The Smoke - Nuclear War
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Peace Ayman,
The only separators between chapters are the "bismi Allah Alrahman Alrahim". So the present chapter 9 is actually part of 8 and the great reading has 113 and not 114 chapters.
I was expecting that you will apply that, what you believe is true, but just few lines away I see you saying
The criteria in 7431
? roll
Best regards,
sabo -
Peace all,
Beatnik,
But why should we know about future events such as wars? For what purpose? Simply to prepare? To warn people? I dont see the point.
I must disagree with your comment/question since it is God's established sunna to warn people prior to an event (and not to let them be destroyed with such a warning(s) being isued).
See the examples of Hud, Lot, Saleh, Noah, etc..
In-fact, read the context of Sura 36 for a very clear indication of how God's system of warning ahead of a destruction is put into effect
"And cite for them the example of the people of the town, when the messengers came to it. Where We sent two to them, but they disbelieved in them, so We supported them with a third one, thus they said 'We are messengers to you.' They replied 'You are but human beings like us, and the Almighty did not send down anything, you are only telling lies.'
They said 'Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. And we are only required to give a clear delivery.' They replied 'We have welcomed you better than you deserve. If you do not cease, we will stone you, and you will receive a painful retribution from us!' They said 'Keep your welcome with you, for you have been reminded. Indeed, you are transgressing people.' And a man came running from the farthest part of the city, saying 'O my people, follow the messengers. Follow those who do not ask you for any wage, and are guided. And why should I not serve the One who initiated me, and to Him is your ultimate return? Shall I take gods besides Him? If the Almighty intends any harm for me, their intercession cannot help me in the least, nor can they save me. Then I would be clearly astray. I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!' It was said 'Enter Paradise.' He said 'Oh, how I wish my people only knew! Of what my Lord has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones.' And We did not send down upon his people after him soldiers from the sky; for there was no need to send them down. For all it took was one scream, whereupon they were stilled." (3613-29)I'm worried by this preoccupation with foretelling the future with the Quran, I dont think its recommended in the Quran either. It just strikes me as arrogant, prideful, and dangerous behaviour.
The Quran is full of future predictions and prophecies...Look at the prophecy of Israel in chapter 17 and how it has partially come to pass...The book is written with future indications for a reason...I believe that reason is to show God's omnipotence to the reader (that God can see the future and that it will come true even though you know about it and may work to the cancel it)...As well as to give faith to the reader that this is indeed a book from the One who has created and to whom we will all return.
We have the power to prevent WW3, we shouldnt just sit on our butts and accept such a scenario! The only thing we cant prevent is Judgement Day which can strike at any time, and God says we shouldnt be so willing in rushing it.
I believe with Bush's re-elction the people have spoken as to which path they want...And since God is God, He knew that this is where we would be heading.
Ayman,
There is no need for war or destruction for things to get better and for people to start having faith.
The people of Noah or Lot or Saleh or Hud or Pharoah or Irum would not agree with your statement...God saw fit to destroy them for their actions and give the earth back to the people who will follow His path for a while...This is how God has set parameters for us on earth, that of things get out of hand He will interfere and tip the scales back to the way they should be.
The great reading is not in "verse" form. The separation and numbering into verses was added a few hundred years later for CONVENIENCE so that people can easily reference a certain passage.
Using numbers as a representation for what is already arranged as such (using the system of stars/astrexis) and in no way does it remove the sequential fact of chapter/verse. 4411 is the 44th chapter and the 11th verse even if you didn't write 44 on the chaoter and 11 on the verse.
This design can be seen in how the 'bismilla' of 11 is counted as part of the chapter and not at its heading as is the case with other chapters.
The only separators between chapters are the "bismi Allah Alrahman Alrahim". So the present chapter 9 is actually part of 8 and the great reading has 113 and not 114 chapters.
This also turns what is presently chapter 44 into chapter 43.
