Life is once in a death experience!

A discussion on death and what it means:
P: Death is a once in a lifetime experience that I look forward to, but I'm in no hurry and have things I wish to get underway (or complete) before embracing it.
M: Does the “soul” die, or just the outer shell called the physical body?
S: Samiya, do I read you as saying there is reincarnation? Do you believe that our eternal souls return to new lives after death? Or did I misread your post? "We will die and again be reborn." (?)

And my views on it:
Life is once in a death experience!
We were dead, then we were born in this world.
We will die and again be re-born.
In this world, death is decreed for all souls; in the hereafter, immortality is decreed... this is about the only thing we can count on... rest is all uncertain! As I understand it, death is like sleep, only prolonged. In the Quran, it is explained as:
It is Allah that takes the souls (of men) at death; and those that die not (He takes) during their sleep: those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back (from returning to life), but the rest He sends (to their bodies) for a term appointed verily in this are Signs for those who reflect. 
(  سورة الزمر  , Az-Zumar, Chapter #39, Verse #42)
I can not speak with any knowledge about the soul's existence without the body, but it appears that it is in a state of sleep, as about resurrection, it is said that: They will say: "Ah! Woe unto us! Who hath raised us up from our beds of repose?"... (A voice will say:) "This is what ((Allah)) Most Gracious had promised. And true was the word of the apostles!" 
(  سورة يس  , Ya Seen, Chapter #36, Verse #52)

The way I interpret the scripture, this life on Earth is the first bodily life, hence there was no former bodily existence, rather from non-living(death), we were brought into existence(life). We will taste death again(removal of soul from body), and then given life again(resurrected). However, there is the the concept of some form of existence as the life of this world and the judgment to follow are based upon a responsibility (trust) we humans volunteered for (Quran 33:72,73).

And to give an analogy from this life, God explains: And He it is Who makes the Night as a Robe for you, and sleep as Repose, and makes the Day (as it were) a Resurrection. 
(  سورة الفرقان  , Al-Furqan, Chapter #25, Verse #47)

As I replied to M, we will be reborn, but not here, rather in the Hereafter, on the day of retribution, and then life will be eternal. So, its not death which is a finality, rather its life which is a finality, hence its not death that need be feared, rather eternity, as that life, good or bad, will be perpetual! In this life, we atleast taste good times and bad, there it'll be continuously good or bad. So, reincarnation, yes, but with a twist :)

Few verses related to the topic:
Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception. 
(  سورة آل عمران  , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #185)
And Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death: verily in this is a Sign for those who listen. 
(  سورة النحل  , An-Nahl, Chapter #16, Verse #65)
Then contemplate (O man!) the memorials of Allah's Mercy!- how He gives life to the earth after its death: verily the same will give life to the men who are dead: for He has power over all things. 
(  سورة الروم  , Ar-Room, Chapter #30, Verse #50)
It is Allah Who sends forth the Winds, so that they raise up the Clouds, and We drive them to a land that is dead, and revive the earth therewith after its death: even so (will be) the Resurrection! 
(  سورة فاطر  , Fatir, Chapter #35, Verse #9)
Know ye (all) that Allah giveth life to the earth after its death! already have We shown the Signs plainly to you, that ye may learn wisdom. 
(  سورة الحديد  , Al-Hadid, Chapter #57, Verse #17)

Religion and Science

Question: 'Science and religion both originate from the same source'. What does this mean? Science is a man made construct. Its a human form of knowledge. What source does science originate from?
Answer: Evolution existed millions of years before Darwin or Dawkins, right? The Universe, the laws of physics, the science has been there all along. We humans have simply discovered and figured out ways to harness science.
Similarly, if any of the holy books is actually divine, then it must have also originated from the same source as the science... the Creator must be the same, and must know what He's talking about.
We make hypotheses, build theories and reject most of them all the time. The few that pass the test are accepted as facts of science, which again may undergo revision a few centuries down. Similarly, we need to objectively study scripture and see if it makes sense. I think its important if we are ever to evolve from the dogmatic limbo we are in. Personally, to me the Quran does. Many muslims profess faith, but fear losing faith if exposed to scientific scrutiny. Understanding the same origin will help them cross the bridge without fear.

Comment: Endorsing the effort to try to find more "scientific facts" from the Quran? I think it cheapens both fields
Answer: Physicists search for a grand unified theory of Physics. Does that mean they are cheapening the Electromagnetic or the Strong or the Weak force or Gravity? Objective study and exploration of all realms and sources of knowledge doesn't cheapen any one... it simply enriches and provides a wider perspective, similar to how Liberal Arts allow you to delve in and explore different, seemingly unrelated areas of study, broadening your horizon.

