by Ammar Al Marzouqi Tuesday, November 27, 2007 (BH)
Attacks on Islam have been escalating over the last few years. It’s become a fashionable thing to do, and the fact that these “informed opinions” stem from a complete ignorance of the true teachings of Islam and the Quran isn’t making it any better. I’ve had it with these attacks, and as a Muslim, I feel compelled to set the record straight.
In last Tuesday’s paper, Kyle Szarzynski wrote in his article (“Islam no defense for extremist action,” Nov. 20) about the Muslim response to the insulting cartoons published by Jyllands-Posten and subsequent republishing by many other newspapers including The Badger Herald. He described the cartoons as merely “unflattering,” expressed his inability to understand the Muslim response and why “leftists” were making up excuses for them.
First of all, I deeply regret the actions of some of my fellow Muslims, which lead to the deaths of more than 100 people, and for that I make no excuses. What I’m not sorry for is the protests and the economic and political boycotts of Denmark and other Scandinavian countries that occurred after the publishing of those cartoons. There was nothing “courageous” about publishing those cartoons, and publishing them simply because they were newsworthy was poor justification for bad judgment.
It is one thing to criticize a religion, but it’s another thing to deliberately insult its followers. Not only were the cartoons a depiction of the prophet — which approaches an idolatry Muslims have fought since the dawn of Islam — but it also portrays the prophet Muhammad as a terrorist. That is why most of the 1.2 billion Muslims of the world, including myself, were outraged by the cartoons. It is certainly our right to protest in every peaceful way possible. Sadly, those in the West smart enough to distinguish between the violent minutia and the outraged but peaceful majority were treated by most observers as sellouts to the Muslim religious right.
However, Western misconceptions about Islam and Muslims are not limited to this issue, but extend to broader areas of beliefs, practices and representation. They are also often the result of the intentional cherry-picking of facts and a copy-and-paste method of understanding Islamic scripture.
Mr. Szarzynski and others claim Islam sanctions oppression of women and non-Muslims, and they claim the sanction for such acts comes straight from the Holy Quran. I say nonsense. I’m sick of these critics, who know next to nothing about the Quran, making such statements without presenting their proof. I’m also sick of how the rest of us seem to take those statements as fact and leave them unquestioned. Islamic scholars spend their lives poring over scripture in an attempt to fully interpret its meanings, and a person who hasn’t read the Quran over once suddenly claims to have sufficient knowledge of it.
It is true that under the current governments of most countries with a Muslim majority, some of the aforementioned oppressions exist. The real question here is whether or not those governments represent Islam. I say no. But U.S.-backed dictatorships do exist in some Muslim countries.
But if you want to see a model of a modern Islamic government, there is no better example than Malaysia. Malaysia is one of the richest Muslim countries in the world and has a booming economy. Women and minorities in Malaysia have fully institutionalized rights such as suffrage, even though the Malaysian people are mainly conservative Muslims. Malaysians also have a prominent role in the Muslim World Conference, where they have stood for Muslim causes around the world. Truly, the Malaysian experience is a role model for all Islamic countries.
Also, those who claim Islam oppresses women ignore the tremendous privileges a woman enjoys in Islam. Women in Islam have no obligation to work, as their closest male relative or husband has the obligation of fully providing for them, and even if a Muslim woman decides to work, all the money she makes is solely hers. Islam gives mothers an honored position and values their sacrifices tremendously. Even the Hijab (the headscarf), looked upon as a symbol of oppression in the West, is actually, as described to me by a Muslim woman, a form of liberation from the burden of obsessing over external appearance and personal aesthetics. It is a symbol of piety and modesty that has its roots in the Bible (1 Corinthians 11:6).
Mr. Szarzynski also claims there is no such thing as “anti-Islamic racism” and since Islam is not a race, its critics should not be called racists. I agree with only half of his statement. Islam is susceptible to criticism, and its critics shouldn’t be called racists. However, since most Muslims in this country are of Arabic or South Asian descent, race is still an issue. Instead of trying to play with words and definitions, we should try to find ways to eliminate racism.
Personally, I believe religion is subject to criticism and only through the process of critical thinking can we reach the truth. However, such criticism should be respectful and objective while avoiding hateful sentiments and patronizing spirits. We should strive to understand the other point of view instead of deeming it evil and unworthy of contemplation.
Ammar Al Marzouqi (aalmarzouqi@wisc.edu) is freshman majoring in computer engineering.
The Kansas City Star is to be commended for its recent front-page story “Hate-Crime Count Rises.”
However, there is much more that The Star can, and should, do to focus on factors in our own community that contribute to this ugly phenomenon. Hate crimes do not spring out of a vacuum, they germinate and grow out of hate speech and ignorance.
A recent example of hate speech and ignorance occurred on Oct. 29 through the airing of a radio show on KCMO 710 AM. On the syndicated “Michael Savage Show,” Savage said, “I’m not gonna put my wife in a hijab. And I’m not gonna put my daughter in a burqa. And I’m not getting on my all fours and praying to Mecca. And you could drop dead if you don’t like it.… I don’t wanna hear any more about Islam. I don’t wanna hear one more word about Islam. ”
Savage continued, “I’m sick of you. What kind of religion is this? What kind of world are you living in when you let them in here with that throwback document in their hand, which is a book of hate. Don’t tell me I need re-education. They need deportation.”
These words of rabid bigotry and hate reflect the same venom that Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels spewed out against the Jews in Nazi Germany. At that time Germany was a Christian nation with a respected historical and social heritage. Allowing such hate speech to flourish, millions of Jews and other disrespected persons were systematically killed.
In 2004, Savage said over the air, “I think (Muslims) need to be forcibly converted to Christianity … It’s the only thing that can probably turn them into human beings.”
In 2006 he called for a ban on Muslim immigration and recommended making “the construction of mosques illegal in America.” He attacks other ethnic groups with similar hateful messages.
When Savage’s stupid, outrageous and bigoted inflammatory remarks were brought to the attention of the radio station, there was no apology, just a feeble response saying they run a disclaimer prior to airing the show. Their disclaimer only warns about adult language. The Federal Communications Commission told me that everything Savage said was covered by the right of free speech.
You’ve all heard, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” But they do. In fact, they can kill. A belief in free speech does not give a person the right to yell “fire” in a crowded theater.
In a similar sense, our nation’s democratic tradition strongly supports freedom of expression over publicly licensed airwaves, but they should not be used to promote hatred and violence.
James A. Everett is the former executive director of the Kansas City Interfaith Peace Alliance. He lives in Independence.
