HOW TO UNDERSTAND QURAN
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Peace,
ACCEPTING GOD AT HIS WORD
I think that the problem is one of disbelief, or mildly put, unacceptance.
I come to this conclusion because the answers to islam must be found in its text, the Quran.Therefore any question that you can postulate must be answerable by this source.
Therefore it is not a question of God versus logic, because God created logic therefore
it would be God versus God which equals zero because God cannot versus himself.Among the people there is the one who argues about GOD without knowledge,
and without guidance, and without an enlightening scripture.Some ask would God create evil, apparently the answer is yes.
Evil is the opposite of good, as disharmony is the opposite of harmony. When humans live in harmony
we realize the positiveness of creation, its beauty, and when we live in disharmony we experience evil.
It is up to us as a group (from individuals to families to neighbors to nations) at which table we sit.As of today I have not found in Quran that God is all-loving, all merciful.
Recall that your Lord said to the angels, "I am placing a representative on Earth." They said, "Will You place therein one who will spread evil therein and shed blood, while we sing Your praises, glorify You, and uphold Your absolute authority?" He said, "I know what you do not know."
God did not answer this question directly, He simply stated he knows what the angels do not know,
also he did not say that he would make it known at some point in the future. However we can deduce
that opposites are a fact of nature can we not? Even this language we are using to communicate
with one another is a proof that we acknowledge synonyms and antonyms, hot and cold, good and evil,
the list is very long.God loves and dislikes
GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.
If you suffer hardship, the enemy also suffers the same hardship. We alternate the days of victory and defeat among the people. GOD thus distinguishes the true believers, and blesses some of you with martyrdom. GOD dislikes injustice.
This is a test
We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.
Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were tested with hardship and adversity, and were shaken up, until the messenger and those who believed with him said, "Where is GOD's victory?" GOD's victory is near.
God's wrath
Say, "Let me tell you who are worse in the sight of GOD those who are condemned by GOD after incurring His wrath until He made them (as despicable as) monkeys and pigs, and the idol worshipers. These are far worse, and farther from the right path."
Miserable indeed is what they sold their souls for-rejecting these revelations of GOD out of sheer resentment that GOD should bestow His grace upon whomever He chooses from among His servants. Consequently, they incurred wrath upon wrath. The disbelievers have incurred a humiliating retribution.
We get what our hands call for
This is what your hands have sent ahead for you. GOD is never unjust towards the people.
Peace O0
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THE QIBLAH
There are two different answers for calculating the Qibla (the direction for prayer). One method is the ?constant compass? distance. To visualize this, imagine a world map that uses the Mercator projection. Mark your location "A" and Mecca "B" and draw a line between them. From Philadelphia Pa. (my home), that direction is about 103? clockwise from North, or roughly Southeast (but more East than South).
Another method is to use the shortest distance between two cities. The easiest way to visualize that is to get a globe, put one finger on your location and one on Mecca, and then to turn the globe so that both fingers are lying on an imaginary ?equator?. What you?re really doing is finding a great circle ? a circle that cuts the globe in half ? that passes through both Mecca and your town.
Note the Quran does not mention distance, but direction, to face, so the distance or great circle method is erroneous for the purpose of performing the salat.
We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful.
We have seen you turning your face about the sky (searching for the right direction). We now assign a Qiblah that is pleasing to you. Henceforth, you shall turn your face towards the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you may be, all of you shall turn your faces towards it. Those who received the previous scripture know that this is the truth from their Lord. GOD is never unaware of anything they do.
I hope this is helpful
Peace O0
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Peace,
FROM THE INSIDE OUT
When reading the Quran what kind of audience are you? Are you a doubtful reader?
Is it just a book to you? Are there higher authorities? Is the Quran the last word or
the word among many? Is the Quran the word of God or that of man? What is your
state of mind when reading Quran? How do you interact with its verses? These
are very important questions, because the readers approach is key to gaining what Quran
has to offer.If one is skeptical about of the validity of the Quran, then it becomes difficult to receive
because the Quran is best understood when suspicion has been suspended. Trust
in God is key in order for the dialoque to become personal and to put one on the
ground at the time that the revelation is being revealed and helping one to feel present
at the time of revelation. Knowing that the Quran is the absolute truth regardless of one's
understanding will help you to move forward and not become stuck or doubtful of ayats
we do not understand at the moment or may never understand. As time goes on our level
of understanding may grow to understand something that we did not previously comprehend.