The meaning of lil-mut-ta-qeen

Question: how do you interpret the end of Quran 5:46 which says "to those who fear Allah"
Answer: This is the reason why I insist that only Arabic Quran is Allah's word and translations are human efforts to spread the word.
The arabic word used is lil-mut-ta-qeen which means for the God-conscious. Most translators take it to be synonymous to Fear though it is not neccessarily so. Sometimes I have a different opinion from the published translation, yet I don't change it to maintain the integrity of the source.
If you follow the following link, you can see how four different translators have attempted to translate the same word:
http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display_all.php?chapter=5&from_verse=46&to_verse=48&mac=&translation_setting=1&show_transliteration=1&show_yusufali=1&show_shakir=1&show_pickthal=1&show_mkhan=1

Questioner's response: in both the hebrew of jewish scriptures and the greek of christian scriptures, and especially in the greek, it is closer to the word "reverence"..............on the other hand, sometimes it means fear someone, in the usual english usage........can be complicated.............
My response: I guess reverence for and consciousness of God would neccesarily go hand in hand. In fact, I think an appreciation of His majesty would encompass love and fear and many other emotions, varying from experience to experience, sign to sign, and circumstance to circumstance. It would actually depend on the focus and frame of mind of the individual.

Love and Compassion in Islam

Question: To my limited understanding, the big difference between Christianity and other religions and Islam is that "love your neighbor as yourself" is missing from the Koran. Am I wrong ?
Response: Indeed, you're misinformed. The Quran places great stress on love and compassion for all members of the society, to the extent that one chapter links faith with interpersonal relations.

Chapter 107 Verses 1-7
1 Seest thou one who denies the Judgment (to come)?  
2 Then such is the (man) who repulses the orphan (with harshness),  
3 And encourages not the feeding of the indigent.  
4 So woe to the worshippers  
5 Who are neglectful of their prayers,  
6 Those who (want but) to be seen (of men),  
7 But refuse (to supply) (even) neighbourly needs. 
Another verse related to taking care of the community:
Chapter 4 Verse 36: Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;-

Comment: Does that sound like love to you, Samiya ? To me it sounds like orders from above. Even threats.
Response: Belief in the divine origin of holy scriptures preceeding the Quran is an article of faith for a Muslim.
Chapter 2, Verse 4: And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
We believe that the Quran completes and restores to its purity the message that was sent earlier.
Chapter 10, Verse 37: This Qur'an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah. On the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of the worlds.
Chapter 5:Verses 46-48
46 And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.  
47 Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel.  
48 To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah. it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute;
By the way, Love thy neighbour is also a commandment, an order from above.

Comment: Muslims are only generous to other muslims
Response: Unfortunately, that is the myopic understanding of certain communities and sects, to the extent that they then restrict the ambit of their charity to their own community or sect, and not even give to all muslims. But that is not the message of the Quran. The Quran emphasizes charity, sympathy and empathy for all humans.
The following is Chapter 90 which again links faith and righteousness to compassion
 1 I do call to witness this City;-  
 2 And thou art a freeman of this City;-  
 3 And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;-  
 4 Verily We have created man into toil and struggle.  
 5 Thinketh he, that none hath power over him?  
 6 He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance!  
 7 Thinketh he that none beholdeth him?  
 8 Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?-  
 9 And a tongue, and a pair of lips?-  
 10 And shown him the two highways?  
 11 But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep.  
 12 And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?-  
 13 (It is:) freeing the bondman;  
 14 Or the giving of food in a day of privation  
 15 To the orphan with claims of relationship,  
 16 Or to the indigent (down) in the dust.  
 17 Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion.  
 18 Such are the Companions of the Right Hand.  
 19 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand.  
 20 On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round). 
  Translated by Yusuf Ali
http://searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=90&translator=2&mac=

