Guarding Prayers & The Middle Prayer

The following is an excerpt from a longer post titled: The Sustainer of the Worlds (رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ)

Establishing Prayer

Q98:5 lists establishing prayer as one of the key commands of the right religion. Surah alMomineen (The Believers) and alMa’arij (The Ways of Ascent) list the salient characteristics of the believers. One of the characteristics is that they are those who guard their prayers (root: ص ل و): 

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَلَىٰ صَلَوَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُونَ

And they who carefully maintain their prayers -

[Al-Quran 23:9, Translator: Saheeh International]

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَلَىٰ صَلَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُونَ

And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer:

[Al-Quran 70:34, Translator: Saheeh International]

The Middle Prayer & The Declining Sun

حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ

فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ فَرِجَالًا أَوْ رُكْبَانًا فَإِذَا أَمِنتُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَمَا عَلَّمَكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُوا تَعْلَمُونَ

Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.

And if you fear [an enemy, then pray] on foot or riding. But when you are secure, then remember Allah [in prayer], as He has taught you that which you did not [previously] know.

[Al-Quran 2:238-239, Translator: Saheeh International]

According to the ayah from Surah alBaqarah quoted above, Muslims are required to especially guard the middle prayers. Late afternoon is a very busy time for most people across most businesses and professions. There is debate regarding whether Asr (the late afternoon prayer) is or not the middle prayer. 

Prayer Timings

As we read in Surah alIsra: 

سُنَّةَ مَن قَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا قَبْلَكَ مِن رُّسُلِنَا وَلَا تَجِدُ لِسُنَّتِنَا تَحْوِيلًا   

أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِدُلُوكِ الشَّمْسِ إِلَىٰ غَسَقِ اللَّيْلِ وَقُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ إِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا

وَقُل رَّبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَاجْعَل لِّي مِن لَّدُنكَ سُلْطَانًا نَّصِيرًا

[That is Our] established way for those We had sent before you of Our messengers; and you will not find in Our way any alteration.

Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.

And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.

And say, "My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority."

[Al-Quran 17:77-80, Translator: Saheeh International]

Prayer Timings of the People of the Book

Notice in Q17:77, it is stated that it is the ‘established way’ and that there is never any change or alteration in it. I understand that this ayat is linked with the ayaat preceding and following it. So, the people of the Book must have also been enjoined prayers similarly. In Daniel we read:

¹⁰ And Daniel, when he hath known that the writing is signed, hath gone up to his house, and the window being opened for him, in his upper chamber, over-against Jerusalem, three times in a day he is kneeling on his knees, and praying, and confessing before his God, because that he was doing [it] before this.

[The Bible, Daniel 6:10, Translation: Young’s Literal Translation]

The Jews believe they are required to pray thrice daily as a practice received from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Christians also identify three to seven times of prayers from the scriptures, even though they believe they are not ‘duty-bound’ to pray them.   

Solomon & the Missed Prayer  

The Quran, Surah Saad, relates the loss Prophet-King Solomon suffered due to his negligence of the  prayer, his repentance and how his repentance was accepted, appreciated and magnificently rewarded:

وَوَهَبْنَا لِدَاوُودَ سُلَيْمَانَ نِعْمَ الْعَبْدُ إِنَّهُ أَوَّابٌ

إِذْ عُرِضَ عَلَيْهِ بِالْعَشِيِّ الصَّافِنَاتُ الْجِيَادُ

فَقَالَ إِنِّي أَحْبَبْتُ حُبَّ الْخَيْرِ عَن ذِكْرِ رَبِّي حَتَّىٰ تَوَارَتْ بِالْحِجَابِ

رُدُّوهَا عَلَيَّ فَطَفِقَ مَسْحًا بِالسُّوقِ وَالْأَعْنَاقِ

وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا سُلَيْمَانَ وَأَلْقَيْنَا عَلَىٰ كُرْسِيِّهِ جَسَدًا ثُمَّ أَنَابَ

قَالَ رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَهَبْ لِي مُلْكًا لَّا يَنبَغِي لِأَحَدٍ مِّن بَعْدِي إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ

فَسَخَّرْنَا لَهُ الرِّيحَ تَجْرِي بِأَمْرِهِ رُخَاءً حَيْثُ أَصَابَ

وَالشَّيَاطِينَ كُلَّ بَنَّاءٍ وَغَوَّاصٍ

وَآخَرِينَ مُقَرَّنِينَ فِي الْأَصْفَادِ

هَٰذَا عَطَاؤُنَا فَامْنُنْ أَوْ أَمْسِكْ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

وَإِنَّ لَهُ عِندَنَا لَزُلْفَىٰ وَحُسْنَ مَآبٍ

And We blessed David with Solomon—what an excellent servant ˹he was˺! Indeed, he ˹constantly˺ turned ˹to Allah˺.