Being patient and knowing that if God wills he will reveal the meaning of his ayats to us over
time if we continue with diligence.Peace
O0
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Beautiful posts @hawkninetynine, much appreciated!
Thank you -
Peace GODsubmitter,
Thank you my friend for the kind words
handshake
You are welcome!
handshake
group -
Peace,
Inside out continued
Don't confound yourself by demanding that the allegorical be made clear if salvation
is what you seek. One can obtain salvation by obeying the commandments.He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses -which constitute the essence of the scripture-as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning verses to create confusion, and to extricate a certain meaning. None knows the true meaning thereof except GOD and those well founded in knowledge. They say, "We believe in this -all of it comes from our Lord." Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.
Peace
O0
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Thank you for yet another important reminder, much needed!
group
peace
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Peace,
CERTAINTY
Yes logic must be tested by debate or proved or disproved by evidence.
But the subject is "submission" not philosophy or any other subject, therefore
we must turn to God's revelations for the answers. The first person who comes
to mind is Abraham the monotheistThe Debate
Recall that Abraham said to his father ?zer, "How could you worship statues as gods? I see that you and your people have gone far astray."
The Guidance
We showed Abraham the marvels of the heavens and the earth, and blessed him with certainty
The reflection (logic)
When the night fell, he saw a shining planet. "Maybe this is my Lord," he said. When it disappeared, he said, "I do not like (gods) that disappear."
When he saw the moon rising, he said, "Maybe this is my Lord!" When it disappeared, he said, "Unless my Lord guides me, I will be with the strayers."
When he saw the sun rising, he said, "This must be my Lord. This is the biggest." But when it set, he said, "O my people, I denounce your idolatry.The Conclusion
"I have devoted myself absolutely to the One who initiated the heavens and the earth; I will never be an idol worshiper."
Certainty
His people argued with him. He said, "Do you argue with me about GOD, after He has guided me? I have no fear of the idols you set up. Nothing can happen to me, unless my Lord wills it. My Lord's knowledge encompasses all things. Would you not take heed?
Steadfastness
"Why should I fear your idols? It is you who should be afraid, since you worship instead of GOD idols that are utterly powerless to help you. Which side is more deserving of security, if you know?"
Ask For Understanding from God
Abraham said, "My Lord, show me how You revive the dead." He said, "Do you not believe?"
He said, "Yes, but I wish to reassure my heart." He said, "Take four birds, study their marks, place a piece of each bird on top of a hill, then call them to you. They will come to you in a hurry. You should know that GOD is Almighty, Most Wise."I also submit that faith is an branch of understanding or misunderstanding
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PROOF OF GOD
Language the human use of spoken or written words as a communication system.
Communicate to exchange information
Creator somebody who creates somebody who produces or initiates something
Synonyms maker, inventor, originator, architect, designer, author, initiator
Recall that Moses said to his people, "O my people, you have wronged your souls by worshiping the calf. You must repent to your Creator. You shall kill your egos. This is better for you in the sight of your Creator." He did redeem you. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful.
"My Lord, You have given me kingship and taught me the interpretation of dreams. Initiator of the heavens and the earth; You are my Lord and Master in this life and in the Hereafter. Let me die as a submitter, and count me with the righteous."
He is Allah the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner; His are the most excellent names; whatever is in the heavens and the earth declares His glory; and He is the Mighty, the Wise.
We measured it precisely. We are the best designers.
Manufacture made by hand
This is to provide them with fruits, and to let them manufacture with their own hands whatever they need. Would they be thankful?
Praise God lord of the universe
Peace
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Peace.
My apology for intruding, but I just want to bring all attentions to Chapter 96 (Al3alaq).
Please browse here for some English translations http//quran.com/96
And of course, with regards to the discussions in this topic, verses 969-8 are very much relevant, methinks.
So here are my notes
In this chapter we are reminded that our Rabb is the one that teaches us, everything that we now know. (Yes, I fully agree with some comments earlier forwarded regarding this idea, particularly by Zulf & Good logic.) Indeed, "He taught man that which he knew not."
But what has actually happened? Some of us (now and before) thought that we do not need our Rabb in our learning. So some of us considered that it is sufficient to understand the Qur-an with a mastery of Arabic Grammar (+ Classical of course), Lughatu Alnnuzool, etc. Unwittingly we fall into this group of people termed 'yatgha' (going overboard, is too much, transgressing the limit).
