What is the Qur'an?

[musa]

Insha'Allah (If God wills it) I will post something new every few days, to keep this thread up.

The topic: What is the significance of the Qur'an?



In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Merciful

What is the Qur'an
The Qur'an comprehends the complete code for the Muslims to live a good, chaste, abundant and rewarding life in obedience to the commandments of Allah, in this life and to gain salvation in the next. It is the "chart of life" for every Muslim, and it is the "constitution" of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.

The Qur'an is the eternal contemporary of the Muslims. Each generation of Muslims has found new sources of strength, courage and inspiration in it. It is also, for them, a "compass" in the turbulent voyage of life, as it has explained itself in the following verses:

. . . Indeed, there has come to you light and a clear book from Allah; With it Allah guides him who fill follow His pleasure into the ways of safety and brings them out of utter darkness into light by his will and guides them to the right path. (V: 15-16)

It has created an all but new phase of human thought and a fresh type of character. It deserves the highest praise for its conceptions of Divine nature in reference to the attributes of Power, Knowledge, and Universal Providence and Unity--that its belief and trust is one God, creator of Heaven and Earth is deep and fervent, and that it embodies much of a noble and moral earnestness. It is Qur'an which transformed the simple shepherds and wandering Bedouins of Arabia into the founders of empires, the builders of cities, the collectors of libraries. If a system of religious teachings is evaluated by the changes which it introduces into the way of life, the customs and beliefs of its follower, then Qur'an as a code of life is second to none. It is not strange then, that more translations and more commentaries of the Holy Qur'an have been published than that of any other book claimed to be the Divine Revelation.

By Anwer Ali. Preface to the Holy Qur'an. Published by Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an, Inc.

[MagnetMan]

Mar 7, 2009 17:18:35 GMT -5 musa said:

Insha'Allah (If God wills it) I will post something new every few days, to keep this thread up.

The topic: What is the significance of the Qur'an?



In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Merciful

Hi Musa

I have enjoyed your posts on PhilNow
Very impressive for a 17 year old
if you don't find that patronizing
from an old man of 67.

My first introduction to Islam was in East Africa.
I went to Zanzibar while the Sultan was still in power
back in 1959.

Islam had a long history there
in the slave and Ivory trade.

How is that old history seen today
by modern Muslims?

Many of the native in Tanzania
are Islamic converts
and have been for generations
When I was there in 1959/60
I employed many
and preferred them over the Christian converts,
I found them honest and good workers

Two things I admire about Islam

All coverts are treated as equal scholars
the natives are not patronized like the Chistians do

Secondly
I like the regular interruptions during the work day
when one is reminded that God exists
and enjoys our respect


I am hoping my son Rams (I call him Hajji)
can find time to speak to you
He is at collage
and also has a job to pay for his tuition
so he is run off his feet.

I warn you tho.
my wife is a Middle easterners
raised as a Christian
and she has a lot of bones to pick with the Islam
and their treatment of women

I am sure all will enjoy talking to you.


Any remarks you have on sufism
will interest me

Cheers
MM

[musa]

Mar 7, 2009 19:09:56 GMT -5 MagnetMan said:

Hi Musa

I have enjoyed your posts on PhilNow
Very impressive for a 17 year old
if you don't find that patronizing
from an old man of 67.

My first introduction to Islam was in East Africa.
I went to Zanzibar while the Sultan was still in power
back in 1959.

Islam had a long history there
in the slave and Ivory trade.

How is that old history seen today
by modern Muslims?

Wow! That must have been interesting. I'd love one day to go to Tanzania. Hmm, how is that history seen today? I cannot answer that, because it's not a history I've studied much. I do, however, have a teacher who converted to Islam after taking African History in College: comparing the spread of Islam in Africa to the spread of Christianity in Africa. But I would like to show you this Hadith:
"Hadhrat Huzaifa narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: Prophethood will remain among you as long as Allah wills. Then Caliphate (Khilafat) on the lines of Prophethood shall commence, and remain as long as Allah wills. Then corrupt/erosive monarchy would take place, and it will remain as long as Allah wills. After that, despotic kingship would emerge, and it will remain as long as Allah wills. Then, the Caliphate (Khilafat) shall come once again based on the precept of Prophethood."
A Khalif is the only REAL leadership that can be a representation of Islam. There was no Khalif in Zanzibad. And therefore, what went on there, cannot be considered a representation of Islam. I will post an article on Islam's stance on slavery in the next post, Insha'Allah.