˹Remember˺ when the well-trained, swift horses were paraded before him in the evening*.

He then proclaimed, “I am truly in love with ˹these˺ fine things out of remembrance for my Lord,” until they** went out of sight.

˹He ordered,˺ “Bring them back to me!” Then he began to rub down*** their legs and necks.

And indeed, We tested Solomon, placing a ˹deformed˺ body on his throne, then he turned ˹to Allah in repentance˺.

He prayed, “My Lord! Forgive me, and grant me an authority that will never be matched by anyone after me. You are indeed the Giver ˹of all bounties˺.”

So We subjected to him the wind, blowing gently at his command to wherever he pleased.

And ˹We subjected to him˺ every builder and diver of the jinn,

and others bound together in chains.

˹Allah said,˺ “This is Our gift, so give or withhold ˹as you wish˺, never to be called to account.”

And he will indeed have ˹a status of˺ closeness to Us and an honourable destination!

[Al-Quran 38:30-40, Translator: Dr Mustafa Khattab]

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And to David We gave Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah ].

[Mention] when there were exhibited before him in the afternoon* the poised [standing] racehorses.

And he said, "Indeed, I gave preference to the love of good [things] over the remembrance of my Lord until the sun** disappeared into the curtain [of darkness]."

[He said], "Return them to me," and set about striking*** [their] legs and necks.

And We certainly tried Solomon and placed on his throne a body; then he returned.

He said, "My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower."

So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently, wherever he directed,

And [also] the devils [of jinn] - every builder and diver

And others bound together in shackles.

[We said], "This is Our gift, so grant or withhold without account."

And indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return. 
[Al-Quran 38:30-40, Translator: Saheeh International]

* بِالْعَشِيِّ words with the same root are mostly translated as night / evening, and only in this ayat as afternoon by some translators. Compare different ayaat's translation here.  Compare 50+ English translations of ayat 31 here.  

** حَتَّىٰ تَوَارَتْ بِالْحِجَابِ does not contain the word sun, but translators assume it from the context. Compare 50+ English translations here.  
*** مَسْحًا means to wipe or gently pass hand, not strike. So I understand that this ayat is stating that he resumed enjoying the horses in spite of realising that the prayer had been missed. Note that the very next ayat states that it was after he was tried that he returned and repented. Compare 50+ English translations here. 

In a State of Loss

Asr is the name of the late afternoon Muslim prayer. Surah alAsr warns us:

وَالْعَصْرِ

إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ 

By the declining day,

Lo! man is a state of loss,

Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.

[Al-Quran 103:1-3, Translator: Pickthal]

How to Guard Prayers when in Danger

Surah anNisa elaborates on Q2:239 regarding guarding prayers even when in danger. It allows shortening prayer if there is fear of being attacked:

وَإِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَقْصُرُوا مِنَ الصَّلَاةِ إِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَن يَفْتِنَكُمُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِنَّ الْكَافِرِينَ كَانُوا لَكُمْ عَدُوًّا مُّبِينًا

4:102   وَإِذَا كُنتَ فِيهِمْ فَأَقَمْتَ لَهُمُ الصَّلَاةَ فَلْتَقُمْ طَائِفَةٌ مِّنْهُم مَّعَكَ وَلْيَأْخُذُوا أَسْلِحَتَهُمْ فَإِذَا سَجَدُوا فَلْيَكُونُوا مِن وَرَائِكُمْ وَلْتَأْتِ طَائِفَةٌ أُخْرَىٰ لَمْ يُصَلُّوا فَلْيُصَلُّوا مَعَكَ وَلْيَأْخُذُوا حِذْرَهُمْ وَأَسْلِحَتَهُمْ وَدَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَوْ تَغْفُلُونَ عَنْ أَسْلِحَتِكُمْ وَأَمْتِعَتِكُمْ فَيَمِيلُونَ عَلَيْكُم مَّيْلَةً وَاحِدَةً وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِن كَانَ بِكُمْ أَذًى مِّن مَّطَرٍ أَوْ كُنتُم مَّرْضَىٰ أَن تَضَعُوا أَسْلِحَتَكُمْ وَخُذُوا حِذْرَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَذَابًا مُّهِينًا

فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلَاةَ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمْ فَإِذَا اطْمَأْنَنتُمْ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَّوْقُوتًا

وَلَا تَهِنُوا فِي ابْتِغَاءِ الْقَوْمِ إِن تَكُونُوا تَأْلَمُونَ فَإِنَّهُمْ يَأْلَمُونَ كَمَا تَأْلَمُونَ وَتَرْجُونَ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَا لَا يَرْجُونَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا

When ye travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if ye shorten your prayers, for fear the Unbelievers May attack you: For the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.

