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Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Chapter 97: Surah Al Qadr - Mishari Rashid Efasy
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
97:1 Surely We revealed it on the grand night.
97:2 And what will make you comprehend what the grand night is?
97:3 The grand night is better than a thousand months.
97:4 The angels and Gibreel descend in it by the permission of their Lord for every affair,
97:5 Peace! it is till the break of the morning.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Quran, freedom of speech, and trash talk
By Meshary Alruwaih (Kuwait Times)
We all remember those disgusting cartoons about Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) that appeared on the Danish newspaper more than a year ago, and sure we remember the more recent ones that appeared on Swedish newspaper about a month ago -- as if Scandinavians have nothing better to do than offend Muslims. Too bad though since Scandinavians are known for their politeness and respect for law and order. But just like many other Westerners, they have an unrestrained style of freedom of speech and so they wrongly believe that humiliating others' religions and cultures is a given right to them by the secular system they endorse. Those unfortunate events came to my mind when I was reading the following verse from the Quran (Chapter 6: 108) "Revile not those unto whom they pray beside Allah lest they wrongfully revile Allah through ignorance. Thus unto every nation have We made their deed seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return, and He will tell them what they used to do". In a more accessible way, the first part of this verse instructs Muslims not to talk ill of others' religions so they do not respond aggressively towards our god (Allah). This is a lesson to Muslims that they should not talk harshly or offend Christians, Jews, or even Buddhists, as this will generate a reaction of anger and retaliation. In this verse, the Quran instructs us to never start the trash talk between followers of different religions. In this verse, Allah warns us from falling into one of the traps of the freedom of speech that the West failed to avoid. It provides us with a model of respect for others' religions that has not parallel in the secular thoughts of freedom of speech. That said, it's important to mention that regrettably not enough Muslims follow this verse. They deal with others as they have omitted this verse from the Quran. You watch one day of a radical Islamic TV channel or visit a pro Al-Qaeda website and you think that Muslims never heard of this verse! Muslims have every right to criticize the behaviors and attitudes of Christians and Jews when they feel threatened or feel conspired against, but they must not attack the basics, principals, or the holiness of their religions. Despite the lack of practice among many Muslims of the principal in this verse, it's comforting to know that at least we have it as our reference as a guide that will sure find its way among many more Muslims. The trouble is to be found in the West where there is no such guide for respect for others' cultures and religions. I hope that this verse will not only find its way among Muslims, but also among Danes and Swedes!!
We all remember those disgusting cartoons about Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) that appeared on the Danish newspaper more than a year ago, and sure we remember the more recent ones that appeared on Swedish newspaper about a month ago -- as if Scandinavians have nothing better to do than offend Muslims. Too bad though since Scandinavians are known for their politeness and respect for law and order. But just like many other Westerners, they have an unrestrained style of freedom of speech and so they wrongly believe that humiliating others' religions and cultures is a given right to them by the secular system they endorse. Those unfortunate events came to my mind when I was reading the following verse from the Quran (Chapter 6: 108) "Revile not those unto whom they pray beside Allah lest they wrongfully revile Allah through ignorance. Thus unto every nation have We made their deed seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return, and He will tell them what they used to do". In a more accessible way, the first part of this verse instructs Muslims not to talk ill of others' religions so they do not respond aggressively towards our god (Allah). This is a lesson to Muslims that they should not talk harshly or offend Christians, Jews, or even Buddhists, as this will generate a reaction of anger and retaliation. In this verse, the Quran instructs us to never start the trash talk between followers of different religions. In this verse, Allah warns us from falling into one of the traps of the freedom of speech that the West failed to avoid. It provides us with a model of respect for others' religions that has not parallel in the secular thoughts of freedom of speech. That said, it's important to mention that regrettably not enough Muslims follow this verse. They deal with others as they have omitted this verse from the Quran. You watch one day of a radical Islamic TV channel or visit a pro Al-Qaeda website and you think that Muslims never heard of this verse! Muslims have every right to criticize the behaviors and attitudes of Christians and Jews when they feel threatened or feel conspired against, but they must not attack the basics, principals, or the holiness of their religions. Despite the lack of practice among many Muslims of the principal in this verse, it's comforting to know that at least we have it as our reference as a guide that will sure find its way among many more Muslims. The trouble is to be found in the West where there is no such guide for respect for others' cultures and religions. I hope that this verse will not only find its way among Muslims, but also among Danes and Swedes!!
(Published Date: October 01, 2007)
Chapter 55 - Surah Rahman -
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
55:1 The Beneficent God,
55:2 Taught the Quran.
55:3 He created man,
55:4 Taught him the mode of expression.
55:5 The sun and the moon follow a reckoning.
55:6 And the herbs and the trees do adore (Him).