Mar 7, 2009 19:09:56 GMT -5 MagnetMan said:

Many of the native in Tanzania
are Islamic converts
and have been for generations
When I was there in 1959/60
I employed many
and preferred them over the Christian converts,
I found them honest and good workers

Two things I admire about Islam

All coverts are treated as equal scholars
the natives are not patronized like the Chistians do

Secondly
I like the regular interruptions during the work day
when one is reminded that God exists
and enjoys our respect

Interesting, and I like hearing your views on Islam. This second thing you mentioned is my favorite aspect of Islam as well. Sometime it is the hardest part too. It takes the most struggle.

Mar 7, 2009 19:09:56 GMT -5 MagnetMan said:

I am hoping my son Rams (I call him Hajji)
can find time to speak to you
He is at collage
and also has a job to pay for his tuition
so he is run off his feet.

Interesting. I'd love to speak with him. May I ask why you chose for your son to be Muslim? I take it you wanted him to, because you said he was only five years old?

Mar 7, 2009 19:09:56 GMT -5 MagnetMan said:

I warn you tho.
my wife is a Middle easterners
raised as a Christian
and she has a lot of bones to pick with the Islam
and their treatment of women

I am sure all will enjoy talking to you.

Well, any specific issues she has, you could tell me, and I'll give you my views. Honestly, I've grown rather traditional over time, and you may not like some of my views. However, what I want you to notice, is within traditional societies, within impoverished societies, within rural societies, you will find a lot of ugly things. For example, honor killings occur throughout the entire world. There are more in non-Muslim areas of Africa and South America than in Islamic areas of Asia. But Muslim countries are not immune from it, just because it is prohibited in Islam. It's frequent that culture contradicts religion, and people choose to follow culture instead.
But also, I'd beg to argue that the women who feel pressured to dress a certain way to 'fit in' with society, or who are paid to dress a certain way on magazines, or who sell themselves as prostitutes to have money to feed their children- they too are oppressed and exploited. Sexism has existed throughout history, because man, by nature, has strength over a woman. Islam indeed fights sexism in many ways, and came to erase many tribal customs that were awful to women before Islam's existence.

Mar 7, 2009 19:09:56 GMT -5 MagnetMan said:

Any remarks you have on sufism
will interest me

Cheers
MM

Wow that is a huge topic. Hm, my thoughts on Sufism... There are aspects of it which I like. Tasawwuf is something that all Muslims should attempt. The problem is, that what sufism is, and what sufism has become known to be, are two things very different. Some Sufis have prayed at graves. Some Sufis try to reach a level where they think they and God are one. These types of things are shirk (polytheism/idolatry).

Honestly, I do not want to speak too much about sufism, as I have not taken real time to study it. This website says some interesting stuff about Tasawwuf, like what it is and all, and also distinguishing real sufism vs. innovations. Tasawwuf should be a central theme to Sufis: www.tasawwuf.org/basics/what_tasawwuf.htm

Here's something about a Sunni stance on Sufism: www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503545786

I myself do not want to say too much more about it, because as I have said, I have not studied it in-depth.

[musa]

Topic: What does Islam say about slavery?

Bismillahi ir-Rahman ir-Raheem,

First, what is important to understand is that slavery was extremely common throughout the world during the time of Muhammed (saws). Anything common in the society, yet prohibited or discouraged in Islam, was introduced in steps and progressively instead of abruptly. For example, Allah (swt) knew that if he were to tell the people drinking alcohol is completely forbidden, they would have not accepted the rule. Instead, first, the Qur'an says "Do not go to prayer while drunk," implying something is wrong with drinking. Only later does it say that alcohol is completely forbidden.

So too with slavery, Islam represents it as something bad. Most modern-day scholars say the eventual goal was indeed to completely erase slavery. The first thing the Qur'an did with slavery, was encourage the freeing of slaves. Muhammed (saws) alone freed over 63 slaves. Furthermore, there are certain crimes that people asked Muhammed (saws) how they can repent, or certain crimes mentioned in the Qur'an that say in order to repent, the sinner shall pay for the freeing of slaves. There is great reward in freeing slaves.

Furthermore, there are actually incentives for people to become slaves at the time. It was not considered such a low status as it is today. And even free people were allowed to marry a slave. Unlike what Christians did in West Africa, by selling their own tribesmen, Islam prohibits the taking of freemen. However, after a war, it is possible that it would be difficult for people (especially women) to survive without slavery. Because the man was responsible for earning money in most cases, if a woman were to lose her husband, she would actually WANT to be taken as a slave. Slavery was much more an economic agreement, rather than a forced thing. In fact, in Europe they would rape slaves to raise more slave-children. In Islam, a slave woman and a free man can consent to sex, and if they have a child, the woman is instantly set free, with the chance to marry the slave master if she so chooses. So it is not a case of inferiority.