I disagree with this statement. The arrangement of the chapters is done by God (not man) and what we are looking at in the form of 114 chapters is what was intended
"And if We exchange a verse in place of another verse; and God is more aware of what He is revealing; they Say ?You are making this up!? Alas, most of them do not know. Say ?The holy Spirit has sent it down from your Lord with truth, so that those who believe will be strengthened, and as a guidance and good news for those who have surrendered.? (Quran 16101-102)
The only thing that is verifiable is that from very early on there was data manipulation to make the count fit a 19 pattern.
Since I have made the claim supporting the core elements of the 19 code, I will God willing be adressing this issue at a later date.
That basis is not based on a proper reading because one can easily see that alleged initials such as "Alm", "Alr", etc. are not disconnected initials but are connected letters to form WORDS. Hence, "Alm" should be read and considered as the word "Alm" and not separated and spelled out as initials "alif, lam, mim". Remember it is the great reading not the great spelling.
The Quran was revealed orally before it was written on paper (this is an obvious fact of logic)...Which means that the vocal reading ads weight to the A.L.M. being 3 seperate letters and not a word as you imply.
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Peace brother Sabo,
I was expecting that you will apply that, what you believe is true, but just few lines away I see you saying
The criteria in 7431
? roll
The separators/numbers were added for ease of reference. That is what I use them for while fully knowing that they are 100% subjective man-made devices. You are right that 74 should actually be 73, but because that's not how the present numbering scheme is, no one except those who have been following this discussion and agree with me will be able to look up what I am refering to.
Peace,
Ayman
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Peace brother Layth,
There is no need for war or destruction for things to get better and for people to start having faith.
The people of Noah or Lot or Saleh or Hud or Pharoah or Irum would not agree with your statement...God saw fit to destroy them for their actions and give the earth back to the people who will follow His path for a while...This is how God has set parameters for us on earth, that of things get out of hand He will interfere and tip the scales back to the way they should be.
Brother, I agree that The God destroys people whenever He sees fit. That is not what I am arguing. What I am saying is that in all those instances those who had faith already had faith and the destruction didn't make people suddenly have faith. Things didn't get better either because the following generations repeated the mistakes of the previous ones. So the purpose of destruction is punishment of those who transgressed. The purpose is not to make people have faith or to save humanity.
The great reading is not in "verse" form. The separation and numbering into verses was added a few hundred years later for CONVENIENCE so that people can easily reference a certain passage.
Using numbers as a representation for what is already arranged as such (using the system of stars/astrexis) and in no way does it remove the sequential fact of chapter/verse. 4411 is the 44th chapter and the 11th verse even if you didn't write 44 on the chaoter and 11 on the verse.
As I said both the separation and numbering are subjective man-made devices of convenience. The stars and astrexis CANNOT be found in early copies of the great reading, including, as I showed you, the Tashkent copy that Dr. Khalifa examined. This is easily verifiable brother.
In fact, up to 1924 people had stars and astrexis at different locations in the text.
This design can be seen in how the 'bismilla' of 11 is counted as part of the chapter and not at its heading as is the case with other chapters.
This is completely subjective and was decided by whoever put the star there over 300-500 years after the revelation of the great reading.
Again, all this is easily verifiable because those early manuscripts are available for people to look at.
The only separators between chapters are the "bismi Allah Alrahman Alrahim". So the present chapter 9 is actually part of 8 and the great reading has 113 and not 114 chapters.
This also turns what is presently chapter 44 into chapter 43.
I disagree with this statement. The arrangement of the chapters is done by God (not man) and what we are looking at in the form of 114 chapters is what was intended
"And if We exchange a verse in place of another verse; and God is more aware of what He is revealing; they Say ?You are making this up!? Alas, most of them do not know. Say ?The holy Spirit has sent it down from your Lord with truth, so that those who believe will be strengthened, and as a guidance and good news for those who have surrendered.? (Quran 16101-102)
Firstly, the word "aya(t)" means "sign" and not "verse" so your translation of 16101 is off. Secondly, the arrangement/sequence is the same whether it is a big chapter 8 or is subdivided into 8 and 9 so I don't see what your objection is.
Absent of numbering (which you admitted above are man-made), the only seperators are the "bism Allah". Even your stars and astrixes can't tell you when a chapter begins and ends.
