Adam's Clothes

MSA & IQ discussing the previous reply to MSA's query regarding Head Cover: 

IQ: "If Allah wants women to hide themselves with hijab, why are women not born with one?"

MSA: Good question. I would have also placed the same question before Allah, if I could reach Him!!

Answer: According to my study of the Quran, Adam and his wife were indeed clothed before they ate off the forbidden tree. I understand that if we are forgiven and eligible for the Garden of Eden, our DNA will be repaired and our original clothing (libas-ut-taqwa) restored on the Day of Judgement. 

Following are excerpts from my blogpost: 

Mission of the Messengers - III
No change should there be in the creation of Allah [Quran 30:30] 
Adam's Attempt to Improve upon Allah's Creation
Outcome: Mutated, Non-Functional Genes  

The Garden

Quran 20:118 informs us that there was enough in the Garden for Adam and his wife to neither go naked nor hungry.

The popular belief across religions is that Adam and his wife were naked, but only not aware of it. The Quran clearly states that they were not naked. I think this is a key to understanding what happened and the lesson for us in the story of Adam.  

Satan’s Deception: Desire and Temptation

Quran 20:120 informs us of Satan (Iblis)’s attempt to seduce Adam: Then whispered to him Shaitaan, he said, "O Adam! Shall I direct you to (the) tree (of) the Eternity and a kingdom not (that will) deteriorate?"  

The verses of the Quran are very clear that Adam sought Immortality and A Kingdom that Never Decays. According to scientific knowledge, we now know that changes in the genome cause fundamental changes in the organism. Modern science promises to increase longevity and eradicate disease by making sufficient advances in genomics.  Eugenics, Transhumanism, Posthuman and eventually Posthumanism all seek to transcend the human into a utopian superbeing, who will then no longer be a ‘human’. However, as illustrated by Adam’s example, efforts in this direction can only cause depletion and loss. God’s perfect creations cannot be improved upon!

Clothing Stripped Off

[Quran 20:121, Translation: Sahih International]  And Adam and his wife ate of it, and their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred.

When Adam and his wife were placed in the Garden, they were not naked. When they ate the fruit of the forbidden tree, their clothing was stripped off them and thus their nakedness became apparent. Consequently, they started covering themselves with leaves, repentantly praying that they had wronged themselves. They were forgiven and clothing was then again bestowed upon humans to cover themselves. 

...

...

Humans are among the rare creatures whose skins are bare and not covered with fur, feather, shell or some other form of covering to hide their body.

Scientists have discovered pseudogenes (mutated, inactive genes) in humans, which indicate that perhaps sometime in the distant past, human skin was covered in fur or feather.

Scientists have also discovered a faint glow (bioluminescence) being emitted from the human body. 

Perhaps before Adam and his wife ate of the cursed tree, the clothes were growing upon or glowing off their body, and were shed off due to mutation caused in the genes upon eating the forbidden fruit? Or perhaps, the clothes were not connected to their body, but were to be worn externally like we do here on Earth.  Either way, perhaps this is what is meant by ‘libas-ut-taqwa’, the one that Allah designed for humans. After all, nothing can excel Allah’s design – it has to be the best! Regarding the Hereafter, the Quran provides imagery of clothes made of silk and brocade, and adornments of gold and silver. Noteworthy is the fact that the imagery given is of only one kind of dress, that the ‘muttaqi’ will be adorned with in the Garden. There is no mention of any fancy wardrobe to pick and choose from. Therefore, I infer, that the ‘libas-ut-taqwa’ that the ‘muttaqi’ will be wearing in the Garden will be part of their body, covering and attached to their skins.  

Warning for the Progeny of Adam

Quran 7:27 warns us that: O Children (of) Adam! (Let) not tempt you [the] Shaitaan as he drove out your parents from Paradise, stripping from both of them their clothing to show both of them their shame. Indeed, he sees you - he and his tribe from where not you see them. Indeed, We have made the devils friends of those who (do) not believe.

Head Cover

MSA asked: Could you please refer me to the Quranic verse or verses that require the Muslim women to cover their heads with what is known as hijab? 

