Questions/Comments on the Quran

It occurred to me when I was reading other posts that people who follow quran alone don't know the name of the messenger and yet they still refer to the prophet as Muhammad. embrace Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad. It also occurred to me that there is little indication as to the identity of the messenger in the quran and why is this when he is the last prophet. For example the gospel refers to the prophet Jesus hundreds of times by name and in the torah Moses is also referred to by name over and over. But the quran makes no clear reference to the actual name of the final messenger. In Sura 3144 the word muhammadun is used but this appears to be a term meaning ?the beloved? and not an actual person?s name Wama muhammadun illa rasoolun qad khalat min qablihi alrrusulu afa-in mata aw qutila inqalabtum AAala aAAqabikum waman yanqalib AAala AAaqibayhi falan yadurra Allaha shay-an wasayajzee Allahu alshshakireena YUSUFALI Muhammad is no more than a messenger..... A better translation of 3144 would be "The beloved is no more than a messenger....." Does anyone have anyone any options on why the messenger isn't referred to by name in the quran and are "Quran alone" followers right in calling the messenger "Muhammad" because it appears from the quran that the messenger?s real name isn't known.

PLEASE READ THIS POST IN ITS ENTIRITY BEFORE YOU MAKE A COMMENT. REMEMBER, NOT ONLY AM I ASKING YOU TO DO THAT, QURAN ASKS YOU TO INVESTIGATE THOROUGHLY My Questions If you want to, please outline your understanding of Islam. 1-What is Islam? Define. 2-What is the purpose of human life in light of Islam? 3-What do you understand by Jannah and Jahanam? 4-What are Malaikas? 5-What is you understanding of Adam and Eve? 6-What is your understanding of Nafs, Asmaa-ul-hasnaa and Hamd? 7-Do you think that Islam and Science are disjoint sets or do they overlap? 8-Did humans evolve, in light of Quran? My motivation for this post Even under the umbrella of being so-called Quran-aloners, we have different understanding of Islam and Quran. While 'difference of opinion' is a sweet slogan in the west, Jamaat-ul-momineen must have unity in goal and understanding of Islam as well its implementation. Therefore, it is imperative that we reconcile our differences and develop unity and vision. Needless to say, posting on this thread is voluntary. If you choose not post your answer, please do not taunt others or worse, speculate over my motivation. My motivation is to unite, not to divide. But the unity will take efforts on our behalf and will definitely create spark. As the Quran says, something new emerges from the clash of opposing forces. So please, throw out your egos, and begin with a humble start, THINK and outline your understanding with clarity and precision. I will explain where I feel you have weaker understanding. I also hope, that you will explain to me where I have a weaker understanding. I'm not going to make any list outta this.

For those searching for alternative translations please see the work of Muhamad Asad.... he was a sunni but his translation and particularly footnotes are far from following traditional sunnie's interpretations

