Showing posts with label AlQuran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AlQuran. Show all posts
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Al fatihah The Opening the first surah in the Blessed Quran
Al-Fatihah
Tafseer by Dr Israr Ahmad
Surah Al-Fatihah is one of the very earliest revelations. Infact, we learn from
authentic traditions that it was the first complete surah revealed to the Prophet
(Peace be upon him). Before this, only a few miscellaneous verses were revealed
which form parts of surah Al-Alaq, Al-Muzzammil and Al-Muddathir.
This surah is called Al-Fatihah; the Opener of the Book, and the surah with
which prayers are begun. It is the greatest surah in the Qur’an, and it is also
called Umm Al-Kitab (Mother of the Book), because it contains the meanings of
the entire Qur’an. Other names for this surah are; Salah, Al-hamd, Umm al-
Qur'an, Al-Sab al-Mathani, As-Shifa, Ar-Ruqya, and so on. Infact more than fifty
names have been enumerated by Jalal Al-Din Al-Suyuti [12], in his famous book
"Al Itqan fi Ulum al Qur'an”.
Number of Ayat
There is consensus of majority of the scholars; from early generations that
surah Al-Fatihah contains seven ayat. However, they disagree over whether
Bismillah is a part of Al-Fatihah, and likewise every surah, or it is a separate
ayah. The first opinion, that Bismillah is a part of every surah except surah Al-
Tauba, is attributed to some Companions (May Allah be pleased with them all),
Imam Az-Zuhri, Imam As-Shafi, and Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak. They state that
Bismillah is a part of Al-Fatihah and the last ayat; “The Way of those whom You
have favored” and “not of those who have earned Your wrath, or of those who
have lost The Way.” are not separate ayat but a single ayah. On the other
hand, Imam Malik, Imam Abu Hanifa and their followers say that Bismillah is
not an ayah in Al-Fatihah or any other surah, and it is a separate ayah in the
beginning of every ayah. But there is no disagreement over the matter that Al-
Fatihah has seven ayat. Those who consider last two ayat as one ayah, include
Bismillah in it, and those who consider the last two as separate say Bismillah is
not a part of it.
Virtues of Al-Fatihah
This is the most important surah in the Qur’an, and there are a lot of Ahadith
which narrate the virtues of this surah. In Musnad of Imam Ahmed, he
recorded that Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him), said, “The
Messenger of Allah went out while Ubayy bin Ka‘b was praying and said, “O’
Ubayy!”, Ubayy did not answer him. The Prophet said, “O’ Ubayy!”, Ubayy
prayed faster then went to the Messenger of Allah saying, “Peace be unto you,
O’ Messenger of Allah!” He said, “Peace be unto you. O’ Ubayy, what prevented
you from answering me when I called you”, Ubayy said, “O’ Messenger of Allah! I
was praying”. He said, “Did you not read among what Allah has sent down to
me”,
‘Answer Allah and Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life’.
He said, “Yes, O’ Messenger of Allah! I will not do it again.” the Prophet (Peace
be upon him) said; “Would you like me to teach you a surah the likes of which
nothing has been revealed in the Torah, the Injeel, the Zabur (Psalms) or the
Furqan (the Qur’an)”, He said, “Yes, O’ Messenger of Allah!”, the Messenger of
Allah said, “I hope that I will not leave through this door until you have learned
it.” He (Ubayy) said, “The Messenger of Allah held my hand while speaking to
me, meanwhile I was slowing down fearing that he might reach the door before
he finished his conversation. When we came close to the door, I said: “O’
Messenger of Allah! what is the surah that you have promised to teach me”. He
said, “What do you read in the prayer”. Ubayy said, “So I recited Umm Al-Qur’an
to him”. He said, “By Him in Whose Hand is my soul! Allah has never revealed in
the Torah, Injeel, Zabur or the Furqan a surah like it. It is the seven repeated
verses that I was given”.
Al-Fatihah and Salah
Al-Fatihah is also called Salah, because it is itself a prayer and reciting it is a
condition for the correctness of Salah-The Prayer, as recorded by Muslim that
Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) said, that the Prophet(Peace be
upon him) said;
“Whoever performs any prayer in which he did not read Umm Al-Qur’an (Al-
Fatihah), then his prayer is incomplete.” He said it thrice. [13]
There is another hadith, narrated by Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with
him) that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said; “Allah the exalted said, ‘I have
divided the prayer (Al-Fatihah) into two halves between Me and My servant. A
half of it is for Me and a half for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what
he asked for.
If he says, ‘All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of existence’, Allah says,
‘My servant has praised Me.’
When the servant says, ‘The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.’
Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified Me.’
When he says, ‘Master of the Day of Judgment.’
Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified Me.’
When he says, ‘You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help.’,
Allah says, ‘This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire
what he sought.’
When he says, ‘Guide us to the straight path. The way of those on whom You
have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of
those who went astray’,
Allah says, ‘This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked
for.’ ” [14]
In the above hadith, the word Salah is used in reference to the Qur’an (Al-
Fatihah), which also testifies the importance of this surah and reciting it during
every prayer, in every rak’ah.
Al-Fatihah is not merely an introduction to Qur’an, rather it is a prayer from
man and the Qur’an is the answer from his Lord. Thus it has a relationship of a
prayer and a response. If a person is an earnest seeker after truth, and
recognizes that the Lord of the Universe is the source of all knowledge, then he
prays to Allah to show him guidance and Allah places the whole of the Qur’an
before him in answer to his prayer.
All praise is for Allah, the Sustainer and Cherisher of the Worlds. Al-Fatihah
starts with the praise of Allah, who is the Lord and Creator of this world and
the Hereafter. It states that all thanks and praise are due purely to Allah alone,
and nothing is to be worshipped except Him. He is the Sustainer and Owner of
all that He has created in both Alams (Worlds).
