Category Archives: Submission – Islam

FOLLOW THE RELIGION OF ABRAHAM

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There are three fatal flaws which form the premise for all conclusions in the write-up by A Muhammad (the writer).

FLAW ONE

You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion (l-dīni) – the religion (millata) of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you “Submitters” originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat) and hold fast to GOD; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter. [22:78]

This central verse is neither referenced nor quoted in the write-up!

FLAW TWO

He decreed for you the same religion (l-dīni) decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: “You shall uphold this one religion (l-dīna), and do not divide it.” The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. GOD redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit. [42:13]

The religion of Noah was monotheism or per 23:23 and 7:159, “… worship GOD. You have no other god beside Him.” This is the same religion as Abraham. The writer diminishes and limits it to Creed of Abraham as he seeks to limit Abraham’s role to “… worship GOD. You have no other god beside Him.” However, Abraham is the one who named us submitters and was taught and given the rituals of our religious duties. Prophet Muhammad was commanded to follow the religion of Abraham which includes the rituals of the religious duties.

FLAW THREE

The writer writes, “An immediate reference must be made to 6:114 where it is stated very clearly that all the details of our religion are given in the Quran…”

The Quran details religious law in the Quran. Sura 25 is The Statute Book. Even if we take the word ‘Furqan’ as ‘Criterion’, it will still come out as law. The Quran does not detail the rituals of religious duties. These rituals were given to Prophet Abraham and came to us generation to generation from the time of Abraham. There is nothing in the Quran to indicate that any rituals were given to Prophet Muhammad. This falsehood of all details in the Quran (religious law and rituals of religious duties) was initiated by Edip Yuksel. It is laughable to see his demonstration of ‘the steps of salat from the Quran’ in his website. It is also absurd when the writer attempts to give his version of how to do salat.

We are commanded through a religious law to perform salat. However, the rituals of that religious practice were given to Abraham with the Quran only correcting the corrupted practices. 6:38, 6:19, 7:52, 10:37, 12:111, 18:27 are verses which declare to us that the Quran is fully detailed. Verses 6:114-115 make it clear that the Quran is fully detailed for religious law. The Quran is a book of law.

With the fatal error of taking Quran as fully detailed for everything instead of fully detailed for religious law; this individual and others like him make foolish attempts of how to do salat based on 100% Quran and subsequently redefine words like millat-a-Ibrahim (religion of Abraham) to support their erroneous hypothesis.

In light of the Quran (5:101) – with a scan of the 2nd half of the Quran, a conclusion can be made that messengers bring scriptures (57:25, 35:25). Scrutinizing the whole Quran (In light of the Quran), verse 3:81 makes it clear that prophets bring scriptures and that messengers confirm what exists. 3:81 and other verses make it clear that all prophets are messengers and that all messengers are not prophets.

Similarly, verse 6:114 makes it clear that the Quran is fully detailed for religious law. The Quran does not detail the rituals of the religious duties which were given to Prophet Abraham. That is why we (and prophet Muhammad) follow the religion of Abraham.

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Deen in Arabic translates as, “Religion; judgment; debt that one owes; lending; transaction; subscribe; observe; requital; faith; law; obedience.”

The root word for millat translates as, “to dictate; to embrace a religion; faith; religion; creed.”

DETAILED LOOK AT THE WRITE-UP

“1- The Quranic definition of ‘millat Ibrahim’”

“… uphold the Quran, the whole Quran and nothing but the Quran…” refers to upholding the Quran as the only source for religious law. The word ‘furqan’ translates as criterion or ‘standard to distinguish between right and wrong.’

Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed? Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. 6:114
Most blessed is the One who revealed the Statute Book to His servant, so he can serve as a warner to the whole world. 25:1

before that, to guide the people, and He sent down the statute book. Those who disbelieve in GOD’s revelations incur severe retribution. GOD is Almighty, Avenger. 3:4

Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book… 2:185.

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“The Quran has only three names for Salat.”

This statement by the writer is correct but does not give complete truth or picture. The writer ignores the fact that the Quran has five-time frames for five salats but mentions only three by name.

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The first observation is that in all the verses that mention the words ‘millat Ibrahim’ these words are followed by the words ‘he was a monotheist and was not one of the mushrikeen’.

This is not correct. Verses 2:130 and 22:78 are two examples. The writer has an incorrect premise and thus incorrect conclusions.

Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter, he will be with the righteous. 2:130

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“These words, which were uttered by the prophet Joseph, speak of the ‘millat’ of those who were atheists, they did not believe in God nor the Hereafter. Atheists do not have a religion but they have a creed (atheism).”

On what basis does the writer conclude that the two men were atheists and even if they were what difference does that make. On a more nefarious side, the writer fails to mention verse 12:38 which mentions the millat (religion) of Joseph’s ancestors.

He said, “If any food is provided to you, I can inform you about it before you receive it. This is some of the knowledge bestowed upon me by my Lord. I have forsaken the religion of people who do not believe in GOD, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are really disbelievers. 12:37

And I followed instead the religion (millat) of my ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We never set up any idols beside GOD. Such is the blessing from GOD upon us and upon the people, but most people are unappreciative. 12:38

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The writer believes that the word ‘Millat’ in 14:13 does not mean religion. It can only mean religion [Religion: the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods].

[14:9] Have you not heard about those before you – the people of Noah, `Aad, Thamoud, and others who came after them and known only to GOD? Their messengers went to them with clear proofs, but they treated them with contempt and said, “We disbelieve in what you are sent with. We are skeptical about your message; full of doubt.”
[14:10] Their messengers said, “Do you have doubts about GOD; the Initiator of the heavens and the earth? He invites you only to forgive your sins, and to give you another chance to redeem yourselves.” They said, “You are no more than humans like us, who want to repel us from the way our parents used to worship. Show us some profound authority.”
[14:11] Their messengers said to them, “We are no more than humans like you, but GOD blesses whomever He chooses from among His servants. We could not possibly show you any kind of authorization, except in accordance with GOD’s will. In GOD the believers shall trust.
[14:12] “Why should we not trust in GOD, when He has guided us in our paths? We will steadfastly persevere in the face of your persecution. In GOD all the trusters shall trust.”
[14:13] Those who disbelieved said to their messengers, “We will banish you from our land, unless you revert to our religion.” Their Lord inspired them: “We will inevitably annihilate the transgressors.
[14:14] “And we will let you dwell in their land after them. This is (the reward) for those who reverence My majesty and reverence My promise.”

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The writer believes that the word ‘Millat’ in 2:120 does not mean religion – “Since the religion given to all people is one and the same, there would be no reason why the Jews or Christians would not be pleased with the religion given in the Quran, this is assuming that the word ‘millat’ means religion.”

Per 3:19, the only religion approved by God is Submission (Islam). ‘Only religion’ makes it clear that there are other religions (see the definition of the word religion above). Per the rest of the Quran, it is clear that the approved Religion of Submission mandates the worship of God alone. There is no reason why submitting “the Jews or Christians would not be pleased with the religion given in the Quran”. As we know, the Jews, Christians and the Muslims have divided themselves into sects and have their own religions distinct from what is acceptable in 3:19. This is the exact point of the word millat as religion in 2:120. These sects and their beliefs are doctrines which are the basis of their religion. They are not creeds of their religion as the writer attempts to portray.

The only religion approved by GOD is “Submission.” Ironically, those who have received the scripture are the ones who dispute this fact, despite the knowledge they have received, due to jealousy. For such rejectors of GOD’s revelations, GOD is most strict in reckoning. 3:19
[2:119] 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.
[2:120] 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.
[2:121] 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.

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“The word ‘millat’ simply means a creed or a belief, but a religion is a complete and comprehensive set of religious laws which cover all the practices in addition to all the lawful and unlawful activities as prescribed by God.”

On the contrary the word Millat (as per above) means “to dictate; to embrace a religion; faith; religion; creed.”. Millat a Ibrahim or the Religion of Abraham covered all the rituals of the religious practices. Those rituals were given to Abraham (21:73).

