‘He Frowned’ in Marvelous Quran site

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The Marvelous Quran website claims the upholding of Quran only as a source for religious law for God’s Religion. As we know the words of the Quran mandate that we uphold the Quran alone (17:46) and that it is the only source of law (6:114), a fully detailed scripture (10:37, 7:52) and a Statute Book or Criterion. Belief in God dictates that we believe God’s words in the Quran.

This is in reference to part one of the series about Sura 80 (‘Abasa or He frowned). The goal, in part one, is to build a foundation for subsequent conclusions. We will address those foundations. God calls the Quran the best Hadith (39:23) and admonishes us not to uphold any hadith other that the Quran itself (77:50, 7:185, 45:6).

MESSENGER – PROPHET

Dr. Hany Atchan states a messenger (rasool) delivers the message while a prophet (nabi) provides ‘interpretation of scripture’ providing no reference to verses of the Quran for that conclusion.

There are numerous verses in the Quran which state that God explains the revelations (2:242, 3:103, 5:75, 6:55, 6:105, 7:58, 7:174, 57:17 and many more). There is no verse in the Quran which states that a messenger or prophet explains the Quran.

As pointed out by Dr. Hany Atchan, God calls Moses (19:51) and Ismail (19:54) a messenger prophet (rasulan nabiyya).

  • In 19:56, Idris is called a saint, a prophet (siddian nabiyya) pointing to the fact that all prophets are truthful but all truthful are not prophets.
  • In 17:93-94 we have “asharan Rasulan” or “a human a messenger” or a human who is also a messenger, but not every human (basharan) is a messenger.
  • In 17:95 we have “malakan rasulan” or “an angel as a messenger”, but not every angel can be a messenger.

Messenger prophet (rasulan nabiyya) means that all prophets are messengers, but all messengers are not prophets. Nowhere in the Quran the opposite expression “prophet messenger” or “Nabiyan Rasoula” has been used.

Thus 33:40 calls Muhammad a messenger of God and the final prophet. Muhammad is not called the final messenger. Verse 3:81 indicates that after all prophets a messenger will come.

“OFFICIAL STORY”

If Dr. Hany Atchan does not accept the books of Sira and the books of Hadith, why bring up one of their stories to debunk? Why bring up the story to debunk the rudeness of the Sahaba, or possible contradiction in the Quran based on the story? Again, based on a story, why even examine why the Sura was revealed?

It is simply a story written by humans. Why not examine the words of Sura 80 in light of the Quran (5:101)?

He frowned and turned away.
When the blind man came to him.
How do you know? He may purify himself.
Or he may take heed, and benefit from the message.
As for the rich man.
You gave him your attention.
Even though you could not guarantee his salvation.
The one who came to you eagerly.
And is really reverent.
You ignored him.

BIGGEST PROBLEM – MISTAKE BY A MESSENGER

The Quran gives examples of mistakes by various messengers throughout the Quran. Noah (11:45-45), Abraham (60:4), Jonah (21:87), Joseph (12:41-42), Moses (28:15-16), Solomon (38:31-33) and Muhammad (17:73-75; 33:37, 66:1, 9:43 and indeed 80:1-12). In verse 18:110, Muhammad states “I am no more than a human like you.” Prophet Muhammad like all messengers before him was human and fallible.

Prophet Muhammad has delivered the Quran which is fully preserved (15:9) by the Almighty.

**

The Quran commands us not to make distinction among messengers (2:136, 2:285, 3:84). Our religion is about God and the absolute worship of God alone (39:45). Dr. Hany Atchan refers to our “beloved Prophet Muhammad” numerous times. Should our focus not be on God?

Dr. Hany Atchan also mention about facing ‘beloved Prophet’ on the Day of Judgement. Should our concern and focus not be on facing God on the Day of Judgement?

**
The point of the above is to question the foundations built of part one when examined in light of the words of the Quran. Dr. Hany Atchan conclusions in part two and three would thus be dubious.

The Real Islam of the University of Chicago’s Fred Donner

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The following is a response to Dr. Stephen M Kirby’s criticism of Dr. Fred Donner’s book, Muhammad and the Believers at the Origins of Islam.

Indeed, Dr. Fred Donner’s book, Muhammad and the Believers at the Origins of Islam, is original in its research and certainly based on the Quran.

Stephen M Kirby’s criticism of Donner’s book can be summarized by the following unsavory facts.

  • Traditional Muslims Sources are not reliable. This is Donner’s truthful assertion.
  • Reliance on the Quran.
  • ‘O you who believe’ in the Quran is directed to anyone who believes in God.
  • The Quran makes a distinction between Christians who follow the Gospel and those who follow the Nicene Creed.
  • The Quran makes distinction between Jews who follow the Torah and those who follow the Talmud.

As we point out in our review of Robert Spencer’s book, The Complete Infidel’s Guide to the Koran:

  • The Koran is the only source of law or the only criterion per 6:114
  • The Koran is a fully detailed scripture per 6:114, 10:37
  • The words of God in the Koran are complete per 6:115
  • No words can abrogate God’s words in the Koran per 6:115 and 10:37
  • Koran is Hadith per 7:185, 12:111, 39:23, 45:6, 52:34, 68:44, 77:50
  • The Koran is the only acceptable Hadith per 77:50, 45:6, 7:185
  • The Arabic word sunnah (system) refers only to God’s sunnah and never as the Prophet’s sunnah per 17:77, 33:62, 48:23
  • That God is the Teacher of the Koran per 55:2

Monotheism

The Quran reminds us of the first commandment throughout the Quran.

[3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise.

Numerous verses in the Quran remind us to worship God alone such as 2:112, 3:150, 4:36, 4:146, 7:70, 10:104, 12:39, 22:31, 39:3, 39:17, 39:45, 40:12, 60:4.  This is within the confines of the first commandment and a message preached by all previous messengers including Jesus and Moses.

[ Mark 10:17-18] As he was setting out on a journey a man came running up, knelt down before him and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to share in everlasting life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.’‘

[ Matthew 7:21] “None of those who call me `Lord’ will enter the kingdom of God, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

“…Go to my brothers and tell them, `I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” [ John 20:17]

Idolatry – An unforgivable sin in the Quran

The Quran condemns idolatry which, if maintained until death, is an unforgivable sin.

[4:48] GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offense.

[4:116] GOD does not forgive idol worship (if maintained until death), and He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who idolizes any idol beside GOD has strayed far astray.

Thus, any Christian who follows the creed of Trinity created centuries after Jesus’s death in Nicene, commits idolatry.

Any Muslim, who upholds Hadith other than the Quran commits idolatry.

Any Jew who upholds the Talmud instead of the Torah is committing idolatry.

[34:53] They have rejected it in the past; they have decided instead to uphold conjecture and guesswork.*

*34:53 People of all religions tend to forsake the word of God and uphold the words of men. The Jews and the Muslims uphold the Mishnah (Hadith) and Gemarrah (Sunna), while the Christians uphold a trinity invented by the Nicene Conference, 325 years after Jesus.

The following examines Dr. Stephen M Kirby’s charge that “Donner had based his book on his unique, personal version of Fantasy Islam.”

“Donner’s ambivalence about the “traditional” sources”

From a historian’s perspective, documentary evidence from that period is exceedingly limited. From the Quranic perspective, we cannot draw any religious conclusions except from the Quran itself (see above).

“This is an eye-opening claim because according to Islamic Doctrine it is blasphemy for a Muslim to lie about Muhammad.”

The various sects in Islam exist not because of disagreements about the Quran but disagreements about Hadith (stories) of Muhammad or lying about Muhammad. Obviously, all the sects are not right about Muhammad in their respective Hadith and thus they differ.

“.. many other authoritative Muslim sources ..”

By authoritative Muslim sources, Stephen M Kirby, means Hadith and Sunnah written centuries after the death of the Prophet and the revelation of the Quran. Each sect has their own authentic Hadith or “… authoritative Muslim sources …” There is a trove of treasure for Western writers like Robert Spencer as well as Eastern writers, in books of Hadith written 200+ years after the revelation of the Koran. These books are fiction and contain all kinds of nonsense which are utilized by Stephen Kirby.

Christians and Jews in general could be “Believers”?

