[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].

Showing posts with label ascension. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ascension. Show all posts

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Seventy Men & The Torah in Seventy Languages

Abstract 

The Quran mentions that Moses (Musa عليه السلام) chose seventy men from his people for The Appointment, after he had received the Tablets on which were inscribed guidance and mercy. It also reminds them about the covenant they ratified with Allah.

At the time of Moses (Musa عليه السلام), there existed seventy primary languages, of seventy nations, in the world. 

At the appointment with the seventy men, when Moses (Musa عليه السلام) prayed for mercy (Q7:155-156), these ayat recount the answer Allah gave him: ... 

In Devarim - Deuteronomy 18, Moses (Musa عليه السلام) informed them that from their brothers, Allah will set up a prophet like him. The Bani Israel trace their lineage to Isaac (Ishaque عليه السلام), the son of Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلام), while the Arabs trace their lineage to Ishmael (Ismail عليه السلام), the elder son of Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلام). So, Muhammad  is from their brothers. 


Full Text 

 ۞ وَوَاعَدْنَا مُوسَىٰ ثَلَاثِينَ لَيْلَةً وَأَتْمَمْنَاهَا بِعَشْرٍ فَتَمَّ مِيقَاتُ رَبِّهِ أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً ۚ وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِأَخِيهِ هَارُونَ اخْلُفْنِي فِي قَوْمِي وَأَصْلِحْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ

وَلَمَّا جَاءَ مُوسَىٰ لِمِيقَاتِنَا وَكَلَّمَهُ رَبُّهُ قَالَ رَبِّ أَرِنِي أَنظُرْ إِلَيْكَ ۚ قَالَ لَن تَرَانِي وَلَـٰكِنِ انظُرْ إِلَى الْجَبَلِ فَإِنِ اسْتَقَرَّ مَكَانَهُ فَسَوْفَ تَرَانِي ۚ فَلَمَّا تَجَلَّىٰ رَبُّهُ لِلْجَبَلِ جَعَلَهُ دَكًّا وَخَرَّ مُوسَىٰ صَعِقًا ۚ فَلَمَّا أَفَاقَ قَالَ سُبْحَانَكَ تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

قَالَ يَا مُوسَىٰ إِنِّي اصْطَفَيْتُكَ عَلَى النَّاسِ بِرِسَالَاتِي وَبِكَلَامِي فَخُذْ مَا آتَيْتُكَ وَكُن مِّنَ الشَّاكِرِينَ

وَكَتَبْنَا لَهُ فِي الْأَلْوَاحِ مِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مَّوْعِظَةً وَتَفْصِيلًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ فَخُذْهَا بِقُوَّةٍ وَأْمُرْ قَوْمَكَ يَأْخُذُوا بِأَحْسَنِهَا ۚ سَأُرِيكُمْ دَارَ الْفَاسِقِينَ

And We appointed (for) Musa thirty nights and We completed them with ten (more), so was completed (the) set term (of) his Lord (of) forty night(s). And said Musa to his brother Harun, "Take my place in my people, and do right and (do) not follow (the) way (of) the corrupters."
And when came Musa to Our appointed place and spoke to him his Lord, he said, "O my Lord! Show me (that) I may look at You." He said, "Never you (can) see Me, but look at the mountain [then] if it remains in its place then you see Me." But when revealed (His) Glory his Lord to the mountain, He made it crumbled to dust and fell down Musa unconscious. And when he recovered he said, "Glory be to You! I turn (in repentance) to you, and I am (the) first (of) the believers."
He said, "O Musa! Indeed, I have chosen you over the people with My Messages and with My words. So take what I have given you and be among the grateful."

And We ordained (laws) for him in the tablets - of every thing, an instruction and explanation for every thing, "So take them with firmness and order your people (to) take (the) best of it. I will show you (the) home (of) the defiantly disobedient

[Al-Quran 7:142-145]

Backstory: Allah liberated the Bani Israel from the oppression they were suffering in Ancient Egypt. This event is famously known as the Exodus, in which Allah parted the sea, so that they could escape to the other side, while their enemy, pursuing them, were drowned in the same sea.  

While Moses (Musa عليه السلام) was away (Q7:142), his people took up the calf for worship (Q7:148). After Moses (Musa عليه السلام)' anger calmed (Q7:154), he chose seventy men for The Appointment (Q7:155). The ayat mentions that they were seized with an earthquake (الرَّجْفَةُ): 

وَلَمَّا سَكَتَ عَن مُّوسَى الْغَضَبُ أَخَذَ الْأَلْوَاحَ ۖ وَفِي نُسْخَتِهَا هُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلَّذِينَ هُمْ لِرَبِّهِمْ يَرْهَبُونَ

وَاخْتَارَ مُوسَىٰ قَوْمَهُ سَبْعِينَ رَجُلًا لِّمِيقَاتِنَا ۖ

 فَلَمَّا أَخَذَتْهُمُ الرَّجْفَةُ قَالَ رَبِّ لَوْ شِئْتَ أَهْلَكْتَهُم مِّن قَبْلُ وَإِيَّايَ ۖ أَتُهْلِكُنَا بِمَا فَعَلَ السُّفَهَاءُ مِنَّا ۖ إِنْ هِيَ إِلَّا فِتْنَتُكَ تُضِلُّ بِهَا مَن تَشَاءُ وَتَهْدِي مَن تَشَاءُ ۖ أَنتَ وَلِيُّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا ۖ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْغَافِرِينَ

And when was calmed from Musa the anger, he took (up) the tablets and in their inscription (was) guidance and mercy for those who [they] of their Lord (are) fearful.

And chose Musa (from) his people seventy men for Our appointment. 

Then when seized them the earthquake he said, "O my Lord! If you (had) willed, You (could) have destroyed the from before and me. Would You destroy us for what did the foolish among us? Not it (was) but Your trial, You let go astray by it whom You will and You guide whom You will. You (are) our Protector, so forgive us and have mercy upon us, and You (are) Best (of) Forgivers.

[Al-Quran 154-155]

The Quran mentions that Moses (Musa عليه السلام) chose seventy men from his people for The Appointment, after he had received the Tablets on which were inscribed guidance and mercy. It also reminds them about the covenant they ratified with Allah:

وَقَطَّعْنَاهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ أُمَمًا ۖ مِّنْهُمُ الصَّالِحُونَ وَمِنْهُمْ دُونَ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ ۖ وَبَلَوْنَاهُم بِالْحَسَنَاتِ وَالسَّيِّئَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

فَخَلَفَ مِن بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ وَرِثُوا الْكِتَابَ يَأْخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَـٰذَا الْأَدْنَىٰ وَيَقُولُونَ سَيُغْفَرُ لَنَا وَإِن يَأْتِهِمْ عَرَضٌ مِّثْلُهُ يَأْخُذُوهُ ۚ أَلَمْ يُؤْخَذْ عَلَيْهِم مِّيثَاقُ الْكِتَابِ أَن لَّا يَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْحَقَّ وَدَرَسُوا مَا فِيهِ ۗ وَالدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ ۗ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

وَالَّذِينَ يُمَسِّكُونَ بِالْكِتَابِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُصْلِحِينَ

 ۞ وَإِذْ نَتَقْنَا الْجَبَلَ فَوْقَهُمْ كَأَنَّهُ ظُلَّةٌ وَظَنُّوا أَنَّهُ وَاقِعٌ بِهِمْ خُذُوا مَا آتَيْنَاكُم بِقُوَّةٍ وَاذْكُرُوا مَا فِيهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

And We divided them in the earth (as) nations. Among them (are) the righteous and among them (are) other than that. And We tested them with the good and the bad, so that they may return.

