Questions & Answers About Islam

Questions & Answers About Islam

Q: Who is Allah, and is He the same as God? 

A: When Muslims talk about God, they automatically think of Allah. Allah is the Arabic word for “The One True God”. He is the Almighty, the Creator who created the universe, mankind and all other forms of life. Allah is the sustainer of life and the One who regulates all that happens in the universe. Throughout these questions, I will refer to god as Allah and so you know who I am talking about. 

Q: What is Islam, and what does the word "Islam" mean? 

A: Islam is Allah’s eternal message to mankind. Islam originated with our father Adam (peace be upon him) and then the torch was passed on to other elect messengers. Islam's message was, still is and will always be the belief in and submission to the One True God alone, the Creator and the Sustainer of all things, the Exalted and the Redeemer of all things. The word Islam itself means "submission and surrendering" to Allah, wilfully obeying His commands. 

Q: I heard something about the 5 pillars of Islam and the 6 pillars of faith. Could you elaborate more on these pillars? 

A: You are right! Islam has two different types of pillars: The pillars of Islam and the pillars of faith in Islam. The 5 pillars of Islam are: 

1. Al-Shahadatan" the testimony that there is no God but Allah and Mohammad is Messenger of Allah, 

2. performing prayer (Salah), 

3. giving Alms (Zakah), 

4. fasting (Sawm), 

5. and performing Pilgrimage (Hajj) for those who are able. 

The 6 pillars of Faith in Islam are: 

1. The belief in One God, Allah, 

2. the belief in His Angels, 

3. the belief in His Scriptures, 

4. the belief in His Messengers, 

5. the belief in Judgment Day. 

6. and the belief in the divine decree, the good and the bad of it. 

Q: Who is Mohammad? 

A: Mohammad (peace be upon him) was born in Mecca 570 CE. At age forty he was elected by Allah to convey His Message to mankind. The Message is to worship Allah alone, not ascribing partners with Him. Mohammad (peace be upon him) spent the last 23 years of his life conveying God's Message to all people. Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) died at age 63 and his resting place lies in the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia. He is Allah’s final Messenger to mankind. 

Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) came to re-institute Islam, the religion of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them). The following prophecy is obtained from the Bible regarding Mohammad's cometh from Arabia. In HABAKKUK 3:3 “God (Jesus) came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise." The place of Teman is the area located southeast of Palestine, and Paran is the area of Mecca in Saudi Arabia where the Holy One (Mohammad peace be upon him) came from. 

Q: What is the deal with the term(s) "Mohammadeen", "Muhammedanism" or Mohammedans in Islam? 

A: There are no such terms at all. Other religions have been named after their founders or after the community in which the religion was prospered. For example, Christianity has been named after Christ. Judaism after the tribe of Judah, and Buddhism after Buddha. Westerners falsely gave the name "Muhammedanism" or Mohammadeen" to Islam after Mohammad (peace be upon him) and also called his followers "Mohammedans". However the terms “Islam” and “Muslims” are actually found in the Qur’an, the final revelation of Allah. (see «27:31»), («3:19») & («22:78»). 

Q: Who is Satan and what is his name in Arabic? 

A: Satan is an evil being that is focussed on tempting and misguiding mankind away from the religion of Allah. His name in Arabic is Iblis and also by the name of "Shaytaan" (which means Devil). He is from the creation known as the "jinn" or as it is commonly known in English as “spirits”. 

Q: Why does Satan despise humans and desire their destruction? 

A: Satan was a mighty and distinguished creature that was a servant of Allah. However when Allah created Adam, Allah honoured him by commanding the angels and Satan, to prostrate to Adam as a sign of respect and not as a sign of worship. All of them prostrated to Adam except Satan, who was created with freewill and decided to disobey Allah. Allah asked him, “What made you not prostrate to Adam and disobey my commandment?” Satan replied, “I am better than Adam, you created him from clay and created me from fire.” Allah cursed Satan and Satan vowed to destroy Adam and his descendants forever. 

Q: I am still confused, I thought Satan was an angel like Gabriel and he has no free will but to worship God? 

A: False. If Satan was an angel, then we wouldn't have any problems with him at all. Angels are a special creation of Allah. He created angels from divine light and do not have free will in doing things but to worship God and obey his commandments. Satan, on the other hand, is a Jinn, and like mankind, Satan and the "jinnkind" have free will in their actions; free will of doing good and free will of doing bad. Ref. QURAN «(18:50)» 

Q: Is it true that Adam was the first messenger of Allah? 

A: Yes, Adam had the responsibility to convey Allah’s message and laws to his descendants. From the beginning, Adam's message to the first generation of mankind was to worship the One True God, Allah alone. 

Q: Why did God send messengers, and why not instead communicate with us directly? 

A: Allah created us, placed us on Earth and gave us this beautiful life. He gave us intellect, reason and the gift of choice. So this life is a test from Him to see which of us believes, is thankful and obedient to Him. Now if Allah revealed Himself directly to us, there would be no test as none of us would reject Him. If this was the case there would be no need for us to live on Earth, as we may as well all be living in paradise. But rather we are here – even though Allah has knowledge of all things – to see who will believe and submit to Him and who will disbelieve and reject Him. 

In addition to this, if we look at the nature of Allah, He is able to do all things that are Holy and Godly. So it is not befitting for Him to come to Earth and communicate to us in this manner. An example of what I mean is, as humans we manufacture appliances for specific purposes. For example, a tape recorder is designed and manufactured by humans. Now it has never been suggested that in order to understand what is good for the tape recorder, or to communicate with it, that the manufacturer (human) should become a tape recorder himself. Rather the manufacturer publishes an instruction manual on the recorder. In this respect, human beings are also complex and we too have a Designer and a Manufacturer. So we wouldn’t expect our Designer to come to Earth as one of us to communicate to us in this manner. Rather He revealed the “instruction manual” for mankind and chose messengers, who were ideal examples to be followed and who would explain the “manual” from Allah. 

Q: How many prophets and messengers did God send to mankind? 

A: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us approximately 124,000 prophets and messengers were sent to mankind. The Qur’an lists 25 of the most popular ones. They are: Adam, Enoch (Idris), Noah, Hud, Salih, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Lot, Jacob (Yaqub), Joseph (Yusuf), Shu'aib, Job (Ayyob), Moses (Musa), Aaron (Haroon), Ezekiel (Dhul-Kifl), David (Dawood), Solomon (Sulaiman), Elias, Elisha (El-Yasa), Jonah (Yunus), Zechariah, John (Yahya), Jesus, and Mohammad, peace be upon them all. 

Q: Are you telling me both Moses and Jesus were Muslims? If so, prove it and I would like to see something from the Bible in this regard? 

A: Both Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) were Muslims, since both had conveyed the very same Message - "Submission and surrendering" to the One True God. 

Here is the proof from the Bible: 

Moses said: ‘"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is ONE Lord."’(DEUTERONOMY 6:4). Approximately 1500 years later Jesus said: ‘"...The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is ONE Lord." ’(MARK 12:29). 

Of course Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) came along approximately 600 years later, bringing identical message again: «"And your God is ONE God: There is no God but He" »(The QURAN 2:163) 

Q: I am still confused, if Mohammad was to be God's final and most glorified Prophet, how come we don't see his name in the Bible? 

