The Qur'an

وَمَا كَانَ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنُ أَن يُفْتَرَىٰ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ 

وَلَٰكِن تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْصِيلَ الْكِتَابِ 

لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ مِن رَّبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

And not is this the Quran, that (it could be) produced by other than Allah, 
but (it is) a confirmation (of that) which (was) before it and a detailed explanation (of) the Book, 
(there is) no doubt in it, from (the) Lord (of) the worlds.

[http://islamawakened.com/quran/10/37/]

The Qur'an is a beautiful whole with all parts interlinked. It merits serious attention, study and contemplation. It is a reminder from the one true God. It informs us of our purpose here, where we came from and where we are headed! 

Similarly, other scriptures were revealed prior to the Qur'an. Suhuf-e-Ibrahim, Suhuf-e-Musa/Taurat, Zubur and Injeel are mentioned by name in the Qur'an. 

Some people are able to take faith and guidance from the scriptures, while others can't even begin to make sense of it. The Qur'an itself informs us that it is Allah who decides who will be able to take guidance from the Qur'an and who will not be able to be guided by it. Much as the Believers try to convince everyone else about the truth of this message, only those whom Allah permits will be able to understand and pay heed. Others will simply bypass the Signs without comprehending them. It appears that this decision of Allah is based upon a certain knowledge and a past that we do not have any conscious memory of. 

The Qur'an clearly informs us that the life of this world is to test and make evident those who claim(ed) belief. Those who believe and earn good through their deeds are promised forgiveness and inheritance of the Gardens of Eden. Those who have already disbelieved or choose to ignore the Qur'an, God will not compel them to guidance. However, they are amply warned of the consequence of their disbelief, and a lifetime to gather evidence for or against themselves. 

The Believers are responsible for sharing their knowledge about the religion with others. However, they must remember that all they can do is share. They cannot make people believe! Each and every person will be held responsible for his/her self. Nobody will suffer any injustice on the Day of Judgement. 

If Allah wills, may what I write be of some benefit to someone: 

Signs & Science 

Islam - Q & A

Complete List of Everything Halal

فَكُلُوا مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ اللَّهُ حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَاشْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ

إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَيْتَةَ وَالدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ الْخِنزِيرِ وَمَا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ بِهِ 

فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

وَلَا تَقُولُوا لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلْسِنَتُكُمُ الْكَذِبَ هَٰذَا حَلَالٌ وَهَٰذَا حَرَامٌ لِّتَفْتَرُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ الْكَذِبَ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ الْكَذِبَ لَا يُفْلِحُونَ

مَتَاعٌ قَلِيلٌ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

So eat of what Allah has provided you - lawful and good. And be grateful (for the) Favor (of) Allah, if [you] Him Alone you worship.

Only He has forbidden to you the dead animal and the blood and the flesh (of) the swine, and what has been dedicated to other (than) Allah [with it]. 

But (if) one (is) forced - without (being) disobedient, and not a transgressor - then indeed, Allah (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

And (do) not say for that which assert your tongues, the lie, "This (is) lawful and this (is) forbidden," so that you invent about Allah the lie. Indeed, those who invent about Allah the lie, they will not succeed.

An enjoyment little and for them (is) a punishment painful.

[Al-Quran 16:114-117]

Someone on Quora asked: Is there a complete list of everything halal?

Answer: al-Baqarah 2:168 O mankind! Eat of what (is) in the earth lawful (and) good. And (do) not follow (the) footsteps (of) the Shaitaan. Indeed, he (is) to you an enemy clear.

al-Baqarah 2:219 They ask you about [the] intoxicants and [the] games of chance Say, "In both of them (is) a sin great, and (some) benefits for [the] people. But sin of both of them (is) greater than (the) benefit of (the) two." And they ask you what they (should) spend. Say, "The surplus." Thus makes clear Allah to you [the] Verses so that you may ponder,

