The Folding of The Sky

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وَهَلْ أَتَىٰكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰٓ ٩

Has there come to you the story of Mūsā?

— T. Usmani

And has there come to you the story of Mûsâ (Moses)?

— Al-Hilali & Khan

إِذْ رَءَا نَارًۭا فَقَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ ٱمْكُثُوٓا۟ إِنِّىٓ ءَانَسْتُ نَارًۭا لَّعَلِّىٓ ءَاتِيكُم مِّنْهَا بِقَبَسٍ أَوْ أَجِدُ عَلَى ٱلنَّارِ هُدًۭى ١٠

When he saw a fire and said to his family, “Stay here. I have noticed a fire. Perhaps I can bring you an ember from it, or find some guidance by the fire.”

— T. Usmani

When he saw a fire, he said to his family: "Wait! Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire."

— Al-Hilali & Khan

فَلَمَّآ أَتَىٰهَا نُودِىَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰٓ ١١

So when he came to it, he was called, “O Mūsā,

— T. Usmani

And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: "O Mûsâ (Moses)!

— Al-Hilali & Khan

إِنِّىٓ أَنَا۠ رَبُّكَ فَٱخْلَعْ نَعْلَيْكَ ۖ إِنَّكَ بِٱلْوَادِ ٱلْمُقَدَّسِ طُوًۭى ١٢

it is Me, your Lord, so remove your shoes; you are in the sacred valley of Tuwā.

— T. Usmani

"Verily I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.

— Al-Hilali & Khan

وَأَنَا ٱخْتَرْتُكَ فَٱسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَىٰٓ ١٣

I have chosen you (for prophet-hood), so listen to what is revealed:

— T. Usmani

"And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you).

— Al-Hilali & Khan

إِنَّنِىٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱعْبُدْنِى وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِذِكْرِىٓ ١٤

Surely, I AM ALLAH. There is no god but Myself, so worship Me, and establish Salāh for My remembrance.

— T. Usmani

"Verily! I am Allâh! Lâ ilâha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) for My Remembrance.

— Al-Hilali & Khan

[Al-Quran, Surah Ta Ha, ayaat 9-14]

In Surah Ta Ha, we find the first mention of Tuwa (طُوًۭى), triliteral root ṭā wāw yā (ط و ي) . This root occurs five times in The Quran. The command to worship Allah and establish prayer for His Remembrance is immediately followed by the statement: 

إِنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ ءَاتِيَةٌ أَكَادُ أُخْفِيهَا لِتُجْزَىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍۭ بِمَا تَسْعَىٰ ١٥

Surely, the Hour (i.e. the Day of Judgment) has to come. I would keep it secret, so that everyone is given a return for the effort one makes.

— T. Usmani

"Verily, the Hour is coming - and I am almost hiding it from Myself - that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.

— Al-Hilali & Khan

[Al-Quran, Surah Ta Ha, ayaat 15]

The Hour is coming. Allah chooses to keep it hidden. Nobody knows when it will suddenly occur. What is interesting is that the place where Moses (Musa عليه السلام) is meeting Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is the Holy Valley of Tuwa. The root is used for the folding of the sky, as if it is a sheet or a piece of fabric. So, in the next surah, Surah al-Anbya, we read: 

يَوْمَ نَطْوِى ٱلسَّمَآءَ كَطَىِّ ٱلسِّجِلِّ لِلْكُتُبِ ۚ كَمَا بَدَأْنَآ أَوَّلَ خَلْقٍۢ نُّعِيدُهُۥ ۚ وَعْدًا عَلَيْنَآ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا فَـٰعِلِينَ ١٠٤

- the Day when We roll up the sky like a scroll rolls up the writings. Just as We originated the first creation, so We shall bring it back again - a promise (undertaken to be binding) on Us. We are sure to do it.

— T. Usmani

And (remember) the Day when We shall roll up the heaven like a scroll rolled up for books. As We began the first creation, We shall repeat it. (It is) a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it.

— Al-Hilali & Khan

[Al-Quran, Surah al-Anbya, ayaat 104]

Scientists are theorising that information cannot be destroyed, and whatever whoever is doing, all that is happening, all the knowledge being generated is being stored. Every detail is preserved. We have a reckoning coming up. 

The Quran mention The Day when The Hour (ٱلسَّاعَةَ) will be established, and it mentions The Day of Qiyamah (يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ). 

Next, we find the mention of the folded skies (plural) in Surah az-Zumar:

وَمَا قَدَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِۦ وَٱلْأَرْضُ جَمِيعًۭا قَبْضَتُهُۥ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ وَٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ مَطْوِيَّـٰتٌۢ بِيَمِينِهِۦ ۚ سُبْحَـٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَـٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ ٦٧

They did not hold Allah in His true esteem. The whole earth will be in a single grip of His hand on the Day of Doom, and the heavens (will be) rolled up on his right hand. Pure is He, far too higher than what they associate with Him.

— T. Usmani

They made not a just estimate of Allâh such as is due to Him. And on the Day of Resurrection the whole of the earth will be grasped by His Hand[1] and the heavens will be rolled up in His Right Hand.Glorified be He, and High be He above all that they associate as partners with Him!

— Al-Hilali & Khan

[1](V.39:67) See the footnote of (35:41).

