Treasures of the Holy Qur'an

DSFAF DSF DSAF DS

Treasures of the

Amazing

Qur'an The Final Revelation

“This Book We have revealed to you is full of blessings that they may consider carefully its messages and that men of understanding may reflect...

(The Qur'an) is beyond doubt, from the Lord of the Worlds.�

(The Qur'an: 38:29)

In the name of Allah, most Compassionate, most Merciful.

Copyright Š 2016 Insaniyath- Love and Peace Foundation, Bangalore, India.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any methods, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other wise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

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CONTENTS S.No.

Title

Pg.No.

1.

The Last Revelation .........................................................................................1

2.

An Introduction to the Qur'an ........................................................................2

3.

"A Book of Divine Guidance for All of Mankind!".........................................4

4.

Living the Qur’an .............................................................................................5

5.

Challenge of the Holy Qur’an .........................................................................6

6.

The Amazing Qur'an ........................................................................................8

7.

The Qur'an is Unique Among Scriptures....................................................10

8.

"Understanding God Almighty & The Creator of this Universe" ............12

9.

Flawless Design.............................................................................................14

10.

The Logic of Monotheism .............................................................................15

11.

The Qur'an on the Concept of God ..............................................................16

12.

Who is this One God or ‘Allah’ in Arabic? ..................................................19

13.

Attributes of Our Creator..............................................................................20

14.

The Qur'an on Divine Love............................................................................23

15.

The Qur'an on Divine Guidance...................................................................24

16.

The Qur'an on God's Mercy...........................................................................25

17.

Foundations of True Knowledge..................................................................26

18.

The Qur'an on Knowledge & The Qur'an on Pursuit of Knowledge .......29

19.

The Power of Sound Reasoning ...................................................................30

20.

The Qur'an on True Wisdom & The Qur'an on Salvation..........................31

21.

The Qur’an on the Significance of Knowledge..........................................33

22.

The Qur'an on Signs of God in Nature.........................................................34

23.

The Qur'an and Modern Science..................................................................36

24.

Scientists on the Divine Origin of the Qur’an............................................38

25.

Man as God's Representative on Earth ......................................................43

26.

The Qur’an on the Creation of Mankind .....................................................44

27.

The Qur’an on Character and Human Values............................................46

28.

The Qur’an on True Nobility .........................................................................48

29.

The Qur’an on Ideal Conduct .......................................................................49

30.

The Qur’an on Tolerance...............................................................................50

S.No.

Title

Pg.No.

31.

The Qur’an on Compassion ..........................................................................51

32.

The Qur’an on Humility.................................................................................53

33.

The Qur’an on Respect for Humanity .........................................................55

34.

The Qur’an on Human Unity.........................................................................57

35.

The Qur’an on Human Rights.......................................................................58

36.

The Qur’an on the Concept of Brotherhood ...............................................61

37.

The Qur’an on Neighbours ...........................................................................62

38.

The Qur’an on Equality .................................................................................64

39.

The Qur’an on General Equality..................................................................65

40.

The Qur’an on Justice ...................................................................................66

41.

The Qur’an on Democracy ............................................................................68

42.

The Qur’an on Money and Possession........................................................72

43.

The Qur’an on Transactions .........................................................................75

44.

The Qur’an on Jihad ......................................................................................76

45.

The Qur’an against Extremism and Terrorism..........................................78

46.

The Qur’an on Sanctity of Life .....................................................................79

47.

The Qur’an on Promises and Trusts ............................................................81

48.

The Qur’an on Hygiene .................................................................................82

49.

The Qur’an on Good and Bad Deeds ...........................................................84

50.

The Qur’an on Intoxicants and Gambling .................................................85

51.

Religion at Harmony with Nature ...............................................................87

52.

The Qur’an on the Concept of Creation and Life ......................................89

53.

The Qur’an on the Creation of the Heavens and the Earth .....................91

54.

The Qur’an and Astronomy ..........................................................................92

55.

The Qur’an on the Origin of the Universe & The Qur’an on this Magnificent Universe..................................................95

56.

The Qur'an on the Solar System...................................................................97

57.

The Qur’an on Stars .......................................................................................98

58.

The Qur'an on the Sun .................................................................................100

59.

The Qur'an on the Moon..............................................................................101

60.

The Qur’an on Planet Earth & The Qur’an on the Meteors that Fall on Earth.........................................103

S.No.

Title

Pg.No.

61.

The Qur’an on the Cosmic Call ..................................................................104

62.

The Qur’an on Nature..................................................................................106

63.

The Qur’an on the Animal Kingdom .........................................................107

64.

The Qur’an on Honey...................................................................................108

65.

The Bee’s Flawless Anatomy.....................................................................109

66.

The Qur’an on the Environment ................................................................111

67.

The Qur’an on Plants...................................................................................112

68.

The Qur’an on Seeds ...................................................................................113

69.

The Qur’an on the Sky .................................................................................114

70.

The Qur’an on Clouds..................................................................................115

71.

The Qur’an on Rain ......................................................................................116

72.

The Qur’an on Rain that Comes in Due Measure....................................117

73.

The Qur’an on Seas......................................................................................119

74.

The Qur’an on Oceans.................................................................................121

75.

The Qur’an on Mountains ...........................................................................122

76.

The Qur’an on the Miracle in the Iron.......................................................123

77.

The Qur’an on the Atom..............................................................................125

78.

The Qur’an on Embryology and The Creation of the Human Being .............................................................127

79.

Knowing Islam .............................................................................................128

80.

What is Islam all about? .............................................................................130

81.

Qur’anic Commandments...........................................................................132

82.

The Qur’an on the Doctrine of Islam .........................................................133

83.

The Qur’an on Free Will...............................................................................134

84.

The Qur’an on the Right Path.....................................................................136

85.

The Qur'an on the Concept of Morality ....................................................137

86.

The Qur’an on the Gravest Sin...................................................................138

87.

The Qur’an on Repentance.........................................................................139

88.

The Qur’an on Virtue and Righteousness................................................140

89.

The Qur’an on Trust in God ........................................................................142

90.

The Qur’an on Obeying God.......................................................................143

91.

Looking for Peace in Life?...........................................................................144

92.

Peace is Islam ...............................................................................................146

S.No.

Title

Pg.No.

93.

The Pillars of Islam ......................................................................................151

94.

The Qur’an on Declaration of Faith ...........................................................152

95.

The Qur’an on Worship ...............................................................................153

96.

The Qur’an on Prayers.................................................................................155

97.

The Qur’an on the purpose of Fasting ......................................................156

98.

The Fasts of Ramadan .................................................................................157

99.

The Qur’an on Charity.................................................................................158

100.

The Qur’an on Compassion and Generous Giving .................................160

101.

The Qur’an on Pilgrimage...........................................................................161

102.

Islamic Eschatology ....................................................................................162

103.

The Qur’an on Salvation .............................................................................164

104.

The Qur’an on Resurrection .......................................................................165

105.

The Qur’an on the Last Day – The Day of Judgement............................166

106.

The Qur’an on the Concept of Life after Death .......................................168

107.

The Qur’an on Heaven and Hell.................................................................171

108.

Prophethood in History...............................................................................172

109.

The Qur’an on Prophets ..............................................................................174

110.

The Qur’an on Prophet Muhammad..........................................................176

111.

The Qur’an on Jesus ...................................................................................178

112.

The Qur’an on Islamic History...................................................................181

113.

The Qur’an on the Position of Women in Islam .......................................184

114.

The Qur’an on Rights of Women in Islam.................................................185

115.

The Qur’an on Chastity...............................................................................186

116.

Islam on the Good Treatment of Women ..................................................188

117.

Crimes and Atrocities Against Women....................................................190

118.

Building Blocks of Human Society ............................................................193

119.

The Qur’an on Marriage..............................................................................194

120.

The Qur’an on Family Life...........................................................................195

121.

Islam on Motherhood ..................................................................................196

122.

The Qur'an on the Upbringing of Children...............................................197

123.

Conclusion ....................................................................................................200

124.

The Final Word .............................................................................................202

125.

How Does Someone Become a Believer? .................................................204

We Invite you to take a few minutes to learn something about a book that is the formulation of the world view and culture of almost one fourth of the people on this planet.

Unravel, the greatest truth ever told!

The Last Revelation: When All Time and Space Stood Still Makkah, 610 CE. It was here, during the holy month of Ramadan that God Almighty called Muhammad, on whom is peace, to His service.

It was on a night - known as "Night of Power" - that the Archangel Gabriel, the 'Spirit of Truth', was to descend with God's Decree and Light for Humanity: the Holy Qur'an.

A new chapter for the world was about to unfold.

The white waning moon was shining brightly when suddenly, Prophet Muhammad perceived a presence out of the stillness of the night, and a voice was heard: "Read!"

Muhammad was shaken. "I cannot read", he replied. The earth seemed to tremble as the voice repeated the command, pressing him on, "Read", and the answer again was: "I cannot read." He felt himself frozen with fear, unable to move. "Read!" The awesome voice commanded again.

At this, the third time, Muhammad called out: "What shall I read?" Then, suddenly, he was released. At that moment, all time and space stood still.

Peace - as mankind stood at the threshold of a new dawn. The voice commanded:

"Read! In the name of your lord who creates man from a clot of blood. Read! And you Lord is most generous. Who teaches by the pen. Teaches man that which he knew not."

(The Qur'an 96:1-4) These were the first five jewelled verses of the Glorious Qur'an. The voice was that of Angel Gabriel, the Spirit of Faith and Truth, who had been sent to the last of God's Prophets. The mission had just begun for Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah and the greatest benefactor of humanity.

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

1

An Introduction to the Qur'an The Qur'an is the most often-read book in the world. 1.2 billion Muslims put it into practice every day of their lives. Revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) in the seventh century, and revered by Muslims as being God's final scripture and Testament, its words have been lovingly recited, memorized, and implemented by Muslims of every nationality ever since.

The Qur'an is the only religious scripture that has memorized in its entirety by people of all ages and intellectual abilities - including non-Arabic speakers.

This, the Muslims consider to be one of its miracles. The practice of memorizing the whole Qur'an continues throughout the centuries. There are thousands of such Muslims, called the Huffaz, who have memorized the entire text of the Qur'an.

The Qur'an is the record of exact words revealed by God Almighty through Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon Him). It was memorized by Him and then dictated to His Companions, and written down by selected scribes, who cross-checked it during His lifetime.

The Qur'an includes the highest legislation that reforms human society and guarantees, through its proper implementation, peace and happiness, thereby taking men out of darkness and bringing them into the light.

The Qur'an is unique in being the only scripture that is free of scientific inaccuracies, and whose historical authenticity can be verified. So carefully has it been preserved that just one authorized version (in Arabic) exists.

On reading the Qur'an, one is at once convinced that it is the Word of God, for no man can write such perfect guidance on so many subjects.

The Qur'an provides the complete code for the Muslim to live a good and rewarding life in obedience to the commandments of God here and to gain salvation in the Hereafter. It is the “chart of life to curriculum for life� for every believer and the constitution of the kingdom of Heaven on Earth.

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Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The Qur'an is the constitution of the Muslims from which they derive the teachings which organize both their religious and everyday affairs.

God has guaranteed His preservation of the Holy Qur'an, and He says: “Verily, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e., the Qur'an) and surely, We will guard it.”

The Qur'an is the last divine book which was revealed, and for that reason, God, the Exalted, has promised to protect it from any distortion until the Last Day. The central theme that runs throughout the Qur'an is the exposition of the reality and the invitation to the Right Way. It declares that the same reality was revealed to Adam (Peace be upon him), and all the Messengers after him, and they all preached the same right way. Thus, the real objective of the Book is to call people to this "Right Way" and to illuminate God's true guidance, which has often been lost either through man's negligence and heedlessness or distorted by his wicked perversity.

The Qur'an is a continuation of the previous divine Messages that God sent to people via His Messengers throughout history. It is the grand finale of those divine messages and a source of advice, healing, guidance and mercy for those who have faith.

The Holy Qur'an contains a universal message for the whole of mankind without any limitation of time and space. The splendor of the Qur'anic script and its graphic detail are the two remarkable features which distinguish it from any other script in the world.

The Qur’an opens its doors only to those who knock with the deep yearning, sincerity of purpose and singular attention that befit its importance and majesty. In going through the Quran, we need to realize what a priceless Treasure we hold in our hands.

It is a world of untold Treasuries of knowledge and wisdom to guide you on the pathways of a sincere, honest and meaningful life.

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

3

A Book of Divine Guidance for All of Mankind!

The Qur’an, a book which brings glad tidings to mankind along with divine admonition, stresses the importance of man’s discovery of truth on both spiritual and intellectual planes.

Every book has its objective and the objective of the Qur’an is to make man aware of the Creation Plan of God. That is, to tell man why God created this world, what the purpose is of settling man on earth, what is required from man in his pre-death life span, and what he is going to confront after death.

The purpose of the Qur’an is to make man aware of this reality, thus serving to guide man on his entire journey through life into the after-life.

The main themes of the Qur’an are enlightenment, closeness to God, peace and spirituality. The Qur’an uses several terms, tawassum, tadabbur, and tafakkur, which indicate the learning of lessons through reflection, thinking and contemplation on the signs of God scattered across the nature and the universe.

The Qur’an is a book of divine guidance. A combination of lessons and admonitions, it would be even more appropriately called a book of wisdom.

When you read the Qur’an, you will repeatedly find it stated that it is the word of God. Apparently, this is a plain fact. But when seen in context, it is an extraordinary statement. There are many books in the world which are believed to be sacred. But, except for the Qur’an, we do not find any religious book which thus projects itself as the word of God. This kind of statement, appearing uniquely in the Qur’an, gives a point of departure to the reader. He then studies it as an exceptional book, rather than as a common book written by human beings.

We find, recurring in the Qur’an, statements worded, more or less, as follows, ‘O man, it is your Lord, who is addressing you. Listen to His words and follow Him.’ Even this style of address is quite exceptional. This kind of direct divine invocation is not present in any other book. It leaves a lasting impression on man.

He feels his Lord is directly addressing him.

“Surely, this Qur'an guides to that which is the straightest, and gives good news to believers who practice the good and they will get a great reward.” (The Holy Qur'an, 17: 9) 4

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

Living the Qur’an

“It was the month of Ramadhan in which the Qur’an was [first] sent down as guidance for all people, having [in it] clear proofs of [divine] guidance and the criterion.” (The Holy Qur’an, 2: 185) Since that first Ramadhan revelation, believers the world over, and across history, have drawn nearer to Allah, rejuvenated their faith, found their purpose in life, saved their souls from Hellfire, and found the key to eternal happiness with their Creator through the Qur’an.

Almost exactly 1436 years ago, the Messenger of God, Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him), commenced his journey from Makkah to Madinah and laid the foundations of the greatest community of believers ever to have lived. What made the foundations of that community of men and women were a radiant and vibrant faith in Allah, unflinching love for His Prophet (peace be upon him), and brotherhood and sacrifice for each other.

These virtues were implanted in their souls by the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him), through the guidance of the Qur’an. The foundation of that community was the Qur’an.

The Word of God was what the blessed community stood for.

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

5

Challenge of the Holy Qur’an “And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed (from time to time) to Our servant, then produce a Chapter like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides God, if you speak the truth. 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.” (The Qur'an, 2: 23-4)

The Qur'an's miraculous nature is evidenced by its literary style, the similarities between its verses and scientific facts discovered much later, and its various prophecies. The Qur’an itself challenges those who deny its divine origin to produce a text like its own (see Qur’an 17: 88, 2: 23, 10: 38).

However, an important matter must be clarified here. Scientific discoveries mentioned in the Qur’an have only added to the magnitude of the challenge posed by the last revelation. For many centuries, Muslims believed that the challenge made by God in verses like 2: 23 and 17: 88 related only to the producing of a book that matched the preferred style of the Qur’an.

6

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

7

The Amazing Qur'an

The narrator of the Qur'an is God and it is the last book of divine revelation for humanity, in general, and for Muslims, in particular. The Qur'an is the central religious text of Islam. It consists of the unadulterated Word of God, as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), on whom is peace. Thus, the Qur'an is the direct speech of God in Arabic, the word 'Qur'an' itself meaning 'recitation.' The practice of memorizing the whole Qur'an continues throughout the centuries. There are thousands of such Muslims, called the Huffaz, who have memorized the entire text of the Qur'an.

The Holy Qur'an was memorized by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) and His followers, dictated to His companions, and written down by scribes, who cross-checked it during the Prophet's (peace be upon Him) lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters has been changed over the centuries. Thus, the Qur'an which we have today is, in every detail, the same unique and miraculous text that was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon Him) over fourteen centuries ago.

8

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The Holy Qur'an is the principle source of every Muslim's faith and practice.

It deals with all subjects that concern us as human beings, including wisdom, doctrine, worship and law; but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creations. At the same time, the Qur'an provides guidelines for a just society, for proper human conduct and for the most equitable economic principles known to man.

"Alif Laam Raa. A Book which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad!) so that you may lead people from out of the darknesses into the light, by their Lord's leave; into the path of the All-Mighty, the Praiseworthy."

(The Qur'an, 14:1)

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

9

The Qur'an is Unique Among Scriptures

The Qur'an is the most often-read book in the world. Revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the seventh century, and revered by Muslims as being God's final Scripture and Testament, its words have been lovingly recited, memorized, and implemented by Muslims of every nationally ever since.

10 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The faithful are inspired, consoled, often moved to tears by its eloquence and poetic imagery, especially when recited aloud. And yet, the Qur'an is unique in being the only Scripture that is free of scientific inaccuracies, whose historical authenticity can be verified, and whose text has been so carefully preserved that just one authorized version exists in Arabic.

The Qur'an is the only religious scripture that has memorized in its entirety by people of all ages and intellectual abilities, including non-Arabic speakers.

This, the Muslims consider to be one of its miracles.

We invite you to take a few minutes to learn something about a book that is the foundation of the world-view and culture of almost one-fourth of the people on this planet.

"Surely, this Qur'an guides to that which is the straightest, and gives good news to believers who practice the good and they will get a great reward."

(The Holy Qur'an, 17:9)

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 11

Understanding God AlmightyThe Creator of this Universe

12 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 13

Flawless Design Be it the structure of the hydrogen atom that is so uniquely identical in all the known planets, the precision with which trillions of stars seem to ‘swim’ in their well-defined paths without any traffic snarls or jams, the remarkable alternation of the day and night, the clouds that stay suspended between heaven and earth without any support despite their stupendous weight, the huge mountain ranges that peg the earth to its moorings, that wonderful liquid called water which pours down in abundance giving life to the dead earth and those invisible wafts of winds—all these point to the presence of a conscious ‘design.’

The more one ponders over the design, the more one is led to believe that there has to be a Designer – kind and compassionate, singularly powerful and able to enforce His will – behind the incredible life-giving and life-sustaining phenomena that we all seem to take for granted.

If what we see ‘outside’ is mind-boggling, then a look into the way the human body is constituted cannot help a discerning mind and a trained eye from being awestruck.

When we look at how the human embryo is given a beautiful shape in the womb of its mother— despite being in veils of darkness – to the way in which the tiny infant grows from utter helplessness to strength and then slides back into a state of senility and powerlessness, from where he descends further to get finally mingled with elements that constituted its being, we are forced to conclude that there has to be one Creator who brought into being all the wonderful phenomena we see around us.

A closer look also reveals that everything He created is with a purpose and is fulfilling its role most diligently.

Or, is it that all that exist in the universe, including ourselves, came into being on its own and without aim or purpose? Is that possible and true? If not, ask yourself the searching question: “Who is my Creator?” Can He be more than one? Would it be so peaceful up above if there were to be more than one planner and executor? And, finally, ask yourself the question: “Do I have no role to fulfill in this remarkable world?”

“And in the alternation of night and day, and the fact that God sends down sustenance from the sky, and revives therewith the earth after its death, and in the change of the winds, are signs for those that are wise.”

(The Qur’an, 45: 5) 14 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The Logic of Monotheism Consider that one asks oneself the question: ‘How many mothers do I have?’ The spontaneous answer will be, 'One.' Right from the time of giving birth, a mother singlehandedly handles her children and no one can share the love and respect due to one’s mother with anybody else. If everyone accepts only one mother as his or her own, how then can anyone believe in more than one God, as He alone has brought into being His creatures and provided them with the entire universe for its proper usufruct.

How then can anyone share, with others, the special love and respect that is due to the one Almighty God alone. It is God Himself who has put kindness and compassion in a mother’s being such that she does not kill her offspring out of discomfort or pain at the time of her pregnancy and delivery.

A casual observation of the animals and birds around us reveals the several roles and duties that the mother performs towards her offspring, often all alone and independent of others. These are the examples through which the One, Almighty and Merciful God demonstrates His Oneness in as much as He has given such power unto His creations that all may know Him as the One and Only.

He is thus the All Powerful, the Incomparable, the Ultimate Creator. Like a manufacturer who can never be compared with his products, God, the Creator stands apart from His creations: immanent yet transcendent.

