QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOLY QURAN. By Farid Ahmed

Transcription

1 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOLY QURAN By Farid Ahmed

2 Contents Introduction...1 Why the name Quran is a miracle?...1 How true is it that the Quran is the most read book?...2 What is the connection between a best Muslim and Quran learning or teaching?...2 Does one have to be perfect in Quran reading?...3 Why does Allah begin the Quran with praising HIMSELF?...3 What is the meaning of the following terms used in the Holy Quran?...4 How many chapters, verses, words and letters in the Holy Quran?...4 How Allah introduces HIS Quran to the mankind?...4 Who will receive the Guidance from the Holy Quran?...5 How Allah challenged mankind that Quran is not men made?...5 Why holy Quran is the FINAL MASTERPIECE of all Holy Books?...6 How the Holy Quran calls for the unity in Mankind?...6 Introduction All the praise due to Allah and peace be upon HIS beloved messenger Muhammad (s.a.w). As a learner of the Holy Quran I wanted to select some questions and find the answers about the Holy Quran. This way I find that I learn better. I then decided to share my learning with others hoping that it will benefit them as well. In my writing if there is any mistakes, please be sure that definitely it is from my lack of knowledge. I ask Allah s forgiveness for any mistakes due to my poor knowledge. I also ask Allah to increase my knowledge in HIS Quran. At the same time, for right information it is Allah to be praised, not me. May Allah accept my small service to HIS Quran! May Allah keep me in the service of HIS Quran until I die! The translation of the Quranic verses in this writing, I used The Glorious Quran, Translated by Professor (Dr.) Sayed Vickar Ahamed, Holmdel, New Jersey. May Allah bless all the teachers of Islam whose hard work has made us understand Holy Quran better today! Ameen! Why the name Quran is a miracle? The word Quran is derived from Qaraa-at which means To read. In that sense Quran means The most read or recited Holy Book. [Mishqat] Page 1

3 Quran is a miraculous name because: a. The name is miraculously similar to the reality, it is really the most read Holy Book. b. Allah named it to be most read and also made HIS servants to materialize the meaning by reciting more and more c. The Author of the Quran knew the meaning and purpose of the name and destined that into reality d. The name Quran, its meaning and its materialization clearly proves that it must be the work of All Knowing Allah. That s why it is miraculous. Any man made book cannot have achieved destiny by the author as the Author of the Quran has. Considering all these, truly the name Quran is extra-ordinary. It is surely a miraculous name. Subhanallah! Allah s decision is free from any error! How true is it that the Quran is the most read book? There is no doubt about the fact that Quran is the most read book on this earth. Some examples below: a. Right now more than a billion Muslims read the Quran daily b. Allah knows how many Jinn read the Quran because a part of them are Muslim too c. Many people who are seeking truth and are not Muslims yet, are also reading the Quran d. Many people are reading Quran to find criticism against Islam and Muslims. e. Muslims are reciting Quran in their daily 5 prayers of minimum of 85 billion times. Say if 1 billion Muslims pray 5 times daily of a minimum 17 Rakah Salah then they are reciting Quran in Salah about 5x17=85 billion times. f. Then say if 5 million Muslims are memorizing Quran daily and reciting verses 100 times daily then that is about another 5x100=500 million times of reciting. g. Then Muslim children are memorizing Quran daily. If they are 100 million reciting 5 verses a day that makes another 500 million times reciting h. Then everyday Muslims are reciting extra from the Quran after prayers, reciting Quran to teach others, reciting Quran for learning it, researching on Quran for writing. i. So people are reading Quran 24 hours a day all over the earth in countless times (Allah knows exactly how many times) and it is beyond doubt that Holy Quran is the Most Read Holy Book Allah made that happen because HE chose the name Most Read and HE did materialize the meaning of the name in reality. What is the connection between a best Muslim and Quran learning or teaching? Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The best Muslim is the one who learns the Quran and teaches the Quran [Bukhari]. This Hadis shows the connection between a best Muslim and the Quran following: a. A best Muslim means the one surrendered to the will of Allah b. A best Muslim also means the one who follows the code of Allah in life c. Quran is that code of Allah which teaches how to surrender to Allah d. Without learning that code of Allah one cannot follow it Page 2

4 e. Without following it one cannot be a best Muslim f. Learning Quran is a fundamental duty for a Muslim g. An ignorant Muslim about the Quran cannot be a best Muslim at all As learning continues, then a best Muslim a. Finds out his/her role, duties, purpose in this world assigned by his or her creator b. Then he/she tries to fulfill that purpose. c. Then he/she finds that the part of that purpose is to fulfill the role of Allah s vicegerent on this earth. d. They are required to pass Allah s message to others on behalf of Allah e. That makes a best Muslim to teach Quran to others as well, as much as one can. Does one have to be perfect in Quran reading? Allah is perfect but HIS creations are not perfect at all. To err is human. Allah is well aware about HIS creations. That s why Allah is very merciful on mankind. HE grants them respite, gives them chances so that they can try and try. Allah knows: a. Some people do not speak Arabic b. How difficult for some non-arabs to master the Quran recitation c. How much good intention one has when he/she tries to recite Quran perfectly d. How much a Muslim struggles for reciting the Quran perfectly and so on! That s why, to Allah perfection comes second but the pure intention to learn Quran for the love of Allah comes first. If one struggles to learn Quran with love for Allah then Allah will reward that Muslim lavishly. Allah informs that good news to Muslims through HIS beloved Messenger Muhammad (s.a.w) as following: If anyone struggles in Quran reading yet continues without giving up then Allah will grant 2 rewards for that Muslim. [Bukhari and Muslim] Two rewards for: 1. One reward for reciting and 2. Another reward for patience (for continuous struggle) Why does Allah begin the Quran with praising HIMSELF? The first chapter of the Quran is Sura AL Fatiha which begins with Praise be to Allah, the Lord (Cherisher and Sustainer) of the worlds. So we see, Allah begins the introduction of the Quran with praising HIMSELF. Our question is why? Some reasons are below: a. There is no-one who deserves All the Praise except Allah b. Allah is Worthy of Praise in everything [Tafsir Ibn Kaseer] c. All are Allah s creations and the creation needs to praise the creator d. The Author of Quran is Allah, so as the Author HE only be praised e. Allah is teaching the proper etiquette to the creation that they must praise Allah. f. It shows the primary duty of mankind is to praise and thank Allah Page 3

