Category Archives: Quran

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.

God in the Quran

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An excellent book!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

No god but God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We take issue with Reza Aslan on the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Verse 2:106”

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

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

The Koran for Dummies

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Sohaib Sultan writes in his book, “As a final message, the Koran provides guidance not only for a specific community or time, but for all of humanity.”

Indeed, he is correct. The Quran provide guidance for all humans.

Sohaib Sultan’s book is titled, “The Koran for Dummies”. Based on the contents of the book, the appropriate title should be, “The Koran, scholars, Hadith and Sunnah for Dummies”.

He states, “At times, to fully understand the Koran, you have to venture to outward sources. The most important of these sources is Prophet Muhammad, the primary interpreter and teacher of the book. Throughout this book, I refer to the sayings of Muhammad to expand on basic ideas presented in the Koran. Sometimes, I also refer to the words of Muhammad’s close companions and famous scholars of the Islamic tradition.”

Thus, Sohaib Sultan, chooses to associate (in Arabic shirk or ‘to share’) God’s words in the Quran with words of scholars to derive meanings of the Quran.

Belief in God dictates that you believe God. Does Mr. Sultan believe God in the following?

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

The first books of Hadith were written 200+ years after the revelation of the Quran and the death of Prophet Muhammad. The source of “sayings of Muhammad” is not Prophet Muhammad but the scholars who wrote the Hadith books.

QUOTES FROM THE BOOK, AND OUR COMMENTS

“In submission to God, people are free through servitude to other people and to their own lower desires (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. [9:31]

Some translate “their religious leaders and scholars” as “rabbis/scholars and monks”. The message in the Quran is clear – religious leaders and scholars cannot be made lords instead of God. The very fact that words of religious scholars are upheld as a religious source instead of words of God in the Quran, is setting up the religious scholars as lords instead of God.

“Any commentator or interpreter of the Koran must have mastery of the Arabic language that enables him or her to tap into the Koran’s inner and outer meanings.”

If we made it a non-Arabic Quran they would have said, “Why did it come down in that language?” Whether it is Arabic or non-Arabic, say, “For those who believe, it is a guide and healing. As for those who disbelieve, they will be deaf and blind to it, as if they are being addressed from faraway.” [41:44]

The ‘mastery’ of Arabic language has not helped scholars in believing God in the questions raised above. By God’s grace there are numerous tools in the web for any person to look at various translations/transliterations and words of the Quran, without any mastery of the Arabic language.

“Tafsir means “explanation” or ‘interpretation’”

Indeed, the Arabic word “Tafsir means “explanation”. However, there are 20+ verses which state God explains the revelations (2:230,  2:242,  3:103,  4:26,  5:75,  5:89,  6:46,  6:55, 6:105, 6:126, 7:32, 7:58, 7:174, 9:11, 10:5, 10:24, 13:2, 16:89, 17:12, 24:18, 24:61, 30:28, 57:17, 75:19) and none which say the messenger or Muhammad explains the revelations or verses of the Quran. God is the only Teacher of the Quran (55:2) and one of God’s means of communication with humans is through inspiration (42:51). God thus explains the Quran to the sincere.

“Sunnah is Practice or way of Prophet Muhammad.”

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.

“Islamic scholars argue that the greatest way to praise Muhammad is to follow in his footsteps on the path of living life according to divine will.”

There is no commandment in the Quran to praise Muhammad. Our religion is about God and to worship God alone. All praise belongs to God.

“Keeping circumstances behind revelations in mind.”

Circumstances behind revelations is fiction. The Quran condemns sects (6:159, 30:32, 42:14). The Islamic world is divided into various sects. These sects have no disagreements about the Quran but differ vigorously on their respective ‘circumstances behind revelations’. These ‘circumstances behind revelations’ constitute their respective hadith through which they draw the conclusion they desire about the Quran.

“Abrogation. The Koran recognizes this phenomenon when it says, “None of our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar” (2:106)”

Here is the correct translation of verse 2:106.