A: Mohammad's name is indeed mentioned in the original Bible manuscripts. The word "Mahmad" is found in the original Hebrew manuscript and it means the "desired one", or the "glorified one". In the 15th century, exactly in 1539, "Great Bible" was the first and official English translated bible to be authorized for public use, and when the Bible was translated to the English language, many words and expressions were translated differently and sometimes omitted altogether, including the word "Mahmad" which is the name of Prophet Mohammad, (peace be upon him). Here is the verse in the Bible: ‘"And I (God) will shake all nations, and the "desire one" of all nations shall come." ’HAGGI 2:7 

Also in the Bible, God is saying to Moses: ‘“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” ’(Deuteronomy 18:18-19) 

Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) was similar to Moses (peace be upon him) and he was the only prophet from whose mouth the words of God were spoken (Qur’an). Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) spoke in God's name all the time. Also in Isaiah 51:4, it is said that there will be a new law for all the people. Also, in Isaiah 66:20, it was made clear that the prophet would come from the BRETHREN, not children of the Israel. (i.e. the Arabs) 

Q: Are you telling me, all other religions are bogus and Islam is the only true religion? 

A: Well, isn't that the case with all religions!? Every religion claims to be the right one and others are wrong. Islam is the belief in One God - Allah, the Creator of all things. Islam doesn't believe in the "middleman" fallacy as the case with many religions including Christianity. In Christianity, to be saved you have to believe in Jesus (peace be upon him) as the Son of God, and without such confession and belief in Jesus, you're most definitely going to Hellfire. Islam, on the other hand, declares that believing in One God, and that Mohammad is His messenger, and obeying God's laws and His prophet's doctrine is the only passport to Heaven. 

Q: Is it really sensible that God will reward Heaven only to Muslims and punish others that can easily add up to millions or even billions of people of various religions? 

A: Yes it is very sensible. If you read both the Bible and the Qur’an you will uncover that God severely punished the unbelievers and the wicked people throughout the history of mankind. That includes the people of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him), the people of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), Lot, Moses (peace be upon them), etc... Numbers don't mean a thing in the eyes of God and that shouldn't be considered as an exception at all. Only faith counts and not numbers. 

Q: But what about people in our time! We don't know anything about Islam and Mohammad! Would that be considered against us on Judgment Day? 

A: Yes it will be considered against you. Before the coming of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), God vowed not to punish people or hold them responsible without sending messengers. Unlike Moses & Jesus (peace be upon him), Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) was very distinct since he was sent to all mankind with God's final message before Judgment Day. Everybody, the least, has heard of Mohammad's name. We live in the information age, and within our fingertips, using computers or TVs, we can learn just about anything including religions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also told us that everyone of us is born with a natural inclination to worship God alone, the Almighty Allah, but many factors have tendency to force a person to deviate from the right path such as: Satan's influence, Parents, Society, etc. 

Q: Why can't Muslims accept the term "Son of God", even though it is in the Bible and referring to Jesus? 

A: The term "Son of God" was used metaphorically speaking to those who were godly and pious men. It was never meant to be used literally as the case with Christianity toward Jesus (peace be upon him). In fact, the term "Son of God" is used all over the Bible referring to people other than Jesus, check out the following verses: 

‘"…the son of Enoch, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.”’LUKE 3:38 

‘"…that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose."’ GENESIS 6:2 

‘"Then you shall say to Pharaoh, Thus says the LORD, Israel is My son, My firstborn."’ EXODUS 4:22 

‘"…For I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is My firstborn."’ JEREMIAH 31:9 

‘"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."’ROMANS 8:14 

So how come Christians don't regard those people as Gods, the way they regard Jesus (peace be upon him)? 

Q: Christians believe that Jesus is the way and their Only Savior; could you give me a solid proof to indicate otherwise? 

A: Yes I could, and again, it will be from the Bible. The Bible says: 

‘“Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, it is truth. . Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. . I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no Savior." ’ISAIAH 43:9-11 

God said, to let all nations and people gather together to bear witness to this truth (Islam), and know that I (God) have chosen my servant (Mohammad). And that He is God with none other before or after. The Chapter talks about all nations being unified under one flag (Islam). Also, in verse 11, God very clearly and categorically stated that He is the Only Savior and none else. 

Q: Why Muslims don't eat Swine (Pork) meat? 

A: For the same reason both Moses & Jesus (peace be upon them) refused to eat it. God commanded Muslims not to eat Swine meet. God also commanded Moses not to eat or even touch the Swine meat as in the following verses in the Bible: 

‘"…and the pig, for though it divides the hoof, thus making a split hoof, it does not chew cud, it is unclean to you. You shall not eat of their flesh nor touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you."’ LEVITICUS 11:7-8 

Q: But hey, we are not Jews! We are Christians governed by Grace and not Law? 

A: Who said anything about the Jews? The above verses are found in the Christian Bible. Plus, we all know that God gave Moses (peace be upon him) numerous commandments and laws including the Ten Commandments, for people to obey, comply and to adhere to. Jesus (peace be upon him) came along 1500 years later to re-institute Moses' laws & commandments and that by itself is a sign that Prophets came from the same institution with the same message & guidance. 

Jesus (peace be upon him) said: ‘“Think not that I am come to make void the law or the prophets; I am not come to make void, but to fulfill."’MATTHEW 5:17. Jesus (peace be upon him) said: ‘“If you love me, keep my commandments." ’JOHN 14:15. One of these commandments is not to eat Swine meet. I don't see Grace at all, all I see Laws and Commandments that ought to be followed. 

Q: According to Muslims, God vowed to preserve the Qur’an. How come the earlier scriptures weren't persevered, and after all, they are God's words? 

A: God does not promise such protection or preservation to the former scriptures as the case with the Qur’an. Every prophet was armed with special miracles to prove the authenticity of his message. Moses came to people who rely heavily on magic, so God gave him immense power through his cane. Jesus came to people who were known of strong medical abilities, so God gave him the ability to cure people and even to raise the dead. Both Prophets Moses & Jesus (pbut) were sent to specific people (sons of Israel) with the mentioned miracles and the scriptures. On the other hand, Mohammad (peace be upon him) was sent to people who were fluent in Arabic Language and its grammar. God gave him the Qur’an as his main and lasting miracle. The Qur’an is very unique in its originality and delivery, and the Arabic Language is the best to preserve such revelation. Since Mohammad (peace be upon him) is the final messenger to mankind and the Qur’an was his main miracle, God has promised to protect the Qur’an forever. 

Remember, if the miracle dies, then its authenticity will most definitely die and perish. Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) had their miracles but not in their books, but rather in their actions (the power of the cane & healing), and once they're gone, it was easy for people to edit and interpolate their scriptures (Torah & Bible) to fit their own selfish desires. So far, and after 1400 years later, the Qur’an remains untouched and persevered from corruption. Muslims still believe in Mohammad's original revelation and divine message. The preservation isn't only limited to the text, but to the divine message, and to the delivery and originality. 

Q: Is it true the Qur’an has scientific and medical facts? 