Attitudes of Faith

The following is from a chain of posts with the subject: why atheists are so disliked
Question: I wonder if either person would be offended if I compared their faith in divine revelation which they exhibit toward their chosen scriptures, the Bible of Mr R C and the Quran of Samiya Illias. I find it easier to respect Samiya's entrenched faith, but is that because the material of the Quran is mostly unknown to me? Is it because I see all Muslims, unfairly I'm sure, as Islamic fundies? I know the Bible well and have deep-seated feelings regarding its contents; I've considered my feelings about it, the available scholarship regarding it, the internal conflicts I went through trying to make sense of it, trying to resolve its bipolar deity into a realistic image of something I can call God. I think my personal difference in attitude owes very much to my difference in understanding of the two books, and I think Samiya and R's attitudes of faith in those books is really quite similar.
I would, of course, care not only for Mr M's response but also for what Samiya and R think about attitudes of faith. I know my wife's attitude of faith in the Bible is very different from R's, more critical and with a different focus. Brother M will have yet another interesting attitude of faith, one I believe, that is deep and profound while yet being critical in a scholarly manner, but that's for him to say.
Response:I'll begin by commenting on the subject of this post: I respect atheists because I feel that they have the courage to put faith to test and the honesty to reject what they find untruthful. Having said that, I feel they are half-way in their journey towards truth. They have scrutinized, found wanting and left the belief-systems they grew up with or explored in their journey.
Neither do I not take my religion blindly, nor does the Quran require it. My faith is based upon critical evaluation of the text I consider holy.
It is after many years of questioning and exploring Islam and other religions, as well as putting them all to tests of morality, science, etc that I've come to believe that only the Arabic Quran is divine and
unadulterated. All other texts are human compilations and thus cannot be articles of faith. Since I'm convinced about the veracity of the Quran, I do not question it, but I do question my understanding of it. As I believe it to be the ultimate source of wisdom, if something seems contradictory or conflicting with what I know to be the good and stated position, I try to explore by compiling related verses from other chapters, discussing my understanding with scholars, etc.
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2011/01/principles-of-quranic-study.html
I know that Islam and almost all other religions are mostly misunderstood and mispracticed by many. Yet, I believe that almost all religions emanate from the same source, have been coloured by human modifications, and contain some gems of the original message. Hence, we all have certain bits of the puzzle, and we all stand to benefit by sharing our perceptions and understanding of them.

Islam and Christianity: parallel religions or continuation of the same message?

Comment1: The big difference is that Christ voluntarily DIED for us all, believers and nonbelievers alike. That's love to the ultimate degree. Allah never did that, nor Mohammed.
Comment2: Since Islam honors the old and new testaments as sacred works of divine revelation, and since they believe God is God, then Allah did do that and Christ died for us all in their view also. Redundancy is not desirable.
Comment3: So Islam seems to be a parallel or alternate track to the Bible, not an "improvement" on Christianity.
My Response: Allah means The Deity, and therefore God.
We believe that all religions originate from the same source and thus are common in their essence. Each successive prophet came to proclaim, preach and purify the message, restoring it to its pristine glory. Prophet Muhammad also came with the same message of unity of God, of love and compassion, of patience and perseverance, explaining the temporal and eternal, the reality of this life and the undeniability of the hereafter, the responsibility of each for his/her own beliefs and deeds.
We believe that Jesus was never crucified, neither do we believe in doctrine of original sin. The understanding we get from the Quran is quite different.
Links below are some of my earlier responses on these topics:
Allah is God, The Deity http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/12/allah-is-god.html
Jesus http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/11/jesus.html
Original Sin http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/12/original-sin.html
Man central to creation or not http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/man-central-to-creation-or-not.html

Principles of Quranic Study

Some people think that Quran is for the aalim (religious scholar) only, and ordinary humans cannot take guidance from it. Nothing can be farther from the truth. The Quran is a guidance for all humans (2:2, 2:185, 10:57, 39:41)
Sometimes we find verses which appear to be contradicting each other, and it does get confusing, but there are certain principles that I've learned from some very learned scholars which all of us can apply to our studies.
1. Allah is arRehman and RabulAalameen
2. There is no contradiction in Allah's message. If things appear contradictory, delve deeper to try and understand
3. Since Allah exhorts us to use our intelligence (aql), it is a religious obligation to use this precious gift
4. Collect all verses related to a particular issue and then try to understand it in the light of them
5. The Quran is a message and a guidance for all humans till the end of our world. It is simple, general and applicable to all situations, as well as easily adoptable, and highly compatible with conscience
6. The direct addressee of the Quran were the people of Arabia at the time of Prophet Muhammad
7.The Quran is replete with warnings that those who deny the message are destroyed in the lifetime of the prophet. The Arabs, specifically the Meccans who denied and opposed Prophet Muhammad were wiped out in the wars, starting with Ghazwa-e-Badar where a substantial number of Quraish leadership was wiped out. Hence, we cannot generalize verses given in specific situations such as call of war and apply them out of context in our human conflicts
8. Hadith is a great historical resource, we highly appreciate the efforts of those who compiled it, but its a human compilation based upon human memory
9. Hadith which appear to contradict the Quranic verses cannot be authentic, no matter which book they are from
10. Till about 200 years after Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), the hadith was scattered and with very few people. The masses were still practicing Islam then. How were they if Hadith is an intrinsic part of guidance?
11. Where people could not make any changes in the Quran, they found other means, such that we find certain tafsirs and hadiths quoting and attributing immoral conduct to the prophets and other holy personages... things we cannot imagine or dare to attribute to our fathers, how can we tolerate when such nonsense is spoken of about those highly revered pious people and/or accept it as part of our deen? Can we begin to imagine that they could have indulged in anything prohibited? Most of such stories and licences originate from other sources, and we need to guard our beliefs against such corruption