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

The Quran is explicit. No words of God can be abrogated.

The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:115]
You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord’s scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it. [18:27]

“The declaration is that, “I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.””

The declaration in the Quran does not have Muhammad’s name next to God’s. This ‘double shahaada’ was fabricated by the scholars about 70-100 years after prophet Muhammad’s death. Anyone can verify this by searching for early Islamic coins which had the correct declaration which did not include Muhammad’s name.

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. [3:18]

When they were told, “Laa Elaaha Ella Allah [There is no other God beside God],” they turned arrogant. [37:35]

You shall know that: “there is no other God beside God,” and ask forgiveness of your sins and the sins of all believing men and women. God is fully aware of your decisions and your ultimate destiny. [47:19]

“The fourth pillar of faith is almsgiving, known as zakat. Every financially able Muslim must give to the poor and needy in society once every year.”

Verse 6:141 commands us to give ‘due alms’ on the day of harvest. For most of us the day of harvest is when we get our paycheck. Thus zakat should be paid as we make income. Giving zakat once a year has no Quranic basis.

“Ablution (page 175) – 8 steps”

Mr. Sohaib Sultan lists eight steps for ablution while the Quran lists 4 steps.

O you who believe, when you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), you shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles. [5:6]

The obvious question here is which god other than God has sanctioned the eight steps?

“The Koran describes Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to mankind (21:107) and the best example to be followed in worshipping God (68:4).”

We have sent you out of mercy from us towards the whole world. [21:107]
You are blessed with a great moral character. [68:4]

The messenger of GOD has set up a good example for those among you who seek GOD and the Last Day, and constantly think about GOD. [33:21]

As for the one who maintained her virginity, we blew into her from our spirit, and thus, we made her and her son a portent for the whole world. [21:91]

Verse 33:21 simply refers to Prophets Muhammad’s exemplary conduct in the Battle of Trenches. The battle is mentioned in verses 33:9 through 33:27.

“Prophet Muhammad, who was illiterate…”

Muhammad Wrote God’s Revelations With His Own Hand. He was literate.

“None shall touch it but those who are pure” (56:79)

None can grasp it except the sincere. [56:79]

Only the sincere can grasp the Quran. This verse has nothing to do with touching the Quran.

“Death penalty for adultery”

The Quran does not support death penalty for adultery. This is another example of fabricated laws by scholars.

“Cutting hands for thieves”
“Punishing theft (..only the right hand should be cut-off per the scholars)”

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. [5:38]

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.” [12:31]

The same Arabic word is used in 5:38 and 12:31. Obviously the women did not cut their hands (no one can). The Quranic commandment is to mark the hand not cut it off as fabricated by the scholars.

“Hijab”

There is no support of Hijab as a covering for women in the Quran.

“The Islamic tradition also believes, like the Christians, that Jesus will return towards the end of time to fight the antichrist.”

This has no support in the Quran and is a fabrication of the scholars.

“All messengers are also prophets, but not all prophets are messengers.”

According to the Quran, all prophets are messengers, but all messengers are not prophets.

“Muhammad’s divine mission:

  • impart revelation
  • purify souls
  • to teach the book
  • to teach the wisdom (sunnah)”

The Prophet’s sole mission was to deliver Quran, the whole Quran, and nothing but Quran (3:20; 5:48-50, 92, 99; 6:19; 13:40; 16:35, 82; 24:54; 29:18; 42:48; 64:12).

“The Quran says that obedience to Prophet Muhammad is in fact obedience to God (4:80).”

Whoever obeys the messenger is obeying GOD. As for those who turn away, we did not send you as their guardian. 4:80

Obeying God and His messenger.

“Inheritance”

It is decreed that when death approaches, you shall write a will for the benefit of the parents and relatives, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous. [2:180]

The Quran commands us to write a will. The Quran inheritance laws only apply if one dies intestate (without a will). Unfortunately, the scholars have nullified this Quranic law and the writing of Will in most “Islamic countries.”

