DO YOU KNOW THE
QUR’AN?
A glimpse at the beauty of the Qur'an
The Qur'an was verbally revealed through the arch-angel Gabriel
from the Almighty God, the Creator of the earth and heavens to Muhammad
gradually over a period of 23 years. It began in around 609 CE, when Muhammad
was forty, and concluded in 632 CE, the year of his death. The Qur'an was precisely
memorized, recited and exactly written down by Muhammad's companions after each
revelation was dictated by Muhammad. The Qur'an self-describes this process as a
divine responsibility (Qur'an 75:16-19). Shortly after Muhammad’s death, the
Qur'an was compiled into a single book by order of the first Caliph Abu Bakr at
the suggestion of his future successor Umar. Hafsa, who was Muhammad’s widow
and Umar’s daughter, was entrusted and became guardian of the only hard copy of
the Qur'an. But in an oral culture, this gathering of the sacred writing also
meant memorization of the divine book. At that time, many companions had memorized
the Qur'an orally as they heard from Muhammad’s lips. After the second Caliph
Umar died, Uthman, the third Caliph, asked Hafsa to submit the Qur’an so
several hard copies could be made and sent to main centers of the expanding
empire. The copies of the Qur'an helped in standardizing the text, recitation
and establishing the standard dialect of Arabic language. The present form of
the Qur’an text is accepted by most scholars as the original version compiled
by Abu Bakr. As such, the 7th century Arabic manuscripts of the Qur'an have been
preserved to this day. The most frequently sited ones are at the Hast Imam Museum
in Tashkent; at the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul; at the Oriental Institute
Museum in Chicago; and at the Institute of Oriental Studies in St. Petersburg.
Introduction
In the Qur'an there are many justifying statements that it is a
revelation directly from the Almighty God (Qur’an 27:6, 32:2, 39:1, 40:2, 41:2,
45:2, 46:2, etc.) The Qur'an reveals the divine will; God's nature is disclosed
only insofar as it bears His moral and legal purpose for mankind. The Qur’an implies
that, in the Arabic original, it is the literal, direct and immutable speech of
God (Word of Allah) (Qur’an 2:75, 9:6, 48:15). God speaks through his human
mouthpiece, Muhammad, who is often addressed by imperative “Say". The
prophet, as vehicle of revelation, brings the divine speech into the human
world. It tells us where we are coming from and where we are going. It tells us
what will happen after death. It shows the straight path that will lead us to
the place of eternal bliss. And it warns us about following the crooked path
that lead to the place of eternal doom. It gives moral code and sacred law for
individuals and society. It addresses both the heart and the mind. It educates;
it inspires; it heals; it shows us the path and gives us the energy and
motivation to follow it. No one can go wrong who makes it his or her guide, and
no one can succeed who ignores its guidance. The Qur’an was infallibly dictated
to the illiterate Muhammad by arch-angel Gabriel; when completed, it became the
final and definitive expression of God's moral and spiritual purpose for all
humankind for all time. For Muslims, the Qur’an is the supreme authority and
the fundamental source of the Islamic creed, rituals, ethics, and laws. It is
the book that 'differentiates’ between right and wrong, so when Muslims deal
with either individuals mundane issues of worship such as what is lawful and unlawful,
marriage and divorce, inheritance, etc. or with society's universal issues such
as globalization, the environment, combating terrorism and drugs, issues of
medical ethics, and feminism, evidence to support the various arguments and
positions is sought from the Qur'an. The supreme status of the Qur'an stems
from the strong belief that the Qur’an is the “Word of God" and in terms
of its sacredness, the Qur'an is second only to God. Its majestic authority is
expressed in the verse, “Had We sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain you would
indeed have seen it humbling itself and breaking asunder out of fear of God. We
propound such parables to people that they may reflect.” (Qur’an 59:21)
What
is Qur’an?
The word “Qur’an” came from the
Arabic root that gives meanings: “to read" (Qur’an l7:93) or “to recite.”
(Qur’an 75:l8). The Qur’an also describes itself "a guide for mankind” and
“a clear exposition of guidance”, “a distinguisher” (Qur'an 25:1), “a reminder”
(Qur'an 20:3), “a healer” and “the admonition” (Qur’an 10:57), “the light"
(Qur’an 7:157, 4:174), “the truth” (Qur’an l7:81), “an explanation of all
things” (Qur’an 16:89, 17:12, 18:54), “eye-opening evidence” (Qur'an 45:20), “a
convincing proof” (Qur’an 4:174), “good news” [Qur’an 27:2), “clear signs of
wisdom” (Qur’an 10:1, 31:2-3), and “the rope of God” (Qur’an 3:103). Unlike the
Jewish and Christian scriptures that were written by people who claimed to have
been inspired by God and the scriptures were canonized centuries after they
appeared, the Qur’an was not canonized, because no time elapsed from its
revelation to becoming authoritative on the Muslim community. It is self-described
as revelation from God, and it took time only for the revelation (oral) to
become scripture (codified). As such each and every verse is divine revelation
and it is in its original context as no human not even Muhammad) has ever
altered, omitted or added a single letter.
Language
of the Qur’an
The Qur'an was revealed in Arabic. Pre-Islamic Arabic was a
spoken language with an oral literature of elaborate poetry and prose. Writing
had not yet fully developed and memorization was the most common means of
preserving the literature. Arabs in Muhammad’s day had political freedom, the
precondition for linguistic integrity. The Roman Byzantium had dismissed the
Arabian Peninsula as the barren desert, and the Persian Sassanid dismissed the
Arabs as barbarians not worth conquering. Arabian Peninsula became the most
isolated piece of populated land in the world – virginal container for God's
last revelation. At the time of the Qur'an’s revelation, the Arabs were experts
in in the art of recited poetry. They believed that oratory was a means to
acquire social and political influence in the tribe. It is not surprising that
the Qur'an was revealed in the most eloquent, articulate, and elaborate style
the Arabic language has ever known. The Qur’an has without doubt provided a
level of linguistic excellence unparalleled to that of Arabic poetry and beyond
human capacity to reproduce (Qur’an 2:23). The Qur’an has been admired for its
restrain and grace of style, its eloquence and refinement. Its pleasant prose
and dignified style are instantly recognized as ingredient of its sublime
charm. The Qur’an describes its own status: God has revealed “the most
beautiful message in the form of a book internally consistent and reiterative”
(Qur’an 39:23).