Answer: Quran 24:31 mentions the head gear (khumr) directing women to cover their chests with it. 

It is variously interpreted as (i) covering the head is mandatory since head gear is mentioned, (ii) not mandatory as it specifies what must be covered, and (iii) covering head is not allowed as the verse does not say so. 

Traditionally, till about a century ago, men and women used to wear head gears across most cultures and religions. Even statues of Mary, mother of Jesus, depict her wearing a head cover. People who are more religiously inclined cover their heads as a symbol of devotion or submission, across the spectrum of religions, such as nuns in the convents, and it is customary for brides to wear head gears across many cultures.  

 

Here is how I understand it: 

The Quran has been revealed as guidance for all humanity, across cultures, geographic conditions and economic circumstances. Each person has his / her own set of unique challenges and though basic minimum requirements must be met by all, those who can do more should try to reach higher levels of piety. 

 

Surah Noor starts with the statement (24:1) that this chapter has been revealed and ordained, and clear verses have been revealed so that we are reminded/receive admonition. The chapter concludes with the warning (24:64) that Allah knows what your intentions are, and will inform you of your deeds on the day you're brought back to him. In the middle, we are warned (24:21) to not to follow the footsteps of Satan, for he commands what is shameful and wrong, and that had it not been for the mercy of Allah on us, not one of us would have remained pure! A few verses after the verse mentioning headgear (24:31), we are informed (24:35) that Allah is the Noor (the light of guidance) of the Heavens and the Earth, and He guides to His Noor whom He wills. 

The verses of Surah Noor contain clear injunctions regarding social interactions and with whom close relations are permissible/prohibited. Punishment for adultery, believers prohibited from marrying adulterers and polytheists, punishment of those who launch a charge against chaste women, order regarding those who suspect their spouses but do not have any proof, making it so difficult to prove such a charge while severely dealing with proven cases, all aim towards a highly moral society. Further, strongly denounced are scandals and gossip-mongering, the broadcasting of evil and slandering, and it is termed as most serious in the sight of Allah, and we are strongly admonished against such thought and speech! Broadcasting of evil itself carries a grievous penalty for those who indulge in it. The above guidance and prohibitions are described (24:10, 24:14, 24:20) as Allah's grace and mercy on us, in this world and the Hereafter, and because Allah is Tawab (Oft-Returning) accepting repentance and forgiving, and because Allah is Wise.      

Society is a collection of individuals, and hence it is important that each individual acts aright for the society to be a highly moral society. So, 24:30 first orders men to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, and then 24:31 orders the same to women. As the desire for women has been beautified for mankind (3:41), thus women are further ordered to not to display their zeenat (beautification/adornment), except what is apparent thereof, to non-Mahram men, clearly listing the mahram relations, and defines two exceptions: (i) male domestic staff who are free of such physical needs and (ii) young children unaware of the nakedness of women. The verse concludes with: 

وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

And turn to Allah altogether O believers! So that you may succeed.

So, what I take from this chapter, and specifically verse 24:31 is that covering the chest is mandatory while covering the head as well is the better thing to do. However, that would vary with the unique conditions of that particular woman's social, economic and geographical environment. The idea is to be modest and not draw unnecessary / unwanted attention to oneself and not use one's feminine charms. It is in the interest of the woman's own personal safety and piety.  

May Allah guide us to a better and clearer understanding of the Deen, and the piety to observe it in letter and in spirit.  

Nabi & Rasool

ZK asked: Was Nabi Muhamad a Nabi? or a Rasool? or Both ? How many Prophets were sent overtime? and How many Rasools?...Did Naboowat end? what about Risalat? Or did both end? Are all Nabis also Rasools? and vice versa? who received scriptures or the revealed Books? Nabi? Rasool? and what is the "qualification" or indicators of those who had received the revelations? were they only Nabi's? or just Rasools? or both? Kindly clarify ! Thanks...

Answer: Please find my answers (in black) below your questions:

Was Nabi Muhamad a Nabi? or a Rasool? or Both ? 

Both 

How many Prophets were sent overtime? and How many Rasools?...

