The Religion according to The Quran

The phrase [الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ] translated as ‘the correct religion’ is defined in The Quran at 9:36, 12:40, 30:30; informed about the consequences in 30:43; and  surmised in 98:5 as:

With the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful 

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَقَاتِلُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ كَافَّةً كَمَا يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ كَافَّةً وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الْمُتَّقِينَ

#1 Q9:36 Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him]. 

مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنتُمْ وَآبَاؤُكُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَانٍ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

#2 Q12:40 You worship not besides Him except [mere] names you have named them, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. Legislation is not but for Allah. He has commanded that you worship not except Him. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know. 

فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

#3 Q30:30 So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.  

فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ الْقَيِّمِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ لَّا مَرَدَّ لَهُ مِنَ اللَّهِ يَوْمَئِذٍ يَصَّدَّعُونَ

Q30:43 So direct your face toward the correct religion before a Day comes from Allah of which there is no repelling. That Day, they will be divided. 

وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءَ وَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَذَٰلِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ

Q98:5 And they were not commanded except to worship Allah , [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion. 

This slide is originally posted in Muhammad ﷺ – Ascension & Return

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

Why does the Almighty Creator permit false gods?

A pagan wrote: It is precisely because the spiritual laws attributed to god by various cultures is different, as obvious in their holy scriptures, that we must conceive God as having many different faces and voices for the many peoples and cultures to which he speaks. If God is not manifest in many human gods, then we must discuss which of these religions truly BELONGS to the one true God, and then we must discuss why so many false religions are permitted to exist by this single mighty creator God who can make a universe but can't prevent false gods from usurping his sovereignty on this single world. You cite Christianity and Islam. Which is the true religion? Why is the other false religion permitted to exist? Is the one true God unable to convey his truth to his creation in such a manner as to prevent such deceit and confusion, upon which so much human horror and misery has been based?
I believe there is one almighty creator God, without gender or humanity, incomprehensible to human intelligence, who is essentially good and loving, but is not perfect (because there must be some explanation for evil in the universe). I do not believe the imperfection of such deity is so severe as to permit false gods of all sorts while damning those of mankind who are deceived by them. This to me is only a reasonable assessment of the human predicament in our world.

My response: The following are some verses of the Holy Quran, Chapter 5 relevant to the points you've mentioned in your post below. For full text and reference to context, please follow this link:
http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=5&translator=2
44 It was We who revealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah.s will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah.s book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell not my signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers.
45 We ordained therein for them: "Life for life, eye for eye, nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal." But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (No better than) wrong-doers.
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;
49 And this (He commands): Judge thou between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest they beguile thee from any of that (teaching) which Allah hath sent down to thee. And if they turn away, be assured that for some of their crime it is Allah.s purpose to punish them. And truly most men are rebellious.
50 Do they then seek after a judgment of (the days of) ignorance? But who, for a people whose faith is assured, can give better judgment than Allah.
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63 Why do not the rabbis and the doctors of Law forbid them from their (habit of) uttering sinful words and eating things forbidden? Evil indeed are their works.
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.
65 If only the People of the Book had believed and been righteous, We should indeed have blotted out their iniquities and admitted them to gardens of bliss.
66 If only they had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course: but many of them follow a course that is evil.
67 O Messenger. proclaim the (message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord. If thou didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled and proclaimed His mission. And Allah will defend thee from men (who mean mischief). For Allah guideth not those who reject Faith.
68 Say: "O People of the Book! ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord." It is the revelation that cometh to thee from thy Lord, that increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But sorrow thou not over (these) people without Faith.
69 Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
70 We took the covenant of the Children of Israel and sent them apostles, every time, there came to them an apostle with what they themselves desired not - some (of these) they called impostors, and some they (go so far as to) slay.
71 They thought there would be no trial (or punishment); so they became blind and deaf; yet Allah (in mercy) turned to them; yet again many of them became blind and deaf. But Allah sees well all that they do.
72 They do blaspheme who say: "(Allah) is Christ the son of Mary." But said Christ: "O Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." Whoever joins other gods with Allah,- Allah will forbid him the garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help.
73 They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.
74 Why turn they not to Allah, and seek His forgiveness? For Allah is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful.
75 Christ the son of Mary was no more than an apostle; many were the apostles that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah doth make His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!
76 Say: "Will ye worship, besides Allah, something which hath no power either to harm or benefit you? But Allah,- He it is that heareth and knoweth all things."
77 Say: "O people of the Book! exceed not in your religion the bounds (of what is proper), trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by,- who misled many, and strayed (themselves) from the even way.
78 Curses were pronounced on those among the Children of Israel who rejected Faith, by the tongue of David and of Jesus the son of Mary: because they disobeyed and persisted in excesses.
79 Nor did they (usually) forbid one another the iniquities which they committed: evil indeed were the deeds which they did.
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116 And behold! Allah will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah.?" He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, Thou I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden.
117 "Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me to say, to wit, 'worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord'; and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou wast the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things.
118 "If Thou dost punish them, they are Thy servant: If Thou dost forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise."
119 Allah will say: "This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah. That is the great salvation, (the fulfilment of all desires).
120 To Allah doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He Who hath power over all things.

Humans: God's viceroy or Earth's viceroy?