Then succeeded from after them successors (who) inherited the Book taking goods (of) this the lower (life) and they say, "It will be forgiven for us." And if comes to them goods similar to it they will take it. Was not taken on them Covenant (of) the Book that not they will say about Allah except the truth while they studied what (is) in it? And the home (of) the Hereafter (is) better for those who fear Allah. So will not you use intellect?
And those who hold fast to the Book, and establish the prayer, indeed, We (will) not [We] let go waste (the) reward (of) the reformers.
And when We raised the mountain above them as if it was a canopy and they thought that it (would) fall upon them, (We said), "Take what We have given you with strength and remember what (is) in it so that you may fear Allah."
[Al-Quran 168-171]

The Ratified Covenant: Q2:40 exhorts the Bani Israel to uphold the covenant they made with Allah, so that Allah upholds His Covenant with them. Q2:63 goes on to mention the ratified covenant taken from them:

وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَكُمْ وَرَفَعْنَا فَوْقَكُمُ الطُّورَ خُذُوا مَا آتَيْنَاكُم بِقُوَّةٍ وَاذْكُرُوا مَا فِيهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُون

And when We took your covenant and We raised over you the mount, "Hold what We have given you with strength, and remember what (is) in it, perhaps you (would become) righteous."
[Al-Quran 2:63]


وَإِذْ أَخَذَ اللَّهُ مِيثَاقَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ

لَتُبَيِّنُنَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَكْتُمُونَهُ 

فَنَبَذُوهُ وَرَاءَ ظُهُورِهِمْ وَاشْتَرَوْا بِهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا فَبِئْسَ مَا يَشْتَرُونَ

And when Allah took a Covenant (from) those who were given the Book,
"You certainly make it clear to the mankind and (do) not conceal it.
Then they threw it behind their backs and they exchanged [with] it (for) a little price. And wretched (is) what they purchase.
[Al-Quran 3:187]

Q7:169 also reminds them of the covenant ratified with them, and Q7:171 reminds them of the raising of the mount over them. 
Related Post: The Covenant & Its Ratification 


The Torah on Seventy Men 

טזוַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־משֶׁ֗ה אֶסְפָה־לִּ֞י שִׁבְעִ֣ים אִישׁ֘ מִזִּקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָדַ֔עְתָּ כִּי־הֵ֛ם זִקְנֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם וְשֹֽׁטְרָ֑יו וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֤ אֹתָם֙ אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וְהִתְיַצְּב֥וּ שָׁ֖ם עִמָּֽךְ:

יזוְיָֽרַדְתִּ֗י וְדִבַּרְתִּ֣י עִמְּךָ֘ שָׁם֒ וְאָֽצַלְתִּ֗י מִן־הָר֛וּחַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָלֶ֖יךָ וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם וְנָֽשְׂא֤וּ אִתְּךָ֙ בְּמַשָּׂ֣א הָעָ֔ם וְלֹֽא־תִשָּׂ֥א אַתָּ֖ה לְבַדֶּֽךָ:

16 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Assemble for Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the people's elders and officers, and you shall take them to the Tent of Meeting, and they shall stand there with You.  

17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will increase the spirit that is upon you and bestow it upon them. Then they will bear the burden of the people with you so that you need not bear it alone.
[The Torah, Bamidbar - Numbers - Chapter 11 16-17]

Though the narrative in Numbers 11 regarding what led up to the choosing of the seventy elders is different, yet both The Torah and The Quran are pointing towards the same event when seventy men were chosen from the Bani Israel. The purpose stated in Numbers 11 17 is so that they will share the burden along with Moses (Musa عليه السلام). 

The mission of Moses (Musa عليه السلام) was the proclamation that there is no god but Allah, the One and Only God, and the conveyance of The Torah which is a message from God containing detailed information, guidance and mercy. 


The Torah in Seventy Languages  

Summary of impressions from Jewish and Christian writings online: At the time of Moses (Musa عليه السلام), there existed seventy primary languages, of seventy nations, in the world. It is believed that these seventy languages originated at the Tower of Babel:

טעַל־כֵּ֞ן קָרָ֤א שְׁמָהּ֙ בָּבֶ֔ל כִּי־שָׁ֛ם בָּלַ֥ל יְהֹוָ֖ה שְׂפַ֣ת כָּל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וּמִשָּׁם֙ הֱפִיצָ֣ם יְהֹוָ֔ה עַל־פְּנֵ֖י כָּל־הָאָֽרֶץ:

Therefore, He named it Babel, for there the Lord confused the language of the entire earth, and from there the Lord scattered them upon the face of the entire earth.
[Bereishit - Genesis - Chapter 11:9]

They also believe that all the seventy languages were spoken in the Pharaoh's palace in ancient Egypt, which means that these were the extant languages then. Where in Devarim - Deuteronomy - Chapter 1:5 Moses (Musa عليه السلام) spoke, it is believed that he gave them The Torah in all the seventy languages of the world:

הבְּעֵ֥בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מוֹאָ֑ב הוֹאִ֣יל משֶׁ֔ה בֵּאֵ֛ר אֶת־הַתּוֹרָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לֵאמֹֽר:

On that side of the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses commenced [and] explained this Law, saying,
[Devarim - Deuteronomy - Chapter 1:8]

It is believed that the Devarim - Deuteronomy is one long sermon by Moses (Musa عليه السلام), a renewal of the covenant! He also commanded them to inscribe it all clearly on stones:

אוַיְצַ֤ו משֶׁה֙ וְזִקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶת־הָעָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר שָׁמֹר֙ אֶת־כָּל־הַמִּצְוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָֽנֹכִ֛י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם הַיּֽוֹם:

And Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Observe all of the commandment that I command you this day.

...

חוְכָתַבְתָּ֣ עַל־הָֽאֲבָנִ֗ים אֶת־כָּל־דִּבְרֵ֛י הַתּוֹרָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בַּאֵ֥ר הֵיטֵֽב:   

You shall write upon the stones all the words of this Torah, very clearly.
[
Devarim - Deuteronomy - Chapter 27:1, ..., 8]



The Quran in Arabic Language

وَمَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ إِذْ قَالُوا مَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ بَشَرٍ مِّن شَيْءٍ قُلْ مَنْ أَنزَلَ الْكِتَابَ الَّذِي جَاءَ بِهِ مُوسَىٰ نُورًا وَهُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ تَجْعَلُونَهُ قَرَاطِيسَ تُبْدُونَهَا وَتُخْفُونَ كَثِيرًا وَعُلِّمْتُم مَّا لَمْ تَعْلَمُوا أَنتُمْ وَلَا آبَاؤُكُمْ قُلِ اللَّهُ ثُمَّ ذَرْهُمْ فِي خَوْضِهِمْ يَلْعَبُون

وَهَٰذَا كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ مُّصَدِّقُ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَلِتُنذِرَ أُمَّ الْقُرَىٰ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ وَهُمْ عَلَىٰ صَلَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُون

And (did) not they appraise Allah (with) true (his) appraisal, when they said, "Not revealed Allah on a human being [of] anything." Say, "Who revealed the Book which brought [it] Musa (as) a light and guidance for the people? You make it (into) parchments, you disclose (some of) it and you conceal much (of it). And you were taught what not knew you and not your forefathers." Say, "Allah (revealed it)." Then leave them in their discourse - playing.
And this (is) a Book, We have revealed it, blessed, confirming which (from) between his hands, so that you may warn (the) mother (of) the cities and who (are) around it. And those who believe in the Hereafter, they believe in it, and they, over their prayers (are) guarding.
[Al-Quran 6:91-92]


كِتَابٌ فُصِّلَتْ آيَاتُهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُون

A Book, are detailed its Verses, a Quran (in) Arabic for a people (who) know,
...

وَلَوْ جَعَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا أَعْجَمِيًّا لَّقَالُوا لَوْلَا فُصِّلَتْ آيَاتُهُ أَأَعْجَمِيٌّ وَعَرَبِيٌّ قُلْ هُوَ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا هُدًى وَشِفَاءٌ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ فِي آذَانِهِمْ وَقْرٌ وَهُوَ عَلَيْهِمْ عَمًى أُولَٰئِكَ يُنَادَوْنَ مِن مَّكَانٍ بَعِيد

 And if We (had) made it a Quran (in) a foreign (language), they (would have) said, "Why not are explained in detail its verses? (Is it) a foreign (language) and an Arab?" Say, "It (is) for those who believe, a guidance and a healing." And those who (do) not believe, in their ears (is) deafness, and it (is) for them blindness. Those are being called from a place far."
[Al-Quran 41:3, ..., 44]


وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّتُنذِرَ أُمَّ الْقُرَىٰ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا وَتُنذِرَ يَوْمَ الْجَمْعِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ فَرِيقٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَفَرِيقٌ فِي السَّعِير

And thus We have revealed to you a Quran (in) Arabic, that you may warn (the) mother (of) the towns, and whoever (is) around it, and warn (of the) Day (of) Assembly, (there is) no doubt in it. A party (will be) in Paradise and a party in the Blazing Fire.
[Al-Quran 42:7]


وَمِن قَبْلِهِ كِتَابُ مُوسَىٰ إِمَامًا وَرَحْمَةً وَهَٰذَا كِتَابٌ مُّصَدِّقٌ لِّسَانًا عَرَبِيًّا لِّيُنذِرَ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُحْسِنِين

And from before it (was the) Scripture (of) Musa (as) a guide and a mercy. And this (is) a Book confirming, (in) language Arabic to warn those who do wrong and glad tidings for the good-doers.
[Al-Quran 46:12]

The Quran informs us that it was revealed in the Arabic language to warn the mother of towns (أُمَّ الْقُرَىٰ), i.e. Makkah (old name Bakkah), and those around it. Almost all of Middle East speaks Arabic, including Egypt.  