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Say, “My Lord has guided me in a straight path (deen) – the perfect religion (millat) of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshipper.” 6:161

The writer objects, “If both words (deen and millat) mean religion, wouldn’t only one of them only be used?”

Both words indeed have religion as one of their meanings. It makes good writing to use separate words for the same meaning in a sentence. The Quran sets the standard for great Arabic writing.

“2- Are we accountable to what was decreed for Abraham.”

The writer acknowledges the practices and the rituals associated with those practices were given to Abraham but bemoans that the Quran does not detail the rituals [see Flaw Three above].

We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers. 21:73

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Based on the following verses (5:44-50) the writer concludes:

  • We must follow the words of the Quran and nothing else.
  • The Quran supersedes previous rituals given too Abraham
  • Different communities were given different rites or methods
  • “…receivers of every Scripture accountable only to what they were given in 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.
[5:45] 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.
[5:46] 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.
[5:47] 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.
[5:49] You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations to you. Do not follow their wishes, and beware lest they divert you from some of GOD’s revelations to you. If they turn away, then know that GOD wills to punish them for some of their sins. Indeed, many people are wicked.
[5:50] Is it the law of the days of ignorance that they seek to uphold? Whose law is better than GOD’s for those who have attained certainty?

One may write a thesis based on incorrect assumptions. The writer succeeds well in that. As pointed out in the beginning, the Quran is a book of law, a statute book. There is a difference between law and rituals. It is God’s law that we carry out the religious duties, the rituals of which were given to prophet Abraham. That is why at the very beginning of the Quran, believers are defined as those who, besides other attributes, believe in what was revealed before the Quran. What was revealed before were the rituals of those religious practices, given to Prophet Abraham, who also named our religion (22:78). It is precisely why God calls our religion as Religion of Abaraham.

And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain. 2:4

Verses 5:44-50 deal with judgements and rulings. The commandment is to rule, or judge based on the scripture. The Jews are commanded to rule based on the Torah, while the Christians with the Gospel and the Muhammad (Muslims) with the Quran. And indeed, the Quran supersedes the previous scripture as the final arbiter of religious law.

Indeed, verses 5:48 points out different rites for the people of the scripture, an example of which is sabbath decreed for the Christians and Jews (16:124), descendants of Isaaq. [See also 22:67-72 referred to the writer]. We also have the descendants of Ismael for whom the rite of sabbath was not decreed. All the descendants of Abraham were commanded to carry out religious duties.

Thus the writer is correct that we must follow the words of the Quran and nothing else, but he fails to point out (or grasp) that the words are complete for religious law not religious rituals. There is nothing in the verses to conclude that the Quran supersedes previous rituals given to Abraham. While he is correct in stating, “receivers of every Scripture accountable only to what they were given in their Scripture…,” he fails to mention that it is religious law rather than rituals of religious practices (5:12, 10:87).

[22:67] For each congregation, we have decreed a set of rites that they must uphold. Therefore, they should not dispute with you. You shall continue to invite everyone to your Lord. Most assuredly, you are on the right path.
[22:68] If they argue with you, then say, “GOD is fully aware of everything you do.”
[22:69] GOD will judge among you on the Day of Resurrection regarding all your disputes.
[22:70] Do you not realize that GOD knows everything in the heavens and everything on earth? All this is recorded in a record. This is easy for GOD to do.
[22:71] Yet, they idolize beside GOD idols wherein He placed no power, and they know nothing about them. The transgressors have no helper.
[22:72] When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, you recognize wickedness on the faces of those who disbelieve. They almost attack those who recite our revelations to them. Say, “Shall I inform you of something much worse? Hell is promised by GOD for those who disbelieve; what a miserable destiny.”

3- Were the religious practices given to Abraham preserved, and practiced at the time of Muhammad? Were they preserved until today?

Prophet Muhammad learned how to perform salat and the religious practices from his elders as indeed one would presume the writer did. As Quranic verses were revealed, Prophet Muhammad corrected the corrupted inherited rituals. Verses 5:6 and 72:18 are two of numerous examples in which the Quran corrects the inherited corrupted practice. Even today the Muslims can correct their inherited rituals to abide by the Quran corrections with 5:6 and 72:18 as just two examples.

Contrary to the writer’s assertion, prophet Muhammad was commanded to follow the Religion of Abraham. There are numerous verses in the Quran which command us to worship God alone (2:112, 4:36, 8:39, 12:39, 22:31, 39:3, 39:45, 40:12, 40:14, 60:4). It is a futile attempt by the writer to equate millat to creed (“…to follow monotheism and refrain from idol worship…”) when so many verses advocate the worship of God alone and to refrain from idol worship.

The writer also attempts to make a case of “… pure practices as given to Abraham” did not exist at the time of Muhammad. Indeed, all the practices, uncorrupted, did not exist at the time of Muhammad and neither does the Quran make such a claim.
Per 19:59 generations lost the contact prayers. We see the evidence among the descendants of Isaaq, the Christians, and Jews. There are also, in the present day, certain Jews and Christians who carry out salat, as an example, with bowing and prostration.

4- Does the Quran only detail laws that have been changed or corrupted? Is the Quran merely an ‘Amendment book’?

In this section of his write-up, the writer seems to grasp that the Quran is a book of fully detailed law. The crucial factor missing is his conclusion is that rituals which make up religious practices are not part of religious law – they are rituals, not religious law.

The Quran details religious law. The Quran also mentions and provides details of some of the rituals of religious practices. And indeed, we cannot accept any religious law outside the words of the Quran. We accept in accordance with God’s decree and law to practice the Religion of Abraham which details the rituals of the religious practices of our religion.

5- Does the Quran outline only the main concepts while the details are passed down to us from the time of Abraham?

There is nothing much to say here. The Quran is fully detailed for religious law, and the prophet carried on his religious practice rituals as he learned from his elders. When Quran verses were revealed, irrespective of when they were revealed, he would correct his religious practice ritual to correspond with the revealed verses.

6- Do we have any Quranic proof for what was given to Abraham?

“These verses (21:73, 22:27) speak about Salat, Zakat and Hajj in general but do not give the specific details which were given to Abraham in connection to any of these practices.”

“And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations.” 22:27

We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers. 21:73

The verses are specific on Abraham being taught how to observe Salat. We are commanded to follow the Religion of Abraham. We have religious law to observe the religious practices, the details of which were given to prophet Abraham with the Quran clarifying some of the rituals.

7- Should we rely on ‘Universal Acceptance’?

The writer utilizes Dr. Rashad Khalifa’s phrase ‘universal acceptance’ from Appendix 9 of his translation. To remind the writer, the 24434 rakas in salat and 2.5% zakat is universal. It is not the majority.

God’s system of preservation of the rituals is perfect. These rituals have come to us from the time of Abraham with the Quran correcting the corrupted rituals of the religious practices.

VERSES CONTAINING THE WORD MILLAT

[2:120] Neither the Jews, nor the Christians, will accept you, unless you follow their religion (millatahum). 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. 2:120

Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous. 2:130

They said, “You have to be Jewish or Christian, to be guided.” Say, “We follow the religion of Abraham – monotheism – he never was an idol worshiper.” 2:135.

Say, “GOD has proclaimed the truth: You shall follow Abraham’s religion – monotheism. He never was an idolater.” 3:95.

Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend. 4:125

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. 6:161-162

He said, “If any food is provided to you, I can inform you about it before you receive it. This is some of the knowledge bestowed upon me by my Lord. I have forsaken the religion (millata) of people who do not believe in GOD, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are really disbelievers.
“And I followed instead the religion (millata) of my ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We never set up any idols beside GOD. Such is the blessing from GOD upon us and upon the people, but most people are unappreciative.
“O my prison mates, are several gods better, or GOD alone, the One, the Supreme?
“You do not worship beside Him except innovations that you have made up, you and your parents. GOD has never authorized such idols. All ruling belongs to GOD, and He has ruled that you shall not worship except Him. This is the perfect religion (I-dinu), but most people do not know. 12:37-40

[14:13] Those who disbelieved said to their messengers, “We will banish you from our land, unless you revert to our religion (millatina).” Their Lord inspired them: “We will inevitably annihilate the transgressors.

Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper. 16:123

You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion (l-dīni) – the religion (millata) of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you “Submitters” originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat) and hold fast to GOD; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter. 22:78

The leaders announced, “Go and steadfastly persevere in worshiping your gods. This is what is desired.
“We never heard of this from the religion of our fathers. This is a lie. 38:6-7

VERSES CONTAINING THE WORD DEEN

We sent Noah to his people, saying, “O my people, worship GOD. You have no other god beside Him. Would you not be righteous?” 23:23

We sent Noah to his people, saying, “O my people, worship GOD; you have no other god beside Him. I fear for you the retribution of an awesome day.” 7:159.

Abraham was neither Jewish, nor Christian; he was a monotheist submitter (muslim). He never was an idol worshipper. 3:67

I was commanded: “Keep yourself devoted to the religion (lilddīni) of monotheism (ḥanīfan); you shall not practice idol worship. 10:105

Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion (lilddīni) of strict monotheism (ḥanīfan). Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the perfect religion (l-dīnu), but most people do not know. 30:30

All that was asked of them was to worship GOD, devoting the religion (l-dīna) absolutely to Him alone (ḥunafāa), observe the contact prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Such is the perfect religion. 98:5

The Quran

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‘The Quran’ by Professor Nicolai Sinai at Oxford University, explores the Quran based on the Quran itself. He explores the Quran with a ‘historical-critical’ method with a close reading of the text and other relevant sources of the period when the Quran was revealed.

THE QURAN THAT CONTAINS THE PROOF


The Proof within the Quran was revealed 1400 years after the revelation of the Quran. God distinguishes the Quran from its Proof in 38:1, 36:69 and Sura 98. Although the verifiable Proof does not adorn the corridors of universities yet, it clears up the following predicaments in the book.

Enigmatic or Isolated letters as in 2:1
Becca instead of Mecca in 3:96
Abrogation of proof rather than verse in 2:106
Basmallah omitted in Sura 9
Final arrangement or recension of the Quran
Examining the placement of 74:31
Purified sheets in 98:2

The Proof within the Quran resolves all of the above. The Quran initials in 29 suras are part of the intricate mathematical structure of the Quran. Mecca is spelled as Becca in 3:96 to preserve the count of the letter ‘M’ or ‘Meem’ in the Sura as a multiple of 19. Verse 2:106 refers to abrogation of a proof or miracle rather than abrogation of a verse as the Arabic word ‘ayah’ is a multiple meaning word of either sign, revelation, verse, proof, miracle.


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 missing Basmallah while being a component of the miracle of the Quran also is a forewarning that Sura 9 was altered by addition of two false verses 9:128-129. Professor Nicolai Sinai in his discussion on 9:128 points out the verse ‘even attributes to him (Mohammad) the qualities of kindness and mercy that are elsewhere predicated only of God.’ One proof that the two verses are false is ascribing an attribute used exclusively for God to Muhammad.


The proof within the Quran authenticates the final arrangement of the Quran as we have it now. In addition, the Arabic word ‘ummi’ signifies gentiles or people without scripture, rather than illiterate. Prophet Muhammad wrote down the Quran as it was revealed to him. His copy had instructions for the final placement of each verse.


Professor Nicolai Sinai questions the placement of 74:31 next to small verses. Sura 74 deals with the Proof within the Quran. The sura is entitled ‘The Hidden Secret.’ Verse 74:30 states, ‘Over it is 19’ and verse 74:31 gives five reasons for the proof based on the number 19.


Verse 98:2 refers to the messenger (3:81) after all the prophets reciting purified scripture who brought forth the Proof within the Quran and exposed 9:128-129 as false verses inserted in the Quran.

OTHER TOPICS IN THE BOOK

First and third person reference to God


[41:12] Thus, He completed the seven universes in two days, and set up the laws for every universe. And we adorned the lowest universe with lamps, and placed guards around it. Such is the design of the Almighty, the Omniscient.

In the Quran, God gives credit to the angels when carrying out His commands. There are seven universes, with us (the humans and jinns) confined to the lowest universe. Angels carry out duties in the lowest universe and thus the use of ‘we’ in 41:12 is the form used to acknowledge their participation. The seven universes were completed by God alone and thus ‘He’ is utilized. In all the Quran, ‘we’ is used when participation of the angels is involved. Needless to mention, the ‘days’ in the above verse is simply a yardstick.

Creation of Adam

There is a reference in the Quran to events prior to the creation of Adam such as the feud in 38:69.

Abraham’s attempted sacrifice of his son


[37:102] When he grew enough to work with him, he said, “My son, I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you. What do you think?” He said, “O my father, do what you are commanded to do. You will find me, GOD willing, patient.”
[37:103] They both submitted, and he put his forehead down (to sacrifice him).
[37:104] We called him: “O Abraham.
[37:105] “You have believed the dream.” We thus reward the righteous.

The dream was from Satan. God does not advocate evil (7:28) and such a command will not originate from Him. There is nothing in the Quran which supports a point of view that such a command originated from God.

Polemics for Christians and Jews

The Quran is just as polemical to the traditional Muslims as the perception the author has for Christians and Jews. The Quran advocates monotheism and the absolute worship of God alone. The Christians fail to worship God until and unless the name of Jesus is attached to God in some form or fashion. The same applies to traditional Muslims who cannot separate the association of Muhammad next to God in their prayers and religious activities, in defiance of the Quran. Jews uphold the Mishnah and Gamarra instead of the Torah, while traditional Muslims uphold Hadith and Sunnah instead of the Quran. The Quran explicitly forbids upholding any hadith other than the Quran itself.

[39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.

[17:46] We place shields around their minds, to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their ears. And when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone, they run away in aversion.

[57:14] They will call upon them, “Were we not with you?” They will answer, “Yes, but you cheated your souls, hesitated, doubted, and became misled by wishful thinking, until GOD’s judgment came. You were diverted from GOD by illusions.

Obey God and the messenger

The Quran is a book of law. It is also fully detailed and does not provide freedom to follow any other words as a source of religious law (25:1, 6:112-114, 6:19). Obeying God and the messenger boils down to obeying God whose words are fully detailed in the Quran. The Quran gives examples of mistakes made by Prophet Muhammad as well as other messengers.

Basic law regulating relations with unbelievers

[60:8] 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.
[60:9] 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.

Cutting-off of thief’s hand

The commandment in the Quran is to mark the hand of thief, not cut it off. The same word in 5:38 is used in 12:31 and 12:50. It is obvious that the women did not cut-off their hands.

[5:38] The thief, male or female, you shall mark their hands as a punishment for their crime, and to serve as an example from GOD. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

[12:31] When she heard of their gossip, she invited them, prepared for them a comfortable place, and gave each of them a knife. She then said to him, “Enter their room.” When they saw him, they so admired him, that they cut their hands. They said, “Glory be to GOD, this is not a human being; this is an honorable angel.”
[12:50] The king said, “Bring him to me.” When the messenger came to him, he said, “Go back to your lord and ask him to investigate the women who cut their hands. My Lord is fully aware of their schemes.”

[27:76] This Quran settles many issues for the Children of Israel; issues that they are still disputing.

Nicolai Sinai points out the ‘removal’ of Adam’s creation in God’s image. He also points to the preeminence of ‘Inviolable House’ from Jerusalem to Mecca. So too is the case with verses 19:16-33 and other verses about Jesus and Mary of settling issues about them and their appropriate standing.

“Intended Prayer Suras” (last few short Suras)

Although traditional Muslims use these last few Suras in their daily sanctioned prayers, it is not correct, Nicolai Sinai presents one reason in the book. Sura 1 is sanctioned, and its words of prayer are to God. The reasoning presented by the author is that the last few sura’s start with ‘Say’. It makes little sense in a contact (Salat) prayer to God to start with ‘say’ or ‘Proclaim.’

‘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.

++

[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.