In response to a debate between a muslim and a non-muslim over man being God's viceroy:
If I understand correctly, man is not God's viceroy, but rather Earth's viceroy. God does not need a representative on Earth, but we humans are evidently in charge of the Earth, harnessing its energy and resources, and shaping its environment. We have a certain degree of power over how we use it... responsibly or otherwise, and global warming is a witness to our collective irresponsibilty, as are the so many species of plants and animals becoming extinct.
Consider the following verses together:
Ch2:30 And when thy Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am about to place a viceroy in the earth, they said: Wilt thou place therein one who will do harm therein and will shed blood, while we, we hymn Thy praise and sanctify Thee? He said: Surely I know that which ye know not.
Ch6:165 He it is Who hath placed you as viceroys of the earth and hath exalted some of you in rank above others, that He may try you by (the test of) that which He hath given you. Lo! Thy Lord is swift in prosecution, and Lo! He verily is Forgiving, Merciful.
Ch7:69 Marvel ye that there should come unto you a Reminder from your Lord by means of a man among you, that he may warn you? Remember how He made you viceroys after Noah's folk, and gave you growth of stature. Remember (all) the bounties of your Lord, that haply ye may be successful.
Ch7:74 And remember how He made you viceroys after A'ad and gave you station in the earth. Ye choose castles in the plains and hew the mountains into dwellings. So remember (all) the bounties of Allah and do not evil, making mischief in the earth.
Ch7:129 They said: We suffered hurt before thou camest unto us, and since thou hast come unto us. He said: It may be that your Lord is going to destroy your adversary and make you viceroys in the earth, that He may see how ye behave.
Ch10:14 Then We appointed you viceroys in the earth after them, that We might see how ye behave.
Ch10:73 But they denied him, so We saved him and those with him in the ship, and made them viceroys (in the earth), while We drowned those who denied Our revelations. See then the nature of the consequence for those who had been warned.
Ch27:62 Is not He (best) Who answereth the wronged one when he crieth unto Him and removeth the evil, and hath made you viceroys of the earth? Is there any Allah beside Allah? Little do they reflect!
Ch38:26 (And it was said unto him): O David! Lo! We have set thee as a viceroy in the earth; therefor judge aright between mankind, and follow not desire that it beguile thee from the way of Allah. Lo! those who wander from the way of Allah have an awful doom, forasmuch as they forgot the Day of Reckoning.
Ch43:60 And had We willed We could have set among you angels to be viceroys in the earth.
http://www.searchtruth.com/search.php?keyword=viceroy&chapter=&translator=4&search=1&start=0&records_display=10&search_word=all

Suicide Bombing

In response to certain comments and questions about suicide bombing:
There are many forces who try to create mischief and use people to achieve their objectives. Yet, no individual can absolve him/herself from personal responsibility for his/her own actions. We are all responsible for making our own choices.
Having said that, please bear in mind that though suicide bombing is done in the name of Islam, it is not sanctioned by Islam due to the following reasons:
-life is sacred
-innocent lives cannot be taken even in war
-suicide is not permissible
-holy war can only be declared by the ruler of the muslim state... small groups cannot take the law in their hands
People and groups who indulge in such extreme actions may think that they are doing God's work, but they are not. Most scholars agree that terrorism is not permitted in Islam in any way and under any conditions.
The following are some verses from the Holy Quran
(I have added the translator's name, chapter number and verse number at the begining of the verses for your convenience)
Yusuf Ali 5:8: O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
Yusuf Ali 4:29,30: O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be amongst you Traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful! If any do that in rancour and injustice,- soon shall We cast them into the Fire: And easy it is for Allah.
Yusuf Ali 4:59: O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.
Yusuf Ali 4:135 O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well- acquainted with all that ye do.
Yusuf Ali 17:33: Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him nor exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law).
Yusuf Ali Ch42, Verses 37-43
37 Those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive;
38 Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance;
39 And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves.
40 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 Allah. for ((Allah)) loveth not those who do wrong.
41 But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame.
42 The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous.
43 But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.
Yusuf Ali 5:32 On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that 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 people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
Yusuf Ali 16:125-128 Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.
And if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: But if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient. And do thou be patient, for thy patience is but from Allah. nor grieve over them: and distress not thyself because of their plots.
For Allah is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good.
Yusuf Ali 41:34-36 Nor can goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!
And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint,- none but persons of the greatest good fortune.
And if (at any time) an incitement to discord is made to thee by the Evil One, seek refuge in Allah. He is the One Who hears and knows all things.
[All verses by different translators, and in multiple languages available at www.searchtruth.com ]
The example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad is also a guiding light. He faced much resistance, oppression and wars from his opponents. His patience, restraint, forbearance, courage, fairness and forgiveness are lessons for us.

A back-dated letter by Dr Khalid Zaheer to Hamas
http://khalidzaheer.com/essays/kzaheer/criticism/a_letter_to_hamas.html

Hadith

Question:If my recall is correct, there are over 40 volumes of hadith. how does one know which are inspired and which are not?
Answer: Difficult, if not impossible, indeed. Even the Sahih Hadith collection (that which scholars narrow down as the only reliable ones) contain contradictions.
The best thing to do is perhaps check it with the Quran, if it is consistent with the message, then its probably reliable.
I don't know... scholars do attach a lot of importance to it, as they say that it is compulsory to obey the Prophet. My position is that the Prophet brought the Quran and asked us to follow it. Why not concentrate on that? The breadth and scope of the Quran is quite extensive, and every re-read adds to understanding. Besides, if we can just folllow the edicts in it, won't we be following the Prophet as he was the ideal and exemplary follower of the Quran?
The Prophet Muhammad has been directed in the Quran to follow the 'hadith' of Prophet Abraham. There was no written record of that. I understand that the concept is to follow the essence of their purity of faith, worshipping solely the only God, and submitting willingly and completely. The Quran contains many broad guidelines and just following them would make anyone an ideal human being.
Moreover, we have been directed to not to try and make religion difficult. There are examples of the Bani Israel (Jews) in the Quran where they asked so many unneccessary questions that they made practice of their religion more and more difficult for themselves. If my religion is good and easy and based upon common sense and a healthy conscience, why complicate it? After all, religion is for all human beings in all sorts of situations all over the globe, not just for a privileged few.
May Allah guide me and correct me where I may be wrong,