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Ar-Rahman (Most Gracious) and Ar-
Raheem (Most Merciful) are two words of the same root Ar-Rahmah (the mercy).
One of them is softer than the other, meaning, it carries more implications of
mercy. Allah is Ar-Rahman for all humankind irrespective of their belief in
Allah, whether they are good-doers or evil-doers; they all obtain their
sustenance from Allah, this is because Allah is Ar-Rahman. Allah is also Ar-
Raheem for the believers in Him. They receive special blessings from Allah, that
is, happiness and contentment in this life and reward in the Hereafter.
Master of the Day of Judgment. After Allah describes that He is Ar-Rahman and
Ar-Raheem, He immediately gives a warning, that along with His mercy, He is
also the Master of the Day of Judgment. So that a person should not forget that
along with His mercy He is also Just.
You Alone we worship and You Alone we call on for help. After the person has
praised Allah and thanked Him, now he stands before Him, addressing Him
directly; O’ Allah our worship, obedience, submission and devotion is only for
You alone, and we only serve You. O’ Allah we know that You are the Lord of
the Universe and You have the power over everything, therefore, we only turn
to You for help, for our needs and requirements.
Guide us to The Right Way. i.e. Make us firm on the straight path and don’t let
us deviate. The straight path mentioned here and elsewhere in the Qur’an
refers to Islam. We already mentioned the hadith in which the servant
proclaims, ‘Guide us to The Right Way’ , and Allah says, “This is for My servant
and My servant shall acquire what he has asked for.
The Way of those whom You have favored. i.e. The servant prays to Allah to
guide him towards the straight path in every walk of life, and the path of those
upon whom You have bestowed Your mercy i.e. people who are obedient to
Allah and His Messengers.
Not of those who have earned Your wrath, or of those who have lost The Way.
A servant also prays to Allah, to help him avoid the path of those whom Allah is
angry with, whose intentions are corrupt and who know the truth, yet they
deviate. And also help us to avoid the path of those who were led astray. These
two paths are of Jews and Christians. ‘Not of those who have earned Your
wrath’, refers the Jews and “ or of those who have lost The Way” is for the
Christians.
After finishing Al-Fatihah, it is recommended to say Amin, which means, ‘O’
Allah accept our invocation’, for those who are not praying and strongly
recommended for those who are praying. As the Messenger of Allah (Peace be
upon him) said:
“ When any of you says in the prayer Amin, and the angels in the heaven say,
Amin, in unison, his previous sins will be forgiven.”[15]
Source
Tafseer by Dr Israr Ahmad
Surah Al-Fatihah is one of the very earliest revelations. Infact, we learn from
authentic traditions that it was the first complete surah revealed to the Prophet
(Peace be upon him). Before this, only a few miscellaneous verses were revealed
which form parts of surah Al-Alaq, Al-Muzzammil and Al-Muddathir.
This surah is called Al-Fatihah; the Opener of the Book, and the surah with
which prayers are begun. It is the greatest surah in the Qur’an, and it is also
called Umm Al-Kitab (Mother of the Book), because it contains the meanings of
the entire Qur’an. Other names for this surah are; Salah, Al-hamd, Umm al-
Qur'an, Al-Sab al-Mathani, As-Shifa, Ar-Ruqya, and so on. Infact more than fifty
names have been enumerated by Jalal Al-Din Al-Suyuti [12], in his famous book
"Al Itqan fi Ulum al Qur'an”.
Number of Ayat
There is consensus of majority of the scholars; from early generations that
surah Al-Fatihah contains seven ayat. However, they disagree over whether
Bismillah is a part of Al-Fatihah, and likewise every surah, or it is a separate
ayah. The first opinion, that Bismillah is a part of every surah except surah Al-
Tauba, is attributed to some Companions (May Allah be pleased with them all),
Imam Az-Zuhri, Imam As-Shafi, and Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak. They state that
Bismillah is a part of Al-Fatihah and the last ayat; “The Way of those whom You
have favored” and “not of those who have earned Your wrath, or of those who
have lost The Way.” are not separate ayat but a single ayah. On the other
hand, Imam Malik, Imam Abu Hanifa and their followers say that Bismillah is
not an ayah in Al-Fatihah or any other surah, and it is a separate ayah in the
beginning of every ayah. But there is no disagreement over the matter that Al-
Fatihah has seven ayat. Those who consider last two ayat as one ayah, include
Bismillah in it, and those who consider the last two as separate say Bismillah is
not a part of it.
Virtues of Al-Fatihah
This is the most important surah in the Qur’an, and there are a lot of Ahadith
which narrate the virtues of this surah. In Musnad of Imam Ahmed, he
recorded that Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him), said, “The
Messenger of Allah went out while Ubayy bin Ka‘b was praying and said, “O’
Ubayy!”, Ubayy did not answer him. The Prophet said, “O’ Ubayy!”, Ubayy
prayed faster then went to the Messenger of Allah saying, “Peace be unto you,
O’ Messenger of Allah!” He said, “Peace be unto you. O’ Ubayy, what prevented
you from answering me when I called you”, Ubayy said, “O’ Messenger of Allah! I
was praying”. He said, “Did you not read among what Allah has sent down to
me”,
‘Answer Allah and Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life’.