The following explains the directives in 2:168 and 2:219 

al-Ma`idah 5:3 - al-Ma`idah 5:5 Are made unlawful on you the dead animals, and the blood, and flesh (of) the swine, and what has been dedicated to other than Allah, [on it], and that which is strangled (to death), and that which is hit fatally, and that which has a fatal fall, and that which is gored by horns, and that which ate (it) the wild animal except what you slaughtered, and what is sacrificed on the stone altars, and that you seek division by divining arrows - that (is) grave disobedience. This day (have) despaired those who disbelieved of your religion, so (do) not fear them, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and I have completed upon you My Favor and I have approved for you [the] Islam (as) a religion. But whoever (is) forced by hunger (and) not inclining to sin, then indeed, Allah (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. They ask you what (is) made lawful for them. Say, "Are made lawful for you the good things and what you have taught (your) hunting animals, ones who train animals to hunt, you teach them of what Allah has taught you. So eat of what they catch for you, but mention (the) name (of) Allah on it, and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is swift (in taking) account. This day are made lawful for you the good things; and (the) food (of) those who were given the Book (is) lawful for you, and your food (is) lawful for them. And the chaste women from the believers and the chaste women from those who were given the Book before you, when you have given them their bridal due, being chaste not being lewd and not ones (who are) taking secret lovers. And whoever denies the faith - then surely (are) wasted his deeds and he, in the Hereafter, (will be) among the losers.

al-Ma`idah 5:90 O you who believe! Verily the intoxicants and [the] games of chance and (sacrifices at) altars and divining arrows (are an) abomination from (the) work (of) the Shaitaan, so avoid it so that you may (be) successful.

al-Ma`idah 5:96 Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game and its use for food,- for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel; but forbidden is the pursuit of land-game;- as long as ye are in the sacred precincts or in pilgrim garb. And fear Allah, to Whom ye shall be gathered back. [Translation: Yusuf Ali]

The following recaps it thus:

al-An`am 6:145 Say, "I (do) not find in what has been revealed to me (anything) forbidden to an eater who eats it except that it be dead or blood poured forth or (the) flesh (of) swine - for indeed, it (is) filth - or (it be) disobedience, [is] dedicated to other than Allah [on it]. But whoever (is) compelled not desiring and not transgressing, then indeed, your Lord (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

Please also read Gratitude for our Food‏ 

Grave sin to not to mention God's name[Al-Qur'an 6:118, 119, 120, 121, Translation: Literal (word by word)] So eat of what (is) mentioned (the) name (of) Allah on it, if you are in His Verses - believers. And what for you that not you eat of what has been mentioned Allah's name on it, when indeed, He (has) explained in detail to you what He (has) forbidden to you except what you are compelled to it. And indeed, many surely lead astray by their (vain) desires without knowledge. Indeed, your Lord, He (is) most knowing of the transgressors. Forsake open [the] sins and the secret. Indeed, those who earn [the] sin they will be recompensed for what they used to commit. And (do) not eat of that, not has been mentioned Allah's name on it, and indeed, it (is) grave disobedience.And indeed, the devils inspire to their friends so that they dispute with you, and if you obey them, indeed, you (would) be the polytheists.
Though the above quoted verse from Surah Al-Anaam (Q6: The Cattle), with reference to context, seems to be about meat being slaughtered while pronouncing the name of Allah upon it, the verses quoted from Q36, Surah Ya'sin, exhort us to be grateful for all the food we eat. 

This post was last edited on August 8, 2018

Suffering & God's Grace

Someone on Quora asked: If religious people have god's grace, why do they suffer?

I have a friend who says she has embraced Jesus. But she is always hurt in one or the other way though she is one of the kindest people in the world. I find it really ironic and sad. She is not only religious, she does good things too.

Answer: 

al-Baqarah 2:214 Or (do) you think that you will enter Paradise while not (has) come to you like (came to) those who passed away from before you? Touched them [the] adversity and [the] hardship, and they were shaken until said the Messenger and those who believed with him, "When [will] (the) help (of) Allah (come) Unquestionably, [Indeed] help (of) Allah (is) near.