Peace, God Guides all those who seek to be guided by Him whatever the language.The language is not a barrier to understand the reanding (alquran). When we entirely trust in God, there is no fear to be mislaid from His straight path. Alhamdullilah. The following text is from http//www.free-minds.org/articles/quranic/study.htm The Phases of Quran Study Now that we have given a background, it is time to move into the subject of ?how to study the Quran? 1.Language The first point of contention in the study of the Quran must be 'language'...Many of the 1 billion people who state to be Muslims have been informed that the Quran can only be recited or read in 'Arabic' and that any translation will not give the proper meaning...The flip-side is that these same self-appointed scholars will then tell Arabic speakers that the Quran is 'too complex' for them to understand and that they should leave its understanding to the experts!. Of course, the Quran itself says that language is NOT a barrier to its understanding as its is GOD who is making it understood to people who open their hearts (and not the language). "If we made it a non-Arabic Quran they would have said, 'If only its verses were made clear!. Can it be Arabic and non-Arabic?'. Say, "For those who believe, it is a guide and healing. As for those who disbelieve, they will be deaf and blind to it, as if they are being addressed from faraway." (4144) GOD's Book is unlike any other book on earth as it is subject to His system and His laws which state that only HE can make it understood if HE desires to do so (not the language or qualifications or expertise of the reader). The following text is from http//www.free-minds.org/books/naveed_01.htm Chapter 01 Is the Qur'an Complete and Easy to Understand? I have started the discussion with this question because it is the most fundamental question related to Muslims' reliance on other books in addition to the Qur?an. Ask this question- ?Is the Qur?an complete and easy to understand?? - of any Muslim today, and his or her immediate answer will be ?Yes!? However, further investigation would reveal that this Muslim is only paying lip service to this position, and that he does not actually believe in the completeness of the Qur?an. If you discuss the question at length, you will soon hear claims like "Yes the Qur?an is complete but it does not have everything, "and" Yes the Qur?an is complete, but we cannot understand it without other books. " We will see that the Qur?an itself refutes these claims <Wa laqad sarrafna_ lin na_si fi ha_dhal qur'a_ni min kulli mathalin, fa aba_ aktharun na_si illa_ kufu_ran> "And certainly We have repeated for humankind, in this Quran, every kind of example, but the majority of humankind do not consent to aught but denying." (1789) ?We have put forth for humans, in this Qur?an, every kind of example so that they may remember? (Qur?an 3927). Here, Allah says that He has explained EVERY KIND OF EXAMPLE for our Guidance within the Qur?an. Thus, when Allah Himself testifies that every kind of example is within the Qur?an, does the Muslim need to look elsewhere for examples? Here we must note that since the initial audience of the Qur?an were people living in a desert city 1400 years ago the wordings of the examples are more relevant to their surroundings. However, the message of these examples is applicable to all times. In fact, the word 'example" by definition means that it is referring to a specific case outlining a general principal. Allah further explains this "And We have revealed the Book to you which has the clear explanation of everything <wa nazzalna_ 'alaikal kita_ba tibya_nal likulli shai'iw>, and a guidance and mercy and good news for those who submit." (1689) There cannot be any words clearer than this. When He says ?liKULLI Shai?iw? that means EVERYTHING. If the Qur?an itself is supposed to explain everything, what does it mean to explain the Qur?an by other books? In other words, the above verse is saying that there is NOTHING that is not explained by the Qur?an. The Muslim who says that ?not everything is in the Qur?an?, must sit down and contemplate on these Ayaats and reflect on the logical consequences of his statement. Those Muslims who say that the Qur?an is not clear and they need other books to understand the Qur?an should read the following statement of Allah ?A Qur?an in Arabic, without any crookedness in order that they may become more conscious.? (Qur?an 3928). Allah says that the Qur?an is without any crookedness, meaning that there is nothing obscure in the Qur?an. This is only logical as the Book is meant for everyone and not only those who have a Ph.D. in Fiqh and Hadith. Then Allah confirms this, when He states it four times within the same Surah ?And We have indeed made the Qur?an (The Recital) easy for taking Reminder <walaqad yasarnal Qur?ana li-Dhikri>; then is there any that will receive admonition?? (54 17, 22, 32, 40) Unless, the Muslim thinks that Allah is ?speaking with His tongue in cheek? Nauzobillah, it is very clear what He says - the Qur?an is easy to understand. The Muslim, when confronted with these Ayaat, adopts a more defensive approach and revises his earlier statements by saying ?Yes, the Qur?an is complete and has everything and is easy to understand, but it LACKS DETAILS. And to get the details we must resort to the books of Hadith?. The Qur'an again refutes this statement. Here is what Allah says about the detail <Tafseel> in His Book ?Shall I then seek a Ruler other than Allah? When He it is Who has revealed to you the Book (which is) distinctly detailed <al-kitaaba mufaSSalan>? (6114) ?And certainly We have brought them a Book, which We have detailed with knowledge <faSSalnaahu Ala Ilmin>, a guidance and mercy for a people who believe? (752) ?A Book of which the verses are distinctly detailed <fuSSilat ayaatahu>, an Arabic Qur?an for people who know? (413) ?Indeed We have made the verses detailed for a people who take reminder <qad faSSalnaa-l-?aayyaati li-qawmin yadhakkaruuna>? (6126) ?And this Qur?an is not such as could be forged by those besides Allah, but it is a verification of that which is in his possession and a distinct elucidation of the book <tafSiila-l-kitaabi >, and there is no doubt in it, from the Lord of the Worlds? (1037) In face of these verses, the Muslim's claim seems once again contradictory to the Qur?anic evidence. Yet, the Muslim insists that the Qur?an is not detailed. In the light of the Qur?an, this only suggests that the Muslim is not using his common sense and the gift of Allah called Aqal (reason). Allah says ?Thus do We make the revelations detailed for a people who reflect <nufaSSilu-l-?aayaati li qawmin yatafakkaruuna>? (1024) ?Thus do We make the revelations detailed for a people who use their reason <kadhaalika nufaSSilu ?aayaati li qawmin yaqiluuna>? (3028 ) Thus, those people who refuse to reflect and use their reason, and insist on whatever they were taught by their elders without question, they are the people who will not find the details of everything in the Qur?an, and will go searching for other books. Logically speaking, it would not make any sense that a Book that is supposed to shed light on other things and that is supposed to explain other things, is itself in need of explanation ?By the Evidence of the Book that makes things clear <kitaab il Mubeen>. Surely We have made it an Arabic Qur?an that you use your reason? (432-3) ?By the evidence of the Book that makes things clear <Kitaab il Mubeen>? (442) ?We have made the revelations clear to you, if you will use your reason <qad bayyannaa lakumu-l-?aayaati ?in kuntum taqiluuna>? (311 The discussion should end here for if the Qur?an is COMPLETE, and EASY and has DETAILS of everything that we need for Guidance, then there is no need to look at another book for Guidance. I must add here that people should be encouraged to talk with each other and share ideas - the problem occurs when individual's ideas are taken as sources of Guidance in ADDITION to the Qur?an. This is exactly what Allah tells them ?Is it not enough for them that We have revealed to you the Book, which is recited to them? Most surely there is a mercy in this and a reminder for a people who believe? (2951) The Muslim, however, refuses this ?Mercy? and ties himself up in shackles of Hadith and tradition, and insists that the Book of Allah is not enough for him. With all of the above evidence, he still cannot give up Hadith. In the following chapters we will look at some of the other arguments put forth by the proponents of Hadith.

