DRAFT: The Quran: Shifa & Guidance for The Believers

مَّا أَصَابَكَ مِنْ حَسَنَةٍ فَمِنَ اللَّهِ وَمَا أَصَابَكَ مِن سَيِّئَةٍ فَمِن نَّفْسِكَ 

وَأَرْسَلْنَاكَ لِلنَّاسِ رَسُولًا وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ شَهِيدًا

[Q4:79]

Abstract 

DRAFT

Full Text 

أَيْنَمَا تَكُونُوا يُدْرِككُّمُ الْمَوْتُ وَلَوْ كُنتُمْ فِي بُرُوجٍ مُّشَيَّدَةٍ وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ حَسَنَةٌ يَقُولُوا هَٰذِهِ مِنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَقُولُوا هَٰذِهِ مِنْ عِندِكَ قُلْ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ فَمَالِ هَٰؤُلَاءِ الْقَوْمِ لَا يَكَادُونَ يَفْقَهُونَ حَدِيثًا

مَّا أَصَابَكَ مِنْ حَسَنَةٍ فَمِنَ اللَّهِ وَمَا أَصَابَكَ مِن سَيِّئَةٍ فَمِن نَّفْسِكَ وَأَرْسَلْنَاكَ لِلنَّاسِ رَسُولًا وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ شَهِيدًا

Wherever you be will overtake you [the] death even if you are in towers lofty. And if befalls them any good they say, "This (is) from Allah," And if befalls them any evil they say, "This (is) from you." Say, "All (is) from Allah." So what (is wrong) (with) these [the] people, they do not seem (to) understand any statement.

What(ever) befalls you of (the) good (is) from Allah, and whatever befalls you of (the) evil (is) from yourself nafs. And for the people (as) a Messenger, and Allah is sufficient (as) a Witness. 

[Al-Quran 4:78-79; translation edited to retain the word nafs in italics]  

Surah an-Nisa` begins with the statement that all humans have been created from a single nafs. Q4:79 informs us that whatever evil happens to us is due to our nafs.

Surah al-Isra, which relates the story of ascension of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Mairaj, also advices the prayer timings, and then declares:

أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِدُلُوكِ الشَّمْسِ إِلَىٰ غَسَقِ اللَّيْلِ وَقُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ إِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا

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

وَقُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ إِنَّ الْبَاطِلَ كَانَ زَهُوقًا

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَلَا يَزِيدُ الظَّالِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا

وَإِذَا أَنْعَمْنَا عَلَى الْإِنسَانِ أَعْرَضَ وَنَأَىٰ بِجَانِبِهِ وَإِذَا مَسَّهُ الشَّرُّ كَانَ يَئُوسًا

قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَىٰ شَاكِلَتِهِ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَىٰ سَبِيلًا

Establish the prayer, at the decline (of) the sun till (the) darkness (of) the night and Quran at dawn, indeed, the Quran (at) the dawn is ever witnessed.

And from the night arise from sleep for prayer with it (as) additional for you; it may be that will raise you your Lord (to) a station praiseworthy.

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."

And We reveal from the Quran that it (is) a healing and a mercy for the believers, but not it increases the wrongdoers except (in) loss.

And when We bestow on man he turns away and becomes remote on his side. And when touches him the evil he is (in) despair.

Say, "Each works on his manner, but your Lord (is) most knowing of who [he] (is) best guided (in) way."

[Al-Quran 17:78-84] 

Surah Ta Ha reiterates the importance of establishing prayer. When Allah speaks with Moses, He tells him twice to establish prayer and to not to slacken in it:

Indeed, [I] I Am Allah. (There is) no god but I, so worship Me and establish the prayer for My remembrance.

Indeed, the Hour (will be) coming. I almost [I] hide it that may be recompensed every soul nafs for what it strives.

So (do) not (let) avert you from it (one) who (does) not believe in it and follows his desires, lest you perish.

...

And I (have) chosen you for Myself Nafs.

Go, you and your brother with My Signs, and (do) not slacken in My remembrance.