An excerpt from al-Ahzaab which explains through an example of a battle the Believers were faced with, and then an excerpt from al-Jumu’a to understand what is God’s grace:

al-Ahzaab 7 And when We exacted a covenant from the prophets, and from thee (O Muhammad) and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus son of Mary. We took from them a solemn covenant; 8 That He may ask the loyal of their loyalty. And He hath prepared a painful doom for the unfaithful. 9 O ye who believe! Remember Allah's favour unto you when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a great wind and hosts ye could not see. And Allah is ever Seer of what ye do. 10 When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when eyes grew wild and hearts reached to the throats, and ye were imagining vain thoughts concerning Allah. 11 There were the believers sorely tried, and shaken with a mighty shock. 12 And when the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, were saying: Allah and His messenger promised us naught but delusion. 13 And when a party of them said: O folk of Yathrib! There is no stand (possible) for you, therefor turn back. And certain of them (even) sought permission of the Prophet, saying: Our homes lie open (to the enemy). And they lay not open. They but wished to flee. 14 If the enemy had entered from all sides and they had been exhorted to treachery, they would have committed it, and would have hesitated thereupon but little. 15 And verily they had already sworn unto Allah that they would not turn their backs (to the foe). An oath to Allah must be answered for. 16 Say: Flight will not avail you if ye flee from death or killing, and then ye dwell in comfort but a little while. 17 Say: Who is he who can preserve you from Allah if He intendeth harm for you, or intendeth mercy for you. They will not find that they have any friend or helper other than Allah. 18 Allah already knoweth those of you who hinder, and those who say unto their brethren: "Come ye hither unto us!" and they come not to the stress of battle save a little, 19 Being sparing of their help to you (believers). But when the fear cometh, then thou (Muhammad) seest them regarding thee with rolling eyes like one who fainteth unto death. Then, when the fear departeth, they scald you with sharp tongues in their greed for wealth (from the spoil). Such have not believed. Therefor Allah maketh their deeds fruitless. And that is easy for Allah. 20 They hold that the clans have not retired (for good); and if the clans should advance (again), they would fain be in the desert with the wandering Arabs, asking for the news of you; and if they were among you, they would not give battle, save a little. 21 Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembereth Allah much. 22 And when the true believers saw the clans, they said: This is that which Allah and His messenger promised us. Allah and His messenger are true. It did but confirm them in their faith and resignation. 23 Of the believers are men who are true to that which they covenanted with Allah. Some of them have paid their vow by death (in battle), and some of them still are waiting; and they have not altered in the least; 24 That Allah may reward the true men for their truth, and punish the hypocrites if He will, or relent toward them (if He will). Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 25 And Allah repulsed the disbelievers in their wrath; they gained no good. Allah averted their attack from the believers. Allah is ever Strong, Mighty. 26 And He brought those of the People of the Scripture who supported them down from their strongholds, and cast panic into their hearts. Some ye slew, and ye made captive some. 27 And He caused you to inherit their land and their houses and their wealth, and land ye have not trodden. Allah is ever Able to do all things.

al-Jumu’a 1 Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth declares the glory of Allah, the King, the Holy, the Mighty, the Wise. 2 He it is Who raised among the inhabitants of Mecca an Apostle from among themselves, who recites to them His communications and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom, although they were before certainly in clear error, 3 And others from among them who have not yet joined them; and He is the Mighty, the Wise. 4 That is Allah's grace; He grants it to whom He pleases, and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace.

The reward of the Believers is inheritance of the Gardens in the Hereafter. Please read Immortality & A Kingdom that Never Decays.

Our Origins & Our Time Here

JB wrote: I wonder what would their answer be if you ask them :" Why didn't Allah place them in heaven right after birth to begin with !!!!?"

Answer: 
The Qur’an provides some insights regarding our origins and our time here: 

Reason for Our Time on Earth: 
al-`Ankabut 29:2 - al-`Ankabut 29:3 Do think the people that they will be left because they say, "We believe" and they will not be tested? And indeed, We tested those who (were) before them. And Allah will surely make evident those who (are) truthful and He will surely make evident the liars. 
al-Insan 76:2 - al-Insan 76:3 Indeed, We [We] created man from a semen-drop, a mixture, (that) We test him; so hearing and sight. Indeed, We guided him (to) the way whether (he) be grateful and whether (he) be ungrateful. 