Related Posts: The Quran, the Pharaoh, Exodus and the Promised Day! || The Ancient House


Muhammad : A Prophet like Moses

At the appointment with the seventy men, when Moses prayed for mercy (Q7:155-156), these ayat recount the answer Allah gave him:

 ۞ وَاكْتُبْ لَنَا فِي هَـٰذِهِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ إِنَّا هُدْنَا إِلَيْكَ ۚ قَالَ عَذَابِي أُصِيبُ بِهِ مَنْ أَشَاءُ ۖ وَرَحْمَتِي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ ۚ فَسَأَكْتُبُهَا لِلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَالَّذِينَ هُم بِآيَاتِنَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ الرَّسُولَ النَّبِيَّ الْأُمِّيَّ الَّذِي يَجِدُونَهُ مَكْتُوبًا عِندَهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ وَالْإِنجِيلِ يَأْمُرُهُم بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَاهُمْ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُحِلُّ لَهُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْخَبَائِثَ وَيَضَعُ عَنْهُمْ إِصْرَهُمْ وَالْأَغْلَالَ الَّتِي كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ فَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِهِ وَعَزَّرُوهُ وَنَصَرُوهُ وَاتَّبَعُوا النُّورَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ مَعَهُ ۙ أُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

And ordain for us in this [the] world, good and in the Hereafter. Indeed, we we have turned to You." He said, "My punishment - I afflict with it whom I will, but My Mercy encompasses every thing. So I will ordain it for those who (are) righteous and give zakah and those who [they] in Our Verses believe.
Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet, the unlettered, whom they find him written with them in the Taurat and the Injeel. He commands them to the right and forbids them from the wrong, and he makes lawful for them the pure things and makes unlawful for them the impure things and he relieves from them their burden and the fetters which were upon them. So those who believe in him and honor him, and help him and follow the light which has been sent down with him. Those (are) [they] the successful ones."
[Al-Quran 7:156-157]

In Surah al-Muzzamil, we read: 

إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ رَسُولًا شَاهِدًا عَلَيْكُمْ كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ رَسُولًا

فَعَصَىٰ فِرْعَوْنُ الرَّسُولَ فَأَخَذْنَاهُ أَخْذًا وَبِيلًا

فَكَيْفَ تَتَّقُونَ إِن كَفَرْتُمْ يَوْمًا يَجْعَلُ الْوِلْدَانَ شِيبًا

السَّمَاءُ مُنفَطِرٌ بِهِ ۚ كَانَ وَعْدُهُ مَفْعُولًا

إِنَّ هَـٰذِهِ تَذْكِرَةٌ ۖ فَمَن شَاءَ اتَّخَذَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِ سَبِيلًا

Indeed, We [We] have sent to you a Messenger (as) a witness upon you, as We sent to Firaun a Messenger.
But disobeyed Firaun the Messenger, so We seized him (with) a seizure ruinous.
Then how will you guard yourselves, if you disbelieve, a Day (that) will make the children gray-haired?
The heaven (will) break apart therefrom, is His Promise to be fulfilled.
Indeed, this (is) a Reminder, then whoever wills (let him) take to his Lord a way.
[Al-Quran 73:15-19]

In Devarim - Deuteronomy 18, Moses (Musa عليه السلام) informed them that from their brothers, Allah will set up a prophet like him. 

The Bani Israel trace their lineage to Isaac (Ishaque عليه السلام), the son of Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلام), while the Arabs trace their lineage to Ishmael (Ismail عليه السلام), the elder son of Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلام). So, Muhammad  is from their brothers: 

  טונָבִ֨יא מִקִּרְבְּךָ֤ מֵֽאַחֶ֨יךָ֙ כָּמֹ֔נִי יָקִ֥ים לְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ אֵלָ֖יו תִּשְׁמָעֽוּן:

A prophet from among you, from your brothers, like me, the Lord, your God will set up for you; you shall hearken to him.
[Devarim - Deuteronomy - Chapter 18 15]

The Devarim - Deuteronomy concludes thus: 

יוְלֹא־קָ֨ם נָבִ֥יא ע֛וֹד בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל כְּמשֶׁ֑ה אֲשֶׁר֙ יְדָע֣וֹ יְהֹוָ֔ה פָּנִ֖ים אֶל־פָּנִֽים:

And there was no other prophet who arose in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

יאלְכָל־הָֽ֨אֹתֹ֜ת וְהַמּֽוֹפְתִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר שְׁלָחוֹ֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם לְפַרְעֹ֥ה וּלְכָל־עֲבָדָ֖יו וּלְכָל־אַרְצֽוֹ:

11as manifested by all the signs and wonders, which the Lord had sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and all his servants, and to all his land,  

יבוּלְכֹל֙ הַיָּ֣ד הַֽחֲזָקָ֔ה וּלְכֹ֖ל הַמּוֹרָ֣א הַגָּד֑וֹל אֲשֶׁר֙ עָשָׂ֣ה משֶׁ֔ה לְעֵינֵ֖י כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל:

12and all the strong hand, and all the great awe, which Moses performed before the eyes of all Israel. [Devarim - Deuteronomy - Chapter 34 10-12]

Related Posts: Muhammad , the Messenger of Allah || Muhammad – Ascension & Return 


Mistranslations & Misinterpretations 

This is a link to an audio why a not divinely-authorised Greek translation (a Greek Pharaoh of Egypt had commissioned the translation) was considered a tragedy of the same magnitude as the worship of the golden calf: Audio length 48:35 

Questions: 

  • why did they translate another version when the original Greek translation given by Moses existed? 
  • do the seventy original translations of The Torah still exist?  

With the translations of the ayaat of The Quran also, we notice that there are differences, even within the same language. Sometimes, almost none of the translations are literal, or partially literal. Therefore, it is imperative to quote the ayaat in the original language as well, even while many readers may be interested, or able to understand, only the translations.  

Note: Part of the reason for this blog is that I find what's written in the Arabic text seems different from popular understanding. However, I'm neither a man, nor a messenger of Allah, nor a prophet, nor a religious scholar. Am I doing a service by trying to understand, and share my learnings, or is this a disservice? Or exceeding the bounds defined for the female believer? May Allah guide us all, and improve our submission to Him, and accept us. 


Last updated on: November 14, 2022


Saturday, April 24, 2021

Q17 60-70 || Q12

Adam & Joseph 

DRAFT

Exploring the narrative about Adam in Surah Bani Israel (Q17:60-70) in the light of Surah Yusuf 

Surah al-Isra is also known as Surah Bani Israel. It begins with Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ night journey to meet Allah, what is known as the Mairaj. Then, we read about Moses being given the Book, and the command to to not to take anyone else as a Wakil (Trustee) except Allah. Then, it mentions their ancestor who was carried along with Noah. It then reminds them of their fate being written in The Book, and the future unfolding exactly as written. Then, Q17:13-14 informs us that every person's fate is tied to their neck, and that book will be readable by us on The Day of Judgement. 


The Vision

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لَكَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ أَحَاطَ بِالنَّاسِ ۚ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الرُّؤْيَا الَّتِي أَرَيْنَاكَ إِلَّا فِتْنَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَالشَّجَرَةَ الْمَلْعُونَةَ فِي الْقُرْآنِ ۚ وَنُخَوِّفُهُمْ فَمَا يَزِيدُهُمْ إِلَّا طُغْيَانًا كَبِيرًا

 And when We said to you, "Indeed, your Lord has encompassed the mankind." And not We made the vision which We showed you except (as) a trial for mankind, and the tree the accursed in the Quran. And We threaten them but not it increases them except (in) transgression great.
[Al-Quran 17:60]

إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِي سَاجِدِينَ

قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُؤْيَاكَ عَلَىٰ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا لَكَ كَيْدًا ۖ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

When said Yusuf to his father, "O my father! Indeed, I I saw one ten (i.e eleven) star(s) planets and the sun and the moon; I saw them to me prostrating."
He said, "O my son! (Do) not relate your vision to your brothers lest they plan against you a plot. Indeed, the Shaitaan (is) to man an enemy open.
[Al-Quran 12:4-5; translation edited in italics]

Surah al-Isra and Surah Yusuf both mention visions and people's reaction to it. Surah Yusuf shows us that outcomes cannot be changed, and Allah will prevail and make His Will happen. Our Lord has encompassed all humans!  

Q17:60 mentions the vision showed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and it also mentions the accursed tree in the same ayah. It goes on to state that this is meant to frighten people. However, instead of taking heed, people react with great transgression instead. 

Among the trees mentioned in The Quran, two profoundly harmful trees are: 

  1. the Forbidden Tree in The Garden that Adam was warned to not to even go near 
  2. the Tree of Zaqqum that will be a trial for the criminals upon resurrection 

Most religions are obsessed with a sacred tree. The Tree of Life is a popular motif that appears in Ancient Egyptian mytheme as well, and is linked to eternal life. It seems that again and over again Satan uses the tree to tempt humans to disobey and err.    