Comment by Marcello: Thank you so much for speaking out, Mr. Everett! I'm a Christian who has read the Quran from beginning to end. For Michael Savage or anyone else to call it a "book of hate" is supremely ignorant. America's airwaves belong to the American people, and we deserve better than hate speech.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. 47:1 (As for) those who disbelieve and turn away from Allah's way, He shall render their works ineffective. 47:2 And (as for) those who believe and do good, and believe in what has been revealed to Muhammad, and it is the very truth from their Lord, He will remove their evil from them and improve their condition. 47:3 That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, and those who believe follow the truth from their Lord; thus does Allah set forth to men their examples. 47:4 So when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then smite the necks until when you have overcome them, then make (them) prisoners, and afterwards either set them free as a favor or let them ransom (themselves) until the war terminates. That (shall be so); and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have exacted what is due from them, but that He may try some of you by means of others; and (as for) those who are slain in the way of Allah, He will by no means allow their deeds to perish. 47:5 He will guide them and improve their condition. 47:6 And cause them to enter the garden which He has made known to them. 47:7 O you who believe ! if you help (the cause of) Allah, He will help you and make firm your feet. 47:8 And (as for) those who disbelieve, for them is destruction and He has made their deeds ineffective. 47:9 That is because they hated what Allah revealed, so He rendered their deeds null. 47:10 Have they not then journeyed in the land and seen how was the end of those before them: Allah brought down destruction upon them, and the unbelievers shall have the like of it. 47:11 That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, and because the unbelievers shall have no protector for them. 47:12 Surely Allah will make those who believe and do good enter gardens beneath which rivers flow; and those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as the beasts eat, and the fire is their abode. 47:13 And how many a town which was far more powerful than the town of yours which has driven you out: We destroyed them so there was no helper for them. 47:14 What! is he who has a clear argument from his Lord like him to whom the evil of his work is made fairseeming: and they follow their low desires. 47:15 A parable of the garden which those guarding (against evil) are promised: Therein are rivers of water that does not alter, and rivers of milk the taste whereof does not change, and rivers of drink delicious to those who drink, and rivers of honey clarified and for them therein are all fruits and protection from their Lord. (Are these) like those who abide in the fire and who are made to drink boiling water so it rends their bowels asunder. 47:16 And there are those of them who seek to listen to you, until when they go forth from you, they say to those who have been given the knowledge: What was it that he said just now? These are they upon whose hearts Allah has set a seal and they follow their low desires. 47:17 And (as for) those who follow the right direction, He increases them in guidance and gives them their guarding (against evil). 47:18 Do they then wait for aught but the hour that it should come to them all of a sudden? Now indeed the tokens of it have (already) come, but how shall they have their reminder when it comes on them? 47:19 So know that there is no god but Allah, and, ask protection for your fault and for the believing men and the believing women; and Allah knows the place of your returning and the place of your abiding. 47:20 And those who believe say: Why has not a chapter been revealed? But when a decisive chapter is revealed, and fighting is mentioned therein you see those in whose hearts is a disease look to you with the look of one fainting because of death. Woe to them then! 47:21 Obedience and a gentle word (was proper); but when the affair becomes settled, then if they remain true to Allah it would certainly be better for them. 47:22 But if you held command, you were sure to make mischief in the land and cut off the ties of kinship! 47:23 Those it is whom Allah has cursed so He has made them deaf and blinded their eyes. 47:24 Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Nay, on the hearts there are locks. 47:25 Surely (as for) those who return on their backs after that guidance has become manifest to them, the Shaitan has made it a light matter to them; and He gives them respite. 47:26 That is because they say to those who hate what Allah has revealed: We will obey you in some of the affairs; and Allah knows their secrets. 47:27 But how will it be when the angels cause them to die smiting their backs. 47:28 That is because they follow what is displeasing to Allah and are averse to His pleasure, therefore He has made null their deeds. 47:29 Or do those in whose hearts is a disease think that Allah will not bring forth their spite? 47:30 And if We please We would have made you know them so that you would certainly have recognized them by their marks and most certainly you can recognize them by the intent of (their) speech; and Allah knows your deeds. 47:31 And most certainly We will try you until We have known those among you who exert themselves hard, and the patient, and made your case manifest. 47:32 Surely those who disbelieve and turn away from Allah's way and oppose the Apostle after that guidance has become clear to them cannot harm Allah in any way, and He will make null their deeds. 47:33 O you who believe! obey Allah and obey the Apostle, and do not make your deeds of no effect. 47:34 Surely those who disbelieve and turn away from Allah's way, then they die while they are unbelievers, Allah will by no means forgive them. 47:35 And be not slack so as to cry for peace and you have the upper hand, and Allah is with you, and He will not bring your deeds to naught. 47:36 The life of this world is only idle sport and play, and if you believe and guard (against evil) He will give you your rewards, and will not ask of you your possessions. 47:37 If He should ask you for it and urge you, you will be niggardly, and He will bring forth your malice. 47:38 Behold! you are those who are called upon to spend in Allah's way, but among you are those who are niggardly, and whoever is niggardly is niggardly against his own soul; and Allah is Self-sufficient and you have need (of Him), and if you turn back He will bring in your place another people, then they will not be like you.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. 46:1 Ha Mim. 46:2 The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise. 46:3 We did not create the heavens and the earth and what is between them two save with truth and (for) an appointed term; and those who disbelieve turn aside from what they are warned of. 46:4 Say: Have you considered what you call upon besides Allah? Show me what they have created of the earth, or have they a share in the heavens? Bring me a book before this or traces of knowledge, if you are truthful. 46:5 And who is in greater error than he who calls besides Allah upon those that will not answer him till the day of resurrection and they are heedless of their call? 46:6 And when men are gathered together they shall be their enemies, and shall be deniers of their worshipping (them). 46:7 And when Our clear communications are recited to them, those who disbelieve say with regard to the truth when it comes to them: This is clear magic. 46:8 Nay! they say: He has forged it. Say: If I have forged it, you do not control anything for me from Allah; He knows best what you utter concerning it; He is enough as a witness between me and you, and He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. 46:9 Say: I am not the first of the apostles, and I do not know what will be done with me or with you: I do not follow anything but that which is revealed to me, and I am nothing but a plain warner. 46:10 Say: Have you considered if it is from Allah, and you disbelieve in it, and a witness from among the children of Israel has borne witness of one like it, so he believed, while you are big with pride; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. 46:11 And those who disbelieve say concerning those who believe: If it had been a good, they would not have gone ahead of us therein. And as they do not seek to be rightly directed thereby, they say: It is an old lie. 46:12 And before it the Book of Musa was a guide and a mercy: and this is a Book verifying (it) in the Arabic language that it may warn those who are unjust and as good news for the doers of good. 46:13 Surely those who say, Our Lord is Allah, then they continue on the right way, they shall have no fear nor shall they grieve. 46:14 These are the dwellers of the garden, abiding therein: a reward for what they did. 46:15 And We have enjoined on man doing of good to his parents; with trouble did his mother bear him and with trouble did she bring him forth; and the bearing of him and the weaning of him was thirty months; until when he attains his maturity and reaches forty years, he says: My Lord! grant me that I may give thanks for Thy favor which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good which pleases Thee and do good to me in respect of my offspring; surely I turn to Thee, and surely I am of those who submit. 46:16 These are they from whom We accept the best of what they have done and pass over their evil deeds, among the dwellers of the garden; the promise of truth which they were promised. 46:17 And he who says to his parents: Fie on you! do you threaten me that I shall be brought forth when generations have already passed away before me? And they both call for Allah's aid: Woe to you! believe, surely the promise of Allah is true. But he says: This is nothing but stories of the ancients. 46:18 These are they against whom the word has proved true among nations of the jinn and the men that have already passed away before them; surely they are losers. 46:19 And for all are degrees according to what they did, and that He may pay them back fully their deeds and they shall not be wronged. 46:20 And on the day when those who disbelieve shall be brought before the fire: You did away with your good things in your life of the world and you enjoyed them for a while, so today you shall be rewarded with the punishment of abasement because you were unjustly proud in the land and because you transgressed. 46:21 And mention the brother of Ad; when he warned his people in the sandy plains,-- and indeed warners came before him and after him-- saying Serve none but Allah; surely I fear for you the punishment of a grievous day. 46:22 They said: Have you come to us to turn us away from our gods; then bring us what you threaten us with, if you are of the truthful ones. 46:23 He said: The knowledge is only with Allah, and I deliver to you the message with which I am sent, but I see you are a people who are ignorant. 46:24 So when they saw it as a cloud appearing in the sky advancing towards their valleys, they said: This is a cloud which will give us rain. Nay! it is what you sought to hasten on, a blast of wind in which is a painful punishment, 46:25 Destroying everything by the command of its Lord, so they became such that naught could be seen except their dwellings. Thus do We reward the guilty people. 46:26 And certainly We had established them in what We have not established you in, and We had given-- them ears and eyes and hearts, but neither their ears, nor their eyes, nor their hearts availed them aught, since they denied the communications of Allah, and that which they mocked encompassed them. 46:27 And certainly We destroyed the towns which are around you, and We repeat the communications that they might turn. 46:28 Why did not then those help them whom they took for gods besides Allah to draw (them) nigh (to Him)? Nay! they were lost to them; and this was their lie and what they forged. 46:29 And when We turned towards you a party of the jinn who listened to the Quran; so when they came to it, they said: Be silent; then when it was finished, they turned back to their people warning (them). 46:30 They said: O our people! we have listened to a Book revealed after Musa verifying that which is before it, guiding to the truth and to a right path: 46:31 O our people! accept the Divine caller and believe in Him, He will forgive you of your faults and protect you from a painful punishment. 46:32 And whoever does not accept the-Divine caller, he shall not escape in the earth and he shall not have guardians besides Him, these are in manifest error. 46:33 Have they not considered that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth and was not tired by their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Aye! He has surely power over all things. 46:34 And on the day when those who disbelieve shall be brought before the fire: Is it not true? They shall say: Aye! by our Lord! He will say: Then taste the punishment, because you disbelieved. 46:35 Therefore bear up patiently as did the apostles endowed with constancy bear up with patience and do not seek to hasten for them (their doom). On the day that they shall see what they are promised they shall be as if they had not tarried save an hour of the day. A sufficient exposition! Shall then any be destroyed save the transgressing people?