The answer is yes from the Quran:

[2:62, 5:69] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

The Jews, the Christians and those who received the Quran are free to follow their own scripture (Torah, Gospel or the Quran) and make judgements based on their scripture.

[5:44] We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in GOD’s scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the disbelievers.

[5:46-47] Subsequent to them, we sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the previous scripture, the Torah. We gave him the Gospel, containing guidance and light, and confirming the previous scriptures, the Torah, and augmenting its guidance and light, and to enlighten the righteous.
The people of the Gospel shall rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations therein. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the wicked.

[5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny – all of you – then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.

“Here are ten Koran verses that specifically stated that Jews and Christians (People of the Book/Scripture) were not “believers” (I have not included the entire verse but have just noted the differentiations being made)”

Here are the complete verses together with verses prior or after for context.

[74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, “What did GOD mean by this allegory?” GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people.

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:117-121] The Initiator of the heavens and the earth: to have anything done, He simply says to it, “Be,” and it is.
Those who possess no knowledge say, “If only GOD could speak to us, or some miracle could come to us!” Others before them have uttered similar utterances; their minds are similar. We do manifest the miracles for those who have attained certainty.
We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of good news, as well as a warner. You are not answerable for those who incur Hell.
Neither the Jews, nor the Christians, will accept you, unless you follow their religion. Say, “GOD’s guidance is the true guidance.” If you acquiesce to their wishes, despite the knowledge you have received, you will find no ally or supporter to help you against GOD.
Those who received the scripture, and know it as it should be known, will believe in this. As for those who disbelieve, they are the losers.

[3:98-102] Say, “O followers of the scripture, why do you reject these revelations of GOD, when GOD is witnessing everything you do?”
Say, “O followers of the scripture, why do you repel from the path of GOD those who wish to believe, and seek to distort it, even though you are witnesses?” GOD is never unaware of anything you do. O you who believe, if you obey some of those who received the scripture, they will revert you, after having believed, into disbelievers. How can you disbelieve, when these revelations of GOD have been recited to you, and His messenger has come to you? Whoever holds fast to GOD will be guided in the right path. O you who believe, you shall observe GOD as He should be observed, and do not die except as Submitters.

[3:110] You are the best community ever raised among the people: you advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and you believe in GOD. If the followers of the scripture believed, it would be better for them. Some of them do believe, but the majority of them are wicked.

[5:44-46] We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in GOD’s scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the disbelievers.
And we decreed for them in it that: the life for the life, the eye for the eye, the nose for the nose, the ear for the ear, the tooth for the tooth, and an equivalent injury for any injury. If one forfeits what is due to him as a charity, it will atone for his sins. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the unjust.
Subsequent to them, we sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the previous scripture, the Torah. We gave him the Gospel, containing guidance and light, and confirming the previous scriptures, the Torah, and augmenting its guidance and light, and to enlighten the righteous.

[5:51] O you who believe, do not take certain Jews and Christians as allies; these are allies of one another. Those among you who ally themselves with these belong with them. GOD does not guide the transgressors.

[60:8-9] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.
GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors.

[5:64-66] The Jews even said, “GOD’s hand is tied down!” It is their hands that are tied down. They are condemned for uttering such a blasphemy. Instead, His hands are wide open, spending as He wills. For certain, your Lord’s revelations to you will cause many of them to plunge deeper into transgression and disbelief. Consequently, we have committed them to animosity and hatred among themselves until the Day of Resurrection. Whenever they ignite the flames of war, GOD puts them out. They roam the earth wickedly, and GOD dislikes the evildoers.
If only the people of the scripture believe and lead a righteous life, we will then remit their sins, and admit them into gardens of bliss.
If only they would uphold the Torah and the Gospel, and what is sent down to them herein from their Lord, they would be showered with blessings from above them and from beneath their feet. Some of them are righteous, but many of them are evildoers.

[5:69] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who (1) believe in GOD and (2) believe in the Last Day, and (3) lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[5:82-84] You will find that the worst enemies of the believers are the Jews and the idol worshipers. And you will find that the closest people in friendship to the believers are those who say, “We are Christian.” This is because they have priests and monks among them, and they are not arrogant.
When they hear what was revealed to the messenger, you see their eyes flooding with tears as they recognize the truth therein, and they say, “Our Lord, we have believed, so count us among the witnesses.
Why should we not believe in GOD, and in the truth that has come to us, and hope that our Lord may admit us with the righteous people?”

[22:17] Those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, the Christians, the Zoroastrians, and the idol worshipers, GOD is the One who will judge among them on the Day of Resurrection. GOD witnesses all things.

“Donner said that the Koran was the best source of information about the early Believers’ movement; with these ten verses we can see that a distinction had been made between the People of the Scripture and the “believers” since the early days of Islam.”

The People of the Scripture in the Quran also includes those who received the Quran. The People of the Scripture include Muslims, Christians and the Jews.

[98:1] Those who disbelieved among the people of the scripture, as well as the idol worshipers, insist on their ways, despite the proof given to them.

[5:19] O people of the scripture, our messenger has come to you, to explain things to you, after a period of time without messengers, lest you say, “We did not receive any preacher or warner.” A preacher and warner has now come to you. GOD is Omnipotent.

[29:46] Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner – unless they transgress – and say, “We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters.”

“We can see then that the Koran’s rejection of the divinity of Christ began in the very early days of the Believers’ movement, so it is difficult to see how Donner could claim that any Christians maintaining a belief in Christ’s divinity could have actually been a part of that movement.”


There are Christians today who not believe in the divinity of Christ just like Christians at the time of Muhammad. There are Christians today who reject the creation of Trinity by men 300+ years after the death of Jesus in the Nicene Creed.

The verses which Stephen Kirby refers to are reproduced below and they are a warning to those who uphold man-made divinity for Jesus. As pointed out above the Quran is equally strong on idolatry of anyone including Muhammad, Jesus, the saints, or scholars.

[5:72-75] Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah himself said, “O Children of Israel, you shall worship GOD; my Lord and your Lord.” Anyone who sets up any idol beside GOD, GOD has forbidden Paradise for him, and his destiny is Hell. The wicked have no helpers.
Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is a third of a trinity. There is no god except the one god. Unless they refrain from saying this, those who disbelieve among them will incur a painful retribution.
Would they not repent to GOD, and ask His forgiveness? GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
The Messiah, son of Mary, is no more than a messenger like the messengers before him, and his mother was a saint. Both of them used to eat the food. Note how we explain the revelations for them, and note how they still deviate!

[9:30] The Jews said, “Ezra is the son of GOD,” while the Christians said, “Jesus is the son of GOD!” These are blasphemies uttered by their mouths. They thus match the blasphemies of those who have disbelieved in the past. GOD condemns them. They have surely deviated.

[9:31] They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as lords, instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son of Mary. They were all commanded to worship only one god. There is no god except He. Be He glorified, high above having any partners.

[4:48] GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offense.

[4:157-158] And for claiming that they killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of GOD. In fact, they never killed him, they never crucified him – they were made to think that they did. All factions who are disputing in this matter are full of doubt concerning this issue. They possess no knowledge; they only conjecture. For certain, they never killed him.
Instead, GOD raised him to Him; GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

++

[3:49-51] As a messenger to the Children of Israel: “I come to you with a sign from your Lord – I create for you from clay the shape of a bird, then I blow into it, and it becomes a live bird by GOD’s leave. I restore vision to the blind, heal the leprous, and I revive the dead by GOD’s leave. I can tell you what you eat, and what you store in your homes. This should be a proof for you, if you are believers.
“I confirm previous scripture – the Torah – and I revoke certain prohibitions imposed upon you. I come to you with sufficient proof from your Lord. Therefore, you shall observe GOD, and obey me.
“GOD is my Lord and your Lord; you shall worship Him alone. This is the right path.”

[4:171-172]  O people of the scripture, do not transgress the limits of your religion, and do not say about GOD except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was a messenger of GOD, and His word that He had sent to Mary, and a revelation from Him. Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messengers. You shall not say, “Trinity.” You shall refrain from this for your own good. GOD is only one god. Be He glorified; He is much too glorious to have a son. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. GOD suffices as Lord and Master. The Messiah would never disdain from being a servant of GOD, nor would the closest angels. Those who disdain from worshiping Him, and are too arrogant to submit, He will summon them all before Him.