Anwar I think that it would be very useful if you could explain to us the fuction of the arabic article AL; it's usage, possible translations etc. Does english article THE completely matches article AL , where they differ (if) etc. thanks in advance p.s. I think that sole describing of English article THE would also be very beneficient to many participants, particularly to me...

Salaamun to ALL Iv'e been discussing whether or not Al-Qur-an is the clear Book. While it appears to me that, Al-Kitab/The Book, encompasses all of Allah's revelation to mankind, it further appears to me that, Al-Qur-an, while a part of the overall Book of Allah, is a separate and complete Book unto itself--Al-Fatihah to Al-Nas. Hopefully, Layth, Ayman, Idolfree 1, The Nabi, Zenje, will comment. If this topic has already been discussed, please refer me to the thread, thanks.

Peace, Verses / Signs / Revelations of God are fully detailed because they are the verb of God, the absolute truth. Whoever God wishes to guide, He will open his chest towards surrender; and whoever He wishes to misguide, He will make his chest tight and constricted, as one who is climbing towards the sky. It is such that God afflicts those who do not believe. Faman yuridi Allahu an yahdiyahuyashrah sadrahu lil-islami waman yurid an yudillahuyajAAal sadrahu dayyiqan harajan kaannamayassaAAAAadu fee alssama-i kathalikayajAAalu Allahu alrrijsa AAala allatheenala yu/minoona And this is your Lord?s straight path. We have fully detailed the revelations to a people who remember. Wahatha siratu rabbikamustaqeeman qad fassalna al-ayatiliqawmin yaththakkaroona The scripture gived to Moses is a guide where are detailed all thing. This scripture is the revelation of God, His perfect verb and the Lord?s straight path. 6 154 Then We gave Moses the Scripture, to complete for those who do right, and to fully detail all things, and a guide and mercythat they may believe in the meeting of their Lord. Thumma atayna moosaalkitaba tamaman AAala allathee ahsanawatafseelan likulli shay-in wahudan warahmatanlaAAallahum biliqa-i rabbihim yu/minoona On the tablets all things are detailed and represent a complete guide to a people who remember. And We wrote for him on the tablets from everything a lesson, and detailing all things. Take it with strength and order your people to take the best from it. I will show you the abode of the corrupt. Wakatabna lahu fee al-alwahimin kulli shay-in mawAAithatan watafseelanlikulli shay-in fakhuthha biquwwatin wa/mur qawmakaya/khuthoo bi-ahsaniha saoreekum daraalfasiqeena And We have come to them with a Scripture which We have detailed with knowledge; a guide and a mercy to those who believe. Walaqad ji/nahum bikitabin fassalnahuAAala AAilmin hudan warahmatan liqawmin yu/minoona The quran authenticate the previous scriptures such as the scripture of Moses in which are detailed all thing. The quran as the tablets of Moses are the revelation of God, complete guides. This Quran could not have been produced without God, but it is to authenticate what is already present, and to give detail to the Scripture in which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds. Wama kana hatha alqur-anuan yuftara min dooni Allahi walakin tasdeeqaallathee bayna yadayhi watafseela alkitabi larayba feehi min rabbi alAAalameena And We have not sent before you except men, to whom We gave inspiration, from the people of the towns. Would they not roam the earth and see how was the punishment of those before them? And the abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who are aware. Do you not comprehend? Wama arsalna min qablika illarijalan noohee ilayhim min ahli alquraafalam yaseeroo fee al-ardi fayanthurookayfa kana AAaqibatu allatheena min qablihimwaladaru al-akhirati khayrun lillatheenaittaqaw afala taAAqiloona Then, when the messengers gave up, and they thought that they have been denied, Our victory came to them. We then save whom We wish, and Our punishment cannot be swayed from the wicked people. Hatta itha istay-asa alrrusuluwathannoo annahum qad kuthiboo jaahumnasruna fanujjiya man nashao walayuraddu ba/suna AAani alqawmi almujrimeena In the Messengers stories are a detailing of all things and a guidance for the people of intelligence. if we seek more details other than what God wanted to transmit to us, we will not find them. In other word, to seek other details in other sources than the coran is equivalent to doubt the word of God when He says to us In their stories is a lesson and a detailing of all things, and a guidance and mercy to a people who believe In their stories is a lesson for the people of intelligence. It was not a narration that was invented, but an authentication of what is already present and a detailing of all things, and a guidance and mercy to a people who believe Laqad kana fee qasasihimAAibratun li-olee al-albabi ma kana hadeethanyuftara walakin tasdeeqa allatheebayna yadayhi watafseela kulli shay-in wahudan warahmatanliqawmin yu/minoona When God said us? everything We have detailed completely? that means everything without any doubt and any exceptions. All things we have need in order to follow the system of God are in the coran. And We made the night and the day as two signs, so We erased the sign of night and We made the sign of day to see-in, that you may seek bounty from your Lord, and that you may know the number of the years and the count. And everything We have detailed completely. WajaAAalna allayla waalnnaharaayatayni famahawna ayata allayliwajaAAalna ayata alnnahari mubsiratanlitabtaghoo fadlan min rabbikum walitaAAlamoo AAadada alssineenawaalhisaba wakulla shay-in fassalnahutafseelan H. M. Ha-meem A revelation from the Almighty, Most Merciful Tanzeelun mina alrrahmanialrraheemi A Scripture whose verses are detailed, a Quran in Arabic for a people who know. Kitabun fussilat ayatuhuqur-anan AAarabiyyan liqawmin yaAAlamoona The quran is clear, fully detailed 579 None can grasp it except those pure. And We made the Quran easy to learn. Do any of you wish to learn? And say ?Praise be to God who has not taken a son, nor does He have a partner in sovereignty, nor does He have an ally out of weakness.? And glorify Him greatly.