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. 44:1 Ha Mim! 44:2 I swear by the Book that makes manifest (the truth). 44:3 Surely We revealed it on a blessed night surely We are ever warning-- 44:4 Therein every wise affair is made distinct, 44:5 A command from Us; surely We are the senders (of apostles), 44:6 A mercy from your Lord, surely He is the Hearing, the Knowing, 44:7 The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, if you would be sure. 44:8 There is no god but He; He gives life and causes death, your Lord and the Lord of your fathers of yore. 44:9 Nay, they are in doubt, they sport. 44:10 Therefore keep waiting for the day when the heaven shall bring an evident smoke, 44:11 That shall overtake men; this is a painful punishment. 44:12 Our Lord! remove from us the punishment; surely we are believers. 44:13 How shall they be reminded, and there came to them an Apostle making clear (the truth), 44:14 Yet they turned their backs on him and said: One taught (by others), a madman. 44:15 Surely We will remove the punishment a little, (but) you will surely return (to evil). 44:16 On the day when We will seize (them) with the most violent seizing; surely We will inflict retribution. 44:17 And certainly We tried before them the people of Firon, and there came to them a noble apostle, 44:18 Saying: Deliver to me the servants of Allah, surely I am a faithful apostle to you, 44:19 And that do not exalt yourselves against Allah, surely I will bring to you a clear authority: 44:20 And surely I take refuge with my Lord and your Lord that you should stone me to death: 44:21 And if you do not believe in me, then leave me alone. 44:22 Then he called upon his Lord: These are a guilty people. 44:23 So go forth with My servants by night; surely you will be pursued: 44:24 And leave the sea intervening; surely they are a host that shall be drowned. 44:25 How many of the gardens and fountains have they left! 44:26 And cornfields and noble places! 44:27 And goodly things wherein they rejoiced; 44:28 Thus (it was), and We gave them as a heritage to another people. 44:29 So the heaven and the earth did not weep for them, nor were they respited. 44:30 And certainly We delivered the children of Israel from the abasing chastisement, 44:31 From Firon; surely he was haughty, (and) one of the extravagant. 44:32 And certainly We chose them, having knowledge, above the nations. 44:33 And We gave them of the communications wherein was clear blessing. 44:34 Most surely these do say: 44:35 There is naught but our first death and we shall not be raised again. 44:36 So bring our fathers (back), if you are truthful. 44:37 Are they better or the people of Tubba and those before them? We destroyed them, for surely they were guilty. 44:38 And We did not create the heavens and the earth and what is between them in sport. 44:39 We did not create them both but with the truth, but most of them do not know. 44:40 Surely the day of separation is their appointed term, of all of them 44:41 The day on which a friend shall not avail (his) friend aught, nor shall they be helped, 44:42 Save those on whom Allah shall have mercy; surely He is the Mighty the Merciful. 44:43 Surely the tree of the Zaqqum, 44:44 Is the food of the sinful 44:45 Like dregs of oil; it shall boil in (their) bellies, 44:46 Like the boiling of hot water. 44:47 Seize him, then drag him down into the middle of the hell; 44:48 Then pour above his head of the torment of the boiling water: 44:49 Taste; you forsooth are the mighty, the honorable: 44:50 Surely this is what you disputed about. 44:51 Surely those who guard (against evil) are in a secure place, 44:52 In gardens and springs; 44:53 They shall wear of fine and thick silk, (sitting) face to face; 44:54 Thus (shall it be), and We will wed them with Houris pure, beautiful ones. 44:55 They shall call therein for every fruit in security; 44:56 They shall not taste therein death except the first death, and He will save them from the punishment of the hell, 44:57 A grace from your Lord; this is the great achievement. 44:58 So have We made it easy in your tongue that they may be mindful. 44:59 Therefore wait; surely they are waiting.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. 42:1 Ha Mim. 42:2 Ain Sin Qaf. 42:3 Thus does Allah, the Mighty, the Wise, reveal to you, and (thus He revealed) to those before you. 42:4 His is what is in the heavens and what is in the earth, and He is the High, the Great. 42:5 The heavens may almost rend asunder from above them and the angels sing the praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those on earth; now surely Allah is the Forgiving, the Merciful. 42:6 And (as for) those who take guardians besides Him, Allah watches over them, and you have not charge over them. 42:7 And thus have We revealed to you an Arabic Quran, that you may warn the mother city and those around it, and that you may give warning of the day of gathering together wherein is no doubt; a party shall be in the garden and (another) party in the burning fire. 42:8 And if Allah had pleased He would surely have made them a single community, but He makes whom He pleases enter into His mercy, and the unjust it is that shall have no guardian or helper. 42:9 Or have they taken guardians besides Him? But Allah is the Guardian, and He gives life to the dead, and He has power over all things. 42:10 And in whatever thing you disagree, the judgment thereof is (in) Allah's (hand); that is Allah, my Lord, on Him do I rely and to Him do I turn time after time. 42:11 The Originator of the heavens and the earth; He made mates for you from among yourselves, and mates of the cattle too, multiplying you thereby; nothing like a likeness of Him; and He is the Hearing, the Seeing. 42:12 His are the treasures of the heavens and the earth; He makes ample and straitens the means of subsistence for whom He pleases; surely He is Cognizant of all things. 42:13 He has made plain to you of the religion what He enjoined upon Nuh and that which We have revealed to you and that which We enjoined upon Ibrahim and Musa and Isa that keep to obedience and be not divided therein; hard to the unbelievers is that which you call them to; Allah chooses for Himself whom He pleases, and guides to Himself him who turns (to Him), frequently. 42:14 And they did not become divided until after knowledge had come to them out of envy among themselves; and had not a word gone forth from your Lord till an appointed term, certainly judgment would have been given between them; and those who were made to inherit the Book after them are most surely in disquieting doubt concerning it. 42:15 To this then go on inviting, and go on steadfastly on the right way as you are commanded, and do not follow their low desires, and say: I believe in what Allah has revealed of the Book, and I am commanded to do justice between you: Allah is our Lord and your Lord; we shall have our deeds and you shall have your deeds; no plea need there be (now) between us and you: Allah will gather us together, and to Him is the return. 42:16 And (as for) those who dispute about Allah after that obedience has been rendered to Him, their plea is null with their Lord, and upon them is wrath, and for them is severe punishment. 42:17 Allah it is Who revealed the Book with truth, and the balance, and what shall make you know that haply the hour be nigh? 42:18 Those who do not believe in it would hasten it on, and those who believe are in fear from it, and they know that it is the truth. Now most surely those who dispute obstinately concerning the hour are in a great error. 42:19 Allah is Benignant to His servants; He gives sustenance to whom He pleases, and He is the Strong, the Mighty. 42:20 Whoever desires the gain of the hereafter, We will give him more of that again; and whoever desires-- the gain of this world, We give him of it, and in the hereafter he has no portion. 42:21 Or have they associates who have prescribed for them any religion that Allah does not sanction? And were it not for the word of judgment, decision would have certainly been given between them; and surely the unjust shall have a painful punish ^ment. 42:22 You will see the unjust fearing on account of what they have earned, and it must befall them; and those who believe and do good shall be in the meadows of the gardens; they shall have what they please with their Lord: that is the great grace. 42:23 That is of which Allah gives the good news to His servants, (to) those who believe and do good deeds. Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it but love for my near relatives; and whoever earns good, We give him more of good therein; surely Allah is Forgiving, Grateful. 42:24 Or do they say: He has forged a lie against Allah? But if Allah pleased, He would seal your heart; and Allah will blot out the falsehood and confirm the truth with His words; surely He is Cognizant of what is in the breasts. 42:25 And He it is Who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons the evil deeds and He knows what you do; 42:26 And He answers those who believe and do good deeds, and gives them more out of His grace; and (as for) the unbelievers, they shall have a severe punishment. 42:27 And if Allah should amplify the provision for His servants they would certainly revolt in the earth; but He sends it down according to a measure as He pleases; surely He is Aware of, Seeing, His servants. 42:28 And He it is Who sends down the rain after they have despaired, and He unfolds His mercy; and He is the Guardian, the Praised One. 42:29 And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and what He has spread forth in both of them of living beings; and when He pleases He is all-powerful to gather them together. 42:30 And whatever affliction befalls you, it is on account of what your hands have wrought, and (yet) He pardons most (of your faults). 42:31 And you cannot escape in the earth, and you shall not have a guardian or a helper besides Allah. 42:32 And among His signs are the ships in the sea like mountains. 42:33 If He pleases, He causes the wind to become still so that they lie motionless on its back; most surely there are signs in this for every patient, grateful one, 42:34 Or He may make them founder for what they have earned, and (even then) pardon most; 42:35 And (that) those who dispute about Our communications may know; there is no place of refuge for them. 42:36 So whatever thing you are given, that is only a provision of this world's life, and what is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and rely on their Lord. 42:37 And those who. shun the great sins and indecencies, and whenever they are angry they forgive. 42:38 And those who respond to their Lord and keep up prayer, and their rule is to take counsel among themselves, and who spend out of what We have given them. 42:39 And those who, when great wrong afflicts them, defend themselves. 42:40 And the recompense of evil is punishment like it, but whoever forgives and amends, he shall have his reward from Allah; surely He does not love the unjust. 