Consistency
of the Qur'an
The Qur’an contains profound and precise statements on a wide
variety of subjects. It possesses a remarkable comprehensiveness in its ability
to guide the individual and society in all aspects of life. According to the
Qur'an, the cosmos represent the physical evidences (signs) of the existence of
God, and the revelation is the guide to that evidence. The Qur'an says in one
verse, “Praise be to God who has created the heavens and the earth and ordained
darkness and light…” (Qur’an 6:1) and in another verse, “Praise be to God who has
revealed to His servant (Muhammad) the perfect Book free of all blemish.”
(Qur’an 18:1) The Qur'an legislate laws for the practical and ethical duties of
the human being, and for the ordering and administering societies. It
accurately predicts future It anecdotes beautiful stories of the past. It
reports scientific truths unknown to man before. The Qur’an for more than 1400
years has remained completely uniform without any variations, flaws or
contradictions. The consistency of the ideas and statements in the Qur’an signify
that, it is indeed the “Word of God.” Any person who contemplates on the
context and the meaning of the verses of the Qur’an, owing to the quality and
purity of its diction, will find it to be an excellent literary production that
could only be produced by the Almighty God, the Creator and the Sustainer of
the entire universe. The Almighty also assures us that it is from Him, since
human being cannot produce similar book; there are no contradictions in it, and
He Himself protects it (Qur'an 2:2-3, 4:82, 18:1, 15:9, 56:77-78).
Content
of the Qur’an
The Qur’an describes its content as an “exposition of
everything, a guidance, a blessing and glad tidings for those who submit” (Qur’an
16:89) and declares that “no single thing have We neglected in the Book” (Qur’an
6:38). The Qur’an places an extraordinary emphasis on the binding relationship between
“faith” and “practice.” The phrase, “those who have faith and act righteously”
occurs in the Qur'an 36 times. The Qur'an also speaks repeatedly about the
ultimate accountability of human beings to God and insists that all of life and
its affairs, having originated with God, are in fact, in continuous reversion
to Him. “Indeed from God (we come), and unto him is the return." (Qur’an
2:156, 3:109) The Qur'an explains that human beings are placed on “dunya” (the
earth) for a predetermined period known to Him only [Qur'an 6:2) before they
enter the “akhirah” (the hereafter). “For all people a term has been set: when
the end of their term approaches, they can neither delay it by a single moment,
nor hasten it.” (Qur’an 10:49)The term “dunya" and “akhirah" each
repeated 115 times, and are related to time and space, and to two moral
alternatives. The Qur’an presents “dunya” as the geographical space where
mankind can prepare for “akhirah”, yet this abode of preparation is eased as
long as we ask Him to help us as indicated in the Qur’an. “And ordain for us
what is good in this world (dunya) as well as in the hereafter (akhirah)……….”.
(Qur'an 7:156)
Style
of the Qur’an
Much of the Qur’an comprises rhymed prose consisting of short
sections of the utterances linked together by a rhyme. It is also full of
narratives and similes. Many of the narratives of the Qur’an are in an allusive
style and presume that the hearers have some prior knowledge of the story or
allegory. The longest of these narratives is that of chapter 12 which deals
with Joseph that covers: telling his dream to his father, abandonment by his
brothers, his imprisonment, his way into the court of the king, rise to power
and finally, reconciliation with his family. Often direct speech of the
subjects of these narratives appears in the text. In chapter 20 which deals
with Moses’ encounter with Pharaoh, more space is devoted to the direct speech
of the people referred to, than to the narratives. As for the similes, these
are often simple but effective pointed comparisons. Example: "Then your
hearts became hardened after that, being like stones or even harder. For
indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them
that split open and water comes out, and there are some of them that fall down
for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.” (Qur’an 2:74) Another
example: “The similitude of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is
like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred
grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills...” (Qur’an 2:261)
In another verse, “The example of those who take allies other than Allah is
like that of the spider who takes a home. And indeed, the weakest of homes is
the home of the spider, if they only knew.” (Qur'an 29:41)
Structure
of the Qur’an
The Qur’an comprises of 114 chapters (surahs), each of which is divided
into verses (ayahs). The word “ayah" literally means "sign" which
makes the Qur'an “the book of signs.” In other words, the Qur’an describes
signs of God's existence in the universe and how everything is carefully placed
in the total scheme of creation. Each chapter has a name which comes from a
distinguishing word that usually appears in the text and is related to the
subject matter referred in the chapter. Lengths of chapters vary and the
arrangement of the Qur'an is neither chronological nor thematic.
Message
of the Qur'an
The main theme of the Qur’an is Monotheism which means the firm belief
that there is no one who deserves to be worshipped except God (Allah) the one
and only one God who is the Creator, the Sustainer of the entire universe and
beyond. Then to believe that Prophet Muhammad is a Messenger of God whose
teachings must be followed and adhered to. The bulk of the Qur’anic message
contains exhortations dealing with the righteous conduct and the consequences
of following or ignoring them. These are framed within the backdrop of the
all-pervading presence of God and mankind’s ultimate accountability to Him. The
Qur’an regards the human being as a carrier of the spirit of God and a
sacred trust from Him and that human being is in continuous
state of journeying towards Him. This state of returning to God requires a ceaseless
struggle of preparation for that encounter by developing good qualities.
Spiritual
well-being
The most important obligation that the Qur’an places on the
believer is that of pursuing the pleasure of God and desiring the ultimate
blissful abode in paradise. “.... And of humankind are such who would willingly
sell his (her) own self in order to please God, and God is most compassionate
towards His servants." (Qur’an 2:207) “And (the righteous have in their
mind) no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected in return, but only
seeking the countenance of his (her) sustainer, the Lord, the Most High”. (Qur’an
92:20) The pleasure of God is attained by cultivating direct relationship of
love and adoration of God as well as leading a life characterized by a struggle
to fulfill His commandments.