++

[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.

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 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.


Rashad Khalifa, Messenger of God

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SURA 74: THE HIDDEN SECRET (Al-Muddath-thir)

[74:1] O you hidden secret.
[74:2] Come out and warn.
[74:3] Extol your Lord.
[74:4] Purify your garment.

[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.

DOES 19 IN 74:30 REFER TO 19 ANGELS IN CHARGE OF GUARDING THE (HELL) FIRE?

For centuries, no one knew what is meant by the number 19 in 74:30. The verse simply states, “Over it nineteen”. The best conclusion was that 19 is the number of the angels of Hell, even though the next verse states, “None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He”. The mathematical miracle of the Quran was revealed to a computer literate generation. The Quran is not static but a dynamic book for different communities in different eras with vast knowledge. We now know that 19 in 74:30 points to the miracle of the Quran.

The Arabic word, ‘Adad, which means number, originates from the root word ‘Adda. ‘Adda in all its forms in the Quran is repeated 57 (19 x 3) times. Per 72:28 (7+2+2+8=19), “He has counted the numbers of all things”.

The Arabic word, ʿiddatahum, or ‘their number’ is mentioned in the Quran twice, in 74:31 and in 18:22. In both instances the word means ‘their number’.

Verse 74:31 states, we made (‘iddatahum) their number, (fit’natan) a test to (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture),..etc. The verse is specifically speaking about ‘their number’ (19) as a test. Even if someone chooses to believe that number 19 could the number of angels of Hell, the verse is still saying that it is the number 19 that will be (fit’natan) a test for the five mentioned purposes in the verse. Simple logic dictates that 19 angels of Hell would not increase the faith of the believers, convince the Jews and Christians that this Quran is God’s word, or remove all traces of doubt from the heart of the Jews or Christians. If Angels of Hell are causing these tests, there would have been no need to mention their number as the verse states. The verse could have stated “We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we made them (fit’natan).

The same word (biʿiddatihim) in 18:22 means ‘their number’.

“Some would say “They were three; their dog being the fourth, “While others would say, “Five, the sixth being their dog,” as they guessed. Others said, “Seven,” and the eighth was their dog. Say, “My Lord is the best Knower of (biʿiddatihim) their number”….”

ADDITIONAL VERSES REFERRING TO THE PROOF OR THE MATEMATICAL STRUCTURE OF THE QURAN

[83:18-22] Indeed, the book of the righteous will be in Elleyyeen.
Do you know what Elleyyeen is?
A numerically structured book.
To be witnessed by those close to Me.

Sura 98: Proof (Al-Bayyinah)
[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.

The word Proof is repeated in the Quran 19 times.

[38:1] S. (Saad), and the Quran that contains the proof.
[36:69] What we taught him (the messenger) was not poetry, nor is he (a poet). This is but a formidable proof, and a profound Quran.
[21:2] When a proof comes to them from their Lord, that is new, they listen to it heedlessly.
[26:5] Whenever a reminder from the Most Gracious comes to them, that is new, they turn away in aversion.
[38:8] “Why did the proof come down to him, instead of us?” Indeed, they are doubtful of My proof. Indeed, they have not yet tasted My retribution.

THE SIMPLE TO COMPLEX FACTS WITH 19 AS THE COMMON DENOMINATOR

  • The first verse (1:1), known as “Basmalah,” consists of 19 letters.
  • The Quran consists of 114 suras, which is 19 x 6.
  • The Basmalah occurs 114 times, despite its conspicuous absence from Sura 9 (it occurs twice in Sura 27) & 114=19 x 6.
  • From the missing Basmalah of Sura 9 to the extra Basmalah of Sura 27, there are precisely 19 suras.
  • It follows that the total of the sura numbers from 9 to 27 (9+10+11+12+…+26+27) is 342, or 19 x 18.
  • This total (342) also equals the number of words between the two Basmalahs of Sura 27, and 342 = 19 x 18.
  • The 19 letters of Basmalah and its mathematical design (page 18 )
  • Sura 1 and its mathematical Design
  • The famous first revelation (96:1-5) consists of 19 words.
  • This 19-worded first revelation consists of 76 letters 19 x 4.
  • Sura 96, first in the chronological sequence, consists of 19 verses.
  • This first chronological sura is placed atop the last 19 suras.
  • Sura 96 consists of 304 Arabic letters, and 304 equals 19 x 16.
  • The last revelation (Sura 110) consists of 19 words.
  • The first verse of the last revelation (110:1) consists of 19 letters.
  • 14 different Arabic letters, form 14 different sets of “Quranic Initials” (such as A.L.M. of 2:1), and prefix 29 suras. These numbers add up to 14+14+29=57=19 x 3.
  • The total of the 29 sura numbers where the Quranic Initials occur is 2+3+7+…+50+68 = 822, and 822+14 (14 sets of initials) equals 836, or 19 x 44.
  • Between the first initialed sura (Sura 2) and the last initialed sura (Sura 68) there are 38 un-initialed suras 19 x 2.
  • Between the first and last initialed sura there are 19 sets of alternating “initialed” and “uninitialed” suras.
  • The Quran mentions 30 different numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 99, 100, 200, 300, 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000, 50,000, & 100,000. The sum of these numbers is 162146, which equals 19 x 8534.
  • The Quranic initial ‘Q’ occurs in Suras 50 & 42 precisely 57 times in each.
  • The Quranic initial ‘Saad’ occurs a total of 152 (19 x 8) times in Sura 7, 19 and 38.
  • The Quranic initials ‘Y’ and ‘Seen’ occur 285 (19 x 15) times in Sura 36.
  • The five initials of Sura 19, K.H.Y.A.S (Kaaf Ha Ya Ayn Saad) occur 798 (19 x 42) times.

THE MAGICIANS FELL PROSTRATE. [7:120, 20:70, 26:46]

Ignoring and discounting the above sample of the formidable mathematical structure of the Quran with 19 as the common denominator, the writer of the web page laments on certain other aspects of the miracle which do not have a ‘consistent method of counting’ as he prefers.

Per the verses above, the Quran gives us the example of the miracle in front of Pharaoh and a mass gathering. Only the magicians could grasp and appreciate God’s miracle. It is not God’s system, nor is the design of all aspects of the mathematical miracle of the Quran such, that a third party such as “Scientific American” or other similar independent organization study the miracle of the Quran and declare it as a miracle.

If we will, we can send from the sky a sign that forces their necks to bow. [26:4]
Are they waiting for the angels to come to them, or your Lord, or some physical manifestations of your Lord? The day this happens, no soul will benefit from believing if it did not believe before that, and did not reap the benefits of belief by leading a righteous life. Say, “Keep on waiting; we too are waiting.” [6:158]
They also said, “If only an angel could come down with him!” Had we sent an angel, the whole matter would have been terminated, and they would no longer be respited. [6:8]

The writer of the web page demands a sign from God ‘which forces their necks to bow’. He demands uniformity, as he perceives it, or a third party satisfactory to him produce an acknowledgement of a miracle. He rejects, sets aside, or minimizes the above sample of the miracle of the Quran with uniformity per his liking. He comes up with his own definition of the miracle of 19 which deals with a subset of God’s signature of 19 in the universe. The writer of the web page was with Mr. K E Emami for several years. Mr. K E Emami, like 100+ individual who declared their messengership after Dr. Rashad Khalifa could never provide proof of their claim from the Quran. Even though the writer of the web page claims a divorce from Mr. Emami and his teachings, he has not divorced himself of Mr. Emami’s style of ‘miracles’.

Anyone who recognizes the mathematical structure of the Quran based on the number 19 and based on 74:30, will have no problem seeing the pattern in the following based on the number 19:

-The word ‘Ism’ is repeated in the Quran 19 times.
-Letter “N” is Sura 68 and its unusual spelling of “N”w”N”
-‘Saad’ in Suras 7, 19 & 38
-‘Y’ & ‘S’ in Sura 36
-‘H’ & ‘M’ in Suras 40-46
-‘T’ & ‘H’ in Sura 20, ‘T’, ‘S’ & ‘M’ in Sura 26, 28 and ‘T’ & ‘S’ in Sura 27

Additional details in Appendix 1.