Why We Need to be Tested: 
al-Ahzab 33:72 - al-Ahzab 33:73 Indeed, We [We] offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they refused to bear it and they feared from it; but bore it the man. Indeed, he was unjust ignorant. So that Allah may punish the hypocrite men and the hypocrite women and the polytheist men and the polytheist women and Allah will turn (in Mercy) to the believing men and the believing women. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 

The Testimony: 
al-A`raf 7:172 - al-A`raf 7:174 And when your Lord took from (the) Children (of) Adam - from their loins - their descendants and made them over themselves, "Am I not your Lord?" They said, "Yes we have testified." Lest you say (on the) Day (of) the Resurrection, "Indeed, we were about this unaware." Or you say, "Only our forefathers associated partners (with Allah) before (us) and we are descendants after them. So will You destroy us for what did the falsifiers?" And thus We explain the Verses so that they may return.

Establishing:  
(i) Adam's Knowledge above the Angels 
(ii) Exposing Iblis' Arrogance 

According to Quran, al-Baqarah:29 It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge. 30 Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not." 31 And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell me the names of these if ye are right." 32 They said: "Glory to Thee, of knowledge We have none, save what Thou Hast taught us: In truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom." 33He said: "O Adam! Tell them their names." When he had told them, Allah said: "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what ye reveal and what ye conceal?" 34 And behold, We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject Faith. 35 We said: "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression." 36 Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood - for a time." 37 Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord Turned towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. 38 We said: "Get ye down all from here; and if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 39 "But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be companions of the Fire; they shall abide therein."

Adam's Covenant & The Trial in the Garden: 
According to the Qur’an, Taha:113 Thus have We sent this down - an arabic Qur'an - and explained therein in detail some of the warnings, in order that they may fear Allah, or that it may cause their remembrance (of Him). 114 High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth!Be not in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge." 115 We had already, beforehand, taken the covenant of Adam, but he forgot: and We found on his part no firm resolve.116 When We said to the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Adam", they prostrated themselves, but not Iblis: he refused. 117 Then We said: "O Adam! verily, this is an enemy to thee and thy wife: so let him not get you both out of the Garden, so that thou art landed in misery. 118 "There is therein (enough provision) for thee not to go hungry nor to go naked, 119 "Nor to suffer from thirst, nor from the sun's heat." 120 But Satan whispered evil to him: he said, "O Adam! shall I lead thee to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that never decays?" 121 In the result, they both ate of the tree, and so their nakedness appeared to them: they began to sew together, for their covering, leaves from the Garden: thus did Adam disobey his Lord, and allow himself to be seduced. 122 But his Lord chose him (for His Grace): He turned to him, and gave him Guidance. 123 He said: "Get ye down, both of you,- all together, from the Garden, with enmity one to another: but if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from Me, whosoever follows My Guidance, will not lose his way, nor fall into misery. 124 "But whosoever turns away from My Message, verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment."

Inheritance of the Gardens: 
al-Mu`minun 23:1 … al-Mu`minun 23:10 - al-Mu`minun 23:11 Indeed, successful (are) the believers … Those [they] (are) the inheritors Who will inherit the Paradise. They therein (will) abide forever. 

Note: 23:2–9 indicated by … define the Believers 

Humans will inherit the Gardens. The word inheritance implies huge responsibility! 

And Allah knows best! 

For more details, please read:

Adam's Attempt to Improve upon Allah's Creation 

Immortality & A Kingdom that Never Decays 

Days of Allah 

SK commented: Only ignorant person will test something to find out the truth.  If allah was all knowing, he did not have to take tests to know something.  He was supposed to know without taking any tests and exams... 

GOM commented: religion demands belief without proof, science demands proof to believe,I choose science. belief is based on writings of people long before knowledge 

Response: 

Factual Accuracy of the Qur'an: Signs & Science 

Allah is All-Knowing. Allah is also All-Just. Allah does not oppress or wrong anyone. When Allah sorts humans into the Gardens and Fire in the Hereafter, each and every human will be convinced that he/she is being placed exactly where he/she deserves to be. Each one will have a lifetime of deeds to prove their eligibility for their permanent home. 

Even when Adam was being created, Allah did not silence the angels when they asked why there was a need to create a 'khalifa' for Earth. Instead Allah established Adam's knowledge over them and then asked them to prostrate/submit to Adam. As Allah knew everything, Iblis' arrogance and rejection was also clearly exposed in the event. 