A: Yes it is. But remember though, the Qur’an is not a scientific book. The Qur’an carries a divine message and guidance from the Almighty to all mankind. This message touches upon all aspects of human's life including science and medical aspects. When people embraced Islam, it wasn't because of the scientific facts the Qur’an brought forward, but rather because of the divine message in the belief of the One, the Almighty. People embraced Islam because Islam is a simple religion that is sensible and harmonize with the human instinct. Islam is a complete way of life that is based on fairness, equality, and purity amongst all mankind. 

Q: I noticed various Islamic Sects! Could you list them for me? 

A: About 84 % of Muslims are Sunni. The word Sunni is based on the word Sunnah which is an Arabic word means the Prophet's tradition. Sunnis believe in Allah as the One Creator and Mohammad is His last and final Messenger. Also, Sunnis believe in the Qur’an and Sunnah as the two main sources of Islam. There are, however, Muslim bunches who deviated from the right path of Islam such as: Shia, Baha'i, Sufi, Ahmadiya, etc. So be cautious in knowing whom you are dealing with. 

Q: What is the total number of Muslims around the world? 

A: 1997 Statistics shows a population of 1.78 Billion Muslim. 

Q: Why do Muslims pray so much, you know, 5 times a day! Isn't belief in Allah enough? 

A: Besides the fact it's a Commandment from the Almighty, the prayer (Salah) is considered to be a continuous and daily discipline for Muslims. It's true we have the belief in One God and His messenger Mohammad (peace be upon him) embedded in our hearts, but like earlier Muslims, God has prescribed Laws and Commandments for us to observe and adhere to. When we pray, we recite the Qur’an that has God's genuine words and directions. We also offer supplications and blessings to God. The line of communication between Muslims and God never slows down ever. The prayer (Salah) itself is considered a supplication to the Almighty. It is how we make our connection to God and remember him everyday. It is how we ground ourselves while at the same time elevating ourselves spiritually. 

Q: I am spiritually confused! What should I do? 

A: You owe it to yourself to search for the truth, and I am sure if you have an honest intention searching for the truth, God will aid you in your endeavor. Read more about Islam and weigh your options. Read more about the early revelations & messengers of God and comprehend their law & guidance that they had conveyed to their people at that time, then compare all present religions and see which one coincide with the early revelations. 

Q: But I am satisfied with my own belief, so why should I pursue other religion in the first place? 

A: Remember, mankind has a free will to do whatever he desires, and we are all held accountable for what we do. If you are content with your religion, then you are solely responsible for your actions & belief and no one else. 

Q: How do I become a Muslim? 

A: Unlike other religions, Islam doesn't have certain rituals or baptism by religious groups or individuals. All you need to do is to declare the Testimony (Shahadatan). The Testimony is: ‘"I testify that there is no God but Allah, and Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah". ’Once you establish this pure belief in your heart, then you can proceed unto the rest of the pillars of Islam. Many Islamic foundations and mosques will be able to help you getting started learning about Islam...

A Complete Way Of Life

A Complete Way Of Life Islam is a religion, but not in the western meaning of religion. The western connotation of the term "religion" is something between the believer and God. Islam is a religion that organizes all aspects of life on both the individual and national levels.  Islam organizes your relations with God, with yourself, with your children, with your relatives, with your neighbor, with your guest, and with other brethren. Islam clearly establishes your duties and rights in all those relationships.  Islam establishes a clear system of worship, civil rights, laws of marriage and divorce, laws of inheritance, code of behavior, what not to drink, what to wear, and what not to wear, how to worship God, how to govern, the laws of war and peace, when to go to war, when to make peace, the law of economics, and the laws of buying and selling. Islam is a complete code of life.  Islam is not practiced in the mosque only, it is for daily life, a guide to life in all its aspects: socially, economically, and politically.  Islam is complete constitution. Thus Islam keeps the Muslim away from confusion, because Islam is logical and rational. Allah is one. Allah is one Allah has no sons. Allah is not associated with trinity. Allah does not kill to save. No mediation is required between Allah and man. Islam organizes human nature, but does not go against it. There is not a class of clergy in Islam; nor is there celibacy. Islam is complete way of human life.