Go, both of you, to Firaun. Indeed, he (has) transgressed.

And speak to him a word gentle, perhaps he may take heed or fear."

They said, "Our Lord! Indeed, we fear that he will hasten against us or that he will transgress."

He said, "(Do) not fear. Indeed, I Am with you both; I hear and I see.

So go to him and say, "Indeed, we both (are) Messengers (of) your Lord, so send with us (the) Children of Israel, and (do) not torment them. Verily, we came to you with a Sign from your Lord. And peace on (one) who follows the Guidance.

Indeed, we verily, it has been revealed to us that the punishment (will be) on (one) who denies and turns away."

[Al-Quran 20:14-16 ... 41-48; Translation edited (in italics)]

Surah Ta Ha goes on to inform us of that the criminals who shunned the Reminder will be gathered blue-eyed:

Only your God (is) Allah the One, (there is) no god but He. He has encompassed all things (in) knowledge.

Thus We relate to you from (the) news (of) what has preceded. And certainly We have given you from Us a Reminder.

Whoever turns away from it, then indeed, he will bear (on the) Day (of) Resurrection a burden.

Abiding forever in it, and evil for them (on the) Day (of) the Resurrection (as) a load

(The) Day will be blown in the Trumpet, and We will gather the criminals, that Day, blue-eyed.

[Al-Quran 20:98-102]  

Surah Ta Ha then informs us of the temptation that led to the expulsion of Adam from The Garden: seeking immortality and a kingdom that doesn't decline (eternal well-being?). Elsewhere in The Quran we are informed that it was zulm on the nafs. Surah Ta Ha continues with the narration about Adam, emphasising the central role of The Reminder:

Then they both ate from it, so became apparent to them their shame and they began, (to) fasten on themselves from (the) leaves (of) Paradise. And Adam disobeyed his Lord, and erred.

Then chose him his Lord, and turned to him and guided (him).

He said, "Go down from it all, some of you to others (as) enemy. Then if comes to you from Me guidance then whoever, follows My guidance, then not he will go astray and not suffer.

And whoever turns away from My remembrance, then indeed, for him (is) a life straitened and We will gather him (on the) Day (of) the Resurrection blind."

He will say, "My Lord! Why You raised me blind while [verily] I had sight."

He will say, "Thus came to you Our Signs, but you forgot them, and thus today you will be forgotten."

And thus We recompense (he) who transgresses, and not believes in (the) Signs (of) his Lord. And surely (the) punishment (of) the Hereafter (is) more severe and more lasting.

[Al-Quran 20:121-127]

Surah al-Furqan day and night --> gratitude and remembrance --> peace --> spend night sujjadan wa qiyamah --> seeking protection from The Fire


Surah Saba ...

1. Family of David (Khalifa): work in gratitude
2. ungrateful for the flourishing land; dam of Saba breached and flood ruined the land 
3. short distances; distance journeys/books increase zulm on nafs; ungrateful for the security 

This life is short as per the wisdom and decree of Allah; it is a test of our nafs; evil comes from the nafs; lengthening life increases our risks; death is inevitable and essential to move on; gratitude for life and death, with the hope of receiving Allah's Mercy when we are raised from death.

Surah at-Tur wait patiently and acknowledge the perfection of The Lord ...

Notes:

مَّا أَصَابَكَ مِنْ حَسَنَةٍ فَمِنَ اللَّهِ وَمَا أَصَابَكَ مِن سَيِّئَةٍ فَمِن نَّفْسِكَ 

nafs removed during sleep
sleep 

doctors say the body heals / repairs when we sleep 

the morning call for prayer includes the phrase: Prayer is better than Sleep 

Surah alMuzammil emphasises on standing in prayer during the night reciting The Quran 

it also goes on emphasize its importance in withstanding the day when children will age rapidly - and the sky bursts open. Progeria is a known condition which is affecting children since ... the advent of electrical technology?? 

A number of people are apprehensive of modern technologies, especially communication technologies, which have the potential to mass control and/or harm a great number of people. ... silos, tin foil hats, ... 