Actions speak louder than words

To my reply to Punishment for Adultery according to Quran, some one commented: "We dont need to listen to what moslems are saying because what they are doing speaks louder."
Answer: The only thing sure about life is that we'll meet death someday_ can we afford the luxury of just writing off religion on the basis of what others are doing or saying??
We all have 24 hours each day and we can either spend it criticizing others, and dismissing them, or use the time seeking knowledge and going to the source of all scriptures to discover the truth for ourselves.
I'm a born muslim, and I grew up in a society with many plusses and minusses. Religion and culture, poverty and charity, pride and humility, fanaticism and liberalism, and many other contradictory practices. I am glad that I was introduced to the Quran early on and could see that many practices were rooted more in culture than in religion, and somehow, the two were so inter-twined that many people were unaware of what was what, and social expediency also adding a further twist to it.
Another thing that bothered me was that I knew very little about other religions. Hence I started exploring what other religions were really all about. I'm glad that I discovered Study Circle and grateful to all those who shared their perspective of their religion and helped me think from different angles and understand better.
Reading the original texts of different religions has led me to believe that all stem from the same source, all have gems of wisdom, and all have been used as tools by certain people to oppress and exploit others. Thus, I do not base my beliefs on the practices of others. My beliefs are based upon what I honestly and sincerely consider to be the truth, based upon whatever little research that I'm able to do, and I pray that I be guided to truth. Amen.

Quran, Muhammad and willful submission

A, you write frequently and claim that your view of a godless universe is indeed the correct view. You probably have followers (people who agree with your contention and world-view). If some of them were to relate what you said about something, and they to others, and yet others, and the chain was to go on... ever played Chinese whispers??? Can you guess what the message would morph into? And throw in a mix of some devious mischief-mongers who deliberately make some changes to your views and comments. Imagine!
As I have stated earlier, the arabic Quran is the word of Allah, guarded and preserved by Him as a guidance for all humanity. The hadith books are human compilation and subject to scrutiny just as much as any other human work. If some people choose to follow it without question and evaluation, they are just as free to do so as they are to follow (or not) any religion. As for your accusation about Allah being discriminatory in giving guidance, the fact of the matter is that we all have been equally blessed with life, signs in nature, a conscience, and the Quran. Though He blesses all of us with all these as well as varying degrees of wordly comforts and joys (or trials and tribulations), He wishes willful obedience from us. Had He wished, He could have made us all Muslims, but that is not the idea. He has sent us here on trial, and those who choose to willfully submit to His will qualify for Heaven. The Quran is a message, confirming the Prophets, Books and Messages of old, a message of glad tidings for those who believe and do good deeds, and a warning for those who choose not to. It's purpose is to guide those who choose guidance. Only those who choose and seek guidance will be guided. Those who reject will not be forced against their will. But, God makes plain His warning, so that those who reject, the Word is proven against them and they have no excuse on the Day of Judgement. The Prophets will be allowed to intercede only on behalf of those whom Allah allows them to intercede for. The command will indeed completely belong to God. The verses describing the Day of Judgement are only intended to convey a feel of the magnificence and awe. We cannot really begin to appreciate it while trapped in our mortal bodies and limited knowledge, or atleast I can't.
Mainstream Islam believes that Muhammad was mortal and that he died. Though we greatly love and honour our dear Prophet and those who went before him, we firmly believe that he is human. The hadith books did not exist at the time the Quranic verse of obedience to the Prophet was revealed. Simply explained, as the Prophet's entire life was complete obedience of Allah as revealed in the Quran, we are to follow his example and try to obey the Quran in letter and in spirit. Furthermore, as we are told, our dear Prophet was extremely humble and decent and would never tell others if they were being too forward or disrespectful of him, which is why Allah revealed the verses instructing proper conduct (the Prophet was obliged to recite all revealed verses, so he had no choice in the matter).
As for people belonging to other religions, when the Quran was being revealed, Jews and Christians also lived there. Jews were those who did not believe in Jesus, and Christians were those who believed in Jesus as well as all the prophets before him. In either case, both these groups did not believe Muhammad to be a prophet. Yet, in certain verses, Allah speaks very highly of certain People of the Book who were extremely pious. As I understand, belief in one God and continuous search for truth and guidance, and willful submission and piety is what is required, not a particular religious brand.
Holy Quran 5:119 Allah will say: "This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah. That is the great salvation.
As for the muslim confession of shahdah, the translation is: there is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Whenever we recite it, we are immediately reminded that only Allah is divine. Religions of afore have repeatedly made the mistake of glorifying their prophets to the extent that they've deified them; we are reminded over and over again to remember to not to commit this grave mistake. There is only one God, the Creator and Sustainer of all, and to whom shall be the final return.
May Allah guide us all.
Regards,
Samiya

Moral Code

A Jew pointed out the following verse to somebody as an example of what he means when he says the Holy Quran is a good book.
Verse 2:195 says: 'And spend in the way of All-h and cast not your selves to perdition with your own hands, and do good (to others), for surely All-h loves the doers of good.'