THE FALSE VERSES OF 9:128-129

Contrary to the writer of the web page deceptive assertions, Dr. Rashad Khalifa’s removal of the false inserted verses, 9:128-129, were based exclusively on the miracle of 19 enveloping the Quran. Dr. Khalifa’s reference to historical documents and hadith is simply to point out that these verses were always considered suspect. The miracle of 19 within the Quran expunges and exposes those inserted two false verses. On a secondary note, the words of those two verses expose the fact that they are human insertions to the Quran. The reader is free to examine the following links:

All other aspects of the miracle of 19 in the Quran are authenticated after the removal of the false inserted verses of 9:128-129; including but not limited to occurrence of the word God in the Quran and occurrence of the four words of Basmallah.

THE MESSENGER AFTER THE PROPHETS

GOD took a covenant from the prophets, saying, “I will give you the scripture and wisdom. AFTERWARDS, a messenger will come to confirm all existing scriptures. You shall believe in him and support him.” He said, “Do you agree with this, and pledge to fulfill this covenant?” They said, “We agree.” He said, “You have thus borne witness, and I bear witness along with you.” [3:81]

And when Allah took covenant (of) the Prophets, “Certainly, whatever I (have) given you of (the) Book and wisdom THEN comes to you a Messenger….[Literal word by word 3:81]

Recall that we took from the prophets their covenant, including you (O Muhammad), Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary. We took from them a solemn pledge. [33:7]

And when We took from the Prophets their Covenant and from you and from Nuh and Ibrahim and Musa and Isa, son (of) Maryam. And We took from them a covenant strong. [Literal word by word 33:7]

Verse 33:7 makes it clear the prophets took covenant and Muhammad was one of those prophets. Verse 3:81 makes it clear that after the prophets have been give the scripture and wisdom, a messenger will come (to confirm existing scriptures or what is with you). The writer of this web page has an elaborate write up with various theories but ignores a simple fact in verse 3:81. He ignores the word ‘thumma’ which translates as ‘then’ or ‘afterwards’. The simplicity in the Quran is profound. Muhammad was one of the prophets (of the covenant) per 33:7. AFTER the prophets a messenger will come per 3:81.

God supported this messenger with ‘one of the great miracles’ with the same powerful message as all previous messengers, ‘you shall not worship except God.’

Questioning God’s Wisdom in Sending A Consolidating Messenger

SMOKE PROPHECY

The Quran’s smoke prophecy was fulfilled on Jan 22, 1991. Since the writer of this web page refers to Dr Khalifa’s newsletter of March 1990, the Quran smoke prophecy took place precisely 22 days after ‘end of 1990’ or within 22 days of the strong feeling Rashad Khalifa had of the fulfillment of the Quran prophecy.

QIBLA DIRECTION FROM USA

The simplicity in the Quran is profound. Rashad Khalifa, as Messenger of God was indeed correct that the direction of Salat from USA/Canada is to the East SE.

To GOD belongs the east and the west; wherever you go there will be the presence of GOD. GOD is Omnipresent, Omniscient. [2:115]
The fools among the people would say, “Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?” Say, “To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path.” [2:142]
Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. … [2:177]
Have you noted the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord, though GOD had given him kingship? Abraham said, “My Lord grants life and death.” He said, “I grant life and death.” Abraham said, “GOD brings the sun from the east, can you bring it from the west?” The disbeliever was stumped. GOD does not guide the wicked. [2:258]

East or West are meaningless unless there is the reference point of North and South. The North and South Poles are natural reference points for the earth.

By mentioning East and West in the Quran, God acknowledges the existence of North and South Poles as reference points.

Holding the globe in front of our eyes with the North Pole on the top and South Pole on the bottom, Mecca is East to SE from USA and Canada. Thus, with North and South Poles as reference points, Mecca is always East to SE from USA and Canada.

Those who advocate the NE direction for prayers remove the North and South poles as reference points as the first step for their elaborate calculations. Without the reference points they have no basis for the NE direction based on the Quran.

Whichever direction one faces in USA, standing erect, the line of sight initially parallel to the ground goes straight into space as the earth is round. The line of sight, does not travel to the other side of the earth. The line of sight is straight, not curved like the curvature of the earth. Thus, whichever direction one faces in USA, the straight line of sight goes into space.

The worshipers of God alone, however, need a common direction to face for Salat. Based on the Quran, as per above, the direction is East SE, exactly as pointed out by God’s messenger, Rashad Khalifa.

SATAN AS KHALIFA IN 2:30

The word khalīfatan / خَلِيفَةً occurs twice in the Quran.

[2:30] Recall that your Lord said to the angels, “I am placing a khalifa on Earth.” They said, “Will You place therein one who will spread evil therein and shed blood, while we sing Your praises, glorify You, and uphold Your absolute authority?” He said, “I know what you do not know.” …..Continue reading.

END OF THE WORLD

We are providing the link to Appendix 25 in Dr. Khalifa’s translation of the Quran. The reader can draw their own conclusions based on the information in the appendix and the verification from the Quran. Dr. Khalifa simply refers to a hadith as a historical information which has no bearings to his conclusions in the appendix.

PROPHET MUHAMMAD WAS LITERATE

We are providing the link to Appendix 28 in Dr. Khalifa’s translation about Prophet Muhammad being literate. The writer of the web page makes a hapless attempt to prove that Prophet Muhammad was illiterate and then become literate based on a source outside the Quran.

A U T H O R I Z E D

Most translations of the Quran require an approval or endorsement of Islamic religious authorities. A translation of the Quran published in 1997 by The Institute of Islamic Knowledge in Houston proudly reproduced letters of approval by religious authorities in Egypt and Pakistan. The Study Quran translation published in 2015 by Harper Collins reproduces similar endorsement of religious authorities and scholars.

Dr. Rashad Khalifa’s use of the phrase ‘Authorized English Version’ in the subtitle of his translation of the Quran is an ‘in your face’ to religious authorities and scholars in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Muslim world. Dr. Khalifa pointed out that he does not need any human’s permission nor endorsement to translate God’s words in the Quran.

The meaning and the use of the word ‘Authorized’ is no more and no less than what is stated above. The worshippers of God alone readily accept and believe that God’s words in the Quran, revealed 1400 years ago are complete, and the only source of law (6:114-115). Thus, no words, other than the words of the Quran have any weight as a source of religious law.

Dr. Khalifa went out of way to point out in various formats, ‘don’t go by what I say go by the Quran.’

AGE OF FORTY

“What is the age of responsibility? If a child dies at the age of 12, without even hearing about God, does this child go to Heaven or Hell? What if the child is 15 years old, or 21, or 25? At what age will the human being be held responsible for his or her beliefs? This question has puzzled researchers of all religions for a long time.”

We will let the reader draw their own conclusions from Appendix 32

‘NEW’ JUSTICE SYSTEM

Unlike the web page writer’s assertion, Dr. Khalifa did not point to a ‘new’ justice system. He simply pointed to verses from the Quran for a criminal justice system.

FOUR SACRED MONTHS

The Four Sacred Months

Four Sacred Months

RELIGIOUS DUTIES AND RELIGIOUS LAW

The Quran is a fully detailed book. Specifically, it is fully detailed for religious law (6:114). The Quran sanctions all religious duties but does not provide details of rituals which make up those religious duties. Those rituals were given to Prophet Abraham with the Quran correcting all corrupted practices. The ritual of symbolic stoning of Satan during pilgrimage has been with us since the time of Abraham. The web page writer’s comment on correct shahada echoes the influence and teachings of Mr. K E Emami who like numerous others, sought to change Salat because he could not find certain exact words of Salat rituals in the Quran. Using Dr Khalifa’s phrase of ‘universal acceptance’; it is universally accepted by Muslim scholars that recitation of any additional Sura after Al fatiha in salat is optional.