Muhammad, A Guidance To Follow

Muhammad, A Guidance To Follow Muhammad (pbuh) as a man had already died, but as a Prophet (pbuh) he left behind him a legacy in the form of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. He stressed the urgent need to hold firmly to these two sources during his Farewell speech in the valley of Arafat. If people hold fast to them, they will never go astray. The teachings he left for us, if put into practice in their true spirit and proper way, will bring a happy life in this world and besides the indubitable rewards that will be received by those who believed in them in the life after death. In this sense, Islam is a worldly religion which cares first for the worldly affairs of humanity. The hereafter is merely a continuation of the worldly life. It is difficult to portend that man can be saved in the Hereafter without being saved in this world. The safe way is to follow the way shown to us by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When his wife, ‘Aishah, was asked by a companion about the Prophet’s daily conduct, ‘Aishah replied that the conduct of the Prophet (pbuh) is the Qur’an which is the guidance from Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) was given authority by Allah to interpret it. That is why his conduct is exemplary of human conduct. Islam as brought by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is very much misunderstood as a religion of rituals only like prayers, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage. Thanks to the new developments in the world, Islam is now looked upon In a wider perspective than the narrow-minded view. The increased interest in Islamic studies by Muslims and non-Muslims supported by the advanced printing technology, has begun to open the eyes of the world about the true teaching and intrinsic values of Islam. · Economy:  In the field of economic development, the goal is not material gain, but human welfare in general. Islam exhorts that the balance between the material and physical aspects, between the individual and societal needs, be maintained in order to narrow the gap between two opposite sides of human world. It is stated in the Qur’an: "Say, who is there to forbid the beauty which Allah has brought forth for His creatures, and the good things from among the means of sustenance. Say, they are for those who believe (in Allah) In this worldly life, to be theirs alone in the Hereafter on the Day of Resurrection [...] Say, the only things my Lord forbids are the shameful deeds, be they open or secret, the sin, unjustified envy, the ascribing of divinity to aught beside Allah, and the attributing unto Allah of aught of which you have no knowledge" (Al A'raf, verse 33) So everyone is free to conduct any business he likes outside the harmful circle he has been warned not to indulge in. If he does not listen to this warning, he will be in trouble. Every good quality as precondition to a successful business is encouraged by Islam. The Prophet (pbuh) himself was a businessman before he was appointed as a Prophet. His ability to run business prudently, by his fairness and truthful conduct in dealing with people had won him the heart of his employer, Khadijah who later offered him marriage. He advocated Muslims to follow the spirit of Prophet Daud (David) (pbuh). With hard work, this Prophet earned his living from his own labour. He also said that faith of a Muslim is not complete If he is not good in his profession. “He said: “If you leave matters to those who are not professional, you are waiting for the disaster”.” If he works in the production line, his products must be compatible with products of other companies or factories. In order to be marketable, it must suit the taste of buyers and their standards of living. In this regard, Islam teaches not to cheat in offering the product to the market. It must be shown as it is without any publicity it does not deserve. In the life time of the Prophet, he found many cases in market places where the merchants tried to cheat the customers. “The Prophet said to them: “Whoever cheated are not from amongst us (Muslims)”.” Islam laid many regulations in the field of economy such as trade, leasing, business transaction, contract and others to prevent unfair dealing within the community and in the world of business at large. What is also prevented by Islam is a monopoly and exploitation -by one man or one group at the expense of the others. · Cleanliness: The first thing in the religion brought by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the care of cleanliness. The concept of cleanliness in Islam covers physical and spiritual, mundane and religious domains. Before performing any rituals, prescribed by Islam, one should cleanse his body, and his dress, his place of worship and his environment should be clean. Before performing his prayers or starting for pilgrimage, one has to make his ablution (wudu’). If he or she is in a state of unclean after having had a lawful intimate intercourse or post-natal period or other reasons, he or she has to take a complete bath by pouring clean water over the whole body. In the case of daily prayer, every Muslim has to clean his/her private parts, face, hand, feet, mouth, nose and ears at least five times every day for the five daily prayers. This also reminds him/her to keep his/ her soul clean from unlawful deeds. Cleanliness is not in the physical sense only. The body should be purified as well from evil doings that might harm his relationship with others and with God. He has to clean his mind from bad intentions or committing unlawful acts. He has to clean his heart from jealousy, hypocrisy and other evil desires. He has to embody hope, truthfulness, forgiveness, compassion, holiness, the sense of brotherliness, neighbourliness and other noble qualities. He has to pay special attention to his diet against all unhealthy food medically and religiously. He has to keep his eyes, ears, tongue away from evil things. These are among the noble characteristics as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). To clean the wealth, Islam instituted the zakat system (way of purifying wealth). A person whose wealth has reached a certain point is obligated to pay zakat (alms) which is a duty enjoined by God and undertaken by Muslims in the interest of society as a whole. For those able persons whose wealth does not reach the minimum rate point, he can also give voluntary contribution to the needy. This does not mean that the needy should always be receiving help from the able. “Prophet Muhammad said: "The upper hand (giver) is better than the lower one (receiver of help).”” If the receiver of zakat can grasp the spirit of the Prophet’s (pbuh) saying, he will try his best to be the giver instead of the receiver by endeavouring to better his life as encouraged by the teachings of Islam. In Islam, the possession of more wealth does not raise a man’s dignity, nor does poverty degrade him. It is true that wealth is necessary for man to live on this earth, but It is only a means, not the end. The end is happiness in life by attaining the higher values and not losing sight of in the pursuit of wealth. Among the great virtues of Islam is the command to do good and the prohibition to do evil. The good should be preserved and the evil should be discarded. In short, Islam is actually composed of a series of commands and prohibitions. All the commands and prohibitions are for the good of humanity. Allah the Most Knowing, the Most Merciful, did not decree any law and regulations but for the good and benefit of his creatures. The prohibition was decreed because of its evil implications to humanity. The evils were created to test the human conscience and challenge their freewill in choosing between right and wrong. All the commands and prohibitions from Allah as transmitted through His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was intended to purify the human soul in order to live a pure and clean life adored by Allah and human genesis. · Orderliness:  One of the other teachings of Islam is about orderliness. Discipline, regulation, management, planning and all other terms relating to organisation are important in Islam. Islam exhorts people to live in orderliness and to put the right thing in the right place. The foundation of Islamic order rests on two main principles, the crucial -faith in one God (Allah) and the oneness of humanity. All the frameworks were laid down in the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) applied himself to working out the essential details of that order. One of the great values taught by Islam in this regard is to make use of the time left to humanity. The Qur'an and the Sunnah (Traditions) mentioned about time, day, week, month, year and century. People are lost if they did not spend the time available to them during this life for good things. It is a great loss if people have to waste the valuable time they have at their disposal for useless activities. It is true that life should be enjoyable but not at the expense of human resources and values which are essential for the continuation of their wellbeing. Allah the Most Knowing had created time and space suitable for human activities for they can attain achievements in life. There are times for work, study, recreation, resting and even celebration. All are parts of activities in worshipping Allah and serving His cause. The Qur'an says that Allah had created day for earning and night for resting and enjoyment. He created the sun, the moon and all outer-space objects so that man on the earth can fix the time and arrange the calendar. By having a standard time, a standard calendar and the movements of astronomical objects, people are able to regulate their timetable in choosing the right moment for them in doing business and carrying out their activities. Islam prescribes certain times for the daily prayers, a certain month for the obligatory fasting and a certain time during life time for performing the hajj (pilgrimage). This indicates that the religion brought by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) places the life of Muslims in systematic order. For every move and occasion made by Muslims there is a rule governing it, be it in the form of advice, spiritual guidance or practical directive. If all these directives are followed and understood properly, people will have high discipline and a well-managed life. Islam encourages people to think correctly before taking any action. This means planning. There are many verses in the Qur'an admonishing against doing things unthinkingly and jumping to conclusions. The Prophet (pbuh) also showed good example in fulfilling promise and staying true to treaty, agreement or contract made between parties. As a man of honour, he always remained true to the principles agreed in the treaty, depicting his high discipline and inclination of doing everything in proper order. · Friendliness:  Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a warmhearted and faithful friend. He loved his companions. He extended greetings to those he knew and to those he did not know. He treated all people around him with kindness and affection. He was very courteous to all those who met him. He never contradicted anybody who is not opposed to the teachings of Islam. He treated equally the humble and the lofty. He claimed no distinction and lived amongst his companions as if he was not their leader. · Neighbourliness:  He regarded the neighbours as brothers and sisters because of their closeness and living in the same vicinity. He once smelt the aroma of the soup cooked by his wife. He told her to give some of it to the neighbours who also smelt it. He said it was not right for a Muslim to sleep with a full stomach after having had a good meal but let his neighbour starve. He laid the foundation for a friendly relation and cooperation among neighbours exemplifying that, living as a neighbour, one has one’s right and responsibility. In regard to the rights of a neighbour, the Prophet said: ““Help him if he asks your help; give him relief if he seeks your relief; show him concern if he is distressed and when he is ill; attend his funeral if he dies; congratulate him If he meets any good; sympathize with him if any calamity befalls him; do not block his air by raising your building without his permission and do not harass him.”” · Goodwill:  He was a good exemplar to those who subscribe to a harmonious society. Islam exhorts people not to violate the rights of others and injure their interest, but should positively cooperate with each other and establish a mutual relationship and social cohesion. To safeguard the unity and solidarity of the nation and to achieve the welfare and wellbeing of the community, Muslims have been enjoined to avoid mutual hostility, social dissension, backbiting one another, and hurting others with their hand or tongue. Islam as brought by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) exhorts Muslims to visit the sick, to help the needy and assist the weak. Islam makes no discrimination on the basis of race, colour or language. Its appeal Is to the entire humanity. · Women:  The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought changes for the betterment of women. Woman is recognised by Islam as a full and equal partner of man in the procreation of humankind. He is the father, she is the mother, and both are essential for life. Her role is no less vital than his. By this partnership, she has an equal share in every aspect; she is entitled to equal rights, she undertakes equal responsibilities, and in her there are many qualities and so much humanity as there are in her partner. She is equal to man in bearing personal and common responsibilities and in receiving rewards for her deeds. She is equal to man in the pursuit of education and knowledge. Islam enjoined the seeking of knowledge upon Muslims; it makes no distinction between man and woman. She is entitled to freedom of expression as much as man is. Her sound opinions are taken into consideration and cannot be disregarded just because she is a female. Islam grants woman equal fights to contract, to enterprise, to earn and possess independently. Her life, her property, her honour are as sacred as those of man. Islam has also given woman a share of inheritance. Before Islam, she was not only deprived of that share, but was herself considered as property to be inherited by man. · Statehood: When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)arrived at Madinah, he initiated the formation of an Islamic state. After establishing political brotherhood and the authority of the state of Madinah, he began negotiations with various tribes around the dy and made treaties with them. When the Makkan unbelievers launched a series of attacks on Madinah, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was able to confront them. And when the Makkans were finally defeated in the battle of the Trenches (Al-Khandaq), he was able to make truce with them at Hudaibiyah for ten years. This treaty was a masterpiece of practical statesmanship on the part of Prophet Muhammad. His diplomacy in sending and receiving envoys to and from the various chiefs of tribes and foreign rulers, his fairness in conducting judiciary, and his general pardon at the liberation of Makkah, was another proof of his lofty statesmanship. The State he established in Madinah was not a matter of chance. It was the very nature of his mission that he would establish a state to enforce the way of Allah. People might accept a new faith but it would take time to change their habits, custom and way of life. And even if a small group of people succeeded in changing their way of life, there would be many others who would not let these people practise their belief and try to stop them by force. So the Islamic State became an urgent necessity to protect the Islamic way of life. The State founded by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was invested with physical force, as every State must necessarily be, to fulfil its function of stopping aggression and oppression. A democratic system In Islam is expressed through the term shura (council). The Qur'an says: ““And those who respond to their Lord and keep up prayer and their affairs (of government) is by council among themselves and who spend out of what we have given them.”.”