To it, he got this response:
To me this quote is like a lot of ancient scriptural quotes, veritually useless or meaningless. What is Good? How does one know what is good and what is evil? Should we take of the tree of knowledge of good and evil so we can do good, even thought some scriptures say we should not do this?
This quote does point out that WE are the ones who cast OURSELVES into perdition. We are therefore the powerful ones here. In a sense this points out what many have realized: WE ARE GOD or All-h. Those who are not yet awake cannot accept this.

My Response: The moral code has been inbuilt in all humans. We instinctively know what's good and what's right, and what's bad and what's wrong. When we do good, we experience inner harmony and a sense of satisfaction, while when we do wrong, our conscience bothers us, creating internal dissonance. For further knowledge, read the Quran from begining till end. You will know what is good and what is evil.
A good english translation would be by Abdullah Yusuf Ali or Muhammad Pickthal. Both are available on www.searchtruth.com/list.php

If you have any questions regarding any verse, please do post. I'll be glad to help.

The Holy Quran 2:2

Question: Sura #2:2 reads "This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah." (I hope I annotated that correctly.)
The bible also talks about fearing God. Yet the bible has more advanced teachings beyond that that teach to love God and that love drives out fear, demonstrating that one cannot both love and fear the same thing, and that love is stronger, more powerful and healthier.
So does the Koran also teach that there are better things than to fear Allah? Does it have any higher level teachings or is it just for beginners?
If it does have higher level teachings where are they? I have never been able to find any nor have I been able to find anyone who knows of any.

Answer: This is the trouble with translations. The word that's translated as fear, lil-muttaqeen, is actually a much broader term which can be more accurately translated as 'for the God-aware'. God-awareness encompasses much more, it is a state of consciousness where one acknowledges the presence and awareness of the Creator and Sustainer at all times, loving Him and fearing Him at the same time, and living a life seeking His pleasure. Compare the following translations:
Transliteration 2: Thalika alkitabu la rayba feehi hudan lilmuttaqeena
Yusuf Ali 2: This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.
Shakir 2: This Book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to those who guard (against evil).
Pickthal 2: This is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil).
Mohsin Khan: 2: This is the Book (the Qur'an), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqun [the pious believers of Islamic Monotheism who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)].
http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display_all.php?chapter=2

The subsequent verses further define who God-aware people are:
2 This is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil).
3 Who believe in the Unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that We have bestowed upon them;
4 And who believe in that which is revealed unto thee (Muhammad) and that which was revealed before thee, and are certain of the Hereafter.
5 These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the successful.
http://searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=2&translator=4

Will insh'Allah post select verses of the good from the Quran later.

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J, further to our previous exchange, please note that fear of God also means fear of the consequences of our bad deeds.
Also, if there is no God, what drives you to do good, especially when doing good may not appear to be in your best interest?

You asked: Does it [the Holy Quran] have any higher level teachings or is it just for beginners?
Answer: Quran offers guidance for all. It is a beginner's guide and an advanced course, all put together. There are many shades of meanings to the verses, and every re-read teaches one something new. And the best part, each meaning builds upon or enhances the previous understanding.
To the beginner, it may appear as a simple book. Well, good for the beginner. Its easy to start with something simple.
As you progress, and re-read, you find that there is so much more to it, it just never ceases to amaze you!

Here are a few verses listing good deeds:
The Holy Quran, Chapter 17, Verses 23-37
23 Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age with thee, say not "Fie" unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word.
24 And lower unto them the wing of submission through mercy, and say: My Lord! Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was little.
25 Your Lord is Best Aware of what is in your minds. If ye are righteous, then lo! He was ever Forgiving unto those who turn (unto Him).
26 Give the kinsman his due, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and squander not (thy wealth) in wantonness.
27 Lo! the squanderers were ever brothers of the devils, and the devil was ever an ingrate to his Lord.
28 But if thou turn away from them, seeking mercy from thy Lord, for which thou hopest, then speak unto them a reasonable word.
29 And let not thy hand be chained to thy neck nor open it with a complete opening, lest thou sit down rebuked, denuded.
30 Lo! thy Lord enlargeth the provision for whom He will, and straiteneth (it for whom He will). Lo, He was ever Knower, Seer of His slaves.
31 Slay not your children, fearing a fall to poverty, We shall provide for them and for you. Lo! the slaying of them is great sin.
32 And come not near unto adultery. Lo! it is an abomination and an evil way.
33 And slay not the life which Allah hath forbidden save with right. Whoso is slain wrongfully, We have given power unto his heir, but let him not commit excess in slaying. Lo! he will be helped.
34 Come not near the wealth of the orphan save with that which is better till he come to strength; and keep the covenant. Lo! of the covenant it will be asked.
35 Fill the measure when ye measure, and weigh with a right balance; that is meet, and better in the end.
36 (O man), follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge. Lo! the hearing and the sight and the heart - of each of these it will be asked.
37 And walk not in the earth exultant. Lo! thou canst not rend the earth, nor canst thou stretch to the height of the hills.