[Al-Quran, Surah az-Zumar, ayat 67] 

On the Day of Qiyamah all the skies will be rolled up in His Right Hand. 

In Surah an-Nazi'at, we again find mention of Moses (Musa عليه السلام) and the Valley of Tuwa:

هَلْ أَتَىٰكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰٓ ١٥

Has there come to you the narrative about Mūsā?

— T. Usmani

Has there come to you the story of Mûsâ (Moses)?

— Al-Hilali & Khan

إِذْ نَادَىٰهُ رَبُّهُۥ بِٱلْوَادِ ٱلْمُقَدَّسِ طُوًى ١٦

(Recall) when his Lord called to him in the blessed valley of Tuwā:

— T. Usmani

When his Lord called him in the sacred valley of Tûwâ,

— Al-Hilali & Khan

ٱذْهَبْ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُۥ طَغَىٰ ١٧

“Go to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh). Indeed, he has crossed all bounds.

— T. Usmani

Go to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh); verily he has transgressed all bounds (in crimes, sins, polytheism, disbelief).

— Al-Hilali & Khan

فَقُلْ هَل لَّكَ إِلَىٰٓ أَن تَزَكَّىٰ ١٨

And say (to him,) ‘Would you like to purify yourself,

— T. Usmani

And say to him: "Would you purify yourself (from the sin of disbelief by becoming a believer)?"

— Al-Hilali & Khan

وَأَهْدِيَكَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَتَخْشَىٰ ١٩

and that I should guide you to your Lord, so that you fear (Him)?’”

— T. Usmani

"And that I guide you to your Lord, so you should fear Him?"

— Al-Hilali & Khan

فَأَرَىٰهُ ٱلْـَٔايَةَ ٱلْكُبْرَىٰ ٢٠

So, he (Mūsā) showed him the biggest sign.

— T. Usmani

Then [Mûsâ (Moses)] showed him the great sign (miracles).

— Al-Hilali & Khan

فَكَذَّبَ وَعَصَىٰ ٢١

But he rejected and disobeyed,

— T. Usmani

But [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] belied and disobeyed.

— Al-Hilali & Khan

ثُمَّ أَدْبَرَ يَسْعَىٰ ٢٢

then he turned back, and tried hard (to refute the Messenger),

— T. Usmani

Then he turned his back, striving (against Allâh).

— Al-Hilali & Khan

فَحَشَرَ فَنَادَىٰ ٢٣

then he gathered (his people) and shouted

— T. Usmani

Then he gathered (his people) and cried aloud,

— Al-Hilali & Khan

فَقَالَ أَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمُ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ ٢٤

and said, “I am your supreme lord.”

— T. Usmani

Saying: "I am your lord, most high."

— Al-Hilali & Khan

فَأَخَذَهُ ٱللَّهُ نَكَالَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَٱلْأُولَىٰٓ ٢٥

So, Allah seized him for an exemplary punishment in the Hereafter and the present world.

— T. Usmani

So Allâh, seized him with punishment for his last and first transgression. [Tafsir At-Tabari]

— Al-Hilali & Khan

إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَعِبْرَةًۭ لِّمَن يَخْشَىٰٓ ٢٦

Indeed, there is a lesson for him who fears (Allah).

— T. Usmani

Verily, in this is an instructive admonition for whosoever fears Allâh.

— Al-Hilali & Khan

ءَأَنتُمْ أَشَدُّ خَلْقًا أَمِ ٱلسَّمَآءُ ۚ بَنَىٰهَا ٢٧

Is your creation more difficult or that of the sky? He has built it,

— T. Usmani

Are you more difficult to create or is the heaven that He constructed?

— Al-Hilali & Khan

[Al-Quran, Surah an-Nazi'at, ayaat 15-27]

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Also read: 

The Oath by The Afterglow of Sunset 

Northern Lights 

Everything on Record 

Fabric of Spacetime 

The Oaths in Surah alFajr 

    Surah al-Fajr (lists of posts) 

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The Muslim Concept of Rapture

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وَكَذٰلِكَ اَعۡثَرۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ لِيَـعۡلَمُوۡۤا اَنَّ وَعۡدَ اللّٰهِ حَقٌّ وَّاَنَّ السَّاعَةَ لَا رَيۡبَ فِيۡهَا ​ۚ اِذۡ يَتَـنَازَعُوۡنَ بَيۡنَهُمۡ اَمۡرَهُمۡ​ فَقَالُوۡا ابۡنُوۡا عَلَيۡهِمۡ بُنۡيَانًـا ​ ؕ رَبُّهُمۡ اَعۡلَمُ بِهِمۡ​ؕ قَالَ الَّذِيۡنَ غَلَبُوۡا عَلٰٓى اَمۡرِهِمۡ لَـنَـتَّخِذَنَّ عَلَيۡهِمۡ مَّسۡجِدًا‏ ٢١

And similarly, We caused them to be found that they [who found them] would know that the promise of Allāh is truth and that of the Hour there is no doubt. [That was] when they disputed among themselves about their affair and [then] said, "Construct over them a structure. Their Lord is most knowing about them." Said those who prevailed in the matter, "We will surely take [for ourselves] over them a masjid."

[Al-Quran 18:20, Translation: Sahih International]

Surah al-Kahf introductory ayaat (1-3) praise Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎ for having revealed from Himself guidance to His servant in which there is no crookedness. They warn of a severe punishment from Him, and give glad tidings to the believers who reform, that for them is a great recompense, in which they will dwell forever.  