1. Surah alKahf tells us that the hearts of the youth were strengthened when they stood against the polytheism, and then they were asked to hide in the open cave. Will we also need to hide in caves to protect ourselves from harmful technologies? Is that one of the lessons to protect against Dajjal? Their ears were covered and they put to sleep. Was the technology of that time affecting through sound? So the recitation of the ayaat of Surah alKahf (first ten & last ten: hadith ref?) will provide the healing/deterrent we need for protection? Allah is observing and listening! so no need to worry. He will protect the believers.    
2. second lesson: flourishing gardens, disbelieving owner -> eventual great loss 
3. third lesson: Satan is the enemy and he was not a witness to creation. Don't take them as auliya. Snake symbols ...  
4. fourth lesson: have patience as reasons are beyond our knowledge and comprehension
5. fifth lesson: show gratitude through containing corruption? 

Dr Israr on Surah alKahf and fitna of last days; ba`as un shadeedun great war hunger etc beginning of video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba8TZw9PTZ0

قَيِّمًا لِيُنْذِرَ بَأْسًا شَدِيدًا مِنْ لَدُنْهُ وَيُبَشِّرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ   Q18:2
http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=ldn#(18:2:6)

Sabbath - A Day of Repair 

in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest (tatmainna)
violation of Sabbath (excessive pursuit of worldly benefits at the cost of neglecting the nafs) resulted in Allah changing them into monkeys and pigs (devolution)

Nafs
Surah Fussilat states that We will show them the signs on the horizons and within their own nafs ... so we will eventually come to know what is the nafs and where it resides.
nafs-e-mutmainna
is nafs within the heart? is it the vision, hearing, feeling of the heart? when the Ruh is blown into (Q32) then the becomes a nephesh (The Bible)? Rust upon the heart?
or is the nafs at the centre of the hyoid bone, with the two receivers on the right and left (horns) recording everything being said.
or just behind it in C2? as it is the bone which is broken when a person is killed by harming the neck
Q6:93 Give up your Nafs?

According to some Christian scholarship, nephesh is the living (awake) body.

Zulm? injustice? Wronging the Nafs? through kufr: ingratitude for what is? be it:

• mortality, example Adam 
• good flourishing land, example Dam of Saba 
• safety and security, example close by towns mentioned in Surah Saba 

Q21:83 http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Drr#(21:83:7)

وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ 

   

Q38:41

وَاذْكُرْ عَبْدَنَا أَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الشَّيْطَانُ بِنُصْبٍ وَعَذَابٍ

Wronging the Nafs - III (The Calendar)

Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong your nafs during them. ... [Al-Quran 9:36] 
... He has commanded that you worship not except Him. ... [Al-Quran 12:40] 
... No change should there be in the creation of Allah ... [Al-Quran 30:30] 

Mission of the Messengers-XLI 

Purpose 

To understand the debate whether to follow local moon sightings, or to follow the scientifically calculated dates for religious rituals. 

Full Text 

يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْأَهِلَّةِ قُلْ هِيَ مَوَاقِيتُ لِلنَّاسِ وَالْحَجِّ وَلَيْسَ الْبِرُّ بِأَن تَأْتُوا الْبُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنِ اتَّقَىٰ وَأْتُوا الْبُيُوتَ مِنْ أَبْوَابِهَا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

They ask you about the new moons. Say, "They (are) indicators of periods for the people, and (for) the Hajj And it is not [the] righteousness that you come (to) the houses from their backs, [and] but [the] righteous (is one) who consciously reveres (Allah). And come (to) the houses from their doors. And consciously revere Allah so that you may (be) successful.

[Al-Quran 2:189]

A few ayaat earlier in the same surah, regarding the month of Ramadhan, we read: 

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

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

[Al-Quran 2:185]

Q2:189 states that the new moons are indicators of time for people and for the calculation of the pilgrimage dates. Q2:185 emphasises the witnessing of the month. 

