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In the name of God, the Kind, the Merciful A systematic study of
the Holy Qur’an-4 By Dr Javed Jamil, Executive Chairman, International Centre for Applied Islamics THE BOOK OF GOD
Actions are often forgotten, but the words, especially those in writing, have a longer life. God did not just send His ambassadors to convince the mankind of the truth; He also strengthened many of them with His scriptures. Over a hundred scriptures are said to have been sent by the Lord to the world. Out of them, four have special status: Torah, revealed to Moses, Psalms, revealed to David, Gospel, revealed to Jesus and Qur’an, revealed to Muhammad. It can be said that all the revelations of God were in fact part of the Book recorded in the Secured Tablet specially created by God for the purpose. Just as Muslims are commanded to believe in all the messengers of God, in the same way, they are commanded to believe in all the books of God. But with arrival of the Final Version, Muslims are commanded to follow Qur’an alone in matters related to various affairs of life. Qur’an is vastly different—in style and in content, from the other scriptures the way they exist today. It has an entirely unique method of convincing its readers; it appeals directly to their hearts and minds. The Book of God itself claims that it has everything required for all times to come. And when one studies it with an unbiased approach, this claim is vindicated in style. Qur’an clearly defines the spiritual, legal, social, political, economic and moral systems of Islam meaning Peace. At the same time, it logically explains its principles; and wherever required takes the help of the history to prove its point. There has already been a lot of discussion on the scientific significance of various verses; and with the march of time, the sciences will surely learn many more truths from them. Qur’an comprises 30 parts, called Paraas and 114 chapters, called Suras. The sentences are called verses or Ayaas. Qur’an is the only religious scripture which survives exactly in the same form in which it was recorded by the prophet, and then compiled by his companions. The literary form of the text of Qur’an is unique. It is neither prose nor poetry; the form tends to change in accordance with the subject. When it deals with metaphysical aspects of life, it tends to be more poetic; and when it discusses the physical aspects and laws, it tends to be more prosaic. But an unparalleled sublimity seems to mark its presence in every single verse, which distinguishes the Last Scripture of God from all the available literature in Arabic language. As has been already said, Qur’an is no ordinary creation of no ordinary author. It is the Supreme Statement from the Supreme Lord of the Universe. There is therefore not even an iota of chance of its being incorrect or imperfect in any way. God is Omniscient; and His book is truly worthy of its Supreme Author. The supreme confidence with which it handles its subjects and speaks to its readers is self-evident. Those who know Arabic are mesmerised by its literary wonders; even those who are able to read only a translation do not remain untouched by its extraordinary style. The book continues to attract and galvanise new adherents in large numbers; influenced by its marvellous treatment of the life and afterlife, millions have joined Islam. No book has been discussed and debated as much in the history of the world, and no book has galvanised and modelled the thinking and living of human beings, as much as the Qur’an has. Little wonder then that the Qur’an is often referred to as the “Ever Living Miracle of the Last Prophet”. In the name of God, the Kind, the Merciful THE BOOK IN THE
QUR’AN · We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: We sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms. (4: 163/A) · And this is in the Books of the earliest (Revelation),- the Books of Abraham and Moses. (87: 18-19/A) · It was We who revealed the Law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to God’s will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them was entrusted the protection of God’s book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear Me, and sell not My signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what God hath revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers. We ordained therein for them: “Life for life, eye for eye, nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal.” But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light of) what God hath revealed, they are (no better than) wrongdoers. And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear God. Let the people of the Gospel judge by what God hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what God hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel. To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what God hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If God had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to God. It is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute. (5: 44-48/A) · It is not
fitting for a man that God should speak to him except by inspiration, or from
behind a veil, or by the sending of a messenger to reveal, with God’s
permission, what God wills: for He is Most High, Most Wise. And thus have We,
by Our Command, sent inspiration to thee: thou knewest not (before) what was
Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Qur’an) a Light, wherewith
We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily thou dost guide (men) to