55:7 And the heaven, He raised it high, and He made the balance
55:8 That you may not be inordinate in respect of the measure.
55:9 And keep up the balance with equity and do not make the measure deficient.
55:10 And the earth, He has set it for living creatures;
55:11 Therein is fruit and palms having sheathed clusters,
55:12 And the grain with (its) husk and fragrance.
55:13 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:14 He created man from dry clay like earthen vessels,
55:15 And He created the jinn of a flame of fire.
55:16 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:17 Lord of the East and Lord of the West.
55:18 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:19 He has made the two seas to flow freely (so that) they meet together:
55:20 Between them is a barrier which they cannot pass.
55:21 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:22 There come forth from them pearls, both large and small.
55:23 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:24 And His are the ships reared aloft in the sea like mountains.
55:25 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:26 Everyone on it must pass away.
55:27 And there will endure for ever the person of your Lord, the Lord of glory and honor.
55:28 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:29 All those who are in the heavens and the earth ask of Him; every moment He is in a state (of glory).
55:30 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:31 Soon will We apply Ourselves to you, O you two armies.
55:32 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:33 O assembly of the jinn and the men! If you are able to pass through the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass through; you cannot pass through but with authority.
55:34 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:35 The flames of fire and smoke will be sent on you two, then you will not be able to defend yourselves.
55:36 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:37 And when the heaven is rent asunder, and then becomes red like red hide.
55:38 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:39 So on that day neither man nor jinni shall be asked about his sin.
55:40 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:41 The guilty shall be recognized by their marks, so they shall be seized by the forelocks and the feet.
55:42 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:43 This is the hell which the guilty called a lie.
55:44 Round about shall they go between it and hot, boiling water.
55:45 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:46 And for him who fears to stand before his Lord are two gardens.
55:47 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:48 Having in them various kinds.
55:49 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:50 In both of them are.two fountains flowing.
55:51 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:52 In both of them are two pairs of every fruit.
55:53 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:54 Reclining on beds, the inner coverings of which are of silk brocade; and the fruits of the two gardens shall be within reach.
55:55 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:56 In them shall be those who restrained their eyes; before them neither man nor jinni shall have touched them.
55:57 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:58 As though they were rubies and pearls.
55:59 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:60 Is the reward of goodness aught but goodness?
55:61 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:62 And besides these two are two (other) gardens:
55:63 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:64 Both inclining to blackness.
55:65 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:66 In both of them are two springs gushing forth.
55:67 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:68 In both are fruits and palms and pomegranates.
55:69 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:70 In them are goodly things, beautiful ones.
55:71 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:72 Pure ones confined to the pavilions.
55:73 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:74 Man has not touched them before them nor jinni.
55:75 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:76 Reclining on green cushions and beautiful carpets.
55:77 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?
55:78 Blessed be the name of your Lord, the Lord of Glory and Honor!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Depend On Al-Quran For Excellence
Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a Titah last night underscored the importance of the al-Quran in finding excellence and success. The monarch delivered the titah at the National Nuzul al-Quran Celebration held at the Plenary Hall, International Conference Centre. Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Hj AlMuhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen.
The most important source of knowledge for Muslims is the al-Quran His Majesty said. Those who use the al-Quran as a reference will attain excellence, success and safety. A map towards the path to excellence, success and safety is important and that map is contained in the al-Quran. "No diversions exist in the al-Quran It is the light that will shine all paths. The Arabs during the period of ignorance were an uncivilized race. "However, after embracing Islam, their way of living changed and enabled them to build a glorious civilization. There is no doubt that was stimulated by the al-Quran," His Majesty said. His Majesty noted that with this in mind, al-Quran is the right foundation to achieve excellence. The holy book's role is to guide our faith by reminding us to worship only Allah Almighty especially in our acts of devotion towards Him as well as in other activities. "Muslims cannot achieve excellence if they leave their religious duties behind since excellence wholly comes from Allah the Almighty," said His Majesty. Worshipping Allah the Almighty means being obedient in every aspect of life besides praying and upholding all the dos and don'ts by the family, the country and also by us. Main importance of religious duties is to find Allah the Almighty's blessings and god willing - all the doors to these blessings will be opened. The Monarch pointed out that this is our hope in finding excellence, not only in our current lives but also the afterlife. The most important perspective is not to close it with the worldly development since in Islam; true success is measured by the excellence for the afterlife too. This can be seen with the al-Quran approach through its verses on excellence and success. "What is meant by a glorious success is none other than to receive the greater blessings or rewards from Allah the Almighty," His Majesty added. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
The most important source of knowledge for Muslims is the al-Quran His Majesty said. Those who use the al-Quran as a reference will attain excellence, success and safety. A map towards the path to excellence, success and safety is important and that map is contained in the al-Quran. "No diversions exist in the al-Quran It is the light that will shine all paths. The Arabs during the period of ignorance were an uncivilized race. "However, after embracing Islam, their way of living changed and enabled them to build a glorious civilization. There is no doubt that was stimulated by the al-Quran," His Majesty said. His Majesty noted that with this in mind, al-Quran is the right foundation to achieve excellence. The holy book's role is to guide our faith by reminding us to worship only Allah Almighty especially in our acts of devotion towards Him as well as in other activities. "Muslims cannot achieve excellence if they leave their religious duties behind since excellence wholly comes from Allah the Almighty," said His Majesty. Worshipping Allah the Almighty means being obedient in every aspect of life besides praying and upholding all the dos and don'ts by the family, the country and also by us. Main importance of religious duties is to find Allah the Almighty's blessings and god willing - all the doors to these blessings will be opened. The Monarch pointed out that this is our hope in finding excellence, not only in our current lives but also the afterlife. The most important perspective is not to close it with the worldly development since in Islam; true success is measured by the excellence for the afterlife too. This can be seen with the al-Quran approach through its verses on excellence and success. "What is meant by a glorious success is none other than to receive the greater blessings or rewards from Allah the Almighty," His Majesty added. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
Friday, September 28, 2007
Chapter 32: Surah Sajadah - Sheikh Meshari Rashid Efasy
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
32:1 Alif Lam Mim.