In Q12:4 Joseph mentions his vision to his father. In the next ayah we read that his father warns him to not to share his vision with his brothers lest they plot and plan against him. They would do this because of Shaitaan. Alas, they did plot and plan against Joseph. As the story unfolds, despite all the setbacks suffered by Joseph, the dream is eventually realised, and Joseph honoured above his siblings. The vision literally came true! 

Allah taught Joseph the interpretation of visions. In Surah Yusuf, he accurately interprets the dream of the prison inmates, as well as that of the King of Egypt. 



Superiority Complex, Arrogance & Jealousy  

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ قَالَ أَأَسْجُدُ لِمَنْ خَلَقْتَ طِينًا

And when We said to the Angels, "Prostrate to Adam." So they prostrated except Iblis. He said, "Shall I prostrate to (one) whom You created (from) clay?"
[Al-Quran 17:61]


إِذْ قَالُوا لَيُوسُفُ وَأَخُوهُ أَحَبُّ إِلَىٰ أَبِينَا مِنَّا وَنَحْنُ عُصْبَةٌ إِنَّ أَبَانَا لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ

 When they said, "Surely Yusuf and his brother (are) more beloved to our father than we, while we (are) a group. Indeed, our father (is) surely in an error clear.
[Al-Quran 12:8]


Iblis considered himself a superior form of creation, because of the material used to create him. More on this in Q15 23-50 || Q12 under the sub-titles: 

  • Endotherms, The Genus Homo 
  • Ectotherms, class Reptilia, order Squamata, suborder Serpentes 
  • Biological Adam of Homo Sapiens Sapiens

The elder brothers of Joseph considered themselves a superior group. They were jealous of the greater love that their father had for Joseph and his younger brother. Satan was able to exploit the situation. 



Honoured Above Me

قَالَ أَرَأَيْتَكَ هَـٰذَا الَّذِي كَرَّمْتَ عَلَيَّ لَئِنْ أَخَّرْتَنِ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ لَأَحْتَنِكَنَّ ذُرِّيَّتَهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

He said, "Do You see this whom You have honored, above me? If You give me respite till (the) Day (of) the Resurrection, I will surely destroy his offspring except a few."
[Al-Quran 17:62]


قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُؤْيَاكَ عَلَىٰ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا لَكَ كَيْدًا ۖ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

He said, "O my son! (Do) not relate your vision to your brothers lest they plan against you a plot. Indeed, the Shaitaan (is) to man an enemy open.

...

قَالُوا تَاللَّهِ لَقَدْ آثَرَكَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا وَإِن كُنَّا لَخَاطِئِينَ

They said, "By Allah, certainly has preferred you Allah over us and indeed, we have been sinners."
[Al-Quran 12:5, ..., 91]

Iblis, the Satan, refused to accept Allah's command of honouring Adam. He has sworn to destroy Adam's progeny. He tried that with Jacob's family as well. Joseph's elder brothers did plot against him. Yet, when they eventually saw that Allah's plans for Joseph remained in place in spite of their plotting and planning against it, they realised their mistake, admitted it, and sought forgiveness. 

However, Iblis is still the sworn enemy of the progeny of Adam. He continues in his arrogance to mislead humans, and thereby generating more and more evidence against himself, and those who follow him. 



The Recompense

قَالَ اذْهَبْ فَمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ فَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ جَزَاؤُكُمْ جَزَاءً مَّوْفُورًا

He said, "Go, and whoever follows you among them then indeed, Hell (is) your recompense - a recompense ample.
[Al-Quran 17:63]


قَالَ لَا يَأْتِيكُمَا طَعَامٌ تُرْزَقَانِهِ إِلَّا نَبَّأْتُكُمَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِ قَبْلَ أَن يَأْتِيَكُمَا ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكُمَا مِمَّا عَلَّمَنِي رَبِّي ۚ إِنِّي تَرَكْتُ مِلَّةَ قَوْمٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَهُم بِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ كَافِرُونَ

 He said, "Not (will) come to both of you food you are provided with but I will inform both of you of its interpretation, before [that] [it] comes to both of you. That (is) of what has taught me my Lord. Indeed, I [I] abandon (the) religion (of) a people, not they believe in Allah, and they in the Hereafter [they] (are) disbelievers.

...

أَفَأَمِنُوا أَن تَأْتِيَهُمْ غَاشِيَةٌ مِّنْ عَذَابِ اللَّهِ أَوْ تَأْتِيَهُمُ السَّاعَةُ بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

Do they then feel secure (against) that comes to them an overwhelming [of] punishment (of) Allah, or comes to them the Hour suddenly while they (do) not perceive?
[Al-Quran 12:37, ..., 107]

Allah has promised recompense on the Day of Judgement. Free-will has been granted to each one to choose who they believe, and who they want to follow. Their is no compulsion in religion.  

Joseph spent his initial years with his father, the Prophet Jacob, and thus was well-acquainted with the monotheistic Abrahamic faith. When he came to Egypt as a slave, he was exposed to the polytheistic religion of the ancient Egyptians. 

Hell is the ultimate, eventual prison of the die-hard criminals, from which there will be no escape or release ever. In this-worldly prison, where Joseph was imprisoned on false charges, as per his own prayer to Allah to save him from evil and immorality, it seems the perfect setting to openly declare his belief in the true religion of Allah, and absolve himself of all the falsehood of Egyptian mythology. 

Interestingly, the dream (Q12:36) that Joseph interprets (Q12:41) comes true (Genesis 40:20-22) on Pharaoh's birthday, the only birthday celebration mentioned in the Bible. 

Related Post: Birthday Celebrations 



The Right Religion vs Satan's Religions 

وَاسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ وَأَجْلِبْ عَلَيْهِم بِخَيْلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَارِكْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ وَعِدْهُمْ ۚ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا

And incite whoever you can among them with your voice, and assault [on] them with your cavalry and infantry and be a partner in the wealth and the children, and promise them." And not promises them the Shaitaan except delusion.
[Al-Quran 17:64]


مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنتُمْ وَآبَاؤُكُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَانٍ ۚ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ ۚ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

Not you worship from besides Him but names which you have named, you and your forefathers, not (has) sent down Allah for it any authority. Not (is) the command but for Allah. He has commanded that not you worship but Him Alone. That (is) the religion the right, but most [the] men people (do) not know.
[Al-Quran 12:40; translation edited in italics]

Iblis has been given permission to try and delude whoever he can. People are responsible for the choices they make. He whispers suggestions, he uses people and their resources, and tries to corrupt creation. 

Related Posts: Jinn-Human Hybrids || The Evil of the الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ || World History & Future Implications 



Allah's Chosen Slaves 

إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ وَكِيلًا

"Indeed, My slaves not for you over them any authority. And sufficient (is) your Lord (as) a Guardian."
[Al-Quran 17:65]


وَلَقَدْ هَمَّتْ بِهِ ۖ وَهَمَّ بِهَا لَوْلَا أَن رَّأَىٰ بُرْهَانَ رَبِّهِ ۚ كَذَ‌ٰلِكَ لِنَصْرِفَ عَنْهُ السُّوءَ وَالْفَحْشَاءَ ۚ إِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُخْلَصِينَ

 And certainly she did desire him, and he would have desired her, if not that he saw the proof (of) his Lord. Thus, that We might avert from him the evil and the immorality. Indeed, he (was) of Our slaves the chosen sincere.

...

قَالَ رَبِّ السِّجْنُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا يَدْعُونَنِي إِلَيْهِ ۖ وَإِلَّا تَصْرِفْ عَنِّي كَيْدَهُنَّ أَصْبُ إِلَيْهِنَّ وَأَكُن مِّنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ

فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُ رَبُّهُ فَصَرَفَ عَنْهُ كَيْدَهُنَّ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

He said, "My Lord, the prison (is) dearer to me than what they invite me to it. And unless You turn away from me their plot I might incline towards them and [I] be of the ignorant."
So responded to him his Lord, and turned away from him their plot. Indeed, [He] He (is) All-Hearer, All-Knower.

...

وَقَالَ لِفِتْيَانِهِ اجْعَلُوا بِضَاعَتَهُمْ فِي رِحَالِهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَعْرِفُونَهَا إِذَا انقَلَبُوا إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

And he said to his servants, "Put their merchandise in their saddlebags so that they may recognize it when they go back to their people so that they may return."
[Al-Quran 12:24, ..., 33-34, ..., 62]

The chosen slaves of Allah, those who are sincere in their worship, Allah averts from them evil and immorality. Iblis has no power over the chosen slaves of Allah.  

Those in whose hearts Allah knows good, he grants them opportunities to recognise, return and repent. Joseph hid his brothers' merchandise in their bags, so that they might recognise and return for more food. As the story unfolded, they returned, ..., and eventually they did recognise Allah's Perfect Planning, sought forgiveness, and submitted to His Will. Thus, Allah Perfected His Favour upon Jacob and his family.  