the · It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgement between right and wrong). (3: 3/A) · This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear God; who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them; and who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. (2: 2-4/A) · Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear God. (3: 138/A) · God has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble there at; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of God’s praises. Such is the guidance of God. He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as God leaves to stray, can have none to guide. (39: 23/A) · Verily this Qur’an doth guide to that which is most right (or stable), and giveth the Glad Tidings to the Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward. And to those who believe not in the Hereafter, (it announceth) that We have prepared for them a Penalty Grievous (indeed). (17: 9-10/A) · A.L.M.R. These are the signs (or verses) of the Book: that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth; but most men believe not. (13: 1/A) · Verily this is no less than a Message to (all) the worlds: (with profit) to whoever among you wills to go straight. (81: 27-28/A) · The word of thy Lord doth find its fulfilment in truth and in justice: None can change His words: for He is the one who heareth and knoweth all. (6: 115/A) · By no means (should it be so)! For it is indeed a Message of instruction: therefore let whoso will, keep it in remembrance. (It is) in Books held (greatly) in honour, exalted (in dignity), kept pure and holy, (written) by the hands of scribes- Honourable and Pious and Just. (80: 11-16/A) · This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than God. On the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of the worlds. (10: 37/A) · And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom. (43: 4/A) · For each period is a Book (revealed). God doth blot out or confirm what He pleaseth: with Him is the Mother of the Book. (13: 38-39/A) · We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption). (15: 9/A) * (It is) a Qur’an in Arabic, without any crookedness (therein): in order that they may guard against Evil. (39: 28/A) · A.L.R. These are the symbols (or Verses) of the perspicuous Book. We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an, in order that ye may learn wisdom. (12: 1-2/A) · Had We sent this as a Qur’an (in the language) other than Arabic, they would have said: “Why are not its verses explained in detail? What! (A Book) not in Arabic and (a Messenger) an Arab?” Say: “It is a Guide and a Healing to those who believe; and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness in their (eyes). They are (as it were) being called from a place far distant!” (41: 44/A) · Thus have We revealed it to be a judgement of authority in Arabic. (13: 37/A) · We have not instructed the (Prophet) in Poetry, nor is it meet for him: this is no less than a Message and a Qur’an making things clear: that it may give admonition to any (who are) alive, and that the charge may be proved against those who reject (Truth). (36: 69-70/A) · We know indeed that they say, “It is a man that teaches him.” The tongue of him they wickedly point to is notably foreign, while this is Arabic, pure and clear. (16: 103/A) · Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in Truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims. (16: 102/A) · O mankind! there hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts,- and for those who believe, a guidance and a Mercy. (10: 57/A) · A. L. R. (This is) a Book, with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning), further explained in detail,- from One Who is Wise and Well-acquainted (with all things)... (11: 1/A) · If thou bring them not a revelation, they say: “Why hast thou not got it together?” Say: “I but follow what is revealed to me from my Lord: this is (nothing but) light from your Lord, and guidance, and mercy, for any who have faith.” (7: 203/A) · But when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed unto them, those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us say: “Bring us a reading other than this, or change this,” Say: “It is not for me, of my own accord, to change it: I follow naught but what is revealed unto me: if I were to disobey my Lord, I should myself fear the penalty of a Great Day (to come).” (10: 15/A) · God has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble there at; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of God’s praises. Such is the guidance of God. He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as God leaves to stray, can have none to guide. (39: 23/A) · Say: “If God had so willed, I should not have rehearsed it to you, nor would He have made it known to you. A whole lifetime before this have I tarried amongst you: will ye not then understand?” (10: 16/A) · “Nay,” they say, “(these are) medleys of dream! - nay, he forged it! - nay, he is (but) a poet! Let him then bring us a Sign like the ones that were sent to (Prophets) of old!” (21: 5/A) · Or they may say, “He forged it,” Say, “Bring ye then ten suras forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsoever ye can, other than God.- If ye speak the truth! If then they (your false gods) answer not your (call), know ye that this revelation is sent down (replete) with the knowledge of God, and that there is no god but He! Will ye even then submit (to Islam)?” (11: 13-14/A) · Or do they say, “He forged it”? Say: “Bring then a Sura like unto it, and call (to your aid) anyone you can besides God, if it be ye speak the truth!” (10: 38/A) · And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides God, if your (doubts) are true. But if ye cannot- and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones,-which is prepared for those who reject Faith. (2: 23-24/A) · And thou wast not (able) to recite a Book before this (Book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thy right hand: In that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted. Nay, here are Signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: and none but the unjust reject Our Signs. (29: 48-49/A) · Also, they say: “Why is not this Qur’an sent down to some leading man in either of the two (chief) cities?” Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others. But the Mercy of thy Lord is better than the (wealth) which they amass.