The Quran On Oceans And Seas

The Quran On Oceans And Seas

BARRIER BETWEEN THE OCEANS 

Modern Science has discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier between them. This barrier divides the two seas so that each sea has its own temperature, salinity and density.” (1) 

Allah has informed us in the Qur’aan that: 

«"He has let free the two seas meeting together: Between them is a barrier which they do not transgress."» (Qur’aan 55:19-20). 

Traditionally, there have been two major interpretations of this verse. The Qur’aan goes on to state that there is barrier between them, means that this barrier will simply prevent the seas from encroaching upon each other or flooding over each other. 

Proponents of the second opinion ask how can there be a barrier between the seas so that they do not encroach upon each other, while the verse indicates that the seas meet together? They concluded that the seas do not meet and sought another meaning for the term "maraja". But now modern science provides us with enough information to settle this issue. The seas do meet together, as we have seen, for example, in the picture of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. Even though there is a slanted water barrier between them, we now know that through this barrier the water from each sea passes to the other. But when the water from one sea enters the other sea, it looses its distinctive characteristics and becomes homogenized with the other water. In a way, this barrier serves as a transitional homogenizing area for the two waters. This is an excellent example of Islamic modern scientific research. Modern techniques can thus be used to prove the inimitability of the Qur’aan. 

Modern Science has discovered that in estuaries, where fresh (sweet) and salt water meet, the situation is somewhat different from what is found in places where two seas meet. It has been discovered that what distinguishes fresh water from salt water in estuaries is a ”pycnocline zone with a marked density. 

«“He is the one who has let free the two bodies of flowing water, one palatable and sweet, and the other salty and bitter. And He has made between them a barrier and a FORBIDDING PARTITION.”» QURAN (25:53) 

DARKNESS IN A DEEP SEA 

«“Or is like the darkness in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds. Darkness, one above another. If a man stretches out his hand, he cannot see it...”» QURAN (24:40) 

The darkness in deep seas and oceans is found around a depth of 200 metres and below. At this depth, there is almost no light. Below a dept of 1000 metres there is no light at all. (4) 

«WAVES ABOVE WAVES» 

«“Or is like the darkness in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds. Darkness, one above another. If a man stretches out his hand, he cannot see it...”» QURAN (24:40) 

Scientists have only recently discovered that there are internal waves which “occur on density interfaces between layers of different densities. (5) 

The internal waves cover the deep waters of seas and oceans because the deep waters have a higher density than the waters above them. Internal waves act like surface waves. They can also break just like surface waves. Internal waves cannot be seen by the human eye but they can be detected by studying temperature or salinity changes at a given location. (6) 

(1) Principles of Oceanography, Davis, Page:92-93 
(2) Oceanography, Gross, Page:242 
(3) Oceanography, Gross, Page:244 
(4) Oceans, Elder and Pernetta, Page:92-93 
(5) Oceanography, Gross, Page:205 
(6) Oceanography, Gross, Page:205

The Lowest Part Of The Earth

The Lowest Part Of The Earth

The Quraan mentions the lowest part of the earth and states that it is near Jerusalem, where a battle took place between the Persians and the Greeks. Allah, may He be Exalted and Glorified, said in the Quraan: 



«"The Romans have been defeated, in the lowest part of the land (adnal-ardh), but after defeat they will soon be victorious."» (Quraan 30:1-3). 



The term "adna" means both nearer and lowest. The commentators of the Quraan, May Allah be pleased with all of them, were of the opinion that "adnal-ardh" meant the nearest land to the Arabian Peninsula. However, the second meaning is also there. In this way, the Glorious Quraan gives one word several meanings, as described by the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) when he said: “"I have been given the most comprehensive words."” {Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] 



When we investigated the lowest part of the earth, we found that it was exactly the same spot that witnessed the battle in which the Romans were defeated. When we informed Professor Palmer about this, he contested saying that there were many other areas which are lower than the one referred to in the Quraanic verse. He gave examples and names of other areas in Europe and in the United States. We assured him that our information was verified and correct. He had with him a topographical globe that showed elevations and depressions. He said that it would be easy with that globe to ascertain which was the lowest spot on earth. He turned the globe with his hands and focused his sign on the area near Jerusalem. To his astonishment, there was a small arrow sticking out towards that area with words: "the lowest part on the face of the earth." 



Professor Palmer was quick to concede that our information was correct. He proceeded to speak, as you now see him with the globe, saying that this was actually the lowest part of the earth. 



Professor Palmer: It took place in the area of the Dead Sea which is up here and interestingly enough the labelling on the globe says "the world’s lowest point". So it certainly is supported by the interpretation of that critical word. 



Professor Palmer was even more astonished when he found that the Quraan talks about the past and describes how creation first began; how the earth and heavens were created; how the water gushed forth from the depth of the earth; how the mountains were anchored on land; how vegetation first began; how is earth today, describing the mountains, describes its phenomena, describes the changes on the surface of the earth as witnessed in the Arabian Peninsula. It even describes the future of the land of Arabs and the future of the whole earth. At this, Professor Palmer acknowledged that the Quraan is such a wondrous Book which describes the past, the present, and the future. 