The Quran does not give a number. 

And certainly We have sent Messengers before you. Among them (are) who - We have related to you, and among them (are) who - not We have related to you. And not is for any Messenger that he brings a Sign except by (the) permission (of) Allah. So when comes (the) Command (of) Allah, it will be decided in truth, and will lose there the falsifiers. [http://islamawakened.com/quran/40/78/ ] 

Did Naboowat end? what about Risalat? Or did both end? 

According to my understanding of Quran verses 3:33,34 [http://islamawakened.com/quran/3/33/ , http://islamawakened.com/quran/3/34/ ] and 33:40 [http://islamawakened.com/quran/33/40/] Naboowat (prophethood) ended with Muhammad as the last prophet, as the prophets were all male descendants from the same family tree, tracing it right up to Noah and Adam; and after Abraham, from the progeny of Isaac and Ishmael, ending with Jesus and Muhammad respectively. 

Are all Nabis also Rasools? and vice versa? 

The word rasool has been used in the Quran for both human messengers and angel messengers. Angels come with Allah's decision, such as the ones who came to Abraham and informed him that they were sent to punish the people of Lot. 

And they said, "Why has not been sent down to him an Angel?" And if We (had) sent down an Angel, surely (would) have been decided the matter then no respite would have been [http://islamawakened.com/quran/6/8/ ]

If I'm not missing some key verse(s), all bani Adam rasools (messengers) were nabi (prophets), that is a rasool was a nabi who came with a decision and served a notice to the people to stop indulging in their criminal activities, else the punishment of Allah will necessarily come in the lifetime of the rasool. 

[Quran 17:15, Translation: Literal (Word by Word)] Whoever (is) guided then only he is guided for his soul. And whoever goes astray then only he goes astray against it And not will bear one laden with burden, burden (of) another. And not We are to punish until, We have sent a Messenger.

[Quran 30:47, Translation: Literal (Word by Word)] And verily, We sent before you Messengers to their people, and they came to them with clear proofs; then We took retribution from those who committed crimes. And it was incumbent upon Us (to) help the believers.  

[Quran 58:21, Translation: Sahih International] Allah has written, "I will surely overcome, I and My messengers." Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might. 

Surah Saaffaat [http://searchtruth.com/chapter_display_all.php?chapter=37 ] narrates the story of some messengers, and sends salaam on each of the messenger individually during the narration, and collectively at the end.  

The following two links list the verses which contain the words formed by the root letters of rasool and nabi. Kindly review the verses which mention who is a rasool and who is a nabi 

http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=nbA 

http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=rsl 

   

who received scriptures or the revealed Books? Nabi? Rasool? and what is the "qualification" or indicators of those who had received the revelations? were they only Nabi's? or just Rasools? or both? Kindly clarify ! Thanks...

The Quran mentions the Nabi(s) Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and Muhammad as having received the scriptures. I think they were all rasool(s) as well. 

Jewish sources cite the Seven Laws of Noah. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Laws_of_Noah ]

I do not think the Quran specifies a separate title for the prophets who received the scriptures. However, the following verse uses the term rasool: 

[Quran 62:2, Translation: Sahih International] He it is Who raised among the inhabitants of Mecca an Messenger from among themselves, who recites to them His communications and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom, although they were before certainly in clear error, 

I think this verse may also be relevant to the above: 

And when We took from the Prophets their Covenant and from you and from Nuh and Ibrahim and Musa and Isa, son (of) Maryam. And We took from them a covenant strong [http://islamawakened.com/quran/33/7/ ] 

And not is for any human that Allah should speak to him except (by) revelation or from behind a veil or (by) sending a messenger then he reveals by His permission what He wills. Indeed, He (is) Most High, Most Wise. [http://islamawakened.com/quran/42/51/ ]

Perhaps the following might also be of some help: 

Balance & Guidance: http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/11/mission-of-messengers-iv.html 

Crime & Punishment: http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/11/mission-of-messengers-v.html 

Thunderbolts: http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/01/thunderbolts.html 

Communication Transmission: http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/01/communication-transmission.html

And Allah knows best. 