When thou (O Messenger) art with them, and standest to lead them in prayer, Let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with thee, Taking their arms with them: When they finish their prostrations, let them Take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which hath not yet prayed - and let them pray with thee, Taking all precaution, and bearing arms: the Unbelievers wish, if ye were negligent of your arms and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush. But there is no blame on you if ye put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or because ye are ill; but take (every) precaution for yourselves. For the Unbelievers Allah hath prepared a humiliating punishment.

When ye pass (Congregational) prayers, celebrate Allah's praises, standing, sitting down, or lying down on your sides; but when ye are free from danger, set up Regular Prayers: For such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.

And slacken not in following up the enemy: If ye are suffering hardships, they are suffering similar hardships; but ye have Hope from Allah, while they have none. And Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.

 [Al-Quran4:101-104, Translator: Saheeh International]

And Allah knows best!

May Allah guide us all. 

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Please also read https://islamqa.info/en/129636  

Reposted with corrections 

Last updated on: May 22, 2024

Homosexuality, Adultery and Rape

The Quran is explained in detail, and provides guidance on all matters in which we may not be able to legislate appropriately on our own. Sexual orientations, and the sins and crimes associated with it fall under such a category where we get confused and have varied opinions.

Efforts to purify the NAFS is the object of this temporal life; as the womb is central to procreation, guarding it is of great importance.

Homosexuality 

وَاللَّاتِي يَأْتِينَ الْفَاحِشَةَ مِن نِّسَائِكُمْ فَاسْتَشْهِدُوا عَلَيْهِنَّ أَرْبَعَةً مِّنكُمْ فَإِن شَهِدُوا فَأَمْسِكُوهُنَّ فِي الْبُيُوتِ حَتَّىٰ يَتَوَفَّاهُنَّ الْمَوْتُ أَوْ يَجْعَلَ اللَّهُ لَهُنَّ سَبِيلًا

وَاللَّذَانِ يَأْتِيَانِهَا مِنكُمْ فَآذُوهُمَا فَإِن تَابَا وَأَصْلَحَا فَأَعْرِضُوا عَنْهُمَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ تَوَّابًا رَّحِيمًا

إِنَّمَا التَّوْبَةُ عَلَى اللَّهِ لِلَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ السُّوءَ بِجَهَالَةٍ ثُمَّ يَتُوبُونَ مِن قَرِيبٍ فَأُولَٰئِكَ يَتُوبُ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا

وَلَيْسَتِ التَّوْبَةُ لِلَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ السَّيِّئَاتِ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَهُمُ الْمَوْتُ قَالَ إِنِّي تُبْتُ الْآنَ وَلَا الَّذِينَ يَمُوتُونَ وَهُمْ كُفَّارٌ أُولَٰئِكَ أَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا

If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (Reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or God ordain for them some (other) way. 

If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, Leave them alone; for God is Oft-returning, Most Merciful. 

God accept the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent soon afterwards; to them will God turn in mercy: For God is full of knowledge and wisdom.

Of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil, until death faces one of them, and he says, "Now have I repented indeed;" nor of those who die rejecting Faith: for them have We prepared a punishment most grievous.

[Al-Quran, Surah an-Nisa, Ayaat 15-18, Translation: A. Yusuf Ali]

Adultery 

سُورَةٌ أَنزَلْنَاهَا وَفَرَضْنَاهَا وَأَنزَلْنَا فِيهَا آيَاتٍ بَيِّنَاتٍ لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

الزَّانِيَةُ وَالزَّانِي فَاجْلِدُوا كُلَّ وَاحِدٍ مِّنْهُمَا مِائَةَ جَلْدَةٍ وَلَا تَأْخُذْكُم بِهِمَا رَأْفَةٌ فِي دِينِ اللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَلْيَشْهَدْ عَذَابَهُمَا طَائِفَةٌ مِّنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

الزَّانِي لَا يَنكِحُ إِلَّا زَانِيَةً أَوْ مُشْرِكَةً وَالزَّانِيَةُ لَا يَنكِحُهَا إِلَّا زَانٍ أَوْ مُشْرِكٌ وَحُرِّمَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