Travel 

رَّبُّكُمُ الَّذِي يُزْجِي لَكُمُ الْفُلْكَ فِي الْبَحْرِ لِتَبْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا

Your Lord (is) the One Who drives for you the ship in the sea, that you may seek of His Bounty. Indeed, He is to you Ever Merciful.
[Al-Quran 17:66]


مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنتُمْ وَآبَاؤُكُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَانٍ ۚ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ ۚ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

Not you worship from besides Him but names which you have named, you and your forefathers, not (has) sent down Allah for it any authority. Not (is) the command but for Allah. He has commanded that not you worship but Him Alone. That (is) the religion the right, but most [the] men (do) not know.
[Al-Quran 12:40]

Allah sent Adam to this Earth. Allah took Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on the night journey to meet Allah, what is known as the Mairaj. He ascended and then he descended. On the day the sy is rent asunder (Q55:37), the Believers hope to ascend to the Gardens of Eternity. While all these are matters of faith, we preview Allah's special favours upon all humans in their journeys across the seas.  

The Standing Laws of Recompense, the Right Religion,  الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ, has been defined in The Quran: 




Rescue 

وَإِذَا مَسَّكُمُ الضُّرُّ فِي الْبَحْرِ ضَلَّ مَن تَدْعُونَ إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ۖ فَلَمَّا نَجَّاكُمْ إِلَى الْبَرِّ أَعْرَضْتُمْ ۚ وَكَانَ الْإِنسَانُ كَفُورًا

And when touches you the hardship in the sea, lost (are) who you call except Him Alone. But when He delivers you to the land you turn away. And is man ungrateful.
[Al-Quran 17:67]


وَجَاءَتْ سَيَّارَةٌ فَأَرْسَلُوا وَارِدَهُمْ فَأَدْلَىٰ دَلْوَهُ ۖ قَالَ يَا بُشْرَىٰ هَـٰذَا غُلَامٌ ۚ وَأَسَرُّوهُ بِضَاعَةً ۚ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ

وَشَرَوْهُ بِثَمَنٍ بَخْسٍ دَرَاهِمَ مَعْدُودَةٍ وَكَانُوا فِيهِ مِنَ الزَّاهِدِينَ

وَقَالَ الَّذِي اشْتَرَاهُ مِن مِّصْرَ لِامْرَأَتِهِ أَكْرِمِي مَثْوَاهُ عَسَىٰ أَن يَنفَعَنَا أَوْ نَتَّخِذَهُ وَلَدًا ۚ وَكَذَ‌ٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلِنُعَلِّمَهُ مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَىٰ أَمْرِهِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

And there came a caravan and they sent their water drawer then he let down his bucket. He said, "O good news! This (is) a boy." And they hid him (as) a merchandise. And Allah (is) All-Knower of what they do.
And they sold him for a price very low, dirhams few, and they were about him of those keen to give up.
And said the one who bought him of Egypt to his wife, "Make comfortable his stay. Perhaps that (he) will benefit us or we will take him (as) a son." And thus We established Yusuf in the land that We might teach him from (the) interpretation of the events. And Allah (is) Predominant over His affairs, but most (of) the people (do) not know.

[Al-Quran 12:19-21]

During travel, when people get into difficult situations, it is Allah who rescues them and delivers them to a place of safety. Joseph was thrown in a dry well by his brothers, but Allah was in full-control of the situation, and he was taken out of that trouble and housed in a comfortable home. 

When people travel through the seas, they encounter mighty storms. Allah rescues them from those situations, and brings them to the safety of land. However, most people are ungrateful in spite of Allah's Mercy.   



The Constant Need for Allah's Mercy

أَفَأَمِنتُمْ أَن يَخْسِفَ بِكُمْ جَانِبَ الْبَرِّ أَوْ يُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ حَاصِبًا ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُوا لَكُمْ وَكِيلًا

أَمْ أَمِنتُمْ أَن يُعِيدَكُمْ فِيهِ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ فَيُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ قَاصِفًا مِّنَ الرِّيحِ فَيُغْرِقَكُم بِمَا كَفَرْتُمْ ۙ ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُوا لَكُمْ عَلَيْنَا بِهِ تَبِيعًا

Do you then feel secure that (not) He will cause to swallow you, side (of) the land or send against you a storm of stones? Then not you will find for you a guardian?
Or do you feel secure that (not) He will send you back into it time another, and send upon you a hurricane of the wind, and drown you because you disbelieved? Then not you will find for you against Us therein an avenger?
[Al-Quran 17:68-69]


بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

الر ۚ تِلْكَ آيَاتُ الْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ

Alif Laam Ra. These (are the) Verses (of) the Book [the] clear.

...

 ۞ وَمَا أُبَرِّئُ نَفْسِي ۚ إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ إِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّي ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّي غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

"And not I absolve myself. Indeed, the soul (is) a certain enjoiner of evil, unless [that] bestows Mercy my Lord. Indeed, my Lord (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

...

قَالَ هَلْ آمَنُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا كَمَا أَمِنتُكُمْ عَلَىٰ أَخِيهِ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ فَاللَّهُ خَيْرٌ حَافِظًا ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

He said, "Should I entrust you with him except as I entrusted you with his brother from before? But Allah (is) the best Guardian and He (is the) Most Merciful (of) the merciful."
[Al-Quran 12:1, ..., 53, ..., 64]

We are in constant danger, from within and without. We are in constant need of Allah's Protection and Mercy, everywhere, all the time. 



Honoured with Preference 

 وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُم مِّنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا

And certainly, We have honored (the) children (of) Adam and We carried them on the land and the sea, and We have provided them of the good things and We preferred them over many of those whom We have created (with) preference.
[Al-Quran 17:70]


وَقَالَ الَّذِي اشْتَرَاهُ مِن مِّصْرَ لِامْرَأَتِهِ أَكْرِمِي مَثْوَاهُ عَسَىٰ أَن يَنفَعَنَا أَوْ نَتَّخِذَهُ وَلَدًا ۚ وَكَذَ‌ٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلِنُعَلِّمَهُ مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَىٰ أَمْرِهِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

And said the one who bought him of Egypt to his wife, "Make comfortable his stay. Perhaps that (he) will benefit us or we will take him (as) a son." And thus We established Yusuf in the land that We might teach him from (the) interpretation of the events. And Allah (is) Predominant over His affairs, but most (of) the people (do) not know.

...

قَالَ هَلْ عَلِمْتُم مَّا فَعَلْتُم بِيُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ إِذْ أَنتُمْ جَاهِلُونَ

قَالُوا أَإِنَّكَ لَأَنتَ يُوسُفُ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَهَـٰذَا أَخِي ۖ قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّهُ مَن يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

قَالُوا تَاللَّهِ لَقَدْ آثَرَكَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا وَإِن كُنَّا لَخَاطِئِينَ

He said, "Do you know what you did with Yusuf and his brother, when you were ignorant?"
They said, "Are you indeed, surely you, Yusuf?" He said, "I am Yusuf and this (is) my brother. Indeed, has been gracious Allah to us. Indeed, he who fears Allah and (is) patient, then indeed, Allah (does) not let go waste (the) reward (of) the good-doers."
They said, "By Allah, certainly has preferred you Allah over us and indeed, we have been sinners."
[Al-Quran 12:21, ..., 89-91]

The progeny of Adam is the dominant specie on this planet. The words كَرَّمْنَا and فَضَّلْنَا in Q17:70 need pondering upon.  

In the context of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ – Ascension & Return that this surah begins with, Q17:70 is drawing our attention to our travels over land and sea. No other creature travels the way humans travel on this planet. 

In Q12:21, the Joseph's master directs his wife to make Joseph's stay comfortable ( أَكْرِمِي مَثْوَاهُ). 

Surah Yusuf not only narrates how Joseph arrives in Egypt, but it also mentions the movements of Joseph's brothers to and from Egypt. The vision at the beginning of Surah Yusuf became a trial for his brothers when they heard about it, and in Q12:91 they acknowledge how they had been utterly unable to frustrate Allah's Plan, and admit to Allah's Preference of Joseph over them. 


Main post with introduction & links to all posts comparing Adam & Joseph 


Last updated on: May 12, 2021

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Muhammad ﷺ – Ascension & Return

On the Day we are resurrected, Allah will question the descendants of Adam of their covenant: 
 وَأَنِ اعْبُدُونِي هَٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ ...  
... And that you worship Me? This (is) a Path Straight. [Al-Quran 36:61]


Abstract
The belief in the ascension and return of Muhammad   as an extension of the belief in Adam عليه السلام ’s descent, Enoch (Idris عليه السلام) and Jesus (Isa عليه السلام)’ ascent and Moses (Musa عليه السلام)’ conversation with God. 
Understanding and identifying the sacred months in the context of ascension and pilgrimage. 