This convo started off on MorningDew's thread and has been moved to its own thread..... Asdfjh You Wrote His suitability for the role of messenger is implicit in the fact that he delivered the message. Its really beyond the realm of debate - its like asking if Jibril was a suitable Angel to convey to message. Not that Allah would be afraid to use the lowest part of his creation (226) in conveying his message to us. But the fact that Allah chose Muhammad to deliver qur'an means he was 'suitable' for God's purpose. So, I believe he has a good character and was a suitable messenger. Have I missed anything bro? Thanks for your reply, and yes we are on the same-page when you said "He has a good character and was a suitable messenger". Though there are few interesting observations. Muhammad has a good character, how do you know? I am not asking if he has a good character or not. We both beleive that he has good character. I am just aksing how do you know tht Muhammad had a good character. Peace Rizwan As I stated earlier brother - I infer that he had a good character because of his relationship to the Truth as set out in 3321. "Indeed in the messenger of God a good example has been set for you for he who seeks God and the last day and thinks constantly of God." Gods word on the matter is enough for me. Is it enough for you? Your saying "its like asking if Jibril was a suitable Angel to convey to message" is an interesting remarks. How Jibril is entitled to this disctinction? is it through Quran? Yes brother. Jibril is cited as the angel who delivered the qur'an to Muhammad in 297 Say "Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel, then know that he has sent it down into your heart by God's permission, authenticating what is already present and a guid and good news for the believers." I hope that answers you questions brother but you still havent answered my question - so, for the third time - When it says "He removes from them their sins and sets right their affairs." (472)- Do you believe the "He" here is Muhammad or do you believe it is Allah? As you mentioned before, a recurring theme in Quran is Muhammad in particular and All the other Messengers are Warners and Bearer of Good news. Not quite what I said brother - Muhammad is a warner like the other prophets before him - but not "in particular". I havent used that phrase and wouldn't because I believe it is incorrect...and heading for shirk...to differentiate between the prophets. As Allah says in 2136 Say ?We believe in God and in what was sent down to us and what was sent down to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make a distinction between any of them and to Him we surrender.? Now Muhammad being only as Warner/Bearer of Good news/Human-being does not absolve those How put their faith in Allah and in his book from "FOLLOWING HIS PROPHET". Would like to know your view on this? What do you mean 'absolve'??? Where in quran does it tell us to "follow" Muhammad. Earlier in this conversation I posted several ayat which indicate that one should follow only that which God has sent down - ie The Qur'an. Can you post a single aya from qur'an which tells us we should follow the prophet? Forgive my rhetorical question brother because we both know you can't - its not what God has told us to do. Of course I attempt to follow the prophet in so much as he was a Muslim and a righteous man - but any meaning of the word "follow" which goes beyond "also following what it set down in Qur'an" is beyond what God has commanded for us. Why do you find that so hard to accept? Quran establish this same guidance in another way when in Ob-salat we say this is our prayer to God. Guide us in the right path -- In responce to this God tells us that. Thou art, indeed, one of the Messengers, On the right path. This is a revelation from the Mighty, the Merciful. That thou mayest warn a people whose fathers were not warned, and so they are heedless. Surely, the word has proved true against most of them, for they believe not. We have put round their necks collars reaching unto their chins, so that their heads are raised up. And We have set a barrier before them and a barrier behind them, and have covered them over, so that they cannot see. Its hard to express, how concisely Quran has summerised, what have we been discussing here. If you want to follow straight path, then Quran has declared Muhammad to be on that path. So follow him. Muhammad is dead brother - he died nearly one and a half thousand years ago. Other than by following the scripture he revealed how do you suggest I "follow him"? There are some who have a metaphorical barrier placed before them and behind them, this could be a lot of things. One such barrier could be the teaching that you are brought up with, imparted to you through your parents and fore-fathers, now those teachings could be a barrier behind you. But as you progress through your life you develop a free-mind, and clear your-self from the teaching of your forfathers, but this free-mind could be a barrier in-front of you. Your ego, proudness of your mental faculties could become a hinderence. I'm sure each of us will be tested in our own ways and the shaytans will assail us all from every side. But please don't assume I am filled with pride and personal ego just because I use qur'an to defend my position. Perhaps brother the barriers are not with me alone. Are you prepared to ask questions of your own beliefs - can you find a way to worship Allah without your own barriers coming between you and what your creator requires of you? Should we follow Muhammad in seeking staright path? Indeed we should brother. How about starting by obeying the scripture he revealed. God's word is enough for me brother...why isn't it enough for you? salaam brother and may God bless you asdfjk