Ayaat 4-5 warn people who say that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎ has taken a son, calling it a lie that comes out of their mouths. 

Ayat 9 onwards we read about the Companions of the Cave (اَنَّ اَصۡحٰبَ الۡـكَهۡفِ وَالرَّقِيۡمِۙ). They were believers who took a stand for their faith, and then Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎ caused them to sleep in a cave for several centuries. Thereafter, they were caused to wake up, so that people would know that the promise of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎ is true, and the Hour (السَّاعَةَ) is definitely coming. The same ayat also informs that the people built upon that place and took it as a place of prostration (مَّسۡجِدًا‏), implying grave worship. This also implies that after waking them up and making them known, they died. 

According to the Hadith narrated from our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ , there would be no believer left before the last hour starts, and that the remaining people will eventually worship idols [text marked in bold; emphasis mine]: 

'Abdullah b. 'Amr reported that a person came to him and said:

What is this hadith that you narrate that the Last Hour would come at such and such time? Thereupon he said: Hallowed be Allah, there is no god but Allah (or the words to the same effect). I have decided that I would not narrate anything to anyone now. I had only said that you would see after some time an important event that the (sacred) House (Ka'ba) would be burnt and it would happen and definitely happen. He then reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: The Dajjal would appear in my Ummah and he would stay (in the world) for forty - I cannot say whether he meant forty days, forty months or forty years. And Allah would then send Jesus son of Mary who would resemble 'Urwa b Mas'ud. He (Jesus Christ) would chase him and kill him. Then people would live for seven years that there would be no rancour between two persons. Then Allah would send cold wind from the side of Syria that none would survive upon the earth having a speck of good in him or faith in him but he would die, so much so that even if some amongst you were to enter the innermost part of the mountain, this wind would reach that place also and that would cause his death. I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Only the wicked people would survive and they would be as careless as birds with the characteristics of beasts. They would never appreciate the good nor condemn evil. Then Satan would come to them in human form and would say: Don't you respond? And they would say: What do you order us? And he would command them to worship the idols but, in spite of this, they would have abundance of sustenance and lead comfortable lives. Then the trumpet would be blown and no one would hear that but he would bend his neck to one side and raise it from the other side and the first one to hear that trumpet would be the person who would be busy in setting right the tank meant for providing water to the camels. He would swoon and the other people would also swoon, then Allah would send or He would cause to send rain which would be like dew and there would grow out of it the bodies of the people. Then the second trumpet would be blown and they would stand up and begin to look (around). Then it would be said: O people, go to your Lord, and make them stand there. And they would be questioned. Then it would be said: Bring out a group (out of them) for the Hell-Fire. And then it would be asked: How much? It would be said: Nine hundred and ninty-nine out of one thousand for the Hell-Fire and that would be the day which would make the children old because of its terror and that would be the day about which it has been said: "On the day when the shank would be uncovered" (lxviii. 42).

حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُعَاذٍ الْعَنْبَرِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنِ النُّعْمَانِ بْنِ سَالِمٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ يَعْقُوبَ بْنَ عَاصِمِ بْنِ عُرْوَةَ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ الثَّقَفِيَّ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَمْرٍو، وَجَاءَهُ رَجُلٌ فَقَالَ مَا هَذَا الْحَدِيثُ الَّذِي تُحَدِّثُ بِهِ تَقُولُ إِنَّ السَّاعَةَ تَقُومُ إِلَى كَذَا وَكَذَا ‏.‏ فَقَالَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ - أَوْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ أَوْ كَلِمَةً نَحْوَهُمَا - لَقَدْ هَمَمْتُ أَنْ لاَ أُحَدِّثَ أَحَدًا شَيْئًا أَبَدًا إِنَّمَا قُلْتُ إِنَّكُمْ سَتَرَوْنَ بَعْدَ قَلِيلٍ أَمْرًا عَظِيمًا يُحَرَّقُ الْبَيْتُ وَيَكُونُ وَيَكُونُ ثُمَّ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ يَخْرُجُ الدَّجَّالُ فِي أُمَّتِي فَيَمْكُثُ أَرْبَعِينَ - لاَ أَدْرِي أَرْبَعِينَ يَوْمًا أَوْ أَرْبَعِينَ شَهْرًا أَوْ أَرْبَعِينَ عَامًا - فَيَبْعَثُ اللَّهُ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ كَأَنَّهُ عُرْوَةُ بْنُ مَسْعُودٍ فَيَطْلُبُهُ فَيُهْلِكُهُ ثُمَّ يَمْكُثُ النَّاسُ سَبْعَ سِنِينَ لَيْسَ بَيْنَ اثْنَيْنِ عَدَاوَةٌ ثُمَّ يُرْسِلُ اللَّهُ رِيحًا بَارِدَةً مِنْ قِبَلِ الشَّأْمِ فَلاَ يَبْقَى عَلَى وَجْهِ الأَرْضِ أَحَدٌ فِي قَلْبِهِ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّةٍ مِنْ خَيْرٍ أَوْ إِيمَانٍ إِلاَّ قَبَضَتْهُ حَتَّى لَوْ أَنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ دَخَلَ فِي كَبَدِ جَبَلٍ لَدَخَلَتْهُ عَلَيْهِ حَتَّى تَقْبِضَهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ سَمِعْتُهَا مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏"‏ فَيَبْقَى شِرَارُ النَّاسِ فِي خِفَّةِ الطَّيْرِ وَأَحْلاَمِ السِّبَاعِ لاَ يَعْرِفُونَ مَعْرُوفًا وَلاَ يُنْكِرُونَ مُنْكَرًا فَيَتَمَثَّلُ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ فَيَقُولُ أَلاَ تَسْتَجِيبُونَ فَيَقُولُونَ فَمَا تَأْمُرُنَا فَيَأْمُرُهُمْ بِعِبَادَةِ الأَوْثَانِ وَهُمْ فِي ذَلِكَ دَارٌّ رِزْقُهُمْ حَسَنٌ عَيْشُهُمْ ثُمَّ يُنْفَخُ فِي الصُّورِ فَلاَ يَسْمَعُهُ أَحَدٌ إِلاَّ أَصْغَى لِيتًا وَرَفَعَ لِيتًا - قَالَ - وَأَوَّلُ مَنْ يَسْمَعُهُ رَجُلٌ يَلُوطُ حَوْضَ إِبِلِهِ - قَالَ - فَيَصْعَقُ وَيَصْعَقُ النَّاسُ ثُمَّ يُرْسِلُ اللَّهُ - أَوْ قَالَ يُنْزِلُ اللَّهُ - مَطَرًا كَأَنَّهُ الطَّلُّ أَوِ الظِّلُّ - نُعْمَانُ الشَّاكُّ - فَتَنْبُتُ مِنْهُ أَجْسَادُ النَّاسِ ثُمَّ يُنْفَخُ فِيهِ أُخْرَى فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَامٌ يَنْظُرُونَ ثُمَّ يُقَالُ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ هَلُمَّ إِلَى رَبِّكُمْ ‏.‏ وَقِفُوهُمْ إِنَّهُمْ مَسْئُولُونَ - قَالَ - ثُمَّ يُقَالُ أَخْرِجُوا بَعْثَ النَّارِ فَيُقَالُ مِنْ كَمْ فَيُقَالُ مِنْ كُلِّ أَلْفٍ تِسْعَمِائَةٍ وَتِسْعَةً وَتِسْعِينَ - قَالَ - فَذَاكَ يَوْمَ يَجْعَلُ الْوِلْدَانَ شِيبًا وَذَلِكَ يَوْمَ يُكْشَفُ عَنْ سَاقٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

References & Links 

First Hadith listed under Book 21: Chapter 41, Number 7023: 

https://www.iium.edu.my/deed/hadith/muslim/041_smt.html 

Rapture [Wikipedia] 

Blogposts

The Ayat about The Shin 

List of posts about Surah al-Kahf 

List of posts about Prophecies 

Pyramids & Obelisks

 

Abstract 

The Quran on prominent symbols of ancient architecture 

Full Text 

كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ وَعَادٌ وَفِرْعَوْنُ ذُو الْأَوْتَادِ

Denied before them (the) people (of) Nuh and Aad and Firaun, (the) owner (of) the stakes. 

[Al-Quran 38:12]

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِعَادٍ
إِرَمَ ذَاتِ الْعِمَادِ
الَّتِي لَمْ يُخْلَقْ مِثْلُهَا فِي الْبِلَادِ
وَثَمُودَ الَّذِينَ جَابُوا الصَّخْرَ بِالْوَادِ
وَفِرْعَوْنَ ذِي الْأَوْتَادِ

Did not you see how dealt your Lord with Aad,
Iram, possessors (of), lofty pillars,
Which not had been created like them in the cities,
And Thamud, who carved out the rocks in the valley,
And Firaun, owner of stakes? 

[Al-Quran 89:6-10]

The Quran draws our attention to certain aspects of the ancient civilisations. As with the natural history of the world, in the scripture there are parallels also with the archaeological history of the world, however with some key differences. Pyramids and obelisks are prominent symbols of ancient architecture, and examples of excellence in design and construction. 


Obelisks
According to Q89:6-8, the lofty pillars (الْعِمَادِ) were unique to the Aad (عَادٍ) civilisation, such that no other country boasted of such tall pillars. Archeologists associate the origin of obelisks with Ancient Egypt. However, it is quite possible that obelisks were also built by a civilisation much more ancient to them, and the Pharaohs simply came to inherit the symbolism from their ancients. Perhaps, it is those ancients that the Pharaoh was asking Moses about:

قَالَ فَمَا بَالُ الْقُرُونِ الْأُولَىٰ

قَالَ عِلْمُهَا عِندَ رَبِّي فِي كِتَابٍ لَّا يَضِلُّ رَبِّي وَلَا يَنسَى

He said, "Then what (is the) case (of) the generations (of) the former."
He said, "Its knowledge (is) with my Lord, in a Record. Not errs my Lord and not forgets."

[Al-Quran 20:51- 52]

Presently, Rome is the obelisk capital of the world, many of which were transported and re-erected there, including eight from Ancient Egypt. 