Furthermore, a slave master cannot abuse a slave. Here are some Hadith that discuss slavery. All of these are authentic:
"There are three categories of people against whom I shall myself be a plaintiff on the Day of Judgement. Of these three, one is he who enslaves a free man, then sells him and eats this money" (al-Bukhari and Ibn Majjah).

Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari: "The Prophet said, "Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom)." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Food, Meals, Volume 7, Book 65, Number 286)"

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: "When the slave of anyone amongst you prepares food for him and he serves him after having sat close to (and undergoing the hardship of) heat and smoke, he should make him (the slave) sit along with him and make him eat (along with him), and if the food seems to run short, then he should spare some portion for him (from his own share) - (another narrator) Dawud said:" i. e. a morsel or two". 4097. (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4096)"

Narrated Al-Ma'rur: "At Ar-Rabadha I met Abu Dhar who was wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing a similar one. I asked about the reason for it. He replied, "I abused a person by calling his mother with bad names." The Prophet said to me, 'O Abu Dhar! Did you abuse him by calling his mother with bad names You still have some characteristics of ignorance. Your slaves are your brothers and Allah has put them under your command. So whoever has a brother under his command should feed him of what he eats and dress him of what he wears. Do not ask them (slaves) to do things beyond their capacity (power) and if you do so, then help them.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Belief, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 29)"

"Zadhan reported that Ibn Umar called his slave and he found the marks (of beating) upon his back. He said to him: I have caused you pain. He said: No. But he (Ibn Umar) said: You are free. He then took hold of something from the earth and said: There is no reward for me even to the weight equal to it. I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who beats a slave without cognizable offence of his or slaps him, then expiation for it is that he should set him free. (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4079)"

Whosoever kills his slave: he shall be killed. Whosoever imprisons his slave and starves him, he shall be imprisoned and starved himself, and whosoever castrates his slave shall himself be castrated. (Abu Dawud, Diyat, 70; Tirmidhi, Diyat, 17; Al-Nasa’i, Qasama, 10, 16)

Not one of you should [when introducing someone] say ‘This is my slave’, ‘This is my concubine’. He should call them ‘my daughter’ or ‘my son’ or ‘my brother’.
(Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 2, 4)

[MagnetMan]

Mar 7, 2009 22:28:23 GMT -5 musa said:

. I would like to show you this Hadith:
"Hadhrat Huzaifa narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: Prophethood will remain among you as long as Allah wills. Then Caliphate (Khilafat) on the lines of Prophethood shall commence, and remain as long as Allah wills. Then corrupt/erosive monarchy would take place, and it will remain as long as Allah wills. After that, despotic kingship would emerge, and it will remain as long as Allah wills. Then, the Caliphate (Khilafat) shall come once again based on the precept of Prophethood."

These are potentially very astute predictions
regarding the evolution of human consciousness

When regional farm division among oral-based clan cooperatives was no longer economically viable, those regional populations had to evolve into national industrialization.

The federation of the clans and their competing totemic claims to exclusive divine favor, had to be formulated into orthodox Scriptures with divine favor bestowed on a single paramountcy.

The dynastic rule in each kingdom was sustained via divine annointment, ceremoniously executed by the priest caste.

Monarchical rule and its corruption of power then evolved into democratic republics

So the question is:
Is the science of reason now the modern Caliphate come again?
Or is an orthodox religion of spiritual predominance to reassert itself
again?

It would seem to me
that with the introduction
of Nuclear Theory
which states that matter is energy
that we are evolving
into an ontological religion of thought and practice
that is a meld of both physics and metaphysics
part of our consciousness is fixed in the material
and part inspired by spirit
which sees God in everything

[musa]

Mar 8, 2009 15:05:05 GMT -5 MagnetMan said:

So the question is:
Is the science of reason now the modern Caliphate come again?
Or is an orthodox religion of spiritual predominance to reassert itself
again?

I'm not quite sure I get the Question. I have pretty poor reading comprehension heh. However, if I understand correctly, you are asking, would a re-establishment of an Islamic state involve science and reason, or would it be somewhat 'backwards' and push the Muslims about 1400 years in the past?

So, I'll say what I know about the topic. There is no command to replicate the times before technology and all. In this sense, we are free to progress. And historically, Muslims have been very progressive. But in terms of morality and values, they must remain the same. In fact, I believe that through science and all, we can better our understanding of Islam.

But what I want to point out about our belief, is even if there is a reestablishment of the Khalifate, people will continue to move towards ignorance. The end of days will not come until truth is lost and ignorance is widespread. We believe that the moral structure of society will decay, and even Muslims will fall into majorly sinful habits.