42:41 And whoever defends himself after his being oppressed, these it is against whom there is no way (to blame). 42:42 The way (to blame) is only against those who oppress men and revolt in the earth unjustly; these shall have a painful punishment. 42:43 And whoever is patient and forgiving, these most surely are actions due to courage. 42:44 And whomsoever Allah makes err, he has no guardian after Him; and you shall see the unjust, when they see the punishment, saying: Is there any way to return? 42:45 And you shall see them brought before it humbling themselves because of the abasements, looking with a faint glance. And those who believe shall say: Surely the losers are they who have lost themselves and their followers on the resurrection day. Now surely the iniquitous shall remain in lasting chastisement. 42:46 And they shall have no friends to help them besides Allah; and-- whomsoever Allah makes err, he shall have no way. 42:47 Hearken to your Lord before there comes the day from Allah for which there shall be no averting; you shall have no refuge on that day, nor shall it be yours to make a denial. 42:48 But if they turn aside, We have not sent you as a watcher over them; on you is only to deliver (the message); and surely when We make man taste mercy from Us, he rejoices thereat; and if an evil afflicts them on account of what their hands have already done, then-surely man is ungrateful. 42:49 Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth; He creates what He pleases; He grants to whom He pleases daughters and grants to whom He pleases sons. 42:50 Or He makes them of both sorts, male and female; and He makes whom He pleases barren; surely He is the Knowing, the Powerful. 42:51 And it is not for any mortal that Allah should speak to them, they could not bear to hear and they did not see. 42:52 And thus did We reveal to you an inspired book by Our command. You did not know what the Book was, nor (what) the faith (was), but We made it a light, guiding thereby whom We please of Our servants; and most surely you show the way to the right path: 42:53 The path of Allah, Whose is whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; now surely to Allah do all affairs eventually come.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. 41:1 Ha Mim! 41:2 A revelation from the Beneficent, the Merciful God: 41:3 A Book of which the verses are made plain, an Arabic Quran for a people who know: 41:4 A herald of good news and a warner, but most of them turn aside so they hear not. 41:5 And they say: Our hearts are under coverings from that to which you call us, and there is a heaviness in our ears, and a veil hangs between us and you, so work, we too are working. 41:6 Say: I am only a mortal like you; it is revealed to me that your God is one God, therefore follow the right way to Him and ask His forgiveness; and woe to the polytheists; 41:7 (To) those who do not give poor-rate and they are unbelievers in the hereafter. 41:8 (As for) those who believe and do good, they shall surely have a reward never to be cut off. 41:9 Say: What! do you indeed disbelieve in Him Who created the earth in two periods, and do you set up equals with Him? That is the Lord of the Worlds. 41:10 And He made in it mountains above its surface, and He blessed therein and made therein its foods, in four periods: alike for the seekers. 41:11 Then He directed Himself to the heaven and it is a vapor, so He said to it and to the earth: Come both, willingly or unwillingly. They both said: We come willingly. 41:12 So He ordained them seven heavens in two periods, and revealed in every heaven its affair; and We adorned the lower heaven with brilliant stars and (made it) to guard; that is the decree of the Mighty, the Knowing. 41:13 But if they turn aside, then say: I have warned you of a scourge like the scourge of Ad and Samood. 41:14 When their apostles came to them from before them and from behind them, saying, Serve nothing but Allah, they said: If our Lord had pleased He would certainly have sent down angels, so we are surely unbelievers in that with which you are sent. 41:15 Then as to Ad, they were unjustly proud in the land, and they said: Who is mightier in strength than we? Did they not see that Allah Who created them was mightier than they in strength, and they denied Our communications? 41:16 So We sent on them a furious wind in unlucky days, that We may make them taste the chastisement of abasement in this world's life; and certainly the chastisement of the hereafter is much more abasing, and they shall not be helped. 41:17 And as to Samood, We showed them the right way, but they chose error above guidance, so there overtook them the scourge of an abasing chastisement for what they earned. 41:18 And We delivered those who believed and guarded (against evil). 41:19 And on the day that the enemies of Allah shall be brought together to the fire, then they shall be formed into groups. 41:20 Until when they come to it, their ears and their eyes and their skins shall bear witness against them as to what they did. 41:21 And they shall say to their skins: Why have you borne witness against us? They shall say: Allah Who makes everything speak has made us speak, and He created you at first, and to Him you shall be brought back. 41:22 And you did not veil yourselves lest your ears and your eyes and your skins should bear witness against you, but you thought that Allah did not know most of what you did. 41:23 And that was your (evil) thought which you entertained about your Lord that has tumbled you down into perdition, so are you become of the lost ones. 41:24 Then if they will endure, still the fire is their abode, and if they ask for goodwill, then are they not of those who shall be granted goodwill. 41:25 And We have appointed for them comrades so they have made fair-seeming to them what is before them and what is behind them, and the word proved true against them-- among the nations of the jinn and the men that have passed away before them-- that they shall surely be losers. 41:26 And those who disbelieve say: Do not listen to this Quran and make noise therein, perhaps you may overcome. 41:27 Therefore We will most certainly make those who disbelieve taste a severe punishment, and We will most certainly reward them for the evil deeds they used to do. 41:28 That is the reward of the enemies of Allah-- the fire; for them therein shall be the house of long abiding; a reward for their denying Our communications. 41:29 And those who disbelieve will say: Our Lord! show us those who led us astray from among the jinn and the men that we may trample them under our feet so that they may be of the lowest. 41:30 (As for) those who say: Our Lord is Allah, then continue in the right way, the angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not, nor be grieved, and receive good news of the garden which you were promised. 41:31 We are your guardians in this world's life and in the hereafter, and you shall have therein what your souls desire and you shall have therein what you ask for: 41:32 A provision from the Forgiving, the Merciful. 41:33 And who speaks better than he who calls to Allah while he himself does good, and says: I am surely of those who submit? 41:34 And not alike are the good and the evil. Repel (evil) with what is best, when lo! he between whom and you was enmity would be as if he were a warm friend. 41:35 And none are made to receive it but those who are patient, and none are made to receive it but those who have a mighty good fortune. 41:36 And if an interference of the Shaitan should cause you mischief, seek refuge in Allah; surely He is the Hearing, the Knowing. 41:37 And among His signs are the night and the day and the sun and the moon; do not make obeisance to the sun nor to the moon; and make obeisance to Allah Who created them, if Him it is that you serve. 41:38 But if they are proud, yet those with your Lord glorify Him during the night and the day, and they are not tired. 41:39 And among His signs is this, that you see the earth still, but when We send down on it the water, it stirs and swells: most surely He Who gives it life is the Giver of life to the dead; surely He has power over all things. 41:40 Surely they who deviate from the right way concerning Our communications are not hidden from Us. What! is he then who is cast into the fire better, or he who comes safe on the day of resurrection? Do what you like, surely He sees what you do. 41:41 Surely those who disbelieve in the reminder when it comes to them, and most surely it is a Mighty Book: 41:42 Falsehood shall not come to it from before it nor from behind it; a revelation from the Wise, the Praised One. 41:43 Naught is said to you but what was said indeed to the apostles before you; surely your Lord is the Lord of forgiveness and the Lord of painful retribution. 41:44 And if We had made it a Quran in a foreign tongue, they would certainly have said: Why have not its communications been made clear? What! a foreign (tongue) and an Arabian! Say: It is to those who believe a guidance and a healing; and (as for) those who do not believe, there is a heaviness in their ears and it is obscure to them; these shall be called to from a far-off place. 41:45 And certainly We gave the Book to Musa, but it has been differed about, and had not a word already gone forth from your Lord, judgment would certainly have been given between them; and most surely they are in a disquieting doubt about it. 41:46 Whoever does good, it is for his own soul, and whoever does evil, it is against it; and your Lord is not in the least unjust to the servants. 41:47 To Him is referred the knowledge of the hour, and there come not forth any of the fruits from their coverings, nor does a female bear, nor does she give birth, but with His knowledge; and on the day when He shall call out to them, Where are (those whom you called) My associates? They shall say: We declare to Thee, none of us is a witness. 41:48 And away from them shall go what they called upon before, and they shall know for certain that there is no escape for them. 41:49 Man is never tired of praying for good, and if evil touch him, then he is despairing, hopeless. 41:50 And if We make him taste mercy from Us after distress that has touched him, he would most certainly say: This is of me, and I do not think the hour will come to pass, and if I am sent back to my Lord, I shall have with Him sure good; but We will most certainly inform those who disbelieved of what they did, and We will most certainly make them taste of hard chastisement. 41:51 And when We show favor to man, he turns aside and withdraws himself; and when evil touches him, he makes lengthy supplications. 41:52 Say: Tell me if it is from Allah; then you disbelieve in it, who is in greater error than he who is in a prolonged opposition? 41:53 We will soon show them Our signs in the Universe and in their own souls, until it will become quite clear to them that it is the truth. Is it not sufficient as regards your Lord that He is a witness over all things? 41:54 Now surely they are in doubt as to the meeting of their Lord; now surely He encompasses all things.