Why? "In that he sees himself self-sufficient." Never depend on the Rabb when, "Indeed, to your Lord is the reference/source/allusion."
Chapter 96 is the first revelation. And in this very chapter we are taught on this simple fact that our Rabb (we don't come across the word 'allah' in this chapter) is the one that teaches each and everyone of us. And He teaches 'bi-alqalam' (by the bits/chips or small portions or small amounts).
But what is 'rabb'? To me, 'alrrabb' is 'the one in control'. Our Rabb is of course the one in control of us. For example, who is the one in control of us right now? Is it Allah? Or is it our ego? Our fears? Or merely our desires? Shaitan? Iblees? Our son? The wife/husband? The mullah?
So essentially what we understand, methinks, is directly tied to, or dependent upon, the one that has been in control of us. And the collection of understandings we accumulate over the years is reflected in our deeds and communications (interactions).
And so, in taking the lessons of Chapter 96 we should (I trust we must, when we have the faith) solely depend on our Rabb in everything. When Allah is the Rabb, then we appreciate the relationship between the Rabb (the Creator) and us (the created).
But of course the total surrender to Allah the Rabb is not in anyway similar to what is popularly known as fatalism. No.
Why? In the proceeding chapters (revelations after Al3alaq) we are taught on how to have Allah as our Rabb. We are given free will, but we are individually accountable for every decision that we have made.
And there are certain practices that we must do, right from the time of waking up (musbiheen) to the time of hitting the bed. We are taught on what to do before embarking upon a task like studying the Qur-an, or upon receiving an invitation to a gathering, or in the face of trials and tribulations.
In short, in the Qur-an we could learn on whats and hows in establishing and nurturing the relationship/connection (salat) with Allah as the Rabb. We could also learn on how to give 'acknowledgment' (ruku3), perform 'submission' (sujood), making the right 'approach' (qiblat), when and how to perform 'meditation' (bayt), on the nurturing of 'habits' (diyar), when and how to perform 'non-talking' with humans (siyam), deliberation (hajj) and rectification/correction (umrah), etc.
And all these while we have individually employed a certain approach in studying the Qur-an. Are you satisfied with the result? Or do the meanings of words you have recently discovered made you really really calm in the heart? I am talking about the heart here, and not the head/mind.
We have to be really really careful as the mind is the seat of the ego. The ego will drive one to judge (and prosecute) another. And 9615 is talking about the mind - the mind that drives one to restrain another from establishing a relationship/connection with his/her Rabb. Thus the warning "No! If he doesn't stop, We will surely burn his mind (scorch by his forehead)."
It essentially boils down to 96 "He taught man that which he knew not."
But this is merely my personal comprehension. It may not be the truth to/for you. So please ignore this when you don't enjoy peacefulness in your heart while reading it.
May Allah guide us all correctly.
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Thank you @Joe Betik for your exposition,
I fully agree with you, and I like the distinction between Rabb and Allah with tendency that Rabb should be our Allah.
Lately I often think about useful and obsolete knowledge for our spiritual identity we all might have, and about relevant and irrelevant information for our soul. I pray Allah to grant me the knowledge important for me, and to liberate me of all mental junk that might accumulate along the way, during this lamentable terrestrial life on dunyaluk.
Blessed be Allah! -
But what is 'rabb'? To me, 'alrrabb' is 'the one in control'. Our Rabb is of course the one in control of us. For example, who is the one in control of us right now? Is it Allah? Or is it our ego? Our fears? Or merely our desires? Shaitan? Iblees? Our son? The wife/husband? The mullah?
So essentially what we understand, methinks, is directly tied to, or dependent upon, the one that has been in control of us. And the collection of understandings we accumulate over the years is reflected in our deeds and communications (interactions).
Does that mean you consider humans to be controlled and remote controlled?
Do you think that without guidance our intellect is not sufficient to have us lead the best life possible - whatever that may mean for an individual? -
Does that mean you consider humans to be controlled and remote controlled?
Do you think that without guidance our intellect is not sufficient to have us lead the best life possible - whatever that may mean for an individual?Peace.
I prefer to see it this way. One has free will, meaning he/she has the freedom of choice, and every choice one makes has its very own effect/outcome (positive/negative).