In Surah Al-Kahf, we are informed that Allah did not bestow knowledge of creation upon the Jinns:

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ كَانَ مِنَ الْجِنِّ فَفَسَقَ عَنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّهِ أَفَتَتَّخِذُونَهُ وَذُرِّيَّتَهُ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِن دُونِي وَهُمْ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ بِئْسَ لِلظَّالِمِينَ بَدَلًا

مَّا أَشْهَدتُّهُمْ خَلْقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَلَا خَلْقَ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَمَا كُنتُ مُتَّخِذَ الْمُضِلِّينَ عَضُدًا

And when We said to the Angels, "Prostrate to Adam," so they prostrated except Iblis. (He) was of the jinn, and he rebelled against the Command (of) his Lord. Will you then take him and his offspring (as) protectors other than Me, while they (are) to you enemies? Wretched for the wrongdoers (is) the exchange. Not I made them witness the creation (of) the heavens and the earth and not the creation (of) themselves and not I Am the One to take the misleaders (as) helper(s).

http://islamawakened.com/quran/18/50/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/18/51/

Thus it follows that we need to remember that Satan's promises of Immortality in this world are but a deception. We need to stay on guard! Please read Satan's Enmity: Origin & Objective

And Allah knows best! 

PA asked: where is tis "permanent home" you speak about? and what will you do there? what about children who Allah allowed to die through illness, accident or starvation before they learnt to walk? will they be crawling for eternity? will men and women be all together? women will have their faces covered with ashmaq or will all men and women be naked forever? (I can't imagine buying clothes in Paradise)

Answers: 
You ask: where is tis "permanent home" you speak about?

Answer:

Permanent Home:

The Qur'an mentions Gardens and Fire as the final destinations in the Hereafter. 

Gardens: Q57:21 and Q3:133 mention the size of the Gardens - one is the size of the Heaven (singular) and Earth; the other the size of the Heavens (plural) and Earth. 

Fire: Q7:40 mentions that the gates of Heaven will not be opened for those who reject the communications till a certain time. Q15:44 mentions that Hell has seven gates. There are seven permanent lava lakes on Earth. 

You ask: and what will you do there? 

Answer: The Qur'an informs that the Believers will inherit the Gardens. The word inheritance implies ownership and responsibility. I think the Believers from the progeny of Adam will be joyfully employed in managing their Gardens and all who dwell in it, as the 'Khalifa' of the Garden, the original purpose for Adam's creation.  

You ask: what about children who Allah allowed to die through illness, accident or starvation before they learnt to walk? will they be crawling for eternity?

Answer: I don't know, but there will be no injustice done to anyone. 

You ask: will men and women be all together? 

Answer: Q81:7 speaks about ‘when the souls are paired’. Perhaps the soul will be united with the elusive soulmate that (almost) everyone yearns for...  

You ask: women will have their faces covered with ashmaq or will all men and women be naked forever? (I can't imagine buying clothes in Paradise)   

Answer: The humans who have earned forgiveness will have their genome corrected, and will regain the clothes Adam and his wife lost when they ate off the Forbidden Tree. 

And Allah knows best! 

Please read:

Creation

Fuel of Hell: Humans & Stones 

The First Humans

Adam's Attempt to Improve upon Allah's Creation

Diversity & Pluralism

Commenting on the post on Diversity, IH wrote: 

PLURALISM TOO AS IT EXIST RIGHT NOW IN THE WORLD.  MANY PATHS LEADING TO THE SAME GOAL... (... )

QURAN RECOGNISES DIVERSITY & PLURALISM

To you WE have given the scriptures, just as WE have given the scriptures to people before you (Jews, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, etc).  We have protected your scriptures (Quran) in its entirety.  So judge among people from what knowledge has come to you (from Quran) and follow not their vain desires (that Muslims are the only righteous and chosen people to lead) diverging far away from the TRUTH .

To each among you (referring to diverse groups – not excluding anybody) We have prescribed the Law (teachings of the indigenous, native people and Buddhist scholars, Gitas, Vedas, Torah, Gospels and The Quran) and an Open Way (given a conscience with reference to the spiritualists people).

If God had willed, all humanity would have been of one single community (this means diversity is part of God’s creation).  God’s plan is to test you in what each one has received (in form of Holy Scriptures or Conscience).  So strive, as in a race in all virtues. 