The role of the Quran in shaping the Muslim personality: The treasures of the Quran are hidden and buried as far as many Muslims are concerned, as they have not yet discovered these precious treasures that Allaah has placed in it. Besides the fact that a Muslim is rewarded for reciting the Quran and applying its rulings, it is also the case that the Quran explains and clarifies the correct way to understand many concepts that people have misperceived or misinterpreted. For example, it expounds upon the reality of the concept of loyalty and disavowal, the concept of worship, the concept of the conflict between the truth and falsehood, and many other concepts which all Muslims must correctly understand and realise. The great treasures in the Quran: Some people seek to attain the reward of reciting the Quran, others memorise its verses in order to attain the reward of such memorisation, while others recite it to taste the sweetness that the soul feels during this. There are others who recite it in order to search for the lofty manners it calls the people to possess, and yet others who recite the Quran in order to find therein solutions to their social or economic problems. These are all important matters and one must seek to attain all the abovementioned goals and many more, but what is more important than that is for one to recite it in order to extract the great principles that mould the individual’s character and aid in correctly nurturing him. Many people recite the Quran hastily, or pass over its verses quickly without pondering over their meaning. The Quran is of great importance due to many more reasons than those we mentioned above, and which the Muslims must realise and have clear in their minds. I will try to highlight in this sermon some of these concepts that are instilled in the Quran, so that perhaps we may realise the importance of pondering upon the Quran. The concept of worship and seeking assistance: If one ponders over the saying of Allaah (which means): “It is You we worship and You we ask for assistance.” [Quran 1: 5] He will realise that it means that worship and seeking assistance are exclusively for Allaah, and this is the real essence of servitude to Allaah. One must wonder when he recites this verse, which we do more than seventeen times daily, why worship is designated solely to Allaah, and likewise seeking assistance. This concept must be clear in our minds: that only Allaah is to be worshipped; not wealth, not position, not other people, not man-made laws, or anything else. We must submit our wills solely to Allaah and humble ourselves only to Him. Also, we must seek only His assistance as a sign of perfect servitude because regardless of how powerful human forces are, they remain very limited, while the power of Allaah is ultimate and unlimited as He is the All-Powerful and the Irresistible. The concept of abiding by the commands of Allaah and hastening to fulfil them: The Quran emphasises on the great importance and the compulsion of adhering to the commands of Allaah and not transgressing or disobeying His command. The Jews were commanded by Allaah to prostrate, as Allaah Says (what means): “…And enter the gate bowing humbly…” [Quran 2: 58] What did they do instead of adhering to this command? They entered on their buttocks and therefore opposed the command of Allaah. Therefore, anyone who tries to alter the commands of Allaah and applies what his desires are dictating to him resembles these people. Furthermore, one must hasten in fulfilling the commands of Allaah and not act like the Jews did when Allaah commanded them to slaughter a cow; they kept asking for finer details regarding the type of cow to slaughter while slaughtering any cow would have done. Many Muslims follow in the footsteps of these deviants by inventing obstacles that would cause them to not fulfil certain commands that do not happen to coincide with their desires, and this is nothing but following the whispers of Satan. The concept of being distinct in worship: Muslims must be distinct and not resemble the disbelievers in any of their acts of worship or religious rites. In the early stages of Islam, the Muslims would direct themselves towards Al-Aqsaa mosque in Jerusalem in prayer, but they were later commanded to direct themselves towards the Ka’bah in Makkah in order to differ from the disbelievers. The concept of people’s ranks: Allaah Says (what means): “And it is not your wealth or your children that bring you nearer to Us in position, but it is [by being] one who has believed and done righteousness…” [Quran 34: 37] Allaah also Says (what means): “…Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allaah is the most righteous of you…” [Quran49: 13] It is very important for us to know this rule of how people are measured according to the scale of Allaah. How do people become loftier than others? How does one possess a higher rank than others? What are the criteria used to judge this issue? The Quran establishes that no worldly matter is of any effect in this regard and that it is solely based on matters related to the religion of Allaah. When Allaah favoured Taaloot and chose him to rule over the children of Israel, they objected and judged the matter with a worldly scale: they protested that he was not rich, as Allaah informs us when He Says (what means): “…They said: 'How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?'...” [Quran 2: 247] But Allaah immediately highlights the correct criteria of judging in the very same verse, saying (what means): “He said: 'Indeed, Allaah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature…'” [Quran 2: 247] Therefore, knowledge and a strong body that enabled him to fight the enemies of Allaah are what made him deserving of this rank, and both these qualities are matters that are connected to the religion: one is knowledge regarding it, while the other is the ability to defend and proliferate it.
The concept of the conflict between the followers of truth and those of falsehood: This conflict can only be to the advantage of the Muslims if their ranks are cleared of hypocrites and those of weak faith. If any believing group wishes to attain victory from Allaah, then it must fulfil the requirements of victory as Allaah explains to us in the following story (which means): “…'Indeed, Allaah will be testing you with a river. So whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever does not taste it is indeed of me, except one who takes [from it] in the hollow of his hand'…” [Quran 2: 249] What happened? Many people failed the test and the ranks were therefore cleared of those who were weak in faith. Only the true believers, who had strong faith, remained with him as told in the remainder of the verse; Allaah Says (what means): “…But they drank from it, except a [very] few of them. Then when he had crossed it along with those who believed with him, they said: 'There is no power for us today against Jaaloot [Goliath] and his soldiers.' But those who were certain that they would meet Allaah said: 'How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allaah…'" [Quran 2: 249] Note that the words of those who did not drink, not even a handful, were firm and that it was to these people that victory came. Allaah Says after this (what means): “So they defeated them by permission of Allaah…” [Quran 2: 251] The conflict between the followers of the truth and those of falsehood is what causes the victory from Allaah to descend as well as strengthening the Muslims and initiating Jihaad. Additionally, the ranks of the believers could never be distinguished without such a conflict, and nor would the Muslims receive any practical cultivation without it. It is the way of Allaah that the disbelievers temporarily overcome the Muslims, so that the Muslims can rearrange their ranks, purify themselves and work on building and strengthening their faith. It is after this that Allaah chooses those who are worthy for martyrdom and grants the believers victory over the disbelievers, as they then become worthy of such victory. The concept of debate: The Quran teaches us how to debate with our enemies and how to present evidences. Many enemies of Islam use debating in order to cast doubts and spread false information about Islam. Allaah presents to us the following debate (which means): “Have you not considered the one who argued with Ibraaheem about his Lord [merely] because Allaah had given him kingship? When Ibraaheem said: 'My Lord is The One Who gives life and causes death,' he said: 'I give life and cause death'…” [Quran 2: 258] This man then brought forth a person and killed him, and then commanded that a man who was sentenced to death be freed, demonstrating by this ridiculous example that he had therefore granted life and caused death. Thereupon, Prophet Ibraaheem threw him another challenge which stunned him; Allaah Says in continuation of the same verse (what means): “…Ibraaheem said: 'Allaah brings up the sun from the east, so bring it up from the west.' So the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment], and Allaah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” [Quran 2: 258] The concept of the reality of the worldly life and its value: The Quran confirms the real value of this life and its reality and essence in many verses; Allaah Says (what means): “Whatever you have will end, but what Allaah has is lasting…” [Quran 16: 96] When one reads this, which of the two would he naturally choose? The concept of loyalty and disavowal: Loyalty to the believers is manifested in the saying of Allaah(which means): “Let not believers take disbelievers as allies [i.e. supporters or protectors] rather than believers. And whoever [of you] does that has nothing [i.e. no association] with Allaah…” [Quran 3: 28] Would one befriend the disbelievers after this? Would he support them? Would he feel compassion towards them? Would he socialise with them? Would he join forces with them against his Muslim brothers? The concept of loving the Prophet : Loving the Prophet is not a mere claim; Allaah Says (what means): “Say, [O Muhammad]: 'If you should love Allaah, then follow me, [so] Allaah will love you…” [Quran 3: 31] The claim of loving the Prophet is therefore not to be accepted from one who acts in contradiction to his Sunnah. This concept is not clear in the minds of many, who seem to believe that this love is merely a claim while their conduct with their families, business partners and so on, as well as their outward appearance opposes that of the Prophet , which is a clear contradiction and misconception. The concept of the comprehensiveness of Islam: Many people erroneously believe that adhering to the religion is satisfied by the limited performance of certain acts of worship, and that as soon as they step out of the mosque for example, they can deal with others in any wicked way they choose. These people thereby rid themselves of their religion, but Allaah refutes this attitude by saying (what means): “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allaah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; and [who] establishes prayer and gives Zakaah; [those who] fulfil their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.” [Quran 2: 177] The concept of exposing the plans of the disbelievers: The disbelievers endeavour to divert the Muslims from their religion and use extremely evil methods in order to cause us to have doubts or misgivings towards it; Allaah Says (what means): “And a fraction of the People of the Scripture say [to each other]: 'Believe in that which was revealed to the believers at the beginning of the day and reject it at its end that perhaps they will return [i.e. abandon their religion].'” [Quran 3: 72] Just look at how evil their plan is! They would even pretend to embrace Islam and then leave it so that people, including some simpleminded Muslims, would think that there is a problem or defect with the religion and therefore shun it, or at least develop misgivings regarding it. The Quran exposes these people's plans so that we can counter them.
