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  4. Rawāsiya and Tamīda

Rawāsiya and Tamīda

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Questions/Comments on the Quran
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  • A Offline
    A Offline
    Anoushirvan
    wrote on last edited by
    #46

    Peace huruf, Comrox,

    There are a lot of statements in Quran regarding Earth, Universe, and human creation that I consider to be scientifically inaccurate in our todays standards, not to say erroneous.

    But I do not consider that they indicate that Quran is not from divine origine, contrary to Christians or atheists.

    I appreciate the readiing as allegorical depiction, still I do nnot thhink the Qur'an contains any errors as far "science" is concerned.

    Firstly, science is not bound by any quranic agenda. Science works by establishing the theory that is the best corroborated by scientific, experimental facts. Whenever a new fact comes and contradicts the best established theory, that theory is dismissed, and new one that accounts for the new fact and the older ones is promoted.

    So if you assert that Qur'an matches todays scientific theories, e.g. on geology, what shall you say tomorrow if those theories are invalidated ?
    Seeking endorsment of Qur'an by science is not without danger.

    Secondly, I find the quranic verses scientifically vague enough (when they are not obviously wrong) so that by twisting the meaning of the words, they can be made to match various theories. This is in contradiction with another key distinction of science where any scientific theory must be falsifiable, i.e., it must be able to make predications that can be proven to be wrong.

    To my knowledge, no scientific theory has emerged from understanding quranic verses. This is a key observation, I believe, that indicates that Qur'an has never carried any precise scientific knowledge.

    Wait a second... Are you saying that God purposefully included wrong scientific information in the Qur'an (by today's standards) because that limited or incorrect information was only what people understood of that time?

    I don't think that. Muslims say that Qur'an is God's speech, but I don't recall any verse saying this like that. Instead, we find this

    81.19. Innahu laqawlu rasoolin kareemin
    81.19 . That this is in truth the word of an honored messenger

    And if you read surah 27, there is almost a surah inside the surah

    2729 She said "O commanders, a noble letter has been delivered to me."
    2730 "It is from Solomon, and it reads 'Bismillah ar-Rahman, ar-Rahim'"
    2731 "'Do not be arrogant towards me and come to me as submitters'"

    Like a quranic surah, Salomon's letter to queen of Sheba begins by a Bismillah, indicating Solomon conveyed God's message to the queen, yet its words are those of Solomon.

    So Qur'an says that Qur'an words are the words of the messenger, not those of God. Then logically it conveys the mindset of the messenger. Therefore quranic revelation was to "dress" the concepts of the Kitab with the mindset of the messenger.

    Suppose God send a messenger in 21th century. This messenger would convey God's message using the mindset of the 21th century.
    This message would fundamentally be the same as that of the 7th century since there is no change in the Sunnah of Allah.
    The messenger would perhaps rely on theories like quantum mechanics or general relativity to disclose God's will for mankind.

    Yet, he will never be able to reveal any theory of the 23rd century. Such a theory is not created yet, nor the mindset that can disclose it.

    Think of it Qur'an says that the messenger chosen by God was not the perfect man that traditional Islam tries to depict. So why would have the concepts used to carry God's will for mankind to be perfect ?

    About 225... Without looking into the Arabic, and just looking at the English translations available, it seems those who believe and do good in this life shall be rewarded with flowing rivers... Flowing rivers represent calmness, an easy-going attitude, no rush, an endless cycle that balances itself as the river will always flow, life... Where there is moving water, there is life...

    I don't think so.

    .
    2.25. Wabashshiri allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati anna lahum jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu
    2.25 . And give good news to those who believe and do good works that they will have estates with rivers (anhru) flowing beneath them....

    PRL shows for root nhr

    = Nuun-ha-Ra = to cause stream to flow, repulse, reproach, flow abundantly, drive back, brow beat, chide, do in the day time, day, daytime, daylight hours (from dawn to dusk).

    It doesn't seem to carry a positive meaning. On the contrary it carries the meaning of confusion, and unstability.
    The imaginary (estates/jannatin) of the believers is above the confusion. That's what the expression "jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu" means.
    Believers are like rawsiya, fix and solid in their faith, and above confusion.

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    • H Offline
      H Offline
      huruf
      wrote on last edited by
      #47

      Peace huruf, Comrox,

      Firstly, science is not bound by any quranic agenda. Science works by establishing the theory that is the best corroborated by scientific, experimental facts. Whenever a new fact comes and contradicts the best established theory, that theory is dismissed, and new one that accounts for the new fact and the older ones is promoted.