Many people complain about the non-standardising and non-scheduling of the religious calendar, as it leads to uncertainty in official and holiday schedules. There must be a very good reason why Allah wants us to follow the lunar calendar, as uncertain as it may seem. 

Time

Nobody quite knows what time is. It is a measure, and seems to vary locally, depending on several variables. As yet, no scientist and no philosopher has a proper understanding of the fundamental nature of time. There may be many surprises in future as our understanding of time refines. 

The Months in The Calendar  

Historically, there have been many calendars, but the earliest were probably the lunar calendar. Also, there have been variations in the number of months, some following a twelve month calendar year and some using a thirteen month calendar year. 

In Surah at-Taubah, the correct number of months is clearly stated: 

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 nafs. And fight the polytheists all together, as they fight you all together. And know that Allah (is) with the righteous.

[Al-Quran 9:36; edited in italics to retain the word nafs]

Creation & Command 
Allah has created everything perfectly with great precision and attention to every detail. Even a cursory glance at the cosmos, the macro or the micro, reveals that everything is perfectly created and is functioning with great precision. The galaxies, the stars, the planets, the precision of the day and night, the pathways in and between the cellular structures of living things, everything is so detailed and so well-made, that it is an evidence, a testament to the perfection, and attention to detail, of its Creator. 

In Surah al-Fussilat (Explained in Detail), ayat number 12, we read that Allah decreed the set of commands to each sky (كُلِّ سَمَاءٍ أَمْرَهَا), by which it functions, when he separated them into seven skies: 

فَقَضَاهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَأَوْحَىٰ فِي كُلِّ سَمَاءٍ أَمْرَهَا وَزَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِمَصَابِيحَ وَحِفْظًا ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ

So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge.

[Al-Quran 41:12; Translation: Yusuf Ali]

In Surah at-Talaq (The Divorce), ayat number 12, we read that Allah governs and comprehends all things in His Knowledge: 

اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ وَمِنَ الْأَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ الْأَمْرُ بَيْنَهُنَّ لِتَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عِلْمًا

Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a similar number. Through the midst of them (all) descends His Command: that ye may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends, all things in (His) Knowledge.

[Al-Quran 65:12; Translation: Yusuf Ali]

The Sun & The Moon
The Quran is quite clear that the Sun and the Moon move along very precise paths:

الشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ

The sun and the moon by (precise) calculation,

[Al-Quran 55:5]

Surah Yasin describes it in some detail: 

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَزْوَاجَ كُلَّهَا مِمَّا تُنبِتُ الْأَرْضُ وَمِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَمِمَّا لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

وَآيَةٌ لَّهُمُ اللَّيْلُ نَسْلَخُ مِنْهُ النَّهَارَ فَإِذَا هُم مُّظْلِمُونَ

وَالشَّمْسُ تَجْرِي لِمُسْتَقَرٍّ لَّهَا ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ

وَالْقَمَرَ قَدَّرْنَاهُ مَنَازِلَ حَتَّىٰ عَادَ كَالْعُرْجُونِ الْقَدِيمِ

لَا الشَّمْسُ يَنبَغِي لَهَا أَن تُدْرِكَ الْقَمَرَ وَلَا اللَّيْلُ سَابِقُ النَّهَارِ وَكُلٌّ فِي فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ

Glory be (to) the One Who created (in) pairs all of what grows the earth and of themselves, and of what not they know.

And a Sign for them (is) the night. We withdraw from it the day. Then behold! They (are) those in darkness.

And the sun runs to a term appointed for it. That (is the) Decree (of) the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing.

And the moon - We have ordained for it phases until, it returns like the date stalk, the old.

Not the sun is permitted for it - that it overtakes the moon, and not the night (can) outstrip the day, but all in an orbit they are floating.

[Al-Quran 36:36-40] 

The Moon (الْقَمَرَ) is mentioned 27 times in The Quran. Interestingly, the Moon takes around 27 days to orbit the Earth, and it also takes around 27 days to spin on its own axis.

The Sun (الشَّمْسُ) is mentioned 33 times in The Quran. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year. Interestingly, 33 lunar years is the time it takes for lunar-solar cycle to re-align or re-synchronise.