RASHAD KHALIFA’S DEATH

The writer of the web page is enamored by the fact that Rashad Khalifa lived on this earth exactly 19798 days. He writes:

“Sura 19 is an initialed sura, and contains 5 Quranic initials (the largest set of Quranic initials in the Quran). Such initials occur 798 times in sura 19 (including the unnumbered “Bismillah”), and 798 = 19 x 42.

“Rashad Khalifa, who is the first historically to try to interpret the sign of 19 as a mathematical miracle studying the Quranic initials, was Born in Egypt on the 19th of November 1935 and died on the 31st of January 1990: He spent very exactly 19798 days on earth (both dates inclusive), and 19798 = 19 x 1042.”
“Rashad Khalifa died on 31/01/1990 and number 31011990 is – incredibly – both divisible by number 19 and 1230, the gematrical value of “Rashad Khalifa” (!):

“31/01/1990: 31011990 = 19 x 1230 x 1327.
“Furthermore, if we consider the initialed suras subgroup – from which Rashad derived his 19 based theory – verse 19:1 (the initials “K.H,Y.A.S.”) is the 1230th verse of the Quran in such initialed suras, and the last verse of sura 19 is the 1327th verse!”

“Given the fact that Rashad Khalifa was assassinated on 31/01/1990 (31011990 = 19 x 1230 x 1327), is it just an amazing coincidence or a sign from God Almighty?”

It is a shame that the writer of the web page cannot grasp the fact that God revealed “one of the great miracles” [74:30-35] to His messenger, Rashad Khalifa. The writer of the web page has a belief that God can be tricked and as such was tricked by Rashad Khalifa.

As the above smoke prophecy page points out, the following Quran prophecies were fulfilled in the time frame of the messenger after the prophets (3:81), Rashad Khalifa:

– Splitting of the moon: 1969
– Covenant fulfilled: 1972
– Quran’s Mathematical Miracle: 1974
– The creature: 1980s
– Messenger of the Covenant: 1988
– The Smoke: 1991

Eckhart Tolle and belief in God

1 Reply

The New York Times called Eckhart Tolle “the most popular spiritual author in the United States”. His books, “The power of Now” and “Stillness speaks” have sold millions of copies with translations in 33 languages.

TOLLE’S TEACHINGS
[The Quran verses are only given as reference to similar topic]

  • Ego is an illusory sense of self (25:43). It implies unawareness. Our consciousness is based on ego.
  • Thoughts are tormentors in the head (2:284). Voice in head is not who I am.
  • There is a difference between knowing yourself and knowing about yourself. This awareness (where thoughts exist) becomes an agent for change.
  • Having control is an illusion (3:109).
  • Have an honest self-evaluation (17:14) and let go of the past (25:70).
  • Unhappiness is based on your thoughts (28:69). Inner peace is not based on perceived thoughts. Material possessions will not bring happiness (11:15).
  • The present moment or the power of now (rather than the past or future) should be the primary focus of life.

NOW THEN, WHERE WILL YOU GO?
This is a message for all the people.
For those who wish to go straight.
Whatever you will is in accordance with the will of GOD, Lord of the universe. [81:26-29]

There is a perceived value in Tolle’s teachings for quite a few humans as evidenced by the book sales and by other self-help books. Should an individual reach the destination of ‘now’ by following Tolle’s teachings, what happens then?

The answer – oblivion. The absence of God from an individual’s life makes everything else, infinitesimal.

TOLLE’S IDOLATRY

“I have devoted myself absolutely to the One who initiated the heavens and the earth; I will never be an idol worshiper.” [6:79]

  • Like other new-agers, Tolle advocates looking to the universe for guidance, rather than to the Creator of the universe.
  • According to Tolle, Heaven is inner awakening. As we know, there can be no belief in God without belief in the Hereafter.
  • Per Tolle, universe creation is an ongoing process. Per Tolle, an outside agent creates and walks away and there is an evolving god and humans.
  • Tolle makes no distinction between humans and God; and considers both to share divinity.
  • Tolle believes in Pantheism – Pantheism is the belief that reality is identical with divinity, or that all-things compose an all-encompassing, immanent god.

GOD: there is no other god besides Him, the Living, the Eternal. Never a moment of unawareness or slumber overtakes Him. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. Who could intercede with Him, except in accordance with His will? He knows their past, and their future. No one attains any knowledge, except as He wills. His dominion encompasses the heavens and the earth, and ruling them never burdens Him. He is the Most High, the Great. [2:255]

Hadith and the Quran

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Those who cannot accept the completeness of the Quran as a source of law seek to add-on to the Quran. They also seek to limit the word Hadith to the attributed sayings of Prophet Muhammad, which is contrary to the Quran. The Quran considers Hadith much more expansive than the attributed sayings of Prophet Muhammad.


THE WORD HADITH IN THE QURAN

[7:185]  ..Which Hadith, beside this, do they believe in?

[12:111] In their history, there is a lesson for those who possess intelligence. This is not fabricated Hadith; this (Quran) confirms all previous scriptures, provides the details of everything, and is a beacon and mercy for those who believe.

[31:6] Among the people, there are those who uphold baseless Hadith, and thus divert others from the path of GOD without knowledge and take it in vain. These have incurred a shameful retribution.

[39:23] GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, and points out both ways (to Heaven and Hell). ..

[45:6] These are GOD’s revelations that we recite to you truthfully. In which Hadith other than GOD and His revelations do they believe?

[52:34] Let them produce a Hadith like this, if they are truthful.

[68:44] Therefore, let Me deal with those who reject this Hadith; we will lead them on whence they never perceive.

[77:50] Which Hadith, other than this, do they uphold?

God proclaims the Quran as Hadith (7:185, 68:44, 45:6) as well as the best Hadith (39:23). While some Hadith may be baseless (31:6) and some fabricated, we do not have the freedom to uphold any other Hadith (7:185, 45:6, 68:44). We must uphold the Quran alone (17:46, 6:114-115) and only one Hadith, the Quran itself.

God calls His Glorious words in the Quran as Hadith. Other than Quran we can have other Hadith, baseless Hadith, fabricated Hadith and indeed good Hadith. However, we do not have the freedom to uphold any other Hadith, however good it may be.

The Arabic word Hadith means narration, narrative, story, speech or news. It is repeated in the Quran 28 times.  Other forms of the word Hadith are in the Quran an additional 8 times.

Additional examples of verse which contain the Arabic word Hadith in which Dr. Khalifa translated the word Hadith rather than leave it untranslated.

[4:87] GOD: there is no god except He. He will surely summon you on the Day of Resurrection―the inevitable day. Whose narration (Hadith) is more truthful than GOD’s?

[18:6] You may blame yourself on account of their response to this narration (Hadith), and their disbelieving in it; you may be saddened.

[53:59] Are you questioning this matter (Hadith)?

[56:81] Are you disregarding this narration (Hadith)?

DR. RASHAD KHALIFA ON HADITH

APPENDIX 19

Hadith & Sunna: Satanic Innovations

Which Hadith, other than God and His revelations, do they uphold? [45:6]

The Quran is not a fabricated Hadith; …it details everything. [12:111]

Some people uphold vain Hadith to divert others from the path of God. [31:6]

The only Sunna to follow shall be God’s Sunna. [17:77, 33:62, 48:23, 6:114]

Some Muslims compromise: “If a Hadith agrees with the Quran we will accept it, and if it contradicts the Quran, we will reject it!” Such premise proves that these people do not believe God’s assertions that the Quran is “complete, perfect and fully detailed.” The moment they seek guidance from anything besides the Quran, no matter how “right” it seems, they fall into Satan’s trap (see 63:1). For they have rejected God’s word and set up another god besides God (18:57). See Appendix 33.