Obelisk Lateran: tallest obelisk in Rome, and the largest standing ancient Egyptian obelisk in the world

Attribution: 

CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=180955 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_obelisks_in_Rome#/media/File:Obelisk-Lateran.jpg 

In Surah ashShu`ara`, their Messenger Hud is quoted asking the Aad:

أَتَبْنُونَ بِكُلِّ رِيعٍ آيَةً تَعْبَثُونَ

Do you construct on every elevation a sign, amusing yourselves,

[Al-Quran 26:128]

However, according to Surah alAhqaf, it seems that everything except their homes were destroyed:

تُدَمِّرُ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ بِأَمْرِ رَبِّهَا فَأَصْبَحُوا لَا يُرَىٰ إِلَّا مَسَاكِنُهُمْ كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْقَوْمَ الْمُجْرِمِينَ

Destroying every thing by (the) command (of) its Lord. Then they became (such), not is seen except their dwellings. Thus We recompense the people [the] criminals.

[Al-Quran 46:25]  

Stoning of the Devil Ritual during Hajj 

Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلام) was taught the rituals, and commanded to announce the Hajj. 

Muslim pilgrims from all over the world assemble once, during the last month of every lunar year, to perform the annual Hajj. They perform many rituals during the days of Hajj. On the Day of Eid, and the next two days, they are required to stone the pillars. 

Originally, these were three tall obelisks, of various sizes, and now they have been enclosed in three walls:

Wikipedia: Stoning of the Devil from 1942

Attribution: By أمانة العاصمة المقدسة - http://img101.imageshack.us/i/85629339bq9.jpg/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7508699
 

2016 photo of the walled pillars 

Attribution: https://www.islamiclandmarks.com/makkah-hajj-places/jamarat

https://www.islamiclandmarks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/The-3-Jamarat.jpg

Pyramids
According to Q38:12 and Q89:10, Pharaoh is owner of the الْأَوْتَادِ. The same word is used to describe mountains: 

وَالْجِبَالَ أَوْتَادًا

And the mountains (as) pegs, 

[Al-Quran 78:7]

Gizah Pyramids
Attribution:
By Ricardo Liberato (All Gizah Pyramids) [CC BY-SA 2.0  (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/All_Gizah_Pyramids.jpg

Though pyramids have been found all over the world, and more continue to be discovered, the most famous pyramids are those of Ancient Egypt. The pyramids of Egypt are more mountain-like than the Mesopotamian ziggurats or the Nubian pyramids. 

Excerpt from The Mighty Ancients (presentation)

Allah has sent us all in this world to try us, and has deferred judgment till The Day of Judgment. However, some nations in the past were duly warned, and then punished. Surah alFajr, after mentioning the mighty Aad, Thamud and Firaun, explains the sins which warranted their punishment in this world: 

الَّذِينَ طَغَوْا فِي الْبِلَادِ
فَأَكْثَرُوا فِيهَا الْفَسَادَ
فَصَبَّ عَلَيْهِمْ رَبُّكَ سَوْطَ عَذَابٍ
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَبِالْمِرْصَادِ

Who transgressed in the lands,
And (made) much therein corruption.
So poured on them your Lord scourge (of) punishment.
Indeed, your Lord (is) surely Ever Watchful.

[Al-Quran 89:11-14]

Technology brings with it progress and temptations. As our world is rapidly embracing the benefits of modern technology, it is also being challenged by advances which place great power for corruption in our hands. It is a test! We have been warned of the promised Hour as the extent of time fixed for us.



Further Reading Links 

Egypt plans to have the world’s tallest structure at a height of 1000 m 

Last updated on: May 26, 2026

Jesus (عليه السلام) – Ascension & Return

… Not (is) the command but for Allah. He has commanded that not you worship but Him Alone … [Quran 12:40]   

Mission of the Messengers-VIII

Abstract

Several people across many religions expect a Messiah to come save the Believers. Some Muslims believe that Messiah Jesus (Masih Isa ibn-e-Maryam) was raised alive and is with God, while others assert that he died a natural death. Yet others are in doubt. This also leads them to assert that there will be no second coming of Jesus. Based on some ayaat of the Quran, I believe that Jesus was raised alive and will return as the Messiah.  

Full Text

Muslims believe that all prophets and messengers preached the same religion and foretold the same future events. Almost all religions expect the return of a Messiah before the end of the world.

Similarly, almost all religions and mythologies remember a Great Flood.  In Surah Yasin, after the mention of the Believers being carried in an Ark during the Great Flood, and before going on to discuss the moment and events of the Hereafter, it states: 

[Al-Quran 36:45] And when it is said to them, "Fear what (is) before you and what (is) behind you so that you may receive mercy."

As discussed in Mission of the Messengers: World History and Future Implications, the Great Flood destroyed all except the Believers, and The Quran predicts the rise of the Beast (Creature of the Earth) and another Flood. 

Furthermore, Surah adDukhan also presents warnings of past extinction events and what the future holds.  

Some Muslims believe that Messiah Jesus (Masih Isa ibn-e-Maryam) was raised alive and is with God, while others assert that he died a natural death. Yet others are in doubt. This also leads them to assert that there will be no second coming of Jesus. However, most Muslims believe in Prophet Muhammad's ascension and return, which I think is further proof of Jesus being raised alive, and his eventual return. Based on the following ayaat of the Quran, I believe that Jesus was raised alive and will return as the knowledge of the Hour to fulfill his mission: 

Chosen Ones

The third surah of the Quran recounts in detail the life of Mary, the daughter of Imran, and her son Jesus. The narration begins at Q3:33 which lists in sequence the chosen ones, and informs us that Allah has chosen the Family of Imran:

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

 Jesus is the maternal grandson of Imran, and because Jesus did not have a father, he is of Imran’s lineage.  