Like many other scientists, Professor Palmer was hesitant at first. But soon later he was forthcoming with his opinions. In Cairo, he presented a research paper dealing with the inimitable aspects of geological knowledge contained in the Quraan. He said that he did not know what was the state of the art in the field of science during the days of the Prophet Muhammad. But from what we know about the scanty knowledge and means at that time, we can undoubtedly conclude that the Quraan is a light of divine knowledge revealed to Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Here are the concluding remarks of Professor Palmer: 



We need research into the history of early Middle Eastern oral traditions to know whether in fact such historical events have been reported. If there is no such record, it strengthens the belief that Allah transmitted through Muhammad bits of his knowledge that we have only discovered for ourselves in recent times.

 

The Holy Quran : Miracle Of Miracles

The Holy Quran : Miracle Of Miracles

«"Say: If the whole of mankind and jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur`an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support."» 

What is a miracle? 

I think it is necessary that we have a clear picture of what we mean by a miracle. Here are some definitions: 

"An event that appears so inexplicable by the laws of nature, that it is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God." 

"A person, thing or event that excites admiring awe." 

"An act beyond human power, an impossibility." 

It is logical that greater the impossibility, greater the miracle. For example, should a person expire before our very eyes and is certified dead by a qualiified medical man, yet later on a mystic or a saint commands the corpse to 'arise!', and to everybody's astonishment the person gets up and walks away , we would label that as a miracle. But if the resurrection of the dead took place after the corpse had been in the mortuary for three days, then we would acclaim this as a greater miracle. And if the dead was made to arise from the grave, decades or centuries after the body had decomposed and rotted away, then in that case we would label it the greatest miracle of them all! 

A Common Trait 

It has been a common trait of mankind since time immemorial that whenever a guide from God appeared to redirect their steps into the will and plan of God; they demanded supernatural proofs from these men of God, instead of accepting message on its merit. 

For example, when Jesus Christ (pbuh) began to preach to his people - "the children of Israel" - to mend their ways and to refrain from mere legalistic formalism and imbibe the true spirit of the laws and commandments of god, his 'people' demanded miracles from him to prove his bona fides ( his authenicity , his genuineness), as recorded in the Christian scriptures: 

Then certain of the scribes and the Pharisees answered, saying master, we would have a sign ( miracle ) from thee. But he answered and said unto them, "an evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign (miracle) and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas ( Matthew 12:38-39 holy bible) 

Though on the face of it, Jesus (pbuh) refuses to pamper the Jews here, in actual fact, he did perform many miracles as we learn from the gospel narratives. 

The bible is full of supernatural events accredited to the prophets from their Lord. In reality all those 'signs' and 'wonders' and 'miracles' were acts of God, but since those miracles were worked through his human agents, we describe them as the miracles of prophets (i.e. Moses or Jesus (pbuh) by those hands they were performed). 

Some six hundred years after the birth of Jesus (pbuh), Muhammad (pbuh) the messenger of God was born in Makkah in Arabia. When he proclaimed his mission at the age of forty, his fellow countrymen, the mushriks (polytheists) of makkah made an identical request for miracles, as had the Jews, from their promised Messiah. Text book style, it was as if the Arabs had taken a leaf from the Christian records. History has a habit of repeating itself! 

And they say: why are not signs sent down to him from his lord? (holy Qu`ran 29:50) 

SIGNS! WHAT SIGNS!! 

"Miracles ? Cries he, what miracles would you have? Are not you yourselves there? God made you 'shaped you out of a little clay.' Ye were small once; a few years ago ye were not at all. Ye have beauty, strength, thoughts, 'ye have compassion on one another.' Old age comes-on you, and gray hairs; your strength fades into feebleness: ye sink down, and again are not. 'Ye have compassion on one another': This struck me much: Allah might have made you having no compassion on one another, how had it been then! this is a great direct though, a glance at first-hand into the very fact of things...." (On heroes, hero-worship and the heroic in history) by Thomas Carlyle. 

"This Struck Me Much" 

This, that "ye have compassion on one another", impressed Thomas Carlyle most from his perusal of an English translation. I presume that verse that motivated this sentiment is: 

1. And among his signs is this, that he created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them. and he has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are signs for those who reflect. (emphasis added) Translation by A Yusuf ALi (Qu`ran 30:21) 

2. And one of his signs it is, that he hath created wives for you of your own species that ye may dwell with them, and hath put love and tenderness between you. herein truly are signs for those who reflect (emphasis added) Translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell(M.A.) 

3. By another sign he gave you wives from among yourselves, that ye might live in joy with them, and planted love and kindness into your hearts. surely there are signs in this for thinking men (emphasis added) Translation by N.J. Dawood. 

The first example is from the translation by Yusuf Ali, a muslim. The second is by a christian priest the rev. Rodwell and the last example is by an iraqi Jew, N.J. Dawood. 

Unfortunately Thomas Carlyle had no access to any one of these because none of them had seen the light of day in his time. The only one available to him in 1840 was as he said on page 85 of his book under reference - "We also can read the Koran; our translation of it, by sale, is known to be a very fair one." 

Taint Is In The Motive: 

Carlyle is very charitable to his fellow countryman. The motives of George Sale, who pioneered an English translation of the Holy Quran, were suspect. He makes no secret of his antagonism to the holy book of Islam. In his preface to his translation in 1734 he made it known that it was his avowed intention to expose the man Mohammad and his forgery. He records: "who can apprehend any danger from so manifest a forgery?... The protestants alone are able to attack the Qur’an with success; and for them, I trust, providence has reserved the glory of its overthrow." George Sale, And he set to work with his prejudiced translation. You will be able to judge how 'fair' and scholarly George Sale was from the very verse which 'struck' (Carlyle) 'much!' Compare it with the three example already given by a muslim, a christian and a jew: And of his signs another is, that he had created you , out of yourselves, wives that ye may cohabit with them, and hath put love and compassion between you. 

I don’t think that George Sale was a 'a male chauvinist pig' of his day to describe our mates, wives or spouses as sexual objects. He was only keeping to his promise, which Carlyle overlooked. The Arabic word which he (Sale) perverted is 'li-tas-kunoo' which means to find peace, consolation, composure or tranquility; and not 'cohabit' meaning 'to live together in a sexual relationship when not legally married' (the reader's digest universal dictionary.) 

Every word of the Qur’anic text is meticulously chosen, chiseled and placed by the All-Wise himself. They carry God's 'fingerprint', and are signs of God. And yet, the spiritually jaundiced.... 

Ask For A Sign: 

What signs?? They mean some special kinds of signs or miracles such as their own foolish minds dictate. Everything is possible for God, but God is not going to humour the follies of men or listen to their false demands. He has sent his messenger to explain his signs clearly, and to warn them of the consequences of rejection. Is that not enough? The trend of their demand is generally as follows: 

In specific terms they asked that he - Muhammad (pbuh) - 'Put a ladder up to heaven an bring down a book from God in their very sight' - "Then we would believe," they said. Or "ye see the mountain yonder, turn it into gold' - "then we would believe." or 'make streams to gush out in the desert' - "then we would believe." 

Now listen to the soft, sweet reasoning of Muhammad (pbuh) against the unreasonable and skeptical demands of the mushriks (polytheists) - "Do I say to you, verily I am an angel? Do I say to you, verily in my hands are the treasures of God? Only, what is revealed to me do I follow." Listen further to the most dignified reply he is commanded by his Lord to give the unbelievers. 