وَالَّذِينَ يَرْمُونَ الْمُحْصَنَاتِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَأْتُوا بِأَرْبَعَةِ شُهَدَاءَ فَاجْلِدُوهُمْ ثَمَانِينَ جَلْدَةً وَلَا تَقْبَلُوا لَهُمْ شَهَادَةً أَبَدًا وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ تَابُوا مِن بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ وَأَصْلَحُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

وَالَّذِينَ يَرْمُونَ أَزْوَاجَهُمْ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُمْ شُهَدَاءُ إِلَّا أَنفُسُهُمْ فَشَهَادَةُ أَحَدِهِمْ أَرْبَعُ شَهَادَاتٍ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ لَمِنَ الصَّادِقِينَ

وَالْخَامِسَةُ أَنَّ لَعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ إِن كَانَ مِنَ الْكَاذِبِينَ

وَيَدْرَأُ عَنْهَا الْعَذَابَ أَن تَشْهَدَ أَرْبَعَ شَهَادَاتٍ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ لَمِنَ الْكَاذِبِينَ

وَالْخَامِسَةَ أَنَّ غَضَبَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهَا إِن كَانَ مِنَ الصَّادِقِينَ

وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ حَكِيمٌ

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ جَاءُوا بِالْإِفْكِ عُصْبَةٌ مِّنكُمْ لَا تَحْسَبُوهُ شَرًّا لَّكُم بَلْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مِّنْهُم مَّا اكْتَسَبَ مِنَ الْإِثْمِ وَالَّذِي تَوَلَّىٰ كِبْرَهُ مِنْهُمْ لَهُ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

لَّوْلَا إِذْ سَمِعْتُمُوهُ ظَنَّ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بِأَنفُسِهِمْ خَيْرًا وَقَالُوا هَٰذَا إِفْكٌ مُّبِينٌ

لَّوْلَا جَاءُوا عَلَيْهِ بِأَرْبَعَةِ شُهَدَاءَ فَإِذْ لَمْ يَأْتُوا بِالشُّهَدَاءِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ عِندَ اللَّهِ هُمُ الْكَاذِبُونَ

وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ لَمَسَّكُمْ فِي مَا أَفَضْتُمْ فِيهِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

إِذْ تَلَقَّوْنَهُ بِأَلْسِنَتِكُمْ وَتَقُولُونَ بِأَفْوَاهِكُم مَّا لَيْسَ لَكُم بِهِ عِلْمٌ وَتَحْسَبُونَهُ هَيِّنًا وَهُوَ عِندَ اللَّهِ عَظِيمٌ

وَلَوْلَا إِذْ سَمِعْتُمُوهُ قُلْتُم مَّا يَكُونُ لَنَا أَن نَّتَكَلَّمَ بِهَٰذَا سُبْحَانَكَ هَٰذَا بُهْتَانٌ عَظِيمٌ

يَعِظُكُمُ اللَّهُ أَن تَعُودُوا لِمِثْلِهِ أَبَدًا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

وَيُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ الْفَاحِشَةُ فِي الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ وَمَن يَتَّبِعْ خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَإِنَّهُ يَأْمُرُ بِالْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ مَا زَكَىٰ مِنكُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ أَبَدًا وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يُزَكِّي مَن يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

وَلَا يَأْتَلِ أُولُو الْفَضْلِ مِنكُمْ وَالسَّعَةِ أَن يُؤْتُوا أُولِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَالْمُهَاجِرِينَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَلْيَعْفُوا وَلْيَصْفَحُوا أَلَا تُحِبُّونَ أَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَرْمُونَ الْمُحْصَنَاتِ الْغَافِلَاتِ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ لُعِنُوا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

يَوْمَ تَشْهَدُ عَلَيْهِمْ أَلْسِنَتُهُمْ وَأَيْدِيهِمْ وَأَرْجُلُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

يَوْمَئِذٍ يُوَفِّيهِمُ اللَّهُ دِينَهُمُ الْحَقَّ وَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْحَقُّ الْمُبِينُ

الْخَبِيثَاتُ لِلْخَبِيثِينَ وَالْخَبِيثُونَ لِلْخَبِيثَاتِ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ لِلطَّيِّبِينَ وَالطَّيِّبُونَ لِلطَّيِّبَاتِ أُولَٰئِكَ مُبَرَّءُونَ مِمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ

A sura which We have sent down and which We have ordained in it have We sent down Clear Signs, in order that ye may receive admonition.

The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication,- flog each of them with a hundred stripes: Let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by God, if ye believe in God and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment.