Physical
well-being
The Qur’an tells us that God, Himself the possessor of beauty.
He is “the light of the heavens and the earth" [Quran 24:35). He is also
the “one who makes most excellent everything He creates" (Qur’an 32:7). He
created mankind in “the best of patterns" (Qur'an 40:64) and whatever is
on the earth has also been placed here as a source of beauty. All these are
meant to enrich and beautify the life of the believer when he or she recognizes
the beauty of God as Prophet Muhammad said, "God is Beautiful and He loves
beauty." Thus, Muslims are to avoid whatever injures one's sense of
well-being – spiritual, emotional, or physical. “And do not cast by your own
hands to ruin" (Qur’an 2:195). The prohibitions on the consumption of
alcohol and any intoxicant (Qur'an 5:90-91) and on consumption of pork (Qur’an
2:173) are good example. Other examples, “O mankind! Eat of that which is
lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan).
Verily, he is to you an open enemy” (Qur’an 2:168) and “Eat of the good things
which We have provided for you as sustenance" (Qur'an 20:81). The Qur’an
cautions against excess and wasteful consumption, but encourages a sense of joyful
living and asks the believers not to impose burdens upon themselves that are
unwarranted. “O you who believe! Make not unlawful the Taiyibat (all that is
good as regards foods, things, deeds, beliefs, persons, etc.) which Allah has
made lawful to you, and transgress not. Verily, Allah does not like the
transgressors" (Qur’an 5:87). Other dimensions of this sense of personal
well-being in the Qur’an are related to spiritual and physical cleanness.. “. .
.Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who
purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their
private parts, bodies, for their prayers, etc." (Qur’an 2:222) “And among
His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that
you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily,
in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect“ (Qur’an 30:21).
Intellectual
well-being
The Qur'an places great emphasis on knowledge as a value and the
pursuit thereof (Qur’an 39:9). It links the intellectual well-being of people
to a profound awareness of God and justice, and emphasizes the compatibility of
knowledge with faith. “Of all His servants, only such as are endowed with knowledge
who stand (truly) in awe of God” (Qur’an 35:28). “God will exalt those who have
faith among you and those who have knowledge to high ranks” (Qur'an 58:11). Muslims
are also asked to supplicate, “O my Sustainer, cause me to grow in
knowledge" (Qur’an 20:114), and the possession of knowledge is seen leading
to Justice (Qur’an 3:18). In numerous verses humankind is challenged to think,
reflect, ponder, and meditate. “Are the possessors of knowledge equal with those
who possess no knowledge? It is the possessors of understanding that are
mindful" (Qur'an 39:9).
Moral well-being
The Qur’an contains a host of injunctions pertaining to the
moral well-being of the individual and of society. It acknowledges that at the
heart of moral society is something beyond rights and legal obligations; hence
the concept of generosity and charity. The believers are thus continually
encouraged to transcend the minimum required in reaching out towards others. It
is an obligation that the rich should help the needy, poor, destitute and orphans.
Truthfulness
In the awareness of the all-pervading presence of God and
inevitable reckoning, the Qur’an commands people to be truthful in thought,
word, and deed (Qur'an 33:70-71). Post-modernist notions of “grayness" as
a value have no place in the Qur’an, which starts from the premise that there
is an absolute, single, and knowable “Truth”. The Qur'an speaks about “the
light" (an-Nur) in the singular and “darkness” (al-Dhulumat) in the plural
indicating there is only one truth but many falsehoods. The believers are called
upon to uphold the spirit of truthfulness by staying in the company of other
truthful people (Qur’an 9:119) and to speak the truth in the face of falsehood.
Concealing the truth is prohibited as is distorting it with falsehood (Qur’an
2:42). Hypocrisy is condemned in the strongest terms and the believers are
enjoined to ensure that their deeds correspond with their words. “O you
believe, why do you say that which you do not do? Grievously odious is it in
the sight of God that you say that which you do not do" (Qur’an 61:2-3).
Harmony
Notwithstanding the Qur’anic requirement that the believers must
disturb the peace whenever this hides the demons of injustice and oppression,
the Qur’an asks the believers to lead lives free of pointless argumentation and
quarrelling. “The (faithful) slaves of the Beneficent are they who walk upon
the earth modestly, and when the foolish ones address them answer: Peace;
(avoiding thus all quarrels with them)" (Qur'an 25:63). "And keep
away from all those who choose to remain ignorant” (Qur’an 7:199).
Argumentation rooted in one's own anger is unacceptable. In dealing with the
qualities of the righteous, the Qur'an says, “Those who spend (of that which
Allah hath given them) in ease and in adversity, those who control their wrath
and are forgiving toward mankind; Allah loves the generous (people)” (Qur'an
3:134).
Hope
In the face of the all-pervading grace of God, the Qur’an
requires the believers to remain hopeful of this grace and never to despair. In
fact the Qur'an describes 'deep pessimism’ as a sign of ‘kufr' (faithless).
“And do not give tip hope of God’s soothing Mercy. Truly no one despairs of
God's mercy except those who have no faith" (Qur’an 12:87). “And spend of
your substance in the cause of God, and make not your own hands contribute to
(your) destruction; but do good; for God loves those who do good" (Qur’an
2:195). These two verses have been used by Muslim scholars to denounce suicide
as faithless act.
Courage
The Qur’an uses the word 'sabr' fairly frequently to mean to
persevere, to be patient and to remain firm. “O you who have attain to faith,
be patient in adversity, and vie in perseverance with one another, remain
prepared and remain conscious of God in order that you may be successful”
(Qur'an 3:200). 1n another verse, “the ones who are firm and steadfast in
adversity periods of hardship” are referred to as the ones who are true (in their
faith) and who are “truly righteous (Qur’an 2:177). This persistence is to be
exercised both in the face of physical challenges as well as verbal onslaughts.
Good Muslims uphold the truth and justice “and are not afraid of the reproaches
of those who find fault" [Qur’an 5:54).
Wealth
Islam encourages lawful earning and lawful spending of wealth. “The
likeness of those who spend their wealth in God's way is as the likeness of a
grain which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. God gives multiple
increase to whom He wills. God is All-Embracing, All-Knowing [Qur’an 2:261).