QURAN, HADITH & ISLAM

QURAN: THE ONLY LEGITIMATE “HADITH”

“These are God’s verses; we recite them for you truthfully. In which “Hadith”, beside God and His verses, do they believe in? WOE TO EVERY SINFUL FABRICATOR. He hears God’s verses, then insists arrogantly on his way, as if he never heard them; promise him painful retribution. When he learns anything from our verses, he takes it in vain; these have deserved humiliating retribution. Awaiting them is hell; neither their earnings, nor the idols they had set up beside God can help them; they have deserved terrible retribution. THIS IS THE GUIDANCE, and those who do not believe the verses of their Lord will suffer debasement, and painful retribution.” (45:6-11)

Do you believe God’s verses? Do you believe that Quran is complete, perfect, and fully detailed (6:19, 38, & 114)? Or, do you have to have other sources beside Quran?

Quran is the only “Hadith” to be followed; all other Hadiths are blasphemous and misleading fabrications:

“God has revealed the best ‘Hadith’; a book that is consistent and describes both ways (to heaven and Hell). The skins of those who reverence their Lord shudder therefrom, then their skins and hearts soften up and receive God’s message. Such is God’s guidance; He guides whomever He wills. As for those sent astray by Him, no one can guide them.” (39:23)

“There are those who advocate vain ‘Hadith’ causing diversion from the path of God, without knowledge, and fail to take such actions seriously; these have deserved humiliating retribution. And when our verses are recited to him, he turns away arrogantly, as if he never heard them; as if his ears are deaf; promise him painful retribution.” (31:67)

GOD REVEALED THIS BOOK FULLY DETAILED (6:114)

THE WORD OF YOUR LORD (THIS QURAN) IS COMPLETE, IN TRUTH AND JUSTICE (6:115).

The purpose of our existence, therefore, is to worship GOD ALONE. This is why the only unforgivable offense is idol worship. That is because once we idolize anyone, or anything, beside God, we fail the test.

We fulfill the purpose of our existence only if we succeed in worshiping GOD ALONE, without idolizing Muhammad, or Jesus, or Mary, or any saint, or any imam, or anyone, or anything.

When we seek “religious” instructions from Muhammad, or any other source beside God, we support Satan in his claim that God needs a partner. Therefore, those who worship God ALONE follow the instructions and teachings of GOD ALONE. As shown throughout this book, God’s teachings are complete, perfect, and fully detailed in Quran.

When I repeat, and repeat, my talk about GOD ALONE, do you feel any repulsion? Or, are you happy and content with the talk about GOD ALONE??? Based on the Great Quranic criterion, as stated in 39:45, your answers to these questions provide the key to knowing yourself, and your destiny.


**

None of the above, in any way, means that any of Dr. Khalifa’s work should be cast aside nor does it mean that a thorough study of his should not be done nor does it mean that anyone should be discouraged from study of his works/ videos, etc.

It simply means, that when a point of view is advocated, can support from the words of the Quran be provided. The source remains the Quran (Statute Book). Explanation does not become a source.

RELATED LINKS

Admission Test Q&A
Idolatry Q&A
Obey God and His Messenger
Rashad Khalifa on Quran alone
Reversion to Idolatry
Supporting a point of view from the Quran
Quran Text
Appendices in Rashad Khalifa Translation

My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran

3 Replies

For several years now years there seem to be some disputes among submitters. I’d like to start by asking you, “Are there major differences among submitters?”

Yes, today’s submitters do have differences of belief. Some are minor and some are major. Minor differences are to be expected, since we are all human. We will focus on the cause for the major differences.

Usually differences originate because of a simple reason.  Among submitters the differences originated because of the meaning of two words: Quran and Hadith. We agree that we should follow the Quran; but we disagree on what the Quran is or what constitutes the Quran. We agree that we should disregard Hadith; but we disagree on what Hadith is or what constitutes Hadith.

We are commanded to utilize the Quran alone. What does Quran alone mean to you?

Verses 6:114 -115 among numerous other verses provide us the foundation.

[6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed? Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt.

[6:115] The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.

The verses make it clear that the source of law for our religion is God, Who has given us a fully detailed scripture, the Quran, which is His word and as 6:115 points out, God’s words are complete.

Thus, when we express a point of view about our religion, we should support that point of view, from the words of the Quran. Quran alone means supporting a point of view based on God’s words in the Quran. When we express a point of view, we are essentially saying, “this is the law according to the Quran”.

Can you give me an example of what you mean?

The age of 40 is a good example. We simply point to verse 46:15 when telling someone of the law, that anyone who dies before the age of 40 goes to Heaven. The source of law being the Quran.

You do acknowledge that information came through Dr. Rashad Khalifa, right? If it were not through him, we would not have known about it?

Yes, absolutely. We thank God for sending His messenger to bring forth embedded information from within the Quran which included, besides the age of 40, when to pay the zakat, the reminder to worship God alone as well as the mathematical miracle of the Quran.

Dr. Khalifa’s source was the Quran, a book of law, a Statute Book.  For Statutory Law, explanations and teachings can never become the source of law. Even though the information came from Dr. Khalifa, the source of law always remains the Quran. For the age of 40, Dr. Khalifa referred to the source 46:15 and so should we. Similarly, for zakat, we should refer to 6:141.

So, what do you see as the essential differences between Quran as the Word of God and other information coming through and from Dr. Khalifa?

The Quran is the source of law. We have information from Dr. Khalifa, but his words, his teachings, his explanations cannot become a source of law. No other words can be a source of law. Dr. Khalifa, the messenger of God, made it clear that we should not go by what he says but go by the Quran.

The differences among submitters originates because of disagreement on the meaning of the word Hadith and specifically the meaning of the word Quran. As you know, definition is one of the first items tackled in the study of any subject.

Yes, so let’s start with Hadith. How would you define Hadith? What is the meaning of Hadith?

The Quran provides the definition and meaning of the Arabic word Hadith.

…Which Hadith, besides this do they believe in? 7:185, 77:50

Let them produce a Hadith like this if they are truthful. 52:34

Therefore, let Me deal with those who reject this Hadith; we will lead them on whence they never perceive. 68:44

This is an honorable Quran. In a protected book. None can grasp it except the sincere. A revelation from the Lord of the universe.  Are you disregarding this narration (Hadith)? 56:77-81

When we look at these verses, there are two obvious conclusions – first, the Quran itself is a hadith and secondly, we cannot accept any other hadith other than the Quran itself. These two conclusions are within the confines of the Quran since God’s words are complete and are the only source of law. The definition and meaning of the word Hadith in the Quran is much broader than some submitter’s and traditional Muslim’s belief that Hadith is only the sayings of Prophet Muhammad. The key is that no other words or no other hadith other than the Quran is acceptable as a source of law. The only acceptable hadith is God’s words in the Quran.

As Dr. Khalifa used to point out, BELIEF in God dictates that we BELIEVE God.

Good, now Let’s get to the Quran. How will you define the Quran?

We all agree that the Quran, the final scripture was given to Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago, in Arabic language. Per verse 13:37, God “revealed these laws in Arabic.”

Dr. Khalifa, who brought to our attention, the Quran as The Final Testament, had this to say about the Quran in the Introduction in his translation:

“The prophet Muhammad, God’s messenger … delivered this Final Testament”.

When Dr. Khalifa introduced the newly published translation in 1989 in Masjid Tucson, he said:

“Remember it is the message, not the messenger. The message came and will be with us till the end of the world, this, the Quran. And the Prophet Muhammad was the one who received and delivered it”.

That seems clear enough. So, what seems to be causing the problems among Submitters on this understanding of what the Quran is?

Believe it or not, submitters have different definitions and different understandings of the word Quran. When it is proclaimed, ‘Quran, the whole Quran, and nothing but the Quran’ what constitutes the Quran is either limited or wide open for some.

That seems strange. What about traditional Muslims? Do they have different understandings of the word Quran?

The traditional Muslims have no doubt about what the Quran is. They accept the Quran as received and delivered by Prophet Muhammad and accept it as God’s word and the Final Scripture. However, they don’t accept that it is the only source of law nor as the only acceptable Hadith.

The traditional Muslims have no doubt what the Quran is. They simply opt either not to study it or not to obey God’s words in the Quran.

OK, let’s get back to submitters and their understanding of the word Quran. How does it differ from the traditional understanding of the word?

