... in a glass

 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

Marvelling at living examples of what '... in a glass' may mean.    

Full Text 

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

Allah (is the) نُورُ (of) the heavens and the earth. (The) example (of) His نُورِ (is) like a niche in it (is) a lamp; the lamp (is) in a glass, the glass as if it were a planet brilliant (which) is lit from a tree blessed - an olive, not (of the) east and not (of the) west, would almost its oil glow, even if not touched it fire. نُّورٌ upon نُورٍ. Allah guides to His نُورِ whom He wills. And Allah sets forth the examples for the mankind. And Allah of every thing (is) All-Knower.

[Al-Quran 24:35; Translation edited]

The Quran gives us some insights about the physical appearance of Allah ﷻ. In the ayat quoted above, it presents the example of a lamp within a glass. Amazingly, Allah ﷻ has not only mentioned this in the scripture, but also created creatures with transparent bodies, some with even a flicker of light glowing from within! Most of the examples of creatures we find with transparent bodies dwell in water. Their transparency helps in camouflaging them, making it difficult to spot them even in the open sea. Allah ﷻ has created some with even anti-reflective coatings, such that they are almost invisible!

The following is a list of some collections of images on the internet:
11 fascinating see-through animals
36 Transparent Animals That Are Hard To Believe Actually Exist
BBC: Ten Animals ... Transparent Bodies
National Geographic: Pictures: Take a Look Through Nature’s Most Transparent Animals
National Geographic: This Ocean Creature Makes Its Own Invisibility Cloak




Related Posts 
The Lord is my Rock
Gamma Rays, Visible Light & The Electromagnetic Spectrum 

List of posts about Allah ﷻ 

Last updated on: November 17, 2022

Space: Before and Beyond

Abstract 

The Quran hints on the existence of something prior to the creation of the heavens and earth, something outside it.  

Full Text 

وَمَا خَلَقْنَا السَّمَاءَ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا لَاعِبِينَ

لَوْ أَرَدْنَا أَن نَّتَّخِذَ لَهْوًا لَّاتَّخَذْنَاهُ مِن لَّدُنَّا إِن كُنَّا فَاعِلِينَ

Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between! 

If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)! 

[Al-Quran 21:16-17, Translation: Yusuf Ali]

According to these ayaat, there is something, some place other than the heavens and the earth, which has existed since before it. It is outside what we call Space. In fact, regarding space, it states: 

وَالسَّمَاءَ بَنَيْنَاهَا بِأَيْدٍ وَإِنَّا لَمُوسِعُونَ

And the heaven We constructed it with strength, and indeed, We (are) surely (its) Expanders. 

[Al-Quran 51:47]

It seems like the sky (heaven) is something elastic, and it is being expanded, for some purpose? 

Surah ad-Dukhan (The Smoke) again states that these heavens and earth are not without purpose: 

وَمَا خَلَقْنَا السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا لَاعِبِينَ

مَا خَلَقْنَاهُمَا إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, merely in (idle) sport: 

We created them not except for just ends: but most of them do not understand. 

[Al-Quran 44:38-39, Translation: Yusuf Ali]

The Quran is quite clear that beyond space, beyond the confines of heaven and earth, no unauthorised travel is possible. Space is the limit to where humans and jinns can travel to, but they cannot ascend beyond that: 

يٰمَعۡشَرَ الۡجِنِّ وَالۡاِنۡسِ اِنِ اسۡتَطَعۡتُمۡ اَنۡ تَنۡفُذُوۡا 

مِنۡ اَقۡطَارِ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ فَانْفُذُوۡا​ؕ

لَا تَنۡفُذُوۡنَ اِلَّا بِسُلۡطٰنٍ​ۚ‏ ٣٣

فَبِاَىِّ اٰلَاۤءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبٰنِ‏ ٣٤ 

يُرۡسَلُ عَلَيۡكُمَا شُوَاظٌ مِّنۡ نَّارٍ ۙ وَّنُحَاسٌ فَلَا تَنۡتَصِرٰنِ​ۚ‏  ٣٥ 

فَبِاَىِّ اٰلَاۤءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبٰنِ‏ ٣٦

O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass!

Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

On you will be sent (O ye evil ones twain!) a flame of fire (to burn) and a smoke (to choke): no defence will ye have:

Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny? 

[Al-Quran 55:33-36, Translation: Yusuf Ali]

The Quran mentions the six days of the creation of the heavens and earth, but it focuses on the WHY. While it is fascinating to wonder about the HOW, it is important to focus on the purpose and consequent final outcome: 

الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ 

وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ 

رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ مَن تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ

Those who remember Allah standing, and sitting and on their sides and they reflect on (the) creation (of) the heavens and the earth, "Our Lord, not You have created this (in) vain. Glory be to You, so save us (from the) punishment (of) the Fire. 

Our Lord, indeed [You] whom You admit (to) the Fire then surely You (have) disgraced him, and not for the wrongdoers (are) any helpers. 

[Al-Quran 3:191-193, Translation: Yusuf Ali]

For more on purpose, please read Teleology: A purpose-built Universe? 

Science 

Scientist do not know if there was something before the 'Big Bang', the most popular theory about the origin of our Universe. Wikipedia states:  

Pre–Big Bang physics (PBBP) are physics which can be speculated to have existed prior to the Big Bang. PBBP may have been radically different from the current laws of physics.
Although theoretical speculation on possible PBBP has only begun, research into the field could hold incredible implications for the makeup of the universe, and numerous possibilities beyond the limit of the current laws of physics in possible existence prior to the Big Bang.

Last updated on: November 27, 2023 

...

Wings: Permanent or Temporary?

Abstract 

Exploring wings' research to understand the ayaat of The Quran. 

Full Text 

وَمَا مَنَعَ النَّاسَ أَن يُؤْمِنُوا إِذْ جَاءَهُمُ الْهُدَىٰ إِلَّا أَن قَالُوا أَبَعَثَ اللَّهُ بَشَرًا رَّسُولًا

قُل لَّوْ كَانَ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَلَائِكَةٌ يَمْشُونَ مُطْمَئِنِّينَ لَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ مَلَكًا رَّسُولًا

And what prevented the people that they believe when came to them the guidance except that they said, "Has Allah sent a human Messenger?"
 Say, "If (there) were in the earth Angels walking securely, surely We (would) have sent do to them from the heaven an Angel (as) a Messenger."
[Al-Quran 17:94-95]

اللَّهُ يَصْطَفِي مِنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا وَمِنَ النَّاسِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ بَصِيرٌ

Allah chooses from the Angels Messengers, and from the mankind. Indeed, Allah (is) All-Hearer, All-Seer.
[Al-Quran 22:75]

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ جَاعِلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا أُولِي أَجْنِحَةٍ مَّثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ يَزِيدُ فِي الْخَلْقِ مَا يَشَاءُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ 

All praises (be) to Allah, Originator (of) the heavens and the earth, (Who) makes the Angels messengers having wings two or three or four. He increases in the creation what He wills. Indeed, Allah (is) on every thing All-Powerful.

[Al-Quran 35:1]

From Surah alIsra, we infer that angels walk in peace and security, not on this Earth, but wherever it is that they call home. Surah alHajj informs us that Allah chooses messengers from angels and humans. Surah Fatir informs us that the angels who are appointed as messengers are given pairs of wings/extra appendages, as needed.


Temporary Wings 
In the creation of Allah that we can observe on planet Earth, there are examples of temporary wings which creatures grow when needed, and shed when the purpose has been served. Termites and ants are examples of such creatures.


Adding to Creation 
Q35:1 informs us that Allah increases in His creation what He wills. That is, there need not exist any biological basis for a new growth on the body. Allah can and does enhance His creation as and when He wills. Scientists debate about the origins of wings, especially from an evolutionary perspective. To quote Wikipedia:

How and why insect wings evolved is not well understood and there has been a long standing debate about their origins. During the 19th century, the question of insect wing evolution originally rested on two main positions. One position postulated insect wings evolved from pre-existing structures, while the second proposed insect wings were entirely novel formations. The “novel” hypothesis suggested that insect wings did not form from pre-existing ancestral appendages but rather as outgrowths from the insect body wall. 