If one is still unable to understand God’s unity and persists in Polytheism, one needs only look at one’s own country and see how many heads of state like Prime Ministers or Presidents are chosen in order to run a country.

Now everyone – irrespective of their religious affiliation – will agree to only one head of state, for in a country with more than one chief executive, chaos and anarchy will reign supreme. This is not unlike the disaster that can result where the steering wheel of a motor car is handled by more than one person. How then can multiple gods sustain an incredibly vast creation and run the whole universe with absolute accuracy and perfection?

Finally, with everyone accepting but one mother and one father for themselves, with everyone agreeing to a single head of state or commander-in-chief for their respective countries, or one director for every independent company, it is not hard to see that one can do justice to oneself spiritually as well as intellectually only by accepting monotheism as his way of life.

Otherwise, we fail to challenge the logic and proven reality of the One Almighty God. Through His wisdom and compassion, His Oneness reveals itself time and again in every sphere of man’s life. There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the One and only being worthy of man’s worship.

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 15

The Qur'an on the Concept of God The greatness, the grandeur and the mystery of the elements and phenomena of nature overawe man. The mountains, rivers, earthquakes, storms, floods, forest fires and ferocious beasts challenge, impress, confuse and terrify him. The stately movements of the clouds and their sudden transformation as they thicken and turn dark, the shattering peals of thunder, the brilliant flashes of lighting, the glorious sun, the mysterious moon and the stars that embroider the night sky – all display a scale and power beyond the reach of human reason.

“Say: He is God the One and Only One; God, the Eternal, Absolute; He gives no birth, nor was He born; and there is none like Him.” (The Qur’an, 112: 1-4) “God! There is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal. Slumber seizeth Him not, neither sleep. To Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is there that shall intercede with Him save by His Will?

He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge, save what He willeth.

His Throne is wide as the heavens and earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the High, the Mighty One.” (The Qur’an, 2: 255) The Arabic word ‘Allah’ is a shortened form of al-Ilah, ‘The God.’ He is God, the One and Only One. He is the Creator, the Sustainer, the Destroyer and the Resurrector of the universe. He is the Merciful, the most Compassionate, the Sovereign, the Holy, the Omnipotent, the Omniscient, the Wise, the Just, the Clement, the Loving. He is the First, the Last, the Eternal, the Hidden, the Manifest. He is God, the Truth, the Ultimate Reality. He is God, the One and Only One, and there is none like unto Him. To give, even in outline, all the attributes or epithets of God which is explicit or implicit in the Qur’an would be impossible here.

‘Allah’ is a proper noun in Arabic applied to the only true God who exists necessarily by Himself, encompassing all the excellent divine attributes of perfection.

Allah is one and unique: He has no partner, no equal. He does not beget, nor has He begotten. He does not inherit anything, and nothing inherits Him. He is the sole Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. He is the one God, besides whom there is no other god, and there is none worthy of worship other than Him. He has no wife, son or father.

16 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

He does not sleep nor does He take rest. He is the First with no beginning, and the Last with no end.

He is the All-Knowing who knows what passes through a man's heart. He is the Omnipotent who has free will and is not restrained by any. He is also the Beneficent, the Kind and the Merciful whose love for man is seventy times greater than that of a mother for her child.

God, in Islam, is neither remote nor abstract. He is the real Lord of the universe, whose love envelopes the heart and intoxicates the souls. Those who seek Him do not have to depend on the vicarious conviction of the priest or the description in the books to assure them that He exists.

The Arabic word ‘Allah’ is a shortened form of al-Ilah, ‘The God.’

Any layman who follows His guidance and seeks His presence will find Him close to himself. This is the reason why people from across a wide cross section of the society – intellectuals, scientists, priests, as well as people from all walk of life enter into the fold of Islam every day. In Islam, they find a God, who responds to their call.

It is, therefore, not without reason that the Qur'an asks thus:

“Your partners (that you associate with Allah): is there anyone who can guide to the truth? Tell them, it is Allah who guides to the truth. Is then He who can guide to the truth be more worthy of being followed than he who cannot guide, until he is guided himself? So what is it that is wrong with you?

How then do you judge?” (The Qur’an, 10: 35)

Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 17

God is the Creator of all that is in existence. He Loves His creations.

And He wants man, His greatest creation, to love Him most.

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Who is this One God or ‘Allah’ in Arabic?

'Allah' is the Arabic name for God and is used by Arabic speakers regardless of religious inclination and can be used interchangeably with all the names that Allah has given Himself. In Islam, the most important concept is the fact that Allah is one and nothing shares His attributes. He has no partners, no parents or offspring and is the ultimate Creator of the universe. He is the one who was the beginning and will continue after the end as we know it. The same Creator that has been worshiped throughout time as the Originator of the universe. Allah has created all things with a design and purpose. Included in this is the creation of the heavens and the earth and all of mankind starting with the very first human, namely, prophet Adam and his wife. Throughout time, people started to deviate from the sole worship of Allah and started to create idols and worship these as partners or intercessors with Allah. To ascribe partners to Allah is one of the most severe crimes against Allah, since He is the Almighty Lord and there is none worthy of worship except Him. The entire religion of Islam is based upon the concept of gaining closeness to Allah. So there is an emphasis in Islamic tradition to begin everything with Allah's name by using the Arabic phrase, 'Bismillah', which means 'In the name of Allah'. Muslims, when referring to the name of Allah, often add the words, 'Subhanahu wa Ta'ala', after it, meaning 'Glorified and Exalted is He,' as a sign of reverence. Allah is considered genderless. However, there is no appropriate word to express this in the English language. So Allah is commonly referred to as a 'He.' Muslims also tend to use many other phrases in their daily lives that contain the word 'Allah'. For example: 'Allahu Akbar' - Allah is the Greatest, 'Bismillah' - In the name of Allah, 'Insha Allah' - If Allah wills, 'Ya Allah' - Oh Allah!, 'Masha Allah' - Look at what Allah has willed!, 'SubhanAllah' - Glory be to Allah!, 'AI Hamdu lillah' - All praise be to Allah!, 'Jazakallah Khayran' - May Allah reward you with that which is better!

In understanding the Islamic concept of divinity, the translation of the powerful Qur'anic chapter - ‘AI-Ikhlas’ - remains an important tool. 'Ikhlas' - or Purity - is not merely the name of this chapter, but also the title of its contents, for it deals exclusively with the fact that Allah is one and eternal. While other words occur in it, the word 'Ikhlas' does not occur in this chapter. It has been given this name in view of its meaning and subject matter. For it states the foremost and fundamental doctrine of Islam in four such brief sentences that leave an immediate impression on human memory.

Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him. (The Qur’an, 10: 35) Whoever understands it, and believes in its teachings, will be free of atheism completely, free from misguidance.

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Attributes of Our Creator

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Who put this warmth in every heart that beats?

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The Qur'an on Divine Love God's love is manifest in human beings brought into existence, whether believer or disbeliever, to enjoy life, if only for a brief time. It is also realized in the creation of paradise for those who choose righteousness over evil.

God states in the Qur'an - His Final Revelation -

He loves those who do good (The Qur’an 5: 13), those who are just (The Qur’an 5:42), those who are pious (The Qur’an 9: 4), those who are patient (The Qur’an 3: 146), those who put their trust in Him (The Qur’an 3: 159), those who frequently turn to Him in repentance and those who purify themselves (The Qur’an, 2: 222).

However, it is He who has defined for human beings, through the scriptures and the prophets, what is good, just and pious. Consequently, those who follow the prophets are most beloved to God. The prophets should be followed not only in the compulsory acts ordained by God, but also in their eagerness to do acts of voluntary worship.

The love of God is also manifest in His mercy and blessings which He grants to those who deserve them as well as to those who do not. But it is particularly manifest in His willingness to forgive the sins of whosoever turns to Him in sincere repentance.

From the creation of Adam and Eve, repentance was granted to them to erase their sins as an example to all human beings who would follow them into this world.

No matter how great human sins may become, the door for sincere repentance remains open until the last day of this world.

Anas, a companion of God's Messenger (peace be upon him) quoted him:

"God, the Almighty, has said: ‘O son of Adam, as long as you call on Me and ask of Me, I will forgive what you have done, and I do not mind. O son of Adam, even if your sins reached the clouds and you asked My forgiveness, I will forgive you. O son of Adam, if you came to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and you met Me without giving Me partners, I will give you a similar amount of forgiveness’." [ Hadith] Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 23

The Qur'an on Divine Guidance The Human Cry! Surah al-Fatihah, 'The Opening', is the first chapter of the Holy Qur'an. Its seven verses together constitute a model prayer for God's guidance; They also stress the lordship and mercy of God. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement, You (alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help; Guide us along the straight path; The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray.

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The Qur'an on God's Mercy

Islam asserts that God alone is the most merciful to all of His creation. Many verses of the Qur'an relate specifically to God's mercy. Muslims begin recitation of the Qur'an by declaring that God is the Most Merciful. Allah's name, Ar-Rahman – the Most Merciful – is mentioned in the first verse of every chapter of the Qur'an in the following manner:

'In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful' The mercy and compassion that Allah shows even to His erring slaves is beautifully captured in the following verse of the Qur’an:

Say: "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls!

Despair not of the Mercy of Allah. for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (The Qur’an, 39: 53).

Such is God's mercy and love that even those who fall short of living according to His guidance may have their sins forgiven even by an act of kindness, coupled, of course, with correct belief in God. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) narrates:

“A prostitute was forgiven by God because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe and tying it with her head-cover, she drew out some water for it. So God forgave her because of that.”

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Foundations of True Knowledge

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The Qur'an on Knowledge The Qur’an encourages believers to use their powers of reasoning, to reflect on the nature of creation, man’s history, and the teachings of the Qur’an. It counsels them to acquire knowledge that is beneficial and that which increases their understanding of all creation and its purpose. The Qur’an teaches the believers a prayer to seek knowledge: “My Lord! Advance me in knowledge...” (The Qur’an, 20: 114) In fact, the very first verses of the Qur'an which were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were: “Recite, in the name of your Lord, who created: who created humankind from a clot of blood. Recite, for your Lord is most generous, who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know.” (The Qur’an, 96: 1-5)

The Qur'an on Pursuit of Knowledge The combination of man's intellect and curiosity have provided him with irresistible motivation to know and understand the nature of his environment and the causes of its creation. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that the scientific and religious activities started almost simultaneously with the creation of man. The evolution of every kind of civilization on the face of this earth, indeed all human progress, has largely been based, or centered on, religion and science.

The Qur’an addresses many topics of scientific interest to persuade the believers (and non-believers) to think, reflect, investigate and postulate.

Despite the fact that God is the central theme of the Qur’an, it never provides a figurative description of the Creator but speaks of His Signs (ayats) around us.

The direct implication of this message is that to understand the nature of God, one must investigate and analyze all aspects of His creation.

“God brought you out of the wombs of your mother knowing nothing, but gave you the faculties of hearing, sight and perception. Would you not thank Him?” (The Qur’an, 16: 78) “Is the man devoid of knowledge the equal of the man in the know? Do you not think?” (The Qur’an, 39: 9)

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The Power of Sound Reasoning The evidence of God’s creation is present everywhere in the universe. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. A person comes across many of these proofs in the course of his daily life. This book opens new horizons on these issues for people who are searching for the truth. There is no compulsion for man to accept the Truth. But it is certainly a shame upon the human intellect when man is not even interested in finding out what the Truth is.

Islam teaches that God has given man the faculty of reason and therefore, expects man to reason things out objectively and systematically for himself - to reflect and to question and to reflect. Man has been endowed with the faculty of reasoning and in the undying words of that greatest benefactor of humanity:

“God has not created anything better than Reason. Or anything more perfect or more beautiful than good Reasoning…”

Prophet Muhammad (The messenger of peace and mercy to all mankind)

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The Qur'an on True Wisdom The Quran mentions a wise man by the name of Luqman, in whose words we have been taught the golden rules to lead a sincere and noble life “Luqman admonished his son: ‘My son,’ he said, ‘do not associate others with God; to associate others with God is a mighty sin.’ We have charged man concerning his parents, for with much pain his mother bears him and he is not weaned before he is two years of age. Give thanks to Me and to your parents.

To Me all things shall return. But if they press you to associate with Me, what you know nothing of, then obey them not. Be kind to them in this world, but follow the way of him who turns to me. To Me you shall return and I shall tell you what you have done.

(Said Luqman) ‘My dear son, God will bring all things to light, be they as small as a grain of mustard seed, be they hidden inside a rock or in space or on earth.

God is Wise and All-Knowing. My dear son, be steadfast in prayer, enjoin good and forbid evil. Endure with fortitude whatever befalls you. That is true constancy. Do not treat people with scorn, nor walk haughtily on earth; God does not love the arrogant and the vainglorious. Rather, let your gait be modest and your voice be low; the ugliest of all voices is the voice of the ass.’”

(The Qur’an, 31: 13-19)

The Qur'an on Salvation “That which you have been given is but the fleeting comfort of this life. Far better and more enduring is God's reward to those who believe and put their trust in Him; who avoid gross sins and indecencies and, when angered, are willing to forgive; who respond to the call of their Lord, are constant in prayer, and conduct their affairs by mutual consent; who bestow in alms a portion of that which We have given them and, when oppressed, seek to redress their wrongs. Let evil be rewarded with like evil. But he who forgives and seeks reconcilement shall be rewarded by God. He does not love the wrongdoers.

Those who avenge themselves when wronged incur no guilt. But great is the guilt of those who oppress their fellow people and conduct themselves with wickedness and injustice. These shall be sternly punished. But true constancy lies in forgiveness and patient forbearance.” (The Qur’an, 42: 36-43)

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The Qur’an on the Significance of Knowledge “God brought you out of the wombs of your mothers knowing nothing; then gave you the faculties of hearing, sight and perception. Would you not thank Him?” (The Qur’an, 16: 78) “Most of them rely on conjectures, but conjecture is no substitute for true knowledge.” (The Qur’an, 10: 36) “Say: Is the man devoid of knowledge, the equal of the man in the know? Do you not think?” (The Qur’an, 39: 9) “He who is blind and he who is with clear sight are not equal; nor are equal darkness and light, nor are equal cool shade and the sun's full heat.” (The Qur’an, 35: 19-21) “The worst of the lowly creatures are those men whose minds are utterly closed; for they do not listen to a thing while they hear, and they do not reason.” (The Qur’an, 8: 21-22) "O my Lord! Advance me in knowledge." (The Qur’an, 20: 114) "O my Lord! Grant me wisdom and join me with the virtuous.“ (The Qur’an, 26: 83)

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The Qur'an on Signs of God in Nature “Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day, there are, indeed, signs for men of heart.”

(The Qur’an, 3: 190) “And of His signs are the flashes of lightning which create both fear and hope; God sends down rains and produces life on the earth. Lo! Herein, indeed, are portents for people who understand.” (The Qur’an, 30: 24) “Do not the unbelievers perceive that the heavens and the earth were unified together (as one Unit of Creation), then We split them apart? And We made from water all living things—will they not have faith? And We set upon the earth immovable mountains, lest it quake with them.”

(The Qur’an, 21: 30-31) “And the sun courses in the place established for it: that is the order decreed by the Almighty, the All-knowing. And for the moon, We have measured the phases, until it returns to a tiny crescent. The sun is not to overtake the moon, nor the night to overstep the day; and each swims in an orbit.”

(The Qur’an, 36: 38-40) “God splits the seed-grain and the date-stone and causes them to sprout; thus He brings the dead to life. That is God at His creative best.”

(The Qur’an, 6: 95)

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The Qur'an and Modern Science

The relationship between the Qur’an and science is a surprise, especially when it turns out to be one of harmony and not of discord.

As we shall see further on in this section, another crucial fact is that the Qur’an, while inviting us to cultivate science, itself contains many observations on natural phenomena and includes explanatory details which are seen to be in total agreement with modern scientific discoveries.

All the same, it will be remembered that at the height of Islam, between the 8th and 12th centuries A.D, i.e., at a time when restrictions on scientific development were in force in the Christian world, a very large number of studies and discoveries were being made at Islamic universities. It was there that the remarkable cultural resources of the time were to be found. The Caliph’s library at Cordoba contained 400,000 volumes. Ibn Rushd (or Averroes) was teaching there, and Greek, Indian and Persian sciences were taught. This is why scholars from all over Europe went to study at Cordoba, just as today people go to the United States to achieve excellence.

A very great number of medieval manuscripts have come down to us, thanks to learned Arabs who acted as the vehicle for the culture of conquered countries.

We are also greatly indebted to Arabic culture for mathematics (algebra was an Arabic invention), astronomy, physics (optics), geology, botany, medicine etc.

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For the very first time, science took on an international character in the Islamic universities of the middle ages. At this time, men were more steeped in the religious spirit than they are today. But in the Islamic world, this did not prevent them from being both believers and scientists. Science was the twin of religion and it should never have ceased to be so.

Our first goal is to read the Qur'an and to make a sentence-by-sentence analysis of it with the help of various commentaries essential to a critical study. There was absolutely no doubt about it; the text of the Qur'an we have today most definitely corresponds to the text of the Prophet's time when its compilation was completed.

What human explanation can there be for this observation?

It is an established fact that the time of the Qur'anic revelation (or Wahi) was within a period of roughly twenty years straddling the Hijrah (622 A.D.) If surprising statements of a scientific nature exist in the Qur'an, they may be attributed to the advancement the Arab scientists had made in their field and who were so far ahead of their time. Therefore, there could be an assumption that Muhammad was influenced by their work. However, anyone who knows anything about Islamic history is aware that the period of the Middle Ages, which saw the cultural and scientific upsurge in the Arab world, came after Muhammad (peace be upon him), and would not, therefore, indulge in such whims.

The Qur’an does not aim at explaining certain laws governing the universe.

However; it has an absolutely basic religious objective. The descriptions of Divine Omnipotence are what principally incite man to reflect on the works of Creation. They are accompanied by references to facts accessible to human observation or to laws defined by God who presides over the organization of the universe, both in the sciences of nature and as regards man.

It should not surprise us, therefore, that there are references in the Qur’an to phenomena accessible to human comprehension, but which have not been confirmed by modern science.

In this context, there may be found references in the Qur’an to the presence of planets in the universe that are similar to the Earth. It must be added that many scientists think this is a perfectly feasible fact, although modern data cannot provide any hint of certainty.

It is quite possible to confront different stages described in the Qur’an with the data of modern embryology and find complete concordance between modern science and the verses of the Qur’an referring to this subject.

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Scientists on the Divine Origin of the Qur’an Keith L. Moore: Professor Emeritus, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Toronto. Distinguished embryologist and the author of several medical textbooks, he received the Honoured Member Award of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists "for outstanding contributions to the field of clinical anatomy." At a conference in Cairo, he presented a research paper and stated: “It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Qur'ân about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from God, or Allah, because most of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of God, or Allah."

E. Marshall Johnson: Professor and Chairman of the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, and Director of the Daniel Baugh Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Author of over 200 publications. Former President of the Teratology Society among other accomplishments. Professor Johnson began to take an interest in the scientific signs in the Qur'ân at the 7th Saudi Medical Conference (1982), when a special committee was formed to investigate scientific signs in the Qur'ân and Hadîth.

He states that: "...the Qur'ân describes not only the development of external form, but emphasizes also the internal stages, the stages inside the embryo, of its creation and development, emphasizing major events recognized by contemporary science. So, I see nothing here in conflict with the concept that divine intervention was involved in what Muhammad was able to write.."

Yushidi Kusan: Director of the Tokyo Observatory, Tokyo, Japan, expressed his astonishment, saying that the Qur'ân describes the universe as seen from the highest observation point: everything is distinct and clear.

“I say, I am very much impressed by finding true astronomical facts in the Qur'ân, and for us modern astronomers we have been studying only a very small piece of the universe. We have concentrated our efforts for understanding of a very small part. Because by using telescopes, we can see only very few parts of the sky without thinking about the whole universe. So by reading the Qur'ân and by answering the questions, I think I can find my future way for investigation of the universe."

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Joe Leigh Simpson: Professor and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA, also the President of the American Fertility Society, who has received many awards, including the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Public Recognition Award in 1992. Like many others, Professor Simpson was taken by surprise when he discovered that the Qur'ân and Hadîth(sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) contain verses related to his specialised field of study. He states that: “... these Hadîths (sayings of Muhammad) could not have been obtained on the basis of the scientific knowledge that was available at the time of the 'writer'... It follows that not only is there no conflict between genetics and religion (Islâm) but in fact religion (Islâm) may guide science by adding revelation to some of the traditional scientific approaches. There exist statements in the Qur'ân shown centuries later to be valid which support knowledge in the Qur'ân having been derived from God." Gerald C. Goeringer: Professor and Co-ordinator of Medical Embryology in the Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA. While presenting a study at the 8th Saudi Medical Conference he stated that: "...In a relatively few ayaat (Qur'ânic verses) is contained a rather comprehensive description of human development from the time of commingling of the gametes through organogenesis. No such distinct and complete record of human development such as classification, terminology, and description existed previously. In most, if not all instances, this description antedates, by many centuries, the recording of the various stages of human embryonic and fetal development recorded in the traditional scientific literature."