Signs, Science & Creature from the Earth

MSA objected to my literal approach to studying the Quran 

My Response: Of course, Allah knows best! 

I try to understand through whatever little knowledge of science we have, but science itself is in the toddler stage - discovering and learning, and then unlearning to learn better. 

From the little we think we know, an organism's genome (complete set of DNA) contains all the information needed to build and maintain that organism. In humans, all cells with a nucleus contain a copy of the entire genome, about 3 billion DNA base pairs. We have come to know that the DNA molecule is a double-helix. We have also come to know that the heart muscle is also a double-helix. Though science has not yet established any connection between the shape of the heart and the shape of the DNA, it has discovered neurons in the heart which communicate with the brain. 

Quran and prior scriptures inform us of the huge importance of the heart. The more we discover, the more we begin to understand, the deeper the realisation of how much we do not know. All I know is that the Creator who taught us speech has complete command over language and thus the guidance He has sent us must be literally accurate and lucid. Since the Quran repeatedly exhorts the use of 'aql', I try to make sense of what I read. I may understand this, I may not understand that, but as I try to understand, I continue on this amazing, wondrous journey of fascination with the text of the Quran. 

Samiya 

http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/  

MSA responded: "I try to understand through whatever little knowledge of science we have, but science itself is in the toddler stage - discovering and learning, and then unlearning to learn better."

Agreeing with the above stipulation, I humbly submit that placing science side-by side with the Quran is unfair to the former.

For: 

-Science has been existing from time immemorial. It picked up speed only after humans started thinking 'scientifically.' Science took off like a phantom in the late 1700s. If considered the age of science from this angle, it is about 400 years old.

-Science does not claim that what it says about something is final. Science is based on experiments. It conducts them, repeats them, checks and rechecks its findings and when science is relatively confident with them, only then it shares its experiments and findings with us. But when the finding of an experiment is found to be defective or untrue, science reverses itself and continues to experiment to go to the bottom of the matter at hand.

-Despite its young age, science has given us so many things that we can hardly count just in one go. The internet that we have been using for communication is a gift of science. The cell phone, which we use so often is also a gift of science. The instruments that surgeons use to perform surgery on human hearts came from science. The life-saving drugs owe their origin to science.

-Conversely, what the Religious Scriptures tell us is final. No experiment is required, nor any proof is called for, or is ever produced.

Religions cannot reverse what these taught their adherents. One example should suffice here: 

-Three major religions of the world tell us that the first two humans were created in heaven, and then pushed to the earth after the couple disobeyed their creator's order. The creation of those two humans cannot be replicated on earth, nor can it be proven with

any testimony or evidence. Just believing in what the Scriptures tell us is the "belief" that their followers must follow without asking questions. The Quran makes believing in the "Unseen" a cardinal belief for all the Muslims.

-Islam is the latest monotheistic religion. To a great extent, it succeeded Judaism and Christianity. Islam is over 1400 years old. If compared with science, Islam is older to it by about 1000 years.

-Despite being around for such a long period of time, we can hardly find any scientific contribution from this religion. It does not mean that Muslims have contributed nothing to the wellbeing of mankind. They have, but it was not due to Islam, as what the Jews, Christians and the followers of other religions have given to humanity was also not due to the their religious beliefs.

-Scientists were curious, asked questions, sought answers and thus their scientific contributions, which we see all around us today, came to their grip in the form of answers to questions they asked of themselves and of others who had answers to them. 

-In the world of religions, asking questions is often a taboo. Seeking truth is covertly forbidden. Inquiring into unknown is not generally encouraged, or appreciated. Sharing thoughts that are not religiously sanctioned is frowned up, and often the bearers of such thoughts are scorned, sanctioned, ex-communicated or declared unwanted in the societies they belong to.

Therefore, I strongly believe science and religions cannot be partners in endeavors that many humans undertake to make our lives easier and comfortable. Religions are more interested in the devotions of their followers. Offering Salat five times a day, is one of them.

In short, the life of hereafter for the religionists takes precedence over all things and matters on earth! Science is above this; it places no demands on the beneficiaries of its inventions, nor does it ask for a 'thank you' from the people who get a new life with its help!! 