      So if you assert that Qur'an matches todays scientific theories, e.g. on geology, what shall you say tomorrow if those theories are invalidated ?
      Seeking endorsment of Qur'an by science is not without danger.

      Secondly, I find the quranic verses scientifically vague enough (when they are not obviously wrong) so that by twisting the meaning of the words, they can be made to match various theories. This is in contradiction with another key distinction of science where any scientific theory must be falsifiable, i.e., it must be able to make predications that can be proven to be wrong.

      To my knowledge, no scientific theory has emerged from understanding quranic verses. This is a key observation, I believe, that indicates that Qur'an has never carried any precise scientific knowledge.

      I don't think that. Muslims say that Qur'an is God's speech, but I don't recall any verse saying this like that. Instead, we find this

      81.19. Innahu laqawlu rasoolin kareemin
      81.19 . That this is in truth the word of an honored messenger

      And if you read surah 27, there is almost a surah inside the surah

      2729 She said "O commanders, a noble letter has been delivered to me."
      2730 "It is from Solomon, and it reads 'Bismillah ar-Rahman, ar-Rahim'"
      2731 "'Do not be arrogant towards me and come to me as submitters'"

      Like a quranic surah, Salomon's letter to queen of Sheba begins by a Bismillah, indicating Solomon conveyed God's message to the queen, yet its words are those of Solomon.

      So Qur'an says that Qur'an words are the words of the messenger, not those of God. Then logically it conveys the mindset of the messenger. Therefore quranic revelation was to "dress" the concepts of the Kitab with the mindset of the messenger.

      Suppose God send a messenger in 21th century. This messenger would convey God's message using the mindset of the 21th century.
      This message would fundamentally be the same as that of the 7th century since there is no change in the Sunnah of Allah.
      The messenger would perhaps rely on theories like quantum mechanics or general relativity to disclose God's will for mankind.

      Yet, he will never be able to reveal any theory of the 23rd century. Such a theory is not created yet, nor the mindset that can disclose it.

      Think of it Qur'an says that the messenger chosen by God was not the perfect man that traditional Islam tries to depict. So why would have the concepts used to carry God's will for mankind to be perfect ?

      I don't think so.

      .
      2.25. Wabashshiri allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati anna lahum jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu
      2.25 . And give good news to those who believe and do good works that they will have estates with rivers (anhru) flowing beneath them....

      PRL shows for root nhr

      = Nuun-ha-Ra = to cause stream to flow, repulse, reproach, flow abundantly, drive back, brow beat, chide, do in the day time, day, daytime, daylight hours (from dawn to dusk).

      It doesn't seem to carry a positive meaning. On the contrary it carries the meaning of confusion, and unstability.
      The imaginary (estates/jannatin) of the believers is above the confusion. That's what the expression "jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu" means.
      Believers are like rawsiya, fix and solid in their faith, and above confusion.

      You are not answering me of course. You are answering to your own idea of wht i may have said.

      Here is what I said

      I appreciate the readiing as allegorical depiction, still I do nnot thhink the Qur'an contains any errors as far "science" is concerned. But the reader and writeers of tafsirs ad the translators do make mistakes traying to adapt the Qur'an to what the consider intelligible, makig oe time a mess of it, by the waym though I can't blame hem. It is a gigantic task wich at no time or line is easy. So may God bless any erson who undertakes such a dangerous task. And peopple let us not forget that translators are human and that we must also help by being consciietious at whatever level we study the Qur'an.

      If you have some vested interest in the Qur'an being vague or wrong on "science" or if you want to be a prophet of what somebody else is going to say if in the future this or that, really, I have better things to o than to get into that kind of senseless wranglings.

      Salaam

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      • B Offline
        B Offline
        Bender
        wrote on last edited by
        #48

        You are definitely right that Qur'an was not meant to teach science and I am aware of this.

        Quran is teaching truths not science.
        One of the mistakes people make when studying the quran is subjecting the quran to science.
        Science is how we observe the world, truths are how the world really is.

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        • U Offline
          U Offline
          uq
          wrote on last edited by
          #49

          Thank you for the info Comrox, your posts are thorough, and more importantly, referenced. I appreciate the effort you put into your posts.

          Theoretically, the subject of could permissibly be either The earth or Firmly grounded .

          However, there is a broad rule in Classical Arabic grammar that the subject of a verb, or a pronoun, refers to the nearest preceding noun that conforms with it in gender and number, but this is not a steadfast rule.

          Nevertheless, I am of the view that the subject of is the earth.

