[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].

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

The Quran, the Pharaoh, Exodus and the Promised Day!

Abstract 
The importance of night vigil in guarding/protecting against the trials during the end times.  


Full Text 

يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُزَّمِّلُ 1
قُمِ اللَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا 2
نِّصْفَهُ أَوِ انقُصْ مِنْهُ قَلِيلًا 3
أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا 4

إِنَّا سَنُلْقِي عَلَيْكَ قَوْلًا ثَقِيلًا 5

إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ اللَّيْلِ هِيَ أَشَدُّ وَطْئًا وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلًا 6
...
وَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَاهْجُرْهُمْ هَجْرًا جَمِيلًا 10
وَذَرْنِي وَالْمُكَذِّبِينَ أُولِي النَّعْمَةِ وَمَهِّلْهُمْ قَلِيلًا 11
...
15 إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ رَسُولًا شَاهِدًا عَلَيْكُمْ كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا  إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ رَسُولًا
فَعَصَىٰ فِرْعَوْنُ الرَّسُولَ فَأَخَذْنَاهُ أَخْذًا وَبِيلًا 16

فَكَيْفَ تَتَّقُونَ إِن كَفَرْتُمْ يَوْمًا يَجْعَلُ الْوِلْدَانَ شِيبًا 17

السَّمَاءُ مُنفَطِرٌ بِهِ كَانَ وَعْدُهُ مَفْعُولًا 18

إِنَّ هَٰذِهِ تَذْكِرَةٌ فَمَن شَاءَ اتَّخَذَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِ سَبِيلًا 19

1 O you who wraps himself [in clothing],
2 Arise [to pray] the night, except for a little -
3 Half of it - or subtract from it a little
4 Or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.
5 Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.
6 Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words.
...
10 And be patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.

11 And leave Me with [the matter of] the deniers, those of ease [in life], and allow them respite a little.
...
15 Indeed, We have sent to you a Messenger as a witness upon you just as We sent to Pharaoh a messenger.
16 But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger, so We seized him with a ruinous seizure.
17 Then how can you fear, if you disbelieve, a Day that will make the children white- haired?
18 The heaven will break apart therefrom; ever is His promise fulfilled.
19 Indeed, this is a reminder, so whoever wills may take to his Lord a way. 
[Al-Quran 73:1-6, ... 10-11, ... 15-19, Translation: Sahih International]


Surah alMuzammil begins and concludes with the instructions to stand in prayer at night, reciting The Quran slowly. Q73:6 informs us that studying at night is most effective and most suitable. In the beginning, it instructs alMuzammil to stand in prayer as long as possible, a little more or less than half of the night. The purpose of this studying is because a very heavy word is going to be sent upon him.

A few ayaat later, the surah goes on to inform that Muhammad ﷺ has been sent to you just like Moses was sent to Pharaoh as Allah's Messenger. The Quran narrates the story of Pharaoh and Bani Israel in several places, highlighting the interactions and events we need to seriously consider. In Surah Taha, it narrates that Moses demanded that Pharaoh let the Bani Israel go with Moses:

فَأْتِيَاهُ فَقُولَا إِنَّا رَسُولَا رَبِّكَ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَلَا تُعَذِّبْهُمْ قَدْ جِئْنَاكَ بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكَ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ مَنِ اتَّبَعَ  الْهُدَىٰ
إِنَّا قَدْ أُوحِيَ إِلَيْنَا أَنَّ الْعَذَابَ عَلَىٰ مَن كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰ

So go to him and say, "Indeed, we both (are) Messengers (of) your Lord, so send with us (the) Children of Israel, and (do) not torment them. Verily, we came to you with a Sign from your Lord. And peace on (one) who follows the Guidance. 
Indeed, we verily, it has been revealed to us that the punishment (will be) on (one) who denies and turns away."
[Al-Quran 20:47-48]

Pharaoh refused and made things worse for the Bani Israel. Their Messengers (Moses and Aaron) instructed them: 

وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ وَأَخِيهِ أَن تَبَوَّآ لِقَوْمِكُمَا بِمِصْرَ بُيُوتًا وَاجْعَلُوا بُيُوتَكُمْ قِبْلَةً وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

And We inspired Moses and his brother thus, "Establish, you twain, houses for your people in Egypt; and make you your houses a qiblah (the centre of worship); and be you steadfast in prayer, and give Glad Tidings to those who believe."
[Al-Quran 10:87, Translation: Hamid S. Aziz]