The Qur’an also praises those help the needy, “Those who spend their wealth by night
and day, by stealth and openly, verily their reward is with their Lord, and
their shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve (Qur'an 2:274).
However, the Qur’an is also contemptuous of those who are attached to wealth
beyond that which one requires for one’s daily subsistence. Such attachment
distracts one from following the path that leads to God and provide one with illusionary
sense of eternity in this world, “The desire for abundance and increase (in
wealth, status, and other worldly possessions) distracts you until you visit
your graves" (Qur’an 102:1-2). “Woe to every scandalmonger and backbiter
who amasses wealth and counts it, thinking that wealth will enable him to live
forever! By no means! He will surely be thrown into that which breaks to pieces
(hell)” (Qur'an 104:1-4). The notion of sustenance being lawfully earned is key
to the Qur'an’s approach to wealth. Muslims are prohibited from engaging in any
wasteful and ostentatious expenses. (Qur'an 17:26-27) The Qur'an singles out
for denunciation a number of means of unlawfully acquiring money and property.
This includes priests and monks devouring the property of people (Qur’an 9:34),
gambling (Qur'an 5:90), and theft (Qur’an 60:l2).The Qur'an also speaks about
the perpetrators of dishonesty e.g. those who devour the wealth of orphans
wrongfully as being lessened their humanity and consuming fire (Qur’an 4:10).
Sexual fulfillment
The Qur’an rejects all forms of sexual immodesty, “And say to
the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their sexual
organs; that will make for greater purity for them. And God is well acquainted
with all that you do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their
gaze and guard their sexual organs” (Quran 24:30-31). The Qur'an speaks
approvingly sexual fulfillment within marriage relationship between male and
female. The Qur'an says, "Let those who find not the wherewithal for
marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah gives them means out of His
grace..." (Qur'an 24:33). Other forms of sexual fulfillment between two
persons (outside marriage) are regarded as adultery, a shameful deed. “And come
not near adultery; for it is shameful and an evil, opening road (to other
evils)” (Qur'an 17:32).
Social
and Economic Conduct
The Qur’an advocates a society based on honesty, morality, generosity,
justice, and equity. It takes the position that all humankind has intrinsic
socio-economic rights and concomitant responsibilities — including the
responsibilities to struggle for and defend those rights.
The
sanctity of life
All human life is sacred for “verily We (God) have honored the
Children of Adam" (Qur’an 17:70) and no one is allowed to take anyone
else’s life except in truth, Say: "Come, I will rehearse what Allah hath
(really) prohibited you from. Join not anything as equal with Him; be good
to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want;- We provide sustenance
for you and for them;- come not nigh to shameful deeds. Whether open or
secret; take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice
and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom (Qur'an 6:151). This
is usually interpreted to mean killing in self-defense or in retribution
after due legal process within a just social system. The diminishing of
all humankind by the murder of a single person is emphasized. “…if any one
slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land -
it would be as if he slew the whole mankind; and if any one saved a
life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole mankind (Qur’an
5:32). More specifically, infanticide of the girl infant as was practiced in
pre-Islamic Arabia is condemned (Qur’an 81: 8-9). The Qur’an sanctions
retaliation in the case of murder. However, it emphasizes that this must
be done justly (Qur’an 2:178).
Sanctity
of property
Overt theft is condemned (Qur’an 60:12) as well as other more
covert forms of depriving others of their property, such as connivance in
depriving someone of his/her inheritance, failing to return something entrusted
to one tor safekeeping (Qur’an 4:58), or cheating in weighing goods for sale (Qur’an
17:35i. The Qur'an is vehement in denunciation of usury (Qur'an 2:275-276).
Generosity
and re-distribution of wealth
The Qur’an condemns greed and what normally rendered as ‘hoarding
and amassing of wealth or ‘savings’ (Qur’an 9:34-35). Those free from greed are
regarded as ‘the successful ones'. The Qur’an regards wealth a gift from God
and as the product of people’s labor or of their exploitation of other's labor.
“O you who believe, spend of the good things that you have lawfully earned and
out of which We have brought forth for you from the earth” (Qur’an 2:267).
People are entitled only to that they have earned. “And humankind shall have
nothing other than what is earned" (Qur’an 53:39-40). Elsewhere the Qur'an
says, “And do not wish for that by which God has made some of you exceed others.
For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what
they have earned. And ask God of his bounty. Indeed God is ever, of all things,
Knowing” (Qur’an 4:32). Yet those who are given of the bounties of God are
expected to spend all their superfluous wealth. “And they ask you what they
should spend? Say, "All that beyond your need" (Qur’an 2:219). In
contrast to those who hoard, "Those who spend their wealth (in God's way)
by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their
Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, not will they grieve"
(Qur’an 2:274). The Qur’an takes the position: "in the possessions of the
wealthy there is right due to the poor” (Qur’an 51:19, 70:24-25). It places
great merit on giving beyond the institutionalized wealth tax (zakah). This
giving will purify one’s own soul and must comprise of what one really feels
attached to. “You will never attain unto piety unless you spend of that which
you love” (Qur’an 3:92).
Social
equality
The Qur'an takes the position that everyone is equal in the eyes
of God and of the law. No human being has any inherent distinction over another
on the basis of lineage or race. The Qur’an has provided standard to justify
contemporary understanding of social equality. In one verse it says, “O
Mankind! Fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul. He created its
mate from it and from the two of them spread countless men and women (throughout
the earth). Fear God, in whose name you appeal to one another, and be mindful
of your obligations in respect of ties of kinship. God is always watching over
you.” (Qur’an 4:1) Elsewhere it says, “O mankind! We created you from a single
(pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye
may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he
who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well
acquainted (with all things)” (Qur'an 49:13). The notion or piety as the only
criteria of standing in God's eyes has been a particularly powerful rallying
tool for social equality and gender activism in Islam.