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          • C Offline
            C Offline
            Comrox
            wrote on last edited by
            #50

            Peace all,

            I don't think that. Muslims say that Qur'an is God's speech, but I don't recall any verse saying this like that. Instead, we find this

            81.19. Innahu laqawlu rasoolin kareemin
            81.19 . That this is in truth the word of an honored messenger

            And if you read surah 27, there is almost a surah inside the surah

            2729 She said "O commanders, a noble letter has been delivered to me."
            2730 "It is from Solomon, and it reads 'Bismillah ar-Rahman, ar-Rahim'"
            2731 "'Do not be arrogant towards me and come to me as submitters'"

            Like a quranic surah, Salomon's letter to queen of Sheba begins by a Bismillah, indicating Solomon conveyed God's message to the queen, yet its words are those of Solomon.

            So Qur'an says that Qur'an words are the words of the messenger, not those of God. Then logically it conveys the mindset of the messenger. Therefore quranic revelation was to "dress" the concepts of the Kitab with the mindset of the messenger.

            Huh. That's thought-provoking. I was trying to find a verse that directly says Qur'an is His exact words, but I could not. I think the continuous use of "I" and "We" has proved to many that this is directly God's Word. (Maybe someone else can find this verse or verses, if it exists?)

            I remember a verse addressing how God speaks to humans, how He does not speak to anyone except by inspiration or behind a barrier; I would imagine from what you've written here that you think the prophet/messenger was simply inspired with a message to convey to his people/humankind. (And thus not inspired with the direct Word of God - Please correct me if my assumption is wrong. ))

            Suppose God send a messenger in 21th century. This messenger would convey God's message using the mindset of the 21th century.

            That is true and something more to ponder on. While God is beyond time and space, He can still influence us. I'm sure He has through people. ) (Reminds of the time-traveling scene in Interstellar, if anyone has seen that movie.)

            This message would fundamentally be the same as that of the 7th century since there is no change in the Sunnah of Allah.
            The messenger would perhaps rely on theories like quantum mechanics or general relativity to disclose God's will for mankind.

            o That's so fascinating to try to comprehend.

            Yet, he will never be able to reveal any theory of the 23rd century. Such a theory is not created yet, nor the mindset that can disclose it.

            Think of it Qur'an says that the messenger chosen by God was not the perfect man that traditional Islam tries to depict. So why would have the concepts used to carry God's will for mankind to be perfect ?

            Reminds me of the central message in all the time-traveling movies and media I've seen... You can't show yourself or change any events, because doing so can drastically affect your own future, as well as the future of those around you, and even the world. If these movies are any indication of human behavior, learning about future scientific developments could wreck havoc. At the very least, His natural balance of the world would be affected.

            I don't think so.

            .
            2.25. Wabashshiri allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati anna lahum jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu
            2.25 . And give good news to those who believe and do good works that they will have estates with rivers (anhru) flowing beneath them....

            PRL shows for root nhr

            = Nuun-ha-Ra = to cause stream to flow, repulse, reproach, flow abundantly, drive back, brow beat, chide, do in the day time, day, daytime, daylight hours (from dawn to dusk).

            It doesn't seem to carry a positive meaning. On the contrary it carries the meaning of confusion, and unstability.
            The imaginary (estates/jannatin) of the believers is above the confusion. That's what the expression "jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu" means.
            Believers are like rawsiya, fix and solid in their faith, and above confusion.

            Thank you for the root definitions; I always forget that the "Project Root List" thread exists.

            Interesting conclusions. I like your posts; very thoughtful. )

            I wonder if there are any verses which speak of flowing streams for the believers that do not flow beneath them?


            EDIT I'm sure Bender could have answered the above (as he is as smart as Google) but I am impatient so I just used Google. I looked through all the verses mentioned here http//www.quranindex.net/kelime.php?id=8652

            In all of the verses speaking specifically about the hereafter, it seems that "rivers flowing beneath" is always mentioned. Good to know.

            That being said, I have a question for you Anoushirvan about the first half of verse 4715

            "Is the example of the Paradise; that the righteous have been promised with rivers of pure water, and rivers of milk whose taste does not change, and rivers of alcohol that are delicious for the drinkers, and rivers of strained honey..."

            According to Qur'an Corpus, the "rivers" mentioned in the verse have the same root as the root you mentioned above (http//corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=nhr#(47157)).

            It sounds like these rivers in 4715 are all good and positive for the believers. They're described as pure and delicious. eat So are these rivers also supposed to be understood negatively?