And We inspired to Moses and his brother, "Settle your people in Egypt in houses and make your houses [facing the] qiblah and establish prayer and give good tidings to the believers."
[Al-Quran 10:87, Translation: Sahih International] 


Eventually, Allah rescued the Bani Israel and drowned Pharaoh and his forces. I understand that the freedom being demanded from the Pharaoh was so that the Bani Israel could go for pilgrimage to Mecca, to The House of Worship. The Quran informs us that Abraham raised its foundations, purified it and announced the pilgrimage. Surah Aal-e-Imran (The Family of Imran) informs us: 

إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكًا وَهُدًى لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمَن دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ

Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds.
In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.
[Al-Quran 3:96-97, Translation: Sahih International] 
Note: Is Makkah بَكَّةَ? Please see note at the bottom of this post.


The Kaaba is the Qibla of the Muslims. All over the world, Muslims perform their contact prayers facing towards The Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia . Pilgrims circumambulate The Kaaba seven times. The pilgrimage to The Ancient House is also mentioned in Surah alHajj (The Pilgrimage) as: 


وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لِإِبْرَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَن لَّا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئًا وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ
وَأَذِّن فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ
لِّيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ
ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا بِالْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ حُرُمَاتِ اللَّهِ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ عِندَ رَبِّهِ وَأُحِلَّتْ لَكُمُ الْأَنْعَامُ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ فَاجْتَنِبُوا الرِّجْسَ مِنَ الْأَوْثَانِ وَاجْتَنِبُوا قَوْلَ الزُّورِ
حُنَفَاءَ لِلَّهِ غَيْرَ مُشْرِكِينَ بِهِ وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَكَأَنَّمَا خَرَّ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ فَتَخْطَفُهُ الطَّيْرُ أَوْ تَهْوِي بِهِ الرِّيحُ فِي مَكَانٍ سَحِيقٍ
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى الْقُلُوبِ
لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَنَافِعُ إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ثُمَّ مَحِلُّهَا إِلَى الْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيقِ

And when We assigned* to Ibrahim (the) site (of) the House, "That (do) not associate with Me anything and purify My House for those who circumambulate and those who stand and those who bow, (and) those who prostrate.
And proclaim to [the] mankind [of] the Pilgrimage; they will come to you (on) foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every mountain highway distant.
That they may witness benefits for them, and mention (the) name (of) Allah on days known over what He has provided them of (the) beast (of) cattle. So eat of them and feed the miserable, the poor.
Then let them their prescribed duties and fulfil their vows, and circumambulate the House [the] Ancient."
That and whoever honors (the) sacred rites (of) Allah, then it (is) best for him near his Lord. And are made lawful to you the cattle except what is recited to you. So avoid the abomination of the idols and avoid (the) word false.
Being upright to Allah, not associating partners with Him. And whoever associates partners with Allah then (it is) as though he had fallen from the sky and (had) snatched him the birds, or had blown him the wind to a place far off.
That, and whoever honors (the) Symbols (of) Allah then indeed, it (is) from (the) piety (of) the hearts.
For you therein (are) benefits for a term appointed; then their place of sacrifice (is) at the House the Ancient.
[Al-Quran 22:26-33]  
Note: I think * should be translated as: drew Abraham to the location of The House... Please read The Ancient House


We know that this pilgrimage was being performed even in ancient times, as we read in Surah alQasas (The Story or The Narrative) that Moses' to-be father-in-law contracts with him service for 8-10 Hajjs (حِجَجٍ):

قَالَ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُنكِحَكَ إِحْدَى ابْنَتَيَّ هَاتَيْنِ عَلَىٰ أَن تَأْجُرَنِي ثَمَانِيَ حِجَجٍ فَإِنْ أَتْمَمْتَ عَشْرًا فَمِنْ عِندِكَ وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَشُقَّ عَلَيْكَ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

He said, "Indeed, I [I] wish to marry you to one (of) my daughters (of) these two on that you serve me, (for) eight years Hajj (pilgrimages); but if you complete ten, then from you. And not I wish to make it difficult for you. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the righteous."
[Al-Quran 28:27, Translation edited in italics]


Though we don't think that the Bani Israel eventually made it to Mecca, to this day, each weekday morning, observant male Jews wear the tofatot (known as tefillin) as the sign of their Exodus:

