‘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 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.’
[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 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.
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
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:
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.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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
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.
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