If you are reading an early copy of the great reading you will see no stars/astrexis or numbers and only continuous text inside and between the 8th chapter and what is presently the 9th chapter.
Since I have made the claim supporting the core elements of the 19 code, I will God willing be adressing this issue at a later date.
I look forward to it brother.
That basis is not based on a proper reading because one can easily see that alleged initials such as "Alm", "Alr", etc. are not disconnected initials but are connected letters to form WORDS. Hence, "Alm" should be read and considered as the word "Alm" and not separated and spelled out as initials "alif, lam, mim". Remember it is the great reading not the great spelling.
The Quran was revealed orally before it was written on paper (this is an obvious fact of logic)...Which means that the vocal reading ads weight to the A.L.M. being 3 seperate letters and not a word as you imply.
Chapter 42 negates your argument because "7m" and "3sq" are deliberetly seperated although they could have been joined. This means that the seperation and joining is not haphazard but what is meant to be joined is joined and should be considered as a word.
What you are proposing is like spelling out "b" "s" "m" in "bsm" at the beginning of the chapter instead of reading it.
I hope this helps.
Peace and all best wishes,
Ayman
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Peace brother Ayman, all,
Just wanted to ask you how to pronounce or read in words the longer initials...can they also be read as words? it's an interesting concept reading the initials...but can it be applied to them throughout?
And also, what if, after taking out all manmade numberings and stuff, you still get a consistent 19 thingy somewhere like between the words we call initials today?
I haven't researched the 19 code a lot but i did read peter plichta's book a long time back about the prevalence of 19 in nature and all that, so it wouldn't surprise me if there was some sign like that...but taking it to be just be a sign and keeping the balance is something that is very hard...ppl normally tend to go off on extremes...
What i can't understand is why is it such a huge issue...ppl either tend to attack khalifa and his opinions or go off on a completely different tangent saying that it just can't be...if it's just a sign then thats where it stops and if it's not there then it's fine too...either way it's the meaning of the message and God's words we should be focusing on...
Best regards,
Nadia
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Our only purpose is to serve The God, The Truth. So we are to promote the truth. The message is the truth.
I believe we promote the Truth through the way we live our lives. I'm against preaching personally, I'm sick of being assaulted by Christians in the street waving their Bible in my face, thats no way to make me listen! I dont even tell people I'm a muslim until they ask what I believe in, and when I tell them, they're pleasently surprised because they never would have thought it, and thus their opinion of Islam is changed for the better. They eventually want to know more, and I tell them.
We don't "create" the future, we only select from courses of action leading to the futures already created by The God.
Ah yes, I guess 'create' was a strong word, lol, but yeah, I agree with you.
It is not our purpose in life to know the exact future. The fact that we are not able to know the exact future indicates that this is part of the deliberate constraints placed on us by the Creator. The insurmountable nature of this constraint indicates to me that it is part of a test. This test is designed to see what choices we will make without knowing the exact outcome in advance.
I agree again.
There is no need for war or destruction for things to get better and for people to start having faith.
Definitely. I still dont understand this need to warn people with scaremongering tactics, its ultimately pointless. Whatever happens, happens. Live your life the way God wants, that way you can spread the message much more effectively, than scaring the crap out of people with prophecies.
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I must disagree with your comment/question since it is God's established sunna to warn people prior to an event (and not to let them be destroyed with such a warning(s) being isued).
See the examples of Hud, Lot, Saleh, Noah, etc..
Well then its God's role to warn then, isnt it? I think all of us more or less had a feeling that the USA is in for a rough period now, every nation that is full of debauchery is ultimately going to get what some people like to call the 'smackdown'. (kinda worrying as I'm going to move to the US soon to be with my soul mate, though hopefully we can move away after a few years)
The Quran is full of future predictions and prophecies...Look at the prophecy of Israel in chapter 17 and how it has partially come to pass...The book is written with future indications for a reason...I believe that reason is to show God's omnipotence to the reader (that God can see the future and that it will come true even though you know about it and may work to the cancel it)...As well as to give faith to the reader that this is indeed a book from the One who has created and to whom we will all return.