וְהָיָה֩ לְךָ֨ לְא֜וֹת עַל־יָֽדְךָ֗ וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔יךָ לְמַ֗עַן תִּֽהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּפִ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֥ יְהֹוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם

And it shall be to you as a sign upon your hand and as a remembrance between your eyes, in order that the law of the Lord shall be in your mouth, for with a mighty hand the Lord took you out of Egypt
[Exodus 13:9]

The Totafot (tefillin) comprises of a black cube worn on the forehead, and the black strap wrapped around the arm seven times. As mentioned above, Muslims perform their contact prayers facing towards The Kaaba. Pilgrims circumambulate The Kaaba seven times, counterclockwise. The shape of the Kaaba is a cube, and it is traditionally draped in a black cloth.   




Scriptural and historical sources inform us that the pilgrimage to the Ancient House has been going on ever since Abraham announced it, whether by monotheists or polytheists. Fighting has always been prohibited in the four sacred months, the purpose being, I believe, the safe travel of the pilgrims. It seems to be a well-known restriction that was being observed since ancient times. Surah atTaubah (The Repentance) begins with an advance notice of war, which is to commence after the four sacred months have passed. Then, in ayat 36-37, we read:

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

إِنَّمَا النَّسِيءُ زِيَادَةٌ فِي الْكُفْرِ يُضَلُّ بِهِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا يُحِلُّونَهُ عَامًا وَيُحَرِّمُونَهُ عَامًا لِّيُوَاطِئُوا عِدَّةَ مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ فَيُحِلُّوا مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ زُيِّنَ لَهُمْ سُوءُ أَعْمَالِهِمْ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ

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

Indeed, the postponing (is) an increase in the disbelief, are led astray by it those who disbelieve. They make it lawful one year and make it unlawful (another) year, to adjust the number which Allah has made unlawful and making lawful what Allah has made unlawful. Is made fair-seeming to them (the) evil (of) their deeds. And Allah (does) not guide the people - the disbelievers. 
[Al-Quran 9:36-37]

As discussed in The Prophesy, a final great war is expected to occur, in which the believers are expected to eventually win by the Grace of Allah. Believers of almost all religions expect their Messiah to come, and hope to win that great war. This will result in the correct religion being established over all other religions, globally. The following three ayaat, in Surah atTaubah (The Repentance), Surah alFath (The Victory) and Surah asSaff (The Battle Array), inform us that the True Religion must and will prevail over all religions:

هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ
He (is) the One Who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion (of) [the] truth, to manifest it over all religions. Even if dislike (it) the polytheists.
[Al-Quran 9:33

هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ شَهِيدًا
He (is) the One Who (has) sent His Messenger with guidance and (the) religion, the true that He (may) make it prevail over the religions all. And sufficient is Allah (as) a Witness.
[Al-Quran 48:28

هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ
He (is) the One Who sent His Messenger with guidance and (the) religion (of) the truth, to make it prevail over the religion all of them, although dislike (it) the polytheists. 
[Al-Quran 61:9] 


At the time of the Exodus, the sea was parted to rescue the Believers, and to drown Pharaoh and his forces. Surah alMuzammil warns us of a day when the sky will break apart! Standing in prayer during parts of the night, studying The Quran, which contains the details of all things, will help remember  our past and, understand and prepare for the future, and develop the patience to steadfastly endure whatever trials come our way. In Surah Ibrahim (Abraham), we read:

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَىٰ بِآيَاتِنَا أَنْ أَخْرِجْ قَوْمَكَ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ وَذَكِّرْهُم بِأَيَّامِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ

And verily We sent Musa with Our Signs, that "Bring out your people from the darkness[es] to the light. And remind them of the days (of) Allah." Indeed, in that surely (are) the signs for everyone patient and thankful
[Al-Quran 14:5] 


Surah alJathiyah (The Kneeling/Crouching) exhorts the Believers to forgive those who do not believe:

قُل لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يَغْفِرُوا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يَرْجُونَ أَيَّامَ اللَّهِ لِيَجْزِيَ قَوْمًا بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ

Say to those who believe (to) forgive those who (do) not hope (for the) days (of) Allah; that He may recompense a people for what they used to earn. 
[Al-Quran 45:14 ]


As Surah arRum (The Romans) warns and explains:

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

مَن كَفَرَ فَعَلَيْهِ كُفْرُهُ وَمَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلِأَنفُسِهِمْ يَمْهَدُونَ

لِيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ مِن فَضْلِهِ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ

So set your face to the religion right, before [that] comes a Day not (can be) averted [it] from Allah. That Day, they will be divided.
Whoever disbelieves, then against him (is) his disbelief. And whoever does righteousness, then for themselves they are preparing, 
That He may reward those who believe and do righteous deeds (out) of His Bounty. Indeed, He (does) not like the disbelievers.
[Al-Quran 30:43-45]


May Allah grant us all the good fortune to believe and follow the right religion, and be of those who are well-prepared, and whose efforts are accepted and rewarded.