Furthermore, new research informs us that 'For many species of insects, wings are like fingerprints – no two patterns are the same.'

Perhaps the conception of Jesus in Mary's womb is an example for the believers of creation of something without conditions pre-existing for it. When Allah wills something, He simply commands it, just like the command that was sent to Mary's body. Students of modern science can comprehend this better, as genetic engineering is opening up many new possibilities. Allah, the best of creators, can make changes in the master-plan without causing unintended consequences to occur. He adds wings and sheds them. He makes them unique. Its wondrous to ponder over the amazing creations of Allah.

The Quran informs us of Adam: that Allah had taught him knowledge and appointed him khalifa. However, when Adam, a bashr, attempted to become a malak (an 'angel'), he was not able to achieve the desired change. Instead, he caused some permanent damage to his genome, as evidenced from his external appearance (loss of natural clothing), that has persisted through the generations in all his offsprings. We need to learn this enduring lesson as a deterrent to the temptations that increasing human knowledge is bringing to us, lest we wrong ourselves yet again. The more scientists explore our genome, tales of other misadventures emerge. Allah offers us hope and warns us of terrible consequences if we do not heed to the guidance and the warnings. May Allah restore for us the perfect designs He made for us when He resurrects us. May we be of the reformed ones (alssaliheena).

وَمَن يَرْغَبُ عَن مِّلَّةِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِلَّا مَن سَفِهَ نَفْسَهُ وَلَقَدِ اصْطَفَيْنَاهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَإِنَّهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ لَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ 

And who will turn away from (the) religion (of) Ibrahim except who fooled himself? And indeed We chose him in the world, and indeed he, in, the Hereafter surely (will be) among the righteous alssaliheena.

[Al-Quran 2:130, Translation edited (in italics)]

Gratitude & Its Manifestation

لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْطِ وَأَنزَلْنَا الْحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأْسٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ اللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ وَرُسُلَهُ بِالْغَيْبِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ 

[Al-Quran 57:25] 

Mission of the Messengers - XXXI

Abstract 

The need, wisdom, purpose and manifestation of gratitude in the worship of Allah ﷻ   

Full Text 

وَإِن تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

And if you should count the Favors of Allah, not you could enumerate Indeed, Allah (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 

[Al-Quran 16:18] 

Surah anNisa` poses the question: 

مَّا يَفْعَلُ اللَّهُ بِعَذَابِكُمْ إِن شَكَرْتُمْ وَآمَنتُمْ 
وَكَانَ اللَّهُ شَاكِرًا عَلِيمًا

What would Allah do by punishing you if you are grateful and you believe? And Allah is All-Appreciative, All-Knowing. 

[Al-Quran 4:147] 

The Wisdom of Gratitude
Surah Luqman explicitly declares the wisdom of gratitude:

  

وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا لُقْمَانَ الْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ وَمَن يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ

And verily, We gave Luqman the wisdom that, "Be grateful to Allah." And whoever (is) grateful then only he is grateful for himself. And whoever (is) ungrateful, then indeed, Allah (is) Free of need, Praiseworthy.

[Al-Quran 31:12]

The next two ayaat of Surah Luqman distinguish between gratitude and worship: 

وَإِذْ قَالَ لُقْمَانُ لِابْنِهِ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُ 
يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّ الشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ

And when said Luqman to his son while he (was) instructing him, 
"O my son! (Do) not associate partners with Allah. Indeed, associating partners (is) surely an injustice great."

And We have enjoined (upon) man for his parents - carried him his mother (in) weakness upon weakness, and his weaning (is) in two years that "Be grateful to Me and to your parents; towards Me (is) the destination.