I agree there are future predictions, but none specific. We all know about the Hour, and we all know that not only nations, but individuals wil have to suffer consequences for their actions, nothing new here. Admittedly there are a few verses that have very ambigious comments, that we at our current level of knowledge cant figure out. I believe the only way we understand more of the Quran is simply to learn more about the universe we live in. A shame then, that science and Islam isnt having such a nice relationship these days, we all have to rely on Nasa and such.
I believe with Bush's re-elction the people have spoken as to which path they want...And since God is God, He knew that this is where we would be heading.
Ah, that damn election, majority of 'voters' are just sheep. Plus the election was rigged like last time anyway, Ohio voted for Kerry easily, alot of voters suffered at the hands of Republicans, I actually believe if things hadnt gone awry, and if the election wasnt rigged, Kerry would have won. But then again, I believe Kerry and Bush are both two sides of the same coin. The US administration doesnt change, only the leading faces do. The whole system needs to be changed.
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Peace Sabo,
regarding the 11th of September, try to read Sura 105 while remembering that "The Elephant" is the symbol of the republicans.
Would be interested to see what do you think
1051 Have you not seen what your Lord did to the people of the elephant?
1052 Did He not cause their schemes to go astray?
1053 And He sent down upon them swarms of birds.
1054 Striking them with rocks made from hardened clay.
1055 Until He turned them like devoured hay.That is one of the most intruiging and original views I have heard thus far regarding chapter 105...Your link in light of the 'smoke' prophecy makes a good case, especially since the 'people of the elephant' (republicans?) are accused of 'scheming' (this fits more with politicians than it does with an army comrised of elephants).
The swarms of birds would then be aircraft, while the 'hardened rocks' would be bombs.
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LaythPeace,
While being intriguing it is not the original inspiration of this idea. Back on the 8th of July I raised the idea as well as the interpretation that you have applied.
http//www.free-minds.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2001&highlight=elephant
Regards.
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Peace truth,
I didn't understand layth's statement that he is attributing the originality of the idea to me
Anyway I am sorry if I didn't correct it , maybe due to lack of understanding. As you can read, I didn't claim it is my idea, I just asked him about his opinion. I find the idea interesting, even VERY interesting,so that I can say, I would understand it that way. Only recently I could believe that the theater of 11th september was all made in USA and this made me almost understanding the sura like you do
Take it easy, Oben And regards,
sabo -
Peace Layth,
During a physics lesson today, we were discussing the possible effects of a nuclear war and the concerns during world war 2.
Is the smoke prophecy a sign for the end of the world? or just mentioned as a retribution for people?
During world war 2 people were worried about the affects of nuclear warfare because the, smoke cause would lead to the earth FREEZING up and would not cool down for a long time (relative to our life spans not the earths) and humans would be extinct. Then maybe when it does reheat, we may be resurected.
These are only ideas that came into my head after we talked about the affects of nuclear warfare. They seem to lead to a gradual destruction of the human race because of the reasons for the earth freezing up. It would simply freeze because of the lack of sunlight. And iceages sustain themselves because the white layers of snow reflect most sunlight and the earth remains cold.
After this we discussed the magnitic forces from withing the earths core and about them flipping. They don't flip every century but rather every 100000-1000000 years. There are many signs of a flip beginning now, over the next century. This magnetic flip could cause many devastating effects like the tsunami and climate changes leading to extreme conditions. Either way this nation will fall by many possible ways. We are not in control of what the earth does. These are the ways in which God brings the retribution to people that disobey and harm the world and cause corruption.
These magnetic flips would also affect animals, e.g birds navigate and know landmarks because of the navigational sytem that is provided by the magnetic field in the Earth. This is like their own networks of motorways/highways.
Magnetic flips are due over the next 200 years atleast and nuclear warfare can break loose anytime! Either nations always rise and fall and the punishments are unavoidable and judgement day is unavoidable. I am not prophecising or claiming any dates but these are scientificly interesting points made in the classroom and they showed everyone how little control we have in the world and that if there is a GOD, HE has the real POWER.