The concept that the future belongs to the Muslims: Allaah will certainly make this religion prevail and grant the Muslims victory over the disbelievers, even if after a while. Allaah Says (which means): “They want to extinguish the light of Allaah with their mouths, but Allaah will perfect his light, although the disbelievers dislike it. It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although those who associate others with Allaah dislike it.” [Quran 61: 8-9] Muslims nowadays are in dire need of understanding this concept. We must firmly believe that despite our current weakness, Islam will prevail and be victorious. This concept gives hope to the hearts of the believers, especially when one reads the saying of the Prophet : “A group from (among) my nation will continue to be upon the truth supported by Allaah; they will continue to fight Jihaad until the advent of the Hour.” We ask Allaah to make us from them. The concept of Unity: This is a concept that The Quran emphasises upon; it commands the Muslims not to disunite and become scattered groups; Allaah Says (what means): “And hold firmly to the rope of Allaah all together and do not become divided…” [Quran 3: 103] Where do the Muslims of our era stand in terms of this divine command? They have disunited and become scattered groups, to the point that the common Muslims cannot recognise where the truth is anymore. How can the Muslims unite? What will unite them? The only thing that will unite them is their collectively holding on to the Bond of Allaah, His Book (i.e. the Quran), His commands, and His religion. Any attempt to unite on any basis other than the religion of Allaah will be fruitless and people will not attain the sought victory, because Allaah only aids those who unite on the basis of His religion. The concept of superiority: Allaah Says (which means): “You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allaah…” [Quran 3: 110] How did our nation become the finest and most superior? It was through it enjoining good and forbidding evil. If we fail to do this then we can no longer count ourselves as a part of this superior nation as this superiority is not granted simply for being a member of this nation. Rather, we must fulfil the conditions of being superior. This superiority is mentioned in different verses to reflect another concept; Allaah Says (what means): “So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.” [Quran 3: 139] Meaning that we are superior when we adhere to our religion and its teachings; we are superior with the faith that Allaah blessed us with; we are superior due to our adhering to the Sunnah of our Prophet ; we are superior by persevering in our adherence to the Quran and the Sunnah. The concept of not being attached to individuals: One must not be attached to individuals, regardless who they are. Instead one must attach himself to the religion only, because those attached to individuals usually give up their convictions with the death of the ones to whom they are attached, while those attached to the religion remain steadfast even with the deaths of those who introduced the religion to them and whom they love dearly; Allaah Says (what means): “Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]?...” [Quran 3: 144] If this is regarding the Prophet then it is certainly more applicable with respect to anyone else. The concept of having to face harm from the disbelievers: We must realise that the disbelievers will afflict us with numerous and varied types of harm; Allaah Says (what means): “You will certainly be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allaah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allaah – indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.” [Quran 3: 186] Therefore, the harm that they afflict us with is physical, financial and psychological, but what is the cure and way out? Allaah gives us the cure at the conclusion of the verse, namely, perseverance and piety. If we do not have these then we will not be able to stand their afflictions, nor will we be able to confront them. The concept of referring to the Quran and the Sunnah for judgement: This must be applied to all our affairs and disputes; Allaah Says ( what means): “But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.” [Quran 4: 65] Disputes and disagreements amongst the Muslims have increased, and thus the need for applying this concept is needed more than ever. Even in matters of jurisprudence, the common people have become very confused due to hearing different opinions regarding the same issue. What is the solution to this confusion and disputation? It is in the saying of Allaah (which means): “…And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allaah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allaah and the Last Day…” [Quran 4: 59] Finally, the solution for all our problems is found in the Quran and all we need to do is to adhere to it, correctly understand the concepts in it, and apply them and inculcate them in practical life.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. 39:1 The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise. 39:2 Surely We have revealed to you the Book with the truth, therefore serve Allah, being sincere to Him in obedience. 39:3 Now, surely, sincere obedience is due to Allah (alone) and (as for) those who take guardians besides Him, (saying), We do not serve them save that they may make us nearer to Allah, surely Allah will judge between them in that in which they differ; surely Allah does not guide him aright who is a liar, ungrateful. 39:4 If Allah desire to take a son to Himself, He will surely choose those He pleases from what He has created. Glory be to Him: He is Allah, the One, the Subduer (of all). 39:5 He has created the heavens and the earth with the truth; He makes the night cover the day and makes the day overtake the night, and He has made the sun and the moon subservient; each one runs on to an assigned term; now surely He is the Mighty, the great Forgiver. 39:6 He has created you from a single being, then made its mate of the same (kind), and He has made for you eight of the cattle in pairs. He creates you in the wombs of your mothers-- a creation after a creation-- in triple darkness; that is Allah your Lord, His is the kingdom; there is no god but He; whence are you then turned away? 39:7 If you are ungrateful, then surely Allah is Self-sufficient above all need of you; and He does not like ungratefulness in His servants; and if you are grateful, He likes it in you; and no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another; then to your Lord is your return, then will He inform you of what you did; surely He is Cognizant of what is in the breasts. 39:8 And when distress afflicts a man he calls upon his Lord turning to Him frequently; then when He makes him possess a favor from Him, he forgets that for which he called upon Him before, and sets up rivals to Allah that he may cause (men) to stray off from His path. Say: Enjoy yourself in your ungratefulness a little, surely you are of the inmates of the fire. 39:9 What! he who is obedient during hours of the night, prostrating himself and standing, takes care of the hereafter and hopes for the mercy of his Lord! Say: Are those who know and those who do not know alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful. 39:10 Say: O my servants who believe! be careful of (your duty to) your Lord; for those who do good in this world is good, and Allah's earth is spacious; only the patient will be paid back their reward in full without measure. 39:11 Say: I am commanded that I should serve Allah, being sincere to Him in obedience. 39:12 And I am commanded that I shall be the first of those who submit. 39:13 Say: I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the chastisement of a grievous day. 39:14 Say: Allah (it is Whom) I serve, being sincere to Him in my obedience: 39:15 Serve then what you like besides Him. Say: The losers surely are those who shall have lost themselves and their families on the day of resurrection; now surely that is the clear loss. 39:16 They shall have coverings of fire above them and coverings beneath them; with that Allah makes His servants to fear, so be careful of (your duty to) Me, O My servants! 39:17 And (as for) those who keep off from the worship of the idols and turn to Allah, they shall have good news, therefore give good news to My servants, 39:18 Those who listen to the word, then follow the best of it; those are they whom Allah has guided, and those it is who are the men of understanding. 39:19 What! as for him then against whom the sentence of chastisement is due: What! can you save him who is in the fire? 39:20 But (as for) those who are careful of (their duty to) their Lord, they shall have high places, above them higher places, built (for them), beneath which flow rivers; (this is) the promise of Allah: Allah will not fail in (His) promise. 39:21 Do you not see that Allah sends down water from the cloud, then makes it go along in the earth in springs, then brings forth therewith herbage of various colors, then it withers so that you see it becoming yellow, then He makes it a thing crushed and broken into pieces? Most surely there is a reminder in this for the men of understanding. 39:22 What! is he whose heart Allah has opened for Islam so that he is in a light from his Lord (like the hard-hearted)? Nay, woe to those whose hearts are hard against the remembrance of Allah; those are in clear error. 39:23 Allah has revealed the best announcement, a book conformable in its various parts, repeating, whereat do shudder the skins of those who fear their Lord, then their skins and their hearts become pliant to the remembrance of Allah; this is Allah's guidance, He guides with it whom He pleases; and (as for) him whom Allah makes err, there is no guide for him. 39:24 Is he then who has to guard himself with his own person against the evil chastisement on the resurrection day? And it will be said to the unjust: Taste what you earned. 