Alfred Kroner: Professor of the Department of Geosciences, University of Mainz, Germany. Professor Kroner is one of the world's most famous geologists. He states: "Thinking where Muhammad came from... I think it is almost impossible that he could have known about things like the common origin of the universe, because scientists have only found out within the last few years with very complicated and advanced technological methods that this is the case. If you combine all these and you combine all these statements that are being made in the Qur’an in terms that relate to the earth and the formation of the earth and science in general, you can basically say that statements made there in many ways are true, they can now be confirmed by scientific methods, and in a way, you can say that the Qur’an is a simple science textbook for the simple man. And that many of the statements made in there at that time could not be proven, but that modern scientific methods are now in a position to prove what Muhammad said 1400 years ago."

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Professor Siaveda: Professor of Marine Geology, Japan.

On the shape of mountains and whether they were firmly rooted in the earth.

When Professor Siaveda is asked his opinion on the facts seen in the Qur'ân and the Sunnah with regard to the secrets of the Universe, which scientists only discovered now, Professor Siaveda answered: "I think it seems to me very, very mysterious, almost unbelievable. I really think if what you have said is true, the book is really a very remarkable book, I agree."

Professor Armstrong: Professor Armstrong works for NASA and is also Professor of Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA. "...I am impressed at how remarkably some of the ancient writings seem to correspond to modern and recent Astronomy. I am not a sufficient scholar of human history to project myself completely and reliably into the circumstances that 1400 years ago would have prevailed. Certainly, I would like to leave it at that, that what we have seen is remarkable, it may or may not admit of scientific explanation, there may well have to be something beyond what we understand as ordinary human experience to account for the writings that we have seen."

Dr. Maurice Bucaille: Born in 1920, former chief of the Surgical Clinic, University of Paris, has for a long time been deeply interested in the correspondences between the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and modern secular knowledge.

He is the author of a best-seller, "The Bible, the Qur'ân and Science". After a study which lasted ten years, Dr. Maurice Bucaille addressed the French Academy of Medicine in 1976 concerning the existence in the Qur'ân of certain statements concerning physiology and reproduction.

His reason for doing that was: “...our knowledge of these disciplines is such, that it is impossible to explain how a text produced at the time of the Qur'ân could have contained ideas that have only been discovered in modern times."

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Tejatat Tejasen: Chairman of the Department of Anatomy and the former Dean of the faculty of Medicine, University of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Professor Tejasen studied various articles concerning the Qur’an and modern embryology. He spent four days with several scholars, Muslims and nonMuslims, discussing this phenomenon in the Qur’an and Hadîth. During the 8th Saudi Medical Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia he stood up and said:

"In the last three years, I became interested in the Qur’an... From my studies and what I have learned throughout this conference, I believe that everything that has been recorded in the Qur’an 1,400 years ago must be the truth, which can be proved by the scientific means.

Since the Prophet Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must be a messenger who relayed this truth which was revealed to Him as enlightenment by the one who is the eligible creator. This creator must be God, or Allah. I think this is the time to say 'La ilaha illa Allah', there is no god to worship except Allah (God), and Muhammad Rasoolu Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah...

The most precious thing I have gained from coming to this conference is 'Laa ilaaha illa-Allah' my declaration of faith.

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Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not." And He taught Adam the nature of all things (The Qur’an, 2: 30-3)

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Man as God's Representative on Earth

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The Qur’an on the Creation of Mankind Man We did create from a quintessence (of clay); Then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed; Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the best to create!

(The Qur’an, 23: 12-14)

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“Among His signs is this - that He created you from dust; and then, behold, you are men scattered (far and wide)!

And among His signs is this - that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your [hearts].

Verily, in that are signs for those who reflect.

And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours.”

(The Qur’an, 30: 19-22) “Had Allah willed He could have made you all one community?

But he made you as you are (diverse) as a test. So vie one with another in good works. Unto Allah you will all return, and He will then inform you of the meaning of difference within you.”

(The Qur’an, 5: 48) “Indeed, the noblest among you before God are the most heedful of you.” (The Qur’an, 49: 13)

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The Qur’an on Character and Human Values

Those people who have no character are condemned universally at home and abroad, in business and government circles and in every sphere of social activities. Lack of character produces social imbalance and leads ultimately to national decline and disintegration. The signs of a weak character are commonly believed to be bribery, corruption and exploitation but they do not bring out the true significance of the word. Some definitions given by Western writers on morality and character are as follows: ‘Morality is character. Character is that which is engraved.’ (Soren Kierkegarard) ‘Character is the manifestation of Truth and Truth is the conformation of Appearance to Reality.’ (Professor Whitehead) O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well- acquainted with all that ye do. (The Qur’an, 4:135)

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‘Sacrifice wealth to save life and sacrifice life to save honour’ – so goes a famous saying. The first half of the proverb is clear. Wealth and life have their respective values and if only one of them can be saved, then wealth should be sacrificed to save life.

Preservation of self is an urge which every living being follows instinctively.

How hard does a tiny little ant struggle against obstacles endangering its life!

Man is no exception. If he sacrifices wealth for life, he follows a natural instinct and not any moral value.

Doing the opposite would be devoid of sense. Harming oneself is lunacy. On the other hand, it is clear that life and honour both have a value but that if there is a tie between them and only one can be saved, then it is honour which should be preferred.

One who sacrifices life for safeguarding honour is universally applauded as a man of character, the other one who sacrifices honour to save life is unreservedly condemned.

Since human values vary with different societies, should character mean harmonizing oneself to the values which a society might practice for the time being? In days gone by, Spartans viewed theft a virtue and held the smartest thief in the highest esteem; today theft is a crime and a thief, a criminal.

With us, a virgin conceiving is a disgrace for the family; in the West sexual intercourse between willing couples is neither an evil nor a criminal offense: even homosexuality between willing parties is condoned there.

Is there then no universal standard of character? People inhabiting different countries might follow different ways of life but, according to True Islam, human values are the same anywhere and unchangeable too. It is not given, however, to human intellect to determine such values. Human intellect is essentially individualistic in character. It can seek preservation of the particular self to which it belongs either individually or collectively.

The Prophet May God’s peace and blessings be upon him said, “No deed that will be placed on the scale of deeds [on the Day of Judgement] will be heavier than good character. Indeed, a person with good character will attain the rank of those with a good record of voluntary fasts and prayers.”

(Sunan At-Tirmidhee: 2003) Rational thought fully endorses the Qur’anic concept of character. The famous writer, Hastings Rashdall, says, “It is one absolute standard of values which is the same for all rational beings and depicting what Morality stands for.”

Permanent values pertain to the human as distinct from the animal level of life.

The Qur’anic position for the animal level of life is a level of life in which man’s vision is restricted to immediate gains.

Satisfaction of physical urges is accompanied by pleasure which the Holy Qur’an does not disallow. However, if it’s a decision between physical urge and a human value, then the one who sacrifices the latter for the former is not a man of character; if he does the opposite, then the action would be acclaimed as of a laudable character.

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The Qur’an on True Nobility

"I was sent to perfect the best in moral characteristics", said the Prophet (peace be upon Him) describing His mission.

While this points to the fact that the message the Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him) brought was not a new one, it also shows that the main purpose of the message was to make man live according to the highest moral standard which he is capable of.

It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God fearing.

(The Qur’an, 2: 177)

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The Qur’an on Ideal Conduct Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.

Fulfil the Covenant of Allah when ye have entered into it, and break not your oaths after ye have confirmed them; indeed ye have made Allah your surety; for Allah knoweth all that ye do. And be not like a woman who breaks into untwisted strands the yarn which she has spun, after it has become strong.

Nor take your oaths to practise deception between yourselves, lest one party should be more numerous than another: for Allah will test you by this; and on the Day of Judgment He will certainly make clear to you (the truth of) that wherein ye disagree.

If Allah so willed, He could make you all one people: But He leaves straying whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases: but ye shall certainly be called to account for all your actions.

And take not your oaths, to practise deception between yourselves, with the result that someone's foot may slip after it was firmly planted, and ye may have to taste the evil (consequences) of having hindered (men) from the Path of Allah, and a Mighty Wrath descend on you. Nor sell the covenant of Allah for a miserable price: for with Allah is (a prize) far better for you, if ye only knew.

What is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will endure. And We will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward according to the best of their actions.

Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions. (The Qur’an, 16: 90-97)

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The Qur’an on Tolerance The Qur’an honours mankind as a vicegerent on earth (2: 30) and it affirms that all humans are created in the best of moulds (95:4) and that all are equal in creation without discriminating between any race, ethnicity, colour or positions. The most righteous such as prophets and pious scholars are in levels higher than angels before God. “We have honoured (karramna) the children of Adam [with karam, that is, 'noble nature'] and carried them on land and sea, and provided them with good things, and preferred them greatly over many of those We created.”

(The Qur’an, 3: 64) “Let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice.” (The Qur’an, 5: 8) “Those who believe (in the Qur’an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians, any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”

(The Qur’an, 2: 62) “Say: ‘We believe in God, and that which has been sent down to us, and sent down on Abraham and Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob, and the Tribes, and in that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and the Prophets, of their Lord; we make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we surrender (Muslimun).‘” (The Qur’an, 3: 83-84) “Good and evil are not alike. Repel evil with what is better. Then he, between whom and you there was hatred, will become as though he was a bosom friend.” (The Qur’an, 41: 34) “There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in God hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. God is Hearer, Knower.”

(The Qur’an, 2: 256)

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The Qur’an on Compassion “Whosoever saved the life of a single human being, it is as if he saved the life of the entire human race... If someone kills another person, unless it is in retaliation for murder or for causing corruption on the earth, it is as if he murdered the whole of mankind.” (The Qur’an, 5: 32)

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The Qur’an on Humility

“The true servants of the Most Merciful are those who behave gently and with humility on earth, and whenever the foolish quarrel with them, they reply with [words of] peace.”

(The Qur’an, 25: 63) “Turn not your cheek away from people in scorn and pride, and walk not on earth haughtily; for God does not love anyone who acts proudly and boastfully. Be modest in your bearing and lower your voice; for the ugliest sound is the donkey’s braying.”

(The Qur’an, 5: 48)

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The Qur’an on Respect for Humanity All children born in this world are equal by birth on account of their being human beings. None of them is rich or poor, high caste or low caste, officer or servant.

But these differences are brought into being soon after birth. Everybody will try to take care of the child of a rich parent but few will try even to look at a child born in a poor house. A child born inside the room of a bungalow and the other one born in the servant quarters of the same bungalow get differentiated immediately after birth. All will pay respect to the child of an officer but will rebuke the child of a servant. It is no fault of any one child to be born in a poor house and it is no virtue of any other child to be born in a rich family. Thus, it is unjust to differentiate one from the other. Similarly, it is absolutely a wrong attitude to distinguish between people as one of low caste and the other of high caste. Allah has said:

“We have honoured humanity as a whole.” (The Qur’an, 17: 70) Therefore, human beings belonging to any country, nation or race, speaking any language having been born in a rich or poor family and belonging to any religion are all equal and worthy of respect. Then what is the criterion of one's position in society?

“And to all are (assigned) degrees according to the deeds (which they have done).” (The Qur’an, 46: 19) One who does good deeds is more respectable than the one who does bad deeds.

On the other hand one who performs good deeds, if he begins to do bad deeds, his position in the society shall be lowered. Similarly, the one who does bad deeds, if he begins to do good deeds, his position shall be gradually raised in society. Thus, one's position in society shall be in proportion to the quality of his deeds. The Qur’an says:

“The most honoured of you in the sight of God is the one who is more conscious and obedient to the laws of God (Almighty).”

(The Qur’an, 49: 13) Most people tend to attach more importance to boys as compared with girls, and men are considered superior to women. However, according to the Holy Qur’an, men and women are all human beings, equal to each other by birth and equally worthy of respect. As said earlier, the criterion of respect and of being high or low among human beings, men as well as women, is the quality of their deeds.

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The Qur’an on Human Unity As a cultural movement, Islam rejects the old static view of the universe, and reaches a dynamic view. As an emotional system of unification, it recognizes the worth of the individual as such, and rejects blood relationship as a basis of human unity. Blood-relationship is earth-rootedness. The search for a purely psychological foundation of human unity becomes possible only with the perception that all human life is spiritual in its origin.

Such a perception is creative of fresh loyalties without any ceremonial to keep them alive, and makes it possible for man to emancipate himself from the earth.

Christianity which had originally appeared as a monastic order was tried by Constantine as a system of unification. Its failure to work as such a system drove the Emperor Julian to return to the old gods of Rome on which he attempted to put philosophical interpretations.

A modern historian of civilization has thus depicted the state of the civilized world about the time when Islam appeared on the stage of history: “It seemed then that the great civilization that it had taken four thousand years to construct was on the verge of disintegration, and that mankind was likely to return to that condition of barbarism where every tribe and sect was against the next, and law and order were unknown.

The old tribal sanctions had lost their power. Hence, the old imperial methods would no longer operate. The new sanctions created by Christianity were working division and destruction instead of unity and order. It was a time fraught with tragedy.

Civilization, like a gigantic tree whose foliage had overarched the world and whose branches had borne the golden fruits of art and science and literature, stood tottering, its trunk no longer alive with the flowing sap of devotion and reverence, but rotted to the core, riven by the storms of war, and held together only by the cords of ancient customs and laws, that might snap at any moment.

Was there any emotional culture that could be brought in, to gather mankind once more into unity and to save civilization? This culture must be something of a new type, for the old sanctions and ceremonials were dead, and to build up others of the same kind would be the work of centuries.”

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). (The Qur’an, 49: 13)

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The Qur’an on Human Rights The life and property of an individual in an Islamic state are considered sacred, regardless of his religion. Islam also protects honour. So, in Islam, insulting others or humiliating them is prohibited. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) said:

“Truly your blood, your property, and your honour are inviolable.”

Racism is not allowed in Islam, for the Qur’an speaks of human equality in the following terms:

"O believers, stand up firmly by the Commandments of Allah, bearing witness with justice and let not the enmity of any people incite you that you should not do justice. Do justice that is nearer to piety and conscious Allah, undoubtedly, Allah is aware of your doings." (The Qur’an 5:8) Islam rejects certain individuals or nations being favoured because of their wealth, power, or race. God created human beings as equals, what distinguishes one from another is faith and piety. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) said:

“O people! Your God is one and your forefather (Adam) is one. An Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab, white person is not better than a black person and a black person is not better than a white person, except in piety.”

One of the major problems facing mankind today is racism. The developed world can send a man to the moon but cannot stop man from torturing, killing, or humiliating another man. Ever since the days of Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon Him), Islam has shown us many ways by which racism can end.

O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong. (The Qur’an 49:11) 58 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah is a perfect example of Islamic brotherhood more than two million Muslims from all over the world come to Makkah and collectively without any segregation perform the pilgrimage.

Islam is a religion of justice, as God has said: “Truly, God commands you to give back trusts to those to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, do judge with justice....”

(The Qur’an, 4: 58) “And act justly. Truly, God loves those who are just.”

(The Qur’an, 49: 9) Muslims should be just even with those they have differences with and those who haven't been fair to them, as God has said: “And let not the hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety....” (The Qur’an, 5: 8) "...whosoever killed a soul not to retaliate for a soul, nor for creating disorder in the land, then it is as if he had killed all mankind. And whoso gave life to one soul, then it is as if he had given life to all mankind..."(The Qur’an, 5:32) Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) said: “People! beware of injustice, for injustice shall be darkness on the Day of Judgement.”

As for those who have not received their rights in this life will receive them on the Day of Judgement, for as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) said: “On the Day of Judgment, rights will be given to those to whom they are due (and wrongs will be redressed)...”

In the address which the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) delivered on the occasion of the Farewell Hajj, he said: "Your lives and properties are forbidden to one another till you meet your Lord on the Day of Resurrection."

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has also said about the dhimmis (the nonMuslim citizens of the Muslim state): "One who kills a man under covenant (i.e., dhimmi) will not even smell the

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The Qur’an on the Concept of Brotherhood

Human brotherhood in Islam is based on an unshakeable belief in the Oneness and Universality of God, the worshiped, the unity of mankind, the worshipers, and the unity of religion, the medium of worship. For the Muslim, God is One, Eternal and Universal. He is the Creator of all men, the Provider for all men, the Judge of all men, and the Lord of all men. To Him, social status, national supremacy, and racial origin are insignificant. all human are equal and brothers and sisters of one another.

The Muslim believes in the unity of mankind with regards to the source of creation, the original parentage, and the final destiny. The source of creation is God Himself. The original common parentage is that of Adam and Eve. To this first parentage every human being belongs and, of it, he partakes. As for the final destiny, there is no doubt in the Muslim’s mind that it will be to God, the Creator, to Whom all men shall return.

“Mankind was created as one nation, but it differed subsequently.”

(The Qur’an, 10: 19) “Verily, this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord... People divide themselves into different sects and cut themselves off from the bonds of unity, each sect rejoicing in what is with itself.”

(The Qur’an, 23: 52-53)

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The Qur’an on Neighbours

The status of neighbours and one's obligations to them occupy a significant segment of Muslims consciousness. Neighbours enjoy a great number of privileges conferred on them by Islam.

To illustrate the Qur’anic teachings relevant to this point, Prophet Muhammad is reported as saying that:

Nobody can be a true Muslim unless his neighbours feel secure and safe from his excesses; and nobody can be a true believer (in God), if his neighbour passes the night hungry while he has his stomach full.

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It was narrated by Ibn Umar, a Companion of the Prophet (peace be upon Him), that the Prophet, on whom is peace, once said:

‘Gabriel continued to recommend me about treating the neighbours kindly and politely so much so that I thought he would order me to make them heirs in my inheritance.”

(Book of Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari) "Do you know what the duties of a neighbour are? Help him if he seeks your help; assist him in distress if he seeks your assistance; give him loan if he seeks it; grant him relief (of loan) if he is in need; nurse him if he falls ill; follow his bier if he dies. Congratulate him in his gains and joys; sympathize with him if any calamity befalls him; raise not your building higher than his (without his permission), so that it may not obstruct his air; harass him not; give him a share when you purchase a fruit; if you cannot afford to do so, at least take it secretly and let not your children eat it out, exciting quarrel among the children of the neighbourhood.“ (Hadith) (Sayings of the Prophet) The Qur'an says:

“And Worship God [alone], and do not ascribe divinity, in any way, to aught beside Him. And do good unto your parents, and near of kin, and unto orphans, and the needy, and the neighbour from among your own people, and the neighbour who is a stranger, and the friend by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom you rightfully possess. Verily, God does not love any of those who, full of self-conceit, act in a boastful manner.”

(The Qur’an, 4: 36)

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The Qur’an on Equality

The following Qur’anic verses not only recognize absolute equality between human irrespective of any distinction of colour, race or nationality, but make it an important and significant principle in reality. Almighty God has laid down in the Holy Qur’an thus:

“O Mankind! We created you from a male and a female; and made you into tribes and nations that you may get to know each other.

Verily, the most honored before God is the most God-conscious.”

(The Qur’an, 49: 13) In other words, all human beings are bothers and sisters to one another. They are all the descendants from one father and one mother. This means that the division of human beings into nations, races, groups and tribes is for the sake of distinction, so that people of one race or tribe may meet and be acquainted with the people belonging to another race or tribe and cooperate with one another.

This division of the human race is neither meant for one nation to take pride in its superiority over others nor is it meant for one nation to treat another with contempt or disgrace, or regard them as a mean and degraded race and usurp their rights.

Put differently, the superiority of one man over another is only on the basis of God-consciousness, purity of character and high morals, and not on the basis of colour, race, language or nationality. Even this superiority, based on piety and pure conduct, does not justify that such people should play lords or assume airs of superiority over other human beings.

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The Qur’an on General Equality

“Men and women who submit to God, men who believe and women who believe and men who obey and women who obey, and men who speak the truth and women who speak the truth, and men who are patient and women who are patient and men who are humble and women who are humble and men who give charily and women who give charity and men who fast and women who fast and men who guard their chastity (except with their wives) and women who guard their chastity (except with their husbands) and men who remember God much and women who remember God much. Allah has (in store) for them forgiveness and a great reward.”

(The Qur’an, 33: 35) “And the believers, men and women are protecting friends of one another. They advocate what is right and forbid what is wrong.

They establish worship and pay the poor their due. They obey Allah and His Messenger. God will have mercy on them, for God is Almighty, Wise.” (The Qur'an, 9: 71) “And of His signs is this: He created for you spouses from among yourselves, so that you may live in tranquility with them and He has planted love and mercy between you. In that are signs for people who reflect.” (The Qur'an, 30: 21) Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 65

The Qur’an on Justice Islam teaches the concept of justice as being so pivotal that our Creator Himself informs us of His having established the very heavens and the earth on the principle of a 'just balance'", meaning justice.