[19:29-36] She pointed to him. They said, “How can we talk with an infant in the crib?” (The infant spoke and) said, “I am a servant of GOD. He has given me the scripture, and has appointed me a prophet. “He made me blessed wherever I go, and enjoined me to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat) for as long as I live. “I am to honor my mother; He did not make me a disobedient rebel. And peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I get resurrected.”
That was Jesus, the son of Mary, and this is the truth of this matter, about which they continue to doubt. It does not befit GOD that He begets a son, be He glorified. To have anything done, He simply says to it, “Be,” and it is. He also proclaimed, “GOD is my Lord and your Lord; you shall worship Him alone. This is the right path.”

[43:57-59] When the son of Mary was cited as an example, your people disregarded it.
They said, “Is it better to worship our gods, or to worship him?” They said this only to argue with you. Indeed, they are people who have joined the opposition.
He was no more than a servant whom we blessed, and we sent him as an example for the Children of Israel.

[61:6] Recall that Jesus, son of Mary, said, “O Children of Israel, I am GOD’s messenger to you, confirming the Torah and bringing good news of a messenger to come after me whose name will be even more praised (Ahmad).” Then, when he showed them the clear proofs, they said, “This is profound magic.”

“What about the Jews? Let’s start off with the first chapter of the Koran, Al-Fatihah. This chapter was revealed in Mecca and was among the first chapters of the Koran to be revealed.”

In his desperation, Stephen Kirby turns completely to fiction. He does refer to some Quran verses reproduced below but relies on “authoritative Muslim scholars.” He has no basis from the Quran. No comment is needed on his “authoritative sources” written centuries after the revelation of the Quran.


[1:1] In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
[1:2] Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe.
[1:3] Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
[1:4] Master of the Day of Judgment.
[1:5] You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help.
[1:6] Guide us in the right path;
[1:7] the path of those whom You blessed; not of those who have deserved wrath, nor of the strayers.

[2:61] Recall that you said, “O Moses, we can no longer tolerate one kind of food. Call upon your Lord to produce for us such earthly crops as beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions.” He said, “Do you wish to substitute that which is inferior for that which is good? Go down to Egypt, where you can find what you asked for.” They have incurred condemnation, humiliation, and disgrace, and brought upon themselves wrath from GOD. This is because they rejected GOD’s revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed.

[3:110-113] You are the best community ever raised among the people: you advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and you believe in GOD. If the followers of the scripture believed, it would be better for them. Some of them do believe, but the majority of them are wicked.
They can never harm you, beyond insulting you. If they fight you, they will turn around and flee. They can never win.
They shall be humiliated whenever you encounter them, unless they uphold GOD’s covenant, as well as their peace covenants with you. They have incurred wrath from GOD, and, consequently, they are committed to disgrace. This is because they rejected GOD’s revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed.
They are not all the same; among the followers of the scripture, there are those who are righteous. They recite GOD’s revelations through the night, and they fall prostrate.

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[60:13]  O you who believe, do not befriend people with whom GOD is angry, and who are hopelessly stuck in disbelief; they are just as hopeless as the disbelievers who are already in the graves.

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[2:109]  Many followers of the scripture would rather see you revert to disbelief, now that you have believed. This is due to jealousy on their part, after the truth has become evident to them. You shall pardon them, and leave them alone, until GOD issues His judgment. GOD is Omnipotent.

[3:71] O followers of the scripture, why do you confound the truth with falsehood, and conceal the truth, knowingly?

[3:98-100]  Say, “O followers of the scripture, why do you reject these revelations of GOD, when GOD is witnessing everything you do?”
Say, “O followers of the scripture, why do you repel from the path of GOD those who wish to believe, and seek to distort it, even though you are witnesses?” GOD is never unaware of anything you do.
O you who believe, if you obey some of those who received the scripture, they will revert you, after having believed, into disbelievers.

Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State

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Tarek Fatah provides historical evidence, from the time of Prophet Muhammad to the present, of the illusion of an Islamic State. He also points outs that most Muslims would individually prefer to live in the state of islam (submission to God) rather than an Islamic State.

O you who believe, you shall embrace total submission (islam); do not follow the steps of Satan, for he is your most ardent enemy. [2:208]

If GOD renders one’s heart content with Submission (islam), he will be following a light from his Lord. Therefore, woe to those whose hearts are hardened against GOD’s message; they have gone far astray. [39:22]

Moreover, Abraham exhorted his children to do the same, and so did Jacob: “O my children, GOD has pointed out the religion for you; do not die except as submitters (muslims).” [2:132]

Had you witnessed Jacob on his death bed; he said to his children, “What will you worship after I die?” They said, “We will worship your god; the god of your fathers Abraham, Ismail, and Isaac; the one god. To Him we are submitters (muslims).” [2:133]

Say, “We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters (muslims).” [3:84]

Indeed, the Quran is explicit that an individual has the freedom to make a decision to be a submitter (muslim) and practice the religion of submission (islam) to God.

Tarek Fatah correctly points out that there is nothing in the Quran which even remotely advocates an Islamic State. Neither is there anything in the Quran which allows an individual to accept any source of law (sharia) other than God’s words in the Quran.

  • The Quran is a fully detailed scripture per 6:114, 10:37
  • The Quran is the only source of law or the only criterion per 6:114
  • The words of God in the Quran are complete per 6:115
  • No words can abrogate God’s words in the Quran per 6:115 and 10:37
  • Quran is Hadith per 7:185, 12:111, 39:23, 45:6, 52:34, 68:44, 77:50
  • The Quran is the only acceptable Hadith per 77:50, 45:6, 7:185
  • The Arabic word sunnah (system) refers only to God’s sunnah and never as the Prophet’s sunnah per 17:77, 33:62, 48:23
  • That God is the Teacher of the Quran per 55:2

The above is not acceptable to most who call themselves ‘Muslims’ whether they consider themselves Sunni, Shia or any other sect. The above is not acceptable to the Wahhabis, Salafis, Muslim Brotherhood or the followers of Sayyid Qutb or Abul A’la Maududi.

Belief in God dictates that a person believes God. The Quran, a proven scripture, stands on its own. Worshipping God alone mandates that only God’s words be upheld as the source of law. The path out of misery for Muslims around the world is to believe, accept, obey and submit to God’s words in the Quran. The illusion of an Islamic state will vanish with the acceptance of the Quran as complete, perfect and fully detailed.

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Tareq Fatah’s book is well written and researched. Part one of the book covers the theology of an Islamic State with Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia as examples of woeful states. He examines the mixing of Islamism and Marxism to the Palestine case as weakening of their cause.

Part two covers period after Prophet Muhammad’s death and subsequent empires in Damascus, Cardoba and Baghdad. He correctly points out that the empire flourished in Damascus, Cardoba and Baghdad because of freedom  – God’s gift to mankind in the Quran (2:256, 18:29).

We, however, take issue with history at the time of Prophet Muhammad and the ‘Rightly Guided Caliphs.’ This period and history is presented well by Dr. Fred Donner and his research.

Part three of the book explores Hijab, Jihad and Sharia as understood by the Muslims with that understanding having no support whatsoever in the Quran.

Tareq Fatah ends the book cautioning the West about the Islamists agenda (which has no support in the Quran).

God in the Quran

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An excellent book!

Per the book cover, “The God of the Quran revises and perfects: His purpose is to make whole what had been corrupted or lost from the practices and scriptures of the earlier Abrahamic religions.”

Jack Miles compares the narration of the following in the Old and New Testament and the Quran.

  • Adam and His wife
  • Adam’s son and His Brother
  • Noah
  • Abraham and His Father
  • Abraham and His Sons
  • Joseph and
  • Jesus and His Mother

On verses 12:39-40, Jack Miles writes, “Sermons delivered in prison – and Joseph’s speech to his fellow prisoners is the longest he will give in the Quran’s Joseph story – can be as welcome and as life-giving as water in the desert or as desolating as the sight of land receding from view to a ship lost at sea.”