39:25 Those before them rejected (prophets), therefore there came to them the chastisement from whence they perceived not. 39:26 So Allah made them taste the disgrace in this world's life, and certainly the punishment of the hereafter is greater; did they but know! 39:27 And certainly We have set forth to men in this Quran similitudes of every sort that they may mind. 39:28 An Arabic Quran without any crookedness, that they may guard (against evil). 39:29 Allah sets forth an example: There is a slave in whom are (several) partners differing with one another, and there is another slave wholly owned by one man. Are the two alike in condition? (All) praise is due to Allah. Nay! most of them do not know. 39:30 Surely you shall die and they (too) shall surely die. 39:31 Then surely on the day of resurrection you will contend one with another before. your Lord. 39:32 Who is then more unjust than he who utters a lie against Allah and (he who) gives the lie to the truth when it comes to him; is there not in hell an abode for the unbelievers? 39:33 And he who brings the truth and (he who) accepts it as the truth-- these are they that guard (against evil). 39:34 They shall have with their Lord what they please; that is the reward of the doers of good; 39:35 So that Allah will do away with the worst of what they did and give them their reward for the best of what they do. 39:36 Is not Allah sufficient for His servant? And they seek to frighten you with those besides Him; and whomsoever Allah makes err, there is no guide for him. 39:37 And whom Allah guides, there is none that can lead him astray; is not Allah Mighty, the Lord of retribution? 39:38 And should you ask them, Who created the heavens and the earth? They would most certainly say: Allah. Say: Have you then considered that what you call upon besides Allah, would they, if Allah desire to afflict me with harm, be the removers of His harm, or (would they), if Allah desire to show me mercy, be the withholders of His mercy? Say: Allah is sufficient for me; on Him do the reliant rely. 39:39 Say: O my people! work in your place, surely I am a worker, so you will come to know. 39:40 Who it is to whom there shall come a punishment which will disgrace him and to whom will be due a lasting punishment. 39:41 Surely We have revealed to you the Book with the truth for the sake of men; so whoever follows the right way, it is for his own soul and whoever errs, he errs only to its detriment; and you are not a custodian over them. 39:42 Allah takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep; then He withholds those on whom He has passed the decree of death and sends the others back till an appointed term; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect. 39:43 Or have they taken intercessors besides Allah? Say: what! even though they did not ever have control over anything, nor do they understand. 39:44 Say: Allah's is the intercession altogether; His is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, then to Him you shall be brought back. 39:45 And when Allah alone is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the hereafter shrink, and when those besides Him are mentioned, lo! they are joyful. 39:46 Say: O Allah! Originator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen! Thou (only) judgest between Thy servants as to that wherein they differ. 39:47 And had those who are unjust all that is in the earth and the like of it with it, they would certainly offer it as ransom (to be saved) from the evil of the punishment on the day of resurrection; and what they never thought of shall become plain to them from Allah. 39:48 And the evil (consequences) of what they wrought shall become plain to them, and the very thing they mocked at shall beset them. 39:49 So when harm afflicts a man he calls upon Us; then, when We give him a favor from Us, he says: I have been given it only by means of knowledge. Nay, it is a trial, but most of them do not know. 39:50 Those before them did say it indeed, but what they earned availed them not. 39:51 So there befell them the evil (consequences) of what they earned; and (as for) those who are unjust from among these, there shall befall them the evil (consequences) of what they earn, and they shall not escape. 39:52 Do they not know that Allah makes ample the means of subsistence to whom He pleases, and He straitens; most surely there are signs in this for a people who believe. 39:53 Say: O my servants! who have acted extravagantly against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of Allah; surely Allah forgives the faults altogether; surely He is the Forgiving the Merciful. 39:54 And return to your Lord time after time and submit to Him before there comes to you the punishment, then you shall not be helped. 39:55 And follow the best that has been revealed to you from your Lord before there comes to you the punishment all of a sudden while you do not even perceive; 39:56 Lest a soul should say: O woe to me! for what I fell short of my duty to Allah, and most surely I was of those who laughed to scorn; 39:57 Or it should say: Had Allah guided me, I would certainly have been of those who guard (against evil); 39:58 Or it should say when it sees the punishment: Were there only a returning for me, I should be of the doers of good. 39:59 Aye! My communications came to you, but you rejected them, and you were proud and you were one of the unbelievers. 39:60 And on the day of resurrection you shall see those who lied against Allah; their faces shall be blackened. Is there not in hell an abode for the proud? 39:61 And Allah shall deliver those who guard (against evil) with their achievement; evil shall not touch them, nor shall they grieve. 39:62 Allah is the Creator of every thing and He has charge over every thing. 39:63 His are the treasures of the heavens and the earth; and (as for) those who disbelieve in the communications of Allah, these it is that are the losers. 39:64 Say: What! Do you then bid me serve others than Allah, O ignorant men? 39:65 And certainly, it has been revealed to you and to those before you: Surely if you associate (with Allah), your work would certainly come to naught and you would certainly be of the losers. 39:66 Nay! but serve Allah alone and be of the thankful. 39:67 And they have not honored Allah with the honor that is due to Him; and the whole earth shall be in His grip on the day of resurrection and the heavens rolled up in His right hand; glory be to Him, and may He be exalted above what they associate (with Him). 39:68 And the trumpet shall be blown, so all those that are in the heavens and all those that are in the earth shall swoon, except such as Allah please; then it shall be blown again, then lo! they shall stand up awaiting. 39:69 And the earth shall beam with the light of its Lord, and the Book shall be laid down, and the prophets and the witnesses shall be brought up, and judgment shall be given between them with justice, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly. 39:70 And every soul shall be paid back fully what it has done, and He knows best what they do. 39:71 And those who disbelieve shall be driven to hell in companies; until, when they come to it, its doors shall be opened, and the keepers of it shall say to them: Did not there come to you apostles from among you reciting to you the communications of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this day of yours? They shall say: Yea! But the sentence of punishment was due against the unbelievers. 39:72 It shall be said: Enter the gates of hell to abide therein; so evil is the abode of the proud. 39:73 And those who are careful of (their duty to) their Lord shall be conveyed to the garden in companies; until when they come to it, and its doors shall be opened, and the keepers of it shall say to them: Peace be on you, you shall be happy; therefore enter it to abide. 39:74 And they shall say: (All) praise is due to Allah, Who has made good to us His promise, and He has made us inherit the land; we may abide in the garden where we please; so goodly is the reward of the workers. 39:75 And you shall see the angels going round about the throne glorifying the praise of their Lord; and judgment shall be given between them with justice, and it shall be said: All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
One of a Muslim’s duties, as stated in the Five Pillars of Islam, is to go on Haj pilgrimage once during his or her lifetime. The Haj to Makkah is an obligation upon male and female adults whose health and financial situations permit it, or, in the words of the Quran, upon ‘those who can make their way there.’ It is not an obligation for children, though some children do accompany their parents on this journey.
Before setting out, a pilgrim should redress all wrongs, pay all debts, plan to have enough funds for his own journey and for the maintenance of his family while he is away, and prepare himself for good conduct throughout the Haj. The pilgrimage takes place each year between the 8th and the 13th day of Dhu Al Hijjah, the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar. Its first rite is the donning of the ihram.
The ihram, worn by men, is a white seamless garment made up of two pieces of cloth or towelling; one covers the body from waist to ankle and the other is thrown over the shoulder. Women generally wear a simple dress and a headcovering, but not a face veil. Men’s heads must be uncovered.
The ihram indicates the equality of all people in the eyes of God. When the pilgrim wears his white apparel, he or she enters into a state of purity that prohibits quarrelling, committing violence to man or animal and having conjugal relations.
Haj and Umrah: what is the difference?
1. Haj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and it is mandatory for everyone who is physically and financially able to perform it once in a lifetime. Umrah is not obligatory.
2. Haj must be performed in the prescribed time period, the major rites are done in the first two weeks of Dhu Al Hijjah. Umrah, however, can be done any time of the year.