32:2 The revelation of the Book, there is no doubt in it, is from the Lord of the worlds.
32:3 Or do they say: He has forged it? Nay! it is the truth from your Lord that you may warn a people to whom no warner has come before you, that they may follow the right direction.
32:4 Allah is He Who created the heavens and the earth and what is between them in six periods, and He mounted the throne (of authority); you have not besides Him any guardian or any intercessor, will you not then mind?
32:5 He regulates the affair from the heaven to the earth; then shall it ascend to Him in a day the measure of which is a thousand years of what you count.
32:6 This is the Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Mighty the Merciful,
32:7 Who made good everything that He has created, and He began the creation of man from dust.
32:8 Then He made his progeny of an extract, of water held in light estimation.
32:9 Then He made him complete and breathed into him of His spirit, and made for you the ears and the eyes and the hearts; little is it that you give thanks.
32:10 And they say: What! when we have become lost in the earth, shall we then certainly be in a new creation? Nay! they are disbelievers in the meeting of their Lord.
32:11 Say: The angel of death who is given charge of you shall cause you to die, then to your Lord you shall be brought back.
32:12 And could you but see when the guilty shall hang down their heads before their Lord: Our Lord! we have seen and we have heard, therefore send us back, we will do good; surely (now) we are certain.
32:13 And if We had pleased We would certainly have given to every soul its guidance, but the word (which had gone forth) from Me was just: I will certainly fill hell with the jinn and men together.
32:14 So taste, because you neglected the meeting of this day of yours; surely We forsake you; and taste the abiding chastisement for what you did.
32:15 Only they believe in Our communications who, when they are reminded of them, fall down making obeisance and celebrate the praise of their Lord, and they are not proud.
32:16 Their sides draw away from (their) beds, they call upon their Lord in fear and in hope, and they spend (benevolently) out of what We have given them.
32:17 So no soul knows what is hidden for them of that which will refresh the eyes; a reward for what they did.
32:18 Is he then who is a believer like him who is a transgressor? They are not equal.
32:19 As for those who believe and do good, the gardens are their abiding-place; an entertainment for what they did.
32:20 And as for those who transgress, their abode is the fire; whenever they desire to go forth from it they shall be brought back into it, and it will be said to them: Taste the chastisement of the fire which you called a lie.
32:21 And most certainly We will make them taste of the nearer chastisement before the greater chastisement that haply they may turn.
32:22 And who is more unjust than he who is reminded of the communications of his Lord, then he turns away from them? Surely We will give punishment to the guilty.
32:23 And certainly We gave the Book to Musa, so be not in doubt concerning the receiving of it, and We made it a guide for the children of Israel.
32:24 And We made of them Imams to guide by Our command when they were patient, and they were certain of Our communications.
32:25 Surely your Lord will judge between them on the day of resurrection concerning that wherein they differ.
32:26 Does it not point out to them the right way, how many of the generations, in whose abodes they go about, did We destroy before them? Most surely there are signs in this; will they not then hear?
32:27 Do they not see that We drive the water to a land having no herbage, then We bring forth thereby seed-produce of which their cattle and they themselves eat; will they not then see?
32:28 And they say: When will this judgment take place, If you are truthful?
32:29 Say: On the day of judgment the faith of those who (now) disbelieve will not profit them, nor will they be respited.
32:30 Therefore turn away from them and wait, surely they too are waiting.
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