Lets take an example of one who has made a choice/decision of learning the Q by oneself (meaning one depends solely on one's intellect), or that person has considered him/her-self to be self-sufficient. In other words, that person only depends on his own self, that which has the intellect & emotions. (A dead body is an incomplete person, or not a human being, for it has no self, thus no intellect nor emotion.) For this person, his/her Rabb (the one in control of him/her) is none other than his/her very own self (nafs). And in the Q we learn about the self - what it is, and what it is (in)capable of.
I suppose we are very familiar with sayings like, "You are what you think you are," or "I think, therefore I am."
Lets say that this person thinks that he/she holds the absolute truth about something. Have we not seen how such a person thinks and behaves? I trust that we have seen them here in this forum, and elsewhere.
An example was also included in Chapter 96. Was he guided (on guidance) when restraining the 'abdan'? No.
Indeed, everyone has a Rabb, but one may not necessarily appoint Allah (God) to be his/her Rabb (the one in control). One may instead appoint his/her own self, money, other gods, etc., as the Rabb. So when one has appointed his/her-self as the Rabb, then his comprehending of him/her-self, of God, of the world, etc, will solely depend on his/her own self (intellect and emotions). So what will happen to the intellectually challenged, then?
Lets take 210. You may browse here for some translations http//quran.com/2/10 . I understand the first phrase to mean "In their hearts is a disease so God increased their disease ... ."
The very interesting idea is that God increases. It implies that if we have a disease (ill-feelings, jealousy, vengeance, etc.) in our hearts, then God will increase/multiply the disease. Over time, we will end up being punished like those objects of anger (almaghdoobi AAalayhim) we learn in Chapter 1.
And of course we should be mindful of 961. But to me it is "Ponder! In status, your Rabb is the one who created." (By the way, I have a different comprehension for certain words and phrases found in Chapter 96. For example (one or two was/were mentioned in my earlier post) iqra/ (ponder), ism (status/rank), min AAalaq (hanging/in dependance/depending).
So back to your first question, it should be yes, we are controlled by something (as mentioned in my earlier post).
Our relationship with God is basically within this concept of 'qisas' (reciprocity) - Remember Me, I will remember you (2152). Or, "... I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. ... ." (2186). Indeed there are many verses in the Q that explain this idea.
In 238 God's guidance is mentioned, and how to behave about it.
But it is strictly up to each and everyone of us to make an individual choice. Some decisions will lead us to the concealed garden of comfort, while some others will lead us to the inferno. So in this discussion, we are fully free to make a choice whether to appoint God (Allah) as our Rabb (the one in control), or appoint something/somebody else.
As always, this is only my personal comprehension. It may not be the truth to/for you. So please ignore this when you don't enjoy peacefulness in your heart while reading it.
May Allah guide us all correctly.
Cheers!
Mohammed Noh -
GROUPING
In order to get a proper understanding of God's revelations it is essential for one to learn
how to group ayats according to subject matter, for instance, the subject of (sukara) intoxicant.Intoxication is any substance that clouds the intellect and hinders one from making clear judgements. Based on this definition, intoxication refers to both drugs and alcohol.
It is best to of sober mind, most societies imbibe intoxicants in one form or another,
and so did the people of Muhammad's time.They ask you about intoxicants and gambling say, "In them there is a gross sin, and some benefits for the people. But their sinfulness far outweighs their benefit." They also ask you what to give to charity say, "The excess." GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you, that you may reflect, upon this life and the Hereafter ...
O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed.
The devil wants to provoke animosity and hatred among you through intoxicants and gambling, and to distract you from remembering GOD, and from observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Will you then refrain?When the two ayats are taken together it becomes obvious that intoxicants and gambling
are to be avoided.While the word benefit is used in it is absent from
Abominations of the devil is used in but not inis more succinct about the avoidance of things that befog the mind.
Peace
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GROUPING CONTINUED
Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
Anyone who accepts other than Submission as his religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be with the losers.
The two verses agree and are not contradictory, the difference is that the word
submission does not appear in ayat and believers does not appear in
together they read "those who believe and submit. (except in a case when
people become submitters under false pretenses like in verse ). There is no need
for both words to be present in the same ayat because either word gives
a clear message. Believers submit/submitters believe.Peace
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Excellent @hawkninetynine.
Thank you
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Thank you.
God bless you.