The last ayat of Surah alMuzammil lightens the task for the believers:

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَعْلَمُ أَنَّكَ تَقُومُ أَدْنَىٰ مِن ثُلُثَيِ اللَّيْلِ وَنِصْفَهُ وَثُلُثَهُ وَطَائِفَةٌ مِّنَ الَّذِينَ مَعَكَ وَاللَّهُ يُقَدِّرُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ عَلِمَ أَن لَّن تُحْصُوهُ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ فَاقْرَءُوا مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ عَلِمَ أَن سَيَكُونُ مِنكُم مَّرْضَىٰ وَآخَرُونَ يَضْرِبُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَبْتَغُونَ مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَآخَرُونَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَاقْرَءُوا مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنْهُ وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَأَقْرِضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ اللَّهِ هُوَ خَيْرًا وَأَعْظَمَ أَجْرًا وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

Surely your Lord knows that you pass in prayer nearly two-thirds of the night, and (sometimes) half of it, and (sometimes) a third of it, and (also) a party of those with you; and Allah measures the night and the day. He knows that you are not able to do it, so He has turned to you (mercifully), therefore read what is easy of the Quran. He knows that there must be among you sick, and others who travel in the land seeking of the bounty of Allah, and others who fight in Allah's way, therefore read as much of it as is easy (to you), and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and offer to Allah a goodly gift, and whatever of good you send on beforehand for yourselves, you will find it with Allah; that is best and greatest in reward; and ask forgiveness of Allah; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
[Al-Quran 73:20, Translation: Shakir]


-----------------------------


Is Makkah بَكَّةَ? 
There are various opinions about this:
Most scholars consider بَكَّةَ to be referring to Makkah, and believe it is the old name of the city.
Some differentiate between the two as Makkah being the name of the town/city, while Bacca (بَكَّةَ) being the place where the The Ancient House is located.
I remember reading online that some old maps of the region mark the place we now call Makkah (Mecca, Saudi Arabia) as Bacca (بَكَّةَ), though I can no longer find the reference.
Considering the ayaat of The Quran, and the various discussions online, and the shape of the tofatot (tefillin), I think Makkah is بَكَّةَ.

-----------------------------


Date of Exodus 
Muharram is one of the four sacred months. It is said that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted on the tenth of Muharram when he learnt that this is the date of the Exodus. 

-----------------------------


 List of Related Posts


Last updated on: August 18, 2021

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

The Lord is my Rock

 قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

Say, "He (is) Allah, the One.
Allah, the Eternal, the Absolute.
Not He begets and not He is begotten.
And not is for Him equivalent any [one]."
[Al-Quran Surah al-Ikhlas]


Abstract
Strictly staying within the confines of Surah al-Ikhlas, this is a humble attempt to understand the physical description of God in The Bible and The Quran.   


Full Text 

Preamble
Monotheists believe in One Deity, while polytheists have a pantheon of deities, a family of gods. Muslims believe that there is nothing like Allah, the arabic word for God. The Jews also believe in One God. The Christians, while they believe in the Supreme God of The Torah/Bible, they also believe Jesus to be the begotten son of God. The Quran clearly declares that there is no god except Allah   

The Bible and The Quran present insights about God. I believe that each statement in the scriptures have been revealed by God for a definite purpose. Moreover, I believe the scriptures are meant to be studied literally. I also believe that the original Arabic text of The Quran is preserved in pristine condition, and is unedited. Therefore, staying strictly within the confines of Surah al-Ikhlas, that Allah   is One and Only, Allah   is Eternal and Self-Sufficient, that there is nothing like Allah  , and that Allah   neither begets nor is begotten, the following is a humble attempt to understand the description of God in The Bible and The Quran.   