Blasphemy

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
We read/recite over and over again that Allah is Most Compassionate, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Oft-Forgiving, Worthy of All Praise and Free of All Needs. We also know that this life is a trial and all souls have time, till before death approaches, to submit to God and beg His forgiveness.
We also read in the Holy Quran 54:17, 22, 32, 40 And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?
And 4:82 Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy
Further, we read that:
2:256 There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.
4:137 Those who believe, then reject faith, then believe (again) and (again) reject faith, and go on increasing in unbelief,- Allah will not forgive them nor guide them on the way.
10:99 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!
16:93 If Allah so willed, He could make you all one people: But He leaves straying whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases: but ye shall certainly be called to account for all your actions.
In that background, the question that arises is does the Most Compassionate prescribe death sentence for blasphemy?
I search the Quran and come across the following verses. If I understand correctly, the Most Compassionate only directs the believers to abstain from the company of blasphemers till they stop blaspheming. We are enjoined to keep sharing the message of faith to all who are willing to listen, to share the verses of the Quran and let people take their own decisions, as only willing submission is required.
6: 68 When thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes thee forget, then after recollection, sit not thou in the company of those who do wrong.
6:69 On their account no responsibility falls on the righteous, but (their duty) is to remind them, that they may (learn to) fear Allah.
4:155 (They have incurred divine displeasure): In that they broke their covenant; that they rejected the signs of Allah. that they slew the Messengers in defiance of right; that they said, "Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word; We need no more)";- Nay, Allah hath set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it they believe;-
4:156 That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;
5: 64 The Jews say: "(Allah)'s hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from Allah increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them we have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief.
And also consider:
43:33 And were it not that (all) men might become of one (evil) way of life, We would provide, for everyone that blasphemes against ((Allah)) Most Gracious, silver roofs for their houses and (silver) stair-ways on which to go up,
43:34 And (silver) doors to their houses, and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline,
43:35 And also adornments of gold. But all this were nothing but conveniences of the present life: The Hereafter, in the sight of thy Lord is for the Righteous.
43:36 If anyone withdraws himself from remembrance of ((Allah)) Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one, to be an intimate companion to him.
43:37 Such (evil ones) really hinder them from the Path, but they think that they are being guided aright!
In the light of the above verses, can it be permissible for us humans to judge or prescribe punishment for blasphemy? Can we implement something in the name of Islam disregarding the verses of God Almighty? Is Allah not enough to take people to account?
When Allah allows respite till the time natural death approaches, when Allah says there is no responsibility on the righteous but to remind them (6:69), can we allow our emotions, our love for Allah and Prophet Muhammad (saw) to supersede our submission to the words of Allah in the Quran, which we believe to be the true word of God and our primary source of guidance? When God declares that there is no discrepancy in His message, then death sentence as opposed to respite for a term cannot both be correct. We find verses giving people time to repent though we do not find any verse prescribing any punishment to be enforced by any human. Then what should be a Muslim’s choice?
6:114 Shall I seek other than Allah for judge, when He it is Who hath revealed unto you (this) Scripture, fully explained? Those unto whom We gave the Scripture (aforetime) know that it is revealed from thy Lord in truth. So be not thou (O Muhammad) of the waverers.
6:115 Perfected is the Word of thy Lord in truth and justice. There is naught that can change His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
6:116 If thou obeyedst most of those on earth they would mislead thee far from Allah's way. They follow naught but an opinion, and they do but guess.
6:117 Lo! thy Lord, He knoweth best who erreth from His way; and He knoweth best (who are) the rightly guided.
Translation sources: www.searchtruth.com
Translators: Yusuf Ali, Pickthal
All quotes from the Holy Quran are preceded by chapter number: verse number. For example, 6:117 refers to Chapter 6, Verse 117 of the Holy Quran