“As in the story of Adam and Eve, the afterlife, “the Hereafter’” appears as a pivotal moment in the Quran’s Joseph story; it never appears in the Bible’s.”

Milestones

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Sayyid Qutb published Milestones (Ma’alim fi al-Tariq) in 1964 in Egypt. His book together with Abul A’la Maududi writings in the Indian Sub-continent forms a basis for radical Islam with the illusion of an Islamic state.

According to Sayyid Qutb the Muslims have reverted to Jahiliyyah (“The state of ignorance prior to the revelation of the Quran”).

Sayyid Qutb’s book is an abysmal failure when it comes to upholding God’s words in the Quran. Indeed, BELIEF in God dictates that we BELIEVE what God’s says in the Quran.

ISLAM

Sayyid Qutb uses the Arabic word ‘Islam’ as a name rather than the correct meaning of the word as a description ‘Submission (to God)’. Thus, he states right up front, ‘Islam stands for change.’ Islam means submission to God and certainly a change will come to any individual who submits to God alone.

QURAN, PROPHET MUHAMMAD, FIRST COMPANIONS, HADITH

The concept of upholding the Quran alone, which is complete, and the only source of law is alien to Sayyid Qutb. He ignores various Quran verses which state that the Quran is Hadith, the only acceptable hadith and that we cannot follow any other hadith other than the Quran itself.

Thus, from the very beginning of the book, Sayyid Qutb associates (shirk) the Quran with ‘teachings of Muhammad’ in Hadith and the ‘practical training’ given to the companions of the prophet. Per the Quran, God is the Teacher of the Quran and there are multiple verses which state that God explains the Quran and none which state that the messenger explains the Quran. In addition, there is nothing in the Quran about following of laws other than from the Quran itself.

In his book he mentions verse 9:31

[9:31] They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as lords, instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son of Mary. They were all commanded to worship only one god. There is no god except He. Be He glorified, high above having any partners.

In the book, the verse is translated as “They (the people of the Book) have taken their rabbis and priests as lords other than God.” Then he quotes a hadith:

‘I said, “They do not worship their priests.” God’s Messenger replied, “Whatever their priests and rabbis call permissible, they accept as permissible; whatever they declare as forbidden, they consider as forbidden, and thus they worship them.”’

Sayyid Qutb then comments, “the explanation of the above verses by the Prophet … makes it clear that obedience to laws and judgements is a sort of worship. It is taking some men as lord over others” .. “and it declares that all people of the earth should become free or servitude to anyone but God.”

DIVINE LAW AL-SHARIAH

To Sayyid Qutb, the Muslims must follow Sharia. The Sharia was written 200 years after the death of the prophet and the revelation of the Quran and after numerous civil wars. There are four ‘schools’ in the Sunni sect. This Sharia (religious law) was written by religious scholars and leaders. Following these laws will certainly qualify as obedience to laws and judgements of humans, instead of GOD per 9:31 above, thus committing idolatry. In addition, the Quran is complete, perfect, fully detailed and the only source of law.

History was rewritten after 200+ years after the revelation of the Quran to suit the political and religious interests of rulers. Islam as understood and dictated 200-300 years after Prophet Muhammad; was projected to day one.

[34:53] They have rejected it in the past; they have decided instead to uphold conjecture and guesswork.

The Christians uphold a trinity created by the Nicene Conference, 325 years after Jesus. The Talmud was written centuries after the revelation of the Torah. Sayyid Qutb and most of the traditional Muslims insist we follow Shariah, written 200-300 years after the revelation of the Quran, rather than God’s words in the Quran.

Muhammad and the Believers: At the Origins of Islam

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At the time of the revelation of the Quran, Prophet Muhammad, his followers, together with those who were Jewish, Christians and anyone who believed in God, lead a righteous life and believed in the Last Day and constituted a Community of Believers.

“Islam” as a separate and distinct named religion was started 65-75 years after the death of the Prophet.

Historians wrote Islamic history 200-300 years after the death of Prophet Muhammad and projected their corrupted and fabricated beliefs of that day, to day one of Prophet Muhammad.

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who believes in GOD, and believes in the Last Day, and leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [2:62, 5:69]

The question for Dr. Donner’s and numerous historians research is how were the Arabs able, within a few years after the death of Prophet Mohammad in 632, explode into an empire which stretched from Egypt, Syria and near the borders of Afghanistan, specifically when neither of those empires had any interest in Arabia since there was nothing there. The Persian empire was completely overthrown, and big chunks of the Roman Empire were taken.

Historians generally give four causes for the collapse of the empires.

  • Two empires were battling each other for years
  • Economic issues
  • Zeal for a new religion
  • God was on the side of the Arabs

We know that God controls everything. As a historian, Dr. Donner rejected the above reasons as historical evidence does not support provide support. The Arab conquest is archaeologically invisible, which means that there is no historical evidence of siege or destruction. In other words, there is no evidence that “Islamic expansion was spread by sword.”

HISTORIANS LOOK AT

Historians, look at the following sources to accurately depict history:

  • Documents of that period
  • Archaeology – study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture such as coins and pottery from that period
  • Philology – the branch of knowledge that deals with the structure, historical development, and relationships of a language or languages. A philologist can determine the time period of a written document based on the various aspects of a language at a certain period.
  • Corroboration of documents

In his research, Dr. Donner found and historians agree that there are no documents from the time of Prophet Mohammad or his companions except for two – the Quran and a letter (Mīthāq al-Madīnah) which is considered as the ‘constitution of Medina.’ The well-documented Islamic history, as historians’ state, simply does not exist and is pure fiction.

Having determined that there are no other documents, Dr. Donner studied the Quran alone without any outside influence. If you listen to his videos, it is obvious that he is fluent in Arabic.

Here are his conclusions about the Quran:

FIRST CONCLUSION

The Quran is addressed to the believers (mu’minun) and specifically to “O you who believe.”

There are 89 verses with the phrase ‘O you who believe,’ 173 verses contain the word, ‘believers’ while only 31 verses have ’submitter (muslim)’ and ‘submission (islam)’ is in 12 verses. All our religious duties and various laws in the Quran are directed to “O you who believe.”

Referring to 49:14-15, Dr. Donner points out that Muslim and Believer are not equal but that some Muslims can be believers. With the Quran addressed primarily to “O you who believe,” Prophet Muhammad and the early followers were a community of believers.

[49:14] The Arabs said, “We are Mu’mens (believers).” Say, “You have not believed; what you should say is, `We are Muslims (submitters),’ until belief is established in your hearts.” If you obey GOD and His messenger, He will not put any of your works to waste. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[49:15] Mu’mens (believers) are those who believe in GOD and His messenger, then attain the status of having no doubt whatsoever, and strive with their money and their lives in the cause of GOD. These are the truthful ones.

SECOND CONCLUSION

The Quran mentions ‘People of the scripture’ and clearly states that some of them are believers

[3:113] They are not all the same; among the followers of the scripture, there are those who are righteous. They recite GOD’s revelations through the night, and they fall prostrate.

[3:114] They believe in GOD and the Last Day, they advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and they hasten to do righteous works. These are the righteous.

Both Judaism and Christianity are considered monotheistic religions. The Christians and Jews bowed and prostrated like the believers at that time in greater number then at this period. Some Christians and Jews still do. Both accept a series of prophets and scriptures. The Roman or the Byzantine empire was predominantly Christians and Jews. Zoroastrians are also considered monotheistic and were the citizens of the Persian empire. They all had common beliefs of God, being pious in this life and belief in the Day of Judgement.

THIRD CONCLUSION

The second document from the time of Prophet Muhammad is from the year 622, when he migrated from Mecca to Medina. He was invited as an arbiter of disputes, who, as an autonomous arbiter would run affairs. This document called ‘Constitution of Medina’ uses a letter form never used after the 7th century. This is where philology comes into play. The big take-away from this document is the evidence that Jewish tribes were considered part of the Ummah or part of the community of believers.

Thus, the community of believers were Prophet Muhammad, his followers as well as the Jews and Christians. This is different from the traditional description of the followers of Muhammad as “Muslims” adhering to the religion of “Islam.”

CAUSE OF THE COLLAPSE OF THE TWO EMPIRES

Dr. Donner, calls these believers a ‘monotheistic revival movement’ and ‘monotheistic believers’ movement.’