The Rock
In the Bible, it states: 

הַצּוּר֙ תָּמִ֣ים פָּֽעֳל֔וֹ כִּ֥י כָל־דְּרָכָ֖יו מִשְׁפָּ֑ט אֵ֤ל אֱמוּנָה֙ וְאֵ֣ין עָ֔וֶל צַדִּ֥יק וְיָשָׁ֖ר הֽוּא

The deeds of the [Mighty] Rock are perfect, for all His ways are just; a faithful God, without injustice He is righteous and upright. 
[Deuteronomy 32:4, Jewish Translation]

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. 
[Deuteronomy 32:4, Christian Translation]


Like a Planet 
Surah anNur describes Allah as: 

اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ مَثَلُ نُورِهِ كَمِشْكَاةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ الْمِصْبَاحُ فِي زُجَاجَةٍ
الزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّيٌّ 
يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لَّا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِيءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ يَهْدِي اللَّهُ لِنُورِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

God is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The allegory of His light is that of a pillar on which is a lamp. The lamp is within a glass.
The glass is like a brilliant planet,
fueled by a blessed tree, an olive tree, neither eastern nor western. Its oil would almost illuminate, even if no fire has touched it. Light upon Light. God guides to His light whomever He wills. God thus cites the parables for the people. God is cognizant of everything.
[Al-Quran 24:35; Translation: Talal A. Itani (new translation)]

Though in most translations of Q24:35 we find كَوْكَبٌ translated as star, The Quran uses the word نَّجْمُ for star. According to my understanding, it is more correct to translate كَوْكَبٌ as planet.


Omnipresent
The Bible uses the word 'Rock', and The Quran gives the example of a glass which is like a brilliant planet. It is important to emphasise on the word 'like', as when Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلامwas being shown the kingdom of the heavens and the earth:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُرِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ مَلَكُوتَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَلِيَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُوقِنِينَ
فَلَمَّا جَنَّ عَلَيْهِ اللَّيْلُ رَأَىٰ كَوْكَبًا قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّي فَلَمَّا أَفَلَ قَالَ لَا أُحِبُّ الْآفِلِينَ
فَلَمَّا رَأَى الْقَمَرَ بَازِغًا قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّي فَلَمَّا أَفَلَ قَالَ لَئِن لَّمْ يَهْدِنِي رَبِّي لَأَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الضَّالِّينَ
فَلَمَّا رَأَى الشَّمْسَ بَازِغَةً قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّي هَٰذَا أَكْبَرُ فَلَمَّا أَفَلَتْ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ إِنِّي بَرِيءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ
إِنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

And thus did We show Abraham the realm of the heavens and the earth that he would be among the certain [in faith]
So when the night covered him [with darkness], he saw a star planet He said, "This is my lord." But when it set disappeared, he said, "I like not those that disappear."
And when he saw the moon rising, he said, "This is my lord." But when it set disappeared, he said, "Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the people gone astray."
And when he saw the sun rising, he said, "This is my lord; this is greater." But when it set disappeared, he said, "O my people, indeed I am free from what you associate with Allah .
Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created separated the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah ."
[Al-Quran 6:75-79, Translation: Sahih International, edited in italics]

The Quran uses the triliteral root hamza fā lām (أ ف ل) four times, only in the ayaat quoted above. According to Lane's Lexicon, it means to become hidden, absent or concealed. The Quran informs us that Allah  ﷻ  is omnipresent:

وَلِلَّهِ الْمَشْرِقُ وَالْمَغْرِبُ فَأَيْنَمَا تُوَلُّوا فَثَمَّ وَجْهُ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

And for Allah (is) the east and the west, so wherever you turn [so] there (is the) face (of) Allah. Indeed, Allah (is) All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.
[Al-Quran 2:115

The Quran speaks of the Face of Allah ﷻ , the Hand of Allah ﷻ , and so on. We may do well to remember that we ourselves are made of dust, made of the same material as of planet Earth, yet, we have a definite shape, hands, face, heads and hearts. Moreover, we are breathing, living beings. However, it is important to remember that the Earth and its materials were created by Allah ﷻ ; that is, Allah ﷻ  is not made of the matter that He ﷻ  created to invent the Universe.