Say (O Muhammad): 'The signs (miracles) are indeed with Allah: And most certainly I am only a clear warner!' 

In the following verse the holy prophet is made to point to the holy Qur`an itself as an answer to their hypocritical demand for some special kind of 'sign' of 'miracle' for which their foolish pagan mentality craved. For indeed all miracles are 'signs'; and it is their disbelief, their skepticism, their lack of faith which motivates their request for a sign. They are asked to - 'look at the Qur`an' and again, 'look at the Qur`an!' 

It is not enough for them that we have sent down to thee (O Muhammad) the book (al-Qur`an) which is rehearsed to them? Verily, in it (this perspicuous book) is a mercy and reminder to those who believe. (Qur`an 29:51). 

Two Proofs: 

As a proof of the divine authorship and the miraculous nature of the Qur`an, two arguments are advanced by the almighty Himself: 

1. 'That we' (God Almighty) have revealed to you (O Muhammad!) 'the book to you' who art absolutely an unlearned person. An 'ummi' prophet. One who cannot read or write. One who cannot sign his own name. Let Thomas Carlyle testify regarding the educational qualifications of Muhammad - 'one other circumstance we must not forget: that he had no school learning; of the thing we call school-learning none at all.' Moreover the divine author(God Almighty) himself testifies to the veracity of Muhammad’s (pbuh) claim that he could never have composed the contents of the holy Qur`an; he could not have been its author: 

And thou (O Muhammad) was not (able) to recite a book before this (book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thy right hand: In that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted (Qur`an 29:48). 

The author of the Qur`an is reasoning with us, that had Muhammad (pbuh) been a learned man, and had he been able to read or write, then in that case the babblers in the market places might have had some justification to doubt his claim that the holy Qur`an is God's word. In the event of Muhammad (pbuh) being a literate person, the accusation of his enemies that he had probably copied his book (Qur`an) from the writings of the Jews and Christians, or that perhaps he had been studying Aristotle and Plato, or that he must have browsed through the 'Torat,' (Torah) the 'Zabur' (Psalms) and the 'Injeel' (Gospel) and had rehashed it all in a beautiful language, might have carried some weight. Then, 'the talkers of vanities' might have had a point. But even this flimsy pretence has been denied to the unbeliever and the cynic: a point hardly big enough to hang a fly upon! 

2. 'The book'? Yes, the 'book' itself, carries its own evidence proving its divine authorship. Study the book from any angle. Scrutinize it. Why not take up the author's challenge if your doubts are genuine? “Do they not consider the Qur`an (with care) had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy”. Consistency: 

It is inconceivable that any human author would remain consistent in this teachings and his preachings for a period of over two decades. From the age of forty, when Muhammad (pbuh) received his first call from heaven to the age sixty-three when he breathed his last, for twenty-three years the holy prophet practiced and preached Islam. In those twenty-three years, he passed through the most conflicting vicissitudes of life. Any man, during the course of such a mission, would be forced by circumstances to make 'honourable' compromises, and cannot help contradicting himself. No man can ever write the same always, as the message of the holy Qur`an is: consistent with itself, throughout! Or is it that the unbelievers objections are merely argumentive, refractory, against their own better light and judgement.? 

Furthermore, the holy Qur`an contains or mentions many matters relating to the nature of the universe which were unknown to man before but which subsequently through evolution and discoveries of science have fully confirmed - a field where an untutored mind would have most certainly lost in wild and contradictory speculations! 

Self-Evident Proof: 

Again and again when miracles are demanded from the prophet of God by the cynical and frivolous few, he is made to point to the Qur`an - message from high - as 'the miracle.' The miracle or miracles! And men of wisdom, people with literary and spiritual insight, who were honest enough to themselves, recognized and accepted al-Qur`an as a genuine miracle. 

Says the holy Qur`an: Nay here are signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: And none but the unjust reject our signs. (qur`an 29:49).

 

Formation Of Iron

Formation Of Iron «"This is no less than a reminder to (all) the worlds. And you shall certainly know the truth of it (all) after a while."» (Quraan 38:87-88).  Thus, the Quraan is a reminder for all of mankind until the Last Hour. It contains information that man discovers in due time. Because this Quraan was revealed from Allah’s knowledge and every single verse in it was revealed with Allahs knowledge, as He Himself said:  Professor Armstrong works at NASA, otherwise known as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, where he is a well-known scientist there. We met with him and asked a number of questions about Quraanic verses dealing with the expertise in Astronomy. We asked him about iron and how it was formed. He explained how all the elements in the earth were formed. He stated that the scientists have come only recently to discover the relevant facts about that formation process. He said that the energy of the early solar system was not sufficient to produce elemental iron.  In calculating the energy required to form one atom of iron, it was found to be about four times as much as the energy of the entire solar system. In other words, the entire energy of the earth or the moon or the planet Mars or any other planet is not sufficient to form one new atom of iron, even the energy of the entire solar system is not sufficient for that. That is why Professor Armstrong said that the scientists believe that iron is an extraterrestrial that was sent to earth and not formed therein.  We read to him the Quraanic verse saying: «"And we sent down Iron, in which is Great might, as well as many benefits for mankind"» (Quraan 57-25).  Then we asked him about the sky and whether it had any gaps or rifts in it. He disproved this and replied that what we are talking about is a branch of Astronomy called the "Integrated Cosmos" which we scientists have only come to know recently. For example, if you have a body in outer space which travels a certain distance in any direction and then travel the same distance in a different direction, you will find that the mass weight is the same in all directions. Because this body has its own equilibrium, the pressures from all directions are the same. Without this equilibrium, the whole universe would collapse. I recalled Allah’s verse in the Quraan: «"Do they not look at the sky above them? How we have made it and adorned it, and there are no flaws in it?"» (Quraan 50:6).  Then we talked to Professor Armstrong about the attempts of scientists to reach the edge of the universe, and we asked him whether they were successful in this. He replied that they are fighting an uphill battle to the edge of the universe, we construct more powerful equipment to observe the universe only to discover that the new stars we see are still within our galaxy and that we have not yet reached the edge of the universe. He is aware of the Quraanic verse which says: «"And we adorned the lowest heaven with lamps and we made such (lamps) missiles to drive away Satans."» (Quraan 67:5).  Indeed, all these stars are adornments for the lowest heaven. He says that scientists have not reached the end of the universe. Professor Armstrong added that because of this, they are thinking of stationing more telescopes in outer space so that their observations will not be obstructed by dust and other atmospheric impediments. Vision telescopes using light are unable to travel long distances, so we replaced them with radio operated ones enabling us to see further, but we nevertheless are still within the boundaries. I mentioned to him this verse: «"So turn thy vision again: Do you see any flaw? Again turn your vision a second time: (your) vision will come back to you dull and discomfited, in a state worn out"»(Quraan 67:3-4).  Each time Professor Armstrong told us some scientific fact, we mentioned to him the relevant verse which he agreed with. Then we said to him: You have seen and discovered for your self the true nature of modern Astronomy by means of modern equipment, rockets, and space ships, developed by man. You have also seen how the same facts were mentioned by the Quraan 14 centuries ago, so what is your opinion about these?  He replied: That is a difficult question which I have been thinking about since our discussions here. I am impressed that how remarkably some of the ancient writings seem to correspond to modern and recent astronomy.