My Response: [Quran 27:82] And when (is) fulfilled the word against them, We will bring forth for them a creature from the earth speaking to them, that the people were, of Our Signs, not certain. 

[http://islamawakened.com/quran/27/82/ ]

You state that 'Science is above this; it places no demands on the beneficiaries of its inventions, nor does it ask for a 'thank you' from the people who get a new life with its help!!'  

The day is not far when Science will demand thanks, and those who did not strengthen their faith will knowledge will be deceived into worshipping the science which would appear to benefit them. 

[Quran 36:69,70] And not We taught him [the] poetry, and not it is befitting for him. Not it (is) except a Reminder and a Quran clear, To warn (him) who is alive and may be proved true the Word against the disbelievers. 

[http://islamawakened.com/quran/36/69/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/36/70/ ] 

AP asks: Can  you tell me, Samyia, what is the point of your message. What are you trying to proof with the Qur'an verses you sent? thanks 

Answer: Just reminding those who believe that eventually our faith will be put to the test, hence it is essential that we have assured faith. To my mind, that is only possible through studying the scriptures and understanding the verses, employing all our faculties of reasoning and logic. MSA contends that science should not be employed to understand the verses of the scripture. I disagree. Employing science helps us verify if the scripture claiming divine origin is indeed so or not, and if it is from the Creator, then understanding what it says becomes the duty of the recipient. After all, it's a message from The Lord of the Worlds!  

Jesus & The Family of Imran

On the assertion of Agakhanis that their Imam is from the lineage of Ali, son of Imran, which they claim is mentioned in the Quran, quoting the following verses:

[Quran 3:33,34] Indeed, Allah chose Adam and Nuh, and (the) family (of) Ibrahim and (the) family (of) Imran over the worlds. Descendents, some of them from others. And Allah (is) All-Hearing, All-Knowing. 

My Understanding: And Maryam, (the) daughter (of) Imran who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into it of Our Spirit. And she believed (in the) Words (of) her Lord and His Books, and she was of the devoutly obedient.
[http://www.islamawakened.com/quran/66/12/default.htm ] 

..., I sent the link to my blogpost titled Virgin Birth, where I try to comprehend the science behind the miracle and explain why Jesus is from the family of Imran: 

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

Quran 3:33-62 and 19:16-37 relate the details of Mary, Jesus’ conception and birth, and his mission:   

[Quran 3:33 Translation: Literal] Indeed, Allah chose Adam and Nuh, and (the) family (of) Ibrahim and (the) family (of) Imran over the worlds.

Lineage is generally determined by the father/sperm. In the case of Jesus, had there been a father of Jesus, then Jesus’ lineage would be from the family of his father, and not of his mother Mary, daughter of Imran. For Jesus to be from the family of Imran, all his chromosomes must have come from his mother. 

...According to Quran 4:156-159, Jesus was neither killed nor crucified. ... We believe he is still alive and will return to complete his mission. Hence, the family of Imran, grandfather of Jesus, is still the chosen family.  

Another Person's Faith

Comments on the exchange of accusations and insults between some people :  

I don't think it is permissible for any of us to declare any verdict about another person's faith. We cannot see in anybody's heart, and just because they profess different beliefs from ours, it does mean that they are bad or we are good. We are all taking this exam of life, and we do not know what we or they will do with the rest of the life ahead of us. 

A few verses to think about: 

O you who believe[d]! When you go forth in (the) way (of) Allah then investigate, and (do) not say to (the one) who offers to you (a greeting of) peace, "You are not a believer," seeking transitory gains (of) the life (of) the world, for with Allah (are) booties abundant. Like that you were before, then Allah conferred favor upon you; so investigate. Indeed, Allah is of what you do All-Aware. [http://islamawakened.com/quran/4/94/] 

Indeed, those who divide their religion and become sects, you are not with them in anything. Only their affair (is) with Allah, then He will inform them of what they used to do. [http://islamawakened.com/quran/6/159/] 

Indeed, Allah, with Him (is the) knowledge (of) the Hour and He sends down the rain, and knows what (is) in the wombs. And not knows any soul what it will earn tomorrow, and not knows any soul in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah (is) All-Knower All-Aware. [http://islamawakened.com/quran/31/34/]  

May Allah guide us all. 