… All this, after fulfilling any will the deceased has left, and after paying off all debts. [4:11]

“4:59 for ‘forming a political identity”
“Islamic State”
“These social teachings make it impossible for Muslims to separate their religious lives from social responsibilities (6:162-164). The Koran teaches that such a distinction is wrong, and preaches that not only individuals, but also social institutions, should serve God as a means of producing an equitable society.”

O you who believe, you shall obey GOD, and you shall obey the messenger, and those in charge among you. If you dispute in any matter, you shall refer it to GOD and the messenger, if you do believe in GOD and the Last Day. This is better for you, and provides you with the best solution. [4:59]

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 [6:162].

“He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit.”[6:163]

Say, “Shall I seek other than GOD as a lord, when He is the Lord of all things? No soul benefits except from its own works, and none bears the burden of another. Ultimately, you return to your Lord, then He informs you regarding all your disputes.” [6:164]

There is nothing is this verse or any verse in the Quran that justifies a political identity nor an Islamic state.

“Searching for Rulings and principals
Islamic jurists use four basic sources to extract the laws that form Shariah
-The Koran
–The prophetic tradition (Sunnah)
–The consensus of the scholars (Ijma)
–Juristic analogy (Qiyas)”

The only source to extract laws is the Quran which is complete perfect and fully detailed. Please see the questions posed in the beginning.

“Usury”

Usury is forbidden in the Quran, not interest. The ‘Islamic’ world has created a sham interest free banking.

“However, scholars point out that the greatest reverence Muslims can show to the Koran is believing in the message and following its teachings with complete submission to God.”
“Rejecting the Truth
To be ignorant or truly misinformed about the teachings of the Koran is one matter. But, to understand the Truth of the Koran and to know it to be the word of God, and to still continue rejecting it, is a grave sin.”

We could not agree more. Will Mr. Shohaib Sultan accept and submit to the word of God in the Quran?

“Therefore, the term Muhammadanism, which some people use to describe the Koranic message, is not only incorrect, but also offensive to Muslims.”

…or will Mr. Shohaib Sultan base his religion on human words written centuries after Muhammad and attributed to him… does Muhammadanism seem inaccurate?

**

Mr. Shohaib Sultan and others who believe like him have a favorite question, “”If the Quran is complete and fully detailed (as claimed by God), where can we find the number of Rak`ahs (units) in each contact prayer (Salat)?”

Here is the answer. The Quran is fully detailed for religious law. The Quran does not detail rituals of religious duties.

**

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. [17:46]

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. [39:45]

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

Infallibility

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The following phrases are used for Dr. Rashad Khalifa words by those who cannot get themselves to believe God in 6:114-115 that God’s words in the Quran are complete, fully detailed and the only source of law. Some cannot even define what they mean when they use the word Quran.

Authorized Explanations
Correct Understanding
Quran was his source
God was his source
His teachings are in the Quran
Disseminate information from God
Point one mistake by the messenger
Did he make any mistakes
Right of interpretation
Clarify matters for the believers
Messenger’s message
Obey & trust the messenger
Follow the messenger
He did not speak on his own
His job was to explain the Quran

By using the phrases above and rejecting 6:114-115 the clear implication is made that Rashad Khalifa was infallible and that his words are infallible.

Only the words of the Arabic Quran are infallible (2:2, 10:37).

No other words other than the complete words of God in the Quran can be a source of law.
No other words, even direct words of the messenger can be a source of law.

Correct understanding was given to Solomon. God spoke to Moses and Jesus was supported by the Holy Spirit all his life. All these were exclusive to the mentioned messengers.

[21:79] We granted Solomon the correct understanding, though we endowed both of them with wisdom and knowledge. We committed the mountains to serve David in glorifying (God), as well as the birds. This is what we did.

THE QURAN ON QURAN AS A SOURCE OF LAW

[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.

[6:19] 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.”

[18:27] You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord’s scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it.

