[Al-Quran 50:6-8] Have they not looked at the heaven above them - how We structured it and adorned it and how it has no rifts? And the earth - We spread it out and cast therein firmly set mountains and made grow therein [something] of every beautiful kind, Giving insight and a reminder for every servant who turns [to Allah].

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Prayer & Remembrance of God


… Legislation is not but for Allah. He has commanded that you worship not except Him. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know. [12:40]
And when I am ill, then He cures me, [Al-Quran 26:80] 
Glad Tidings: Immortality & Eternal Bliss



Abstract
Prayer is enjoined on the believers at fixed times of the day, everyday. The Quran recitation is an integral part of the formal prayers. Praising and glorifying God is also enjoined at fixed times of the day. While the former is a means of remembrance and relaxation, the latter is meant to help attain satisfaction.
This post first explores some ayaat of The Quran to help realize the utmost importance of prayer, recitation and glorification; and, in the last section, draws upon emerging researches in the sciences in an effort to understand the benefits.   


Full Text


اتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.
[Al-Quran 29:45, Translator: Sahih International]

Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, ˹genuine˺ prayer should deter ˹one˺ from indecency and wickedness. The remembrance of Allah is ˹an˺ even greater ˹deterrent˺. And Allah ˹fully˺ knows what you ˹all˺ do.
[Al-Quran 29:45, Translator: Dr Mustafa Khattab]

Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book, and pray. Prayer restrains indecency and wrongdoing, and enhances the remembrance of God. God knows all that you do.
[Al-Quran 29:45, Translator: Safi Kaskas]


The Quran: A Reminder and A Mercy

المص
كِتَابٌ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ فَلَا يَكُن فِي صَدْرِكَ حَرَجٌ مِّنْهُ لِتُنذِرَ بِهِ وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
اتَّبِعُوا مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا مِن دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ
...
وَإِذْ أَخَذَ رَبُّكَ مِن بَنِي آدَمَ مِن ظُهُورِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَأَشْهَدَهُمْ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ أَلَسْتُ بِرَبِّكُمْ قَالُوا بَلَىٰ شَهِدْنَا أَن تَقُولُوا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ إِنَّا كُنَّا عَنْ هَٰذَا غَافِلِينَ
أَوْ تَقُولُوا إِنَّمَا أَشْرَكَ آبَاؤُنَا مِن قَبْلُ وَكُنَّا ذُرِّيَّةً مِّن بَعْدِهِمْ أَفَتُهْلِكُنَا بِمَا فَعَلَ الْمُبْطِلُونَ
وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ
...
وَإِذَا لَمْ تَأْتِهِم بِآيَةٍ قَالُوا لَوْلَا اجْتَبَيْتَهَا قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَتَّبِعُ مَا يُوحَىٰ إِلَيَّ مِن رَّبِّي هَٰذَا بَصَائِرُ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنصِتُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْغَافِلِينَ
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِ وَيُسَبِّحُونَهُ وَلَهُ يَسْجُدُونَ

Alif Laam Meem Saad.
A Book revealed to you so (let) not be in your breast any uneasiness from it that you warn with it, and a reminder for the believers.
Follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord, and (do) not follow besides Him any allies. Little (is) what you remember.
...
And when your Lord took from (the) Children (of) Adam - from their loins - their descendants and made them witness over their NAFS, "Am I not your Lord?" They said, "Yes we have testified." Lest you say (on the) Day (of) the Resurrection, "Indeed, we were about this unaware."
Or you say, "Only our forefathers associated partners (with Allah) before (us) and we are descendants after them. So will You destroy us for what did the falsifiers?"
And thus We explain the Verses so that they may return.
...
And when not you bring them a Sign they say, "Why (have) not you devised it?" Say, "Only I follow what is revealed to me from my Lord. This (is) enlightenment from your Lord and guidance and mercy for a people who believe."
And when is recited the Quran, then listen to it and pay attention so that you may receive mercy.
And remember your Lord in your NAFS humbly and (in) fear and without the loudness of [the] words, in the mornings and (in) the evenings. And (do) not be among the heedless.
Indeed, those who (are) near your Lord, they (do) not turn away in pride from His worship. And they glorify Him and to Him they prostrate.
[Al-Quran 7:1-3, ... 7:172-174 ... 7:203-206]


Gratitude for The Quran
In the Muslim formal prayer (salaat), we begin by praying for guidance (Surah alFatihah) and then recite some ayaat of The Quran.  


شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ

 فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ 

وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

Month (of) Ramadhaan (is) that was revealed therein the Quran, a Guidance for mankind and clear proofs of [the] Guidance and the Criterion.
So whoever witnesses among you the month, then he should fast in it, and whoever is sick or on a journey then prescribed number (should be made up) from days other. Intends Allah for you [the] ease and not intends for you [the] hardship, so that you complete the prescribed period
and that you magnify Allah for [what] He guided you so that you may (be) grateful.
[Al-Quran 2:185]


The Quran, Prayer & God-consciousness   
Surah Taha begins with the remarks:

طه
مَا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ لِتَشْقَىٰ
إِلَّا تَذْكِرَةً لِّمَن يَخْشَىٰ
تَنزِيلًا مِّمَّنْ خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ وَالسَّمَاوَاتِ الْعُلَى
الرَّحْمَٰنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوَىٰ
لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَمَا تَحْتَ الثَّرَىٰ
وَإِن تَجْهَرْ بِالْقَوْلِ فَإِنَّهُ يَعْلَمُ السِّرَّ وَأَخْفَى
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ لَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ
وَهَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰ

Ta Ha.
Not We (have) sent down to you the Quran that you be distressed
 (But) (as) a reminder for (those) who fear
A revelation from (He) Who created the earth and the heavens [the] high,
The Most Gracious over the Throne is established.
To Him (belongs) whatever (is) in the heavens and whatever (is) in the earth, and whatever (is) between them and whatever (is) under the soil.
And if you speak aloud the word, then indeed, He knows the secret and the more hidden.
Allah - (there is) no god except Him. To Him (belong) the Names, the Most Beautiful.
And has come to you the narration (of) Musa?
[Al-Quran 20:1-9]

It goes on to narrate the story of Moses. The surah has 135 ayaat, most of which are about Moses’ mission. When God spoke with Moses, He told him:

إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي
إِنَّ السَّاعَةَ آتِيَةٌ أَكَادُ أُخْفِيهَا لِتُجْزَىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا تَسْعَىٰ 

Indeed, [I] I Am Allah. (There is) no god but I, so worship Me and establish the prayer for My remembrance.
Indeed, the Hour (will be) coming. I almost [I] hide it that may be recompensed every NAFS for what it strives.
[Al-Quran 20:14-15]


When Moses and Aaron were ordered to go to the Pharaoh as God’s messengers, they were told:

اذْهَبْ أَنتَ وَأَخُوكَ بِآيَاتِي وَلَا تَنِيَا فِي ذِكْرِي
Go, you and your brother with My Signs, and (do) not slacken in My remembrance.
[Al-Quran 20:42]

To a question of the Pharaoh, Moses replied:

قَالَ عِلْمُهَا عِندَ رَبِّي فِي كِتَابٍ لَّا يَضِلُّ رَبِّي وَلَا يَنسَى
He said, "Its knowledge (is) with my Lord, in a Record. Not errs my Lord and not forgets."
[Al-Quran 20:52]


While concluding the narration about Moses, it is stated:

كَذَٰلِكَ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنبَاءِ مَا قَدْ سَبَقَ وَقَدْ آتَيْنَاكَ مِن لَّدُنَّا ذِكْرًا
مَّنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَحْمِلُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وِزْرًا

Thus We relate to you from (the) news (of) what has preceded. And certainly We have given you from Us a Reminder.
Whoever turns away from it, then indeed, he will bear (on the) Day (of) Resurrection a burden.
[Al-Quran 20:99-100]


Fifteen ayaat later, Adam’s covenant and fall is narrated. Before commencing the narration about Adam, it is stated:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَنزَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا وَصَرَّفْنَا فِيهِ مِنَ الْوَعِيدِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ أَوْ يُحْدِثُ لَهُمْ ذِكْرًا
فَتَعَالَى اللَّهُ الْمَلِكُ الْحَقُّ وَلَا تَعْجَلْ بِالْقُرْآنِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يُقْضَىٰ إِلَيْكَ وَحْيُهُ وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا

And thus We have sent it down, (the) Quran (in) Arabic and We have explained in it of the warnings that they may fear or it may cause [for] them remembrance.
So high (above all) (is) Allah the King, the True. And (do) not hasten with the Quran before [that] is completed to you its revelation, and say, "My Lord! Increase me (in) knowledge."
[Al-Quran 20:113-114]