5 What is the meaning of the following terms used in the Holy Quran? For a brief understanding it is good that the reader of Quran knows some common terms used in the Quran. Some of them are below with meaning: a. Ayah: Verse or sentence, that consists of one or many words to give a meaning b. Rukoo: Section, consist of few verses. Such as 2 nd chapter called Sura Al Baqara has 40 Rukoo c. Sura: Chapter, consist of one or more Rukoo. For example, chapter one named sura Al Fatiha has 1 Rukoo with total of 7 verses d. Juz: Part, in the Quran. The whole Quran has 30 Juz altogether. How many chapters, verses, words and letters in the Holy Quran? As following: a. Suras = 114 b. Verses = 6,616 (Ibn Abbas s counting) c. Words = 75,934 d. Letters = 3, 43,631 [Itkan, 57-60] How Allah introduces HIS Quran to the mankind? Usually when a human writer writes an introduction it includes the following points: a. I did my best b. I took help from such and such c. I thank others for helping me d. I am not free from error e. Please correct me if any error is found f. I shall correct in next edition etc. All these above are usual points to show human work has error and does not have absolute correctness in it. But when it comes to Allah the introduction changes its style or points. To introduce Holy Quran, the Author Allah says boldly: Quran: 2.2 This is the Book: In it is guidance, without doubt. What do we see in that introduction? a. Do we see any lack of confidence from the Author about its authenticity? b. Do we see the Author has any doubts about the contents? c. Do we see anyone else is given thanks to for helping in Quran by the Author? d. Do we see the Author hints about even the slightest mistakes in HIS work? No, we don t see any of the above. Instead we see Allah made very clear in the introduction that: a. The Quran has no error in it b. The Quran is absolutely the correct guidance c. If anyone follows Quran they have no chance of going astray d. Quran is to guide to mankind, it can t afford to have any mistakes in it e. Quran is the work of Almighty Allah who is All Knowledgeable, All Wise and HE is absolutely free from error, doubt, or mistakes. Page 4

6 Who will receive the Guidance from the Holy Quran? Will everyone receive guidance from the Quran? The answer is no. Because: a. Quran offers the guidance but never forces it on others b. Allah allowed mankind freedom of choice to accept or reject Quranic guidance. Therefore, the people who are willing to receive guidance from the Quran they will get it. To be willing they must have some qualities. If they have such qualities then only Quranic guidance will flourish them otherwise their hearts will not receive Quranic guidance. Some of those qualities to receive Quranic guidance are as following according to the Quran: (Quran 2.2-4) 1. Those who fear Allah s punishment. This fear motivates them to receive the guidance of Allah so they can follow it to be saved from Allah s punishment. 2. Those who believe in unseen (Allah, Hell, Paradise, Angels etc.) Belief lays the foundation in the heart to accept the guidance. Without belief one would not realize the precious value of the divine guidance Al Quran. 3. Those who steadfast in prayer: Prayer connects them with Allah. In prayer they recite Quran to be reminded Quranic guidance daily. 4. Those who spend from what Allah has given them: By spending they remove selfishness or selfish desires. Those who worship their own selfish desires, they cannot follow Quranic guidance. 5. Those who follow all true forms of revelation Allah sent on Prophets in different ages: One must follow the true authentic past revelation to see how Quran and past revelations contain the same message from same Allah. Then easily they can receive or embrace the Quranic guidance. 6. Those who firmly believe in the Hereafter: Firm belief in accounting, Allah s Judgment, Paradise and Hell in next life brings devotion to follow the Quranic guidance. How Allah challenged mankind that Quran is not man made? When prophet (s.a.w) began reciting Quran openly, some idol worshippers decided to go against Quran. They made extra effort to confuse people about the Quran. One of their propaganda was that Quran was not from Almighty Allah rather it was man made words. Then Allah challenged all those critics, and the critics [From mankind] who will come until doomsday to prove that Quran was not Allah s words by producing chapters like Quran. Allah s challenge is as following: (Quran 2.23) And if you are in doubt about what WE have revealed to OUR servant (the prophet), then produce a Sura like the one here (In the Quran); and call your witness (Or helpers if there are any) besides Allah, if you are truthful. They could not bring any Sura s like in the Quran despite their mastery in Arabic. If they can t make Sura s like that then how can another human may make Quranic Sura? That was a simple, straightforward challenge. Their failure proved that in fact they were wrong in their propaganda. Allah knew they could not face the challenge and also Allah knew that no-one ever will be able to face the challenge from Allah. So Allah says further: (Quran 2.24) But if you cannot, and surely you cannot, then Fear the Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones. Page 5