RASHAD KHALIFA ON THE QURAN RATHER THAN HIM AS THE SOURCE OF LAW

A common refrain is ‘did Rashad Khalifa make mistakes.’ The obvious implication is how dare you suggest that he made mistakes. What is unsaid by them is that he was infallible because God was his source, the Quran was his source and he did not speak on his own. Infallible means incapable of making mistakes or being wrong.

The ‘how dare’ question applies to Dr. Khalifa who consistently reminded us of his fallibility, the fact he can make mistakes and the fact that we should go by the word of God in the Quran rather than his words.

The stripping of common sense is the surest sign that something has gone awry. The fact that some reject 6:114-115 and consider the words of the messenger as infallible is an example of stripped common sense.

The phrases at the beginning of the note like ‘obey & trust’, ‘did not speak on his own’, ‘authorized explanations, ‘correct understanding’, etc. will all apply to the following words of the messenger.

The complete quotes with the sources are in this link:
http://www.islamunraveled.org/wp/2018/06/rashad-khalifa-on-quran-alone/

The messenger’s words:

  • 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). Appendix
    19
  • Upholding any source beside the Quran reflects disbelief in the
    Quran (Appendix 18). Footnote 6:115
  • We follow the words of God and if Rashad Khalifa says anything on
    his own, we don’t listen to him…. Quran is the last message from God.
    Remember it is the message, not the messenger
  • …your criteria is the Quran. If it is not in the Quran don’t
    believe it, no matter who is talking to you. It is a very simple principle.
    This is what we follow.
  • Principle is – if not in the Quran we do not follow it.
  • I believe That the Quran is complete, perfect and fully detailed
    because God said so in the Quran.
  • …therefore, if you go to anything else, you are rejector of the
    Quran. You have rejected disbelieved God.
  • Our only source must be His Word – The Quran
  • The criterion of obeying the messenger is that whatever he says
    must be in the Quran and be backed up by what God is saying. If it is not in
    the Quran, it is your obligation to disobey him.
  • And if anyone, I will underline anyone, who comes up with
    information that is not confirmed by the Quran, we tell him forget it, we don’t
    accept it. The criterion is preaching, confirming existing scripture, the Quran
    and nothing else.
  • We follow only God. We follow only the word of God. As you know, I
    will be the first to tell you, if it is my opinion, if it is Rashad Khalifa,
    don’t follow him, because you will probably do the wrong thing.
  • If you follow Dr. Khalifa, you are not right. Anybody here, and we
    all know this, we do not follow any person and we emphasize here we are
    worshippers of God alone. We follow the word of God alone.
  • …So therefore, you are reciting these verses, if you obey the
    Rasool you will uphold the Quran, the whole Quran and nothing but the Quran. If
    you go to anything other than the Quran, you are not obeying the messenger.
  • Our Almighty Creator commands that QURAN, specifically QURAN,
    SHALL BE THE ONLY SOURCE of religious teachings.
  • Furthermore, we are told that THE ACCEPTANCE OF ANY OTHER SOURCES
    for religious guidance equals the setting up of OTHER GODS BESIDE GOD:
  • Again and again, we are reminded that the following of ANY OTHER
    SOURCE BESIDE QURAN EQUALS THE SETTING UP OF OTHER GODS BESIDE GOD.
  • God says that Quran is COMPLETE, PERFECT, & FULLY DETAILED,
    and that you shall not seek any other source:
  • Obeying the messenger is absolute only as far as the Quranic
    revelations are concerned.
  • Obeying the messenger is in upholding Quran, the whole Quran, and
    nothing but Quran.
  • Obedience is strictly ON CONDITION THAT the source is God through
    the messenger, and not the messenger who is no more than a human being, subject
    to errors.
  • Quran is the only “Hadith” to be followed; all other Hadiths are
    blasphemous and misleading fabrications:
  • 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 keep talking about GOD ALONE, does this annoy you? Do you
    have to hear other names along with God? Can GOD ALONE survive in your mind?
  • 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