[Al-Quran 31:13-14] 

The subsequent ayaat of Surah Luqman continue to detail the importance of gratitude, the need to distinguish between gratitude and shirk, and to guard against associating partners (shirk) with Allah ﷻ 

Gratitude for Worship 

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

And not I have created the jinn and the mankind except that they worship Me.  

[Al-Quran 51:65]

The purpose of our creation is worship of Allah ﷻ , perhaps the most prestigious jobs in the entire creation. Worship implies serving with obedience, reverence and adoration, that is, loving the job, holding the highest regard for Allah ﷻ , having full faith in the purpose, correctness and perfection of all His works and commands, implementing the directives, grateful for the opportunity to serve in the divine government, and consequently, happy in all situations and conditions. Its a highly-privileged position in the grand scheme of things. Surah al-Fajr gives glad tidings to the satisfied NAFS:

يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ

ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً

فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي

وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي

"O NAFS! who is satisfied,

Return to your Lord well pleased, and pleasing.

So enter among My worshippers,

And enter My Paradise."

[Al-Quran 89:27-30, Translation edited (in italics)]

Satisfaction with what we have allows us to enjoy all that we have been given, whether less or more. We become pleased, happy and grateful. Satisfaction also enables patience (sabr) over what is not pleasing. The satisfaction of the NAFS with the decrees of Allah ﷻ is in sharp contrast to the NAFS which is unhappy with whatever has been decreed for it. The unhappy NAFS is unsatisfied*, and constantly strives for change. Surah az-Zumar, which emphasises sincerity in DEEN, commands:

بَلِ اللَّهَ فَاعْبُدْ وَكُن مِّنَ الشَّاكِرِينَ

Nay! But worship Allah and be among the thankful ones. 

[Al-Quran 39:66]

* Dissatisfaction manifests itself in a variety of ways: personal appearance and abilities, family, financial position, material possessions, status, racism, nation, planet, life, death, ...


Gratitude for the Guidance 
To be able to worship Allah ﷻ , we need to know why we are here and what is expected of us. We owe our utmost gratitude to Allah ﷻ for 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] 

Purpose of the Guidance

كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

(This is) a Book We have revealed it to you, blessed, that they may ponder (over) its Verses and may be reminded those of understanding. 

[Al-Quran 38:29] 

The Quran guides the believers in all matters personal, social, economic and state. It informs us that this world is temporary, and that humans have been made 'khalaaif' of the Earth to be tested who is the best in deeds. The Hereafter is permanent. Forgetting this fact changes the human focus to this world as the only life, and ultimately the challenges of this life coupled with a lack of faith make humans lose their balance, opting for human philosophical systems of theology and economy, which eventually turn out to be unjust and harmful in the long run: 

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَشْتَرِي لَهْوَ الْحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُوًا أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُّهِينٌ

But among men there is many a one that prefers a mere play with words [to divine guidance], so as to lead [those] without knowledge astray from the path of God, and to turn it to ridicule: for such there is shameful suffering in store. 

[Al-Quran 31:6]  

The materialist outlook, and all the evils that pervade society, capitalise on the ingratitude for and dissatisfaction with what we already have: 

إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِرَبِّهِ كَفُورًا

Indeed, the spendthrifts are brothers (of) the devils. And is the Shaitaan to his Lord ungrateful.

[Al-Quran 17:27] 

As power increases, human greed and the consequent social injustice goes from individual consumerism to the domination of entire nations in pursuit of economic resources and worldly power. Instead of serving the people in the name of God, the rulers become tyrants and oppressors, as Satan's representatives, regardless of which philosophical, economic system they adopt.