Appended Slides 
  1. The Correct Religion 
  2. Surah al-Isra: Precepts of Wisdom 
  3. Surah al-Isra: Establish Prayer 

Full Text
Many Muslims believe that Muhammad  physically ascended to meet Allah  and returned within the same night. Muslims also believe that Adam عليه السلام was sent from The Garden to Earth. They also believe that Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) was raised alive and is yet to return. Jews, Christians and Muslims also believe that God spoke with Moses (Musa عليه السلام). It is also believed that when the time comes, the Believers who have been forgiven will be able to leave Earth and ascend to inherit The Gardens, as an ever-lasting reward by Allah  the Most-Compassionate, the Ever-Merciful, the Most-Appreciative!     

The ascension of Muhammad  is mentioned in the very first ayat of Surah al-Isra:

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]


Physical Journey  
As can be seen in the usage of the word across The Quran, the word is used to mean to go from one place to another:

Screenshot from corpus.quran.com

The Prophet’s journey was a physical journey, not an OBE (out-of-the-body) experience, simply because both The Bible and The Quran state that the human is made of dust. The human is essentially the dust he/she is made of, as explored in another post Human: Body or Soul?  Therefore, it must be a physical journey that involved transportation of the body from The Sacred Mosque to The Farthest Mosque.


Farthest Mosque 
The Quran describes the Earth as situated within the innermost layer of the seven concentric skies/heavens, and the Throne of God above it. Therefore the farthest mosque from Earth must be at or very near The Mighty Throne, possibly Bait-ul-Mamoor whose oath has been taken in Q52:4.  

A common misconception is that alMasjid alAqsa in Q17:1 refers to the mosque in Jerusalem. The subsequent ayaat of the same surah clarify that the Temple of Solomon had already been completely destroyed and didn’t exist then. Masjid alAqsa is supposed to have been built later, by a Muslim ruler, on the empty site where Caliph Umar رضي الله عنه had prayed after conquering Jerusalem during his caliphate. There was no Masjid alAqsa in Jerusalem, at the time of Prophet Muhammad  ’s ascension.


Show Signs
Q17:1 states that the reason for the Ascension was to show signs. Then, we read in Q17:60:

وَمَا مَنَعَنَا أَن نُّرْسِلَ بِالْآيَاتِ إِلَّا أَن كَذَّبَ بِهَا الْأَوَّلُونَ وَآتَيْنَا ثَمُودَ النَّاقَةَ مُبْصِرَةً فَظَلَمُوا بِهَا 
وَمَا نُرْسِلُ بِالْآيَاتِ إِلَّا تَخْوِيفًا
وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لَكَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ أَحَاطَ بِالنَّاسِ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الرُّؤْيَا الَّتِي أَرَيْنَاكَ إِلَّا فِتْنَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَالشَّجَرَةَ الْمَلْعُونَةَ فِي الْقُرْآنِ
وَنُخَوِّفُهُمْ فَمَا يَزِيدُهُمْ إِلَّا طُغْيَانًا كَبِيرًا
And not stopped Us that We send the Signs except that denied them the former (people) And We gave Thamud the she-camel (as) a visible sign, but they wronged her.
And not We send the Signs except (as) a warning.
And when We said to you, "Indeed, your Lord has encompassed the mankind." And not We made the vision which We showed you except (as) a trial for mankind, and the tree the accursed in the Quran.
And We threaten them but not it increases them except (in) transgression great.
[Al-Quran 17:59 - 60]

Curiously, another term used in Q17:60 is what is translated as vision or dream. The words translated as show in Q17:1 and and vision in Q17:60 share the same root in Arabic. The following screenshots give an idea of their usage in some other ayaat of The Quran as well:    


 ...

Screenshots from corpus.quran.com

Interestingly, a similar combination of seeing and vision is there is Surah Yusuf (Q12:4,5; Q12:100). Moreover, Q12:6 quotes Prophet Jacob (Yaqub عليه السلام) stating that God will teach Joseph (Yusuf عليه السلام) the interpretation of ‘ahadith’ (narratives/statements). The Quran also uses the same word for itself:

إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِي سَاجِدِينَ
قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُؤْيَاكَ عَلَىٰ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا لَكَ كَيْدًا إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ
  وَكَذَٰلِكَ يَجْتَبِيكَ رَبُّكَ وَيُعَلِّمُكَ مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ وَيُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ يَعْقُوبَ كَمَا أَتَمَّهَا عَلَىٰ أَبَوَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْحَاقَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
When said Yusuf to his father, "O my father! Indeed, I I saw eleven star(s) and the sun and the moon; I saw them to me prostrating."
He said, "O my son! (Do) not relate your vision to your brothers lest they plan against you a plot. Indeed, the Shaitaan (is) to man an enemy open.
And thus will choose you your Lord and will teach you of (the) interpretation (of) the narratives and complete His Favor on you and on (the) family (of) Yaqub as He completed it on your two forefathers before - Ibrahim and Ishaq. Indeed, your Lord (is) All-Knower, All-Wise."  
[Al-Quran 12:4-6]


وَرَفَعَ أَبَوَيْهِ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ وَخَرُّوا لَهُ سُجَّدًا وَقَالَ يَا أَبَتِ هَٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُؤْيَايَ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّي حَقًّا وَقَدْ أَحْسَنَ بِي إِذْ أَخْرَجَنِي مِنَ السِّجْنِ وَجَاءَ بِكُم مِّنَ الْبَدْوِ مِن بَعْدِ أَن نَّزَغَ الشَّيْطَانُ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ إِخْوَتِي إِنَّ رَبِّي لَطِيفٌ لِّمَا يَشَاءُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ 
لَقَدْ كَانَ فِي قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِّأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ مَا كَانَ حَدِيثًا يُفْتَرَىٰ وَلَٰكِن تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْصِيلَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
And he raised his parents upon the throne and they fell down to him prostrate. And he said, "O my father! This (is the) interpretation (of) my dream, (of) before. Verily, has made it my Lord true. And indeed, He was good to me when He took me out of the prison, and brought you from the bedouin life after [that] had caused discord the Shaitaan between me and between my brothers. Indeed, my Lord (is) Most Subtle to what He wills. Indeed, He, He (is) the All-Knower, the All-Wise.
Verily, (there) is in their stories a lesson for men (of) understanding. Not (it) is a narration invented, but a confirmation (of that) which (was) before it and a detailed explanation (of) all things, and a guidance and mercy for a people who believe.   
[Al-Quran 12:100-12:111]


  تِلْكَ آيَاتُ اللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِالْحَقِّ فَبِأَيِّ حَدِيثٍ بَعْدَ اللَّهِ وَآيَاتِهِ يُؤْمِنُونَ
These (are the) Verses, (of) Allah We recite them to you in truth. Then in what statement after Allah and His Verses will they believe? 
[Al-Quran 45:6]


  فَبِأَيِّ حَدِيثٍ بَعْدَهُ يُؤْمِنُونَ
Then in what statement after it will they believe? 
[Al-Quran 77:50]

From the little scientists know about dreams, an on-going subject of research and discovery, the brain and the senses are actively involved in dreaming. In some cases, even the body is actively engaged in the dream. Electrical activity in the brain is being mapped. Different brain waves have been measured, correlating with different states. Of special relevance to this study may be the Gamma waves.   

As discussed under Physical Journey above, we learn from The Quran that the human is created from dust, so the involvement of the body is essential for any physical travel. More on this under Ascension and Instantaneous Transportation below. 

The Quran informs us of past and future events as dire warnings as well as glad tidings. So, perhaps, for a living person, to be taken on a physical journey to experience the otherwise unseen reality, as well be shown future (and/or past) events, as in a dream, is a combination of both the mind and body phenomena. For Muhammad  as the Messenger and the Prophet, the journey was probably experiential of the past, present and future.  Allah  knows best! 


Trial
Q17:60 links that which was shown to Muhammad  and the cursed tree mentioned in the Quran, explaining that both were intended as a trial for mankind! The Quran mentions the tree that Adam عليه السلام was forbidden to eat from, and it also mentions the tree of 'az-zaqqum' (شَجَرَةُ الزَّقُّومِ), growing from the core of Hell, which is meant as a trial for the unjust.   