7 That challenge is still here. In the last years no-one could face it and in future days no-one will be able to face it. That is the assurance from All Knowing Allah Who knows the past, present and future. Therefore, this challenge is a proof that Quran is a revelation from Allah and not man made. Why holy Quran is the FINAL MASTERPIECE of all Holy Books? If we think carefully about all the Holy Books, and ask the following simple questions: a. Would it be possible that One Allah can send different messages in different Holy Books to confuse the mankind? b. Or would it be logical that One Allah will send one message through all the Holy Books? The obvious answer is that One Allah would send one message through all the Holy Books. Then the next question is, is it logical to have a final masterpiece of all Holy Books? Again it is logical. Therefore, Holy Quran is that: a. Final masterpiece of all holy books b. The summary of lessons of all holy books c. The complete version of all holy books and d. The latest version of all holy books for the entire mankind. Allah assures that in the Quran: 3.3 It is He Who has sent down to you the Book (Quran in stages) in truth, confirming what went before it; And He has sent down the Taurat (to Moses) and the Injeel (to Jesus). How the Holy Quran calls for the unity in Mankind? What holy Quran calls for? Mankind has enough divisions. Does it call to encourage further divisions among mankind? Or something else? Holy Quran calls for: a. Mankind to unite through worshipping One and Only Creator, Allah b. Mankind should unite as one family due to the same parents Adam and Eve c. Mankind to follow the original script of Holy Books that teaches the same thing d. Mankind to unite by not separating one messenger of Allah from another, rather to take them as complementary brothers e. Mankind to unite in one religion without dividing themselves into many religions etc. If we look at the Quranic call, we certainly find that Quran calls for the unity in Faith, unity in worship, unity in the purpose of life, unity in religion and unity as one large family of mankind. Look how Quran calls: You say: We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaq, Yaqoub, and the Tribes, and that given to Musa, and Isa, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them and we bow to Allah (In Islam). Page 6

8 What are the two main kinds of verses found in the Holy Quran? Holy Quran contains two main kinds of verses. They are as following: (a) Muhkamat Verses: These verses contain very clear messages and they are simple to understand. Such as, what to do or what not to do, what is allowed or what is prohibited. These verses are the foundation of the Holy Quran, and are easy enough for people to follow to be good servants of Allah. By practicing those verses one should go to Paradise Insha Allah. For example a Muhkamat verse in Quran (17.23) Allah commands, Worship none but Allah and be kind to your parents. (b) Mutashaabihat verses: These verses are with unclear messages and only Allah knows their exact and detailed meanings. We are required to believe in those without questions. These verses are also a proof that Quran was not man made and that s why Men cannot get complete understanding of such verses. Only Allah as the author knows the detailed meaning of those. For example a Mutashaabihat verse in Quran is (2.1): Alif-Laam-Mim. No one knows the meaning because Allah did not make it clear for the mankind. Holy Quran describes these two forms of verses in 3.7: He it is WHO has sent down to you the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental; they are the foundation of the Book: Others are those that have abstractions. Q.14: How did Allah formulate and preserve the Quran before revealed it? Ans: The answers are as following: a. When: No one knows exactly when Allah formulated the Holy Quran. That knowledge is only with Allah. We believe that Allah made it written very long time ago. b. Where: Where was it preserved before Allah sent it down? That question is answered in the Quran by Allah Almighty in : No! (But) this is a Glorious Quran (written) within a tablet preserved (to last forever). c. Lauhe-Mahfooj: Means the protected world (tablet to preserve). It is in the heaven and the details about it is only known by Allah. d. No access: Allah kept the Quran in a protected world in which no one had or has access to corrupt it. Allah has taken the responsibility to protect HIS Quran from any corruption. Q.15: How was Quran revealed from the Lauhe-Mahfooj to Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)? Ans: It also went through two stages as following: a. First stage: Allah revealed the whole Holy Quran from Lauhe-Mahfooj to Baitul I jjat in the first heaven in a special night [Opinion of Ibn Abbas r.a, Tafsir Ibn Kaseer]. Holy Quran describes 97.1 We have indeed revealed this (Quran) in the Night of Power. And that night was in the month of Fasting (Ramadan Month). Allah says again in another verse The month of Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran as a guide to mankind, also clear guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). b. Second stage: Then from the 1 st heaven Angel Gabriel (a.s) brought it down on Muhammad (s.a.w) bit by bit as Allah s instruction over the period of 23 years. Q.16: How Holy Prophet (s.a.w) received the Holy Quran and preserved it? Page 7