Messenger of Allah to Bani Israel
Jesus was a Prophet (Q19:30), the Messiah (Q3:45) and a Messenger:   
[Al-Quran 3:49] And (make him) a Messenger to (the) Children (of) Israel, "Indeed, I [surely] [I] (have) come (to) you with a sign from your Lord that I [I] design for you from [the] clay like the form (of) the bird, then I breath into it and it becomes a bird by (the) permission (of) Allah. And I cure the blind, and the leper, and I give life (to) the dead by (the) permission (of) Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed, in that (is) surely a sign for you, if you are believers. 

[Al-Quran 5:111] And when I inspired to the disciples to believe in Me and in My Messenger they said, "We believe and bear witness that indeed we (are) Muslims.  

[Al-Quran 10:47] And for every nation (is) a Messenger. So when comes their Messenger, it will be judged between them in justice, and they (will) not be wronged.

[Al-Quran 14:47] So (do) not think (that) Allah will fail (to) keep His Promise (to) His Messengers. Indeed, Allah (is) All-Mighty, Owner (of) Retribution.  

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

[Al-Quran 40:5] Denied before them (the) people (of) Nuh and the factions after them, and plotted every nation against their Messenger, to seize him, and they disputed by falsehood to refute thereby the truth. So I seized them. Then how was My penalty?

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

[Al-Quran 17:104, Translator: Sahih International] 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." 

[Al-Quran 41:45] And certainly, We gave Musa the Book, but disputes arose therein. And had it not been (for) a word (that) preceded from your Lord, surely, would have been settled between them. But indeed, they surely (are) in doubt about it disquieting. 

[Al-Quran 32:24 - 30] And certainly We gave Musa the Scripture, so (do) not be in doubt about receiving it. And We made it a guide for the Children of Israel. And We made from them leaders guiding by Our Command when they were patient and they were of Our Verses certain. Indeed, your Lord [He] will judge between them (on the) Day (of) Resurrection in what they used (to) [in it] differ.
Does it not guide [for] them, (that) how many We have destroyed before them of the generations, they walk about in their dwellings. Indeed, in that surely, are Signs. Then do not they hear? Do not they see that We drive water to the land [the] barren, then We bring forth thereby crops, eat from it their cattle and they themselves? Then do not they see? And they say, "When (will be) this decision, if you are truthful?" Say, "(On the) Day (of) the Decision, not will benefit those who disbelieve their belief and not they will be granted respite." So turn away from them and wait. Indeed, they (are) waiting.

More on the expected battle and 'Day of Decision' in The Prophesy  


Raised Alive

In Surah Aal-e-Imran, towards the end of the narration about Mary and Jesus, God tells Jesus:

[Al-Quran 3:55, Translation: Pickthal] (And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ.

In Surah Nisaa, ayaat 157-158 state: 

[Al-Quran 4:157-158, Translation: Literal (word-by-word)] And for their saying, "Indeed, we killed the Messiah, Isa, son (of) Maryam, (the) Messenger (of) Allah." And not they killed him and not they crucified him but it was made to appear (so) to them. And indeed, those who differ in it (are) surely in doubt about it. Not for them about it [of] (any) knowledge except (the) following (of) assumption. And not they killed him, certainly. Nay, Allah raised him towards Him. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. 

Similarly, in Surah Maryam we read about Enoch, whose ascension is well-known to those familiar with the Jewish scriptures:  
[Al-Quran 19:56-57, Translation: Shakir] And mention Idris in the Book; surely he was a truthful man, a prophet, And We raised him high in Heaven. 

Raised or Died: technical difference

Q3:55 uses the words ‘mutawaffeeka warafiAAuka ilayya’. ‘Mutawaffeeka’ which shares the same root as ‘wafaat’.  Q39:42clearly distinguishes between ‘wafaat’ and ‘maut’ as two different actions:

[Al-Quran 39:42] Allah takes the souls (at the) time (of) their death, and the one who (does) not die in their sleep. Then He keeps the one whom, He has decreed for them the death, and sends the others for a term specified. Indeed, in that surely (are) signs for a people who ponder.

Wafaat means to take away, that is, it is the removal of nafs (the word translated as ‘souls’ in the above translation) from the body which Allah removes every time we sleep, while the nafs is not returned to that body upon whom death (maut) has been decreed. 

Another example from the Quran that mutawaffeeka means to take away or remove, and does not mean death: 
[Al-Quran 6:60] And He (is) the One Who takes your (soul) by the night and He knows what you committed by the day. Then He raises you up therein, so that is fulfilled (the) term specified. Then to Him will be your return then He will inform you about what you used to do. 

Among those Brought Near to God

Surah Al-Waqiah mentions three categories of people, among which the foremost in faith will be those brought near. Interestingly, in the Quran, the only human being mentioned by name as among those brought near is Jesus:

[Al-Quran 3:45] When said the Angels, "O Maryam! Indeed, Allah gives you glad tidings of a word from Him, his name (is) the Messiah, Isa, son (of) Maryam, honored in the world and (in) the Hereafter, and of those brought near (to Allah).

In Surah Nisa, Q4:172, the angels and the Messiah are mentioned as those worshipping Allah: 

[Literal (word-by-word)] Never will disdain the Messiah to be a slave of Allah and not the Angels, the ones who are near (to Allah). And whoever disdains from His worship and is arrogant then He will gather them towards Him all together.