            (Perhaps they are different rivers than the ones that are flowing beneath? Can we Qur'anically prove it either way? hmm)

            Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. )

            Quran is teaching truths not science.
            One of the mistakes people make when studying the quran is subjecting the quran to science.
            Science is how we observe the world, truths are how the world really is.

            I like that "Science is how we observe the world, truths are how the world really is." When I read verses about how man was created from mud, I don't find it difficult to carry on while keeping scientific thoughts out of my mind. Just this more particular subject, it seems, I struggle with blocking the science out. P Guess I'm weird like that.

            Thank you for the info Comrox, your posts are thorough, and more importantly, referenced. I appreciate the effort you put into your posts.

            Thank you for the compliment. ) I remember before I joined this forum how many threads emphasized citing sources. I'm trying, lol. I've learned a lot myself.

            Theoretically, the subject of could permissibly be either The earth or Firmly grounded .

            However, there is a broad rule in Classical Arabic grammar that the subject of a verb, or a pronoun, refers to the nearest preceding noun that conforms with it in gender and number, but this is not a steadfast rule.

            Nevertheless, I am of the view that the subject of is the earth.

            Thank you for informing us of the Classical Arabic rule.

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            • H Offline
              H Offline
              huruf
              wrote on last edited by
              #51

              Words of the messenger arewords of the message. Otherwise they would be the words of some particular personn and not of a messenger.

              God can instil perfectly word by word, what would be the imediment? The only imediment would be tht He wouldn't want to be so. If He wills He most certainly can.

              With all my respects for the 19 submitters, ne does not need to be a 19 code submitter to know that the wording of the Qur'an is a wonder beyond anything a computer could make, let alone a person. And of course in any century God is quite capable to transmitting whatever He wants to whoever He wants in axxactly the way He wants. He obviously wanted that the Qur'an lasted for a long time. It still lasts, so it is for us, for whoever wants to avail of her or hiself of it.

              Salaam

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              • A Offline
                A Offline
                Anoushirvan
                wrote on last edited by
                #52

                Peace Comrox,

                Peace all,

                Huh. That's thought-provoking. I was trying to find a verse that directly says Qur'an is His exact words, but I could not. I think the continuous use of "I" and "We" has proved to many that this is directly God's Word. (Maybe someone else can find this verse or verses, if it exists?)

                Same as the letter from Solomon to queen of Sheba in surah 27. It is written at the first person being God, but Solomon wrote it.

                I remember a verse addressing how God speaks to humans, how He does not speak to anyone except by inspiration or behind a barrier; I would imagine from what you've written here that you think the prophet/messenger was simply inspired with a message to convey to his people/humankind. (And thus not inspired with the direct Word of God - Please correct me if my assumption is wrong. ))

                Perhaps this one,

                4251
                4251 Wama kana libasharin an yukallimahu Allahu illa wahyan aw min wara-i hijabin aw yursila rasoolan fayoohiya bi-ithnihi ma yashao innahu AAaliyyun hakeemun
                4251 And it is not for any mortal that God would speak to him, except through inspiration, or from behind a barrier, or by sending a messenger to inspire whom He wills with His permission. He is Most High, Wise.

                Together with this one

                534
                534 In huwa illa wahyun yooha
                534 It is only a divine revealed inspiration.

                I wonder if there are any verses which speak of flowing streams for the believers that do not flow beneath them?


                EDIT I'm sure Bender could have answered the above (as he is as smart as Google) but I am impatient so I just used Google. I looked through all the verses mentioned here http//www.quranindex.net/kelime.php?id=8652

                In all of the verses speaking specifically about the hereafter, it seems that "rivers flowing beneath" is always mentioned. Good to know.

                That being said, I have a question for you Anoushirvan about the first half of verse 4715

                "Is the example of the Paradise; that the righteous have been promised with rivers of pure water, and rivers of milk whose taste does not change, and rivers of alcohol that are delicious for the drinkers, and rivers of strained honey..."

                According to Qur'an Corpus, the "rivers" mentioned in the verse have the same root as the root you mentioned above (http//corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=nhr#(47157)).

                It sounds like these rivers in 4715 are all good and positive for the believers. They're described as pure and delicious. eat So are these rivers also supposed to be understood negatively?

                (Perhaps they are different rivers than the ones that are flowing beneath? Can we Qur'anically prove it either way? hmm)

                Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. )

                Thank you for pointing me this verse. I need then to update my understanding.

                Gardens (with) rivers flowing beneath

                jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu

                There are a lot of verses like that, e.g. 225, 2266, 315, 3136, etc.