3. Umrah involves only the rites of Tawaf and Sa’i with ihram; whereas Haj involves staying in Mina, performing the rite of wuquf (standing) in the plains of Arafat, staying in Muzdalifah, and pelting the stone pillars, as well as sacrifice. Umrah, however, does not involve any of these.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. 38:1 Suad, I swear by the Quran, full of admonition. 38:2 Nay! those who disbelieve are in self-exaltation and opposition. 38:3 How many did We destroy before them of the generations, then they cried while the time of escaping had passed away. 38:4 And they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves, and the disbelievers say: This IS an enchanter, a liar. 38:5 What! makes he the gods a single God? A strange thing is this, to be sure! 38:6 And the chief persons of them break forth, saying: Go and steadily adhere to your gods; this is most surely a thing sought after. 38:7 We never heard of this in the former faith; this is nothing but a forgery: 38:8 Has the reminder been revealed to him from among us? Nay! they are in doubt as to My reminder. Nay! they have not yet tasted My chastisement! 38:9 Or is it that they have the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the Mighty, the great Giver? 38:10 Or is it that theirs is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend by any 38:11 A host of deserters of the allies shall be here put to flight. 38:12 The people of Nuh and Ad, and Firon, the lord of spikes, rejected (apostles) before them. 38:13 And Samood and the people of Lut and the dwellers of the thicket; these were the parties. 38:14 There was none of them but called the apostles liars, so just was My retribution. 38:15 Nor do these await aught but a single cry, there being no delay in it. 38:16 And they say: O our Lord! hasten on to us our portion before the day of reckoning. 38:17 Bear patiently what they say, and remember Our servant Dawood, the possessor of power; surely he was frequent m returning (to Allah). 38:18 Surely We made the mountains to sing the glory (of Allah) in unison with him at the evening and the sunrise, 38:19 And the birds gathered together; all joined in singing with him. 38:20 And We strengthened his kingdom and We gave him wisdom and a clear judgment. 38:21 And has there come to you the story of the litigants, when they made an entry into the private chamber by ascending over the walls? 38:22 When they entered in upon Dawood and he was frightened at them, they said: Fear not; two litigants, of whom one has acted wrongfully towards the other, therefore decide between us with justice, and do not act unjustly, and guide us to the right way. 38:23 Surely this is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes and I have a single ewe; but he said: Make it over to me, and he has prevailed against me in discourse. 38:24 He said: Surely he has been unjust to you in demanding your ewe (to add) to his own ewes; and most surely most of the partners act wrongfully towards one another, save those who believe and do good, and very few are they; and Dawood was sure that We had tried him, so he sought the protection of his Lord and he fell down bowing and turned time after time (to Him). 38:25 Therefore We rectified for him this, and most surely he had a nearness to Us and an excellent resort. 38:26 o Dawood ! surely We have made you a ruler in the land; so judge between men with justice and do not follow desire, lest it should lead you astray from the path of Allah; (as for) those who go astray from the path of Allah, they shall surely have a severe punishment because they forgot the day of reckoning. 38:27 And We did not create the heaven and the earth and what is between them in vain; that is the opinion of those who disbelieve then woe to those who disbelieve on account of the fire. 38:28 Shall We treat those who believe and do good like the mischief-makers in the earth? Or shall We make those who guard (against evil) like the wicked? 38:29 (It is) a Book We have revealed to you abounding in good that they may ponder over its verses, and that those endowed with understanding may be mindful. 38:30 And We gave to Dawood Sulaiman, most excellent the servant! Surely he was frequent in returning (to Allah). 38:31 When there were brought to him in the evening (horses) still when standing, swift when running-- 38:32 Then he said: Surely I preferred the good things to the remembrance of my Lord-- until the sun set and time for Asr prayer was over, (he said): 38:33 Bring them back to me; so he began to slash (their) legs and necks. 38:34 And certainly We tried Sulaiman, and We put on his throne a (mere) body, so he turned (to Allah). 38:35 He said: My Lord! do Thou forgive me and grant me a kingdom which is not fit for (being inherited by) anyone after me; 38:36 Then We made the wind subservient to him; it made his command to run gently wherever he desired, 38:37 And the shaitans, every builder and diver, 38:38 And others fettered in chains. 38:39 This is Our free gift, therefore give freely or withhold, without reckoning. 38:40 And most surely he had a nearness to Us and an excellent resort. 38:41 And remember Our servant Ayyub, when he called upon his Lord: The Shaitan has afflicted me with toil and torment. 38:42 Urge with your foot; here is a cool washing-place and a drink. 38:43 And We gave him his family and the like of them with them, as a mercy from Us, and as a reminder to those possessed of understanding. 38:44 And take in your hand a green branch and beat her with It and do not break your oath; surely We found him patient; most excellent the servant! Surely he was frequent m returning (to Allah). 38:45 And remember Our servants Ibrahim and Ishaq and Yaqoub, men of power and insight. 38:46 Surely We purified them by a pure quality, the keeping m mind of the (final) abode. 38:47 And most surely they were with Us, of the elect, the best. 38:48 And remember Ismail and Al-Yasha and Zulkifl; and they were all of the best. 38:49 This is a reminder; and most surely there is an excellent resort for those who guard (against evil), 38:50 The gardens of perpetuity, the doors are opened for them. 38:51 Reclining therein, calling therein for many fruits and drink. 38:52 And with them shall be those restraining their eyes, equals in age. 38:53 This is what you are promised for the day of reckoning. 38:54 Most surely this is Our sustenance; it shall never come to an end; 38:55 This (shall be so); and most surely there is an evil resort for the inordinate ones; 38:56 Hell; they shall enter it, so evil is the resting-place. 38:57 This (shall be so); so let them taste it, boiling and intensely cold (drink). 38:58 And other (punishment) of the same kind-- of various sorts. 38:59 This is an army plunging in without consideration along with you; no welcome for them, surely they shall enter fire. 38:60 They shall say: Nay! you-- no welcome to you: you did proffer it to us, so evil is the resting-place. 38:61 They shall say: Our Lord! whoever prepared it first for us, add Thou to him a double chastisement in the fire. 38:62 And they shall say: What is the matter with us that we do not see men whom we used to count among the vicious? 38:63 Was it that we (only) took them in scorn, or have our eyes (now) turned aside from them? 38:64 That most surely is the truth: the contending one with another of the inmates of the fire. 38:65 Say: I am only a warner, and there is no god but Allah, the One, the Subduer (of all): 38:66 The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, the Mighty, the most Forgiving. 38:67 Say: It is a message of importance, 38:68 (And) you are turning aside from it: 38:69 I had no knowledge of the exalted chiefs when they contended: 38:70 Naught is revealed to me save that I am a plain warner. 38:71 When your Lord said to the angels; Surely I am going to create a mortal from dust: 38:72 So when I have made him complete and breathed into him of My spirit, then fall down making obeisance to him. 38:73 And the angels did obeisance, all of them, 38:74 But not Iblis: he was proud and he was one of the unbelievers. 38:75 He said: O Iblis! what prevented you that you should do obeisance to him whom I created with My two hands? Are you proud or are you of the exalted ones? 38:76 He said: I am better than he; Thou hast created me of fire, and him Thou didst create of dust. 38:77 He said: Then get out of it, for surely you are driven away: 38:78 And surely My curse is on you to the day of judgment. 38:79 He said: My Lord! then respite me to the day that they are raised. 38:80 He said: Surely you are of the respited ones, 38:81 Till the period of the time made known. 38:82 He said: Then by Thy Might I will surely make them live an evil life, all, 38:83 Except Thy servants from among them, the purified ones. 38:84 He said: The truth then is and the truth do I speak: 38:85 That I will most certainly fill hell with you and with those among them who follow you, all. 38:86 Say: I do not ask you for any reward for it; nor am I of those who affect: 38:87 It is nothing but a reminder to the nations; 38:88 And most certainly you will come to know about it after a time.
'I hope the time isn't far off when I shall be able to establish a regime based on the principles of Qur'an,' Bonaparte.
By Karima Saifullah
Born on the 15th of August 1769, Napoléon Bonaparte was able to shape modern European history with his military innovations and war tactics that enabled him to lead several successful campaigns against the First and Second Coalition. The French leader, who died in May 1982, was a general during the French Revolution, the ruler of France as First Consul of the French Republic, Emperor of the French, King of Italy, Mediator of the SwissConfederation and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. His campaigns are studied at military academies all over the world and he is widely regarded as one of history's greatest commanders. Regardless of whether he was a fair leader or not, one of the most impressive aspects regarding Napoléon Bonaparte was his admiration of Islam. Bonaparte first learnt about Islam in 1789, when he proposed a military expedition to seize Egypt -- then a province of the Ottoman Empire -- in order to protect French trade interests and undermine Britain's access to India. It has been reported that while in Egypt, Bonaparte took part in several religious ceremonies and held meetings with Muslim clerics. Many quotes suggest that Bonaparte was a serious admirer of Islam: "Moses has revealed the existence of God to his nation. Jesus Christ to the Roman world, Muhammad (PBUH) to the old continent,” "I hope the time is not far off when I shall be able to unite all the wise and educated men of all the countries and establish a uniform regime based on the principles of Qur'an which alone are true and which alone can lead men to happiness,” Napoléon Bonaparte as quoted in Christian Cherfils, ‘Bonaparte et Islam,’ Pedone Ed., Paris, France, 1914, pp. 105, 125. Many historians discussed Bonaparte’s admiration of Islam, while others debated whether he converted to Islam or not. ‘Satanic Voices - Ancient and Modern’ by David M. Pidcock stated that the then official French Newspaper, Le Moniteur, carried the accounts of Bonaparte’s conversion to Islam in 1798 C.E. The newspaper even mentioned his new Muslim name, which was ‘Aly (Ali) Napoléon Bonaparte’. It has also been reported that Bonaparte commended the conversion of his General Jacques Menou, whose Muslim name was ‘Abdullah-Jacques Menou’, who later married an Egyptian, Sitti Zoubeida - who was descended from the line of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Even if such claims are untrue, it’s clear that Napoleon Bonaparte admired the Islamic (Shari'ah) Law and attempted to apply it in his Empire. It’s interesting that a great leader like Bonaparte admired Islam and its laws, which are much better than the secular laws applied in many countries today. In fact, some aspects of the Shariah law still exist in the French constitution as the basis for some of their laws taken from the Code Napoléon. A well-known case like the fatal car accident of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dodi al-Fayed can best illustrate this. "The photographers were charged with an old part of the French Jurisprudence, for ‘not helping at the scene of an accident’- which is taken from the Shari'ah Law of Imam Malik." (David M. Pidcock, 1998 C.E.) - (Al Jazeera Magazine, 21 Nov 07)