He said, “Yes, O’ Messenger of Allah! I will not do it again.” the Prophet (Peace
be upon him) said; “Would you like me to teach you a surah the likes of which
nothing has been revealed in the Torah, the Injeel, the Zabur (Psalms) or the
Furqan (the Qur’an)”, He said, “Yes, O’ Messenger of Allah!”, the Messenger of
Allah said, “I hope that I will not leave through this door until you have learned
it.” He (Ubayy) said, “The Messenger of Allah held my hand while speaking to
me, meanwhile I was slowing down fearing that he might reach the door before
he finished his conversation. When we came close to the door, I said: “O’
Messenger of Allah! what is the surah that you have promised to teach me”. He
said, “What do you read in the prayer”. Ubayy said, “So I recited Umm Al-Qur’an
to him”. He said, “By Him in Whose Hand is my soul! Allah has never revealed in
the Torah, Injeel, Zabur or the Furqan a surah like it. It is the seven repeated
verses that I was given”.
Al-Fatihah and Salah
Al-Fatihah is also called Salah, because it is itself a prayer and reciting it is a
condition for the correctness of Salah-The Prayer, as recorded by Muslim that
Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) said, that the Prophet(Peace be
upon him) said;
“Whoever performs any prayer in which he did not read Umm Al-Qur’an (Al-
Fatihah), then his prayer is incomplete.” He said it thrice. [13]
There is another hadith, narrated by Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with
him) that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said; “Allah the exalted said, ‘I have
divided the prayer (Al-Fatihah) into two halves between Me and My servant. A
half of it is for Me and a half for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what
he asked for.
If he says, ‘All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of existence’, Allah says,
‘My servant has praised Me.’
When the servant says, ‘The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.’
Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified Me.’
When he says, ‘Master of the Day of Judgment.’
Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified Me.’
When he says, ‘You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help.’,
Allah says, ‘This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire
what he sought.’
When he says, ‘Guide us to the straight path. The way of those on whom You
have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of
those who went astray’,
Allah says, ‘This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked
for.’ ” [14]
In the above hadith, the word Salah is used in reference to the Qur’an (Al-
Fatihah), which also testifies the importance of this surah and reciting it during
every prayer, in every rak’ah.
Al-Fatihah is not merely an introduction to Qur’an, rather it is a prayer from
man and the Qur’an is the answer from his Lord. Thus it has a relationship of a
prayer and a response. If a person is an earnest seeker after truth, and
recognizes that the Lord of the Universe is the source of all knowledge, then he
prays to Allah to show him guidance and Allah places the whole of the Qur’an
before him in answer to his prayer.
All praise is for Allah, the Sustainer and Cherisher of the Worlds. Al-Fatihah
starts with the praise of Allah, who is the Lord and Creator of this world and
the Hereafter. It states that all thanks and praise are due purely to Allah alone,
and nothing is to be worshipped except Him. He is the Sustainer and Owner of
all that He has created in both Alams (Worlds).
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Ar-Rahman (Most Gracious) and Ar-
Raheem (Most Merciful) are two words of the same root Ar-Rahmah (the mercy).
One of them is softer than the other, meaning, it carries more implications of
mercy. Allah is Ar-Rahman for all humankind irrespective of their belief in
Allah, whether they are good-doers or evil-doers; they all obtain their
sustenance from Allah, this is because Allah is Ar-Rahman. Allah is also Ar-
Raheem for the believers in Him. They receive special blessings from Allah, that
is, happiness and contentment in this life and reward in the Hereafter.
Master of the Day of Judgment. After Allah describes that He is Ar-Rahman and
Ar-Raheem, He immediately gives a warning, that along with His mercy, He is
also the Master of the Day of Judgment. So that a person should not forget that
along with His mercy He is also Just.
You Alone we worship and You Alone we call on for help. After the person has
praised Allah and thanked Him, now he stands before Him, addressing Him
directly; O’ Allah our worship, obedience, submission and devotion is only for
You alone, and we only serve You. O’ Allah we know that You are the Lord of
the Universe and You have the power over everything, therefore, we only turn
to You for help, for our needs and requirements.
Guide us to The Right Way. i.e. Make us firm on the straight path and don’t let
us deviate. The straight path mentioned here and elsewhere in the Qur’an
refers to Islam. We already mentioned the hadith in which the servant
proclaims, ‘Guide us to The Right Way’ , and Allah says, “This is for My servant
and My servant shall acquire what he has asked for.
The Way of those whom You have favored. i.e. The servant prays to Allah to
guide him towards the straight path in every walk of life, and the path of those
upon whom You have bestowed Your mercy i.e. people who are obedient to
Allah and His Messengers.
Not of those who have earned Your wrath, or of those who have lost The Way.
A servant also prays to Allah, to help him avoid the path of those whom Allah is
angry with, whose intentions are corrupt and who know the truth, yet they
deviate. And also help us to avoid the path of those who were led astray. These
two paths are of Jews and Christians. ‘Not of those who have earned Your
wrath’, refers the Jews and “ or of those who have lost The Way” is for the
Christians.
After finishing Al-Fatihah, it is recommended to say Amin, which means, ‘O’
Allah accept our invocation’, for those who are not praying and strongly
recommended for those who are praying. As the Messenger of Allah (Peace be
upon him) said:
“ When any of you says in the prayer Amin, and the angels in the heaven say,
Amin, in unison, his previous sins will be forgiven.”[15]
Source
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Quran According to the Quran.
In the name of Allah/God, most compassionate, most merciful
[17:41] We have cited in this Quran (all kinds of examples), that they may take heed. But it only augments their aversion.
[20:113] We thus revealed it, an Arabic Quran, and we cited in it all kinds of prophecies, that they may be saved, or it may cause them to take heed. [24:18] GOD thus explains the revelations for you. GOD is Omniscient, Wise.
[25:33] Whatever argument they come up with, we provide you with the truth, and a better understanding.
[29:51] Is it not enough of a miracle that we sent down to you this book, being recited to them? This is indeed a mercy and a reminder for people who believe.