Peace
Nural
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Hmmm lets see Rome waged a lot of war, there was decadence, selfishness, brothels, exploitation, materialism, lewdness, homosexuality, fraud, deciet. Yet Rome didn't go up in a big ball of smoke. Same could be said about other powerful empires/nations.
Rome had real messengers and prophets such as Jesus, John, others probably. Yet no big boom.
I'd say being invaded by barbarians and having their society's very fabric torn apart is a pretty big boom.
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Hmmm just a reminder. Many people seem to think that through these prophecies, brother Layth is pinpointing the Hour or Judgement Day. But I really don't think that is what's going on here since the Hour is set to come a WHILE AFTER the Massih returns, which he obviously hasn't. But the talk of Dajjal and world conflict is closer to our modern times and not part of the Hour, but the Hour will not come until these events come to pass first.
So..no one here is actually pinpointing Judgement Day..this is but one event in mankind's history.. a punishment for our decadent ways of "modern times"..
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http//www.alislam.org/library/books/revelation/part_6_section_3.html
Nuclear Holocaust
MONG THE QURANIC PROPHECIES relating to events and inventions of our age, there are some which are of outstanding importance and great global significance. One such prophecy relates to the impending danger of a nuclear holocaust.
This prophecy was made at a time when man could not entertain the idea of an atomic explosion by any stretch of his imagination. But as we will presently illustrate, there are certain verses of the Holy Quran which clearly speak of tiny insignificant particles which are described as storehouses of immense energy, as though the fire of hell was locked within them. Amazing as it may seem, this is exactly what is literally described in the following verses.
Woe to every backbiter, slanderer,
Who amasses wealth and counts it over and over.
He imagines that his wealth will make him immortal.
Nay! he shall surely be cast into the "hotamah".
And what should make thee know what the "hotamah" is?
Allah's fire as preserved fuel,
Which will leap suddenly on to the hearts.
It is locked up in outstretched pillars to be used against them. 1
This short Quranic Chapter is densely packed with astounding statements which lie far beyond the reach of the people of that age. Strange is it not, to read that the sinful people of a certain description would be cast into the hotamah, which means the tiniest of particles, such as we see floating in a beam of light which passes through a poorly lit room.
Authentic Arabic lexicons describe hotamah as possessing two root meanings; first hatamah, which means 'to pound' or 'pulverize into extremely small particles', and the second hitmah, which means 'the smallest insignificant particle'. Thus hitmah is the result obtained by breaking something down to its smallest constituents.
The two meanings just mentioned can rightfully be applied to any extremely minute particle which has reached the limits of its divisible potential. As the concept of the atom had not been born fourteen hundred years ago, the nearest substitute to it could only be hotamah which also sounds intriguingly close to atom. One hardly recovers from the shock of the claim that a time would come when man would be cast in the hotamah when another claim, even more bizarre, comes in its wake.
Explaining the word hotamah, the Holy Quran speaks of a blazing fire built within it and confined in extended columns. It goes on to declare that when man will be cast into it, this fire will directly leap upon his heart as though no intervening rib cage existed. This can only mean that this fire would be of a completely different nature which could directly kill the heart before it could scorch the body. Certainly no fire known to man of that age could be described as such.
These however are not the only elements of surprise about this description; what follows is even more astonishing. This fire is mentioned as having been locked up in outstretched columns waiting to leap upon man till such time as it is destined to be unleashed.
ONDER UPON WONDER is heaped in such a short space of a few simple statements. First the declaration that the time would come when man would be cast into the smallest particle, then the description of that smallest particle and what it contains. It contains a type of fire which is kept confined in some tiny vessels which could appear like extended columns.
The casting of man into this minute particle does not mean that a single man will be cast into it. Man is mentioned as a generic name and the casting indicates his subjection to that affliction to which he will be doomed. This has only become conceivable in the contemporary age when man has discovered the secret of the atoms and the immense stores of energy which they contain. This is the age when the fire contained in the smallest particles leaps out and engulfs large areas extending to thousands of square miles. Everything that lies within its range is engulfed, man and all. Hence, what seemed so unrealistic fourteen hundred years ago, has become a commonplace reality which even young children can understand.