                So whatever is symbolized by gardens lies above what is symbolized by rivers.

                River with clear negative meaning
                2249
                2.249. Falamma fasala talootu bialjunoodi qala inna Allaha mubtaleekum binaharin faman shariba minhu falaysa minnee waman lam yatAAamhu fa-innahu minnee illa mani ightarafa ghurfatan biyadihi fashariboo minhu illa qaleelan minhum falamma jawazahu huwa waallatheena amanoo maAAahu qaloo la taqata lana alyawma bijaloota wajunoodihi qala allatheena yathunnoona annahum mulaqoo Allahi kam min fi-atin qaleelatin ghalabat fi-atan katheeratan bi-ithni Allahi waAllahu maAAa alssabireena
                2249 So when Talut set out with the soldiers, he said "God will test you with a river, whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste from it except one scoop with his hand is with me." They all drank from it, except for a few of them. So when he and those who believed with him crossed it, they said "We have no power today against Goliath and his soldiers!" But the ones who understood that they would meet God said "How many a time has a small group beaten a large group with the permission of God, and God is with the patient ones!"

                What does this river represent so that drinking its water leads to weakness against disbelievers ?

                River with positive meaning
                4715
                47.15. Mathalu aljannati allatee wuAAida almuttaqoona feeha anharun min ma-in ghayri asinin waanharun min labanin lam yataghayyar taAAmuhu waanharun min khamrin laththatin lilshsharibeena waanharun min AAasalin musaffan walahum feeha min kulli alththamarati wamaghfiratun min rabbihim kaman huwa khalidun fee alnnari wasuqoo maan hameeman faqattaAAa amAAaahum
                4715 Is the example of Paradise; that the righteous have been promised with rivers of pure water, and rivers of milk whose taste does not change, and rivers of intoxicants that are delicious for the drinkers, and rivers of strained honey, and for them in it are all kinds of fruits, and a forgiveness from their Lord; like that of those who abide in the Fire, and are given to drink boiling water that cuts-up their intestines?

                Rivers and mountains (rawasiya )

                133
                13.3. Wahuwa allathee madda al-arda wajaAAala feeha rawasiya waanharan wamin kulli alththamarati jaAAala feeha zawjayni ithnayni yughshee allayla alnnahara inna fee thalika laayatin liqawmin yatafakkaroona
                133 And He is the One who has spread out the land, and made in it (firm) mountains and rivers, and all the fruits He made in pairs. The night covers the day. In that are signs for a people who think.

                This verse makes it clear the opposition of fix mountains with respect to flowing rivers.

                So in general rivers are a symbolic marker for something unstable, hence my proposal it symbolizes confusion of mind.
                But verse 4715 seems to be the exception to this marker. Then I would say it carries a different symbolic meaning of rivers (in fact I wonder it was truly part of the revelation, but it is another debate, off-topic here).

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                • B Offline
                  B Offline
                  Bender
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #53

                  EDIT I'm sure Bender could have answered the above (as he is as smart as Google) but I am impatient so I just used Google.

                  RED yes

                  BLUE >(

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                  • C Offline
                    C Offline
                    Comrox
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #54

                    Peace Comrox,

                    Peace Anoushirvan,

                    Same as the letter from Solomon to queen of Sheba in surah 27. It is written at the first person being God, but Solomon wrote it.

                    Perhaps this one,

                    4251
                    4251 Wama kana libasharin an yukallimahu Allahu illa wahyan aw min wara-i hijabin aw yursila rasoolan fayoohiya bi-ithnihi ma yashao innahu AAaliyyun hakeemun
                    4251 And it is not for any mortal that God would speak to him, except through inspiration, or from behind a barrier, or by sending a messenger to inspire whom He wills with His permission. He is Most High, Wise.

                    Together with this one

                    534
                    534 In huwa illa wahyun yooha
                    534 It is only a divine revealed inspiration.

                    Yup, that's what I was thinking of. Thanks

                    Thank you for pointing me this verse. I need then to update my understanding.

                    Gardens (with) rivers flowing beneath

                    jannatin tajree min tahtiha al-anharu

                    There are a lot of verses like that, e.g. 225, 2266, 315, 3136, etc.

                    So whatever is symbolized by gardens lies above what is symbolized by rivers.