Peace, This is the Scripture in which there is no doubt, a guide for the righteous. Then it is for Us to clarify it. If they debate with you, then say ?I have surrendered myself to God, as well as those who follow me.? And say to those who have received the Scripture and the Gentiles ?Have you surrendered?? If they have surrendered then they are guided, and if they turn away, then you are only to deliver, and God is watcher over the servants. And obey God and obey the messenger, and be aware. If you turn away then know that it is the duty of the messenger to deliver the clarity. The messenger is only to deliver. And God knows what you reveal and what you conceal. Say ?Which is the greatest testimony?? Say ?God is witness between me and you, and He has inspired to me this Quran that I may warn you with itand whomever it reaches, that you bear witness that along with God are other gods!?; say ?I do not bear witness!?, say ?He is only One god, and I am innocent of what you set-up!? And this is a Scripture which We have sent down, blessed, authenticating what is present with him, and that you may warn the capital of the towns and those around it. And those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it, and they are careful to/in their salat. A Scripture that has been sent down to you, so let there not be any burden in your chest from it, that you may warn with it; and a reminder to the believers. ?Are you surprised that a reminder has come to you from your Lord through a man from amongst you to warn you, and that you may receive mercy?? And if We show you some of what We promise them or if We let you pass away, then you are only to deliver while for Us is the reckoning. And those who set-up partners said ?If God had wished it, we would not have served anything besides Him; neither us nor our fathers; nor would we have forbidden anything without Him.? Those before them did the exact same thing; so are the messengers required to do anything but deliver with clarity? So if they turn away, then you are only required to deliver clearly. Say ?Obey God, and obey the messenger.? But if they turn away, then he is only responsible for his obligation, and you are responsible for your obligations. And if you obey him, you will be guided. The messenger is only required to deliver clearly. And this is a revelation from the Lord of the worlds. It was sent down with the trusted Spirit. Upon your heart, so that you would be of the warners. In a clear Arabic tongue. ?I have been ordered to serve the Lord of this town that He has made restricted, and to Him are all things, and I have been ordered to be of those who surrender.? ?And that I recite the Quran.? He who is guided is guided for himself, and to he who is misguided, say ?I am but one of the warners.? And they said ?If only signs would come down to him from his Lord!? Say ?All signs are with God, and I am but a clear warner.? You are but a warner. And thus We have inspired to you an Arabic Quran, so that you may warn the capital town and all around it, and to warn about the Day of Gathering that is inevitable. A group will be in Paradise, and a group in Hell. And you are of a high moral character. This is the utterance of an honourable messenger. It is not the utterance of a poet; rarely do you believe. Nor the utterance of a soothsayer; rarely do you take heed. A revelation from the Lord of the worlds. And had he attributed anything falsely to Us. We would have seized him by the right. Then, We would have severed his life-line. None of you would be able to prevent it. And this is a reminder for the righteous. It is but an announcement from God, and His messages. And whosoever disobeys God and His messenger, then he will have the fire of Hell to dwell eternally therein. Except to whom He has accepted as a messenger, then He reveals from the past and the future. So that He knows that they have delivered the messages of their Lord, and He surrounds all that is with them, and He has counted the number of all things.

salams How should one draw maximum benifit from the quraan.?