The goal of all the people is to God.  God (alone) will tell you the truth in matters of which you dispute.” 5:48

Every People have received Apostle/Prophets

 The following verse in the Quran is repeated 3 times.  These are very important verses that further the teachings of Diversity and Pluralism in the Quran.

The Quran says, “To every people was sent an Apostle to teach them in their own language in their own country – making things clear” 10:47, 14:4 & 16:36.  This means that numerous Prophets have been coming from the beginning of times to guide people for living a righteous life.  Our Prophet has said there are 124,000 Prophets (numerous) that have been send from time to time to different people all over the world.  Each Prophet preached the same message of believing in God and doing righteous acts.  This would mean that Confucius, Buddha, Ram, Krishna could also be Prophets for Buddhists and Hindus too.  Their Holy Scriptures is also just as important as the Abrahamic Scriptures, namely, The Torah, The Gospels and The Quran. 

My Answer: 

مُنِيبِينَ إِلَيْهِ وَاتَّقُوهُ وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَلَا تَكُونُوا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

مِنَ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا كُلُّ حِزْبٍ بِمَا لَدَيْهِمْ فَرِحُونَ

Turning to Him, and fear Him and establish the prayer and (do) not be of the polytheists. Of those who divide their religion and become sects, each party in what they have rejoicing. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/30/31/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/30/32/ 

I should have probably quoted the Q30:31-32 as well in the last email, instead of stopping at Q30:30. Indeed God has sent, as promised when sending Adam to Earth, several prophets and messengers for the guidance of the progeny of Adam. Each nation may have received different scriptures, but all preached the same religion: monotheism and submission to The One and Only True Deity, whom in Arabic we address as Allah. The primary scriptures (Vedas, Torah/Old Testament, al-Quran) of these major religions (Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam) all preach monotheism and submission to God.   

In Surah al-Anbiya, after mentioning in brief some of the prophets and messengers, 21:92 goes on to state: 

إِنَّ هَٰذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُونِ

Indeed, this (is) your religion - religion one, and I Am your Lord, so worship Me. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/21/92/ 

In Surah Hud, Prophet-Messenger Hud is quoted as informing his people: 

إِنِّي تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ رَبِّي وَرَبِّكُم مَّا مِن دَابَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ آخِذٌ بِنَاصِيَتِهَا إِنَّ رَبِّي عَلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

Indeed, I [I] put my trust upon Allah my Lord, and your Lord. (There is) not of a moving creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Indeed, my Lord (is) on a path straight. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/11/56/ 

In Surah Maryam, Messiah Jesus is quoted as informing his people: 

وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ هَٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ

"And indeed, Allah (is) my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This (is) a path straight." 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/19/36/ 

In Surah an-Nur, we are informed: 

لَّقَدْ أَنزَلْنَا آيَاتٍ مُّبَيِّنَاتٍ وَاللَّهُ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

وَيَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَبِالرَّسُولِ وَأَطَعْنَا ثُمَّ يَتَوَلَّىٰ فَرِيقٌ مِّنْهُم مِّن بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ وَمَا أُولَٰئِكَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Verily, We have sent down Verses clear. And Allah guides whom He wills to a path straight. And they say, "We believe in Allah and in the Messenger and we obey." Then turns away a party of them after that. And not those (are) believers.  

http://islamawakened.com/quran/24/46/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/24/47/ 

In Surah at-Takwir, we are informed: 

إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ لِّلْعَالَمِينَ

لِمَن شَاءَ مِنكُمْ أَن يَسْتَقِيمَ

وَمَا تَشَاءُونَ إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Not it (is) except a reminder to the worlds, For whoever wills among you to take a straight way. And not you will except that wills Allah, Lord (of) the worlds. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/81/27/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/81/28/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/81/29/ 

Thus, in Surah al-Fatihah 1:6, we daily, repeatedly pray: 

اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ

Guide us (to) the path, the straight. 

 http://islamawakened.com/quran/1/6/ 

Diversity

PA asked: I'd like to know how did Allah manage to develop one type of human being into such a variety, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Mongolian, Indian, Scandinavian, Nigerian, etc, 

My Answer: 

And among His Signs (is) that He created you from dust then behold! You (are) human beings dispersing. 