Sanctity of Human Life & The Sin in Intoxicants

During a discussion on another topic, someone stated: In Islam Drinking is NOT a SIN it simply says that "Its benefits are outweighed by its ill effects"... Its not recommended but is NOT really a Sin... There are bigger sins in Islam like killing innocent people which is the biggest sin.. But that doesn't seem to bother the Fundos?????

My Comments: It is forbidden to take human life and only the State is granted two exceptions. Intoxicants are discouraged as the sin is greater than the benefit, and it is termed as the work of Satan. Quoted below are some relevant verses for some perspective on the issue. 

Sanctity of Human Life: 

Human life is sacred and taking a human life is only permissible in the following conditions, and each of them are to be sanctioned and executed by the State: 

1) combatants during battle 

2) a murderer  

Quran narrates the history of humans from Adam onwards. Quran 5:27-31 relates the murder of a son of Adam by his brother. Quran 5:28 informs us that the son who was murdered did not defend himself out of fear of God. Quran 5:32 thus informs us: 

[Quran 5:32] From time that, We ordained on (the) Children (of) Israel that he who kills a soul other than (for) a soul or (for) spreading corruption in the earth then (it) is as if he has killed all [the] mankind, and whoever saves it then (it) is as if he has saved all [the] mankind. And surely came to them Our Messengers with clear Signs yet, indeed, many of them after that in the earth (are) surely those who commit excesses. [http://islamawakened.com/quran/5/32/] 

[Quran 2:190,193] And fight in (the) way (of) Allah those who fight you and (do) not transgress. Indeed, Allah (does) not like the transgressors. And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from wherever they drove you out, and [the] oppression (is) worse than [the] killing. And (do) not fight them near Al-Masjid Al-Haraam until they fight you in it. Then if they fight you, then kill them. Such (is the) reward (of) the disbelievers. Then if they cease, then indeed, Allah (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 

And fight (against) them until not (there) is oppression, and becomes the religion for Allah Then if they cease then (let there be) no hostility except against the oppressors. 

[http://islamawakened.com/quran/2/190/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/2/191/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/2/192/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/2/193/] 

As per the verses of Chapter 9, the State of Medina (believers) declared war on the State of Makkah. The following verses of Chapter 2 command the Muslims to prepare for battle:   

[Quran 2:216,217] Is prescribed upon you [the] fighting while it (is) hateful to you. But perhaps [that] you dislike a thing and it (is) good for you; and perhaps [that] you love a thing and it (is) bad for you. And Allah knows while you (do) not know. They ask you about the month [the] sacred - (concerning) fighting in it. Say, "Fighting therein (is) a great (sin); but hindering (people) from (the) way (of) Allah, and disbelief in Him and (preventing access to) Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, and driving out its people from it, (is) greater (sin) near Allah. And [the] oppression (is) greater than [the] killing." And not they will cease (to) fight with you until they turn you away from your religion, if they are able. And whoever turns away among you from his religion, then dies while he (is) a disbeliever for those became worthless their deeds in the world and the Hereafter. And those (are) companions (of) the Fire, they in it (will) abide forever. 

[http://islamawakened.com/quran/2/216/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/2/217/] 

Chapter 17 further confirms the role of the State in the matter of murder:   

[Quran 17:33] And (do) not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever (is) killed wrongfully, verily We have made for his heir an authority, but not he should exceed in the killing. Indeed, he is helped. [http://islamawakened.com/quran/17/33/]  

This link explains it in much detail: http://www.islamnewsroom.com/news-we-need/329-yusuf-estes-correcting-quran-misquotes 

Intoxicants: 

The Quran states that there is great sin in intoxicants. The Arabic term used is ith'm: 

... قُلْ فِيهِمَا إِثْمٌ كَبِيرٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَإِثْمُهُمَا أَكْبَرُ مِن نَّفْعِهِمَا ...