“And the Sky He has raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of justice). So that you might not transgress the (just) balance.

Therefore, shall you establish weights (and measures) with justice.

And you shall not (by fraud) diminish the balance.”

(The Qur'an, 55: 7) These verses of the Qur’an which are mentioned in the Surah Ar-Rahman, or “(Allah) the All-Merciful”, stand out in their emphasis of the importance of justice, because they unite, justice with the important theological principle of God's Creation and Command. These verses make justice both the basis of creation and its source of continuity (by commanding justice). This is true because, in essence, the balance is the symbol of justice and its means of realization at the same time.

“Say: My Lord enjoineth justice.” (The Qur’an, 7: 29) “If any do deeds of righteousness,- be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.” (The Qur'an, 4: 124) “O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for God can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that ye do.” (The Qur'an, 4: 135)

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“God instructs you to redeem your pledges to the people due unto them; and that when you judge between people that you judge with justice. Excellent, indeed, is that which God advises you: for God hears and sees all.” (The Qur’an, 4: 58) “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”

(The Qur’an, 99: 7-8)

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The Qur’an on Democracy

Democracy is not a separate or superior ideology from Islam. In fact, there are elements of democracy in Islam. When we analyze what democracy is, we come to the conclusion that it is nothing but the sense of responsibility and accountability. The absolute system of governing, which Islam presents in its totality is based upon three golden fundamentals, i.e., Consultation, Responsibility and Accountability.

There is no concept of dictatorship, popism and totalitarianism in Islam. Islam doesn’t believe in any kind of monarchy and oligarchy. The political system of Islam totally depends upon shooraiat (consultation). It is ordered in the Qur'an that you must consult with each other in dealing with the problems and matters of people.

“And who respond to [the call of] their Sustainer and are constant in prayer; and whose rule [in all matters of common concern] is consultation among themselves; and who spend on others out of what We provide for them as sustenance;” (The Qur’an, 42: 38) This verse is the base and essence of the Islamic political and governing system.

The period of the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon Him) was a practical commentary of this verse. Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, did not take any major decision in politics or other domains without consultation. As stated in the “Musnad-e-Darimi”: “Whenever a person placed his dispute for decision before him (i.e. Abu Bakr), he first looked into the Holy Qur'an and the Traditions of the Prophet and then, he consulted some Muslims.

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He had established a Majlis (Committee) consisting of prominent companions and they were consulted regularly. This was the initial shape of that Majlis-eShoorah (Consultation Committee), which Umar, in his period of caliphate had made perfect, disciplined and extensive. That Majlis had its two houses like the modern democratic system.

During the caliphate of Umar, abundant conquest and expansion of the Islamic state created many problems that the establishment of another consultation body was needed. Therefore, he established the upper house of Majlis-eShoorah in which only Muhajireen (Emigrants) participated. Thus, Allama Balazari, a great Muslim scholar, stated in his book: “Fatooh al Buldan”, “A consultation body had been formed in the Masjid-e-Nabwi, (The Prophet’s mosque in Madina) in which Umar discussed those problems and issues which he had received from different parts of the Islamic state”.

If we analyze the political situation of Muslims in the era of the four Caliphs after the Prophet (peace be upon him), a scene of peoples’ government appears before our eyes, whose leader was a politically elected Caliph. He had limited sovereignty and powers. His special powers were confined within the parameters of administrative matters, e.g., super vision of police, administration of armed forces, matters relating to foreign policy and distribution of financial resources etc. But he couldn’t violate the fundamental rules of Islam.

Courts were completely independent and free to give their verdict on any matter that was presented before them even if it was against the state or the Caliph. The government couldn’t interfere in their decisions. As far as the Caliph was concerned, he had no right and power to forgive or condone those who were prosecuted and convicted by the courts. There was complete supremacy and rule of law. They were all equal in the eyes of law whether they were rich or poor, ruler or labourer. Nothing was hidden from anyone regarding matters or policies relating to Government and state. The Caliph used to tell participants in Jum'uah (Friday congregation) prayer in the mosque about important issues.

Every citizen could enquire about anything. Democracy was ruling in its best shape. The Caliph was held responsible and was answerable to his people.

History is full of different examples that show the Caliph consulted the Consultation Committee on different issues and how the Sahabah reacted, criticized and gave their opinions.

The main and primary objective of a truly democratic government is to protect the rights of an individual and to give an opportunity to everyone to express his, or her, opinion.

There are limited powers for a ruler and every citizen has a right to criticize his way of life, actions and policies. We can find and observe these qualities comprehensively in the rule of the first four Caliphs after Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

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Difference of opinions and freedom of expression is the cardinal principle of democracy and we can see this beauty in the era of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen (The four rightly guided caliphs). Look at what the first Caliph, Abu-Bakr said in his inaugural speech,

“O people! I have been appointed as a ruler upon you despite the fact that I am not the best among you. If I perform well, you should help and guide me. If I do wrong, you must keep me on track. Truth is a trust, and lie is a breach of trust and dishonesty. God Willing, your weakest and most vulnerable person will be the stronger one near me unless I make him get his/her right back. And your strongest person will be the weakest unless I compel him to give you your right back. The nation who forgets Jihad, (striving in the way of Allah), Allah disgraces it and the nation that spreads wrong doing in it, Allah spreads difficulties and miseries in it. If I obey Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him), you should obey me but when I disobey Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him), you are not bound to follow me. May Allah bless you.”

Umar, the second Caliph, declared his position regarding the powers of Caliph in these words;

“I have such a right in your possessions and wealth as a patron has on an orphan’s wealth. Should I be wealthy, I will take nothing, and should I be deserving and needy, then I will take only as much as I need. O people! You have many rights upon me, for which you should ask me and impeach me. One is that, the state’s income and booty from war should not be consumed and spent without any justification. Second is that, I should increase your earning and secure your borders; and the third is that, you should be protected from danger.”

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The Qur’an on Money and Possession “Wealth and children are an ornament of the life of this world. But the good deeds which endure are better in thy Lord's sight for reward, and better in respect of hope.” (The Qur’an, 18: 46) Islam, being a comprehensive code of conduct, encompasses all aspects of human life. Naturally, it has its own views and set of rules on money and possession, as to how it should be earned, how it should be spent, and how it should be saved and retained.

In the Islamic perception, the emphasis is not on the quantum of money earned or spent, but, rightly, on the means of earning and the ways of spending it.

To work and earn for a living through lawful means in Islam is part of worship.

It strongly disapproves of begging, considering it as a shameful and dehumanizing act and encourages gainful endeavors.

The Qur’an commands:

“... and when the (weekly Friday) prayer is finished, you may disperse through the earth and seek of the bounty of God.” (The Qur’an, 62: 10) Islam encourages savings and its use for trade and commerce in the overall interest of society.

“O you who believe! Squander not your wealth among yourselves in vanity, but let there be trade and traffic amongst you by mutual goodwill.” (The Qur'an, 4: 29) Islam prohibits usury and, instead, prescribes trading which involves risktaking and is an essential ingredient of economic development.

The Qur'an categorically states:

“God has permitted trade and forbidden usury.” (The Qur'an, 2: 275) Though Islam encourages earning, it forbids all kinds of immoderate profiteering, thus protecting the interests and rights of consumers. The Islamic law (Shari'ah) condemns hoarding, cheating, bribing, monopolizing and other unethical practices in trade and commerce that may be deployed to increase earning and wealth. Islam makes it a religious obligation to give full measure and to use a correct balance while weighing.

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“Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight; that is the most fitting and the most advantageous in the final reckoning.” (The Qur'an, 17: 35) Islam protects the interests of the consumer and denounces unethical methods of trade and commerce and, at the same time, encourages honesty and mutual respect between the trader and the consumer. The Ahadith [sayings of Prophet Muhammad - (peace be upon Him)] quoted below are only a few examples to illustrate this point: 1. "The truthful and trustworthy merchant will have the same rank as that of the Prophets and martyrs."

2. "Be careful of making exaggerated claims on a product. It may find better market but (eventually) it becomes rejected and devoid of blessing."

3. "Whoever sells defective merchandise without disclosing the known defects continue to be in the wrath of God." 4. "Whoever monopolizes a trade is a sinner."

5. "Whoever hoards up food grains for forty days, intending thereby a higher price, detaches himself from God, and God disowns him."

6. "The two (seller and buyer) should not depart except by mutual consent."

7. "Verily, you are entrusted with two critical subjects (weight and measures), the mismanagement of which caused the ruin of by-gone nations."

8. "Every sin of a martyr shall be forgiven, except debts."

9. "Cursed are the bribe-taker and the bribe-giver."

The Qur’an categorically speaks about the severe displeasure of the Lord which awaits the greedy: “... for God does not love the arrogant, the boastful, those who are avaricious, or make others avaricious and conceal what God has given them of divine grace.” (The Qur'an, 4: 36-37) Islam strikes a perfect balance between earning and spending of wealth.

It forbids all unethical means deployed to accumulate it and stipulates a judicious approach in spending the same: "Let not your hand be chained (like a miser) nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like the extravagant) so that you become blameworthy and destitute."

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The Qur’an on Transactions People, by nature, are forgetful. That is why God commands the believers to write down transactions between them in the presence of witnesses:

“O you who believe! When you deal with each other in contracting a debt for a fixed time, then write it down; and let a scribe write it down between you with fairness; and the scribe should not refuse to write as God has taught him, so he should write; and let him who owes the debt dictate, and he should be careful of (his duty to) God, his Lord, and not diminish anything from it; but if he who owes the debt is unsound in understanding, or weak, or (if) he is not able to dictate himself, let his guardian dictate with fairness; and call in to witness from among your men two witnesses; but if there are not two men, then one man and two women from among those whom you choose to be witnesses, so that if one of the two errs, the second of the two may remind the other; and the witnesses should not refuse when they are summoned; and be not averse to writing it (whether it is) small or large, with the time of its falling due; this is more equitable in the sight of God and assures greater accuracy in testimony, and the nearest (way) that you may not entertain doubts (afterwards), except when it is ready merchandise which you give and take among yourselves from hand to hand, then there is no blame on you in not writing it down; and have witnesses when you barter with one another, and let no harm be done to the scribe or to the witness; and if you do (it) then surely it will be a transgression in you, and be careful of (your duty) to God, Allah teaches you, and Allah knows all things.” (The Qur’an, 2: 282) In another verse, it is stated that it would be better to remit debts:

“If the debtor is in difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But if you remit it by way of charity, that is best for you, if you only knew.” (The Qur’an, 2: 280)

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The Qur’an on Jihad

The generic term of Jihad means 'effort', 'striving' or 'struggle' towards establishing a state of inner and outer harmony through complete submission to the Creator. In religious perspective, Jihad refers to a struggle in the cause of God and the pursuit of truth. Jihad is broadly classified into: (a) the greater struggle (Jihad al-Akbar); (b) the lesser struggle (Jihad al-Asghar).

The former refers to the conquest of one's self in order to overcome temptations, evil desires and designs if all kinds. The latter implies individual and collective defense of human rights and the struggle against oppression. Abdullah Yusuf Ali, the renowned commentator on the Qur'an, makes the following observation on Jihad in his famous English translation and commentary of the Holy Qur'an: “Its essence consists in: (1) A true and sincere Faith, which so fixes its gaze on God, that all selfish or worldly motives seem paltry and fade away, and (2) An earnest and ceaseless activity, involving the sacrifice (if need be) of life, person or property, in the service of God. Mere brutal fighting is opposed to the whole spirit of Jihad, while the sincere scholar's pen or preacher's voice or wealthy man's contributions may be the most valuable forms of Jihad�.

If we ever wanted to know the truth of a matter, we should go to its source, and the source of Islam is the Qur'an. The following are some of the important verses from the Qur'an related to self-defense, war, violence, aggression, Jihad etc.

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“Permission to fight is given to those who are the victims of aggression.” (The Qur'an, 22: 39) “God forbids you to fight those who fight not for your faith and who do not drive you out of your homes. Be just and kind to them for God loves the just.” (The Qur'an, 60: 8) “And why should you not fight in the cause of God and for those men, women and children who, being weak are ill-treated and oppressed?” (The Qur'an, 4: 75) “If a wrong is committed against a person and he defends himself, then he commits no wrong and no blame attaches to him.

Blameworthy are those who oppress others and commit wrong and transgress with impunity and without just cause. Theirs will, indeed, be a grievous penalty. However, if one restrains and forgives, that is, indeed, courageous on his part.”

(The Qur'an, 42: 41-43) “Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not commit aggression, for God loves not aggressors.” (The Qur'an, 2: 190) “And if one has retaliated to no greater extent than the injury he received and is again set upon inordinately, God will help him.”

(The Qur'an, 22: 60) “Let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.”

(The Qur'an, 2: 193) “Virtue and vice can never be the same; then repel vice with virtue.

That is, indeed, much better. In the end, hatred will disappear and enemies will become friends.” (The Qur'an, 41: 34)

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The Qur’an against Extremism and Terrorism

“If anyone kills another - except in retaliation for murder or for causing corruption in the land - it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind; and whosoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved the whole of mankind.” (The Qur’an, 5: 32) Acts of terrorism is not confined to any one religion. Terrorists and extremists come from among followers if all religions, belief systems and groups. But the media often uses the term 'Islamic terrorists' or 'Islamic terrorism', thereby implying that terrorism is associated with Islam.

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The Qur’an on Sanctity of Life Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin.

Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause.

(The Qur’an, 17: 31, 33) “When news is conveyed to one of them of the birth of a female child, his face darkens with grief. Because of the 'bad news' that he received and out of shame, he hides himself from his people! He asks himself whether he shall keep the child in contempt or bury it beneath the dust. Verily evil is their judgement.”

(The Qur’an, 26: 58-59)

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The Qur’an on Promises and Trusts “[Successful are the believers]… Who are Faithful to their trusts and to their promises.” (The Qur'an, 23: 8) “And be true to every promise – for, verily you will be called to account for every promise which you have made.”

(The Qur'an 17:34) The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The Signs of a hypocrite are three: 1.

2.

Whenever he speaks, he lies.

Whenever he makes a promises, he breaks it.

3.

Whenever he is entrusted with anything, he proves to be dishonest (i.e if you keep something as a trust with him, he will not return it).”

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The Qur’an on Hygiene

Washing our hands is the single-most important means of preventing the spread of infections. Islam is a religion of cleanliness. God says in the Qur'an:

“O children of Adam!, Take your adornment at every Masjid (mosque), and eat and drink, but do not waste: verily, He does not love the wasteful.” (The Qur’an, 7: 31) Islam is a religion of purity. God says in the Qur'an:

“Indeed, God loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”(The Qur’an, 2: 222) Purity is a condition for the Prayer to be regarded valid, and the Prayer is an act of worship which a Muslim performs at least five times throughout his daily routine. Islam also requires that one bathe after sexual intercourse, and highly encourages taking a bath before performing those types of worship which are manifest symbols of Islam, such as the Friday Prayer and the greater and lesser Pilgrimage to Makkah.

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God says in the Glorious Qur’an:

“O you who believe! When you rise up for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads (with wet hands), and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of major ritual impurity (sexual impurity), purify yourselves (by taking a bath). And if you are sick or on a journey, or one of you comes from the answering a call of nature, or you have had contact with women, and you find no water, then go to clean earth and wipe your faces and hands with some of it. God does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you and to perfect His grace upon you so that you may give thanks.” (The Qur’an, 5: 6) Islam also encourages the washing of hands prior, and subsequent to, meals.

The messenger of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him), said:

"Food is blessed when one washes his hands before and after it."

(Tirmidhi) Islam encourages one should keep his, or her, mouth clean. The Messenger of Islam said:

"Had I not found it difficult for my followers, I would have ordered them to cleanse their teeth before every prayer." (Bukhari) Islam encourages cleansing and purifying those places that may become a breeding ground for germs and filth. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him), said:

"There are five acts which are from the innate nature with which God created humans: circumcision, removing the pubic hair, plucking the hair of the armpits, shortening the moustache, and clipping the nails." (Bukhari)

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The Qur’an on Good and Bad Deeds “Say: ‘Come, I will tell you what your Lord has made binding on you: that you ascribe no partner unto Him: that you show kindness to your parents; that you slay not your children because of poverty; We provide for you and for them; that you commit not any shameful deeds, openly or secretly; that you slay not the soul God has prohibited except by right. Thus God exhorts you that you may grow in wisdom.

Do not touch the property of orphans, but strive to improve their lot until they reach maturity. Give just weight and full measure.’ We never charge a soul with more than it can bear. When you speak, be just, even though it be against a relative. Be true to God's covenant.

Thus God exhorts you, so that you may take heed.”

(The Qur’an, 6: 151-152) “Say: ‘My Lord has forbidden only shameful deeds, whether outward or inward, and sin and wrongful oppression; and that you associate with God that for which no warrant has been revealed, or to tell of God what you do not know.

Every nation has its term; when their hour comes; they shall not put it back by a single hour nor will have it put forward.’ Children of Adam, when apostles of your own come to proclaim to you My revelations, those that take warning and mend their ways will have nothing to fear or to regret; but those that deny and scorn Our revelations shall be inhabitants of the fire, and there they shall remain forever.”

(The Qur’an, 7: 33-36) 84 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The Qur’an on Intoxicants and Gambling “They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: ‘In them is great sin and some profit for men; but the sin is greater than the profit.’

They ask thee how much they are to spend (in charity); say: ‘What is beyond your needs.’ Thus doth God make clear to you His Signs: in order that ye may consider.”

(The Qur'an, 2: 219) “O you who believe! intoxicants and gambling, idols and divining arrows are filthy tricks of Satan; avoid them so that you may prosper. Satan wants to incite enmity and hatred among you by means of wine and gambling and prevent you from remembering God and from Prayer (Salah). So will you not give them up?”

(The Qur’an, 5: 90-91)

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Religion at Harmony with Nature

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The Qur’an on the Concept of Creation and Life “Do not the unbelievers perceive that the heavens and the earth were unified together (as one unit of creation), and then We split them apart? And We made from water all living things — will they not have faith? And We set upon the earth immovable mountains, lest it quake with them.” (The Qur’an, 21: 30, 31) “We did create human being out of the essence of clay; then We caused him to remain as a drop of sperm in (the womb's) firm keeping. Thereafter, We fashioned the sperm into something that clings (alaqa), which We then fashioned into a chewed lump (Modgha); We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh. Then We nurse him unto another act of creation. Blessed is God, the “best of Creators. After that, at length, you will die.

Again on the Day of Resurrection you will be raised up.”

(The Qur’an, 23: 12-16) “Lo! The likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said unto him, ‘Be!’ and he was.”

(The Qur’an, 3: 59) God's creation is meaningful and life has a sublime purpose beyond the physical needs and material activities of man. Life is a brilliant demonstration of God's wisdom and knowledge, a vivid reflection of His art and power - He is the Giver and Creator of life; nothing comes to existence by chance. Man enjoys an especially high-ranking status in the hierarchy of all the known creatures. He occupies this distinguished position because he alone is gifted with rational faculties and spiritual aspirations as well as powers of action. Man is characterized as God's viceroy on earth. But the more his rank excels, the more his responsibilities grow as a person who is potentially capable of good and noble achievements. The fact that God chose His messengers from the human race shows that man is trustworthy and capable, and that he can acquire immense treasures of goodness.

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The Qur’an on the Creation of the Heavens and the Earth In contrast to the Old Testament, the Qur’an does not provide a unified description of Creation. Instead of a continuous narration, there are passages scattered all over the Book which deal with certain aspects of the creation and provide information on the successive events marking its development with varying degrees of detail.

“Your Lord is God Who created the heavens and the earth in six days.” (The Qur’an, 7: 54) The number of verses in which the earth is mentioned first is quite small, e.g., Surah 2, verse 29 and Surah 20, verse 4, where a reference is made to “Him Who created the earth and the high heavens.” The number of verses where the heavens are mentioned before the Earth is, on the other hand, much larger: Surah 7, verse 54 ; Surah 10, verse 3; Surah 11, verse 7; Surah 25, verse 59; Surah 32, verse 4; Surah 50, verse 38; Surah 57, verse 4; Surah 79, verses 27 to 33; Surah 91, verses 5 to 10.

The Qur’an presents in two verses a brief synthesis of the phenomena that constituted the basic process of the formation of the Universe.

“Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then We clove them asunder and We got every living thing out of the water. Will they not then believe?”

(The Qur’an, 21: 30) “(God) is the One Who created for you all that is on the earth.

Moreover, He turned to the heaven and fashioned seven heavens with harmony. He is full of Knowledge of all things.”

(The Qur’an, 2: 29) The six periods or epochs of the creation of the heavens and the earth covered, according to the Qur'an, the formation of the celestial bodies and the earth, and the development of the latter until (with its 'sustenance') it became inhabitable by man.

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The Qur’an and Astronomy

“(God) is the One Who has set out for you the stars, that you may guide yourselves by them through the darkness of the land and of the sea. We have detailed the signs for a people who know.”