This is a translation of Chpt 33 that I did. I've been writing the English in a notebook as I read the Arabic and checking dictionaries. This is what I got. All translations are really just understandings. This one I think is very valid. The numbers are the verses numbers. They are in superscript in the original Chapter 33 In God's name the merciful and true benefactor1. Prophet, protect yourself from God and do not follow God's disloyalists or hypocrites. God will be discerning and decisive2. Obey what has been given to you from your superior, your lord. God will be aware of how you act3. Trust in God. God is the only one that really needs to be trusted4. God has not given people two souls within them. God has not made people's mates, whom they aid, assist and support, their foundations. Additionally, God has not made those whom they have adopted their children. These are only people's saying and expressions, but God speaks appropriately. God shows people the way5. People, you are to call adopted children by the names of their parents, or their forefathers. This is more just in God's sight. They are to be your brothers in custom, culture, law and philosophy. They?re to be your support. The burden of crime is not for the sake of your having been mistaken. Rather, the burden of crime is for the sake of your intentions. God will be forgiving and merciful6. The prophets are supportive concerning God's loyalists. Moreover, the mates of God's prophets are to be the foundations of God's loyalists. People sharing a common kinship, or relationship, among God's loyalists, including immigrants or migrants, are to be supportive of each other according to God's decree. Nevertheless, may they act honorably towards those supportive of them. May this be outlined in Law7! When we have ratified the treaties of prophets, with you, Muhammad, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, Miriam's son, we have solemnly ratified their treaties8 so that the true would be held accountable for their being true. But God has a horrible torment prepared for the disloyal9. God's loyalists, keep in mind the favors that God has shown to you. Then, would an army come against you we will dispatch against them soldiers, like wind, that you would not see. God sees how you act10. When such an opposing force would come upon you from highlands and lowlands, from points of higher elevations and lower elevations, at that point eyes will swerve and turn away. Hearts will be in throats and you will really have God on your minds11! Then and there God's loyalists will be put to the test and they will be really shaken; strongly shaken12. At that juncture, the hypocrites, those sick in the soul, will say, "God, through his message, has promised us nothing but delusions!"13 In view of the fact that a group of them said "People, may God be to blame. There is no one to stand for you! Return! Go back!"- a group of them asking permission of the prophet, saying that their families were exposed, though this was not the case and they only wanted to flee14. Although despite them, their families would have been taken into possession amidst their lands - would they be asked to cause discord and dissention they will; and they will only linger on it briefly.15 They would have already promised to God that they would not turn back. Nonetheless, God's promises will be answered for16. Muhammad, say "Fleeing will not benefit you if you are fleeing from mortality, condemnation or the destruction of your lives. If this is the case, you will only be enjoying yourselves for a little while17. Who can keep you all from God if God intends for you some injury, or if God intends for you some mercy?" Hypocrites will not find any helpers or supporters despite God18. God discerns those who hold back and are hindrances amidst God's loyalists, being those who shout encouragements and incite to action but hardly show any courage themselves19. They hold back from their brothers and sisters. When there is cause for alarm you will see them looking to you with roving eyes like one who is overwhelmed by his mortality. When the alarm would abate, not wanting to share in benefits, they will verbally attack God's loyalists. Such people have been steeped in infidelity. God will make their works come to nothing. That will be an easy thing for God20. Although they would be in the midst of God's loyalists they will be the ones to think that the abovementioned troops will not be vanquished. If troops do arrive they would rather wish to be deep in rusticity or in the wilderness among nomads inquiring about what has been happening. They will hardly fight21. God's loyalists, there has been an excellent model in God's message and in God's messengers for whoever would look forward to God at the last age and keep God in mind often22. Would God's loyalists see the aforementioned troops they will say, "This is what God, through His message, has promised us. God and his messengers have been true.? Seeing such troops will only increase them in their loyalty and commitment23. They are people that will be true to what they've promised to God. Some of them will fulfill their vow & some will pass away. Others will look on expectantly, biding their time. But God's loyalists will not show any fickleness whatsoever,24 that God might reward the true for being true. God will be the cause of the hypocrites? torment; if that would be His wish. But he might just turn to them in mercy. God certainly is mercifully forgiving25. He will reflect the fury and rage of His disloyalists back onto them. They will not achieve benefit. But God will be enough in combat for those loyal to Him. God has been strong and mighty in combat26! He will demolish from their foundations any law-abiding peoples that would assist God's disloyalists. God will pitch terror into their hearts and their minds. Some of these peoples, would they do such a thing, God's loyalists are to condemn, batter and destroy their lives. Others, God's loyalists are to take as captives27. God would cause His loyalists to inherit their lands -lands that they would have never set foot in- along with their wealth. And God will be in power concerning every single thing28. Prophet, say to any mate of yours, "If your intentions are for the worldly life with its adornments and decorations then let me furnish you with something and then set you free, completely and decently.?29 But if she desires God, His message and that final abode, then God will prepare for any respectful mate of yours a momentous reward."30 To any mate of the prophet, would any of you commit any evident atrocity your torment will be doubled., and that will be an easy thing for God31. But to she who would be humbly devout in accordance with God, though His message, and would also work correctly so that we might give to her, her reward will also be doubled. We will prepare for her a noble and generous provision32. Mate of the prophet, you are not like any other woman, on the condition that you protect yourselves. Do not speak softly or show deference when you speak. The man who is sick in his soul would desire you then. But speak in an honorable manner33. Furthermore, establish yourself within your family and don?t show yourself off in a display of outstanding and salient ignorance. Uphold prayer and blessings, that is promotions of good and well-being, and offer and be in compliance with betterment, being all that is best. Obey God through His message. God wishes to eradicate taint from you, being a deserving member of the aforementioned family. He intends to truly purify you34. Be mindful of the works of God- containing decisions and wisdom- that are recited in your house and within your family. God will be subtly aware35. God will prepare a place of forgiveness with an enormous reward for those submissive to God, among men and women, being