Allah ﷻ  is The Greatest 
Allah ﷻ  is the King of the heavens and earth. Mankind has a meeting scheduled with Allah ﷻ . Many ayaat of The Quran tell us that Allah ﷻ is the Most Great, the Most High. Perhaps the ayat which presents the most vivid concept of the relative size of Allah ﷻ  as compared to His creation is in Surah azZumar, ayat 67: 
 
وَمَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ وَالْأَرْضُ جَمِيعًا قَبْضَتُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَالسَّمَاوَاتُ مَطْوِيَّاتٌ بِيَمِينِهِ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ

And not they appraised Allah (with) true appraisal, while the earth entirely (will be) in His Grip (on the) Day (of) the Resurrection, and the heavens (will be) folded in His Right Hand. Glory be to Him! And High is He above what they associate (with Him). 
[Al-Quran 39:67]



Those Who Were Given Knowledge Before  
Surah al-Isra concludes with the following ayaat: 

وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَىٰ تِسْعَ آيَاتٍ بَيِّنَاتٍ فَاسْأَلْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِذْ جَاءَهُمْ فَقَالَ لَهُ فِرْعَوْنُ إِنِّي لَأَظُنُّكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ مَسْحُورًا

And We had certainly given Moses nine evident signs, so ask the Children of Israel [about] when he came to them and Pharaoh said to him, "Indeed I think, O Moses, that you are affected by magic."

قَالَ لَقَدْ عَلِمْتَ مَا أَنزَلَ هَٰؤُلَاءِ إِلَّا رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ بَصَائِرَ وَإِنِّي لَأَظُنُّكَ يَا فِرْعَوْنُ مَثْبُورًا

[Moses] said, "You have already known that none has sent down these [signs] except the Lord of the heavens and the earth as evidence, and indeed I think, O Pharaoh, that you are destroyed."

فَأَرَادَ أَن يَسْتَفِزَّهُم مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ فَأَغْرَقْنَاهُ وَمَن مَّعَهُ جَمِيعًا

So he intended to drive them from the land, but We drowned him and those with him all together.

وَقُلْنَا مِن بَعْدِهِ لِبَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اسْكُنُوا الْأَرْضَ فَإِذَا جَاءَ وَعْدُ الْآخِرَةِ جِئْنَا بِكُمْ لَفِيفًا

And We said after Pharaoh to the Children of Israel, "Dwell in the land, and when there comes the promise of the Hereafter, We will bring you forth in [one] gathering."

وَبِالْحَقِّ أَنزَلْنَاهُ وَبِالْحَقِّ نَزَلَ وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا مُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا

And with the truth We have sent the Qur'an down, and with the truth it has descended. And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a bringer of good tidings and a warner.

وَقُرْآنًا فَرَقْنَاهُ لِتَقْرَأَهُ عَلَى النَّاسِ عَلَىٰ مُكْثٍ وَنَزَّلْنَاهُ تَنزِيلًا

And [it is] a Qur'an which We have separated [by intervals] that you might recite it to the people over a prolonged period. And We have sent it down progressively.

قُلْ آمِنُوا بِهِ أَوْ لَا تُؤْمِنُوا إِنَّ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ مِن قَبْلِهِ إِذَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ يَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ سُجَّدًا

Say, "Believe in it or do not believe. Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it - when it is recited to them, they fall upon their faces in prostration,

وَيَقُولُونَ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّنَا إِن كَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّنَا لَمَفْعُولًا

And they say, "Exalted is our Lord! Indeed, the promise of our Lord has been fulfilled."

وَيَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ يَبْكُونَ وَيَزِيدُهُمْ خُشُوعًا

And they fall upon their faces weeping, and the Qur'an increases them in humble submission.

قُلِ ادْعُوا اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُوا الرَّحْمَٰنَ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُوا فَلَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًا

Say, "Call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful. Whichever [name] you call - to Him belong the best names." And do not recite [too] loudly in your prayer or [too] quietly but seek between that an [intermediate] way.

وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًا وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي الْمُلْكِ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ وَلِيٌّ مِّنَ الذُّلِّ وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًا

And say, "Praise to Allah , who has not taken a son and has had no partner in [His] dominion and has no [need of a] protector out of weakness; and glorify Him with [great] glorification."
[Al-Quran 17:101-111, Translation: Sahih International]





Last updated on November 17, 2022

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Authorised to Fly

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


Abstract 

In this space age, astronauts undergo an extensive and comprehensive program to rigorously train for the intended journey. Establishing regular prayers is critical to our preparation to proceed on the journey we hope to be taken on which will lead us to The Gardens of Eternity, to dwell there forever! 