                    River with clear negative meaning
                    2249
                    2.249. Falamma fasala talootu bialjunoodi qala inna Allaha mubtaleekum binaharin faman shariba minhu falaysa minnee waman lam yatAAamhu fa-innahu minnee illa mani ightarafa ghurfatan biyadihi fashariboo minhu illa qaleelan minhum falamma jawazahu huwa waallatheena amanoo maAAahu qaloo la taqata lana alyawma bijaloota wajunoodihi qala allatheena yathunnoona annahum mulaqoo Allahi kam min fi-atin qaleelatin ghalabat fi-atan katheeratan bi-ithni Allahi waAllahu maAAa alssabireena
                    2249 So when Talut set out with the soldiers, he said "God will test you with a river, whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste from it except one scoop with his hand is with me." They all drank from it, except for a few of them. So when he and those who believed with him crossed it, they said "We have no power today against Goliath and his soldiers!" But the ones who understood that they would meet God said "How many a time has a small group beaten a large group with the permission of God, and God is with the patient ones!"

                    What does this river represent so that drinking its water leads to weakness against disbelievers ?

                    Confusion, fear, uncertainty of God's will, lack of trust in God, lack of trust in themselves, etc.

                    River with positive meaning
                    4715
                    47.15. Mathalu aljannati allatee wuAAida almuttaqoona feeha anharun min ma-in ghayri asinin waanharun min labanin lam yataghayyar taAAmuhu waanharun min khamrin laththatin lilshsharibeena waanharun min AAasalin musaffan walahum feeha min kulli alththamarati wamaghfiratun min rabbihim kaman huwa khalidun fee alnnari wasuqoo maan hameeman faqattaAAa amAAaahum
                    4715 Is the example of Paradise; that the righteous have been promised with rivers of pure water, and rivers of milk whose taste does not change, and rivers of intoxicants that are delicious for the drinkers, and rivers of strained honey, and for them in it are all kinds of fruits, and a forgiveness from their Lord; like that of those who abide in the Fire, and are given to drink boiling water that cuts-up their intestines?

                    Rivers and mountains (rawasiya )

                    133
                    13.3. Wahuwa allathee madda al-arda wajaAAala feeha rawasiya waanharan wamin kulli alththamarati jaAAala feeha zawjayni ithnayni yughshee allayla alnnahara inna fee thalika laayatin liqawmin yatafakkaroona
                    133 And He is the One who has spread out the land, and made in it (firm) mountains and rivers, and all the fruits He made in pairs. The night covers the day. In that are signs for a people who think.

                    This verse makes it clear the opposition of fix mountains with respect to flowing rivers.

                    So in general rivers are a symbolic marker for something unstable, hence my proposal it symbolizes confusion of mind.
                    But verse 4715 seems to be the exception to this marker. Then I would say it carries a different symbolic meaning of rivers (in fact I wonder it was truly part of the revelation, but it is another debate, off-topic here).

                    Alright, cool. I wonder if it's the only exception. (It was the only verse that stood out to me on the "rivers" page I posted earlier.)

                    This is an interesting topic! I feel like all of the natural signs in Qur'an should be studied one day; that would be fascinating. How much have you studied about rivers? You've opened my eyes to something new.

                    RED yes

                    BLUE >

                    There there Bender. I still think you're pretty great.

                    Peace. peace

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                      Anoushirvan
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #55

                      Peace Anoushirvan,

                      Peace Comrox,

                      River with clear negative meaning
                      2249 So when Talut set out with the soldiers, he said "God will test you with a river, whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste from it except one scoop with his hand is with me." They all drank from it, except for a few of them. So when he and those who believed with him crossed it, they said "We have no power today against Goliath and his soldiers!" But the ones who understood that they would meet God said "How many a time has a small group beaten a large group with the permission of God, and God is with the patient ones!"

                      What does this river represent so that drinking its water leads to weakness against disbelievers ?

                      Confusion, fear, uncertainty of God's will, lack of trust in God, lack of trust in themselves, etc.

                      Yes, I'd say so.

                      Alright, cool. I wonder if it's the only exception. (It was the only verse that stood out to me on the "rivers" page I posted earlier.)

                      I forgot this half-exception

                      .
                      2.74. Thumma qasat quloobukum min baAAdi thalika fahiya kaalhijarati aw ashaddu qaswatan wa-inna mina alhijarati lama yatafajjaru minhu al-anharu wa-inna minha lama yashshaqqaqu fayakhruju minhu almao wa-inna minha lama yahbitu min khashyati Allahi wama Allahu bighafilin AAamma taAAmaloona
                      2.74 . Then , even after that , your hearts were hardened and became as rocks , or worse than rocks , for hardness . For indeed there are rocks from out which rivers gush , and indeed there are rocks which split asunder so that water comes out from them . And indeed there are rocks which fall down for the fear of Allah . Allah is not unaware of what ye do .