9 Ans: To get the answer we need the following information at first: Holy Quran was not revealed as a complete book. It was revealed as a solution to problems that Holy Messenger faced in his 23 years reforming mission. Every verse or group of verse came down on the basis of certain contest Because of the background situation bit by bit of Quran was revealed as eloquent speech to warn, to advice, to educate, to legislate, to reform, to correct, to give good news and so on Muhammad (s.a.w) by Angle Gabriel. The first 5 verses was revealed on Prophet (s.a.w) in a night when he was praying In Hira Cave. Angel Gabriel came to him with 5 verses and those verses were: Read aloud in the name of the Lord and Cherisher, Who created. Created man, out of (mere) clot of thickened blood: Read! And your Lord is Most Bountiful- He, Who taught (the use of) the pen- Taught man that which he did not know. As Quranic verse were revealed, Holy Prophet (s.a.w) took proper measure to protect them from being lost, to maintain the accuracy, and to pass them in perfect condition to the Muslims with him and after him. To achieve that 100% accuracy prophet (s.a.w) took 3 main steps. They were as following: 1. He memorized the verses, and used to rehearse with Angle Gabriel 2. His companions memorized fully or partly under his supervision 3. He appointed 4 writers to write them on bones, animal skins etc. As a result Quran has been preserved so well that it is still in 100% accurate form since it was revealed on Muhammad (s.a.w). All these measure were taken by Muhammad (s.a.w) by the command of Allah. Q.17: How all the verses were put together as it is now in the Quran Book today? Ans: It also happened in few main stages: a. Sequence: At first Holy Prophet (s.a.w) in his life time put the verses and Sura in a present sequence. He did it according to Allah s command and Angel Gabriel brought Allah s command to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w). [Musnad-e-Ahmed] b. As a Book: After the departure of Holy Prophet (s.a.w), under the ruling of first caliph Abu Bakr (R.A) all verses were recorded in a book. It was proposed by Hazrat Omar (R.A). And hafiz Hazrat Zaid Ibn Saabit Ansari (R.A) took the responsibility to put them in a book. Hazrat Zaid was one of the 4 writers appointed by Prophet (S.A.W) [Bukhari] c. Book with 7 recitation accents: Initially Quran was allowed to be recited with 7 accent without any meaning change. It was allowed to be suitable for different Arab tribes. [Bukhari Muslim] d. Quran Book as it today: But later 3 rd Caliph Hazrat Osman (R.A) prepared the Holy Quran as it is today without any changes into it. We should notice the following facts in the preservation process of the Quran: a. Quran did not receive any editing into it or any changes into it. b. It has been protected until today as it was through memorizing and in written form. c. At present millions of Muslims have whole Quran in their memory to preserve its authenticity d. Because Allah made it miraculously easy for those who want to memorize this Holy Quran, so Quran is safely protected from being lost. Page 8

10 Q.18: What is the main message of the Holy Quran? Ans: The main message is following: a. Allah is the one and only GOD b. He created mankind as HIS vicegerent in this earth c. He will test who obeys HIM as loyal vicegerent and who do not d. In HIS obedience a vicegerent cannot join any other partner or partners e. To give this message Allah sent many messengers with Holy Books f. Quran is the complete and final version of Allah s message g. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) received Quran as revelation on him h. Allah sent Muhammad (s.a.w) as HIS final messenger for the whole mankind i. Muhammad (s.a.w) taught, explained, demonstrated holy Quran throughout his life j. Quran explains which way of life is good and bad for mankind k. Quran explains about the next life where Allah will give the result of the test in this life l. Quran also explains how Allah will reward HIS loyal servants and will punish disobedient servants in next life and so on. Q.19: What is Makki and Madani Sura? Ans: To understand better let us look at briefly: a. Prophet (s.a.w) received Holy Quran in the space of about 23 years. b. From those years he spent the first 13 years in his birth place Makkah. Due to the torture and killing plot from his people he migrated to Madina with Allah s permission. c. In Madina he spent his last 10 years of life where he established a proper Islamic state. Having said that now let us look at what is Makki and Madani Sura in following: 1. Makki Sura: Sura revealed in Makkah. They are short, easy and clear. Easy to recite, to understand and to memorize. Sura contain basic teaching of Islamic Faith, oneness of Allah, the messenger hood, and about next life etc. 2. Madani Sura: Sura revealed in Madina. They are reasonably longer. Sura contain about Islamic laws and order, etiquettes, legislations, social correction, Holy War, peace treaty, Islamic socio-economic systems and so on. [Tafheemul Quran by Abul A la] Q.20: Why holy Quran is an extra-ordinary Holy Book? Ans: Quran is the word of Almighty Allah and in it has extra ordinary aspects. To understand it let us look at some extra-ordinary aspects of the Glorious Quran in below: a. Quranic words are short yet very meaningful b. Quranic sentences are with rhythm, clarity and force c. Quranic verses are easy to read d. Quranic verses are easy to memorize e. Quranic verses are easy to recite with beautiful tone f. Quranic verses are easy (Muhkamat verses) for anyone yet too deep for scholars g. Quran recitation is so tasty, one recites again and again which increases the taste h. Quran is recited by billions of Muslims without understanding meaning yet they find so taste in it i. Quran recitation shakes the hearts, creates huge influence in the soul j. Quran brings dead heart into life with hope, motivation k. Quran motivates a soul to give up immorality, it creates a positive fear for change l. Quran pours courage in a soul to embrace suffering or sacrifice happily for everlasting happiness in Paradise. Page 9

11 m. Quran makes people realize about the reality of their lives so that they can prepare for next life. n. Quranic call is heart touching o. Quran recitation brings a calmness and peacefulness in any heart who recites with an unprejudiced open heart. Because it is from Allah and Allah pours peace in the heart. [Tafsir Ibn Kaseer] Q.21: Why Holy Quran is a live Miracle? Ans: Quran is a live miracle for so many reasons. Some reasons are following: a. It contains words very brief yet the meaning is very deep, a short word cannot be given meaning with one translated word. b. Its word or sentence choosing is extra ordinary such as that contains deep meaning, rhythm, and best sound, easy to recite and so on. c. It gives the true story from the past like Mariam, Jesus, Moses, Abraham with 100% accuracy. d. It gave many facts about future and in time many of the facts have come true and so many is going to come true. e. It has a balanced message which includes what will benefit mankind and what will harm mankind. f. It has complete message for mankind such as justice, fairness, rights and responsibilities towards Allah or toward HIS creations. [Tafsir Ibn Kaseer] g. No one can find fault with Quran h. It has power to influence the heart, it makes believers cry i. No one is able to make Sura or sentences like Quran j. It has solution about the confusion either in the past or the future to come k. It has given many clues about Allah s creations which today Science is discovering. l. And Quran was taught by the best person known is his society Hazrat Muhammad (s.a.w). All of these are live miracles and they prove Quran cannot be manmade. [Tafheemul Quran, Sayyid Abul A la] In Makkah the idle worshippers were asking the Holy Prophet to bring special miracles to make them believe but Allah answered them in the Quran that Quran itself was the Miracle if they wanted to believe: (29.51) And is it not enough for them that WE have sent down to you the Book that has been told (and given) to them? Surely, in it is Mercy and a Reminder to those who believe. Q.22: Why Quran is not just a book of poetry? Ans: In Makkah Idle worshippers were keep shifting their claims and blasphemies against Holy Quran to confuse people about it. They were scared that their people would listen to the Quran and would follow it. But all of their propaganda failed. One of those propaganda was that Quran was a book of poetry. Holy Quran cannot be a Book of Poetry because poetry has the following aspects: a. Often useless issues, that is not beneficial to the now or ultimate success in life. But Quran is totally free from that. b. Poetry often has Jokes in it, to make it funny to give temporary joy to the readers. But Quran is totally free from that as well. Page 10