IT SEEMS BIOLOGY (NOT RELIGION) EQUALS MORALITY

Comments on: http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/hauser09/hauser09_index.html
Very true. Morality is built-in in our biology (or soul) so that all humans ( and for that matter, animals also) know that lying, cheating, not giving full measure, fraud, hurting somebody's feelings, etc, etc are wrong. Be athiest or theist, young or old, our conscience pricks us every time we do something wrong. The purpose of religion is not to teach morality, but to confirm it, to emphasize being true to that inner voice, and discovering the true purpose of this otherwise meaningless existence. It attempts to guide us where we may go wrong, where our emotions may lead us astray, where our judgement may flounder. For instance, if we take the example of the Holy Quran, it barely talks about Marriage, Business, Personal Property, but does give detailed advice on social issues pertaining to Divorce, Usury, Inheritance, etc.
If I were to summarize what I understand religion's aim, to me it is: To make a good and nice person better, to polish an uncut gem bringing to fore its true beauty!
Thank you for sharing the article.

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It helps the faithful in keeping their duty: 

ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ

That (is) the book no doubt in it, a Guidance for the God-conscious.

[Al-Quran 2:2] 

Related Post: The Covenant & Its Ratification  

Last updated on: January 7, 2018

Verses regarding War (The Holy Quran, Ch 9)

Question: "Are you familiar with the contents of Surah 9 (At-Tauba), and are you comfortable with the implications of many of its verses, especially verse 5?" The 129 verses of this very long Surah contain many verses suggesting an animosity towards other religions and anyone who is not Muslim.
*** Verse Five."Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (5)"*** Verses Thirty thru Thirty-Three."And the Jews say:. Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah. That is their saying with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved of old. Allah (himself) fighteth against them. How perverse are they! (30)"They have taken as lords beside Allah their rabbis and their monks and the Messiah son of Mary, when they were bidden to worship only One God. There is no god save Him. Be He glorified from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him)! (31)"Fain would they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah disdaineth (aught) save that He shall perfect His light, however much the disbelievers are averse. (32)"He it is who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion, however much the idolaters may be averse. (33)"*** Verse One Hundred and Twenty-Three."O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him). (123)"
These are some of the verses that suggest intolerance of non-Muslims. Please be aware that I could easily find a number of intolerant verses in passages from the New Testament or the Talmud as well. Abrahamic religions were born in a culture of intolerance, while many of the eastern religions show little sign of such intolerance in their sacred scriptures.Is their anything that can be done, from the Islamic perspective, to help the Abrahamic religions get beyond such expressions of intolerance without sacrificing essential tenets of their faith?

Answer: To answer your question regarding the verses which call on to armed struggle in the name of God, a little background is necessary for a better understanding.
It appears to have been the tradition of God Almighty that whenever He has sent messengers with clear signs for the guidance of humans, He has given them clear victory over their opponents.
Noah was rejected by most of his people, the handful who believed survived the Great Flood.
Lot was disbelieved and rejected, Sodom was destroyed.
Moses was disbelieved, Pharoah met his death, and the enslaved tribes of Israel were able to cross over and escape.
They tried to crucify Jesus, Allah saved Jesus, and decreed that those who believed in Jesus will be above those who disbelieved in him, and thus the Jews, inspite of thier intelligence and brilliance, are always in need of protection. In the medieval times, they sought refuge in Muslim lands, now they need US veto and aid. An abiding punishment for rejecting the Prophet.
The Quran is full of repeated examples of nations to whom prophets came, were disbelieved in, and thus, after proving their persistent rejection of truth, finally incurred the wrath of the Almighty. The key words here are 'rejecting clear signs'_ the people knew that this was the truth and yet they insisted upon rejecting it, hence they established the case against their own souls. God does not do injustice, He sent signs and messengers bearing truth and glad tidings, prophets who told of the hereafter, of what was to become of those who insisted on rejecting what they knew to be the truth, and what was to be the outcome of those who embraced faith with all their heart.
The people of Prophet Muhammad's time are repeatedly being invited to faith, throughout the Quran, as well as reminded of the end of those nations which rejected God's message, so that they have no argument against it when it befalls them. The verses you quote are time-specific, as they are directives during those periods when the muslims were in a state of war with the non-believers. They had treaties with some of them which were being violated time and again. Also, bear in mind that most of these wars were defensive, as the muslims had migrated to Medina with little or no material belongings, and the Muslims of Medina were hosting and sharing with them, thus the muslims were fighting more on faith whereas the opponents were far stronger militarily. These were special times, events and circumstances in the Prophet's time. These verses do not mean that we can take the licence and, go and kill. A proper declaration was made to those with whom Muslims had entered in treaty, only to see them repeatedly breached, that hence the treaty stood revoked and dissolved, and a warning of 4 months time was given to them to either mend their ways or prepare for war.
Specifically, these verses are set in the backdrop of 9 and 10AH (AH means after migration to Medina. 8AH is the year the Muslims conquered Makkah).Also, please remember that Muslims were required to follow strict rules during war, such as not attacking women and children, if a non-believer combatant would, on coming under a sword, say that he believed in Islam, killing him was prohibited. Once, in such a situation, a companion of the Prophet went ahead and killed such a person, on the plea that he only said that to save his life, yet was severely reprimanded and questioned how he could say such a thing with any certainty when he couldn't peep into peoples' hearts! Unlike regular armies, which loot and plunder and rape when victors, Muslims are strictly prohibited from any such acts.
When Makkah was conquered, it was declared that all people are safe and no one will be done any injustice with. The religion of Islam carries the message of peace, and strives to lift humanity out of the sufferings and injustices that we humans unwittingly allow to be perpetrated upon us by other humans, it seeks to establish social justice and freedom, and states: "There is no compulsion in religion (2:256)".
There are many verses in the Quran which tell us that there are people among the Jews and the Christians and Sabians( and others), who are pious and doers of good, and will be rewarded by the Almighty for their beliefs and good deeds. In Surah Maida, we are told that we are permitted to share meals with the people of the book... you don't invite sworn enemies over feasts, do you? Allah does not contradict Himself, therefore, it is important to understand the verses with reference to context. God forbid, if you are in a state of war with somebody, what would you advice your soldiers? And would your directives be applicable for quoting in peace-time with friendly nations, or be equally applicable to peaceful or innocent citizens?
Another great tragedy of our times is the mis-reporting in the media. Evil people with criminal agendas exist in all societies. When a non-muslim does some such act, his or her religion is never dragged into the limelight. But when a muslim does some such act, the religion is highlighted to make it appear as the fault of the teachings of the religion rather than the person's own crime. Besides, people who have been oppressed and robbed of their land and belongings, their people killed, if they are throwing stones out of frustration at big tanks which threaten their very existence, who bears the bigger blame? These can be understood as desperate reactions. Whereas, as far as suicide bombings, etc are concerned, as muslims, we are not allowed to hurt innocent, unarmed people; these are organized crimes perpetrated on unarmed people, must have a source of funding and proper planning, and thus must be seen as deliberate criminal acts and the perpetrators dealt with accordingly.
As far as the relevance to today's wars are concerned, as one scholar explained to me, after the Prophet's demise, the Muslim Caliphs only conquered the lands that had been sent invitations to believe in the prophethood of Muhammad, and inspite of knowing that he was the messenger of God, yet chose to reject the message. They stopped short of going any further than those lands, inspite of favourble conditions for conquest. The scholar was of the opinion that we should not try to apply those verses to today's wars, as the Prophet is no longer between us.
You may wish to read this introduction, summary and explanation of Ch 9 by Abdullah Yusuf Ali: http://www.quran4u.com/Tafsiraya/009%20Tawbah.htm