                      I am also intrigued by how close the root "nhr", giving nahar/river, is from "nwr", giving nar/fire. I don't know if there is a grammatical theory about roots influencing each others.

                      This is an interesting topic! I feel like all of the natural signs in Qur'an should be studied one day; that would be fascinating. How much have you studied about rivers? You've opened my eyes to something new.

                      I proposed one interpretation of rivers and mountains but I am open to alternatives, of course.
                      I find that there are a lot of examples of pairs in Qur'an where each member of one pair represents opposite qualities to other member.
                      Mountains/rivers, day/night, heavens/earth, clay/fire, hell/paradise, believer/disbeliever.
                      I believe these kinds of examples answer to the following objection by the adversaries of Mohamed why would God create people that don't believe in Him, and also create people that believe in Him ?

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                        Comrox
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #56

                        Peace Anoushirvan,

                        Peace Comrox,

                        Yes, I'd say so.

                        I forgot this half-exception

                        .
                        2.74. Thumma qasat quloobukum min baAAdi thalika fahiya kaalhijarati aw ashaddu qaswatan wa-inna mina alhijarati lama yatafajjaru minhu al-anharu wa-inna minha lama yashshaqqaqu fayakhruju minhu almao wa-inna minha lama yahbitu min khashyati Allahi wama Allahu bighafilin AAamma taAAmaloona
                        2.74 . Then , even after that , your hearts were hardened and became as rocks , or worse than rocks , for hardness . For indeed there are rocks from out which rivers gush , and indeed there are rocks which split asunder so that water comes out from them . And indeed there are rocks which fall down for the fear of Allah . Allah is not unaware of what ye do .

                        Good find. D

                        I am also intrigued by how close the root "nhr", giving nahar/river, is from "nwr", giving nar/fire. I don't know if there is a grammatical theory about roots influencing each others.

                        Perhaps someone with a greater understanding of classical Arabic grammar can answer this. )

                        I proposed one interpretation of rivers and mountains but I am open to alternatives, of course.
                        I find that there are a lot of examples of pairs in Qur'an where each member of one pair represents opposite qualities to other member.
                        Mountains/rivers, day/night, heavens/earth, clay/fire, hell/paradise, believer/disbeliever.
                        I believe these kinds of examples answer to the following objection by the adversaries of Mohamed why would God create people that don't believe in Him, and also create people that believe in Him ?

                        And also why is there suffering?

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                          Bender
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #57

                          And also why is there suffering?

                          What do you mean?

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                            Comrox
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #58

                            What do you mean?

                            Anoushirvan said the following

                            Mountains/rivers, day/night, heavens/earth, clay/fire, hell/paradise, believer/disbeliever.
                            I believe these kinds of examples answer to the following objection by the adversaries of Mohamed why would God create people that don't believe in Him, and also create people that believe in Him ?

                            I was adding on to that rhetorical questioning by including, "Why is there suffering?"

                            Hope you understand now. peace

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                              mmkhan
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #59

                              I am also intrigued by how close the root "nhr", giving nahar/river, is from "nwr", giving nar/fire. I don't know if there is a grammatical theory about roots influencing each others.

                              Salaamun,

                              Root of the word 'nhr' is different that the root of word 'nwr'

                              For NHR please check here.

                              For NWR please check here.

                              BTW I do not agree that alNaar comes from the root NWR. But they are two different words and 'H' is missing in alNaar.

                              One more word to consider used in 1924.

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                                huruf
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #60

                                Salaamun,

                                Root of the word 'nhr' is different that the root of word 'nwr'

                                For NHR please check here.

                                For NWR please check here.

                                BTW I do not agree that alNaar comes from the root NWR. But they are two different words and 'H' is missing in alNaar.

                                One more word to consider used in 1924.

                                Indeed.

                                Salaam

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                                  Anoushirvan
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #61

                                  Salaamun,

                                  Root of the word 'nhr' is different that the root of word 'nwr'

                                  I know both roots are different. But

                                  Concept of root is a tool invented by grammarians and linguists.
                                  It is a model that helps grammarians and linguists to define lexical fields and classify words.
                                  It is not part of the speech itself.

                                  A bit like Einstein's theory of gravitation is a very nice theory that models physical phenomena of gravitation, but it is not physical phenomena of gravitation itself.
                                  And physicits know that Einstein's theory fails in some corner cases (e.g. at the center of black holes).