12 c. A poet is a human and when he/she writes poem it usually includes the expression of imbalanced emotions, overstating or understating etc. But Quran is balanced because the author is Allah. d. Sometimes poems are the expression of over exaggeration but Quran of free from that as well e. Poem often praises persons, groups, and country without correcting the corruption of persons, rulers, societies due to the shortcomings of a poet in the society they live in. But Holy Quran reveals the truth against anyone without fear because it is from the Almighty Allah. And HIS messenger put his life at risk for it happily because Allah shows the prophet the some unseen things that makes the Prophet very sure and confident about his true mission. f. Often poems has imaginary contents and does not match with the reality but Holy Quran teaches about the true reality in this life and next g. Even though poems have some good issues but not good enough to become same as Divine Holy Books. If that was the case then did any poet become a Messenger of God for poetry? No, never. Quran is totally free from any shortcomings that are found in poetry. Allah certify Holy Quran as following: (Quran: ) It is not the word of a poet: Little it is you believe! Nor is it the word of a soothsayer (or a fortune teller): Little warning (and advice) it is, that you receive. (This is) a Message sent down from the Lord of the Worlds. Q.23: Is the Quran a word of Prophet (s.a.w)? Ans: It cannot be the word of Muhammad (s.a.w) because: a. Prophet s own language was normal Arabic and Quranic language is with extra-ordinary highest standard. b. Prophet (s.a.w) was born and brought up with his people. Before he received Quran they knew well that He (s.a.w) was unlettered. He did not know how to read and write. So it was impossible for him to make Quranic sentences. c. Even when Quran was revealed on him, he was memorizing but his 4 learned companions were writing it for him because he could not write. d. He (s.a.w) was well known to his people as Al-Ameen even before prophet hood, and he was never found to lie about anything in his entire life. So why would he lie about Holy Quran!!!!!!!!! e. Allah gives witness in the Holy Quran that HIS messenger did not even add or reduce anything in Allah s message. If he did then Allah would have punished him straight away. Allah says: ( ) And if he (The Messenger) were to invent any saying in OUR name, We should certainly have seized him by his right hand, And then WE certainly would have cut off the artery of his heart, Nor could any of you withhold him (from OUR anger), But truly this is a Reminder (the Quran) for those who fear Allah. Q.24: Who is the greatest witness about that Quran was from Allah and was sent down on Muhammad (s.a.w)? Ans: To become a genuine witness one must: a. Know about the specific issue extremely well b. Be certain about what he is witnessing about c. Be sure beyond any doubt about that specific issue Page 11

13 d. Have seen about it with certainty and so on. Now, who would know best with 100% certainty about the Quran related issues such as: a. Who wrote the Quran b. Where was Quran kept c. When was revealed d. How was revealed e. On whom Quran was revealed and so on. Who would know those above facts with certainty? Would any of Allah s creation know well? Not really! Then who else would know except Allah? That s why we must see what Allah witnesses about HIS own Glorious Quran. Allah gives HIS witness in the Quran for the guidance of mankind: (Quran: ) Your companion (The prophet, especially of the people of Makkah) is not in evil ways and (he is) not being misled. And he does not say (anything) from (his own) desire. It is nothing less than REVELATION sent down to him. Q.25: What are the 3 main issues were taught in Sura of Quran revealed in Makkah? Ans: 3 main issues were: a. Tawheed: The oneness of Allah. Allah is the One, He has no partner, He is the creator, Sustainer, Lord, Ruler or the King of the heaven and the earth, everything is being governed by HIM, He created everything with specific purpose of worshipping HIM, all the creation do worship HIM, He gave freedom of choice to mankind to choose to be obedient or disobedient in order to test them and so on. So in early Sura in the Quran the teaching was about the Oneness of Allah with logic, examples, information about Allah s qualities and reasons why people must worship HIM for their own salvation and so on. b. Risaalah: The Messenger-hood. Allah created mankind and sent guidance for them through HIS selected Messengers in different ages. Allah knows how many of them came as total but the numbers are many. These Messengers were safe guarded from sinful desires or actions by Allah Almighty because HE wanted HIS messengers to be the ideal models or the practical living examples of Divine Revelation. All those Messengers invited mankind passionately to worship Allah. Some people accepted them and others rejected them. Allah punished those who rejected Allah s messengers in different times to give mankind lessons. At last Allah sent the last Messenger with the complete Message which is Holy Quran and throughout his practices (Sunnah) he was and will be the final Ideal Model for the entire mankind to follow. c. Aakhirah: Next life. This life is temporary for test. The result of the test will be given in next life. Next life is everlasting and the good or bad result of this life test will depend on whether people worship Allah (as purpose of their creation) or not. Next life begins through death. Our body perishes but the soul is not. When the chain of mankind coming to this earth will end, Allah will destroy this world and will resurrect all the mankind for a Day of Judgment (a Day will be thousands of years long). In that Day Allah will Judge everyone fairly and then will either grant them Paradise as rewards or Hell as punishment. Q.26: How important is to study the back ground of a Quranic verse (s)? Ans: Quran was not revealed as a Book. It was revealed in 23 years of reforming life of Prophet (s.aw). He (s.a.w) began his mission in Makkah and then he had to migrate to Madina. In his prophetic life he went through situations like: a. being mocked, or b. blamed, or Page 12