Among the concluding remarks of Surah Taha, it is stated:

قَالَ اهْبِطَا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًا بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُم مِّنِّي هُدًى فَمَنِ اتَّبَعَ هُدَايَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشْقَىٰ
وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَىٰ
قَالَ رَبِّ لِمَ حَشَرْتَنِي أَعْمَىٰ وَقَدْ كُنتُ بَصِيرًا
قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ أَتَتْكَ آيَاتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَا وَكَذَٰلِكَ الْيَوْمَ تُنسَىٰ
وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي مَنْ أَسْرَفَ وَلَمْ يُؤْمِن بِآيَاتِ رَبِّهِ وَلَعَذَابُ الْآخِرَةِ أَشَدُّ وَأَبْقَىٰ

He said, "Go down from it all, some of you to others (as) enemy. Then if comes to you from Me guidance then whoever, follows My guidance, then not he will go astray and not suffer.
And whoever turns away from My remembrance, then indeed, for him (is) a life straitened and We will gather him (on the) Day (of) the Resurrection blind."
He will say, "My Lord! Why You raised me blind while [verily] I had sight."
He will say, "Thus came to you Our Signs, but you forgot them, and thus today you will be forgotten."
And thus We recompense (he) who transgresses, and not believes in (the) Signs (of) his Lord. And surely (the) punishment (of) the Hereafter (is) more severe and more lasting.
[Al-Quran 20:123-127]


Stating the times of the day when we should praise and glorify God, Surah Taha thus concludes:

فَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَا وَمِنْ آنَاءِ اللَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْ وَأَطْرَافَ النَّهَارِ لَعَلَّكَ تَرْضَىٰ
وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِّنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ
وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَاصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا لَا نَسْأَلُكَ رِزْقًا نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ
وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا يَأْتِينَا بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِ أَوَلَمْ تَأْتِهِم بَيِّنَةُ مَا فِي الصُّحُفِ الْأُولَىٰ
وَلَوْ أَنَّا أَهْلَكْنَاهُم بِعَذَابٍ مِّن قَبْلِهِ لَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا لَوْلَا أَرْسَلْتَ إِلَيْنَا رَسُولًا فَنَتَّبِعَ آيَاتِكَ مِن قَبْلِ أَن نَّذِلَّ وَنَخْزَىٰ
قُلْ كُلٌّ مُّتَرَبِّصٌ فَتَرَبَّصُوا فَسَتَعْلَمُونَ مَنْ أَصْحَابُ الصِّرَاطِ السَّوِيِّ وَمَنِ اهْتَدَىٰ

So be patient over what they say and glorify with praise (of) your Lord before (the) rising (of) the sun and before its setting; and from (the) hours (of) the night, and glorify (at the) ends (of) the day so that you may be satisfied.
And (do) not extend your eyes towards what We have given for enjoyment [with it], pairs of them (the) splendor (of) the life (of) the world, that We may test them in it. And (the) provision (of) your Lord (is) better and more lasting.
And enjoin (on) your family the prayer and be steadfast therein. Not We ask you (for) provision; We provide (for) you, and the outcome (is) for the righteous[ness].
And they say, "Why not he brings us a sign from his Lord?" Has not come to them evidence (of) what (was) in the Scriptures the former?
And if We (had) destroyed them with a punishment before him, surely they (would) have said, "Our Lord, why not You sent to us a Messenger, so we (could) have followed Your before [that] we were humiliated and disgraced."
Say, "Each (is) waiting; so await. Then you will know who (are the) companions (of) the way [the] even, and who is guided."
[Al-Quran 20:130-135]


Our NAFS & God-consciousness 
Surah Aal-i-Imran warns us on behalf of Allah:  

فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَاهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ وَوُفِّيَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ
قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِي الْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَاءُ وَتَنزِعُ الْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَاءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَاءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَاءُ بِيَدِكَ الْخَيْرُ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
تُولِجُ اللَّيْلَ فِي النَّهَارِ وَتُولِجُ النَّهَارَ فِي اللَّيْلِ وَتُخْرِجُ الْحَيَّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَتُخْرِجُ الْمَيِّتَ مِنَ الْحَيِّ وَتَرْزُقُ مَن تَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ
لَّا يَتَّخِذِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الْكَافِرِينَ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِن دُونِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَلَيْسَ مِنَ اللَّهِ فِي شَيْءٍ إِلَّا أَن تَتَّقُوا مِنْهُمْ تُقَاةً وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ اللَّهُ نَفْسَهُ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ الْمَصِيرُ
قُلْ إِن تُخْفُوا مَا فِي صُدُورِكُمْ أَوْ تُبْدُوهُ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّهُ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
يَوْمَ تَجِدُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا عَمِلَتْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ مُّحْضَرًا وَمَا عَمِلَتْ مِن سُوءٍ تَوَدُّ لَوْ أَنَّ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَهُ أَمَدًا بَعِيدًا وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ اللَّهُ نَفْسَهُ وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ
قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ

Then how (ill it be) when We will gather them on a Day - no doubt in it. And will be paid in full every NAFS what it earned and they (will) not be wronged.
Say "O Allah! Owner (of) the Dominion, You give the dominion (to) whom You will and You take away the dominion from whom You will, and You honor whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your hand (is all) the good. Indeed, You (are) on every thing All-Powerful.
You cause to enter the night in the day and You cause to enter the day in the night, and You bring forth the living from the dead, and You bring forth the dead from the living, and You give provision (to) whom You will without measure."
 (Let) not take the believers, the disbelievers (as) allies instead of the believers. And whoever does that, then not he (has) from Allah in anything except that you fear from them, (as) a precaution. And Allah warns you (of) His NAFS, and to Allah (is) the final return.
Say, "Whether you conceal what (is) in your breasts or you disclose it - Allah knows it. And He knows what (is) in the heavens and what (is) in the earth. And Allah (is) on every thing All-Powerful."
 (On the) day will find every soul what it did of good - presented, and what it did of evil, it will wish [if] that between itself and between it (evil) (was) a great distance. And Allah warns you (against) His NAFS, and Allah (is) Most Kind to (His) [the] slaves.
Say, "If you love Allah, then follow Allah will love you and He will forgive for you your sins. And Allah (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Say, "Obey Allah and the Messenger." Then if they turn away - then indeed, Allah (does) not love the disbelievers.
[Al-Quran 3:25-32]


The Quran repeatedly reminds of the covenant and its ratification. Surah alHashr discusses the exile of some People of the Book, who disbelieved and consequently opposed Allah and His Messenger, disregarding their covenant. The surah goes on to warn the believers: 

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلْتَنظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
وَلَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ نَسُوا اللَّهَ فَأَنسَاهُمْ أَنفُسَهُمْ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ
لَا يَسْتَوِي أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ وَأَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ

O you who believe! Fear Allah and let look every NAFS what it has sent forth for tomorrow, and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah (is) All-Aware of what you do.
And (do) not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget their NAFS. Those [they] (are) the defiantly disobedient.
Not equal (are the) companions (of) the Fire and (the) companions (of) Paradise. (The) companions (of) Paradise they (are) the achievers.
 [Al-Quran 59:18-20]


وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَآتَيْنَا كُلَّ نَفْسٍ هُدَاهَا وَلَٰكِنْ حَقَّ الْقَوْلُ مِنِّي لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ
فَذُوقُوا بِمَا نَسِيتُمْ لِقَاءَ يَوْمِكُمْ هَٰذَا إِنَّا نَسِينَاكُمْ وَذُوقُوا عَذَابَ الْخُلْدِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

And if We (had) willed, surely We (would) have given every NAFS its guidance, but (is) true the Word from Me that " Hell with the jinn and the men together.
So taste because you forgot (the) meeting, (of) this Day of yours. Indeed, We have forgotten you. And taste (the) punishment (of) eternity for what you used (to) do."
[Al-Quran 32:13-14]


The Quran mentions the NAFS repeatedly. According to The Quranic Arabic Corpus - Quran Dictionary:  the triliteral root nūn fā sīn (ن ف س) occurs 298 times in the Quran, in four derived forms:
  • once as the form V verb tanaffasa (تَنَفَّسَ)
  • once as the form VI verb yatanāfasi (يَتَنَافَسِ)
  • 295 times as the noun nafs (نَفْس)
  • once as the form VI active participle mutanāfisūn (مُتَنَٰفِسُون)

Every act we do is either for or against our own NAFS, which is in pledge:

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ رَهِينَةٌ
Every NAFS, for what it has earned, (is) pledged,
[Al-Quran 74:38]