Solar & Lunar Calendar

وَلَبِثُوا فِي كَهْفِهِمْ ثَلَاثَ مِائَةٍ سِنِينَ وَازْدَادُوا تِسْعًا

And they remained in their cave (for) three hundred years and add nine.

[Al-Quran 18:25]

In Surah al-Kahf, ayat 25, the amount of time the people slept in the cave is mentioned according to two calendar system. Assuming that the calendar systems referred to in the ayat are the solar and lunar calendars, this most probably indicates that primarily the calendar being used then also was the solar calendar; however that count needs to be adjusted to the lunar year count to get the correct number. This is to be achieved by adding the difference between the solar and lunar year count (9) to get the number in lunar years:

300 years * 365 days in a year = 109,500 days

(300 + 9) years * 354 days in a lunar year = 109,386 days 

300 years * 365.242 days in a solar year = 109,602.6 days

(300 + 9) years * 354.367 days in a lunar year = 109,499.403 days 

In fact, Q18:12 mentions that the reason they were raised up was to see which of the two parties could best calculate the time elapsed:

ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَاهُمْ لِنَعْلَمَ أَيُّ الْحِزْبَيْنِ أَحْصَىٰ لِمَا لَبِثُوا أَمَدًا

Then We raised them up that We make evident which (of) the two parties best calculated for what (they had) remained (in) time.

[Al-Quran 18:12]

Follow the Lunar Calendar & Moon Sightings
The fact that the Sun and the Moon follow very precise paths is the reason why their positions can be calculated in advance. However, the Creator who decreed these precise calculated movements also knows what is the correct measure of time. Allah has decreed the crescent sightings of the lunar year to be a measure of calendar years for us.

Since Allah has already declared that the number of months are twelve in Q9:36, then we must adhere to the twelve month calendar as is, as well as follow the local lunar sightings, as guided in The Quran (Q2:185, Q2:189), so as to be able to perform our rituals on the correct dates. 

Changing the calendar to conform to global standards or adjust to meet specific needs is a mistake and an increase in disbelief: 

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

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

[Al-Quran 9:37]

To quote from Wikipedia as on June 13, 2020 || Shawwal 22, 1441:

Lunisolar calendars[edit]

Main article: Lunisolar calendar

Most calendars referred to as "lunar" calendars are in fact lunisolar calendars. Their months are based on observations of the lunar cycle, with intercalation being used to bring them into general agreement with the solar year. The solar "civic calendar" that was used in ancient Egypt showed traces of its origin in the earlier lunar calendar, which continued to be used alongside it for religious and agricultural purposes. Present-day lunisolar calendars include the Chinese, Vietnamese, Hindu, and Thai calendars.

Synodic months are 29 or 30 days in length, making a lunar year of 12 months about 11 days shorter than a solar year. Some lunar calendars do not use intercalation, such as most Islamic calendars. For those that do, such as the Hebrew calendar, the most common form of intercalation is to add an additional month every second or third year. Some lunisolar calendars are also calibrated by annual natural events which are affected by lunar cycles as well as the solar cycle. An example of this is the lunar calendar of the Banks Islands, which includes three months in which the edible palolo worms mass on the beaches. These events occur at the last quarter of the lunar month, as the reproductive cycle of the palolos is synchronized with the moon.^[6]

Start of the lunar month[edit]

Lunar and lunisolar calendars differ as to which day is the first day of the month. In some lunisolar calendars, such as the Chinese calendar, the first day of a month is the day when an astronomical new moon occurs in a particular time zone. In others, such as some Hindu calendars, each month begins on the day after the full moon or the new moon. Others were based in the past on the first sighting of a lunar crescent, such as the Hebrew calendar and the Hijri calendar.

And Allah knows best! 

Some other ways to think about religion, time, and space (in this blog):

Acknowledging the Perfection of our Lord

Wronging the Nafs 

Wronging the Nafs - II (The Forbidden & The Sacred) 

Days of Allah 

Until The Camel Passes Through The Eye Of The Needle 

Sunrise from the West   

Length of a Day: variable or fixed? 