14 c. tortured, or d. boycotted, or e. questioned, or f. challenged, or g. conspiracy against him or h. attempted to be killed or i. driving him away from his birthplace, j. or war was imposed on him and his innocent followers, k. or needed policy to reform the society of believers, or l. For them economic-social-family policies and so on. So if anyone wants the knowledge from the Quran, must read the back ground of a particular verse to know in which contest it was revealed. Otherwise, one may generalize the meaning of a verse whereas may be it does not fit to be generalized. Often that results misunderstanding about Quran, Islam and Muslims. Just an example for the readers in below: (Quran 9.14) Fight against them! And Allah will punish them with your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to win) over them, and heal the chests of believers. In this verse who is Them? Are they: a. Non-believers? Or b. Other nationals? Or c. Anyone who does not believe in the Quran? Etc. The answer is None of the above. To understand the proper meaning we got to see the exact background when the verse was revealed. The back ground was: After the peace treaty between Muhammad (s.a.w) and The Quraish, the Quraish had broken the peace treaty and betrayed the peace-fairness, justice and humanity. So Allah permitted Muslims to stand up with courage. The verse before the above from the same chapter explains better: (Quran: 9.13) Will you (believers) not fight the people who have broken their promises, plotted to drive away the Messenger (Muhammad, from Makkah) and became aggressive by being the first ones (to injure) you? Do you fear them? No! It is Allah Whom you should more truly fear, if you believe! Now, if we study the verse (Quran 9.14 above) then the back ground helps to understand the proper meaning of the verse. And that is, fighting was allowed to the Quraish leaders who had: a. Broken the peace treaty b. Betrayed the peace treaty c. Attacked on prophet and believers unfairly d. Continued their cruel and inhuman treatment towards poor Muslims and e. That fight was necessary to establish peace, fairness, justice and to stop oppression etc. And that kind of fight makes sense, doesn t it? Q.27: How the sequence of chapters was chosen for the Quran? Ans: The process was as following: a. Holy Prophet (s.a.w) made the sequence by the command of Allah Page 13

15 b. Whenever Verses or Sura was revealed Prophet (s.a.w) used to call the writer and used to instruct exactly wherein those verses would be, or the Sura should exactly be etc. c. Companions of Prophet (s.a.w) also used to memorize the Quran according to that sequence. d. Prophet (s.a.w) also used to recite form Quran in Salah according to that sequence. e. Allah revealed the Sura or verses of the Quran as well as revealed the sequence of the Sura or verses in the Quran. Prophet Muhammad placed the sequence according to the revelation from Allah. [Tafheemul Quran, Sayyid Abul A laa] Q.28: How the Sura (chapter) in Quran were named? Ans: Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said to the writers what name they should put for each Sura and He did that according to Allah s plan. There are 114 Sura in Quran and each one has a name for it. For example Sura Al Fatiha (The first Sura) and Sura An-Naas (The last Sura). But the names of the chapter is not like the name of a chapter in any ordinary book. In a book a chapter represents the summary of everything in that chapter. For example in an ordinary book if the chapter name is The cow then it means the whole chapter has information about the cow. But In Quran chapter name is a symbol to identify the chapter only or rarely to represent the summary of the sura. The name of a chapter in the Quran means: a. Either: The chosen name is mentioned in that chapter, that s all. For example, chapter two is named The cow. It means The cow is mentioned in this Sura. But the contents of this sura has many other issues. Most sura in the Quran falls into this category. b. Or: The chosen name may represent the main content in the Sura. Such as Sura 97 is called Al-Qadr. Means The Night Of Power. In this chapter all information is about the night of power. Q.29: How many chapters in the Quran named after some Prophets of Allah? Ans: They are 6. The brief descriptions are below: a. Chapter 10, Sura Yunus: Prophet Jonah who was swallowed by a big fish and Allah rescued him b. Chapter 11, Sura Hud: Prophet Hud came for the nation of A d, but they rejected him then Allah destroyed them with stone rain for 7 nights and 8 days c. Chapter 12, Sura Yusuf: Prophet Joseph, his 10 brothers threw him in to the well to kill him but Allah saved him and made the prime minister of Egypt d. Chapter 14, Sura Ibraheem: Prophet Ibraheem, his Government threw him into the fire to kill him because of his Faith in Allah, and Allah saved him from the fire e. Chapter 47, Sura Muhammad: Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) f. Chapter 71, Sura Nooh: Prophet Noah, he invited people for 850 years, then Allah destroyed the rejected by massive flood and saved Noah and the believers with him in a boat. Q.30: Which Sura in the Quran is named after a very righteous lady? And who is she? Ans: It is chapter 19. a. It is named after a very righteous lady b. Her name is Maryam (Mary). c. She is the mother of Holy Prophet I sa (Jesus-peace be upon him). d. Her honor and status is very high in the sight Allah because Allah had chosen her to carry a Miracle that is a child without father by Allah permission. e. May Allah bless and mercy upon her. Page 14