[30:58] Thus, we have cited for the people in this Quran all kinds of examples. Yet, no matter what kind of proof you present to the disbelievers, they say, "You are falsifiers."
[34:5] As for those who constantly challenge our revelations, they have incurred a retribution of painful humiliation.
[34:6] It is evident to those who are blessed with knowledge that this revelation from your Lord to you is the truth, and that it guides to the path of the Almighty, the Most Praiseworthy.
[47:24] Why do they not study the Quran carefully? Do they have locks on their minds?
[75:16-19] Do not move your tongue to hasten it. It is we who will collect it into Quran. Once we recite it, you shall follow such a Quran. Then it is we who will explain it.
Truthful is God the almighty
Registry Cleaner-click!
[17:41] We have cited in this Quran (all kinds of examples), that they may take heed. But it only augments their aversion.
[20:113] We thus revealed it, an Arabic Quran, and we cited in it all kinds of prophecies, that they may be saved, or it may cause them to take heed. [24:18] GOD thus explains the revelations for you. GOD is Omniscient, Wise.
[25:33] Whatever argument they come up with, we provide you with the truth, and a better understanding.
[29:51] Is it not enough of a miracle that we sent down to you this book, being recited to them? This is indeed a mercy and a reminder for people who believe.
[30:58] Thus, we have cited for the people in this Quran all kinds of examples. Yet, no matter what kind of proof you present to the disbelievers, they say, "You are falsifiers."
[34:5] As for those who constantly challenge our revelations, they have incurred a retribution of painful humiliation.
[34:6] It is evident to those who are blessed with knowledge that this revelation from your Lord to you is the truth, and that it guides to the path of the Almighty, the Most Praiseworthy.
[47:24] Why do they not study the Quran carefully? Do they have locks on their minds?
[75:16-19] Do not move your tongue to hasten it. It is we who will collect it into Quran. Once we recite it, you shall follow such a Quran. Then it is we who will explain it.
Truthful is God the almighty
Registry Cleaner-click!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
The Quran is against beheading Innocent People.
Many seen brutal Images of people tied up and viciously beheaded by a few men with one thing on their mind and that is to spread TERROR.
The recitations of the Quran makes no significance to me, because the Quran itself is AGAINST them being in that position.
Looking into the Quran we will find that, there are two mentioning of beheading in the Quran.
Chapter 47:3 says "When you encounter the unbelievers on the battlefield, strike off their heads until you have crushed them completely; then bind the [surviving] prisoners tightly." Chapter 8:12 states "I will cast dread into the hearts of the unbelievers. Strike off their heads, then, and strike off all of their fingertips.
To say Islam and the Quran support and commands Muslims to behead unbelievers is really out of tone with the Quranic teachings in regards to innocent people as in none militant ones.
According to Islam, humanity is the result of Adam and Eve, so lets see what the Quran speaks in regards to the children of Adam and Eve.
17: 70 And indeed Allah (God) has honored the Children of Adam, and Allah (God) carried them on land and sea, and has provided them with At-Taiyibât (lawful good things), and has preferred them above many of those whom He has created with a marked preference.
The Quran clearly commands in verse in Chapter 2:190
Fight in the Cause of Allah, those who fight you, but don't transgress. Allah DOESN'T LOVE transgressors.
Lets bring this very important verse to light Chapter 76:8-11
And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and THE CAPTIVE OF WAR.
Say( Muslims ) : We only fear a day of distressful wrath from the side of our lord. Lo, Allah will deliver them from the evil of that day, and will shed over them a light of beauty and joy.
Chapter.2:112
But FORGIVE THEM, and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allah loves the good¬doers.
Chapter 7:199 Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and TURN AWAY FROM the FOOLISH (i.e. don't punish them).
An Example of Allah's Mercy in the Quran
Say: 'O My servants who have transgressed against your own souls: do not despair of God's mercy,
for God forgives all sins. It is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'
Qur'an (39:53. Full Article
Seo-Plus!
The recitations of the Quran makes no significance to me, because the Quran itself is AGAINST them being in that position.
Looking into the Quran we will find that, there are two mentioning of beheading in the Quran.
Chapter 47:3 says "When you encounter the unbelievers on the battlefield, strike off their heads until you have crushed them completely; then bind the [surviving] prisoners tightly." Chapter 8:12 states "I will cast dread into the hearts of the unbelievers. Strike off their heads, then, and strike off all of their fingertips.
To say Islam and the Quran support and commands Muslims to behead unbelievers is really out of tone with the Quranic teachings in regards to innocent people as in none militant ones.
According to Islam, humanity is the result of Adam and Eve, so lets see what the Quran speaks in regards to the children of Adam and Eve.
17: 70 And indeed Allah (God) has honored the Children of Adam, and Allah (God) carried them on land and sea, and has provided them with At-Taiyibât (lawful good things), and has preferred them above many of those whom He has created with a marked preference.
The Quran clearly commands in verse in Chapter 2:190
Fight in the Cause of Allah, those who fight you, but don't transgress. Allah DOESN'T LOVE transgressors.
Lets bring this very important verse to light Chapter 76:8-11
And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and THE CAPTIVE OF WAR.
Say( Muslims ) : We only fear a day of distressful wrath from the side of our lord. Lo, Allah will deliver them from the evil of that day, and will shed over them a light of beauty and joy.
Chapter.2:112
But FORGIVE THEM, and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allah loves the good¬doers.
Chapter 7:199 Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and TURN AWAY FROM the FOOLISH (i.e. don't punish them).
An Example of Allah's Mercy in the Quran
Say: 'O My servants who have transgressed against your own souls: do not despair of God's mercy,
for God forgives all sins. It is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'
Qur'an (39:53. Full Article
Seo-Plus!