Separate in Space  

Space: Before and Beyond 

The Night: A Sign!  

Creation
The Observer & The Existence of Reality
Gamma Rays, Visible Light & The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Dhu al Qarnayn visited the Polar Regions?
People of the Cave 

Origins of Water 

Double Helix 

References & Links: 

Wikipedia: Time  || Lunar Calendar  

Kindly search online for: nature of time or physics of time or simply what is time for several links attempting to understand or describe time. 

Last updated on: June 19, 2020

The Fig, The Olive, Tur of Sinai & The Secure Land

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

Mission of the Messengers-XL

Disease & Cure - IX  

Purpose of Study

The oaths in Surah at-Teen, and their relation to the devolution of humans, and the Final Judgement.  

Full Text 

وَالتِّينِ وَالزَّيْتُونِ

وَطُورِ سِينِينَ

وَهَٰذَا الْبَلَدِ الْأَمِينِ

By the fig, and the olive,

And (the) Mount Sinai,

And this [the] city, [the] secure,

[Al-Quran 95:1-3]

Surah atTeen begins with the mention of The Fig, The Olive, Tur of Sinai, and The Secure Land. Thereafter it reminds us of how excellent was The Human's original creation, and then his Fall:  

لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ فِي أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ

ثُمَّ رَدَدْنَاهُ أَسْفَلَ سَافِلِينَ

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ غَيْرُ مَمْنُونٍ

فَمَا يُكَذِّبُكَ بَعْدُ بِالدِّينِ

أَلَيْسَ اللَّهُ بِأَحْكَمِ الْحَاكِمِينَ

Indeed, We created man in (the) best mould.

Then We returned him (to the) lowest (of the) low,

Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, then for them (is a) reward never ending.

Then what causes you to deny after (this) the judgment?

Is not Allah (the) Most Just (of) the Judges?

[Al-Quran 95:4-8]

The Surah concludes with the offer of a never-ending reward, and the mention of The Judgement (legal recompense) by Allah, the Most Just. So, how are the fig, the olive, Tur, and the secure land linked to this? 

The Torah and The Bible mention the Fig Tree, the Olive Tree, the raising of the Tur. It also speaks of the coming of the Kingdom of God, the New Jerusalem, and the Judgement. 

The Fig 

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ

O Children of Adam! verily We have sent down unto you a garment covering your shame and as an adornment; and the garment of piety --that is the best. That is of the signs of Allah, that haply they may be admonished.

[Al-Quran 7:26, Translation: Abdul Majid Daryabadi; typo edited]

As explored in earlier posts, The Quran 20:118 declares that Adam wasn't naked in The Garden. Iblis tempted him and convinced him to eat from The Forbidden Tree. The eating of it caused Adam to lose the Libas-e-Taqwa, which I understand was the original clothing provided for him in The Garden. The Quran informs us in Q7:22 and Q20:121 that Adam and his wife began to cover themselves with the leaves of The Garden (وَرَقِ الْجَنَّةِ). The Bible, Genesis 3 7 informs us that the leaves were of The Fig Tree. 

Links to some earlier posts: Evolution or Metamorphosis || Adam's Attempt to Improve upon Allah's Creation ||  Natural Clothing 

The Olive 

وَشَجَرَةً تَخْرُجُ مِن طُورِ سَيْنَاءَ تَنبُتُ بِالدُّهْنِ وَصِبْغٍ لِّلْآكِلِينَ

And a tree (that) springs forth from Mount Sinai (which) produces oil and a relish for those who eat.

[Al-Quran 23:20]

Surah al-Mu`minun (The Believers) begins with the salient features of the inheritors of Paradise, then draws attention to the excellence of Allah's creativity: it begins with a detailed mention of the stages of creation of  The Human (الْإِنسَانَ), and then His blessing His creation such that it flourishes (فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ); then causing us to die and then being raised; ... ;sending measured quantity of water from the sky (وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً), and the ability to take it away; the gardens ... ; the tree (شَجَرَةً) coming out of Tur-e-Sina (طُورِ سَيْنَاءَ), the cattle (الْأَنْعَامِ), the ship (الْفُلْكِ); and then Noah (نُوحًا) ... 