But back to your question, Islam encourages science, technology, etc. A Muslim state which did not push for advancement in any way, would have major conflicting values with Traditional Islam.

[MagnetMan]

Mar 9, 2009 14:06:09 GMT -5 musa said:

I believe that through science and all, we can better our understanding of Islam.

That is good to know

But what I want to point out about our belief, is even if there is a reestablishment of the Khalifate, people will continue to move towards ignorance. The end of days will not come until truth is lost and ignorance is widespread. We believe that the moral structure of society will decay, and even Muslims will fall into majorly sinful habits.

Will there then be a resurrection of Truth
on this Earth?

[androgyn]

Hello,

Joining this forum as I feel I have some points to offer...
Personally I don't feel that Islam has any more answers than
any other religion, and as a matter of fact seems to be lacking in forgiveness, a basic requirement for understanding God inside ourselves and others. I admit that this could be because of misinterpretation of the Koran.

I feel that any religion that does not espouse forgiveness is defective, and will not allow the eventual goal that we all seek which is peace on earth...

[musa]

Mar 10, 2009 12:43:41 GMT -5 MagnetMan said:

Will there then be a resurrection of Truth
on this Earth?

Nope. Before the end of days, there will be a huge war. Imam Mahdi will come and lead the warriors for God. We believe, as of now, Jesus (as) is a Prophet, and he will return as the Messiah. There will be false messiahs against Jesus. There will be a great war, led by those who choose to follow God (with Al-Mahdi leading it) and those who choose to follow Shaytan (Satan) (led by Dajjal). Jesus (as) will come to kill Dajjal (the anti-Christ) After all this, mankind will cease to exist, and there will be a resurrection of the dead, and all mankind will be judged and then it will be determined where each human's soul is to go (i.e. heaven or hell).

So there will be a resurrection haha. No 'resurrection of truth'. Mankind will grow more and more ignorant until this day, according to our beliefs.

But there are warning signs of these things happening. Here are some examples...you see many are coming true these days.

* When it will be regarded as a shame to act on Quranic injunctions.
* When untrustworthy people will be regarded as trustworthy and the trustworthy will be regarded as untrustworthy.
* When it will be hot in winter (and vice versa).
* When the length of days is stretched, i.e. a journey of a few days is covered in a matter of hours.
* When orators and lecturers lie openly.
* When people dispute over petty issues.
* When women with children come displeased on account of them bearing offspring, and barren women remain happy on account of having no responsibility of offspring.
* When oppression, jealousy, and greed become the order of the day.
* When people blatantly follow their passions and whims.
* When lies prevail over the truth.
* When violence, bloodshed and anarchy become common.
* When immorality overtakes shamelessness and is perpetrated publicly.
* When legislation matters pertaining to Deen is handed over to the worst elements of the Ummat, and if people accept them and are satisfied with their findings, then such persons will not smell the fragrance of Jannat.
* When the offspring become a cause of grief and anger (for their parents).
* Music and musical instruments will be found in every home.
* People will indulge in homosexuality.
* There will be an abundance of illegitimate children.
* There will be an abundance of critics, tale-carriers, back- biters and taunters in society.
* People will establish ties with strangers and sever relations with their near and dear ones.
* Hypocrites will be in control of the affairs of the community and evil, immoral people will be at the helm of business establishments.
* The Masjid will be decorated, but the hearts of the people will be devoid of guidance.
* The courtyards of Masjids will be built beautifully and high mimbars (pulpits) will be erected.
* Gangsters and evil people will prevail.
* Various wines will be consumed excessively.

These are only minor signs. Then there are several major signs which will happen just before the end of days.

[musa]

Mar 10, 2009 15:34:53 GMT -5 androgyn said:

Hello,

Joining this forum as I feel I have some points to offer...
Personally I don't feel that Islam has any more answers than
any other religion, and as a matter of fact seems to be lacking in forgiveness, a basic requirement for understanding God inside ourselves and others. I admit that this could be because of misinterpretation of the Koran.

I feel that any religion that does not espouse forgiveness is defective, and will not allow the eventual goal that we all seek which is peace on earth...

Salam. While I respect your opinion, I do not know where you have come to learn that Islam does not support "forgiveness." Surely it does! According to what I have learned, there is only ONE sin that is not forgiven, and that is for someone who keeps going back and forth with idols and Islam. Like one year he'll be Muslim, then leave Islam and pray to idols, then become Muslim again, and go back to idolatry, and again and again.