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

The term ith'm is generally translated as sin: http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Avm#(2:219:7) 

[Quran 5:90] O you who believe! Verily the intoxicants and [the] games of chance and (sacrifices at) altars and divining arrows (are an) abomination from (the) work (of) the Shaitaan, so avoid it so that you may (be) successful. [http://islamawakened.com/quran/5/90/] 

Parting of the Sea

MSA asked: ... Did Allah part the Red Sea and create a safe passage through it for Moses and Hebrew to escape from the Pharaoh? 

Answer: Yes, Allah did part the sea for Moses and the Bani Israel to escape from Pharaoh and his forces, and yes, we do take it also on faith.  

MSA asked: ... That said, let me address question on the parting of the Red Sea and ask you to take a look at the geographical location of it and then tell us: 

-If the Red Sea had parted and Moses and the Hebrews reached the promised land, how was he able to hold a meeting with Allah on Mount Sinai and receive a tablet of Torah from Him, when the Mount is located in the Egyptian desert? 

I have more questions on this issue. They will follow as we make progress in our conversation.

My Response: Do all agree that it is the Red Sea, and/or the geography of the area hasn't changed?

MSA wrote to someone else: ... One of my questions related to whether Moses and the Hebrews had crossed the Red Sea and then they sojourned at the foot of Mount Sinai, while Moses was receiving the Torah from Allah on its summit remains unanswered. 

One of the participants in the discussion opined that perhaps the geography of the region where the Red Sea was located has changed, and that person has said this, despite having an apparently scientific mind! 

The truthfulness of the so-called monotheistic religions depends on the answer to this question, and I am more that sure no one is going to answer it with a straight face!!

Answer: 

فَانتَقَمْنَا مِنْهُمْ فَأَغْرَقْنَاهُمْ فِي الْيَمِّ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا وَكَانُوا عَنْهَا غَافِلِينَ 

وَأَوْرَثْنَا الْقَوْمَ الَّذِينَ كَانُوا يُسْتَضْعَفُونَ مَشَارِقَ الْأَرْضِ وَمَغَارِبَهَا الَّتِي بَارَكْنَا فِيهَا وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ الْحُسْنَىٰ عَلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا وَدَمَّرْنَا مَا كَانَ يَصْنَعُ فِرْعَوْنُ وَقَوْمُهُ وَمَا كَانُوا يَعْرِشُونَ

[Quran 7:136, 137] So We took retribution from them and We drowned them in the sea because they denied Our Signs, and they were to them heedless. And We made inheritors the people those who were considered weak - (the) eastern (parts) (of) the land and the western (parts) of it, which We blessed [in it]. And was fulfilled (the) word (of) your Lord - the best for (the) Children (of) Israel because they were patient. And We destroyed what used to make Firaun and his people, and what they used to erect.

[http://islamawakened.com/quran/7/136/ ; http://islamawakened.com/quran/7/137/ ] 

The Quran uses the same word: الْيَمِّ for the water in which the Baby Moses was thrown by his mother, as well as for the water which was parted during the Exodus.
[http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=ymm#(7:136:5)].
Most translators translate the former as river and the latter as sea. I wonder why, however I would not jump to any conclusions.  

Geologic studies suggest that the Nile has moved since antiquity. http://ees.ac.uk/userfiles/file/EA-32pp03-05-Lutley.pdf However, Quran 7:137 informs us that the Bani Israel inherited the Eastern and Western parts of it. I hope it addresses your concerns regarding the geographical accuracy of the narration.   

As per Quran 7:137, all that the Pharaoh (Firaun) and his people built was destroyed. Historians teach us that the Pyramids were built by the Pharaohs. However, some researchers suggest that the Pyramids were not tombs built by the Pharaohs, but rather not only was the purpose of the Pyramids different from that suggested, they were also the legacy of an earlier, more advanced culture. [http://nuclearpyramid.com/great_pyramid.php] 

If everything that the Pharaoh and his people built was destroyed, it must have been a major cataclysmic event causing some major geographical changes in the region. 