The Quran informs us that eventually the DEEN of Allah ﷻ will be established, and encourages patience and perseverance, in anticipation of the Days of Allah ﷻ . Prophet-King David (Dawood عليه السلام) was appointed Khalifa and iron was made pliable for him. The importance of iron in technological advancement is fundamental. Technology can be used for both good and evil. The grateful uphold the DEEN, while the unsatisfied ingrates try to corrupt creation. David (Dawood عليه السلام)'s son Solomon (Sulaiman عليه السلام) inherited from his father, and a mighty kingdom was bestowed upon him. The Jinn worked for him. The House of David was advised: 

يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُ مَا يَشَاءُ مِن مَّحَارِيبَ وَتَمَاثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍ كَالْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍ رَّاسِيَاتٍ اعْمَلُوا آلَ دَاوُودَ شُكْرًا وَقَلِيلٌ مِّنْ عِبَادِيَ الشَّكُورُ

They worked for him what he willed of elevated chambers and statues and bowls like reservoirs and cooking-pots fixed. "Work, O family (of) Dawood! (in) gratitude." But few of My slaves (are) grateful.

[Al-Quran 34:13] 

Prayer for Gratitude

فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكًا مِّن قَوْلِهَا وَقَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِي بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِي عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِينَ

So he smiled - laughing at her speech and said, "My Lord! Grant me (the) power that I may thank You (for) Your Favor which You have bestowed on me and on my parents and that I may do righteous (deeds), that will please You. And admit me by Your Mercy among Your slaves righteous." 

[Al-Quran 27:19] 

The Prophet-King Solomon (Sulaiman عليه السلام) prayed for gratitude when he heard the (Queen) Ant warn her ants against the forces of Solomon (Sulaiman عليه السلام). Surah an-Naml goes on to relate how this Prophet-King used his power to invite the sun-worshipping mighty kingdom of Saba to the worship of the One, True God. Both of them had great power and magnificent kingdoms, yet what Solomon (Sulaiman عليه السلام) had was far superior to what had been given to the Queen of Saba.

All of us need to be grateful, and to express it through our words and deeds, in whatever capacity personal or social we have been placed in:

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا وَحَمْلُهُ وَفِصَالُهُ ثَلَاثُونَ شَهْرًا حَتَّىٰ إِذَا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ وَبَلَغَ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً قَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ نَتَقَبَّلُ عَنْهُمْ أَحْسَنَ مَا عَمِلُوا وَنَتَجَاوَزُ عَن سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ فِي أَصْحَابِ الْجَنَّةِ وَعْدَ الصِّدْقِ الَّذِي كَانُوا يُوعَدُونَ

And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims."
Those are the ones from whom We will accept the best of what they did and overlook their misdeeds, [their being] among the companions of Paradise. [That is] the promise of truth which they had been promised. 

[Al-Quran 46:15-16, Translation: Sahih International] 

The phrase ' وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي ' reminds us that we must repent from our individual and collective mistakes and misadventures, and submit willingly to the DEEN, if we wish to serve Allah ﷻ eternally. The perks and privileges awaiting those who serve in the divine government have been detailed across The Quran, and even more unimaginable rewards are promised. The key to it all is being grateful to Allah ﷻ , and cherishing all His gifts as is. Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلام) was chosen because of his gratitude:   

إِنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

شَاكِرًا لِّأَنْعُمِهِ اجْتَبَاهُ وَهَدَاهُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

وَآتَيْنَاهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَإِنَّهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ لَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

ثُمَّ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ أَنِ اتَّبِعْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

Indeed, Ibrahim was a nation obedient to Allah upright, and not he was of the polytheists.

Thankful for His favors. He chose him and guided him to the way straight.

And We gave him in the world good, and indeed, he in the Hereafter (he) will surely (be) among the righteous.

Then We revealed to you, that, "You follow (the) religion (of) Ibrahim upright; and not he was of the polytheists."

[Al-Quran 16:120-123] 

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

O you who believe! bow down and prostrate yourselves and serve your Lord, and do good that you may succeed.
And strive hard in (the way of) Allah, (such) a striving a is due to Him; He has chosen you and has not laid upon you an hardship in religion; the faith of your father Ibrahim; He named you Muslims before and in this, that the Messenger may be a bearer of witness to you, and you may be bearers of witness to the people; therefore keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and hold fast by Allah; He is your Guardian; how excellent the Guardian and how excellent the Helper! 
[Al-Quran 22:77-78; Translation: Shakir]

إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَنَهَرٍ
فِي مَقْعَدِ صِدْقٍ عِندَ مَلِيكٍ مُّقْتَدِرٍ

Indeed, the righteous (will be) in gardens and river,

In a seat (of) honor near a King Most Powerful.