(The Qur’an, 6: 97) “God is the One Who made the sun a shining glory and the moon a light and for her ordained mansions, so that you might know the number of years and the reckoning (of time). God created this in truth. He explains the signs in detail for people who know.”

(The Qur’an, 10: 5) “Blessed is the One Who placed the constellations in heaven and placed therein a lamp and a moon giving light.”

(The Qur’an, 25: 61)

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“By the sky and the Night-Visitor. What will make thee know what the Night-Visitor is? (It is) the Star of piercing brightness.”

(The Qur’an, 86:1-3) “We have, indeed, adorned the lowest heaven with an ornamentthe planets.” (The Qur’an, 37: 6) “(God is) the One Who created the night, the day, the sun and the moon. Each one is travelling in an orbit with its own motion.”

(The Qur’an, 21: 33) “The sun does not catch up with the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. Each one is travelling in an orbit with its own motion.” (The Qur’an, 36: 40) “(God) covers the day with the night which is in haste to follow it . . .” (The Qur’an, 7: 54) “And a sign for them (human beings) is the night.

We strip it of the day and they are in darkness.”

(The Qur’an, 36: 37) “Hast thou not seen how God merges the night into the day and merges the day into the night.” (The Qur’an, 31: 29) “. . . He coils the night upon the day and He coils the day upon the night.” (The Qur’an, 39: 5) The expansion of the Universe is the most imposing discovery of modern science. Today, it is a firmly established concept with the debate only centering on the way this is taking place.

“The heaven, We have built it with power. Verily, We are expanding it.” (The Qur’an, 51: 47) Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 93

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The Qur’an on the Origin of the Universe The science of modern cosmology clearly indicates that at one point in time, the whole universe was nothing but a cloud of ‘smoke’ (i.e., an opaque, highly dense and hot gaseous composition). This is one of the undisputed theories of science.

God says in the Qur’an:

“Then He turned to the heaven when it was smoke…”

(The Qur’an, 41: 11) “Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were one connected entity, and that We then separated them?” (The Qur’an, 21: 30)

The Qur’an on this Magnificent Universe “It is we who have built the universe with (Our creative) power and, verily, it is we who are steadily expanding it.” (The Qur’an, 51: 47)

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The Qur'an on the Solar System “Hallowed is He who has placed in the sky a group of planetary bodies, and has placed among them a lamp and a light-giving moon.” (The Qur’an, 25: 61)

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The Qur’an on Stars A typical galaxy contains hundreds of billions of stars. Astronomers estimate that there are at least 70 sextillion stars in the known universe. That is 70 000 000 000 000 000 000 000, or 230 billion times as many as the 300 billion in our own galaxy, the Milky Way. Many stars are between one billion and 10 billion years old. Some stars may even be close to 13.7 billion years old, which is the observed age of the universe.

They range in size from the tiny neutron stars (which are actually dead stars) no bigger than a city, to super-giants like the North Star (Polaris) and Betelgeuse, in the Orion constellation, which have a diameter about 1,000 times larger than the Sun — about 1.6 tetrameters. However, these have a much lower density than the Sun. “Behold! We have adorned the sky nearest to the earth with the beauty of stars.

He is the One who made the stars as guidance for you in the darkness of the land and the sea.” (The Qur’an, 67: 5)

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The universe is made up of anywhere between 50 billion to 200 billion galaxies.

Our galaxy contains about 100 billion stars, and so, at a rough guess, you are looking at the total number of stars in the universe as being multiplied by 100 billion. Is it possible to get your head around these numbers? A simpler way of putting it is: "There are more stars in the heavens than grains of sand on all the beaches on Earth."

Scientists tell us that the smallest star is 80 times this globe and that there are billions like this in the heavens above.

Have you considered the Power that could have created this awesome, mindboggling number of celestial bodies?

"[O MEN!] Are you more difficult to create than the heaven which He has built?" (The Qur'an, 79: 27)

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The Qur'an on the Sun “It is He Who made the sun radiate a brilliant light and the moon reflect a luster, and ordained for it stages, that you might know the number of years and the reckoning of time.”

(The Qur’an, 10: 5) “Of His signs are the night and the day and the sun and the moon.

Do not adore the sun or the moon but adore God who has created them, if it is, indeed, Him you worship.”

(The Qur’an, 41: 37)

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The Qur'an on the Moon “Blessed be He who placed constellations in the sky and put a blazing lamp and shining moon among them.”

(The Qur’an, 25: 26)

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The Qur’an on Planet Earth “Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then We clove them asunder, and made from water every living thing? Will they not then believe?” (The Qur’an, 21: 30) “Do they not see the earth, how We have brought forth from it all kinds of beneficial plants? Surely, in that is a Sign.”

(The Qur’an, 67: 19)

The Qur’an on the Meteors that Fall on Earth When meteors fall on other planets, they create giant craters, but when they fall on earth, they don’t cause much harm.

So how do meteors cause great damage to the surface of other planets, but not to the surface of the earth?

The reason for this is the atmosphere that surrounds earth. The atmosphere envelops our planet as a protective shield. A meteor entering the atmosphere shrinks through combustion. When it comes closer to the surface of earth, it becomes even smaller. Therefore, the meteor becomes very small or even diminishes and disappears completely by the time it reaches the surface of the earth, and causes us no harm.

Ever thought about how, and why, the Earth is lucky to be in the perfect position, at the perfect angle and embodied with the best atmospheric conditions, while the rest of the planets are so unsuitable for life to exist? God says in the Qur’an:

“We made the sky a preserved and protected roof; yet do they still turn away Our signs.”

(The Qur’an, 21: 32)

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The Qur’an on the Cosmic Call “It is God who splits the grain and the date-stone. He brings forth the living from the dead, and the dead from the living.

Such is God. How, then, can you turn away from Him? He splits the sky into dawn.

He has made the night for repose and the sun and the moon for a reckoning. Such is the ordinance of God, the Mighty, the Wise.

It is He who has created for you the stars, that you may be guided by them in the darkness of land and sea. We have made plain our signs for people who understand.

It is He who sent down water from the sky. With it, We bring forth the shoot of every plant and then We have brought forth its green leaf and from it, close-compounded grain; and out of the date-palm, from its pollen, dates thick-clustered, ready to the hand; and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, like and unlike one another. Look upon their fruits when they fructify and ripen. Surely, in all this are signs for people who believe.

Yet, they ascribe as partners unto Him, the jinn, though He created them, and they impute unto Him, sons and daughters without any knowledge. Glory be to Him and exalted be He above what they describe.

The Creator of the heavens and the earth: how can He have a son, when there is, for Him, no consort; when He created all things and He has knowledge of all things?”

(The Qur’an, 6: 96-102)

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The Qur’an on Nature

A remarkable feature about the Qur’an is that it puts forward, in an arresting manner a broad range of verses, which directly call human beings to observe, reflect and utilize all available natural resources, on the one hand and to understand the powers of the Creator, on the other. Hundreds of verses of the Qur’an repeatedly highlight the various manifestations of nature. The Qur’anic exemplification of nature is unique in its approach, usefulness and essence.

Although the Noble Qur’an does not include all the verses about nature at one place, it appears feasible to analyze thoroughly all the related verses and to conceptualize the Qur’anic idea about the exemplification of nature.

“In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day there are, indeed, signs for people of understanding, who remember Allah standing, sitting and lying on their sides and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth, which impels them to supplicate: ‘Lord, Thou hast not created this without purpose, Glory be to Thee!.”

(The Qur’an, 3: 191-192)

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The Qur’an on the Animal Kingdom

Somewhere around nine to ten million species of animals inhabit the earth, the exact number is not known and even our estimates are very rough. Insects abound with around one million named species and perhaps, several times that number unnamed.

Insects account for a great majority of the species of living beings on earth. The class, Mammalia, includes about 5,000 species placed in 26 orders. There are about 30 orders of birds, about 180 families and about 2,000 genera with 10,000 species.

There are, in addition, the bacteria (a unicellular creature) and viruses (another unicellular creature) - the smallest organisms.

“It is God who has provided you with the beasts, so that you may ride on some and eat the flesh of others. You put them to many uses.

They take you where you wish to go, carrying you by land as ships carry you by sea. And He shows you His signs.

Then, which of God’s signs do you reject?”

(The Qur’an, 40: 79-81) Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 107

The Qur’an on Honey Honey has long been recognized as a natural remedy and has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. A good source of antioxidants, it plays a big role in the prevention of cancer as well as heart disease. Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation.

“Your Lord revealed to the bees: ‘Build dwellings in the mountains and the trees, and also in the structures which men erect.

Then eat from every kind of fruit and travel the paths of your Lord, which have been made easy for you to follow.’ From inside them comes a drink of varying colours, containing healing for mankind.

There is certainly a sign in that for people who reflect.”

(The Qur’an, 16: 68-69) These amazing verses from the Qur'an reflect the evidence of the truth of Islam which was revealed more than 1,400 years ago!

Did you know?

To make one-pound of honey, bees must collect the nectar from about two million flowers!

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The Bee’s Flawless Anatomy A report in Byte, one of the world's most popular computer magazines, contained some very interesting information about honeybees.

The magazine compared bees' brains to computers! According to the results of a study reported in the magazine, the bee's brain works at a rate superior to the most highly advanced computer. Today's most advanced computers can compute sixteen billion computations a second. The figure for the bee's brain is 625 times greater than this: ten trillion.

What's more, the bees brain also consumes less energy than a computer in performing all these computations, the energy consumed by ten million bees is the same as that used by a single 100 watt bulb. (The bee’s brain consumes less than 10 micro watts of energy) All the bee's flawless structures developed from within a tiny cell in which it completed its development stages. The physical structure of bees is just one of the proofs of God's incomparable creative artistry and infinite knowledge. Indeed God reveals that His knowledge pervades everything:

“Your deity is God alone; there is no deity but Him. He encompasses all things in His knowledge” (The Qur’an, 20: 98)

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The Qur’an on the Environment Every individual should realize his true responsibility on this earth as regards the truth of vicegerency. Man should abandon frivolity, oppression and lack of concern for the environment. Man should care for the environment in the same way that it was given to us as a trust by its Creator and true Owner.

God, to Whom be ascribed all perfection and majesty, says in the Qur’an:

“For, to God belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is in between.” (The Qur’an, 5: 120) The Shari'ah goes on to qualify man’s right of ownership as not being an absolute right which allows the owner to monopolize it for his own personal interests in an absolute fashion. Rather, this right is portrayed as a kind of vicegerency from the true Owner - the one and only God. Thus, man should respect, in the use of this right, the purpose and wisdom for which God made him a vicegerent of His property. Jurists consider an individual's possession of property as a form of vicegerency from the true Owner of everything which is on earth.

God, to Whom be ascribed all Perfection and Majesty, says in Qur’an:

“And spend (in charity) out of the (substance) whereof He has made you heirs.”

(The Qur’an, 57: 7) “It is He Who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you...”

(The Qur’an, 6: 165) In the light of this belief, it is necessary to truly understand the environment - its elements, constituents and reciprocal relations, together with the need to make a serious collective effort to protect this environment and to guarantee its continuation as an acceptable habitat for life in the present and the future.

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The Qur’an on Plants “It is He who sends down water from the sky, and brings forth with it every kind of growing thing. Then from it We bring forth vegetation from which We produce the grain, in clusters, and from the palm-tree, from the spathes of it, low-hanging clusters [of dates], and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Look at its fruit as it fructifies and ripens.

Indeed there are signs in that for a people who have faith.�

(The Qur'an, 9: 66) Don't we notice plants of differing and similar kinds, which are all fed by the same kind of water? Yet, the fruit they yield is totally different from one another in taste, color, and fragrance!

Is this not an irrefutable fact ? Evidence of the truth of Islam.

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The Qur’an on Seeds

Everyone knows that plants come from seeds. However, hardly anyone gives a thought to how plants of such diverse kinds come out of a wood-like bit; how the information about these plants is placed in their seeds; or how this information is individually decoded. How is it that a seed grows up to form fruits with just the right amount of sugar, special fragrance, and distinct taste? Who determines the form and colour of fruits and flowers?

"Verily! It is God Who causes the seed-grain and the fruit-stone (like date-stone) to split and sprout." (The Qur'an, 6: 95)

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The Qur’an on the Sky “Have they not looked at the sky above them: how We have made it and adorned it, and how there are no flaws in it?”

(The Qur’an, 50: 6) “It is He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again – do you see any gaps? Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you dazzled and exhausted!” (The Qur’an, 67: 3-4) “It is God who raised up the heavens without visible supports…”

(The Qur’an, 13: 2) “We built the heaven with Our might giving it a vast expanse, and stretched the earth beneath. Gracious is He who spread it out.”

(The Qur’an 51: 47-49) The aforementioned verses of the Qur’an clearly indicate that God almighty raised the skies without any supports.

The flawless excellence of God’s creation is evident in the natural world. The above verses of the Qur'an explain this beautifully.

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The Qur’an on Clouds Clouds are masses of water droplets and ice crystals that float in the sky. They are formed by a process that begins when warm, moist, air rises. Cumulonimbus are the largest clouds and can tower eleven miles (eighteen kilometers) into the sky. These clouds may contain up to 110,000 tons of water. No two clouds are exactly the same. Without clouds and other constituents of the earth’s atmosphere, the surface of our planet would reach a temperature of 1760C at the equator by day, and 2200C at night!

“It is He Who sends the winds like heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy. When they have carried the heavy-laden CLOUDS, We drive them to a land that is dead, make rain to descend thereon, and produce every kind of harvest therewith. Thus shall We raise up the dead: perchance ye may remember.” (The Qur’an, 7: 57) “Do you not see that God propels the clouds, and then makes them coalesce, then heaps them up, and then you see the rain come pouring out of the middle of them?” (The Qur'an, 24: 43) The weight of clouds can reach quite astonishing proportions. For example, a cumulonimbus cloud, commonly known as the thunder cloud, can contain up to 300,000 tons of water. The fact that a mass of 300,000 tons of water can remain aloft is truly amazing. Attention is drawn to the weight of clouds in other verses of the Qur'an.

At the time when the Qur'an was revealed, it was quite impossible to have any information about the weight of clouds. This information, revealed in the Qur'an 1400 years ago, was discovered only recently.

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The Qur’an on Rain

“Do you not see how God sends water out of the skies? It penetrates the earth, and gathers in springs beneath? With it, He brings forth crops of diverse hues. Then they wither, and you see them turning yellow; then He crumbles them to dust. Surely, in that is a warning for people who understand.”

(The Qur’an, 39:21) “Do you not see that God sends down water from the sky and forthwith the earth is covered in green? God is All-Subtle, AllAware.”(The Qur’an, 22:63)

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The Qur’an on Rain that Comes in Due Measure This measured quantity in rain has again been discovered by modern research.

It is estimated that, in one second, approximately sixteen million tons of water evaporate from the Earth. This figure amounts to 513 trillion tons of water in one year. This number is equal to the amount of rain that falls on the Earth in a year.

Therefore, water continuously circulates in a balanced cycle, according to a ‘measure.’ And this is exactly what the Qur’an revealed 1400 years ago!

“It is He Who sends down water in due measure from the sky by which We bring a dead land back to life. That is how you, too, will be raised [from the dead].” (The Qur’an, 43: 11)

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118 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The Qur’an on Seas One of the manifestations of God's creation is the mysterious retention of identity of water for considerable depth when two seas join each other.

"And it is He Who has released (simultaneously) the two seas (i.e., bodies of water), one fresh and sweet and another salty and bitter, and He placed between them a barrier and a prohibiting partition."

(The Qur’an, 25: 53) This manifestation of Divine creation can be seen where the Mediterranean Sea water joins the Atlantic Ocean. Waters of the Mediterranean Sea are warm, saline and less dense, compared to the water from the Atlantic Ocean. When it gets into Atlantic Ocean over the Strait of Gibraltar, it moves several hundred kilometers into the Atlantic at a depth of about 1,000 meters with its own warm, saline and less dense characteristics. Although there are large waves, strong currents and tides raging in these seas, they do not mix or transgress this barrier. The Qur'an explains this phenomenon again:

"He has set free the two seas meeting together.

There is a barrier between them. They do not transgress."

(The Qur'an, 55: 19) The aforementioned verses of the Qur'an were revealed 1400 years ago.

However, it is only in recent years that modern science has discovered that, in estuaries, where sweet and salt water meet, there is a "Pycnocline zone" with a marked density discontinuity separating the two layers. This partition has a different salinity from the fresh water and the salt water.

“The two seas are not equal: this is sweet, delightful to taste, delicious to drink, and that is salty, bitter to the tongue.

Yet, from both, you eat fresh fish, and bring forth, out of it, ornaments to wear. See how the ships plough their way through them, as you sail away to seek His bounty.”

(The Qur’an, 35: 12)

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120 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The Qur’an on Oceans “Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the OCEAN for the profit of mankind; in the rain which God sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth: (here) indeed, are Signs for a people that are wise.” (The Qur’an, 2: 164)

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The Qur’an on Mountains "We placed firmly embedded mountains on the earth, so it would not move under them…" (The Qur’an, 21: 31) “Have We not made the earth as a bed and the mountains as pegs?” (The Qur’an, 78: 6-7) Modern science has established the fact that mountains have deep roots under the surface of the ground, and that these roots can reach several times their elevations above the earth’s surface. The verse states that mountains perform the function of preventing shocks in the earth. This fact was not known by anyone at the time the Qur'an was revealed. It was, in fact, brought to light only recently, as a result of the finding of modern geological research.

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The Qur’an on the Miracle in the Iron

“And We sent down iron, wherein is great might and benefits for the people.” (The Qur'an, 57: 25) When we take into consideration the literal meaning of the word ‘sent down’ which is, ‘being physically sent down from the sky,’ we realize that this verse implies a ver y significant scientific miracle. This is because modern astronomical findings have disclosed that the iron found in our world has come from the giant stars in outer space. The heavy metals in the universe are produced in the nuclei of big stars.

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124 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The Qur’an on the Atom The atom bomb, for all its immense destructive power, utilizes only 1/1000th of the total energy sealed within the Atom. Who placed this immense energy in the tiny atom?

Air, water, mountains, animals, plants, your body, the armchair in which you sit, in short, everything, from the smallest to the largest thing that you see, touch and feel, are made up of atoms. Both of your hands and also this book you’re holding now are made up of atoms. Atoms are particles so small that it is impossible to see even one of them without using the most powerful microscopes. The diameter of a single atom is one-millionth of a millimeter.

It is not possible for a man to visualize such an immensely tiny scale. Therefore, let us try to approach it using an example. Assume that you hold a key in your hand. Undoubtedly, it is not possible for you to see the atoms of this key. In order to see them, let's assume that we bring the size of this key to the size of the Earth itself. Once the key becomes as large as the Earth, then each atom inside the key is the size of a cherry, and so we could finally see them.

What, then, exists in such a small structure? In spite of its small size, inside an atom exists a perfect, unique and complex system. Every atom consists of a central nucleus and electrons revolving around the nucleus in very distinct orbits.

The nucleus is located at the center of the atom and contains a certain number of protons and neutrons according to the characteristics of the atom.

What we have recounted so far are only a few details about the perfect system that exists in a single atom. In fact, an atom contains an extensive structure on which entire volumes of books can be written. The Qur’an revealed that there is something smaller than the atom. The atom was believed to be the smallest structure, but today we know that there are electrons, protons and neutrons.

“God is aware of an atom’s weight in the heavens and on the earth and even anything smaller than that...”

(The Qur’an, 34: 3)

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126 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The Qur’an on Embryology and the Creation of the Human Being Many diverse subjects are mentioned in the Qur'an in the course of inviting people to believe. Sometimes the heavens, sometimes the animals, and sometimes the plants are shown by God as evidences for man's benefit of a better understanding. In many of the verses, people are called upon to turn their attention to their own creation. They are often reminded as to how man has come into the world, which stages he has passed through and what his essence is.

“It is We Who have created you. Why, then, do you not accept the truth? Have you ever considered that (seed) which you emit?

Is it you who create it? Or are We the Creator?”

(The Qur'an, 56: 57-59) “Man We did create from a quintessence of clay. Then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a safe place of rest. Then We made the drop a clot; then of that clot We made a lump of flesh; then We made out of that lump of flesh bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then We brought this into being as a new creation. So blessed be God, the best to create! (The Qur'an, 23: 12-14) All this information given in the Qur'an about the formation of man demonstrates that the Qur'an came from a source that knows about this formation down to its slightest detail.

This once more proves that the Qur'an is the word of God. It would be sheer nonsense to claim that the information yielded by the Qur'an about birth is “coincidentally” correct: for there are many details revealed in the Qur'an and such a detailed account has no chance whatsoever of “coincidentally” agreeing with the truth in every respect. Every description of the Qur'an is true because every verse of it comprise of the words of God. And it is God Who has created and shaped man in the mother's womb.

“We create man…We are nearer to him than his jugular vein!”