The most hyperbolical expression of wonder fails to do justice to the greatness of this prophecy. No less wonderful is the fact that the people of that age failed to recognize the import of this short Surah Al-Humazah; or it would have leapt upon their beliefs and faith, rather than upon their hearts. How these amazing statements escaped their notice and went unchallenged defies logic. Perhaps they sought refuge in the belief that these verses do not apply to the events of this world, but relate to the mysterious realm of the unknown in the hereafter. Many a commentator simply avoided even an attempt to explain these verses. A few who took up the challenge, unburdened themselves by arbitrarily relegating the contents of these verses to the time of resurrection. Thus, not comprehending their meaning, they tossed them lock, stock and barrel over to the unknown.
Among the Western orientalists, Sale faced the same dilemma of how to translate the word hotamah literally. He simply mentioned a large number of people to be thrust into the hotamah without translating Al-hotamah at all. This left no danger for the English speaking people to express their incredulance at the impossibility of people being cast into a tiny particle. As they would have no idea what hotamah is, they would be free to imagine a vast hall of burning fire called the hotamah (the smallest particle). This strategy of Sale saved him from the embarrassment of this translation. Yet, at the same time, he failed to do justice to this amazing prophecy.
The fire described in this verse, whether it is a conflagration here upon earth or a raging fire in the hereafter, could in no way be pressed into the tiny space of the minutest of particles. But that is not the only dilemma which must have confronted Sale and other earlier commentators. What about the fire which is packed into tiny extended columns, a scenario altogether impossible to conceive until the dawn of the atomic era? Now the jigsaw puzzle appears to be finally resolved, with every piece settling into its right place.
Unless one is familiar with the scientific description of how an atomic explosion takes place and what changes are brought about within the nuclear mass, one cannot fully comprehend the meaning of the Quranic expression of 'extended columns'. Nuclear experts describe the state of a critical mass which is about to explode, as something elongating and pulsating with the immense pressure built within it. This pressure is caused by the elongation of the nuclei before they burst and in that process an element of high atomic weight is split into two elements of lesser atomic weight. The sum total of the atomic weight of the newly formed elements is less than the atomic weight of the original parent element, normally referred to as a heavy metal. The small portion of the atomic weight which is lost in this process is turned into energy. This is not the only model of a nuclear bomb but we have chosen this simple one to describe the process of the extended columns.
URNING TO the issue of how this fire could leap directly upon the hearts, the scientific description is given below
At the instant of explosion, large quantities of gamma rays, neutrons and x-rays are immediately released. The x-rays raise the temperature immediately to meteoric heights creating a great ball of fire rising rapidly, riding the extremely hot atomic blast. This is the canopy of fire like a huge mushroom which is seen from far and wide.
A Nuclear Explosion
(click to enlarge)The x-rays also travel sideways in all directions along with the neutrons, causing immense heat which burns everything on its way. The speed at which this heat front moves is many times the speed of sound which also creates shockwaves. But much faster and more penetrating than this are the gamma rays which outpace the heat front by leaping forward at the speed of light. They are so immensely vibrant that by the sheer force of their vibration they strike the hearts dead. So death is not caused by the intense heat generated by x-rays, it is the tremendous energy of the gamma rays which inflicts instantaneous death. This is exactly how the Holy Quran describes it.
Again in Surah Al-Dukhan (The Smoke), the Quran describes a lethal cloud which comprises a deadly radiant smoke
Then watch for the day when the sky will bring forth a manifest smoke,
That will cast a shadow upon people. This will be a painful suffering. 2The nature of this cloud is further qualified by the following verses
'Now move towards what you have been denying,
'Move on towards a three-pronged shadow,
'Neither affording shade, nor protecting from the blaze.'