16 f. So the Sura is in Al Quran, Sura 19, Sura Maryam. Even further to that her family is also very honorable in the sight of Allah. a. So we see that there is a chapter in the Quran is named after her father s family. b. It is chapter 3, Al- Imran (The family of Imran. Imran was her father and Jesus is her son ). c. Let us see how Allah describes them in HIS Glorious Quran: ( ) Allah did choose Adam and Nooh, and the family of Imran above the people-offspring, one of the other: And Allah is All Hearing and All Knowing. Q.31: Which Sura in the Quran is named after a man who was a slave yet very honorable? Ans: That Sura is chapter 31 called Sura Luqman (The wise). People used to respect him for his best qualities, his wisdom. And Allah gave him wisdom to understand the truth and to be able to separate the right from the wrong. Allah says about him in the Holy Quran: (31.12) And indeed, WE gave Wisdom (Hikmah) to Luqman saying: Give (your) thanks to Allah. And anyone who is grateful (and thankful to Allah) does this to benefit his own soul: And if anyone is ungrateful (unthankful to Allah), surely, Allah is free of all wants, Worthy of all praise. When Allah gives someone wisdom, that person becomes a good believer with best moral character. Luqman also became wise man in his talk, manner, dealings, communications, interaction, in duties and so on. Due to his righteousness, good people loved him, respected him and placed him in an honorable position despite his employment status (Slave). Islam teaches that one cannot hold respect in the sight of Allah with worldly power, Position or wealth. But one can earn that respect through righteousness due to the fear of Allah s punishment. Holy Quran states clearly: (49.13) Surely, the Most honorable of you, in the sight of Allah is (he, who is) the most righteous of you. Q.32: Why men of understanding believe in the Holy Quran? Ans: Quran is the book of wisdom. It resonates with people who possess right knowledge to understand message from creator. If people use their wisdom to look for signs within them and around them then they must see the existence of Almighty God. And they will realize that God also send HIS divine guidance to show them right path. Allah says in the Quran of what type of people believe in HIS Quran easily: (3.7) And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: We believe in the Book: The whole of it is from our Lord. And none will grasp the Message except men of understanding. Anyone willing to seek the truth about Holy Quran, if studies thoroughly and think deeply about it, then will find that Quran: a. Is not a speech of any human b. Only advises people to be good, moral, in peace and so on c. Is full of true stories from the past that no human would know so accurately about d. Has no contradiction in its message and so on. So, to understand Quran, one must use the God given understanding without prefixed notion, or prejudiced mind. That is a fundamental quality in people to be able to grasp the true message and that will reach him/her to the belief in Quran. Q.33: Has the Quran got any contradictions in it? Page 15

17 Ans: Not at all. Holy Quran always encourage mankind a. to read, b. to study, c. to search for the truth. d. So the Quran readers will feel confident about their faith and conviction. When we study Quran we find it has: a. The harmony in message from the beginning to the end. b. The description that is scientific, logical, accurate c. No faults that needed editing d. No discrepancy in it. In the Holy Quran Allah calls mankind to study the Quran deeply to see that fact by themselves: (4.82) Do they not consider (Think, study) the Quran (with care)? If it was (from) any other than Allah, they would have found in there lot of discrepancy (and contradictions). Q.34: What is the message in the first revealed Quran verse on Muhammad (s.a.w)? Ans: The first verses that was revealed on Muhammad (s.a.w) carries a very powerful message. It is now recorded in the Quran in chapter 96 and verse 1. In that verse Allah revealed: Read! In the name of the Lord and Cherisher, Who created (every creation including mankind). This very brief verse carries huge message. Some of it as brief: a. Allah insisted on reading, because reading, learning and acquiring knowledge is the first message of the Holy Quran. b. Allah taught that the knowledge is power that removes the ignorance because the ignorance is the root of too many evils c. Allah gave the message that knowledge is light, a light that removes corruption, destruction and danger d. Allah reminded that Quran came to lead the knowledgeable ones because its first demand is knowledge and wisdom e. Allah reminded that Quran is the source of wisdom and knowledge and that s why it starts its journey with the slogan of read-learn etc. f. Allah also reminded that HE is the source of all correct knowledge, HE is All-Knowing, and so people should learn according to Allah s prescription. g. Allah also taught that for beneficial knowledge mankind must depend on the knowledge that comes from All-Knowing Allah h. Also Allah reminded that HE is the creator of mankind and mankind only be able to understand the purpose of HIS creation from HIS divine holy book Quran. And so on. Q.35: What is the message in the last verse of Quran that was revealed on Muhammad (s.a.w)? Ans: In the last verse Allah says: (5.3) This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed MY Favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion for you. So the message in this verse is as following: a. Allah is the Total owner of HIS creation therefore HIS guidance always considers the total need of HIS creation b. Allah never gives guidance partly but always gives full guidance for HIS creations c. Allah made Islamic guidance a complete code of life Page 16