From Qur'an:

"Surely Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves." (2:222)

"Say: O my slaves who have transgressed against themselves! Despair not for the mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. truly he is oft forgiving, most merciful." Az-Zumar (39:53)

“O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me, and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth, and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.”

Muhammed (saws) said:
"One who repents from sin is like one without sin."

The Prophet (saws) also said:
“Indeed, Allaah accepts the repentance of man as long as he hasnt started gargling (i.e. dying).”

“O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me, and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth, and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.”

Furthermore, almost all punishments for sins mentioned in the Qur'an are followed by "except for those who repent."
Plus, I think a true Islamic state is probably the only law on earth which allows people to repent for their sins, instead of punishing them for everything they do against the law.

Hazrat Ali (ra) sent a letter to the Governor of Egypt, to explain to him how to set up the government in an Islamic state, and he wrote:
Develop in your heart the feeling of love for your people and let it be the source of kindliness and blessing to them. Do not behave with them like a barbarian, and do not appropriate to yourself that which belongs to them. Remember that the citizens of the state are of two categories. They are either your brethren in religion or your brethren in kind. They are subject to infirmities and liable to commit mistakes. Some indeed do commit mistakes. But forgive them even as you would like God to forgive you. Bear in mind that you are placed over them, even as I am placed over you. And then there is God even above him who has given you the position of a Governor in order that you may look after those under you and to be sufficient unto them. And you will be judged by what you do for them.

[androgyn]

Then how do you explain some of the really radical Sharia laws that end up with beheading women for adultry as "honor" killing? If Islam taught forgiveness as central to realizing God then such misinterpretation could not happen. It seems to me that Islam is going further away from God in recent history, with more and more people taking upon themselves God's business of doling out justice, as they see fit. I feel that any form of radicalism is miopic and no thinking person can abide it.

[musa]

Mar 10, 2009 17:03:16 GMT -5 androgyn said:

Then how do you explain some of the really radical Sharia laws that end up with beheading women for adultry as "honor" killing? If Islam taught forgiveness as central to realizing God then such misinterpretation could not happen. It seems to me that Islam is going further away from God in recent history, with more and more people taking upon themselves God's business of doling out justice, as they see fit. I feel that any form of radicalism is miopic and no thinking person can abide it.

First of all, in no way are 'honor' killings allowed in Islam. This is CULTURAL, not Islamic. It is unIslamic for many reasons, and has been condemned by almost all scholars. Furthermore, you only hear about it when it happens in Muslim countries. However, it is less common in Muslim nations than most other rural/tribal/traditional areas. There are far more 'honor' killings in South America and Africa than Muslim areas of Asia. You cannot blame something on Islam simply because some Muslims may do it. When a Muslim woman goes out and sleeps around with people, we don't blame that on Islam. Why? Because everyone knows that Islam does not permit that. However, when a woman is killed by her husband or father, we assume it was for religious reasons. But that is purely out of ignorance, there is no reason to believe Islam permits this. Furthermore, punishment is left up to Allah (swt) except for cases that effect the society, in which it is left up to the courts and Allah (swt). No husband, father, brother, etc. is able to take the law into his own hands. Any action such as this, cannot be considered "Islamic", and it has widely been condemned.

When Hitler killed Jews, Gays, Gypsies, Blacks, etc. no one blamed that on Christianity. So then why, when Muslims kill, is it blamed on Islam?

Why when Muslims open up free health clinics, or homeless shelters, or give great sums of charity, is that not then considered representative of Islam?

[bhrhrahraa]

I'd have to agree with Musa here.
Honor killings are non permissible in Islam and in no way does justify any actions, nor does it comply with the Shariah.
Media and ignorant, biased fools have brainwashed the western views, and in no way do honor killings stand in compliance with Islam. It's more of a cultural practice and male denomination. Though honor killings are legal in certain islamic countries [Jordan], it is totally against Islam.

[musa]

Mar 10, 2009 17:49:50 GMT -5 bhrhrahraa said:

Though honor killings are legal in certain islamic countries [Jordan], it is totally against Islam.

Wow, I didn't know that. You would know that better than myself obviously. That's totally astaghfir'Allah worthy. Jordan seems far from an Islamic country to me. May Allah (swt) guide them.

However, this is proof of it being cultural. Jordan is NOT a country based on Shariah, and their Government is NOT religious. Yet despite it not being a theocracy, they still allow honor killings. So obviously it is indeed cultural.

A very basic law of Shariah is to set up just courts. How could a country truly be representative of Islam if they allow people to take matters into their own hands.

[bhrhrahraa]

Astaghfirullahil azeem. Honor killings have nothing to do with religion. Great post Musa.