Surah 30: Ar-Rum (The Romans) Verses 1-30

Surah 30: Ar-Rum (The Romans) Verses 31-60


Below is the English Translation of Surat Ar-Rum (Ch. 30) by Sahih International

Ch.30: Surat ar-Rum (The Romans)

1} Alif, Lam, Meem.
2} The Byzantines have been defeated
3} In the nearest land. But they, after their defeat, will overcome.
4} Within three to nine years. To Allah belongs the command before and after. And that day the believers will rejoice
5} In the victory of Allah . He gives victory to whom He wills, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.
6} [It is] the promise of Allah . Allah does not fail in His promise, but most of the people do not know.
7} They know what is apparent of the worldly life, but they, of the Hereafter, are unaware.
8} Do they not contemplate within themselves? Allah has not created the heavens and the earth and what is between them except in truth and for a specified term. And indeed, many of the people, in [the matter of] the meeting with their Lord, are disbelievers.
9} Have they not traveled through the earth and observed how was the end of those before them? They were greater than them in power, and they plowed the earth and built it up more than they have built it up, and their messengers came to them with clear evidences. And Allah would not ever have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves.
10} Then the end of those who did evil was the worst [consequence] because they denied the signs of Allah and used to ridicule them.
11} Allah begins creation; then He will repeat it; then to Him you will be returned.
12} And the Day the Hour appears the criminals will be in despair.
13} And there will not be for them among their [alleged] partners any intercessors, and they will [then] be disbelievers in their partners.
14} And the Day the Hour appears - that Day they will become separated.
15} And as for those who had believed and done righteous deeds, they will be in a garden [of Paradise], delighted.
16} But as for those who disbelieved and denied Our verses and the meeting of the Hereafter, those will be brought into the punishment [to remain].
17} So exalted is Allah when you reach the evening and when you reach the morning.
18} And to Him is [due all] praise throughout the heavens and the earth. And [exalted is He] at night and when you are at noon.
19} He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and brings to life the earth after its lifelessness. And thus will you be brought out.
20} And of His signs is that He created you from dust; then, suddenly you were human beings dispersing [throughout the earth].
21} And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.
22} And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge.
23} And of His signs is your sleep by night and day and your seeking of His bounty. Indeed in that are signs for a people who listen.
24} And of His signs is [that] He shows you the lightening [causing] fear and aspiration, and He sends down rain from the sky by which He brings to life the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that are signs for a people who use reason.
25} And of His signs is that the heaven and earth remain by His command. Then when He calls you with a [single] call from the earth, immediately you will come forth.
26} And to Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and earth. All are to Him devoutly obedient.
27} And it is He who begins creation; then He repeats it, and that is [even] easier for Him. To Him belongs the highest attribute in the heavens and earth. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
28} He presents to you an example from yourselves. Do you have among those whom your right hands possess any partners in what We have provided for you so that you are equal therein [and] would fear them as your fear of one another [within a partnership]? Thus do We detail the verses for a people who use reason.
29} But those who wrong follow their [own] desires without knowledge. Then who can guide one whom Allah has sent astray? And for them there are no helpers.
30} So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah . That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.
31} [Adhere to it], turning in repentance to Him, and fear Him and establish prayer and do not be of those who associate others with Allah
32} [Or] of those who have divided their religion and become sects, every faction rejoicing in what it has.
33} And when adversity touches the people, they call upon their Lord, turning in repentance to Him. Then when He lets them taste mercy from Him, at once a party of them associate others with their Lord,
34} So that they will deny what We have granted them. Then enjoy yourselves, for you are going to know.
35} Or have We sent down to them an authority, and it speaks of what they were associating with Him?
36} And when We let the people taste mercy, they rejoice therein, but if evil afflicts them for what their hands have put forth, immediately they despair.
37} Do they not see that Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]? Indeed, in that are signs for a people who believe.
38} So give the relative his right, as well as the needy and the traveler. That is best for those who desire the countenance of Allah, and it is they who will be the successful.
39} And whatever you give for interest to increase within the wealth of people will not increase with Allah . But what you give in zakah, desiring the countenance of Allah - those are the multipliers.
40} Allah is the one who created you, then provided for you, then will cause you to die, and then will give you life. Are there any of your "partners" who does anything of that? Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.
41} Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].
42} Say, [O Muúammad], "Travel through the land and observe how was the end of those before. Most of them were associators [of others with Allah ].
43} So direct your face toward the correct religion before a Day comes from Allah of which there is no repelling. That Day, they will be divided.
44} Whoever disbelieves - upon him is [the consequence of] his disbelief. And whoever does righteousness - they are for themselves preparing,
45} That He may reward those who have believed and done righteous deeds out of His bounty. Indeed, He does not like the disbelievers.
46} And of His signs is that He sends the winds as bringers of good tidings and to let you taste His mercy and so the ships may sail at His command and so you may seek of His bounty, and perhaps you will be grateful.
47} And We have already sent messengers before you to their peoples, and they came to them with clear evidences; then We took retribution from those who committed crimes, and incumbent upon Us was support of the believers.
48} It is Allah who sends the winds, and they stir the clouds and spread them in the sky however He wills, and He makes them fragments so you see the rain emerge from within them. And when He causes it to fall upon whom He wills of His servants, immediately they rejoice
49} Although they were, before it was sent down upon them - before that, in despair.
50} So observe the effects of the mercy of Allah - how He gives life to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed, that [same one] will give life to the dead, and He is over all things competent.
51} But if We should send a [bad] wind and they saw [their crops] turned yellow, they would remain thereafter disbelievers.
52} So indeed, you will not make the dead hear, nor will you make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs, retreating.
53} And you cannot guide the blind away from their error. You will only make hear those who believe in Our verses so they are Muslims [in submission to Allah ].
54} Allah is the one who created you from weakness, then made after weakness strength, then made after strength weakness and white hair. He creates what He wills, and He is the Knowing, the Competent.
55} And the Day the Hour appears the criminals will swear they had remained but an hour. Thus they were deluded.
56} But those who were given knowledge and faith will say, "You remained the extent of Allah 's decree until the Day of Resurrection, and this is the Day of Resurrection, but you did not used to know."
57} So that Day, their excuse will not benefit those who wronged, nor will they be asked to appease [ Allah ].
58} And We have certainly presented to the people in this Qur'an from every [kind of] example. But, [O Muúammad], if you should bring them a sign, the disbelievers will surely say, "You [believers] are but falsifiers."
59} Thus does Allah seal the hearts of those who do not know.
60} So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And let them not disquiet you who are not certain [in faith].