Who is Allah ? The Quran Answers
It is He Who is God on Heaven and God on Earth, The Lord
043.084 It is He Who is God in heaven and God on earth; and He is full of Wisdom and Knowledge.
044.008 There is no god but He: It is He Who gives life and gives death,- The Lord and Cherisher to you and your earliest ancestors.
It is Allah Who is the Creator
030.027 It is He Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it; and for Him it is most easy. To Him belongs the loftiest similitude (we can think of) in the heavens and the earth: for He is Exalted in Might, full of wisdom.
It is Allah Who Created You
006.098 It is He Who hath produced you from a single person: here is a place of sojourn and a place of departure: We detail Our signs for people who understand.
040.067 It is He Who has created you from dust then from a sperm-drop, then from a leech-like clot; then does he get you out (into the light) as a child: then lets you (grow and) reach your age of full strength; then lets you become old,- though of you there are some who die before;- and lets you reach a Term appointed; in order that ye may learn wisdom.
016.078 It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: that ye may give thanks (to God).
(2:21) O Mankind, submit to your Lord Who created you and those who were before you; in this way only you may expect to save yourselves.
023.078 It is He Who has created for you (the faculties of) hearing, sight, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is ye give!
025.054 It is He Who has created man from water: then has He established relationships of lineage and marriage: for thy Lord has power (over all things).
064.002 It is He Who has created you; and of you are some that are Unbelievers, and some that are Believers: and God sees well all that ye do.
It is Allah Who Made you His vicegerents on earth
006.165 It is He Who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you: for thy Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
It is Allah Who Created the Earth, Skies and Heavens, ...
(2:22) It is He Who has made the earth a bed for you and the sky a canopy; and it is He Who sends down rain from above for the growth of every kind of food products for your sustenance. So, when you know this, you should not set up equals to rank with Allah.
(2:29) He it is Who created for you all that there is on the Earth; He then turned to the sky and ordered it into seven heavens. And He has full knowledge of everything.
[It is difficult to explain precisely what is meant by the 'seven heavens'. In all ages man has tried, with the help of observation and speculation, to conceptualize the 'heavens', i.e. that which lies beyond and above the earth. As we well know, the concepts that have thus developed have constantantly changed. Hence it would be improper to tie the meaning of these words of the Qur'an to any one of these numerous concepts. What might be broadly inferred from this statement is that either God has divided the universe beyond the earth into seven distinct spheres, or that this earth is located in that part of the universe which consists of seven different spheres.]
006.073 It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): the day He saith, "Be," behold! it is. His word is the truth. His will be the dominion the day the trumpet will be blown. He knoweth the unseen as well as that which is open. For He is the Wise, well acquainted (with all things).
010.005 It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did God create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand.
021.033 It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course.
025.053 It is He Who has let free the two bodies of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter; yet has He made a barrier between them, a partition that is forbidden to be passed.
067.015 It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but unto Him is the Resurrection.
It is Allah Who Sends the Winds, Rain, Gives you Vegetations of All Kinds
006.099 It is He Who sendeth down rain from the skies: with it We produce vegetation of all kinds: from some We produce green (crops), out of which We produce grain, heaped up (at harvest); out of the date-palm and its sheaths (or spathes) (come) clusters of dates hanging low and near: and (then there are) gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety): when they begin to bear fruit, feast your eyes with the fruit and the ripeness thereof. Behold! in these things there are signs for people who believe.
006.141 It is He Who produceth gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety): eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess: for God loveth not the wasters.
007.057 It is He Who sendeth the winds like heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy: when they have carried the heavy-laden clouds, We drive them to a land that is dead, make rain to descend thereon, and produce every kind of harvest therewith: thus shall We raise up the dead: perchance ye may remember.
It is Allah Who sent down Holy Books
003.003 It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).
It is Allah Who sent His Apostle Muhammad (s.a.a.w.)
009.033 It is He Who hath sent His Apostle (Muhammad) with guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).
048.028 It is He Who has sent His Apostle with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion: and enough is God for a Witness.
048.029 Muhammad is the apostle of God; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from God and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. God has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.
061.009 It is He Who has sent His Apostle with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).
062.002 It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered an apostle from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom,- although they had been, before, in manifest error;-
062.003 As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them, who have not already joined them: And He is exalted in Might, Wise.
062.004 Such is the Bounty of God, which He bestows on whom He will: and God is the Lord of the highest bounty.
It is Allah Alone Who has power over all things
005.123 To God doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He Who hath power over all things. More
Rocket French!
043.084 It is He Who is God in heaven and God on earth; and He is full of Wisdom and Knowledge.
044.008 There is no god but He: It is He Who gives life and gives death,- The Lord and Cherisher to you and your earliest ancestors.
It is Allah Who is the Creator
030.027 It is He Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it; and for Him it is most easy. To Him belongs the loftiest similitude (we can think of) in the heavens and the earth: for He is Exalted in Might, full of wisdom.
It is Allah Who Created You
006.098 It is He Who hath produced you from a single person: here is a place of sojourn and a place of departure: We detail Our signs for people who understand.
040.067 It is He Who has created you from dust then from a sperm-drop, then from a leech-like clot; then does he get you out (into the light) as a child: then lets you (grow and) reach your age of full strength; then lets you become old,- though of you there are some who die before;- and lets you reach a Term appointed; in order that ye may learn wisdom.
016.078 It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: that ye may give thanks (to God).
(2:21) O Mankind, submit to your Lord Who created you and those who were before you; in this way only you may expect to save yourselves.
023.078 It is He Who has created for you (the faculties of) hearing, sight, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is ye give!