Let no man guilty of adultery or fornication marry and but a woman similarly guilty, or an Unbeliever: nor let any but such a man or an Unbeliever marry such a woman: to the Believers such a thing is forbidden.

And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations),- flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors;-

Unless they repent thereafter and mend (their conduct); for God is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.

And for those who launch a charge against their spouses, and have (in support) no evidence but their own,- their solitary evidence (can be received) if they bear witness four times (with an oath) by God that they are solemnly telling the truth;

And the fifth (oath) (should be) that they solemnly invoke the curse of God on themselves if they tell a lie.

But it would avert the punishment from the wife, if she bears witness four times (with an oath) By God, that (her husband) is telling a lie;

And the fifth (oath) should be that she solemnly invokes the wrath of God on herself if (her accuser) is telling the truth.

If it were not for God's grace and mercy on you, and that God is Oft- Returning, full of Wisdom,- (Ye would be ruined indeed).

Those who brought forward the lie are a body among yourselves: think it not to be an evil to you; On the contrary it is good for you: to every man among them (will come the punishment) of the sin that he earned, and to him who took on himself the lead among them, will be a penalty grievous.

Why did not the believers - men and women - when ye heard of the affair,- put the best construction on it in their own minds and say, "This (charge) is an obvious lie" ?

Why did they not bring four witnesses to prove it? When they have not brought the witnesses, such men, in the sight of God, (stand forth) themselves as liars!

Were it not for the grace and mercy of God on you, in this world and the Hereafter, a grievous penalty would have seized you in that ye rushed glibly into this affair.

Behold, ye received it on your tongues, and said out of your mouths things of which ye had no knowledge; and ye thought it to be a light matter, while it was most serious in the sight of God.

And why did ye not, when ye heard it, say? - "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to God! this is a most serious slander!"

God doth admonish you, that ye may never repeat such (conduct), if ye are (true) Believers.

And God makes the Signs plain to you: for God is full of knowledge and wisdom.

Those who love (to see) scandal published broadcast among the Believers, will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: God knows, and ye know not.

Were it not for the grace and mercy of God on you, and that God is full of kindness and mercy, (ye would be ruined indeed).

O ye who believe! follow not Satan's footsteps: if any will follow the footsteps of Satan, he will (but) command what is shameful and wrong: and were it not for the grace and mercy of God on you, not one of you would ever have been pure: but God doth purify whom He pleases: and God is One Who hears and knows (all things).

Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want, and those who have left their homes in God's cause: let them forgive and overlook, do you not wish that God should forgive you? For God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Those who slander chaste women, indiscreet but believing, are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter: for them is a grievous Penalty,-

On the Day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions.

On that Day God will pay them back (all) their just dues, and they will realise that God is the (very) Truth, that makes all things manifest.

Women impure are for men impure, and men impure for women impure and women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity: these are not affected by what people say: for them there is forgiveness, and a provision honourable.

[Al-Quran, Surah an-Nur, Ayaat 1-26, Translation: A. Yusuf Ali] 

Rape 

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ لَعَنَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا مُّهِينًا

وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ بِغَيْرِ مَا اكْتَسَبُوا فَقَدِ احْتَمَلُوا بُهْتَانًا وَإِثْمًا مُّبِينًا

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا

لَّئِن لَّمْ يَنتَهِ الْمُنَافِقُونَ وَالَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ وَالْمُرْجِفُونَ فِي الْمَدِينَةِ لَنُغْرِيَنَّكَ بِهِمْ ثُمَّ لَا يُجَاوِرُونَكَ فِيهَا إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

مَّلْعُونِينَ أَيْنَمَا ثُقِفُوا أُخِذُوا وَقُتِّلُوا تَقْتِيلًا

سُنَّةَ اللَّهِ فِي الَّذِينَ خَلَوْا مِن قَبْلُ وَلَن تَجِدَ لِسُنَّةِ اللَّهِ تَبْدِيلًا

Those who annoy God and His Apostle - God has cursed them in this World and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating Punishment.

And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear (on themselves) a calumny and a glaring sin.

O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And God is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Truly, if the Hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who stir up sedition in the City, desist not, We shall certainly stir thee up against them: Then will they not be able to stay in it as thy neighbours for any length of time:

They shall have a curse on them: whenever they are found, they shall be seized and slain (without mercy).

(Such was) the practice (approved) of God among those who lived aforetime: No change wilt thou find in the practice (approved) of God.