Justice
Justice receives such prominence in the Qur’an that is regarded
as one of the reasons why God created the earth: “God created the heavens and the
earth for just ends, and in order that each soul may find the recompense of
what it has earned and none of them be wronged” (Qur'an 45:22). Justice is one
of the attributes of God, and He repeatedly assures His creation that He will
never deal with them unjustly by as much as an atom’s weight (Qur’an 4:40,
10:44). Many of the injunctions of the Qur’an stem from a concern for justice
for both perpetrator and the victim (Qur’an 5:45, 16:126). The demands the Qur’an
makes upon individuals to uphold justice is extraordinary and transcends all
social bonds. While justice is something that one demands for oneself, more
importantly, it is something to be fulfilled in respect of others at whatever
cost to oneself and one's own community.
Fountainhead
of science
It is a great miracle that the following scientific facts, which
could not possibly be discovered, without the technology of the 20th century,
were explicitly stated in the Qur’an more than 1400 years ago. THE EGG SHAPED
EARTH — “And after that He made the earth egg shaped". (Literal
translation: ostrich egg) (Quran 79:30); EMBRYOLOGY — “O people, if you have
any doubt about resurrection, (remember that) we created you from dust, and
subsequently from a tiny drop which turns into a hanging (embryo), then it becomes
a fetus that is given life or deemed lifeless. We thus clarify things for you. We
settle in the wombs whatever we will for a predetermined period. We then bring
you out as infants, then you reach maturity. While some of you die young,
others live to the worst age, only to find out that no more knowledge can be
attained beyond a certain limit. Also, you look at a land that is dead, then as
soon as we shower it with water, it vibrates with life and grows all kinds of
beautiful plants.” (Qur'an 22:5) “Subsequently, we reproduced him from a tiny drop
that is placed into a well-protected repository.” (Qur'an 23:13). “Then we developed
the drop into a hanging (embryo), then developed the hanging (embryo) into a
bite-size (fetus), then created the bite-size (fetus) into bones, then covered
the bones with flesh. We thus produce a new creature. Most blessed is Allah, the
best Creator. (Qur'an 23:14); PAIN RECEPTORS IN THE SKIN - “Those who reject
our signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire; as often as their skins are
roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins that they may taste the
Penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.” (Qur’an 4:56); WATER BARRIERS
(RIVERS INSIDE OCEANS ARE SEPARATED) - “It is He Who has let free the two
bodies of flowing water: one palatable and sweet and the other salty and bitter;
yet has He made a barrier between them, and a partition that is forbidden to be
passed. (Qur’an 25:53); ORBITS OF THE STARS AND PLANETS - "It is He Who
created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: All (the celestial
bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course." (Quran 21:33). "He
has ordained the sun and the moon, each one runs (it’s course) for an appointed
time."(Qur'an 13:2). “It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon,
nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit
(according to Law)." (Qur’an 36:40) "The sun and the moon follow courses
precisely computed" (Qur’an 55:5) Note that science discovered that sun is
moving only few decades ago.
VIRTUES
FROM THE QUR'AN
“Strive
as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to God.” (Qur’an 5:48)
Unfortunately,
the many stereotypes, misconceptions, distortions and misrepresentations about
Islam prevalent today especially in the Western media serve as a great barrier
that prevents non-Muslims from understanding the truth about Islam. But, there
is no better way to learn about Islam than to get to the source - reading the
Noble Qur’an.
Qur'an,
the revelation given to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 1400 years ago, is
an instruction book for all people of all times and all places as to how to
know the Creator and how to live their life correctly. It contains therein,
among other things, the virtues (or values) that one should adopt in order to
please the Creator (The One Almighty God) and to obtain true peace on Earth and
eternal Paradise in the Hereafter. The ultimate result from a sincere striving
towards such qualities would be the fulfillment of the human being's purpose in
this life (submission to The One Almighty God) and the attainment of the reward
in the next life (eternal Paradise).
Muslims
use Qur'an as the standard for correct faith and action because they have a firm
belief that the Creator knows what is best for His creation. In the Qur'an, The
One Almighty God says, “Verily this Qur'an doth guide to that which is most
right”. (Qur'an 17:9). We have compiled here some of the core Islamic virtues
directly from the Noble Qur’an that one can apply to his/her life for obtaining
peace in this world and the Hereafter.
RIGHTEOUSNESS
“Do
neither evil nor mischief on the (face of the)" (Qur'an 2:60) “Let there
arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and
forbidding what is wrong." (Qur'an 3:104) “Do good to parents, kinsfolk,
orphans, those in need, neighbors who are of kin, neighbors who are strangers,
the companion by your side, the Wayfarer (you meet), and what your right hands
possess." (Qur'an 4:36) "[God] forbids all indecent deeds, and evil
and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition." (Qur'an
16:90) “Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the
most righteous of you."(Qur’an 49:13)
GENEROSITY
"Give of the good
things which you have (honorably) earned, and of the fruits of the earth which
We have produced for you." (Qur'an 2:267) “If you disclose (acts of)
charity, even so it is well, but if you conceal them, and make them reaches those
(really) in need, that is best for you." (Qur'an 2:271) "By no means
shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you
love.” (Qur’an 3:92) "Those saved from the covetousness of their own souls,
they are the ones that achieve prosperity,” (Qur'an 59:9) "[Do not]
expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)!" (Qur'an 74:6)
GRATITUDE
"Eat
of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to God, if it
is Him you worship.” (Qur’an 2:172) “Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents;
to Me is (thy final) Goal." (Qur'an 31:14) “[God] liketh not ingratitude
from His servants: if you are grateful, He is pleased with you."(Qur’an
39:7)
CONTENTMENT
"In no wise covet
those things in which God hath bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you
than on others: to men is allotted what
they earn, and to women what they earn: but ask God of His bounty."
(Qur'an 4:32)
HUMILITY
"Call
on your Lord with humility and in private: for God loves not those who trespass
beyond bounds." (Qur'an 7:55) "Celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and
be of those who prostrate themselves in adoration." (Qur'an 15:98)
"The servants of (God) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in
humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace!"
(Qur'an 25:63) ”Exult not, for God loves not those who exult (in riches)."
(Qur'an 28:76) "Swell not thy cheek (for pride) at men, nor walk in
insolence through the earth; for God loves not any arrogant boaster."