                                  Roots in Arabic were invented by (Persians) grammarians more than 150 years after Qur'an was revealed.
                                  Therefore, though very useful, this concept must be handled with a bit of caution when it comes to understanding Qur'an.
                                  Indeed, people at the time of Qur'an revelation wouldn't have heard and understood by root of words, since this concept of roots was inexistant at that time.
                                  Instead they would have heard and understood by assonance, and sometimes metathesis.

                                  Additionally, I don't believe that Qur'an is the speech of God. I believe it is the speech of the messenger.

                                  When people believe Qur'an is the speech of God, they tend to also believe the verses in Qur'an are unequivocal with a single understanding.

                                  Since I believe Qur'an is the speech of the messenger, trying to explain his divine revelation, I also see that Qur'an contains metaphores, allegories, word games and other figures of speech, like any other human text.
                                  So, for example, to me, nahar / nar is a play of words by assonance in some verses, mountains are allegories that denote solid theological constructions, etc.

                                  PS you quoted a passage of mine dating back one year ago. My understanding may have evolved since.

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                                    good_logic
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #62

                                    Peace Anoushirvan.
                                    When you say,quote
                                    Since I believe Qur'an is the speech of the messenger, trying to explain his divine revelation, I also see that Qur'an contains metaphores, allegories, word games and other figures of speech, like any other human text.
                                    Do you mean the messenger has not repeated word for word what was revealed to him?
                                    Are you saying the messenger changed the words of GOD to his own words?
                                    GOD was absolutely right when he said "Some will say this is the speech of a human "Kaoulu Al-Bashar""?
                                    I can only say that you must have another Qoran besides the one I am studying?
                                    GOD bless you.
                                    Peace.

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                                      huruf
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #63

                                      We peoplw tend to reduce everything to our own capacity of conceiving things.

                                      I f somebody annot conceive of this or that, he will apply that limitation of his to whatever is put in front of him.

                                      Salaam

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                                        Anoushirvan
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #64

                                        Peace Good Logic,

                                        Peace Anoushirvan.
                                        When you say,quote
                                        Since I believe Qur'an is the speech of the messenger, trying to explain his divine revelation, I also see that Qur'an contains metaphores, allegories, word games and other figures of speech, like any other human text.
                                        Do you mean the messenger has not repeated word for word what was revealed to him?
                                        Are you saying the messenger changed the words of GOD to his own words?
                                        GOD was absolutely right when he said "Some will say this is the speech of a human "Kaoulu Al-Bashar""?
                                        I can only say that you must have another Qoran besides the one I am studying?
                                        GOD bless you.
                                        Peace.

                                        When I say this is the speech of the messenger, I'm actually quoting this passage

                                        69.40.
                                        It is truly the speech of a noble messenger

                                        69.41.
                                        It is not poet ' s speech little is it that ye believe!

                                        69.42.
                                        Nor diviner ' s speech little is it that ye remember!

                                        69.43.
                                        It is a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds .

                                        Btw, verses 69.41 and 69.42 make it clear that the "noble messenger" in verse 69.40 is not an angel, otherwise they would hardly make sense (of course an angel is not a poet nor a diviner).

                                        You are referring to this verse

                                        74.25.
                                        74.25. In hatha illa qawlu albashari
                                        74.25 It is nothing else than the speech of a mortal man.

                                        This verse doesn't say that Qur'an is not the speech of a mortal man.
                                        It says that the guy who turned away failed to see that this speech was driven by a divine inspiration.

                                        I don't deny that the text of Qur'an was driven by a divine inspiration. I deny it is the speech of God from Himself to the messenger

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                                          good_logic
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #65

                                          Peace Anushirvan.
                                          In that case you are missing the context .Qoran is not like any human text!!!!!

                                          Let us look at 7425. The context start from before
                                          ...
                                          7423
                                          Then he turned away arrogantly.

                                          7424
                                          He said, "This is but clever magic!

                                          7425
                                          "This is the speech of a human."

                                          7426
                                          I will commit him to retribution....

                                          You see brother Qoran is saying to us "this is not the speech of a human" .This is the speech of an "honourable messenger" . A messenger repeats the words of GOD exactly.A messenger does not use his own words ,he keeps the words of GOD intact!!!!.
                                          Let me remind you of your quote again
                                          Since I believe Qur'an is the speech of the messenger, trying to explain his divine revelation, I also see that Qur'an contains metaphores, allegories, word games and other figures of speech, like any other human text.
                                          You were saying Qoran is like any other human text?
                                          Just thought I will clarify for you.
                                          GOD bless you.
                                          Peace.

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