[Al-Quran, Surah al-Ahzaab, Ayaat 57-62, Translation: A. Yusuf Ali] 

From the above ayaat, it seems clear that rape, and all other such offences, in which the woman's consent is not present, should be considered as crimes against them, and prosecuted as such.  

And Allah knows best!

Last updated on January 8, 2018

Arab Prophet with a Global Mission

I wrote to an email discussion group: I am absolutely convinced that the Qur'an and former scriptures are sent by Allah for our guidance, and contain details of all things. On the surface, it may appear that it is not so, but the more one studies the Arabic text of the Qur'an in depth, exploring the surahs and the ayaat, dwelling upon each word, it gets absolutely fascinating. It contains such wealth of knowledge, pointing us towards so many facts and realities! Please see the various posts on my blog: signsandscience.blogspot.com 

...

MSA asked:

So for understand the Quran and for unravel the treasure it contains, one must know Arabic and study the Quran in Arabic. Does it not make clear that Quran is only for those who know and understand Arabic?

That is why Allah had sent an Arabic speaking Prophet to the Arabic speaking people of Mecca and its neighborhood thus eliminating the need of translating the Quran into other languages. Are we willing to accept this Quran fact?

My Response:

تَبَارَكَ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ الْفُرْقَانَ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِ لِيَكُونَ لِلْعَالَمِينَ نَذِيرًا

Blessed is He Who sent down the Criterion upon His slave that he may be to the worlds a warner 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/25/1/

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

And not We have sent you except to all mankind (as) a giver of glad tidings and (as) a warner. But most [the] people (do) not know.

http://islamawakened.com/quran/34/28/ 

هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ شَهِيدًا

He (is) the One Who (has) sent His Messenger with guidance and (the) religion, the true that He (may) make it prevail over the religions all. And sufficient is Allah (as) a Witness. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/48/28/

مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَٰكِن رَّسُولَ اللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمًا

Not is Muhammad (the) father (of) anyone of your men but (he is the) Messenger (of) Allah and Seal (of) the Prophets. And Allah is of every thing All-Knower. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/33/40/

According to the Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad is the last of the series of prophets and his mission is to all people, not just the Arabs. The reason why I think he was sent as an Arab prophet is, as I have explained in my blogpost The Prophesy [signsandscience.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-battle.html]: 

Abstract

According to the verses of the Qur’an: the Arab Prophet-Messenger Muhammad, born and raised in the Arab major city of Makkah, speaking the native Arab language, and warning with a scripture revealed in Arabic, all together seem to be pointing to a major prophecy for the Middle East: the battle between the believers in the one true God and the followers of Satan, and the eventual triumph of Truth. 

Jesus Christ

In an email group, GM wrote: If you think that JESUS CHRIST is just a human being and the prophet of God, then surely you are talking about the ISA of the Quran. I am repeatedly telling the people in this forum that JESUS of the Bible and ISA of the Quran is totally different. Our Lord JESUS is none other than the GOD Almighty or SON of GOD or SON of MAN, but your ISA is NOTHING but a simple human being and a prophet of Allah. PAUL did NOT make JESUS God, but the Bible clearly vouches for HIS divinity. Kindly do your home-works on your Quran first and then the Bible. It is my earnest desire that you and the rest of Muslim world believe in JESUS and have ETERNAL LIFE. May the Spirit of God open your Eyes to the LIGHT, your Ears to the TRUTH, and your Heart to His SON, the Lord JESUS CHRIST. JESUS CHRIST, the Almighty God, bless you all….!

My Response: 

Please read: 

Virgin Birth

Abstract

Virgin birth of Jesus is a matter of much debate. What we believe or not is a matter of faith, and depends on how we read and interpret the scripture(s). However, scientists have been studying parthenogenesis, the term used to describe virgin birth. Though virgin birth has been widely observed in nature, there are very few cases of experimental virgin birth in mammals, and no known cases yet in the wild. Combining observed phenomenon with emerging studies in Biophysics, and using analogies of known computing and communication technology, we can try to comprehend and appreciate the miracle of virgin birth. 
Full Text

http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/10/virgin-birth.html

Jesus – Ascension & Return

Abstract

Several people across many religions expect a Messiah to come save the Believers. Some Muslims believe that Messiah Jesus (Masih Isa ibn-e-Maryam) was raised alive and is with God, while others assert that he died a natural death. Yet others are in doubt. This also leads them to assert that there will be no second coming of Jesus. Based on some verses of the Quran, I believe that Jesus was raised alive and will return as the Messiah. 
Full Text

http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2016/06/jesus-ascension-return.html