(Qur'an 31:18)
KINDNESS
"God loves those who
are kind." (Qur'an 5:13)”Be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them
attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them,
but address them in terms of honor. And, out of kindness, lower to them the
wing of humility, and say: "My lord! Bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they
cherished me in childhood."(Qur'an 17:23-24) "We have commanded
people to be good to their parents: their mothers carried them, with strain
upon strain, and it takes two years to wean them. Give thanks to Me and to your
parents — all will return to Me.” (Qur’an 31:14) "Treat not the orphan
with harshness, nor repulse him who asks.” (Qur'an 93:9-10)
COURTESY
"When
a (courteous) greeting is offered to you, meet it with a greeting still more
courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy, God takes careful account of all
things." (Qur'an 4:86) "Let not some men among you laugh at others:
it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor let some women
laugh at others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor
defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames."(Qur’an
49:11)
PURITY
“Eat of what is on earth,
lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of the Satan, for he is to you
an avowed enemy.” (Qur'an 2:168) “[God] loves those who keep themselves pure
and clean.” (Qur’an 2:222) "When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and
your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash)
your feet to the ankles. If you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe
your whole body… God doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you
clean." (Qur‘an 5:6)
GOOD SPEECH
"Say
to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for
Satan doth sow dissensions among them." (Qur'an 17:53) "[The
believers] have been guided… to the purest of speeches."(0ur‘an 22:24) ”Woe
to every (kind of) scandal-monger and backbiter." (Qur'an 104:1)
RESPECT
"Say to the People
of the Book and to those who are unlearned: 'Do you (also) submit yourselves?’
If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, thy duty is to
convey the Message." (Qur'an 3:20) "Enter not houses other than your
own, until you have asked permission and saluted those in them: that is best for
you, in order that you may heed (what is seemly). If you find no one in the
house, enter not until permission is given to you: if you are asked to go back,
go back: that makes for greater purity for yourselves." (Qur'an 24:27-28)
"Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a
sin: and spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs.
Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?"(Qur’an 49:12)
WISDOM
"Invite
(all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue
with them in ways that are best and most gracious." (Qur’an 16:125)
TOLERANCE
"Say: 'O People of the
Book) Come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but God;
that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among
ourselves, lords and patrons other than God.’ If then they turn back, say you:
"Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to God’s Will)."
(Qur‘an 3:64) “If it had been thy lord's Will, they would all have believed,
all who are on earth! Wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to
believe)" (Qur'an 10:99)
JUSTICE
"Stand
out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your
parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for God can
best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you
swerve." (Qur'an 4:135) "God loves those who judge in equity."
(Qur’an 5:42) "Take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of
justice and law.” (Qur'an 6:151)
MERCY
"If the debtor is in
a difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But if you remit
it by way of charity, that is best for you if you only knew." (Qur'an
2:280) "...But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is
an act of atonement for himself." (Qur'an 5:45). "Overlook (any human
faults) with gracious forgiveness." (Qur'an 15:85) “Repel (Evil) with what
is better: then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy
friend and intimate!" (Qur'an 41:34) "(It is) for those who believe
and put their trust in their Lord...when they are angry even then forgive"
(Qur'an 42:36-37) “The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in
degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due
from God: for (God) loves not those who do wrong" (Qur'an 42:40)
DIGNITY
"To
those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are
wronged." (Qur'an 22:39) "If any do help and defend themselves after
a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame." (Qur’an
42:41)
COURAGE
"(It is) for those
who believe... when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed
but) help and defend themselves.” (Qur'an 42:36-39)
FIRMNESS
"How
many of the Prophets fought (in God's way), and with them (fought) large bands of
religious men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in God's
way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And God loves those who are firm
and steadfast." (Qur'an 3:146) "Bear with patient constancy whatever
betide thee; for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs.” (Qur’an
31:17)
FRANKNESS
"Fear God, and make
your utterance straight forward: That He may make your conduct whole and
sound." (Qur'an 33:70-71)
HOPE
"Here
is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear God.
So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For you must gain mastery if you are
true in Faith." (Qur'an 3:138-139) "What is with you must vanish:
what is with God will endure. And We will certainly bestow, on those who
patiently persevere, their reward according to the best of their actions."
(Qur'an 16:96)
PATIENCE
“Seek (God's) help with
patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who are
humble, who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and
that they are to return to Him." (Qur'an 2:45-46) “Be sure we shall test
you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits
(of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who
say, when afflicted with calamity: ‘To God We belong, and to Him is our return’.
They are those on whom (descend) blessings from their Lord, and Mercy."
(Qur'an 2:155-157) "Pray for help from God, and (wait) in patience and constancy:
for the earth is God's, to give as a heritage to such of His servants as He
pleases; and the end is (best) for the righteous." (Qur'an 7:128)
PERSEVERANCE
"On
no soul doth God place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good
that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns.” (Qur'an 2:286)
"You shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your
personal selves; and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from
those who received the Book before you and from those who worship partners
besides God. But if you persevere patiently, and guard against evil, then that
will be of great resolution." (Qur'an 3:186)
DISCIPLINE
“Bow down, prostrate
yourselves, and adore your Lord; and do good; that you may prosper. And strive
in His cause as you ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline).”