Full Text 
In Surah alIsra, we are commanded to establish regular prayer:  

أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِدُلُوكِ الشَّمْسِ إِلَىٰ غَسَقِ اللَّيْلِ وَقُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ إِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا
وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا

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

وَقُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ إِنَّ الْبَاطِلَ كَانَ زَهُوقًا
وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَلَا يَزِيدُ الظَّالِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا 

Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.
And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.

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

And say, "Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart."
And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.
[Al-Quran 17:78-82, Translation: Sahih International] 

Surah alIsra begins with the ayat about Prophet Muhammad's ascension, when Allah took him on a journey to meet Allah Himself, and then sent him safely back to Earth. It goes on to emphasise that the travel of humans is a sign - something worthy of consideration, gratitude and reflection. Ayaat 78 and 79 command the believers to establish prayers, in the hope of being raised to a praised station. Scholars generally assume that this ayat is for the Prophet only; however, the ayat itself does not specify that it a single position and/or is for him only. Allah knows best! Then ayat 80 and 81 teach a prayer which is about being given a supporting authority (سُلْطَانًا نَّصِيرًا). 

In this space age, we know that to leave this planet, we need to be travelling at a minimum velocity of 11.186km/s away from the surface of the Earth. We also know that to travel to any other place in the Universe, we need much more planning, training and support to ensure that the journey and its mission is successfully accomplished. Astronauts undergo an extensive and comprehensive program to rigorously train for the intended journey.

Surah alIsra also narrates the refusal of Iblis to prostrate/submit to Adam, and the limited license Allah has granted him to mislead mankind. Ayat 50 of Surah alKahf informs us that Iblis is a Jinn, and that he and his progeny are the enemies of mankind. 

In Surah arRehman, we again come across the word سُلْطَانٍ :

سَنَفْرُغُ لَكُمْ أَيُّهَ الثَّقَلَانِ
فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
يَا مَعْشَرَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنسِ إِنِ اسْتَطَعْتُمْ أَن تَنفُذُوا مِنْ أَقْطَارِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ فَانفُذُوا لَا تَنفُذُونَ إِلَّا بِسُلْطَانٍ
فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
يُرْسَلُ عَلَيْكُمَا شُوَاظٌ مِّن نَّارٍ وَنُحَاسٌ فَلَا تَنتَصِرَانِ
فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
فَإِذَا انشَقَّتِ السَّمَاءُ فَكَانَتْ وَرْدَةً كَالدِّهَانِ
فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

We will attend to you, O الثَّقَلَانِ.
So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?
O company of jinn and mankind, if you are able to pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass. You will not pass except by authority [from Allah ].
So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?
There will be sent upon you a flame of fire and smoke, and you will not defend yourselves.
So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?
And when the heaven is split open and becomes rose-colored like oil -
So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? -
[Al-Quran 55:31-38, Translation: Sahih International; edited translation underlined] 

Words formed with the root thā qāf lām (ث ق ل) are generally translated as heavy, burden, weighty. The Quran informs us that humans and jinns were sent to the Earth after Adam was misled by Iblis. Only those whom Allah permits and authorises to leave the Earth and pass through the gates that open up in the first Sky (Universe?) will be able to ascend. We learn from other ayaat of The Quran that the Earth has seven skies/heavens(universes?) above it. We also learn that the doors of the sky/heaven will not be open for the criminals, and they will not be able to ascend...    

Surah alQamar warns that The Hour has approached: 

اقْتَرَبَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَانشَقَّ الْقَمَرُ
...
بَلِ السَّاعَةُ مَوْعِدُهُمْ وَالسَّاعَةُ أَدْهَىٰ وَأَمَرُّ
إِنَّ الْمُجْرِمِينَ فِي ضَلَالٍ وَسُعُرٍ
يَوْمَ يُسْحَبُونَ فِي النَّارِ عَلَىٰ وُجُوهِهِمْ ذُوقُوا مَسَّ سَقَرَ

The Hour has come near, and the moon has split [in two].
...
But the Hour is their appointment [for due punishment], and the Hour is more disastrous and more bitter.
Indeed, the criminals are in error and madness.
The Day they are dragged into the Fire on their faces [it will be said], "Taste the touch of Saqar."
[Al-Quran 54:1...46-48, Translation: Sahih International] 

Surah alMuddasir swears by the moon and describes the Saqar (سَقَرَ), which is mentioned in Surah alQamar: 



سَأُصْلِيهِ سَقَرَ
وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا سَقَرُ
لَا تُبْقِي وَلَا تَذَرُ
لَوَّاحَةٌ لِّلْبَشَرِ

I will drive him into Saqar.
And what can make you know what is Saqar?
It lets nothing remain and leaves nothing [unburned],
Blackening the skins.