Dr. Donner’s explanation of the explosion of the Arab conquest and the collapse of the Persian and Roman empires is the growth of ‘monotheistic believer’s movement’ in which communities joined the believers’ movement. The citizens preserved their religion, culture and freedom. There was no (forced) conversion as the basic beliefs were the same.

It will not be out of line to state that all of God’s messengers revived a “Monotheistic Believers movement.”

We know that per 7:172 all of us given the instinct to worship God alone.

[7:172] Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: “Am I not your Lord?” They all said, “Yes. We bear witness.” Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, “We were not aware of this.”

Certainly, the believers had an army but there was peaceful capitulation (to the believers). There is no evidence of destruction, siege was very rare and there is no trace of conquest. Archaeologically, the expansion is invisible as there is no material record of destruction. The new citizens simply started paying taxes to the new state while maintaining their religion and culture.

This conclusion by Dr. Donner for the first 65 years after the death of Prophet Mohammad is based on the following evidence.

The leader of the community of believers was called ‘Commander of the believers’ – Amir ul mu’minun. He was not called Caliph or Khalifa nor leader of Muslims.

Documents and coins of that period refer to “In the Jurisdiction of Believers”

There are corroborating documents from non-Islamic sources referring to the leader of the new empire as Amir ul mu’minun. These documents are from emissaries who visited the new empire and reported back.

Christians and Jews served in the army and administration from the lowest levels to the highest. St John of Damascus served (described best in modern terms) as Prime Minister for the ‘Commander of the believers.’ St John of Damascus is revered as a great Christian and saint in Christianity.

There is archaeological evidence of the same building near Jerusalem being utilized as Church and Mosque. The building had a (south) Mehrab and a (east) Niche. This was discovered only 10-15 years ago.

The Umayyad Mosque or the Great Mosque of Damascus was at one-point half Church and half mosque.

Here is one form of evidence – Coins. Credit to Islamic-awarness.org for the images.

THE ORIGIN OF ISLAM

65 – 75 years after Prophet Mohammad a separate religion was started by giving importance to Prophet Muhammad, making him fundamental and utilizing words from the Quran.

Caliph was introduced from the Quranic word Khalifa (which means representative / successor) from verse 38:26 (O David, we have made you a ruler on earth). The goal was to divine authority on the ruler as Amir ul mu’minun is not in the Quran. Amir ul mu’minun was used for a few centuries. Later historians, however, rewrote history and named all heads of state as Caliphs going to the very beginning.

Emphasis on Mohammad was started. We see the origination of what Dr. Donner calls the double shahada. Coin evidence on slides.

Islamic-awarness.org proudly proclaims that we see the complete (double) shahaada for the first time in 73 AH.

The Dome of Rock was constructed with Quranic of verses on trinity to emphasize the difference between Muslims & Christians

A change was made from co-existence of believers to newly defined Muslims only. There was narrowing of boundaries as Christians and Jews were excluded. Only those who followed the Quran were considered believers. They equated meaning of believers and Muslims which violates 49:14-15.

Jihad – The word Jihad in the Quran is addressed to individuals. It is considered personal striving, something internal, striving in the way of God, doing good in the community, as well as war (fighting is only one option). Jihad was elevated to mean to wage war in the cause of the state (as opposed to the cause of God). Jihad became associated with military campaigns of the caliph, a duty incumbent upon Muslims rather than an individual and the conduct of Jihad became a monopoly of the State

Fitnah – civil wars were renamed as fitnah (temptation or seduction of the worldly kind). They wanted to show the early rulers as “paragons of virtue” who could not possibly disagree on religion let alone have civil wars. God has blessed us with the knowledge that one of the major cause of the civil wars was the insertion of false verses in the Quran.

Emphasis on era in the Calendar. In the first years only the year was written on coins and documents. Subsequently AH which stands for ‘After Hijra” was introduced together with the year to place emphasis on Prophet Mohammad. There are more than 1000 early coins which have the year only.

Judge –  Qadi, a word from the Quran was introduced as judge. Prior to that the governor, province head or assistants settled disputes. The word Qadi does not appear in numerous documents from Egypt in the first century.

Change was initiated by Abd al-Malik who had become the Amir ul mu’minun in 690. Whether the change was initiated at the top or by others is being researched. Islamization of the State began by terminology derived from the Quran. Only those who followed the Quran, as understood by the state and scholars were considered believers. We already know that they were way off-track when they introduced the double shahaada.

History was rewritten. Islam as understood and dictated 200-300 years after Prophet Muhammad was projected to day one.

The Illusion of an Islamic State

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“People who are convinced that they know more than anyone else about Islam, and yet are full of hatred towards any of God’s creatures who do not travel the same path as they; and those who claim to be in possession of the absolute truth, and for that reason entitled to act as God’s vice-regents on earth (caliphs) and to dictate how everyone else must live—clearly, their words and behavior will not lead us into the presence of God. Their dream of an Islamic state is merely an illusion, for the true islamic state is not to be found in the structure of any government, but rather, in hearts which are open to God and all His creatures.”
~ Former Indonesian President Kyai Haji Abdurrahman Wahid, from his introduction

The Indonesian Edition was published in 2009 while the English Edition was published in May 2011.

This book details, how Indonesia was able to fight back the encroachment of extremists comprising of Muslim Brotherhood, Salafism and Wahhabis through the democratic process. The solution did not require military response but confronting the extremist ideology through the democratic process.

Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world with a majority Muslim population. Most of the population is Sunni Islam with the Javanese people the largest ethnic group.

The book points out the methods employed by the extremist groups are learnt from Mussolini’s fascists. They use cells, they are secretive, and they get financing from outside Indonesia primarily from Saudi Arabia. The methods employed to slowly take over mosques, to infiltrate the universities, business and the government are detailed.

The book also points out collectivist approach of the communists, socialists and fascists employed by these groups with the façade of Islam. Details about the origins of Muslim Brotherhood, Wahabism and Salafism are well presented.

Unfortunately, the Quran as the only source of law or the only acceptable Shariah is alien to most in Indonesia as well as writers of this book.

LibForAll Foundation was set up. Bret Stephens of the wall Street Journal wrote, “In its brief life, LibForAll has helped turn back an attempted Islamist takeover of the country’s second‐largest Muslim social organization (with 30 million members), translated anti‐Wahhabist books into Indonesian, sponsored a recent multidenominational conference to denounce Holocaust‐denial, brought Mr. Dhani to Colorado to speak to U.S. military brass, and launched a well‐researched ‘extremist exposé’ in order, Mr. Taylor says, ‘to get Indonesian society to consciously acknowledge that there is an infiltration occurring of radical ideology, financed by Arab petrodollars, that is intent on destroying Indonesian Islam.’

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The following are quotes from the book:

No specific form of government, nor the formalization of religion, are needed to create a good muslim. All that is actually required is self – transcendent spiritual awareness, so that one may constantly feel the presence of God (ihsân).

What halts this process dead in its tracks , and poses a threat to oneself and others , is when people feel that their knowledge is already perfect , and consider themselves to be in possession of the absolute Truth , and thus no longer in need of learning , or seeking the truth . Perhaps all would agree that ignorance is highly dangerous. Yet not everyone is aware of the hidden dangers of ignorance, which dwell within.

…for all these indications of success , it is critical to note that The Illusion of an Islamic State represents merely a single battle on a single front in what is actually a global conflict , whose outcome will profoundly influence the future not only of Muslim – majority nations , but the entire world .

Chairman of Pakistan’s armed forces — who is part of LibForAll’s counter – extremist rahmatan lil – ‘ âlamîn network — dispatched a similar message to us : “ This is a great achievement , and I wish you all success as you move on in this direction . ”

In other words, they are dishonest in the practice of politics. In theory, democracy is haram, or forbidden; yet in practice, it is useful and exploited as a means to achieve extremist goals.

…they are in fact struggling for a specific political agenda, and employing Islam as a lethal weapon to advance their worldly ambitions. This strategy is highly effective, since anyone opposing them can be accused of being an enemy of Islam itself, even when such statements are blatantly false.