It throws up flames like huge castles,
As though the castles were dusky yellow camels. 3
The words 'move towards' indicate that mankind will be gradually carried into an era where it will confront this calamity of a tormenting cloud which offers no shade or protection. Shadows provide relief and shelter. The clouds stand between us and the blazing heat of the sun. In the above verse no sun is mentioned, just a fire, from whose blaze this shadow affords no protection. Rather, the shadow of this cloud becomes a means of transmitting the torment of the fire which emits it. Nothing under its shade is safe. This clearly is the description of a radioactive cloud. The event being described will throw up huge flames of a dusky yellow appearance, flames that are likened to castles and also have the appearance of camels. Perhaps, here it is not only the likeness to the colour of the camel, but also the shape of its hump which is highlighted.
People of the seventh century would not have been able to understand the significance of such a deadly cloud or smoke. It would have been beyond their comprehension. However, today we know of atomic explosions and can understand the images of radioactive clouds they produce.
This fateful description is also referred to in another verse of the Quran which reads as follows
Woe on that day unto those who deny. 4
'That day' () can refer to the day of judgement, but it also refers to a time here on earth, when those who refuse to believe in the signs () will be tormented by a smoke that casts a deadly shadow over whatever lies beneath. It will be a shadow which will move on, from land to land, bringing no relief, but only a shade full of agony. That will be the age when having witnessed this Divine punishment of colossal dimensions, man would at last turn to God beseeching His favour to rescue him from this unbearable chastisement. But when the wrath of Allah overtakes people, the time for forgiveness and deliverance is already over. Thus the Holy Quran explains
How shall a message be effectual for them, since a messenger has already come to them, explaining things clearly?
Yet they turn away from him, saying, 'He is tutored, a man possessed.' 5
ROPHETIC WARNINGS are only delivered to awaken man to the danger of calamities which are but the consequence of his own folly. The prophecies mentioned above clearly relate to our age. They speak of events which were completely unknown to the people of earlier ages. One wonders if the full implications of all such prophecies were revealed by God to the Holy Prophetsa in every detail. But the clarity with which he describes future events leaves a strong impression as if he were beholding them like a prophetic puppet show being staged in the hall of destiny. Yet mankind had to wait for more than a thousand years before these prophecies would begin to be realized. Hence, the real transfer of these events from the realm of the unseen to that of the seen, could only become possible in the nuclear age.
The enormity of the atomic catastrophe is horrendous, yet little attention is paid by man to investigate and identify the underlying roots of this evil. The sight of man seldom penetrates beyond the surfaces he scans. Few among them can introspect themselves to discover the hidden face of their evil intentions. This is a sort of blindness which is specifically related to the crookedness in man. Whenever he himself is responsible for causing suffering and spreading evil around him, he will not identify his own hand behind them.
Such is the chain of catastrophes of global impact we are examining. A scientist explains the underlying phenomenon of nuclear explosions only to the extent of material and physical causes. But when such enormously destructive devices are employed to play havoc with the peace of man, it is not the scientists who created them who should be blamed. The root cause lies elsewhere. It is the great world powers which are invariably responsible for such cruel and senseless decisions of global magnitude. Yet despite their greatness they are no more than mere pawns in the hands of the utterly selfish collective will of the masses.
The Holy Quran, though speaking of scientific events with great precision, does not assume the role of a mere scientific instructor. Rather it is the immoral causes of distorted human behaviour to which it draws our attention. It explains the phenomenon of a trigger indeed, but focuses our attention not on the trigger but upon the finger that pulls it. This is the purpose of Quranic warnings. As such, it repeatedly pronounces that for all the ugliness done to man, it is man himself who is to blame. Thus the preventive measures, according to the Quran, relate to the reformation of human character. It states that if people change their conduct and reform themselves in accordance with Divine guidance, this would create the healthy climate necessary for the survival of justice and fair play.
The lighthouse of the Quranic prophecies clearly shows what rocks to avoid and what channels to follow. Yet how unlikely it is for those who command the ship of human affairs to heed the warning and steer the ship across the impending hazards to the safe haven of peace. It is herein that the ultimate cause of disaster lies. Without a critical and realistic analysis of human behaviour at every level of its activity, no sound workable solution can be conceived of problems which confront man today. In simplest terms, it lies in the rehabilitation of basic human values such as truth, honesty, integrity, justice, fair play, concern for others, sensibility to the sufferings of people even when they are unrelated, and an overall commitment to goodness. Remove them as factors from human relationships and wait for the catastrophe to overtake you. It is the only logical conclusion.