Our story on Earth begins with Adam عليه السلام ’s descent after he was tried with the tree in The Garden. The Quran details the consequence of the disobedience: Adam عليه السلام and his wife lost their natural clothing, with the evidence in our genomes. Allah  creates good everything that He creates (Q32:7) and He did perfect our forms (Q40:64). Yet, our genomes bear the evidence of many of the errors, transgressions and sins of the collective human misadventures (Q4:79, Q30:9, Q30:41). Some are manifested while most remain dormant by the grace of Allah . We humans have gone from being created excellently to having very lowly, imperfect bodies, yet sporting the most complex brains on the planet. The descendants of Adam عليه السلام have indeed been honoured above many creatures, in many ways, and our transportation is of particular significance:

 وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُم مِّنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا
And certainly, We have honored (the) children of Adam and We carried them on the land and the sea, and We have provided them of the good things and We preferred them over many of those whom We have created (with) preference.
[Al-Quran 17:70]
             
Satan is the enemy. The Quran warns of the origin and objective of Satan’s enmity to Adam عليه السلام and his descendants. The Quran also informs us of the similarity in the creation of Adam عليه السلام and Jesus (Isa عليه السلام):

إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ
Indeed, (the) likeness (of) Isa near Allah (is) like (the) likeness (of) Adam. He created him from dust then He said to him, "Be," and he was. 
[Al-Quran 3:59]

Iblis led Adam عليه السلام to be expelled from The Garden to Earth. Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) was raised up from the Earth. At the end of our allotted time, when the Anti-Christ is supposed to be leading multitude of descendants of Adam عليه السلام astray, Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) is expected to return to help rescue the Believers. More on this in Jesus (عليه السلام) – Ascension & Return

Enoch (Idris عليه السلام) is a famous Biblical prophet. His ascension is mentioned in the Bible. The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish religious work. He is also mentioned in Surah Maryam and Surah alAnbiya as Idrees.

وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِدْرِيسَ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا
وَرَفَعْنَاهُ مَكَانًا عَلِيًّا
And mention Idris in the Book; surely he was a truthful man, a prophet,
And We raised him high in Heaven.
[Al-Quran 19:56-57, Translator: Shakir]

Thus a prerequisite to the belief in Muhammad ﷺ ’s ascension, and return, is the belief in Adamعليه السلام ’s coming to Earth, Enoch (Idris عليه السلام) and Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) being raised alive, and God speaking with Moses (Musa عليه السلام). All these are matters of faith as, as far as I know, there were no human witnesses who saw Moses (Musa عليه السلام) talking with God, or witnessed Enoch (Idris عليه السلام) or Jesus (Isa عليه السلام)’ ascension, or Adam عليه السلام ’s descent, or Muhammad ﷺ ’s ascension and return. Their companions took these events on faith. God showed many clear signs through Moses (Musa عليه السلام) and Jesus (Isa عليه السلام), yet those who were not to believe, rejected them all.   


Ascension 

وَلَقَدْ صَرَّفْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِي هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ مِن كُلِّ مَثَلٍ فَأَبَىٰ أَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ إِلَّا كُفُورًا
وَقَالُوا لَن نُّؤْمِنَ لَكَ حَتَّىٰ تَفْجُرَ لَنَا مِنَ الْأَرْضِ يَنبُوعًا
أَوْ تَكُونَ لَكَ جَنَّةٌ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ وَعِنَبٍ فَتُفَجِّرَ الْأَنْهَارَ خِلَالَهَا تَفْجِيرًا
أَوْ تُسْقِطَ السَّمَاءَ كَمَا زَعَمْتَ عَلَيْنَا كِسَفًا أَوْ تَأْتِيَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ قَبِيلًا
أَوْ يَكُونَ لَكَ بَيْتٌ مِّن زُخْرُفٍ أَوْ تَرْقَىٰ فِي السَّمَاءِ وَلَن نُّؤْمِنَ لِرُقِيِّكَ حَتَّىٰ تُنَزِّلَ عَلَيْنَا كِتَابًا نَّقْرَؤُهُ 
قُلْ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّي هَلْ كُنتُ إِلَّا بَشَرًا رَّسُولًا
And verily We have explained to mankind in this Quran from every example, but refused most (of) the mankind except disbelief. And they say, "Never we will believe in you until you cause to for us from the earth a spring. Or you have for you a garden of date-palms and grapes, and cause to the rivers within them abundantly. Or you cause to fall the sky, as you have claimed, upon us (in) pieces or you bring Allah and the Angels before (us). Or is for you a house of ornament or you ascend into the sky. And never we will believe in your ascension until you bring down to us a book we could read it."
Say, "Glorified (is) my Lord! "What am I but a human, a Messenger."
[Al-Quran 17:89-93]
             
The triliteral root rā qāf yā (ر ق ي) occurs in the Quran as follows:

Screenshot from corpus.quran.com

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
قُلْ كَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ شَهِيدًا بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِعِبَادِهِ خَبِيرًا بَصِيرًا
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 down to them from the heaven an Angel (as) a Messenger."
Say, "Sufficient is Allah (as) a witness between me and between you. Indeed, He is of His slaves All-Aware, All-Seer."
[Al-Quran 17:94-96]


The Unseen
In Q17:85 the question about the RUH is briefly addressed.  Before and after Q17:93, which mentions the people’s disbelief in Muhammad ﷺ ’s ascension, wondrous concepts such as Allah ﷻ ’s command, angels, belief in the unseen are mentioned – wondrous concepts, yet made easy to trust for the believing heart.


Instantaneous Transportation
Q27:40 mentions the instantaneous transportation of an object from one country to another by a person who had been given knowledge from the The Book.  As Q13:39 informs us that the Mother of the Book is with Allah  . For someone who authors and controls the software of all creation, nothing is impossible for Him! In Q66:8, we read that: 

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيُدْخِلَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ يَوْمَ لَا يُخْزِي اللَّهُ النَّبِيَّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ نُورُهُمْ يَسْعَىٰ بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَبِأَيْمَانِهِمْ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
O you who believe! Turn to Allah (in) repentance sincere! Perhaps your Lord [that] will remove from you your evil deeds and admit you (into) Gardens flow from underneath it the rivers, (on the) Day not Allah will disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him. Their light will run before them and on their right; they will say, "Our Lord Perfect for us our light and grant forgiveness to us. Indeed, You (are) over every thing All-Powerful."
[Al-Quran 66:8

Is this ayat informing us of teleportation? Does 'perfection of light (نُورُ) mean complete conversion into energy, which will be beamed to The Gardens along the correct trajectory (الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ), to be restored back into matter upon arrival there? Surah alIsra itself declares that Allah , who separated us into individuals before, is able to recollect us: 

قُلْ كُونُوا حِجَارَةً أَوْ حَدِيدًا
أَوْ خَلْقًا مِّمَّا يَكْبُرُ فِي صُدُورِكُمْ فَسَيَقُولُونَ مَن يُعِيدُنَا قُلِ الَّذِي فَطَرَكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ فَسَيُنْغِضُونَ إِلَيْكَ رُءُوسَهُمْ وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هُوَ قُلْ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُونَ قَرِيبًا
Say, "Be stones or iron.
Or a creation of what (is) great in your breasts." Then they will say, "Who will restore us?" Say, "He Who separated you (the) first time." Then they will shake at you their heads and they say, "When (will) it (be)?" Say, "Perhaps that (it) will be soon."
[Al-Quran 17:50-51; Translation edited (in italics)]   

In this era of science and technology, when there are theories about the multiverse, theories about quantum teleportation, when interstellar travel no longer seems like an improbable dream, when there is active search for a hospitable planet to migrate to; it is far easier to believe that the Creator of Everything can and did transport Adam عليه السلام , Enoch (Idris عليه السلام), Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) and Muhammad ﷺ 


Travel to Meet God

مِّنَ اللَّهِ ذِي الْمَعَارِجِ
From Allah, Owner (of) the ways of ascent.
[Al-Quran 70:3

Adam عليه السلام descended; Enoch (Idris عليه السلام) and Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) ascended. Muhammad  ascended and descended. The Quran doesn't seem to explicitly state the details of these travels, such as vehicle, time taken, route, etc. All these travels happened as per the Will and Command of Allah ﷻ . However, when Pharaoh attempted to reach God:  

وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ يَا أَيُّهَا الْمَلَأُ مَا عَلِمْتُ لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرِي فَأَوْقِدْ لِي يَا هَامَانُ عَلَى الطِّينِ فَاجْعَل لِّي صَرْحًا لَّعَلِّي أَطَّلِعُ إِلَىٰ إِلَٰهِ مُوسَىٰ وَإِنِّي لَأَظُنُّهُ مِنَ الْكَاذِبِينَ
And Firaun said, "O chiefs! Not I know for you any god other than me. So kindle for me O Haman! Upon the clay and make, for me a lofty tower so that [I] I may look at (the) God (of) Musa. And indeed, I [I] think that he (is) of the liars."
[Al-Quran 28:38]


وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ يَا هَامَانُ ابْنِ لِي صَرْحًا لَّعَلِّي أَبْلُغُ الْأَسْبَابَ
أَسْبَابَ السَّمَاوَاتِ فَأَطَّلِعَ إِلَىٰ إِلَٰهِ مُوسَىٰ وَإِنِّي لَأَظُنُّهُ كَاذِبًا
وَكَذَٰلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِفِرْعَوْنَ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ وَصُدَّ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ 
وَمَا كَيْدُ فِرْعَوْنَ إِلَّا فِي تَبَابٍ
And said Firaun, "O Haman! Construct for me a tower that I may reach the ways
(The) ways (to) the heavens so I may look at (the) God (of) Musa; and indeed, I [I] surely think him (to be) a liar."
And thus was made fair-seeming to Firaun (the) evil (of) his deed, and he was averted from the way.
And not (was the) plot (of) Firaun except in ruin.
[Al-Quran 40:36 - 37