…at first, a group of youths come and voluntarily clean the mosque, not just once but many times. Attracted by their apparent religious sincerity, the mosque board gives them an opportunity to issue the call to prayer, and eventually involves them as members of the board itself. These new members cleverly and conscientiously discharge their responsibilities, because in reality they’re extremist agents tasked with the job of seizing control of the mosque. As their position becomes increasingly powerful , they begin to invite other friends to join the board , and eventually control who may or may not serve as imam , deliver the Friday sermon , or provide religious education to attendees at the mosque . Slowly but surely, the mosque falls into the hands of…

…backed by immense funding, and operating in a systematic manner, as transnational Islamist movements and their local accomplices work nonstop to undermine and ultimately seize control of our nation. The research contained in this book demonstrates that the groups most often…

Extremist success in either or both of these endeavors will place the Indonesian nation and its people beneath the thumb of the global Wahhabi / Muslim Brotherhood ideological network. And what is most disturbing about their activities, is the fact that radical movements have already succeeded in infiltrating to the heart of government institutions and are using these to accomplish their goals.

Wahhabi fundamentalism transformed Holy Scripture into a closed corpus, by forbidding any forms of interpretation other than the literalistic one favored by Ibn ‘Abdul Wahab.

One possessed of mature religious faith, and humility, is never disturbed by the fact that others hold different beliefs. Indeed, such people are prepared to exchange views with others in an open – minded way, in the search for ultimate truth.

Muslims living in the holy cities of Islam have had no choice but to embrace Wahhabism, remain silent, or face imprisonment, torture and possible death. The Wahhabis do not permit criticism of their beliefs, despite the fact that they are extremely vocal in directing criticism towards others. Open repudiation of Wahhabi ideology can thus occur only in regions free of Wahhabi control. Another, more contemporary example of the repudiation of Wahhabism occurred among Bosnian Muslims several years ago.

…post colonialism reverses the decline of Islamic civilization, and to bring Muslims back to what he considered to be the pure teachings of Islam. Unfortunately , al – Banna and his followers apparently believed that the ideology and organizational structure / tactics employed by Mussolini’s fascism and Soviet communism would be more useful in helping to achieve these goals than classical liberalism , which allows every individual to search for the truth , and to practice his or her religion freely . Besides his European influences, al – Banna was also familiar with Wahhabi ideology, and from the very beginning the Muslim Brotherhood’s organizational DNA contained the centralistic and totalitarian thought patterns of fascist, communist and Wahhabi ideology.

From Mussolini’s fascism, the Muslim Brotherhood adopted a centralistic and totalitarian ideology, but rejected nationalism. From Soviet Communism, the Brotherhood adopted totalitarianism, systems for infiltrating the institutions of civil society and government; a cell system for recruiting new members; movement strategy and internationalism but rejected the atheism characteristic of Marxism / Leninism.

The son – in – law of Hasan al – Banna , Said Ramadan later moved to Geneva to spearhead the Muslim Brotherhood’s penetration of Europe , with Wahhabi financial support , and execute a long – term strategy of converting European Muslims to Wahhabi / Muslim Brotherhood ideology . Tariq Ramadan — Said’s son , and thus the grandson of Hasan al – Banna on his mother’s side — has since become the most famous Muslim intellectual in Europe , where he enjoys immense popularity for his deft melding of Islamist and anti – capitalist / anti – globalization ideologies , in one of the most visible expressions of the common cause which unites many contemporary European leftists and Islamists .

Disappointed with the Muslim Brotherhood, which he accused of being too moderate and accommodative of the West, Taqiuddin al – Nabhani founded Hizb ut – Tahrir in 1953 in Jerusalem, which at the time was occupied by Jordan.

… Hizb ut – Tahrir is banned in most Muslim nations, and the movement’s headquarters is now located in Great Britain.

This claim cannot be divorced from the contemporary situation in the Middle East when Hizb ut – Tahrir was formed, and its total rejection of anything that originates from, or is in any way tied to, the West. And yet Ed Husain ( a former Hizb ut – Tahrir leader from the UK ) states that in addition to being influenced by the 11th century Muslim jurist al – Mawardi , al – Nabhani’s thoughts were clearly influenced by Hegel , Rousseau and other European figures . In fact, al – Nabhani’s political thought — and thus Hizb ut – Tahrir’s as well — is completely derivative from earlier European political philosophy. Al – Nabhani simply replaced Western terms with Arabic ones, in order to convey an Islamic flavor. 81 Hizb ut – Tahrir leaders

…Muslim societies, and is delaying the use of military action or violence until its leadership is certain that their infiltration has reached a critical mass and they will be successful in seizing power and establishing their caliphate.

At present , Hizb ut – Tahrir agents are active in over 40 countries , including Indonesia , where in August of 2007 they managed to pack over 80,000 people into Jakarta’s Bung Karno Stadium , to call for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate and the abolition of Indonesia’s state ideology ( Pancasila ) ,

Proclaiming the formalization of religion as the “solution” to the world’s problems is in fact a thinly veiled excuse to achieve political power, rather than eliminate social problems. For the real problem we face is not the absence of formal religion, but rather, the deformed character of religious adherents, who fail to implement the sublime values of their own religious pluralism, which extremist groups nevertheless refuse to accept.

Guardianship of an Islamic Jurist) in Iran since 1979, has led millions of Shi’ites Muslims to despise and reject Islam, disgusted by the hypocrisy of their ulama. Far from becoming a social and spiritual paradise, Iran is plagued by one of the highest rates of drug addiction seen anywhere

A similar phenomenon may be witnessed in Palestine, where the Muslim Brotherhood – affiliated Hamas organization exploited democracy to acquire political power, but once entrenched in Gaza, proceeded to destroy rival Muslim groups (viz., Fatah) . In short, extremist groups may exploit democracy to achieve undemocratic purposes.

A Battle for the Soul of Islam

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Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser passionately expresses his views in “A Battle for the Soul of Islam”. He is a former Navy Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy and served his country as a Muslim. He is a conservative and stands for freedom and the free enterprise system which is advocated as ‘mutually acceptable transactions’ per 4:29 and other verses. He recognizes God’s great gift to humans in the Quran of freedom.

Dr. Jasser correctly believes that there is nothing in the Quran which supports an ‘Islamic State’. He formed American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) to engage Muslims in advocacy of the separation of state and religion.

In his book he exposes various Muslim organizations such as CAIR and ISNA in USA which are linked to Muslim Brotherhood. He has written articles in various newspapers, national radio programs and has testified to the U.S. Committee on Homeland Security. He makes a distinction between Islam and Islamism. Islamists and Islamism betray the principles in the Quran.

He also writes about US foreign policy and points out that the US should not be supporting a country such as Saudi Arabia which exports their radical brand of Wahabism all over the world. He also correctly points out that after the 911 attacks, the US (and the West) response did not address (and still do not address) the core issue – the ideology of the Islamists which has nothing to do whatsoever with the Quran.

Dr. Jasser debated Reza Aslan who wrote ‘No god but God’ and who believes that “Muslim Reformation” has already happened. Dr Jasser writes, “The groups Aslan aligns himself, such as MPAC and ISNA, are notoriously silent about the need for reform toward the separation of mosque and state …”. He also writes about Aslan, “His refusal to engage in a substantive discourse about Islamism, its association with radicalization, and its funding streams is typical of pseudointellectual Islamists who provide cover for the global theo-political movement of Islamism”.

Dr. Jasser may have also translated the Quran (The Holy Quran, An Interpretive Translation from Classical Arabic into Contemporary English, by Mohammed K Jasser, published in 2008).

The reformation that Dr Jasser seeks exists, and has existed for 1400 years. That reformation is in worshiping God alone and upholding only God’s words in the Quran as the only source of law. His translation and his book do not acknowledge the following:

  • The Quran is a fully detailed scripture per 6:114, 10:37
  • The Quran is the only source of law or the only criterion per 6:114
  • The words of God in the Quran are complete per 6:115
  • No words can abrogate God’s words in the Quran per 6:115 and 10:37
  • Quran is Hadith per 7:185, 12:111, 39:23, 45:6, 52:34, 68:44, 77:50
  • The Quran is the only acceptable Hadith per 77:50, 45:6, 7:185
  • The Arabic word sunnah (system) refers only to God’s sunnah and never as the Prophet’s sunnah per 17:77, 33:62, 48:23
  • That God is the Teacher of the Quran per 55:2

Dr. Jasser writes, “A Muslim like myself can stop an Islamist in his tracks by asking, what about the idea of reforming those aspects of shariah law – such as stonings, blasphemy, apostasy, sexism – so that it more accurately reflect the present day? The typical response to such a question is that if shariah is reformed, then it is no longer shariah, and that this threatens the very existence of Islam”.