عَلَيْهَا تِسْعَةَ عَشَرَ
وَمَا جَعَلْنَا أَصْحَابَ النَّارِ إِلَّا مَلَائِكَةً وَمَا جَعَلْنَا عِدَّتَهُمْ إِلَّا فِتْنَةً لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لِيَسْتَيْقِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ وَيَزْدَادَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِيمَانًا وَلَا يَرْتَابَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَلِيَقُولَ الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ وَالْكَافِرُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا مَثَلًا كَذَٰلِكَ يُضِلُّ اللَّهُ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ جُنُودَ رَبِّكَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَمَا هِيَ إِلَّا ذِكْرَىٰ لِلْبَشَرِ

Over it are nineteen [angels].
And We have not made the keepers of the Fire except angels. And We have not made their number except as a trial for those who disbelieve - that those who were given the Scripture will be convinced and those who have believed will increase in faith and those who were given the Scripture and the believers will not doubt and that those in whose hearts is hypocrisy and the disbelievers will say, "What does Allah intend by this as an example?" Thus does Allah leave astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And none knows the soldiers of your Lord except Him. And mention of the Fire is not but a reminder to humanity.

كَلَّا وَالْقَمَرِ
وَاللَّيْلِ إِذْ أَدْبَرَ
وَالصُّبْحِ إِذَا أَسْفَرَ

No! By the moon
And [by] the night when it departs
And [by] the morning when it brightens,

إِنَّهَا لَإِحْدَى الْكُبَرِ
نَذِيرًا لِّلْبَشَرِ
لِمَن شَاءَ مِنكُمْ أَن يَتَقَدَّمَ أَوْ يَتَأَخَّرَ
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ رَهِينَةٌ

Indeed, the Fire is of the greatest [afflictions]
As a warning to humanity -
To whoever wills among you to proceed or stay behind.
Every nafs, for what it has earned, will be retained

إِلَّا أَصْحَابَ الْيَمِينِ
فِي جَنَّاتٍ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ
عَنِ الْمُجْرِمِينَ

Except the companions of the right,
[Who will be] in gardens, questioning each other
About the criminals,

مَا سَلَكَكُمْ فِي سَقَرَ

[And asking them], "What put you into Saqar?"

قَالُوا لَمْ نَكُ مِنَ الْمُصَلِّينَ
وَلَمْ نَكُ نُطْعِمُ الْمِسْكِينَ
وَكُنَّا نَخُوضُ مَعَ الْخَائِضِينَ
وَكُنَّا نُكَذِّبُ بِيَوْمِ الدِّينِ
حَتَّىٰ أَتَانَا الْيَقِينُ

They will say, "We were not of those who prayed,
Nor did we used to feed the poor.
And we used to enter into vain discourse with those who engaged [in it],
And we used to deny the Day of Recompense
Until there came to us the certainty."
[Al-Quran 74:26-47, Translation: Sahih International; edited translation in italic


Ayat 37 of Surah alMudassir states: To whoever wills among you to proceed or stay behind. To escape the fire in the Hereafter is an option given to each person, and a lifetime to prepare for it. The people who will not be escape Saqar will list their lack of preparation: top of the list will be that they were not of those who prayed the contact prayers. Next on the list will be that they did not feed the poor, wasting time in vain discourse or activities, and their lie that the Day of Recompense will not occur!  

Surah alBayyina summarises the Deen as: 

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

And they were not commanded except to worship Allah , [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion.
[Al-Quran 98:5, Translation: Sahih International]

Establishing regular prayers is critical to our preparation to proceed on the journey we hope to be taken on which will lead us to The Gardens of Eternity, to dwell there forever! 

Scientists realise that the Earth will eventually become uninhabitable, and that the only hope for humans is to find another planet which supports life. The Quran promises such a wonderful place, and describes in detail the eligibility criteria for it.



 List of Related Posts


Last updated on December 13, 2018