وَذَرِ الَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا دِينَهُمْ لَعِبًا وَلَهْوًا وَغَرَّتْهُمُ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا وَذَكِّرْ بِهِ أَن تُبْسَلَ نَفْسٌ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ لَيْسَ لَهَا مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَلِيٌّ وَلَا شَفِيعٌ وَإِن تَعْدِلْ كُلَّ عَدْلٍ لَّا يُؤْخَذْ مِنْهَا أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ أُبْسِلُوا بِمَا كَسَبُوا لَهُمْ شَرَابٌ مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ وَعَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْفُرُونَ

And leave those who take their religion (as) a play and amusement and deluded them the life (of) the world. But remind with it, lest is given up to destruction a NAFS for what it (has) earned, not (is) for it besides Allah any protector and not any intercessor. And if it offers ransom - every ransom, not will it be taken from it. Those (are) ones who are given to destruction for what they earned. For them (will be) a drink of boiling water and a punishment painful because they used to disbelieve.




The Quran & God-consciousness
The Quran and scriptures before it were sent for our guidance. They inform us of our past, and advise about the future consequences of our present beliefs and actions. They teach us about Allah and keeping our duty to Him:

لَوْ أَنزَلْنَا هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ عَلَىٰ جَبَلٍ لَّرَأَيْتَهُ خَاشِعًا مُّتَصَدِّعًا مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ اللَّهِ وَتِلْكَ الْأَمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ هُوَ الرَّحْمَٰنُ الرَّحِيمُ
هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
هُوَ اللَّهُ الْخَالِقُ الْبَارِئُ الْمُصَوِّرُ لَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

If We (had) sent down this Quran on a mountain, surely you (would) have seen it humbled, breaking asunder from (the) fear (of) Allah. And these (are) the examples, We present them to the people so that they may give thought.
He (is) Allah, the One Who, (there is) no god but He, (the) All-Knower (of) the unseen and the witnessed. He (is) the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
He (is) Allah, the One Who, (there is) no god but He, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Giver of Peace, the Giver of Security, the Guardian, the All-Mighty, the Irresistible, the Supreme. Glory (be to) Allah from what they associate (with Him).
He (is) Allah, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner. For Him (are) the names the beautiful. Glorifies Him whatever (is) in the heavens and the earth. And He (is) the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
[Al-Quran 59:21-24]


Creation & Guidance
Surah alHajj concludes with the following ayaat:


وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُنَا بَيِّنَاتٍ تَعْرِفُ فِي وُجُوهِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا الْمُنكَرَ يَكَادُونَ يَسْطُونَ بِالَّذِينَ يَتْلُونَ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِنَا قُلْ أَفَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِشَرٍّ مِّن ذَٰلِكُمُ النَّارُ وَعَدَهَا اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ ضُرِبَ مَثَلٌ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ لَن يَخْلُقُوا ذُبَابًا وَلَوِ اجْتَمَعُوا لَهُ وَإِن يَسْلُبْهُمُ الذُّبَابُ شَيْئًا لَّا يَسْتَنقِذُوهُ مِنْهُ ضَعُفَ الطَّالِبُ وَالْمَطْلُوبُ
مَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ
اللَّهُ يَصْطَفِي مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا وَمِنَ النَّاسِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ بَصِيرٌ
يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ارْكَعُوا وَاسْجُدُوا وَاعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمْ وَافْعَلُوا الْخَيْرَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
وَجَاهِدُوا فِي اللَّهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِهِ هُوَ اجْتَبَاكُمْ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ مِنْ حَرَجٍ مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ هُوَ سَمَّاكُمُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مِن قَبْلُ وَفِي هَٰذَا لِيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِاللَّهِ هُوَ مَوْلَاكُمْ فَنِعْمَ الْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيرُ

And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, you recognize in the faces of those who disbelieve disapproval. They are almost on the verge of assaulting those who recite to them Our verses. Say, "Then shall I inform you of [what is] worse than that? [It is] the Fire which Allah has promised those who disbelieve, and wretched is the destination."
O people, an example is presented, so listen to it. Indeed, those you invoke besides Allah will never create [as much as] a fly, even if they gathered together for that purpose. And if the fly should steal away from them a [tiny] thing, they could not recover it from him. Weak are the pursuer and pursued.
They have not appraised Allah with true appraisal. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.
Allah chooses from the angels messengers and from the people. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing.
He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them. And to Allah will be returned [all] matters.
O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed.
And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah . He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.
 [Al-Quran 22:72-78, Translator: Sahih International]