(The Qur'an, 50: 16)

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Knowing Islam

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Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 129

What is Islam all about?

Islam is all about

Worshipping the Creator, Not His creation!

Acknowledging divine guidance

Love and fear of God Almighty

Human values, care for the family, charity and prayer

Peace, justice, tolerance, love and compassion

Diversity and respect for humanity

Kindness towards parents and respect for family life

Concern for one’s neighbours

Equality and humility

Human rights, women rights

Taking care of widows and orphans

Keeping promises and safeguarding trusts

Acquiring knowledge and pursuit of knowledge

Brotherhood and unity

Compassion and generous giving

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Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 131

Qur’anic Commandments

Associate none with the Creator.

Be good to your parents

Do not kill your children for fear of poverty; God will provide for you and for them.

Do not come near indecent acts, openly or in secret.

Do not take life which God has made sacred, except through the (due process) of law.

Do not misuse the orphan’s property but strive to improve it until he attains maturity.

Give full measure and full weight with all fairness.

Speak, justly, even though it may be against a relative.

Fulfill your solemn agreement with God.

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The Qur’an on the Doctrine of Islam The main doctrine of Islam is that the purpose of existence of man, as of all other creatures, is the submission to the inimitable laws of God. But whereas nature, in general, obeys God's laws instinctively, man alone possesses the choice to comply, or to disobey. The consequences of man's action are judged by God, He being the Creator and the real lawmaker in this universe. There is, however, no compulsion in Islam and man is encouraged to reason out, to seek, to question and to judge.

This naturally generates a moral struggle, manifested by man's constant endeavour to comfort and for the satisfaction of his inner self and, thereby, to look beyond himself to utilize his many potentialities for the sake of others. This is a far-reaching responsibility which, according to the Islamic perspective, is a vital purpose of our existence.

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The Qur’an on Free Will “Say: The Truth has come from your Lord. Let him who will, believe it, and let him who will, reject it.”

(The Qur’an, 18: 29) “Whosoever chooses to follow guidance follows it for his own good; whosoever goes astray, goes astray to his own loss.”

(The Qur’an, 17: 15) “And [look at the witness] by the human self, and how suitably has He formed it [to fulfill its purpose in life], and then imbued it with [tendencies for] evil as well as good.

Successful is He who develops his self [in goodness], and failed is he who buries it [in evil-doing].”

(The Qur’an, 91: 7-9)

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Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 135

The Qur’an on the Right Path “Have We not provided them with a pair of eyes, a tongue and two lips? And We showed them the two highways.

But they have not embarked upon the steep road. And what will convey to you what the steep road is? [It is in the] emancipation of a slave, or feeding on a day of hunger an orphaned relative or a pauper in misery. Then will one be of those who believe, and enjoin patience on one another and exhort each other to kindness: They are the companions of the Right Hand.” (The Qur'an, 90: 8-18)

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The Qur'an on the Concept of Morality “Lo! Men and women who submit unto God, and men and women who believe, and men and women who are devout, and men and women who are truthful, and men and women who are patient and constant, Men and women who are humble, and men and women who give in charity, and men and women who fast, and men and women who guard their chastity, and men and women who remember God much: To them God has promised forgiveness and a great reward.” (The Qur'an, 33: 35) “These will be given their reward twice over, because they are steadfast and repel evil with good, and spend of that wherewith We have provided them.” (The Qur'an, 28: 54) The concept of morality in Islam centers on certain basic beliefs and principles.

Among these are the following: 1.

God is the Creator and source of all goodness, truth, and beauty.

2.

Man is a responsible, dignified, and honourable agent of his Creator.

3.

God has put everything in the heavens and the earth in the service of mankind.

4.

By His mercy and wisdom, God does not accept the impossible from man or hold him accountable for anything beyond his power. Nor does God forbid man to enjoy the good things of life.

5.

Moderation, practicality, and balance are the guarantees of high integrity and sound morality.

6.

All things are permissible in principle expect what is singled out as obligatory, which must be observed, and what is singled out as forbidden, must be avoided.

7.

Man's ultimate responsibility is to God and his highest goal is the pleasure of his Creator.

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The Qur’an on the Gravest Sin To contradict the purpose of one's creation is then the greatest evil that a human being can commit. 'Abdullah (a companion of the Prophet) reported that he asked Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him), which sin is the gravest in Allah's sight and he replied,

“To give God a partner equal, even though He created you.”

Worshipping others beside God, called Shirk in Arabic, is the gravest sin. If a human being dies without repenting from his or her sins, Allah may forgive all their sins except Shirk. In this regard, God states the following in the Qur'an:

“Surely God will not forgive the worship of others besides Him, but He forgives sins less than that to whomever He wishes.”

(The Qur'an, 4: 48) Worshipping others besides God essentially involves giving the attributes of the Creator to His creation. Each sect or religion does this in their own particular way.

A small but very vocal group of people down through the ages have actually denied God's existence. To justify their rejection of the Creator, they were obliged to make the illogical claim that this world has no beginning.

Their claim is illogical because all of the observable parts of the world have beginnings in time, and therefore, it is only reasonable to expect the sum of the parts to also have a beginning.

It is also only logical to assume that whatever caused the world to come into existence could not have been a part of the world nor could it have a beginning like the world.

The atheist's assertion that the world has on beginning means that the matter which makes up the universe is eternal.

This is a statement of Shirk, whereby God's attribute of being without beginning is given to His creation.

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The Qur’an on Repentance The Merciful, The Forgiving In the creation of humankind, the divine attributes of forgiveness, mercy and kindness are also manifested. Human beings were created good and pure with a natural awareness of good and evil. The Almighty also created in them human desires, and gave them an ability to control those desires according to divine law or to turn them loose and follow them blindly. God created mankind knowing that they would disobey Him. He however created them with the desire to seek repentance.

Consequently, He taught human beings, beginning with Adam, how to repent and thereby purify themselves of their sins. Adam and Eve represent a pattern for all mankind to follow. They forgot the commandment of God, and Satan played on their desires. After they had disobeyed God, they turned back to Him in repentance, and He forgave them. In humankind's disobedience and turning back to God in repentance, the divine attributes of total forgiveness and infinite mercy become manifest. The final Prophet (peace be upon Him) informed his followers of this reality, saying:

“If you did not commit sins and turn to God, seeking His forgiveness, He would have replaced you with another people who would sin, but would ask God for His forgiveness, and He would forgive them.”

Every one of the 114 chapters of the final revelation, except one, begins with the invocation: 'In the name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.'

Allah's attributes of mercy and forgiveness are stressed to encourage humans not to fall into despair. No matter how great the sins of human beings may be, God will forgive them if man turns back to Him in sincere repentance.

The Messenger (peace be upon Him) was quoted as saying:

“When God created the universe, He made an obligation on Himself [recorded] in a document kept by Him: My mercy supersedes my wrath.”

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The Qur’an on Virtue and Righteousness It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah fearing.

(The Qur'an, 2: 177) O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). (The Qur'an, 49: 13) “Indeed, whoever they might be - Muslims, Jews, Sabians or Christians - whosoever believes in God and the Last Day and acts righteously, have nothing to fear, and they will not grieve.”

(The Qur’an, 5: 59) “ Do not obscure truth with falsehood, or knowingly conceal the truth.” (The Qur’an, 2: 42) “Those who are generous in good times and in bad, and who withhold anger, and who pardon people - for God loves those who do good.” (The Qur’an, 3: 134) “Anyone, male or female, who does what is good and has Faith will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least.”

(The Qur’an, 4: 124)

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By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. (The Qur’an, 103: 1) “Virtue and vice can never be the same; then repel vice by virtue.

This is, indeed, much better. In the end hatred will disappear and enemies will become friends.” (The Qur'an, 41: 34) “If a wrong is committed against a person and he defends himself then he commits no wrong and no blame attaches to him.

Blameworthy are those who oppress others and commit wrong and transgress with impunity and without just cause. Theirs will, indeed, be a grievous penalty. However, if one restrains and forgives, that is, indeed, courageous on his part. It will smooth the conduct of affairs.” (The Qur'an, 42: 41-43) “Worship nothing but God, be good to your parents and relatives, and to the orphan and the needy. Speak nicely to people, be constant in prayer and share your wealth with the poor.”

(The Qur'an, 2: 83) “If at the time of division (of the heritage) other relatives, or orphans or poor are present, give them out of the property and speak kindly to them.” (The Qur'an, 4: 8) “Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none save Him and that ye show kindness to parents. If one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them; but address them in terms of honour. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: 'My Lord! Bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me when I was little.”

(The Qur'an, 17: 23-24) Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 141

The Qur’an on Trust in God

….put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). If Allah helps you, none can overcome you: If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? in Allah, then, Let believers put their trust (The Qur'an, 3: 159, 160) O ye who believe! Call in remembrance the favour of Allah unto you when certain men formed the design to stretch out their hands against you, but (Allah) held back their hands from you: so fear Allah. And on Allah let believers put (all) their trust. ……on Allah put your trust if ye have faith." (The Qur'an, 5:11, 23) For, Believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put (all) their trust in their Lord; (The Qur'an, 8:2) 142 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The Qur’an on Obeying God

“There is but one God. In Him let the believers put their trust.

O ye who believe! Truly, among your wives and your children are (some that are) enemies to yourselves: so beware of them! But if ye forgive and overlook, and cover up (their faults), verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Your wealth and children are but a temptation. God's reward is great. Therefore, fear Him as far as you are able and be attentive, obedient and charitable for the good of your own selves; for those who are guarded from their own avarice will surely prosper. If you give God a generous loan, He will repay you two fold and will forgive you, for God is ever responsive to gratitude and most forbearing.� (The Qur'an, 64: 13-18) O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.

He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah. But if any turn away, We have not sent thee to watch over their (evil deeds).

(The Qur'an, 4:59, 80) Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 143

Looking for Peace in Life?

Islam is a way of life symbolized by peace – peace with God, peace within oneself, and peace with the creation of God through submission to God and commitment to His guidance.

Isn't it very logical then, to acknowledge the fact, to know our Creator and Provider, to be grateful to Him and to submit ourselves and our life to His Wise and Merciful guidance?

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Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 145

Peace is Islam

THE HOLY QUR’AN is undoubtedly a book of peace. It is not a book of war and violence. This can be judged from the fact that all of the Qur’an's pronouncements are directly or indirectly related to peace. Its opening invocation – ‘In the name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful’ – is a verse that has been repeated in the Qur’an no less than 114 times. This is an indication that the greatest attribute of the Supreme Being who sent this book to mankind is mercy. Indeed, the theme of this entire holy book is God's allembracing compassion. Those who accept the Qur’an as the Book of God will be regarded as true believers only when they follow its admonitions and become peace-loving in the full sense of the word. Under no circumstances, should they launch themselves on violent courses of action. Those who have abandoned the teachings of Islam can have no claim to be Islamic in their conduct, even if by their own lights they regard themselves as champions of Islam. Muslims are Muslims only when they follow the basic teachings of their religion. Peace is a product of a positive mental attitude, while violence is the result of negative thinking. Peace is the natural state of society: violence is an unnatural state.

And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace!" (The Qur'an, 25:63) "Peace!" - a word (of salutation) from a Lord Most Merciful (The Qur'an, 36:58) 146 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

Peace is as much in accordance with nature's plan as violence is against it. When peaceful conditions prevail in society, all activities take place in their proper form. But if the atmosphere of peace is disturbed, the normal functioning of society is disrupted. This law applies to man, as well as to the entire universe.

According to the scheme of nature, peace is the only secret of smooth functioning in human society as well as in the rest of the universe. Peace, therefore, is such a basic requirement of man, that it is crucial to maintain it in all situations. Without peace, there can be neither development nor progress.

We must maintain peace unilaterally, for nothing that we desire can be achieved without it. If we fail to establish peace, then we must face destruction in every field of life. The option for us is not between peace and no peace, but between peace and annihilation. Without peace, there is no hope for the survival of mankind.

The Qur’an puts on record the many names or attributes of God, one of them being As-Salam, that is, Peace. God loves peace and security so much that He chose Peace as one of His names. That is to say, that God Himself is the embodiment of peace.

“God is the Being from Whom all people feel safe and secure.

From Whom people have the experience only of peace, not of violence." (Al-Qurtubi) God has set the highest conceivable standards. That is, when God's dealings with human beings are based on peace and security, then man should also deal with other human beings in a peaceable manner, and not with harshness or violence. In the fourth chapter of the Qur’an, the following injunction has been given: "Do not go to excess in your religion." (The Qur'an, 4: 171) The same point has been made in a hadith. The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) observed: "You should restrain yourselves from committing excesses (ghulu) in religion. For it was due to their having gone to extremes in religion that the previous communities were destroyed."

(Al-Nasai, Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad, 1/215, 347) The Qur'an states: “If someone kills another person, unless it is in retaliation for someone else or for causing corruption on the earth, it is as if he had murdered all mankind."

(The Qur'an, 5: 32) Murder is a horrendous act. The killing of a human being is not permissible. As we know, the Qur’an is a book – an ideological book. It is not a gun or a sword.

This implies that we should strive peacefully to make the ideas of the Qur’an understandable by presenting them in the form of logical arguments.

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The Arabic word Jihad is derived from the root Juhd which means to strive, to struggle, that is, to exert oneself to the utmost to achieve one's goal. This is the original meaning of Jihad in Arabic. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave peace the status of a complete ideology or system of life. He held patience to be the greatest form of worship, implying as it does, adherence to the path of peace in the full sense of the word. He held disturbing the peaceful system of nature (fasaad) to be a great crime.

The Prophet (peace be upon Him) enjoined believers to greet one another by saying "Assalamu alaikum" (meaning, ‘peace be with you’). This shows that mutual relationships should be based on peace and security. The Prophet of Islam was a peace-lover to the ultimate extent. His opponents repeatedly attempted to draw Him into war, but on each occasion, He avoided becoming entangled.

Once, the Prophetc was visited by Gabriel, God's angel, during the heat of battle.

He said to the Prophet: 'O Muhammad, God has sent you peace (Salam).’ On hearing this, the Prophet of Islam replied: ‘God is peace, peace is from Him and to Him is peace.‘ (Al Bidaya wa al-Nihayah, Part III, p. 267) This incident shows that even at such a juncture, the Prophet of Islam cherished peace. Even in that extremity, His mind was free from feelings of hatred and violence: He was thinking in terms of peace and security and His heart throbbed with the desire for these beneficent conditions to be established in the world with the succour of God. The true man of peace is one who can think of peace even in times of war, whose heart is filled with feelings of peace and well-wishing, even during emergencies on the battlefield.

This is indicative of the highest human virtue. The noblest human character is one who thinks of peace amidst violence and who can plan for reconciliation even in wartime. According to a hadith (narration), the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon Him) defined a believer thus: “A believer is one from whom people are safe as regards their lives and property.” (At-Tirmizi, An-Nasai, Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad) There are two ways of leading one's life in society. One is to live peacefully among one's fellowmen. The other is to keep quarreling with others. According to this hadith, the way of the faithful is to live as peaceful citizens in society. No one should pose any danger to others' lives, property or honor. In no circumstances, should one take the way of violence. The love of peace is a noble human virtue, whereas the love of violence brings the human being down from a high ethical plane to the level of brutishness.

The Prophet Muhammad once observed: “Do not wish for confrontation with the enemy; ask for peace from God.” 148 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

This means that if someone has become our enemy, we should not necessarily turn against him and start fighting with him. Despite his enmity, we should opt rather for avoidance of friction, so that conflict is effectively prevented. The Prophet of Islam (peace be upon Him) observed:

“To say a word of truth to a tyrant ruler is a superior form of Jihad.”

According to a tradition, the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon Him) observed:

“The believer is like a gentle plant. Whenever the wind blows, it inclines accordingly, and when the wind stops blowing, it again comes back to its upright position. In this way, it saves itself from the impact of the wind.”

This shows that peaceful effort is vastly superior to violent effort. According to the Qur’an, the kinds of people who can save themselves from loss and achieve a successful life are those:

…"who exhort each other to justice and to fortitude."

(The Qur'an, 103: 3) Perpetrating violence in the name of truth is the negation of truth. Those who engage in violence in the name of truth only prove that their case is not that of truth. The Qur'an has this to say of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him):

“We have not sent thee (O Muhammad except as a mercy to all mankind.” (The Qur'an, 21: 106) Through Him, such teachings were revealed as would turn human society into a peaceful society. For the first time in history, the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon Him) presented a complete ideology based on the concept of peace. He gave us the formula for the building of a healthy life, by shunning hatred and violence.

Through Him, a revolution was set in motion, which made it possible to construct a peaceful society by avoiding war and confrontation.

God enjoins the renouncing of the violent method in favour of the peaceful method. Violence is basically an ego-related problem. It is no exaggeration to say that Islam and violence do not complement each other, except in cases where the demands of justice have to be met. This very humane approach of the Prophet (peace be upon Him)was very much in evidence particularly in regard to His relations with other communities.

Once, as the Prophet (peace be upon Him) was sitting outside with His companions, when the funeral procession of a Jew passed by. At this, the Prophet stood up, whereupon one of His companions said:

“O Prophet! It was the funeral of a Jew, not a Muslim.” The Prophet replied, “Was he not a human being?” (Al-Bukhari) Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 149

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The Pillars of Islam Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 151

The Qur’an on Declaration of Faith

“And your God is but One God, there is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.” (The Qur’an, 2: 163) “Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of God (The Qur’an, 48: 29) The declaration of faith (Shahaadah) consists of the confessional statement:

“I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except God and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.”

Those are the first words the Muslim newborn hears as the parents or attendants recite them upon birth; and they are the last words the Muslim hears at his hour of death. If they are capable, the dying recite the words to themselves; if incapable, they are recited by others to them.

Thus, the life of the Muslim begins and ends with the Shahaadah: (testifying) Laa-ilaaha illallaah, Muhammadu Rasool Allah. The meaning of Shahaadah is in the negation of the worship of all false deities and the affirmation of the existence and unity, transcendence and absoluteness, as also the presence and proximity of God; followed by testifying that Muhammad was indeed God’s slave and Messenger.

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The Qur’an on Worship “O Man! What has beguiled you from your benevolent Sustainer Who created you, fashioned you in due proportion, and gave you a just bias? In whatever form He willed, He put you together.”

(The Qur’an, 82: 6-8)

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The Qur’an on Prayers “Perform the prayers at sunset, at nightfall and at dawn; the dawn prayer is witnessed. And pray for a part of the night, an additional duty for you; it may be that your Lord will raise you up to an honourable station.” (The Qur’an, 17: 78-79) “Be constant in praying at the beginning and the end of the day, and in the night too. Good deeds make amends for sins.

That is a reminder for the mindful. Therefore, have patience; God will not leave to waste the reward of the righteous.”

(The Qur’an, 11: 114-115) “And when you have performed the prayer, remember God, standing, sitting and lying down. Then, when you are secure, perform the prayer, for prayer is a duty incumbent on the faithful, to be observed at appointed hours.”

(The Qur’an, 4: 103) “Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book, and perform the prayer: prayer prevents indecency and evil. God's remembrance is greatest of all. And God knows what you do.”

(The Qur’an, 29: 45) “Be ever mindful of prayers, and of the midmost prayer.

And stand obedient to God.” (The Qur’an, 2: 238)

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The Qur’an on the Purpose of Fasting Fasting controls passion. It checks the emotions. It controls the senses also. It is a great penance. It purifies the mind and the heart. It destroys a multitude of sins. Fasting controls the tongue in particular which, if left unchecked, can become the deadliest enemy of man. Fasting overhauls the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and urinary systems. It destroys all the impurities of the body and all sorts of poisons. It eliminates uric acid deposits. Just as impure gold is rendered pure by melting it in the crucible again and again, so also this impure mind is rendered purer by repeated fasting.

Fasting in Islam is a means to becoming a Muttaqi (the God-conscious person who is not only righteous, but who also completely follows the laws of the Qur’an). Yes, fasting has health and spiritual benefits, but we must never lose sight of the main goal of fasting. The month of Ramadan in Islam provides an environment for our collective training and development of character. The Ramadan fasts allow Muslims to test their integrity, tolerance and character.

Since character-building is a continuous process and Ramadan is repeated every year, the fast acts as a reminder and reinforcer. We must judge our accomplishments by the standards laid down by the Qur’an.

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The Fasts of Ramadan “Believers, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may ward off evil.”

“Fast a certain number of days: But if any of you be sick or on a journey, then a similar number of other days, and it is incumbent upon those who can afford it to compensate by feeding a needy person. Yet, it is better for him who does good of his own accord: and that you should fast is better for you, if you but knew it.

In the month of Ramadan, the Qur'an was revealed, a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance distinguishing right from wrong. So those of you who witness the month should fast it.

But anyone who is sick, or on a journey, may fast a similar number of other days. God desires ease for you, not hardship. He desires you to fulfill the number and magnify God for having guided you and He wishes you to render thanks.”