025.054 It is He Who has created man from water: then has He established relationships of lineage and marriage: for thy Lord has power (over all things).
064.002 It is He Who has created you; and of you are some that are Unbelievers, and some that are Believers: and God sees well all that ye do.
It is Allah Who Made you His vicegerents on earth
006.165 It is He Who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you: for thy Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
It is Allah Who Created the Earth, Skies and Heavens, ...
(2:22) It is He Who has made the earth a bed for you and the sky a canopy; and it is He Who sends down rain from above for the growth of every kind of food products for your sustenance. So, when you know this, you should not set up equals to rank with Allah.
(2:29) He it is Who created for you all that there is on the Earth; He then turned to the sky and ordered it into seven heavens. And He has full knowledge of everything.
[It is difficult to explain precisely what is meant by the 'seven heavens'. In all ages man has tried, with the help of observation and speculation, to conceptualize the 'heavens', i.e. that which lies beyond and above the earth. As we well know, the concepts that have thus developed have constantantly changed. Hence it would be improper to tie the meaning of these words of the Qur'an to any one of these numerous concepts. What might be broadly inferred from this statement is that either God has divided the universe beyond the earth into seven distinct spheres, or that this earth is located in that part of the universe which consists of seven different spheres.]
006.073 It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): the day He saith, "Be," behold! it is. His word is the truth. His will be the dominion the day the trumpet will be blown. He knoweth the unseen as well as that which is open. For He is the Wise, well acquainted (with all things).
010.005 It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did God create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand.
021.033 It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course.
025.053 It is He Who has let free the two bodies of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter; yet has He made a barrier between them, a partition that is forbidden to be passed.
067.015 It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but unto Him is the Resurrection.
It is Allah Who Sends the Winds, Rain, Gives you Vegetations of All Kinds
006.099 It is He Who sendeth down rain from the skies: with it We produce vegetation of all kinds: from some We produce green (crops), out of which We produce grain, heaped up (at harvest); out of the date-palm and its sheaths (or spathes) (come) clusters of dates hanging low and near: and (then there are) gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety): when they begin to bear fruit, feast your eyes with the fruit and the ripeness thereof. Behold! in these things there are signs for people who believe.
006.141 It is He Who produceth gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety): eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess: for God loveth not the wasters.
007.057 It is He Who sendeth the winds like heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy: when they have carried the heavy-laden clouds, We drive them to a land that is dead, make rain to descend thereon, and produce every kind of harvest therewith: thus shall We raise up the dead: perchance ye may remember.
It is Allah Who sent down Holy Books
003.003 It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).
It is Allah Who sent His Apostle Muhammad (s.a.a.w.)
009.033 It is He Who hath sent His Apostle (Muhammad) with guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).
048.028 It is He Who has sent His Apostle with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion: and enough is God for a Witness.
048.029 Muhammad is the apostle of God; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from God and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. God has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.
061.009 It is He Who has sent His Apostle with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).
062.002 It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered an apostle from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom,- although they had been, before, in manifest error;-
062.003 As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them, who have not already joined them: And He is exalted in Might, Wise.
062.004 Such is the Bounty of God, which He bestows on whom He will: and God is the Lord of the highest bounty.
It is Allah Alone Who has power over all things
005.123 To God doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He Who hath power over all things. More
Rocket French!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Al Quran and Water
SURAH 24, AYAH 45:
45 Allah hath created every animal of water. Of them is (a kind) that goeth upon its belly and (a kind) that goeth upon two legs and (a kind) that goeth upon four. Allah createth what He will. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
SURAH 30, AYAH 48:
48 Allah is He who sendeth the winds so that they raise clouds, and spreadeth them along the sky as pleaseth Him, and causeth them to break and thou seest the rain downpouring from within them. And when He maketh it to fall on whom He will of His bondmen, lo! they rejoice;
SURAH 2, AYAH 22:
22 Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you. And do not set up rivals to Allah when ye know (better).
SURAH 2, AYAH 164:
164 Lo! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sendeth down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death, and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and (in) the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs (of Allah's sovereignty) for people who have sense.
SURAH 18, AYAH 46:
46 Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world. But the good deeds which endure are better in thy Lord's sight for reward, and better in respect of hope.
SURAH 23, AYAH 18:
18 And We send down from the sky water in measure, and We give it lodging in the earth, and lo! We are able to withdraw it.
SURAH 54, AYAH 12:
12 And caused the earth to gush forth springs, so that the waters met for a predestined purpose.
SURAH 67, AYAH 30:
30 Say: Have ye thought: If (all) your water were to disappear into the earth, who then could bring you gushing water?
SURAH 25, AYAT 47-48:
47 And He it is Who maketh night a covering for you, and sleep repose, and maketh day a resurrection.
48 And He it is Who sendeth the winds, glad tidings heralding His mercy, and We send down purifying water from the sky.
SURAH 35, AYAH 12:
12 And two seas are not alike: this, fresh, sweet, food to drink, this (other) bitter, salt. And from them both ye eat fresh meat and derive the ornament that ye wear. And thou seest the ship cleaving them with its prow that ye may seek of His bounty, and that haply ye may give thanks.
SURAH 6, AYAH 59:
59 And with Him are the keys of the invisible. None but He knoweth them. And He knoweth what is in the land and the sea. Not a leaf falleth but He knoweth it, not a grain amid the darkness of the earth, naught of wet or dry but (it is noted) in a clear record.
SURAH 45, AYAH 5:
5 And the difference of night and day and the provision that Allah sendeth down from the sky and thereby quickeneth the earth after her death, and the ordering of the winds, are portents for a people who have sense.