Surah Al-Qamar (Chapter 54), explains this with reference to the history of earlier peoples who did not take heed of the warnings delivered to them by the Divine messengers of their time. As a consequence they, one and all, witnessed the tragic end that was promised to them, and their belated repentance was of no avail. The only purpose served by the warning is for the future generations to take heed. The Holy Quran thus points its finger at their tragedy so that the generations to follow may learn the art of life from the death of those who preceded them.
And there has already come to them the great news wherein is a warning?
Consummate wisdom; but the warnings profit them not. 6If a people do not draw their lesson, then it is only they who are to be blamed for the disastrous consequences which await them.
The atomic holocaust to which we refer is also discussed in Surah Ta Ha (Chapter 20) in relation to its ultimate consequences. By implication, the verse also makes it clear that it would be the pride and arrogance of the great world powers of the time which will be broken, mankind as such will not be wiped out.
The relevant verse clearly predicts that this will not be a point of termination for mankind as such. It will be only the might of the arrogant political powers that will be shattered and laid low. From their graves will rise the new world order. The mountain-like superpowers will be pulverized and levelled as though into a vast expanse of sand. You will not detect any highs or lows, or aboves and belows in their contour.
And they ask thee concerning the mountains. Say, 'My Lord will break them into pieces and scatter them as dust.
'And He will leave them as a barren, level plain,
'Wherein thou wilt see no depression, or elevation.'
On that day they will follow the Caller straight, there being no deviation therefrom; and all voices shall be hushed before the Gracious God and thou shalt not hear but a subdued sound of footsteps. 7
A Building after a Nuclear Explosion
(click to enlarge)
It will be God, the Perfect Leveller, Whose hand will bring about this amazing transformation. The mountains are mere figures of speech, indicating powerful states, nations and people. The Quran predicts that once their pride is shattered and they are finally humbled and straightened, only then will they be fit to respond to the humblest of callers unto God, who has no crookedness about him. Such destruction as described could only result from a holocaust of the magnitude of hundreds of nuclear explosions, which implies that man will not learn his lesson and the head of his arrogance will have to be bent by the sheer weight of this enormity. Along with this grim message of warning there is also a glorious message of hope that mankind will ultimately survive and be ushered into a new era of light. Man will learn to mend his ways?if not before, at least after tasting some of the fruits of his follies and defiance to God.In another Surah, the Quran speaks of cardinal geographic and climatic changes of such horrendous nature as would render the face of many tracts of land, countries and continents entirely desolate. This perhaps is related to the aftermath of the holocaust we have just discussed. Before that, the same lands were counted among the most scenic and beautiful parts of the world, uniquely rich in dazzling beauty. How we wish that of all the Quranic prophecies, this one at least will not have to be realized. This wish is certainly not a sign of disrespect to the prophetic Quranic warnings. It only springs from our unshakeable faith in the all-embracing graciousness of God?the All-Merciful, the All-Beneficent. All warnings, however categoric they may sound, are conditional to the response of man. The example of the people of Jonahas, who were spared the destined wrath of God after they turned to Him with profound repentance, kindles the flame of hope for us today. Despite the fact that there is no genuine justification for optimism in view of the consistent decline in human moral values, it is the only hope after all to which one may cling. The rest is a fearsome night of utter despair. But the cure for their deep-seated maladies no longer lies in the hands of godless messiahs. It lies in the hands of God alone?but only if our hands are raised in prayer before Him. Perhaps we are talking a language hard for contemporary man to understand. It runs counter to what his ears are attuned to hear. Allah knows best!
REFERENCES
Translation of 1042?10 by the author.
Translation of 4411?12 by the author.
Translation of 7730?34 by the author.
Translation of 7716 by the author.
Translation of 4414?15 by the author.
Translation of 545?6 by Maulawi Sher Ali.
Translation of 20106?109 by Maulawi Sher Ali. -
there is still plenty of hope for modern civilization, we can make the change.