[Shakir] The Messiah does by no means disdain that he should be a servant of Allah, nor do the angels who are near to Him, and whoever disdains His service and is proud, He will gather them all together to Himself. 

[Yusuf Ali] Christ disdaineth nor to serve and worship God, nor do the angels, those nearest (to God): those who disdain His worship and are arrogant,-He will gather them all together unto Himself to (answer).

Interestingly, in Arabic grammar, present and future tenses are both represented by the same verb. And so, the above ayat can be understood as either in the present tense or the future tense. I understand it in the present tense.  

Word by word grammatical analysis:
http://corpus.quran.com/wordbyword.jsp?chapter=4&verse=172 

The Hour

[Al-Quran 43:85] Nay, they deny the Hour and We have prepared for (those) who deny the Hour, a Blazing Fire.

[Al-Quran 19:75] Say, "Whoever is in [the] error, then surely will extend for him the Most Gracious an extension, until when they see what they were promised, either the punishment or the Hour, then they will know who [he] (is) worst (in) position and weaker (in) forces."

[Al-Quran 30:55] And (the) Day will (be) established the Hour will swear the criminals not they remained but an hour. Thus they were deluded.

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

[Al-Quran 54:43-46] Are your disbelievers, better than those, or for you (is) an exemption in the Scriptures? Or (do) they say, "We (are) an assembly helping (each other)?" Soon will be defeated (their) assembly, and they will turn (their) backs. Nay, the Hour (is) their promised time, and the Hour (will be) more grievous and more bitter.

Knowledge of the Hour 

In Surah Zukhruf, the discourse about Isa ibn-e-Maryam begins at Q43:57. Q43:61 is variously translated to mean that either there is no doubt about the Hour, or that Jesus is/will be the knowledge of the Hour. I am inclined to believe that Jesus will be the knowledge, the sign which will inform us, that the Hour is imminent or has come upon us. Then Q43:66 again mentions the Hour that it will come suddenly or unexpectedly. Q43:85 literally states that the knowledge of the Hour is with God:

[Al-Quran 43:85] And blessed (is) the One Who - to Whom (belongs the) dominion (of) the heavens and the earth and whatever (is) between both of them and with Him (is the) knowledge (of) the Hour, and to Him you will be returned. 

Note that both Q43:61(لَعِلْمٌ لِّلسَّاعَةِ) and Q43:85 (عِلْمُ السَّاعَةِ) mention the knowledge (عِلْمُ) of the Hour and not command (أَمْرُ).  Of course the Hour will occur when God commands it (Q16:77 أَمْرُ السَّاعَةِ), but the word knowledge indicates that these ayaat are conveying where Jesus is presently, and that when Jesus returns, Believers will know that the promised Hour is imminent.   

In 7:187, the word 'knowledge' is emphasised twice:

[Al-Quran 7:187] They ask you about the Hour, when will be its appointed time? Say, "Only its knowledge (is) with my Lord, no (one) can reveal [it] its time except Him. It lays heavily in the heavens and the earth. Not will it come to you but suddenly." They ask you as if you (were) well informed about it. Say, "Only its knowledge (is) with Allah, but most (of) the people (do) not know." 

Note: The Bible, Matthew 24:27 states that Jesus arrival will be an clearly visible event! 

People of the Book & Belief in Jesus

Jesus was born in the bani Israel tribe, who are one of the People of the Book:

[Al-Quran 43:59, ]Not he (was) except a slave, We bestowed Our favor on him and We made him an example for (the) Children of Israel.

Even though Jesus was born miraculously, spoke when a baby, performed wondrous miracles in his youth, yet most people did not believe in him:

[Al-Quran 3:55, Translation: Pickthal] (And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ.

Quran 4:157 is quite clear that they neither killed nor crucified Jesus. 

As discussed above, Q43:61 goes on to state that Jesus will be the knowledge of the Hour.  When Jesus returns, and before he dies a natural death, all People of the Book will believe that he is the Messiah and a Slave and Messenger of God: 

[Al-Quran 4:159] And (there is) not from (the) People (of) the Book but surely he believes in him before his death. And (on the) Day (of) the Resurrection he will be against them a witness.  

Childhood and Maturity

It is believed that Jesus died when he was in his thirties. According to Q46:15, the age of maturity is forty years. Two ayaat of The Quran state that Jesus will speak both from the cradle and in maturity:

[Al-Quran 3:45-46] When said the Angels, "O Maryam! Indeed, Allah gives you glad tidings of a word from Him, his name (is) the Messiah, Isa, son (of) Maryam, honored in the world and (in) the Hereafter, and of those brought near (to Allah). And he will speak (to) the people in the cradle and (in) maturity; and (he will be) of the righteous."

Jesus spoke ‘from the cradle’ in his past coming, and he will ‘speak in maturity’ when he comes again as expected:  

[Al-Quran 5:109-110] (The) day Allah will gather the Messengers and He will say, "What was (the) response you received?" They said, "(There is) no knowledge for us. Indeed You, You (are the) Knower (of) the unseen." When Allah said, "O Isa, son (of) Maryam! Remember My Favor upon you and upon your mother when I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit*, you spoke (to) the people in the cradle and (in) maturity. And when I taught you the Book and the wisdom and the Taurat and the Injeel; and when you make from the clay like the shape (of) the bird by My permission then you breath into it and it becomes a bird by My permission, and you heal the born blind and the leper by My permission, and when you bring forth the dead by My permission. And when I restrained (the) Children (of) Israel from you when you came to them with the clear proofs then said those who disbelieved among them "This is not but clear magic." 