Dawah & Daee

قُل لِّمَن مَّا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ قُل لِّلَّهِ كَتَبَ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ الرَّحْمَةَ لَيَجْمَعَنَّكُمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ الَّذِينَ خَسِرُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

Say, "To whom (belongs) what (is) in the heavens and the earth?" Say, "To Allah." He has decreed upon Himself the Mercy. Surely He will assemble you on (the) Day (of) the Resurrection, (there is) no doubt about it. Those who have lost themselves, then they (do) not believe.

http://islamawakened.com/quran/6/12/

Just as Allah, the Ar-Rehman, the Most Gracious, has decreed mercy (rehmat) upon Himself, similarly He expects His devotees to also not react, but rather respond peacefully:  

And the servants of (God) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace!"; 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/25/63/  

The Believers must first adopt and practice the guidance in the Quran themselves, and then, staying within the limits prescribed, invite others to the faith: 

Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides God, lest they out of spite revile God in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did.

http://islamawakened.com/quran/6/108/ 

Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to God, works righteousness, and says, "I am of those who bow in Islam"? 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.

http://islamawakened.com/quran/41/33/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/41/34/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/41/35/

The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear God, that ye may receive Mercy. O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong. O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it...But fear God: For God is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/49/10/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/49/11/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/49/12/ 

And obey God and the Apostle; that ye may obtain mercy. Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,- Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men;- for God loves those who do good;- 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/3/132/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/3/133/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/3/134/ 

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. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/16/125/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/16/126/ 

When we find non-Believers blaspheming against Allah or His Messengers and Prophets or vainly arguing about the verses of the Quran, the Believers are restrained by the following verses: 

When thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes thee forget, then after recollection, sit not thou in the company of those who do wrong.

On their account no responsibility falls on the righteous, but (their duty) is to remind them, that they may (learn to) fear Allah. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/6/68/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/6/69/ 

Did the Prophet or his Companions ever react to offensive speech, and if so, how? 

Say: "Praise be to Allah, who begets no son, and has no partner in (His) dominion: Nor (needs) He any to protect Him from humiliation: yea, magnify Him for His greatness and glory!"

http://islamawakened.com/quran/17/111/

Also, please read: http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2011/01/blasphemy.html 

وَاكْتُبْ لَنَا فِي هَٰذِهِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ إِنَّا هُدْنَا إِلَيْكَ قَالَ عَذَابِي أُصِيبُ بِهِ مَنْ أَشَاءُ وَرَحْمَتِي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ فَسَأَكْتُبُهَا لِلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَالَّذِينَ هُم بِآيَاتِنَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

And ordain for us in this [the] world, good and in the Hereafter. Indeed, we we have turned to You." He said, "My punishment - I afflict with it whom I will, but My Mercy encompasses every thing. So I will ordain it for those who (are) righteous and give zakah and those who [they] believe in Our Verses.

http://islamawakened.com/quran/7/156/

Translations: Yusuf Ali / Pickthall / Literal (Word by Word) 

To compare 50+ English translations, please click on the link provided for each verse. 

Jesus - among those near God

In response to a question about evidence regarding Jesus' death in the Quran: 

Based on what I've understood of the Quran, I believe that Jesus [Essa Ibn e Mariam] was raised alive and brought near to Allah. 

Surah Al-Waqiah mentions three categories of people, among which the foremost in faith will be those brought near [أُولَٰئِكَ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ]. Interestingly, in the Quran, the only human being mentioned by name as among those brought near is Jesus:

إِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ اسْمُهُ الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَجِيهًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ

When said the Angels, "O Maryam! Indeed, Allah gives you glad tidings of a word from Him, his name (is) the Messiah, Isa, son (of) Maryam, honored in the world and (in) the Hereafter, and of those brought near (to Allah).

http://islamawakened.com/quran/3/45/

In Surah Nisa, the angels and Jesus are mentioned as those worshipping Allah: 

لَّن يَسْتَنكِفَ الْمَسِيحُ أَن يَكُونَ عَبْدًا لِّلَّهِ وَلَا الْمَلَائِكَةُ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ وَمَن يَسْتَنكِفْ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِ وَيَسْتَكْبِرْ فَسَيَحْشُرُهُمْ إِلَيْهِ جَمِيعًا

[Literal (word-by-word)] Never will disdain the Messiah to be a slave of Allah and not the Angels, the ones who are near (to Allah). And whoever disdains from His worship and is arrogant then He will gather them towards Him all together.

[Shakir] The Messiah does by no means disdain that he should be a servant of Allah, nor do the angels who are near to Him, and whoever disdains His service and is proud, He will gather them all together to Himself. 