The Bible Genesis 8:11 informs us that after The Flood, the dove returned with a freshly plucked  olive leaf, so Noah knew that the waters were receding, or had receded, from the surface of the earth.

The Bible and The Quran mention the olive several times. Olive trees are known not only for their olives and the oil that is pressed from it, but also for their long life: some olive trees are known to live for centuries, and a few even thousands of years.     

The ayat in which The Quran describes Allah as the Nur of the skies and earth, explains it with an example which includes being lit by a flourishing olive tree ... (Q24:35) 

The Quran promises the nur emission (Q57:12-13; Q66:8) from the right and in front of the successful believers, the inheritors of The Gardens. The earth contains many examples of bioluminescent creatures. Though not enough to be visible to the naked eye, a very faint bioluminescence has been detected to emit from human beings as well. On the Day of Judgement, when the successful believers' nur will be emitting from them, they will pray to Allah to perfect their light for them!    

The Tur 

يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتِيَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَأَوْفُوا بِعَهْدِي أُوفِ بِعَهْدِكُمْ وَإِيَّايَ فَارْهَبُونِ

Children of Israel! remember My favour wherewith favoured you, and fulfil My covenant, and shall fulfil your covenant, and Me alone shall ye dread.

[Al-Quran 2:40, Translation: Abdul Majid Daryabadi]

...

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

And recall what time We took your bond, and raised over you the Tur saying: hold fast to that which We have vouchsafed unto you, and remember that which is therein, that haply ye may become God-fearing.

[Al-Quran 2:63, Translation: Abdul Majid Daryabadi]

The Tur was raised and The Torah was entrusted to the Bani Israel. Surah at-Tur begins with the mentions of The Tur, the Inscribed Book, in parchments unscrolled, and goes on to warn of the coming punishment from Allah for the deniers, and the promise of The Gardens to those who are God-fearing. 

The Secure Land 

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

And, lo, Abraham prayed: "O my Sustainer! Make this a land secure, and grant its people fruitful sustenance - such of them as believe in God and the Last Day." [God] answered: "And whoever shall deny the truth, him will I let enjoy himself for a short while -but in the end I shall drive him to suffering through fire: and how vile a journey's end!"

[Al-Quran 2:126, Translation: Muhammad Asad]

When Abraham was shown the location of The Kaaba, he and his son Ishmael were tasked with purifying the sanctuary for the worshippers. Abraham prayed for the security of the land (بَلَدًا). He also prayed for a Messenger to be raised from among them (Q2:129).

Prophet-Messenger Muhammad ﷺ was Abraham's descendant through his son Ishmael. Born in Makkah, he received his mission at the age of 40. As he began to preach, he met resistance and finally had to migrate to Medina. Towards the conclusion of his mission, notice of war was served to the polytheist State of Makkah by the Messenger of Allah (Q9:1-5), and the city eventually secured (Q48:27).

وَقَالُوا إِن نَّتَّبِعِ الْهُدَىٰ مَعَكَ نُتَخَطَّفْ مِنْ أَرْضِنَا أَوَلَمْ نُمَكِّن لَّهُمْ حَرَمًا آمِنًا يُجْبَىٰ إِلَيْهِ ثَمَرَاتُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ رِّزْقًا مِّن لَّدُنَّا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

And they say: If we follow the guidance with you, we shall be carried off from our country. What! have We not settled them in a safe, sacred territory to which fruits of every kind shall be drawn?-- a sustenance from Us; but most of them do not know.

[Al-Quran 28:57, Translation: Shakir]

The Judgement 

لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ فِي أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ

ثُمَّ رَدَدْنَاهُ أَسْفَلَ سَافِلِينَ

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ غَيْرُ مَمْنُونٍ

فَمَا يُكَذِّبُكَ بَعْدُ بِالدِّينِ

أَلَيْسَ اللَّهُ بِأَحْكَمِ الْحَاكِمِينَ

Indeed, We created man in (the) best mould.