loyal, devout, true, persistent, humble, charitable, observers of abstinences, conservers of their genitalia and often mindful of God36. It is not right for any loyalist of God, woman or man, to have options about any order or mandate given to them when God, through his message, has given such an order or mandate. Whoever disobeys God, by way of His message, will be truly and clearly misdirected37. You then, Muhammad, are to say to the man that would receive Gods? favor, along with your favor, ?Hold on to your mate and protect yourself from God. You are to hide within yourself what God is to expose. You will be afraid of people. But more warranted is your fear of God, since some particular increase might affect you with some desire towards her.? We would join such a man with his wife so that the loyalist of God would not have difficulties. As it concerns the mates of the adopted children of God?s loyalists when such adopted children end any desire for their mates, may God?s command be done38. There has been no difficulty for the prophets concerning the methods and practices that God has made obligatory on them. Concerning the prophets who passed away earlier God?s command was duly and truly meted out39. The prophets have been the ones to preach the messages and correspondences of God. They feared God and no one but God. God has been enough for them to answer to and enough as someone to judge them40. Muhammad will not be the ancestor of any of the persons among God?s loyalists. But he is God?s messenger and the seal of the prophets. God has discerned all things41. God?s loyalists, mind God both truly and often42. Moreover, glorify Him as daylight begins and as it disappears43. He is the one who will bless you with His angels so that He may bring you from the realms of darkness into light. God will be merciful to His loyalists44. When they meet God they will have salvation as a salutation. A noble reward will prepared from them45. Prophet, we sent you to testify, to give good news, to warn46 and to call unto God with His authority, as a light-giving lamp47. Give the good news to God?s loyalists that there will be for them an extensive grace from God48. But do not obey God?s disloyalists, nor the hypocrites. Disregard their insults and put your trust in God. God is enough to trust in49. To the men among God?s loyalists, when you would marry women that are also God?s loyalists and then divorce them before having sex with them there is no count to observe. Furnish them and set them free completely and decently50. Prophet, we have truly made lawful for you any mate to whom you would have given her due engagement or matrimonial gift, being whoever you would betroth and would emigrate with you; including any woman that God would afford you from your maternal or paternal cousins. But any, one woman, loyal to God, that would give herself to you - you also seeking to wed her- will be limited to only you, disregarding the rest of God?s loyalists to prevent any difficulties for you from arising. We have certainly discerned what it is that we have obligated on the rest of God?s loyalists concerning their mates, being their betrothed. God has been mercifully forgiving51. You may postpone or accommodate any such woman if you wish. As it concerns whoever you would seek, from whomever you would single out or from whomever you may have turned away, there is no crime on you. Your seeking such woman out would give her some comforting. She is not to be sad but pleased with what you would be offering her. God has been forbearingly discerning52. Outside of the above, no other woman is lawful for you. Only your betrothed. Nor is it lawful for you to exchange her for another mate, even though her excellence would stun you. God has been keeping a watchful eye over all things53. God?s loyalists, do not come upon the family of the prophet except when authorized for a meal, without waiting for its preparation. But when you are invited, come. And when you have eaten, disperse without looking to socialize about some narration or happening. That would annoy the prophet, but he would be bashful with you. However, God is not bashful as it concerns the truth, and as it concerns what is appropriate. Moreover, when you would ask any woman of the prophet?s family for any furnishing ask her privately, and out of sight. This is to keep both the minds of God?s loyalists and of any mate of the prophet free from taint. It would not be right for God?s loyalists to insult or offend God?s messenger. Nor would not be right for them to ever marry any of his ex-mates. Such things would be serious in God?s eyes54. God is discerning of all, whether you hide it or expose it55. Nothing can be held against women for being in the company of their parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, children, siblings, nephews, nieces, fellow women or their betrothed. May women protect themselves from God! God will certainly witness and testify to every single thing56. God and His angels bless the prophets. Loyalists of God, bless them also, and salute them with salutes of excellence57! Those who insult or offend God?s message or His messenger God will curse in the earthly world. In the end God will have prepared for them a torment to be despised58. Whoever insults or offends God?s loyalists undeservingly, be they men or women, may they be charged with slander, being a blatant crime59. Prophet, say to any wife of yours, any daughter of yours and any woman among God?s loyalists that they are not to wear short clothing. That is the most appropriate if they are to be honored and not insulted, annoyed or offended. God has been mercifully forgiving60. If hypocrites do not cease their hypocrisy, being sick in the soul and inciters of unrest, disturbances and violent emotions within this great society, we shall induce you, this great society, to deal with them. In such a case, only for a short period of time are they to be your neighbors, or in your midst61. You are to denounce them and consider them detestable. Wherever they would be encountered may they be held accountable. May they be condemned, battered and their lives utterly destroyed62. This is how God has been dealing with such people in earlier times, as well as with those that walk before you. You will not find alteration as it concerns Gods? dealings63. Henceforth, people will question you. Say as one ?Such dealings have their discernment with God. But what makes you so sure that God won?t be dealing with you soon64? God has denounced and declared detestable those disloyal to Him. God will prepare for them a blazing fire65. They will dwell in it forever, without any support or helper in sight66. They will then be turned all about in fire, their entire selves. They will cry out ?Why us! Had we only listened to God! Had we only obeyed the message67! They will say ?Lord! We obeyed our chiefs and our great men, our nobles and our elders! But they mislead us68! Lord! Give them double the torment and really denounce them with detest!69? God?s loyalists, do not be like those who offended Moses. God absolved him from what they said. He has been noble in God?s sight70. God?s loyalists, protect yourselves from God. Speak what is correct and speak with relevance71, that God may correct your works and forgive you for your crimes. Whoever obeys God, through His message, will attain a true and glorious victory72! We have offered responsibility to the celestials and the earth, through its various forms. But they have shunned it. It has made them nervous. Though humanity has taken it they have been abusive and ignorant73; leading to God?s punishing of the hypocrites along with all those, man or woman, who make any equal with God. Nevertheless, God would turn in mercy towards any loyalist of His, man or woman, and will be mercifully forgiving74. Godbless, Anwar