Shariah Law

Question: "What is Sharia Law?" What authority does it have in Islam? Is it based upon the Quran or upon some other holy scripture? Is it Sharia Law that dictates theocratic rule of nations?

Answer: The Quran contains very few direct laws which basically comprise the Shariah of Allah. Other than that, based on the recorded practice of the Prophet and the new legal situations as they arose, jurists tried to formulate laws based on their knowledge of the Quran, Hadith and Law itself. These have, over the years, come to be regarded as the Shariah Laws. There is a debate among Muslims as to whether these jurists' laws, as formulated centuries ago, are directly applicable to all people at all times, or whether they are open to further improvement based on the fundamental directives in the Quran, and the current situations specific to our time and age. The Shariah Laws thus have various versions depending on the works of different jurists, and thus the Shariah Laws in use in Saudi Arabia are slightly different from the ones in Iran.
Also, for a broader perspective on Shariah, check out http://khalidzaheer.com/essays/kzaheer/islamic%20shariah/what_is_islamic_and_what_is_not.html

God, Quran, love and good deeds.....

According to my understanding of Islam, as is in the Quran, all those who believe in the Unity of the One and Only Creator, worship Him alone, do good deeds and live a good honest life, and bear with patience whatever trials life brings their way, take care of those around them especially the poor, needy and orphans, and do all this not to be seen of ( and rewarded/applauded by) men, but for the love of God, have nothing to fear, as Allah is Most Just, Most Merciful, Ever Loving, and nobody will suffer any injustice in the least.
Also, Allah invites all humans again and again to guidance and truth, and offers forgiveness for all things past, if a person willingly comes to truth, and solemnly resolves to give up all sinful deeds and live a just and faithful life. In fact, the doors of repentance are open till before the time a person sees the angel of death/ knows that his/her time is up….. as then it is too late……. We are required to realize the Oneness of the Only Creator/Sustainer through the signs (and science) all around us. We are supposed to reflect and wonder and arrive at the conclusion ourselves that all this around us is not mere chance, that there must be a Creator and all this is His creation, and that it stands to reason that there can be no more than One Creator.
Allah has sent prophets and books for guidance to mankind throughout the ages. Muhammad was the last messenger, and the Holy Quran the final revelation, which Allah has thus taken it upon Himself to protect it from changes, as no more revelations are to be sent. As this is a divine book, and we humans would wonder whether this actually is the very word of God, Allah has kept multiple layers of miracles in it to appeal to all ages and all intellects. It appeals to the morality of our very conscience, and seems to speak the same language. It focuses on the rights of individuals and relations, and strives to create a socially just and vibrant society, where justice, compassion and peace are the order of the day. It exhorts it readers to wonder, look around, explore all things around, and gives such exact descriptions of certain scientific phenomenon that one wonders just how could anybody except God Himself author such a perfect account of everything. Historically, it narrates the accounts of the prophets and the peoples of the past in terms so precise and to-the-point, without unnecessarily romanticising, unlike any such description found in any other book. It foretells certain facts which have turned out to be true. It is mathematically guarded such that not a single alphabet of the Arabic text can be deleted or altered. And to those who’ve read it before, reading again and again reveals layers upon layers of meaning, spiritually raising the reader to higher dimensions of understanding and faith.
To know that God is, and to love Him and obey Him, as He deserves to be loved and obeyed, for to Him we owe all thanks, for the gift of life and all else, and to Him is our final return.