(43: 31-32/A) · And thou wast not (able) to recite a Book before this (Book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thy right hand: In that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted. (29: 48/A) · A Book revealed unto thee,- So let thy heart be oppressed no more by any difficulty on that account,- that with it thou mightest warn (the erring) and teach the Believers). (7: 2/A) · Verily this Qur’an doth explain to the Children of Israel most of the matters in which they disagree. And it certainly is a Guide and a Mercy to those who believe. (27: 76/A) · O people of the Book! There hath come to you Our Messenger, revealing to you much that ye used to hide in the Book, and passing over much (that is now unnecessary). There hath come to you from God a (new) light and a perspicuous Book,- wherewith God guideth all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety, and leadeth them out of darkness, by His will, unto the light,- guideth them to a path that is straight. (5: 15-16/A) · And We sent down the Book to thee for the express purpose, that thou shouldst make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe. (16: 64/A) · Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). (2: 185/A) · We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by God’s permission, on every errand: Peace!...this until the rise of morn! (97: 1-5/A) · Ha-Mim. By the Book that makes things clear;- We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil). In the (Night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom, by command, from Our Presence. For We (ever) send (revelations), as Mercy from thy Lord: for He hears and knows (all things)... (44: 1-6/A) · Those who reject Faith say: “Why is not the Qur’an revealed to him all at once? Thus (is it revealed), that We may strengthen thy heart thereby, and We have rehearsed it to thee in slow, well-arranged stages, gradually. And no question do they bring to thee but We reveal to thee the truth and the best explanation (thereof). (25: 32-33/A)
* (God) Most Gracious! It is He Who has taught the Qur’an. He has created man; He has taught him speech (and intelligence). (55: 1-4/A) * (It is) a Qur’an which We have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that thou mightest recite it to men at intervals: We have revealed it by stages. Say: “Whether ye believe in it or not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration, and they say: ‘Glory to our Lord! Truly has the promise of our Lord been fulfilled!’” (17: 106-108/A) · He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: in it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except God. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: “We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:” and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding. (3: 7/A) · We have put forth for men, in this Qur’an every kind of Parable, in order that they may receive admonition. (39: 27/A) · And We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition? (54:32) · And We have bestowed upon thee the Seven Oft-repeated (verses) and the Grand Qur’an. (15: 87/A) · If We had sent unto thee a written (message) on parchment, so that they could touch it with their hands, the Unbelievers would have been sure to say: “This is nothing but obvious magic!” (6: 7/A) · There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (as they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, “That is from God,” but it is not from God. It is they who tell a lie against God, and (well) they know it! (3: 78/A) · The Day that the wrong-doer will bite at his hands, he will say, “Oh! would that I had taken a (straight) path with the Messenger. Ah! woe is me! Would that I had never taken such a one for a friend! He did lead me astray from the Message (of God. after it had come to me! Ah! the Evil One is but a traitor to man!” Then the Messenger will say: “O my Lord! Truly my people took this Qur’an for just foolish nonsense.” (25: 29-30/A) · Say: It has been revealed to me that a company of Jinns listened (to the Qur’an). They said, ‘We have really heard a wonderful Recital! It gives guidance to the Right, and we have believed therein: we shall not join (in worship) any (gods) with our Lord. And Exalted is the Majesty of our Lord: He has taken neither a wife nor a son. There were some foolish ones among us, who used to utter extravagant lies against God. (72: 1-4/A) · Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, verily, thou wouldst have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of God. Such are the similitudes which We propound to men, that they may reflect. (59: 21/A) · Furthermore I call to witness the setting of the Stars,- and that is indeed a mighty adjuration if ye but knew,- that this is indeed a Qur’an Most Honourable, in Book well-guarded, which none shall touch but those who are clean: a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds. Is it such a Message that ye would hold in light esteem? (56: 75-81/A) · When the Qur’an is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that ye may receive Mercy. And do thou (O reader!) bring thy Lord to remembrance in thy (very) soul, with humility and in reverence, without loudness in words, in the mornings and evenings; and be not thou of those who are unheedful. (7: 204-205/A) · Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up by them? (47: 24/A) · High above all is God, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur’an before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, “O my Lord! advance me in knowledge.” (20: 114/A) · Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur’an) to make haste therewith. It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it: but when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital (as promulgated): nay more, it is for Us to explain it (and make it clear).. (75: 16-19/A) · ..read ye, therefore, of the Qur’an as much as may be easy for you. He knoweth that there may be (some) among you in ill-health; others travelling through the land, seeking of God’s bounty; yet others fighting in God’s Cause, read ye, therefore, as much of the Qur’an as may be easy (for you). (73: 20/A) · Establish regular prayers - at the sun’s decline till the darkness of the night, and the morning prayer and reading: for the prayer and reading in the morning carry their testimony. (17: 78/A)
Suggestions at javedjamil@rediffmail.com Copyright reserved with the author
From: "javed jamil" <doctorforu123@yahoo.com> |
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