peace all, Check which translation one can search in, from www.submission.org - http//www.submission.org/quran/webqt.php Yep, its the PM QT. Wakas

The male thief, and the female thief, you shall confiscate their belongings as a punishment for their crime, and to serve as a deterrent from God. God is Almighty, Wise. Salam Layth, et al, How did you arrive at this translation? Why is this so different than the other translation? Thanks Tony

What does the reference to reaching the age of forty mean? What is its significance? Khalifa quite astonishingly claimed that we are all sinless until 40 which I find absurd. The only explanation I can think of is that it is a figure of speech in reference to maturity but what exactly is the significance of this verse anyway? ?

Salaam, O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman... What do you mean by free for the free, slave for the slave, the woman for the woman? I do not understand this. Could you give me a scenario on how this law should be carried out? Thanks, Tony

What does Quran say about proper burial? Is cremation one of the options?

Salm to all I wanted to ask if the word "worship" actualy used in Quran Peace to all postman

Peace In the translations presented below we have 1299 And when they came in before Joseph, he took his parents unto him, and said Come into Egypt safe, if Allah will! Then when they came in to Yusuf, he took his parents to lodge with him and said Enter safe into Egypt, if Allah please. Then when they entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a home for his parents with himself, and said "Enter ye Egypt (all) in safety if it please God." And.. 1221 And he of Egypt who purchased him said unto his wife Receive him honourably. Perchance he may prove useful to us or we may adopt him as a son. Thus we established Joseph in the land that We might teach him the interpretation of events. And Allah was predominant in His career, but most of mankind know not. And the Egyptian who bought him said to his wife Give him an honorable abode, maybe he will be useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son. And thus did We establish Yusuf in the land and that We might teach him the interpretation of sayings; and Allah is the master of His affair, but most people do not know. The man in Egypt who bought him, said to his wife "Make his stay (among us) honourable may be he will bring us much good, or we shall adopt him as a son." Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of stories (and events). And God hath full power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not. Are the words really supposed to mean Egypt/Egyptian? What do these words actually mean? Take care. Joe

Salaamun alaikum people, I had the good fortune of stumbling across the following book A Dictionary Of Grammatical Analysis Of The Qur'an Mujam I'raab Alfaaz Al-Qur'an at the following site http//www.halalco.com/quran_d.html As far as I understand, this book contains compilations of similar grammatical patterns in Al-Quraan. This is in direct line with the fact that the Quran is 'kitaaban mutashabihan mathany'/a book with similarities repeating' (39/23) and so may shed great light on Quranic concepts. I would highly recommend it. thanks and salam.

Salams, Am discussing with a traditionalist and he is raising the following verse 1644 (We sent them) with Clear Signs and Books of dark prophecies; and We have sent down unto thee (also) the Message; that thou mayest explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought. The word used in the verse is 'tubayyin', meaning to explain/make clear. It is not the same as deliver/proclaim (balagh). It goes beyond that level. Does this verse not indicate that part of the Messenger's job was to also EXPLAIN the Book? Does this not 'authorise' going to sources outside the Quran to see exactly how the Messenger explained things? wink There are other verses which say that if you ignore/reject him, then the Messenger's sole job is to proclaim the message (balagh). But reading 1644 alongside these verses could indicate that if you accept the Messenger, then his job includes explaining to the believers what the Book says/teaches. Would appreciate your input guys, HR