(Qur’an 22:77-78)
SELF-RESTRAINT
“Fasting
is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may
(learn) self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183) “[Do not follow] the lust (of thy
heart), for it will mislead thee from the Path of God." (Qur'an 38:26) "For
such as had entertained the fear of standing before their Lord's (tribunal) and
had restrained (their) soul from lower desires, their abode will be the
Garden.” (Qur'an 79:40-41)
BALANCE (MODERATION)
“Fight in the cause of
God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not
transgressors." (Qur’an 2:190) "Commit no excess: for God loves not
those given to excess.” (Qur'an 5:87) "And the servants of (God) Most
Gracious are those who...when they spend, are not extravagant and not
niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes)." (Qur‘an
25:63-67) "Seek, with the (wealth) which God has bestowed on thee, the Home
of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as
God has been good to thee.” (Qur’an 28:77)
PRUDENCE
“When
you deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a
fixed period of time, reduce them to writing… whether it be small or big; it is
just in the sight of God, more suitable as evidence, and more convenient to
prevent doubts among yourselves." (Qur'an 2:282) "If a wicked person
comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest you harm people
unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what you have
done." (Qur'an 49:6)
UNITY
"Hold fast, all
together, by the Rope which God (stretches out for you), and be not divided
among yourselves; and remember with gratitude God's favor on you; for you were
enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, you became
brethren.” (Qur'an 3:103)
FRUGALITY
"Eat
not up your property among yourselves in vanities." (Qur'an 4:29)
"Waste not by excess: for God loves not the wasters." (Qur'an 6:141)
SINCERITY
“God will never change
the grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their
(own) souls." (Qur'an 8:53) “Woe to the worshippers... who (want but) to
be seen.” (Qur'an 107:4-6)
RESPONSIBILITY
"Whoever
recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein: And whoever
recommends and helps an evil cause, shares in its burden.” (Qur’an 4:85)
TRUSTWORTHINESS
"If one of you
deposits a thing on trust with another, let the trustee (faithfully) discharge
his trust, and let him fear God." (Qur'an 2:283) "God doth command
you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due.” (Qur'an 4:58)
"Fulfill (every) engagement, for (every) engagement will be inquired into
(on the Day of Reckoning)” (Qur'an 17:34)
HONESTY
(FAIRNESS)
“Cover
not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when you know (what it is).” (Qur'an
2:42) "Take not your oaths, to practice deception between yourselves.” (Qur'an
16:94) "Truly many are the partners (in business) who wrong each other:
Not so do those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few are they?”
(Qur'an 38:24) “Woe to those that deal in fraud, - Those who, when they have to receive by measure
from men, exact full measure, but when
they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due.”(Qur'an
83:1-3)
REPENTANCE
"Seek you the
forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance; that He may grant you
enjoyment, good (and true], for a term appointed.” (Qur’an 11:3) "Your
Lord knows best what is in your hearts: If you do deeds of righteousness,
verily He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again (in true
in penitence).” (Qur‘an 17:25)
SPIRITUALITY
"There
truly are signs in the creation of the heavens and earth,and in the alternation
of night and day, for those with understanding, who remember God standing,
sitting, and lying down, who reflect on the creation of the heavens and earth:
'Our Lord! You have not created all this without purpose — You are far above
that! — So protect us from the torment of the Fire.” (Qur'an 3:190-191). “Establish
regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and evil deeds; and remembrance
of God is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt.” (Qur'an 29:45)
"True, there is for thee by day prolonged occupation with ordinary duties:
But keep in remembrance the name of thy Lord and devote thyself to Him whole-heartedly...”
(Qur’an 73:7-9)
KINSHIP
"O mankind! Fear your
Lord, who created you from a single soul. He created its mate from it and from
the two of them spread countless men and women [throughout the earth]. Fear
God, in obligations in respect of ties of kinship. God is always watching over
you,” (Qur'an 4:1) "Then if you turn away, you are likely to spread
corruption on the earth and sever your ties of kinship.” (Qur'an 47:22)
FORGIVENESS
"Ask
God for forgiveness: He is most forgiving and merciful.” (Qur'an 4:106) "Yet
anyone who does evil or wrongs his own soul and then asks God for forgiveness
will find God forgiving and merciful.” (Qur'an 4:110) “Why do they not turn to
God and ask for His forgiveness? God is forgiving and merciful.” (Qur'an 5:74) “Seek
forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in repentance. For my Lord is indeed
merciful and loving." (Qur'an 11:90) “Those who are bent on denying the
truth will have a severe punishment, while those who believe and do good deeds
will have forgiveness and a great reward.” (Qur’an 35:7)
RECONCILIATION
“If a wife fears cruelty
or desertion on her husband’s part, there is no blame on them if they arrange
an amicable settlement between themselves; and such settlement is best; even
though men‘s souls are swayed by greed. But if you do good and practice self-restraint,
Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do." (Qur'an 4:128) “Wherewith
Allah guides all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety, and
leads them out of darkness, by His will, unto the light, guides them to a path
that is straight.” (Qur'an 5:16) “And make not Allah’s (name) an excuse in your
oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons;
for Allah is One Who hears and knows all things." (Qur'an 2:224)
You
See Yourself in the Qur’an
Reader of the Qur'an is introduced to people of past
civilizations — the prophets and their people, the believers and disbelievers,
the oppressors and the oppressed, the ones who were elevated and the ones who
were cursed. The more you read, the more you will recognize your own
characteristics and of those people around you described in it. Whether you are
a man or woman, rich or poor, intellectual or uneducated, noble or of commoner,
leader or ordinary citizen, young or old, whatever nationality, you will be
able to identify with the personality traits described. From the dawn of time,
from the creation of our father Adam, and all the civilizations that followed,
from issues ranging from disobedience to sibling rivalry; from greed, envy and
hate to generosity; love and compassion; death, loss and sacrifice; happiness
and victory. Account after account of the rise and fall of civilizations, of
personal struggles and of ordinary men who achieved extraordinary greatness. Of
people who submitted to the will of God despite the adversities, to the
arrogants who refuse to acknowledge the signs of God. From the genuine believers
to the hypocrites, from the submissive to the disobedient, from merchants to
farmers, from parents to children, from the individual to the community, from
the strong to the weak, the entire tapestry of mankind is set out in the
Qur’an. If you are sincere, you will be able to recognize who you are, where
are you going, and who you want to be. The Qur’an lays out the choice to you.