Establish Prayer
Surah alFath concludes with the following ayat:

مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّهِ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانًا سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِم مِّنْ أَثَرِ السُّجُودِ ذَٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ 

وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِي الْإِنجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْأَهُ فَآزَرَهُ فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوَىٰ عَلَىٰ سُوقِهِ يُعْجِبُ الزُّرَّاعَ لِيَغِيظَ بِهِمُ الْكُفَّارَ وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ مِنْهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

Muhammad (is the) Messenger (of) Allah, and those who (are) with him (are) firm against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, seeking Bounty from Allah and pleasure. Their mark (is) on their faces from (the) trace (of) the prostration. That (is) their similitude in the Torah.
And their similitude in the Injeel (is) like a seed (which) sends forth its shoot then strengthens it, then it becomes thick and it stands upon its stem delighting the sowers that He (may) enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them, forgiveness and a reward great.
[Al-Quran 48:29]


Surah alIsra informs us of the times of prayer, and from the sunnah of Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, we learn how to pray: a living tradition which has been continuously practiced ever since: 


إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَخْبَتُوا إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ أُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ
Indeed, those who believe and do good deeds and humble themselves before their Lord, those (are the) companions (of) Paradise, they in it (will) abide forever.
[Al-Quran 11:23]


Prayer & Night Vigil
Surah alMuzammil explains the advantage of performing extra prayers and recitation of The Quran at night, as compared to during the day:

إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ اللَّيْلِ هِيَ أَشَدُّ وَطْئًا وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلًا
Indeed, (the) rising (at) the night, it (is) very hard and most potent and more suitable (for) Word.
[Al-Quran 73:6]

Surah asSajdah evokes wonder and hope:

إِنَّمَا يُؤْمِنُ بِآيَاتِنَا الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا بِهَا خَرُّوا سُجَّدًا وَسَبَّحُوا بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ
تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ الْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
فَلَا تَعْلَمُ نَفْسٌ مَّا أُخْفِيَ لَهُم مِّن قُرَّةِ أَعْيُنٍ جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
Only believe in Our Verses those who when they are reminded of them fall down prostrating and glorify (the) praises (of) their Lord, and they are not arrogant.
Forsake their sides from (their) beds; they call their Lord (in) fear and hope, and out of what We have provided them they spend.
And not knows a NAFS what is hidden for them of (the) comfort (for) the eyes (as) a reward for what they used (to) do.
[Al-Quran 32:15-17]


Effect of The Remembrance

اللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابًا مُّتَشَابِهًا مَّثَانِيَ
 تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ
 ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى اللَّهِ يَهْدِي بِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ
Allah has revealed (the) best (of) [the] statement - a Book (its parts) resembling each other oft-repeated.
Shiver from it (the) skins (of) those who fear their Lord, then relax their skins and their hearts at (the) remembrance (of) Allah.
That (is the) guidance (of) Allah, He guides with it whom He wills. And whoever Allah lets go astray then not for him any guide.
[Al-Quran 39:23]

The remembrance of Allah is the means of attaining a satisfied or reassured heart:

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ
الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ طُوبَىٰ لَهُمْ وَحُسْنُ مَآبٍ
Those who believed and find satisfaction their hearts in the remembrance (of) Allah. No doubt, in the remembrance of Allah find satisfaction the hearts."
Those who believed and did righteous deeds, blessedness (is) for them and a beautiful place of return.
[Al-Quran 13:28-29

The following screenshot lists the usage of triliteral root ṭā mīm nūn (ط م ن):   