Hope the above is instrumental in helping you place more faith in the verses of the Quran, a message from Lord of the Worlds. 

[Quran 61:8] They intend to put out (the) light (of) Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His Light although dislike the disbelievers. 

 

Will Resurrection be Physical or Spiritual?

MSA quoted J and wonders: "Will u be meeting the Lord in person on Judgment Day." - J. 

Will the resurrection of humans, Jinns and idols on the Day of Judgment be physical, or their spirits would be raised? An answer to this question will help answer your interesting question! 

Answer: In Surah Yasin it states: This Day We will seal [on] their mouths, and will speak to Us their hands, and will bear witness their feet about what they used to earn.

These might also be of some help: 

Alternate Biochemistry http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/03/alternate-biochemistry.html 

Immortality & A Kingdom that Never Decays 

http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/11/mission-of-messengers-vi.html  

MSA quotes and asks: "In Surah Yasin it states: This Day We will seal [on] their mouths, and will speak to Us their hands, and will bear witness their feet about what they used to earn." 

Is the above statement a literal or allegorical one? If it is literal, then would human hands get vocal cords to speak to Allah, and their feet have eyes to bear witness to what the bearers of feet had done during their stay on earth? Kindly respond. Thanks. 

My Response: In Surah Fussilat (Explained in Detail), it states: 

2 A Revelation from (Allah), Most Gracious, Most Merciful;-

3 A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail;- a Qur'an in Arabic, for people who understand;-

4 Giving good news and admonition: yet most of them turn away, and so they hear not.

...

19 On the Day that the enemies of Allah will be gathered together to the Fire, they will be marched in ranks. 

20 At length, when they reach the (Fire), their hearing, their sight, and their skins will bear witness against them, as to (all) their deeds.

21 They will say to their skins: "Why bear ye witness against us?" They will say: "Allah hath given us speech,- (He) Who giveth speech to everything: He created you for the first time, and unto Him were ye to return.

22 "Ye did not seek to hide yourselves, lest your hearing, your sight, and your skins should bear witness against you! But ye did think that Allah knew not many of the things that ye used to do! 

23 "But this thought of yours which ye did entertain concerning your Lord, hath brought you to destruction, and (now) have ye become of those utterly lost!"  

24 If, then, they have patience, the Fire will be a home for them! and if they beg to be received into favour, into favour will they not (then) be received.

...

54 Ah indeed! Are they in doubt concerning the Meeting with their Lord? Ah indeed! It is He that doth encompass all things! 

http://searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=41&translator=2 

This might also be of interest: 

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

In Surah Az-Zumar, it states: 

53 Say: "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

54 "Turn ye to our Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (Will), before the Penalty comes on you: after that ye shall not be helped.

55 "And follow the best of (the courses) revealed to you from your Lord, before the Penalty comes on you - of a sudden while ye perceive not!-

56 "Lest the soul should (then) say: 'Ah! Woe is me!- In that I neglected (my duty) towards Allah, and was but among those who mocked!'-

57 "Or (lest) it should say: 'If only Allah had guided me, I should certainly have been among the righteous!'- 

58 "Or (lest) it should say when it (actually) sees the penalty: 'If only I had another chance, I should certainly be among those who do good!'

59 "(The reply will be:) 'Nay, but there came to thee my Signs, and thou didst reject them: thou wast Haughty, and became one of those who reject faith!'"

60 On the Day of Judgment wilt thou see those who told lies against Allah;- their faces will be turned black; Is there not in Hell an abode for the Haughty?

61 But Allah will deliver the righteous to their place of salvation: no evil shall touch them, nor shall they grieve.

62 Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Guardian and Disposer of all affairs.

63 To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth: and those who reject the Signs of Allah,- it is they who will be in loss.

64 Say: "Is it some one other than Allah that ye order me to worship, O ye ignorant ones?"

65 But it has already been revealed to thee,- as it was to those before thee,- "If thou wert to join (gods with Allah), truly fruitless will be thy work (in life), and thou wilt surely be in the ranks of those who lose (all spiritual good)".

66 Nay, but worship Allah, and be of those who give thanks.

http://searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=39&translator=2