[Al-Quran 54:54-55]

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Last updated on May 10, 2024

The Ancient House

Abstract 

The Quran on the Kaaba located in Al-Masjid Al-Haraam in Mecca, Saudia Arabia.   

Full Text 

وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ وَإِنَّهُ لَلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ

And from wherever you start forth, [so] turn your face (in the) direction (of) Al-Masjid Al-Haraam. And indeed, it (is) surely the truth from your Lord. And not (is) Allah unaware of what you do.

[Al-Quran 2:149]

Attribution: 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Al-Haram_mosque_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg#/media/File:Al-Haram_mosque_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg

The Qibla: Muslims all over the world pray facing towards the Holy Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the centre of which is located the Kaaba, the cube-shaped House of God. 

وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًا وَاتَّخِذُوا مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى وَعَهِدْنَا إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ أَن طَهِّرَا بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْعَاكِفِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ

وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا بَلَدًا آمِنًا وَارْزُقْ أَهْلَهُ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ مَنْ آمَنَ مِنْهُم بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ قَالَ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَأُمَتِّعُهُ قَلِيلًا ثُمَّ أَضْطَرُّهُ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ النَّارِ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ

وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ

رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

وَمَن يَرْغَبُ عَن مِّلَّةِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِلَّا مَن سَفِهَ نَفْسَهُ وَلَقَدِ اصْطَفَيْنَاهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَإِنَّهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ لَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], "Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer]."

And [mention] when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a secure city country and provide its people with fruits - whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day." [ Allah ] said. "And whoever disbelieves - I will grant him enjoyment for a little; then I will force him to the punishment of the Fire, and wretched is the destination."

And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.

Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

And who would be averse to the religion of Abraham except one who makes a fool of himself. And We had chosen him in this world, and indeed he, in the Hereafter, will be among the righteous.

[Al-Quran 2:125-130, Translation: Sahih International (edited in italics) ]

Purify My House: From these ayaat, it seems the House already existed but it was appointed the centre of pilgrimage when Abraham and Ismael raised its foundations and purified the House. Similarly, Messenger Muhammad ﷺ purified the House when he conquered Mecca, and retaught the rites of pilgrimage.  

Raise the Foundation: Raising the foundations of an existing house is a common practice, especially in areas prone to flooding. The house is temporarily raised, separating it from its existing foundation; the foundation is then raised and the house replaced on the newly-built foundation. 

Drawing Attribution:

By Original uploader was Mbenoist (M. Benoist) at fr.wikipedia - Transferred from fr.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1546885

Standing Place of Abraham: The standing place of Abraham, the Maqam-e-Ibrahim, marked number 7 in the drawing above, is at a certain distance from the Kaaba itself. When Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundation, they were asking Allah to accept this service, and were invoking Allah's  attributes: السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ (The All-Hearing, The All-Knowing). I think that perhaps Abraham was raising the foundations through prayer: using acoustic technology, which was known in the ancient world, and invoking Allah to accept their prayer, as Allah hears everything, knows everything, as He is the One who built the skies and the earth and everything else (Q20:50), and when He intends a thing, He says to it Be, and it becomes (Q36:82).  


A Secure Country: Q2:126 uses the word بَلَدًا which means country. Very few translations of this ayat read country, while most have translated this word as city, even though the Arabic words for city and smaller units are مدينة and قرية, both of which have been mentioned in other ayaat across the text. I think it is very important to literally translate every word, as each ayat is giving us a wealth of information, even if the meaning isn't readily clear. 

  

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ

Indeed, al-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah . So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs 'umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.