Screenshot from corpus.quran.com 


Consequence of Not Praying

إِنَّهَا لَإِحْدَى الْكُبَرِ
نَذِيرًا لِّلْبَشَرِ
لِمَن شَاءَ مِنكُمْ أَن يَتَقَدَّمَ أَوْ يَتَأَخَّرَ
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ رَهِينَةٌ
إِلَّا أَصْحَابَ الْيَمِينِ
فِي جَنَّاتٍ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ
عَنِ الْمُجْرِمِينَ
مَا سَلَكَكُمْ فِي سَقَرَ
قَالُوا لَمْ نَكُ مِنَ الْمُصَلِّينَ
وَلَمْ نَكُ نُطْعِمُ الْمِسْكِينَ
وَكُنَّا نَخُوضُ مَعَ الْخَائِضِينَ
وَكُنَّا نُكَذِّبُ بِيَوْمِ الدِّينِ
حَتَّىٰ أَتَانَا الْيَقِينُ
فَمَا تَنفَعُهُمْ شَفَاعَةُ الشَّافِعِينَ
فَمَا لَهُمْ عَنِ التَّذْكِرَةِ مُعْرِضِينَ
كَأَنَّهُمْ حُمُرٌ مُّسْتَنفِرَةٌ
فَرَّتْ مِن قَسْوَرَةٍ
بَلْ يُرِيدُ كُلُّ امْرِئٍ مِّنْهُمْ أَن يُؤْتَىٰ صُحُفًا مُّنَشَّرَةً
كَلَّا بَل لَّا يَخَافُونَ الْآخِرَةَ
كَلَّا إِنَّهُ تَذْكِرَةٌ
فَمَن شَاءَ ذَكَرَهُ
وَمَا يَذْكُرُونَ إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ هُوَ أَهْلُ التَّقْوَىٰ وَأَهْلُ الْمَغْفِرَةِ

Indeed, it (is) surely one (of) the greatest,
A warning to (the) human being,
To whoever wills among you to proceed or stay behind.
Every NAFS, for what it has earned, (is) pledged,
Except (the) companions (of) the right,
In Gardens, asking each other,
About the criminals,
"What led you into Hell?"
They will say, "Not we were of those who prayed,
And not we used to feed the poor,
And we used to indulge in vain talk with the vain talkers,
And we used to deny (the) Day (of) the Judgment,
Until, came to us the certainty."
Then not will benefit them intercession (of) the intercessors.
Then what (is) for them, (that) from the Reminder they (are) turning away
As if they (were) donkeys frightened,
Fleeing from a lion?
Nay! Desires every person of them that he may be given pages spread out.
Nay! But not they fear the Hereafter.
Nay! Indeed, it (is) a Reminder.
So whoever wills, (may) pay heed to it.
And not will pay heed except that wills Allah. He (is) worthy to be feared, and worthy to forgive.
[Al-Quran 74:35-56]


Science
The Quran uses the term Remembrance. Emerging research in memory has revealed that the human body is ‘infected’ with an ancient virus-like gene, known as the Arc gene, which plays a key role in memory. They estimate this gene to be millions of years old. As research progresses, perhaps humans will come to realize that the scriptures are indeed correct when they emphasize on ‘reminding’ and ‘remembering’, and that indeed the knowledge has been placed within us, and when a human denies scriptural truths, the person is indeed lying and rejecting knowledge already available within!

Surah alIsra (Q17:110) advises that prayers should be said neither loudly nor silently, but somewhat in between. Emerging research in spoken words is proving the impact of sounds (words and music), when heard by plants and humans. Studies of the brain show the difference between listening to the recitation of The Quran as compared to non-Quranic speech. Brainwave measurements imply that Quran recitation reduces stress and induces a state of relaxation.

The Quran was revealed on the prophet’s heart (Q26:193-194) and is a cure for that which is in the breasts (Q10:57, Q17:82). The Quran also mentions the lying forebrain and the disease in the heart of the hypocrites and the disbelievers. There are studies regarding BDNF/TrkB, and how the state of the brain and the heart affect on each other. Curiously, the shape of the heart is a double helix, which is the same as the shape of the DNA. There is emerging research on the intelligence of the heart.

Fasting has been prescribed in the month in which The Quran was revealed (Q2:185). Caloric restriction has been observed to induce cardiac BDNF/TrkB signaling. As the pursuit of immortality caused Adam and his progeny to be removed from the Garden, and instead live and die on this Earth; therefore it follows that improved health through caloric restriction, and the promise of immortality through obedience of Allah, as detailed in The Quran, offers both temporal and eternal benefits. Perhaps we will learn to be grateful for Allah’s blessings as is, instead of yearning for what might have been! Perhaps, through the remembrance, we will attain the state of the contented NAFS (النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ), if Allah wills.  

There are also claims of experimental evidence of curing diseases through hearing the recitation of The Quran, and/or drinking water on which The Quran has been recited. Jesus was able to miraculously cure diseases by the permission of Allah (Q3:49). The Quran informs us that Allah creates through His Word (Q36:82). Sound waves are already being used for diagnostic purposes. There is emerging research on the shape taken on by water crystals based on the sounds they hear. Considering the ratio of water to earth in our bodies, it is quite possible that Allah may cure (Q26:80) whom He wills through drinking water and/or directly listening to the recitation of The Quran.     

