Al-Qur'an Al-Kareem Guidance for sure

Submitted by Keith Williams (United States), Nov 8, 2008 at 15:52

Hi Plato,

Thanks for replying to my comments. I will do my best to answer your questions.

You wrote:

>>Why this obsession with an outdated book? <<

Al-Qur'an Al-Kareem, The Holy Qur'an, is not an outdated book my friend. The book of divine guidance and direction for mankind, and the original Arabic text is considered to be the final revelation of God. God's word is never outdated. This is the book and there is guidance in it for sure for our salvation. There are many proverbs and sayings in the book to make it easy for us to understand. These proverbs that are based on Arabic idioms are not easy of course if you don't know Arabic and so to show the meaning of in English and in today's context takes a scholar. So yes, it is easy to read and understand after we have it properly translated for us.

Alif Lam Mim. (2:1) This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah. (2:2) Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them. (2:3) And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. (2:4) They are on (true guidance), from their Lord and it is these who will prosper. (2:5) As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe.(2:6)

>>What is the basis for deciding what is the true interpretation and who has it? With so many interpretations floating around defying 54:40, how does one choose?<<

This is a very good question and that is a part of the internal and external struggle going on in not only Islam but in every facet of society in the world thru the ages. Everything will work out to the good in the end. Keep the faith, remain steadfast, and preserve my friend.

>>Let me now take my favourite verse out of my favourite surah and try to apply to our times: 009.111 YUSUFALI: Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.<<

Tafsir is one of the earliest academic activities of Muslims. According to the Qur'an, Muhammad was the first person who described the meanings of verses for early Muslims. Other early exegetes included a few Companions of Muhammad, like Ali ibn Abi Talib, Abdullah ibn Abbas, Abdullah ibn Umar and Ubayy ibn Kab. Exegesis in those days was confined to the explanation of literary aspects of the verse, the background of its revelation and, occasionally, interpretation of one verse with the help of the other. If the verse was about a historical event, then sometimes a few traditions (hadith) of Muhammad were narrated to make its meaning clear. Because the Qur'an is spoken in classical Arabic, many of the later converts to Islam (mostly non-Arabs) did not always understand the Qur'anic Arabic, they did not catch allusions that were clear to early Muslims fluent in Arabic and they were concerned with reconciling apparent conflict of themes in the Qur'an. Commentators erudite in Arabic explained the allusions, and perhaps most importantly, explained which Qur'anic verses had been revealed early in Muhammad's prophetic career, as being appropriate to the very earliest Muslim community, and which had been revealed later, canceling out or "abrogating" (nāsikh) the earlier text (mansukh). Memories of the occasions of revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), the circumstances under which Muhammad had spoken as he did, were also collected, as they were believed to explain some apparent obscurities.

>>The infidels are killing Muslims in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and practically any country a Muslim cares to name. Why are you not out there fulfilling your contract the terms of which hang down your neck?<<

This is rubbish and is untrue. We are not infidels and we are not killing innocents anywhere. We are in a war against terror. I am fulfilling my contract. Are you fulfilling yours? Also, don't forget: Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors. (2:190)

>>I am not aware of any place in the Koran where it says to love Him. What I have read mostly tell Muslims to dread Him so much that their skin begins to creep with fear:<<

Here are some for you in Yusef Ali:

Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah, as equal (with Allah); they love them as they should love Allah. But those of faith are overflowing in their love for Allah. If only the unrighteous could see, behold, they would see the Punishment: that to Allah belongs all power, and Allah will strongly enforce the Punishment. (2:165)

Say: "If ye do love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (3:31)

O ye who believe! if any from among you turn back from his Faith, soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they will love Him,― lowly with the Believers, mighty against the rejecters, fighting in the Way of Allah, and never afraid of the reproaches of such as find fault. That is the Grace of Allah, which He will bestow on whom He pleaseth: and Allah encompasseth all and He knoweth all things. (5:54)

On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, will (Allah) Most Gracious bestow Love. (19:96)

And let not those among you who are blessed with graces and wealth swear not to give (any sort of help) to their kinsmen, Al-Masâkîn (the poor), and those who left their homes for Allâh's Cause. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allâh should forgive you? And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (24:22)

And know that among you is Allah's Messenger: were he, in many matters, to follow your (wishes), ye would certainly suffer: but Allah has endeared the Faith to you, and has made it beautiful in your hearts and He has made hateful to you unbelief, wickedness and rebellion: such indeed are those who walk in righteousness― (49:7)

And those who before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the Faith― show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over themselves even though poverty was their (own lot). And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls, they are the ones that achieve prosperity. (59:9)

It may be that Allah will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies: for Allah has power (over all things); and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (60:7)

He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and to beautiful Mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the supreme Achievement. (61:12) And another (favour will He bestow) which ye do love― help from Allah and a speedy victory: so give the Glad Tidings to the Believers. (61:13)

>>The pornographic statistics show that Allah is not on the side of Muslims. The Muslims are so weak that even Allah finds it difficult to help them and He has failed them. It is time for Allah to amend Islam with another prophet to strengthen (by reducing their sex drive) the Muslim world.<<

And remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf so turn (in repentance) to your Maker and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker." Then He turned toward you (in forgiveness); for He is Oft-returning Most Merciful. (2:54)

It is true that some Muslims as well as other people of other faiths are struggling with sins. However, it is not God's fault my friend. We bring that on our own selves

"This is because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent on before ye: for Allah never do injustice to those who serve Him." (3:182).

Peace

Keith

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