18 d. Therefore Islam is a way of life which has solutions for every problem that mankind face in this earth e. Therefore Islam doesn t require to borrow anything into Allah s guidance nor need to remove anything from Allah s guidance. f. Also it proves that Islam is the final, complete, holistic way of life for the mankind. g. By Islam they will get guidance how to lead this life as well as how to reach in Paradise in next life by the mercy of Allah. h. Allah perfected HIS religion for mankind as a favor from HIM, not because anyone demanded for it. Allah is All Powerful. HE doesn t follow demands from HIS creations. i. Also Allah made it clear that ISLAM IS A FAVOR of Allah, HIS creation should not reject it etc. Q.36: What is one of the primary aim of sending the Quran on Muhammad (s.a.w)? Ans: The primary objectives is: a. To establish justice, fairness among mankind. b. To provide the divine guidelines for establishing Justice and fairness. Allah is All-Just, All-Fair and we can see that in our environment. If we look at the heaven, we see discipline, no one overtakes no one, the Sun, Moon, Stars all are moving in its own orbit. Only Allah can provide just guidelines because HE is above needs, fear, shortcomings and worries. On the other hands mankind cannot make fair guidelines because: a. They are prune to selfishness b. They are prune to favoritism c. They are prune to make mistakes d. They don t have unseen knowledge to know exactly how a thing here makes fair to the whole universe. Every single thing in this universe is connected with one another. One unfair to a human affect the whole universe e. They do not have the balanced feeling because their feeling may become heavy on one side based on ne sided information etc. So wisdom demands that the fair guidelines must come from the creator Allah. HE is free from human weaknesses. As HE provides Sun Light equally and fairly for everyone, HE also provides fair guidelines Quran for everyone. That s why Allah sent down the Quran to guide people about the sense of justice and the rule of justice. By that they will know that they are accountable to Allah for their actions and unless they follow justice and fairness they will be judged fairly in the court of Allah in next life. The whole creation of Allah is governed by HIM on the basis of Justice and fairness. Allah says in Quran: (4.105) Surely, WE have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book in truth that you might judge between men, as guided by Allah. The universe is standing on justice and fairness. It gives the boundary of rights and responsibilities between the creation and the creator as well as between the creations. Holy Quran was sent down to teach mankind the God-Given guidance to establish the justice guided by Allah. Q.37: Why Quran is a Book of Wisdom? Ans: Some reasons are below: a. The source of it: The source of Holy Quran is Allah and Allah is All- wise. If the author is Allwise then the Book will be obviously full of wisdom as well. Allah introduces Himself in the Quran: (48.7) And Allah is Almighty (supreme in power), All-Wise. Page 17

19 b. Author s claim: When All-Wise makes oath on HIS Honor and claims that HIS Book is the Book of Wisdom then it becomes a genuine claim. Allah introduced HIS Quran to HIS creation saying: (Quran 36.2) By the Quran, full of Wisdom. c. Contents of the Book: Then after the claim what about the contents of this Book? Does the Quran contains guidance that is beyond human invention? Yes it does. One aspect of wisdom is, knowing the consequences of the actions in future. Holy Quran gives the future, the next life, and the subtle consequences of an atom like action going to be in the Day of Judgment and after words. These are the proof that Quran is the Book of Wisdom. It is not human wisdom that has shortcomings but Quran is the wisdom from All-Wise Allah. Allah says in the Quran to HIS prophet Muhammad (s.a.w): (4.113) Allah has sent down to you the Book and Wisdom and He taught you what you did not know (before). d. Followers of the Quran: What about the followers of the Quran? Would they become wise for following the Wise Book (Quran)? Yes if someone follows Wise Quran becomes wise as well. That follower always looks at the future result for small or big actions in this life. That wisdom makes the person God Fearing righteous, a good husband or wife, an honest businessman, a truthful leader, a compassionate neighbor, a peaceful law abiding citizen, a kind and generous persons towards the needy and so on. That s why whoever is blessed with the guidance of Wise Quran has got huge goodness. Allah says in the Quran: (2.269) He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted, (he) receives abundant rewards; But none will grasp the Message except men of understanding. So in all count Quran is the Book of Wisdom. No doubt about it. Q.38: How Allah call mankind to believe in Quran and on HIS messenger? Ans: We can clearly see few aspects in Allah s call. For example couple of them below: a. Without force: Allah is Al-Aziz (supreme in power) yet HIS call has no force, no compulsion, or no violence. Allah did not send police to beat the mankind to force them to believe in Quran and to believe on HIS messengers. Behind it the wisdom of testing mankind. Allah wants to see who among mankind happily choose to be thankful to Allah or who is not. That s why Holy Quran calls mankind to the path of Allah without any force. b. Offering the best: Allah offers in HIS call that is best for the mankind. If they follow HIS Quranic guidance then they will be benefited. In Quranic call nothing is bad, nothing in there that may harm mankind in any way. Allah offers the best and now it is up to the mankind to take it or leave it. c. With Love: Allah could have left mankind to suffer, to hover around in darkness about the true guidance to succeed in the purpose of their lives. But Allah is so loving that without Mankind asking Allah, Allah has provided guidance for them. Besides, due to HIS love Allah has chosen messenger from mankind to teach or demonstrate the Quran in the practical life. d. With no loss to Allah: Allah also includes the fact in HIS call that if mankind do not follow HIS guidance then Allah will lose nothing because HE is totally Independent, totally selfsufficient. If mankind do not follow Quran then it is their own loss. The above 4 points can be seen in summary in a verse in the Holy Quran where Allah says: (4.170) O Mankind! Surely, the Messenger (Muhammad) has come to you with truth from your Lord: Believe in him: It is best for you (to believe in him). But if you reject Faith, to Allah belong all the things in the heavens and on earth: And Allah is forever All-Knowing, All-Wise. Q.39: Why Quran is called by Allah The Criterion? Page 18