The Quran recommends night vigil, not as an obligatory, but rather as an extra prayer (Q17:79), as it is not possible for everyone (Q73:20), due to various reasons. Surah asSajdah (Q32:17) foretells wondrous rewards for those who forsake their sleep for prayer. Research findings indicate that minor sleep deprivation may be associated with loss of short-term memory, but it does not impair long-term memory. 

As regards our NAFS, Adam’s covenant, disobedience and error caused him and his spouse to lose their natural clothing. When they repented, they admitted that they had been unjust to their own NAFS. The progeny of Adam have inherited this loss of natural clothing. More misadventures since, by the descendants of Adam, have caused other errors to also creep into the human genome. Time and again, Satan has caused many people to lead themselves into ruin by wronging their NAFS. Yet another ‘cursed tree’ trial awaits the unjust in the Hereafter. The remembrance of Allah is the greatest deterrent to and protection from such temptations, and the hope for being granted a safe passage, away from this Earth, towards the Gardens of Eternity, (الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ) in the Hereafter. 

The Quran quotes Abraham as professing that 'when I am ill, it is He who cures me' (Q26:80); praying for wisdom and to be joined with the righteous/reformed/uncorrupted (وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ) (Q26:83); and stating that those who comes with a sound heart (بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ) (Q26:89) will be successful in the Hereafter. 

As scientific research progresses, I hope and expect more conclusive evidence to emerge:


قُلْ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِن كَانَ مِنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ كَفَرْتُم بِهِ مَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنْ هُوَ فِي شِقَاقٍ بَعِيدٍ
سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآفَاقِ وَفِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ
أَلَا إِنَّهُمْ فِي مِرْيَةٍ مِّن لِّقَاءِ رَبِّهِمْ أَلَا إِنَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّحِيطٌ

Say, "You see - if it is from Allah then you disbelieve in it, who (is) more astray than (one) who - he (is) in opposition far?"
Soon We will show them Our Signs in the horizons and in their NAFS until becomes clear to them, that it (is) the truth. Is (it) not sufficient concerning your Lord, that He (is) over all things a Witness?
Unquestionably, they (are) in doubt about (the) meeting (with) their Lord? Unquestionably, indeed, He (is) of all things encompassing.
[Al-Quran 41:52-54]




List of Related Posts


References & Links

Quran Dictionary 
Root Word & Search Results
س ب ح http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=sbH
ص ل و http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Slw
ذ ك ر http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=*kr

Quran Text & Translations 
https://www.islamawakened.com/
Most translations of The Quran quoted here are the first translation of the page listed as Literal (Word by Word). However, I have taken the liberty to make minor corrections, especially retaining the word NAFS instead of its translation. To compare 50+ English translations of any ayat, please click on the link to go directly to ayat, or go to Quran index of this website and choose Surah and Ayah.


Quran Recitation  
Modeling brain activities during reading working memory task: Comparison between reciting Quran and reading book
Spirituality and brain waves
Efficacy of Surah Al-Rehman in Managing Depression in Muslim Women.
A doctor who prescribes a dose of Quranic verses


Effect of Words


Memory
Ancient rules of memory. The molecules and mechanisms of memory evolved long before their ‘modern' use in the brain (2008)


Sleep Deprivation
Chronic Sleep Deprivation Differentially Affects Short and Long-term Operant Memory in Aplysia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5136466/
Effect of sleep restriction on orthostatic cardiovascular control in humans: https://www.physiology.org/doi/10.1152/jappl.2000.88.3.966
Metabolic Consequences in Humans of Prolonged Sleep Restriction Combined with Circadian Disruption:


Arc Gene  


Brain & Heart
Constitutive BDNF/TrkB signaling is required for normal cardiac contraction and relaxation
BDNF modulates heart contraction force and long-term homeostasis through truncated TrkB.T1 receptor activation
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Protects Against Cardiac Dysfunction After Myocardial Infarction via a Central Nervous System–Mediated Pathway
Increased Expression of TrkB and Capzb2 Accompanies Preserved Cognitive Status in Early Alzheimer Disease Pathology
Cardiac BDNF/TrkB Signaling Can Be Induced By Calorie Restriction With Improved Physical Activity In Obese Mice
Tyrosine Kinase Receptor B Protects Against Coronary Artery Disease and Promotes Adult Vasculature Integrity by Regulating Ets1-Mediated VE-Cadherin Expression



Last updated on: July 12, 2018

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