* Holy Spirit: The actual Arabic term is بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ which should be translated as The Holy Command. 
As discussed in Human: Body or Soul? the term Ar-RUH, generally translated as spirit (Q32:9, Q97:4) or soul (Q17:85), is from the AMR (commands, decrees) of Allah. 
As discussed in Virgin Birth, the Quran 3:45 informs us that the angels gave Mary glad tidings of a Word (command) from Allah. Quran 19:17 and 66:12 both use the word ruh-hinna (Our Spirit) to convey what was breathed into her.   

The Table spread with Food from Heaven  

[Al-Quran 5:75] Not (is) the Messiah, son (of) Maryam but a Messenger, certainly had passed before him the Messengers. And his mother (was) truthful. They both used to eat [the] food. See how We make clear to them the Signs, then see how they are deluded.

After clarifying that all the miracles that Jesus was able to perform were a favour from Allah and with Allah's permission, and mentioning '... And when I restrained (the) Children (of) Israel from you ...', as quoted above (Q109-110), Surah alMaidah (The Table Spread) goes on to recount the event of the table spread with food - which I think may be the true account of The Last Supper, and therefore another proof of Jesus being saved alive!

[Al-Quran 5:111-115, Translator: Pickthal] And when I inspired the disciples, (saying): Believe in Me and in My messenger, they said: We believe. Bear witness that we have surrendered (unto Thee) "we are muslims". When the disciples said: O Jesus, son of Mary! Is thy Lord able to send down for us a table spread with food from heaven? He said: Observe your duty to Allah, if ye are true believers. (They said:) We wish to eat thereof, that we may satisfy our hearts and know that thou hast spoken truth to us, and that thereof we may be witnesses. Jesus, son of Mary, said: O Allah, Lord of us! Send down for us a table spread with food from heaven, that it may be a feast for us, for the first of us and for the last of us, and a sign from Thee. Give us sustenance, for Thou art the Best of Sustainers. Allah said: Lo! I send it down for you. And whoso disbelieveth of you afterward, him surely will I punish with a punishment wherewith I have not punished any of (My) creatures.

Note: From Christian history, we come to know that (almost) all the disciples embraced martyrdom because they bore witness to having seen Jesus after his supposed crucifixion. The Christian historians take it as their testimony to the resurrection of Jesus, while according to The Quran, I believe they bore witness to Jesus being saved alive.  



Did Jesus claim Divinity? 
After mentioning the table spread with food that was sent as per the disciples' request, Surah alMaidah concludes thus:
[Al-Quran 5:116-120, Translator: Sahih International] And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, 'Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah ?'" He will say, "Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen. I said not to them except what You commanded me - to worship Allah , my Lord and your Lord. And I was a witness over them as long as I was among them; but when You took me up, You were the Observer over them, and You are, over all things, Witness. If You should punish them - indeed they are Your servants; but if You forgive them - indeed it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. Allah will say, " This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness." For them are gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allah being pleased with them, and they with Him. That is the great attainment. To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is within them. And He is over all things competent.

Lessons in Faith, Wealth, Knowledge and Power

In Surah Al-Kahf, Q18, one of the opening statements of the surah is that it is intended to warn those who say that God has a son (Q18:4). The miracle of long sleep of the Ashab-e-Kahf is discussed at length, followed by the statement that there is no doubt about the Hour (Q18:21). Also related in detail are the voyages of Dhu-al-Qarnayn, his containment of the Gog and Magog [Yajuj Majuj], followed by the statement that when the promise of God undoubtedly occurs (Q18:98), they will be let loose again.

It is popularly believed that we should recite/study Surah Al-Kahf weekly as it will help us face the fitna of the Dajjal, who is expected to be a great trial before the arrival of the Messiah. The surah contains important lessons in faith, wealth, knowledge and power.  

Related posts:

Virgin Birth

Muhammad ﷺ – Ascension & Return

List of all related posts

The Quran

Most translations of The Quran quoted here are the first translation of the page listed as Literal (Word by Word). 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: http://islamawakened.com/index.php/qur-an

References and Links

http://can-you-answer.com/

http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2012/06/jesus-dead-or-alive.html

http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2016/05/jesus-among-those-brought-near.html

http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-living-matrix.html

http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2016/05/second-coming-of-jesus.html

http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2016/01/jesus-family-of-imran.html

http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2015/04/jesus-christ.html

http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2015/04/pope.html

http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/11/jesus.html

http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/09/common-word-between-people-of-book.html

https://amazingbibletimeline.com/blog/q6_apostles_die/
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/killing-jesus/articles/how-did-the-apostles-die/
https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1-300/whatever-happened-to-the-twelve-apostles-11629558.html
http://magazine.biola.edu/article/13-fall/did-the-apostles-really-die-as-martyrs-for-their-f/
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/the-resurrection-of-jesus-bible-story.html  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Enoch
http://reluctant-messenger.com/enoch.htm
https://biblehub.com/matthew/24-27.htm

Last updated on August 12, 2018