Reading
versus Comprehension
Due to the richness of the Qur'an with its intricate layers of
meaning, the significance of a verse might be obscure to you with initial
attempts. This is normal. The comprehension you achieve from reading the Qur'an
is what God intends you to understand depending on your purity, humility and
sincerity. Different verses of the Qur'an impact different people in different
ways. So, sometimes, you may understand every single word from literal
viewpoint, but you may not comprehend its meaning until years later. Or, if God
blesses you with vision, you can comprehend and obtain the meaning of a
particular verse immediately. Or, you can read the same verse at different
times, and each time, get a different meaning, depending on your personal circumstances
and the state of your heart. Do not be surprised if you suddenly comprehend a
verse that you have known all your life, as if it was the first time you were
reading it. Or, if God chooses to veil your heart, you can read the Qur'an
again and again, but never understand the message or attain true comprehension
of its essence and meaning. The journey of understanding the Qur’an is a
personal one. God will make you understand the message that is meant for you at
the right time if you sincerely seek its meaning. That is why the reading of
the Qur’an should be a regular process, for through it, God tells us different things
at different times of our lives.
TESTIMONIALS
A Professor Emeritus in the division of anatomy, in the Faculty
of Surgery, at the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
For the past three years, I have worked with the Embryology
Committee of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, helping them to
interpret the many statements in the Qur'an and Sunnah referring to human
reproduction and prenatal development. At first I was astonished by the accuracy
of the statements that were recorded in the 7th century AD, before the science
of embryology was established. Although I was aware of the glorious history of
Muslim scientists in the I0th century AD, and some of their contributions to
Medicine, I knew nothing about the religious facts and beliefs contained in the
Qur'an and Sunnah.
A French medical doctor, member of the French Society or
Egyptology, and an author of the best-seller. “The Bible, The Qur’an and
Science” (1976)
...our knowledge of these disciplines is such, that it is
impossible to explain how a text produced at the time of the Qur'an could have
contained ideas that have only been discovered in modern times. The above
observation makes the hypothesis advanced by those who see Muhammad as the
author of the Qur'an untenable. How could a man, from being illiterate, become
the most important author, in terms of literary merits, in the whole of Arabic
literature? How could he then pronounce truths of a scientific nature that no
other human-being could possibly have developed at that time, and all this
without once making the slightest error in his pronouncement on the subject?
A retired Professor of Geology at Johannes Gutenberg University
of Mainz, Germany. Sheikh cAbdul-Majeed A. Zindani met with him and presented
several Qur’anic verses and Hadith which he studied and commented upon.
Thinking where Muhammad came from, I think it is almost
impossible that he could have known about things like the common origin of the
universe, because scientists have only found out within the last few years with
very complicated and advanced technological methods that this is the case. Somebody
who did not know something about nuclear physics I400 years ago could not, I
think, be in a position to find out from his own mind for instance that the
earth and the heavens had the same origin, or many others of the questions that
we have discussed here... If you combine all these and you combine all these
statements that are being made in the Qur’an in terms that relate to the earth
and the formation of the earth and science in general, you can basically say
that statements made there in many ways are true, they can now he confirmed by
scientific methods, and in a way, you can say that the Qur’an is a simple
science text book for the simple man. And that many of the statements made in
there at that time could not be proven, but that modern scientific methods are
now in a position to prove what Muhammad said I400 years ago.
Author of over 200 publications. Began to take an interest in
the scientific signs in the Qur'an at the 7th Saudi Medical Conference (1982),
when a special committee was formed to investigate scientific signs in the Qur'an
and Hadith.
The Qur‘an describes not only the development of external form, but
emphasises also the internal stages, the stages inside the embryo, of its
creation and development, emphasising major events recognised by contemporary
science. As a scientist, I can only deal with things which I can specifically see.
I can understand embryology and developmental biology I can understand the
words that are translated to me from the Qur'an. As I gave the example before,
if I were to transpose myself into that era, knowing what I do today and
describing things, I could not describe the things that were described...
Dr. Jeffrey Long (born January 30, 1954 in Bridgeport,
Connecticut) is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of
Kansas, one of the biggest universities in the United States. Lang was born in
a Roman Catholic family. Although he went to a Roman Catholic school, by the
time Jeffrey was 16, he was an atheist. Throughout his undergraduate, graduate
and doctoral studies, Jeffrey Lang remained an atheist. However, he accepted
Islam in the early 1980’s. Jeffrey Long received his Ph.D. from Purdue
University in 1981.
Painters can make the eyes of a portrait appear to be following
you from one place to another, but which author can write a scripture that
anticipates your daily vicissitudes? Each night I would formulate questions and
objections and somehow discover the answer the next day. It seemed that the author
(of the Quran) was reading my ideas and writing in the appropriate lines in
time for my next reading. I have met myself in its pages... You cannot simply
read it (Qur’an). You either have surrendered to it already or you fight it. It
attacks tenaciously, directly, personally; it debates, criticizes, shames, and
challenges. From the outset it draws the line of battle, and I was on the other
side. For those whom Islam has embraced, the greatest witness to God’s
unremitting, pursuing, sustaining, and guiding love is the Qur’an. Like a vast
magnificent ocean, it lures you deeper and deeper into its dazzling waves until
you are swept into it. But instead of drowning in a sea of darkness, as
described above, you find yourself immersed in an ocean of divine light and
mercy... as I read the Qur'an and prayed the Islamic prayers, a door to my
heart was unsealed and I was immersed in an overwhelming tenderness.
Chairman of the Department of Anatomy and is the former Dean of
the faculty of Medicine, University of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Studied various articles concerning the Qur’an and modern embryology.
In the last three years, I became interested in the Qur’an...
From my studies and what I have learned throughout this conference, I believe
that everything that has been recorded in the Qur’an fourteen hundred years ago
must be the truth, that can be proved by the scientific means. Since the
Prophet Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must be a messenger who
relayed this truth which was revealed to him as an enlightenment by the one who
is eligible creator. This creator must be God, or Allah. I think this is the
time to say La ilaha illa Allah, there is no god to worship except Allah (God),
Muhammad rasoolu Allah, Muhammad is Messenger of Allah… The most precious thing
I have gained from coming to this conference is La ilaha illa Allah, and to have
become Muslim.
Reference:
DO YOU KNOW THE QUR’AN?, by Islamic Information Center IIC.
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ReplyDeleteGlory be to Allah.It is a great post and it really tells us so much about Allah's book.Thanks a lot for posting.May Allah reward you All
ReplyDeleteGlory be to Allah.It is a great post and it really tells us so much about Allah's book.Thanks a lot for posting.May Allah reward you All
ReplyDelete