[Yusuf Ali] Christ disdaineth nor to serve and worship God, nor do the angels, those nearest (to God): those who disdain His worship and are arrogant,-He will gather them all together unto Himself to (answer).

http://islamawakened.com/quran/4/172/

Interestingly, in Arabic grammar, present and future tense are both represented by the same verb. And so, the above verse can be understood as either in the present tense or the future tense. I understand it in the present tense.  

Word by word grammatical analysis: http://corpus.quran.com/wordbyword.jsp?chapter=4&verse=172 

WHAT to call LIFE?

JM asked: ... do you have a distinction WHAT to call LIFE? 

What life? human only, or "ANY"? including plant, microbial, inorganic, etc.?

Do the diverse kinds of such diversified life-listings have different Gods? 

Do a rose struggle to get into the ROSE-HEAVEN? (or into the same, where we may prefer to spend eternity?) ...

Answer: 

The following verses address some of your questions:

Present Creation

Do not see those who disbelieved that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, then We parted them and We made from [the] water every living thing? Then will not they believe? 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/21/30/ 

And present to them the example (of) the life (of) the world, like water which We send down from the sky, then mingles with it (the) vegetation (of) the earth then becomes dry stalks, it (is) scattered (by) the winds. And Allah over every thing (is) All Able. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/18/45/ 

And not [of] any animal in the earth and not a bird (that) flies with its wings - but (are) communities like you. We have not neglected in the Book [of] anything, then to their Lord they will be gathered. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/6/38/ 

Glory be (to) the One Who created (in) pairs all of what grows the earth and of themselves, and of what not they know. 

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

Creation in the Hereafter 

Regarding the details of the wonderful life promised in the Gardens of Eden, they are intended as a delightful surprise: 

And not knows a soul what is hidden for them of (the) comfort (for) the eyes (as) a reward for what they used (to) do. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/32/17/  

The Quran does list some of the characteristics of the Gardens promised for the Hereafter. What strikes me is that the characteristics listed are generally those which scientists theorise as primary conditions essential for life, as well as those to not to age or decay. I've listed some verses at: 

Immortality & A Kingdom that Never Decays: http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/11/mission-of-messengers-vi.html 

Bliss & Realm Magnificent: http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2014/09/bliss-realm-magnificent.html  

On the contrary, Immortality is also promised in Hell, but everything there will be in a state of decay, and thus great suffering will be the fate of those who must dwell there. The following are some aspects of that which I've tried to understand: 

Fuel of Hell: Humans & Stones: http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/03/fuel-of-hell-humans-and-stones.html 

Until the Camel passes through the Eye of the Needle: http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2014/05/until-camel-passes-through-eye-of-needle.html 

One and Only God

And they make with Allah partners - jinn though He has created them, and they falsely attribute to Him sons and daughters without knowledge. Glorified is He and Exalted above what they attribute. Originator (of) the heavens and the earth. How can be for Him a son while not (there) is for Him a companion, and He created every thing? And He (is) of every thing All-Knower. That (is) Allah your Lord, (there is) no god except Him, (the) Creator (of) every thing, so worship Him. And He (is) on every thing a Guardian. 

http://islamawakened.com/quran/6/100/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/6/101/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/6/102/ 

Quran Chapter 27, verses 60-66 question thus: 

1 Ta, Seen. These are the verses of the Qur'an and a clear Book 

...

60 [More precisely], is He [not best] who created the heavens and the earth and sent down for you rain from the sky, causing to grow thereby gardens of joyful beauty which you could not [otherwise] have grown the trees thereof? Is there a deity with Allah? [No], but they are a people who ascribe equals [to Him].

61 Is He [not best] who made the earth a stable ground and placed within it rivers and made for it firmly set mountains and placed between the two seas a barrier? Is there a deity with Allah? [No], but most of them do not know.

62 Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember.

63 Is He [not best] who guides you through the darknesses of the land and sea and who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy? Is there a deity with Allah? High is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.

64 Is He [not best] who begins creation and then repeats it and who provides for you from the heaven and earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Say, "Produce your proof, if you should be truthful."

65 Say, "None in the heavens and earth knows the unseen except Allah, and they do not perceive when they will be resurrected."

66 Rather, their knowledge is arrested concerning the Hereafter. Rather, they are in doubt about it. Rather, they are, concerning it, blind. 

...

92 And to recite the Qur'an." And whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] himself; and whoever strays - say, "I am only [one] of the warners."

93 And say, "[All] praise is [due] to Allah. He will show you His signs, and you will recognize them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do."

http://searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=27&translator=29