Surah al-Isra categorically states:

قُل لَّوْ كَانَ مَعَهُ آلِهَةٌ كَمَا يَقُولُونَ إِذًا لَّابْتَغَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِي الْعَرْشِ سَبِيلًا
Say: If there had been (other) gods with Him, as they say,- behold, they would certainly have sought out a way to the Lord of the Throne! 
[Al-Quran 17:42, Translator: Yusuf Ali] 

Much as we desire to escape and ascend to The Gardens, we will not be able to do so until Allah  permits it:

يَا مَعْشَرَ الْجِنِّ وَالْإِنسِ إِنِ اسْتَطَعْتُمْ أَن تَنفُذُوا مِنْ أَقْطَارِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ فَانفُذُوا 
لَا تَنفُذُونَ إِلَّا بِسُلْطَانٍ
O assembly (of) the jinn and the men! If you are able to pass beyond [of] (the) regions (of) the heavens and the earth, then pass.
Not you (can) pass except by authority.
[Al-Quran 55:33]

To eventually leave this planet and ascend again, we need to earn Allah ﷻ ’s forgiveness, as detailed in the scriptures:

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


يَوْمَ تَرَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَسْعَىٰ نُورُهُم بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَبِأَيْمَانِهِم بُشْرَاكُمُ الْيَوْمَ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ
يَوْمَ يَقُولُ الْمُنَافِقُونَ وَالْمُنَافِقَاتُ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا انظُرُونَا نَقْتَبِسْ مِن نُّورِكُمْ قِيلَ ارْجِعُوا وَرَاءَكُمْ فَالْتَمِسُوا نُورًا 
فَضُرِبَ بَيْنَهُم بِسُورٍ لَّهُ بَابٌ بَاطِنُهُ فِيهِ الرَّحْمَةُ وَظَاهِرُهُ مِن قِبَلِهِ الْعَذَابُ
(On the) Day you will see the believing men and the believing women, running, their light before them and on their right, "Glad tidings for you this Day - gardens flowing from underneath it the rivers, abiding forever therein. That [it] (is) the success the great."
(On the) Day will say the hypocrite men and the hypocrite women to those who believed, "Wait for us, we may acquire of your light." It will be said, "Go back behind you and seek light."
Then will be put up between them a wall, for it a gate its interior, in it (is) mercy but its exterior, facing towards [it] the punishment.
[Al-Quran 57:12-13]


سَابِقُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا كَعَرْضِ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ أُعِدَّتْ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ ذَٰلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ

Race to (the) forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden its width (is) like (the) width (of) the heaven and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. That (is the) Bounty (of) Allah, He gives (to) whom He wills. And Allah (is) the Possessor of Bounty, the Great.
[Al-Quran 57:21]


Pilgrimage in the Sacred Months 

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
Indeed, (the) number (of) the months with Allah (is) twelve months in (the) ordinance (of) Allah (from the) Day He created the heavens and the earth;
of them, four (are) sacred. That (is) the religion the upright, so (do) not wrong therein yourselves.
 And fight the polytheists all together, as they fight you all together. And know that Allah (is) with the righteous.
[Al-Quran 9:36


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

وَأَذِّن فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ
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.
[Al-Quran 22:27]

Pilgrimage (alHajj) to the Kaaba in Makkah has been ordained for all people. The dates for alHajj fall in the month of Dhu-al-Hijjah, which is preceeded by Dhu-al-Qadah and followed by Muharram. Surah alBaqarah mentions the new moons, sacred months, and pilgrimage directives, and fighting prohibition and permission during the pilgrimage months from Q2:189 till Q2:218. Though alHajj is performed on fixed dates, the dates and months for the pilgrimage have been well-known from ancient times. Even in Moses (Musa عليه السلام)' agreement for work, the number of years were discussed in numbers of Hajj (حِجَجٍ) as in Q28:27.

 ... الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُومَاتٌ 
(For) the Hajj (are) months well known, ... 
[Al-Quran 2:197

 ... وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْدُودَاتٍ
And remember Allah during days numbered. ... 
[Al-Quran 2:203


Q3:97 informs us that there are clear signs at The First House set up for mankind. Q17:1 informs us that Muhammad ﷺ 's ascension from The Sacred Mosque to The Farthest Mosque was to show him signs. It is believed that the month in which the ascension took place was Rajab.

Though there is some debate on which are the four sacred months, the most popularly accepted opinion is based on a Hadith attributed to Prophet-Messenger Muhammad ﷺ . According to it, the four sacred months are: Rajab, Dhu-al-Qadah, Dhu-al-Hijjah and Muharram.

However, Surah at-Taubah, which begins with the declaration of war gives a four-month notice to the Meccans. From the fifth ayat, it seems that these are the same sacred months; and since it is a notice period, it should logically be four continuous months: 

بَرَاءَةٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ إِلَى الَّذِينَ عَاهَدتُّم مِّنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ
فَسِيحُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَرْبَعَةَ أَشْهُرٍ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّكُمْ غَيْرُ مُعْجِزِي اللَّهِ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ مُخْزِي الْكَافِرِينَ
وَأَذَانٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ إِلَى النَّاسِ يَوْمَ الْحَجِّ الْأَكْبَرِ أَنَّ اللَّهَ بَرِيءٌ مِّنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ وَرَسُولُهُ فَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ وَإِن تَوَلَّيْتُمْ فَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّكُمْ غَيْرُ مُعْجِزِي اللَّهِ وَبَشِّرِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ
إِلَّا الَّذِينَ عَاهَدتُّم مِّنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَنقُصُوكُمْ شَيْئًا وَلَمْ يُظَاهِرُوا عَلَيْكُمْ أَحَدًا فَأَتِمُّوا إِلَيْهِمْ عَهْدَهُمْ إِلَىٰ مُدَّتِهِمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَّقِينَ
فَإِذَا انسَلَخَ الْأَشْهُرُ الْحُرُمُ فَاقْتُلُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ حَيْثُ وَجَدتُّمُوهُمْ وَخُذُوهُمْ وَاحْصُرُوهُمْ وَاقْعُدُوا لَهُمْ كُلَّ مَرْصَدٍ فَإِن تَابُوا وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ فَخَلُّوا سَبِيلَهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
Freedom from obligation (is proclaimed) from Allah and His messenger toward those of the idolaters with whom ye made a treaty.
Travel freely in the land four months, and know that ye cannot escape Allah and that Allah will confound the disbelievers (in His Guidance).
And a proclamation from Allah and His messenger to all men on the day of the Greater Pilgrimage that Allah is free from obligation to the idolaters, and (so is) His messenger. So, if ye repent, it will be better for you; but if ye are averse, then know that ye cannot escape Allah. Give tidings (O Muhammad) of a painful doom to those who disbelieve,
Excepting those of the idolaters with whom ye (Muslims) have a treaty, and who have since abated nothing of your right nor have supported anyone against you. (As for these), fulfil their treaty to them till their term. Lo! Allah loveth those who keep their duty (unto Him).
Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
[Al-Quran 9:1-5, Translator: Pickthal]



A Prayer from Surah al-Isra 

وَقُل رَّبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ
 وَاجْعَل لِّي مِن لَّدُنكَ سُلْطَانًا نَّصِيرًا
وَقُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ إِنَّ الْبَاطِلَ كَانَ زَهُوقًا
And say, "My Lord! Cause me to enter an entrance sound, and cause me to an exit sound 
and make for me from near You an authority helping."
And say, "Has come the truth and perished the falsehood. Indeed, the falsehood is (bound) to perish."
[Al-Quran 17:80-81


Concluding Ayah of Surah al-Isra 

وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ 
الَّذِي لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًا وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي الْمُلْكِ
 وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ وَلِيٌّ مِّنَ الذُّلِّ 
وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًا
And say, "All Praise (is) for Allah 
the One Who has not taken a son and not is for Him a partner in the dominion, 
and not is for Him any protector out of weakness. 
And magnify Him (with all) magnificence."
[Al-Quran 17:111]



Surah al-Isra contains the prayer instructions (Q17:78-79), and it contains a list of ten commandments (Q17:22-39):




  





References & Links

Aqsa Mosque means "Bait ul Mamoor" Which is the Farthest Mosque.

Dream States: A Peek into Consciousness https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/dream-states/

Gamma Waves, “Aha” Moments & Dreaming

EEG oscillations during sleep and dream recall: state- or trait-like individual differences?

How muscles are paralyzed during sleep: Finding may suggest new treatments for sleep disorders

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Is Lucid Dreaming Real?






Last updated on: Rajab 5, 1445 AH
January 17, 2024