There are different definitions or understandings of the word Quran held by various submitters. Even though some uphold these definitions or understandings by what they say and write, they will not explicitly acknowledge so. When asked, quite a few are not even willing to define what they mean when they say, the Quran.

And what are those definitions and understandings?

Definition one:   Quran given to Prophet Muhammad, which consists of 6346 and is in the Arabic language. This was the clear understanding or definition upheld by the messenger as we just saw and as the world has known for 1400 years.

Definition two: The Quran includes the 6346 numbered and translated verses in Dr. Khalifa’s translation of the Quran, separate and distinct from subheadings, footnotes, appendices, etc. I uphold Dr. Khalifa’s translation of the verses. When I give a point of view about our religion, I point to the contents of the translated verses.

Definition three: This is where it becomes interesting. According to this definition, the Quran is the Authorized English Version, translated from the Original or known by the acronym AEVQ for submitters. Any word in this translation from cover to cover is considered ‘the Quran’. Dr. Khalifa’s translation contains the English Translation of the verses of the Quran with each verse numbered and separated. In addition to the translated verses, Dr. Khalifa has sub-titles, footnotes, appendices, an Introduction, an index, etc.

I must acknowledge, that it did not occur to me that every word of the AEVQ could possibly be considered the Quran, or word of God or a source of law. Here is an example.

In 2015, in a public discussion, the following was written by a member of a group discussion.

>>However, he was instructed by God to clarify the laws that were corrupted 14:44, 5:19, 24:47, 28:50<<

I’m confused, what does that mean?

God Sends His Commands Through His Messengers
[14:44] You shall warn the people of the day when the retribution comes to them. Those who transgressed will say, “Our Lord, give us one more respite. We will then respond to Your call and follow the messengers.” Did you not swear in the past that you will last forever?

God Sends Instructions Through His Messenger
[24:47] They say, “We believe in GOD and in the messenger, and we obey,” but then some of them slide back afterwards. These are not believers.

God Sends His Teachings to Us Through His Messengers
[28:50] If they fail to respond to you, then know that they follow only their own opinions. Who is farther astray than those who follow their own opinions, without guidance from GOD? GOD does not guide such wicked people.

The key here is that this person, in order to support a point of view, referred to four verses. However, the point he is making is not directly supported by the verses he lists, but rather by the subheadings immediately preceding them.

When we look at those verses, it becomes clear that the apparent support for the point being made is not by the words of the translated verses, but by the sub-headings. In this case the words of the sub-headings are considered the source of law.

To remove any doubt that the words of the subheadings and the words of verses are considered one and the same as the source of law, the person wrote the following in the same note.

>>Therefore, the Quran Alone and the messenger of Covenant confirm each other. <<

And that brings the next question. So, what about Quran being all we need?

Several people have added to the Quran or what constitutes the Quran. For example, this person claims to follow the Quran and nothing but the Quran. The truth of the matter is that the individual has made the subheadings and footnotes as part of the Quran. Thus, the crucial commandment in 6:115 that the “The word of your Lord is complete” and “Nothing will abrogate His words” is discarded.

We have one more definition of the Quran.

Definition Four:  This definition of the Quran will include the AEVQ (cover to cover) plus audios, videos, newsletter and books by Rashad Khalifa with one exception. Ironically, Rashad Khalifa’s book, “Quran, Hadith & Islam” is not included in this definition. If it were, it would expose their pretense.

As you might notice, this definition has several components. And unfortunately, I must point out that quite a few uphold this definition in one form or another and readily support a point of view by one of the components in this definition rather than exclusively by God’s words in the Quran.

When a question is asked, some quote Rashad Khalifa or explanations by Rashad Khalifa, rather than referring to Quran verses. And if I might add, this is contrary to our experience with the messenger who always pointed to verses of the Quran for the answer.

Yikes, I catch myself doing this at times, so thanks for the reminder! So, you are saying that some among submitters proclaim that they uphold the ‘Quran, the whole Quran, and nothing but the Quran’, but what they uphold is different from the Arabic Quran that the world has known for 1400+ years?

Yes, that is correct. They do not uphold the Arabic Quran nor the translated verses of the Arabic Quran. And the irony here is that they have chosen not to uphold right after God’s revelation of the miracle of the Quran providing proof that each word of Arabic Quran is a Proven Word of God.

The source for the messenger was always the Quran. One only needs to look at the verses reproduced in the last few Submitters Perspectives in the messenger’s lifetime, to notice that they were translated directly from the Arabic rather than reproduced or copied from the AEVQ.

If we alter the basics of a religion, we alter the religion. If we consider the Quran anything other than the mathematically structured Quran revealed in Arabic language, then our source of law is no longer the Quran alone.

The fundamental difference in beliefs among people in our community originates because some have chosen to modify the very basic meaning of what the Quran is. They have chosen to add-on to the Quran and in so doing their claim of upholding the Quran alone is bogus. As mentioned before, they are unwilling to even give their definition of the word Quran.

Also, it should be pointed out, that by choosing to add-on to the Quran they have crossed a line which no traditional Muslim has crossed. The traditional Muslims consider the Quran as sacred, as it is, and do not consider any words outside the Quran as part of the Quran.

It took only 19 years after the death of the Prophet Muhammad for the corruption of religion by adding false verses in the Quran. Their first step of corruption was to alter or add-on to the Quran.

I’d like to add to your statement that Dr. Khalifa translated verses differently in the translation and the SP. He also translated them differently in the appendices.
What do you think is the cause for these add-ons to the Quran?

The belief that the messenger was infallible and that his words are infallible. Thus, when there appears to be an inconsistency between the Quran and the messenger’s words, the precedence is given to the messenger’s words as a source of law. This has led some to proclaim that they do not verify IF the messenger is correct but THAT he is correct, even though the messenger consistently reminded us to go by the Quran and not by what he said.

I can see how some might conclude that you are making Rashad Khalifa unimportant or inconsequential

On the contrary, I encourage everyone to study Dr. Khalifa’s work. They should study it in light of the Quran rather than studying the Quran in light of what they think Dr. Khalifa meant to say. All that is being asked is, please provide reference to God’s words in the Quran when giving a point of view. The submitters who have redefined the Quran cannot support their point of view solely by God’s words in the Quran. They cannot abide by verses 6:114-115 and per 17:46, “when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone, they run away in aversion.”

By God’s grace I made a decision to only support a point of view by God’s words in the Quran and it has served me well. As we go from stage to stage, this is a decision a submitter should make at some point.

Very good points. Let’s briefly now talk about Quranists? Who are the Quranists? Are they submitters?

“Quranists” refers to those who claim to follow only the Quran, except that they don’t do so. The calling card of a Quranists is doing three Salats instead of five in a day. They base it on distorting verse 11:114. No translation supports their distortion of 11:114, which is based on setting aside Arabic language meaning, grammar and rules. Instead of sticking to the truth in the Quran, they draw conclusions to match their opinions. They thus abuse the Quran in the same way by using it to confirm THAT they are correct, not IF they are correct.

Any concluding comments?

Submitters should examine their own definition of the Quran and seek to give a point of view from only the words of the Quran.

I will conclude with two verses. Verse 6:19 that proclaims God’s testimony is the greatest and anyone else’s testimony is idolatry.

Say, “Whose testimony is the greatest?” Say, “GOD’s. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods beside GOD.” Say, “I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry.” 6:19

And verse 25:30, a phenomenon we are witnessing of the desertion of the Quran.

The messenger said, “My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran.”

**

None of the above, in any way, means that any of Dr. Khalifa’s work should be cast aside nor does it mean that a thorough study of his should not be done nor does it mean that anyone should be discouraged from study of his works/ videos, etc.

It simply means, that when a point of view is advocated, can support from the words of the Quran be provided. The source remains the Quran (Statute Book). Explanation does not become a source.

RELATED LINKS

Admission Test Q&A
Idolatry Q&A
Obey God and His Messenger
Rashad Khalifa on Quran alone
Reversion to Idolatry
Supporting a point of view from the Quran
Quran Text
Appendices in Rashad Khalifa Translation