[Al-Quran 2:158, Translation: Sahih International]

رَّبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِي إِلَيْهِمْ وَارْزُقْهُم مِّنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْكُرُونَ

رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ تَعْلَمُ مَا نُخْفِي وَمَا نُعْلِنُ وَمَا يَخْفَىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ مِن شَيْءٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ

Our Lord! Indeed, I [I] have settled (some) of my offsprings in a valley not with cultivation near Your Sacred House, our Lord! That they may establish the prayers. So make hearts of the men incline towards them, and provide them with the fruits so that they may be grateful.

Our Lord! Indeed, You You know what we conceal and what we proclaim. And not (is) hidden from Allah any thing in the earth and not in the heaven. 

[Al-Quran 14:37-38]

Location of The House: The House is located near al-Safa and al-Marwa, the two mountains in Mecca. This information should lay to rest the confusion between where is the true centre of pilgrimage that is associated with Abraham. Furthermore, Q14:37 also provides the information that the valley near the Sacred House was without cultivation. 

    

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 set up for the mankind (is) the one which (is) at Bakkah, blessed and a guidance for the worlds. 

In it (are) signs clear, standing place of Ibrahim, and whoever enters it - is safe. And (due) to Allah upon the mankind (is) pilgrimage (of) the House (for one) who is able to [it] (find) a way. And whoever disbelieved then indeed, Allah (is) free from need of the universe. 

[Al-Quran 3:96-97]

Clear Signs: Perhaps the clearest sign is the cube-shaped Kaaba ... 

Whoever enters it is safe: On February3, 2021, Arab News reported that No COVID-19 cases reported among pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.  

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُحِلُّوا شَعَائِرَ اللَّهِ وَلَا الشَّهْرَ الْحَرَامَ وَلَا الْهَدْيَ وَلَا الْقَلَائِدَ وَلَا آمِّينَ الْبَيْتَ الْحَرَامَ يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرِضْوَانًا وَإِذَا حَلَلْتُمْ فَاصْطَادُوا وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ أَن صَدُّوكُمْ عَنِ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ أَن تَعْتَدُوا وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

O you who believe! (Do) not violate (the) rites (of) Allah, and not the sacred month and not the sacrificial animals and not the garlanded and not (those) coming (to) the Sacred House seeking Bounty of their Lord and good pleasure. And when you come out of Ihram then (you may) hunt. And let not incite you (the) hatred (for) a people as they stopped you from Al-Masjid Al-Haraam that you commit transgression. And help one another in [the] righteousness and [the] piety, but (do) not help one another in [the] sin and [the] transgression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah (is) severe (in) [the] punishment.

[Al-Quran 5:2]

جَعَلَ اللَّهُ الْكَعْبَةَ الْبَيْتَ الْحَرَامَ قِيَامًا لِّلنَّاسِ وَالشَّهْرَ الْحَرَامَ وَالْهَدْيَ وَالْقَلَائِدَ ذَٰلِكَ لِتَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

Allah has made the Kabah, the Sacred House, an establishment for mankind and the month(s) [the] sacred and the (animals) for offering and the garlands. That (is) so that you may know that Allah knows what (is) in the heavens and what (is) in the earth, and that Allah of every thing (is) All-Knowing. 

[Al-Quran 5:97]

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Glory to (God) Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless,- in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth (all things ).

[Al-Quran 17:1, Translation: Yusuf Ali]

وَالْبَيْتِ الْمَعْمُورِ

Consider the long-enduring house [of worship]! [Translation: Muhammad Asad]

And by the long-standing, frequently visited house [Kaabah] [Translation: Mohammad Shafi]

[Al-Quran 52:4]

The Pilgrimage to The House: The pilgrimage to The House is a duty upon all mankind who are able to do so. The pilgrimage months and its rites are sacred, and must be observed scrupulously. Noteworthy is that Q5:2 mentions the Sacred House and the al-Masjid al-Haraam in the same ayat. Q5:97 informs us that the Kaaba and all that's appointed sacred for pilgrimage is so that we may know that Allah knows everything in the Heavens and Earth. Q17:1 mentions the travel from the al-Masjid al-Haraam to the farthest mosque, and Q52:4 takes oath by al-Bait al-Mamoor. From hadith sources, Muslims believe that the al-Bait al-Mamoor is located in the seventh sky/heaven. It is being continuously circuited by angels, such that they are able to perform pilgrimage to it only once, and a new set of angels visit it on a daily basis. Its believed to be cube-shaped as well, and the Kaaba at Mecca is supposed to be a copy of it. What is interesting is that the word al-Mamoor is from the root ع م ر which shares the root with words meaning maintain, age, build, life and Umrah.   