Then We returned him (to the) lowest (of the) low,

Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, then for them (is a) reward never ending.

Then what causes you to deny after (this) the judgment?

Is not Allah (the) Most Just (of) the Judges?

[Al-Quran 95:4-8]

Many world religions believe in the Last Day, a Day of Judgment, or the Last Judgment. According to Wikipedia: 

The Last Judgment^[a] or The Day of the Lord (Hebrew: יום הדין‎, romanized: Yom Ha Din, Arabic: یوم القيامة‎, romanized: Yawm al-Qiyāmah, lit. 'Day of Resurrection' or Arabic: یوم الدین‎, romanized: Yawm ad-Din, lit. 'Day of Judgement') is part of the eschatological world view of the Abrahamic religions and in the Frashokereti of Zoroastrianism.

Humans have gone from being excellent in form, knowledge, and comforts, to lowly creatures suffering from weakness, disease, ignorance and want. 

The Fig should not only remind us of the Fall of Adam and his consequential exile from The Garden, but also Allah's promise of guidance and deliverance: 

قُلْنَا اهْبِطُوا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًا فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُم مِّنِّي هُدًى فَمَن تَبِعَ هُدَايَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَكَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا أُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ

We said, "Go down from it all (of you), and when, comes to you from Me Guidance, then whoever follows My Guidance, [then] no fear (will be) on them and not they will grieve.

And those who disbelieve[d] and deny Our Signs, those (are the) companions (of) the Fire; they in it (will) abide forever."

[Al-Quran 2:38-39]

The Olive should remind us of not only Allah's first punishment through The Flood, but also of deliverance of Noah and the believers, and the saving of the species, and reform of the earth. It should also be a source of hope in the rekindling and perfection of our nur on the Day of Judgement.

The Tur of Sinai should not only remind us of the olive leaf, but also of Moses and his conversations with Allah; The Ratification of The Covenant with the chosen people, and their personal and public responsibility regarding The Book that was entrusted to them; as well as of the covenant taken from Adam, from the prophets, and from the believers. It should remind us of the pledge taken from all the descendants of the sons of Adam. On the Day of Judgement, the people who are judged successful will be chosen to inherit The Gardens of Eternity.

The Secure Land should not only remind us of Allah's promise to Abraham, but also of Allah's entrusting the secure land to another set of people: also descendants of Abraham, through Ishmael, and entrusting The Quran with them.

Prophet-Messenger Muhammad ﷺ was sent to all mankind:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

And not We have sent you except to all mankind (as) a giver of glad tidings and (as) a warner. But most [the] people (do) not know.

[Al-Quran 34:28]

As time passes, closer and closer comes the Day of Judgement. Satan's enmity has caused loss and ruin to many people since the time of Adam, yet Allah's has been extremely gracious and forgiving with the Believers, granting a lifetime of chances to any who would sincerely repent and attempt to reform morally. However, we also need Allah's protection from Satan and his troops. Surah al-Mu`minun (The Believers) offers just such a prayer:

وَقُل رَّبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ

وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَن يَحْضُرُونِ

And say, "My Lord! I seek refuge in You from (the) suggestions (of) the evil ones,

And I seek refuge in You, My Lord! Lest they be present with me."

[Al-Quran 23:97-98]

May our resurrection and judgement be a happy one! May Allah grant us His Forgiveness and His Mercy, and may we be reformed within and without, and redressed beautifully, and granted the inheritance of The Gardens of Eternity.  

Images / Slides from:
Adam Facts
The Mighty Ancients (presentation)
The Quran, the Pharaoh, Exodus and the Promised Day
The Ancient House 
Signs of Allah


References 

Wikipedia: Figs in the Bible 

Wikipedia: Olive
When Mount Sinai Was Lifted Up
Wikipedia: Last Judgment  

Last updated on: June 7, 2020

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