What is meant by 'if' in the scriptures

Question: Thank you for the excerpt from the Quran as well, as I am unfamiliar with it at this time. One similarity between the bible and the Quran seems to be the word "if".
M has commented on this several times and made a good point of that word indicating the Holy One's love being conditional. In other words, "if" you do this I will love you.
I can see that and try to remain cognizant of it when I read any religious text.
However, there is another perspective. This one was also discussed during the Kabbalah workshop I attended this week. Rabbi W stated that when a scripture says "if" it actually means "when". For instance, "If you study diligently you will surely graduate. ". This statement is not entirely different from something like, "If you live by these words you will surely go to heaven".
Both statements indicate the result of a given action, not an "if you do this, then I'll do that" type of transaction. Which is very different than how we were perceiving it. It truly sheds a new light on everything IMHO.
From what I can tell, it seems to apply to both the bible and the Quran. Do you feel this true?

Answer: Yes, I agree with Rabbi W’s explanation of the word if…….. the book of God is a guidance for mankind and, as such, tells us which actions and beliefs lead us in which direction, and what is the ultimate destination. We believe that Torah, Bible, Quran and many other books/revelations have been sent earlier from the Almighty for the guidance of mankind, so essentially, Yes, the style is consistent throughout: glad tidings for the right beliefs and actions, warning for those who choose other paths. I guess this is the basic requirement for justice, all souls shall carry the burden of their beliefs and actions, and no soul shall be wronged in the slightest.

Can any of the Holy Scriptures be totally trusted?

Question: My next BIG question is:CAN ANY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES BE TOTALLY TRUSTED ?Working on the ASSUMPTION that all humans are limited in their knowledge and understanding of God, and what they hear, read, or learn is strongly influenced by their culture and pre-existing world views, and perhaps shaped by their inner mental and emotional motives, can ANY of the writings of the various prophets be trusted to be totally accurate, or is it the case that that any sort of literal reading is too be avoided. Apart from the FACT that women often get a bad deal in most of the holy scriptures, I am also concerned that God is so often portrayed as being exclusively Male, and that so many of the holy scriptures paint an all too restricted and conveniently human image of God. IF such a thing as God exists, I hope She is more intelligent and compassionate than the ones portrayed in the world's holy scriptures. My guess is that no one religion has ALL the answers, and as Mark has already said, God remains a "Great Mystery".Just Being Curious & Exploring,

Answer: Yes, the Arabic Quran is a holy scripture that can be totally trusted.
Reason: Mathematically, Scientifically, Morally it stands the test.
Explanation: Allah/God has taken it upon himself to protect it. Any copy of the Holy Quran anywhere in the world contains the same alphabets in the same order. The numbering of the sentences may be different in some copies, but the exact alphabets and words in the exact same sequence are always there. For example, all Chapters (Surahs) begin with Bismillah hir Rahman nir Rahim (In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful): Some mark it as the first sentence while others mark it as the header, and the following sentence is marked as 1. Also, most copies list Surah Fatiha as Chapter 1 while some mark it as an opening prayer. Now, as a science student, you will be able to appreciate the following: if we take Surah Fatiha as the opening prayer, and Surah Baqarah as Chapter 1, then counting till the chapter titled Iron, the count is 56 which is the atomic weight of Iron(Fe). Then again, if you count the bismillah as the first sentence, then the count till the sentence which contains the mention of Iron is number 26, which is the atomic number of Iron.
Another example: Surah Rum or the Roman Empire (30:3 or 29:4, depending on how one counts), it says that ‘fi adna l-ardi’, now we know that Arabic language comprises of root words which lend themselves to an array of meanings, one of which can be: lowest part of the Earth……now you will be surprised to learn that the Romans were defeated by the Persians in the Dead Sea valley, which is indeed the lowest part on the surface of the Earth (land), being approximately 400m below sea level. This verse also goes on to foretell that after this they will soon be victorious…….. and indeed, history is witness to the fact that the Romans later on did win.
Point to Ponder: Prophet Muhammad was not only illiterate, science had not progressed to such a level in the 7th Century AD. Some people respond to this with the argument that he was inspired not by God but by a djinn, and thus such scientific accuracy is there which was unknown to humans at that time. Why would a djinn or any other creature inspire Muhammad with such a wonderful book which seeks to glorify the one and only creator alone? Links: You may do some research for more evidence from the following linkshttp://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/index.htm http://19.org/download/19_001.wmv http://www.quran.org/science/origin.htm There are many more sites on the web; for scientists you may look up Maurice Bucaille and Nurbaki to begin with; you might even look up youTube and Google videos.Also, do check out: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5897202495636098966&ei=aaEkSuWDNIe8wgOXm_XSCQ&q=islam+and+science http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjDBlH9Thug

Allah is not the moon-god!

The article posted on Fri Dec 12, 2008 contained some serious mis-information regarding Allah and Islam. Please find below
1. Verses from the Holy Quran directly answering the allegation that Allah was moon-god, and laat, manaat and uzza were his daughters
2. Verses from the Holy Quran regarding Prophet Abraham, and the Jewish and Christian faith
3. History of how, when and by whom was the crescent adopted as a symbol
Holy Quran Chapter 41
37 And of His portents are the night and the day and the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or the moon; but prostrate to Allah Who created them, if it is in truth Him Whom ye worship.

Holy Quran Chapter 53:
19 Have ye seen Lat. and 'Uzza,

20 And another, the third (goddess), Manat?
21 What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female?
22 Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair!
23 These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord!