And among His Signs (is) that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you love and mercy. Indeed, in that surely (are) Signs for a people who reflect. 

And among His Signs (is the) creation (of) the heavens and the earth, and the diversity (of) your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that surely (are) Signs for those of knowledge. 

And among His Signs (is) your sleep by night and the day [and] your seeking of His Bounty. Indeed, in that surely (are) Signs for a people who listen. 

And among His Signs He shows you the lightning (causing) fear and hope, and He sends down from the sky water and gives life therewith (to) the earth after its death. Indeed, in that surely (are) Signs for a people who use intellect. 

And among His Signs (is) that stands the heavens and the earth by His Command. Then when He calls you (with) a call, from the earth, behold! You will come forth. 

And to Him (belongs) whoever (is) in the heavens and the earth. All to Him (are) obedient. 

And He (is) the One Who originates the creation then repeats it, and it (is) easier for Him And for Him (is) the description, the highest in the heavens and the earth. And He (is) the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. 

He sets forth to you an example from yourselves. Is for you among what possess your right hands any partners in what We have provided you so you in it (are) equal, you fear them as you fear yourselves? Thus We explain the Verses for a people (who) use reason. 

Nay, follow those who do wrong, their desires, without knowledge. Then who (can) guide (one) whom Allah has let go astray? And not for them any helpers. 

So set your face to the religion upright. Nature (made by) Allah (upon) which He has created mankind [on it]. No change (should there be) in the creation (of) Allah. That (is) the religion the correct, but most men (do) not know. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/30/20/ - http://islamawakened.com/quran/30/30/

Translation: Literal (Word by Word)

To compare 50+ English translations, please follow link 

Gratitude for our Food‏

Gratitude vs Ingratitude

[Al-Qur'an 39:7, Translation: Literal (word by word)] If you disbelieve then indeed, Allah (is) free from need of you. And not He likes in His slaves ungratefulness. And if you are grateful He likes it in you. And not will bear bearer of burdens (the) burden (of) another. Then to your Lord (is) your return, then He will inform you about what you used to do. Indeed, He (is) the All-Knower of what (is) in the breasts. 

Gratitude for Grains and Fruits 

[Al-Qur'an 36:33, 34, 35, Translation: Literal (word by word)] And a Sign for them (is) the earth dead. We give it life and We bring forth from it grain, and from it they eat. And We placed therein gardens of date-palms and grapevines, and We caused to gush in it of the springs, That they may eat of its fruit. And not made it their hands. So will not they be grateful?   

Gratitude for Cattle 

[Al-Qur'an 36:71, 72, 73, Translation: Literal (word by word)] Do not they see that We [We] created for them from what have made Our hands, cattle, then they [for them] (are the) owners? And We have tamed them for them, so some of them - they ride them, and some of them they eat. And for them therein (are) benefits and drinks, so (will) not they give thanks? 

Grave sin to not to mention God's name

[Al-Qur'an 6:118, 119, 120, 121, Translation: Literal (word by word)] So eat of what (is) mentioned (the) name (of) Allah on it, if you are in His Verses - believers. And what for you that not you eat of what has been mentioned Allah's name on it, when indeed, He (has) explained in detail to you what He (has) forbidden to you except what you are compelled to it. And indeed, many surely lead astray by their (vain) desires without knowledge. Indeed, your Lord, He (is) most knowing of the transgressors. Forsake open [the] sins and the secret. Indeed, those who earn [the] sin they will be recompensed for what they used to commit. And (do) not eat of that, not has been mentioned Allah's name on it, and indeed, it (is) grave disobedience.And indeed, the devils inspire to their friends so that they dispute with you, and if you obey them, indeed, you (would) be the polytheists.

Though the above quoted verse from Surah Al-Anaam (Q6: The Cattle), with reference to context, seems to be about meat being slaughtered while pronouncing the name of Allah upon it, the verses quoted from Q36, Surah Ya'sin, exhort us to be grateful for all the food we eat. 

We our told that our dear Prophet's sunnah was to begin eating food with the name of Allah, and after eating, to thank Allah for it.     

To compare 50+ English translations of the ayaat quoted above, please follow their links. 

Some links for ahaadith regarding etiquettes of eating food: 

http://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/3 

https://islamqa.info/en/13348