(The Qur’an, 2: 183-186)

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The Qur’an on Charity

“…They ask thee how much they are to spend (in charity); say: What is beyond your needs.’ Thus doth God make clear to you His signs: in order that ye may consider.”

(The Qur'an, 2: 219) “By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you spend (in God's cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well."

(The Qur’an, 3: 92) Charity is not just recommended by Islam, it is required of every financially stable Muslim. Giving charity to those who deserve it is part of Muslim character and one of the five pillars of Islamic practice. Zakat is viewed as ‘compulsory charity’. It is an obligation for those who have received their wealth from God to respond to those members of the community in need. Devoid of sentiments of universal love, some people know only to hoard wealth and to add to it by lending it out on interest. Islam’s teachings are the very anti-thesis of this attitude. Islam encourages the sharing of wealth with others and helps people to stand on their own and become productive members of the society.

In Arabic, Zakat literally means “purification”, because Zakat is considered to purify one’s heart of greed. Love of wealth is natural and it takes firm belief in God for a person to part with some of his wealth. Zakat must be paid on different categories of property — gold, silver, money, livestock, agricultural produce; and business commodities — and is payable each year after one year’s possession. It requires an annual contribution of 2.5 per cent of an individual’s wealth and assets.

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Like prayer, which is both an individual and communitarian responsibility, Zakat expresses a Muslim’s worship of, and gratitude to, God by his supporting those in need. In Islam, the true owner of wealth is not man, but God. Acquisition of wealth for its own sake, or so that it may increase a man’s worth, is condemned. Mere acquisition of wealth counts for nothing in the sight of God. It does not give man any merit in this life or in the hereafter. Islam teaches that people should acquire wealth with the intention of spending it on their own needs and the needs of others.

“O ye who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you, before the day comes when no bargaining (will avail), nor friendship, nor intercession. Those who reject faith – they are the wrong-doers."

(The Qur’an, 2: 254) “He who spends his wealth in the way of God is like a grain of corn that sprouts seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. God gives abundance to whom He wills; God is Munificent and All-Knowing. Those who spend their wealth in the way of God then do not follow up what they spend with reproach and injury, shall be rewarded by their Lord; they shall have nothing to fear or regret. A kind word with forgiveness is better than almsgiving followed by injury. God is Self-Sufficient, Clement. Believers, do not mar your almsgiving with reproach and injury, like those who spend their wealth only to be seen and praised by people, and believe neither in God nor in the last day.

Such people are like a rock covered with a little earth; a shower falls upon it and leaves it hard and bare. They shall gain nothing from their works.

God does not guide the unbelievers. But those who give away their wealth from a desire to please God and strengthen their souls are like a garden on a hillside; if a rainstorm falls upon it, it yields up twice its normal crop; and if no rain falls upon it, it is watered by the dew. God sees what you do.

Would any of you, being a man well-advanced in age with helpless children to support, wish to have his garden—a garden planted with palm-trees, vines and all manner of fruits, and watered by running streams—blasted and consumed by a fiery whirlwind? Thus God makes plain to you His revelation, so that you may give thought. Believers, give in alms of the wealth you have lawfully earned and of that which We Have brought out of the earth for you; not of worthless things which you yourselves would only reluctantly accept. Know that God is Self-Sufficient and Glorious. Satan threatens you with poverty and bids you unto indecency. But God promises you His forgiveness and bounty. God is Munificent and All-Knowing. He gives wisdom to whom He wills; and whoever is granted wisdom receives great good. But none take heed except people of understanding.”

(The Qur’an, 2: 261-269)

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The Qur’an on Compassion and Generous Giving “Worship and serve God alone and make no gods beside Him; and do good to your parents, the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the neighbour who is a relative, the neighbour who is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer, and to those you rightfully possess; for God loves not the proud and boastful, those who are niggardly and urge others to be niggardly.”

(The Qur’an, 4: 36-7) “The freeing of someone’s neck from bondage, or the feeding, upon a day of hunger, of an orphan, near of kin, or of a needy man rolling in dust: he [who does this] becomes one of those who have faith, and enjoin upon one another patience, and enjoin upon one another compassion to others.”

(The Qur’an, 90: 13-17) “Do you know the one who denies the (Day of) Judgement?

It is he who pushes the orphan away, and urges not to feed the needy. Woe, then unto those praying ones, who are heedless of their prayers, who want to be seen and praised, and refuse (to give) even little things in charity.”

(The Qur’an, 107: 1-7) “Those who unjustly devour the property of orphans only fill their bellies with fire, and shall roast in a blazing Fire.”

(The Qur’an, 42: 40)

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The Qur’an on Pilgrimage “Perform the pilgrimage and visit the Sacred House for God's sake.

If you are prevented, send such offerings as you can afford, and do not shave your heads until the offerings have reached their destination. But if any of you is ill or suffers from an ailment of the head, he must pay a ransom either by fasting or by almsgiving or by offering a sacrifice. In peacetime, if any of you combines the visit with the pilgrimage he must make such offerings as he can afford: but if he lacks the means let him fast three days during the pilgrimage and seven when he has returned; that is, ten days in all. That is for him whose family are not present at the Holy Mosque. Have fear of God: Know that He is stern in retribution.

Pilgrimage is in the appointed months. Whoever intends to perform it in those months must abstain from sexual intercourse, obscene language and acrimonious disputes while on pilgrimage.

God is aware of whatever good you do. Provide yourselves well; the best provision is piety. Fear Me, then, you that are endowed with understanding. It is no offence for you to seek the bounty of your Lord by trading. When you press on from Arafat remember God as you approach the Sacred Monument. Remember Him who gave you guidance when you were in error. Then press on from where people press on, and implore the forgiveness of God. He is forgiving and merciful. And when you have fulfilled your holy rites remember God as you remember your fathers or yet more devoutly. There are some who say: ‘Lord, give us abundance in this world.’ These shall have no share in the world to come. But there are others who say: ‘Lord, give us what is good both in this world and in the next and save us from the doom of Hell.’ These shall have a share of the reward. Swift is the reckoning of God. Remember God during the appointed days. He that departs on the second day incurs no sin, nor does he who stays longer, if he truly fears God. Have fear of God, then, and know that you shall be gathered before Him.” (The Qur’an, 2: 196-203)

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Islamic Eschatology

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The Qur’an on Salvation

“Anyone, male or female, who does what is good and has faith in God will enter the Garden and will not be wronged at all.”

(The Qur’an, 4: 124) Man must work out his salvation with unshakeable faith in God and by doing virtuous deeds, under the guidance of God. This means that in order to attain salvation or felicity, a person must combine faith and action, belief and practice.

Faith without action is as insufficient as action without faith. In other words, no one can attain salvation until his faith in God becomes dynamic in his life and his belief is translated into the reality of doing good to other fellow men. God does not accept lip service and faith in Him will be perfect only when it is complemented by virtuous action.

To the general question of who are the saved, the felicitous, the men of ultimate accomplishment, the Qur’an repeatedly declares: "Those who believed in God and did good". Thus, doing the good things in the world is an inseparable and organic element of faith in God; and the two elements, in association, lead to salvation. Islam anchors its vision of salvation not only on faith in God, but also on "doing good" to humanity. This is one of the most frequently repeated moral teachings in the Qur’an.

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The Qur’an on Resurrection

“O Mankind! If you are in doubt about the resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (Our power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then do We bring you out as babes, then (foster you) that you may reach your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known (much), and (further), they see the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs). This is so, because God is the Reality: it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who has power over all things. And verily, the Hour will come: There can be no doubt about it, or about (the fact) that God will raise up all who are in the graves.”

(The Qur’an, 22: 5-7) Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 165

The Qur’an on the Last Day – The Day of Judgement Justice demands that there be a Day of Judgement because the good are not always victorious in life. Sometimes evil overpowers good. Will such crimes go unpunished? If we suppose there is no Day of Judgement, then a great injustice will have prevailed, but Allah has forbidden injustice to be incurred by Himself or His subjects.

Therefore, the existence of the Day of Judgement, a day of accounting for our deeds and being rewarded or punished for them, reveals the extent of Allah's justice. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Hence, [bear in mind] the day, on which We shall cause the mountains to disappear and thou shalt behold the earth void and bare: for [on that day] We will [resurrect the dead and] gather them all together, leaving out none of them.” (The Qur’an, 18: 47) “But We shall set up just balance-scales on Resurrection day, and no human being shall be wronged in the least: for though there be [in him but] the weight of a mustard-seed [of good or evil], We shall bring it forth; and none can take account as We do!”

(The Qur’an, 21: 47) “When the trumpet will sound and they shall come in crowds before the Lord.” (The Qur’an, 78: 18) “.. when the stars are extinguished and when the sky is split open and when the mountains are pulverized..”

(The Qur’an, 77: 8-10) “Say: The One who created them the first time will bring them to life, knowing fully well every created nature.”

(The Qur’an, 36: 79) “This is the Day of Judgement when We will gather you all and all of those before you.” (The Qur’an, 77: 38) 166 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

“Then the scrolls (of the deeds of mankind) are spread...”

(The Qur’an, 81: 10) “Each soul will then realize what its records are.”

(The Qur’an, 81: 14) “The infant girl will be asked as to why she was buried alive?...”

(The Qur’an, 81: 8-9) “Whoever has done an atom of good will see it.

And whoever has done an atom of evil will see it.”

(The Qur’an, 99: 7-8) “On that Day, no soul will be wronged in the least; and you will not be rewarded except for what you did.”

(The Qur’an, 36: 54) “What is the life of this world but amusement and play?

Man's real home is in the Hereafter, if only he knew.”

(The Qur’an, 29: 64) “Man wishes to continue his sinful ways into the future.

He asks: When will this Day of Resurrection be?”

(The Qur'an, 75: 5) “When the sight is confused and the moon becomes dark and the sun and the moon are aligned.” (The Qur'an, 75: 6) “The Day when the sky will become like molten copper and the mountains like tufts of wool.” (The Qur'an, 70: 8-9) “A day on which mankind will be like moths scattered in confusion.”

(The Qur'an, 101: 4) “On that Day you will be exposed; not one of your secrets will be hidden.” (The Qur'an, 69: 18) Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 167

The Qur’an on the Concept of Life after Death

“What is the life of this world but amusement and play?

Man's real home is in the Hereafter, if only he knew.”

(The Qur'an, 29: 64) Islam asserts that the present worldly life is but a minute part of the totality of existence. The Qur'an informs man of the reality of another life which is totally different from the life of this world in its quality and duration. How can we assume that it is difficult for Almighty God to raise us up after we are dead, since He was the One who created us in the first place? The Qur'an speaks repeatedly of familiar and obvious examples of such transformations.

Islam inculcates the concept of accountability both in the public and private life of a person by emphasizing the paramount importance of life in the Hereafter for mankind. It creates in man the awareness of his duty towards God and fellow creatures in the temporary and worldly life, and unfolds the realities of the eternal life, the Hereafter, which includes the Day of Resurrection, the Day of Judgement, Paradise and Hell. Man, who will be resurrected after his death, will be judged by God on the basis of his deeds during the life in this world, in order to reward his good actions and punish him for his evil ones.

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The Qur'an lays the greatest stress on the individual's accountability to God. God has expressed His will through revealed scriptures and also sent His messengers to guide and warn humanity. Human beings are endowed with the faculties of knowledge, intelligence, reason and wisdom. It is man's responsibility to realize the will of God, follow the path of righteousness, recognizing his obligations to himself, his Lord and other creations of God. When a man dies, his physical existence in this world ceases, but his soul – his personality – has an existence extending beyond the present life; it is a continuous entity whose inner state will accompany it to the Hereafter. It is this state, together with one's deeds which will determine one's ultimate destiny. It is obvious that an individual who has lived with the correct awareness of, and relationship to, reality through submission to the will of God, is in an entirely different inner state from one who has lived all his life with an incorrect or distorted awareness of reality and in forgetfulness, rebellion and ingratitude vis-a-vis God, and who has died in this state. In very vivid, awe-inspiring language, the Qur'an sketches, over and over, the outline of the events of the Last Day. At a time when God sees fit, which is known only to Him, this world will be brought to an end in a terrifying cosmic cataclysm wherein bodies of the dead will be raised from their graves and rejoined with their souls, while those who are alive on earth at that time will die and be joined to this great assembly of men. All men, past, present and future will then stand before God- each as totally alone and helpless as when he came into the world- to render their accounts. On this day of reckoning, only his faith in God, good deeds, fair dealings with his fellow beings and other creations of God, will be of any avail to man.

As for those who believed in God, who obeyed and submitted to Him and lived their lives for His pleasure, and who left this life in a state of surrender to Him, a state of unimaginable contentment and satisfaction awaits.

Those who denied God and rejected His guidance, who devoted themselves to the worship of deities other than God, and who did evil deeds will be consigned to a fearsome and terrible abode in which their companions will be others, who, like themselves, are completely alienated from God. There they will be in a state of enduring torment and agony. They will long to have another chance to return to the world to live their lives differently in the light of their present knowledge of reality but it will be too late.

Paradise as a reward and hell as a punishment is to make us understand a state of things which is beyond all notions of our life in this world. Speaking of it, the Qur'an says:

“No soul knoweth what is kept hidden from them – of joy as a reward for what they used to do.”

“In paradise there are things the like of which no eye has ever seen, or ear heard, nor mind ever thought of.” (Hadith) Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an 169

The life Hereafter (Eschatology) in Islamic perspective may be described in a sequential order as follows: Last Day, Resurrection, Day of Judgement and Eternal bliss or punishment. The following Qur'anic verses will reveal graphic images of those events:

“When the heaven is cleft asunder, when the planets are dispersed, when the seas are poured forth, and the sepulchers are overturned, a soul will know what it hath sent before (it) and what left behind.

O man! What hath made thee careless concerning thy Lord, the Bountiful?” (The Qur'an, 82: 1-6) “When the sun is overthrown, and when the stars fall, and when the mountains vanish, and when the camels, big with young, are abandoned, and when the wild beasts are herded together, and the oceans boil over with a swell, and when the souls are reunited…” (The Qur'an, 81: 1-7) “When the day of Reckoning comes with its deafening noise, that Day, shall a man flee from his own brother, and from his mother and his father, and from his wife and his children. Each one of them, that Day, will have enough concern of (his own) to make him indifferent to the others.” (The Qur'an, 80: 33-37) “When the trumpet will sound and they shall come in crowds before the Lord… “ (The Qur'an, 78: 18) “That is when the stars are extinguished and when the sky is split open and when the mountains are pulverized…”

(The Qur'an, 77: 8-10) “Everyone will return to Him: that is His promise.

He creates, destroys and recreates. He rewards those who believe in Him and do good deeds, but those who reject Him shall suffer grievous hurt.” (The Qur'an, 10: 4) “How can He, the Creator of the heavens and the earth not be able to put life into the dead?” (The Qur'an, 36: 81) “This is the Day of Judgement when We will gather you all and all of those before you.” (The Qur'an, 77: 38) “Then the scrolls (of the deeds of mankind) are spread…”

(The Qur'an, 81:10) “The girl-child that was buried alive is made to ask for what crime she had been slain” (The Qur'an, 81: 8-9) 170 Treasure of the Amazing Qur'an

The Qur’an on Heaven and Hell

“They underrate the might of God. But on the Day of Resurrection, He will hold the entire earth in His grasp and fold up the skies in His Right Hand. Glory be to Him! Exalted be He above all that they associate. The trumpet shall be blown and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is in the earth shall swoon, save whom God wills. Then it shall be blown a second time and they will stand and look around them. The earth will shine with the light of its Lord and the Book will be set in place. The prophets and witnesses shall be brought in and all shall be judged with fairness: none shall be wronged. Each soul shall be paid in full for what it has wrought, for He is well-aware of what they do. Then the disbelievers will be driven into Hell in companies. When they draw near, its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say to them: ‘Did not messengers come to you from among yourselves, reciting to you the signs of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this day?’ They shall say: ‘Yes, indeed.’ And thus the punishment which the unbelievers have been promised shall be fulfilled. It shall be said: ‘Enter the gates of Hell, to dwell therein forever.’ Evil is the dwelling-place of the arrogant. Then those who feared their Lord shall be led into heaven in companies to Paradise.

When they draw near, its gates will be opened and its keepers shall say: ‘Peace be upon you! Well you have done. Enter Paradise and dwell therein forever.’ They will say: ‘Praise be to God, Who has been true to His promise to us and has made us inherit the land, that we may dwell wherever we wish in Paradise.’ How excellent is the wage of those that labour. And you will see the angels encircling about the Throne, hymning the praises of their Lord. Mankind will be judged with fairness and it will be said: ‘Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds." (The Qur’an, 39: 67-75)

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Prophethood in History

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The Qur’an on Prophets “Say (O Muhammad): 'We believe in God and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord; we make no distinction between one and another among them and to God do we bow our will (in Islam).'

If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to God) never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).”

(The Qur'an, 3: 84-85) All Prophets gave guidance and instruction to their people about how to properly worship God and live their lives. Since God is One, His message has been one and the same throughout the ages. In essence, all prophets taught the message of Islam – to find peace in your life through submission to the One Almighty Creator; to believe in God and to follow His guidance.

There are 25 prophets mentioned by name in the Qur'an, although Muslims believe that there were many more in different times and places. Among the prophets that Muslims honour are: Adam

Saleh

Lut (Lot)

Hud

Ishaq (Isaac)

Shu'aib

Isma'il (Ishmael)

Yousuf (Joseph)

Harun (Aaron)

Ya'qub (Jacob)

Musa (Moses)

Sulaiman (Solomon)

Ayyub (Job)

Dawud (David)

Yunus (Jonah)

Dhu'l-Kifl (Ezekiel)

Al-Yasa (Elisha)

'Isa (Jesus)

Ilias (Elias)

Yahya (John)

Muhammad (pbuh)

Zakariyya (Zechariah)

Nuh (Noah)

Idris (Enoch)

Ibrahim (Abraham)

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Muslims read about, learn from, and respect all of the prophets.

In addition, when mentioning the name of any one of them, a Muslim adds these words of blessing and respect: 'Upon him be peace' (or alayhi salaam in Arabic).

“Those who believe and have not obscured their belief with wrongdoing are truly secure and they are rightly guided. Such was the argument with which We furnished Abraham against his people.

We raise whom We will to an exalted rank. Your Lord is Wise, All-Knowing. And We gave to him Isaac and Jacob; each one We guided as We had guided Noah before them. And of his progeny David and Solomon, Job and Joseph, Moses and Aaron; thus We reward those who do good. And Zachariah and John, Jesus and Elias; each was of the Righteous. And Ishmael and Elisha, Jonah and Lot, each one We preferred above all beings. And of their fathers and of their offspring and of their brethren; We elected them and guided them to a straight path. Such is God's guidance. He bestows it on whom He pleases of His servants. But if they had served other gods besides Him, their labours would have been in vain. On them We bestowed the scriptures, wisdom and prophethood. If these disbelieve therein, then We shall entrust them to others who are not disbelievers. These are the ones whom God guided. Follow their guidance, and say: 'I ask no wage for it; it is but a reminder to all beings.' (The Qur'an, 6: 82-90)

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The Qur’an on Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) The greatest benefactor of humanity

“And most certainly, thou (O Muhammad) art of the most sublime and exalted character.” (The Qur'an, 68: 4) “Oh Muhammad, We have only sent you as a mercy to all mankind.”

(The Qur'an, 21: 106) The advent of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon Him) manifest God's mercy for all mankind. Through him, God communicated those principles of life, by opting for which, man may inhabit the abode of eternal peace and security (or Dar-asSalaam).

Through him, such teachings were revealed as would turn human society into a peaceful society. For the first time in history, the Prophet (peace be upon Him) of Islam presented a complete ideology based on the concept of peace.

He gave us the formula for the building of a healthy life, by shunning hatred and violence. Through him a revolution was set in motion, which made it possible to construct a peaceful society by avoiding war and confrontation.

The influence of Muhammad's prophethood is visible in everything that now constitutes beliefs and patterns of thought, culture and civilization, morals and modes of living, knowledge and learning.

In short, His influence is felt in all spheres of human endeavour.

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The Qur’an on Jesus (peace be upon Him) Jesus (peace be upon Him) had no human nor divine father!

Adam (peace be upon Him) had no human nor divine father or mother!

A Miraculous Creation!

Such miraculous creation does not make Jesus (peace be upon Him) a 'son of God'. Adam (peace be upon Him) had neither a father nor a mother. So, should we give Him the status of a ‘Special Divinity'? But no one does. Consider here what God said concerning Adam and Jesus, (peace be upon them both):

“Verily, the likeness of Jesus in God's sight is the likeness of Adam.

He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: 'Be!' – and he was.

(This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt.”

(The Qur'an, 3: 59-60) When the Angel brought Mary the good news about the birth of a 'Word' from God, the Word was 'Be' and he was Jesus, son of Mary.