The religion of Submission (Islam) is based on God’s words in the Quran which are complete, perfect, fully detailed and the only source of law. No other law or shariah is acceptable for one who worships God alone and believes what God says in the Quran.

No god but God

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The book is excellent and gives the history from the time of Prophet Muhammad to the current status of Islam in the world.

Reza Aslam rejects Patricia Crone’s conclusion that “everything about prophet Muhammad and rise of Islam is a complete fabrication created by Arab story tellers in the 8th and 9th centuries”, and relies on traditions to an extent, for the history at the time of Prophet Muhammad, and the first few centuries after his death.

Our preference would be Dr Fred Donner’s research on how Islam began. Per Dr. Donner only two documents are authentic from the time of Prophet Muhammad – the Quran and the Medina Agreement  (Mīthāq al-Madīnah) between Muhammad and the tribes of Medina. As pointed out by Donner and Aslan, the Christians and Jews were considered part of the single Ummah together with the followers of Muhammad.

The Quran does not look kindly upon religious scholars (9:31). This book points out the sway of scholars in the eleventh century, “..institutionalize their legal and theological opinions into distinct schools of thought but also to formulate a binding, comprehensive code of conduct called Shariah, forever transforming Islam from a religion into all-embracing way of life: one that the  Ulama claimed the sole authority to define.”

Reza Aslam points out, “But it was the Modernist demand that the Shariah be withdrawn entirely from the civil sphere that cause the greatest concern among the Ulama.”

The book provides an excellent summary of scholarly thought from Iqbal, Maudoodi, Hasan Al Banna, Sayyid Qutb and others in the last 100 years. He traces the world’s first Islamic socialist movement – Muslim Brotherhood, Islamism, Salafism, Wahabism and Jihadism.

All these movements, most of which include violence, claim the Quran and Shariah as their source. However, none of them could claim only the Quran as their source. Adding the Shariah as a source brings in the human element and human words and thus one can choose words of their choosing to justify anything they want.

Reza Aslam mentions Islamic Reformation, “Indeed, one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic movements within Islam today is being led by an international community of Muslims, called Quranists, who reject all sources of authority in Islam – the hadith, the Sunnah, The Shariah – save the Quran.”

We take issue with Reza Aslan on the following:

“Three years after revelation began 613, the declaration of faith was: there is no god but God and Muhammad is God’s messenger.”

The declaration of faith according to the Quran is “there is no god”. The declaration in the Quran does not have Muhammad’s name next to God’s. This ‘double shahaada’ was fabricated by the scholars about 70-100 years after prophet Muhammad’s death. Anyone can verify this by searching for early Islamic coins which had the correct declaration which did not include Muhammad’s name.

“The Quran itself repeatly affirms the importance of blood relations (2:177, 215), and endows Muhammad’s family – the ahl al-bayt – with an eminent position in the Ummah, somewhat akin to that enjoyed by the families of the other prophets.”

Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous. [2:177]

They ask you about giving: say, “The charity you give shall go to the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien.” Any good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. [2:215]

These verses do not blood relations in Muhammad’s family for significance for political or religious control.

“Verse 2:106”

When we abrogate any miracle, or cause it to be forgotten, we produce a better miracle, or at least an equal one. Do you not recognize the fact that GOD is Omnipotent? [2:106]

The Quran contains a mathematical miracle per verses 74:30-35 plus numerous other verses revealed to the current computer literate generation.

The Complete Infidel’s Guide to the Koran

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If Robert Spencer had titled his book as a ‘Guide to Islam as practiced today’, the contents of the book will reflect a viewpoint which makes sense. His ‘..Guide to the Koran’ is not a guide to the Koran, but a guide to the words of various humans of his choosing.

Robert Spencer failed to point out the following from the Koran:

  • The Koran is the only source of law or the only criterion per 6:114
  • The Koran is a fully detailed scripture per 6:114, 10:37
  • The words of God in the Koran are complete per 6:115
  • No words can abrogate God’s words in the Koran per 6:115 and 10:37
  • Koran is Hadith per 7:185, 12:111, 39:23, 45:6, 52:34, 68:44, 77:50
  • The Koran is the only acceptable Hadith per 77:50, 45:6, 7:185
  • The Arabic word sunnah (system) refers only to God’s sunnah and never as the Prophet’s sunnah per 17:77, 33:62, 48:23
  • That God is the Teacher of the Koran per 55:2

Thus, Robert Spencer cannot present the Koran on its own but relies on words other than God words in the Koran to draw conclusions about the Koran. He has company for his trickery. Most of the Muslim scholars too cannot accept the Koran on its own. They too, like Robert Spencer rely on Hadith, other than the Koran to draw their conclusions. Yet he claims, “This book is designed to present 100 percent accurate view of the Koran.” Incredible!

Which Hadith, beside this, do they believe in? [7:185, 77:50]
GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, .. [39:23]
The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:115]

There is a trove of treasure for Western writers like Robert Spencer as well as Eastern writers, in books of Hadith written 200+ years after the revelation of the Koran. Those books are fiction and contain all kinds of nonsense which are utilized in this book and indeed utilized by others like Osama Bin Laden.

As stated above, the Koran is complete and fully detailed as the only source of law.

Let Robert Spencer write on the Koran based exclusively on the words of the Koran!

On the naming of his book, Robert Spencer states, “An infidel, as far as the Koran is concerned, is anyone who refuses to submit to Allah as the one true god and to recognize Muhammad as his prophet”.

This is what the Koran says:

Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who (1) believe in GOD and (2) believe in the Last Day, and (3) lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [5:69, 2:62]

The Koran gives freedom to the Christians and Jews to follow their scriptures in 5:46-47 and they will be judged upon their scriptures.

Robert Spencer favorite words in the Koran seem to be specifically the out of context words from verse 9:5, “..and seize them, and besiege them and lie in wait for them in each and every ambush.” Needless to say that these verses applied at the time when Prophet Muhammad was alive.

[9:4]  If the idol worshipers sign a peace treaty with you, and do not violate it, nor band together with others against you, you shall fulfill your treaty with them until the expiration date. GOD loves the righteous.
[9:5]  Once the Sacred Months are past, (and they refuse to make peace) you may kill the idol worshipers when you encounter them, punish them, and resist every move they make. If they repent and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), you shall let them go. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
[9:6]  If one of the idol worshipers sought safe passage with you, you shall grant him safe passage, so that he can hear the word of GOD, then send him back to his place of security. That is because they are people who do not know.
[9:7]  How can the idol worshipers demand any pledge from GOD and from His messenger? Exempted are those who have signed a peace treaty with you at the Sacred Masjid. If they honor and uphold such a treaty, you shall uphold it as well. GOD loves the righteous.
[9:8]  How can they (demand a pledge) when they never observed any rights of kinship between you and them, nor any covenant, if they ever had a chance to prevail. They pacified you with lip service, while their hearts were in opposition, and most of them are wicked.

The Koran is clear that we should stand up for our rights per 42:39 and 42:41. The so-called violent verses is addressed here.

There is no support in the Koran for an Islamic State or for political Islam.

Freedom and specifically freedom of religion is God’s gift to humans in the Koran.

There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. [2:256]

Proclaim: “This is the truth from your Lord,” then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve. [18:29]

Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers? [10:99]

“THE HADITH ILLUMINATES THE KORAN”

Robert Spencer has various segments in the book with the above title. As pointed out above, no hadith (narration) other than the Koran itself can be a source of law. Thus, no comment needs to be made on these segments.

“HOW’S THAT AGAIN?”

Robert Spencer has various segments with the title, ‘How’s that again?’ seeking to show contradictions within the Koran. He fails hopelessly, as the words of these verses demonstrate. Here is our translation of the verses he refers to as contradicting verses. Anyone can verify the translation and the Arabic in various tools on the web.