45 Allah hath created every animal of water. Of them is (a kind) that goeth upon its belly and (a kind) that goeth upon two legs and (a kind) that goeth upon four. Allah createth what He will. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
SURAH 30, AYAH 48:
48 Allah is He who sendeth the winds so that they raise clouds, and spreadeth them along the sky as pleaseth Him, and causeth them to break and thou seest the rain downpouring from within them. And when He maketh it to fall on whom He will of His bondmen, lo! they rejoice;
SURAH 2, AYAH 22:
22 Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you. And do not set up rivals to Allah when ye know (better).
SURAH 2, AYAH 164:
164 Lo! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sendeth down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death, and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and (in) the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs (of Allah's sovereignty) for people who have sense.
SURAH 18, AYAH 46:
46 Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world. But the good deeds which endure are better in thy Lord's sight for reward, and better in respect of hope.
SURAH 23, AYAH 18:
18 And We send down from the sky water in measure, and We give it lodging in the earth, and lo! We are able to withdraw it.
SURAH 54, AYAH 12:
12 And caused the earth to gush forth springs, so that the waters met for a predestined purpose.
SURAH 67, AYAH 30:
30 Say: Have ye thought: If (all) your water were to disappear into the earth, who then could bring you gushing water?
SURAH 25, AYAT 47-48:
47 And He it is Who maketh night a covering for you, and sleep repose, and maketh day a resurrection.
48 And He it is Who sendeth the winds, glad tidings heralding His mercy, and We send down purifying water from the sky.
SURAH 35, AYAH 12:
12 And two seas are not alike: this, fresh, sweet, food to drink, this (other) bitter, salt. And from them both ye eat fresh meat and derive the ornament that ye wear. And thou seest the ship cleaving them with its prow that ye may seek of His bounty, and that haply ye may give thanks.
SURAH 6, AYAH 59:
59 And with Him are the keys of the invisible. None but He knoweth them. And He knoweth what is in the land and the sea. Not a leaf falleth but He knoweth it, not a grain amid the darkness of the earth, naught of wet or dry but (it is noted) in a clear record.
SURAH 45, AYAH 5:
5 And the difference of night and day and the provision that Allah sendeth down from the sky and thereby quickeneth the earth after her death, and the ordering of the winds, are portents for a people who have sense.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Adam and Eve Accourding to the Quran and Judeo-christian
There is a lot of common ground shared by the Judeo-Christian tradition and the Islamic tradition with regard to belief and practice. Both the Bible and the Qur’an tell the story of the creation of the first man, Adam. This story is significant for its universal appeal, as it tells how mankind began its earthly existence. Indeed, the same story is repeated in several surahs, such as Al-Baqarah, Al-A`raf, and Ta-Ha. In all these places, the emphasis is on the creation of Adam, and we should understand that Adam here stands for Man in the generic sense. The Qur’an says what means:
*{We created Man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape...}* (Al-Hijr 15:26)
It also says what means:
*{He began the creation of Man from clay, and made his progeny from a quintessence of fluid}* (As-Sajdah 32:7-8)
The creation of Eve is not described in the Qur’an as in the case of Adam; though it is stated that a "mate" was created with Adam, from the same nature and soul. The Qur’an says what means:
*{It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her in love.}* (Al-A`raf 7:189)
We find “Eve” as the name of the first woman at the beginning of Chapter 4 of the Book of Genesis, in the Bible. Though the Qur’an does not give her name, she is known in Islamic tradition by the Arabic name Hawwa`.
The Bible describes the creation of Eve in these terms:
“The Lord God said: ‘It is not good that Man should be alone; I will make him a help meet’... the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam... and He took one of his ribs... and made He a woman ... and brought her unto the man ... and ... Adam said, “… She shall be called woman” (Genesis 2:18,21-3).
The Qur’an confirms that Hawwa` was indeed created out of Adam but is silent on the specific process of her creation. It states what means:
*{O mankind! reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered [like seeds] countless men and women;—reverence God, through whom ye demand your mutual [rights], and [reverence] the wombs [that bore you]: for God ever watches over you.}* (An-Nisaa’ 4:1)
Both the descriptions in the Bible and the Qur’an clearly show that the creation of Hawaa’ also was unique as she was the only woman created from a man. But unlike the Bible, the Qur'an does not say that Hawwa was created from Adam's rib, but says that she was made "of like nature."
We may note, however, that the biblical statement above is not contradicted by the Qur’an, and what is more, it is supported by the hadith reported by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him). He relates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Treat women kindly. Woman has been created from a rib and the most curved part of the rib is the uppermost. If you try to straighten it, you will break it and if you leave it alone, it will remain curved. So treat women kindly” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
This does not mean that Islam views women as biologically warped, but only that their basic nature demands special consideration and kindness.
The rib implies that the process of creation of woman differed from Adam and was unique. The Bible says, “God said, ‘It is not good that Man should be alone; I will make for him a help meet,’” and the Qur'an speaks of humanity's *{Guardian-Lord... [creating] from a single person, ...of like nature, his mate}*. We may say that the rib is symbolic of the husband’s duty to treat his wife as part of himself, as well as the wife’s dependence on the husband for care and protection.
The few differences between the Biblical presentation of creation and the Qur’anic one can be summarized thus:
All the three religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam agree on one basic fact: Both men and women are created by God. But the Judeo-Christian tradition teaches that Satan appeared in the form of a serpent before Eve and tempted her to eat from the forbidden tree and that it was Eve who seduced Adam to eat with her. According to the Genesis story, God rebuked Adam for what he did, but the latter put all the blame on Eve: “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it” (Genesis 3:12).
Consequently, God said to Eve, “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you” (Genesis 3:16).