  

وَمَا لَهُمْ أَلَّا يُعَذِّبَهُمُ اللَّهُ وَهُمْ يَصُدُّونَ عَنِ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ وَمَا كَانُوا أَوْلِيَاءَهُ إِنْ أَوْلِيَاؤُهُ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقُونَ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

وَمَا كَانَ صَلَاتُهُمْ عِندَ الْبَيْتِ إِلَّا مُكَاءً وَتَصْدِيَةً فَذُوقُوا الْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ

But what (is) for them that not (should) Allah punish them while they hinder (people) from Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, while not they are its guardians? Not (can be) its guardians except the ones who fear Allah, but most of them (do) not know.

And not was their prayer at the House except whistling and clapping. So taste the punishment because you used to disbelieve.

[Al-Quran 8:34-35]

Reclaiming The Kaaba: In Surah al-Anfal, the polytheistic Meccans and their prayer is criticised. This surah is followed by Surah at-Taubah which begins with a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger to the Meccans who had declined the messages for over two decades! 

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

وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنسَكًا لِّيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ فَإِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَلَهُ أَسْلِمُوا وَبَشِّرِ الْمُخْبِتِينَ

We showed Abraham drew Abraham to or settled Abraham at the location of the House: 'Do not associate anything with Me; and purify My House for those who circle around, and those who stand to pray, and those who kneel and prostrate.'

And announce the pilgrimage to humanity. They will come to you on foot, and on every transport. They will come from every distant point.

That they may witness the benefits for themselves, and celebrate the name of God during the appointed days, for providing them with the animal livestock. So eat from it, and feed the unfortunate poor.

Then let them perform their acts of cleansing, and fulfill their vows, and circle around the Ancient House.

All that. Whoever venerates the sanctities of God—it is good for him with his Lord. All livestock are permitted to you, except what is recited to you. So stay away from the abomination of idols, and stay away from perjury.

Being true to God, without associating anything with Him. Whoever associates anything with God—it is as though he has fallen from the sky, and is snatched by the birds, or is swept away by the wind to a distant abyss.

So it is. Whoever venerates the sacraments of God—it is from the piety of the hearts.

In them are benefits for you until a certain time. Then their place is by the Ancient House.

We have appointed a rite for every nation, that they may commemorate God's name over the livestock He has provided for them. Your God is One God, so to Him submit, and announce good news to the humble.

[Al-Quran 22:26-34, Translation: Talal A. Itani, edited in italics]

The Cube vs The Pyramid: There are pyramidical structures found all over the world. Ancient ruins of mighty pyramid-shaped buildings stand to this day. It is believed that they were temples dedicated to the worship of polytheistic deities. Modern hindu and buddhist temples also generally employ pyramidical structures and domes. Among the reasons, as explained on the internet, for such architecture is to focus the electromagnetic energy in the centre onto the statue of their deity, its resonant effect on the body of the chanter, and a distribution of pressure on the broader part of the dome to create a sense of calm. 

On the contrary, the cube of The Kaaba is located under the open sky. Muslims do not worship The Kaaba as a deity, rather they believe it to be sacred because Allah has declared it sacred and called it My House. In Surah al-Quraysh we read:

فَلْيَعْبُدُوا رَبَّ هَٰذَا الْبَيْتِ

So let them worship (the) Lord (of) this House,

[Al-Quran 106:3]

The Right Religion: Surah al-Baqarah (The Heifer), Q2:149,  commands us to face in the direction of Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, while Surah ar-Rum (The Romans), Q30:43, urges us face the right religion. It goes on to warn:

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 30:44-45]

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Last updated on: April 15, 2021