There is no abrogation of any words of the Koran

The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:115]
When we abrogate any miracle, or cause it to be forgotten, we produce a better miracle, or at least an equal one. Do you not recognize the fact that GOD is Omnipotent? [2:106]

Robert Spencer falsely claims that ‘Muhammad did see Allah’

No visions can encompass Him, but He encompasses all visions. He is the Compassionate, the Cognizant. [6:103]
No human being can communicate with GOD except through inspiration, or from behind a barrier, or by sending a messenger through whom He reveals what He wills. He is the Most High, Most Wise. [42:51]
Dictated by the Most Powerful. Possessor of all authority. From His highest height. At the highest horizon. [53:5-7]
Are you doubting what he saw? He saw him in another descent. [53:12-13]

Satan is a fallen angel in the Koran

Satan is addressed as an angel (2:34, 7:11, 15:29, 17:61, 18:50, 20:116, 38:71) prior to his fall. By definition, a jinn is a fallen angel (18:50).

We said to the angels, “Fall prostrate before Adam.” They fell prostrate, except Satan. He became a jinn, for he disobeyed the order of His Lord. Will you choose him and his descendants as lords instead of Me, even though they are your enemies? What a miserable substitute! [18:50]

Who was the first Muslim?

Another vain attempt to show a contradiction. The English translation of the Arabic word Allah is God. For the Arabic word, Islam, the English word is Submission. The descriptive word Muslims translates as Submitter.

The Koran is clear that every messenger of God advocated the Religion of Submission – the absolute worship of God alone within the confines of the first commandment.

Say, “Shall I accept other than GOD as a Lord and Master, when He is the Initiator of the heavens and the earth, and He feeds but is not fed?” Say, “I am commanded to be the most devoted submitter, and, `Do not be an idol worshiper.’ ” [6:14]

Say, “My Lord has guided me in a straight path – the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper.” Say, “My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe. “He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit.” [6:161-163]

As Abraham raised the foundations of the shrine, together with Ismail (they prayed): “Our Lord, accept this from us. You are the Hearer, the Omniscient. “Our Lord, make us submitters to You, and from our descendants let there be a community of submitters to You. Teach us the rites of our religion, and redeem us. You are the Redeemer, Most Merciful. [2:127-128]

Allah commands Muhammad to say: “If I am astray, I only stray to the loss of my soul” (34:50)

Say, “If I go astray, I go astray because of my own shortcomings. And if I am guided, it is because of my Lord’s inspiration. He is Hearer, Near.” [34:50]

The Koran does point out mistakes made by Muhammad as well as other messengers (one exception of a messenger with no mistakes listed in the Koran is Jesus). Verse 33:21 is one of the abused verses by the Muslims by which they try to justify the books of Hadith (in defiance of the Koran as pointed out above). We agree with Robert Spencer that millions of Muslims souls are at risk if they look to words other than God’s words in the Koran as a source of law.

The unbelievers once damned to hell

All verses of the Koran describing hell are allegorical. It will be foolish to draw definite literal conclusions by those verses.

They will have no food except the useless variety. [88:6]
Nor any food, except the bitter variety. [69:36]
Is this a better destiny, or the tree of bitterness? We have rendered it a punishment for the transgressors. It is a tree that grows in the heart of Hell. Its flowers look like the devils’ heads. They will eat from it until their bellies are filled up. [37:62-66]

Shirk, the association of partners with Allah

For Robert Spencer to know, idolatry maintained till death is an unforgivable sin in the Koran.

GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offense. [4:48]

The people of the scripture challenge you to bring down to them a book from the sky! They have asked Moses for more than that, saying, “Show us GOD, physically.” Consequently, the lightning struck them, as a consequence of their audacity. Additionally, they worshiped the calf, after all the miracles they had seen. Yet, we pardoned all this. We supported Moses with profound miracles. [4:153]

Allah has sent prophets – “warners” – to every nation on earth

We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of good news, as well as a warner. Every community must receive a warner. [35:24]

They said, “He fabricated it.” Indeed, this is the truth from your Lord, to warn people who never received a warner before you, that they may be guided. [32:3]


The Koran instructs children to be good to their parents

We enjoined the human being to honor his parents. His mother bore him, and the load got heavier and heavier. It takes two years (of intensive care) until weaning. You shall be appreciative of Me, and of your parents. To Me is the ultimate destiny. If they try to force you to set up any idols beside Me, do not obey them. But continue to treat them amicably in this world. You shall follow only the path of those who have submitted to Me. Ultimately, you all return to Me, then I will inform you of everything you have done. [31:14-15]

You will not find people who believe in GOD and the Last Day befriending those who oppose GOD and His messenger, even if they were their parents, or their children, or their siblings, or their tribe. For these, He decrees faith into their hearts, and supports them with inspiration from Him, and admits them into gardens with flowing streams wherein they abide forever. GOD is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. These are the party of GOD. Most assuredly, GOD’s party are the winners. [58:22]

And We did try Solomon..

We thus put Solomon to the test; we blessed him with vast material wealth, but he steadfastly submitted. He said, “My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingship never attained by anyone else. You are the Grantor.” [38:34-35]

The Koran tells Muslim men, “Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters)..

Do not marry idolatresses unless they believe; a believing woman is better than an idolatress, even if you like her. Nor shall you give your daughters in marriage to idolatrous men, unless they believe. A believing man is better than an idolater, even if you like him. These invite to Hell, while GOD invites to Paradise and forgiveness, as He wills. He clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may take heed. [2:221]

Today, all good food is made lawful for you. The food of the people of the scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. Also, you may marry the chaste women among the believers, as well as the chaste women among the followers of previous scripture, provided you pay them their due dowries. You shall maintain chastity, not committing adultery, nor taking secret lovers. Anyone who rejects faith, all his work will be in vain, and in the Hereafter he will be with the losers. [5:5]

Muslims should not seek peace when they have the upper hand…

Those who disbelieve and repel from the path of GOD, then die as disbelievers, GOD will never forgive them. Therefore, you shall not waver and surrender in pursuit of peace, for you are guaranteed victory, and GOD is with you. He will never waste your efforts. This worldly life is no more than play and vanity. But if you believe and lead a righteous life, He will reward you, without asking you for any money. [47:34-36]
If they resort to peace, so shall you, and put your trust in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [8:61]


SOME OTHER TOPICS IN THE BOOK

“OVER IT IS NINETEEN”


[74:30]  Over it is nineteen.
[74:31]  We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, “What did GOD mean by this allegory?” GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people.
[74:32]  Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon.
[74:33]  And the night as it passes.
[74:34]  And the morning as it shines.
[74:35]  This is one of the great miracles.

Robert Spencer will be glad to know that the verses above refer to the mathematical miracle of the Koran revealed to the computer literate generation.

“TAKE THE KORANIC CHALLENGE”

Say, “If all the humans and all the jinns banded together in order to produce a Koran like this, they could never produce anything like it, no matter how much assistance they lent one another.” [17:88]

The challenge, Robert Spencer, is to produce a book which sets a standard for literature as well as mathematically structured.

“THOSE WHOM YOUR RIGHT HAND POSSESSES”

One of the most abused expression in the Koran is the statement about “Ma Malakat Aymanukum”, which translates word for word as “What your right hand possesses”.  


“MUHAMMAD: IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM”

On the contrary, the Koran commands us not to make any distinction among God’s messengers.

Muhammad was no more than a messenger like the messengers before him. Should he die or get killed, would you turn back on your heels? Anyone who turns back on his heels, does not hurt GOD in the least. GOD rewards those who are appreciative. [3:144]

The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: “We make no distinction among any of His messengers.” They say, “We hear, and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny.” [2:285]

Say, “We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.” [3:85]

“THE KORAN ON WOMEN: CROOKED AND INFERIOR”

Another falsehood by Robert Spencer. Women issues are discussed in detail here.

“CAN THE KORAN BE REINTERPRETED?”

It is not a matter of interpretation, Robert Spencer. As mentioned above, Why don’t you write on the Koran based exclusively on the words of the Koran! That will be the first step.