You Ask And The Quran Answers

1) Who is the creator?

 

(40:64) Allah, it is he Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy. and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord: so Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

 

(39:6) He created you (all) from a single person (Adam) ; then made from him his wife {Hawwa , (Eve)}. and He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs (of the sheep , two , male and female ; of the goats , two , male and female of the oxen , two , male and female and of the camels, two, male and female). He creates you in the wombs of your mothers: creation after creation in there veils of darkness. Such is Allah your Lord His is the Kingdom. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turned away?

 

(7:54) Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (really in manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly , and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)! (10:32) Such is Allah, your Lord in truth. So after the truth, what else can there be, save error. How then are you turned away?

 

 2) Who is Allah?

 

(59:23-24)

23:He is Allah beside Whom La Ilaha Illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the King, the Holy, the one Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All- Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory, be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him .

 

24:He is Allah, the creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise .

 

(20:14)

“Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), So worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as- Salat) for My Remembrance.

 

(2:255)

Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyuum (the Ever Living the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission?

 He Knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass any thing of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (This Verse 2:225 is called Ayat-ul-Kursi) .

 

(35:13)

He merges the night into the day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night is added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day is added the hours of the night). And has subjected the sun and the moon: each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah, your Lord; His is the Kingdom , And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone).

 

(3:18)

Allah bears winess that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All- Mighty, the All-Wise.

 

(3:51)

Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight Path.

 

3) Did you think that Allah created you only for play and without any purpose?

 

(3:115)

“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?”

 

4) For what did Allah create mankind?

 

(51:56)

And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).

 

5) What did Allah command us to do?

 

 (4:58)

Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching with He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer.

 

(6:151)

Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)):“Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: be Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; Kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.

 

6) From where shall we seek guidance?

 

(1:1 – 6)

1: In the Name of Allah, the Most. Gracious, the Most Merciful.

 

2: All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

 

3: The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful .

 

4: The Only Owner (and the only Ruling judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e the Day of Resurrection)

 

5: You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).

 

6: Guide us to the Straight Way.

 

7) Who shall we invoke in time of disaster?

 

(29:65)

And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him Only: but when He brings them safely to land, behold they give a share of their worship to others .

 

(10:12)

And when harm touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side, or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on as if he had never invoked Us for a harm that touched him! Thus it is made fair-seeming to the Musrifun that which they used to do.

 

8) What happened to the previous nations when they disobeyed Allah?

 

(29:40)

So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were some on whom We sent Hasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) (as on the people of Lut (Lot) , and of them were some who were overtaken by As-saihah (torment – awful cry. (as Thamud or Shuabs people), and of them were some whem We caused the earth to swallow (as Qarun (Korah), and of them were some whom We drowned (as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Firaun (Pharaoh) and his people). It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves.

 

9) Does Allah guard and save the Quran from corruption?

 

(15:9)

Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).

 

10) Who should we worship?

 

(20:14)

“Verily! I am Allah La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-assalat) for My Remembrance.

 

11) What is the religion of Allah?

 

(3:19)

Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account.

 

12) What is the religion accepted by Allah?

 

(3:85)

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

 

13) Where does the Quran come from?

 

(42:3)

Likewise Allah, the All-Mighty the All-Wise sends Revelation to you (O Muhammad (PBUH) ) as (He sent Revelation to) those before you.

 

(6:114)

(Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)) “Shall I seek a judge other than Allah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the book (the Quran), explained in detail.” Those unto whom We gave the Scripture (the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth. So be not you of those who doubt.

 

14) Why did Allah send messengers?

 

(4:64)

We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah’s Leave.

 

15) Do we have to believe in all the messengers?

 

(2:285)

The Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH) _) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers” – and they say, “We hear and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).”

 

16) What happened to the previous scriptures?

 

(4:46)

Among those who are jews, there are some who displace words from (their) right places and say: “We hear your word (O Muhammad (PBUH)) and disobey,” and “Hear and let you (O Muhammad (PBUH) _) “hear nothing.” And Raina with a twist of there tongues and as a mockery of the religion (Islam) And if only they had said: “We hear and obey”, And “Do make us understand,” it would have been better for them, and more proper; but Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not except a few.

 

(5:13)

So because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their (right) places and have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. But forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds).

Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (good-doers).

 

17) Who is the last messenger?

 

(3:144)

Muhammad (PBUH) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful.

 

18) To whom did Allah send the last messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?

 

(34:28)

And We have not sent you (O Muhammad (PBUH)) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not.

 

19) What did Allah prepare for those among the Jews and Christians who believe?

 

(57:28)

O you who believe (in Musa (moses) (i.e. Jews) and Isa (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH) _), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight). And He will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

 

20) What is the likeness of lsa (Jesus) before Allah?

 

(3:59)

Verily, the likeness of Isa (Jesus) bofore Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: “Be” – and he was.

 

21) What did Allah say about Mary?

 

(3:42 – 47)

42:And (remember) when the angels said: “(O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the Alamin (mankind and jinn) (of her lifetime).”

43:O Mary! “Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allah), by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkai (bow down) along with ArRakiun (those who bow down).”

44:This is apart of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past national of which you have no knowledge) which We reveal to you (O Muhammad (PBUH) ) You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed.

45:(Remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word (“Be”- and he was! I.e. Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary), from Him, his name will be the Messiah Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.”

46:“He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood and he one of the righteous.”

47:She said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.” He said: “So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills.

When He has decreed something, He says to it only: “Be!” – and it is.

 

22) Was Jesus crucified and died on the cross?

 

(4:157–158)

157:And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah,” – But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but they resemblance of Isa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they Killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not (i.e. Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) (PBUT)).

 

158:But Allah raised him (Isa (Jesus) up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he (PBUH) is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All- Powerful All-Wise.

 

23) Was Jesus the son of God ( Allah )?

 

(112:1 – 4):

1:Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)): “He is Allah, (the) One.

 

2:(Allah the self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks).

 

3:He begets not, nor was He begotten.

4:And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.

 

24) How could you be secure?

 

(6:82)

It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others beside Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.

 

25) What is the life of this world?

 

(57:20)

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers – evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers – good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

 

26) Whatever of blessings and good things you have , is it from Allah?

 

(16:53)

And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah.

Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for help.

 

27) How could you guarantee the blessings of Allah?

 

(14:7)

And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily My punishment is indeed sever.”

 

28) How could you save yourself from a painful torment?

 

(61:10 – 11)

10:O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment?

 

11:That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH) _ ).

 

29) Whosoever puts his trust in Allah , what will happen to him?

 

(65:3)

And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.

 

30) What is the destination of the disbelievers?

 

(57:15)

So this Day no ransom shall be taken from you (hypocrites), nor of those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism).

Your abode is the Fire. That is your maula (friend – proper place), and worst indeed is that destination.

 

31) What is the destination of the believers?

 

(4:57)

But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), abiding therein forever. Therein they shall have Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives), and We shall admit them to shades wide and ever deepening (Paradise).

 

32) How could you be happy?

 

(16:97)

Whoever works righteousness- whether male or female – While he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).