“(Remember) when the angels said: 'O Mary! Verily, God gives you the glad tidings of a word from Him. His name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and he will be one of those who are near to God. He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous.” (The Qur'an, 3: 45-46) The 'Word' is not God, it is a Word from God, spoken by Him (it is the Word 'Be' – and he was) i.e., Jesus is a creation by the command of God. This means he is not part of God. He, Most Glorified, does not partition Himself into anything or any being.

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The Qur’an on Islamic History In spite of volumes of literature on the subject, a vast majority of Muslims, young and old are ignorant of Islamic history. Yet the importance of the knowledge of history cannot be over-emphasized. According to Allama Iqbal (a renowned urdu poet), -History is like long term memory where the voices of nations are preserved. So a people without knowledge of history are a people without memory. And people, who cannot remember, obviously cannot benefit from the lessons of history.

The Qur'an demands that Muslims reflect upon history not merely to know it but to learn from it. By studying history, Muslims can gain an understanding of how God Almighty's laws work in the extended lives of nations. The rise and fall of empires is not random and because God knowledge accedes every action, God preordains the fate of these nations. Rather it is the actions of nations that cause their downfall; when the people fail to uphold the laws of society that God Almighty has set forth in the Qur'an. This is why God repeats and reminds us of the history of past nations throughout the book of Islam. So this is what we can learn from them: if we repeat their mistakes (pointed out by the Qur'an), we will suffer similar consequences.

It is hard to blame non-Muslim nations which historically go through a process of political and economic trial and error without the (Qur'anic) solutions manual.

But what can be said of Muslims who have thrown this solutions manual behind their backs and thus, continue to be buffeted by humiliation and degradation.

The focus here is to look through the history of Islam for answers to all questions confronting the Muslim Nation in the past and present.

Such are some of the stories of the unseen, which We have revealed unto thee: before this, neither thou nor thy people knew them.

So persevere patiently: for the End is for those who are righteous.

(The Qur'an 11:49) And We gave Moses the Book, after We destroyed the generations of old, [as] clear testimonies for people, and a guidance and a mercy, that they may remember (The Qur'an 28.43) To every people is a term appointed: when their term is reached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor (an hour) can they advance (it in anticipation)." (The Qur'an 10:49) No people can hasten their term, nor can they delay (it).

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The Qur’an on the Position of Women in Islam As with anything in life, it is important to study and gain knowledge, and not just blindly believe what is written and said through the media. The truth is in the Qur'an and Sunnah (the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) and not in the negative propaganda we see and hear these days. Remember: more and more non-Muslim women chose to embrace Islam, and they do not do it because they want to be oppressed, rather it is because they have found out the truth by themselves. Often, many read about Islam only to seek out proofs for the idea that Muslim women are second class citizens. Their desire is to save the ‘poor’ Muslim women from oppression! But on the contrary, they find that Islam protects women and regards them as superior to men in many aspects, whereas in other cultures they are often put down. These women many times end up embracing Islam.

In Islam, the woman is equal to the man in their relationship with God. Although they have different roles in life, both are equal in the sight of Allah and each is as important as the other. Both are promised reward for good conduct and both are promised the same punishment for doing wrong.

In the midst of the darkness that engulfed the world, the divine revelation echoed in the wide desert of Arabia with a fresh, noble and universal message to humanity: “O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from them twain hath spread multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty towards God in Whom you claim (your rights) of one another, and towards the wombs (that bore you). Lo! God hath been a watcher over you." (The Qur’an, 4: 1) By a single masterly stroke, Islam removed the stigma of "wickedness" and "impurity" which the religions of the world had placed upon women. Man and woman, the Qur’an proclaimed, have both come from the same essence and hence are equal in their relationship to God. Therefore, if a woman is regarded as wicked, man also should be considered as such and similarly, if man had a single spark of nobility in him, a woman should possess the same. "Women," declared Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) "are the twin-halves of men." The human—male or female— according to the Qur’an, is born in a natural state of purity.

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The Qur’an on Rights of Women in Islam

God has created every living being including man in pairs — male and female (The Qur'an, 51:49).

God has honoured the children of Adam — both male and female (The Qur'an 17:70).

Men and women who believe are protectors of one another (The Qur’an, 9:71).

God, will reward both men and women in the life after death (The Qur’an, 3:195).

In Islam, the woman has a distinct and separate identity. Islam has given women the right to own property. She is the owner of her earnings. No one (father, husband or brother) has a right over them. She can dispose of her earnings and property as she wishes, within the bounds of Halal (lawful) and Haram (unlawful).

Islam has given women the right to inheritance. She has a rightful part in the property of her dead father, husband or childless brother (The Qur’an, 4:7, 32, 176).

She has a right to choose her husband. No one can impose a decision on her against her will. She has a right to seek separation (Khula') from her husband if their marriage becomes impossible to sustain.

If any man falsely questions a woman's chastity, that man is declared unfit for giving evidence (The Qur’an, 24:4). This shows how a woman's honour is safeguarded from false accusations.

The Qur'an asks the Muslims to treat women kindly (The Qur’an 4:19). It makes Muslim husbands responsible for their wife's maintenance. The women, in return, are expected to remain obedient and chaste (The Qur’an 4:34).

A woman has the right to develop her talents and to work within the limits of Islam.

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The Qur’an on Chastity

The Precious Jewel The moral status of a society or the level of its depravity depends upon the manner in which it treats its women. Today, in the name of gender equality and liberty, women are being forced to sell their charms and to, thereby, lower their esteem in the eyes of the people.

The Qur’an strikes at the root of this exploitation by laying down certain moral guidelines which prohibit women from exposing their bodies in public. This enhances the respectability of women and helps build a society based on strong values.

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and to be mindful of their chastity: this will be most conducive to their purity – [and] verily, God is aware of all that they do. And, say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands.”

(The Qur’an, 24: 30-31)

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The question is: "Do Muslim women become criminals if they dress modestly and in a civilized manner?"

The Hijab is a commandment of the Qur'an and Sunnah. Through the Hijab, the commitment to God is to trust that He knows what is best for us and that what He has commanded is what is right. If we find ourselves disliking the way that He has set for us, our challenge is not to ignore or to try to change His command, but rather it is to seek for ourselves the wisdom in the command and to surrender to His will. If we don't like what He has commanded, we should try to change ourselves, not His command. We should try to find reasons why His command is right and will be beneficial for us, and we should try to motivate ourselves through this to obey the command.

A Muslim thinker said on the subject.. “A woman modestly dressed is as a pearl in its shell, precious and beautiful�.

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Islam on the Good Treatment of Women Women have a very important place in Islamic society. Unlike a number of other religions, Islam holds a woman in high esteem. Her importance as a mother and a wife has been clearly stated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him).

The Prophet (peace be upon Him) said:

“Paradise lies at the feet of your mothers."

Once a person asked the Prophet (peace be upon Him): "Who deserves the best care from me?" The Prophet (peace be upon Him) replied:

"Your mother (he repeated this three times), then your father and then your nearest relatives."

In his farewell speech at Arafah in the tenth year of migration, the Prophet (peace be upon Him) said:

“O people! Your wives have certain rights over you and you have certain rights over them. Treat them well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers."

The Prophet (peace be upon Him) also said:

“The best among you is the one who is the best towards his wife."

The Muslim woman is seen almost as a 'prisoner in the four walls of the house', a 'non-person', and as someone who has no rights and is living always under the domination of a man. These notions are totally wrong, and are based on ignorance rather than knowledge of Islam.

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Crimes and Atrocities Against Women

Crime against women traditionally includes rape, kidnapping and abduction, dowry death, torture, molestation, sexual harassment, importation of girls, cases under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, Sati Prevention Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Act. In 1999, a total of 1,35,771 such cases were reported in India alone.

MURDER: Every day four women die in the US as a result of domestic violence, the euphemism for murders and assaults by husbands and boyfriends. That's approximately 1,400 women a year, according to the FBI. The number of women who have been murdered by their intimate partners is greater than the number of soldiers killed in the Vietnam War. BATTERING: Although only 572,000 reports of assault by intimates are officially reported to federal officials each year, the most conservative estimates indicate two to four million women of all races and classes are battered each year. At least 170,000 of those violent incidents are serious enough to require hospitalization, emergency room care or a doctor's attention.

SEXUAL ASSAULT: Every year approximately 132,000 women report that they have been victims of rape or attempted rape, and more than half of them knew their attackers. It's estimated that two to six times that many women are raped, but do not report it. Every year 1.2 million women are forcibly raped by their current or former male partners.

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THE TARGETS: Women are ten times more likely than men to be victimized by an intimate partners. Young women, women who are separated, divorced or single, low-income women and African-American women are disproportionately victims of assault and rape. Domestic violence rates are five times higher among families below poverty levels, and severe spouse abuse is twice as likely to be committed by unemployed men as by those working full time.

According to the National Crimes Report Bureau, 1.5 lakh crimes against women are registered annually out of which nearly 50,000 are related to domestic violence. It is believed that close to five crore women suffer from violence in their homes; however, only 0.1% are courageous enough to report it. Islam is a religion of common sense and is in line with human nature. It recognizes the realities of life. This does not mean it has recognized equality of man and woman in every respect. Rather, it has defined their duties in keeping with their different biological make-up (Qur’an, 2: 228). God has not made man and woman identical, so it would be against nature to try to have total equality between a man and a woman.

It would destroy the social balance. Society would not prosper, but would, instead, have insoluble problems such as broken marriages, illegitimate children and the break-up of family life. These problems are already rife in western society. School-girl pregnancies, an increase in abortions, divorce and many other problems have cropped up because of a permissive outlook and socalled liberation of women.

The status of women in society is neither a new issue nor is it a fully settled one.

The teachings of Islam are based essentially on the Qur’an and Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet). The injunctions of the Qur’an on many matters were radical at that time—like giving women the right to inheritance. This was a very radical departure from the norm. Women did not get the right to inheritance in Western civilization until the 19th century.

There is a story that the people of Makkah said to one of the companions of the Prophet, "We heard that Muhammad is giving your women rights. Next he is going to be giving your animals rights. "This companion retorted, "He has; we can't give them a burden more than they can bear on their backs.”

Women, according to Islam, are equal to men in the sight of God but they have in some respects different roles in life to men because of their different natures.

They differ psychologically, physiologically and biologically from men. This makes them more suitable than men for certain responsibilities and less suitable than men for others. Islam recognizes these differences; however, it does not mean that women are inferior to men.

The distinction between equality and sameness is of paramount importance.

Equality is desirable, fair, just; but sameness is not. With this distinction in mind, there is no room to imagine that woman is inferior to man. There is no ground to assume that she is less important than he, just because her rights and roles are not identical. Islam gives woman equal rights; but not identical roles.

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The Qur’an on Marriage

Islam views marriage as a strong bond, a challenging commitment. It is a commitment to life itself, to society and to the dignified, meaningful survival of the human race. It is a commitment that married partners make to one another as well as to God. It is a kind of trust in which they find mutual fulfillment and selfrealization, love and peace, compassion and serenity, comfort and hope.

Concerning marriage relationship, the Qur'an says:

“And among His signs is that He created mates from among yourselves that you may live in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts.� (The Qur'an, 30: 21) Islam regards marriage as neither a sacrament nor a simple civil contract.

Marriage is something unique with very special features of both sacramental and contractual nature. Islam considers marriage as a very serious commitment and, as such, has prescribed certain measures to make the marital bond as permanent as humanly possible. The parties must strive to meet the conditions of proper age, general compatibility, reasonable marriage gift or Mahr (due to the female partner), goodwill, free consent, honourable intentions and judicious discretion. The marriage contract should be considered as a permanent bond.

But if it does not work well for any valid reason, it may be terminated in kindness and honour, with equity and peace.

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The Qur’an on Family Life Parents are to provide their children with basic human necessities, such as food, clothing, shelter, education and medical support. This is treated as worship for the parents. Also parents should provide their children with love, warmth, compassion, etc. Since a human being consists of both body and spirit, parents must provide their children with both: the life skills and spiritual nourishment.

Also, there are many traditions regarding children's responsibility toward their parents. God asks children to obey and serve their parents and be kind and decent to them.

Thus, the family enjoys a high status in Islam. It is the core of society, because a healthy family means a healthy society. Hence, God, the Exalted, commands that parents be treated with gentleness and submissiveness.

“Serve God and join not any partners with Him; and do good – to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are of kin and neighbours who are strangers…” (The Qur'an, 4: 36) The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) is reported to have said:

"He is not one of us who is not benign to his juniors, shows no respect to his elders, nor bids what is good and forbids what is wrong."

(Hadith).

Closely connected with family life is the treatment of servants, other family members, relations and neighbours. Servants and attendants are entitled to justice, kindness, mercy, food, clothing, accommodation and other personal comforts. The Prophet (peace be upon him) goes as far as to say that they should be fed and dressed in the same style as of their masters. They are not to be abused, persecuted or overcharged with work: The Prophet Muhammad said:

“When one of your servants prepares your meal and brings it to you, while it is still warm and redolent, ask your servant to sit with you and share your food. If the food is only a few morsels, put a morsel or two into his hands therefrom.” (Hadith) Man is ordained by God to extend his utmost help and kindness to other family members and relations; to show them true feelings of love and care. According to the Prophet Muhammad, it is this expression of love and kind treatment to relatives that will bring divine blessings into one’s life. It is a sacred duty to be good to people even though they may not respond in kind.

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Islam on Motherhood We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth….

(The Qur'an, 46: 15) The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: “ Heaven lies under the feet of your mother. (Hadith: Ahmad, Nasa’i)

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The Qur'an on the Upbringing of Children Luqman is a person mentioned in the Qur’an who was known for his wisdom in the Islamic tradition. The advice he gave to his son is recorded in the Quran:

We bestowed (in the past) Wisdom on Luqman: "Show (thy) gratitude to Allah." Any who is (so) grateful does so to the profit of his own soul: but if any is ungrateful, verily Allah is free of all wants, Worthy of all praise.

Behold, Luqman said to his son by way of instruction: "O my son! join not in worship (others) with Allah, for false worship is indeed the highest wrong-doing." And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), "Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal. "But if they strive to make thee join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to me (in love): in the end the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that ye did."

"O my son!" (said Luqman), "If there be (but) the weight of a mustardseed and it were (hidden) in a rock, or (anywhere) in the heavens or on earth, Allah will bring it forth: for Allah understands the finest mysteries, (and) is well-acquainted (with them). "O my son! establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong: and bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs."And swell not thy cheek (for pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah loveth not any arrogant boaster. "And be moderate in thy pace, and lower thy voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass." (The Qur'an, 31: 12-19) These verses provide Muslim parents with the way they should bring up their children.

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The devoted parents also have a right upon their children. They are entitled to the same care and attention they showered upon their children when they were young.

Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." (The Qur'an, 17: 23, 24) These are the two main chapters of the Qur'an that decide and clearly depict the Islamic relationship between parents and their children. It is a relationship based, as we see, on belief in God, and the feeling that He observes all what we do and that we are accountable to Him even in the impatience that we may release against our parents when we are angry. Even this has to be controlled.

“We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying of the (child) to his weaning is (a period of) thirty months. At length, when he reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he says, 'O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Thy favour which Thou has bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as Thou mayest approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to Thee and truly do I bow (to Thee) in Islam.'” (The Qur'an, 46: 15) Concerning these types of children the Qur'an has the following comment:

“Those are they from whom We accept the best of what they do, and We overlook their evil deeds among the owners of Paradise.

This is the true promise, which they used to be promised (in the world).” (The Qur'an, 46: 16)

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The Qur'an then turns to the other types of children, who are disbelievers and are, as a result, ungrateful to their parents. It declares:

But (there is one) who says to his parents, "Fie on you! Do ye hold out the promise to me that I shall be raised up, even though generations have passed before me (without rising again)?" And they two seek Allah's aid, (and rebuke the son): "Woe to thee! Have faith! for the promise of Allah is true." But he says, "This is nothing but tales of the ancients!" (The Qur'an, 46: 17) Commenting on this attitude, God says:

“Such are those against whom the Word concerning nations of Jinn and mankind which have passed away before has effect. Lo! They are the losers. And, for each, there will be degrees due to what they did; and that He may recompense them in full for their deeds! And they will not be wronged.” (The Qur'an, 46: 18-19) “We have enjoined on man kindness to parents. And should they strive to make you join with Me that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return and I shall tell you what you used to do.” (The Qur'an, 29: 8) This verse refers mainly to the unbelieving parents who still have the rights of obedience on the Muslim children unless they ask them to rebel against Allah.

In this case they should not be obeyed, but doing good to them should continue regardless of the difference of religion.

In conclusion, since the family is the cornerstone of society, happiness and prosperity will only be achieved if parents as well as children are committed to the guidance of the Qur'an, the only guidance proven to be successful.

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Conclusion

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The Final Word It is the force of gravity which keeps human beings standing upon the surface of the earth as opposed to flying up into outer space, likewise keeping our oceans in their massive troughs, keeping our life-sustaining atmosphere safely around us and, at the cosmic level, keeping such mighty objects as the earth and planets in their proper orbit around the sun. Yet, imagine what would happen if this force were to be shut off, just like a sudden power failure in a factory which brings all machinery to an unexpected halt. The earth would then be dragged through space towards the sun at a speed of 6,000 miles an hour. It would only be a matter of weeks before the earth would become a ball of all-consuming fire and not a trace of today’s beautiful world would be left. There would be not the smallest vestige of life to be seen - not even so much as a speck of ash from all the multifarious forms of civilization that have taken so many centuries to evolve on earth. There would be no sign even that a planet of the size of Mother Earth had once existed in the solar system. Imagine how utterly panic-stricken the human race would be if it were known that any such cataclysm were about to take place!

But there are events actually taking place in this world about which we should be in not just a state of anxiety, but of utter panic: every minute, at least one hundred deaths occur in this, our world. This means that, in one single day and night, no less than 150,000 people are leaving the world, never to return. Imagine - mortality rate of 150,000 per 24 hours! Yet no one seems stunned by this information, which becomes all the more disturbing when we consider that no one actually knows for certain who these one and a half lakh souls will be. No one can say with certainty that he, or she, will not be on that list of those who are destined to leave this world the very next day. There is no one on this earth who is not living under the shadow of death. At any moment, the Hand of Fate may descend upon one and sweep one away, irrevocably, from this life. And where do they go – all these hosts of people who leave the world? In the preceding pages, an attempt has been made to provide an answer to this question: they are brought before the Lord of Creation, to be judged according to their deeds on earth. Death brings an end to their life on earth in order that their eternal life may commence.

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It will be their lot either to dwell in a state of total felicity, or to be afflicted forever by unspeakable torments. That time must inevitably come. There is absolutely nothing we can do to avert it. The best we can do is strive to avoid bringing down upon ourselves untold and everlasting agony.

What, then, is mankind waiting for? Isn’t death’s inevitability enough to jolt people out of their moral lethargy and bring them finally to their senses? Do people need any further incentive to mend their ways? Does not the thought that if they do not do so, they will be condemned to burn in Hellfire forever, have any impact upon their depravity? Think of it. When you die, and your loved ones come to place flowers on your grave, you yourself may already be suffering the severest and most agonizing punishment for your contumacy. Ponder over this.

Is not this something to be feared? What a day the Day of Judgment will be! The heavens and the earth will be turned upside down, and a new world will be formed in which truth will appear as truth, and falsehood as falsehood. No one will be allowed to remain in a state of self-delusion, nor will it be possible to delude others.

All will be brought low before God: no one besides Him will have any power whatsoever. All matters will be judged on the basis of truth and no intercession will enable people to escape the outcome of their actions. All the fine phrases devised by man to distort the truth will be scattered to the winds. All the philosophies contrived by him to bolster his falsehood will be shown as hollow and without foundation. All his specious hopes will be exposed as empty and illusory. The power he wielded on earth will not help him there. The idols he bowed down to will fail to respond. How utterly bereft of support will man be on that day. How totally destitute will he be, just when he needs something, or someone, to hold on to more than ever.

Now is the time for man to take heed, for, when the Hour comes, it will be too late to repent. Now is the time for him to contemplate his life as it actually is, for, on the Day of Reckoning, it will be too late to make amends. The path to the Lord is open before him, and he must free himself from the shackles of selfish desire in order to stride fearlessly along it. The Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, are there to guide his every footstep and he can do no better than follow the pattern set by God’s Prophet. If he is to prepare for the Last Day, now is the time. It is in this that his true success lies: in this lies the good life, the life that he seeks.

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How Does Someone Become a Believer?

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One becomes a believer by sincerely acknowledging, with conviction,that there is but one God, who is the single Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe, and of all mankind, irrespective of creed, colour and boundaries.

“Say, 'I believe in one God besides whom there is nothing worthy of worship, and in Muhammad as the Messenger of God.�

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Conclusion The Qur'an opens its doors only to those who knock with the deep yearning, sincerity of purpose and singular attention that befit its importance and majesty.

In going through the Qur'an, therefore, we need to realize what a priceless treasure we hold in our hands.

It is a world of untold treasures of knowledge and wisdom to guide you on the pathways of a sincere, honest and meaningful life.

The Greatest Truth Even Told!

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