And who forsaketh the religion of abraham save him who befooleth himself? Verily We chose him in the world, and lo! in the Hereafter he is among the righteous. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #130)

The same did abraham enjoin upon his sons, and also Jacob, (saying): O my sons! Lo! Allah hath chosen for you the (true) religion; therefore die not save as men who have surrendered (unto Him). ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #132)

And they say: Be Jews or Christians, then ye will be rightly guided. Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Nay, but (we follow) the religion of abraham, the upright, and he was not of the idolaters. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #135)

Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. ( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #136)

O People of the Scripture! Why will ye argue about abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye then no sense? ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #65)

Lo! those of mankind who have the best claim to abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who believe (with him); and Allah is the Protecting Guardian of the believers. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #68)

Say (O Muhammad): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was vouchsafed unto Moses and Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #84)

Say: Allah speaketh truth. So follow the religion of abraham, the upright. He was not of the idolaters. ( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #95)

Scientific accuracy of the hadith

Question: http://www.quran.org/science/origin.htm Well done! A fascinating exposition. Do the Hadith also contain examples?

Answer: Hadith are books written by humans........ they are prone to a lot of errors and memory lapses; scholars try to sift out the authentic, but even then, again its human work and subject to errors. Can't take it as an article of faith. I personally feel that since we have the Quran in its original form, why not concentrate on getting all spiritual information from it first, and then diversify to other books. Having been born in a muslim family, I've been blessed to have the Quran in my life all along, and I still find it to be an inexhaustible source of knowledge; as I age, and hopefully grow 'wiser', I continue to keep learning more and more from the same verses....... its just amazing how this book addresses all mental levels, and continues to fascinate and educate. Thus, I choose not to diversify yet. I do keep hearing different hadiths, I do read up books about the Prophet and his times, but I do know that all these are works of history, and just that.

Holy Quran: Text and Context

Question: I agree with you about the unreliability of hadiths. The problem with relying on a Qur'an-alone approach, though, is that it is very difficult to know the context of what is written in the Qur'an. And I'm not sure you can understand a text if you don't know the context.

Answer: Knowing the context, and actually following the text are two different things. For example, if we are being told to not to lie, to be just, to take care of orphans, to speak in the best manner, to measure properly, to abstain from eating or drinking certain things, to establish prayers, what beliefs and deeds will lead to salvation, what will lead us to hell, we do not need to know the context. Such things transcend time, and are applicable to all people in all ages. Also, there are verses speaking of the nature and the signs in it, such things come under the domain of scientific thought and inquiry, and need no background regarding the context. Also, verses dealing with the unseen, those that we can only know of by what He has revealed also need no context…. If we believe the author to be the true God, then we must believe in what we are being told, that there is only one God, that there is heaven and hell, that we will be made to account for our deeds and actions, and that we will then live there eternally.
Then there are certain verses which deal specifically with a certain event, like Allah speaking about the battle of Uhud, and what actually happened. Okay, if one knows the history, that’s a plus, but even if one doesn’t know, the essential elements and the lessons to be learnt from it have been mentioned in the verses. Similarly, there is a lot of mention of other nations, especially the Children of Israel, how they were the favoured nation, how prophets kept coming to them, and what were the reasons [deeds] which led them ‘out of favour’. There is a strong message and reminder for all people, and especially muslims, as to what good deeds are, how important they are, and how important it is to continue being good. Also, the Quran presents the essentials of all such histories, such that the point is not missed or lost, and the irrelevant details of the story are omitted. Besides, a reading of other books tends to present a very distorted/immoral/strange picture of some prophets, something which to my mind just cannot be possible. Prophets are specifically hand-picked by God, and as such are the best of us. It is thus difficult to believe the picture presented in those books, which makes the rest of the content also questionable.
And since Allah says that this book is a guidance for mankind, and I believe Allah to be the true God, why should I consult other books. He tells me that this book contains guidance, and that I must believe that He has sent prophets and books to earlier generations, and I must respect all of them, then I must. He does not ask us to take guidance from books written by humans, thus I don’t.

Source of the Quran

Question: The very first thing you should always do is look at the source of anything. The source was the new testament in the Bible. The Bible is thousands of years older than the Quran. The New Testament is 600 years older than the Quran. If you want to follow the one God you must learn all about him. The very oldest writings are not Quranic. Read the words of Y'Shua and you will hear of the love he had for you. And that we all are the children of our Father. Our Father does not say anywhere in the old or new testament that anyone is an infidel. To him anyone can be forgiven and loved. And our beloved Y'Shua so loved the world that he gave his precious life for us. In heaven they rejoice when a sinner turns to God. Not rejoice at ones death. God does not have us as slaves, he gave us free will like our own Father would. If God is Father to us all than we are all brothers and sisters to each other.

Answer: The source of Torah (Old Testament), Bible (New Testament) and Quran are all the same: Allah. He has sent Messengers, Prophets and Books for our guidance from time to time, because He loves us, and knows that we need help in this trial …. This life in this world…. and He repeatedly reminds us (specifically in the Holy Quran) that this is a temporary period of trial and then we shall be returned to an eternal life, and where we spend our eternity will depend on our beliefs, intents and deeds in the life of this world. Allah again and again calls people to repent….. To him anyone can be forgiven and loved! We all have time and opportunity to mend our ways, and purify our beliefs, thoughts and deeds. For help, He has blessed us with Holy Books. If you read the Holy Quran without any preconceived notions about Allah, Islam and Muslims, you will be surprised. The problem is, like all religions, the followers of Islam also do not adhere strictly to the Holy Book(Quran) sent for their guidance. Thus, they stray from the path, misinterpret verses out of context, and do things NOT ordained…. They may be causing pain and suffering to others, but the real loss is their own, as every soul will have to account for all its done, and that is because we have been given Free Will!