To Adam He said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree … cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life” (Genesis 3:17).
The Islamic view of the matter is clear from the verses that mean:
*{By deceit he [Satan] brought them to their fall: when they tasted the tree, their shame became manifest to them and they began to sew together the leaves of the Garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan was your avowed enemy?” They said: “Our Lord we have wronged our own souls and if You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be lost.”}* (Al-A`raf 7:22-23)
A careful look into the two accounts of the story of the creation reveals some essential differences. The Qur’an, contrary to the Bible, places equal blame on both Adam and Eve for their mistake. The Qur’an does not say that Eve tempted Adam to eat from the tree or even that she had eaten before him. Eve in the Qur’an is not a seducer or deceiver. God, according to the Qur’an, punishes no one for another’s faults. Both Adam and Eve committed a sin and then asked God for forgiveness and He forgave them both. So there is no question of a hereditary sin called Original Sin in Islam.
In short, the whole story clearly teaches us the divine directive for equality of the sexes, fairness, and justice in matters relating to men and women. The following Islamic principles are brought to light also; that humans have freedom of will, responsibility for their choice of action and the consequent accountability before God.
Contributer
Salam.
*{We created Man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape...}* (Al-Hijr 15:26)
It also says what means:
*{He began the creation of Man from clay, and made his progeny from a quintessence of fluid}* (As-Sajdah 32:7-8)
The creation of Eve is not described in the Qur’an as in the case of Adam; though it is stated that a "mate" was created with Adam, from the same nature and soul. The Qur’an says what means:
*{It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her in love.}* (Al-A`raf 7:189)
We find “Eve” as the name of the first woman at the beginning of Chapter 4 of the Book of Genesis, in the Bible. Though the Qur’an does not give her name, she is known in Islamic tradition by the Arabic name Hawwa`.
The Bible describes the creation of Eve in these terms:
“The Lord God said: ‘It is not good that Man should be alone; I will make him a help meet’... the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam... and He took one of his ribs... and made He a woman ... and brought her unto the man ... and ... Adam said, “… She shall be called woman” (Genesis 2:18,21-3).
The Qur’an confirms that Hawwa` was indeed created out of Adam but is silent on the specific process of her creation. It states what means:
*{O mankind! reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered [like seeds] countless men and women;—reverence God, through whom ye demand your mutual [rights], and [reverence] the wombs [that bore you]: for God ever watches over you.}* (An-Nisaa’ 4:1)
Both the descriptions in the Bible and the Qur’an clearly show that the creation of Hawaa’ also was unique as she was the only woman created from a man. But unlike the Bible, the Qur'an does not say that Hawwa was created from Adam's rib, but says that she was made "of like nature."
We may note, however, that the biblical statement above is not contradicted by the Qur’an, and what is more, it is supported by the hadith reported by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him). He relates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Treat women kindly. Woman has been created from a rib and the most curved part of the rib is the uppermost. If you try to straighten it, you will break it and if you leave it alone, it will remain curved. So treat women kindly” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
This does not mean that Islam views women as biologically warped, but only that their basic nature demands special consideration and kindness.
The rib implies that the process of creation of woman differed from Adam and was unique. The Bible says, “God said, ‘It is not good that Man should be alone; I will make for him a help meet,’” and the Qur'an speaks of humanity's *{Guardian-Lord... [creating] from a single person, ...of like nature, his mate}*. We may say that the rib is symbolic of the husband’s duty to treat his wife as part of himself, as well as the wife’s dependence on the husband for care and protection.
The few differences between the Biblical presentation of creation and the Qur’anic one can be summarized thus:
All the three religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam agree on one basic fact: Both men and women are created by God. But the Judeo-Christian tradition teaches that Satan appeared in the form of a serpent before Eve and tempted her to eat from the forbidden tree and that it was Eve who seduced Adam to eat with her. According to the Genesis story, God rebuked Adam for what he did, but the latter put all the blame on Eve: “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it” (Genesis 3:12).
Consequently, God said to Eve, “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you” (Genesis 3:16).
To Adam He said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree … cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life” (Genesis 3:17).
The Islamic view of the matter is clear from the verses that mean:
*{By deceit he [Satan] brought them to their fall: when they tasted the tree, their shame became manifest to them and they began to sew together the leaves of the Garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan was your avowed enemy?” They said: “Our Lord we have wronged our own souls and if You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be lost.”}* (Al-A`raf 7:22-23)
A careful look into the two accounts of the story of the creation reveals some essential differences. The Qur’an, contrary to the Bible, places equal blame on both Adam and Eve for their mistake. The Qur’an does not say that Eve tempted Adam to eat from the tree or even that she had eaten before him. Eve in the Qur’an is not a seducer or deceiver. God, according to the Qur’an, punishes no one for another’s faults. Both Adam and Eve committed a sin and then asked God for forgiveness and He forgave them both. So there is no question of a hereditary sin called Original Sin in Islam.
In short, the whole story clearly teaches us the divine directive for equality of the sexes, fairness, and justice in matters relating to men and women. The following Islamic principles are brought to light also; that humans have freedom of will, responsibility for their choice of action and the consequent accountability before God.
Contributer
Salam.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Humanity
17:70 "We have honored the children of Adam, and provided them with rides on land and in the sea. We provided for them good provision and we gave them greater advantages over many of the creatures"
Who are the Righteous ? What is Righteousness ?
"Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in God, the Last Day, the Angels, the Scripture, and the Prophets, and the Give the money cheerfully, to the relative, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to Free the Slaves, and they observe the contact prayer and give the obligatory Charity, and they keep their word whenever they make a promise, and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution hardship and war. These are the truthful, these are the righteous" 2:177
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